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UNIVERSITY 


LIBRARY 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2015 


https://archive.org/details/commemorativebio01unse 


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COMMEMORATIVE 

-rT 


BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD 


OF  THE  COUNTIES  OF 


GREEN,  GRANT,  IOWA  AND  LAFAYETT 


H 

7 


WISCONSIN, 


CONTAINING 


BIOGRAPHICAL  SKETCHES  OF  PROMINENT  AND  REPRESENTATIVE  CITIZENS, 
AND  OF  MANY  OF  THE  EARLY  SETTLED  FAMILIES. 


ILLUSTRATED. 


i 


4 


CHICAGO: 

J.  H.  BEERS  & CO. 
1901. 


PREFACE. 


HE  importance  of  placing  in  book  form  biographical  history  of  representative 
citizens — both  for  its  immediate  worth  and  for  its  value  to  coming  generations — 
is  admitted  by  all  thinking  people;  and  within  the  past  decade  there  has  been  a 
growing  interest  in  this  commendable  means  of  perpetuating  biography  and  family 
genealogy. 

That  the  public  is  entitled  to  the  privileges  afforded  by  a work  of  this  nature 
needs  no  assertion  at  our  hands;  for  one  of  our  greatest  Americans  has  said  that  the 
history  of  any  country  resolves  itself  into  the  biographies  of  its  stout,  earnest  and 
representative  citizens.  This  medium,  then,  serves  more  than  a single  purpose:  while  it 
perpetuates  biography  and  family  genealogy,  it  records  history,  much  of  which  would  be 
preserved  in  no  other  way. 

In  presenting  the  Commemorative  Biographical  Record  to  its  patrons,  the 
publishers  have  to  acknowledge,  with  gratitude,  the  encouragement  and  support  their 
enterprise  has  received,  and  the  willing  assistance  rendered  in  enabling  them  to  surmoun' 
the  many  unforeseen  obstacles  to  be  met  with  in  the  production  of  a work  of  this 
character.  In  nearly  every  instance  the  material  composing  the  sketches  was  gathered 
from  those  immediately  interested,  and  then  submitted  in  type-written  form  for 
correction  and  revision.  The  volume,  which  is  one  of  generous  amplitude,  is  placed 
in  the  hands  of  the  public  with  the  belief  that  it  will  be  found  a valuable  addition 
to  the  library,  as  well  as  an  invaluable  contribution  to  the  historical  literature  of  the 
State  of  Wisconsin. 


THE  PUBLISHERS. 


f 


■* 


BIOGRAPHICAL 


lASTMAN,  GEORGE  W., 
M.  D.,  who  passed  away 
at  his  residence  in  Platte- 
ville,  Grant  county,  Oct. 
24,  i goo,  had  been  for 
sixteen  years  engaged  in 
the  banking  business  at 
Platteville.  He  was  born 
in  Strong,  Franklin  Co., 
Maine,  March  29,  1824,  and  was  a son  of 
Hon.  Samuel  and  Jane  Eastman.  The  East- 
man family  came  from  a long  line  of  New 
England  ancestry  which  settled  in  Maine  at 
an  early  date.  Many  of  its  members  occupied 
honorable  places  in  civic  and  business  life. 
Hon.  Samuel  Eastman,  the  father  of  the  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch,  served  many  years  as  a 
member  of  the  Executive  Council  of  the  State 
of  Maine.  The  eldest  son,  Hon.  Ben.  C.  East- 
man, came  to  Wisconsin  in  1840,  settling  at 
Platteville,  where  he  soon  attained  eminence 
as  a lawyer;  he  served  as  secretary  of  the  Ter- 
ritorial Council  from  1843  1°  and  was 

elected  to  Congress  in  1850,  serving  two  terms; 
he  died  at  his  home  in  Platteville  in  1855, 
Another  son,  Col.  PI.  E.  Eastman,  served 
throug'h  the  Civil  war  as  colonel  of  the  2d 


Regiment  Wisconsin  Cavalry,  dyin| 


few 


years  ago  at  Benton  Harbor,  Mich.,  where  he 
owned  the  celebrated  Eastman  Springs. 

Dr.  Eastman’s  elementary  education  was 
obtained  in  the  common  schools,  and  supple- 
mented by  an  academical  course,  and  after 
due  preparation  he  entered  Dartmouth  Col- 
lege, from  which  institution  he  graduated 
with  the  medical  class  of  1844.  In  the  spring 
of  1850  the  Doctor  came  to  Wisconsin,  and 
located  in  Platteville,  where  he  was  actively 
and  successfully  engaged  in  the  practice  of 
his  profession  until  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil 
war,  at  which  time  he  was  commissioned  sur- 


geon of  the  1 6th  Wis.  V.  I. 

1 


After  serving 


in  that  capacity  one  year  he  was  appointed 
medical  inspector  of  the  17th  Army  Corps, 
serving  on  the  staff  of  Gen.  J.  B.  McPherson ; 
this  office  he  held  for  the  two  succeeding 
years,  when  he  returned  to  Platteville  and  re- 
sumed his  extensive  private  practice. 

In  1852  Dr.  Eastman  married  Miss  Anna 
S.  Munroe,  daughter  of  Edmund  S.  Munroe, 
a leading  business  man  of  Boston,  Mass.,  and 
this  union  was  blessed  with  three  daughters 
and  one  son:  Jessie,  Mary  E.  (deceased), 

Julia,  and  George  Edmund  (who  died  in  in- 
fancy), all  natives  of  Platteville. 

From  1850  until  1882,  excepting  the  three 
years  he  was  at  the  front  during  the  war,  the 
Doctor  was  in  continuous  practice  in  Platte- 
ville. From  1881  to  1884  he  resided  in  Mil- 
waukee. In  18S4  he  organized  a private  bank 
which  later  became  the  First  National  Bank, 
of  which  he  was  at  once  elected  president,  serv- 
ing in  that  incumbency  until  his  death.  This 
bank  has  from  the  beginning  done  a profita- 
ble and  extended  business,  and  is  still  expand- 
ing-, being  recognized  as  one  of  the  strongest 
and  best  managed  monetary  institutions  in  the 
county.  At  a regular  meeting  of  the  board  of 
directors,  held  Oct.  30.  1900,  the  following 
testimonial  of  respect  was  read,  and  on  motion 
duly  seconded,  and  was  by  unanimous  vote 
ordered  to  be  spread  upon  the  records,  given 
to  press  for  publication,  and  -a  copy  of  the 
same  presented  to  the  family  of  the  deceased : 

In  the  death  of  Dr.  George  W.  Eastman,  one  of  the 
charter  stockholders  of  this  bank  and  its  president  from 
its  organization  until  the  day  of  his  death,  we  recognize 
the  loss  of  a personal  friend  and  valued  counselor,  one 
who  was  true  to  every  interest  of  this  bank,  a man  of 
unquestioned  honor,  integrity  and  fidelity,  whose  pres- 
ence will  be  sadly  missed  in  this  board  of  directors.  In 
his  memory  we  offer  this  testimonial  of  our  friendship 
for  him,  of  our  recognition  of  his  sterling  worth  as  a 
man,  and  our  sense  of  personal  bereavement  in  his  death. 

Dr.  Eastman  ever  stood  at  the  “head  and 


2 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


front"  of  progressive  movements  in  Platteviile, 
and  invariably  exercised  his  influence  and  lib- 
erally applied  his  means  to  the  promotion  of 
its  welfare.  He  was  a gentleman  of  expand- 
ing views,  as  well  as  of  profound  learning, 
filled  with  generous  impulses,  and  stood  before 
his  fellow-men  as  the  embodiment  of  the  high- 
est type  of  manhood.  In  his  death  Platteviile 
lost  one  of  her  most  honored  citizens,  the 
medical  profession  a wise  counselor,  and  the 
family  a kind  husband  and  indulgent  father. 
Dr.  Eastman  was  a great  lover  of  animals, 
was  decidedly  poetical  and  musical,  and  pos- 
sessed great  humor  and  sentiment.  He  was 
very  fond  of  his  home  and  family,  and  the 
center  of  attraction  therein.  After  his  death 
his  executors  found  many  medical  accounts 
for  services  rendered  to  his  neighbors  and 
friends,  which  he  had  marked  “balanced,”  evi- 
dently at  a recent  date,  thus  showing  his  kind- 
ness of  heart  by  contributing  his  services  with- 
out charge  to  those  whom  he  thought  might 
need  their  money  for  other  uses. 

JAIRUS  MAXSON  STILLMAN,  Mus. 
Doc.,  Professor  of  Music  in  Milton  College, 
has  an  almost  National  reputation  in  his  chosen 
vocation.  As  a composer  he  has  made  many 
valuable  contributions,  especially  to  sacred 
music,  but,  while  his  work  in  that  direction  has 
been  most  important,  his  labors  have  been  more 
especially  directed  to  the  educational  side  of 
the  art.  For  the  past  fifteen  years,  with  brief 
interruptions,  he  has  filled  his  present  col- 
legiate chair,  and  his  work  prior  to  the  accept- 
ance of  this  position  was  most  active,  varied 
and  successful.  Mr:  Stillman  was  born  Feb- 
ruary 20,  1834,  in  Alfred,  Allegany  Co., 

N.  Y.,  the  third  in  order  of  birth  of  the  six 
children  of  Maxson  and  Lydia  (Chapman) 
Stillman. 

Maxson  Stillman,  a native  of  Westerly, 
R.  I.,  was  a descendant  in  the  sixth  generation, 
through  two  lines,  from  George  Stillman,  and 
also  through  two  lines  from  Elder  John  Cran- 
dall, early  New  England  emigrants  from  Eng- 
land. Lie  was  also  related  to  the  Burdick  and 
Maxson  families  of  Rhode  Island,  and  on  his 
mother's  side  to  the  Rogers  family,  of  Con- 
necticut. Lydia  (Chapman)  Stillman,  the 
mother  of  our  subject,  was  born  September  23, 
1803,  in  East  Hampton,  Mass.,  and  her  mar- 
riage to  Maxson  Stillman  occurred  Sept.  26, 
1822,  at  Berlin,  Rensselaer  Co.,  N.  Y.,  near 


which  village  she  had  taught  school.  In  1826 
they  moved  from  Petersburg,  Rensselaer  coun- 
ty, to  Alfred,  Allegany  Co.,  N.  Y.,  where 
Maxson  Stillman  continued  to  reside  until  his 
death,  in  1896,  at  the  age  of  ninety-seven  years, 
his  wife  having  preceded  him  to  the  grave  by 
five  and  one-half  years. 

Jairus  Maxson  Stillman,  our  subject,  re- 
ceived a good  education  in  his  youth,  supple- 
menting his  district-school  instruction  with 
many  terms  in  Alfred  Academy,  and  attendance 
at  Alfred  University.  Lie  had  also  become, 
at  the  age  of  twelve  years,  the  pupil  of  his  fa- 
ther, a superior  workman  in  the  trades  of  mill- 
wright and  carpenter,  becoming  so  proficient 
that  he  occasionally  assumed  the  entire  charge 
of  the  construction  or  repair  work  of  mills  of 
various  kinds,  and  the  erection  of  dwellings  and 
public  buildings.  But  the  young  man,  while 
thus  having  mastered  his  trade,  had  his  heart 
set  upon  another  kind  of  life  work.  The  fa- 
ther, a tenor  singer  of  talent,  had  not  only 
for  many  years  led  the  choir  of  the  large  church 
at  Alfred  of  which  he  was  a member,  but  had 
taught  singing  schools  in  many  places  sur- 
rounding his  home.  His  son  inherited  great 
aptitude  for  music,  and  at  the  age  of  ten  years 
could  read  plain  music  at  sight.  He  accom- 
panied his  father  to  singing  schools,  and  made 
rapid  progress  in  the  mastery  of  the  principles 
of  music.  He  attended  the  singing  classes  in 
Alfred  Academy  conducted  by  such  instructors 
as  Miss  Susan  E.  Crandall  (afterwards  Mrs. 
Elhan  P.  Larkin),  Orra  Stillman  and  Darwin 
E.  Maxson.  At  twenty  he  was  elected  leader 
of  the  church  choir  at  Alfred,  in  which  posi- 
tion he  was  very  successful. 

I11  1855  our  subject  began  teaching  sing- 
ing schools  in  Alfred  and  vicinity,  continuing 
meanwhile  his  study  of  music.  For  many 
years  succeeding,  his  life  was  devoted  jointly 
to  the  study  and  teaching  of  this  art.  From 
1854  to  1857  he  gave  close  attention  to  the 
study  of  Singing  and  Pianoforte  Music  at 
Alfred  University.  In  the  summer  of  1857  he 
was  a student  at  the  Normal  Musical  Insti- 
tute, at  North  Reading,  Mass.,  under  the  super- 
vision of  Lowell  Mason,  G.  F.  Root,  and 
others,  and  at  the  same  time  studied  Voice 
Culture  under  Auguste  Kreissman,  of  Boston. 
During  the  summer  months  of  1859  and  1S60 
he  attended  the  Normal  Musical  Institute  at 
Geneseo,  N.  Y.,  taking  Pianoforte  lessons  of 
T.  J.  Cook,  and  lessons  in  Voice  Culture  of 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


3 


Carlo  Bassini,  both  of  New  York.  In  1861- 
62  he  studied  Pianoforte  Music  at  Milton 
(Wis.)  College,  reciting  also  in  the  German 
classes.  In  the  summer  of  1870  he  attended 
the  National  Normal  Musical  Institute  at 
SQUth  Bend,  Inch,  again  taking  private  les- 
sons of  Bassini,  completing  “Bassim’s  Method 
of  Singing.”  Between  1870  and  1874  he  was 
a pupil  of  Dudley  Buck  at  Chicago  and  Boston 
in  Harmony  and  Counterpoint,  taking  his  les- 
sons partly  by  mail  and  partly  in  person.  In 
the  winters  from  1858  to  1861  he  taught  sing- 
ing schools  and  gave  private  lessons  in  Shelby 
and  Logan  counties,  Ohio,  and  incidentally 
led  the  Lutheran  Church  choir  at  Bellefontaine, 
and  the  Seventh-day  Baptist  choir  at  Jackson 
Center.  In  the  years  1862,  1864  and  1866  he 
was  professor  of  vocal  and  instrumental  music 
in  Hopkinton  Academy,  Ashaway.  R.  I.,  and 
also  in  the  winter  months  taught  singing 
schools  six  evenings  each  week,  and  at  the  same 
time  instructed  as  many  as  thirty  private 
scholars.  During  the  years  1863,  1865  and 
1867  he  had  the  direction  of  the  musical  de- 
partment of  Alfred  University,  his  classes  em- 
bracing Pianoforte  Music,  Voice  Culture,  and 
Elementary  and  Chorus  Singing.  The  vigor- 
ous spirit  and  correct  style  of  rendition  which 
he  imparted  were  retained  for  many  years  as 
the  characteristics  of  that  institution. 

The  work  of  Mr.  Stillman  now  grew 
broader.  From  1868  to  1885  he  had  charge 
of  many  larger  singing  bodies  than  he  had  ■ 
previously  undertaken.  During  the  period 
named  he  was  associate  principal  and  teacher 
in  six  normal  music  schools,  each  for  a term 
of  six  weeks,  and  also  conducted  a large  num- 
ber of  conventions  and  institutes.  In  many 
towns  his  conventions  were  held  from  two  to 
eight  times,  some  were  patronized  by  entire 
counties,  and  two — those  at  Clear  Lake,  Iowa, 
and  Ripon,  Wis.- — were  State  enterprises.  The 
normal  music  schools  were  held  at  Goshen  and 
Michigan  City,  Ind.,  Wheaton,  111.,  Whitewater 
and  Milton,  Wis.,  and  Clarinda,  Iowa.  He 
taught  Harmony  and  Voice  Culture  as  well 
as  Chorus  Singing  in  these  schools.  His 
musical  work  to  this  time  had  extended  to 
thirteen  States,  namely : Rhode  Island,  Con- 

necticut. Vermont,  New  York,  New  Jersey, 
Pennsylvania,  West  Virginia,  Ohio,  Illinois, 
Wisconsin,  Iowa,  Minnesota  and  South  Da- 
kota. In  the  last  half  of  the  ’seventies  he 


was  a resident  of  Chicago,  where  he  sang  in 
the  choir  of  Centenary  Church. 

It  would  be  impossible  to  measure  the  be- 
neficent results  of  this  prolonged  and  intense 
devotion  to  art.  Standards  of  music  were  raised 
in  hundreds  of  communities,  and  the  inspira- 
tion to  a musical  career  that  was  thus  enkin- 
dled in  many  a musical  breast  is  indicated 
partly  by  the  many  choir  soloists,  teachers  of 
music,  and  others  who  have  attributed  their 
proficiency  largely  to  the  instruction  given  by 
Air.  Stillman.  He  is  the  associate  author  of 
“Good-Will  for  Sabbath  Schools,”  “The 
Cluster,”  and  "Anthem  Treasures,”  the  latter 
two  being  well-known  and  popular  anthem 
books.  He  has  also  composed  a large  number 
of  pieces  for  other  anthem  and  Gospel  hymn 
books,  and  a number  of  songs  published  in  sheet 
music  form.  At  Chicago  he  acted  as  one  of 
the  judges,  with  Prof.  T.  Martin  Towne  and 
others,  in  selecting  from  700  original  pieces 
of  music,  and  in  critically  editing  those  which 
should  be  published  in  the  work  called  “Inter- 
national Lesson  Hymnal  No.  1,”  published  by 
David  C.  Cook.  In  1884  an  excellent  article 
on  “Church  Music  and  How  to  Sustain  it, 
written  by  Dr.  Stillman,  appeared  in  the 
“Seventh-day  Baptist  Quarterly.” 

Since  1885  our  subject  has  been  engaged, 
except  for  three  terms,  as  professor  of  vocal 
and  instrumental  music  in  Milton  College. 
He  has  in  that  time  organized  and  managed  its 
school  of  music  with  regular  courses  of  study, 
each  covering  from  three  to  six  years,  in 
Pianoforte  Playing,  Voice  Culture,  Harmony, 
and  Elementary  and  Chorus  Singing.  His 
work  at  this  institution  and  outside,  in  the  vil- 
lage and  neighboring  localities,  has  attracted 
wide  attention,  and  brought  many  young  peo- 
ple, desirous  of  obtaining  a substantial  musical 
l education,  to  the  school.  Another  very  marked 
and  special  result  of  his  labors  here  has  been 
the  preparation  of  young  men  for  singing  in 
Evangelical  work,  either  as  soloists  or  in  quar- 
tets. The  honorary  degree  of  Doctor  of  Music 
was  conferred  upon  Air.  Stillman  by  Alfred 
University  in  1879. 

When  not  quite  eighteen  years  old  Mr. 
Stillman  united  with  the  Seventh-day  Baptist 
Church  at  Alfred,  N.  Y.,  and  he  has  ever  since 
retained  his  membership  in  that  church.  He 
possesses  a deeply  reverential  religious  spirit, 
which  expresses  itself  chiefly  in  song.  He  has 


4 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


taught  singing  by  schools  and  conventions  in 
at  least  forty  localities  where  there  are  Seventh- 
day  Baptist  Churches.  He  has  had  charge  of 
the  music  in  fourteen  annual  sessions  of  the 
General  Conference  of  this  people,  and  in  a 
larger  number  of  the  annual  sessions  of  four 
associations  of  their  churches. 

J.  M.  Stillman  married  Dec.  8,  1867,  Miss 
Clara  Langworthy,  a charming  singer  and  an 
accomplished  pianist,  of  Potter  Hill,  R.  I. 
She  died  March  1,  1869,  leaving  a child  seven 
weeks  old,  now  Mrs.  Clara  Stillman  Burdick, 
wife  of  Dr.  Justin  H.  Burdick,  of  Milton. 

REV.  OLE  ANDREVVSON,  D.  D.,  de- 
ceased. Among  the  Scandinavian  immigrants 
who  in  the  early  ’forties  peopled  the  forests 
of  southern  Wisconsin  and  northern  Illinois 
with  a thrifty  and  vigorous  class  of  settlers, 
were  a few  ministers,  who  thus  brought  to  the 
new  land  the  revered  religious  services  and 
observances  of  the  old  homes.  The  duties 
which  fell  to  these  spiritual  guides  were  oner- 
ous and  exacting.  They  were  leaders  in  tem- 
poral as  well  as  religious  affairs,  and  too  often 
the  chief  mainstay  of  the  community  during  its 
years  of  struggle  and  long  privation.  One  of 
the  noble  clergymen  who  thus  consecrated  in 
a new  land  his  whole-souled  energies  to  his 
countrymen  was  Rev.  Ole  Andrewson. 

Our  subject  was  born  in  Hjertdal’s  par- 
ish, Telemarken,  Norway,  March  2,  1818,  son 
of  Anders  Tollevensen  and  Engebor.  In  his 
youth  he  was  a shepherd  boy,  but  he  was  sub- 
sequently educated  for  the  ministry  in  Hoide- 
seid’s  Seminary,  from  which  he  graduated. 
For  three  years  he  taught  parochial  school, 
then  in  1841  he  emigrated  to  America,  and  set- 
tled in  Racine,  Wis.  There  he  remained  until 
1844,  engaged  in  the  arduous  labors  of  the 
farm  in  connection  with  his  ministerial  duties. 

He  married  June  8,  1843,  Miss  Ragnhild 
Paulsen,  and  in  the  following  year  'removed 
to  Jefferson  Prairie,  Rock  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he 
settled  on  a farm.  In  1846  he  accepted  a call 
to  a parish  at  Mission  Point,  La  Salle  Co., 
111.,  and  moved  there  in  1847.  He  organized 
congregations  at  Leland,  Fox  River  and  Lis- 
bon, and  in  1851  he  also  organized  congrega- 
tions at  Racine,  Milwaukee  and  Muskego,  Wis. 
In  1855  he  took  charge  of  the  Fox  River  (111.) 
congregation,  and  the  year  following  accepted 
a call  from  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church 
at  Clinton,  Wis.,  where  his  pastorate  extended 


through  the  long  period  of  thirty  years  and 
until  his  death,  on  Feb.  23,  1885,  at  the  age  of 
sixty-six  years.  During  these  years  he  preached 
also  at  Muskego,  Wis.,  and  Queen  Ann  Prairie 
and  Leland,  111.  In  1880  he  was  elected  presi- 
dent of  the  Norwegian  Augustana  Synod, 
serving  as  such  until  his  death.  Dr.  Andrew- 
son was  a minister  of  deep  and  earnest  convic- 
tions, deeply  devoted  to  his  consecrated  work. 
Lie  was  an  eloquent  speaker,  ranking  high  in 
oratory  in  the  councils  of  the  Synod,  but  no  less 
noted  for  the  clearness  and  strength  of  his 
logic. 

To  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Andrewson  were  born 
eleven  children,  one  of  whom,  Oscar  Norman, 
the  youngest,  born  Sept.  22,  1867,  died  in 
1870.  At  a family  reunion  which  was  held 
July  26,  1900,  at  the  old  homestead  in  Clin- 
ton, Wis.,  the  entire  Andrewson  family  were 
present,  including  the  mother,  who  was  born 
May  23,  1824,  and  who  accordingly  was  in 
her  seventy-seventh  year,  and  the  ten  children, 
as  follows:  Isabella,  Paul,  Andrew,  Annie 

T.,  Oliver,  Caroline,  Rebecca,  Louisa  (and 
her  three  children),  Emma  C.,  and  Henry  O. 

Isabella  Andrewson,  now  the  wife  of  ex- 
Sheriff  Matson,  of  Chicago,  married  for  her 
first  husband  Daniel  Richolsen,  a commission 
merchant  of  Leland,  111.,  who  died  in  Calamus, 
Iowa,  in  1872.  They  had  one  son,  Frank, 
who  died  in  1891,  aged  twenty-three  years. 
The  widow  married  Dec.  13,  1888,  Sheriff 
Canute  R.  Matson. 

Paul  Andrewson,  the  eldest  son,  was  born 
Sept.  7,  1846,  near  Clinton,  and  married  Oct. 
26,  1882,  Miss  Emma  Oleson.  He  is  a farmer 
by  occupation,  owning  forty  acres  of  land  in 
Clinton  township,  Rock  county.  Lie  enlisted 
Nov.  15,  1864,  in  the  United  States  navy,  at 
Chicago,  serving  on  the  Mississippi  river  in 
the  Commodore  C.  M.  Davis  squadron,  en- 
gaged in  patrol  duty.  After  his  honorable  dis- 
charge at  Mtound  City,  111.,  in  1865,  he  re- 
sumed farming.  He  is  a member  of  Alexis 
Tollman  Post,  No.  70,  G.  A.  R.  He  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  in  politics  is  a 
Republican. 

Andrew  Andrewson,  the  second  son,  was 
born  near  Ottawa,  111.,  Nov.  24,  1848.  He  re- 
moved to  Clinton  with- his  parents,  working  on 
the  farm,  and  later  for  several  years  was  sales- 
man in  the  Clinton  stores.  Removing  to  Chi- 
cago after  the  fire  of  1871,  he  there  learned  the 
painter’s  trade,  which  lie  has  since  followed. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


5 


He  now.  lives  on  a farm  of  forty  acres,  which 
he  owns,  located  five  miles  southeast  of  Clin- 
ton. He  married  Nov.  4,  1875,  Miss  Nellie 
Hawkinsen.  a daughter  of  Ole  Hawkinsen,  a 
farmer  of  Manchester,  11.1.,  and  of  their  ten 
children  seven  are  now  living,  Ruth  Amelia, 
Hannah  Irene,  Sarah  Louisa,  George  Henry 
and  Grace  Henrietta  (twins),  Otto  Paul  and 
Emma  Helena.  The  two  eldest  live  in  Sharon, 
Wisconsin. 

Annie  T.  Andrewson,  the  second  daugh- 
ter, was  born  at  Ottawa,  111.,  Aug.  18,  1851, 
was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Clinton, 
and  in  1877  removed  to  Chicago,  where  until 
1888  she  was  employed  by  Judson  & Co. 
On  December  1,  1888,  she  was  appointed 

matron  of  the  Cook  county  jail,  a position 
which  she  still  holds.  Miss  Andrewson  in- 
herits the  devotion  and  deep  religions  convic- 
tions of  her  father,  and  her  religious  influence 
has  been  of  inestimable  benefit  to  many  of  the 
unfortunates  who  have  come  under  her  charge 
in  the  department  over  which  she  presides. 

Oliver  Andrewson,  the  third  son,  was  born 
near  Burlington,  Wis.,  April  28,  185 — , and 
lives  at  Racine. 

Caroline  Andrewson,  the  third  daughter, 
was  born  March  10,  1856,  and  lives  at  home 
with  her  mother  and  her  brother  Henry. 

Helen  Rebecca  Andrewson,  the  fourth 
daughter,  was  born  April  25,  1857,  and  mar- 
ried April  19,  1884,  Elling  Arensen,  a farmer. 
They  have  four  children,  Olive  Agnes,  Marga- 
ret Rachel,  Andrew  Norman  and  Harold 
Elling. 

Louisa  Andrewson,  the  fifth  daughter,  was 
born  Oct.  14,  i860,  and  married  April  19, 
1884,  O.  W.  Christensen,  of  Chicago.  She 
and  her  sister  Helen  were  married  the  same 
day,  her  father  officiating  at  the  double  wed- 
ding. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Christensen  have  three 
living  children,  Rhoda  Irene.  Oliver  Winfred 
and  Paul  Luther.  One  son  died  in  infancy. 

Emma  C.  Andrewson,  the  sixth  daughter, 
was  born  Feb.  13.  1863.  and  married  May  8, 
1889,  Ole  L.  Lindren,  of  Chicago,  an  engineer 
on  the  Illinois  Central  railroad.  They  have 
had  three  children,  Agnes  Isabel.  Anne  Louisa 
and  Sophia  Caroline ; the  last  named  died  in 
infancy. 

Henry  O.  Andrewson,  the  fourth  son, 
was  born  July  20,  1864,  and  was  educated 
In  the  public  schools  of  Clinton  and  at  Beloit 
(Wis.)  College.  For  some  time  he  worked  as 


a fireman  on  the  Northwestern  road,  but  after 
his  father's  death,  in  1885,  he  took  charge  of 
the  home  farm,  which  he  has  since  managed. 
He  is  a thorough-going  business  man,  polished 
and  genial  in  address,  and  popular  wherever 
known. 

Canute  R.  Matson,  son-in-law  of  the  de- 
voted pioneer  clergyman  mentioned  above,  was 
born  in  Norway  April  9,  1843.  He  came  to 
America  in  1849  with  his  parents,  who  settled 
in  Walworth  county,  Wis.,  and  subsequently 
moved  to  Dane  county,  and  there  he  attended 
the  local  district  schools.  His  early  education 
was  supplemented  by  study  at  Albion  (Wis.) 
Academy  and  Milton  (Wis.)  College,  at  which 
latter  institution  he  was  the  classmate  and 
bosom  friend  of  Knute  Nelson,  afterward  gov- 
ernor of  Minnesota.  Mr.  Matson  served 
through  the  Civil  war  as  a member  of  the 
13th  Wis.  V.  I.,  enlisting  Aug.  16,  1861,  serv- 
ing a full  term  of  three  years,  and  re-enlisting, 
and  he  was  mustered  out  in  Texas  in  December, 
1865,  with  the  rank  of  lieutenant.  He  served 
in  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland.  In  1866  he 
located  in  Chicago.  There  he  was  for  a time 
clerk,  in  the  post  office,  and  later  he  published 
the  “Postal  Record.”  He  became  influential 
in  politics  from  the  first,  and  served  successive- 
ly as  clerk  of  the  police  court  (to  which  office 
he  was  re-elected  on  the  celebrated  Fire-proof 
ticket  after  the  fire),  justice  of  the  peace,  coro- 
ner and  deputy  sheriff,  and  in  1886  was  elected 
sheriff,  serving  four  years.  It  was  during 
his  administration  of  this  office  that  the  anar- 
chist riot  and  the  Cronin  murder  occurred  in 
the  city,  and  lie  officiated  at  the  execution  of  the 
convicted  anarchists.  The  Chicago  “boodlers” 
also  were  convicted  during  his  term  of  office. 
At  the  expiration  of  this  service  Mr.  Matson 
began  the  practice  of  law  in  Chicago,  having 
been  admitted  to  the  Chicago  Bar  prior  to  his 
election  as  sheriff.  He  is  a Mason  of  high 
standing,  and  one  of  the  most ‘prominent  mem- 
bers of  the  A.  O.  LT.  W.  in  the  United  States. 

Mr.  Matson  owns  a well-improved  farm  of 
160  acres  and  a handsome  summer  home  near 
Clinton,  Wis.  His  family  consists  of  four 
children:  Marie  Isabelle,  Frederick  Rognald, 

Canute  Royal  and  Gertrude  Rachel. 

HUGH  B.  PATERSON,  one  of  the  pio- 
neers of  Grant  county,  was  born  in  the  State 
of  New  York,  at  Whitehall.  April  S.  1787,  a 
son  of  George  Paterson. 


6 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


In  1S11  our  subject  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Charlotte  Gilmore,  a native  of  V er- 
mont,  where  she  was  born  Nov.  14,  1790, 
and  after  marriage  the  young  couple  settled 
down  to  domestic  life  in  Chautauqua  county, 
N.  Y.,  where  they  lived  until  1836,  at  which 
time  they  migrated  to  Jamestown,  Grant  Co., 
Wis.  Here  Mr.  Paterson  undertook  the  clear- 
ing of  a large  tract  of  wild  land,  and  upon  it 
he  passed  his  life  until  within  two  years  of  his 
demise,  when  he  retired  from  the  farm  and  re- 
moved to  the  village  of  Jamestown,  where  he 
died  in  August,  1874. 

The  first  wife  of  our  subject  died  Nov.  1, 
1847,  and  his  second  marriage  was  to  Mrs. 
Catherine  Davis,  whose  death  occurred  sever- 
al years  prior  to  that  of  her  husband.  By  the 
first  marriage  he  became  the  father  of  eight 
children,  only  two  of  whom  are  living:  Jane, 
Mrs.  Sheffield ; and  George,  who  is  a resident 
of  Albany,  Oregon.  The  deceased  were : 
David  B.,  Mrs.  Betsey  Ann  Bowmer,  Mrs. 
Charlotte  Benton,  Mrs.  Martha  Jones,  Mrs. 
Lucy  Justis,  and  Norman,  the  youngest  of 
the  family. 

During  his  long  and  worthy  life  our  sub- 
ject was  a prominent  citizen,  for  several  years 
was  chairman  of  the  board  of  supervisors,  and 
also  for  a long  term  of  years  was  a justice  of 
the  peace.  In  early  life  he  was  a Whig,  and 
later  became  a stanch  Republican. 

HARMON  LI.  EARL,  of  Fennimore,  is 
one  of  the  few  remaining  pioneers  of  the  north- 
ern part  of  Grant  county.  He  was  born  in 
Windham,  Portage  Co.,  Ohio,  March  8,  1816, 
son  of  Robert  and  Lydia  (Hubbell)  Earl.  His 
father  was  a native  of  New  Jersey,  and  the 
Earl  family  was  formerly  from  England, 
whence  three  brothers  came  in  Colonial  times, 
one  of  them  settling  in  New  Jersey,  a second 
one  in  Virginia,  and  the  other  in  New  England. 
Thev  have  numerous  descendants  throughout 
the  Union,  and  from  them  Harmon  H.  Earl 
is  descended. 

Robert  Earl  was  one  of  five  brothers, 
Jacob,  Joseph,  Robert,  James  and  Walter. 
The  eldest  of  the  family  was  Betsy,  who  mar- 
ried John  Caldwell,  and  died  in  Ohio.  Nancy 
married  Thomas  Lee,  and  died  in  Iowa.  Rob- 
ert Earl  married  in  Huntington,  Penn.,  Lvdia 
Hubbell,  and  located  in  Trumbull  county,  Ohio. 
In  1816  they  settled  in  Windham,  Ohio, 
where  they  passed  the  balance  of  their  lives. 


Mrs.  Earl  died  in  the  fall  of  1849,  and  Robert 
married  again,  his  second  wife  being  named 
Bissell.  He  died  in  1857.  The  record  of 
Robert  Earl  is  that  of  a man  of  upright  char- 
acter, and  he  was  a faithful  member  of  and  a 
deacon  in  the  Congregational  Church.  He  was 
a farmer  by  occupation.  Harmon  H.  Earl  was 
the  fourth  in  a family  of  nine  children,  four 
sons  and  five  daughters.  One  of  the  sons, 
Adna,  died  in  childhood,  and  the  others  all 
reached  mature  years.  Harmon  H.  and  one 
sister,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Cabaness,  of  Blooming- 
ton, 111.,  are  the  only  children  of  their  parents 
now  (1900)  living.  Eber,  the  eldest  son,  died 
in  Kentucky.  Susan  and  Jane  were  twins; 
Susan  married  Harvey  Millard  in  Ohio,  and 
died  at  her  home  near  Spencer,  Iowa;  Jane 
married  Frederick  Palmer,  and  died  in  Mis- 
souri. Lydia  married  Daniel  Richardson,  and 
after  his  death  married  Rev.  Mr.  Wilson,  a 
Congregational  minister ; she  died  in  Kansas 
City,  Mo.  Sarah  married  Daniel  Howard, 
and  died  in  Illinois.  Aner,  the  fourth  son,, 
married  Sarah  Knott ; he  died  in  Litchfield, 
Minn.,  some  years  ago. 

Harmon  FI.  Earl  lived  in  his  native  place 
until  he  was  twenty-two  years  of  age,  when  he 
married  Roxie  Wheeler,  who  was  born  in  the 
town  of  Solon,  Cortland  Co.,  N.  Y.,  June  25, 
1816,  and  was  a daughter  of  Jesse  and  Nancy 
(Tucker)  Wheeler,  natives  of  Connecticut. 
Her  father  died  when  she  was  in  her  eighth 
year,  and  later  her  mother,  with  four  children, 
moved  into  Cattaraugus  county,  N.  Y.,  where 
one  of  the  daughters,  Clara,  died.  Soon  after- 
ward the  mother  and  remaining  children 
removed  to  Ashtabula  county,  Ohio,  where  she 
married  Hiram  Hough.  In  1838  the  family 
went  to  southern  Illinois,  and  lived  there  seven, 
years.  In  1846  they  came  to  Grant  county, 
and  settled  on  land  in  the  town  of  Fennimore. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hough  died  at  the  home  of  a 
son.  Mrs.  Plough  surviving  her  husband  several 
years.  Roxie,  Mrs.  Earl,  was  the  eldest  of  her 
mother’s  children.  Laura,  the  next  in  the 
family,  married  in  Ohio  A.  L.  McElwain,  and 
died  at  Council  Bluffs,  Iowa.  Their  brother, 
Josiah  Wheeler,  died  in  Monona,  Iowa.  There 
were  five  children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.. 
Hough,  three  of  whom  are  living:  Hiram  and 
Aretus  G.  live  at  Oakland,  Iowa:  Sylvia  is 
the  wife  of  D.  R.  Walker,  of  Boscobel.  Will- 
iam and  Harlow,  the  eldest  and  youngest,  re- 
spectively, are  deceased. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


/ 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harmon  H.  Earl  were  mar- 
ried Feb.  25,  1838,  and  the  following  autumn 
moved  to  southern  Illinois,  where  they  re- 
mained seven  years,  and  then  went  to  Jo 
Daviess  county,  in  the  same  State.  Three 
years  later  they  went  back  to  the  old  home 
farm  of  Mr.  Earl,  in  Ohio,  and  in  1850  came 
to  Grant  county.  Mr.  Earl's  father  was  a sol- 
dier in  the  war  of  1812,  and  our  subject  entered 
a land  warrant  received  by  him,  that  called  for 
160  acres.  Later  he  bought  an  adjoining  forty 
acres,  making  a-  fine  farm  of  200  acres.  For 
twenty  years  they  lived  on  this  farm,  and  then 
made  their  home  in  Fennimore,  selling  the 
place  a few  years  later.  Since  1868  they  have 
lived  retired.  They  have  had  nine  children, 
but  only  Olive  and  William  are  living.  Olive 
married  H.  B.  Lewis,  of  Fennimore.  William, 
also  a resident  of  Fennimore,  is  a carpenter 
and  builder.  He  married  Nellie  Wilkinson, 
and  they  have  four  children,  George,  Bennie, 
Olive  and  Harold.  The  deceased  children  of 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Earl  were : Lydia,  who  mar- 

ried C.  W.  Loney,  died  in  February,  1876. 
George  died  at  the  age  of  twenty-three.  Nancy 
married  William  Loney,  and  died  a few  years 
ago.  Arthur  died  at  the  age  of  fifteen.  Olive 
E.  died  in  infancy.  Sarah  died  in  1848,  at  the 
age  of  three  years.  Robert  E.  died  in  infancy. 
Mrs.  Earl  had  a son  by  a previous  marriage, 
Samuel  Armstrong,  a resident  of  Fennimore. 
In  1900  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Earl  had  fourteen  grand- 
children,; and  eighteen  great-grandchildren. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Earl  have  been  residents  of 
Grant  county  for  half  a century,  and  their 
married  life  covers  a period  of  sixty-three 
years.  They  still  enjoy  good  health,  and  are 
passing  their  declining  days  in  placid  comfort. 
He  was  originally  a Whig,  and  later  a Repub- 
lican, but  has  voted  with  the  Prohibitionists 
for  a number  of  years.  He  has  held  at  differ- 
ent times  many  offices  of  trust  and  honor;  was 
postmaster  at  Fennimore  for  fifteen  years, 
justice  of  the  peace  nine  years,  and  assessor 
of  Fennimore  for  two  years,  1851  and  1852. 
He  and  his  wife  have  been  members  of  the 
Methodist  Church  for  more  than  sixty  years, 
and  he  was  a licensed  local  preacher  for  more 
than  thirty  years. 

REV.  FAYETTE  ROYCE,  D.  D.  (de- 
ceased). was  an  able  and  popular  man,  with 
a wide  circle  of  friends  in  Beloit  and  the  sur- 
rounding country,  and  these  pages  would  hard- 


ly be  complete  without  some  mention  of  this 
scholarly  and  devoted  minister  and  genial  gen- 
tleman of  the  old  school. 

Dr.  Royce  was  born  in  Moravia,  Cayuga 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  April  22,  1833,  the  youngest  son 
of  Lyman  and  Mary  (Burgess)  Royce.  His 
mother  was  a daughter  of  Jonathan  and  (Mary 
(Collins)  Burgess,  and  was  born  in  Saratoga 
county,  N.  Y.,  Jan.  28,  1800.  His  father, 
Lyman  Royce,  was  one  of  five  sons  of  Amos 
and  Sarah  Royce,  and  was  born  June  17, 
1796,  in  Washington,  Litchfield  Co.,  Conn. 
Robert  Royce,  of  Boston,  1631,  was  the  ear- 
liest American  ancestor  of  the  Royce  family  in 
this  country.  He  was  a supporter  of  Hutchin- 
son and  Wheelwright  in  their  religious  teach- 
ing, and  removed  to  Stratford  before  1656. 

Rev.  Dr.  Fayette  Royce  was  brought  up  on 
a farm,  but  farm  life  was  not  to  his  taste.  He 
attended  district  school  summer  and  winter 
until  twelve  years  of  age,  and  the  winter  ses- 
sions of  the  school  until  he  was  sixteen.  He 
then  became  a student  at  the  Moravia  Acade- 
my, and  made  such  progress  that  at  eighteen 
he  was  appointed  teacher  in  the  public  school 
at  Venice,  Cayuga  countv,  receiving  the  prince- 
13’  emolument  of  ten  dollars  a month,  “board- 
ing around”  the  district.  He  taught  school  the 
next  winter  at  Montville,  a little  hamlet,  near 
Moravia,  at  twenty  dollars  a month.  In  1833 
he  entered  the  Freshman  class  at  Hobart  Col- 
lege, Geneva,  N.  Y.,  and,  taking  the  classical 
course,  was  graduated  in  1857.  The  ambitious 
and  capable  young  student  took  the  first  prize 
for  declamation  in  the  Sophomore  exhibition. 
For  some  six  months  before  his  graduation 
he  was  engaged  in  teaching  the  higher  branches 
in  Cary  Collegiate  Seminary,  a celebrated  in- 
stitution of  learning  near  Batavia,  and  after 
receiving  his  diploma  continued  in  the  same 
school  until  Oct.  15,  1858.  At  that  time  he  re- 
signed to  accept  the  principal  ship  of  Olean 
Academy,  in  Cattaraugus  county,  holding  that 
position  for  three  years,  and  building  up  a large 
and  flourishing  institution.  On  Sept.  15.  1862, 
this  earnest  and  capable  young  teacher  entered 
the  DeLancey  Theological  School,  at  Geneva, 
to  make  his  preparation  for  the  ministry,  and 
in  nine  months  he  finished  the  course.  He 
was  ordained  to  the  diaconate  of  the  Episco- 
pal Church  by  Bishop  DeLancey,  in  St.  Paul’s 
Chapel,  Geneva,  May  3,  1863,  and  on  the  first 
day  of  the  following  June  he  took  charge  of 
Grace  Church,  at  Nunda,  Livingston  conn- 


8 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ty.  At  the  same  time  he  assumed  charge  of 
Trinity  Church,  Casaneraga,  Allegany  coun- 
ty, and  ministered  to  the  spiritual  needs  of 
these  two  churches  with  rare  ability.  The 
young  deacon  of  the  Episcopal  Church  was 
ordained  to  the  priesthood  in  St.  Peter’s 
Chapel,  Geneva,  Aug.  14,  1864,  by  Bishop  De- 
Lancey,  being  the  last  priest  ordained  by  that 
great  and  eminent  bishop.  Dr.  Royce  began 
his  rectorship  at  Bay  City,  Mich.,  March  1, 
1866.  His  stay  in  the  Saginaw  Valley  was 
brief,  and  he  came  to  Beloit  to  assume  charge 
of  St.  Paul's  Church,  Nov.  18,  186S,  and  was 
rector  of  that  church  for  twenty-nine  years. 
He  was  appointed  dean  of  the  Janesville  (after- 
ward known  as  the  Madison)  Convocation, 
Aug.  1,  1871,  by  Bishop  Armitage,  and  reap- 
pointed yearly  for  a succession  of  terms.  Dr. 
Royce  was  elected  a delegate  to  the  General 
Convention  three  times  in  succession.  He  re- 
ceived the  degree  of  S.  T.  D.  Feb.  26,  18S6, 
from  his  Alma  Mater,  Hobart  College,  Geneva, 
New  York. 

The  domestic  life  of  Dr.  Royce  began  with 
his  marriage  to  Miss  Minnie  Rosetta  Van 
Antwerp,  a niece  of  Rev.  Dr.  Van  Antwerp, 
author  of  the  popular  “church  history.”  The 
marriage  was  celebrated  April  13,  1858,  in 
Groveland,  Livingston  Co.,  N.  Y..  at  the  home 
of  her  father,  James  P.  Van  Antwerp.  She 
lived  five  years  and  one  month  from  that  day, 
long  enough  to  see  her  husband  greatly  ad- 
vanced in  the  ministry,  which  had  been  all 
along  her  hope  and  prayer.  James  Lyman 
was  born  to  them  in  Olean,  N.  Y.  Dr.  Royce 
and  Miss  Catherine  Hunt  were  married  Dec. 
27,  1864;  Mrs.  Royce  is  a daughter  of  the  late 
Dr.  Hiram  Hunt,  of  Mount  Morris,  N.  Y., 
a physician  of  eminence  and  popularity.  Her 
mother,  Airs.  Mary  (Wadhams)  Hunt,  is  now 
living  with  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Royce,  at  the 
venerable  age  of  ninety-eight.  Two  daugh- 
ters were  born  to  Rev.  and  Mrs.  Royce : 
Mary  Hopkins,  born  in  Bay  City,  Mich.,  and 
Anna  Burgess,  born  in  Beloit,  Wis.  Rev.  Dr. 
Royce  died  at  St.  Luke’s  Hospital,  Chicago, 
Oct.  19,  1S97,  and  closed  with  saintly  resigna- 
tion a long  and  useful  life. 

JOHN  M.  EVANS,  M.  D„  Sr.  This 
old  and  experienced  physician  of  Evansville 
is  one  of  the  older  settlers  of  Rock  county, 
and  has  a history  that  is  interesting,  not  onlv 
for  its  personal  element,  but  because  it  has 


to  deal  with  a period  in  Wisconsin  that  is 
closed  to  all  but  a few  survivors.  He  is  a good 
physician,  and  an  honorable  and  upright  man. 

Dr.  Evans  was  born  in  Addison,  Addison 
Co.,  Vt.,  Feb.  12,  1820,  a son  of  Calvin  R. 
and  Penelope  (Goodrich)  Evans,  also  natives 
of  that  State,  who  had  five  children,  of  whom 
Dr.  John  M.  is  the  only  one  living.  The  father 
was  a farmer.  He  came  West  with  his  second 
wife,  and  about  1850  located  in  Evansville, 
Rock  Co.,  Wis.,  where  they  died,  he  in  1866, 
at  the  age  of  sixty-nine,  she  in  1870,  at  the 
age  of  seventy-one.  The  first  wife,  the  mother 
of  Dr.  Evans,  died  in  Vermont  about  1833. 
They  were  Congregationalists  in  the  East,  but 
in  Wisconsin  Mr.  Evans  and  family  were  asso- 
ciated with  the  Free-Will  Baptists.  Gilbert 
Evans,  the  father  of  Calvin  R.,  was  a native 
of  New  York,  and  of  Welsh  descent.  He  was 
a farmer,  and  died  at  a very  advanced  age. 
Allen  Goodrich,  the  father  of  Mrs.  Penelope 
Evans,  was  a native  of  Connecticut,  and  went 
to  Vermont  with  a colony  when  it  was  a wil- 
derness. Two  of  his  brothers  went  with  him, 
and  all  three  settled  in  the  town  of  Benson, 
Rutland  county,  and  cleared  three  farms  in 
the  midst  of  the  mighty  forests.  Allen  Good- 
rich was  the  father  of  five  daughters  and 
three  sons.  He  died  at  the  age  of  eighty 
years.  He  was  a deacon  in  the  Congregational 
Church,  and  was  an  upright  and  honest  man. 

Dr.  John  M.  Evans,  Sr.,  is  a leading  phy- 
sician in  Evansville,  and  the  proprietor  of  the 
"pioneer  drug  store”  is  a well-known  old  set- 
tler of  Rock  county.  When  he  was  a lad  his 
mother  died,  and  he  was  an  inmate  of  his  ma- 
ternal grandfather's  home  until  about  nineteen 
years  of  age.  Mr.  Goodrich  gave  him  every 
care,  and  treated  him  as  a son.  He  attended 
the  public  school,  and  had  a good  preliminary 
training  for  life.  In  1838  the  young  man 
went  to  LaPorte,  Inch,  where  his  father  was 
living.  There  he  learned  the  trade  of  a car- 
penter, and  followed  it  for  three  years,  but 
was  obliged  to  abandon  it  on  account  of  hip 
disease.  In  1843  the  invalid  youth  took  up  the 
study  of  medicine,  with  Dr.  Meeker  as  pre- 
ceptor. About  this  time  a medical  college  was 
organized  at  LaPorte,  and  Mr.  Evans  was  a 
member  of  its  first  class,  and  Avas  in  its  first 
graduating  class,  receiving  the  degree  of  M. 
D.  in  1846.  The  LaPorte  College  continued 
a few  years,  and  was  then  merged  into  Rush 
Medical,  at  Chicago.  The  young  doctor  came 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


9 


to  what  was  then  known  as  “The  Grove,”  a 
small  frontier  settlement,  and  flung  out  his 
sign  to  the  world  in  1846.  The  name  of  this 
community  was  soon  afterward  changed  in 
honor  of  the  young  physician,  and  perpetuates 
the  name  of  Evans  to  posterity.  Several  years 
later  the  parents  of  Dr.  Evans  came  to  Evans- 
ville, as  above  related. 

Our  subject  has  passed  his  entire  profes- 
sional life  in  his  present  home,  covering  a 
period  of  fifty-four  years.  Dr.  Evans  was 
postmaster  in  Evansville  from  1852  to  1855, 
and  was  the  first  mayor  of  the  city.  He  was 
elected  to  the  Legislature  in  1S53,  and  again 
three  years  later,  serving  with  honor  and  credit 
both  times.  In  1861  he  was  commissioned 
surgeon  of  the  13th  Wis.  V.  I.,  entered  the 
field  with  his  regiment,  and  continued  in  active 
service  until  1865,  when,  his  health  failing,  he 
resigned  and  returned  home.  On  June  1, 
1854,  in  LaPorte,  Ind.,  Dr.  Evans  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Emma  Clement,  a na- 
tive of  New  York.  She  was  a daughter  of 
Richard  and  Chloe  Clement,  and  moved  with 
them  to  Indiana  when  she  was  a child.  The 
union  of  the  Doctor  and  his  wife  was  blessed 
with  three  children,  two  living : Elizabeth 

Emma  and  John  M.  Elizabeth  E.,  born  April 
7,  1855,  married  D.  C.  Griswold,  and  has  one 
son,  Ray  C.  John  INI.,  Jr.,  was  born  Nov. 
14,  1858,  and  married  Miss  May  Johnson; 
they  have  three  children,  Adelaide  Emma, 
John  Clement,  and  Richard  Donald.  He  is  a 
physician  and  surgeon,  having  graduated  from 
Rush  Medical  and  had  special  instruction  in 
Europe.  He  has  an  office  in  Evansville,  and 
has  won  a wide  patronage. 

Dr.  Evans,  Sr.,  is  one  of  the  oldest  and 
most  zealous  Masons  in  this-  part  of  the  State. 
He  joined  the  order  in  1841,  at  LaPorte,  and 
is  a member  of  LaPorte  Lodge,  No.  41,  A.  F. 
& A.  M.  In  1851  he  joined  Janesville  Chap- 
ter, No.  5,  R.  A.  M.,  and  six  years  later  he 
united  with  the  Janesville  Commanderv.  No. 
2,  K.  T.  On  Oct.  24,  1882,  he  became  a 
member  of  the  H.  A.  S.  V.,  Orient  of  Wis- 
consin, Wisconsin  Valley  of  Milwaukee,  and 
on  the  27th  of  the  same  month  was  advanced 
to  the  33d  degree  in  that  body.  He  has  also 
been  inducted  as  an  honorary  member  of  the 
“Oriental  Order  of  the  Palm  and  Shell.”  an 
honor  that  has  been  conferred  upon  very  few 
in  the  State.  During  these  many  years  he  has 
filled  various  official  positions  in  the  fraternity. 


He  was  worshipful  master  of  Union  Lodge, 
No.  32,  for  twelve  consecutive  years,  and  was 
high  priest  of  Evansville  Chapter,  No.  35,  for 
the  first  six  years  of  its  existence.  In  1882 
and  1883  he  was  grand  high  priest  of  the 
State.  Dr.  Evans  is  also  a member  of  Tripoli 
Temple,  Milwaukee,  Mystic  Shrine. 

Dr.  Evans  and  his  family  are  members  of 
the  Episcopal  Church  at  Evansville,  in  which 
he  has  been  senior  warden  since  its  organiza- 
tion. He  was  active  in  the  formation  of  the 
parish.  Mrs.  Emma  Evans  died  Feb.  6,  1899, 
at  the  age  of  seventy-eight.  She  was  an  active 
worker  in  the  Episcopal  Church,  widely  known 
and  greatly  beloved  for  her  good  works. 

JUDGE  JOHN  R.  BENNETT  (de- 
ceased) was  one  of  the  most  prominent  men 
Rock  county  ever  had  within  its  confines,  and 
was  Judge  of  the  Twelfth  Judicial  Circuit 
from  1882  until  the  day  of  his  death,  June  9, 
1899.  . 

Judge  John  R.  Bennett  was  born  in  Rod- 
man,  Jefferson  Co.,  N.  \ .,  Nov.  1,  1820,  and 
his  parents  were  natives  of  Connecticut,  de- 
scended in  a direct  line  from  Puritans  who  set- 
tled in  New  England  in  the  very  earliest  days 
of  the  country.  After  completing  his  studies 
at  the  district  schools,  Judge  Bennett  entered 
the  Black  River  Literary  and  Religious  Insti- 
tute, Watertown,  N.  Y.,  where  he  qualified 
himself  for  teaching,  and  engaged  in  that  oc- 
cupation for  several  years.  In  1S44  he  entered 
upon  the  study  of  law,  under  V . W.  Wager, 
an  attorney  of  Brownville,  N.  Y.,  and -later 
studied  with  D.  N.  Burnham,  Escp,  of  Sack- 
ett’s  Harbor,  N.  Y.,  being  admitted  to  prac- 
tice in  the  courts  of  New  York  in  May,  1848. 

In  October.  1848.  Judge  Bennett  came  to 
Wisconsin,  and  located  at  Janesville,  engaging 
in  the  practice  of  his  profession.  Within  a 
very  short  period  he  took  a high  position  as  a 
trial  lawyer  and  advocate,  and  in  1862  was 
elected  district  attorney  of  Rock  county,  serv- 
ing in  that  capacity  for  two  consecutive  terms 
with  a high  order  of  ability.  In  April,  1882. 
he  was  elected  to  the  office  of  Judge  of  the 
Twelfth  Judicial  Circuit,  to  succeed  Judge 
Harmon  D.  Congor,  was  re-elected  in  1888, 
and  again  in  1894. 

On  November  28.  1844,  at  Houndsfield, 
N.  Y.,  Judge  Bennett  married  Elsie  L.  Hollo- 
wav,  and  for  nearly  fifty  years  she  was  his 
faithful,  devoted  wife;  she  died  May  28,  1893, 


IO 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


at  her  home  in  Janesville.  On  Tune  9,  1899, 
while  in  full  possession  of  his  faculties,  Judge 
Bennett  passed  away,  leaving  a wide  circle  of 
friends,  as  well  as  associates  of  the  Bar,  to 
mourn  his  loss. 

Xot  only  was  Judge  B'ennett  an  able  at- 
torney, and  an  astute  and  just  judge,  but, 
socially  and  in  his  home,  he  was  kind,  gentle 
and  greatly  admired.  Although  his  education- 
al advantages  were  not  what  he  had  desired, 
he  ever  sought  to  improve  his  already  well- 
stored  mind,  and  at  an  advanced  age  enjoyed 
translating  Greek. 

On  April  24,  1900,  memorial  services 

were  held  at  the  court  house  in  Janesville,  and 
a portrait  of  this  honored  judge  was  presented 
to  the  Rock  County  Bar  Association  by  his 
daughters.  All  of  the  leading  representatives 
of  the  Bar  were  present,  and  touching  testimon- 
ials were  read  by  Judge  Bennett’s  associates, 
who  thus  assembled  to  honor  his  memory. 
B.  B.  Eldredge  read  the  memorial,  in  which  the 
highest  praise  was  accorded  Judge  Bennett, 
and  an  eloquent  eulogy  paid  Iris  remarkable 
attainments.  A certified  copy  of  the  same 
was  delivered  to  his  family. 

JAMES  A.  LORD,  M.  D.,  deceased.  For 
almost  half  a century  the  name  of  Lord  was 
prominently  identified  with  the  medical  his- 
tory of  Rock  county.  Our  subject’s  father, 
Dr.  Simon  Lock  Lord,  was  for  many  years 
an  influential  and  successful  practitioner  of 
Edgerton,  and  after  his  retirement  the  large 
and  lucrative  practice  was  continued  by  Dr. 
James  A.  Lord. 

The  family  is  of  Puritan  extraction.  The 
paternal  great-grandfather  of  James  A.  Lord, 
Adam  Lord,  was  a Revolutionary  soldier.  He 
married  Olive  Knight,  a lady  of  English  ex- 
traction, and  was  a lifelong  farmer  of  Maine. 
Their  son,  James  Lord,  grandfather  of  our 
subject,  also  followed  the  vocation  of  farming 
in  Maine,  and  lived  to  the  ripe  old  age  of 
eighty-five.  He  married  Hannah  Durell,  daugh- 
ter of  David  and  Mary  Durell,  of  French 
Huguenot  extraction,  and  to  them  were  born  a 
large  family. 

Simon  Lock  Lord,  the  father  of  our  sub- 
ject, studied  medicine,  and  in  1852  migrated 
from  Maine  to  Iowa,  locating  first  at  Dubuque, 
and  later  at  Dyersville.  In  1857  he  came  to 
Edgerton,  Rock  Co.,  YVis.,  and  there  began  a 
memorable  practice  which  was  broken  by  his 


distinguished  service  in  the  Civil  war.  He 
enlisted  in  September,  1861,  in  the  13th  Wis. 
V.  I.,  and  was  mustered  in  as  assistant  surgeon. 
Proceeding  with  the  regiment  from  Janesville, 
Wis.,  to  Fort  Scott,  Ivans.,  he  was  there  de- 
tached to  organize  a hospital  for  400  sick  and 
chronic  and  wounded  cases.  Once  organized, 
the  hospital  was  left  in  charge  of  Dr.  Cookly, 
and  Dr.  Lord  was  transferred  to  Corinth, 
Miss.,  and  detached  as  flag  surgeon  by  Gen. 
Mitchell,  then  commandant  of  the  fleet.  In 
June,  1862,  he  was  detailed  as  surgeon  in 
charge  of  the  12th  Wis.  V.  I.,  at  Humboldt, 
Tenn.,  where  he  found  Dr.  J.  M.  Evans,  sur- 
geon of  the  13th  Wis.  V.  I.,  sick  and  relieved 
the  latter,  who  returned  home  to  Evansville. 
Meanwhile  Dr.  Lord  had  been  appointed  staff 
surgeon  under  Gen.  Ransom.  In  October, 
1862,  he  received  orders  from  Gen.  Grant’s 
headquarters  to  report  at  Holly  Springs,  Miss., 
while  Gen.  Grant  was  moving  on  Vicksburg, 
and  was  there  ordered  to  take  charge  of  the 
sick  and  wounded  as  assistant  medical  director 
of  the  department  in  Kentucky,  and  inspector 
of  camps  and  hospitals.  In  the  performance  of 
his  duty  as  inspector  he  found  900  men  unfit 
for  duty  behind  the  fortifications,  and  trans- 
ferred them  to  Mound  City  (111.)  Hospital. 
He  was  next  instructed  to  proceed  to  Memphis, 
Tenn.,  and  convert  the  Adams  block  into  a hos- 
pital. Under  his  charge  it  became  the  finest 
hospital  on  the  Mississippi  river.  Within  ten 
days  he  had  the  care  of  400  sick  soldiers  in 
bed.  After  the  battle  of  Vicksburg  the  pa- 
tients numbered  1,700,  for  whose  care  there 
were  employed  160  nurses  and  eleven  assistant 
surgeons.  In  April,  1863,  Dr.  Lord  was  ap- 
pointed surgeon  of  the  32c!  Wis.  V.  1.  under 
Gen.  Bryant,  of  Madison.  Wis.,  and  was  with 
him  at  Vicksburg,  as  staff  surgeon,  until  after 
the  capitulation.  Relieved  from  this  special 
service,  he  rejoined  his  regiment,  and  was  later 
placed  in  the  Medical  Director’s  Department  of 
the  Tennessee,  for  the  examination  of  surgeons 
and  assistant  surgeons  of  colored  regiments. 
In  November,  1863,  he  was  ordered  with  his 
regiment  to  Grand  Junction,  Miss.  1 he  month 
following  Gen.  Howe  was  placed  in  command 
of  the  brigade,  and  Dr.  Lord  was  commissioned 
brigade  surgeon,  still  retaining  his  commis- 
sion as  surgeon  of  the  32d  Wis.  V.  I.  In 
1864  this  command  was  under  Gen.  Sherman, 
in  the  Meridian  raid,  and  was  afterward  at- 
' tached  to  Gen.  Howard’s  brigade,  and  ordered 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


1 1 


to  Kenesaw  Mountain  and  thence  to  Decatur, 
Alabama. 

Here  the  health  of  Dr.  Lord  finally  gave 
way  under  the  long  and  arduous  duties  which 
he  had  most  creditably  discharged,  and  at 
the  advice  of  his  friends  he  in  September,  1864, 
resigned  and  returned  home.  For  a year  he 
practiced  at  Janesville,  then  at  the  solicitation 
of  old  friends  he  returned  to  Edgerton,  his  old 
home,  where  he  practiced  continually  until  with- 
in a few  years  of  his  death,  which  occurred  Feb. 
18,1893,  when  he  was  aged  sixty-seven  years. 
His  widow,  Mary  M.  (Wright)  Lord,  who 
survived  until  May,  1896,  was  born  in  Iowa 
in  1839,  the  only  daughter  of  Ansel  Wright, 
a Methodist  clergyman,  who  was  a native  of 
New  York,  and  who  in  an  early  day  moved  to 
Iowa,  where,  until  his  death,  comparatively 
early  in  life,  he  was  a circuit  rider.  To  Dr. 
Simon  L.  and  Mary  M.  ( Wright)  Lord  were 
born  nine  children,  namely:  Charles  H.,  of 

Mexico;  Dr.  James  A.,  our  subject;  William 
F.,  of  St.  Paul,  Minn. ; Edward  S.,  of  Manito- 
woc, Wis. ; Belle,  wife  of  George  F.  McGiffin, 
of  Edgerton;  Mary  L.,  wife  of  Frank  Ware, 
of  Hitchcock,  Texas;  Emily  M.,  of  St.  Paul; 
Blanche  C.,  wife  of  Charles  L.  Teller,  of  New 
York  City;  and  Nellie  M.,  of  Edgerton,  Wis. 
Dr.  Simon  L.  Lord,  the  father,  was  for  some 
3rears  quite  prominent  in  politics  at  Edgerton. 
Fie  was  an  active  Republican.  From  1880  to 
1882  he  served  in  the  State  Assembly,  and 
during  the  succeeding  four  years,  1882  to  1886, 
he  was  a member  of  the  State  Senate.  Among 
the  fraternal  orders  he  was  a leading  Mason 
at  Edgerton.  Early  in  life  he  was  a member 
of  the  Methodist  Church,  with  which  religious 
society  his  wife  also  was  actively  identified, 
but  at  the  time  of  his  death  he  was  not  identified 
with  any  church. 

Dr.  James  A.  Lord  was  born  in  Edgerton 
July  22,  1858.  He  was  reared  in  his  native 
town,  where  he  attended  the  public  schools, 
completing  his  literary  education  at  Epworth 
Seminary,  Epworth,  Iowa,  where  he  attended 
one  year.  He  began  the  sfucty  of  medicine  in 
his  father’s  office,  and  completed  the  course 
of  study  and  lectures  at  Rush  Medical  Col- 
lege, Chicago,  graduating  in  1879,  with  the 
degree  of  M.  D.,  at  the  age  of  twenty-one. 
The  young  physician  at  once  became  associated 
with  his  father  in  practice  at  Edgerton,  con- 
tinuing in  this  manner  until  the  father  retired 
from  active  professional  life,  after  which  he 


practiced  alone.  He  was  a progressive,  care- 
ful and  enthusiastic  physician,  and  enjoyed  a 
large  and  lucrative  practice  until  his  decease, 
Dec.  1,  1900. 

The  Doctor  married,  x-Vpril  6,  1881,  Miss 
Ida  G.  Williams,  of  Madison,  daughter  of 
John  P.  and  Mary  (Mosely)  Williams,  and 
to  them  was  born  one  son,  Karl  W.  Mrs. 
Lord  is  a member  of  the  Protestant  Episcopal 
Church.  Dr.  Lord  was  a Republican  in  poli- 
tics, and  fraternally  a Mason.  He  was  devoted 
to  his  profession,  and  kept  thoroughly  abreast 
of  the  rapid  strides  of  progress  made  these 
later  days  in  medicine  and  surgery. 

RLTEL  MORRELL  (deceased),  one  of  the 
pioneers  of  Grant  county,  was  born  April  19, 
1809,  in  Otsego  county,  N.  Y.,  and  was  a son 
of  James  and  Harriet  (Reed)  Morrell,  the  for- 
mer of  whom  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812. 
James  and  Harriet  Morrell  were  the  parents 
of  four  sons  and  two  daughters.  During  the 
boyhood  of  our  subject  they  became  residents 
of  the  western  part  of  the  Empire  State.  1 he 
eldest  of  the  sons,  Alanson,  came  to  Grant 
county,  Wis.,  in  a very  early  day  and  died  in 
Lancaster  in  1895,  at  the  age  of  eighty-eight 
years;  Ruel  was  the  second  son;  Robert,  the 
third,  also  came  to  Grant  county  quite  early, 
but  returned  to  his  native  State,  where  he 
died ; and  Warren,  the  youngest  son,  never 
left  New  York;  Prudence,  the  eldest  daughter, 
married  and  died  in  New  Fork;  Celinda  died 
there  after  having  attained  mature  years. 

Early  in  1S32,  Ruel  Morrell  started  for 
Wisconsin  from  his  home  in  western  New 
York,  via  Pittsburg,  Penn.  From  Pittsburg 
he  descended  the  Ohio  river  to  its  mouth  on 
a raft,  and  thence  journeyed  up  the  Mississippi 
river  by  steamboat  to  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  where  he 
transshipped  for  Galena,  111.  On  the  passage 
from  St.  Louis  up  stream  one  of  his  fellow- 
passengers  was  Gen.  Zachary  Taylor,  who  was 
on  his  way  to  Prairie  du  Chien.  From  Galena 
Mr.  Morrell  came  to  Wisconsin,  first  putting 
his  foot  on  the  soil  of  the  Territory  Ma}^  7, 
1832.  He  engaged  at  once  in  mining  in  the 
southern  part  of  Grant  county,  but  a few  weeks 
later  the  Black  Hawk  war  broke  out.  and  Mr. 
Morrell,  with  a large  body  of  other  miners, 
went  to  Galena,  and  there  erected  a fort  as  a 
precautionary  measure.  When  the  war  closed 
Mr.  Morrell  returned  to  Grant  county,  and 
for  about  four  years  worked  in  the  mines  for 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


I 2 


one  James  Gilmore.  In  the  meantime,  however, 
realizing  the  fact  that  his  education  was  de- 
ficient. he  returned  to  his  father’s  home  in 
New  York,  and  attended  school  one  winter, 
and  the  following  spring  rejoined  his  former 
employer,  coming  by  way  of  the  lakes  to  the 
present  site  of  Chicago,  then  a mere  landing 
place,  and  consisting  of  a small  cluster  of  log 
huts  or  shanties. 

In  1835,  while  still  in  the  employ  of  Mr. 
Gilmore,  Mr.  Morrell  entered  from  the  govern- 
ment. at  $1.25  per  acre,  the  eastern  half  of 
Section  31,  Lancaster  township,  while  Ran- 
dolph Marlow  entered  the  western  half.  In  1836 
he  located  on  the  tract,  which  was  heavily  tim- 
bered, and  began  clearing  up,  building  a log 
house,  in  which  he  lived  alone  for  a while.  I11 
1837  he  returned  to  his  father’s  home  in  New 
York,  and  married  Miss  Eliza  Cooley.  While 
in  New  York  he  purchased  a team  of  horses 
and  a wagon,  and  by  this  means  returned  with 
his  bride  to  his  land  in  Wisconsin.  They 
worked  hard  together  to  develop  a good  home, 
but  Mrs.  Morrell  was  called  away  March  6, 
1852,  leaving  five  daughters  and'  two  sons;  the 
sons,  named  Byron  and  Wallace,  died  at  the 
ages  of  thirteen  and  fourteen  years,  respective- 
ly. The  daughters  are  all  still  living,  as  fol- 
lows: Mrs.  Mary  J.  Fifield,  of  Sutter  county, 
Cal. : Airs.  Laura  Knapp  and  Mrs.  Maria  A. 
Irish,  of  Lancaster;  Mrs.  Mina  E.  Coombs,  of 
Madison,  Wis. ; and  Mrs.  Loraine  B.  Watts, 
of  Phillips  county,  Kansas. 

On  Aug.  20,  1853,  Air.  Morrell  married 
Nliss  Polly  Richardson,  who  was  born  in  Erie 
countv,  N.  Y.,  June  27,  1820,  and  died  March 
15,  1886,  the  mother  of  four  children,  one  of 
whom  died  in  early  infancy  : Robert  Guy,  born 
in  1856,  died  in  what  is  now  the  State  of  Wash- 
ington, in  June,  1886;  Josephine,  now  Mrs. 
A ernon  Kinney,  lives  near  the  old  homestead 
in  Lancaster  township ; Lee  is  the  youngest  of 
the  family. 

Ruel  Morrell  lived  on  the  farm  which  he 
entered  from  the  government  from  1837  until 
his  death,  May  11,  1889,  a period  of  fifty- 
two  years.  Pie  was  one  of  the  most  highly 
esteemed  residents  of  Grant  county,  as  he  was 
one  of  the  most  upright  of  men.  He  believed 
that  uprightness  was  the  best  test  of  true  relig- 
ion. and  cared  but  little  for  the  tenets  of  the 
various  churches  in  other  respects.  In  his 
political  affiliations  he  was  in  early  life  a Whig, 
but  on  the  disintegration  of  that  party  became 


a Republican,  and  was  always  a patriotic  and 
public-spirited  citizen,  and  "a  man  among 
men.”  In  his  later  years  he  was  afflicted  with 
a difficulty  of  hearing,  increasing  to  almost 
total  deafness,  but  he  bore  his  infirmity  with 
patient  resignation. 

During  the  early  days  of  our  subject’s  resi- 
dence in  Lancaster  wild  game  abounded  in 
that  section — deer,  wolves,  wild  cats,  and  oc- 
casionally bears  and  panthers.  Several  bears 
were  killed  in  the  neighborhood.  One  day 
Mr.  Morrell  was  away  with  his  team,  and  on 
the  return  trip,  after  reaching  his  own  land, 
on  a road  cut  through  the  brush,  lie  saw  a large 
panther  sitting  by  the  roadside.  However, 
the  animal  ran  away  after  looking  at  him 
a moment. 

Lee  AIorrele,  the  youngest  child  born 
to  Ruel  Morrell,  is  the  only  male  representa- 
tive of  his  father’s  family  now  living.  He  was 
born  on  the  Lancaster  township  homestead 
Dec.  8,  1861,  and  lived  with  his  parents  until 
they  passed  away ; lie  has  since  spent  much  time 
in  traveling.  He  was  awarded  a portion  of 
the  homestead  when  twenty-one  years  old,  in 
consideration  of  his  promise  to  care  for  his 
father  until  the  latter’s  death,  a promise  he 
most  faithfully  fulfilled,  and  then  to  parti- 
tion the  remainder  of  the  estate  with  the  other 
heirs,  share  and  share  alike.  He  is  an  omnivor- 
ous reader,  possesses  a most  retentive  memory, 
and  stands  very  high  in  the  esteem  of  the 
community. 

PAUL  M.  GREEN.  As  cashier  of  the 
Bank  of  Milton,  Air.  Green  is  one  of  the  best- 
known  business  men  of  the  little  city  which 
for  the  past  thirty-two  years  has  claimed  his 
residence.  He  has  lived  in  Rock  county  and 
Alilton  township  for  over  sixty  years,  coming 
hither  with  his  parents  when  a child  of  three 
years,  was  reared  near  Milton,  and  his  entire 
life  has  been  spent  in  this  locality. 

Mr.  Green  was  born  in  Allegany  county, 
N.  AT  Aug.  13,  1837,  son  of  Henry  W.  and 
Martha  M.  (Coon)  Green,  and  grandson  of 
Joseph  Green,  a cooper  by  trade  and  a native 
of  New  Tersev,  who  moved  to  New  York  State, 
there  reared  a large  family,  and  died.  His 
son,  Henry  W.,  father  of  our  subject,  was  born 
at  Brookfield,  N.  YA,  and  was  a farmer  by  oc- 
cupation. He  married  Martha  M.  Coon,  who 
was  born  in  Leonardsville,  N.  Y.,  one  of  the 
large  family  of  Stephen  Coon,  a farmer  of 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


that  place,  who  died  well  advanced  in  years. 
To  Henry  W.  and  Martha  M.  Green  were  born 
three  children : Ira,  who  died  in  infancy ; 

Mary  E.,  born  Sept.  27,  1832,  widow  of  M.  S. 
Burdick,  now  living  at  Milton ; and  Paul  M. 
In  1840  Henry  W.  Green  migrated  to  Wis- 
consin, entering  government  land  in  the  north- 
western part  of  Milton  township,  Rock  county. 
There  he  lived  as  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  for 
twenty-eight  years,  and  in  1868  moved  to  the 
village  of  Milton,  where  for  a number  of  years 
he  engaged  in  the  boot  and  shoe  business  in 
partnership  with  his  son,  under  the  firm  name 
of  H.  W.  Green  & Son.  He  died  at  Milton 
in  1879,  aged  seventy-two  years,  his  widow 
surviving  to  the  winter  of  1894*  and  passing 
away  at  the  ripe  old  age  of  eighty-four  years. 
Both  were  devout  members  of  the  Seventh- 
Day  Baptist  Church.  Mr.  Green  was  a promi- 
nent citizen  of  the  community,  was  supervisor 
for  several  terms,  and  in  an  early  day  was 
road  commissioner.  In  politics  he  was  a Whig, 
and  later  a Republican. 

Paul  M.  Green  was  three  years  old  when 
brought  by  his  parents  to  Rock  county.  He 
grew  to  manhood  on  the  farm  in  Milton  town- 
ship, receiving  his  education  in  the  district 
schools  and  at  Milton  Academy.  His  educa- 
tion completed,  Mr.  Green  engaged  in  farm- 
ing. He  and  his  brother-in-law,  Mr.  Burdick, 
purchased  200  acres  of  land  which  for  eight 
years  they  tilled  in  partnership,  in  connection 
with  Mr.  Green’s  father’s  farm,  328  acres  m 
all,  located  in  Sections  4,  5,  8 and  9,  Milton 
township.  Then,  in  1868,  Mr.  Green  removed 
to  Milton,  where  he  has  lived  ever  since,  asso- 
ciated for  four  years  with  his  father  as  a boot 
and  shoe  merchant.  About  1884  he  became 
a stockholder  in  and  was  one  of  the  organizers 
of  the  Bank  of  Milton,  of  which  in  about  1892 
he  was  made  president,  holding  that  position 
for  two  years,  and  since  then  he  has  served 
continuously  as  cashier. 

Mr.  Green  married,  May  19,  1859,  Miss 
Abbie  McHenry,  a native  of  New  York  State, 
daughter  of  James  and  Abbie  (Vincent)  Mc- 
Henry, the  former  one  of  the  earliest  settlers 
of  Allegany  county,  N.  Y.,  where  the  Valley 
of  McHenry  was  named  in  his  honor.  One 
child  was  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Paul  M.  Green, 
Eldon  L.,  who  died  at  the  age  of  fourteen 
months.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Green  are  members 
of  the  Seventh-Day  Baptist  Church.  Political- 
ly he  is  a Republican.  For  five  years  he  was 


13 


chairman  of  the  town  board  of  supervisors; 
for  fifteen  or  eighteen  years  he  has  been  asso- 
ciated with  the  school  board  as  director  01- 
treasurer  ; for  thirteen  years  he  served  as  post- 
master at  Milton;  and  in  1893-94  he  was 
member  of  the  State  Legislature.  Mr.  Green 
is  now  president  of  the  College  board  of  trus- 
tees. Fraternally  he  is  a member  of  Du  Lac 
Lodge,  No.  322,  I.  O.  O.  F.  He  is  one  of 
the  prominent,  successful  business  men  of  Mil- 
ton,  whose  keen  business  judgment  and  con- 
servative methods  commend  him  as  a wise 
counselor  throughout  the  community.  He  is 
public-spirited,  and  in  various  ways  has  most 
materially  contributed  to  the  prosperity  and 
growth  of  Milton. 

CHARLES  W.  BEALS  (deceased)  was 
a well-known  and  highly  respected  citizen  of 
the  town  of  Beloit,  Rock  county,  for  many 
years,  and  built  up  a character  and  a standing 
in  the  community  in  which  he  lived  so  many 
years  that  are  still  remembered  with  words  of 
warm  appreciation  by  his  old  associates. 

Mr.  Beals  was  born  at  Floyd,  N.  Y.,  Sept. 
1,  1 Si 6,  and  was  taken  by  his  parents  when  a 
child  of  two  years  of  age  to  Burlington,  Vt., 
where  he  was  reared  to  manhood,  and  received 
a good  education  at  the  hands  of  the  public- 
school  teachers  of  the  State.  He  early  learned 
the  millwright’s  trade,  and  worked  much  while 
a boy  in  the  woolen  mills  of  Massachusetts. 
When  he  attained  manhood  Mr.  Beals  came 
AAYst  to  Michigan,  and  spent  several  years  in 
the  Saginaw  Valley.  He  went  from  there  to 
Hartland,  Ohio,  where  he  remained  for  twenty 
years,  and  only  the  California  gold  fever  was 
strong  enough  to  tear  him  away  from  pleasant 
ties.  In  1850  he  went  to  California  by  the 
overland  route,  and  returned  by  way  of  the 
Isthmus.  In  1864  Mr.  Beals  made  an  extended 
trip  to  Idaho,  Oregon  and  Colorado.  In  1870 
he  made  his  first  appearance  in  AAhsconsin,  lo- 
cating at  Prairie  clu  Sac,  where  he  spent  one 
year,  and  then  removed  to  the  vicinity  of  Beloit, 
where  he  established  a beautiful  fruit  farm, 
which  attracted  universal  admiration  for  its 
high  cultivation  and  perfect  management.  He 
was  familiarly  known  in  Beloit  as  the  “straw- 
berry man.” 

On  Oct.  12,  1869,  Mr.  Beals  was  married, 
in  Ohio,  to  Miss  Johanna  Jones,  who  was  born 
in  Cuyahoga  county,  Ohio,  Oct.  26,  1850. 
They  had  three  children,  Albert  INI.,  Elmer  E., 


14 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


and  Alice  Gertrude.  Mrs.  Beals  is  the  daugh- 
ter of  George  and  Eliza  (Jordan)  Jones,  the 
former  a native  of  New  York,  the  latter  of 
Rockport,  Cuyahoga  Co.,  Ohio.  He  died  in 
Baraboo,  Wis.,  when  about  fifty  years  old, 
and  was  the  father  of  eight  children,  of  whom 
Mrs.  Beals  was  the  eldest. 

Charles  W.  Beals  was  a Republican.  His 
religious  views  were  those  of  the  liberal  school, 
and  consisted  of  good  deeds  and  manly  con- 
duct rather  than  profession.  He  paid  one 
hundred  cents  on  the  dollar,  and  exercised 
charity  as  proper  subjects  for  it  came  under  his 
eye.  He  was  an  honest  man,  and  was  forcible 
in  the  expression  of  his  views  on  all  subjects. 
He  was  satisfied  in  his  last  days  that  honorable 
manhood  was  a good  capital  to  live  by,  and 
would  certainly  be  a recommendation  in  that 
“undiscovered  country,  from  whose  bourne  no 
traveler  returns.” 

JAMES  McEWAN.  No  name  is  more 
intimately  associated  with  the  pioneer  history 
of  Milton,  Rock  county,  than  that  of  our  sub- 
ject. His  brother  Peter  left  Scotland  and  in 
1837  migrated  from  Canada  to  Wisconsin, 
purchased  the  claims  of  two  eighty-acre  tracts 
of  land,  and  claimed  several  lots  besides,  includ- 
ing the  site  of  the  village.  The  following  year 
our  subject,  then  a lad  of  fifteen  years,  made  the 
trip  across  the  ocean  from  Scotland  with  his 
widowed  mother  and  her  family. 

James  McEwan  was  born  at  Comrie, 
Perthshire,  Scotland,  May  8,  1823,  son  of 
William  and  Elizabeth  (Dow)  McEwan.  The 
grandfathers,  John  McEwan  and  John  Dow, 
both  died  in  Scotland.  There  too,  about  1834, 
the  father  of  our  subject  died,  and  the  widow, 
several  years  later,  came  with  her  family  to 
America.  She  was  a relative  of  Neal  Dow,  a 
famous  musician,  was  a woman  of  strong  char- 
acter and  deep  religious  convictions.  The 
family  sailed  from  Greenock  in  the  “Lady  of 
the  Lake,"  a sailing  vessel,  which  was  nearly 
two  months  in  making  the  trip  across  the  ocean  ; 
the  entire  passenger  list  comprised  Scotch  peo- 
ple and  their  families,  except  one  Englishman. 
Landing  at  New  York,  the  McEwans  pro- 
ceeded immediately  to  the  Wisconsin  wilder- 
ness. The  trip,  strange  as  it  appears  to-day, 
was  typical  of  that  time.  The  emigrants  went 
by  one  of  the  new  steamers  to  Albany, 
and  thence  by  rail  to  Schenectady,  N.  Y.,  the 
cars  being  drawn  up  the  hill  at  Albany  by  a 


stationary  engine,  the  rails  being  simply  strap- 
iron,  and  the  speed  very  moderate.  From 
Schenectady  the  party  proceeded  by  the  Erie 
canal  to  Buffalo,  and  then  embarked  on  the 
passenger  steamer  "Gen.  Wayne”  for  Mil- 
waukee, where  a small  steamer  met  the  vessel 
and  brought  the  passengers  up  the  river  to 
the  landing.  There  they  lodged  at  the  “Cot- 
tage Inn,”  and  next  day  were  met  by  Peter, 
the  brother  and  son,  and  were  conveyed  by  ox- 
team  and  wagon  to  Milton,  the  trip  requiring 
three  days ; the  country  was  swampy  and1  the 
roads  miserable  until  the  Fox 'river  was  crossed. 
Then  the  scenery  became  more  beautiful  to  the 
eye,  and  cheered  and  reinspired  the  weary  pil- 
grims. 

At  Milton  the  family  located  in  a house 
south  of  the  present  residence  of  Mr.  McEwan. 
There  was  then  only  the  one  small  house  on 
the  site  of  Milton,  and  Peter  McEwan  sold 
the  first  lot  to  a Mr.  Sprague,  for  a black- 
smith shop.  Mr.  McEwan  sold  the  south  one 
of  his  eighty-acre  tracts  to  a Mr.  Goodrich, 
and  soon  after  the  sale  of  town  lots  became 
more  frequent.  Here  the  widow  resided  with 
her  family,  and  lived  to  the  age  of  eighty-one 
years.  Of  her  eight  children,  four  sons  and 
four  daughters,  only  two  now  survive : Cath- 

erine, widow  of  James  Home,  residing  at 
Milton;  and  James,  our  subject. 

James  McEwan  remained  on  the  Milton 
farm  for  several  years,  assisting  his  brother, 
and  about  1840  went  to  Milwaukee,  where  he 
learned  the  carpenter  trade.  Returning  to 
Milton,  he  followed  his  trade  for  some  years, 
also  engaging  in  contract  work,  there  and  at 
other  places.  He  then  for  some  years  engaged 
in  mercantile  business  at  Milton,  finally  sell- 
ing out  to  Mr.  Holmes,  who  is  still  engaged  in 
business  at  Milton.  Since  then  Mr.  McEwan 
has  lived  retired,  his  home  being  on  a lot  in 
section  34,  Janesville  avenue.  He  has  owned 
for  many  years  a farm  of  160  acres,  located  one 
and  a half  miles  northeast  of  Milton,  which 
he  lias  greatly  improved,  and  which  he  rents. 

In  1861  Air.  McEwan  married  Miss  Eliza- 
beth AIcEwan,  daughter  of  William  and  Alary 
(Marshall)  McEwan,  and  to  them  was  born 
one  child,  Alary,  who  is  a graduate  of  Milton 
College,  and  is  now  the  wife  of  William  Alex- 
ander, of  Lima  township.  Mrs.  McEwan  died 
Aug.  13,  1878,  and  in  1881  he  married,  for 
his  second  wife.  Miss  Margaret  Young,  daugh- 
ter of  William  and  Ellen  (Shewan)  Aoung, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


i5 


natives  of  Scotland.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McEwan 
are  Presbyterians  in  faith.  In  politics  he  is 
independent.  In  his  early  years  he  was  a 
Democrat  and  Free-Soiler,  but  in  later  years 
has  been  a Republican,  though  not  in  any 
sense  a politician. 

MAJOR  GEORGE  ROBINSON  FRANK 
(deceased)  was  one  of  the  distinguished  war 
veterans  of  Muscoda,  Grant  county,  and  a gen- 
tleman who  enjoyed  to  the  full  the  respect 
and  esteem  of  his  fellow  . citizens.  He  was 
born  at  Gray,  Cumberland  Co.,  Maine,  May 
2,  1S24,  a son  of  Alphens  and  Naomi  (Stifnp- 
son)  Frank. 

James  Frank,  the  paternal  grandfather  of 
our  subject,  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  the 
Revolution,  and  a very  worthy  man.  Alpheus 
Frank  and  his  wife  resided  in  Maine  until  their 
deaths.  They  were  the  parents  of  thirteen 
children,  of  whom  our  subject  was  the  eldest 
son  and  second  child.  One  of  our  subject’s 
brothers,  John  W.  Frank,  served  his  country 
in  a Maine  regiment  during  the  war  of  the  Re- 
bellion, and  is  still  a resident  of  Maine.  Anoth- 
er brother,  Gen.  Royal  T.  Frank,  graduated 
from  West  Point  in  1854,  and  during  the 
Civil  war  served  his  country  with  distinction, 
being  brevetted  major,  July  6,  1862,  for  gal- 
lant and  meritorious  conduct  in  the  Peninsular 
campaign.  In  December  of  the  same  year  he 
was  further  honored  by  being  brevetted  lieu- 
tenant-colonel for  bravery  at  Fredericksburg. 
During  December,  1870,  Gen.  Frank  was 
transferred  to  the  1st  Artillery,  and  Nov.  25, 
1888,  was  made  commandant  of  the  Artillery 
School  at  Fortress  Monroe.  When  Gen.  Mer- 
ritt was  sent  to  the  Philippines,  during  the  war 
with  Spain,  Gen.  Frank  succeeded  him  as 
commander  of  the  East,  with  headquarters  at 
Governors  Island.  During  his  long  and  active 
career  General  Frank  served  his  country  with 
marked  bravery,  and  his  honors  are  but  the 
just  reward  of  his  faithfulness  and  devotion. 
Another  brother  of  Major  Frank  and  Gen. 
Frank  is  Malvin  P.  Frank,  one  of  the  distin- 
guished attorneys  of  Portland,  Maine. 

George  R.  Frank  grew  to'  manhood  in  his 
native  State,  receiving  a good  academic  edu- 
cation, and  teaching  school  himself  for  four 
winters,  beginning  when  but  seventeen.  How- 
ever, wishing  to  see  something  more  of  the 
world,  the  young  man,  in  March,  1845,  left 
home  and  went  to  Boston ; thence  to  Buffalo ; 


and  in  September  of  the  same  year  to  Chicago, 
which  was  then  a small  village.  From  Chica- 
go he  proceeded  to  Galena,  and  thence  to  Ben- 
ton, Lafayette  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he  taught 
school  the  following  winter.  In  the  spring  of 
1846  Major  Frank  removed  to  Grant  county 
and  engaged  in  farming  and  teaching,  his  last 
term  of  teaching  being  at  Boscobel,  in  the 
winter  of  1861-62.  Fired  with  patriotism, 
when  the  war  of  the  Rebellion  broke  out  Major 
Frank  applied  for  a recruiting  commission, 
and  while  waiting  for  it  sought  to  stir  up  his 
fellow  citizens  by  speeches  and  enthusiastic 
talking.  As  a result  of  his  efforts,  when  the 
commission  arrived,  he  enrolled  his  full  com- 
pany in  a single  day,  and  it  became  Company 
B,  of  the  33d  Wis.  Y.  I.,  our  subject  being  its 
captain,  in  which  capacity  he  served  until  the 
spring  of  1865,  when  he  was  promoted  to  the 
rank  of  major.  Except  for  a furlough  of  sixty 
days,  Major  Frank  was  with  his  regiment  con- 
tinuously, and  participated  in  the  twenty-four 
battles  in  which  it  was  engaged.  The  33d 
Wisconsin  Regiment  has  a most  honorable 
record.  Its  first  commander  was  Col.  Jonathan 
B.  Moore,  formerly  sheriff  of  Grant  county, 
Wisconsin,  a very  able  officer.  The  regiment 
took  part  in  the  siege  of  Vicksburg,  Meridian 
expedition.  Red  River  expedition,  battle  of  Tu- 
pelo, and  other  engagements  of  equal  import- 
ance. After  the  surrender  at  Mobile  the  regi- 
ment was  ordered  to  Montgomery,  Ala.,  and 
moved  thence  to  Vicksburg,  where  it  was  mus- 
tered out. 

In  1875  Major  Frank  purchased  a large 
stock  farm,  just  across  the  line  in  Grant  coun- 
ty, and  became  one  of  the  largest  stock  rais- 
ers in  that  locality.  He  held  various  county 
and  town  offices,  having  been  town  superintend- 
ent of  schools,  justice  of  the  peace,  member  of 
the  county  board,  deputy  United  States  mar- 
shal, deputy  L’nited  States  collector,  assist- 
ant assessor  Internal  Revenue,'  etc. 

The  first  marriage  of  Major  Frank  oc- 
curred in  1848,  to  Miss  Matilda  Price,  a native 
of  Indiana,  daughter  of  Zachariah  and  Eliza- 
beth Price,  who  was  brought  to  Grant  county, 
Wisconsin,  when  but  six  years  old,  in  1836. 
The  children  born  of  this  marriage  were  seven 
in  number,  and  those  now  (1901)  living  are: 
Alpheus  E.,  Charles  E.,  Naomi  E.,  William 
E.,  George  E.  and  Fred  J.  The  other  child, 
Florence  C.,  wife  of  Charles  J.  McKittrick, 
died  July  10,  1897.  On  Aug.  4,  1891.  Mrs. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


16 


Frank  died  while  on  a visit  to  her  daughter 
Naomi,  at  Fremont,  Ohio.  On  Dec.  2,  1897, 
Major  Frank  was  again  married,  this  time  to 
Miss  Mary  L.  Owens,  daughter  of  Thomas 
and  Mary  M.  Owens.  Mrs.  Frank  was  horn 
in  Jo  Daviess  county,  111.,  May  25,  1863;  her 
mother  is  still  living.  Mr.  Owens  died  in 
Richland  county,  Wis.,  in  1899. 

Major  Frank  enjoyed  the  respect  and  es- 
teem of  his  fellow  citizens,  and  was  one  of 
the  leading  factors  in  the  social  and  political 
life  of  Muscoda.  Genial,  public-spirited,  enter- 
prising, he  was  a pleasant  companion,  as  well 
as  a good  business  man  and  faithful  public 
official,  and  his  sudden  death,  on  May  20,  1900, 
at  his  home  in  Muscoda,  was  deeply  and  sin- 
cerely mourned.  After  the  funeral  services, 
which  were  conducted  by  the  A.  F.  & A.  M. 
and  the  G.  A.  R.,  six  of  his  old  company  act- 
ing as  pall -bearers,  the  remains  were  taken  to 
Fremont,  Ohio,  and  buried  beside  those  of 
his  first  wife,  in  Oakwood  cemetery.  The 
Major  is  survived  by  a wife  and  six  children. 

HON.  GEORGE  CLEMENTSON,  Judge 
of  the  Fifth  Judicial  Circuit  of  Wisconsin, 
with  his  residence  at  Lancaster,  has  been  a 
resident  of  Grant  county  since  early  childhood, 
lie  was  born  in  Yorkshire,  England,  in  March, 
1842,  a son  of  Joseph  and  Elizabeth  (Peacock) 
Clementson,  the  former  of  whom  was  born 
in  Neasham,  County  of  Durham,  July  6,  1816, 
and  by  trade  was  a wheelwright.  He  removed 
from  Darlington,  where  he  had  served  his  ap- 
prenticeship, to  Richmond,  Yorkshire,  and 
there  followed  his  calling  until  1849,  when 
he  came  to  America  with  his  wife  and  son 
and  daughter,  a third  child  having  died  in 
infancy;  George  is  the  elder  of  the  two  sur- 
vivors. He  made  settlement  at  Hazel  Green, 
Grant  Co.,  Wis.  He  was  one  of  the  sufferers 
from  the  cyclone  which  partially  destroyed  the 
village  in  1876.  Mrs.  Elizabeth  (Peacock) 
Clementson  was  called  away  early  in  1879, 
and  the  death  of  Joseph  Clementson  took  place 
at  Hazel  Green  April  16,  1880. 

Judge  Clementson  began  his  business  life 
by  assisting  his  father  in  carpenter  work,  and 
later  in  wagon-making,  principally  at  Hazel 
Green.  For  a short  time  the  family  lived  in 
Hudson,  St.  Croix  county,  and  then  returned 
to  Hazel  Green,  where  young  Clementson  ac- 
quired  his  elementary  education  in  the  common 
school  and  local  academy.  But  his  course  of 


reading  and  general  study  were  far  in  advance 
of  the  curriculum,  as  he  was  innately  a stu- 
dent and  an  apt  one,  and  self-education  raised 
him  above  the  average  of  other  young  men. 
He  early  resolved  to  become  a lawyer,  and 
having  well  prepared  himself,  through  self- 
discipline,  he  began  the  study  of  law  unaided, 
and  qualified  himself  for  entering  the  law  de- 
partment of  the  University  of  Michigan,  which 
he  attended  one  year.  Later  he  read  law  in 
the  office  of  Hon.  J.  Allen  Barber,  and  in 
March,  1868,  was  admitted  to  the  Bar — hav- 
ing worked  at  his  trade,  meanwhile,  to  earn 
the  wherewithal  to  pay  his  expenses  at  college 
and  thereafter  until  admitted  to  practice. 

In  the  fall  of  1868  Mr.  Clementson  was 
elected  to  the  office  of  district  attorney,  and 
in  the  fall  of  1869  he  formed  a partnership 
with  Joel  Allen  Barber,  which  was  continued 
until  the  death  of  the  latter,  in  1881.  While 
this  firm  still  had  its  existence,  and  was  en- 
joying quite  an  extensive  and  consequently  lu- 
crative practice,  Mr.  Barber  was  elected  a mem- 
ber of  Congress,  in  1870,  and  re-elected  in 
1872,  and  during  the  four  years  of  his  in- 
cumbency the  legal  work  of  the  firm  was  prac- 
tically conducted  by  Mr.  Clementson;  that  it 
was  successfully  carried  on  is  self-evident. 

In  the  spring  of  1882  Mr.  Clementson  was 
elected  on  the  Republican  ticket  Judge  of  the 
Fifth  Judicial  Circuit,  and  has  been  thrice  re- 
elected, as  a non-partisan  candidate,  without 
opposition,  this  fact  showing  the  confidence 
reposed  in  him  by  his  party  and  the  public. 
His  fourth  term  will  expire  at  the  close  of 
1906.  During  the  period  of  his  judgeship  his 
ability  and  erudition  have  been  fully  recog- 
nized, and  his  integrity  has  never  for  a mo- 
ment been  questioned.  Among  many  of  the 
important  criminal  cases  that  were  brought 
before  him  while  on  the  Bench,  his  acumen 
was  truly  and  effectively  manifested  in  the 
trials  of  Rose  Zoldoski  for  the  murder  of  Ella 
Mallev,  of  the  Koetting  case,  in  Milwaukee, 
and  of  the  lynchers  of  Siebolt,  who  was  hanged 
by  the  culprits  to  a tree  opposite  the  court 
house  at  Darlington. 

On  May  11,  1869,  Judge  Clementson  mar- 
ried Miss  Mary  Asenath  Burr,  a native  of 
Vermont,  a daughter  of  Addison  Burr,  and  a 
distant  relative  of  Vice-President  Aaron  Burr. 
Three  children  have  been  born  to  the  Judge  and 
his  wife : George  Burr,  who  was  graduated 
from  Cornell  (N.  Y.)  University  in  1892,  and 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


1 7 


is  now  a member  of  the  law  firm  of  Lowry  & 
Clementson,  of  Lancaster;  Joseph  Addison, 
who  graduated  from  the  high  school  of  Lan- 
caster, took  a three-years  course  in  Hahne- 
mann Medical  College,  Chicago,  111.,  later  took 
a course  in  the  Polyclinic  College,  Philadel- 
phia, Penn.,  and  is  now  a practicing  physician 
at  Mineral  Point,  A A is. ; and  Bessie  Barber, 
still  under  the  parental  roof. 

Mrs.  George  Clementson  is  a devout  mem- 
ber of  the  Congregational  Church,  of  which 
the  Judge  is  a trustee,  although  not  a mem- 
ber. There  is  perhaps  no  individual  in  Grant 
county  more  honored  and  respected  than  Judge 
George  Clementson,  and  not  one  that  more 
justly  deserves  the  respect  that  is  paid  him, 
as  it  is  through  his  own  personal  merits  and 
inflexible  integrity  that  he  has  risen  from  a 
comparatively  obscure  condition  to  the  ele- 
vated position  he  at  present  holds. 

JUSTIN  HERBERT  BURDICK,  M.  D. 
Both  grandfathers  of  this  eminent  physician 
of  Milton  were  pioneers  of  Rock  county.  The 
paternal  grandfather,  George  Stillman  Bur- 
dick, was  a native  of  Rhode  Island,  and  of 
English  extraction.  In  his  native  State  he  was 
a member  of  the  State  militia.  By  occupation 
he  was  a lifelong  farmer,  and  migrating  about 
1842  to  Wisconsin,  he  located  in  Lima  town- 
ship, Rock  county,  where  he  followed  farm- 
ing for  man)'-  years,  removing  to  Milton  a few 
years  before  his  death,  in  1890,  at  the  ripe  old 
age  of  eighty-nine  years.  His  wife  survived 
him  several  years,  passing  away  at  the  age  of 
ninety-two.  Both  were  devout  members  of 
the  Seventh-day  Baptist  Church.  George  S. 
Burdick  was  a man  of  quiet,  retiring  disposi- 
tion, but  of  firm  principles  and  strict  integrity. 
He  had  four  children,  two  sons  and  two  daugh- 
ters. 

The  maternal  grandfather  of  our  subject, 
Abel  Babcock,  also  a native  of  Rhode  Island, 
about  1842  cast  his  lot  with  the  fortunes  of  the 
growing  Western  State  of  Wisconsin.  In  the 
East  he  had  been  a woolen  manufacturer,  and 
after  his  arrival  in  Wisconsin  he  opened  at 
Milton  the  “Dulac  House,”  one  of  the  finest 
hotels  of  the  village.  A few  years  later  he  en- 
tered mercantile  business,  which  he  followed 
successfully  until  incapacitated  by  old  age. 
He  lived  to  about  the  age  of  eighty  years. 
His  family  consisted  of  twelve  children. 

George  Burdick,  the  father  of  our  subject, 


was  born  in  New  York,  and  when  a minor 
came  with  his  parents  to  Lima  township,  Rock 
Co.,  Wis.,  where  he  was  reared  on  his  father’s 
farm.  He  married  Harriet  Babcock,  who  was 
born  in  Pennsylvania,  and  to  them  were  born 
two  children:  Clifford  R.,  who  died  at  the 

age  of  two  years;  and  Justin  Herbert,  our 
subject.  The  father  purchased  land  in  Lima 
township,  and  adopted  farming  as  his  voca- 
tion. For  the  past  fifteen  years  he  and  his 
wife  have  made  Milton  their  home.  They  are 
prominent  members  of  the  Seventh-day  Bap- 
tist Church,  of  which  society  he  is  a trustee. 

Justin  Herbert  Burdick,  our  subject,  was 
born  in  Milton  Dec.  29,  1851.  He  was  reared  on 
the  farm  in  Lima  township,  five  miles  north- 
east of  Milton,  attending  the  district  schools, 
and  later,  from  1868  to  1874,  Milton  College, 
selecting  the  classical  course.  Choosing  medi- 
cine as  his  profession,  he  began  his  studies  in 
1874  under  Dr.  O.  Allen,  and  in  1S75-76  at- 
tended the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons, 
at  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  He  graduated  from  the 
Medical  Department  of  the  Northwestern  Uni- 
versity, Chicago,  in  1877.  Until  September, 
1878,  he  was  connected  professionally  with 
Mercy  Hospital,  Chicago,  and  then  began 
private  practice  at  Utica,  Dane  Co.,  \Yis.,  con- 
tinuing thus  from  1878  to  1887.  There  had 
been  inherited  a taste  for  manufacture  which 
now  for  a few  years  asserted’  itself.  Relin- 
quishing his  practice,  Dr.  Burdick  began  at 
Milwaukee  the  manufacture  of  steel  elastic 
nuts  for  bolts,  a device  that  has  been  widely 
introduced  among  the  leading  railroads  of  the 
country,  East  and  West,  and  especially  in  the 
Northwest,  their  advantages  in  the  great  sav- 
ing of  construction  and  maintenance  of  track 
commending  general  use.  For  six  years  he 
continued  actively  engaged  in  this  manufac- 
ture, but  professional  life  called  him  back. 
He  retains  his  stock  in  the  National  Elastic 
Nut  Co.,  of  Milwaukee,  but  in  1893  he  re- 
entered the  profession  of  medicine,  locating 
at  Milton,  where  he  has  ever  since  enjoyed  a 
lucrative  and  growing  practice. 

Dr.  Burdick  married.  Aug.  30,  1882,  Miss 
Fannie  E.  Coon,  daughter  of  Samuel  H.  and 
Lucy  (Coon).  Five  children  were  born  to 
them,  Percy  AVillard,  Paul  Howard,  Lucy 
Adene,  Justin  Hugh,  and  Clifford  Leslie. 
Mrs.  Burdick  died  Nov.  12,  1896,  aged  thirty- 
four  years,  and  for  his  second  wife  Dr.  Bur- 
dick married,  Sept.  1,  1898,  Miss  Clara  L. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


1 8 


Stillman,  a native  of  Rhode  Island,  daugh- 
ter of  Jairus  M.  and  Clara  (Langworthy) 
Stillman.  By  this  marriage  Dr.  Burdick  has 
two  children,  William  Stillman  and  Ruth 
Evelyn.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Burdick  are  members 
of  the  Seventh-day  Baptist  church  at  Milton. 
Politically  he  has  always  been  a Republican. 
For  the  past  four  years  he  has  been  executive 
officer  of  the  Milton  board  of  health.  He  is 
also  a trustee  of  Milton  College.  His  pleas- 
ant home  in  Milton  he  erected  in  1893.  He 
is  public-spirited,  and  both  as  a physician  and 
a citizen  ranks  high  in  the  estimation  of  the 
people  of  Milton  and  the  surrounding  region, 
where  he  is  widely  known. 

ELISHA  CARRINGTON.  To  the  citi- 
zens of  Grant  county  the  name  of  this  distin- 
guished and  public-spirited  resident  of  Mont- 
fort  is  well-nigh  as  familiar  as  household 
words.  An  old  settler,  he  is  known  to  all  the 
men  and  women  of  later  generations,  and  the 
mention  of  his  name  at  once  challenges  atten- 
tion and  commands  respect.  His  birthplace 
was  Monroe  county,  N.  Y.,  a section  which 
forms  a part  of  the  Genesee  Valley,  far  famed 
for  its  fertile  valleys  and  its  gently  sloping, 
vine-covered  hills.  His  eyes  first  opened  Jan. 
9,  1831,  on  the  farm  of  his  father,  William 
Carrington,  who  was  born  near  the  city  of 
Utica,  N.  Y.,  not  far  from  the  headwaters 
of  the  Black  river,  whose  undulating  banks 
and  picturesque  falls,  as  it  descends  through 
the  gorge  near  Trenton,  have  made  it  famous 
among  tourists  from  all  parts  of  the  country. 

Elisha  Carrington  lost  his  father  while 
he  was  a child,  and  his  mother  afterward  re- 
turned to  her  father's  home,  in  Ontario  county, 
N.  Y.,  taking  with  her  her  three  children,  one 
of  whom  was  a daughter.  From  that  place 
she  removed  to  Medina  county,  Ohio,  making 
her  home  at  Westfield.  There  she  married 
a second  time,  becoming  the  wife  of  Hiram 
Hatch,  of  the  same  bailiwick.  The  elder  (and 
only)  brother  of  Elisha  Carrington  was  named 
Miles:  he  died  at  Detroit.  Mich.,  in  1882. 
Betsey  Jane,  his  only  sister,  was  twice  mar- 
ried, first  to  William  Baker,  and  after  his 
death  to  N.  P.  Hoag,  who  died  Nov.  24, 
1894;  she  died  near  Kent,  Wash.,  Feb.  14, 
1898. 

In  1849  young'  Carrington  returned  to 
New  York,  but  after  remaining  two  years 
went  back  to  Ohio,  in  1851.  From  that  State 


he  removed  to  Wisconsin,  in  February,  1855, 
and  has  ever  since  been  a resident  of  Grant 
county,  with  the  exception  of  the  years  1866- 
68,  which  he  passed  in  Iowa  county.  For 
many  years  his  homestead  was  in  Clifton,  but 
in  1877  he  took  fiis  family  to  Montfort,  which 
has  since  been  his  place  of  residence.  Brought 
up  as  a farmer’s  boy,  he  has  devoted  nearly 
his  entire  life  to  agriculture.  His  home  is 
one  of  happiness  and  comfort,  and  as  he  nears 
the  age  of  threescore  years  and  ten,  and  looks 
about  upon  his  children  and  grandchildren, 
and  reflects  upon  his  long,  well-spent  and  use- 
ful life,  he  is  able  to  return  thanks  to  the 
Power  which  has  enabled  him,  through  his 
own,  unaided  efforts,  to  accumulate  a compe- 
tence. Plis  fellow  citizens  have  not  been  slow 
to  recognize  his  ready  grasp  of  affairs  and  his 
moral  worth.  For  two  years  he  served  as 
chairman  of  the  town  board  of  Clifton,  and 
has  also  served  as  chairman  and  treasurer  of 
the  board  of  Wingville  township.  For  many 
years  his  political  affiliation  was  with  the  Re- 
publican party,  but,  having  become  convinced 
that  intemperance  and  the  liquor  traffic  are  the 
two  most  serious  dangers  menacing  the  per- 
petuity of  the  Nation,  he  has  felt  it  his  duty 
to  give  his  adherence  to  the  Prohibition  move- 
ment as  a political  as  well  as  a moral  force. 
Both  he  and  his  family  are  earnest  members 
of  the  Methodist  Church,  to  whose  advance- 
ment he  has  been  a liberal  supporter. 

On  Jan.  8,  1857,  Mr.  Carrington  was  mar- 
ried to  Caroline  Althea,  daughter  of  Adam 
Keith,  who  settled  in  Grant  county  in  1847. 
Mr,  Keith  was  a man  of  intense  energy  and  a 
somewhat  restless  temperament.  He  was 
born  in  Pennsylvania  March  16,  179T  removed 
thence  first  to  Ohio,  afterward  to  Indiana, 
and  later  to  Rockford,  111.  From  the  place 
last  named  he  went  to  Wisconsin,  and  two 
years  later  (in  1849)  crossed  the  Plains  to 
California,  where  he  remained  for  two  years. 
He  finally  settled  in  southwestern  Nebraska, 
and  died  there  March  16,  1883.  He  married 
for  his  first  wife  Elizabeth  Shirley,  and  after 
her  death  wedded  Hannah  Harris,  who-  sur- 
vived him  until  Jan.  7,  1900,  when  she  too 
passed  from  earth.  By  his  two  marriages 
Mr.  Keith  was  the  father  of  a large  family 
of  children,  nine  of  whom  are  yet  living: 
Louis,  Jasper,  Ruhama  (Mrs.  Pridaux)  and 
Henrietta  (Mrs.  Reynolds),  all  of  Nebraska: 
Mrs.  N.  Banker,  Mrs.  M.  Bartholomew,  and 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


i9 


Mrs.  Carrington,  of  Wisconsin ; Mrs.  M. 
Bowker,  of  Minnesota;  and  R.  H.,  of  Cali- 
fornia. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Elisha  Carrington  have 
been  born  ten  children.  One  of  these,  Will- 
iam Grant,  died  at  the  age  of  twenty-four 
years.  Those  who  survive  are  Gertrude  Lou- 
isa, Ella  J.,  Luella  Jane,  Henrietta  Keith,  Ber- 
tha Adelia,  Mabel  Susan,  Adam  M.,  Elisha 
Lewis  and  Miles  Frantz. 

JOHN  O.  BEAVER  (deceased)  is  well 
remembered  by  the  older  residents  of  Clin- 
ton township,  Rock  county,  as  an  exceedingly 
industrious  and  upright  farmer,  working  hard 
for  the  accumulation  of  a competence  for  the 
good  it  would  enable  him  to  do  for  those  he 
loved  and  cherished.  He  was  a mail  of  high 
character  and  real  worth,  and  would  scorn  to 
tell  an  untruth  or  do  a mean  action. 

Mr.  Beaver  was  born  in  Norway  Dec.  24, 
1828,  and  came  to  this  country  when  a stout 
and  sturdy  lad  of  sixteen  years,  coming- 
straight  to  Wisconsin.  Here  he  presently 
bought  a farm,  and  created  that  magnificent 
rural  estate  that  is  still  kept  as  the  Beaver 
homestead.  It  consisted  of  120  acres  of  highly 
improved  land  in  Section  27,  Clinton  town- 
ship, Rock  county,  to  the  cultivation  of  which 
he  devoted  his  entire  life.  He  died  July  4, 
1875,  and  his  loss  was  deeply  felt  by  many 
who  had  come  to  prize  him,  both  as  a man 
and  as  a friend. 

John  O.  Beaver  and  Miss  Christie  Ole- 
son,  daughter  of  Ole  Oleson,  of  Norway,  were 
married  in  March,  1857.  Mrs.  Beaver  came 
alone  to  this  country  when  a young  girl,  seek- 
ing the  opportunities  the  young  Republic  were 
said  to  offer  the  children  of  privation  in  the  old 
world.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Beaver  became  the  par- 
ents of  six  children,  Nellie,  Betsy.  Olinda,  Ole 
J.,  Oliver,  and  Ann  Maria,  all.  born  on  the  pres- 
ent Beaver  homestead  and  educated  in  Rock 
county.  Nellie  married  Andrew  Johnson  and 
died  in  March,  1886;  she  left  one  daughter, 
Alma  Charlotte,  who  is  now  an  inmate  of  the 
home  of  her  grandmother,  Mrs.  Beaver.  Bet- 
sy married  Thomas  Olson,  who  died  leaving 
his  widow  with  two  children,  Oscar  Julius  and 
Eva  Clarene,  who  are  also  living  with  Mrs. 
Beaver.  Olinda  married  Andrew  Lewis,  a 
farmer  in  the  town  of  Clinton,  and  they  have 
five  children,  Hattie  Julena,  Elva  Charlotte, 
Mattie  Clarene,  Lilly  Amelia  and  John  Bent- 


ley. Oliver,  a farmer  in  Minnesota,  has  never 
married.  Ann  Maria  was  married  to  Ole 
Aarud,  and  they  have  three  children,  Clara 
Matilda,  Oscar  James,  and  Gertie  Bertine. 

Ole  J.  Beaver,  the  youngest  of  the  fam- 
ily, lives  at  home.  He  is  unmarried,  and  de- 
votes himself  to  the  care  of  the  farm.  His 
mother  and  sister,  Mrs.  Olson,  make  a home 
for  him,  and  he  is  making  himself  felt  in  the 
community  as  a rising  and  successful  young- 
farmer.  He  is  a member  of  the  church  of 
his  parents,  the  Lutheran,  and  is  taking  a lead- 
ing position  in  the  community.  He  is  a Re- 
publican, and  socially  U a most  genial  and  hos- 
pitable gentleman. 

WILLIAM  KIRK  JAMESON,  M.  D„ 
one  of  the  leading  physicians  of  Grant  coun- 
ty, and  a highly  respected  and  prominent  citi- 
zen of  Muscoda,  is  a member  of  the  G.  A.  R., 
having  honorably  served  his  country  during 
the  Civil  war. 

Dr.  Jameson  was  born  at  Glasgow,  Scot- 
land, March  4,  1836,  the  only  child  of  Rev. 
James  and  Anna  Jameson,  and  was  brought 
to  the  United  States  by  his  parents  in  1844. 
The  family  resided  in  Albany,  N.  Y.,  where 
they  first  settled,  until  1848,  when  they  re- 
moved to  Milwaukee,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Jameson, 
who  had  been  a clergyman  in  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  became  identified  with  the  Congrega- 
tional Church  in  missionary  work,  preaching 
at  various  places  in  Wisconsin,  including  Al- 
bany, Magnolia,  and  Center,  Rock  county,  es- 
tablishing societies  and  erecting  churches. 
During  this  time  he  became  the  owner  of  a 
fine  farm  in  Rock  county,  which  he  obtained 
from  the  government,  and  greatly  improved. 
In  1871  Mr.  Jameson  removed  to  Muscoda, 
built  a comfortable  residence,  and  officiated  as 
pastor  of  the  Congregational.  Church  there, 
remaining  until  1S76,  in  which  year  he  located 
at  Albany,  Green  county.  There  he  resided 
until  his  death,  in  1896,  at  the  advanced  age 
of  ninety- four.  Not  only  was  Mr.  Jameson  a 
man  of  more  than  average  ability,  but  he  had 
also  enjoyed  educational  advantages  not  ac- 
corded to  everyone,  as  he  was  a graduate  of  a 
theological  school  of  Edinburgh,  that  great 
center  of  learning.  United  to  his  attainments 
and  powers  as  an  orator,  he  possessed  that  fac- 
ulty  of  winning  hearts  and  endearing  himself 
to  his  people  that  made  him  invaluable  as  a 
worker  and  clergyman.  Possessing  a robust 


20 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


constitution  he  was  untiring  in  his  efforts,  and 
continued  in  active  work  until  after  he  had 
passed  the  fourscore  milestone,  upholding  the 
principles  for  which  he  had  lived  and  labored 
so  long  until  the  day  of  his  death.  Mrs.  Jame- 
son died  before  her  husband,  passing  away  in 
1886,  at  the  age  of  eighty,  and  both  will  be 
long  remembered  by  those  who  knew  and 
loved  them  for  their  many  estimable  qualities. 

Dr.  Jameson  has  proven  himself  a worthy 
son  of  these  good  people,  to  whose  teachings 
and  example  he  attributes  his  own  success 
and  integrity  of  purpose.  While  a boy  he  at- 
tended common  school  in  the  several  places  at 
which  his  father  was  located,  and  at  eighteen 
he  entered  Beloit  College.  In  1S58  he  com- 
menced study  at  Ann  Arbor  (Mich.)  Medical 
College;  was  in  Hudson,  Wis.,  with  Dr.  Otis 
Hoyt,  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  Civil  war; 
returned  to  Ann  Arbor  after  the  close  of  the 
war,  graduating  in  1866;  and  settled  at  Mus- 
coda.  In  1862,  at  the  call  of  his  country,  Dr. 
Jameson  enlisted  in  Company  A,  30th  Wis. 
V.  I.  At  Camp  Randall,  soon  after  his  en- 
listment, he  was  made  hospital  steward;  in 
1863  was  appointed  assistant  surgeon  of  his 
regiment,  and  continued  to  serve  in  that  ca- 
pacity until  the  close  of  the  war.  The  greater 
portion  of  his  time  of  service  Dr.  Jameson 
spent  on  the  frontier,  his  regiment  being  one 
of  those  stationed  in  the  Indian  service,  and 
he  was  with  Brig.-Gen.  Sully  in  the  North- 
west until  the  spring  of  1865.  From  Sioux 
Falls,  Iowa,  the  regiment  was  ordered  to  Madi- 
son, Wis.,  and  there  honorably  mustered  out. 
Dr.  Jameson  has  continued  to  reside  in  Mus- 
coda,  where  lie  has  built  up  a large  and  lucra- 
tive practice. 

On  Dec.  3,  1855,  Dr.  Jameson  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Julia  Parslow,  who  died  Oct.  12, 
1882.  Two  daughters  were  born  of  this  union  : 
Ella,  wife  of  Frank  A.  David,  a prominent 
merchant  of  Moscow,  Idaho ; and  Alta,  wife 
of  IT.  R.  Smith,  one  of  the  leading  attorneys 
of  the  same  place.  Within  recent  years  Dr. 
Jameson  has  made  a visit  to  his  daughters  in 
their  far  Western  homes,  and  is  contemplating 
eventually  locating  in  Moscow,  in  order  to  be 
near  them. 

I11  his  political  convictions  Dr.  Jameson  is 
a Republican.  He  is  a highly  valued  member  of 
the  G.  A.  R.  post.  Successful  in  his  practice, 
honored  by  his  associates,  esteemed  by  his 
friends,  and  beloved  in  his  family,  Dr.  Jame- 


son is  a living  proof  that  a good  man  and 
woman  live  on  in  their  offspring,  and  that  the 
world  is  not  only  bettered  for  their  own  lives, 
but  by  those  who  come  after  them. 

JOHN  KEMLER  (deceased),  formerly 
one  of  the  leading  merchants  of  Platteville,  was 
a man  of  high  character  and  benevolent  dispo- 
sition, who  numbered  among  his  friends  the 
best-known  people  of  Grant  county,  and  in  his 
death  the  city  sustained  a great  loss. 

Mr.  Kemler  was  born  in  1818,  in  Hanover, 
Germany,  where  he  grew  to  manhood,  and 
was  fairly  well  educated  in  the  schools  of  his 
native  land.  In  1837  he  came  to  America,  and 
after  spending  one  summer  in  New  York  went 
to  Savannah,  Ga.  There  he  resided  two  years, 
serving  as  overseer  of  a large  plantation,  but 
in  the  spring  of  1842  he  removed  to  Galena, 
111.,  residing  there  until  the  fall  of  1843,  when 
he  returned  to  Germany,  and  was  married,  in 
1844,  to  Miss  Maggie  A.  Meyer,  of  Hanover. 
The  same  year  he  and  his  estimable  wife  came 
to  America,  locating  at  Platteville,  and  Mr. 
Kemler  engaged  in  the  mercantile  line,  con- 
tinuing thus  until  his  death,  in  January,  1889. 
As  a merchant  he  was  exceptionally  success- 
ful. His  worthy  Christian  wife  survived  him 
until  February,  1899.  Both  were  consistent 
and  active  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  endeared  themselves  to  all  who 
knew  them.  During  his  residence  in  Platte- 
ville Mr.  Kemler  served  as  trustee.  To  him- 
self and  wife  were  born  a number  of  children, 
four  of  whom  survive,  all  residing  in  Platte- 
ville: Minnie,  Julia,  A.  W.  and  James  C. 

The  eldest,  Minnie,  was  born  in  Platteville  in 
1844,  was  educated  in  the  Platteville  Academy, 
and  in  1870  married  H.  P.  Shroder,  now  one 
of  the  retired  merchants  of  Platteville ; they 
have  had  no  family.  Julia,  also  a native  of 
Platteville,  is  now  the  wife  of  George  Hendy, 
a prominent  merchant,  and  a member  of  one 
of  the  old  families  of  Platteville. 

A.  W.  Kemler,  son  of  John  Kemler,  was 
born  in  Platteville  in  1851,  was  educated  in  the 
old  academy  of  the  city,  and  later  took  a course 
at  Bryant  & Stratton’s  Business  College,  Chi- 
cago, after  which  he  went  upon  the  road  as 
salesman  for  a Dubuque  dry-goods  house. 
In  1877  A.  W.  Kemler  returned  to  Platte- 
ville, and  embarked  in  business  as  proprietor 
of  a general  store.  Later  he  enlarged  his  es- 
tablishment, and  now  handles  dry  goods  ex- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


2 I 


clusively,  having  built  up  a large  trade  among 
the  very  best  people  of  Platteville.  His  place 
of  business  is  one  of  the  largest  in  the  city,  and 
he  also  owns  a one-half  interest  in  a flourish- 
ing boot  and  shoe  concern  of  Platteville ; and 
is  a large  stockholder  in  the  First  National 
Bank  of  Platteville. 

In  November,  1878,  A.  W.  Kernler  mar- 
ried Miss  Dora  Campbell,  of  St.  Louis,  daugh- 
ter of  J.  C.  Campbell,  M.  D.,  one  of  the  lead- 
ing physicians  of  that  city.  Dr.  Campbell 
was  born  in  Tennessee  in  1810,  came  West,  and 
studied  medicine  in  Illinois.  In  1841  he  was 
married  to  Miss  Permelia  Oliver,  of  Alabama, 
and  located  in  Platteville,  Wis.,  where  he  prac- 
ticed his  profession,  erecting  a sanitarium 
which  he  conducted  until  1852,  in  which  year 
he  was  induced  by  his  friends  to  remove  to  St. 
Louis.  There  Dr.  Campbell  resided  until 
retiring  from  the  practice  of  his  profession, 
when  he  came  to  Platteville,  and  resided 
here  until  his  death,  in  November,  1881  ; his 
wife  died  in  1882.  To  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Campbell 
were  born  seven  children:  ' Dr.  James  A. 
Campbell,  an  eye  and  ear  specialist  of  St. 
Louis,  a physician  of  note,  is  married  and  has 
three  children;  Belle,  now  the  wife  of  T.  D. 
Ivimbell,  living  near  St.  Louis,  has  two  sons, 
Clinton  and  Arthur;  Jennie  is  the  wife  of 
Frank  W.  Person,  an  active  business  man  of 
Sioux  Falls,  S.  Dak.,  and  has  one  son,  Walter; 
Dora  is  the  wife  of  A.  W.  Kernler;  and  three 
are  deceased.  Dr.  Campbell  served  his  coun- 
try, during  the  Civil  war,  as  captain,  and  later 
as  surgeon,  for  two  years. 

Mrs.  A.  W.  Kernler  was  educated  in  the 
schools  of  St.  Louis,  graduating  from  the 
normal  and  high  schools,  after  which  she 
taught  four  years  in  the  public  schools. of  that 
city ; she  is  a very  highly  cultured  lady.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Kernler  have  had  five  children ; 
Florence  died  in  childhood ; Clara,  born  in 
Platteville  in  1880,  graduated  from  the  State 
Normal  in  the  class  of  1899,  and  is  now  a 
student  in  the  University  at  Madison,  being- 
very  highly  accomplished;  Truman,  born  in 
1882,  is  a student  of  the  State  Normal;  Vir- 
ginia, born  in  1887  in  Platteville,  is  a student 
of  the  State  Normal;  as  is  also  Olive,  who 
rvas  born  in  Platteville  in  1890. 

A.  W.  Kernler  was  brought  up  in  the  faith 
of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  but  is  not  a mem- 
ber, although  he  has  always  contributed  gen- 
erously to  the  support  of  church  work.  Mrs. 


Kernler  and  the  children  are  all  consistent 
members  of  the  Congreg-ational  Church.  In 
social  matters  Mr.  Kernler  is  one  of  the  lead- 
ing Masons  of  Platteville,  and  takes  an  act- 
ive part  in  the  work  of  the  fraternity.  He  is 
justly  regarded  as  one  of  the  leading  business 
men  of  Platteville,  is  popular  with  the  best 
element  of  people  in  the  city,  and  has  always 
taken  a deep  interest  in  local  affairs.  He  is 
a member  of  the  Republican  party.  Mrs.  Ivem- 
ler  is  very  prominent  socially  and  in  the  church,' 
and  both  are  highly  esteemed  by  a large  circle 
of  friends. 

James  C.  Kernler,  the  second  son  and 
youngest  child  of  John  Kernler,  was  born  in 
Platteville  Aug.  20,  1858,  and  was  educated 
at  the  State  Normal,  and  at  Bryant  & Strat- 
ton’s Business  College,  Chicago.  After  com- 
pleting his  education  he  was  salesman  for 
Marshall  Field  & Co.,  of  Chicago,  for  three 
years ; later  served  in  the  same  capacity  in  a 
large  dry-goods  store  in  Dubuque,  Iowa;  and 
in  1891  returned  to  Platteville,  and  embarked 
in  a genera]  dry-goods  and  merchandise  busi- 
ness, with  John  H.  Lutjens,  continuing  this 
partnership  to  the  present  time.  In  1895  Mr. 
Kernler  married  Miss  Beata  C.  Mackey,  of 
Lancaster,  Wis.,  daughter  of  Frederick  Mack- 
ey, one  of  the  old  pioneers  prominent  in  the 
history  of  Grant  county,  and  formerly  a resi- 
dent of  Platteville.  Frederick  Mackey  was 
born  and  reared  in  Germany,  and  is  now  a 
resident  of  Lancaster,  Wis.  After  their  mar- 
riage Mr.  and  Mrs.  James  C.  Kernler  settled 
in  Platteville,  and  are  regarded  as  among  its 
most  prominent  people.  To  this  union  was 
born  one  son,  Herbert  J..  born  in  June,  1897. 
Mr.  Kernler  is  also  a Republican  in  political 
faith,  and  has  been  very  prominent  in  the  work 
of  this  party  in  Platteville. 

No  record  of  Grant  county  would  be  com- 
plete without  the  history  of  the  Kernler  fam- 
ily, every  member  of  which  ha‘s  contributed 
so  materially  to  the  commercial  and  material 
welfare  of  Platteville,  and  borne  his  part  in  its 
development  and  advancement. 

ALONZO  C.  GRAY,  vice-president  of  the 
Bank  of  Evansville,  Rock  county,  occupies  a 
conspicuous  standing  in  the  community,  not 
merely  on  account  of  the  financial  relations 
which  he  sustains  toward  the  business  of  the 
community,  but  also  because  of  the  personal 
probity,  kindly  disposition  and  unswerving  in- 


9 9 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


tegrity  that  have  been  his  most  marked  char- 
acteristics. 

Mr.  Gray  was  born  in  Somerset  county, 
Maine,  March  20,  1841,  a son  of  Robert  D. 
and  Lurana  (Tinkham)  Gray,  natives  of  Maine 
and  Massachusetts,  respectively.  Mrs.  Gray 
was  a daughter  of  Orin  Tinkham,  and  a grand- 
daughter of  Hon.  John  Tinkham,  of  Massa- 
chusetts. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gray  were  the  par- 
ents of  four  children : Orin  T.,  a lawyer  in 

Boston;  Alonzo5  C.,  our  subject;  Clara  L., 
of  Norridgewock,  Maine;  and  a daughter  who 
died  in  infancy.  The  father  was  a lumber- 
man in  Maine  until  1850.  The  mother  died 
in  184C  and  five  years  later  Mr.  Gray  went  to 
California  and  engaged  in  mining.  He  spent 
fifteen  years  in  the  golden  West,  and  then 
went  back  to  the  Eastern  shore  of  the  country, 
and  spent  some  years  in  the  city  of  Boston  and 
in  the  State  of  Maine.  He  spent  the  closing 
years  of  his  life  in  Evansville,  Wis.,  in  the 
home  of  his  son,  Alonzo  C,  and  died  in  1884. 
His  death  was  the  result  of  a fall,  whereby 
he  broke  his  hip.  He  had  reached  the  age  of 
seventy-one,  and  had  reasonable  expectations 
of  a longer  lease  of  life.  His  wife  was  a Bap- 
tist, but  he  was  without  religious  affiliations, 
though  he  was  a thoroughly  honorable  and 
upright  man.  In  early  life  he  had  filled  sev- 
eral local  offices  in  Maine,  and  was  well 
thought  of  by  his  old  associates.  His  father, 
Capt.  Joshua  Gray,  was  an  officer  in  the  war 
of  1812.  He  was  a farmer,  a man  of  marked 
ability,  taking  a prominent  part  in  public  af- 
fairs, and  reached  the  age  of  ninety  years. 
He  reared  a large  family. 

Alonzo  C.  Gray  grew  to  manhood  in  his 
native  county,  enjoying  all  the  privileges  and 
opportunities  that  farmer  boys  were  wont  to 
command  in  those  early  days.  He  received 
an  education  that  was  both  broad  and  deep, 
studying  at  the  public  schools,  attended  An- 
son (Maine)  Academy,  and  had  private  in- 
struction at  Waterville,  Maine.  When  lie  had 
reached  the  age  of  twenty  years  he  felt  that 
he  should  apply  himself  to  the  work  of  life, 
and  securing  a position  in  a shoe  factory  spent 
some  years  within  its  walls.  He  was  careful 
and  saving,  wisely  invested  his  earnings,  and 
presently  had  enough  to  open  a general  store 
for  himself  at  West  Bridgewater,  Mass.,  but 
President  Lincoln’s  call  at  that  time  for  300,- 
000  men  caused  him  to  lav  aside  personal  aims 
and  to  enlist  in  his  country’s  defense.  He 


place  his  store  in  charge  of  his  brother,  and 
entered  the  Union  army  as  a member  of  Com- 
pany D,  58th  Mass.  Vol.  Inf.,  and  served  un- 
til the  close  of  the  war.  Mr.  Gray  was  de- 
tailed to  assist  in  the  recruiting  office  at  Fan- 
euil  Hall,  Boston,  Mass.,  where  he  remained 
until  April  28,  1864,  when  he  joined  his  regi- 
ment at  the  front,  and  six  days  later  took  his 
“baptism  of  fire"  in  the  battles  of  the  Wilder- 
ness. He  was  at  Spottsylania  Court  House 
and  Cold  Harbor,  and  was  in  front  of  Peters- 
burg during  the  summer  and  fall  of  1864. 
There  he  was  taken  sick  and  sent  home  on  a 
furlough.  Before  he  was  able  to  return  to  duty 
the  regiment  was  coming  home  on  account  of 
the  close  of  the  war  and  the  dawn  of  peace  over 
all  the  land. 

Mr.  Gray  was  married  about  this  time, 
and  came  to  Evansville,  setting  up  in  business 
here,  and  the  city  has  been  his  home  to  the 
present  time.  He  clerked  in  a general  store 
from  1867  to  1869,  and  then  bought  a half  in- 
terest in  the  business  with  M.  V.  Pratt,  con- 
tinuing until  1883,  at  which  time  he  sold  out 
his  general  stock,  and  confined  himself  for  a 
few  years  exclusively  to  boots  and  shoes. 
Finally  disposing  of  this  he  turned  to  real  es- 
tate, making  investments  in  Chicago  and  build- 
ing some  residences  there.  For  a number  of 
years  he  has  been  quite  retired  from  active 
business  cares.  For  some  eight  years  he  has- 
been  vice-president  and  director  of  the  Bank 
of  Evansville,  and  is  one  of  three  men  in  Rock 
county  to  whom  is  committed  the  distribution 
of  funds  to  indigent  old  soldiers  and  their 
widows  and  orphans.  He  is  officially  connect- 
ed with  both  the  Badger  State  Long  Distance 
Telephone  Co.  and  the  Evansville  Telephone 
Exchange,  being  one  of  the  original  promoters 
of  both  enterprises. 

Mr.  Gray  and  Miss  Isabel  F.  Peckham 
were  married  Nov.  28,  1866,  at  West  Bridge- 
water,  Mass.,  and  the  union,  singularly  happy 
while  it  lasted,  was  broken  by  the  death  of 
Mrs.  Gray,  on  Sept.  23,  1878,  at  the  early 
age  of  twenty-nine  years.  Mr.  Gray’s  sec- 
ond marriage,  on  May  18,  1879,  was  to  Miss 
Emma  J.  Rowley,  daughter  of  Daniel  and 
Calista  (Wells)  Rowley.  Mrs.  Gray  is  a lady 
of  many  gifts  and  excellencies  of  mind  and 
heart,  and  has  proved  in  every  way  a fit  com- 
panion for  her  energetic  and  enterprising  hus- 
band. Four  children  were  born  to  this  union, 
Orin  C.,  Ellis  Wells,  Paul  Rowley  and  Isa- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


23 


bel  Bernice.  Orin  C.  is  a student  at  Beloit 
College.  Ellis  Wells  died  when  a child  of  one 
year  and  nine  months.  The  two  younger  chil- 
dren are  at  home,  and  attend  school.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Gray  are  members  of  the  Baptist  Church, 
and  he  is  a member  of  Union  Lodge,  No.  32, 
A.  F.  & A.  M. ; Evansville  Chapter,  No.  35, 
R.  A.  M. ; and  Janesville  Commandery,  No.  2, 
K.  T.  He  is  also  an  active  worker  in 
T.  L.  Sutphen  Post,  No.  41,  G.  A.  R.,  and  the 
Modern  W oodmen  of  America.  Mr.  Gray  is  a 
Republican,  and  has  received  various  honors  at 
the  hands  of  his  fellow  townsmen.  He  is  aider- 
man  from  the  Second  ward,  and  has  filled 
that  position  several  terms;  was  a member  of 
the  old  village  board  of  trustees;  was  city  as- 
sessor one  year;  was  president  of  the  school 
board  six  years ; and  has  always  taken  a deep 
interest  in  the  local  schools.  His  home  is  on 
Church  street,  west  of  First,  where  he  has 
lived  a number  of  years. 

HILEN  CANFIELD  MORSE  (de- 
ceased) was  born  in  Geauga  county,  Ohio, 
Jan.  5,  1S24,  a son  of  Amos  and  Anna  (Fish- 
er) Morse,  natives  of  Maine  and  New  York, 
respectively.  They  were  the  parents  of  six  sons 
and  two  daughters,  all  now  deceased.  Amos 
Morse  died  in  Ohio  in  1838,  aged  seventy- 
three  years.  His  wife  survived  him  many 
3'ears,  and  married  again.  She  died  in  1863. 
Amos  Morse  is  supposed  to  have  been  a sol- 
dier in  the  war  of  1812. 

Hilen  C.  Morse,  whose  name  appears 
above,  was  reared  on  a farm  in  Geaug'a  coun- 
ty, Ohio,  and  had  his  home  in  the  town  of 
Huntsburg.  He  received  such  schooling  as 
fell  to  the  lot  of  the  farm  lads  of  his  time,  and 
when  he  reached  manhood  learned  the  trade 
of  carpenter  and  joiner.  This  was  his  oc- 
cupation conjointly  with  farming  for  many 
years.  He  came  to  Wisconsin  at  an  early 
day,  and  for  some  years  made  his  home  at 
Pewaukee  Lake,  near  Milwaukee.  About 
1848  he  moved  to  Johnstown,  Rock  county, 
and  helped  to  build  the  first  church  in  that  com- 
munity. He  also  aided  in  the  construction  of 
a church  in  what  was  known  as  Old  Johns- 
town. He  was  a resident  of  Rock  county  many 
years.  Attracted  by  the  fact  that  he  had  a 
brother  living  in  To  Daviess  county,  111.,  near 
the  settlement  of  Morseville,  which  was  named 
after  him,  he  sold  out  in  Rock  county,  and 
moved  into  Illinois.  He  returned  to  Johns- 
town, and  made  his  home  there  once  more, 


then  lived  near  Monroe,  in  Green  county,  and 
finally  came  back  to  Johnstown,  where  he  died 
in  1888,  aged  sixty-four  years. 

Mr.  Morse  and  Miss  Angelett  Newhall,  a 
daughter  of  Elisha  and  Esther  (Richardson) 
Newhall,  were  married  June  27,  1852.  They 
had  five  children : Amos  Elbridge,  Sarah  Lou- 
isa, Martin  Hilen,  Willie,  and  Julia  Esther. 
Amos  E.  married  Clara  Godfrey,  who  bore 
him  one  child,  Ray  Denver,  and  is  deceased ; 
he  married  a second  time,  Emma  Smith  be- 
coming his  wife,  and  she  bore  him  two  chil- 
dren, Mabel.  Louisa  and  Harry  Eli ; the  hus- 
band and  father  died  in  1886,  at  the  early  age 
of  thirty-three  years.  Sarah  Louisa  died  when 
only  three  months  old.  Martin  Hilen  mar- 
ried Mary  Jane  Hall,  and  lives  in  Janesville; 
they  have  three  children,  Ida,  Pliny  and  Lenn. 
Willie  died  in  infancy.  Julia  Esther  married 
Walter  S.  Pember,  of  Johnstown  Center. 
Hilen  C.  Morse  and  his  wife  were  members 
of  the  Lmited  Brethren  Church.  At  one  time 
he  was  associated  with  the  Independent  Or- 
der of  Odd  Fellows.  Politically  he  was  a 
Republican.  Mr.  Morse  was  a man  of  most 
excellent  character,  and  the  earlier  settlers  of 
the  county  remember  him  as  an  honorable  and 
industrious  man,  who  worked  hard,  paid  his 
way,  and  was  always  a kind  friend  and  good 
neighbor.  Mrs.  Morse  has  made  her  home  in 
Janesville  since  1892,  and  is  much  respected 
for  her  intelligence  and  her  kindly  heart.  She 
is  a good  neighbor,  and  a woman  of  strong 
personal  character. 

The  parents  of  Mrs.  Morse  were  Eastern 
people,  her  father  a native  of  Massachusetts, 
and  her  mother  of  Vermont.  They  had  four 
children,  two  of  whom  are  now  living:  El- 
bridge G.  and  Mrs.  Morse.  Mr.  Newhall  was 
a farmer,  who  came  West  to  New  \ ork.  where 
he  married.  About  1830  he  moved  to  Indiana, 
and  settled  near  the  town  of  New  Durham, 
La  Porte  county,  where  he  lived  until  1S37. 
That  year  he  moved  into  Rock'  county,  V is., 
and  settled  near  Johnstown,  where  he  took  up 
a claim  of  160  acres  for  himself,  and  an  equal 
amount  for  each  one  of  his  sons.  Here  he  spent 
the  balance  of  his  days,  and  died  about  the 
year  1837,  aged  seventy-four  years.  His  wife 
survived  him  two  years,  and  died  when  she 
was  sixty-five  years  of  age.  They  were  Uni- 
versalists,  and  liberal  people.  He  was  a man 
of  ability  and  character,  and  held  several,  town 
offices  at  different  times;  he  was  appointed 
notary  public  by  Gov.  Noble,  of  Indiana. 


24 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


W.  M.  HETHERINGTON,  cashier  of 
The  First  National  Bank  of  Platteville,  Wis., 
is  a native  of  Dubuque,  Iowa,  born  April  24, 
1863,  and  is  a son  of  C.  E.  and  Lucy  (Mills) 
Hetherington,  of  whom  brief  mention  here  fol- 
lows : 

C.  E.  Hetherington  was  born  in  Bellefonte, 
Penn.,  in  1825,  came  to  the  West  in  1847,  locat- 
ed in  Dubuque,  and  there  married  Miss  Mills, 
daughter  of  William  Mills,  a lawyer  of  consid- 
erable celebrity.  Mrs.  Lucy  Hetherington 
was  born  in  Monongahela  City,  Penn.,  in 
1834,  received  her  education  at  Washington, 
Penn.,  and  in  1855  accompanied  her  parents 
to  Dubuque.  For  many  years  Mr.  Hethering- 
ton was  secretary  and  manager  of  the  Dubuque 
Linseed  Oil  Works. 

W.  M.  Hetherington  received  his  educa- 
tion in  the  public  and  high  schools  of  Dubuque, 
and  when  eighteen  years  of  age  entered  The 
First  National  Bank  of  that  city,  as  messen- 
ger, occupied  all.  of  the  different  positions  in 
the  bank  up  to  that  of  cashier,  and  in  Novem- 
ber, 1891,  came  to  Platteville.  Here  he  or- 
ganized The  First  National  Bank,  which  pur- 
chased and  succeeded  the  private  bank  of  Dr. 
George  W.  Eastman,  the  latter  becoming  presi- 
dent of  The  First  National  Bank,  and  Mr. 
Hetherington  cashier. 

On  July  6,  1898,  Mr.  Hetherington  mar- 
ried bliss  Jessie  M.  Kyle,  a native  of  the  city, 
where  she  was  p'raduated  from  the  State  Nor- 
mal School,  and  for  three  years  thereafter 
taught  in  the  city  of  Milwaukee.  Mr.  Heth- 
erington is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church,  and  in  politics  is  a stanch  Re- 
publican. He  has,  however,  never  taken  an 
active  part  in  politics,  preferring  to  give  his 
entire  time  and  attention  to  the  management 
and  building  up  of  the  hank  with  which  he 
is  connected,  and  which  is  regarded  as  one 
of  the  most  conservative  and  substantial  finan- 
cial institutions  in  this  part  of  the  State. 

GEORGE  COVERT,  M.  D.  This  well- 
known  and  popular  physician  of  Clinton,  Rock 
county,  is  not  only  one  of  the  oldest  practic- 
ing physicians  of  that  thriving  little  village, 
but  also  one  of  its  pioneer  residents.  He  lo- 
cated at  Clinton  in  December,  1855,  and  has 
lived  there  ever  since,  being  with  one  excep- 
tion the  pioneer  of  longest  residence  in  the 
village.  Flis  life  of  more  than  forty-five  years 
in  the  community  has  been  most  active,  influ- 


ential and  useful.  The  Nestor  of  his  profes- 
sion, he  has  won  honor  among  his  fellow  prac- 
titioners, and  the  lasting  confidence  and  high 
regard  of  a large  clientele. 

Dr.  Covert  is  of  Holland-Dutch  extrac- 
tion. Flis  grandfather,  Abraham  A.  Covert, 
a native  of  New  Jersey,  became  one  of  the 
earliest  settlers  of  Seneca  county,  N.  Y.,  mi- 
grating with  his  father,  and  followed  the  vo- 
cation of  farming  through  life,  living 'to  the 
age  of  ninety-nine  years,  and  leaving  a large 
family.  His  ancestors  had  earlier  settled  in 
New  York,  and  a Mr.  Covert  erected  the  first 
church  in  the  city  of  Brooklyn. 

John  A.  Covert,  the  father  of  our  subject, 
was  reared  a farmer  on  the  Seneca  county 
homestead.  He  married  Miss  Catherine  B. 
Huff,  a native  of  New  Jersey,  and  a daughter 
of  Isaac  Huff,  who  was  of  Holland-Dutch  de- 
scent, the  family  originally  being  of  French- 
Huguenot  extraction.  Isaac  Fluff  was  a man 
of  superior  education,  and  followed  farming. 
He  married  a Miss  Van  Nostrand.  He  moved 
to  Ovid,  N.  Y.,  and  later  to  Oakland,  Mich., 
where  he  died  at  the  age  of  seventy-five,  hav- 
ing reared  a large  family.  His  widow  later 
came  to  Clinton,  Wis.,  where  she  died,  having 
attained  the  remarkable  age  of  one  hundred 
and  one  years  and  seven  months.  In  1852 
John  A.  Covert  moved  from  New  York  State 
to  Oakland  county,  Mich.  Ten  years  later  he 
settled  at  Clinton,  where  he  remained  until  his 
death,  at  the  age  of  eighty-four  years.  His 
wife  survived  him  one  year,  dying-  at  the  age 
of  eighty-three.  They  were  reared  in  the 
Dutch  Reformed  Church,  but  later  united  with 
the  Presbyterian,  and  then  the  Congregational 
Church.  Mr.  Covert  was  for  a number  of 
years  a justice  of  the  peace,  and  he  was  a 
man  of  unusual  force  of  character.  Of  the 
six  children  of  John  A.  and  Catherine  B.  Cov- 
ert, four  sons  and  two  daughters,  four  are 
now  living:  Dr.  George,  our  subject;  Augus- 
tus, of  Cheney,  Spokane  county.  Wash.;  Ry- 
near,  of  Paw  Paw,  Mich. ; and  Elizabeth,  wife 
of  Norton  Winslow,  of  West  Bloomfield,  Oak- 
land Co.,  Michigan. 

Dr.  George  Covert  was  born  at  Ovid,  N. 
Y.,  Dec.  7.  1829.  He  was  reared  in  Seneca 
county,  and  received  his  education  in  the  com- 
mon schools  there  and  at  Washington  Collegi- 
ate Institute,  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.  Determined  to 
prepare  himself  for  professional  life,  he  taught 
■school  for  several  years,  then  prepared  him- 


\ 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


25 


self  for  the  practice  of  medicine,  receiving  his 
professional  education  at  Starling  Medical 
College,  Columbus,  Ohio,  and  the  Cincinnati 
Eclectic  Medical  Institute.  Dr.  Covert  began 
practice  at  Oakland,  Mich.,  in  1854.  In  1855 
he  settled  at  Elgin,  111.,  and  in  December  of 
the  same  year  located  at  Clinton,  Wis.,  where 
he  has  remained  continuously  in  practice  as 
a physician  and  surgeon  ever  since.  He  has 
always  been  a progressive  physician,  and  dur- 
ing his  long  and  successful  practice  he  has 
kept  thoroughly  abreast  with  the  rapid  ad- 
vance in  the  medical  profession.  He  gradu- 
ated from  the  Cincinnati  Eclectic  Medical  In- 
stitute in  1863;  in  1878  received  a diploma 
from  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons, 
Chicago,  became  a lecturer  at  that  institution 
on  chronic  diseases,  and  later  was  professor  of 
obstetrics.  Dr.  Covert  is  a member  of  the 
State  Eclectic  Medical  Society,  and  has  twice 
been  honored  by  election  to  the  presidency 
thereof.  He  is  also  a prominent  member  of 
the  National  Eclectic  Medical  Association, 
served  as  its  president  one  term,  and  as  vice- 
president  for  two  terms.  He  is  a member 
of  the  Illinois  State  Medical  Society,  and  of 
the  Pennsylvania  and  Oregon  State  Medical 
Societies.  He  is  a noted  contributor  to  medi- 
cal journals,  one  of  the  most  extensive  writers 
in  general  practice  in  Wisconsin.  Dr.  Covert 
built  the  first  drug  store  at  Clinton,  which  he 
conducted  for  twenty-five  years.  His  practice 
lias  been  general  in  character,  and  lucrative. 

Dr.  Covert  married,  in  January,  1858, 
Miss  Mary  Janette  Barker,  daughter  of  Cyrus 
J.  and  Eliza  (King)  Barker.  Three  daugh- 
ters were  born  to  them.  Effie  Grace,  Kittle 
May  and  Georgia  Iv.  Effie  Grace  is  the  widow 
of  C.  B.  Shepard,  and  lives  in  Elkhorn,  Wis., 
where  she  is  employed  in  an  abstract  office. 
Kittie  May  married  T.  J.  Creeth,  of  Hastings, 
Neb.,  and  they  have  two  children,  Claire  T. 
and  George  Alexander.  Georgia  Iv.  married 
Calvin  S.  Thomas,  a merchant  of  Clinton.' 
Mrs.  Mary  Janette  Covert  died  June  30,  1873, 
and  for  his  second  wife  Dr.  Covert  married, 
Tune  13,  1887,  Miss  Jennie  Muzzy,  daughter 
of  Lorenzo  and  Mary  J.  (Barker)  Muzzy, 
who  were  natives  of  Massachusetts,  and  early 
settlers  in  Rock  county,  Wis.,  where  Mrs. 
Covert,  was  reared.  She  was  educated  at  the 
StateHTni versi ty  at  Madison,  being  graduated 
with  the  degree  of  Ph.  B.  in  1872.  Two  years 
later  she  received  the  degree  of  A.  B.,  being 


the  first  lady  to  receive  this  degree  from 
the  University  of  Wisconsin,  and  then  taught 
Latin  and  Greek  for  three  years  in  the  high 
school  at  Madison.  She  possesses  the  culture 
and  accomplishments  which  make  her  a prom- 
inent factor  in  social  functions.  Dr.  and  Mrs. 
Covert  have  an  adopted  daughter,  Julia  Ger- 
trude. The)'  are  prominent  members  of  the 
Congregational  Church.  He  was  superintend- 
ent of  the  town  schools  many  years  ago,  and 
has  always  been  deeply  interested  in  educa- 
tional matters.  The  Doctor  has  been  twice 
president — in  1887  and  1899 — of  the  Covert 
Association,  the  largest  family  association  in 
the  country,  which  meets  in  June  of  each  year 
in  Seneca  county,  New  York. 

JOHN  SHORTNEY  (deceased)  was  for 
many  years  a familiar  figure  on  the  streets  of 
Janesville.  Though  confined  closely  to  the 
house  during  the  last  part  of  his  life,  he  is  re- 
membered as  an  exceedingly  honorable  and 
upright  man,  and  a choice  spirit  by  those  priv- 
ileged to  count  him  as  an  intimate  friend. 

Air.  Shortney  was  born  in  London,  En- 
gland, Sept.  14,  1822,  only  child  of  John  and 
Ann  Shortney.  His  father,  who  was  a London 
merchant,  died  in  1824.  The  infant  son  was 
then  taken  by  his  aunt,  Letitia  Ainsley,  and 
under  her  fostering  care  he  grew  to  manhood. 
’When  about  twenty-eight  years  old  he  came 
to  this  country,  his  two  aunts.  Miss  Ainsley 
and  Mrs.  Jane  Parris,  supplying  him  with 
clothing  and  plenty  of  money  with  which  to 
make  a fair  start  in  the  New  World.  The 
voyage  was  disastrous.  The  craft  was  a sail- 
ing vessel,  and  took  seven  weeks  to  make  the 
iourney.  On  the  way  over  a severe  storm 
carried  away  one  of  the  masts,  and  all  but 
wrecked  the  vessel.  Everything  movable  on 
the  ship  had  to  be  thrown  overboard,  and  Mr. 
Shortney  lost  his  money,  his  clothes,  and 
everything  he  possessed  in  the  world  except 
the  suit  he  wore,  and  his  letters  of  introduc- 
tion and  credit.  He  landed  in  New  York 
without  resources,  and  at  a loss  where  to  go. 
He  let  chance  decide,  set  up  his  cane,  and 
went  in  the  direction  it  fell,  which  was  west. 
He  made  his  way  to  Rome,  N.  Y.,  secured 
work,  and  saved  money  that  brought  him, 
after  a year’s  delay,  to  Janesville. 

Mr.  Shortney  arrived  in  Janesville  in  1850, 
and  at  once  began  clerking  for  Ensign  Bennett, 
and  worked  for  him  about  two  years.  Leav- 


26 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


mg  him,  he  entered  the  general  store  of  Charles 
Stevens,  with  whom  he  continued  until  he  was 
offered  a position  as  bookkeeper  in  the  Badger 
State  Bank,  at  Janesville.  He  was  rapid  and 
accurate,  and  remained  with  the  proprietor, 
Edward  L.  'Dimmock,  until  his  failure,  in 
1858.  After  the  closing  of  the  bank  Mr.  Short- 
ney  was  a partner  in  the  book  and  stationery 
business  for  a year  with  James  Sutherland. 
He  worked  for  the  American  Express  Co., 
and  then  became  bookkeeper  for  M.  C.  Smith 
<k  Co.,  and  was  with  them  twenty-one  years, 
until  their  sale  to  Bort,  Bailey  & Co.  He  kept 
on  with  the  new  firm  for  a year,  and  kept  books 
for  his  former  employer,  Mr.  Smith,  at  Rich- 
land Center,  Wis.,  for  two  years.  For  three 
years  he  was  manager  of  the  estate  of  Peter 
Myers  for  the  widow,  Mrs.  Myers,  and  while 
still  an  active  and  vigorous  man,  on  March  4, 
1891,  he  fell  on  a slippery  stairway  at  home, 
and  received  injuries  from  which  he  never  re- 
covered. He  died  June  5,  1899,  at  the  age  of 
seventy-seven.  Mr.  Shortney  was  educated 
in  a private  school  in  London,  possessed  an 
unusual  familiarity  with  literature  and  his- 
tory, was  a deep  reader,  and  accumulated  a 
fine  library.  He  was  of  a somewhat  reserved 
nature,  but  his  friends  became  warmly  and 
deeply  attached  to  him.  He  was  very  orderly 
and  precise,  carried  into  his  own  matters  the 
most  exact  order,  and  was  a fine  penman.  He 
was  very  ambitious  in  all  business  matters. 

Mr.  Shortney  was  twice  married.  His  first 
wife,  Isabel  Older,  to  whom  lie  was  united 
Oct.  26,  1855,  died  April  21,  1857.  On  Nov. 
28,  1859,  was  celebrated  his  wedding  with 
Miss  Isobel  Margaret  McDonald,  daughter  of 
James  and  Jeannette  (McNaughton)  McDon- 
ald. 1 o this  second  union  were  born  six  chil- 
dren: John,  Isabel,  Letitia,  Letitia  (2),  Jean- 
nette and  James.  John  is  not  married,  and  is 
a clerk  in  a shoe  store  at  LaCrosse,  Wis.  Isa- 
bel lives  in  Detroit,  Mich.  Letitia  (1)  died 
when  a babe  of  three  months.  The  second  of 
that  name  is  a trained  nurse  in  the  city.  Jean- 
nette and  James  are  both  living  at  home.  Mr. 
Shortney  was  an  Episcopalian  in  religious 
faith,  while  his  wife,  who  survives  him,  is  a 
Presbyterian.  He  was  a Republican,  but  was 
never  a candidate  for  any  office.  James  Mc- 
Donald, Mrs.  Shortney’s  father,  was  born  in 
Scotland,  Aug.  16,  1810,  and  was  educated  in 
his  native  land.  Coming  to  this  country,  he 
made  Port  Jervis,  N.  Y.,  his  first  stopping  I 


place,  remained  there  three  years,  and  then 
went  to  Caledonia,  in  the  same  State,  where 
he  was  married,  and  from  Caledonia  he  moved 
to  Sturgis,  Mich.  In  iSs^  he  moved  to  Chil- 
ton, Wis.,  and  remained  there  until  1874, 
when  he  came  to  Janesville.  He  lived  only 
a short  time  after  his  arrival  in  the  city,  dying 
April  4,  1877,  at  the  age  of  sixty-six  years  and 
eight  months.  His  wife  died  in  1855.  They 
were  the  parents  of  five  daughters  and  one 
son.  Mrs.  McDonald  was  born  in  Johnstown, 
N.  Y.,  in  1810,  and  was  one  of  a large  fam- 
ily. Her  father,  Robert  McNaughton,  was  a 
soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  lived  to  be 
ninety-six  years  old. 

CHARLES  M.  SMITH,  Sr.,  M.  D„  of 
Evansville,  is  one  of  the  older  physicians  of 
Rock  county,  and  has  been  identified  with  its 
interests  for  forty-one  years.  He  entered  the 
State  as  a teacher,  and  taught  school  for  a 
time  following  his  arrival  here.  It  is  as  a phy- 
sician, however,  that  he  has  made  himself  felt 
in  the  community,  and  it  is  not  too  much  to 
say  that  he  has  lived  up  to  the  best  ethics  of  his 
profession. 

Dr.  Smith  was  born  in  Cattaraugus  county, 
N.  Y.,  June  25,  1834,  and  is  a son  of  Jacob  and 
Delana  (Rich)  Smith,  natives  of  that  State. 
Three  sons  and  six  daughters,  seven  of  whom 
are  now  living,  were  born  to  this  worthy  couple. 
Catherine  is  the  wife  of  George  Paine,  and  lives 
in  Cattaraugus,  N.  Y.  Dr.  Charles  M.  is  at 
Evansville.  Elvira  died  in  infancy.  James 
R.  is  in  New  York.  Arvilla  is  the  wife  of  C. 

M.  Rumsey,  and  lives  in  New  York.  Judson 
lives  in  the  same  State.  Mary  R.  is  the  wife 
of  Rev.  C.  M.  Pullen,  an  Episcopal  clergyman, 
now  of  Buffalo,  N.  Y.  Matilda,  who  died  in 
February,  1901,  was  the  wife  of  Orrin  Rich,  of 
New  York.  Jacob  Smith  was  a farmer  and 
breeder  of  fine  stock  in  Cattaraugus  county,  and 
died  there  at  the  age  of  seventy  years.  His 
wife,  the  mother  of  our  subject,  died  at  the 
age  of  fifty  years.  They  were  members  of  the 
Methodist  Church.  His  father,  John  Smith, 
was  a native  of  New  York,  of  German  descent, 
and  was  a farmer  by  occupation.  He  reared 
a family  of  ten  children.  He  reached  the  age 
of  eighty.  The  maternal  grandfather  of  Dr. 
C.  M.  Smith  was  a native  of  Onondaga  county, 

N.  Y.,  of  English  descent,  and  was  a farmer. 
He  participated  in  the  war  of  1812.  He  died 
in  old  age,  and  his  wife  reached  the  age  of 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


2 7 


ninety.  They  had  a large  family,  and  Delana 
was  the  youngest  of  their  thirteen  children. 

Dr.  Smith  lived  in  Cattaraugus  county,  N. 
Y.,  until  he  was  twenty  years  old,  was  a stu- 
dent in  the  district  school,  and  for  a time 
was  clerk  in  a drug  and  commission  store  in 
Fcrestville,  N.  Y.  In  1854  he  came  to  Wis- 
consin, taught  the  first  school  in  Dayton,  and 
later  was  a teacher  for  two  terms  in  Evans- 
ville. He  then  entered  the  academy  at  Albion, 
Wis.,  where  he  attended  three  terms,  and  was 
graduated  in  1856.  That  year  he  took  up  the 
study  of  medicine  with  Dr.  Evans  as  his  pre- 
ceptor, and  was  graduated  from  Rush  Medical 
College  in  i860.  He  began  the  practice  of 
medicine  at  Footville,  Rock  county,  Wis.,  and 
was  there  two  years  when  he  obtained  the  ap- 
pointment of  assistant  surgeon  to  the  13th 
Wis.  V.  I.,  in  which  position  he  served  through- 
out the  war.  Returning  to  Evansville  at  the 
conclusion  of  hostilities,  he  formed  a medical 
partnership  with  Dr.  Evans  that  continued  for 
eighteen  years.  In  1873  he  took  a special 
course  in  Bellevue  Hospital  Medical  College, 
New  York.  In  1882  he  was  made  an  honorary 
member  of  the  Wisconsin  Pharmaceutical  As- 
sociation ; he  is  also  a member  of  the  American 
Medical  Association,  the  State  Medical  Asso- 
ciation, and  the  Central  Wisconsin  Associa- 
tion. 

Dr.  Smith  and  Miss  Julia  Sawin  were  mar- 
ried May  16,  1861.  Mrs.  Smith  is  the  young- 
est daughter  of  Rev.  John  Sawin,  a clergy- 
man of  the  Baptist  Church,  and1  one  of  the  ear- 
liest settlers  of  Wisconsin.  To  Dr.  Smith  and 
his  wife  have  been  born  two  children,  Flora 
D.  and  Charles  M.,  Jr.  Flora  D.  married 
George  O.  Gordon,  of  Lodi,  Wis.,  and  is  the 
mother  of  one  child,  Doris.  Charles  M.,  Jr., 
is  mentioned  elsewhere  in  this  volume.  Dr. 
Smith,  Sr.,  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the 
Episcopal  Church.  He  is  a Mason,  and  holds 
membership  in  Union  Lodge,  No.  32,  A.  F.  & 
A.  M. ; Evansville  Chapter,  No.  35,  R.  A.  M. ; 
and  Janesville  Commandery,  No.  2,  K.  T.  He 
also  belongs  to  Leota  Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and 
Evansville  Post,  No.  46,  G.  A.  k.,  of  which 
latter  he  has  been  surgeon  ever  since  its  or- 
ganization. He  lives  at  the  corner  of  Church 
and  Madison  streets,  and  his  office  is  at  No. 
204  Main  street.  Politically  he  is  a Republi- 
can, was  president  of  the  village  board  in  1876, 
and  was  clerk  of  the  high  school  fourteen  years 
from  its  organization. 


HON.  JOHN  MEEK  WHITEHEAD, 
senior  member  of  the  law  firm  of  Whitehead  & 
Matheson,  Janesville,  Rock  county,  stands  by 
general  confession  among  the  very  first  lawyers 
of  the  State.  He  has  a good  knowledge  of  legal 
principles,  and  is  able  to  apply  that  knowledge 
to  cases  under  discussion  in  a manner  both  ac- 
curate and  convincing. 

Mr.  Whitehead  was  born  on  a farm  near 
Hillsboro,  111.,  July  29,  1852,  a son  of  Jacob 
and  Elizabeth  Ann  (Paisley)  Whitehead,  na- 
tives of  New  Jersey  and  Montgomery  county, 
111.,  respectively.  They  were  the  parents  of  six 
sons  and  four  daughters,  and  six  of  their  chil- 
dren are  now  living:  Hon.  John  M. ; Rev. 

Jacob  P. ; Elizabeth,  matron  of  the  State  Hos- 
pital at  Mendota,  Wis.;  Joel  B. ; Mary,  wife 
of  Arthur  W.  Cole,  of  Hyde  Park,  111. ; and 
Miss  Mathe  Whitehead,  of  Hillsboro,  111.  The 
father  was  a blacksmith  and  farmer.  He  was 
of  English  descent,  and  exhibited  many  of 
the  best  traits  of  his  ancestry.  He  was  born 
in  1815,  and  left  New  Jersey  when  nine  years 
old,  living  at  Hamilton,  Dayton,  Piqua,  and 
other  points  in  Ohio  until  the  month  of  De- 
cember, 1837,  when  he  came  West,  and  lo- 
cated at  Alton,  111.,  where  he  lived  one  year. 
Then  he  moved  to  Montgomery  county,  and 
lived  in  and  about  Hillsboro,  111.,  up  to  the 
time  of  his  death,  April  24,  1900.  His  wife 
survives.  Jacob  Whitehead  was  a member  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church.  He  was  a colonel  in 
the  State  militia  about  the  time  of  the  Mexican 
war.  At  one  time  he  wTas  a Democrat,  but 
voted  for  Lincoln  in  i860,  and  was  a Repub- 
lican ever  after. 

Daniel  Whitehead,  paternal  grandfather  of 
our  subject,  was  a native  of  England,  was 
a shoemaker,  and  came  to  the  United  States 
about  1812.  He  settled  in  Ohio  with  his 
family,  and  died  there  in  middle  life.  He  had 
two  sons  and  one  daughter.  Joseph  Paisley, 
the  father  of  Elizabeth  Ann  Paisley,  was  born 
at  Greensboro,  N.  C.,  and  moved  to  Illinois 
about  1820,  locating  in  Montgomery  county, 
where  he  engaged  in  farming.  He  spent  the 
last  years  of  his  life  there,  and  died  in  1858, 
when  about  sixty  years  old.  Lie  was  a promi- 
nent farmer,  and  had  a familiar  acquaintance 
with  many  of  the  leading  men  of  the  times. 
He  left  a widow,  and  five  of  his  children  also 
survived  him. 

Hon.  John  M.  Whitehead  was  reared  at 
Hillsboro,  111.,  and  received  a solid  and  sub- 


2 S 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


stantial  education.  He  attended  a local  select 
school  and  an  academy,  in  1872  spent  a year  at 
Wabash  College,  and  attended  Williston  Semi- 
nar)-. at  Easthampton,  Mass.,  completing  his 
preparation  for  Yale,  from  which  institution 
he  was  graduated  in  1877.  While  at  Yale  he 
made  the  exceptional  and  creditable  record  of 
not  missing-  a recitation  or  a chapel  meeting-  for 
five  years.  After  leaving-  school  he  taught  a 
year  at  Ravenswood,  111.,  and  then  became  a 
student  at  Chicago,  in  the  law  office  of  Learning 
& Thompson,  prominent  lawyers,  under  their 
direction  mastering  the  elementary  principles 
of  the  law  in  a manner  both  thorough  and  bril- 
liant, being  admitted  to  the  Bar  in  1880.  He 
spent  five  years  with  them  as  a clerk  and  gener- 
al assistant,  and  in  August,  1883,  came  to 
Janesville  to  open  an  office  and  engage  in  the 
practice  of  his  profession.  He  won  friends,  and 
has  acquired  a good  patronage,  being  now  re- 
garded as  one  of  the  most  capable  and  suc- 
cessful attorneys  of  the  city.  He  remains  in 
the  same  building  where  he  began,  and  old 
friends  know  where  to  find  him,  always  ready 
for  their  business  and  for  them. 

Mr.  Whitehead  and  Miss  Lavina  Fletcher 
Barrows,  daughter  of  James  L.  and  Hannah 
(Cottle)  Barrows,  were  united  in  marriage 
July  12,  1881.  To  this  union  were  born  two 
children,  Philip  Barrows,  on  January  29,  1884, 
and  a daughter,  on  May  11,  1887.  Mrs.  White- 
head died  March  15,  1888,  leaving  behind  her 
lasting  memories  of  a sweet  and  noble  woman- 
hood. She  was  a member  of  the  First  Con- 
gregational Church  of  Janesville,  as  is  also 
Mr.  Whitehead.  He  is  president  of  the  board 
of  trustees  of  the  society,  and  has  been  clerk  of 
the  church  sixteen  years.  Politically  he  is  a 
Republican,  and  has  been  honored  with  many 
evidences  of  trust  and  respect.  He  is  now 
State  senator  and  was  a member  of  the  county 
board  of  supervisors  for  one  year.  Mr.  White- 
head  has  been  associated  with  Alexander  E. 
Matheson  as  a law  partner,  and  they  are  en- 
gaged in  a general  law  practice. 

PETER  ALLER  (deceased),  at  one  time 
superintendent  of  the  Rock  County  Insane 
Asylum  and  Poor  Farm,  and  one  of  the  most 
widelv  known  and  influential  citizens  of  Janes- 
ville, Rock  county,  was  largely  instrumental 
in  the  development  and  improvement  of  the 
material  resources  of  that  locality. 

Mr.  Aller  was  born  in  Hunterdon  county, 


N.  J.,  March  18,  1817,  a son  of  William  and 
Mary  (Dalrympl.e)  Aller,  also  natives  of  New 
Jersey.  William  Aller  was  a son  of  Peter 
Aller,  also  a native  of  New  Jersey,  of  German 
descent,  who  was  a lieutenant  in  the  war  of  the 
Revolution,  and  migrated  to  Pennsylvania, 
where  he  died  at  the  age  of  eighty-six.  He 
was  married  twice,  and  had  seventeen  children. 
The  maternal  grandfather  of  our  subject,  Jesse 
Dalrymple,  was  also  in  the  Revolutionary  war, 
and  a native  of  New  Jersey.  The  founder  of 
this  family  in  America  was  born  in  Wales  and 
immigrated  to  this  country.  He  had  eight 
children,  and  died  at  the  age  of  eighty-five  or 
eighty-six. 

William  Aller,  who  was  a carpenter,  moved 
to  Pennsylvania,  and  settled  in  Bedford  county, 
where  he  resided  a number  of  years.  In  1840 
he  came  to  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin,  and 
settled  in  Union  township,  Rock  county,  where 
he  took  up  eighty  acres  of  government  land  and 
greatly  improved  same.  He  died  at  the  age  of 
eighty-six.  Mrs.  William  Aller  died  several 
years  before  her  husband,  aged-  eighty.  Both 
of  these  good  people  were  Baptists  in  religious 
faith,  and  were  highly  esteemed  for  their  many 
admirable  qualities.  To  them  were  born  five 
sons  and  three  daughters,  of  whom  but  one  is 
now  living,  William,  of  Utah. 

Peter  Aller  was  only  one  year  old  when  his 
parents  removed  to  Bedford  county,  Penn., 
and  he  grew  to  manhood  on  the  farm  there,  at- 
tending the  district  school,  and  learning  the 
trade  of  stone  and  brick  mason,  which  he  fol- 
lowed many  years.  In  1840  he  came  to  Rock 
county,  Wis.,  and  took  up  160  acres  of  gov- 
ernment land,  in  Union  township,  which  he  im- 
proved. There  he  lived  until  1870,  when  he 
removed  to  Evansville,  and  was  in  the  drug 
business  for  a few  years.  For  nearly  fourteen 
years  Mr.  Aller  was  superintendent  of  the 
Rock  County  Insane  Asylum  and  Poor  Farm, 
which  was  first  located  in  Johnstown  township, 
but  in  1894,  the  buildings  being  old,  the  county 
erected  new  ones  in  Janesville  township,  about 
three  miles  north  of  the  city  of  Janesville, 
where  the  poor  farm  of  383  acres  is  also  sit- 
uated. The  county  buildings  are  very  substan- 
tial and  well  built,  and  the  asylum  is  a quarter 
of  a mile  in  circumference.  It  now  has  about 
145  inmates,  with  a capacity  of  160;  while  the 
poor  house  inmates  range  in  number  from  fifty 
to  sixty. 

On  March  28,  1841,  Peter  Aller  was  mar- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


29 


ried  to  Miss  Eleanor  Temple,  daughter  of  Ebe- 
nezer  and  Hannah  (Stabard)  Temple,  and 
of  the  five  children  born  to  them,  two  sons  and 
three  daughters,  only  one  survives,  Hannah, 
wife  of  William  Roberts,  who  lives  in  Mitchell 
county,  Iowa;  they  have  five  children,  two 
sons  and  three  daughters,  Claude  (a  lawyer  in 
Holdrege,  Neb.),  Claire  (a  farmer),  Nellie, 
Essie  and  Maude.  The  deceased  were  named 
Ebenezer,  Jennie  M.,  Hale  and  Olive.  On  Oct. 
20,  i860,  Mrs.  Aller  died,  mourned  by  all  who 
knew  her.  On  Dec.  2,  1863,  Mr.  Aller  was  mar- 
ried to  Maria  Smith,  who  was  born  in  Mont- 
pelier, Vt.,  daughter  of  Stephen  and  Sarah 
(Bean)  Smith,  and  one  child  was  born  of  this 
marriage,  a son,  Arthur  P.,  who  married  Miss 
Ella  C.  Barker;  he  is  steward  at  the  Northern 
Hospital,  near  Oshkosh,  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  Aller  was  a consistent  member  of  the 
Congregational  Church,  to  which  his  widow 
also  belongs,  and  enjoyed  the  highest  esteem 
of  all  who  knew  him.  Politically,  Mr.  Aller 
was  a Republican,  served  as  chairman  of  the 
town  board  of  supervisors  for  twenty  years, 
and  was  a member  of  the  county  board  for  the 
same  length  of  time ; was  also  township  asses- 
sor three  years,  and  justice  of  the  peace  about 
eight  or  ten  years ; and  in  all  these  various  of- 
fices, gave  unbounded  satisfaction  on  account  of 
his  integrity  and  strictness  in  the  faithful,  dis- 
charge of  his  duties.  At  the  time  of  his  death 
Mr.  Aller  was  cpiietly  enjoying  the  fruits  of 
his  long  years  of  earnest  effort,  surrounded  by 
the  comforts  of  life,  and  esteemed  by  a wide 
circle  of  friends.  He  passed  away  March  14, 
1901,  at  the  home  of  his  son,  in  Winnebago, 
Wis.,  and  was  buried  in  Evansville. 

CHARLES  M.  SMITH,  Jr.,  M.  D.,  of 
Evansville,  Rock  county.  The  country  physician 
with  a large  practice  and  an  extended  “ride” 
has  selected  a most  laborious  vocation,  and 
subjects  himself  to  a constant  strain.  His  pa- 
tients are  remote,  and  much  depends  on  the 
fidelity  and  good  sense  of  those  attending 
them.  He  is  far  more  helpless  than  his  city 
convener.  But  the  profession  in  the  country 
has  its  vast  advantages,  and  the  young  man 
is  wise  who  prefers  the  peace  and  quiet  of  the 
country,  with  its  simpler  diseases  and  more 
certain  and  rapid  recovery,  to  the  glare  and  ex- 
citement of  the  city.  Such  a man  is  the  phy- 
sician whose  name  introduces  this  article.  He 
wants  to  be  close  to  his  community,  wants  to 


know  the  people  as  only  a country  doctor  can 
know  his  patients.  He  is  beginning  well,  and 
a bright  future  is  augured  for  him  by  his 
friends. 

Dr.  Smith  was  born  in  Evansville,  Rock 
Co.,  Wis.,  March  23,  1866,  son  of  Dr.  Charles 
M.  and  Julia  (Sawin)  Smith,  a family  history 
of  whom  appears  elsewhere.  The  young  man 
had  his  education  well  advanced  while  at  home 
under  the  parental  care,  attending  the  local 
school  and  academy.  He  obtained  his  medical 
education  at  Rush  Medical  College.  Chicago, 
from  which  institution  he  was  graduated  in 
1890.  He  had  an  office  at  Milton  Junction 
for  a year  following,  and  then  returned  to 
Evansville,  where  he  has  been  engaged  in  a gen- 
eral medical  practice  to  the  present  time.  He 
has  won  many  friends,  and  has  a large  and 
growing  patronage.  On  June  30,  1895,  Dr. 
Smith  married  Miss  Ida  Monshau,  daughter  of 
Henry  and  Mary  Monshau.  They  have  one  son, 
Dudley  W.  E.  Mrs.  Smith  is  a member  of  the 
Episcopal  Church,  and  the  Doctor  is  a member 
of  several  fraternal  orders,  holding  member- 
ship in  Union  Lodge,  No.  32,  A.  F.  & A.  M. ; 
Evansville  Chapter,  No.  35,  R.  A.  M.,  of  which 
he  has  been  high  priest  three  years;  Janesville 
Commandery,  No.  2,  K.  T. ; and  the  Knights 
of  Pythias,  of  which  he  has  been  chancellor 
commander  three  years;  he  is  highly  prized 
in  these  various  associations.  Professionally 
he  belongs  to  the  Wisconsin  State  Medical  So- 
ciety, and  to  the  Wisconsin  Central  Medical 
Society,  is  examiner  for  the  New  York  Life, 
Connecticut  Mutual  and  Pennsylvania  Mutual 
Insurance  Cos.,  and  the  Knights  of  the  Mac- 
cabees. He  has  a handsome  home  at  the  cor- 
ner of  Madison  and  Church  streets.  Dr.  Smith 
has  practically  spent  his  entire  life  in  Evans- 
ville, and  is  a most  popular  young  man  in  that 
thriving  city.  He  is  a Republican  politically. 

JAMES  GRAY  (deceased),  late  a resi- 
dent of  Beloit,  Rock  county,  was  born  March 
20,  1824,  in  Ireland,  of  Scotch-Irish  parents, 
and  came  with  them  to  this  country  when  he 
was  a lad  of  five  years.  The  father,  also  named 
Tames  Gray,  was  a farmer,  and  died  near 
Galena,  111.,  at  the  age  of  fifty-five.  His  father, 
also  named  James  Gray,  was  a well-to-do  man, 
and  died  in  Ireland.  The  mother  of  our  sub- 
ject, who  bore  the  maiden  name  of  Mary  John- 
son, died  in  Kansas,  at  the  home  of  a daughter, 
when  eightv-two  years  old.  Our  subject  was 


30 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


one  of  a family  of  eight.  The  family  located 
in  Baltimore,  and  our  subject  remained  under 
the  parental  roof  until  he  reached  the  age  of 
twenty-eight  years,  when  he  came  West,  and 
spent  some  time  at  Galena,  111.  But  the  coun- 
try did  not  entirely  satisfy  him,  and  he  retraced 
his  steps  to  Maryland.  He  was  married  in 
Baltimore  in  1851,  and  the  young  couple 
sought  a home  and  business  in  the  West. 
They  spent  three  and  a half  years  at  Galena, 
and  about  eleven  years  at  Warren,  111.,  where 
Mr.  Gray  was  engaged  in  the  plow-making  in- 
dustry. In  1866  he  moved  to  Beloit,  and 
thereafter  that  city  was  his  home  as  long  as 
he  lived.  Here  he  formed  a partnership  with 
J.  R.  Booth,  and  bought  the  sash  and  blind 
factory  of  Burpee  & Hammond,  conducting  it 
for  five  years  under  the  firm  name  of  Gray  & 
Booth.  Mr.  Booth  then  disposed  of  his  inter- 
est in  the  factory  to  Mr.  Gray,  who  held  and 
managed  the  business  alone  for  many  years. 

Mr.  Gray  was  married  Oct.  8,  1851,  to 
Miss  Catharine  Rust,  a daughter  of  Paul  and 
Patience  (Stinchcomb)  Rust,  and  to  this  un- 
ion came  seven  children,  James  Pierce,  Alda, 
George  S.,  Nellie.  Tina  Pauline,  Frank  Elmer 
and  Labertice.  James  Pierce  married  Miss 
Anna  Clark,  now  deceased,  and  he  died  in 
1894;  they  were  the  parents  of  five  children, 
Frank,  Mabel,  Paul,  Robert,  and  one  child  de- 
ceased. Alda  married  W.  A.  Root,  and  lives 
in  Elgin.  They  have  one  child,  Kate  Pauline. 
George  S.  is  a traveling  man ; he  is  unmar- 
ried, and  makes  his  home  with  his  mother. 
Nellie  died  when  two  and  a half  years  old. 
Tina  Pauline  married  Ernest  Fl.uekiger,  a 
groceryman  of  Beloit;  they  have  three  children, 
Alda,  Ruth  and  Ernest  Rust.  Frank  Elmer 
married  Miss  Anna  Wells;  they  live  in  Chari- 
ton, Iowa,  and  are  the  parents  of  three  chil- 
dren, Catherine,  Helen  and  Rosie.  Labertice 
is  single,  and  is  in  business  at  Atlanta,  Ga. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gray  were  always  believers  in 
the  Christian  faith,  but  never  united  with  anv 
church.  They  attended  the  Second  Congrega- 
tional Church  in  Beloit.  He  was  a Democrat, 
and  was  alderman  from  the  Third  ward  three 
years.  Mr.  Gray  united  with  the  Odd  Fel- 
lows while  still  living  in  Baltimore,  and  beauti- 
fully exemplified  the  tenets  of  that  order  in  his 
own  life.  He  was  a man  of  marked  domestic 
tastes,  and  greatly  loved  his  home.  He  sel- 
dom spent  the  evenings  abroad,  but  enjoved 
his  friends  at  his  home,  owning  a beautiful 


residence  at  No.  756  Bluff  street.  He  remod- 
eled the  house  thoroughly,  and  it  is  still  the 
home  of  his  widow. 

Mrs.  Gray’s  parents  were  natives  of  Mary- 
land. They  had  five  children,  three  of  whom 
are  now  living.  Achsah  is  the  wife  of  Austin 
Hemphill,  of  Burlington,  Iowa;  Catharine  is 
the  widow  of  James  Gray,  of  Beloit;  and  Ma- 
halah  is  the  widow  of  John  Greenwood,  of 
Kalamazoo,  Mich.  Mrs.  Gray’s  father,  Paul 
Rust,  was  a blacksmith  by  trade,  though  he 
was  more  largely  interested  in  real  estate  than 
in  anything  else.  He  served  in  the  war  of 
1 8x2,  and  died  in  Baltimore  when  he  was  eigh- 
ty-nine years  old.  Flis  wife  died  in  1850,  when 
sixty  years  old.  They  were  both  Methodists. 
His  father,  Charles  Rust,  was  a native  of  Penn- 
sylvania; his  father  was  a German,  and  his 
mother  English.  Charles  Rust  served  in  the 
American  Revolution,  and  died  when  some- 
what past  middle  life.  Thomas  Stinchcomb, 
the  father  of  Mrs.  Paul  Rust,  was  a native  of 
Maryland,  of  Welsh  descent,  and  also  a sol- 
dier of  the  Revolution.  He  was  the  father  of 
eleven  children,  and  died  in  middle  life. 

BARNABAS  BALLOU  ELDREDGE, 
senior  member  of  the  firm  of  Eldredge 
& Fisher,  and  one  of  the  foremost  members 
of  the  Rock  County  Bar,  was  born  at  Sharon 
Springs,  Schoharie  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Feb.  2,  1824. 

David  Eldredge,  his  father,  married  Sally 
Swift,  some  mention  of  whose  ancestry  may 
be  found  in  a succeeding  paragraph.  The  fa- 
ther of  David  Eldredge,  and  grandfather  of 
the  subject  of  this  narrative,  also  bore  the 
baptismal  name  of  Barnabas.  He  was  of  Welsh 
stock,  his  father  having  emigrated  from  Wales 
to'  America  and  settled  on  Cape  Cod,  Mass., 
in  1736;  he  married  Adna  Hammond,  a de- 
scendant of  the  Penn  family,  through  Elisa- 
beth Hammond,  a sister  of  Sir  William  Penn, 
the  father  of  William  Penn,  of  American  dis- 
tinction. Barnabas  Eldredge  was  born  at  New 
Bedford,  Mass.,  and  married  Docia,  one  of  a 
large  family  of  children  born  to  Josiah  Wads- 
worth, of  Hartford,  Conn.,  who  finally  with 
his  family  located  at  Poughkeepsie,  N.  Y.  Mr. 
Wadsworth  was  one  of  the  pioneers  of  Dutchess 
county,  N.  Y.,  and  one  of  the  earliest  merchants 
and  traders  of  that  section. 

David  Eldredge  began  life  as  a farmer,  and 
was  the  founder  of  Sharon  Springs,  which  is 
today  one  of  New  York’s  most  beautiful  and 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


3i 


most  fashionable  watering*  places.  In  1836 
he  disposed  of  the  same  to  Stephen  Crocker, 
of  New  York  City,  and  thereupon  retired  to 
his  farm,  where  he  died  Oct.  8,  1865,  after  an 
illness  of  six  days,  in  his  sixty-ninth  year.  He 
was  a man  of  excellent  business  sagacity,  and  of 
an  industry  not  easily  wearied ; a good  citizen, 
and  a man  thoroughly  respected  in  every  rela- 
tion of  life.  His  wife,  Sally  (Swift),  was  a 
daughter  of  Thomas,  who  was  of  English  de- 
scent, and  was  a native  of  Rhode  Island.  He 
removed  from  that  State  to  Otsego  county,  N. 
Y.,  where  for  many  years  he  owned  and  occu- 
pied a farm,  and  was  proprietor  of  an  inn 
situated  near  Sharon  Springs — a popular  hos- 
telry in  its  day.  In  1837  or  ’38  he  migrated 
from  New  York  to  Illinois,  settling  between 
Plano  and  Aurora.  There  he  purchased  a 
farm,  to  which  he  soon  afterward  brought 
his  family,  and  on  which  he  died,  at  an  ad- 
vanced age.  He  was  regarded  as  a man  of 
more  than  ordinary  native  ability,  and  of  un- 
usually good  business  sense. 

David  Eldredge  and  his  wife  were  the  par- 
ents of  five  children,  four  daughters  and  one 
son.  Those  yet  living  are  Julia,  Barnabas  B., 
and  Louisa.  Julia  is  Mrs.  William  Becker,  of 
Easton,  Penn. ; and  Louisa  is  the  widow  of 
Evan  Worthing.  The  two'  daughters  deceased 
were  named  Irene  and  Nancy;  the  elder  mar- 
ried William  Dale,  of  Phillipsburg,  N.  J.,  who 
was  superintendent  of  construction  on  the  Bel- 
videre  & Delaware  railroad,  and  other  import- 
ant engineering  enterprises;  Nancy  became  the 
wife  of  Philip  Henry  Platner,  and  both  died 
near  Cherry  Vallejo  N.  Y.  Mrs.  Eldredge 
passed  away  six  days  before  her  husband,  at  the 
age  of  sixty-seven.  Both  were  Universalists  in 
faith. 

Barnabas  B.  Eldredge  received  his  early  ed- 
ucation in  the  common  schools  of  Schoharie 
county,  and  at  the  Clinton  Liberal  Institute, 
at  Clinton,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.  In  1841  he  en- 
tered Hamilton  College,  and  in  July,  1845,  re~ 
ceived  the  degree  of  A.  B.  Immediately  after 
graduation  he  became  a student  in  the  Law  De- 
partment of  Harvard  University,  at  Cambridge, 
Mass.,  continuing  there  until  December,  1846, 
the  eminent  Simon  Greenleaf  being  then  at 
the  head  of  that  department.  Thereafter  he 
continued  his  professional  studies  in  the  office 
of  Samuel  Stevens,  of  Albany,  N.  Y.,  then  one 
of  the  foremost  practitioners  in  that  State.  In 
May,  1848,  he  was  admitted  to  practice  in  the 


courts  of  New  York,  the  judges  sitting  in 
banc  who  passed  upon  his  qualifications  being 
Willard,  Cady  and  Hand. 

Being  thus  equipped  for  his  chosen  work, 
he  married  and  came  West.  His  objective 
point  was  Janesville,  but  very  shortly  after 
reaching  that  inchoate  city  he  received  advice 
of  the  serious  illness  of  his  father,  and  at 
once  returned  home.  In  1850  he  returned  to' 
Wisconsin,  and  opened  an  office  at  Janesville 
on  Dec.  2.  of  that  year,  in  partnership  with 
Isaac  Woodle  and  John  J.  R.  Pease.  The  co- 
partnership continued  until  June,  1851,  under 
the  style  of  Woodle,  Eldredge  & Pease,  when 
Mr.  Woodle  withdrew.  Eldredge  & Pease  re- 
mained together  until  1866.  On  March  20, 
of  that  year,  Mr.  Eldredge  revisited  Sharon 
Springs,  to  attend  to  some  needed  repairs  upon 
a farm  which  he  owned.  This  property  he 
finally  sold,  and  returned  to  Janesville  July  1, 
1868.  He  did  not  resume  practice,  however, 
until.  1877,  his  wife’s  health  calling  for  his 
constant  attention.  On  Jan.  1,  1878,  he  en- 
tered1 into  partnership  with  Ogden  H.  Fathers, 
the  firm  of  Eldredge  & Fathers  continuing  in 
business  for  five  years,  when  Mr.  Fathers  with- 
drew. Mr.  Eldredge  continued  in  business 
alone  until  1898,  when  he  associated  with  him- 
self Arthur  M.  Fisher,  a gentleman  of  dis- 
tinguished native  talent. 

Reference  has  been  made  to  our  subject’s 
marriage,  which  occurred  Feb.  2,  1848.  His 
bride  was  Louisa  M.  Hutchins,  a daughter  of 
William  and  Louise  (Angel)  Hutchins,  who 
were  born  and  married  in  Connecticut.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Eldredge  became  the  parents  of  two 
sons,  William  M.  and  Charles  C.  The  elder, 
whose  biography  may  be  found  upon  another 
page,  is  engaged  in  handling  real  estate.  Charles 
C.  died  in  infancy.  Mrs.  Eldredge  was  a 
Universalist,  but  attended  the  Episcopal  Church 
in  Janesville  until  her  death,  which  occurred 
-March  28,  1877.  On  June.  17,  1878,  Mr. 
Eldredge  married  a second  time,  leading  to 
the  altar  Miss  Mary  A.  Hunter,  the  daughter 
of  a distinguished  Presbyterian  clergyman  of 
Quebec,  Canada,  who  died  there  after  reach- 
ing the  extraordinary  age  of  ninety-two  years. 
Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Eldredge  are  communicants 
of  the  Episcopal  Church.  He  is  a man  of 
genial,  wholesouled  temperament,  kindly  dis- 
position, and  social  instincts.  He  belongs  to 
Janesville  Lodge,  No.  55,  A.  F.  & A.  M. : to 
Janesville  Chapter.  No.  5.  R.  A.  M. ; and  is 


32 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


also  a member  of  Janesville  Commandery,  No. 
2,  K.  T..  in  which  he  at  one  time  held  the  office 
of  captain-general.  In  early  life  he  was  a 
Democrat,  but  supported  the  Free  Soil  wing  of 
that  party  in  1848,  and  shortly  before  the  out- 
break of  the  Rebellion  espoused  the  political 
tenets  of  the  Republican  party.  He  was  the 
original  promoter  and  organizer  of  the  branch 
of  the  Union  League  established  at  Janesville 
in  the  early  days  of  the  Civil  war,  and  for 
two  years  was  its  chief  executive  officer. 

In  the  early  days  of  Janesville’s  history  as 
a municipality  Mr.  Eldredge  consented  to 
serve  as  alderman.  The  position  was  distaste- 
ful to  him,  yet  he  devoted  to  its  duties  his 
best  efforts.  He  also  occupied  a seat  on  the 
board  of  supervisors  for  several  years,  and 
was  long  a director  of  the  Rock  County  Agri- 
cultural Society.  No  wisely-conceived,  well- 
directed  public  enterprise  has  ever  appealed  in 
vain  either  to  his  sympathy  or  to  his  purse. 
He  was  the  promoter  and  supervised  the  sink- 
ing of  the  first  artesian  well  in  Rock  county, 
and  was  one  of  the  prime  movers  in  the  estab- 
lishment of  the  city  water  works,  furnishing 
an  abundant  supply  of  water  taken  from  ar- 
tesian wells. 

EDWARD  DWIGHT  EATON,  D.  D., 
LL.  D.,  the  distinguished  president  of  Beloit 
College,  is  justly  regarded  as  a leading  citizen 
of  Beloit,  Rock  county.  Under  his  adminis- 
tration and  that  of  Ins  predecessor  the  name 
of  the  college  and  of  the  city  has  become  fa- 
miliar to  every  part  of  the  United  States,  and 
many  who  are  scarcely  able  to  locate  the  great 
cities  of  the  land  know  well  the  whereabouts 
of  Beloit,  Wis.  Dr.  Eaton  is  a scholarly  and 
broadly-educated  gentleman,  with  rare  admin- 
istrative gifts,  and  the  College  has  greatly 
prospered  in  his  hands. 

President  Eaton  was  born  at  Lancaster, 
Wis.,  January  12,  1851,  and  is  a son  of  Rev-. 
Dr.  Samuel  and  Catharine  (Demarest)  Eaton, 
his  father  a native  of  Massachusetts,  his  moth- 
er of  New  York.  They  were  the  parents  of 
four  children:  Rev.  James  D.,  D.  D.,  of  Chi- 
huahua, Mexico;  Dr.  Edward  D.,  of  Beloit; 
Samuel  L.,  M.  D.,  of  Newton  Highlands, 
Mass.;  and  Charles  W.,  M.  D.,  of  Des  Moines, 
Iowa.  The  father,  a clergyman,  now  preaches 
in  the  Congregational  Church  at  Roscoe,  111. 
He  was  chaplain  in  the  Iron  Brigade  three 
years  during  the  war  of  the  Rebellion.  For 


forty  years  he  was  pastor  of  the  Congrega- 
tional Church  at  Lancaster,  Wis.,  his  pastorate 
extending  from  1846  to  1886.  He  was  a 
trustee  of  Beloit  College  for  many  years. 

Eben  Eaton,  the  father  of  Dr.  Samuel 
Eaton,  lived  at  Framingham,  Mass.,  where  he 
was  a farmer.  He  served  for  over  fifty  years 
as  a deacon  in  the  Congregational  Church  in 
that  city.  Eben  Eaton’s  father,  Ebenezer 
Eaton,  was  a soldier  in  the  Revolutionary 
war,  and  helped  to  carry  Gen.  Warren  off  the 
field  of  battle  at  Bunker  Hill.  The  Eaton 
family  has  been  established  in  that  vicinity 
for  a century  and  a half.  Jonas  Eaton,  of 
Reading,  Mass.,  was  the  founder  of  this  branch 
of  the  family  in  this  country,  coming  hither 
in  the  early  part  of  the  seventeenth  century. 
Rev.  James  Demarest,  the  maternal  grandfa- 
ther of  President  Eaton,  was  a clergyman  of 
the  Reformed  Dutch  Church,  and  lived  to  be 
ninety  years  old.  He  was  the  father  of  three 
children:  Rev.  James  Demarest,  D.  D. ; Catha- 
rine, the' mother  of  Dr.  Eaton;  and  Sarah, 
wife  of  Richard  B.  Ferris,  vice-president  of 
the  Bank  of  New  York. 

President  Eaton  was  reared  in  Lancaster, 
Wis.,  and  attended  Lancaster  Institute,  where 
he  prepared  for  Beloit  College.  He  was  a stu- 
dent here,  and  was  graduated  in  the  full  classi- 
cal course  in  1872.  He  studied  theology  at  An- 
dover and  at  Yale,  graduating;  from  Yale  Di- 
vinity School  in  1875.  On  August  23,  1875, 
he  was  married  to  Miss  Martha  E.,  daughter 
of  Hon.  J.  Allen  Barber,  of  Lancaster;  her 
mother  bore  the  maiden  name  of  Elizabeth 
Banfill.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Eaton  are  the  parents 
of  one  son  and  five  daughters,  Ethelwyn, 
Allen  Barber,  Elizabeth,  Mildred,  Martha,  and 
Alclyth.  The  two  elder  daughters  are  in  Be- 
loit College,  and  the  three  younger  are  in  the 
city  schools.  The  son  is  a graduate  of  Beloit 
College,  in  the  class  of  1899,  was  instructor 
in  sciences  in  the  Academy  at  Elgin,  111.,  in 
1899-00,  and  is  now  traveling  in  Egypt  and 
Palestine.  During  his  course  in  college  he 
held  the  State  championship  in  tennis.  He 
was  also  on  the  college  base-ball  team. 

After  their  marriage  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Eaton 
went  to  Europe,  where  he  spent  a year  in 
study,  principally  in  the  Universities  at  Leipzig 
and  Heidelberg.  Returning  home,  he  was  or- 
dained and  installed  pastor  oi;  the  Congrega- 
tional Church  at  Newton,  Iowa,  in  1876.  In 
December,  1879,  he  was  called  to  the  First 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


33 


Congregational  Church  at  Oak  Park,  111.,  and 
in  June,  1886,  was  called  to  the  presidency  of 
Beloit  College.  He  succeeded  Dr.  Chapin,  a 
most  scholarly  and  accomplished  educator,  and 
has  been  president  of  the  College  to  the  pres- 
ent time.  During  these  years  the  resources  of 
the  College  have  been  trebled  in  value,  five 
large  buildings  have  been  erected,  and  the 
courses  of  study  greatly  enlarged.  The  num- 
ber of  students  in  the  classes  has  increased 
nearly  four-fold,  and  the  latest  enrollment  is 
about  500.  The  Faculty  numbers  twenty-three 
members.  President  Eaton  received  the  de- 
gree of  LL.  D.  from  the  University  of  Wis- 
consin in  1887,  and  that  of  D.  D.  from  North- 
western University  the  same  year,  and  from 
Yale  in  1900. 

In  January,  1898,  Dr.  Eaton  went  to  China 
as  a member  of  a deputation  sent  by  the  Amer- 
ican Board  of  Foreign  Missions  to  inspect  and 
report  upon  its  missionary  operations  in  that 
country,  returning  in  June  of  the  same  year. 
The  Doctor  will  preach  the  sermon  before  the 
American  Board  at  the  annual  meeting  in 
Hartford,  Conn.,  in  October,  1901. 

HOWARD  F.  BLISS,  superintendent  and 
steward  of  the  Wisconsin  School  for  the  Blind, 
who  has  his  home  in  Janesville,  Rock  county, 
is  a man  of  irreproachable  personal  character 
and  business  standing. 

Our  subject  was  born  in  Carroll  county, 
111.,  Feb.  15,  1844,  a son  of  Lewis  and  Eliza 
(Jenkins)  Bliss,  both  native  to  the  soil  of  Con- 
necticut. They  had  three  children,  two  of 
whom  are  now  living:  George  J.,  of  Chicago: 
and  Howard  F.,  whose  name  introduces  this 
article.  The  father,  who  was  a farmer,  moved 
from  Connecticut  to  Illinois  at  an  early  day, 
and  located  on  eighty  acres  of  government  land 
in  Carroll  county.  He  made  this  his  home, 
added  more  real  estate  thereto  and  farmed 
until  old  age  compelled  him  to  retire  from 
active  work,  spending  the  last  five  or  six  years 
of  his  life  with  his  son  in  Janesville.  He  died 
in  that  city  in  July,  1899,  at  the  venerable  age 
of  ninety-three  years ; he  was  a Methodist. 
His  first  wife,  who  died  when  she  was  about 
forty-five  years  old,  was  a Presbyterian.  He 
married  for  his  second  wife  Mrs.  Flavilla 
Snow,  who  still  survives,  and  is  living  with  her 
daughter  at  Oak  Park,  111.  The  paternal  grand- 
father of  Howard  F.  Bliss  was  also  a native  of 
Connecticut,  of  French  descent,  and  died  in 


his  native  State.  He  reared  a large  family. 
The  father  of  Eliza  Jenkins  also  died  in  the 
East.  He  had  a small  family. 

Howard  F.  Bliss  grew  to  manhood  on  the 
Illinois  farm,  attended  the  district  school,  and 
at  the  age  of  twenty  began  clerking  in  a drug 
store.  About  1863  he  came  to  Janesville,  to 
take  a clerkship  in  a wholesale  harness  and  sad- 
dlery house,  which  he  held  for  some  three 
years.  Then  he  and  his  father-in-law,  Adam 
ITayner,  bought  out  the  business,  and  conduct- 
ed it  under  the  firm  name  of  Hayner,  Bliss  & 
Co.  for  a number  of  years.  Then  the  firm  be- 
came Bassett,  Bliss  & Echlin,  and  in  1883  Mix 
Bliss  retired.  T he  business  is  still  continued 
by  Bassett  & Echlin.  Very  shortly  after  his. 
retirement  from  the  harness  firm  Mr.  Bliss  as- 
sociated himself  with  the  Gazette  Printing 
Company,  and  became  its  president;  at  the 
present  time  he  is  treasurer  of  the  concern. 
He  was  actively  identified  with  the  Gazette 
office  from  1883  to  the  fall  of  1895,  in  which 
year  he  was  appointed  by  the  State  board  of 
control  to  the  office  of  Superintendent  and 
Steward  of  the  Wisconsin  School  for  the 
Blind,  the  appointment  being  made  under  the 
administration  of  Gov.  Upham.  The  school 
now  has  109  pupils,  with  fifteen  teachers  in  the 
various  departments.  It  has  a reputation 
among  the  various  schools  of  the  kind  as  ex- 
tremely high-grade  in  all  its  work. 

Mr.  Bliss  and  Miss  Carrie  Hayner,  a daugh- 
ter of  Adam  and  Alsora  (Smith)  Hayner, 
were  married  Oct.  25,  1865,  and  they  have  had 
four  children : George,  Harry,  Emma  and 

Charles.  George  lives  in  Chicago,  and  is  act- 
ting  secretary  of  the  Chicago  office  of  the  Na- 
tional Fidelity  & Guarantee  Co.  Harry  lives 
in  Janesville,  and  is  the  present  manager  of 
the  Daily  ami  Weekly  Gazette;  he  married 
Miss  Clara  Smith,  and  has  one  child,  Josephine. 
Emma  died  at  the  age  of  twenty-one.  Charles 
is  now  studying  in  the  College  of  Osteopathy  in 
Chicago.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bliss  are  members  of 
the  Court  Street  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 
He  has  been  a member  of  the  board  of  stewards 
many  years,  and  is  at  present  superintendent  of 
the  Sunday-school.  Socially  he  belongs  to 
Janesville  Lodge,  No.  55,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  and 
politically,  he  is  a stanch  Republican. 

ALVIN  B.  CARPENTER,  a prominent 
capitalist  and  retired  business  man  of  Beloit, 
Rock  county,  has  led  a long  and  active  life 


34 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


full  of  lofty  motives  and  noble  ambitions,  and 
is  now  passing  the  sunset  hours  of  his  days  on 
earth  amid  the  scenes  of  former  activities, 
for  he  has  always  been  an  exceedingly  busy 
man.  He  has  worked  diligently  in  a multitude 
of  enterprises,  and,  whether  they  have  hit  or 
missed  the  mark,  he  was  never  discouraged, 
but  kept  on  working  with  all  the  dynamic 
forces  of  a mighty  nature,  and  at  last  the  day 
dawned,  as  soon  or  late  it  surely  does  to  all 
great  souls. 

Mr.  Carpenter  was  born  in  Strafford,  Or- 
ange Co.,  Vt.,  July  17,  1812,  a son  of  Willard 
and  Polly  (Bacon)  Carpenter.  His  parents 
were  natives  of  Connecticut,  and  had  twelve 
children,  of  whom  our  subject  is-  the  only  one 
now  living.  Willard  Carpenter,  who  was  a 
farmer,  moved  from  Connecticut  into  Vermont 
very  soon  after  his  marriage,  and  the  journey 
was  made  so  far  back  in  the  history  of  New 
England  that  the  way  was  indicated  by  blazed 
trees.  In  Vermont  he  hewed  out  a farm,  and 
the  family  for  a long  time  lived  in  a log  cabin. 
All  the  children  were  born  in  the  same  house 
in  Vermont,  and  all  grew  to  maturity  before 
a death  occurred  in  the  family.  In  later  times 
more  prosperous  conditions  permitted  the  erec- 
tion of  a frame  house.  Here  Willard  Carpen- 
ter lived  and  reared  his  large  family,  and  here 
he  died  when  eighty-seven  years  of  age.  His 
wife  lived  to  be  ninety-one;  with  her  hus- 
band she  was  a member  of  the  Congregational 
Church.  Ephraim  Carpenter,  the  father  of 
Willard,  is  supposed  to  have  been  a native  of 
England,  settled  near  Woodstock,  Conn.,  and 
served  in  the  Revolutionary  war.  He  died  in 
the  East.  Alvin  Bacon,  the  father  of  Mrs. 
Polly  Carpenter,  was  born  in  Connecticut,  of 
English  descent,  and  lived  to  old  age.  He 
was  the  father  of  several,  sons  and  daughters. 

Alvin  B.  Carpenter  was  only  seven  years 
old  when  he  left  home  to  earn  his  own  living, 
his  father  giving  him  his  time,  and  saving  for 
him  all  he  could  earn.  Plis  first  money  was 
a dollar,  as  a compensation  for  a week’s  work. 
This  he  changed  into  one  hundred  pennies, 
with  Senator  Morrell,  and  felt  richer  than  he 
ever  has  since.  Three  or  four  years  later  his 
father  gave  him  a hen,  and:  promised  him  all 
he  could  make  out  of  it.  The  hen  raised  thir- 
teen chickens,  from  which  he  made  ten  dollars. 
While  still  a mere  child  he  was  taken  sick  with 
St.  Vitus’  dance,  and  for  three  years  had  to  lie 
in  a cradle.  When  about  fifteen  he  had  recov- 


ered so  that  he  was  able  to  shift  for  himself. 
Accordingly  he  went  to  Troy,  N.  Y.,  and  en- 
tered the  employment  of  his  brothers  John  and 
Willard,  as  chore  boy  in  their  store.  He 
earned  a little  extra  money  selling  boiled  chest- 
nuts and  clothes-pins,  and  finally  accumulated 
five  hundred  dollars.  He  put  this  in  the  bank, 
and  after  a time  bought  a horse  and  wagon, 
and  peddled  tinware  and  notions  through 
Washington,  Saratoga  and  Rensselaer  counties, 
N.  Y.,  and  then  sold  dry  goods  in  the  same 
way  from  house  to  house,  his  brothers  furnish- 
ing him  goods  to  sell  for  a certain  profit.  Be- 
fore he  was  twenty-three  years  of  age  Mr. 
Carpenter  had  earned  ten  thousand  dollars  as 
a peddler  from  house  to  house.  In  1835  he 
came  West,  and  established  a prosperous  gener- 
al store  at  Evansville,  Ind.,  in  partnership  with 
his  brothers.  He  purchased  an  extensive  stock 
of  goods  in  New  York,  and  shipped  it  to  Evans- 
ville by  water,  that  being  before  the  day.  of 
railroads.  The  three  brothers  about  1838  saw 
large  opportunities  in  Indiana  real  estate,  and 
made  extensive  investments  in  farm  properties 
throughout  the  State,  which  yielded  rapid  and 
enormous  profits,  and  all  became  very  wealthy. 
His  brother  Willard  gave  a half  million  dol- 
lars in  money  and  land  to  the  city  of  Evans- 
ville, personally  superintending  the  building 
and  furnishing  ofi  the  library. 

Alvin  B.  Carpenter  lived  in  Evansville  ten 
years,  and  then  moved  to  Galena.  There  he 
remained  only  a year,  and  then  went  to  Chi- 
cago, where  he  started  a man  in  business,  which 
cost  him  ten  thousand  dollars  in  a very  little 
time.  In  1846  he  came  to  Beloit,  and  engaged 
in  business  as  the  proprietor  of  a general  store, 
which  he  conducted  for  some  years.  He  had 
a branch  store  at  Cambridge,  Dane  Co.,  Wis., 
which  he  founded  and  named  in  honor  of  Cam- 
bridge, Mass.,  and  another  store  at  Delavan, 
and  laid  off  the  town  of  Avon,  Wis.,  in  part- 
nership with  a man  whose  interest  he  after- 
ward acquired,  having  a small  store  there  also. 
He  closed  up  all  these  mercantile  establish- 
ments at  the  time  of  the  gold  excitement  in 
California,  intending  to  go  West,  but  his  wife 
prevailed  upon  him  to  abandon  the  idea,  and 
his  home  has  continued  to  be  in  Beloit  to  the 
present  time.  He  has  never  wholly  lost  inter- 
est in  Evansville,  and  for  a period  of  two  years 
did  a wholesale  merchandising  business  there 
since  his  settlement  in  Beloit ; and  from  time 
to  time  he  has  also  taken  part  in  several  im- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


35 


portant  business  enterprises  in  that  city.  Mr. 
Carpenter  still  looks  after  his  property  interests, 
though  he  is  eighty-eight  years  of  age.  He 
comes  of  a sturdy  stock,  and  feels  that  he  is 
good  for  a long  stay  yet  on  earth. 

Mr.  Carpenter  and  Miss  Almira  L.  Dutcher, 
daughter  of  Simeon  Dutcher,  were  married 
July  6,  1839.  They  became  the  parents  of  one 
son  and  five  daughters,  James  M.,  Mary,  Hat- 
tie, Anna  B.,  Adeline  and  Cornelia.  ( 1)  James 
M.  first  married  Hattie  Root,  of  Mohawk,  N. 
Y.,  who  died  shortly  after,  and  he  then  married 
iMiss  Louisa  Ingle;  they  had  two  sons  and 
three  daughters,  and  three  of  these  are  now 
living,  Alvin  B.,  Ingle  and  Isabel.  (2)  Mary 
married  Alonzo  Green,  and  is  the  mother  of 
two  daughters,  Lulu,  wife  of  Walter  Bowen, 
of  St.  Paul,  Minn.,  and  Florence  Elizabeth, 
wife  of  J.  W.  Campbell,  of  Peoria,  111. ; the  lat- 
ter has  two  daughters,  Gladys  and  Marie.  (3) 
Hattie  married  William  M.  Searing,  of  Sara- 
toga, N.  Y.,  and  they  had  one  son,  Alvin,  who 
died  when  seven  years  old.  Mr.  Searing  died 
in  Philadelphia  in  1884,  and  his  son’s  death 
occurred  ten  months  previously.  (4)  Anna 
B.  is  the  widow  of  Jeremiah  Lawrence,  of  Chi- 
cago; she  has  two  children,  Jessie  C.  and  Wil- 
lard C.  (5)  Adeline  married  C.  B.  Salmon, 
of  Beloit,  and  is  the  mother  of  five  children, 
three  of  whom  are  now  living,  Edward,  Cor- 
nelia and  Loretta ; Edward  is  a miller  in  Be- 
loit, and  a capable  business  man.  (6)  Cornelia 
married  F.  D.  Caldwell,  of  Evansville,  Inch, 
and  is  the  mother  of  one  child,  Mary  S.  James 
M.  Carpenter  was  a partner  with  his  father 
in  the  Evansville  business,  a merchant  in  Be- 
loit, and  had  numerous  interests  in  that  city. 
He  died  in  April,  1899.  His  son  Alvin  B.  lives 
in  the  City  of  Mexico,  and  is  in  charge  of  val- 
uable gold  mines  in  that  country.  His  son 
Ingle  is  a prominent  lawyer  in  New  York 
City.  Both  graduated  from  Beloit  College  in 
the  same  class,  in  1893.  Both  are  unmarried. 

Mrs.  Almira  L.  Carpenter  was  a native  of 
Castleton,  N.  Y.,  where  she  passed  her  girlhood 
days,  and  died  in  Beloit  Feb.  9,  1890,  when 
seventy-five  years  old.  Their  Golden  Wedding 
was  celebrated  the  summer  before,  a thousand 
invitations  being  issued.  Among  the  presents 
received  on  that  occasion  were  a gold-headed 
ebony  walking  cane,  presented  by  fifty  ladies, 
and  a fine  gold-headed  parasol  presented  by  fifty 
gentlemen.  Mrs,  Carpenter  was  a Congrega- 
tionalist,  as  is  also  her  husband.  In  early  life 


he  was  a Democrat,  but  for  forty  years  he  has 
been  a Republican.  He  lives  at  No.  416  Col- 
lege avenue,  where  he  built  a fine  home  about 
1885.  It  is  said  of  him  that  he  has  put  up  more 
houses  than  any  other  man  in  Beloit,  and  that 
on  every  occasion  he  has  paid  one  hundred 
cents  on  the  dollar.  All  his  life  he  has  been  in- 
flexibly honest,  and  met  every  agreement  to 
the  letter. 

HON.  PLINY  NORCROSS  is  one  of 
Janesville’s  influential  citizens.  A lawyer  bv 
profession,  he  served  four  years  as  district  at- 
torney of  Rock  county,  from  1871  to  1875, 
and  two  terms  as  city  attorney  of  Janesville, 
1875  ailA  1876.  He  sat  in  the  mayor’s  chair 
for  two  terms,  1877  and  1878,  and  has  twice 
represented  the  Janesville  District  in  the  State 
Legislature,  first  in  1867,  and  again  in  1885. 
His  intellectual  capability  and  his  moral  worth 
have  commanded  respect  and  his  kindly  im- 
pulses, generous  nature,  genial  disposition  and 
charitable  instincts  have  made  him  universal- 
ly popular. 

Mr.  Noreross  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Templeton,  Worcester  Co.,  Mass.,  Nov.  16, 
1838.  His  father,  Franklin  Noreross,  married 
Lydia  Powers,  who  bore  him  three  sons  and 
two  daughters,  Lanson  Powers  Noreross, 
Pliny  Noreross,  Frederick  Franklin  Noreross, 
Ellen  Sophia  Noreross,  and  Louisa  Azubah 
Noreross. 

Franklin  Noreross  was  a farmer  and  lum- 
berman in  his  native  State,  and  removed  from 
Massachusetts  to  Wisconsin  in  1852,  settling 
at  La  Grange,  Walworth  county.  For  a time 
he  cultivated  a farm  there,  but  being  allured 
by  tales  of  brighter  prospects  in  the  West  he 
went  to  Tama,  Iowa.  Within  a few  years  he 
returned  to  Wisconsin,  taking  up  his  residence 
in  Janesville.  He  died  there  in  1875,  in  his 
sixty-thircl  year,  his  wife  surviving  him  until 
August,  1892,  when  she  died  at  Denver,  Colo., 
at  the  age  of  seventy-seven. 

Daniel  Noreross,  the  father  of  Franklin 
Noreross,  and  grandfather  of  Pliny,  was  de- 
scended from  English  ancestors  who  settled  in 
Massachusetts  in  early  Colonial  days.  He  died 
after  reaching  the  age  of  seventy-six  years,  the 
father  of  five  children.  Lydia  Powers,  wife 
of  Franklin,  and  mother  of  Pliny  Noreross, 
was  one  of  the  twelve  children  of  Oliver  Pow- 
ers, a Massachusetts  farmer  who  traced  his 
lineage  back  to  the  early  Puritan  settlers  of 


3^ 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


the  Massachusetts  Bay  Colony.  He  died  on  the 
ancestral  farm  at  the  age  of  seventy-seven. 

Pliny  Norcross  came  to  Walworth  county, 
Wis.,  with  his  .parents,  in  the  fall  of  1852.  He 
attended  Milton  Academy  for  two  years,  and 
was  for  a short  time  at  the  State  University. 
On  April  16,  1861,  while  a Freshman,  he  en- 
listed in  Company  K,  1st  Wisconsin  Infantry, 
under  Capt.  Lucius  Fairchild,  being-  the  first 
student  to  enlist  in  the  war  for  the  Union.  At 
the  expiration  of  this  term  of  service  he  again 
enlisted,  in  Company  K,  13th  Wisconsin  In- 
fantry, and  was  captain  of  that  company  during 
three  years.  His  brothers  Lanson  and  Fred 
were  members  of  the  same  company.  Fred 
died  during  his  term  of  service  at  Nashville, 
Term.,  May  16,  1865. 

Mr.  Norcross  was  married  Jan.  4,  1865,  to 
Phoebe  A.  Poole,  only  daughter  of  John  H. 
and  Elizabeth  (Winne)  Poole.  The  children 
of  this  marriage  were  Frederick  F.,  John  Van- 
derpoole,  Elizabeth  Leavitt  and  Edward  Pow- 
ers. Frederick  married  Alice  Wrenn.  John 
married  Marian  Ruger.  Elizabeth  married 
George  A.  Mason.  Both  sons  and  the  son-in-law 
practice  law  in  the  city  of  Chicago.  The  third 
son,  Edward,  is  studying  medicine  at  the  Med- 
ical School  of  the  Northwestern  University  of 
Chicago. 

In  the  spring  of  1865  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pliny 
Norcross  settled  in  the  city  of  Janesville,  Wis. 
Mr.  Norcross  was  a partner  of  the  late  Judge 
John  R.  Bennett  from  1866  until  1873,  then  a 
year  with  Hon.  A.  A.  Jackson,  and  from  1876 
to  1883  was  in  partnership  with  Hon.  B.  F. 
Dunwiddie,  present  judge  of  the  Twelfth  cir- 
cuit. Upon  the  dissolution  of  the  firm  of  Nor- 
cross and  Dunwiddie  Mr.  Norcross  gave  up  the 
practice  of  law  and  went  to  Brooklyn,  N.  Y., 
and  in  company  with  two  Englishmen,  Messrs. 
Ivery  and  Bulver,  organized  the  International 
Tile  Co.,  of  which  he  was  president.  After 
the  factory  was  erected  he  sold  out  his  interest 
and  returned  to  Janesville,  and  in  the  fall  of 
1883  he  erected  the  Norcross  block,  on  River 
street,  and  in  the  summer  of  1884  moved  the 
Farmer's  Mill  from  its  location  on  Milwaukee 
street  to  its  present  site,  on  Rock  river,  at  the 
foot  of  Dodge  street,  and  leased  it  to  the  firm 
of  Doty  & McKey ; later  he  bought  out  McKey 
and  remained  as  a partner  in  the  milling  busi- 
ness with  E.  P.  Doty  until  1900,  when  he  sold 
his  interest  in  the  milling  business  to  Mr. 
Doty.  In  the  same  year,  1884,  he  erected  the 


Phoebus  block,  on  Milwaukee  street.  In  1885, 
he  built  .the  first  permanent  electric  light  plant 
in  the  city  of  Janesville,  Wis.,  on  a part  of  the 
site  formerly  occupied  by  the  Farmer’s  Mill, 
using  the  same  water-wheels  and  flume  for 
generating  electric  current  that  had  been  used 
for  turning  the  Buhr  mill  stone. 

In  1892  Mr.  Norcross  purchased  the  Fulton 
milling  property  on  the  Catfish  river,  rore  down 
the  old  mill,  and  put  in  its  place  an  electric 
light  plant,  from  which  he  furnished  current 
for  Edgerton  and  for  the  Janesville  street 
lamps.  The  Janesville  circuit  was  about  thirty- 
three  miles  in  length,  and  was  a part  of  the 
first  long-distance  plant  in  Wisconsin.  In 
1891  and  1893  he  purchased  both  of  the  old 
and  abandoned  flouring  mills  at  Indian  Ford, 
and  a few  years  thereafter  united  the  power 
of  both  mills  into  an  electric  light  plant  and 
grist  mill  on  the  site  of  the  McChesney  Mill, 
on  the  west  side  of  the  river.  In  1899  he  sold 
the  Janesville  Electric  Plant,  Library  and  Mill, 
together  with  the  Fulton  Electric  Plant,  to  the 
Janesville  Electric  Company,  of  which  he  was 
the  first  president,  and  still  serves  in  that  in- 
cumbency. From  1889  to  1897  he  was  in  part- 
nership with  Alexander  Richardson,  in  the 
manufacture  of  ladies'  fine  shoes,  in  the  Nor- 
cross block. 

LION.  ALLEN  P.  LOVEJOY.  The  fam- 
ily of  Lovejoy  has  played  no  unimportant  part 
in  making  and  molding  American  history,  and 
the  eminent  citizen  of  Janesville  above  named 
is  not  one  of  its  least  distinguished  members. 
It  is  of  English  Puritan  origin,  and  its  mem- 
bers have  been  for  generations  noted  for  that 
courage,  love  of  liberty  and  loyalty  to  convic- 
tion which  made  their  pilgrim  ancestors  bid 
adieu  to  their  native  shores,  to  found  a new 
country  on  the  rock-bound  coast  and  among 
the  cloud-scraped  hills  of  New  England.  Elijah 
P.  and  Owen  Lovejoy,  whose  names  are  "fa- 
miliar as  household  words”  in  every  home 
where  human  slavery  is  held  in  detestation  and 
abhorrence,  were  of  the  same  stock  as  is  Allen 
P.,  and  were  educated  in  the  same  schools  in 
the  Pine  Tree  State. 

The  earliest  American  progenitor  of  that 
branch  of  the  Lovejoys  to  which  the  Janes- 
ville family  belongs  was  one  John  Lovejoy, 
who  came  from  England  to  the  New  World 
about  1630,  and  was  one  of  the  earliest  free- 
holders in  the  Massachusetts  Colony.  His  de- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


37 


scendant.  Hezekiah  Lovejoy,  removed  to  New 
Hampshire,  and  it  was  in  that  State  that  both 
the  father  and  grandfather  of  Allen  P.  Love- 
joy  were  born.  The  grandfather,  John  Love- 
joy,  was  a farmer,  was  born  in  Amherst,  N. 
H.,  and  reached  the  age  of  fourscore  years. 
He  was  the  father  of  nine  children,  and  his 
family  were  noted  no  less  for  longevity  than 
for  industry  and  integrity,  all  the  sons  and 
daughters  attaining  a ripe  old  age.  John  Love- 
joy  married  Martha  Odell,  daughter  of  Will- 
iam Odell;  she  died  in  1850,  aged  ninety-five 
3-ears. 

Allen  Wing,  our  subject’s  maternal  grand- 
father, born  in  Sandwich,  Mass.,  migrated 
to  Maine  in  1781,  and  died  when  eighty-three 
3'ears  of  age.  His  English  progenitors  emi- 
grated from  the  mother  country  about  1636, 
and  settled  near  the  site  of  the  present  city 
of  Lynn,  Mass.  Mr.  Wing  was  a man  of 
considerable  wealth,  and  a large  land  holder, 
owning  several  farms  and  two  sawmills.  He 
was  a man  of  public  spirit,  a liberal  friend  of 
the  church,  and  built  a church  which  he  do- 
nated to  the  town. 

Nathan  Lovejo)r,  father  of  Allen  P.,  was 
born  in  New  Hampshire,  but  removed  to 
Maine  while  )ret  a young  man,  and- it  was  there 
that  he  met  and  married  Temperance  Wing, 
daughter  of  Allen  Wing.  He  was  a Restora- 
tionist  in  religious  faith,  and  she  a Universal- 
ist,  yet  their  differences  in  creed  did  not  dis- 
turb the  harmony  of  their  married  life.  He 
passed  away  in  1867,  at  the  age  of  eighty- 
one,  four  }-ears  after  she  had  entered  into  rest, 
in  her  seventy-sixth  year.  He  led  the  life  of 
a farmer.  His  many  virtues  caused  him  to 
be  held  in  high  esteem.  His  disposition  was 
naturally  retiring,  almost  shrinking,  yet  at  the 
solicitation  of  his  fellow  townsmen  he  con- 
sented to  fill  various  local  offices,  bringing  to 
the  discharge  of  these  distasteful  duties  a quick 
intelligence,  ready  perception  and  unswerving 
fidelity.  Of  his  ten  children — six  sons  and 
four  daughters — four  are  }ret  living:  Nancy 
W.,  wife  of  John  Hunt,  of  Auburn,  Maine: 
Nathan  E..  a resident  of  Columbus’.  Ohio; 
Allen  P.,  of  Janesville;  and  Alden  W.,  whose 
home  is  at  Roxbuiy,  Mass.,  a suburb  of 
Boston.  * 

Allen  P.  Lovejoy  grew  up  on  the  paternal 
farm  in  Wayne,  Maine,  where  he  was  born 
March  20,  1825.  His  attendance  at  the  district 
school  was  supplemented  by  a brief  course  in. 


the  Weslej-an  Seminary  at  Readfield.  Being 
naturally  inclined  to  stud}-,  he  proved  himself 
an  apt  pupil,  easily  outstripping  his  school- 
mates in  mathematics,  for  the  mastery  of  which 
he  manifested  a rare  intuitive  ability^.  For 
eight  terms  he  wielded  the  birch  in  country 
schools,  his  native  ability,  sound  mental  equip- 
ment and  inborn  executive  ability  command- 
ing respect  from  parents  and  pupils  alike.  He 
learned  the  trade  of  a carpenter,  but  found 
little  opportunity  in  his  native  State  for  the 
exercise  of  his  craft.  Accordingly,  before  he 
had  reached  the  age  of  twenty-five,  he  resolved 
to  seek  a wider  field,  in  what  was  then  rather 
indefinitely  described  as  the  "far  West."  In 
1850  he  reached  Wisconsin,  arriving  at  Janes- 
ville on  foot,  after  a long  walk  from  Milwau- 
kee. He  found  work  at  his  trade,  and  it  was 
not  long  before  his  mechanical  skill,  joined  to 
those  qualities  of  thrift  and  perseverance  which 
have  characterized  him  through  life,  enabled 
him  to  start  in  business  for  himself  as  a con- 
tractor and  builder.  In  1859  he  undertook  a 
new  venture,  opening  in  that  year  his  first 
lumberyard.  The  issue  of  the  undertaking 
proved  his  business  prescience,  others  being- 
established  in  1863,  1865.  1870  and  1874,  and 
branches  operated  at  Oregon,  Brooklyn  and 
other  points.  In  1868.  in  company  with  Dan- 
iel W.  Bradley,  Mr.  Lovejoy  purchased  sev- 
eral thousand  acres  of  pine  lands  in  Michi- 
gan, in  1871  several  thousand  more,  and  later 
an  addition  of  many  thousand  acres,  for  the 
proper  handling  of  the  yields’  of  which  our 
subject  has  been  largely  interested  in  three 
sawmills,  while  he  also  owns  a number 
of  lumberyards.  He  is  also  interested  in  other 
commercial  enterprises,  some  of  which  are  of 
considerable  magnitude.  Among  these  is  the 
Janesville  Machine  Co.  (formerly  known  as 
the  Harris  Works),  of  which  he  has  been 
president  for  a quarter  of  a century.  The 
concern  has  a working  capital  - of  half  a mil- 
lion dollars,  employs  240  men,  and  conducts, 
in  addition  to  a foundry  and  general  machine 
shop,  a large,  well-equipped  plant  for  the  man- 
ufacture of  agricultural  implements.  Mr. 
Lovejoy  is  also  a stockholder  in  the  Janesville 
Cotton  Mill  Co.,  and  has  extensive  holdings 
of  real  property  in  that  city,  as  well  as  in 
other  localities  in  his  adopted  State,  being- 
one  of  the  heaviest  tax-payers  in  Rock  county. 

Mr.  Lovejoy’s  intellect  is  keen  and  far- 
sighted, and  his  business  judgment  rarely  at 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


38 


fault.  His  habits  are  methodical  and  system- 
atic, and  his  conclusions  are  usually  reached 
through  a course  of  logical  reasoning  for 
which  his  native  aptitude]  for  mathematics, 
perhaps,  well  qualifies  him.  Facts  and  figures 
appeal  to  him  quickly,  while  for  theoretical 
inferences  he  has  little  regard.  Yet,  practical 
man  of  affairs  as  he  is,  his  nature  ig  gentle, 
genial  and  generous.  Liberal  in  his  benefac- 
tions, he  is  charitable  also  to  the  frailties  of 
his  fellows;  and,  while  he  has  been  wholly 
the  architect  of  his  own  fortune,  he  is  entirely 
devoid  of  that  imperative,  self-assertive  spirit 
which  too  often  mars  the  character  of  the 
self-made  man.  His  physique  is  well  propor- 
tioned, and  is  indicative  of  great  strength, 
even  at  the  age  of  seventy-five  years.  His 
frame  is  tall  and  muscular,  yet  possesses  that 
suppleness  and  alert  activity  of  motion  which 
come  to  men  of  his  years  only  after  a life  of 
abstemiousness.  Lie  is  a Knight  Templar 
Mason,  and  a member  of  the  Knights  of  Pyth- 
ias. In  his  old  home,  in  Maine,  he  was  prom- 
inent and  influential  in  the  councils  of  the  Sons 
of  Temperance.  His  political  creed  is  that  of 
the  Republican  party,  of  which  he  has  been  an 
active  member  since  the  date  of  its  organiza- 
tion. Pie  has  been  repeatedly  elected  to  offices 
of  high  trust  and  responsibilty,  but  in  no  po- 
sition of  either  public  or  private  life  has  he 
ever  been  tried  and  found  wanting.  In  1869 
lie  was  a member  of  the  lower  house  of  the 
Legislature,  and  served  as  State  senator  in 
1887-89.  In  1881  he  was  mayor  of  Janesville. 

On  May  29,  1880,  Mr.  Lovejoy  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Julia  A.  Stow,  a daughter  of 
Henry  and  Susan  (Folliett)  Stow.  Four  chil- 
dren have  blessed  their  marriage:  Allen  P., 

Henry  S.,  Julia  S.,  and  Webster  Ellis,  of  whom 
the  last  named  died  in  infancy.  Mrs.  Love- 
joy  is  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

C.  A.  LIBBY,  editor  and  proprietor  of 
the  Enterprise  and  the  Tribune,  at  Evansville, 
Rock  county,  is  a native  of  New  Hampshire, 
born  at  Great  Falls  Nov.  6,  1846.  He  lived 
in  his  native  State  until  he  was  nine  years  of 
age,  and  came  W est  with  his  parents  to  Evans- 
ville, Wis.,  in  1855.  His  primary  education, 
received  in  the  common  schools,  was  supple- 
mented by  a course  in  Evansville  Seminary. 
When  the  Civil  war  broke  out  it  stirred  the 
patriotic  feeling  slumbering  in  his  breast,  and 
being  then  too  young  to  enlist  he  waited  until 


1864,  when  he  became  a member  of  Com- 
pany D,  40th  Wis.  V.  I.  He  remained  in  the 
service  until  honorably  discharged  by  reason 
of  the  expiration  of  his  term  of  enlistment. 
During,  that  time  he  had  a sunstroke,  and 
contracted  a chronic  disease  which  has  perma- 
nently affected  his  health. 

On  Nov.  6,  1869,  Mr.  Libby  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Lucila  Crandall,  who 
was  born  July  13,  1850.  During  the  spring 
following  their  marriage  the  young  couple 
moved  to  Kansas,  where  they  lived  for  three 
years.  At  the  expiration  of  that  time  Mr. 
Libby  came  back  to  Evansville,  bringing  his 
family  with  him,  and  here  he  has  since  con- 
tinued to  reside,  with  the  exception  of  one 
year — 1895-96 — spent  in  Chicago,  in  the  gro- 
cery and  meat  business.  Since  1881  he  has 
been  editor  and  manager  of  the  local  papers, 
the  Enterprise  and  the  Tribune,  and  has 
achieved  a success  in  that  line  of  work.  So- 
cially he  is  a charter  member  of  T.  L.  Sut- 
phen  Post,  No.  41,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Evansville, 
and  he  is  a respected  and  worthy  citizen.  Five 
children  have  come  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Libby, 
four  sons  and  one  daughter,  as  follows:  Fred 
Nelson  was  born  Dec.  30,  1871,  in  Lacygne, 
Ivans. ; Mary  Alice  and  Almond  Melvin 
(twins)  were  born  Jan.  19,  1874;  Bur  Ansel 
was  born  Aug.  18,  1881.  The  youngest  child, 
Roy,  who  was  born  Oct.  3,  1884,  died  Aug, 
3,  1886.  Almond  Melvin,  who  is  engaged 
with  Montgomery,  Ward  & Co.,  Chicago,  mar- 
ried Miss  Henrietta  L.  Herbster,  of  that  city, 
and  they  have  two  daughters,  Irene  Caroline 
Alice,  born  Sept.  16,  1898;  and  Hazel  Grace 
Eveline,  born  July  16,  1900.  Fred  N.  entered 
the  United  States  Pension  Office  at  Washing- 
ton, D.  C.,  in  1893,  and  has  since  been  em- 
ployed there;  on  Jan.  1,  1901,  he  was  married 
in  Washington,  D.  C.,  to  Miss  Helen  E.  Smith, 
of  that  city. 

Mrs.  Libby  is  a daughter  of  Daniel  Cran- 
dall, a pioneer  settler  of  Rock  county,  who 
came  to  the  State  in  1844,  migrating  from 
Chenango  county,  N.  Y.,  and  settling  in  the 
town  of  Union,  where  his  death  occurred  Aug. 
31,  1862,  when  he  was  aged  forty-five.  His 
widow  is  now  living  in  Montana,  with  her 
sons. 

REV.  WILLIAM  HARVEY  (deceased) 
was  a merchant  during  the  major  portion  of 
his  active  career,  and  for  'some  years  lived  re- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


39 


tired,  in  the  enjoyment  of  a competence  which 
bespoke  character,  intelligence,  industry  and 
integrity  to  a very  high  degree. 

Mr.  Harvey  was  born  in  Cornwall,  Eng- 
land, in  April,  1818,  son  of  Christopher  and 
Jane  Harvey,  both  English  born  and  bred. 
They  died  in  the  old  country,  leaving  a large 
family,  and  five  of  their  sons,  John,  William, 
James,  Richard  and  Joseph,  came  to  the  United 
States,  where  they  led  honest  and  industrious 
lives. 

William  Harvey  received  his  education  in 
England,  and  coming  to  this  country  in  1848 
located  at  Hazel  Green,  Wis.,  where  he  worked 
in  the  lead  mines  some  two  years.  In  1850 
he  established  himself  as  a general  merchant 
at  Council  Hill,  111.,  and  followed  mercantile 
business  for  more  than  forty  year's.  In  1889 
he  sold  out,  and  moved  to  Hazel  Green,  Grant 
county,  where  he  lived  retired  until  his  death, 
in  February,  11897.  Mr.  Harvey  had  a fine 
education,  and  had  studied  theology,  with  a 
view  to  entering  the  ministry,  in  his  native 
land,  but  gave  it  up  after  coming  to  this  coun- 
try, with  the  exception  of  the  work  of  a local 
minister  of  the  Methodist  Church,  which  he 
continued  to  do  as  long  as  his  health  and 
'Strength  permitted,  preaching  in  the  school 
houses  and  in  the  country  churches  of  that 
denomination  with  fine  effect.  An  eminently 
Christian  man,  he  lived  under  an  obligation  of 
right  and  brotherly  neighborliness,  and  his 
name  is  remembered  as  that  of  an  honorable 
and  God-fearing  man. 

In  1850  Mr.  Harvey  married  Miss  Caro- 
line Nacollins,  daughter  of  John  and  Mary 
Nacollins,  who  were  born  in  England.  The 
father  died  in  his  native  land,  and  the  mother, 
with  her  six  children,  came  to  this  country, 
settling  .at  Council  Hill,  where  all  died  with 
the  exception  of  Caroline,  Who  is  now  the 
widow  of  Mr.  Harvey.  Seven  children  were 
born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harvey : ( 1 ) Christo- 
pher, born  in  1S52,  went  to  Colorado  while 
still  a young  man,  and  there  followed  the  oc- 
cupation of  a butcher ; he  was  killed  by  a snow- 
slide  in  1885.  He  died  unmarried.  (2)  Jo- 
seph, born  in  1854.  married  Miss  Laura 
Thomas,  daughter  of  Josiah  Thomas,  of  Hazel 
Green,  and  they  now  reside  in  Colorado.  (3) 
Tames,  born  in  1856,  married  in  Colorado  a 
Miss  Mills,  of  Georgetown,  of  that  State,  and 
for  a number  of  years  has  been  keeping  books 
for  a large  packing  company  in  Colorado.  He 


received  a good  education,  and  is  a man  of 
more  than  ordinary  ability.  Two  children 
have  been  born  to  him  and  his  wife.  (4) 
William,  born  in  1863,  married  Miss  Sarah 
Reed,  of  Hazel  Green,  and  is  a leading  busi- 
ness man  of  Colorado.  They  have  two  chil- 
dren, Clarence  and  Earl.  (5)  Mary  J.,  (6) 
Elizabeth  E.  and  (7)  Jane  all  died  in  infancy. 

Mr.  Harvey  was  a Republican,  but  his 
strong  convictions  and  deep  interest  were  in 
church  and  school.  From  time  to  time,  how- 
ever, he  held  local  offices  in  his  district  in  Jo 
Daviess  county,  111.,  and  for  years  was  super- 
intendent of  the  Sunday-school.  For  over 
forty-eight  years:  he  exercised  his  gifts  of  heart 
and  faith  as  a minister  of  the  Gospel,  and,  as 
a man,  a citizen  and  a Christian,  his  stand- 
ing was  beyond  reproach. 

Mrs.  Harvey  was  born  in  September,  1822, 
in  Cornwall,  England,  where  she  was  educated. 
While  still  a girl  she  learned  the  dress-making 
trade,  in  which  she  was  engaged  at  the  time 
of  her  marriage.  A lady  of  many  Christian 
virtues  and  high  character,  as1  a wife  and  a 
mother,  as  well  as  a kind  neighbor,  she  is 
spoken  of  most  highly. 

REV.  E.  O.  GIESEL.  pastor  of  the  Ger- 
man Lutheran  Church  at  Platteville,  Grant 
county,  was  born  in  Silesia,  Germany,  in  1849, 
a son  of  Adolph  and  Nora  (Koerner)  Giesel. 
who  spent  their  entire  lives  in  that  country; 
the  father  died  in  1890,  the  mother  some  time 
previously. 

Reared  in  his  native  land,  Mr.  Giesel  ob- 
tained his  literary  education  in  his  home  city, 
Sagan,  and  then  entered  the  theological  sem- 
inary at  Hesse.  For  one  year  he  was  house 
teacher  at  Berlin,  Prussia,  with  the  family  of 
a millionaire.  In  1873  he  left  Germany  and 
came  to  the  United  States.  He  was  graduated 
from  the  seminary  at  Mendota,  111.,  in  1874, 
and  was  ordained  a minister  of  the  Lutheran 
Church  Jan.  28,  1S75.  That  year  he  began 
his  pastoral  work  at  Glencoe,  Wis..  where  he 
erected  a church,  and  preached  to  the  congre- 
gations at  that  place.  Montana  and  "Whitehall. 
He  next  went  to  Fairmount,  now  Welcome, 
Minn.,  where  he  built  a parsonage,  and  from 
there  went  to  Baraboo,  Wis'.  He  built  a church 
at  that  place  and  also  at  Caledonia,  the  same 
year,  while  the  Baraboo  congregation  under 
his  pastorate  was  increased  from  twelve  to 
thirty-eight  families.  He  also  had  charge  of 


40 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


the  churches  at  Greenfield  and  Kilbourn  City, 
Wis.  For  three  years  Mr.  Giesel  was  pastor 
of  the  Lutheran  Church  at  Meredosia,  111.,  and 
for  a year  and  a half  was  connected  with  St. 
John’s  Church,  of  Galena,  111.,  from  which  city 
he  came  to  Platteville,  Wis.,  May  22,  1884, 
to  accept  the  pastorate  of  the  Evangelical 
Church  of  Peace. 

This  church  was  organized  in  1856,  with' 
fifteen  or  twenty  families,  and  services  were 
first  held  in  the  school  house  and  private  homes 
of  Platteville.  The  first  pastor  was  Dr.  S. 
Fritschel,  now. a professor  at  Dubuque,  Iowa, 
who  came  from  that  city  to  establish  a church 
here  in  1856.  Two  years  later  the  congrega- 
tion built  50  feet  of  the  present  church.  Dr. 
Fritschel  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  Mr.  Burk, 
who  in  turn  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  C.  Starck, 
who  remained  here  four  years.  The  next  pas- 
tor was  Rev.  Mr.  Meumann,  who  died  later 
in  Germany,  and  was  followed  by  Rev.  Mr. 
Bartels,  and  Rev.  Mr.  Thiele,  who  later  be- 
came a professor  in  Milwaukee.  The  church 
was  divided  until  the  pastorate  of  the  next 
minister,  Rev.  Mr.  Reichenbecher,  who  be- 
came a professor  in  the  Milwaukee  Theologi- 
cal Seminary.  Pie  was  followed  by  Rev.  Mr. 
Salinger,  who  in  1878  made  an  addition  to 
the  church  building,  which  is  now  a fine  struc- 
ture, 80  feet  long,  and  a pipe  organ  was  put 
in  at  the  same  time.  Later  Rev.  C.  Starck 
was  again  pastor  here,  and  was  succeeded  by 
Rev.  Mr.  Giesel,  who  has  been  in  charge  con- 
tinuously since  May  22,  1884.  In  1895  a new 
steeple  was:  built,  and  a bell  put  in,  at  a cost 
of  over  $2,000,  and  the  following  year  the 
church  was  thoroughly  renovated,  being  pa- 
pered and  re-seated,  while  a furnace,  altar,  pul- 
pit furnishings  and  a new  baptismal  font  were 
put  in.  The  first  parsonage  built  near  the 
St.  Paul  depot,  was  later  sold,  and  the  present 
parsonage  erected  in  1883.  A parochial  school 
was  established  during  the  pastorate  of  Rev. 
Mr.  Starck,  an  old  church  building  being  pur- 
chased and  converted  into  school  property. 
The  congregation  now  numbers  over  two  hun- 
dred families,  there  being  about  six  hundred 
communicants. 

In  1876  Mr.  Giesel  was  married,  in  Glen- 
coe, Wis.,  to  Miss  Anna  Herbert,  who  died 
in  Baraboo  the  following  -year,  leaving  one 
son,  Ernest,  now  pastor  at  Fall  Creek,  Wis. 
Our  subject  was  again  married,  at  Glencoe, 
in  1 878,  his  second  union  being  w'ith  Miss 


Elizabeth  Herbert,  by  whom  he  has  the  fol- 
lowing children : George,  Anna,  Clara,  Nora, 
Amanda,  Herbert,  Adolph,  Mary  and  Frieda. 

Mr.  Giesel  has  served  the  church  at  Platte- 
ville longer  than  any  other  pastor,  having 
ministered  faithfully  to  the  spiritual  needs  of 
the  people  for  seventeen  years.  He  has  also 
given  powerful  and  effective  aid  tt>  all  influ- 
ences which  work  for  the  advancement  of  the 
community,  and  he  is  not  only  revered  and 
loved  by  his  own  congregation,  but  is  esteemed 
by  all  others  who  have  seen  his  devotion  to 
his  noble  calling.  For  the  past  eleven  years 
he  has  served  as:  president  of  the  Augsburg 
Synod. 

EVANS.  The  Evans  ancestors  came  from 
Montgomeryshire,  Wales,  part  of  the  family 
in  1694,  and  others  in  1722,  settling  at  Uwch- 
land,  Chester  Co.,  Penn.,  about  twenty-  miles 
west  of  Philadelphia ; the  old  farm  first  tilled 
by  Evan  Evans,  the  pioneer,  is  ’Still  owned  by 
some  of  his  descendants.  John  Evans,  the 
Colonial  governor  of  Pennsylvania,  1704-09, 
was  a relative  of  Evan  Evans,  the  pioneer. 
Other  members  of  the  family  became  promi- 
nent in  the  business  and  official  affairs  of  the 
Colony.  John  Evans,  of  the  third  generation, 
was  one  of  the  judges  of  the  Supreme  Court 
at  the  close  of  the  Revolutionary  war.  Dr. 
George  Evans,  a brother  of  the  Judge,  was 
surgeon  of  Col.  Bailor’s  regiment,  in  Gen. 
Anthony  Wayne’s  division ; he  was  severely 
wounded  in  a bayonet  charge,  in  a fight  with 
the  British  near  Tappan,  N.  Y.  After  the 
war  Dr.  George  and  Richard  Evans  moved 
to  Virginia,  and  from  them  are  descended 
many  of  the  Virginia  Evanses,  some  of  whom 
subsequently  settled  in  South  Carolina  and  be- 
came prominent  in  that  State.  John  Evans 
was  governor  of  the  State  in  1895-96. 

Jesse  Bateman  Evans,  of  the  fifth  genera- 
tion, the  father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch, 
was  born  in  Westchester,  Penn.,  March  14, 
1808.  He  learned  the  blacksmith’s  and  ma- 
chinist’s trades.  In  1829  he  married  Miss 
Anna  Shingle.  In  1834  he  established  car  and 
machine  shops  a few  miles  west  of  Philadel- 
phia. on  the  line  of  a railroad  then  building, 
which  afterward  became  a part  of  the  Penn- 
sylvania Central ; here  he  began  the  manufac- 
ture of  freight  cars,  and  was  one  of  the  pio- 
neer car  builders  of  America,  continuing  this 
business  until  1S38,  when  car  building  was 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


4i 


undertaken  by  corporations  with  large  capital, 
which  compelled  small  factories  to  quit  the 
business.  In  1843  Gov.  David  R.  Porter  ap- 
pointed J.  B.  Evans  lieutenant-colonel  of  the 
“Brady  regiment,”  of  Pennsylvania  militia, 
and  in  this  capacity  he  served  until  April,  1846, 
when  he  resigned,  and  moved  with  his  family 
to  Wisconsin,  entered  government  land,  and 
began  the  life  of  a farmer  in  Lafayette  county. 
He  continued  thus,  with  the  aid  of  Ins  four 
boys,  Jonathan  H.,  Thomas  E.,  George  L, 
and  H.  Clay,  until  March,  1849,  when  his 
restless  spirit  induced  him  to  undertake  an 
overland  trip  to  the  gold  fields  of  California, 
with  ox-teams ; this  required  five  months. 
Some  parts  of  the  journey  were  through 
trackless  country,  the  only  guide  being  the  sun 
or  a pocket  compass.  Excepting  for  occasional 
trips  to  his  Wisconsin  home,  he  spent  the  re- 
mainder of  his  life  in  the  gold  fields  of  Cali- 
fornia, Nevada  and  Montana,  dying  at  Hel- 
ena, Mont.,  on  his  birthday,  March  14,  1869. 
Of  his  sons,  Thomas  E.  and  George  T.  are  re- 
tired farmers,  and  in  their  old  age  passing  a 
life  of  ease. 

H.  Clay  Evans,  the  youngest  brother,  left 
the  farm  in  1858,  when  fifteen  years  old,  and 
became  a clerk  for  his  brother,  J.  IT.,  in  the 
register’s  office  of  Grant  county,  Wis.,  remain- 
ing there  two  years.  He  was  a clerk  in  a 
mercantile  house  from  1861  to  1864,  when  he 
enlisted  in  the  41st  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  as 
quartermaster  sergeant.  In  the  fall  of  the 
same  year  he  was  transferred  to  the  quarter- 
master’s department  at  Chattanooga,  where 
he  served  to  the  end  of  the  war,  being  at  the 
base  of  supplies  during  Sherman’s  Atlanta 
campaign  and  the  march  to  the  sea.  At  the 
close  of  the  war  Gen.  Meigs  retained  him  in 
the  service  until  1869,  to  act  as  agent  of  the 
department  in  disposing  of  the  war  material 
which  had  accumulated  at  different  points 
along  the  route  of  Sherman’s  campaign.  While 
his  headquarters  were  at  Chattanooga  the  busi- 
ness of  the  department  called  him  to  distant 
points — Andersonville,  Atlanta,  New  Orleans 
and  Brownsville,  Texas.  At  the  latter  place 
he  resigned  in  1869,  and  returned  to  Chatta- 
nooga', where" he  'immediately  began  an  active 
career  in  different  manufacturing  enterprises, 
largely  in  iron,  car  building,  etc.  An  active, 
energetic  man  like  H?  Clay  Evans  would  nat- 
urally drift  into  politics.  Successively  he 
served  as  alderman,  mayor  and  president  of 


the  board  of  education  of  his  adopted  city. 
In  1888  he  was  elected  to  the  List  Congress 
from  the  Third  District  of  Tennessee.  Presi- 
dent Harrison  appointed  him  First  Assistant 
Postmaster-General.  In  1894  he  was  elected 
governor  of  Tennessee,  by  the  Republicans, 
but,  through  the  peculiar  methods  well  known 
in  some  parts  of  the  country,  he  was  counted 
out  by  the  action  of  an  adverse  legislature. 
I11  1897  Mr.  Evans  was  appointed,  by  Presi- 
dent McKinley,  commissioner  of  pensions. 

Jonathan  IT.  Evans,  the  eldest  of  the 
sons,  was  born  near  Philadelphia  Oct.  29,  1830. 
In  1841  lie  was  apprenticed  as  a printer,  and 
served  three  years  in  the  office  of  the  Cum- 
berland Valley  Whig,  published  at  Shippens- 
burg,  Penn.  By  an  accident  at  that  place  lie 
was  crippled,  causing  a lameness  which  has 
followed  him  through  life.  In  1846  he  came 
with  his  parents  to  Wisconsin,  and  remained 
on  his  father’s  farm  until  1851,  when  lie  en- 
tered the  Platteville  Academy  as  a student. 
I11  the  winter  of  1851-52  he  taught  a country 
school,  and  became  a salesman  and  bookkeeper 
in  a retail  store  the  following  August.  In 
1856  he  was  elected  register  of  deeds  for  Grant 
county,  Wis.,  serving  two  terms.  In  1861  he 
was  made  assignee  of  a bankrupt  merchant, 
this  occupying  his  time  for  most  of  that  year. 
In  1862  he  was  appointed  sutler  of  the  33d 
Wis.  V.  I.,  and  was  with  the  Army  of  the 
Tennessee  for  two  years,  witnessing  the  siege 
and  fall  of  Vicksburg,  and  other  important 
events  of  those  stirring  times.  Returning  to 
Wisconsin  in  1864,  he  immediately  began  a 
mercantile  career  which  continued  until  1884. 
In  1872  he  was  appointed,  by  Gov.  Washburn, 
a member  of  the  State  Board  of  Normal  School 
Regents,  which  position  he  held,  by  successive 
appointments,  for  twenty  years;  from  1878  to 
1890  he  served  as  president  of  the  board. 
During  his  long  service  as  regent  lie  had  much 
to  do  with  shaping  the  plans  and  educational 
policy  of  the  Normal  School  system  of  Wis- 
consin, than  which  there  is  none  better  in  the 
country.  In  February,  1S84,  Mr.  Evans  was 
appointed  assignee  of  a bank,  and  was  required 
to  give  a bond  for  $245,000  for  the  discharge 
of  the  trust.  This  work  occupied  his  time  and 
attention  for  nearly  five  years.  In  1890  he 
opened  a real-estate  office ; within  the  past  ten 
years  he  has  surveyed,  platted,  and  subdivided 
fifteen  additions  to  the  city,  giving  names  to 
over  thirty  new  streets  required  in  these  sub- 


42 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


divisions.  He  is  one  of  the  owners  of  the 
electric  light  plant,  and  has  been  for  several 
years  its  secretary  and  general  manager.  He 
is  a stockholder,  director  and  vice-president  of 
the  First  National  Bank.  It  has  been  largely 
through  his  progressive  spirit  that  the  charm- 
ing little  city  of  Platteville  has  become  one  of 
the  best  developed  interior  towns  in  the  State. 

As  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity 
Mr.  Evans  is  a zealous  worker.  He  was  made 
a Master  Mason  and  member  of  Melody  Lodge, 
No.  2,  at  Platteville,  Feb.  22,  1854;  received 
the  Royal  Arch  degrees  the  following  June, 
in  Washington  Chapter,  No.  2;  the  degrees 
of  Knighthood,  at  Madison,  in  1872;  Council 
degrees  in  1880;  and  the  degrees  of  the  East- 
ern Star  in  1890.  The  fraternity  has  honored 
him  with  many  marks  of  confidence,  he  hav- 
ing served  in  nearly  all  the  offices  of  the  local 
branches,  and  he  has  often  been  a delegate  to 
the  Grand  Lodge,  Grand  Chapter  and  Grand 
Commandery  of  the  State.  He  represented  the 
Royal  Arch  Masons-  of  Wisconsin  in  the  Gen- 
eral Grand  Chapters  held  at  Baltimore,  Md., 
in  1871,  and  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  in  1874. 
Pie  has  for  twenty-five  years  been  the  accred- 
ited representative  of  the  Grand  Chapters  of 
New  Jersey,  South  Carolina  and  Kentucky  to 
the  Grand  Chapter  of  Wisconsin,  and  for  the 
past  thirty  years  has  been  an  officer  of  the 
Grand  Chapter  of  Wisconsin,  honored  in  1874- 
75  with  the  highest  office  in  the  gift  of  the 
order,  that  of  Grand  High  Priest.  In  1S95 
he  was  elected  Grand  Patron  of  the  Order  of 
the  Eastern  Star.  In  1898,  and  again  in  1900, 
he  was  elected  treasurer  of  the  Grand  Lodge 
of  the  State. 

Mr.  Evans  was  married,  Nov.  7,  1855,  to 
Miss  Sarah  Kilbourne,  of  Columbus,  Ohio, 
a daughter  of  Prof.  John  Kilbourne,  president 
of  Worthington  College.  She  is  a cousin  of 
the  late  Byron  Kilbourne,  one  of  the  pioneer 
founders  of  Milwaukee.  The  Kilbourne  fam- 
ily came  from  England  in  1632,  and  settled 
in  Connecticut.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Evans  have 
been  born  four  children:  (1)  Charles  R.,  an 
alumnus  of  Wisconsin  University,  is  now  a 
lawyer  at  Chattanooga.  Upon  the  breaking  out 
of  the  Spanish-American  war  he  tendered  his 
services  to  the  government,  and  was  commis- 
sioned by  President  McKinley  major  of  the 
6th  LT.  S.  Volunteers;  he  served  in  Porto  Rico, 
where  for  several  months  he  was  judge  advo- 
cate of  the  general  court-martial.  When  his 


regiment  was  mustered  out  he  returned  to 
Chattanooga,  and  resumed  the  practice  of  law. 
In  August,  1900,  he  was  chosen  one  of  the 
electors  at  large  on  the  Republican  ticket,  and 
during  the  campaign  made  speeches  in  nearly 
every  county  of  the  State  of  Tennessee.  He 
is  one  of  the  professors  of  law  in  Chatta- 
nooga University.  (2)  Harry  K.,  the  second 
son,  has  been  for  the  past  eighteen  years  cash- 
ier and  financial  manager  of  the  Roane  Iron 
Co.,  at  Rockwood,  Tenn.  (3)  Mary,  also  an 
alumnus  of  the  University  of  Wisconsin,  the 
only  daughter,  is  the  wife  of  William  S.  Ma- 
son, a banker,  of  Evanston,  111.  (4)  Thomas 

C.,  the  youngest,  is  with  his  parents  in  Platte- 
ville. 

Mr.  Evans’  life  has  been  a very  busy  one, 
and,  notwithstanding  his  seventy  years,  he 
finds  no  leisure  time  to  idle  away.  He  told 
the  writer  that  he  could  hardly  recall  a vaca- 
tion from  work,  of  some  kind,  since  he  en- 
tered the  printing  office  sixty  years  ago  as 
an  apprentice  boy. 

HON.  LUTHER  BASFORD,  of  Lancas- 
ter, dates  his  coming  to  Grant  county  from 
July  1,  1836,  and  is  one  of  its  oldest  surviv- 
ing pioneers.  He  was  born  in  Chester,  Rock- 
ingham Co.,  N.  H.,  in  November,  1814,  and 
was  a mere  child1  when  he  lost  his  father,  Rich- 
ard Basford,  who  was  also  a native  of  the 
Granite  State.  His  mother,  whose  maiden 
name  was  Betsey  Gibins,  lived  to  the  age  of 
eighty  years.  The  Basford  family  originally 
came  from  the  northern  part  of  England,  and 
the  Gibins  family  from  Londonderry,  Ireland, 
but  the  descendants  of  both  have  for  several 
generations  been  born  in  America.  Luther 
Basford  is  the  youngest  of  three  children  born 
to  his  parents,  and  is  the  only  survivor.  His 
brother,  Jason,  was  for  many  years  a promi- 
nent citizen  and  real-estate  dealer  in  Kanka- 
kee. 111.,  and  his  sister,  Caroline,  passed  all 
her  life  in  her  native  New  Hampshire.  Both 
died  leaving  families. 

At  the  age  of  sixteen  years  Luther  Bas- 
ford left  his  home  in  the  Granite  State  and 
went  to  Albany,  N.  Y.,  where  he  learned  the 
carpenter’s  trade,  working  at  same  five  or  six 
years  in  Albany  and  New  York  City.  About 
this  time  a company  of  speculators,  compris- 
ing Albany  and  New  York  men,  had  entered 
the  land  in  Wisconsin  on  which  the  village 
of  Cassville,  Grant  county,  now  stands,  with 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


43 


the  expectation  and  intention  of  founding  an 
important  city.  Mr.  Basford  was  engaged  by 
this  company  to  accompany  them  and  assist 
in  erecting  in  the  contemplated  metropolis  a 
first-class  hotel  structure,  to  be  known  as  the 
“Denison  House” — and  this  event  happened 
nearly  sixty-five  years  ago.  Owing  to  unpro- 
pitiousi  circumstances  the  project  of  the  com- 
pany failed  of  success  for  the  time  being,  and 
in  the  fall  of  the  same  year  Mr.  Basford  re- 
turned East,  visiting  New  York,  Boston,  and 
his  old  New  Hampshire  home.  The  follow- 
ing winter  he  spent  in  traveling,  when  he 
was  again  solicited  by  the  old  company  to  re- 
turn to  Wisconsin. 

T transportation  in  those  early  days  was  quite 
a different  thing  from  what  it  is  now,  and  on 
first  entering  the  employ  of  the  company,  in 
1836,  Mr.  Basford  came  West  via  the  Erie 
canal  from  Albany  to  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  and 
thence  through  the  lakes  to  Green  Bay,  Wis., 
where  twenty-five  Indians  and  half-breeds  were 
employed  to  escort  the  party  and  carry  its 
effects  to  Fort  Winnebago,  now  Portage. 
There  the  Indians  were  dismissed,  and  a yoke 
of  oxen  hired  to  convey  the  luggage  to  the 
Wisconsin  river,  about  a mile  and  a half  dis- 
tant. On  the  banks  of  this  river  the  party 
of  six  whites  encamped  in  the  midst  of  an 
assemblage  of  Indians  numbering  at  least 
1,500.  The  means  of  transportation  down  the 
Wisconsin  now  became  a serious  question,  as 
they  had  no  boat,  but  they  were  equal  to  the 
emergency.  With  a whip-saw,  borrowed  at 
the  Fort,  lumber  was  cut  and  a flat-boat  built, 
on  which  the  party  floated  down  the  river, 
and'  in  safety  reached  Cassville,  July  1,  1836. 

Mr.  Basford,  with  others,  when  the  com- 
pany decided  to  cease  operations  for  the  time 
being,  started  homeward  on  the  same  flat-boat 
that  had  landed  them  at  Cassville,  intending 
to  float  down  the  Mississippi  river  to  St. 
Louis,  Mo.,  but  at  Rock  Island  they  found 
the  river  so  jammed  with  ice  that  they  were 
fain  to  abandon  their  boat  and  to  proceed  by 
team  to  the  city  they  had  fixed  upon  as  their 
temporary  destination  for  transfer  purposes. 
At  St.  Louis  they  took  steamer  for  Pittsburg, 
Penn.,  but  when  near  Lawrenceburg,  Inch, 
well  up  on  the  Ohio  river,  the  -steamer  was 
so  nearly  demolished  by  a cyclone  that  she 
could  proceed  no  further ; happily,  after  the 
subsidence  of  the  storm,  the  steamer  “General 
Pike”  came  alongside  and  took  the  party  on 


board,  conveyed  them  as  far  as  Cincinnati, 
whence  our  subject  journeyed  by  stage  to 
Pittsburg,  Penn.,  via  Wheeling,  W.  A a.,  etc. 
From  Pittsburg  the  party  proceeded  eastward, 
and  when  near  Philadelphia  struck  a railroad, 
and  so  continued  onward,  by  rail  and  steamer, 
until  New  York  was  reached,  Jan.  2,  1837. 
How  Mr.  Ba-sford  was  occupied  that  winter 
has  been  alluded  to  above. 

Soon  after  his  return  to  Cassville,  in  the 
following  spring,  Mr.  Basford  purchased  sev- 
eral lots  in  the  new  town,  and  built  upon 
them.  For  a considerable  length  of  time  he 
followed!  his  trade  of  carpentering  in  Cass- 
ville, and  then  embarked  in  farming.  I11  1862 
he  engaged  in  merchandising  at  Glen  Haven, 
Grant  county,  in  which  he  continued  until 
1887,  when  he  sold  out,  and,  accompanied  by 
his  wife,  he  went  to  San  Diego,  Cal.,  where 
he  spent  one  winter.  O11  his  return  to  Wis- 
consin Mr.  Basford  settled  in  Lancaster,  and 
resumed  mercantile  trade  under  the  firm  name 
of  C.  H.  Basford  & Co.,  and  this  has  con- 
tinued to  occupy  his  time  and  attention  up 
to  the  present  hour. 

Mr.  Basford  was  joined  in  matrimony,  at 
Cassville,  in  1839,  with  Miss  Elizabeth  Jane 
Blessing,  a native  of  what  is  now  West  V ir- 
ginia,  who  in  1837  came  to  Grant  county, 
Wis.,  with  her  father,  her  mother  having  died 
in  her  native  Virginia.  Soon  after  the  dis- 
covery of  gold  in  California  Mr.  Blessing 
joined  the  throng  that  wended  its  way  toward 
that  Territory,  but  did  not  live  to  return  to 
Wisconsin.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Basford  were 
born  several  children,  two  of  whom  stdl  sur- 
vive, viz. : Martha  J.,  Mrs.  Scott;  and  Charles 
H.,  who  is  associated  with  his  father  in  busi- 
ness under  the  firm  style  given  above.  An- 
other daughter,  Mrs.  Adclie  E.  Brown,  of 
Bloomington,  Grant  county,  died  six  weeks 
after  her  marriage,  and  Caroline  passed  away 
after  attaining  to  womanhood;  Alice  and 
Harry  died  in  early  childhood.  The  mother 
of  this  family  was  called  to  rest  in  1890,  at 
the  age  of  sixty-eight  years. 

Mr.  Basford  has  ever  been  one  of  the  rep- 
resentative'men  of  Grant  county,  has  been  re- 
markably successful  as  a business  man,  and  as 
a citizen  has  always  been  held  in  the  highest 
esteem.  As  a Republican  he  has  been  most 
popular  in  his  party,  was  elected  a member 
of  the  lower  house  of  the  State  Legislature 
in  1S59,  served  as  sergeant-at-arms  of  the  Sen- 


44 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ate  in  1864,  and  in  1871  was  again  elected 
a member  of  the  House  of  Representatives. 

Notwithstanding  his  cares  and'  close  atten- 
tion to  his  business  affairs,  Mr.  Basford  has 
found  time  to  travel  considerably,  and  has 
seen  much  of  the  world.  He  has  four  times 
crossed  the  Rocky  Mountains,  and  there  is 
one  episode  in  his  life  of  travel  to  which  he 
can  refer  with  pride — and  it  is  probable  that 
no  other  living  man  has  had  the  same  experi- 
ence— and  that  is  the  fact  that,  in  1832,  he 
rode  from  Albany  to  Schenectady,  N.  Y.,  on 
the  first  trip  on  the  first  passenger  railroad 
built  in  the  United  States.  The  locomotive 
that  drew  the  train  was  on  exhibition  at  the 
Columbian  Exposition  in  Chicago  in  1893. 

The  people  of  Grant  county  owe  an  ever- 
lasting debt  to  Mr.  Basford,  as  it  is  to  the 
energy,  foresight  and  indomitable  persever- 
ance of  such  as  he  that  the  county  has  been 
raised  from  its  primeval  condition  in  pioneer 
days  to  its  present  proud  position  in  the  sis- 
terhood of  Wisconsin  counties,  he  having  lo- 
cated here  in  the  year  1837. 

HAMILTON  RICHARDSON  has  passed 
his  eightieth  birthday,  and  is  spending  life’s 
closing  years  in  the  retirement  and  rest  which 
his  long  and  useful  life  has  richly  earned.  In 
the  paternal  line  he  is  of  Scottish  descent, 
and  his  grandfather,  William  Richardson, 
who  was  born  in  Massachusetts,  was  a sol- 
dier in  the  patriot  army  of  1776,  serving  as 
an  aide-de-camp  on  the  staff  of  Gen.  Putnam. 
He  removed  from  Massachusetts  to  Johns- 
town, N.  Y.,  where  he  died  “full  of  years  and 
honors.”  He  had  only  two  children,  one  of 
whom,  William,  born  in  New  York  State, 
was  the  father  of  Hamilton  Richardson.  He 
married  Mary  Pierson,  who  was  also  born  in 
the  State  of  New  York,  and  was  one  of  a 
family  of  five  children  born  to  William  Pier- 
son, who  was  of  English  descent.  William 
Richardson  was  a farmer  by  occupation.  He 
was  an  earnest  member  of  the  Scotch  Pres- 
byterian Church,  as  was  also  his  wife.  He 
passed  away  at  LeRoy,  N.  Y.,  in  1874,  at 
the  age  of  eighty-seven,  and  Mrs.  Richardson 
died  at  the  age  of  eighty-five  years.  They 
were  the  parents  of  thirteen  children,  seven 
of  whom  are  yet  living:  Mary,  unmarried, 
residing  at  LeRoy.  N.  Y. ; Martha,  widow  of 
Elisha  Conklin,  of  Moravia,  N.  Y. ; Hamilton ; 
Richard  J.,  a resident  of  Janesville;  Cath- 


erine, wife  of  Jerome  Richardson,  of  Suisun, 
Cal.;  Eliza  P.,  widow  of  Thomas  Bucking- 
ham, of  Vacaville,  in  that  State;  and  Ellen, 
who  married  a Mr.  Lent,  of  LeRoy,  N.  Y., 
and  is  now  a widow. 

Hamilton  Richardson  was  born  in  Gene- 
see county,  N.  Y.,  Oct.  17,  1820.  He  received 
the  training  of  a farmer’s  boy,  and  attended 
the  district  schools  as  opportunity  afforded. 
In  the  spring  of  1836 — -before  he  had  reached 
the  age  of  sixteen  years — he  came  West,  his 
first  location  being  in  Genesee  county,  Mich., 
where  he  acquired  his  first  business  experience 
as  clerk  in  a country  store  and  bank.  In 
1842  he  removed  to  Wisconsin,  locating  first 
in  Milwaukee,  whence  he  went  to  Racine,  and 
in  1846  to  Janesville,  which  has  been  his  home 
for  more  than  half  a century,  his  residence 
being  at  No.  107  Prospect  avenue.  Lie  has  al- 
ways taken  a deep  and  active  interest  in  public 
affairs,  being  clear-sighted  and  of  sound  judg- 
ment, at  once  progressive  and  conservative. 
On  coming  to  Janesville  he  opened  a general 
store,  in  which,  by  ready  judgment,  good  sense 
and  practical  experience,  he  made  a success. 
In  1850'  he  fell  a victim  to  the  California 
“gold  fever,”  and  from  1851  to  1856  con- 
ducted a mercantile  business  in  that  State. 
Since  his  return  to  Janesville,  in  the  year  last 
named,  he  has  resided  there  continuously,  ex- 
tensively interested  in  real-estate  and  various 
manufacturing  enterprises,  though  he  has  not 
engaged  in  commercial  .pursuits.  He  has  long 
been  a stockholder  and  director  in  the  First 
National  Bank.  Before  the  attempted  seces- 
sion of  the  Southern  States  Mr.  Richardson 
was  a Democrat,  but  in  view  of  the  momen- 
tous issue  which  then  confronted  the  coun- 
try he  rose  above  partisanship,  being  one  of 
three  men  who  raised  and  equipped  the  13th 
Wis.  V.  I.  for  the  Union  service.  Pie  has 
always  taken  a lively  interest  in  public  ques- 
tions, and  has  been  an  active  political  worker, 
his  affiliations  since  :S62  being  with  the  Re- 
publican party.  He  has  served  one  term  as 
postmaster  of  Janesville,  and  has  represented 
his  district  in  the  State  Senate  for  three  terms; 
while  a member  of  that  body  he  was  the  au- 
thor and  one  of  those  who  carried  into  execu- 
tion the  plan  for  the  county  care  of  the  insane, 
and  was  one  of  the  recognized  leaders  of  his 
party. 

On  Aug.  9,  1858,  Mr.  Richardson  married 
Caroline  A.  Pease,  a native  of  Connecticut, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


45 


and  daughter  of  Lorrain  and  Sarah  (Mar- 
shall) Pease,  the  former  a descendant  of  John 
Pease,  who  came  from  England  to  the  Amer- 
ican Colonies  in  1630,  the  latter  a lineal  de- 
scendant of  Capt.  Samuel  Marshall,  who  was 
killed  by  the  Indians  in  the  battle  of  Ticonda, 
near  Fort  Narragansett,  in  1675.  Six  chil- 
dren have  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Richard- 
son: Victor  Pease,  mayor  of  Janesville;  Sarah 
M.;  Hamilton  P.,  a lawyer  of  Milwaukee; 
John  P. ; Marshall  P.,  a lawyer  in  Janesville; 
and  Lorrain  T.,  a captain  in  the  Twentieth 
Infantry,  U.  S.  A.,  now  doing  gallant  serv- 
ice in  the  Philippine  archipelago. 

Our  subject  is  a Republican  in  politics. 
He  is  a member  of  the  Western  Star  Lodge, 
No.  14,  A.  F.  & A.  M. ; of  Janesville  Chap- 
ter, No.  6,  R.  A.  M. ; and  of  Janesville  Com- 
mandery,  K.  T.  Mrs.  Richardson  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Episcopal  Church. 

LEROY  GRANT  ARMSTRONG,  M.  D., 
of  Bosoobel,  has  practiced  medicine  for  forty- 
two  years,  and  is  the  oldest  practitioner  in 
the  northern  part  of  Grant  county.  He  is  of 
Irish  descent,  and  the  family  name,  Armstrong, 
has  been  traced  to  its  origin  in  the  tenth  cen- 
tury, when  a king  of  Scotland  was  thrown 
from  his  horse,  and  assisted  to  mount  by  his 
armor-bearer,  Fairbeorn.  He  took  the  king 
by  the  thigh  and  set  him  on  his  saddle.  “The 
royal  master  gave  him  the  appellation  of  Arm- 
strong, and  assigned  him  a crest,  an  armed 
hand  and  arm,  in  the  left  hand  a leg  and  foot  in 
armor,  proper,”  and  this  is  the  coat  of  arms 
of  the  family. 

Our  subject  is  a lineal  descendant  of  Fran- 
cis Armstrong,  who  emigrated  from  the  North 
of  Ireland  to  this  country  in  1727.  He  settled 
in  New  York,  in  what  is  now  Orange  county, 
where  he  leased  a tract  of  land.  His  son, 
Robert,  the  great-grandfather  of  Dr  . Arm- 
strong, of  Boscobel,  was  the  father  of  Moses 
Armstrong,  who  became  the  father  of  Robert 
Armstrong.  The  latter  was  born  at  Genoa, 
Cayuga  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1804.  His  brother, 
Amza,  who  was  head  stone  cutter  and  mason, 
supervised  the  building  of  the  locks  on  the 
Erie  canal  at  Lockport,  and  while  working 
there  Robert  learned  the  trade  of  stone  mason. 
In  1839  he  was  married  to  Miss  Huldah  Grant. 
He  was  living  on  rented  land,  and  with  diffi- 
culty could  make  head  against  adverse  cir- 
cumstances. To  better  his  condition  he  came 


to  Whitewater,  Wis.,  where  Delilah,  his  sis- 
ter, who  had  married  Giles  Kenney,  had  set- 
tled in  1840.  He  worked  at  his  trade,  and 
when  the  railroad  from  Milwaukee  to  Prairie 
clu  Chien  was  built  he  had  the  contracts  for 
the  construction  of  the  mason  work  between 
Whitewater  and  Rock  River.  In  1864  he  re- 
moved to  Brodhead,  where  he  died  in  1875. 
His  wife  died  at  the  home  of  her  son,  Leroy 
G.,  at  the  age  of  eighty-five  years.  They  were 
Presbyterians,  and  he  was  a stanch  Democrat. 
He  held  the  office  of  city  marshal  at  Brodhead. 

Dr.  Armstrong  and  Miss  Sarah  D.  Bond, 
daughter  of  Jonathan  and  Mary  (French) 
Bond,  were  married  Jan.  22,  1861.  She  was 
born  in  Pennsylvania  Oct.  29,  1834,  and  died 
at  Boscobel  Aug.  23,  1894,  the  mother  of  four 
children,  two  of  whom,  twins,  died  in  infancy. 
Charles  A.  is  a physician  in  Boscobel.  and  is 
the  partner  of  his  father  in  medical  practice; 
his  sketch  appears  elsewhere.  George  C.  is 
an  attorney,  and  at  the  present  time  represents 
Bradstreet’s  Commercial  Agency  at  Salt  Lake 
City.  Dr.  Armstrong  contracted  a second 
marriage  Jan.  1,  1895,  Miss  Rosa  Baumeister, 
a daughter  of  David  Baumeister,  becoming 
his  wife;  she  was  born  in  Garnavillo,  Clayton 
Co.,  Iowa.  They  have  one  son,  Archie  Ames, 
born  May  25,  1897.  Mrs.  Armstrong  is  a 
member  of  the  Lutheran  Church.  The  Doc- 
tor owns  a residence  and  other  property  in  Bos- 
cobel. He  is  a charter  member  and  past  mas- 
ter of  Grant  Lodge,  No.  169,  A.  F.  & A.  M. ; 
past  high  priest  of  Boscobel  Chapter,  No.  52, 
R.  A.  M. ; and  past  eminent  commander  of 
De  Molai  Commandery,  No.  15,  K.  T.  He 
is  a member  of  John  McDermott  Post,  No. 
101,  G.  A.  R.,  of  which  he  served  as  first  com- 
mander. 

Dr.  Armstrong  spent  his  early  years  at 
Whitewater,  and  entered  the  academy  at  Fort 
Atkinson  in  his  seventeenth  year.  He  secured 
a certificate  for  country  school  teaching,  and 
in  this  occupation  secured  money  for  a course 
at  the  State  University,  where  lie  was  under 
the  preceptorship  of  Dr.  S.  P.  Lathrop.  In 
October,  1856,  he  matriculated  at  Rush  Medi- 
cal College,  Chicago,  where  he  was  graduated 
in  1859,  in  a class  of  thirty-one  pupils.  He 
received!  the  first  prize  in  surgery  from  Prof, 
Brainard,  and  second  honorable  mention  be- 
fore the  entire  Faculty.  During  his  course  at 
this  institution  he  acted  for  a time  as  nurse 
in  Mercy  Hospital.  He  took  a course  at  the 


46 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons,  in  the 
city  of  New  York,  in  1873-74.  Dr.  Armstrong 
has  been  a close  student  of  his  profession,  and 
has  taken  special  courses  in  gynecology  and 
surgery  at  Bellevue  Hospital,  the  Woman’s 
Hospital,  and  the  Presbyterian  Hospital,  in 
New  York. 

Dr.  Armstrong  began  the  practice  of  his 
profession  in  1859,  in  partnership  with  Dr. 
Riddell,  at  Palmyra,  Wis.,  and  continued  with 
him  for  a year  and  a half.  He  practiced  at 
Fennimore,  Wis.,  for  two  years.  In  1862  he 
was  appointed  assistant  surgeon  of  the  8th 
Wis.  Y.  1.,  which  regiment  he  accompanied 
to  Corinth,  Miss.,  where  he  was  transferred 
to  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  and  assigned  to 
the  6th  Wis.  V.  I.  He  was  promoted  and 
commissioned  surgeon  of  the  48th  Wis.  V.  I. 
in  1865,  accompanied  this  regiment  to  Kan- 
sas, and  was  there  made  post  surgeon  in  charge 
of  the  hospital  at  Fort  Scott,  and  at  a later 
time  was  transferred  to  Fort  Larned,  Ivans., 
where  he  remained  until  the  expiration  of  his 
term  of  service,  in  February,  1866.  Return- 
ing to  Wisconsin,  he  opened  an  office  in  Bos- 
cobel,  where  he  has  since  remained  in  contin- 
uous practice.  Dr.  Armstrong  belongs  to  the 
State  Medical  Society,  of  which  he  was  vice- 
president  in  1875,  and  president  in  1888;  is  a 
member  of  the  American  Medical  Association, 
of  the  Grant  County  Medical  Society,  and  of 
the  Southwestern  Medical  Society.  He  was 
United  States  examining  surgeon  in  the  pen- 
sion service  at  Boscobel  from  1867  to  1883. 
He  is  health  officer  of  Boscobel,  and  was  aider- 
man  in  1867,  and  again  in  1899,  and  was  a 
member  of  the  school  board  from  1868  to 
1901,  as  such  helping  to  organize  and  estab- 
lish the  high  school  upon  a basis  that  should 
secure  its  admission  to  the  accredited  list  of 
high  schools  at  the  State  University.  Dr. 
Armstrong  is  a general  practitioner,  and  has 
performed  such  capital  operations  as  resection 
and  laparotomy  as  fall  within  a general  prac- 
tice. Among  his  most  valued  essays  and  pa- 
pers  at  the  various;  society  meetings  are  sev- 
eral upon  puerperal  convulsions  and  their 
treatment. 

GUY  WHEELER.  One  of  the  old  and 
prominent  citizens  of  La  Prairie  township, 
Rock  county,  whose  name  stands  for  solidity 
of  character,  who  has  witnessed  and  contrib- 
uted materially  to  the  growth  of  Rock  county, 


his 'place  of  residence  for  almost  threescore 
years,  and  who  is  to-day  honored  for  his  most 
honorable  career,  is  Guy  Wheeler,  the  subject 
of  this  sketch. 

Mr.  Wheeler  was  born  in  Chili,  Monroe 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  Oct.  24,  1820,  son  of  Justus  P. 
and  Lucy  (Culver)  Wheeler,  natives  of  Mas- 
sachusetts. Our  subject’s  grandfather,  who 
also  was  named  Justus  Wheeler,  was  a native 
of  Massachusetts,  of  Welsh  descent,  and  lived 
to  the  age  of  ninety-nine  years.  He  had  six 
children.  The  maternal  grandfather,  Porter 
Culver,  was  a carpenter.  The  father  of  our 
subject  was  well  educated,  read  law,  and  was 
admitted  to  the  Bar.  Believing  that  Western 
lands  would  be  a fortunate  investment,  he  in 
1840  took  a trip  to  Wisconsin,  and  purchased 
640  acres  of  land  in  what  are  now  La  Prairie 
and  Harmony  townships,  Rock  county.  Two 
years  later  he  brought  his  family  to  this  prop- 
erty, upon  which  he  continued  to  reside  until 
his  death,  which  occurred  in  October,  1872, 
when  he  was  aged  eighty-nine  years.  His 
wife  survived  him  several  years,  passing  away 
at  the  age  of  ninety-two.  Both  were' members 
of  the  M.  E.  Church.  Justus  P.  Wheeler  was 
a man  of  prominence,  and  held  various  elect- 
ive offices.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of 
1812.  He  was  the  first  highway  commissioner 
in  the  township,  and  was  also  chairman  of 
the  board  of  supervisors.  To  Justus  P.  and 
Lucy  Wheeler  were  born  ten  children,  six  sons 
and  four  daughters,  of  whom  five  are  now  liv- 
ing: Guy,  our  subject;  Samuel,  of  Portland, 

Oregon;  Charles,  of  Janesville;  Cornelia, 
widow  of  Archibald  G.  Benedict,  of  Ionia, 
Mich. ; and  Sarah,  wife  of  Isaac  Howland,  of 
Crown  Point,  Indiana. 

Guy  Wheeler,  our  subject,  was  educated  for 
the  most  part  in  New  York  State.  He  attended 
the'  common  schools,  then  took  a course  at 
Lima  Seminary,  in  that  State,  and  completed 
his  education  at  Mount  Morris  (111.)  Sem- 
inary, under  Prof.  Pinckney.  He  was  nearly 
twenty-two  years  of  age  when  he  came  to  Wis- 
consin with  his  father,  in  1842.  He  entered 
160  acres  of  government  land  in  Section  5, 
La  Prairie  township,  his  present  home,  where 
since  1842  he 'has  continued  to  live.  He  has 
added  eighty  acres  to  his  property,  and  now 
has  a fertile  and  well-tilled  farm  of  240  acres, 
except  a right  of  way  through  a part  of  the 
farm,  which  he  recently  sold  to  the  Janesville 
& Southeastern  Railway  Co.  Mr.  Wheeler 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


47 


has  also  followed  stock  raising  in  addition  to 
farming,  raising  a fine  breed  of  horses,  many 
of  which  have  been  shipped  to  Europe. 

Mr.  Wheeler  married,  Oct.  9,  1844,  Miss 
Ann  L.  Snell,  daughter  of  Asa  F.  and  Louisa 
(Eaton)  Snell,  and  to  this  marriage  four  chil- 
dren have  been  born,  Marion  W.,  Cordelia 
A.,  William  G.  and  Ralph  H.  Marion  W. 
married  Augustus  C.  Dow,  and  now  lives  in 
Chicago.  Cordelia  A.  died  at  the  age  of  thir- 
teen years.  William  G.  is  a prominent  lawyer 
of  Janesville  ; he  married  Miss  Jessie  Jackman. 
Ralph  H.,  a very  successful  practicing  physi- 
* cian  of  Chicago,  married  Joan  McDonald,  and 
has  two  children,  Marie  and  Ralph. 

In  politics  Mr.  Wheeler  is  a Republican. 
He  was  the  first  town  clerk  of  La  Prairie  town- 
ship, and  for  two  terms  has  been  school'  in- 
spector. In  1864  he  was  a member  of  the  Wis- 
consin Legislature.  He  is  popular,  a man  of 
great  force  of  character,  and  one  of  the  repre- 
sentative citizens  of  Rock  county. 

WILLIAM  RALPH,  a retired  miner  and 
farmer  of  Cuba  City,  Grant  county,  is  one  of 
the  substantial  men  of  his  community,  and  is 
now  enjoying  the  well-earned  fruit  of  his  early 
labors.  Although  born  in  Cornwall,  England, 
Nov.  9,  1819,  Mr.  Ralph  has  been  thoroughly 
identified  with  the  best  interests  of  his  adopted 
country,  and  is  a man  of  whom  Cuba  City 
may  well  be  proud. 

William  Ralph  grew  to  manhood  in  his 
native  land,  where  he  attended  the  public 
schools  until  he  was  seven  years  and  six  months 
old.  He  then  went  to  work  in  the  mines,  and 
never  had  any  more  schooling,  but  taught 
himself  to  write  while  crossing  the  ocean  from 
England  to  Quebec.  On  April  7,  1842,  he 
left  England,  crossing  to  Quebec,  where  he 
remained  three  weeks.  He  then  went  to  Essex 
county,  X.  Y.,  working  in  the  iron  mines  until 
the  fall,  and  in  September  came  to  Mineral 
Point,  Wis.,  where  he  found  employment  in 
the  lead  mines.  Leaving  there  in  the  fall  of 
1844.  he  went  to  British  Hollow,  Grant  coun- 
ty. He  spent  the  winter  of  1845-46  in  Bee- 
town,  Grant  county.  In  May,  1846,  he  went 
down  the  Mississippi  to  New  Orleans,  where 
he  took  passage  for  England,  arriving  at  his 
old  home  Aug.  26.  A few  days  afterward  he 
was  married,  and  soon  came  back  to  America, 
bringing  his  wife  and  two  of  his  brothers. 
On  his  arrival  in  New  York  he  went  to  a min- 


ing office,  and  made  arrangements  for  all  three 
to  go  to  work  in  the  Rocky  Hill  Copper  Mine 
in  New  Jersey,  where  he  remained  two  years. 
At  the  expiration  of  this  time  a company  was 
formed  in  Philadelphia  for  working  the  cop- 
per mines  of  Lake  Superior,  and  Mr.  Ralph, 
on  account  of  his  long  experience,  was  one 
of  the  men  selected  for  the  work.  After  re- 
maining- with  this  company  six  years  he  pur- 
chased an  interest  in  a mine  at  Sinsinawa 
Mound,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  and  worked  it  for 
seven  years.  Having  saved  considerable 
money  during  this  time,  he  invested  it  in  some 
four  hundred  acres  of  farm  land  near  Hazel 
Green,  erected  a good  house  in  1868,  and 
moved  his  family  to  it,  renting  the  land  out 
on  shares.  Meanwhile  he  continued  mining, 
with  success,  the  ore  averaging  $30  per  one 
thousand  pounds,  until  1861,  when  he  took  up 
farming.  In  1882  he  gave  up  farming  and 
his  children  have  worked  his  land  since  that 
time.  In  1884  Mr.  Ralph,  with  his  wife, 
paid  a pleasant  journey  to  England,  visiting 
their  relatives,  and  returning  to  Wisconsin 
after  a year  in  their  native  land,  making  the 
home  trip  via  New  York.  One  year  later  Mr, 
Ralph  purchased  real  estate  in  Cuba  City, 
erected  a beautiful  home  in  the  same  year,  and 
has  since  lived  there,  retired  from  active  busi- 
ness life. 

On  Sept.  2,  1846,  Mr.  Ralph  was  married 
to  Miss  Philepie  Richards,  of  England,  and 
nine  children  were  born  to  them  : ( 1 ) Eliza- 
beth, born  at  Lake  Superior,  in  August,  1853, 
was  educated  in  the  Platteville  Normal,  and 
in  1876  married  Edwin  Trenery,  of  Platteville, 
a native  of  that  city,  born  in  1851;  they  set- 
tled on  a farm,  and  later  moved  to  Iowa,  where 
Mr.  Trenery  conducts  a furniture  and  under- 
taking establishment.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Trenery 
have  three  daughters,  Eva,  Edith  and  Ger- 
trude, all  born  in  Grant  county,  Wis.,  and  edu- 
cated in  the  schools  of  Iowa.  (2)  John  H., 
born  in  1856,  grew  to  manhood  on  the  home 
farm,  receiving  his  education  in  the  common 
and  high  schools  of  his  district,  and  at  Galena, 
111.  He  married  Miss  Hannah  Williams,  of 
Grant  county,  and  they  reside  on  the  old  home- 
stead in  Hazel  Green  township.  Their  fam- 
ily consists  of  six  children,  Wilber,  Mary, 
Eunice,  Leroy,  Homer  and  Lucile.  (3) 
George  C.,  born  in  Grant  county  in  1859, 
studied  in  the  Galena  high  school,  and  now 
resides  on  a portion  of  the  old  homestead  in 


48 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Hazel  Green  township.  He  married  Miss 
Annie  Pascoe,  of  Grant  county,  and  they  have 
five  children,  Willie,  Velda,  Clarence,  Lloyd, 
and  an  infant,  as  yet  unnamed.  The  remain- 
der of  the  children  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ralph 
died  in  infancy. 

On  Sept.  2,  1896,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ralph 
celebrated  their  Golden  Wedding,  and  at  that 
time  welcomed  to  their  beautiful  parlors  many 
old  and  honored  friends.  On  Nov.  19,  1S99, 
the  faithful  wife  and  loving  mother  passed 
to  her  eternal  rest. 

Politically  Mr.  Ralph  is  a stanch  Repub- 
lican; although  not  an  office-seeker,  while  re- 
siding in  Hazel  Green  he  served  most  accepta- 
bly as  roadmaster.  Mr.  Ralph  is  an  active 
member  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  as  was  his 
good  wife,  and  he  has  always  given  liberally 
of  his  substance  toward  the  support  of  the 
Church  and  its  works.  He  was  a trustee  of 
the  Providence  M.  E.  Church  for  a long  time 
before  his  removal  to  Cuba  City,  and  also  held 
the  same  office  there  for  some  years,  resigning 
when  he  found  himself  unable  to  attend  to  the 
duties  of  the  office  with  his  customary  zeal 
and  fidelity. 

EZRA  GOODRICH  was  the  only  son  of 
Joseph  Goodrich,  the  founder  of  Milton  and 
Milton  College,  the  first  landlord,  first  mer- 
chant, first  treasurer,  and  the  first  postmaster, 
of  Milton.  He  was  born  Feb.  24,  1826,  at 
Alfred,  Allegany  Co.,  N.  Y.  He  had  an  only 
sister,  Mrs.  Jane  (Goodrich)  Davis,  of  Rock- 
ford, 111.,  born  Feb.  6,  1828,  at  Alfred,  New 
York. 

Joseph  Goodrich  was  the  son  of  Uriah  and 
Mary  (Carpenter)  Goodrich,  and  was  born 
May  12,  1800,  at  Hancock,  Massachusetts. 

Uriah  Goodrich  was  the  son  of  Elijah  and 
Margaret  (Gillett)  Goodrich,  was  born  Aug, 
24,  1767,  at  Hancock,  Mass.,  and  died  Sept. 

2,  1845,  at  Alfred,  New  York. 

Elijah  Goodrich  was  the  son  of  Jacob  and 
Benedict  (Goodwin)  Goodrich,  was  born  July 

3,  1724,  at  Windsor,  Conn.,  and  died  Oct.  3, 
1791,  at  Hancock,  Massachusetts. 

Jacob  Goodrich  was  the  son  of  John  and 
Rebecca  (Allen)  Goodrich,  was  born  Nov.  27, 
1694,  at  Wethersfield,  Conn.,  and  died  May 
11,  1746,  at  Windsor,  Connecticut. 

John  Goodrich  was;  the  son  of  William  and 
Sarah  (Marvin)  Goodrich,  was  born  May  20, 


1653,  at  Wethersfield,  Conn.,  and  died  Sept. 
5,  1730,  at  Wethersfield,  Connecticut. 

\\  illiam  Goodrich  was  one  of  the  “Pil- 
grims" on  the  “Mayflower”  from  England,  and 
was  a descendant  of  the  founder  of  “Goodrich 
Court”  and  “Goodrich  Castle,”  built  during  the 
feudal  ages,  in  Herefordshire,  four  miles  south- 
west of  Ross,  about  one  thousand  years  ago. 

Joseph  Goodrich  at  the  age  of  nineteen 
years  started  out  in  the  world  for  himself, 
with  an  ax  and  a pack  of  clothes  on  his  back. 
He  went  from  Hancock,  Mass.,  to  the  wil- 
derness in  Alfred,  Allegany  Co.,  N.  Y.,  on 
foot  and  alone.  Pie  got  there  with  his  clothes, 
his  ax,  and  fifty  cents  in  money  left.  He  went 
to  work  with  a will  to  win.  In  1821,  at  twen- 
ty-one years  of  age,  he  took  a contract  for 
a tract  of  wild,  heavily  timbered  land  on  the 
Vandermark  creek.  He  cleared  off  a small 
patch,  and  put  up  a log  shanty  there.  He  then 
returned  East,  to  Petersburg,  N.  Y.,  and  mar- 
ried Nancy  Maxson  Dec.  22,  1821.  In  the 
spring  of  1822  they  came  to  Alfred  and  began 
to  keep  house  in  the  little  log  cabin — without 
a window  or  a door,  and  with  the  ground  for 
a floor. 

In  1823  his  father  came  out,  and  united 
with  him  in  erecting  the  first  sawmill  on  the 
Vandermark  creek,  which  they  got  to  running 
the  last  clay  of  that  year.  In  this  he  sawed 
logs  on  shares,  and  obtained  lumber  to  put 
up  a good-sized  two-story  house,  which  he 
had  enclosed  in  1824.  In  it  he  had  a large 
fireplace,  with  andirons,  and  a crane  to  swing 
over  and  off  of  the  fire,  with  hooks  to  hang 
pots  and  kettles  on.  Adjoining  there  was  a 
large  brick  oven,  for  baking  bread  and  pork 
and  beans.  On  the  hearth  in  front  of  the  oven 
was  the  blue-dye  tub  for  coloring  stocking- 
yarn,  on  which  the  children  sat  to  warm  their 
toes:  and  their  shins.  Mr.  Goodrich  did  not 
get  the  house  plastered  and  painted  until  1827. 
In  it  he  kept  travelers,  and  religious  meetings 
and  town  meetings  were  held  there.  It  is  still 
standing,  and  is  a good  dwelling  yet.  He 
built  and  kept  a small  country  store  and  an 
ashery  there,  buying  ashes  and  making  potash. 
The  ashes  were  sometimes  brought  in  'sacks, 
from  the  hillsides,  by  women  on  horseback, 
and  sold  by  them  for  pin-money. 

Mr.  Goodrich  was  a leader  in  the  military 
trainings,  was  made  a “major,”  and  was  known 
as  “Major”  Goodrich  throughout  his  life. 


GOODRICH  CASTLE,  HEREFORDSHIRE,  ENGLAND. 


. 


. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


49 


Allegany  was  a hilly,  hard-pan  country, 
and,  hearing  of  the  rich,  level  prairies  of  the 
West,  Mr.  Goodrich  got  the  fever  to  go  there; 
and  he  induced  his  neighbor,  H.  B.  Crandall, 
and  hired  a young  man,  James  Pierce,  to  go 
with  him.  He  boxed  up  a load  of  goods  from 
his  little  store,  and  on  June  26,  1838,  they 
left  Alfred  with  them,  journeying  to  Buffalo 
with  a team,  and  then  by  steamboat  up  around 
the  Great  Lakes.  They  landed  in  Milwaukee, 
and  from  there  came  on  foot.  Mr.  Goodrich 
again  brought  a pack  on  his  back,  but  instead 
of  an  ax  to  fell  trees  he  brought  a spade  to 
test  the  soil.  Coming  out  onto  a wild  little 
prairie,  covered  with  flowers,  and  surrounded 
with  small  silvery  lakes  and  green  trees,  they 
tested  the  soil  and  were  pleased,  and  Goodrich 
got  a claim  where  “Milton”  now  stands,  and 
Crandall  a claim  where  “Milton  Junction”  now 
is.  No  highways  were  laid  out,  but  Goodrich 
drew  an  air  line  from  Chicago  to  Madison 
on  the  Territorial  map,  and  one  also  from 
Janesville  to  Fort  Atkinson,  and  finding  they 
crossed  on  his  claim  he  there  located  the  site 
for  his  house.  These  roads  were  laid  out  the 
next  year,  and  they  crossed  each  other,  as  he 
expected,  by  his  house.  He  built  this  dwell- 
ing 16  by  20  feet  in  dimensions,  and  one  and 
a half  stories  high;  it  had  one  small  7 by  9 
glass  window  above,  and  one  below.  The 
frame  he  made  of  hewed  oak.  and  it  was  cov- 
ered and  shingled  with  oak,  had  a three-ply 
battened  Indian-proof  oak  door,  and  an  oak 
floor.  It  still  stands,  and  is  now  all  antique 
oak.  In  one  gable  end  upstairs  he  had  oak 
shelves  for  his  goods,  which  was  Milton’s  first 
store;  Janesville  and  Fort  Atkinson  had  none. 
He  bought  the  claim  to  the  land  where  Milton 
now  stands  with  $60  worth  of  goods,  and  the 
claim  to  Hon.  S.  C.  Carr’s  “Pioneer  Farm” 
with  $125  worth  of  goods.  Mr.  Goodrich  left 
his  house  and  little  store  in  charge  of  Mr. 
Pierce,  and  returned  East  for  his  family,  and 
while  he  was  gone  Pierce  sold  $400  worth  of 
goods. 

Mr.  Goodrich  moved  his  family  and  goods 
from  Alfred,  N.  Y.,  with  four  teams  and  cov- 
ered wagons,  by  the  overland  route.  The  first 
half  of  the  way  the  wagons  were  mounted  on 
sleighs,  as  they  started  in  snow  four  feet  deep, 
Jan.  30,  1839.  There  were  twelve  in  the  party, 
including  passengers  and  hired  help.  One 
sleigh  tipped  over  during  the  first  day’s  drive, 
and  Mrs.  Goodrich’s1  collar  bone  was  broken. 


The  surgeons  could  not  set  it  and  keep  it  in 
place,  and  she  rode  all  the  long  way  with  it 
loose,  in  a sling.  In  Ohio  they  crossed  the 
"Great  Maumee  Swamp,”  where  there  were 
thirty-one  emigrant  taverns  in  the  thirty  miles. 
In  crossing  the  Calumet,  near  Chicago,  one 
team  and  wagon  broke  through  the  ice  into 
the  water,  twelve  feet  deep,  one  horse  being 
drowned,  and  the  best  load  of  goods  wet. 
The  streets  of  Chicago  (then  a small  city) 
were  entirely  submerged  in  a sea  of  black 
mud.  They  had  to  ford  the  Desplaines  river 
and  Turtle  creek,  each  being  deep,  flood-swol- 
len streams.  Not  a house  was  to  be  seen  on 
Rock  Prairie,  and  only  Mr.  Newhall’s  log  cabin 
was  in  sight,  as  they  struck  into  the  wild  oak 
openings;  nor  was  there  another  shanty  until 
they  came  out  onto  Prairie  Du  Lac,  where, 
standing  out  alone  on  the  cold  bleak  prairie, 
the  little,  red,  oak,  pioneer  cabin  stood,  where 
it  still  stands  to-day.  Here  they  arrived  March 
4,  1839,  after  an  overland  winter's  journey 
of  thirty-four  days.  In  this  little  16  by  20 
binding  they  lived,  with  Pierce,  a family  of 
thirteen,  and  kept  the  store,  and  travelers  be- 
sides. And  in  it  religious  meetings  were  held. 

Here  Joseph  Goodrich  decided  to  found  a 
village,  for  which  he  platted  and  gave  to  the 
public  a large  and  beautiful  “Public  Square.” 
He  gave  lots  to  mechanics  who  would  settle 
there,  gave  grounds  for  a church,  a district 
school,  the  college,  and  a cemetery.  He  built 
an  academy,  and  maintained  it  for  ten  years. 
He  secured  the  line  for  the  first  railroad  via 
Milton,  gave  them  the  right  of  way  and  depot 
grounds',  and  took  $10,000  worth  of  its  stock. 
He  was  a man  of  unbounded  hospitality,  and 
a friend  of  the  poor,  the  oppressed  and  the 
enslaved.  He  was  elected  to  the  legislature 
by  the  unanimous  vote  of  his  district.  In  re- 
ligion he  was  a Seventh-day  Baptist,  and  in 
politics  a Whig  and  a Republican.  His  de- 
voted wife  died  in  1857,  and  he- was  married 
to  Mrs.  Susan  H.  Rogers  in  1859.  They  lived 
happily  together.  He  died  in  1867,  and  was 
buried  by  his  beloved  wife  at  Milton,  where 
his  son  has  erected  a monument  to  their 
memory. 

Ezra  Goodrich  came  with  his  parents  to 
Wisconsin  in  1839,  when  he  was  thirteen  years 
old.  He  was  a pupil  in  the  first  school  in  Mil- 
ton,  and  in  the  first  academy;  but  the  constant 
need  of  his  help  in  his  father’s  business,  in 
making  a new  Wisconsin  home,  deprived  him 


50 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


largely  of  schooling.  His  education  was  main- 
ly the  rough  and  ready  lessons  of  practical 
pioneer  life.  When  he  came  to  Milton  the 
Black  Hawk  and  Gen.  Atkinson  army  trails 
were  fresh  and  plainly  to  be  seen.  He  was 
here  when  Rock  county  was  organized;  when 
the  first  highway  in  Milton  was  laid;  when 
the  first  mail  route  and  stage  line  in  the  coun- 
ty was  established ; when  the  first  church  and 
school  house  was  built;,  and  the  first  grave  in 
a cemetery  was  made.  He  was  in  Janesville 
when  it  had  but  one  log  house,  H.  F.  Janes’ ; 
in  Fort  Atkinson  when  it  had  but  one  log 
house,  Dwight  Foster’s;  in  Watertown  when 
it  had  but  one  log  house  and  one  frame  one, 
and  Goodhue  had  a sawmill  there;  at  Waupun 
when  it  had  but  one  log  house,  Mr.  Wilcox’s; 
and  at  Fond  du  Lac  when  Dr.  Darling  had 
the  only  house  there.  He  was  here  when  the 
first  railroad  in  Wisconsin  was  built,  and  the 
first  wire  for  a telegraph  or  a telephone  was 
strung.  It  is  marvelous  to  see  the  changes 
that  have  been  made  in  one  lifetime.  In  1849 
Ezra  Goodrich  engaged  in  the  mercantile  busi- 
ness in  Milton,  dealing  in  dry  goods,  groceries, 
crockery,  clothing,  iron  and  hardware,  in 
which  he  continued  until  the  dark  days  of  the 
Rebellion,  in  1861. 

On  Oct.  14,  1852,  Mr.  Goodrich  was  mar- 
ried to  Elizabeth  L.  Ensign,  near  Binghamton, 
N.  Y.,  and  they  had  four  children:  Joseph 
C.  Goodrich,  born  June  24,  1854.  now  of  Mil- 
ton ; William  Ii.  Goodrich,  born  Feb.  15,  1856, 
now  of  Colorado  Springs,  Colo. ; Mary  E. 
Goodrich,  born  March  23,  1859,  now  Mrs. 
Dr.  Post,  of  Chicago ; and  Anna  S,  Goodrich, 
born  June  18,  1861,  now  Mrs.  Will  Davis,  of 
Colorado  Springs.  In  religious  belief  Mr. 
Goodrich  is  a Seventh-day  Baptist.  In  poli- 
tics he  was  a Republican;  he  is  now  independ- 
ently independent,  and  votes  for  the  best 
man.  Fie  is  a man  of  strong  convictions, 
and  that  which  he  believes  to  be  right  he 
dares  to  defend ; and  that  which  he  deems 
to  he  wrong  he  dares  to  denounce.  This 
gives  him  bitter  enemies,  as  well  as  warm 
friends.  He  has  been  an  active  factor  in 
Milton  events  for  the  past  sixty  years 
and  more  than  an  ordinary  lifetime.  He  raised 
the  controlling  stock  in  “Milton  Academy” 
when  it  was  incorporated — over  which  there 
was  a red-hot  denominational  strife.  He 
raised  the  money  to  fill  Milton's  quota  in  the 
army  of  the  great  Rebellion,  when  the  hearts 


and  hopes  of  all  others  had  failed,  and  they 
were  ready  to  throw  up  the  sponge.  He 
raised  the  money  to  set  Milton  College  again 
on  its  feet,  when  it  was  hopelessly  bankrupt, 
and  the  efforts  of  all  others  had  utterly  failed, 
they  having  succeeded  in  raising  only  $20. 
For  this  he  raised  a subscription  of  over  $13,- 
000,  of  which  he  gave  $2,300  himself.  He 
secured  the  location  of  Milton  high  school 
building,  on  the  Public  Square,  in  which  he 
was;  opposed  by  Milton  College,  and  many 
others,  who  wanted  it  located  111  am  uncouth 
lot,  still  vacant,  south  of  the  railroad,  and 
south  of  Lane’s  mill.  He  drew  the  plan,  and 
superintended  the  erection  of  the  building. 
He  platted  the  grounds  and  set  out  the  trees, 
and  to-day  Milton’s  high  school  grounds  are 
conceded  to  surpass  any  public-school  grounds 
in  the  Northwest.  Mr.  Goodrich  secured  the 
subscription  and  set  out  the  trees  in  the  beau- 
tiful park  north  of  the  railroad  at  Milton. 
He  re-organized  Milton  cemetery  after  it  had 
lost  its  organization,  and  its  grounds  were 
grown  up  to  brush  and  weeds,  and  he  or- 
ganized a uniform  system  of  grading  and 
sodding  the  lots,  and  adorning  them  with 
trees.  In  these  innovations  he  was  also  op- 
posed, but  Milton  now  has  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  cemeteries  in  Rock  county. 

Some  twenty  years  ago  Mr.  Goodrich  inaug- 
urated a system  of  raising  a special  tax  in 
the  town  for  graveling  the  roads,  in  which  at 
first  he  was  bitterly  opposed.  By  persistence 
he  succeeded;  and  to-day  Milton  has  more 
miles  of  road,  that  is  good  at  all  seasons  of 
the  year,  than  any  rural  town  in  the  State ; 
and  if  she  continues  but  a few  years  longer  she 
will  have  a good  hard  highway  to  every  farm 
in  the  town. 

Many  years  ago,  when  they  began  to  gather 
milk  for  the  factories,  Mr.  Goodrich  began  to 
advocate  gathering  the  children  of  the  towns 
into  centralized  schools.  In  this  he  was  op- 
posed to  the  point  of  almost  hissing  him  down ; 
1 mt,  of  late,  a marked  change  is  seen,  and  many 
are  now  advocating  the  coming  change.  He 
now  claims  that  the  school  children  of  Milton 
will  ere  long  all  be  riding  in  covered  spring 
wagons,  over  good  roads,  to  and  from  school, 
and  that,  when  the  good  time  comes,  every 
child  alike  will  have  the  opportunity  of  a good 
education  free. 

On  April  23,  1892,  Mr.  Goodrich  lost  his 
most  estimable  wife.  He  was  again  married, 


* r 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


5i 


Oct.  16,  1S93.  to  Mrs.  Charlotte  M.  Little, 
daughter  of  1.  P.  Morgan,  one  of  the  founders 
of  Milton  Junction,  and  widow  of  L.  V.  Little, 
who  died  Feb.  18,  1886.  The  marriage  of 
Mr.  Goodrich,  a son  of  the  founder  of  Milton, 
to  Mrs.  Little,  a daughter  of  a founder  of 
Milton  Junction,  is  to  some  extent  a union  of 
these  two  rival  villages,  which,  it  is  hoped, 
may  soon  be  blending  together,  and  eventually 
become  a prosperous,  happy  and  harmonious 
one. 

ALEXANDER  GRANT  BONHAM.  The 
family  of  Bonham  is  of  English  lineage,  the 
earliest  American  progenitors  having  crossed 
the  water  when  the  Colonies  yet  recognized 
their  allegiance  to  the  King.  Several  of  the 
early  Bonhams  fought  with  gallantry  and  dis- 
tinction in  the  cause  of  American  independ- 
ence, and  in  the  war  of  1812.  Of  these  it 
would  be  interesting  to  speak,  but  the  neces- 
sarily narrow  limits  within  which  this  narra- 
tive must  be  confined  forbid  the  tracing  of  the 
genealogical  line  beyond  the  third  generation. 

Nehemiah  Bonham,  the  paternal  grandfa- 
ther of  Alexander  G.  Bonham,  was  a native  of 
Virginia,  and  migrated  thence  to  Missouri. 
His  wife,  whose  maiden  name  was  Isabel 
Scott,  was  born  in  Ireland.  Of  their  union 
•seven  children  -were  born,  five  sons  and  two 
daughters,  James,  Joseph,  Harvey,'  Frank, 
Martin,  Rebecca  and  Isabel.  All  have  long 
since  passed  away,  the  last  survivor  of  that 
generation  having  been  Frank  Bonham,  who 
died  in  February,  1892.  The  daughters  mar- 
ried in  Missouri,  and  remained  there ; but  the 
sons,  one  and  all,  migrated  to  Grant  county, 
Wis.,  where  they  became  substantial  and  re- 
spected citizens.  Nehemiah  Bonham  also  went 
to  Wisconsin,  and  ended  his  long  life  at  the 
home  of  his  son  Martin,  whose  filial  care  sus- 
tained him  for  many  years,  and  rendered  less 
hard  his  last  days.  His  widow  survived  him 
for  many  years,  but  she,  too,  has  entered  into 
rest. 

Joseph  Bonham,  the  second  son,  was  the 
father  of  Alexander  Grant.  He  was  born  in 
Wythe  county,  Va.,  and  had  attained  man- 
hood when  his  parents  undertook  their  toil- 
some, tedious  journey  to  Missouri.  Before 
leaving  that  State  to1  seek  a new  home  in  the 
Northwest,  he  was  married  to  Leah  Ford,  of 
Tennessee,  who  was  born  Feb.  22.  1804,  and 
was  one  of  the  family  of  eight  children  of 


Alexander  Ford,  a soldier  in  the  patriot  army 
of  1776.  The  others  were  Benjamin,  George, 
Alexander,  Joseph,  Jane,  Sarah  and  Elizabeth. 
Joseph  Bonham  was  the  first  of  the  family 
to  come  to  Wisconsin.  He  visited  the  lead 
mining  region  in  1827,  alone,  and  returned 
to  Missouri.  He  was,  however,  deeply  im- 
pressed by  the  resources  and  possibilities  of  the 
region,  and  made  a second  prospecting  tour 
about  the  time  of  the  Black  Hawk  war,  go- 
ing as  far  north  as  Galena,  111.  In  1834  he 
came  as  a permanent  settler,  bringing  with 
him  his  wife  and  seven  sons.  Several  chil- 
dren were  born  to  them  after  they  were  es- 
tablished in  their  new  home.  They  first  set- 
tled in  what  is  now  the  township  of  Lancaster, 
and  the  land  which  Mr.  Bonham  pre-empted 
is  called  the  "Thomas  Shanley  farm.”  For  two 
years  the  family  remained  there,  and  at  the 
expiration  of  that  time  removed  to  a tract 
which  now  constitutes  a part  of  the  farm  of 
Alexander  G.  Bonham,  in  Lancaster  town- 
ship. Here  was  located  what  his  descendants 
love  to  call  "the  old  homestead.”  A brick 
house — the  first  in  the  neighborhood — was 
built,  the  bricks  being  made  and  burned  by 
Alexander.  The  building,  rude  and  primitive 
as  it  was,  is  still  standing,  and  in  a fair  state 
of  preservation — a sort  of  monument,  to  re- 
mind the  present  of  the  achievement  of  the 
past.  Joseph  Bonham  was  for  many  years 
employed1  in  the  lead  mines,  at  the  same  time 
■ cultivating  his  quarter  section  of  land.  It 
was  he  who  first  discovered  mineral  on  Pigeon 
creek,  the  locality  being  afterward  known  as 
"Pigeon  Diggings,”  and  there  he  was  very 
■successful.  He  was  a man  of  rugged  strength, 
incorruptible  integrity  and  outspoken  convic- 
tion. A stanch  Jacksonian  Democrat  himself, 
he  reared  his  sons  in  the  same  political  faith. 
Of  the  large  family  of  children  born  to  Jo- 
seph Bonham  and  his  wife  only  six  are  yet  liv- 
ing, three  sons  and  three  daughters.  Alexan- 
der Grant  is  our  subject;  Nehemiah  Scott, 
deceased,  is  mentioned  below;  John  James  died 
at  Bloomington  July  16,  1897;  Joseph  Loyd 
is  deceased;  Abijah  Abernatha  was  a miner, 
and  died  in  Idaho;  Carlyle,  twin  of  Abijah, 
died  when  a child  of  three  years ; Sarah  Ann 
and  Melvina  are  living;  George  Calvin  went  to 
California  to  seek  gold,  and  was  killed  by  the 
caving  in  of  a mine;  William  Henry  Harrison, 
Harvey  Holmes,  and  Rhoda  Jane  survive. 
Harvey  was  a gallant  soldier  in  the  war  of 


52 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


the  Union,  a private  in  a Wisconsin  regiment. 
iThe  manner  of  Scott's  death  is  pathetic.  He 
went  to  Idaho  to  seek  a fortune,  and  was  found 
by  his  comrades  lying-  unconscious  upon  the 
ice,  presumably  the  victim  of  a paralytic 
stroke.  Near  him  sat  his  faithful  dog,  who 
would  suffer  no  one  to  touch  his  master,  and 
whom  the  party  had  to  lasso  before  the  in- 
animate form  could  be  approached. 

Alexander  G.  Bonham  was  born  in  Pike 
county,  Mo.,  Oct.  27,  1833,  an(l  was  in  his 
eleventh  year  when  his  parents  removed  to 
Wisconsin.  To-day  he  is  approaching  his 
eightieth  year,  yet  he  can  recall  the  incidents 
of  that  long  journey  (a  considerable  part  of 
it  by  water)  and  the  appearance  of  the  new 
country  in  which  his  future  life  was  to  be 
spent.  Indeed,  those  were  perilous  times  for 
the  frontiersman  and  his  family,  the  Indians 
having  not  yet  been  reduced  to  subserviency, 
and  the  tomahawk  and  scalping  knife  being- 
still  among  the  possible  dangers  confronting 
the  settler.  During  the  third  winter  of  the 
family’s  residence  here  a band  of  fifty  aborig- 
ines, with  their  ponies,  appeared  near  their 
home,  but  made  no  hostile  demonstration,  al- 
though indefatigable  beggars.  The  few  roads 
that  the  settlers  had  were  little  more  than  In- 
dian trails,  and  game  of  all  kinds,  and  espe- 
cially deer,  was  abundant. 

As  a boy  Mr.  Bonham  aided  his  brothers 
in  clearing  the  land,  his  father’s  time  being 
chiefly  occupied  at  the  mines.  After  reaching 
early  manhood  he  divided  his  time  between 
working  as  a hired  farm  hand  and  labor- 
ing as  a miner.  The  life  was  a hard  one, 
but  he  had  youth,  and  health,  and  strength, 
and  toil  only  served  to  develop  and  harden 
his  naturally  robust  constitution.  To-day 
he  owns  a fine,  highly  cultivated  and  well  im- 
proved farm,  and  in  his  handsome  home 
is  quietly  passing  his  declining  years,  en- 
joying the  fruits  of  his  early  labor  and 
privations.  He  is  the  oldest  of  the  orig- 
inal settlers  of  Lancaster  township  yet  liv- 
ing, if  not  the  oldest  in  Grant  county.  He  has 
been  prominently  identified  with  the  develop- 
ment, social  and  economic,  as  well  as  ma- 
terial, of  the  region,  and  as  he  calmly  awaits 
the  call  to  go  to  his  reward  he  may  well  take 
pleasure  in  the  thought  that  he  will  leave  to 
his  children  a treasure  more  precious  than 
lands'  or  gold — the  stainless  record  of  an  hon- 
est life. 


Mr.  Bonham  was  married,  March  16,  1851, 
to  Elizabeth  Ann  Kilby,  a daughter  of  Abra- 
ham E.  Kilby  and  Rhoda  Parsons.  Mr.  Kilby 
was  a North  Carolinian  and'  his  wife  a Vir- 
ginian. Between  the  family  of  Bonham  and 
Kilby  there  are  several  parallels.  Both  are 
of  Southern  origin;  both  of  Revolutionary 
stock;  both  first  migrated  to  Missouri,  and 
afterward  removed  to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  set- 
tling on  adjacent  farms.  The  Kilbys  came  in 
1836,  two  years  after  their  neighbors,  and  be- 
tween the  two  families  there  always  existed  a 
warm  friendship.  Mr.  Kilby  died  m 1874,  and 
his  widow  in  1893.  He  was  a successful 
farmer,  and  a man  held1  in  high  esteem  for  hi's 
kindness  of  heart,  his  keenness  of  mind,  and 
his  inviolable  integrity.  Mrs.  Bonham  is  one 
of  a family  of  four,  three  daughters  and  one 
son,  two  of  whom — Jane  and  John — are  de- 
ceased. The  younger  of  the  two  surviving 
sisters  is  Mrs.  Sarah  Margaret  Borah,  whose 
home  is  in  Kansas. 

To  the  marriage  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Alexan- 
der G.  Bonham  have  been  born  three  sons  and 
five  daughters : Charles  Scott,  Lemuel  Eddens, 
Viola  Jane  (deceased),  Lenora  Margaret, 
Lura  Ann,  Laura  Eldora,  Lester  Grant  (de- 
ceased) and  Mabel  Claire. 

Charles  S.  Bonham,  the  eldest  son,  was 
born  in  1852,  was  reared  upon  the  homestead 
farm,  and  enjoyed  excellent  educational  ad- 
vantages at  the  public  schools  and  the  Institute 
at  Lancaster,  as  well  as  at  Blodgett  College, 
Rockford,  111.,  and  at  the  Normal  School  at 
Platteville.  For  several  years  he  was  em- 
ployed in  teaching,  but  abandoned  the  chair 
of  the  pedagogue  to  become  a salesman  of 
school  supplies  for  the  well-known  firm  of  Ivi- 
son,  Blakeman  & Taylor.  In  this  line  of  work 
he  was  so  successful  that  he  was  made  gen- 
eral agent  of  the  house  for  a territory  covering 
Kansas,  southern  Nebraska,  and  Wisconsin. 
He  remained  with  this  concern  for  ten  years, 
and  then  directed  his  attention  to  stock  farm- 
ing, his  specialty  being  the  breeding  and  rais- 
ing of  Short-horn  cattle.  In  this  pursuit,  also, 
he  succeeded  in  a surprising  degree,  but  in 
1900  he  sold  his  valuable  property,  famous  as 
the  “Oakwood  Farm,”  and  is  now  leading  a 
retired  life.  He  married  Flora  E.  Hannum,  a 
daughter  of  Rufus  Hannum,  a sketch  of  whose 
life  may  be  found  elsewhere,  and  their  union 
has  been  blessed  with  one  son,  Charles  Lloyd, 
who  was  born  May  5,  1892.  Mr.  Bonham  is 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


53 


a gentleman  of  culture  and  refinement,  and  is 
reckoned  among-  Grant  county's  most  success- 
ful and  prosperous  business  men. 

Lemuel  E.  Bonham,  the  youngest  son  of 
Alexander  G.,  has  been  for  many  years  a resi- 
dent of  the  far  West,  and  has  recently  gone  to 
Alaska. 

RICHMOND  B.  PIERCE.  Grant  coun- 
ty has  no  more  highly  esteemed  citizen  than 
Richmond  B.  Pierce,  of  Cassville  township, 
who  fought  for  the  preservation  of  the  Union 
during  the  dark  days  of  the  Rebellion,  and 
who  is  descended  from  good  old  Revolutionary 
.stock.  He  was  born  in  Ipswich,  N.  H.,  in 
1828,  a son  of  Joseph  and  Eleanor  (Mitchell) 
Pierce,  both  members  of  old  New  England 
families.  His  maternal  grandfather  fought 
with  Putnam,  Prescott  and  Warren  at  Bun- 
ker Hill  on  that  memorable  day  in  June,  1775. 
Regarding  his  paternal  great-grandfather,  who 
was  killed  by  the  Indians  in  the  early  days  of 
the  New  England  Colonies,  some  interesting 
facts  have  been  handed  down  to  the  present 
generation.  He  lived  in  the  days  of  almost  con- 
stant Indian  warfare,  and  was  a typical  pioneer 
of  those  stirring  and  dangerous  times.  He  was 
often  heard  to  say  that  no  Indian  should  ever 
have  the  satisfaction  of  taking  his  scalp,  and 
to  prevent  the  accomplishment  of  this  barbar- 
ous practice,  should  he  be  so  unlucky  as  to 
fall  into  the  hands  of  the  savages,  he  is  said 
to  have  kept  his  head  shaved,  thus  prevent- 
ing the  growth  of  the  scalp  lock  so  much 
prized  by  the  savage  warrior.  He  was  finally 
surprised  by  a band  of  Indians,  while  at  work 
in  his  field,  and  slain,  but  his  scalp  never 
adorned  the  belt  of  his  slayer.  It  is  an  in- 
teresting fact  that  the  farm  on  which  the  great- 
grandfather was  killed  in  Colonial  times  was 
the  one  on  which  Richmond1  B.  Pierce  was 
born,  it  having  descended  by  inheritance 
through  several  generations  of  the  family. 
The  parents  of  our  subject  never  came  West, 
but  made  their  home  in  New  England  through- 
out life.  They  had  twelve  children,  three  sons 
and  nine  daughters,  of  whom  Richmond  and 
his  sister  Maria,  widow  of  William  B.  Frissel, 
are  the  only  survivors.  Her  husband  was  a 
soldier  in  the  Civil  war,  being  a member  of 
a Massachusetts  regiment. 

In  his  native  State  Richmond  B.  Pierce 
grew  to  manhood.  He  was  married  at  Win- 
chester, Mass..  March  28.  1854,  to  Miss  Mary 


Jane  Morse,  who  was  born  in  Maine,  but  was 
reared  in  Massachusetts.  Her  parents,  Moses 
and  Louisa  (Cooper)  Morse,  were  also  rep- 
resentatives of  old  New  England  families. 
On  her  father’s  side  she  belongs  to  the  same 
line  of  ancestry  as  did  Samuel  F.  Morse,  the 
famous  inventor  of  the  electric  telegraph.  She 
is  also  descended  from  Revolutionary  ances- 
try, her  paternal  grandfather  having  fought  at 
Bunker  Hill.  Her  maternal  grandfather,  how- 
ever, was  an  English  sea  captain,  and  in  the  war 
of  the  Revolution  took  sides  with  the  British. 
It  is  stated  of  him  that,  after  the  war  had 
closed,  he  approached  the  New  England  coast 
for  the  purpose  of  getting  his  family,  who 
had  remained  in  the  Colonies  while  he  was 
fighting  against  them,  but,  failing  to  secure 
them,  he  sailed  away,  and  was  never  again 
seen  by  them.  Mrs.  Pierce's  father  came  to 
Grant  county,  Wis.,  in  1851.  and  purchased  a 
tract  of  land.  He  passed  the  last  days  of  his 
life  in  Minnesota,  but  his  wife- spent  the  last 
fourteen  years  of  her  life  at  the  home  of  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Pierce,  in  Grant  county,  where  she 
died  Sept.  22,  1896.  In  their  family  were 
six  children,  three  of  whom  died  in  infancy. 
Those  living  are  R.  S..  of  Beetown.  Grant 
county;  Edwin  R.,  of  Bloomington,  111.;  and 
Mrs.  Pierce.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pierce  have 
been  born  twelve  children,  six  sons  and  six 
daughters,  of  whom  six  are  living,  namely : 
Wallace  R. ; Charles  E. ; Mary  C.,  wife  of 
William  Woodhouse;  Fred  L. ; Nella  A.,  wife 
of  Leo  Grattan ; and  Margarette.  a teacher 
by  occupation.  Eleanor  L.  died  at  the  age  of 
twenty-six  years,  while  the  others  died  in  in- 
fancy. 

I11  the  spring  of  1855  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pierce 
moved  from  Massachusetts  to  Wisconsin,  and 
took  up  their  residence  in  Grant  county.  In 
August,  1861.  he  was  enrolled  as  a member 
of  Company  F,  7th  Wis.  V.  I.,  which  formed 
a part  of  the  famous  Iron  Brigade,  and  fol- 
lowed the  fortunes  of  his  regiment,  taking  part 
in  all  the  battles  and  marches  in  which  it  par- 
ticipated, up  to  the  time  of  the  battle  of  South 
Mountain,  in  September,  1862.  In  this  hard- 
fought  battle  lie  was  severely  injured  by  a 
gunshot  just  above  the  right  knee,  and  was 
in  the  hospital  about  eight  months.  This 
wound  not  only  renders  the  limb  stiff  at  the 
knee,  but  has  never  permanently  healed,  and 
still  requires  dressing  everv  day.  Notwith- 
standing the  trouble  it  has  always  caused  him, 


54 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Mr.  Pierce  has  done  much  work  as  a farmer, 
and  has  a pleasant  home  and  unencumbered 
farm  of  eighty  acres  in  Cassville  township. 
Plis  wife  is  a lady  of  culture  and  intelligence, 
as  becomes  her  New  England  descent  and 
parentage,  and  is  an  active  member  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  church.  Both  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Pierce  are  widely  and  favorably  known 
throughout  Grant  county,  and  well  deserve  the 
high  regard  in  which  they  are  held. 

WARREN  El  ANNUM,  ■ son  of  Warren 
and  Laura  (Plamilton)  Hannum,  of  whom  full 
mention  is  made  in  the  biography  of  Rufus 
Hannum,  elsewhere,  was  born  in  Genesee  coun- 
ty, N.  Y.,  Oct.  4,  1824,  and  in  1837  came  to 
Grant  county,  Wis.  Pie  is  therefore  classed 
among  the  county’s  pioneers. 

Mr.  Hannum  lived  on  the  old  homestead 
until  his  father  disposed  of  it,  in  1856,  and  in 
1858  he  purchased  a tract  of  land  in  Hazel 
Green  township,  paying  for  it  with  the  in- 
terest derived  from  the  investment  of  his  early 
savings.  He  cleared  up  this  tract  of  120  acres, 
and  resided  thereon  until  1863,  when  he  re- 
turned to  that  part  of  the  old  homestead  now 
owned  and  occupied  by  his  brother  Rufus,  and 
bought  in  addition  eighty  acres  of  timber  land. 
In  1868  he  sold  all  his  property  and  purchased 
his  present  valuable  home  in  Lancaster. 

Warren  Hannum  was  united  in  marriage, 
at  Rochester,  N.  Y.,  for  the  first  time,  on 
March  4,  1863,  with  Miss  Emily  E.  Cook, 
who  died  at  their  home  in  Lancaster,  Wis.,  in 
the  autumn  of  1868.  In  August,  1869,  Mr. 
Hannum,  for  his  second  wife,  married  Miss 
Eugenia  Paterson,  daughter  of  David  B.  Pat- 
erson, who  was  a son  of  Hugh  B.  Paterson,  a 
pioneer  of  Grant  county,  as  will  be  perceived 
by  reference  to  his  biography,  on  another  page. 
To  the  first  marriage  of  Mr.  Hannum  were 
born  two  children:  Emma  M.,  now  the  wife 

of  Harry  Brooker,  of  Lancaster;  and  Mae, 
still  at  her  father's  home.  The  second  mar- 
riage of  Mr.  Hannum  has  been  blessed  with 
five  children,  as  follows  : Etta,  wife  of  Charles 
Elliott,  of  Eagle  Grove,  Iowa;  Mercie,  wife  of 
Charles  Roberts,  of  Lancaster,  Wis. ; and 
Chester,  Jessie  and  Warren,  at  home. 

David  B.  Paterson,  father  of  Mrs.  War- 
ren Hannum,  was  born  in  Chautauqua  coun- 
ty, N.  Y.,  July  21.  1812,  and  came  to  Grant 
county,  Wis.,  in  1836.  In  1837  he  went  to 
Ohio,  and  married,  for  his  first  wife.  Miss 


Cornelia  M.  Sheffield,  who  was  born  May  11, 
1815,  and  was  a daughter  of  Alpheus  and 
Dorothy  Sheffield.  She  died  Feb.  8,  1862,  the 
mother  of  nine  children,  of  whom  seven  are 
still  living:  Frances  M.,  of  Hawarden,  Iowa; 
Ida,  wife  of  Dr.  O.  W.  Phelps,  of  Kanawka,  in 
the  same  State;  Mrs.  Eugenia  Hannum,  who. 
was  born  April.  4,  1847;  Edward  S.,  a resi- 
dent of  Stockton,  111. ; Helen,  wife  of  Henry 
Judd,  of  Bloomington,  Grant  Co.,  Wis. ; Will- 
iam D.,  now  in  Iowa;  and  Anna,  married  to 
Richard  Eddy,- of  Lancaster  township,  Grant 
county,  Wis.  Of  the  two  deceased  children, 
Alvin  A.,  the  eldest  of  the  family  of  nine,  was 
born  Sept.  22,  183S,  was  a soldier  of  the  25th 
Wis.  V.  I.,  in  the  Civil  war,  and  died  March 
8,  1868,  from  the  effects  of  exposure  and  fa- 
tigue sustained  in  his  army  life;  Ira,  born 
Jan.  14,  1845,  served  in  the  7th  Iowa  Cavalry,, 
and  died  in  the  service  at  Omaha,  Neb.,  Oct. 
15,  1863. 

In  1869  David  B.  Paterson  selected  for  his. 
second  wife  Mary  Fusch,  a native  of  Cornwall,. 
England,  and  to  this  marriage  two  children 
were  born,  George  and  Frederick.  David  B. 
Paterson  was  a prominent  and  well-known 
citizen,  and  was  long  identified  with  the  growth 
of  Grant  county,  even  from  his  pioneer  days- 
of  1836,  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in 
Georgetown,  Feb.  9,  1889,  his  loss  being  deeply 
deplored  by  a large  number  of  sorrowing* 
friends. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Warren  Hannum  have  a very 
pleasant  home,  are  blessed  with  every  comfort 
of  life,  and  are  surrounded  with . sincere 
friends,  both  old  and  new,  who  honor  Mr. 
Hannum  for  the  active  part  he  has  taken  in  de- 
veloping Grant  county  from  a wilderness  of  the 
frontier  into- a fruitful  and  prosperous  abode 
of  civilization. 

ALBERT  WHITFORD,  M.  A.,  Professor 
of  Mathematics  in  Milton  College,  is  one  of  the 
oldest  and  best-known  educators  of  southern 
Wisconsin.  He  has  engaged  in  teaching  for 
considerably  more  than  a half  century,  giving 
the  profession  the  devotion  of  his  early  years. 

Prof.  Whitford  was  born  at  Plainfield,  near 
Leonardsville,  N.  Y.,  May  28,  1832,  son  of 
Samuel  and  Sophia  (Clarke)  Whitford.  The 
father,  a farmer  by  occupation,  was  born  in 
Brookfield,  N.  Y.,  in  1797,  and  was  a son  of 
David  Whitford,  a native  of  Stonington, 
Conn.,  of  English  ancestry,  and  a farmer. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


55 


Samuel  married  Sophia,  daughter  of  Joseph 
Clarke,  who  was  born  in  Rhode  Island.  The 
father  of  our  subject  died  in  Plainfield,  N. 
Y.,  in  1848,  aged  fifty-one  years;  his  wife  sur- 
viving him  forty  years,  passed  away  in  Plain- 
field,  N.  Y.,  at  the  age  of  eighty-six.  Both 
were  devout  members  of  the  Seventh-Day 
Baptist  Church.  They  had  four  sons : Rev. 

William  Clarke,  president  of  Milton  College ; 
Hamilton  Joseph,  deceased;  Albert,  our  sub- 
ject; and  Herbert  David,  of  Milwaukee,  Wis- 
consin. 

The  early  life  of  our  subject  was  spent 
on  his  father's  farm.  In  1847,  af  the  a&e  fif- 
teen years,  he  entered  Brookfield  Academy, 
but  after  a few  terms  was  obliged  by  the  death 
of  his  father  to  abandon  temporarily  his  edu- 
cation. He  taught  district  schools  for  several 
years  and  in  1849  entered  De  Ruyter  Insti- 
tute as  a student,  teaching  and  attending  school 
until  1852,  when  he  entered  Alfred  Academy, 
by  which  he  was  graduated  in  the  classical 
course  in  1853. 

Mr.  Whitford  came  to  Milton,  Wis.,  in 
1854,  and  became  instructor  in  the  Latin 
Language  in  Milton  Academy.  Returning 
East  two  years  later,  he  entered  Union  Col- 
lege, at  Schenectady,  N.  Y.,  in  1856;  and  by 
doing  extra  work  completed  the  classical 
course  and  was  graduated,  in  1857,  with  the 
degree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts.  Four  years  later 
Union  College  conferred  upon  him  the  degree 
of  Master  of  Arts. 

Returning  to  Milton  in  1857,  Prof.  Whit- 
ford again  became  a teacher  of  Latin  at  the 
Academy,  remaining  in  that  position  until 
1863,  when  he  was  elected  couiW  superin- 
tendent of  schools  of  Rock  county,  Wis.  Two 
years  later  he  was  elected  to  the  principalship 
of  De  Ruyter  Institute,  N.  Y.,  filling  the  po- 
sition two  years.  Again  returning  to  Milton, 
in  1867,  he  taught  for  a year  in  the  newly  in- 
corporated Milton  College,  then  accepted  the 
chair  of  mathematics  in  Alfred  University, 
New  York,  where  he  taught  four  years.  Since 
1872  he  has  been  professor  of  mathematics  con- 
tinuously, for  two  years  of  this  time,  from 
1878  to  1880,  also  serving  as  acting  president 
of  the  College,  while  President  W.  C.  Whit- 
ford was  State  Superintendent  of  Public  In- 
struction in  Wisconsin. 

Prof.  Whitford  married.  May  31,  1857, 
Miss  Chloe  E.  Curtis.  Of  their  five  children, 
one  died  in  infancy.  Anna  Sophia  married 


C.  Eugene  Crandall,  a professor  in  the  Chi- 
cago University.  She  has  recently  been  en- 
gaged ' as  teacher  of  German  Language  and 
Literature  in  Milton  College.  Albert  Curtis, 
a railroad  conductor,  residing  at  Las  Yegas, 
N.  M.,  married  Louie  Harvey;  all  their  chil- 
dren have  died,  Alfred,  the  youngest,  recently. 
William  Henry,  a real-estate  dealer  at  Inde- 
pendence, Ivans.,  married  Allie  Foster,  and  has 
two  daughters,  Kathleen  and  Dorothy.  Alfred 
Edward,  a student  in  the  Chicago  University, 
has  been  elected  the  professor  of  general 
physics  in  Milton  College.  Mrs.  Whitford  died 
Nov.  4,  1888,  and  on  Feb.  14,  1892,  our  sub- 
ject was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Emily  L. 
Burdick,  of  West  Edmeston,  New  York. 

Prof.  Whitford  throughout  his  long  and 
successful  career  as  a teacher  has  been  de- 
voted to  the  cause  of  education  in  the  highest 
sense.  While  insisting  upon  a high  standard 
of  scholarship  among  his  students,  his  unas- 
suming manners  and  kindness  of  heart  have 
greatly  endeared  him  to  his  classes.  He  is 
liberal  in  spirit,  and  has  contributed  gener- 
ously in  a financial,  as  well  as  educational, 
way  to  the  success  of  Milton  College. 

THOMAS  H.  SHELDON,  of  the  town 
of  Willow  Springs,  Lafayette  county,  is  a son 
of  John  P.  Sheldon,  who  was  very  prominently 
identified  with  the  affairs  of  Southwestern  Wis- 
consin for  many  years. 

John  P.  Sheldon  was  born  at  Reho- 
both,  Mass.,  in  April,  1792,  and  in  his  early 
youth  went  to  Providence,  R.  I.,  as  a journey- 
man printer.  When  twenty  years  old  lie  en- 
tered the  American  army  in  the  war  of  1812, 
and  was  present  at  the  battle  of  Sackett's  Har- 
bor and  other  military  operations  during  the 
closing  scenes  of  that  struggle.  After  the  war 
he  published  a paper  at  Utica,  N.  Y.,  in  com- 
pany with  a printer,- and  was  publisher  of  the 
first  newspaper  in  Rochester.  In  1817-  while 
engaged  in  business  at  Rochester,  he  was  mar- 
ried, and  the  same  year  removed  to  Detroit, 
Mich.,  where  he  established  the  Detroit  Ga- 
zette. Ascertaining  that  there  was  corruption 
among  the  Revenue  officers,  and  positive  dis- 
honesty in  their  dealings  with  the  general  gov- 
ernment, he  boldly  denounced  their  corrupt 
practices.  He  took  stenographic  reports  of  the 
court  proceedings,  for  which  the  judge  inflicted 
a fine  of  S200  upon  him,  and  refusing  to  pay 
he  was  sent  to  jail,  in  charge  of  his  own  broth- 


56 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


er,  who  was  sheriff  of  the  county.  The  citi- 
zens, who  were  much  in  sympathy  with  him, 
raised  the  amount,  and  he  was  released.  This 
was  about  1825.  Shortly  after  this  Mr.  Shel- 
don sold  his  paper,  and  for  a time  was  engaged 
in  farming  in  Oakland  county,  Mich.,  but 
farming  did  not  prove  congenial,  and  he  re- 
turned to  Detroit,  resuming  editorial  manage- 
ment of  the  Gazette. 

In  September,  1833,  Mr.  Sheldon  went  to 
Dubuque,  Iowa,  having  been  appointed  lead 
agent  by  Gen.  Jackson,  his  duty  being  to  col- 
lect rentals  on  lead  lands.  In  1834  he  was  ap- 
pointed register  of  the  land  office  at  Mineral 
Point.  This  was  an  arduous  position,  and  car- 
ried with  it  peculiar  difficulties.  The  mineral 
lands  at  that  time  belonged  to  the  government, 
and  efforts  were  being  continually  made  by 
speculators  and  fortune  hunters  to  cheat  the 
authorities,  and  secure  for  themselves  the  bene- 
fits of  the  rich  ores  underlying  all  this,  region. 
As  land  commissioner  Mr.  Sheldon  was  ap- 
proached by  dishonest  men,  and  urged  to  favor 
their  schemes.  His  stern  sense  of  duty  and 
his  unswerving  honesty  forbade  his  listening 
for  a moment  to  their  solicitations.  There  fell 
upon  him  consequently  the  bitter  condemna- 
tion of  a number  of  men,  prominent  in  the 
early  affairs  of  the  county,  whose  greed  for 
riches  outran  their  sense  of  honesty  and  fair 
dealing.  It  is  worthy  of  remark  that  Mr.  Shel- 
don was  fully  sustained  in  the  stand  which  he 
took,  after  careful  study,  by  Gen.  Dodge  and 
other  distinguished  citizens,  who  gave  special 
attention  to  the  prolonged  controversy.  In 
1840  Major  Sheldon,  as  he  was  commonly 
known,  left  the  land  office,  and  engaged  ivith 
George  Hyer  in  the  publication  of  the  Madison 
Democrat.  In  1845  be  went  to  Washington, 
D.  C.,  to  take  a position  in  the  Treasury  De- 
partment, which  he  held  for  fifteen  }rears.  On 
the  election  of  Abraham- Lincoln,  in  i860,  he 
resigned  his  position  in  the  Treasury  Depart- 
ment and  returned  to  Lafayette  county,  to  his 
home  in  the  town  of  Willow  Springs.  There 
he  and  his  family  had  had  their  home  since 
1835,  and  it  was  Mr.  Sheldon’s  residence  as 
long  as  he  lived,  though  he  died  at  the  home 
of  his  son-in-law,  Judge  Drummond,  Jan.  19, 
1872. 

Major  Sheldon  possessed  a strong  charac- 
ter, and  his  integrity,  like  his  ability,  was  be- 
vond  question.  A strong  believer  in  Old- 
school  Democracy,  when  the  war  for  the  Union 


was  about  to  begin  he  believed  it  unnecessary. 
For  the  purpose  of  informing  himself  fully  as 
to  the  real  spirit  and  intention  of  the  Southern 
leaders,  he  obtained  a pass  through  the  lines, 
and  called  on  Jefferson  Davis,  who  had  been 
elected  President  of  the  Southern  Confederacy. 
He  was  informed  by  that  gentleman  that  the 
negro  was  not  the  cause  of  the  war,  rather  that 
the  two  sections  were  profoundly  uncongenial, 
and  that  their  interests  were  utterly  at  vari- 
ance ; the  South  desired  to  be  entirely  separated 
from  the  North,  and  no  compromise  was  pos- 
sible. Major  Sheldon  returned  to  his  North- 
ern home  a strong  Union  man,  and  throughout 
the  war  lent  cordial  and  unreserved  support  to 
the  government.  When  the  war  was  ended  his 
Democracy  again  resumed  sway.  He  was 
just  as  urgent  in  his  opposition  to  all  kinds  of 
oppression. 

Major  Sheldon  and  his  wife,  whose  maiden 
name  was  Eliza  Whiting,  a native  of  Bridge- 
port, Conn.,  became  the  parents  of  twelve  chil- 
dren, two  of  whom  died  in  infancy,  and  one  at 
the  age  of  twelve  years.  The  others  lived  to 
reach  maturity.  Of  this  once  numerous  fam- 
ily only  two  members  are  now  living,  the  elder 
of  these  being  Mrs.  IT.  H.  Plawley,  of  Chicago. 

Thomas  H.  Sheldon  was  born  in  1825,  in 
Detroit,  as  were  all  the  children  but  the  young- 
est, and  has  resided  where  he  is  now  found,  or 
in  the  immediate  vicinity,  since  1835.  Here 
the  father  bought  claims  and  entered  160  acres, 
owning  at  one  time  about  a section  of  land. 
Here  Mr.  Sheldon  was  reared  to  manhood,  and 
here  he  married  Miss  Mary  H.  Pilling,  a 
daughter  of  Elias  Pilling.  To  their  union  have 
been  born  five  children:  John,  who  is  on  the 

homestead;  Henry,  who  is  at  Tucson,  Ariz. ; 
Edgar,  who  is  in  Chicago ; Edith,  a teacher  in 
Tucson;  and  Thomas  D. 

ALFRED  A.  JACKSON.  For  over  forty- 
five  years  Mr.  Jackson  has  been  a resident  of 
Janesville,  Rock  county,  and  for  more  than 
forty  years  a member  of  the  Wisconsin  Bar. 
He  comes  of  Scotch-Irish  stock,  some  of  his 
ancestors  having  come  to  New  England  be- 
fore the  middle  of  the  seventeenth  century. 

Daniel  Jackson,  his  grandfather,  was  a 
soldier  in  the  Revolutionary  war,  and  was 
commissioned  an  officer  in  the  Seventh  Com- 
pany of  the  Thirteenth  Regiment  of  the  Con- 
necticut Militia  on  May  16,  1794-  He  re_ 
moved  late  in  life  to  central  New  York,  and 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


57 


died  at  Rome,  Oneida  county,  that  State,  at 
an  advanced  age.  His  son  Truman,  father  of 
Alfred  A.,  was  born  in  Bethlehem,  Conn.,  m 
1800.  At  the  age  of  twenty-three  he.  too, 
removed  to  Oneida  county,  N.  Y.,  where  he 
purchased  a farm  on  which  he  resided  until  his 
death,  in  1871.  He  married  Polly,  daughter 
of  Joseph  and  Mary  (Dennison)  Lawton. 
Mr.  Lawton  was  also  a Connecticut  farmer 
who  had  moved  to  central  New  York,  and 
who  toward  the  close  of  his  life  removed  to 
Dane  county,  \Yis.,  to  pass  his  last  years  with 
his  sons  living  there.  He  died  in  his  eighty- 
fifth  year.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Truman  Jackson 
were  born  six  children,  four  of  whom  are  yet 
living.  Of  these,  Alfred  A.  is  the  eldest,  the 
others  being  Nancy  A.,  wife  of  Absalom  Nel- 
son, of  Lebanon,  Mo. ; Homer  T.,  a physician 
in  Verona,  N.  Y. ; and  Jane  E.,  of  Buffalo, 
New  York. 

Alfred  A.  Jackson  was  born  Aug.  8.  1831, 
in  the  town  of  Verona,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y. 
After  passing  through  the  public  schools  he 
entered  the  academy  at  Rome,  N.  Y.,  but  fail- 
ing eyesight  compelled  him  to  forego  the  com- 
pletion of  his  course.  For  some  time  he  re- 
mained at  home  upon  the  farm,  until  he  found 
himself  able  to  take  a position  in  a store.  In 
April,  1855,  his  eyesight  having  been  restored, 
he  started  for  the  West,  and  has  since  made 
Janesville  his  home.  There  he  began  the  study 
of  law  in  the  office  of  Sloan  and  Patton  on 
the  2 1 st  of  April,  1855,  and  completed 
his  course  in  the  office  of  Sleeper  and 
Norton.  In  April,  1856,  he  was  admitted  to 
the  Bar,  and  since  that  time  he  has  been  con- 
tinuously engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  pro- 
fession. In  politics1  he  has  been  an  ardent  Re- 
publican since  the  organization  of  that  party. 
He  has  not  aspired  to  leadership,  although  he 
served  for  a year  as  supervisor,  which  posi- 
tion he  resigned;  represented  the  First  ward 
in  the  city  council  for  two  years;  and  during 
1868  held  the  office  of  mayor.  For  eight  years 
he  was  one  of  the  trustees  of  the  State  School 
for  the  Blind,  and  for  four  years  was  president 
of  the  Board.  He  has  also  been  honored  in  his 
profession.  Since  the  formation  of  the  State 
Bar  Association  he  has  served  on  its  executive 
committee,  and  is  at  present  chairman  of  its 
committee  on  publication.  He  was  also  the 
first  president  of  the  Rock  County  Bar  Asso- 
ciation, and  filled  that  office  several  years.  In 
February,  1868,  he  was  admitted  to  practice 


in  the  United  States  Supreme  Court.  He  takes 
a deep  interest  in  all  matters  pertaining  to 
the  domain  of  American  history,  and  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Historical  Society  of  Wisconsin, 
and  of  the  American  Historical  Society.  In 
1872  Beloit  College  conferred  upon  him  the 
degree  of  M.  A.  While  kindly  and  genial  in 
temperament,  and  heartily  enjoying  the  com- 
panionship of  his  friends,  his  busy  life  has  left 
him  little  leisure  to  devote  to  the  many  calls 
which  membership  in  numerous  societies  would 
have  made  upon  his  time.  He  is,  however, 
a member  of  Wisconsin  Lodge,  No.  14,  I.  O. 
O.  F.,  and  of  the  Royal  Arcanum.  He  is  also 
an  elder  in  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

In  August,  1859,  Mr.  Jackson  was  married 
to  Miss  Anna  E.  Dyer,  a daughter  of  Burton 
H.  and  Rebecca  Johnson  Dyer.  Mrs.  Jack- 
son  died  in  1867.  Three  children  were  born 
to  this  marriage,  Frank  D.,  Bertha  A.  and 
William  A.  (1)  Frank  D.  was  graduated 
from  Beloit  College  and  from  the  Law  School 
of  Yale  University.  For  two  years  he  was 
his  father’s  partner  in  Janesville,  but.  having’ 
a desire  to  enter  the  ministry,  he  left  the  office 
to  study  at  Chicago  Theological  Seminary; 
he  is  now  pastor  of  the  Congregational  Church 
at  Wabaunsee,  Ivans.  In  October,  1895,  he 
married  Miss  Martha  P.  Little.  Two  children 
have  been  born  to  them,  Bertha  L.  and  How- 
ard L.  (2)  Bertha  A.  was  graduated  from 
Rockford  College,  and  after  spending  one 
winter  at  Washington  and  one  in  the  South 
returned  to  Rockford  to  accept  a posi- 
tion as  teacher  in  the  History  Department. 
Failing  health  obliged  her  to  resign,  and  she 
died  at  her  home  Feb.  14,  1893.  (3)  A\  illiam 

A.  Jackson,  the  younger  son,  is  an  alumnus 
of  the  State  University  at  Madison,  having 
studied  in  both  the  Academic  and  Law  De- 
partments. Since  his  graduation,  in  1891,  he 
has  been  in  partnership  with  his  father,  and  is 
now  (1901)  serving  his  fourth  term  as  Dis- 
trict Attorney.  In  November,  1897,  he  was 
married  to  Miss  Mary  Emeline  Stevens. 

On  Sept.  7,  1870,  Mr.  Jackson  married 
Rebecca  W.,  daughter  of  Luther  H.  and  Ce- 
line Johnson.  Their  daughter.  Fanny  Re- 
becca, is  also  a graduate  of  Rockford  College. 

REV.  NATHANIEL  C.  BRADLEY.  The 
subject  of  this  short  review,  who  is  now  the 
beloved  pastor  of  the  M.  E.  Church  at  Fay- 
ette, Lafayette  county,  was  not  always  exclu- 


53 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


sively  engaged  in  converting  man  from  the  er- 
ror of  Ins  ways,  in  a religious  sense,  there 
being  a period  of  his  life  when  he  also  fought 
the  enemies  of  the  old  flag,  and  as  valiantly  as 
he  has  since  contended  with  the  powers  that 
oppose  the  moral  and  spiritual  welfare  of  man. 

Mr.  Bradley  was  born  in  Amboy,  Oswego 
Co.,  N.  Y .,  Nov.  15,  1844,  a son  of  Josiah  and 
Rebecca  Bradley.  When  he  was  about  eight 
years  old  his  parents  migrated  to  Wisconsin, 
becoming  residents  of  Dane  county,  and  later 
of  Monroe  county.  There  the  mother  died 
about  1872,  the  father  surviving  for  a num- 
ber of  years.  The  family  of  these  worthy  peo- 
ple consisted  of  Nathaniel  C.,  our  subject;  and 
Carrie,  who  married  J.  Coyer,  M.  D.,  a vet- 
eran soldier,  and  a resident  of  Readstown, 
Vernon  Co.,  Wisconsin. 

The  subject  of  this  biography  attended  the 
public  schools  at  Tomah,  this  state,  and  en- 
tered the  ministry  of  the  Methodist  Church  in 
1869,  his  first  charge  being  at  Mt.  Sterling, 
Crawford  Co.,  Wis.,  and  his  second  at  Bell 
Center,  in  the  same  county,  where  he  remained 
three  years.  Thence  he  went  to  Bloom  City 
for  two  years,  later  filling  for  three  years  the 
charge  at  Viola,  and  the  following  three  years 
serving  at  Lewisville.  His  next  charges  were 
at  Ellsworth,  Pierce  county,  and  Clear  Lake, 
whence  he  went  to  Arkansaw,  Wis.,  later  to 
Durand,  Pepin  county,  and  thence  to  Green- 
wood. in  Clark  county. 

At  this  time  our  subject  practically  retired 
from  the  severe  strain  of  his  ministerial  work, 
as  his  health  became  somewhat  broken,  re- 
moving to  Ottertail  county,  Minn.,  where  he 
engaged  in  merchandising  and  farming.  On 
regaining,  to  a certain  extent,  his  health,  he  re- 
turned to  his  old  labors  in  the  ministry,  ac- 
cepting a charge  at  Kendall ; later  he  was  at 
AVonewoc,  continued  three  years-  at  Excelsior, 
and  is  now  in  his  second  year  at  Fayette. 

On  March  8,  1864,  Mr.  Bradley  was  en- 
rolled as  a member  of  Company  D,  38th  Wis. 
V.  I.,  and  received  his  honorable  discharge 
from  the  army  on  May  24,  1865,  having  taken 
part  in  some  of  the  severest  engagements  of 
the  Civil  war.  Under  Gen.  Grant  he  fought 
in  the  Wilderness,  and  was  in  all  the  battles 
under  his  command  until  the  investment  of 
Petersburg.  He  was  one  of  the  soldiers  who 
worked  on  the  construction  of  the  mine  under 
the  enemy's  works  at  the  latter  place,  and  took 
part  in  the  famous  charge  made  after  the  ex- 


plosion. This  was  the  last  engagement  in 
which  he  took  part,  the  heavy  work  endured 
then  having  produced  an  injury  that  resulted 
in  hernia  and  incapacitated  him  for  active  work 
in  the  field.  Soon  after  he  was  transferred 
to  the  hospital  at  Beverly,  N.  J.,  and,  when 
sufficiently  recovered,  was  placed  in  charge  of  a 
ward  in  that  institution  until  his  discharge. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Bradley  took  place  in 
1867,  to  Frances  A.  Avyard,  a native  of  Iowa, 
and  five  children  were  born  of  this  union : 
Mrs.  Carrie  Gummer,  William  F.,  Etta  Eliza- 
beth, Arthur  B.,  and  Avis  M.  A faithful  sol- 
dier, an  upright  and  conscientious  citizen,  Mr. 
Bradley  possesses  the  esteem  of  everyone,  and 
during  the  long  years  of  his  ministry  has  been 
comforted  by  the  good  he  has  been  able  to  do. 
In  his  present  home  he  is  beloved  by  his  whole 
congregation. 

WILLIAM  THOMAS,  Sr.,  a retired 
merchant  of  the  village  of  Haze]  Green,  Grant 
county,  was  born  in  Cornwall,  England,  Dec. 
13,  1828,  son  of  Hannibal  and  Elizabeth 
(Richards)  Thomas,  both  born  in  Cornwall, 
where  they  were  married. 

In  1840  Hannibal  Thomas  came  to  Wis- 
consin alone,  intending  to  go  into  the  butcher- 
ing business.  In  1848  he  sent  for  his  family, 
who  came  to  Yorkville,  where  he  owned  a 
farm.  There  they  lived  for  some  years,  and 
then  moved  to  Beetown,  where  father  and 
mother  died,  he  in  1877,  and  she  in  1883. 
They  were  good  honest  people,  and  had  many 
friends.  Six  children  were  born  to  them:  (1) 
Jane  A.,  born  in  England  in  1819,  married 
William  Hodge,  also  a native  of  England, 
lived  on  his  farm  in  Grant  county  a number 
of  years,  and  then  moved  to  Cuba  City,  where 
he  is  living  retired.  They  have  two  children, 
William  IT.  and1  Elizabeth  J.  (now  the  widow 
of  Bernard  Porter,  late  of  Grant  county).  (2) 
James,  born  in  England  in  1821,  married  Miss 
Susan  Richmond,  of  Ohio,  settled  at  Beetown, 
and  became  one  of  the  most  successful  farm- 
ers and  miners  of  that  region.  He. died  at  his 
home  in  1883,  leaving  a wife,  but  no  children. 
(3)  William  is  our  subject.  (4)  Henry,  born 
in  1830  in  England,  married  Miss  Grace  En- 
nor,  of  Potosi,  living  for  some  years  at  Bee- 
town, and  then  moved  to  Lancaster,  where  he 
still  resides.  They  have  five  children — Emma, 
now  Mrs.  Robert  Perkins,  of  Crawford  coun- 
ty, Wis.;  James,  in  South  Dakota;  Naomi, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


59 


now  Mrs.  French,  of  Cassville;  Phoebe,  now 
Mrs.  Frank  Sanders,  of  Beetown;  and  Mamie, 
Mrs.  Mayne,  of  Cassville.  (5)  Hannibal, 
born  in  England  in  1832,  crossed  the  Plains  in 

1852,  and  worked  there  in  the  gold  mines  until 

1853,  when  he  emigrated  to  Australia,  where 
he  died  in  1857,  leaving  no  family.  (6)  Mar- 
garet, born  in  1835,  is  the  wife  of  Metcalf  Hil- 
lery,  of  Beetown,  and  has  nine  children, 
George,  Hannibal,  Metcalf,  James,  John,  Eliza- 
beth, Sarah  A.,  Susan  and  Margaret. 

William  Thomas,  Sr.,  obtained  his  educa- 
tion in  his  native  country,  and  worked  in  the 
Grant  county  lead  and  zinc  mines  eight  years 
after  coming  to  this  country.  In  1856  he  set 
up  as  a general  merchant  at  Fair  View,  Wis., 
where  he  continued  for  twenty-one  years. 
During  these  years  he  also  dealt  largely  in  real 
estate,  and  now  owns  three  large  farms  (670 
acres)  in  Grant  county,  and  one  (550  acres) 
in  Lester,  Iowa.  In  1877  Mr.  Thomas  sold 
out  his  mercantile  interests,  and  moved  into 
the  village  of  Hazel  Green,  where  he  bought 
the  Mills  homestead,  one  of  the  most  attrac- 
tive homes  in  the  town,  a large  brick  house 
with  handsome  lawn  surrounding. 

Mr.  Thomas  and  Miss  Mary  E.  Harvey 
were  married  in  1863.  Mrs.  Thomas  was  born 
in  England  in  January,  1839,  and  her  parents, 
William  and  Ann  Harvey,  were  among  the 
early  settlers  of  Grant  county.  They  were 
born  in  England,  came  early  to  New  Jersey, 
and  in  1852  moved  to  Grant  county,  where 
they  died  many-  years  ago.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Thomas  are  the  parents  of  two  sons:  (1) 

William  IT,  born  in  Hazel  Green,  in  August, 
1864,  received  his  education  in  his  native  vil- 
lage and  at  the  Platteville  Normal.  Some 
years  ag'o  he  had  typhoid  fever,  and  his  health 
became  so  impaired  that  he  has  never  since  been 
able  to  take  an  active  part  in  business.  (2) 
Clinton  W.,  born  in  Grant  county,  in  January, 
1869,  was  drowned  when  eighteen  years  old, 
with  two  companions,  while  bathing  in  the 
Mississippi  river.  A bright  and  promising- 
young  man,  he  had  a brilliant  future  before 
him,  and  possessed  many  friends. 

Mrs.  Thomas  is  a member  of  the  Method- 
ist Church,  to  which  our  subject  gives  a liberal 
support.  Mr.  Thomas  has  been  a Republican 
all  his  life,  and  has  been  school  director  and 
member  of  the  town  board  several  terms.  With 
his  son  he  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  frater- 
nity at  Hazel  Green.  Mr.  Thomas  began  for 


himself  in  this  country  without  a dollar,  and 
by  industry  and  integrity  won  a very  enviable 
standing.  He  has  many  friends  who  declare 
him  honest  and  candid,  straightforward  and 
upright,  and  a genial  and  generous  spirit.  Fie 
is  president  of  the  First  National  Bank  of  Cuba 
City. 

JOHN  LEWIS.  This  prominent  farmer 
and  leading  citizen  of  Patch  Grove  township 
is  a worthy  representative  of  a numerous  and 
highly  respected  family  of  Grant  county.  His 
father,  William  Lewis,  Sr.,  was  born  in  Scot- 
land April  21,  1795,  a son  of  John  and  Ann 
(Wilson)  Lewis,  in  whose  family  were  four 
children,  three  sons  and  one  daughter.  John 
Lewis  was  three  times  married,  and  by  the 
third  union  had  two  sons,  Thomas  and  John. 
With  their  mother  he  came  to  America  in 
1840,  and  settled  in  Bovina,  N.  Y.,  where  he 
lived  to  be  ninety-one  years  old.  William  was 
the  only  child  of  the  first  marriage  to  come 
to  America.  His  youngest  brother,  James 
Lewis,  served  several  years  in  the  British 
army,  and  was  in  the  battle  of  Waterloo  un- 
der the  Duke  of  Wellington.  Thomas  Lewis 
was  in  the  British  service  six  years. 

In  1815,  at  the  age  of  twenty  years,  Will- 
iam Lewis  crossed  the  broad  Atlantic  in  com- 
pany with  an  old  neighbor,  and  on  landing  in 
this  country  proceeded  at  once  to  Bovina,  Dela- 
ware Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  he  opened  up  a new 
farm,  to  the  improvement  and  cultivation  of 
which  he  devoted  his  energies  for  many  years. 
He  married  Nancy  Burns,  a native  of  Bovina, 
and  on  his  New  York  farm  eleven  children 
were  born  to  them.  He  first  came  West  on  a 
visit,  and  was  so  much  pleased  with  the  coun- 
try that  soon  after  his  return  to  the  Empire 
State  he  sold  his  property  there  and1  brought 
his  family  to  Wisconsin,  making  a permanent 
settlement  in  Grant  county  in  May,  1858.  He 
purchased  land  in  Section  10,  Town  5,  Range 
5 west,  which  is  included  in  the  civil  township 
of  Patch  Grove,  and  became  well-known  as  one 
of  the  representative  farmers  of  that  locality. 
He  passed  away  Feb.  20,  1868.  and  his  wife 
followed  him  to  the  better  world  in  February, 
1870. 

The  family  of  this  worthy  couple  originally 
consisted  of  eleven  children,  ten  sons  and  one 
daughter,  all  of  whom  grew  to  mature  years 
with  the  exception  of  one  who  died  in  early 
childhood.  The  only  daughter  is  Mrs.  John 


Go 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Ryan,  of  Andover,  Grant  county.  Those  still 
living  (1901)  are  John,  whose  name  intro- 
duces this  review;  Thomas  E.,  a resident  of 
Howard  county,  Iowa;  William;  Walter,  a 
resident  of  Kansas;  Katherine;  and  Wilson  F. 
Andrew  was  a member  of  the  43d  Wis.  V.  I. 
in  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  and  died  in  the 
service  at  Johnsonville,  Tenn.,  in  November, 
.1864.  James  served  in  the  / th  Wis.  V.  L,  and 
died  March  15,  1867.  Moses  and  Walter  were 
also  numbered  among  the  defenders  of  the 
Union  during  that  struggle ; the  former  is  de- 
ceased. 

John  Lewis  was  born  in  New  York  State 
in  1823,  and  first  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1848, 
but  two  years  later  returned  East,  and  did 
not  locate  permanently  here  until  1851.  In 
June.  1848,  he  and  his  brother  Thomas  E. 
entered  the  land  on  which  our  subject  now 
resides,  and  later  he  and  his  brother  William 
bought  Thomas’  interest,  while  still  later  John 
became  sole  proprietor,  having  purchased 
William's  interest  in  the  property.  He  now 
has  a fine  farm,  under  a high  state  of  cultiva- 
tion. and  well  improved  with  good  and  sub- 
stantial buildings  which  stand  as  monuments 
to  his  thrift  and  enterprise. 

Mr.  Lewis  married  Miss  Frances  Lough- 
ran,  a native  of  the  same  place  as  her  husband, 
and  a most  worthy  wife,  who  proved  to  him  a 
true  helpmeet.  She  departed  this  life  July 
25,  1882.  Of  the  nine  children  born  to  them, 
seven  are  still  living,  namely:  Margaret,  James, 
Nancy,  Frances,  John,  Moses  and  William. 
One  son,  Charles,  died  at  his  home  in  Little 
Rock.  Iowa,  in  April,  1899,  and  another  child 
died  in  infancy. 

In  his  early  voting  days  Mr.  Lewis  affil- 
iated with  the  Whig  party,  but  has  been  a 
stanch  Republican  since  the  organization  of 
that  party.  He  is  numbered  with  the  success- 
ful and  progressive  citizens  of  his  township 
and  county,  and  is  a worthy  representative  of 
that  class  of  men  who  lead  quiet,  industrious, 
honest  and  useful  lives,  and  constitute  the  best 
portion  of  a community.  Wherever  known  he 
is  held  in  high  regard,  and  as  an  honored  pio- 
neer and  highly  respected  citizen  he  is  certain- 
ly deserving  of  honorable  mention  in  the  his- 
tory of  his  adopted  county. 

WILBUR  FISK  GOODRICH,  now  liv- 
ing retired  in  the  village  of  Emerald  Grove, 
Bradford  township,  is  one  of  the  oldest  set- 


tlers of  Rock  county,  and  has  proved  himself 
a thoroughly  honest  and  reliable  man,  both  as 
a farmer  and  a tradesman.  He  is  now  passing 
his  last  days  in  the  enjoyment  of  leisure  and; 
comfort  that  have  been  richly  earned. 

Ephraim  Goodrich,  the  grandfather  of 
Wilbur  F.,  and  the  founder  of  the  family  on 
American  soil,  settled  first  at  Hartford,  Conn., 
and  went  from  there  into  Vermont  with  two 
hundred  silver  dollars  and  an  axe  as  his  en- 
tire capital.  He  settled  in  the  town  of  Mid- 
dlebury, and  engaged  in  farming  and  lumber- 
ing, two  occupations  easily  combined  in  that 
timbered  country.  He  was  also  a house  car- 
penter, and  was  a man  of  many  resources. 
After  he  was  located,  and  had  secured  a start 
in  the  world,  he  went  back  to  Connecticut  for 
his  wife.  Prudence,  and  brought  her  to  his 
Vermont  home,  she  riding  their  only  horse, 
and  he  walking  by  her  side.  In  1857  they 
came  to  Wisconsin,  and  made  their  home  with 
their  son,  Lemuel  Miller  Goodrich.  Ephraim 
Goodrich  died  in  1859,  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
eight  years,  and  she  in  1862,  when  seventy-two 
years  old.  They  were  both  buried  in  the  ceme- 
tery at  Emerald  Grove.  They  were  the  par- 
ents of  five  children,  of  whom  Lemuel  M.,  the 
father  of  Wilbur  Fisk,  was  the  eldest. 

Lemuel  M.  Goodrich  was  born  in  1808, 
near  Middlebury,  Vt.,  and  in  due  time  learned 
the  carpenter’s  trade.  In  1827  lie  married  Miss 
Fanny  Hutchinson,  of  Middlebury.  They  left 
Vermont  about  1855,  and  came  directly  to 
Wisconsin,  locating  on  an  eighty-acre  farm 
in  the  town  of  Bradford,  Rock  county.  -Eleven 
years  later  he  sold  this  farm  and  moved  to 
Fort  Atkinson,  where  he  made  his  home  for 
several  years,  finally  returning  to  the  village 
of  Emerald  Grove,  where  he  died  in  1872. 
He  was  a member  of  the  Methodist  Church, 
as  was  his  wife,  who  survived  him  eight  years. 
Both  were  buried  in  the  cemetery  at  Emerald 
Grove.  They  had  five  children,  of  whom  Wil- 
bur Fisk  was  the  eldest. 

Wilbur  Fisk  Goodrich  was  born  in  Mid- 
dlebury, Vt.,  Sept.  28,  1830,  and  lived  with  his 
parents  until  he  attained  his  majority.  He 
received  his  education  in  the  public  schools, 
and  his  school  training  was  unusually  broad 
and  deep.  On  reaching  manhood  he  learned 
the  trade  of  carpenter,  which  he  followed  in 
early  life.  In  1861  he  bought  a farm  of  135 
acres  in  the  settlement  known  as  La  Prairie 
township,  Rock  county,  and  devoted  himself 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


61 


to  its  cultivation  a number  of  years.  In  1873 
he  let  his  farm  to  a tenant,  and  moved  into  the 
village  of  Emerald  Grove,  where  for  twenty 
years  lie  followed  the  business  of  a carriage 
builder.  Since  that  time  Mr.  Goodrich  has 
lived  retired  from  business  activities. 

On  Oct.  8,  1861,  Mr.  Goodrich  married 
Miss  Sarah  Van  Allen,  a daughter  of  Lucas 
and  Lydia  (Luddington)  Van  Allen,  farming- 
people;  her  mother  died  when  she  was  seven 
years  old ; her  father  died  in  the  town  of  Brad- 
ford, and  his  ashes  rest  in  the  cemetery  at 
Emerald  Grove.  Mrs.  Goodrich  is  related 
through  her  mother  to  Gov.  Luddington,  of 
Wisconsin.  No  children  have  been  born  to 
Air.  and  Airs.  Goodrich.  They  are  members 
of  the  local  Congregational  Church,  and  are 
highly  esteemed  in  the  community.  He  has 
served  as  road  commissioner,  and  as  constable 
for  many  years,  and  is  counted  one  of  the  rep- 
resentative men  of  Rock  county. 

CHARLES  J.  F.  NUTI,  one  of  the  prom- 
inent early  settlers  and  now  a retired  farmer 
of  Cassville,  Grant  county,  was  born  in  Italy  in 
1818,  a son  of  Jacinto  and  Camelia  Nuti,  also 
natives  of  that  country.  He  was  reared  in 
Florence,  and  when  a young  men  went  to 
France  as  steward  for  a gentleman,  later  go- 
ing with  him  to  England,  and  remaining  in  his 
employ  for  twenty  years. 

In  1850  Air.  Nuti  crossed  the  Atlantic,  and 
proceeded  at  once  to  Grant  county,  Wis.  The 
following  year  he  located  in  Potosi,  where  he 
made  his  home  for  two  years,  while  in  the 
service  of  a man  who  was  agent  for  a large 
tract  of  land.  He  then  moved  to  Cassville, 
and  rented  a farm  belonging  to  a Mr.  Price. 
A\  bile  residing  there  Air.  Nuti  purchased  160 
acres  of  wild  land,  one-half  of  which  was  cov- 
ered with  timber,  and,  taking  up  his  residence 
thereon  in  1853,  he  turned  his  attention  to  its 
improvement,  and  soon  converted  it  into  one  of 
the  finest,  best  improved  and  most  highly  cul- 
tivated farms  of  that  section  of  the  county. 
For  many  years  he  was  successfully  engaged 
in  general,  farming  and  stock  raising,  and  still 
owns  his  farm,  though  he  now  lives  a retired 
life  in  Cassville. 

Before  leaving  England  Air.  Nuti  was  mar- 
ried, in  1850,  to  Aliss  Matilda  Louisa  Andrews, 
a native  of  Bridgeport,  that  country,  who  died 
at  Cassville  in  1899,  after  a happy  married  life 
of  nearly  fifty  years.  By  that  union  four  chil- 


dren were  born,  namely : Airs.  Evangeline  Ala- 
tilda  Spider,  a resident  of  Cassville;  Airs.  Anna 
Babbitt  Hurst,  of  Chippewa  Falls,  Wis.;  Or- 
lando Charles,  who  is  married,  and  lives  on  the 
home  farm;  and  Dorretta  Calder,  who  died  in 
Chippewa  Falls  in  1887. 

Since  the  organization  of  the  Republican 
party  Mr.  Nuti  has  been  a stanch  supporter  of 
its  principles.  He  is  a faithful  and  consistent 
member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  a man 
highly  respected  and  esteemed  by  all  who  know 
him. 

JAAIES  OSBORN,  a retired  farmer  at 
Evansville, Rock  county,  is  one  of  the  most  ven- 
erable characters  to  be  found  in  that  city.  His 
great  age  commands  the  respect  of  the  public, 
and  his  personal  habits  and  kindly  disposition 
have  won  him  a warm  place  in  the  hearts  of 
his  community. 

Air.  Osborn  was  born  in  Prince  Edward 
County,  Canada,  Oct.  23,  1815,  a son  of  James 
and  Catherine  (Trumpo)  Osborn,  both  natives 
of  New  York.  They  were  the  parents  of  four 
sons  and  seven  daughters,  and  three  of  their 
sons  are  now  living:  James,  of  Evansville; 

John,  of  Picton,  Canada;  and  Paul  Austin,  of 
Prince  Edward  county,  Canada.  The  father, 
who  was  a farmer,  emigrated  to  Canada  with 
his  parents  when  he  was  twelve  years  old.  grew 
to  manhood  in  that  country,  and  was  a lifelong 
agriculturist.  He  died  when  almost  eighty-five 
years  old.  His  wife  died  in  1848.  when  she  was 
fifty-two.  They  were  Methodists.  He  was 
drafted  in  the  war  of  1812,  but  being  lame  did 
not  serve  long.  His  father  bore  the  name  of 
James  Osborn,  and  was  born  in  the  Alohawk 
River  \ralley,  of  Welsh  stock.  After  the  Revo- 
lution he  moved  into  Canada,  and  settled  on 
Prince  Edward  Island,  where  he  died  at  the 
age  of  eighty-five.  He  had  five  sons  and  four 
daughters.  John  Trumpo,  the  father  of  Cath- 
erine, mentioned  above,  was  born  in  New 
York,  of  Dutch  descent,  and  followed  farm- 
ing. 

James  Osborn  was  reared  in  Canada,  on 
the  farm,  “at  the  butt  end  of  an  ox-handle." 
When  he  was  two  years  old  his  father  moved 
into  the  dense  woods,  two  miles  from  the  near- 
est neighbor,  and  when  James  was  older  grown 
he  helped  to  clear  the  farm.  After  attaining 
maturity  he  worked  on  shares  for  many  years. 
In  1864  Air.  Osborn  made  his  way  to  Wiscon- 
sin, and  made  a settlement  in  Porter  township, 


62 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Rock  county,  where  he  bought  forty  acres, 
which  is  still  in  his  possession. 

Mr.  Osborn  and  Miss  Louisa  Ballard  were 
married  Sept.  25,  1838,  and  this  union  has 
proved  a singularly  fortunate  and  happy  one. 
They  are  the  parents  of  seven  children,  two 
sons  and  five  daughters.  Catherine  died  in  in- 
fancy. Jane  is  the  wife  of  E.  D.  Barnard,  of 
Evansville.  Martha  became  the  wife  of  Thom- 
as Hutson,  and  both  she  and  her  husband  are 
now  dead.  William  died  in  infancy.  James  is 
now  living  in  Minneapolis,  and  travels  for  the 
A.  S.  Baker  Co. ; he  married  Miss  Clara  West, 
and  is  the  father  of  three  children,  Iva,  May 
and  Byrle.  Elizabeth  is  the  wife  of  Oscar 
Mabie,  of  Janesville.  Louisa  died  when  six- 
teen years  of  age.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Osborn  a A 
members  of  the  Methodist  Church,  of  which 
he  was  steward  and  class-leader  for  many 
years.  He  is  a Republican,  but  never  aspired 
to  office. 

JAMES  JEFFERY,  one  of  the  prominent 
business  men  of  Georgetown,  Grant  county, 
who  is  also  the  popular  and  accommodating 
postmaster  at  that  place,  was  born  in  Cornwall, 
England,  Jan.  29,-  1842.  His  parents,  Francis 
and  Emma  (Wills)  Jeffery,  were  born  in  Eng- 
land, the  former  in  1810,  and  the  latter  in 
1816.  I11  1848  the  Jeffery  family  came  to 

\\  isconsin,  and  settled  at  Hazel  Green,  where 
Mr.  Jeffery  engaged  in  lead  mining.  In  1849 
he  migrated  to  California,  where  he  worked  in 
the  gold  mines  for  two  years,  and,  being  fair- 
ly successful,  on  his  return  bought  a farm 
in  Lafayette  county,  near  Benton,  where  his 
son  Thomas  now  resides.  Until  within  a few 
years  prior  to  his  death  Mr.  Jeffery  follow-ed  an 
agricultural  life.  He  then  moved  to  Jefferson, 
where  he  lived  retired,  dying  in  1880,  his  wife 
surviving  until  1899.  Both  were  consistent 
members  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  in  the  work 
of  which  Mr.  Jeffery  took  a leading  part.  Po- 
litically he  was  a stanch  Republican  all  his  life, 
and  held  a number  of  local  offices  in  the  town 
of  Benton,  where  he  was  a popular  and  lead- 
ing rpan,  although  the  town  was  strongly 
Democratic.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Francis  Jeffery 
reared  a family  of  seven  sons  and  one  daugh- 
ter. our  subject  being  the  eldest.  William, 
born  in  Cornwall.  England,  in  1844,  grew  up 
on  the  farm,  married  Emma  Morley,  of  La- 
fayette county,  and  has  one  daughter ; he  re- 
sides in  Hazel  Green,  where  he  is  engaged  in 


dealing  in  agricultural  implements;  he  was  a 
soldier  in  the  Civil  war.  Francis,  born  in 
Cornwall  in  1845,  g'rew  up  in  Lafayette  coun- 
ty, married  in  Colorado,  where  he  now  resides, 
a successful  miner,  and  has  one  daughter, 
Stella.  T.  J.,  born  in  Lafayette  county  in 
1847,  married  Elizabeth  Kittoe,  and  resides  on 
the  old  homestead,  which  he  owns;  he  has 
three  children,  Edwin,  John  and  May.  George, 
born  in  LaFayette  county  in  1849,  married 
Charlotte  Lukey,  of  Hazel  Green,  where  he 
died  in  1898,  leaving  three  children,  Frank, 
Charlotte  and  Maud.  Emily,  born  in  Lafay- 
ette county  in  1850,  is  the  wife  of  John  R. 
James,  of  Hazel  Green,  and  has  two  children, 
Lottie  A.  and  Henry.  Edwin,  born  in  1851, 
was  educated  in  a business  college  of  Du- 
buque, and  when  still  a young  man  entered 
the  employ  of  the  Marquette  & Mackinac  Rail- 
way Co.,  of  Michigan;  in  a short  time  he  was 
promoted  to  the  position  of  auditor  of  the 
road,  but  his  health  failing,  he  removed  to 
Colorado,  where  he  died  Jan.  6,  1888,  regretted 
by  his  employers  and  all  who  knew  him.  Jo- 
seph P.,  born  in  Lafayette  county  in  1853, 
went  to  Michigan,  and  engaged  in  hotel-keep- 
ing in  the  Iron  Mountains  there  until  one  year 
ago,  when  he  moved  to  Green  Bay,  Wis- 
consin. 

The  early  education  of  James  Jeffery,  our 
subject,  was  obtained  in  the  district  schools 
in  Benton,  Wis.,  where  he  remained  on  his 
father’s  farm  until  the  age  of  twenty-one. 
About  this  time  he  was  engaged  as  a clerk 
in  the  store  of  William  Thomas,  at  the 
“12-Mile  House”  in  Grant  county,  remaining 
four  years,  and  finally  becoming  a partner  with 
Mr.  Thomas.  Coming  to  Georgetown,  our 
subject  entered  into  a partnership  with  Joseph 
Brandon,  in  the  mercantile  business,  the  latter 
retiring  in  1883.  Mr.  Jeffery  has  continued 
the  business  up  to  the  present  time. 

In  December,  1869,  our  subject  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Alice  Oatey.  the  estimable  daugh- 
ter of  William  and  Jane  (Thomas)  Oatey, 
old  and  prominent  residents  of  Jo  Daviess 
Co.,  111.,  where  they  remained  until  their  death. 
Mrs.  Jefferv  was  born  in  England  Nov.  20, 
1847,  and.  was  educated  in  Illinois.  She  and 
her  brother  Samuel,  who  lives  in  Franklin 
county,  Iowa,  are  the  only  survivors  of  a' 
family  of  eight  children.  John  R.,  the  oldest 
brother  of  Mrs.  Jeffery,  was  a corporal  in 
Company  F,  96th  I.  V.  I.,  and  was  killed  at 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


63 


the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  on  Sept.  20,  1863. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jeffery  have  been  born  two 
sons:  William  T.,  born  in  October,  1870,  was 
educated  at  the  Platteville  Normal  School, 
and  was  graduated  at  a Dubuque  business  col- 
lege. He  married  Miss  Addie  Stevens,  of 
Cuba  City,  and  now  resides  in  Hampton,  Iowa, 
where  he  is  engaged  in  a store.  G.  L.,  born 
in  Georgetown  Oct.  22,  1872,  was  a student 
of  the  home  schools  until  seventeen  years  of 
age,  when  he  entered  Mr.  Rindlaub’s  printing 
office  in  Platteville,  learned  the  printer's  trade, 
and  is  now  a compositor  in  the  government 
office  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  where  he  holds  a 
responsible  position. 

Politically  Mr.  Jeffery  has  always  been 
identified  with  the  Republican  party,  and  he 
has  held  a number  of  local  offices  in  the  town ; 
he  is  at  the  time  of  this  writing  a member  of 
the  town  board,  and  has  been  a member  of  the 
school  board.  In  1875  he  was  elected  to  rep- 
resent his  district  in  the  Legislature,  where  he 
served  with  satisfaction  to  his  constituents. 
Mr.  Jeffery’s  services  have  been  recognized 
by  his  appointment  as  postmaster,  which  po- 
sition he  now  holds.  Mr.  Jeffery  stands  high 
among  the  people  of  Grant  county,  where  he 
has  been  well  known  for  many  years,  and 
commands  the  respect  of  all  the  citizens,  irre- 
spective of  party.  Socially  he  is  a charter 
member  of  Masonic  Lodge  No.  185,  George- 
town, of  which  he  has  been  secretary  some 
ten  years.  His  wife  is  a member  of  the  M. 
E.  • Church,  of  which  they  are  cheerful  sup- 
porters. 

CLAREMONT  S.  JACKMAN.  This 
gentleman,  one  of  Janesville’s  prominent  and 
most  capable  financiers,  is  of  English  ancestry 
and  Revolutionary  stock.  The  earliest  Amer- 
ican progenitor  of  his  family  emigrated  from 
“Old”  to  “New”  England  in  early  Colonial 
days,  and  our  subject’s  great-grandfather 
served  in  the  patriot  army  led  by  Washing- 
ton, and  later  in  the  State  militia  of  Massa- 
chusetts. The  paternal  grandfather  of  Mr. 
Jackman,  Stillman  Jackman,  was  born  in  the 
“Bay  State,”  but  removed  thence  to  New 
Hampshire,  where  he  died  at  the  age  of  sixty- 
five  years,  the  father  of  four  children. 

Timothy  Jackman,  the  father  of  Clare- 
mont S.,  was  born  in  the  State  of  New  York. 
He  married  Marcia  M.  Smith,  whose  father, 
Jesse  Smith,  was  born  in  Massachusetts,  but 


came  west  in  1848,  locating"  in  the  town  of 
Union,  Rock  Co.,  A is.,  where  he  cultivated  a 
farm  and  conducted  a general  country  store 
until  his  death,  which  did  not  occur  until  he  had 
reached  the  extraordinary  ag_e  of  ninety  years. 
Timothy  Jackman  was  a man  of  fertile  brain, 
endowed  with  quick  perceptive  power,  and 
a business  capacity  which  may  be  said  to  have 
been  remarkable  for  his  time.  He  was  not  only 
a successful  farmer,  but  also  managed  a hotel 
to  the  satisfaction  of  his  patrons,  and  engaged 
in  milling  and  mercantile  business.  He  took 
up  his  home  in  Janesville  in  1842,  and  pros- 
pered greatly  in  all  his  various  ventures.  He 
was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Rock  County 
(later  the  Rock  County  National)  Bank,  and 
was  president  thereof  from  its  formation  un- 
til the  day  of  his  death.  He  was  a Republican, 
and  a member  of  Janesville’s  first  city  council. 
He  died  in  1868,  in  his  sixty-ninth  year.  His 
widow  survived  twenty  years,  passing  away  in 
1888. 

Claremont  S.  Jackman  is  one  of  four  chil- 
dren born  to  his  parents.  He  and  his  brother 
Clarence  N.  (a  carriage  manufacturer  of 
Janesville)  survive.  Our  subject  was  born  in 
Janesville,  Nov.  20,  1846.  He  attended  school, 
as  did  other  boys  of  his  age  and  condition,  but 
the  breaking  out  of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion 
quickened  the  course  of  the  blood  which  he  had 
received  from  his  Revolutionary  grandsire,  and 
in  1862,  when  a mere  lad  of  sixteen  years,  he 
enlisted  in  the  12th  Wisconsin  Artillery.  He 
fought  at  Missionary  Ridge,  and  followed 
Sherman  to  the  sea,  participating  in  the  bat- 
tle of  Altoona,  and  the  siege  and  capture  of 
Savannah.  Subsequently  he  was  assigned  to 
duty  at  the  headquarters  of  Gen.  John  A.  Lo- 
gan. After  being  mustered  out  he  returned 
home,  and  for  a year  engaged  in  the  milling 
business  in  Janesville.  His  thirst  for  change 
and  adventure,  however,  was  not  yet  slaked, 
and  he  spent  the  next  eighteen  months  in  the 
mines  of  Montana.  Wearying  of  this  life,  he 
once  more  retraced  his  steps  to  Janesville, 
where  he  entered  the  service  of  the  Rock  Coun- 
ty National  Bank,  of  which  he  is  now  presi- 
dent, in  the  humble,  inferior  position  of  a mes- 
senger. This  was  on  July  1,  1867.  Quick 
comprehension,  close  attention  to  duty  and  un- 
wavering integrity  brought  their  reward.  Step 
by  step  he  climbed  the  ladder  of  promotion,  un- 
til, after  long  and  faithful  service  as  cashier, 
he  was  elevated  to  the  presidency  of  that  im- 


6\ 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


portant  and  solid  institution ; this  responsible 
post  he  has  filled  for  twelve  years.  His  finan- 
cial interests  in  the  city  are  large  and  import- 
ant. Besides  being  a heavy  stockholder  in  var- 
ious manufacturing  and  commercial  corpora- 
tions (among  them  the  Janesville  Water 
Works  Co.)  he  has  extensive  and  valuable 
holdings  of  real  property.  Mr.  Jackman’s  hand- 
some home  was  erected  about  a dozen  years 
ago,  at  the  intersection  of  Park  Place  and  St. 
Lawrence  street.  He  is  a member  of  Orien- 
tal Lodge,  Knights  of  Pythias,  and  socially 
popular.  His  politics  are  Republican,  and  for 
two  years  he  represented  the  Third  ward  in 
the  city  council. 

On  March  io,  1869,  Mr.  Jackman  married 
Clara  Hanchett,  her  parents  being  John  M.  and 
Julia  (Titus)  Hanchett.  The  issue  of  the  mar- 
riage has  been  one  son,  Frank,  who  holds  the 
position  of  assistant  cashier  in  the  bank  of 
which  his  father  is  president.  He  married 
Miss  Etta  B.  Hanchett,  and  is  the  father  of 
two  children,  Frances  and  Claremont. 

EMMETT  D.  McGOWAN  has  been  for 
many  years  one  of  Janesville’s  most  success- 
ful lawyers.  His  legal  ability  and  the  pains- 
taking and  scholarly  attention  which  he  de- 
votes to  each  interest  that  is  confided  to  his 
care  have  gained  for  him  an  increasingly  large 
clientage,  while  his  broad,  intelligent  compre- 
hension of  public  affairs,  and  his  genial  and 
generous  disposition,  have  made  for  him  many 
friends. 

As  the  name  suggests,  the  family  is  of 
Irish  descent  on  the  father’s  side,  its  native 
heath  being  Newtown  Butler,  County  Fer- 
managh, in  the  Emerald  Isle.  His  mother’s 
family  is  of  military  stock,  her  grandfather, 
a hero  of  the  Revolution,  having  been  one  of 
the  guards  over  Major  Andre  and  present  at 
his  execution,  while  her  father,  Daniel  Bennett, 
was  a volunteer  in  the  war  of  1812.  Mr.  Mc- 
Gowan’s grandfather,  John  McGowan,  and 
father,  James  S.  McGowan,  emigrated  to 
America  in  1843,  an<i  settled  in  Rochester, 
N.  Y.  Several  years  after  James  S.  removed 
to  Walworth  county,  Wisconsin,  making  his 
home  at  Allen’s  Grove.  From  that  point  he 
removed  to  Beloit,  where  he  was  employed  in 
the  construction  of  the  paper  mills,  and  about 
1858-59  he  took  up  his  residence  in  Janesville, 
where  he  is  still  living.  Mrs.  James  S.  Mc- 
Gowan (whose  maiden  name  was  Louisa  M. 


Bennett),  the  mother  of  Emmett  D.,  was  bofn 
in  Jefferson  county,  N.  Y.  Her  brother,  John 
R.  Bennett,  was  a distinguished  and  honored 
Wisconsin  jurist,  having  been  for  many  years 
judge  of  the  Twelfth  Judicial  Circuit  of  Wis- 
consin. 

Emmett  D.  McGowan’s  life  has  been 
passed  in  Janesville,  where  he  was  born  July 
1 5,  1859.  He  has  one  sister,  Mary  L.  (Mrs. 
Charles  F.  Niles),  of  Menomonee,  Wis.  In  his 
education,  as  in  his  professional  success,  Mr. 
McGowan  is  an  example  of  that  type  of  deter- 
mined man . of  which  America  is  so  justly 
proud,  to  which  she  owes  so  much,  who,  lack- 
ing the  early  advantages  which  fall  to  some, 
have  hewed  out  a place  for  themselves.  Not 
being  able  to  go  to  college,  he  supplemented 
attendance  at  the  public  school  with  a course 
of  reading  at  home,  embracing  substantially 
one  of  the  classical  courses  of  study  laid  down 
by  the  Faculty  of  the  Wisconsin  State  Uni- 
versity. Flis  legal  education  was  also  obtained 
by  his  own  efforts.  He  read  law  in  the  office 
of  Bennett  & Sale,  and  in  December,  1883, 
was  admitted  to  the  Bar.  In  July  of  the  fol- 
lowing year  he  formed  a partnership  with  Ed- 
win F.  Carpenter.  In  1886  Mr.  McGowan 
was  the  successful  candidate,  on  the  Republi- 
can ticket,  for  the  office  of  clerk  of  the  cir- 
cuit court  of  Rock  county.  This  dissolved  the 
partnership,  and  the  aptitude  and  fidelity  ex- 
hibited by  Mr.  McGowan  resulted  in  four  elec- 
tions to  the  same  responsible  position,  whose 
duties  he  continued  to  ably  and  honorably  dis- 
charge until  1895.  At  tlie  expiration  of  his 
official  term  he  resumed  the  practice  of  law, 
in  which  his  natural  talent,  his  ability  for  hard 
work,  and  his  professional  skill,  have  brought 
him  increasing  reputation  and  success.  He 
is  a Republican  in  politics.  His  love  of  social 
association  has  made  of  his  handsome  home,  at 
No.  154  Milton  avenue,  a place  which  his 
friends  delight  to  visit.  He  is  a member  of 
Western  Star  Lodge,  No.  14,  A.  F.  & A.  M. ; 
of  fanesville  Chapter,  No.  5>  R-  A.  M. ; andi 
of  Janesville  Commandery,  No.  2,  K.  T.  He 
is  also  past  chancellor  in  the  order  of  the 
Knights  of  Pythias. 

Mr.  McGowan  has  been  twice  married, 
on  June  30,  1887,  to  Abbie  L.,  a daughter  of 
Joseph  IT.  and  Mary  Hill,  of  Beloit,  Wis.,  by 
which  union  there  were  two  children,  Louise 
H.  and  Joseph  B.  Mrs.  McGowan  was  an 
invalid  for  several  years  from  the  illness  that 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


65 


caused  her  death.  She.  was  a member  of  Christ 
Episcopal  Church.  On  Jan.  11,  1899,  Mr. 
McGowan  married  Katherine,  a daughter  of 
Ellis  and  Martha  A.  (Parker)  Shopbell.  She 
is  a member  of  the  First  Congregational 
Church  Of  Janesville. 

REV.  "WALLACE  L.  SELLECIv,  a ma- 
chinist and  inventor,  for  some  years  a resident 
of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  possesses  more 
than  an  ordinary  reputation  for  his  ingenious 
ideas  and  skillful  application  of  accepted  the- 
ories to  mechanical  appliances. 

M1"-  Selleck  was  born  in  Canada  Feb.  22, 
1837,  a son  of  George  J.  and  Zoa  (Bositte) 
Selleck.  His  father  was  born  in  the  United 
States,  and  was  the  son  of  Charles  Selleck, 
an  Englishman  by  birth,  who  was  engaged 
as  a builder  of  ships  of  war  during  the  war 
of  1812.  He  received  his  pay  from  the  Eng- 
lish government  in  land  at  Kingston,  Canada, 
and  the  grant  is  still  in  dispute  between  the 
heirs  of  Charles  Selleck  and  the  English  gov- 
ernment. Charles  Selleck  disposed  of  it  to 
the  citizens  of  Kingston  on  a ninety-years 
lease.  George  J.  Selleck  was  a millwright  by 
trade,  and  put  up  a number  of  sawmills  and 
gristmills  in  Wisconsin  during  the  latter  part 
of  his  life,  living  at  Millville.  He  died  in 

1894.  He  had  large  tracts  of  land  near  Prairie 
du  Chien,  Wis.,  and  in  Nebraska,  and  was 
known  as  one  of  the  successful  business  men 
of  the  day.  His  wife  passed  away  March  3, 

1895.  They  left  a family  of  six  sons  and  four 
daughters:  Charles,  born  in  Canada  in  1831, 
studied  medicine,  and  settled  in  Blue  Hill, 
Nebraska,  where  he  died  in  1886,  leaving  one 
son,  William,  who  lives  in  that  State.  Maria 
was  born  in  Canada  in  February,  1833,  and 
married  Erastus  Blodget,  of  Vermont,  a 
manager  for  mines  on  Lake  Superior ; they 
settled  in  Dane  county,  Wis.,  where  the  wife 
died,  leaving  four  children.  Albina,  born  in 
Canada  in  1835,  is  the  wife  of  Louis  Keith, 
of  Bladen,  Neb.  Wallace  L.,  our  subject,  is 
next  in  the  family.  Wellington  W..  born  in 
Milwaukee  in  September,  1839,  is  n°w  a 
farmer  near  St.  Paul.  Minn. ; he  has  a family 
of  three  daughter's,  Zoa,  Grace  and  Othe. 
Washington  was  born  in  Wisconsin  in  1841, 
and  served  with  his  brother  Wellington  in 
the  4th  Wisconsin  Cavalry  during  the  Civil 
war,  under  Gen.  Sigel,  taking  part  in  some 
stirring  scenes  and  experiences;  Washington 


returned  from  the  war,  and  pre-empted  land  in 
Nebraska,  where  he  lived  tor  nine  years,  but 
not  being  pleased  with  that  country  he  came 
back  to  \\  isconsin  and  bought  a farm  near 
Millville,  where  he  still  resides;  he  married 
Miss  Jane  Huston,  and  has  a family  of  live 
children,  of  whom  are  named  Charles,  Henry, 
Lydia,  and  Effie.  George,  born  Sept.  27,  1843, 
was  a soldier  during  the  Civil  war,  enlisting 
from  Iowa ; after  the  war  he  married  Miss 
Elizabeth  Raymond,  and  now  lives  on  a farm 
at  Beetown,  Grant  county.  Albert,  born  in 
October,  1846,  at  Milwaukee,  was  for  a num- 
ber of  years  an  engineer  on  a steamboat  ply- 
ing on  the  Mississippi  river,  and  is  now  man- 
ager of  a creamery  near  Elk  Grove ; he  is 
married,  and  has  live  children,  George,  John, 
Joseph,  Nellie,  and  one  whose  name  is  not 
given.  Sophia,  born  in  Milwaukee  in  1851. 
married  Lewis  Harvey,  who  moved  to  the 
Nebraska  frontier,  where  he  was  killed  by  the 
Indians,  leaving  his  wife  with  one  son,  George, 
whom  she  educated  in  Lincoln,  Neb. ; when  a 
young  man  he  went  to  the  gold  fields  of 
Alaska,  and  returned  with  a rich  reward  for 
the  perils  lie  had  undergone,  bringing  home 
on  his  first  trip  over  thirty  thousand  dollars- 
in  gold;  in  1896  the  young  miner  and  his 
mother  returned  to  Alaska,  where  they  are 
at  the  present  writing.  Alice  E.,  born  in 
Grant  county  in  1856,  married  Henry  Mar- 
tin, of  Blue  Hill,  Neb. ; they  now  reside  in 
Iowa. 

Wallace  L.  Selleck  obtained  his  education 
in  the  public  schools  of  Wisconsin,  and  for  one 
year  was  a student  in  the  public  schools  at 
Platteville.  When  a young  man  he  served  an 
apprenticeship  as  a machinist  in  the  shops  at 
Dubuque.  His  first  work  after  finishing  his 
time  was  in  a steam  sawmill.  He  was  a lumber 
man  on  the  Wisconsin  river  for  ten  years. 
On  Jan.  30,  1858,  the  young  lumberman  and 
Miss  Sarah  A.  Miles,  daughter  qf  Jesse  and 
Mahala  Miles,  were  married.  The  young 
couple  went  to  the  lumber  mills  on  the  Wis- 
consin river,  and  spent  some  years  in  that  ro- 
mantic country.  In  1869  he  sold  out  his  lum- 
ber interests  and  moved  to  Milwaukee,  where 
he  erected  a shop  for  the  manufacture  of  the 
turbine  water-wheel.  He  sold  this  after  two 
years  at  a very  decided  profit,  and  moved  to 
Millville,  Wis.,  where  he  was  eng-aged  in  a 
sawmill  some  twenty  years,  being  largely  oc- 
cupied with  the  manufacture  and  sale  of  wal- 


66 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


nut  lumber  during  this  time.  He  has  given 
several  years  to  invention,  and  has  perfected 
among  other  things  a door  hinge  which  is  in 
general  use  ; he  also  has  inventions  in  the  line 
of  compressed  air  and  steam  saving  power. 

Mrs.  Selleck  died  in  Millville,  Feb.  io, 
1881,  leaving  him  six  children  : ( 1 ) Zoa,  born 

at  Millville,  in  1861,  married  Lucien  McDowie, 
and  they  are  now  living  at  Peoria,  111.,  where 
he  is  one  of  the  prosperous  blacksmiths  of  that 
city.  They  have  four  children,  R.  L.,  James, 
Nina  B.,  and  Ralph.  (2)  Clara,  born  in 
Grant  county  in  1863,  married  Charles  Cal- 
oms,  and  they  reside  on  his  farm  in  Grant 
county.  They  have  three  chidren,  of  whom 
we  have  record  of  two,  Myrtie  and  Charles. 
(3)  George  IT.,  born  in  Millville  in  1866,  mar- 
ried Miss  Annie  Brown,  and  they  have  one  son, 
Ray.  He  was  a merchant  at  Millville  for  some 
time.  Some  years  later  he  opened  a store  at 
Dodgeville,  and  then  moved  to  Galena,  where 
he  sold  out  his  business.  He  settled  on  his 
farm  near  Millville,  and  is  now  a successful 
farmer.  (4)  Lillian,  born  in  New  Lisbon, 
\\  is.,  in  1870,  married  Samuel  Tracy,  of  the 
town  of  Harrison,  where  they  live  on  a farm; 
they  have  one  son,  Raymond.  (5)  Miss  Jo- 
sephine, born  in  Grant  county  in  1874,  was  edu- 
cated in  the  public  school  ancl  is  still  in  the 
home  of  her  father,  where  she  has  had  charge 
since  the  death  of  her  mother.  (6)  May,  born 
in  Grant  county  in  1879,  is  now  the  wife  of 
Orville  Barrett,  and  has  one  child.  They 
reside  at  Arthur,  Wis.,  where  they  own  and 
manage  a farm. 

Mr.  Selleck  is  a Republican,  and  was  jus- 
tice of  the  peace  several  years  at  Millville. 
He  is  a member  of  the  Christian  Universal 
Church,  a believer  in  divine  healing,  and  has 
always  been  a Bible  student.  He  is  a strong 
believer  in  the  power  of  God  to  answer  prayer. 

HENRY  C.  LANE,  a retired  hardware 
merchant,  and  a very  prominent  citizen  of 
Platteville,  Grant  county,  is  a native  of  Trum- 
bull county,  Ohio,  born  in  September,  1819, 
a son  of  David  and  Nancy  ( Lester)  Lane. 

David  Lane  was  born  in  Connecticut,  and 
descended  from  an  old  Pilgrim  family;  his 
wife  was  a native  of  Leicestershire,  England, 
and  a great-granddaughter  of  Lord  Lester. 
From  Connecticut,  in  which  State  they  were 
married,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lane  removed  to  Ohio, 
where  Air.  Lane  followed  his  trade  of  hatter 


for  some  years.  Subsequently  he  purchased 
land  on  the  old  turnpike  running  from  Pitts- 
burg, Penn.,  to  Cleveland,  Ohio,  where  he  built 
a hotel,  conducting  same  until,  his  death,  many 
years  ago.  To  this  worthy  and  venerated 
couple  were  born  the  following  family  of  chil- 
dren: Maria,  who  died  in  1808;  Julia,  who 

was  married  to  Isaac  Reves;  Louisa,  wife  of 
Dr.  Asil.  Jones,  he  and  she  being  now  deceased  ; 
Alary  A.,  deceased  wife  of  Jacob  Devendorf ; 
Emily,  who  married  Milton  Graham,  both  now 
deceased ; Lester,  who  died  on  the  old  home- 
stead ; Dr.  Levit  Lane,  deceased,  who  was  a 
practitioner  at  Monroe;  Albert,  who  died  in 
Milwaukee,  Wis.,  leaving  two  daughters,  Ada 
and  Louella,  residents  of  Platteville,  the  latter 
being  the  widow  of  Air  Graham,  and  making 
her  home  with  Mr.  and  Airs.  H.  C.  Lane  ; and 
Henry  C.,  the  gentleman  whose  name  opens 
this  sketch. 

Henry  C.  Lane  was  educated  in  the  com- 
mon schools  of  Trumbull,  Ohio,  and  when  a 
young  man  learned  blacksmithing.  In  1840 
he  came  to  Platteville,  Wis.,  when  it  was  but 
a small  village,  and  here  worked  at  his  trade 
three  and  a half  years;  then  returned  to  Ohio, 
and  the  same  year  married  Miss  Lucy  A. 
Hocomb,  of  Hartford,  that  State.  She  was  a 
daughter  of  Horace  and  Julia  (Gillette) 
Hocomb,  who  were  born  in  Connecticut,  and 
after  their  marriage  removed  to  Broome  coun- 
ty, N.  Y.,  where  Mrs.  Lucy  A.  Lane  was  born 
in  January,  1821.  In  1833  the  Hocomb  family 
removed  from  the  Empire  State  to  Ohio,  locat- 
ing in  Trumbull  county,  and  shortly  afterward 
the  father  died,  leaving  his  widow  with  three 
children:  Judson,  now  residing  near  Madison, 
Wis. ; Hannah,  widow  of  William  Beebe,  and 
living  in  Lancaster,  this  State;  and  Airs.  Henry 
C.  Lane.  After  the  death  of  her  husband  Mrs. 
Hocomb  made  her  home  with  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Lane  until  her  demise,  in  1880. 

Immediately  after  marriage  Mr.  Lane 
brought  his  bride  to  Platteville,  and  a few  years 
later  relinquished  blacksmithing  and  engaged 
in  the  hardware  trade,  in  which  he  continued 
over  thirty  years,  realizing  a competency,  and 
now  owning  a large  number  of  city  lots,  which 
he  has  improved ; he  owns,  besides,  other  val- 
uable real  estate.  The  union  of  Air.  and  Mrs. 
Lane  has  been  blessed  with  four  daughters, 
viz. : Maria,  born  in  1844,  is  the  wife  of  Lester 
Devendorf,  and  has  two  children — Cora,  wife 
of  William  H.  Ellis,  a lawyer  of  Platteville; 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


67 


and  Charles  Devendorf,  a traveling  salesman, 
of  Iowa.  Julania,  a graduate  of  the  Academy, 
is  the  wife  of  A.  C.  Van  Elston,  a banker  and 
merchant  of  Muscoda,  Wis.,  and  a former  rep- 
resentative in  the  State  Legislature ; they  have 
had  two  children,  one  son  and  one  daughter, 
Henry  L.  and  Florence,  of  whom  the  latter 
died  in  1899.  Maretta,  now  Mrs.  William 
Jones,  is  the  mother  of  five  children,  Lottie, 
William,  Vandy,  Florence  and  Louella.  Jessie 
is  the  wife  of  John  Lawton  and  the  mother  of 
two  children,  Elvira  and  John,  both  students 
in  the  city  college. 

Religiously  all  the  Lane  family  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Congregational  Church,  to  which 
they  freely  contribute,  and  to  the  building  of 
all  the  churches  in  the  city  Mr.  Lane  has  ever 
lent  willing  aid  financially.  Politically  he  is 
a stanch  Republican,  has  served  as  member  of 
the  council,  and  filled  several  other  offices  of 
minor  importance,  but  has  never  aspired  to 
public  positions  simply-  for  the  sake  of  the 
honor  attached  thereto,  serving  from  a sense 
of  public  duty.  Fraternally  he  is  a charter 
member  of  the  Masonic  lodge  of  Platteville, 
and  socially  he  and  family  enjoy  the  esteem 
of  the  entire  population  of  the  city. 

BARTIMEUS  WHITE.  The  days  of  this 
venerable  pioneer  are  well-nigh  spent.  Born 
in  i8n,  he  is  approaching  life’s  ninetieth  mile- 
stone, and  the  narratives  of  the  lives  of  such 
men  as  he  are  replete  at  once  with  interest  and 
instruction.  Grant  county  can  boast  few  citi- 
zens of  so  advanced  an  age  or  a life  more  void 
of  offense.  For  a period  of  sixty-five  years  he 
has  been  identified  with  the  development  of 
this  portion  of  the  State,  having  first  settled 
in  the  southwestern  part  in  1835,  when  Wis- 
consin was  a Territory,  in  part  of  Michigan, 
its  forests  not  felled,  and  its  soil  unbroken. 

Mr.  White  comes  of  sturdy,  stalwart  New 
England  stock,  his  ancestry  in  America  being 
traced  back  to  1635-36,  when  some  of  his  pro- 
genitors settled  in  Braintree  and  Weymouth, 
Mass.  Our  subject’s  parents,  Samuel  and 
Mary  (Hayhood)  White,  were  residents  of 
Braintree,  Mass.,  in  which  town  he  was  born 
and  passed  his  early  years.  He  was  one  of  a 
family  of  seven  children  born  to  his  father's 
first  marriage.  After  the  death  of  his  mother, 
his  father  married  a second  time,  the  issue  of 
that  union  being  a family  of  five  or  six'chd- 
clren.  Samuel  White  died  at  Braintree,  in  his 


eightieth  year.  Of  the  seven  children  born 
to  Samuel  and  Mary  White  Bartimeus  alone 
survives,  while  of  the  second  marriage,  only 
one  daughter  is  yet  living,  Mrs.  Phoebe  Chees- 
man,  a widow,  born  in  1822 ; she  has  a son  and 
a daughter  living,  both  of  whom  have  mar- 
ried, and  the  son  has  two  grandchildren. 

Bartimeus  White  when  a boy  of  ten  years 
was  apprenticed  to  learn  the  trade  of  a shoe- 
maker, and  worked  as  a journeyman  for  several 
years.  His  health  failing,  he  had  recourse  to 
an  ocean  voyage,  with  the  most  beneficial  re- 
sults ; but  on  his  return,  fearing  that  the  con- 
finement incident  to  working  at  his  trade  might 
induce  a return  of  his  trouble,  he  resolved  to 
join  the  long  procession  of  emigrants  who 
were  even  then  wending  their  way  westward, 
in  search  of  homes.  It  was  on  Oct.  8,  1834, 
that  he  departed  from  Braintree,  and  just  six 
months  later,  in  the  spring  of  1835,  he  reached 
the  lead  mines  of  southwestern  Wisconsin,  in 
which  he  worked  for  six  years.  He  then  began 
farming,  a pursuit  which  he  has  followed  dur- 
ing the  greater  part  of  his  subsequent  life.  His 
first  farm  was  in  Jamestown,  Grant  county, 
but  in  1862,  desirous  of  affording  his  children 
better  educational  opportunities,  he  removed 
with  his  family  to  his  present  home,  which  is 
situated  directly  south  of  the  city  of  Lancaster. 
Here  he  is  passing  his  declining  years,  in  the 
company  of  the  wife  who  has  been  his  com- 
panion and  helpmeet  for  fifty-five  years,  happy 
in  his  memories  of  the  past,  and  looking  for- 
ward to  the  future  with  , serene  hope.  It  has 
been  his  lot  to  witness  great  changes  and  stu- 
pendous advances.  Twenty-two  National  ad- 
ministrations have  passed  into  history  since 
his  eyes  first  saw  the  light  of  day,  and  the 
country  has  passed,  victoriously,  through  four 
wars.  Slavery  has  been  abolished,  and  State 
after  State  been  admitted  to  the  Union.  Steam 
and  electricity  have  become  the  trained  and 
docile  servants  of  man,  and  the  entire  systems 
of  manufacture,  industry  and  commerce  have 
been  revolutionized.  All  these  strange  sights 
have  his  eyes  witnessed,  and  yet,  despite  his 
ninety  vears,  he  is  still  vigorous  in  body  and 
clear  in  mind.  His  memory  is  remarkably 
good,  taking  him  back  to  events  of  his  early 
childhood,  and  he  has  some  recollection  of  his 
paternal  grandfather,  who  lived  in  the  ‘‘new 
large  square  house,”  his  parents  occupying  the 
older  dwelling.  At  the  time  of  his  grand- 
father’s funeral  he  remembers  climbing  on  a 


68 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


chair  to  look  out  of  a window  when  the  re- 
mains were  brought  out  and  placed  on  a table 
for  the  last  look.  Honored  by  his  fellowmen, 
loved  and  revered  by  his  family  and  friends, 
Mr.  White  calmly  awaits  the  summons  that 
shall  whisper  in  the  ear  of  the  soul,  “Friend, 
go  up  higher.” 

In  1845  Mr.  White  returned  to  Massa- 
chusetts, to  claim  the  hand  of  his  promised 
bride,  Miss  Nancy  Leach,  of  East  Bridgewater, 
that  State,  who  was  born  Feb.  28,  1822.  Of 
the  children  which  have  been  born  to  their 
union  two  died  in  infancy.  Those  yet  living- 
are  Abby  F.,  Franklin,  Hattie  E.,  Mrs.  Mary 
Marks,  Mrs.  Ida  King,  Mrs.  Marcia  A.  Hall, 
and  John.  The  last  named  is-  now  living  in 
Kansas  not  far  from  Kansas  City ; he  returned 
eastward  as  far  as  Kansas  after  eight  years’ 
experience  in  southern  California,  which  he 
found  too  dry  to  afford  a good  living  to  a man 
in  moderate  circumstances,  with  a young  fam- 
ily; he  has  a wife  and  three  children. 

SAML1EL  GRAY,  a retired  farmer,  is 
among  the  well  known  and  highly  esteemed 
citizens  of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  having- 
borne  an  important  part  in  the  development 
and  advancement  of  this  State.  Descending 
from  sturdy  English  stock,  Mr.  Gray  has 
steadily  climbed  from  the  lowest  rung  in  the 
ladder  of  success  to  his  present  comfortable 
position,  by  his  own  unaided  efforts. 

Samuel  Gray  was  born  in  Cornwall,  Eng- 
land, June  26,  1830,  a son  of  John  and  Ann 
(Bosanco)  Gray.  In  1841,  John  Gray,  with 
one  son,  came  to  America,  and  settling  in 
Wisconsin,  at  Benton,  Lafayette  county,  he 
there  engaged  in  mining  for  two  years.  At 
that  time  he  sent  for  his  wife  and  the  remain- 
der of  the  family,  and  later  purchased  a farm 
near  Benton,  where  he  resided  until  his  death, 
in  1862,  his  worthy  helpmate  surviving  until 
1874.  Both  of  these  good  people  were  con- 
sistent members  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  and 
lived  most  Christian  lives.  They  left  a family 
of  five  children : John  married  and  located 

on  a farm  in  Lafayette  county,  later  moving  to 
Hazel  Green  where  he  died  in  1892;  his  wife 
passed  away  some  two  years  later,  leaving  one 
daughter,  Elizabeth  A.,  wife  of  Edward  Rodg- 
ers, of  Grant  county.  Henry  married  Miss 
Elizabeth  L.  Williams,  and  settled  in  Hazel 
Green,  where  he  resided  until  his  death,  leav- 
ing one  daughter,  Martha,  wife  of  John  Jewell, 


of  Hazel  Green.  William,  after  going  to  Cali- 
fornia, married  in  Hazel  Green  Miss  Ann 
Pierce,  went  to  Boston,  and  now  resides  near 
that  city,  in  a pleasant  home,  surrounded  by  an 
interesting-  family.  Our  subject  is  next  in  the 
family.  James,  educated  in  Lafayette  county,, 
married  Mary  E.  Clemens,  and  settled  at  Cuba 
City,  where  lie  still  resides;  he  has  no  family. 

Samuel  Gray  was  but  thirteen  years  old 
when  brought  to  Wisconsin,  and  secured  a fair 
amount  of  education  in  England  and  the 
schools  of  Lafayette  county.  After  mining  in 
the  local  mines  until  1851  lie  migrated1  to  Cali- 
fornia, via  New  Orleans,  over  the  Isthmus  by 
land,  thence  by  water  to  his  destination.  After 
mining  for  some  time  at  Placerville,  and  at- 
taining fair  success,  Mr.  Gray  returned  to 
Wisconsin,  via  New  York,  and  continued  lead 
mining  in  this  State  for  a few  years,  but  after 
his  marriage  he  settled  on  the  old  homestead, 
where  he  greatly  improved  the  property,  resid- 
ing there  until  1889.  At  that  date  he  purchased 
a fine  building  site  in  the  Homestead  Addi- 
tion in  Platteville,  and  erected  his  present  pleas- 
ant home,  where  he  and  his  family  now  are  sur- 
rounded by  all  the  comforts  of  life. 

On  May  31,  1855,  Samuel  Gray  married 
Miss  Mary  Symons,  daughter  of  Richard  and 
Sarah  Symons,  prominent  people  of  England, 
who  came  to  America,  and  settled  in  Benton, 
Wis.,  when  Mrs.  Gray  was  a child,  she  having 
been  born  in  Cornwall,  England,  in  January, 
1837;  she  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  Wis- 
consin. Mr.  Symons  died  Sept.  19,  1900.  Of 
the  family  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gray,  seven 
grew  to  maturity:  George  H.,  born  April 

29,  1856,  was  educated  in  Benton  and  the 
Platteville  Normal,  married  Lydia  Stephens, 
and  settled  on  a farm  in  Iowa ; he  has  a family 
of  five  children,  William  A.,  Myrtle,  Samuel, 
Pearl  and  Edgar.  Mary  E.,  born  March  31, 
1858,  was  educated  at  Lafayette  and  Galena, 
111.,  married  Cyrus  Paterson,  of  Hazel  Green, 
Wis.,  and  settled  on  a farm  at  Hazel  Green; 
she  died  leaving  one  son,  Cyril.  Alfred,  born 
Nov.  24,  i860,  married  Agnes  Burkett,  and 
now  resides  on  his  father’s  farm;  he  has  three 
children,  Aruba,  Jennie  and  Harold.  John  S., 
born  June  2,  1863,  married  Eliza  Burkett,  of 
Lafayette  county,  and  resides  on  his  father’s 
farm,  near  Benton ; he  has  three  children, 
Henry,  Sylvia  and  Clarence.  Alice  J.,  born 
Oct.  12,  1866,  graduated  at  Hazel  Green  high 
school  and  later  at  the  State  Normal  j she  mar- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


69 


ried  O.  E.  Gibson,  one  of  the  leading  dentists 
of  Platteville,  and  has  two  children,  Irvin, 
born  in  July,  1893,  and  Helen,  born  July  1, 
1896.  Oliver,  born  in  August,  1870,  was  edu- 
cated at  Hazel  Green,  graduating  from  the 
high  school,  there,  also  attended  the  State 
Normal,  and  the  State  University,  at  Madison, 
and  is  now  the  superintendent  of  schools  for 
Platteville;  on  Dec.  26,  1900,  he  married  Gert- 
rude P.  Chase.  Edith,  born  Aug.  25,  1877, 
died  Dec.  9,  1900;  although  an  invalid  for 
many  years,  and  at  times  a great  sufferer,  she 
was  seldom  heard  to  complain ; she  was  one  of 
the  most  beautiful  Christian  characters,  and 
many  a helpful  lesson  was  learned  at  her  side. 

In  his  political  opinions  Mr.  Gray  adheres 
to  the  principles  of  the  Republican  party,  was 
a member  of  the  town  board  of  Benton  for 
some  six  years,  and  held  a number  of  other 
local  offices,  discharging  the  duties  pertaining 
to  each  efficiently  and  satisfactorily.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Gray,  as  well  as  their  family,  are  very 
prominent  in  the  M.  E.  Church,  of  which 
they  are  faithful  members,  and  take  an  active 
part  in  all  the  work  pertaining  thereto.  Few 
people  more  richly  deserve  the  prosperity  which 
lias  come  to  them  than  do  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gray, 
and  they  have  endeared  themselves,  by  their 
many  excellent  traits  of  character,  not  only  to 
their  immediate  family,  but  to  a large  circle 
of  acquaintances  and  friends. 

DANIEL  N.  SMALLEY,  the  genial  post- 
master at  Cuba  Citv.  Grant  county,  and  a man 
'well  known  throughout  the  surrounding  dis- 
trict, is  well  worth  mention  in  the  annals  of 
his  neighborhood. 

Mr.  Smalley’s  birth  occurred  Feb.  1,  1833, 
at  Union,  N.  Y.,  and  he  is  a son  of  Nehemiah 
and  Sarah  (Cataline)  Smalley,  natives  of  Ver- 
mont and  Connecticut,  respectively.  The  par- 
ents grew  to  maturity  in  New  York  State,  mar- 
ried there,  and  in  1837  migrated  to  Illinois. 
The  father  died  in  Chicago  ill  1837.  two  weeks 
after  reaching  that  place.  Mrs.  Smalley  sub- 
sequently married  Moses  Spencer,  and  they 
removed  to  Pleasant  Grove.  111.,  where  they 
remained  until  the  death  of  Mr.  Spencer.  Mrs. 
Spencer  then  removed  to  Chicago,  and  died  at 
the  home  of  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Sarah  Kim- 
bel.l,  of  that  city.  Of  the  children  born  to  the 
marriage  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Nehemiah  Smalley, 
George  O.,  born  in  New  York  State,  settled 
near  Madison,  Wis.,  and  later  removed  to  Illi- 


nois, settling  at  Eureka ; he  has  two  .daugh- 
ters living  near  Eureka,  111.  Sarah  A.  mar- 
ried Martin  N.  Kimbell,  resides  in  Chicago, 
and  has  seven  children,  some  of  whom  reside 
in  Chicago.  Caroline,  born  in  New  York  State, 
married  David  White,  of  Illinois,  and  had  three 
children;  upon  his  death  she  married  Adrian 
Cook,  by  whom  she  had  five  children.  Dud- 
ley C.,  born  in  New  York  State,  moved  to 
Illinois,  and  later  to  Grant  county,  and  pur- 
chased a farm  on  which  he  resided  until  1891, 
when  he  moved  to  Morris  county,  Ivans.,  where 
he  followed  farming;  he  married  Miss  Amanda 
Haines,  of  Grant  county,  and  now  resides  in 
Kansas  City;  they  have  six  children.  Alonzo, 
born  in  New  York  State,  is  now  a retired 
farmer  of  Manhattan,  111. ; he  has  six  children 
living.  Martha,  born  in  New  York  State, 
married  Joseph  S track,  of  Chicago,  and  set- 
tled on  a farm  near  Waukegan,  111.  Electa 
married  Nelson  Willard,  resides  near  Chicago, 
and  has  two  children.  Our  subject  is  the 
youngest  of  the  family. 

Daniel  N.  Smalley, after  coming  West,  lived 
some  five  years  with  his.  sister,  Mrs.  Kimbell, 
in  Chicago.  He  then  returned  to  his  old  home, 
and  worked  for  a Mr.  Ricards  until  twenty- 
one,  when  he  entered  Oberlin  College,  remain- 
ing for  two  years ; he  next  studied  under  J.  L. 
Pickard,  principal  of  the  Platteville  Academy. 
In  1854  Mr.  Smalley  taught  his  first  school, 
and  so  successful  was  he  that  he  practically 
adopted  this  calling  as  his  life  work,  and  since 
then  has  taught  forty  terms,  in  Grant,  Lafay- 
ette and  other  counties.  Among  his  assign- 
ments were  seven  consecutive  years  at  Dick- 
eysville.  In  1881  he  settled  at  Jamestown, 
remaining  there  until  1889,  when  he  located 
at  Cuba  City,  and  became  identified  with  the 
public  schools  in  that  city,  becoming  one  of 
the  best-known  educators  in  the  county.  In 
July,  1897,  Mr.  Smalley  was  honored  by  ap- 
pointment as  postmaster,  and  has  since  that 
time  filled  the  office  with  credit  to  himself  and 
satisfaction  to  the  patrons  of  the  service. 

The  war  record  of  Mr.  Smalley  is  a very 
interesting  one,  he  having  become  a member, 
in  1862,  of  the  23th  Wis.  V.  I.,  as  first  lieu- 
tenant, Capt.  Robert  Nash  commanding.  The 
regiment  served  in  the  Western  Army  some 
time,  then  was  sent  to  Vicksburg,  participating 
in  that  world-famous  siege.  After  the  cap- 
ture of  that  city  the  regiment  was  sent  into 
Arkansas,  thence  into  Kentucky,  participating 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


7 o 


in  various  engagements.  While  in  Arkansas 
Mr.  Smalley  was  appointed  captain  of  his 
company,  and  led  the  command  back,  burning 
the  Rebel  strongholds,  and  encountering  much 
danger.  This  regiment  took  part  in  the  fa- 
mous march  to  the  sea,  and  through  the  entire 
war  Mr.  Smalley  was  a brave  soldier  and  a 
gallant  and  capable  officer.  After  Iris  long  and 
arduous  service  he  was  honorably  mustered  out, 
in  1865,  and  retired  to  private  life. 

In  i860  Mr.  Smalley  was  married  to  Miss 
Mary  E.  Cooper,  of  Jamestown,  Wis.,  who  was 
a daughter  of  James  T.  and  Cynthia  A.  Coop- 
er, coming  from  one  of  the  old  aristocratic  fam- 
ilies of  Kentucky.  In  1844  Mrs.  Smalley’s 
parents  came  to  Lafayette  county,  where  they 
remained  seven  or  eight  years,  then  went  to 
Dubuque,  Iowa,  and  stayed  until  the  death  of 
Mr.  Cooper,  in  1853.  Airs.  Cooper  died  at 
the  home  of  her  daughter  in  Grant  county  in 
1868.  Mrs.  Smalley  was  born  in  Missouri  in 
1841 , attended  the  district  schools  of  the  neigh- 
borhood of  her  home,  and  the  high  school  at 
Dubuque,  Iowa.  She  was  one  of  five  chil- 
dren : Mary  E.,  Mrs.  Smalley;  Margaret, 

now  wife  of  N.  Eastman,  one  of  the  wealthy 
lumbermen  of  Platteville;  George  S.,  who  is 
married,  and  a resident  of  Salem,  Ore. ; James 
I.,  who  died  when  young-;  and  N.  S.,  now  a 
resident  of  Hoyden,  Iowa. 

Five  children  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Smalley : Lorinda  A.,  born  in  Jamestown 
in  1861,  was  educated  in  the  public  schools, 
and  in  1880  married  John  Fush,  of  George- 
town, where  they  now  reside,  on  a farm;  they 
have  four  children,  Wallace  S.,  Laura  B.,  Lee 
S.  and  Raymond  B.  Sherman  E.,  born  in  Illi- 
nois in  1866,  was  educated  in  the  public  schools 
of  his  State,  and  for  a time  was  connected 
with  the  Houskins  Lumber  Co.,  of  Galena.  111., 
as  bookkeeper  and  manager,  but  later  studied 
•law,  passing  the  examination  at  Madison 
in  1895,  and  now  carries  on  a law  practice  in 
Cuba  City;  in  November,  1892,  he  married 
Miss  -Polly  Mitchell,  of  Cuba  City,  and  they 
have  two  children,  Luverne  and  Gynett.  Edna 
M.,  born  in  Grant  county  in  1869,  was  well 
educated  in  the  district  schools,  and  was  one 
of  the  successful  school  teachers  of  Grant  coun- 
ty until  her  marriage,  to  George  G.  Gaskill, 
of  Lafayette  county,  who  is  postmaster  at  Ar- 
gyle  and  editor  of  the  Argi  Atlas , a publica- 
tion having  a large  circulation.  Maggie  B., 
born  at  Jamestown  in  1875,  was  a student  at 


the  State  Normal,  and  followed  teaching  until 
her  marriage,  in  1895,  to  John  N.  Williams,  of 
Hazel  Green ; they  now  reside  at  Carroll,  Iowa, 
on  a farm,  and  have  two  children,  Myrtle  E. 
and  Margery  B.  Mary  E.,  born  in  March, 
1878,  was  educated  in  the  home  schools,  grad- 
uating from  the  Cuba  City  high  school,,  and 
assisted  her  father  until  her  marriage,  March 
27,  1900,  to  J.  A.  Clemens,  of  Cuba  City;, 
they  now  reside  on  a farm  at  Hazel  Green. 

Politically  Mr.  Smalley  has  always  been  a 
stanch  Republican.  He  has  filled  a number  of 
local  offices,  including  those  of  assessor,  town 
clerk,  justice  of  the  peace,  etc.,  for  a number 
of  years,  and  in  every  instance  has  given  un- 
bounded satisfaction.  Taking  an  active  inter- 
est in  matters  pertaining  to  the  veterans,  Mr. 
Smalley  is  an  earnest  member  of  Sherman 
Post,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Platteville,  and  fraternally 
is  a member  of  the  A.  F.  & A.  M.  in  Illinois, 
having  founded  a chapter  in  that  organization 
when  still  a young  man.  Mrs.  Smalley  is  ‘a 
member  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  and  Mr.  Smalley 
attends  with  his  wife  and  family,  and  always- 
gives  liberally  toward  the  support  of  the  church 
and  its  works.  Being  a cultured  man,  possessed 
of  a vast  store  of  erudition,  Mr.  Smalley  is 
fitted  to  shine  in  a much  more  exalted  sphere  in 
the  literary  world,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that, 
although  he  is  honored  in  his  present  office, 
he  will  not  “hide  his  light  under  a bushel,” 
but  allow  his  ability  full  scope,  that  it  may  re- 
sult to  the  good  of  coming  generations. 

JOHN  T.  WILKINSON,  a resident  of 
Platteville,  Grant  county,  who  was  one  of  the 
bravest  soldiers  who  fought  to  preserve  his 
native  land  from  ruin  in  the  war  of  the  Rebel- 
lion, was  born  in  Indiana  July  15,  1835. 

Mr.  Wilkinson  is  of  Scottish  descent.  His 
great-grandfather,  Angus  Wilkinson,  a man 
of  property  in  England  as  well  as  in  Scotland, 
joined  the  Scots  and  became  a soldier  of  re- 
nown in  the  defense  of  his  country.  He  had 
married  a lady  named  MacGregor,  a sister  of 
the  famous  Highland  chief  dubbed  “Rob  Roy,” 
and  at  the  termination  of  the  struggle  he  and 
his  wife  disguised  themselves  as  peasants  and 
came  to  America.  Two  of  his  brothers,  Will- 
iam and  Joseph,  came  also,  and  they  settled  in 
Ohio,  where  Angus  Wilkinson  passed  the  re- 
mainder of  his  life.  One  of  his  brothers  was  a 
soldier  in  the  American  army  in  the  war  of 
1812,  and  the  other  went  to  South  America. 


' 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


7i 


Their  estates  were  all  confiscated  for  a term  of 
years  to  the  Crown  of  England.  A register 
of  the  family  as  far  back  as  the  sixteenth  cen- 
tury, which  our  subject’s  great-grandparents 
brought  to  America  with  them,  was  destroyed 
by  fire  when  their  home  in  Ohio  was  burned, 
and  the  family  have  gone  to  considerable 
trouble  and  expense  to  re-establish  the  chain 
of  descent  thus  broken.  John  Wilkinson,  our 
subject’s  grandfather,  was  born  on  shipboard, 
during  his  parents’  voyage  to  this  country ; he 
was  their  eldest  child. 

James  Wilkinson,  father  of  John  T.,  was 
born  in  1810  in  Butler  county,  Ohio,  and  re- 
moved with  the  family  from  Ohio  to  Ripley 
county,  Inch,  where  the  parents  died.  They 
had  born  to  them  five  children,  of  whom  James 
was  the  only  son,  and  all  are  now  deceased. 
In  1833  James  married  Rachel  P.  Murphy,  a 
lady  of  Irish  parentage,  and  about  1838  went 
back  to  Ohio  with  his  wife  and  young  chil- 
dren. In  1842  he  returned  to  Indiana,  and 
located  in  Indianapolis;  five  years  later  he 
went  to  Illinois,  and  in  1850  came  to  Grant 
county,  Wis.,  settling  in  the  town  of  Liberty, 
where  he  entered  a tract  of  government  land 
at  $1.25  per  acre.  About  four  years  later  he 
exchanged  his  land  for  the  “Lancaster  Hotel,” 
in  Lancaster,  which  he  very  successfully  con- 
ducted several  years,  when  he  sold  out  and 
purchased  a farm  in  the  town  of  Ellenboro. 
There  he  lost  his  wife,  and  for  his  second 
spouse  he  chose  Phehe  Bit?.  To  Mr.  Wilkin- 
son and  his  first  wife  were  born  nine  children, 
six  of  whom  lived  to  reach  mature  years,  and 
five  are  still  living,  namely:  John  T.,'the  eld- 
est; Daniel  S.,  who  resides  at  Gilman,  111.; 
Elizabeth  J.,  wife  of  Andrew  Meeker,  of  Cher- 
okee, Iowa;  William  IT.,  of  Grangeville,  Cal.; 
and  Phebe  M.,  wife  of  Levi  G.  Reamer,  of 
Grant  county,  Wis.  Mr.  Wilkinson  was  a pow- 
erful man  physically,  and  enjoyed  robust 
health  up  to  within  a few  days  of  his  death, 
which  occurred  on  his  Ellenboro  farm  July  14, 
1885.  He  was  mild,  kind  and  jovial  by  nature, 
was  hospitable  to  a marked  degree,  and  was 
universally  respected.  In  politics  he  was  a 
Democrat,  but  as  an  outcome  of  the  war  of 
the  Rebellion  he  voted  for  Abraham  Lincoln 
on  his  second  candidacy  for  the  Presidency. 

John  T.  Wilkinson  was  about  fifteen  years 
of  age  when  he  came  to  Wisconsin  with  his 
parents,  and  is  the  only  son  still  living  in 
Grant  county.  Alien  nineteen  years  old  he 


entered  the  office  of  the  Grant  County  Herald 
to  learn  the  printer's  trade,  but  two  years 
later  withdrew,  on  account  of  ill  health.  He 
then  went  West,  and  for  nine  months  was  as- 
sistant surveyor  on  a military  road  between  the 
Big  Platte  river  and  the  Yellowstone.  On 
his  return  he  attended  an  academy  for  a year, 
under  a Mr.  Page,  and  then  himself  began 
teaching;  was  also  employed  in  mining  for 
a while;  and  then  commenced  farming.  In 
1861  he  married  Miss  Adelia  A.  Bradley,  a na- 
tive of  Trumbull  county,  Ohio,  but  a year  later 
parted  with  his  bride  to  answer  the  call  to  arms, 
enlisting  Aug.  9,  1862,  in  Company  C.  25th 
Wis.  V.  I.  He  was  at  first  assigned  to  the 
Minnesota  frontier.  In  February,  1863,  he 
was  stationed  for  a time  at  Columbus,  Kv„ 
whence  he  was  sent  to  take  part  in  the  siege  of 
Vicksburg.  The  following  winter  he  spent  at 
Helena,  Ark.,  and  was  on  the  Merid’an  raid  in 
February,  1864;  was  again  at  Vicksburg; 
then  at  Chattanooga.  Tennessee,  and  took 
part  in  all  the  engagements  from  Chattanooga 
to  xLtlanta,  Ga.  At  the  siege  of  Atlanta  he  was 
severely  wounded  by  a gunshot  through  his 
left  shoulder,  from  the  effects  of  which  he  has 
never  fully  recovered.  After  the  war,  when 
he  had  become  strong  enough,  Mr.  Wilkinson 
re-engaged  in  farming.  From  1884  to  1886 
he  conducted  a mercantile  business  in  Ellen- 
boro. 

Mrs.  Wilkinson  having  become  invalided, 
in  the  hope  of  improving  her  health  Mr. Wilkin- 
son traveled  with  her  for  a considerable  length 
of  time  in  the  South  and  West.  The  winter 
of  1894-95  they  spent  in  California, and  another 
winter  in  Alabama.  Mrs.  Wilkinson  however, 
on  returning  North,  died  Feb.  16,  1899,  leav- 
ing an  only  child,  Eva  E.,  wife  of  George  E. 
Downing,  of  Thornton,  Iowa.  Mr.  Wilkin- 
son is  recognized  as  a gentleman  of  great  in- 
telligence, improved  and  refined  by  travel  and 
contact  with  the  world,  and  expanded  by  a 
somewhat  cosmopolitan  life.  He  has  derived 
much  knowledge  also  from  closely  studious 
habits,  is  well  posted  in  history  and  general 
literature,  and  is  an  edifying  and  entertain- 
ing conversationalist.  Fraternally  he  is  a 
member  of  the  F.  & A.  M..  and  politically  was 
originally  a Republican,  but  of  late  has  seen 
fit.  owing  to  the  mutations  in  political  policy, 
to  change  his  views,  and  he  now  affiliates  with 
the  Democratic  party.  Retired  from  active 
business  life,  he  passes  his  summers  in  his 


7 2 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


pleasant  home  in  Platteville,  in  the  enjoyment 
of  the  society  of  his  numerous  warm-hearted 
friends,  while  his  winters,  as  a rule,  are  spent 
in  the  mild  region  of  the  South. 

JOSEPH  BELLAMY  WHITING,  M.  D., 
Janesville.  The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  de- 
scended from  a long  line  of  New  England  an- 
cestors, of  English  origin  in  this  country,  the 
first  having  established  himself  at  Hingham, 
Mass.,  in  1634.  The  family  residence  of  his 
great-grandfather,  William  Whiting,  at  the 
head  of  Broad  street,  in  Milford,  Conn.,  is 
still  a landmark. 

William  Whiting  was  born  in  Connecticut, 
a son  of  a merchant  sea  captain,  who  visited 
Bordeaux,  France,  where  the  son  (William) 
was  educated.  This  experience  introduced 
some  French  blood  in  the  family,  for  he  mar- 
ried a French  lady  and  brought  her  to  his  New 
England  home.  His  son,  John  Whiting,  was 
a farmer  at  Barkhamsted,  Conn.,  and  was 
widely  known  as  a successful  breeder  of  fine 
cattle.  He  was  distinguished  for  his  stern 
lor  e of  justice  and  outspoken  character.  He 
was  a thorough  gentleman  under  all  circum- 
stances, and  when  he  found  himself  in  the 
wrong — as  must  occasionally  be  the  experi- 
ence of  all  men — he  could  not  rest  until 
amends  had  been  made,  where  within  his 
power.  On  account  of  the  death  of  his  only 
child,  John  Whiting,  Jr.,  when  the  subject  of 
this  biography  was  only  two  and  one-half 
years  old,  the  care  of  the  latter  was:  undertaken 
by  the  grandfather,  who  was  well  qualified  for 
training  the  willing  youth.  Much  of  his  man- 
ly character  and  worth  is,  perhaps,  due  to  the 
kind  admonitions  and  maxims  of  his  courtly 
grandsire. 

John  Whiting,  Jr.,  was  a man  of  high 
intellectual  power,  and  became  noted  as  a 
school  teacher,  though  he  also  engaged  in 
farming  with  his  father  at  Barkhamsted.  He 
used  an  arithmetic  of  his  own  compilation, 
which  he  kept  in  manuscript,  while  teaching. 
He  was  killed  by  an  accident,  while  engaged 
with  others  in  harvesting  the  crop  of  a sick 
neighbor.  Mr.  Whiting  was  born  at  Milford, 
Conn.,  in  1786,  and  his  death  occurred  in 
1825,  at  the  early  age  of  thirty-nine  years.  He 
married  Mary  Warner,  who  was  born  in  Ham- 
den. Conn.,  in  1796,  and  survived  to  the  age 
of  seventy-one  years,  dying  in  1867.  She  was1 
a noble  Christian  woman,  of  strong  intellect, 


and  her  watchful  care  and  beautiful  life  laid 
the  foundations  of  the  useful  life  of  her  son. 
The  latter,  in  writing  of  her,  says : “it  is  not 
too  much  to  say  that  whatever  of  good  I have 
attained  to  has:  been  largely  due  to  her  daily 
prayers  and  admonitions,  which  followed  me 
wherever  I went,  this  labor  of  love  and  duty 
ceasing  only  when  her  life  itself  was  done.” 
Joseph  B.  Whiting  was  born  at  Barkham- 
sted, Litchfield  Co.,  Conn.,  Dec.  16,  1822,  and 
was  named  for  a noted  divine  of  that  time. 
He  is  the  youngest  of  five  children  born  to 
John  and  Mary  Whiting,  the  eldest  being  a son, 
and  the  others  daughters.  Dr.  Whiting  has 
often  expressed  regret  that  he  did  not  receive 
a college  education,  a lack  which  the  ob- 
server would  hardly  discover  in  meeting  the 
scholarly  man  and  able  physician,  whose  con- 
versation is  so  entertaining  and  instructive. 
Under  home  instruction  and  the  common- 
school  training  he  was  ready  for  an  academic 
course  at  the  age  of  thirteen  years.  At  sev- 
enteen he  began  teaching,  and  continued  in 
that  work  for  five  years,  because  it  was  a 
ready  means  of  self-help.  After  another  year 
of  academic  study,  he  decided  to  make  the 
practice  of  medicine  his  life  work,  and  accord- 
ingly, in  1845,  became  a student  in  the  office 
of  Dr.  Vincent  Holcombe,  a distinguished 
physician  and  surgeon,  at  Granville,  Hamp- 
den Co.,  Mass.  This  step  was  taken  largely 
through  his  admiration  for  the  character  and 
appearance  of  Dr.  Holcombe,  and  he  gave  two 
years  to  earnest  and  thorough  reading  of  the 
authorities.  He  attended  his  first  course  of 
lectures  at  Berkshire  Medical  College,  Pitts- 
field, Mass.,  in  1847.  His  second  course  was 
at  Vermont  Medical  College,  Woodstock,  Vt., 
at  the  close  of  which  he  took  up  further  study 
with  Drs.  IT.  PI.  and  T.  Childs,  both  of  whom 
were  professors  in  Berkshire  College,  from 
which  institution  our  subject  graduated  in 
1848.  He  began  the  practice  of  his  profession 
at  Wolcottville,  a manufacturing  village  of' 
Litchfield  county,  Conn.,  where  in  the  autumn 
of  1850  lie  married  Miss  Frances  A.  Hunger- 
ford,  a daughter  of  John  and  Charlotte  A. 
Hungerford,  descended  from  one  of  the  his- 
toric families  of  Connecticut.  In  1852  he 
removed  to  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  but  was  obliged 
to  relinquish  a growing  and  lucrative  practice 
there  by  the  failing  health  of  his  wife,  who 
died  in  1854,  after  a year  of  travel  in  the  hope 
of  recovery.  Broken  in  health,  Dr.  Whiting 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


73 


went  to  Berkshire  county,  Mass.,  located  at 
Lee,  and  soon  assumed  a leading  position.  The 
Berkshire  District  Medical  Society,  noted  for 
the  character  and  high  standing  of  its  mem- 
bers, made  him  its  secretary,  which  honorable 
position  he  filled  for  a period  of  six  years — 
until  his  removal  from  the  State.  The  atmos- 
phere of  Berkshire  is  tinged  with  a high  liter- 
ary flavor,  and  here  was  a field  in  which 
Dr.  Whiting  was  fitted  to  shine.  But  for  the 
interference  of  a hard,  practical  life  he  would, 
no  doubt,  have  excelled  as  a literary  man. 

In  i860  Dr.  Whiting  contracted  an  alli- 
ance which  changed  the  field  of  his  labors  and 
the  current  of  his  life.  On  his;  wedding  the 
widow  of  Chief  Justice  Edward  V.  Whiton, 
of  Wisconsin,  he  removed  to  Janesville,  which 
has  ever  since  been  his  home,  and  where  he 
is  respected  and  admired  by  all  who  are 
privileged  to  know  him.  He  is  not  one  given 
to  making  miscellaneous  acquaintances,  and, 
being  somewhat  reserved  in  manner,  he  is 
sometimes  'supposed  to  be  proud  and  super- 
cilious, qualities,  however,  which  could  not  be 
farther  removed  from  his  nature.  To  know 
him  is  to  recognize  the  kind  heart  which 
yearns  toward  all  mankind,  with  a desire  for 
its  uplifting  and  emancipation  from  every  ill 
that  threatens  its  physical  or  moral  welfare. 
Without  considering  popularity — except  in 
so  far  as  every  man  desires  the  good-will  or 
approbation  of  his  fellows — he  seeks  only  the 
right,  to  which  he  always  adheres  on  principle. 
His  motto  is,  "If  you  find  you  are  wrong, 
get  right  just  as  soon  as  possible.”  While 
not  free  from  foibles  which  characterize  most 
people,  all  of  which  he  freely  admits,  his 
thoughts  occupy  a high  plane,  and  he  rises 
above  the  petty  annoyances  and  interests  that 
fill  the  minds  of  many  persons.  This  condition 
has  not  been  attained  without  severe  self-re- 
pression and  culture,  for  he  was  born  with  a 
high  temper  and  an  extremely  sensitive  nature, 
which  was  always  quick  to  resent  any  imposi- 
tion. 

Immediately  after  the  removal  to  the  West 
the  Civil  war  came  upon  the  land,  and  after  the 
battle  of  Fort  Donelson  Dr.  Whiting-  offered 
ltis  services  gratuitously  to  Gov.  Harvey,  who 
accepted,  and  sent  him  to  the  front  to  care  for 
wounded  soldiers.  For  six  months  lie  was  on 
duty  among  the  sick  and  wounded  at  Mound 
City  Hospital.  On  the  formation  of  the  33d 
Wis.  V.  I.  Dr.  Whiting  was  commissioned  sur- 


geon thereof,  and  spent  six  weeks  in  examina- 
tion of  the  men  while  the  regiment  was  being 
gathered  in  camp  at  Racine.  The  experience 
gained  in  previous  hospital  work  was;  here  used 
to  the  advantage  of  the  service,  and  such  men 
as  were  accepted  proved  equal  to  the  hardships 
of  active  military  life.  The  regiment  was  or- 
dered to  Memphis,  Tenn.,  to  take  part  in  the 
expedition  against  Vicksburg,  via  Grenada 
and  Jackson,  Miss.,  and  Surgeon  Whiting 
was  detailed  for  special  service  near  army  head- 
quarters. When  the  change  of  program  was 
made,  and  the  army  moved  by  way  of  the 
Mississippi  river,  a large  hospital  was  estab- 
lished at  Milliken’s  Bend,  nearly  opposite 
Vicksburg,  in  which  Dr.  Whiting  was  made 
chief  executive  officer,  under  Surgeon  Frank- 
lin. At  the  end  of  three  weeks  Dr.  Whiting 
succeeded  Dr.  Franklin  as  Surgeon-in-Chief, 
and  the  latter  returned  to  his  division.  The 
importance  of  this  position  may  be  understood 
in  view  of  the  fact  that  it  was  the  largest  gen- 
eral hospital  in  the  Mississippi  valley  below 
Cairo.  It  contained  about  three  thousand 
persons,  and  was  a model  for  good  order,  dis- 
cipline and  thorough  attention  to  and  care  for 
the  wants  of  its  inmates.  The  executive  abil- 
ity there  displayed  was  noticeable  in  many' 
ways  other  than  maintaining  good  order  and 
thorough  discipline,  which  are  the  foundation 
of  success.  Its  supplies  for  daily  use  were  ob- 
tained from  every  available  point,  a work  in 
itself  of  no  mean  magnitude.  Not  only  the 
quantity  but  the  quality  was  scrupulously  re- 
garded, and  an  abundance  was  provided  for 
all ; yet,  when  the  hospital  was  closed,  in  Sep- 
tember, 1863,  after  an  existence  of  seven 
months,  there  stood  to  its  credit  in  the  com- 
missary department,  as  an  unexpended  bal- 
ance, the  handsome  sum  of  $10,000,  which  had 
been  saved  to  the  government  by  economy  in 
the  hospital  administration,  and  which  afford- 
ed proof,  also,  of  the  liberality  of  the  govern- 
ment in  providing  for  its  hospital  department.' 
When  the  books  were  closed,  and  returns  made 
to  Washington,  the  accounts  were  found  clear 
and  correct. 

In  November.  1863.  Dr.  Whiting  was  made 
Surgeon-in-Chief  of  the  military  district  of 
Natchez,  Miss.,  with  headquarters  at  that  city. 
The  hospitals  were  found  to  be  in  a demoral- 
ized condition,  but  in  a short  time  order  was 
restored.  The  district  became  infected  with 
smallpox,  which  spread  with  great  rapidity 


74 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


among  the  citizens  and  colored  troops,  but 
special  hospital  accommodations  were  at  once 
provided,  and  further  progress  of  the  disease 
was  averted.  The  necessities;  of  the  case  re- 
quired our  subject's  appointment  by  the  mili- 
tary authorities  as  mayor  of  the  city,  which 
office  he  ably  filled  for  some  months,  when  his 
health  gave  way,  and  a return  home  became 
inevitable,  and  he  was  honorably  discharged 
from  the  service  in  July,  1864.  He  was 
brought  home  on  a cot,  attended  by  a trusty 
servant,  and  was  a long  time  an  invalid. 

In  1865,  after  a quiet  rest  at  home,  Dr. 
Whiting  resumed,  so  far  as  his  strength  would 
allow,  an  active  professional  life,  in  which  he 
has  been  engrossed  ever  since,  with  few  inter- 
ruptions. He  is  still  affected  in  some  degree 
by  the  hardships  of  his  army  life.  He  is  hon- 
ored by  his  professional  brethren  as  an  able 
and  successful  practitioner,  and  in  1875  was 
unanimously  chosen  president  of  the  Wiscon- 
sin State  Medical  Society.  He  enjoys  the  con- 
fidence and  respect  of  his  fellow  citizens,  but 
has  never  sought  any  but  social  honors.  In 
private  life  lie  is  a Christian  gentleman,  whose 
career  is  without  blemish.  He  is  the  true 
friend  of  the  unfortunate  inebriate,  and  has 
given  much  time  and  thought  to  the  temper- 
ance question,  strongly  advocating  total  ab- 
stinence as  the  only  wise  and  safe  rule  for  the 
general  public.  In  various  ways  he  has  proven 
that  the  duties  of  an  able  physician,  a true 
philanthropist,  and  a good  citizen,  are  not  at 
all  incompatible.  The  public  schools  of  Janes- 
ville and  State  institutions  have  in  various 
ways  shared  his  interest  and  efforts.  For  five 
years  he  filled  the  office  of  secretary  of  the 
Wisconsin  Institution  for  the  Blind,  of  which 
he  was  a trustee  many  years.  For  ten  years  he 
Avas  health  officer  of  the  city  of  Janesville. 
His  papers  read  before  the  State  Medical  So- 
ciety haAre  always  received  attention,  and  he 
has  always  advocated  a high  culture  in  literary 
attainments  for  young  men  who  propose  to  en- 
ter the  medical  profession.  He  is  clear  and 
strong  in  expression,  with  no  redundant  or- 
namentation, on  every  occasion,  and  his  ut- 
terances are  worthy  of  preservation.  Flis  ad- 
dresses to  the  Chippewa  Indians  are  models  of 
clear  and  wholesome  admonition. 

In  1893  Dr.  Whiting  Avas  elected  medical 
director  of  the  Department  of  Wisconsin,  and 
re-elected  in  1894.  In  T895  f>e  was  elected 
surgeon-general  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the 


Republic  without  a dissenting  vote.  In  pre- 
senting his  name  to  the  Encampment  Gov. 
Hoard  of  Wisconsin  said  : “In  presenting  this 
name  I desire  to  say  simply,  that  Dr.  Whiting 
is  one  of  the  most  prominent  members  of  the 
Grand  Army  in  our  State;  that  he  bears'  a 
medical  record  second  to  no  man  in  the  army ; 
that  his  services  during  the  war  were  of  the 
most  arduous  character,  and  were  discharged 
with  most  excellent  ability;  and,  if  he  is  elect- 
ed, he  will  prove  an  honor  to  this  body,  and  of 
great  usefulness  in  the  discharge  of  its  work.” 

In  personal  appearance  Dr.  Whiting  is  tall, 
erect  and  commanding,  and  his  presence  is 
calculated  to  place  every  one  on  his  good  be- 
havior. Without  any  penclantry  or  affectation, 
he  enforces  upon  all  the  conviction  that  they 
are  in  the  presence  of  a gentleman.  For  many 
years  he  has  been  a warden  of  Christ  Episco- 
pal Church,  in  Janesville,  and,  as  an  evidence 
of  the  estimation  in  which  he  is  held  in  the 
diocese,  it  may  be  mentioned  that  Bishop 
Kemper  appointed  him  a member  of  a com- 
mittee of  three  on  “Church  Literature”  for 
the  Diocese  of  Wisconsin.  In  political  affairs 
he  has  always  adhered  to  the  Democratic 
party.  Early  in  1889  he  Avas  appointed,  by 
President  Cleveland,  as  a member  of  the  com- 
mission to  treat  with  the  Chippewa  Indians 
for  the  sale  of  their  reservations  at  White 
Earth,  Red  Lake,  Leech  Lake,  Fond  du  Lac 
and  Vermilion  Lake,  in  Minnesota,  to  the  gov- 
ernment. This  was  an  undertaking  attended 
with  no  small  difficulties,  on  account  of  the 
suspicions  of  the  Indians,  who  had  been  fre- 
quently defrauded  by  dishonest  traders  and 
agents  of  the  government.  The  great  heart 
of  Dr.  Whiting  went  out  to  those  oppressed 
people,  in  whom  he  found  human  souls,  and 
lie  soon  Avon  their  confidence,  materially  aid- 
ing- in  securing  their  assent  to  the  government’s 
plans. 

Dr.  Whiting  is  norv  assisted  in  his  prac- 
tice by  his  son,  Joseph  B.  Whiting,  Jr.,  who 
is  a graduate  of  the  College  of  Physicians  and 
Surgeons  of  Chicago  (1887).  His  other 
children  are  Frances  Hungerford,  norv  wife 
of  Edward  Eugene  Spalding ; and  Mary 
Louise,  Avife  of  John  Kelly. 

MORGAN  J.  AKIN,  a well-to-do  retired 
farmer  of'  Rock  county,  Wis..  has  a home  at 
No.  53  Ruger  avenue,  Janesville,  Avhich  he  has 
fitted  up  with  all  the  appliances  that  conduce 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


75 


to  the  comfort  and  peace  of  modern  life.  He 
has  led  a long  and  honorable  career,  has  worked 
and  saved,  played  a man’s  part  in  the  great 
struggle  for  success,  and  now  that  the  shad- 
ows are  lengthening  down  the  vale  he  has  a 
right  to  a few  restful  years. 

Mr.  Akin  was  born  in  Cayuga  county, 
N.  Y.,  Nov.  io,  1836,  a son  of  Edward  and 
Adeline  (Morgan)  Akin,  both  natives  of  that 
State.  They  had  three  sons  and  six  daughters, 
and  the  following  children  are  now  living : 
Lucy  Ann,  wife  of  O.  L.  West,  of  Johnstown, 
Wis. ; Morgan  J. ; Levan j ah,  wife  of  A.  E.  Wil- 
cox, of  Harmon}''  township,  Rock  county; 
William  F.,  of  Whitewater,  Wis. ; and  Emily 
W.,  widow  of  John  Hicks,  of  Janesville.  Ed- 
ward Akin,  who  was  a farmer,  came  to  Wis- 
consin in  October,  1843.  He  sPent  two  Years 
in  Janesville,  to  give  his  children  the  privilege 
of  the  schools,  and  then  bought  120  acres  of 
government  land,  which  he  converted  into  a 
productive  farm,  anc!  made  his  home  there  until 
his  death,  which  occurred  in  1877.  He  was 
seventy-four  years  and  eleven  months  old,  and 
his  wife  survived  him  one  year,  also  reaching 
the  age  of  seventy-four.  They  were  both 
Universalists  in  their  religious  faith,  and  were 
people  of  fine  character  and  habits.  Ira  Akin, 
his  father,  was  born  in  New  York,  of  Scotch- 
Irish  descent.  His  father  owned  slaves,  and 
he  was  his  father's  overseer ; the  slaves  were 
freed  by  the  State  when  New  York  blotted 
that  shame  from  her  statutes.  Ira  Akin 
grew  to  manhood,  married  in  New  York,  and 
reared  a family  of  six  children.  When  his 
wife  died  he  broke  up  his  home  and  journeyed 
West  to  Sandusky,  Ohio,  where  he  made  a 
new  beginning,  married  again,  and  died  in  mid- 
dle life.  Jacob  Morgan,  the  maternal  grand- 
father of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  a na- 
tive of  Connecticut,  and  moved  to  Cayuga 
county,  N.  Y.,  where  his  younger  children 
were  born,  and  where  he  died,  at  the  age  of 
eighty-seven.  He  was  a farmer,  and  was  eight- 
een years  old  when  the  war  of  the  Revolution 
closed.  In  that  war  his  father  was  a soldier, 
and  his  maternal  grandfather  a colonel  of 
militia. 

Morgan  J.  Akin  was  not  quite  seven  years 
old  when  his  parents  came  to  Wisconsin  and 
here  he  grew  to  manhood,  and  has  lived  to  the 
present  time,  always  following  the  occupation 
of  a farmer.  When  he  became  of  age,  in  com- 
pany with  J.  E.  Gleason,  he  bought  eighty 


acres  of  land  in  LaPrairie  township.  Rock 
county,  each  buying  forty  acres.  Some  years 
later  he  sold  his  land  to  Mr.  Gleason,  but  the 
original  forty  had  grown  to  120  acres.  Hav- 
ing closed  up  this  deal  very  successfully,  Mr. 
Akin  bought  a tract  of  land  comprising  240 
acres  in  Harmony  township,  which  under  his 
careful  tillage  became  a model  farm,  and  con- 
tinued to  be  his  home  until  1896.  That  year 
he  sold  one-half  of  it,  putting  the  other  half 
into  the  charge  of  his  son  Frank  (who  has 
proved  himself  a very  capable  farmer),  and 
moved  into  Janesville  to  spend  his  last  years 
quietly  and  peacefully.  He  owns  a fine  resi- 
dence property,  and  is  very  nicely  “fixed.” 

Mr.  Akin  and  Miss  Martha  White, a daugh- 
ter of  Aaron  and  Bracey  White,  were  married 
May  4,  1859.  They  had  three  sons  and  five 
daughters:  Sybil  Ann,  Reno  C.,  Elsie  E., 

Lettie  W.,  Clifford  M.,  Ida  H.,  Lois  M.,  and 
George  N.  Sybil  Ann  married  Walter  Wil- 
ber, and  lives  in  Harmony  township;  two  chil- 
dren have  been  born  to  them,  Ethel  and 
Eleanor.  Reno  C.  married  Christina  Cor- 
bin, and  lives  in  Helena,  Mont.  Elsie  E.  is  first 
matron  in  the  Illinois  Training  School  for 
Nurses  at  Chicago.  Lettie  W.  is  unmarried, 
and  lives  in  Dane  county.  Clifford  married 
Miss  Ida  Edden,  and  lives  in  Rock  township. 
Ida,  Lois  and  George  are  still  single.  Ida  is  at 
home,  Lois  is  a stenographer  in  Chicago. 
George  was  a soldier,  serving  in  the  Philip- 
pines, and  now  makes  his  home  in  southern  Cal- 
ifornia. Mrs.  Martha  Akin,  the  first  wife  of 
our  subject,  died  Feb.  6,  1872,  at  the  age  of 
thirty-six  years.  Mr.  Akin  married  Miss  Eliza 
Gallup,  a daughter  of  Gideon  and  Maria 
(Wagner)  Gallup,  March  30,  1876,  and  they 
have  two  children,  Frank  W.  and  Lucy  M. 
Frank  married  Elizabeth  Driscol,  and  is  in 
charge  of  the  home  farm ; they  have  one  child, 
Morgan  J.  Lucy  M.  is  a teacher,  and  lives  at 
home.  Mr.  Akin  belongs  to  the.  A.  O.  U.  W. 
Politically  he  is  a Republican,  cast  his  first 
vote  for  John  C.  Fremont,  and  has  never  missed 
voting  since.  He  was  supervisor  of  the  town 
of  Harmony  six  years,  chairman  of  the  town 
board  two  years,  town  treasurer  one  year, 
clerk  of  the  school  district  fifteen  years,  and 
has  always  been  an  active  and  public-spirited 
man. 

The  parents  of  Mrs.  Eliza  Akin  were  na- 
tives of  New  York,  where  they  were  married. 
They  had  a family  of  four  sons  and  two  daugh- 


/6 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ters,  and  three  of  their  children  are  now  living: 
Andrew,  of  Sharon,  Wis. ; Henry,  of  Janes- 
ville : and  Mrs.  Akin.  The  father  was  a capable 
carpenter.  He  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  early 
’fifties,  and  located  at  Johnstown,  where  lie 
followed  his  trade  for  some  time,  later  moving 
to  Mauston,  where  the  family  lived  seventeen 
years.  At  the  expiration  of  that  period  they 
came  back  to  the  southern  part  of  the  State, 
and  settled  at  Richmond,  Walworth  county. 
There  Mrs.  Gallup  died  in  the  fall  of  1875,  at 
the  age  of  seventy-two.  Her  husband  then 
broke  up  his  home,  and  went  to  live  with  his 
daughter,  Mrs.  Akin.  He  died  under  her 
roof  in  1894,  at  the  age  of  eighty-eight.  He 
was  a man  of  much  intelligence,  a great  reader, 
and  a fine  historian.  His  father,  Gideon  Gall- 
up, was  born  in  Connecticut,  and  came  from 
Scotch-Irish  ancestry.  His  emigrant  ancestor, 
John  Gallup,  came  to  America  in  1630,  with 
two  of  his  brothers,  in  company  with  their 
cousin  Humphrey,  from  Plymouth,  England, 
in  the  ship  “Mary  and  John.”  They  left  Eng- 
land March  20,  and  arrived  at  Hull,  Mass., 
May  30.  Mrs.  Akin's  maternal  grandfather, 
Henry  Wagner,  came  to  this  country  and  set- 
tled at  Rome,  N.  V.,  where  he  died  while  still 
a young  man,  leaving  two  daughters  and  one 
son. 

JACOB  OSCAR  VAN  GALDER,  now 
retired  from  active  business  life,  and  living  at 
No.  105  Sharon  street,  Janesville,  Rock  county, 
was  born  in  Genesee  county,  N.  Y.,  Feb.  6, 
1834,  a son  of  Jacob  and  Rhocla  (Wilson)  Van 
Galder,  natives  of  Vermont  and  New  York,  re- 
spectively. They  had  eleven  children,  of  whom 
our  subject  is  the  only  one  now  living. 

Jacob  Van  Galder  began  his  business  career 
working  by  the  month  in  New  York,  and  later 
became  a manufacturer  of  potash.  In  1839 
he  moved  to  Montville,  Medina  Co.,  Ohio, 
where  he  continued  the  potash  business,  and 
did  coopering  and  other  things  as  opportunity 
came  to  him.  Some  twelve  years  later  he 
moved  into  Michigan,  and  lived  first  at  Cold- 
water  and  afterward  at  Hillsdale.  About  1850 
he  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  located  in  La  Prairie 
township.  Rock  county,  where  he  bought  400 
acres  of  land,  converted  it  into  a farm,  and 
died  there  some  eight  years  later,  at  the  age 
of  sixty.  He  served  for  a time  in  the  war  of 
1 Si 2.  He  was  always  industrious  and  thrifty, 
and  became  quite  wealthy.  His  father,  Jacob 


V an  Galder,  was  a descendant  of  one  of  four 
brothers  who  came  to  America  in  the  days  of 
the  Puritans.  He  was  in  the  French  and  Revo- 
lutionary wars,  and  was  a great  hunter.  He 
was  a pioneer  in  western  New  York,  and  lived 
to  be  nearly  one  hundred  years  of  age,  spending 
his  last  days  at  Montville,  Ohio.  The  maternal 
grandfather  of  the  gentleman  whose  name  be- 
gins this,  sketch  was  a native  of  New  York, 
and  died  in  middle  life.  He  was  a farmer,  a 
prominent  man,  and  was  known  in  his  neigh- 
borhood as  “Judge”  Wilson. 

Jacob  O.  Van  Galder  spent  his  boyhood 
and  youth  in  Ohio  and  Michigan.  He  helped 
his  father  clear  several  hundred  .acres  of  land, 
learned  the  cooper’s  trade  from  him,  and  fol- 
lowed that  trade  a number  of  years.  He  came 
to  Rock  county  with  his  parents  in  about  1849 
or  1850,  and  continued  working  with  his  father 
until  the  latter’s  death.  Our  subject’s  educa- 
tion, begun  in  Ohio,  was  continued  in  Michi- 
gan, and  was  finished  in  Rock  county.  He 
farmed  in  that  county  two  years  after  the 
death  of  his  father,  and  then  went  to  Iowa, 
locating  at  Charles  City,  where  he  engaged  in 
teaming  and  threshing  for  three  years.  He 
came  back  to  Rock  county  to  let  his  brother 
Foster  go  to  the  war.  He  farmed  in  La 
Prairie  township  for  a time,  and  then  moved 
to  Magnolia,  living  there  four  years.  Then 
he  came  into  Janesville,  bought  his  present 
home  property,  and  has  lived  here  ever  since. 
He  has  been  a hard-working  and  upright  man, 
and  is  much  respected  by  all  who  know  him. 

Mr.  Van  Galder  and  Miss  Arlina  Cronk, 
a daughter  of  Blanner  IT.  and  Nancy  (Robin- 
son) Cronk,  were  married  Sept.  15,  1868. 
They  have  had  four  children,  Edith  May,  Fan- 
nie, Aurilla  and  Oscar  Burr.  Edith  May  is 
unmarried.  Fannie  married  Thomas  Chris- 
man,  and  lives  on  a farm  in  the  town  of  La 
Prairie;  they  have  one  daughter,  Helen  Aurilla. 
Aurilla  married  William  James,  and  they  have 
one  son ; they  live  in  Elgin,  Illinois1.  Oscar 
Burr  is  unmarried,  and  lives  at  home.  Mr. 
Van  Galder  is  a Republican. 

Mrs.  Van  Galder’s  people  came  from  New 
York  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Magnolia, 
Rock  county,  about  1852.  Her  father  died  in 
1893,  when  eighty-three  years  old,  and  her 
mother  in  1873,  at  the  age  of  sixty-eight. 
Their  family  consisted  - of  twelve  children. 
They  were  farming  people  all,  their  lives. 
Abraham  Cronk,  the  paternal  grandfather  of 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


77 


Mrs.  Van  Galder,  was  a native  of  New  York, 
and  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812.  He  died  in 
Rock  county,  at  the  age  of  eighty-four.  Samuel 
Robinson,  her  maternal  grandfather,  was  a 
native  of  Maine,  and  lived  to  old  age. 

LUTHER  WILLIAM  KENDALL,  a re- 
tired business  man  of  Beloit,  Rock  county,  now 
passing  his  last  years  in  well-earned  repose, 
has  a handsome  and  commodious  residence  at 
No.  540  Bluff  street,  in  the  college  city,  where 
he  entertains  his  friends  and  takes  the  comfort 
that  belongs  to  him  after  an  earnest  and  active 
life. 

Mr.  Kendall  was  born  in  the  town  of  Leon, 
Cattaraugus  Co.,  N.  Y.,  March  29,  1835,  son 
of  William  and  Dorathy  (Van  Auker)  Kendall, 
both  natives  of  the  State  of  New  York.  The 
Kendall  family  is  of  English  origin,  and  its 
history  in  this  country  begins  with  the  arrival 
of  three  brothers  of  that  name  from  England, 
about  1710.  They  located  near  Boston,  mar- 
ried, and  after  a time  separated,  and  their 
descendants  are  to'  be  found  scattered  through- 
out New  England.  John  Kendall,  a son  of 
one  of  the  three  brothers,  was  born  in  1725, 
in  Connecticut.  His  son,  David  Kendall, 
grandfather  of  our  subject,  was  born  Nov.  17, 
1754,  in  Connecticut,  and  died  about  1838,  in 
the  town  of  Leon,  Cattaraugus  Co.,  N.  Y.  He 
served  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  had  sons  who 
served  the  Lhiion  during  the  war  of  the  Re- 
bellion. By  occupation  he  was  a farmer,  and 
he  was  an  upright  and  hard-working  man. 
He  married  Sally  Eustace,  and  their  family 
consisted  of  ten  sons,  the  three  eldest  born  be- 
fore their  removal  to  New  York — -Samuel, 
Feb.  10,  1786;  James,  Aug.  9,  1788;  David, 
Jan.  22,  1791.  On  June  1,  1793,  the  family 
started  for  what  was  then  the  West,  and  John 
was  born  June  30,  1793,  in  New  York.  On 
Nov.  1,  1793.  they  set  out  for  Milford,  Otsego 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  they  arrived  Nov.  6,  and  set- 
tled, and  where  were  born : Seth,  Nov.  22,1794; 
William,  Oct.  8,  1796;  Amos,  April  23,  1799; 
Stephen,  Feb.  23,  1801 : Lemuel,  Feb.  28,  1803 ; 
Luther,  Sept.  14,  1805.  Samuel  engaged  in 
farming  and  preaching  in  western  New  York; 
he  died  Feb.  24,  1859,  in  Avoca,  Wis.  James, 
a cooper  by  trade,  died  May  4,  1845,  in  Mich- 
igan. David,  who  was  a soldier  in  the  war 
of  1812,  died  March  26,  1865,  at  Avoca,  Wis. 
John,  a physician  in  New  York  and  Ohio,  died 
in  the  latter  State  June  2,  1873.  Seth  died 


March  xi,  1833.  Amos,  a farmer  and  wagon- 
maker,  died  about  1890,  in  Minnesota.  Steph- 
en, a blacksmith  and  gunsmith,  died  May  5, 
1858,  in  Ellicottville,  N.  Y.,  unmarried. 
Lemuel  died  March  19,  1843,  in  Pennsylvania. 
Luther  died  in  Springville,  Wis.,  about  1892. 

William  Kendall  was  a farmer  and  dairy- 
man, removed  to  Pulaski,  Iowa  Co.,  Wis.,  in 
1854,  and  carried  on  his  farming  and  dairy 
operations  in  this  State  very  successfully. 
After  a number  of  years  he  gave  up  active 
labor,  and  went  to  Michigan  to  live,  and  in 
1873  came  to  Beloit  to  make  his  home.  Here 
he  lived  until  his  death,  in  1885,  at  the  age  of 
eighty-nine  years.  His  wife’s  death  occurred 
five  days  prior  to  his,  when  she  was  eighty- 
one  years  old.  They  were  members  of  that 
branch  of  the  Christian  Church  which  is 
known  as  the  Christian  Connection,  and  were 
highly  spoken  of  by  all  who  knew  them.  Will- 
iam Kendall  enlisted  in  the  war  of  1812,  but 
saw  no  actual  service.  While  in  New  York 
he  was  postmaster  for  fifteen  years,  and  held 
the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace  twenty  years; 
was  one  of  five  road  commissioners,  and  assist- 
ed in  laying  out  some  of  the  most  important 
roads  in  Cattaraugus  county.  A daughter, 
by  his  first  marriage,  Mary  A..  Airs.  Boyle, 
died  Jan.  3,  1894.  at  Beloit.  To  Mr.  Kendall’s 
marriage  with  Dorathy  Van  Auker  were  born 
five  children,  four  sons  and  one  daughter, 
Luther  William  being  the  only  one  of  the  fam- 
ily now  living".  The  Van  Aukers  were  natives 
of  New  York,  of  Holland  ancestry.  Grand- 
father Van  Auker  was  a farmer,  and  died  in 
middle  life.  He  married  a German  woman, 
who  could  not  understand  his  Dutch,  nor  could 
he  understand  her  German ; so,  perforce,  they 
had  to  converse  with  each  other  in  English. 
They  had  at  least  four  children. 

Luther  William  Kendall  grew  to  manhood 
in  Cattaraugus  county,  and  the  greater  part  of 
his  boyhood  and  early  manhood  was  spent  on 
the  paternal  farm.  He  attended  the  district 
school  and  the  academy,  and  prepared  for  an 
active  business  life.  His  father  owned  three 
farms  at  one  time,  and  had  three  sawmills  in 
operation,  and  the  young  man  lived  mostly  at 
home  until  he  married,  and  the  time  came  for 
him  to  set  up  another  roof  tree.  When  he 
was  nineteen  years  old  Luther  William  ac- 
companied his  parents  on  their  migration  into 
Wisconsin,  and  this  State  has  been  his  home 
ever  since,  with  the  exception  of  about  a year 


78 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


and  a half  spent  in  Minnesota,  and  about  the 
same  period  in  Michigan. 

Mr.  Kendall  and  Miss  Nancy  Preston,  a 
daughter  of  William  and  Margaret  (Becker) 
Preston,  were  married  March  22,  1855,  and 
they  have  had  four  children,  William  H.,  Ale- 
lia,  Albert  and  Flora.  William  H.  (now  de- 
ceased) married  Miss  Mabel  Walker,  and  had 
two  children,  Edith  F.  and  George;  the  latter 
died  when  small.  Alelia  died  in  Michigan, 
when  two  or  three  years  old,  and  Albert  died 
in  Beloit,  when  about  seven  years  of  ag'e. 
Flora  is  the  widow  of  Wesley  Love,  and  lives 
in  Beloit;  she  has  one  living  child,  Mildred. 
Mr.  Kendall  belongs  to  Morning  Star  Lodge, 
No.  10,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  and  to  Myrtle  Lodge, 
No.  10,  I.  O.  O.  F.  He  is  a Republican,  and 
takes  pride  in  the  fact  that  he  cast  his  first  vote 
for  Abraham  Lincoln,  and  has  voted  a straight 
ticket  ever  since. 

After  his  marriage  Mr.  Kendall  came  to  Be- 
loit and  acted  as  State  agent  for  a fire  insurance 
company.  He  was  instrumental  in  organizing 
the  Home  Insurance  Co.  of  St.  Paul,  and 
spent  a year  and  a half  in  Minnesota  engaged 
in  working  up  a business  for  that  concern. 
After  a year  and  a half  he  sold  out  his  interest 
in  the  company,  and  moved  to  Calhoun  county, 
Mich.,  opening  a general  store  at  Ceresco. 
He  did  not  feel  entirely  satisfied  in  that  busi- 
ness, and,  having  a good  offer,  sold  out  after 
eighteen  months  and  returned  to  Beloit,  and 
has  lived  here  ever  since.  For  some  years 
Mr.  Kendall  and  Thomas  Purves  were  asso- 
ciated in  the  cigar  business,  employing  between 
twenty-five  and  thirty  hands.  About  1878 
the  partnership  was  dissolved  by  mutual  con- 
sent, Mr.  Kendall  and  his  son  William  con- 
tinuing the  business  together  until  the  death  of 
the  son  moved  our  subject  to  give  it  up  en- 
tirely. Mr.  Kendall  was  then  insurance  ad- 
juster for  nearly  three  years,  but,  feeling  the 
touch  of  advancing  age,  concluded  to  give  uo 
active  business  and  take  his  ease  for  such 
farther  period  of  life  as  should  be  his.  Mr. 
Kendall  has  filled  many  important  local  offices, 
and  has  been  generally  recognized  as  one  of 
the  leading  citizens  of  the  place.  He  has  been 
a member  of  the  city  council  nine  years,  for 
five  years  has  been  on  the  county  board,  and 
for  the  past  five  years  has  been  county  super- 
visor from  the  Fourth  ward  of  Beloit.  His 
home  on  Bluff  street  is  thoroughly  modern, 
and  a handsome  residence.  He  owns  a number 


of  dwelling  houses  in  the  city  which  he  rents, 
and  two  summer  cottages  on  First  Lake,  near 
Stoughton,  in  Dane  county,  where  he  and  his 
friends  are  accustomed  to  spend  delightful  days 
in  midsummer. 

ADAM  THORBURN,  a retired  farmer 
and  scientist  of  Janesville,  Rock  county,  is  one 
of  the  wealthy  and  prominent  residents  of  that 
city,  who,  having  spent  their  earlier  years  in 
hard  work,  are  now'  enjoying  their  declining 
days,  removed  from  the  wear  and  tear  of  ac- 
tive business  life. 

Adam  Thorburn  was  born  in  Bovina,  Dela- 
ware Co.,  N.  Y.,  Dec.  11,  1837,  a son  °f 
George  and  Margaret  ( Glendenning)  Thor- 
burn, natives  of  Scotland.  The  paternal 
grandfather  of  our  subject,  also  named  Adam, 
was  a native  of  Scotland,  born  in  1765,  and 
came  to  America  in  1818  with  his  wife,  Jen- 
nette  Patterson,  of  Scotland,  and  four  sons 
and  four  daughters,  settling  in  Delaware 
county,  N.  Y.,  where  he  died,  aged  about 
seventy-two.  While  a resident  of  Scotland 
Mr.  Thorburn  was  a mail  carrier,  carrying 
both  mail  and  government  bank  notes,  but  after 
coming  to  this  country  he  became  a farmer. 
The  maternal  grandfather,  James  Glendenning, 
also  a native  of  Scotland,  came  to  America  in 
1827,  locating  in  Delaware  county,  N.  Y. 
Later,  in  1850,  he  migrated  to  Wisconsin,  set- 
tling in  Center,  Rock  county,  where  he  followed 
farming  for  a year,  when  he  died,  aged  about 
seventy.  James  Glendenning  married  Jen- 
nett  Hysleph,  and  six  daughters  and  one 
son  were  born  to  this  union.  Mr.  Glenden- 
ning’s  father  married  a sister  of  Patrick 
Henry. 

George  Thorburn,  the  father  of  our  sub- 
ject, who  was  a farmer  by  occupation,  came  to 
America  in  1818,  settling  in  Delaware  county. 
N.  Y.,  and  in  1854  migrating  to  Janesville, 
Rock  county,  where  he  bought  a farm  of  280 
acres.  Here  he  resided  until  his  death,  which 
occurred  in  1882,  when  he  was  aged  seventy- 
seven,  his  wife  having  passed  away  in  the 
spring  of  1851,  aged  thirty-seven.  Both  of 
these  worthy  people  were  Presbyterians  in  re- 
ligious faith.  While  in  New  York  State 
George  Thorburn  was  a member  of  the  State 
militia.  Thirteen  children  were  born  of  their 
marriage,  four  sons  and  nine  daughters,  two 
of  the  latter  now  living:  Jeanette,  widow  of 
James  Brown,  of  Janesville;  and  Belle,  wife  of 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


79 


Alexander  Atchinson,  of  Spring  Brook,  Ore- 
gon. 

Adam  Thofburn  lived  in  Delaware  county, 
N.  Y.,  until  he  was  ten  years  old,  when  his 
father  removed  to  Red  Hook,  Dutchess  county, 
N.  Y.,  where  they  remained  until  1S54,  when 
the  family  removed  to  Wisconsin.  All  of  his 
education  was  obtained  in  the  district  schools, 
he  working  during  the  summer  upon  his 
father's  farm,  and  remaining  thereon  until  he 
was  twenty-three,  though  he  also  worked  for 
others.  At  that  time  he  and  his  brother  James 
purchased  the  homestead ; later  Adam  bought 
out  his  brother,  and  cultivated  the  farm  him- 
self until  1897,  when  he  removed  to  his  pres- 
ent pleasant  home  at  No.  207  Pearl  street, 
Janesville,  and  rented  the  farm.  This  prop- 
erty now  contains  240  acres,  although  at  one 
time  it  consisted  of  280,  but  Mr.  Thorburn 
sold  forty  acres  of  timber,  reducing  it  to  its 
present  proportions.  In  addition  he  possesses 
considerable  property  in  Janesville,  including 
his  residence. 

On  September  21,  1881,  Adam  Thorburn 
married  Mrs.  Hannah  Ellis,  widow  of  Arthur 
Ellis,  and  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Elizabeth 
(Ragg)  Grundy,  and  there  were  two  children 
born  to  them,  Maty  E.  and  Hannah  K.  On 
March  24,  1897,  Mrs.  Thorburn  died,  aged 
fifty  years,  and  her  untimely  demise  was  deeply 
lamented. 

Politically  Mr.  Thorburn  is  a Republican, 
and  is  very  highly  esteemed  by  all  who  know 
him.  Having  always  taken  an  interest  in 
science,  of  late  years  Mr.  Thorburn  has  de- 
voted himself  to  taxidermy,  and  has  a number 
of  very  fine  specimens  of  his  skill  at  his  home. 

JOHN  E.  GLEASON.  The  pioneers  of 
Wisconsin  were  a sturdy  race  of  men,  descend- 
ants of  early  settlers  in  the  Eastern  States. 
Some  came  West  in  their  youth,  their  only  capi- 
tal consisting  of  active  brain,  strong  muscle 
and  a cheery  willingness  to  attain  independence 
through  the  avenue  of  hard  labor.  The  sub- 
ject of  this  review  is  a fine  specimen  of  the 
self-made  and  prosperous  farmer  of  Rock 
county,  in  which  he  has  resided  since  1856. 
He  was  born  in  Chautauqua  county,  N.  Y., 
Jan.  19,  1836,  son  of  William  and  Polly 
(Smith)  Gleason. 

Jacob  Gleason,  the  paternal  grandfather  of 
our  subject,  was  a native  of  Massachusetts,  of 
English  ancestry,  migrated  to  Chautauqua 


county,  N.  Y.,  and  there  died  at  about  the  age 
of  eighty  }^ears.  He  was  a trader  by  occupa- 
tion. He  married  Mehitabel  Hudson,  and  had 
a family  of  seven  daughters  and  one  son. 

Daniel  Smith,  the  maternal  grandfather  of 
our  subject,  was  also  a native  of  Massachu- 
setts, but  of  Dutch  descent.  He  was  likewise 
a trader,  and  lived  to  the  age  of  ninety-seven 
years.  He  had  two  sons,  John  and  Daniel, 
and  three  daughters,  all  of  whom  lived  in 
Massachusetts. 

William  Gleason,  our  subject’s  father,  was 
born  March  11,  1799,  in  Massachusetts,  and 
was  a stone-mason  by  trade.  He  migrated 
to  Chautauqua  county,  N.  Y.,  and  there  died 
at  the  age  of  seventy-three  years.  His  wife, 
who  was  born  July  20,  1799,  died  at  the  age  of 
sixty-eight  years.  She  was  a Methodist  in 
religious  faith,  while  her  husband  was  a Uni- 
versalist.  To  their  union  were  born  eleven 
children,  six  sons  and  five  daughters,  of  whom 
six  are  now  living,  namely : Betsey,  widow  of 
Philo  Green,  of  Erie,  Penn. ; Matilda,  wife  of 
O.  C.  Moon,  of  Sharon,  Wis. ; Charles  S.,  of 
near  Jackson,  Mich.;  John  E.,  our  subject; 
George  H.,  of  Cassadaga,  Chautauqua  Co., 
N.  Y. ; and  Daniel  L.,  of  Grand  Rapids,  Mich- 
igan. 

John  E.  Gleason,  our  subject,  was  reared 
in  Chautauqua  county,  where  he  attended  the 
common  schools.  At  the  age  of  twenty  years 
he  came  West  to  seek  his  fortune  in  the  new 
country,  and  reached  Janesville,  Rock  Co., 
Wis.,  March  24.  1856.  He  began  his  career  as 
a farm  laborer  in  Harmony  township,  and 
worked  by  the  month  for  three  years.  Then, 
in  1859,  he  bought  forty  acres  of  land  in  the 
town  of  La  Prairie.  With  this  beginning  he 
has  acquired  a splendid  property  of  200  acres, 
located  in  Sections  15  and  16,  La  Prairie 
township,  his  home  being  in  Section  16.  Mr. 
Gleason  has  brought  all  this  property  to  a high 
state  of  cultivation.  He  has  erected  a fine 
residence,  good  barns,  and  other  buildings,  and 
ranks  as  one  of  the  most  successful  and  pro- 
gressive farmers  of  the  township. 

On  Feb.  29,  1S60,  Mr.  Gleason  married 
Miss  Achsah  A.  Goodson,  daughter  of  Will- 
iam and  Esther  (Cook)  Goodson,  English 
farming  people  who  migrated  with  their  large 
family  to  America,  locating  first  in  Madison 
county,  N.  Y.,  and  in  1856  coming  to  Wis- 
consin, where  they  arrived  March  24.  For  a 
year  he  lived  in  Jefferson  county,  then  moved 


So 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


to  Rock  comity,  where  lie  died  in  1875,  aged 
eighty-eight  years,  surviving  his  wife  a number 
of  years.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gleason  were  born 
five  children:  (1)  Livona  C.,  a teacher,  lives 

with  her  father.  (2)  Urban  E.,  who  mar- 
ried Elizabeth  Benedict,  is  a farmer,  and  lives 
in  Section  15,  La  Prairie  township.  They 
have  two  sons,  Ray  and  Jay.  (3)  Ruby  L., 
a teacher,  is  now  teaching  at  Shopiere.  (4) 
Nellie,  who  married  Edward  H.  Paul,  of  Janes- 
ville, has  five  children,  Ora,  Stanley,  Clayton, 
Norman  and  Ivennith.  (5)  William  E.  lives 
at  home  with  his  father.  Mrs.  Achsab  A. 
Gleason  died  June  30,  1898,  aged  fifty-six 
years. 

Politically  Mr.  Gleason  is  a Republican. 
He  is  chairman  of  the  town  board  of  super- 
visors, in  which  office  he  is  now  serving  his 
sixth  year ; for  many  years  he  has  served  as 
school  director  and  also  as  school  treasurer  and 
clerk ; and  has  been  eight  years  president  of 
the  Rock  County  Agricultural  Society.  Fra- 
ternally Mr.  Gleason  is  a member  of  Janesville 
Lodge,  No.  55,  F.  & A.  M.  He  is  not  only 
one  of  the  old  settlers  of  La  Prairie  township, 
but  one  of  its  most  prominent  and  influential 
citizens,  intimately  associated  with  its  official 
history,  and  zealous  in  the  promotion  and 
preservation  of  all  good  measures  for  the  pub- 
lic welfare. 

JOSEPH  B.  WHITING,  M.  D.,  Jr.,  is 
one  of  the  younger  physicians  and  surgeons 
of  the  city  of  Janesville,  Rock  county,  whose 
youth  is  far  more  than  atoned  for  by  his  pro- 
found medical  acquirements,  and  his  conced- 
ed scientific  spirit.  He  is  devoted  to  the  “heal- 
ing art,”  and  the  cure  of  the  sick  is  the  noblest 
mission  that  can  absorb  the  enthusiasm  of  a 
high  soul.  Dr.  Whiting  has  come  to  the  prac- 
tice of  his  great  profession  prepared  by  a 
thorough  training  in  those  centers  where  med- 
ical study  has  become  a passion,  and  those  who 
come  under  his  ministrations  feel  that  they  are 
getting  the  best  that  the  medical  skill  of  the 
present  day  affords. 

Dr.  Whiting,  Jr.,  was  born  in  Janesville 
Oct.  23,  1865,  and  is  a son  of  Dr.  Joseph  B. 
Whiting,  whose  sketch  appears  elsewhere  in 
this  work.  He  grew  to  manhood  under  his 
father’s  roof,  and  inherited  a love  of  medi- 
cine from  his  father,  who  has  been  a tower 
of  strength  in  a host  of  homes  in  this  com- 
munity. Young  Joseph  attended  the  public 


schools  and  Milton  College,  Wisconsin,  and 
from  an  early  age  expected  to  become  a physi- 
cian. He  studied  for  his  profession  at  the 
College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons,  the  Med- 
ical Department  of  the  State  University,  Chi- 
cago, and  was  graduated  from  that  institution 
in  1887.  His  abilities;  were  such  that  he  was 
selected  by  Dr.  Nicholas  Senn  as  an  interne  in 
his  private  hospital,  and  spent  one  year  un- 
der the  eye  of  that  eminent  surgeon.  At  the 
expiration  of  that  time  he  returned  to  Janes- 
ville, and  entered  upon  the  practice  of  his  pro- 
fession in  the  place  of  his  nativity.  Many 
friends  watched  his  career  with  interest,  and 
were  glad  to  welcome  him  home.  Dr.  Whit- 
ing, Jr.,  makes  his  home  with  his  parents.  He 
is  independent  in  political  relations.  He  has 
been  a member  of  the  National  Guard,  and 
for  seventeen  years  has  served  the  State  as 
an  efficient  member  of  this  valuable  organiza- 
tion, being  at  the  present  time  major  and  sur- 
geon of  the  1st  Regiment.  When  the  Spanish- 
American  war  broke  out  he  accompanied  the 
1 st  to  Cuba,  and  spent  fourteen  months  in  the 
United  States  service,  half  a year  in  Cuba. 
Much  of  his  time  was  spent  in  Jacksonville, 
Fla.,  and  when  peace  returned  he  came 
back  to  Janesville  and  resumed  the  prac- 
tice of  his  profession.  For  twelve  years  he 
has  held  the  position  of  local  surgeon  for  the 
Chicago,  Milwaukee  & St.  Paul  Railway  Co., 
and  is  reputed  one  of  the  most  efficient  mem- 
bers of  the  surgical  staff  of  that  great  cor- 
poration. 

TRUMAN  T.  LEE,  a retired  farmer  of 
Evansville,  Rock  county,  has  had  a long  and 
useful  life.  He  has  kept  close  to  the  soil,  and 
by  its  tillage  has  made  a living  for  his  active 
years,  and  has  accumulated  a handsome  com- 
petence for  his  old  age.  He  is  much  respected 
for  his  upright  character  and  his  generous  dis- 
position. 

Mr.  Lee  was  born  in  Oswego  county,  N. 
Y.,  Oct.  12,  1827,  and  is  a son  of  Thomas  and 
Lucinda  (Wagh)  Lee,  both  native  to  the  soil 
of  New  York.  They  had  six  sons  and  one 
daughter,  and  five  of  their  children  are  now 
living:  Truman  T.,  of  Evansville;  John  P., 

of  White  Fox,  Ohio;  George  F.,  of  Magnolia, 
Wis. ; ’Squire  Norman,  of  Lorain  county, 
Ohio;  and  Andrew  P.,  of  the  same  county. 
The  father  was  a canal  contractor  in  his  early 
life,  and  in  later  years  became  a farmer.  In 


* 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


8 1 


1833  lie  moved  to  Lorain  county,  Ohio,  where 
he  bought  a farm  of  ninety  acres,  increasing 
same  by  subsequent  purchases  until  he  owned 
a farm  of  140  acres.  There  he  'reared  his 
family,  and  there  he  died  in  1877,  at  the  age 
of  seventy-eight  years.  His  widow  survived 
many  years,  and  died  Feb.  5,  1894,  at  the  age 
of  eighty-two;  she  was  born  in  1811.  Both 
were  members  of  the  Regular  Baptist  Church. 
He  was  a man  of  prominence,  and  was  called 
upon  to  fill  various  town  offices  in  his  active 
years.  Thomas  Lee,  his  father,  was  a native 
of  Herkimer  county,  N.  Y.,  of  English  descent, 
and  lived  to  be  old.  He  reared  a large  family. 
The  maternal  grandfather  of  Truman  T.  Lee, 
a native  of  New  York,  died  in  middle  life.  He 
had  a family  of  two  sons  and  one  daughter. 

Truman  T.  Lee  was  reared  in  Ohio,  five 
miles  west  of  Oberlin,  spent  his  boyhood  and 
youth  under  the  parental  roof  until  grown,  and 
attended  the  district  school.  W hen  he  as- 
sumed the  burden  of  his  own  support  he  worked 
out  for  wages,  and  carefully  saved  his  earnings 
until  he  was  able  to  buy  a fifty-five-acre  farm 
in  Lorain  county.  This  place  he  almost  cleared 
of  the  native  growth  of  timber,  and  then  rented 
it,  that  he  might  make  a protracted  visit  to  Illi- 
nois and  Wisconsin.  He  returned  to  his  farm, 
and  was  engaged  in  its  tillage  for  six  years. 
In  1864  he  came  to  Rock  county,  Wis.,  and 
here  purchased  a farm  of  12774  acres  in  Por- 
ter township.  Later  he  bought  land  to  make 
this  an  even  quarter-section,  and  here  he  lived 
until  1878,  when  he  rented  his  farm  and  moved 
into  Evansville,  that  he  might  spend  the  rest 
of  his  days  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  comforts 
which  in  a hard  and  industrious  life  he  had 
richly  earned.  He  has  sold  his  farm,  and  owns 
a fine  home  in  the  city.  For  some  two  years  he 
was  engaged  in  the  grocery  business.  He  open- 
ed a bakery,  but  on  account  of  failing  health 
was  compelled  to  dispose  of  it,  and  live  a retired 
life.  He  owns  - a number  of  town  lots,  and 
takes  a commendable  interest  in  public  affairs. 

On  Aug.  25,  1850,  Truman  T.  Lee  and 
Miss  Julia  A.  Low,  daughter  of  Plenry  Smith 
and  Rachel  (Baldwin)  Low,  were  united  in 
marriage.  They  became  the  parents  of  one  son 
and  two  daughters,  Smith  T.,  Corris  Lilly  and 
Mary  Lucinda.  Smith  died  when  he  was  two 
years  old.  Corris  Lilly  married  Shasta  E. 
Barnard,  and  is  the  mother  of  two  children. 
Fred  (deceased)  and  Orland  K.  Mary  Lu- 
cinda married  Guy  Barnard,  a cousin  of  her 
6 


brother-in-law,  and  they  have  three  living 
children,  Lee  Wayne,  Mabel  and  Lloyd;  one  is 
deceased.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lee  hold  to  the  Bap- 
tist faith.  He  is  a Republican,  has  served  as 
supervisor,  and  was  school  director  while  living 
in  the  country.  He  has  lived  in  Rock  county 
over  thirty-six  years,  and  has  a host  of  friends. 

Mrs.  Lee's  father  was  born  in  Massachu- 
setts, and  her  mother  in  New  Jersey.  They 
were  farming  people,  and  were  the  parents 
of  seven  children,  of  whom  only  two  are  now 
living,  Lyman  W.,  of  Albion,  111.,  where  he 
has  practiced  medicine  over  forty  years ; and 
Mrs.  Julia  A.  Lee.  The  father  died  in  1852, 
at  the  age  of  seventy-two,  the  mother  died  in 
1848,  at  the  age  of  sixty-seven.  They  were 
both  Baptists.  Mrs.  Lee's  paternal  grand- 
father, Samuel  Low,  died  at  Plattsburg,  N.  Y., 
during  the  war  of  1S12.  Her  maternal  grand- 
father was  Levi  Baldwin. 

T,  L.  EDWARDS,  M.  D„  one  of  the  ris- 
ing young  physicians  of  Cuba  City,  Grant 
county,  who  has  built  up  a promising  practice, 
and  is  destined  to  be  numbered  among  the 
leading  representatives  of  the  medical  pro- 
fession in  Wisconsin,  was  born  in  Cincinnati, 
Ohio,  in  March,  1865,  a son  of  T.  J.  and  Mar- 
garet (Thomas)  Edwards,  natives  of  South 
Wales. 

These  worthy  people  came  when  young  to 
America,  where  they  were  married,  and  settled 
in  Ohio.  The  father  worked  as  a mate  on  an 
Ohio  river  steamer  for  a number  of  years,  and 
then  purchased  a farm  in  Van  Wert  county, 
that  State,  where  he  lived  until  his  death,  in 
1872.  The  good  mother  survived  until  1892; 
both  were  consistent  members  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church,  leading  Christian  lives.  From 
the  time  he  cast  his  first  vote  Mr.  Edwards  ad- 
hered to  the  principles  of  the  Republican  party. 
To  himself. and  wife  were  born:  John,  well 

educated  in  several  schools  and  colleges  in 
Ohio,  is  now  principal  of  the  Venedocia  (Ohio) 
schools ; he  married  Miss  Mary  A.  Jones,  of 
Ohio,  but  has  no  family.  David  H.,  now  a 
resident  of  Venedocia,  where  he  is  the  leading 
political  factor,  serving  as  county  commis- 
sioner, notary  public,  etc.,  is  in  the  real-estate 
business : he  married  Mary  D.  Jones,  and  has 
five  children.  Sarah,  now  wife  of  D.  J.  Evans, 
resides  in  Venedocia,  where  Mr.  Evans  con- 
ducts a harness  establishment,  and  is  post- 
master ; they  have  two  children.  Margaret 


82 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


died  when  fifteen.  R.  F.  first  studied  theology, 
and  later  entered  the  ministry,  being  ordained 
in  1897,  and  sent  to  Canton,  China,  by  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  from  his  native  State, 
Ohio ; he  married  Miss  Eunice  Edwards,  of 
Cincinnati,  a college  graduate,  who  accom- 
panied her  husband  to  China;  they  have  no 
family. 

Our  subject  received  his  preliminary  educa- 
tion in  the  schools  of  Ada,  Ohio,  and  the  In- 
diana Normal  School,  in  1890  entering  Jeffer- 
son Medical  College,  Philadelphia,  from  which 
he  graduated  in  1894.  In  June,  of  the  same 
year,  he  came  West,  locating  at1  Cuba  City, 
where  he  has  built  up  a large  practice,  and 
been  very  successful  with  his  cases. 

In  January,  1900,  Dr.  Edwards  married 
Miss  Anna  R.  Hogan,  of  Cuba  City,  a daugh- 
ter of  Denis  and  Annie  Hogan,  old  pioneers 
of  this  locality,  where  Mrs.  Edwards  was  born 
and  reared.  Politically  Dr.  Edwards  has  in- 
herited his  views,  being  as  ardent  a Republican 
as  his  father  before  him.  Dr.  Edwards  is  an 
active  member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  at 
Georgetown,  where  he  is  very  popular.  From 
earliest  childhood  he  has  been  brought  up  in 
the  Presbyterian  faith,  and  shows  in  his  up- 
right life  the  effects  of  early  teachings. 

THOMAS  LAPPIN,  deceased.  This 
name  will  be  readily  recognized  by  any  one 
familiar  with  the  history  of  the  city  of  Janes- 
ville,' Rock  county,  as  that  of  a gentleman  long 
known  as  one  of  the  ablest  business  men  and 
most  upright  citizens  of  that  place.  Thomas 
Lappin  was  born  in  County  Meath,  Ireland, 
May  12,  1812,  son  of  William  and  Ann 
(Walsh)  Lappin;  his  father  was  an  only  son, 
and  his  mother  an  only  daughter.  They  had 
a family  of  three  sons  and  one  daughter.  Our 
subject's  father  was  a farmer,  and  emigrated 
to  the  LTnited  States  many  years  ago,  settling 
first  in  New  York,  and  afterward  in  Michigan, 
near  Detroit.  He  lived  some  years  in  that 
city,  and  died  in  Chicago,  when  on  his  way 
to  visit  his  son,  Thomas,  then  living  in  Wis- 
consin, when  over  eighty  years  of  age. 

Thomas  Lappin  was  but  a small  boy  when 
his  parents  brought  him  to  this  country.  At 
Detroit  he  grew  to  manhood  and  learned  the 
printer’s  trade,  which  he  followed  some  years 
in  the  metropolis  of  Michigan.  He  came  West 
to  Janesville,  Wis.,  some  time  in  the  early 
’thirties,  and  engaged  in  general  merchandis- 


ing, being  the  first  merchant  of  Janesville.  He 
was  in  business  for  many  years  in  that  city. 
Retiring  for  a time  from  the  store,  he  spent  a 
few  years  on  the  farm;  his  health  returning 
he  came  back  to  the  city,  and  built  what  has 
been  known  for  some  years  as  the  Apollo 
block.  Having  sold  his  farm,  he  put  up  the 
Lappin  block,  on  the  southwest  corner  of 
Main  and  Milwaukee  streets,  which  building 
is  now  owned  by  the  Hayes  Brothers,  and  is 
regarded  as  one  of  the  finest  office  buildings 
of  the  city.  For  some  years  our  subject  de- 
rived a very  handsome  rental  from  these  build- 
ings. 

When  Mr.  Lappin  came  to  Janesville  he 
boarded  at  the  old  “Stevens  Hotel,"  now 
known  as  the  “Myers  House,”  where  he  made 
the  acquaintance  of  the  lady  who  afterward 
became  his  wife,  Miss  Mary  Jane  Jackman, 
daughter  of  Timothy  and  Esther  (Cooper) 
Jackman.  They  were  married  Nov.  2,  1847. 
Mrs.  Lappin’s  parents  were  among  the  very 
early  settlers  of  Janesville,  and  her  father  was 
one  of  the  most  prominent  men  of  the  city. 
Four  daughters  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Lappin,  Emma  Amelia,  Ella  Josephine,  Mary 
Esther  and  Harriet  Maria.  Emma  Amelia 
married  Edwin  F.  Carpenter,  who  is  an  at- 
torney in  Janesville;  they  have  two  sons,  Ed- 
ward Lappin  and  Henry.  Ella  Josephine  mar- 
ried Henry  Doty,  a manufacturer  in  Janes- 
ville, and  became  the  mother  of  one  child,  that 
lived  one  year,  she  dying  at  its  birth,  in  1873; 
Mr.  Doty  afterward  married  his  sister-in-law, 
Mary  Esther,  and  to  them  were  born  two 
children,  Lawrence  Lappin  and  Harriet  Mil- 
dred. He  died  in  1894.  Harriet  Maria  mar- 
ried E.  M.  Hyzer,  a lawyer  in  Milwaukee. 

Thomas  Lappin  died1  March  29,  1891,  aged 
seventy-nine  years,  leaving  behind  him  the  rec- 
ord of  a noble  and  useful  life.  In  religious 
faith  he  was  a Roman  Catholic;  his  widow  is 
an  Episcopalian.  He  would  not  take  public 
office,  though  he  was  a Republican,  and  took 
a strong'  interest  in  the  welfare  of  his  city  and 
State.  His  manners  were  quiet  and  perhaps 
reserved,  but  he  was  cordial  towards  his 
friends,  and  popular  with  all.  At  his  death  a 
friend  wrote  as  follows  concerning  him: 

“Among  those  foremost  in  contributing'  to 
the  prosperity  of  Janesville  was  the  venerable 
gentleman  whose  death  all  Janesville  mourns 
to-day.  He  was  born  of  Irish  parents  in 
County  Meath,  Ireland,  May  12.  1812.  Mr. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


33 


Lappin  early  emigrated  to  this  country,  and 
while  yet  a lad  we  find  him  in  the  office  of  a 
newspaper  in  Detroit.  After  gaining  a fair 
knowledge  of  the  ‘art  preservative,’  his  inclina- 
tions drew  him  westward,  and  about  the  month 
of  Dec.,  1838,  he  landed  in  Janesville,  which  at 
that  period  of  time  was  an  almost  unbroken 
wilderness.  In  June.  1839,  he  and  Mr.  Lind- 
sley  Ward,  who  died  in  Milwaukee  a number 
of  years  ago,  opened  a store  in  a frame  build- 
ing fourteen  feet  square  and  a story  and  a half 
high,  on  the  present  site  of  Bennett's  block,  on 
Main  street.  The  stock  was  invoiced  at  three 
hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  and  comprised  such 
articles  as  are  to  be  found  in  the  country  store 
of  the  present  day.  The  partnership  was  dis- 
solved after  a few  months’  duration,  and  in 
1840  Mr.  Lappin  rented  of  Volney  Atwood  a 
small  frame  building  and  opened  a regular 
store.  He  was  the  pioneer  merchant  of  the 
town.  It  was  said  in  print  years  ago  that 
‘another  formidable  enterprise  for  these  early 
times  was  the  erection  of  a frame  building  by 
him  on  the  corner  where  his  large  blocks  now- 
stand — a monument  of  his  industry  and  en- 
terprise. By  personal  labor  and  industry  he  so 
far  completed  a portion  of  his  building  as  to 
call  it  a store,  and  then  we  find  him  returning 
from  Chicago  with  a stock  of  dry  goods,  gro- 
ceries and  hardware,  all  paid  for  and  costing 
him  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  dollars.’ 

“Mr.  Lappin  bought  some  sugar  and  mo- 
lasses in  Galena,  111.,  at  an  expense  of  fifty  dol- 
lars for  transportation,  and  then  walked  to 
Chicago  to  buy  his  dry  goods.  When  he  had 
made  his  purchases,  and  the  goods  were  in- 
voiced, it  was  found  that  he  had  exceeded  his 
money  by  fifteen  dollars,  and  the  house  refused 
to  trust  him  for  that  amount. 

“These  were  the  days  when  John  P.  Dixon, 
Henry  F.  Janes,  Judge  William  Holmes, 
Charles  Stevens,  Luke  Stoughton,  Dr.  Guy 
Stoughton,  John  Langdon  Kimball  and  Gen. 
Sheldon  were  the  principal  citizens  of  this 
burgh.  The  frame  building  occupied  by  Ward 
& Lappin,  the  frame  dwelling  ovmed  by  John 
P.  Plummer,  and  Janes’  log  tavern  were  the 
only  buildings  on  the  west  side  of  Main  street. 
On  the  east  side  there  were  the  stage  house, 
a little  frame  house  occupied  by  Janes,  a frame 
on  the  site  of  Fredendall’s  block,  and  another 
frame  on  the  courthouse  square.  The  resi- 
dence of  Judge  Holmes  was  the  only  frame 
building  on  the  west  side  of  the  river.  In  i 


1841  D.  A.  Richardson  opened  a store  a few 
feet  north  of  Mr.  Lappm's  establishment,  and 
early  in  1842  Mr.  Lappin  built  a two-story 
frame  store  on  the  present  site  of  Lappin’s 
block,  and  took  in  as  partner  Mr.  W.  H.  H. 
Bailey,  and  remained  in  business  several  years. 
In  July'  of  that  year  Janesville  contained  two 
stores,  ten  dwellings,  two  taverns,  and  between 
seventy  and  eighty  inhabitants.  Later  on  Air. 
Lappin  erected  a large  and  sightly  block,  which 
is  one  of  the  most  substantial  and  stately  busi- 
ness blocks  in  the  city,  and  forms  one  of  the 
four  corners  which  are  the  pride  of  our  citizens 
and  the  admiration  of  the  stranger  within  our 
gates. 

“Mr.  Lappin  was  a man  honest  as  the  day 
is  long.  He  always  had  a pleasant  word  and 
a kindly  greeting  for  everybody.  He  would 
scorn  to  do  an  unkind  act,  and  was  often 
spoken  of  by  young  and  old,  rich  and  poor, 
as  one  of  God's  noblemen.” 

Mrs.  Thomas  Lappin  still  lives  in  the  beau- 
tiful home  at  No.  252  Park  Place,  which  she 
graces  and  beautifies  by  a sunny  disposition, 
a cordial  welcome  to  a mighty  host  of  friends, 
and  an  exemplary  and  cheery  life  that  knows 
not  how  to  grow  old ; for  although  now  in  her 
seventy-second  year  she  seems  many  years 
younger,  and  her  faculties  are  unimpaired. 

ERNEST  C.  HELM.  M.  D.,  of  the  firm 
of  A.  C.  & E.  C.  Helm,  physicians  and  sur- 
geons, of  Beloit,  Rock  county,  has  won  a high 
standing  in  his  chosen  profession,  and  is  re- 
garded as  one  of  the  leading  representatives 
of  his  calling  in  the  southern  part  of  the  State. 

Dr.  Helm  was  born  in  Beloit  May  1,  1853, 
and  is  a son  of  Woodhull  and  Mary  A.  ( Clark) 
Helm,  whose  family  history  is  quite  fully  nar- 
rated in  the  sketch  of  Dr.  Arthur  C.  Helm 
elsewhere  in  this  volume.  W oodhull  Helm 
moved  to  Illinois  with  his  parents  when  a boy, 
and  settled  with  them  at  Pine  Creek,  where  he 
lived  a number  of  years.  When  a young  man 
he  learned  the  trade  of  plough-making,  and 
followed  that  business  for  several  years  at 
Byron.  111.  He  had  intended  to  enter  college 
at  Beloit,  when  his  father's  death  changed  all 
his  plans  and  drove  him  into  business.  In 
1849  Hr.  Helm  and  Miss  Mary  A.  Clark, 
daughter  of  Elijah  and  Sybil  (Green)  Clark, 
were  married  in  Beloit,  Rev.  Alfred  Eddy 
being  the  officiating  minister.  He  was  an  old 
friend  of  the  family,  and  the  wedding  was  the 


84 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


first  to  be  celebrated  in  the  First  Presbyterian 
church  of  Beloit.  Mrs.  Helm  had  come  West 
some  two  or  three  years  before  with  her 
brother,  Dr.  Elijah  N.  Clark,  intending  to  make 
her  home  in  this  city.  A few  days  after  her 
arrival,  however,  she  was  visited  by  Mrs.  Dr. 
Bradley,  of  Byron,  formerly  her  favorite 
teacher  in  the  East,  who  asked  her  assistance 
in  a select  school  at  Byron,  both  as  a teacher 
and  an  inmate  of  her  home.  This  offer  she 
gladly  accepted  on  account  of  the  strong' 
friendship  that  had  existed  between  them. 
There  she  became  acquainted  with  Mr.  Helm, 
and  in  due  time  the  acquaintance  ripened  into 
love,  and  they  were  married.  A little  later 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Helm  moved  to  Beloit,  where  he 
continued  plough-making.  About  1852  he 
went  to  California  and  operated  a sawmill  for 
two  years  at  Nevada  City.  By  that  time  he 
had  enough  of  the  "golden  West,”  and  re- 
turned to  Beloit.  I11  1855  Mr.  Helm  moved 
himself  and  family  to  Indiantown,  Iowa, 
where  he  was  eng'aged  in  running  a sawmill, 
and  combined  with  it  a gristmill.  It  was  a 
cold,  wet  year,  and  Mr.  Helm  contracted  dis- 
eases by  which  his  health  was  seriously  under- 
mined. To  recover  it  he  journeyed  to  Cali- 
fornia a second  time,  and  while  there  wrote 
valuable  articles  for  mining  and  other  journals. 
He  was  sick  while  doing  this  work,  but  he  had 
a sunny  spirit,  and  his  presence  cheered  all 
with  whom  he  came  in  contact.  From  Cali- 
fornia Mr.  Helm  was  sent  to  New  York  by 
a mining  company  to  look  after  their  interests. 
When  he  had  accomplished  their  work  he  went 
to  Cabarrus  county,  N.  C.,  to  engage  in  gold 
mining,  taking  his  family  with  him.  He  was 
there  two  years,  when  illness  drove  him  north 
to  Rockford,  111.,  where  he  died  in  the  home 
of  Dr.  Lucius  Clark  ten  days  after  his  arrival, 
at  the  age  of  forty-five.  He  was  a man  of 
character  and  conviction.  He  served  as  an 
elder  in  the  Presbyterian  Church  at  Carson 
City,  Nevada,  and  was  county  superintendent 
of  schools  in  Tama  county,  Iowa. 

Dr.  Ernest  C.  Helm  graduated  from  the 
Beaver  Dam  (Wis.)  high  school  in  1874,  took 
a special  course  in  chemistry  in  the  college  at 
Beloit,  and  graduated  from  the  Chicago  Medi- 
cal College  in  1879.  After  he  had  received 
his  diploma  he  won  the  position  of  house  phy- 
sician and  surgeon  of  Mercy  Hospital  in  com- 
petitive examination  against  a number  of  the 
brainiest  young  men  of  the  city,  who  aspired 


to  this  position  for  its  rare  opportunities.  He 
practiced  a year  at  Byron,  111.,  and  seven  years 
in  Chicago,  and  while  in  that  city  was  one  of 
the  attending  staff  of  the  medical  department 
of  the  South  Side  Dispensary.  With  his  hard 
work  and  fine  scholarship  at  the  college,  his 
year  at  Mercy  Hospital  and  his  seven  years’ 
service  in  connection  with  the  Dispensary,  Dr. 
Helm  has  had  rare  opportunities  to  acquire 
a thoroughly  practical  knowledge  of  his  pro- 
fession. In  1888  he  came  to  Beloit  to  enter 
into  a medical  partnership  with  his  brother,  Dr. 
Arthur  C,  and  the  associations  thus  formed 
have  proved  in  every  way  profitable  and  satis- 
factory. 

Dr.  Ernest  C.  Helm  and  Miss  Elizabeth 
Hunnicutt,  a daughter  of  John  and  Martha 
(Bundy)  Hunnicutt,  were  married  at  Carth- 
age, Ind.,  March  23,  1887,  and  they  have  three 
children,  Olive,  Berwyn  and  Ernestine.  The 
Doctor  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  First 
Presbyterian  Church  of  Beloit  and  he  is  one 
of  the  elders  of  that  body.  He  belongs  to  the 
Wisconsin  State  Medical  Society  and  the  Cen- 
tral Wisconsin  Medical  Society,  and  is  deeply 
interested  in  everything  that  relates  to  the  pro- 
gress of  the  art  to  which  he  has  given  his  life. 
He  is  a member  of  the  Beloit  school  board, 
and  politically  is  a Republican.  Dr.  Helm  has 
a pleasant  home  at  No.  740  Broad  street,  and 
both  he  and  his  brother  are  great  lovers  of  out- 
of-door  sports,  and  handy  with  the  rifle,  shot 
gun,  fishing  tackle,  sailboats,  etc.,  enjoying 
their  kindred  recreations.  They  have  sum- 
mer cottages  at  Lake  Kegonska  and  the  family 
are  all  good  swimmers,  even  to  the  little  girls. 

ARTHUR  C.  HELM,  M.  D.,  of  the  med- 
ical firm  of  A.  C.  & E.  C.  Helm,  physicians 
and  surgeons,  is  one  of  the  best  known  and 
most  highly  regarded  practitioners  of  the  heal- 
ing art  in  the  city  of  Beloit,  Rock  county.  He 
is  in  the  prime  of  life,  commands  a large  and 
remunerative  practice,  and  has  a host  of 
friends  throughout  the  city  and  county. 

Dr.  Helm  was  born  in  Indiantown,  Iowa, 
Oct.  23,  1857,  and  is  a son  of  Woodhull  and 
Mary  A.  (Clark)  Helm,  natives  of  New  York 
and  Amherst,  Mass.,  respectively.  They  were 
the  parents  of  five  children,  all  sons — Dr.  Er- 
nest C.,  Dr.  Arthur  C.,  Dr.  Walter  B.  and  two 
who  died  in  infancy.  The  father  was  a miller. 
He  was  gifted  with  a profound  enthusiasm  for 
scientific  studies,  and  became  an  expert  upon 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


35 


all  subjects  relating  to  mining.  He  was  a 
correspondent  for  mining  publications  in  the 
West  and  Southeast,  and  traveled  extensively 
in  California,  Nevada  and  North  Carolina. 
While  he  was  in  the  last-named  State  he  was 
seized  with  a very  severe  illness.  He  came 
North,  but  he  could  not  arrest  the  progress  of 
the  disease,  and  he  died  in  R'ockford,  111.,  in 
1870,  at  the  age  of  forty-five  years,  two  weeks 
after  leaving  North  Carolina.  His  widow 
still  survives,  and  makes  her  home  with  her 
son.  Dr.  E.  C.  Helm,  in  Beloit.  She  and  her 
husband  were  Presbyterians.  They  were  the 
first  couple  married  in  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church  of  Beloit.  Mr.  Helm  was  county  su- 
perintendent of  schools  in  Tama  county,  Iowa. 
He  was  always  a Republican. 

Woodhull  Helm,  the  grandfather  of  our 
subject,  was  a native  of  New  York.  He  was 
a man  of  unusually  artistic  temperament,  fond 
of  music,  and  had  a reputation  as  a composer. 
He  was  twice  married,  was  the  father  of  a 
large  family,  and  died  when  . about  sixty-seven 
years  old.  Elijah  Clark,  the  father  of  Mary 
A.,  noted  above,  was  a native  of  Massachusetts, 
and  of  English  descent.  He  was  a farmer,  and 
in  the  early  days  moved  to  the  western  part  of 
New  York,  where  he  died  of  fever  when  over 
fifty  years  old.  He  had  seven  sons  and  one 
daughter  who  grew  to  maturity. 

Dr.  Arthur  C.  Helm  spent  the  first  seven 
years  of  his  life  in  his  birthplace,  and  was  then 
taken  by  his  parents  to  Marshalltown,  Iowa, 
where  he  lived  two  years.  Two  years  he  spent 
in  Cabarrus  county,  N.  C..  and  five  years  at 
Beaver  Dam,  Wis.,  where  he  entered  the  serv- 
ice of  the  Chicago  & Northwestern  Railway 
Co.  as  telegraph  operator,  and  spent  six-  years 
of  his  life  with  that  company.  His  longest 
service  as  an  operator  was  made  in  Beloit,  and 
there  he  formed  associations  and  interests  that 
largely  determined  his  location  there  as  a phv- 
sician  in  after  years.  He  attended  the  public 
schools  of  Beaver  Dam  and  the  Northwestern 
University  at  Evanston,  111.,  and  was  gradu- 
ated from  the  medical  department  of  that  in- 
stitution with  high  honors  in  1884,  taking  first 
prize  for  scholarship  throughout  the  entire 
course.  The  same  year  he  began  practicing 
in  Beloit,  in  partnership  with  Dr.  H.  B.  John- 
son. In  1887  the  firm  was  dissolved,  and  Dr. 
Helm  practiced  alone  until  i8Sg.  in  which  year 
he  formed  a partnership  with  his  brother,  Er- 
nest C.,  who  is  a capable  physician,  and  they 


have  continued  together  until  the  present 
time. 

The  wedding  ceremonies  of  Dr.  Arthur  C. 
Helm  and  Miss  Mary  McMurdo,  daughter  of 
James  and  Ann  (Reed)  McMurdo,  were  cele- 
brated Aug.  10,  1886,  and  four  children  have 
come  to  bless  this  union — Harold,  Alice,  Clara 
and  Mary.  The  Doctor  and  his  wife  are  mem- 
bers of  the  First  Congregational  Church,  and 
he  is  associated  with  the  Knights  of  Pythias. 
He  is  a student  and  an  enthusiast  in  his  pro- 
fession. He  belongs  to  the  American  Medical 
Association  and  to  the  Central  Wisconsin 
Medical  Association.  Politically  he  is  a Re- 
publican, and  at  present  represents  the  First 
ward  in  the  city  council.  He  lives  at  No.  734 
Broad  street,  and  his  home  is  the  center  of 
many  social  and  friendly  interests. 

JOSEPH  WILLIAM  BATES,  of  Beloit, 
Rock  county,  is  a prominent  member  of  the 
legal  profession,  and  has  a reputation  through- 
out the  State  of  Wisconsin  for  conspicuous 
ability  as  a general  practitioner  of  the  law. 
He  is  thoroughly  versed  in  the  fundamental 
principles  of  his  profession,  and  his  judgment 
of  the  right  and  ecpiity  is  unusually  strong. 

Mr.  Bates  was  born  in  Janesville,  Wis., 
Tulv  14,  1852,  a son  of  Allen  C.  and  Sarah 
H.  (Banks)  Bates,  natives  of  New  York  and 
Maine  respectively.  They  were  the  parents  of 
seven  children,  five  of  whom  are  now  living: 
Joseph  William;  Edwin  Ellsworth,  of  Edger- 
ton,  Wis.;  Ina  L.,  of  Des  Moines,  Iowa; 
George  H.,  of  Chicago;  and  Louise  Helen, 
wife  of  Rev.  E.  L.  Eaton,  of  Des  Moines.  The 
father,  an  attorney  at  law,  came  to  \\  isconsin 
in  1843,  settled  at  Tanesville,  and  engaged 
in  the  practice  of  law  in  that  city  until  his 
death,  in  1891,  at  the  age  of  sixtv-nine;  he  was 
born  at  Sachet's  Harbor,  N.  \ .,  Nov.  12,  1822. 
His  wife  died  Nov.  q.  1894,  aged  sixty-two 
years.  Both  were  Methodists.  Allen  Cole 
Bates  was  about  twenty-two  years  old  when  he 
came  to  Janesville,  and  from  the  first  was  a 
recognized  leader  in  the  community.  Four 
years  after  his  arrival  he  married  Miss  Sarah 
H.  Banks,  who  proved  a faithful  and  devoted 
wife.  Mr.  Bates  was  alderman  of  the  Second 
ward  for  the  first  twenty-one  years  of  the  city's 
existence.  He  filled  the  office  of  justice  of  the 
peace  manv  terms,  and  served  on  the  county 
board  before  the  incorporation  of  the  city. 
He  was  a member  of  the  State  Legislature  in 


86 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


1862,  1863  and  1867.  In  1859  lie  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  Rock  County  Bar,  and  proved 
himself  a man  of  sound  judgment  in  his  long 
and  brilliant  career.  He  had  a kindly  greet- 
ing'for  his  friends,  and  lent  a helping  hand 
to  the  poor.  His  funeral  sermon  was  preached 
by  his  son-in-law,  Rev.  Dr.  E.  L.  Eaton;  the 
pall-bearers  were  Judge  John  R.  Bennett,  J. 
J.  R.  Pease,  A.  A.  Jackson,  E.  F.  Carpenter, 
Pliny  Norcross,  and  L.  F.  Patten.  Mr.  Bates 
was  a leading  lawyer,  and  owned  at  one  time 
the  finest  residence  in  the  city.  He  built  thir- 
teen business  blocks  in  Janesville,  in  whose 
progress  he  was  extensively  interested.  His 
father,  Orin  Bates,  a farmer,  was  a native  of 
New  York,  and  son  of  Caleb  Bates,  and  died 
in  his  native  State.  He  had  a family  of  nine 
children.  The  history  of  the  family  runs  back 
many  generations  in  America,  to  the  arrival 
of  an  ancestor  from  Holland,  who  settled  in 
Dutchess  county,  N.  Y.  The  maternal  grand- 
father of  our  subject.  Joseph  Banks,  was  a na- 
tive of  Maine,  and  of  English  descent,  being  in 
the  eighth  generation  from  William  Banks, 
■who  was  a physician  in  Lincolnshire,  England, 
and  at  one  time  a sheriff  of  the  county.  He 
had  a son  to  whom  he  gave  the  name  of  Joseph, 
and  this  name  was  repeated  in  each  of  the  eight 
following  generations.  Joseph  Banks  came  to 
Wisconsin  in  1847,  and  lived  in  Janesville, 
where  he  practiced  medicine  several  years,  also 
engaging  in  the  same  vocation  in  Winnebago 
county.  He  was  the  father  of  six  children. 
His  death  occurred  at  Omro,  Yds.,  when  he 
was  quite  old.  He  was  a Democrat. 

Joseph  William  Bates  spent  his  boyhood 
and  youth  in  Janesville,  and  attended  Lawrence 
University,  at  Appleton,  Yds.,  three  years, 
and  the  Northwestern  University,  at  Evans- 
ton, Til.,  two  years.  He  was  admitted  to  the 
Bar  Feb.  5.  1875.  and  practiced  law  at  Janes- 
ville until  1890.  On  Jan.  6,  1890,  he  removed 
to  Beloit,  where  he  opened  a law  office  and  has 
followed  the  practice  of  his  profession  to  the 
present  time.  He  is  a Republican,  and  exer- 
cises a wide  influence  in  local  affairs.  Mr. 
Bates  was  elected  judge  advocate  of  the  Janes- 
ville Guards  at  the  organization  of  the  com- 
pany, and  was  commissioned  judge  advocate 
of  the  t st  Regiment  at  the  time  of  its  forma- 
tion. He  drafted  the  bill,  and  secured  its  pas- 
sage. that  changed  the  name  of  the  Wiscon- 
sin  State  militia  to  the  Wisconsin  National 
Guard.  This  was  done  in  the  Legislature  of 


1878,  when  he  was  a clerk  in  the  State  Senate. 
Mr.  Bates  has  held  many  important  clerkships 
in  the  Senate  and  General  Assembly  of  the 
State.  He  was  assistant  chief  clerk  of  the 
Senate  in  1883. 

L.  HOLDEN  PARKER,  now  retired  from 
business  life,  and  living  at  No.  747  Parker  ave- 
nue, Beloit,  Rock  county,  has  for  years  been 
one  of  the  most  influential  and  valuable  citi- 
zens, of  that  important  Wisconsin  town.  He 
has  always  been  active  and  aggressive  in  every 
enterprise  that  sought  the  public  welfare,  and 
some  of  the  most  important  improvements  of 
the  past  twenty-five  years,  that  marked  the  pas- 
sage of  Beloit  from  a village  condition  to  an  ur- 
ban life,  have  very  largely  been  accomplished 
through  his  unceasing  determination  that  the 
city  should  go  on  and  fulfill  its  natural  destiny. 

Mr.  Parker  was  born  in  Belvidere,  111., 
Nov.  30,  1848,  and  is  a son  of  Charles  H.  and 
Eleanor  (Stone)  Parker,  natives  of  (Massa- 
chusetts. Pie  is  their  only  child  now  living. 
Charles  H.  Parker  was  a manufacturer  of  cut- 
lery in  Concord,  N.  H.,  in  his  early  manhood. 
He  moved  to  Belvidere,  111.,  in  the  spring  of 
1848,  and  took  up  a farmer’s  life  for  a time, 
taking  charge  of  Dr.  Stone’s  farm,  near  the 
city.  In  the  spring  of  1849  he  footed  it  to 
Beloit,  and  secured  work  with  Barker,  Love  & 
Co.,  in  their  reaper  factory,  receiving  the  muni- 
ficent wages  of  a dollar  a day.  Every  Satur- 
day night  he  was  accustomed  to  walk  back  to 
Belvidere,  and  return  on  the  following  Mon- 
day morning.  In  1850  he  moved  his  family 
to  Beloit,  where  he  resided  until  his  death,  in 
1890.  Charles  H.  Parker  is  remembered  as 
one  of  the  most  important  factors  in  the  busi- 
ness development  of  Beloit  that  it  has  ever 
known.  I11  1852  he  started  in  business  with 
Gustavus  Stone,  in  the  manufacture  of  hoes, 
and  they  were  together  until  1878,  under  the 
firm  name  of  Parker  & Stone  until  1874. 
That  year  they  incorporated  under  the  name 
of  the  Parker  & Stone  Reaper  Co.  They 
manufactured  mowers,  reapers,  harvesters  and 
binders  until  the  fall  of  1878,  when  they  went 
out  of  business,  and  in  1879  the  business  passed 
into  the  hands  of  Mr.  Parker’s  son,  L.  Holden 
Parker,  and  Fred  A.  Dennett,  who  formed 
the  firm  of  Parker  & Dennett.  They  moved 
the  plant  to  Milwaukee  in  the  summer  of  1881, 
and  were  the  first  to  manufacture  harvesters 
and  binders  in  that  city,  employing  a large  force 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


3 7 


of  workingmen — at  times  almost  two  hundred. 
The  following  year  Mr.  Parker  disposed  of  his 
interest  and  returned  to  Beloit.  That  was  the 
beginning  in  Milwaukee  of  the  Milwaukee  Har- 
vester Co.,  an  institution  that  is  now  known  all 
over  the  United  States. 

In  1882  Charles  H.  Parker  and  his  son  L. 
Holden  founded  the  Second  National  Bank  of 
Beloit,  and  the  father  was  its  president  until 
he  died,  at  the  age  of  seventy-five,  March  14, 
1890.  Mrs.  Eleanor  Parker,  his  wife,  died 
March  24,  1900,  aged  eighty-one  years.  Mr. 
Parker  was  deeply  interested  in  the  growth  of 
Beloit,  and  did  much  to  aid  in  the  establish- 
ment of  hopeful  business  enterprises  in  the  city, 
hv  both  moral  and  financial  assistance,  making 
liberal  contributions  to  various  industrial  and 
educational  institutions.  He  was  a Univer- 
salist  in  his  belief,  and  his  widow  held  to  the 
same  broad  faith.  His  father  was  a sea  cap- 
tain, and  died  a very  young  man,  when  his 
son  Charles  was  a small  boy.  Mrs.  Charles 
H.  Parker's  father,  Jonathan  Stone,  is  men- 
tioned elsewhere. 

L.  Holden  Parker  was  but  little  more  than 
a year  old  when  his  parents  came  to  Beloit, 
and  his  life  since  that  time  has  been  passed  in 
the  city,  with  brief  exceptions.  He  passed 
through  the  public  schools,  graduated  from  the 
academy,  and  in  due  time  entered  Beloit  Col- 
lege, with  the  intention  of  taking  the  full 
course.  Ill  health,  however,  interfered,  and 
he  was  compelled  to  abandon  his  course  at  col- 
lege after  making  a fine  beginning.  He  was 
a clerk  in  the  office  of  the  Merchants’  Express 
Co.  for  a few  months,  and  then  went  into  a 
shoe  store  as  clerk,  with  the  object  of  buying 
the  business  after  he  had  mastered  its  details. 
He  gave  that  up,  and  for  four  years  was  book- 
keeper in  the  office  of  Parker  & Stone.  By 
that  time  his  health  had  resumed  its  normal 
tone,  and  he  felt  he  could  prepare  himself  for  a 
professional  life.  He  went  to  Ann  Arbor, 
Mich.,  and,  entering  the  Law  Department  of 
the  University  of  Michigan,  was  graduated 
as  a capable  student  of  the  law,  and  in  1875 
was  admitted  to  the  Bar.  Mr.  Parker  opened 
an  office  for  the  practice  of  law  in  Beloit,  and 
followed  his  profession  for  four  years.  In 
1879.  as  noted  above,  he  was  associated  with 
Mr.  Dennett  in  the  removal  of  the  reaper  fac- 
tory to  Milwaukee,  and  its  safe  establishment 
on  a larger  scale,  and  in  1882  he  assisted  his 
father  in  the  organization  of  the  Second  Na- 


tional Bank.  L.  Holden  Parker  was  its  first 
assistant  cashier,  at  its  opening.  He  became 
cashier,  and  succeeded  his  father  as  president 
of  the  institution,  serving  as  such  for  a number 
of  years,  and  in  January,  1900,  disposing  of 
his  entire  interests  to  Mr.  Strong;  he  is  not  now 
actively  interested  in  any  business. 

On  Oct.  15,  1885,  L.  Holden  Parker  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Elinor  Dudley, 
a daughter  of  William  L.  and  Mary  (Doak) 
Dudley,  and  they  have  had  two  daughters, 
Elinor  and  Carolyn.  They  are  members  of  the 
Episcopal  Church.  Mr.  Parker  is  a Repub- 
lican, is  at  present  a member  of  the  Lower 
House  of  the  State  Legislature,  and  is  serving 
his  fifth  term  as  a member  of  the  Beloit  school 
board,  with  which  he  has  been  connected  for 
a period  of  fifteen  years.  He  has  served  on 
the  library  board  since  its  organization,  and 
was  its  president  for  one  year.  His  father, 
Charles  H.  Parker,  was  mayor  of  Beloit,  and 
it  was  through  his  casting  vote  that  the  pres- 
ent water  works  system  was  secured.  Both 
father  and  son  have  always  been  identified  with 
every  forward  movement. 

MARY  LLOYD  EWING,  M.  D..  of  Ev- 
ansville, Rock  county,  is  a distinguished  mem- 
ber of  the  homeopathic  school  of  medicine,  and 
has  built  up  a large  and  lucrative  practice  in 
the  city  and  vicinity.  She  was  born  at  Zil- 
wattkee,  Mich.,  near  Saginaw,  a daughter  of 
Charles  H.  and  Lucy  (Green)  Ewing,  natives 
of  Vermont  and  New  York,  respectively. 
They  had  four  daughters  and  two  sons,  and 
three  of  their  children  are  now  living:  Dr. 

Mary  L. ; Ella,  wife  of  Herman  Langemak,  of 
Evansville;  and  Robert,  of  Gladstone,  Mich., 
a conductor  on  the  Northern  Pacific  road. 
The  father  was  a merchant  in  Zilwaukee  for 
a number  of  years.  His  father  came  to  Gen- 
esee county,  Mich.,  when  Charles  H.  was  a 
child,  and  the  latter  spent  the  greater  part  of 
his  youth  at  Flint,  Mich.,  where  he  grew 
to  manhood,  obtaining  his  education  in  De- 
troit and  Flint,  and  he  was  a school  teacher 
before  his  marriage.  His  wedding  was  cele- 
brated at  Flushing,  Mich.,  and  he  subsequently 
went  to  Zilwaukee  and  established  himself  in 
a general  mercantile  business.  He  was  post- 
master at  that  place  three  or  four  terms,  re- 
ceiving his  commission  from  President  Lin- 
coln. He  spent  his  last  years  on  his  father's 
farm  near  Flint,  and  died  there  in  1870,  when 


88 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


only  thirty-seven  years  old.  In  religious  con- 
nection he  was  an  Episcopalian,  and  his  wife 
a Congregationalist. 

Ezekiel  Ewing,  our  subject's  grandfather, 
was  a native  of  Vermont.  He  was  one  of  the 
first  settlers  in  Michigan,  surveyed  and  laid  out 
all  the  roads  and  towns  in  Genesee  county  and 
some  in  neighboring  counties.  He  also  en- 
gaged in  farming.  He  was  the  father  of  two 
sons,  and  died  when  young.  Robert  Green, 
the  father  of  Mrs.  Lucy  Ewing,  was  a native 
of  New  York,  of  English  descent,  and  lived 
to  be  sixty.  He  was  a lumberman  by  occupa- 
tion, and  in  his  home  in  Michigan  became 
quite  noted.  He  married  Rachel  Taggert,  and 
they  had  four  daughters.  Mrs.  Green  was  of 
Puritan  stock,  and  was  born  in  Massachusetts, 
of  which  state  her  father,  a Congregational 
minister,  was  also  a native;  he  was  at  one  time 
a member  of  Congress.  The  Taggert  family 
has  a long  and  honorable  history  in  Massa- 
chusetts. 

Dr.  Ewing  lived  in  Flint  until  she  was 
about  eight  years  of  age,  when  her  father  died. 
Soon  afterward  the  family  moved  to  Appleton, 
Wis.,  where  our  subject  grew  to  womanhood, 
attending  the  public  schools  and  later  Ripon 
College.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  she  secured 
entrance  into  the  Cook  County  (Chicago) 
Hospital,  and  had  two  years’  training  as  a 
nurse.  She  was  also  in  a private  hospital  at 
Memphis,  Tenn.,  for  six  months,  and  the  next 
six  months  had  charge  of  the  male  department 
of  the  insane  asylum  at  Dunning,  111.,  after  her 
retirement  from  that  position  engaging  in  pri- 
vate nursing  for  a time.  By  this  time  she  had 
gained  such  an  insight  into  the  practice  of 
medicine  that  she  thought  it  wise  to  go  farther, 
and  learn  the  science  and  art  itself.  She  ma- 
triculated at  Hahnemann  College,  Chicago, 
was  graduated  in  1892,  and  at  once  began  to 
practice  in  that  city,  where  she  was  engaged 
two  years.  She  then  came  to  Evansville, 
liked  the  place,  and  opening  an  office  for  the 
practice  of  her  profession,  has  remained  there 
to  the  present  time,  and  has  a wide  circle  of 
friends  and  patrons.  She  has  a general  prac- 
tice, and  stands  high  in  her  profession;  belongs 
to  the  Wisconsin  State  Medical  Association 
and  attends  the  meetings  of  the  Northern  Illi- 
nois Medical  Society  and  the  Chicago  Medi- 
cal Society,  before  both  of  which  bodies  she 
has  read  papers,  and  has  been  highly  com- 
plimented for  her  grasp  of  the  subject  and 


her  power  of  expression.  Dr.  Ewing  has  a 
finely  appointed  office  on  Madison  street,  where 
she  and  her  mother  reside.  She  belongs  to 
the  Congregational  Church,  is  active  in  Chris- 
tian Endeavor  work,  and  has  charge  of  the 
banner  Junior  Endeavor  Society  of  the  State. 

ELLIOTT  D.  BARNARD,  Evansville, 
Rock  county,  has  been  in  the  leaf  tobacco  busi- 
ness many  years  in  Evansville,  and  his  name 
is  widely  known  as  that  of  a thoroughly  hon- 
orable and  trustworthy  business  man.  Owing 
to  his  age  and  health  he  is  now  retired  from 
an  active  commercial  life,  and  is  living  in  the 
enjoyment  of  the  ample  fortune  that  he  ac- 
cumulated through  industrious  habits  and  wise 
management  in  bygone  years. 

Mr.  Barnard  was  born  in  Chautauqua 
county,  N.  Y.,  seven  miles  from  the  city  of 
Dunkirk,  Aug.  27,  1827,  a son  of  Thaddeus 
and  Hannah  (Goldsborough)  Barnard,  both 
natives  of  the  Empire  State.  Four  sons  and 
four  daughters  were  born  to  them,  three  of 
whom  are  now  living:  Jane,  widow  of  Judge 
William  Woodbury,  and  now  living  at  Gowan- 
da,  N.  Y. ; Thaddeus,  of  Smiths  Mills,  N. 
Y. ; and  Elliott  D.,  of  Evansville.  The  fa- 
ther, who  was  a farmer,  moved  from  Whites- 
town  to  Chautauqua  county,  in  the  same  State, 
where  he  died  Feb.  6,  1829,  at  the  age  of 
forty-four.  His  widow  survived  many  years, 
and  died  in  that  county  May  2,  1862,  at  the 
age  of  seventy-three.  She  was  a devout  mem- 
ber of  the  Baptist  Church.  Both  our  sub- 
ject’s grandfathers  were  natives  of  New  York, 
and  reared  large  families. 

Elliott  D.  Barnard  grew  to  manhood  un- 
der the  parental  roof  in  Chautauqua  county, 
was  reared  on  the  farm,  and  attended  district 
school.  In  1847  Mr.  Barnard  came  West  and 
made  a location  in  Rock  county,  W is..  four 
miles  east  of  Evansville,  where  he  bought  a 
small  farm  of  forty  acres.  This  was  after- 
ward sold,  and  after  his  return  from  Califor- 
nia, in  1853,  Mr.  Barnard  invested  in  160 
acres  in  the  town  of  Porter.  He  was  a ca- 
pable and  pushing  young  man,  and  was  not 
afraid  of  hard  work.  Pie  found  employment 
among  the  various  farmers  around  him,  put- 
ting in  every  moment  he  could  spare  at  good 
wages,  and  presently  became  forehanded,  buy- 
ing 160  acres  in  the  town  of  Center.  He  made 
his  home  in  Porter,  and  there  continued  to 
reside  until  he  moved  into  Evansville,  in  the 


1 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


89 


year  1880.  He  is  an  extensive  land  owner 
at  the  present  time,  and  holds  the  title  to  320 
acres  of  choice  Rock  county  farm  land. 

Mr.  Barnard,  following  the  fashion  of  the 
adventurous  and  fortune-seeking  men  of  the 
time,  made  the  journey  to  California  in  1850. 
He  crossed  the  Plains,  and  spent  three  years 
in  the  land  of  gold,  engaged  in  both  farming 
and  mining.  In  the  spring  of  1853  he  re- 
turned to  Rock  county,  and  here  he  has  since 
remained. 

I11  the  month  of  March,  1850,  Mr. 
Barnard  was  married  to  Miss  Susan  Webb,  the 
accomplished  daughter  of  Joshua  and  Ann 
Webb,  and  five  children  were  born  to  that 
union,  Emma,  Shasta  E.,  Flora,  Maude,  and 
Charley  D.  Emma  married  Daniel  Rogers, 
and  they  live  on  the  old  homestead  in  the 
town  of  Porter;  they  have  four  children, 
Claude,  Zoe,  Montfort  and  Florence.  Shasta 
E.  was  married  to  Miss  Lilia  C.  Lee,  and  has 
one  child,  Orlancl  K. ; he  is  a wholesale  dealer 
in  leaf  tobacco  in  Evansville,  and  has  achieved 
a large  success  in  that  line.  Flora  is  Mrs1. 
John  Sperry,  of  the  town  of  Porter,  and  the 
mother  of  two  children,  Olive  and  Fay.  Maude 
married  Frank  Palmer,  and  is  now  living  in 
Janesville ; they  have  one  child,  Orian.  Char- 
ley married  Catharine  Boylan,  and  lives  in 
Evansville.  Mrs.  Susan  Barnard  died  in  1863, 
and  on  April  19,  1873,  Miss  Jane  Osborn  be- 
came the  wife  of  our  subject.  She  is  the 
daughter  of  James  and  Louisa  (Ballard)  Os- 
born, and  is  a lady  of  much  character  and  in- 
telligence. They  have  two  children,  Blanche 
and  Bertha,  both  of  whom  are  living  at  home. 
Mrs.  Barnard  is  a member  of  the  Methodist 
church.  Mr.  Barnard  is  a Democrat,  was  su- 
pervisor in  the  town  of  Porter  some  three 
terms,  and  was  also  assessor  for  one  term. 

Mr.  Barnard  and  Thomas  Hudson  put  up 
a large  warehouse  for  the  handling  of  leaf  to- 
bacco in  Evansville  in  the  fall  of  1879.  Two 
years  later  Mr.  Hudson  disposed  of  his  interest 
in  the  enterprise  to  Shasta  E.  Barnard,  and 
the  firm  then  became  Barnard  & Son.  They 
built  a large  brick  warehouse,  and  entered  upon 
an  extensive  business.  In  1893  E.  D.  Barnard 
retired  from  active  business,  and  the  tobacco 
firm  became  Barnard  & Wilder.  They  ship 
tobacco  into  almost  every  region  of  the  world, 
and  are  growing  wealthy. 

Mr.  Barnard  is  now  living  retired  and  en- 
joys the  esteem  of  his  many  friends  in  Rock 


county,  which  has  been  his  home  since  1847. 
His  wife’s  parents  were  natives  of  Canada, 
but  have  been  residents  of  Rock  county  since 
1864,  and  are  still  living  in  Evansville.  They 
have  had  seven  children,  three  of  whom  are 
now  living,  Mrs.  Barnard;  James  W. ; and 
Eliza,  wife  of  Oscar  Mabie. 

LUDWIG  KUMLIEN,  M.  S.,  Professor 
of  Physics  and  Biology  at  Milton  College,' 
Milton,  Rock  county,  inherited  his  taste  for 
science.  He  was  born  in  Jefferson  county, 
Wis.,  March  15,  1854,  one  of  the  five  children 
of  Thure  Theodore  Ludwig  and  Marguerita 
(Wallberg)  Kumlien,  natives  of  Sweden,  near 
Upsala.  Of  this  family,  three  sons  and  two 
daughters,  only  two  now  survive,  Prof.  Kum- 
lien and  his  brother  Theodore,  the  latter  occu- 
pying the  old  homestead  in  Jefferson  county. 
The  father,  Thure  Theodore  Ludwig  Kumlien, 
was  a naturalist  and  teacher  in  Sweden,  his 
native  land,  and  in  1842  emigrated  to  America, 
settling  on  a farm  in  Jefferson  county,  Wis., 
near  Sumner,  where  he  reared  his  family.  He 
was  for  a number  of  years  conservator  in  the 
public  museum  in  Milwaukee,  making  his 
home  all  the  time  in  Jefferson  county,  where 
he  died  in  1888,  aged  sixty-nine  years.  His 
wife  died  in  1874.  Both  were  Lutherans  in 
religious  faith. 

Ludwig  Kumlien,  the  grandfather  of  our 
subject,  was  army  quartermaster  in  Sweden, 
and  died  there  at  an  advanced  age.  He  was 
the  owner  of  several  large  estates,  and  was 
widely  known.  His  family  comprised  sixteen 
children.  The  maternal  grandfather  of  our 
subject,  Mr.  Wallberg,  was  a trainer  of  gov- 
ernment cavalry  horses  in  Sweden,  in  that 
capacity  controlling  a number  of  men.  His 
family  consisted  of  eleven  children.  He  lived 
to  exceed  the  age  of  eighty  years. 

The  boyhood  of  our  subject  was  spent  on 
the  farm  in  Jefferson  county.  Entering  Al- 
bion Academy  as  a student,  he  graduated  at 
the  ag'e  of  nineteen,  in  1873.  He  was  then 
for  three  years  a special  student  in  the  scien- 
tific course  at  the  University  of  Wisconsin, 
Madison,  completing  his  studies  in  1877.  Im- 
mediately after  he  left  school  Mr.  Kumlien 
joined  the  polar  expedition  under  Capt.  How- 
gate,  as  naturalist,  and  in  the  Northern  seas 
rendered  valuable  service  to  the  cause  of  sci- 
ence. His  career  since  then  has  been  one  of 
active  devotion  to  scientific  pursuits.  He  was 


90 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


assistant  to  the  United  States  Fish  Commis- 
sion and  Smithsonian  Institution,  Washing- 
ton, D.  C.,  making-  for  the  former  investiga- 
tions on  artificial  propagation  of  food  fishes, 
and  for  the  latter  extensive  scientific  collec- 
tions in  various  Western  and  Northwestern 
localities  of  North  America,  and  also  in  the 
Northern  seas,  1S77-78.  He  has  been  a mem- 
ber of  the  American  Ornithological  Union  since 
1875.  He  was  instructor  at  Albion  Academy 
from  1889  to  1891,  and  in  the  latter  year  be- 
came professor  of  physics,  natural  history 
and  physiology  at  Milton  College,  with  the 
Faculty  of  which  institute  he  has  since  been 
prominently  identified.  He  has  made  various 
contributions  to  science.  He  was  a contribu- 
tor to  “North  American  Birds,”  by  Baird, 
Brewer  and  Ridgway,  in  1874,  and  to  ‘‘Water 
Birds,”  by  the  same,  in  1877-78;  has  been  a 
contributor  to  ornithological  and  zoological 
publications  since  1876;  is  the  author  of  “Con- 
tributions to  the  Natural  History  of  Arctic 
America,”  Bulletin  No.  15,  United  States  Na- 
tional Museum,  1879;  was  special  agent, 
Tenth  Census,  United  States,  on  Fisheries  of 
the  Great  Lakes,  and  of  Narragansett  and 
Buzzard's  Bays,  1879-81.  He  contributed 
“Life  History  of  North  Atlantic  Seals,”  to 
Prof.  A.  J.  Allen’s  “Monograph  of  North 
American  Pinnipedia,”  in  1880;  and  was  as- 
sociate author  “North  American  Food  Fishes,” 
National  Museum,  1881-83.  He  contributed 
many  scientific  papers  in  reports  of  the  United 
States  Fish  Commission  and  Smithsonian  In- 
stitution Bulletins  of  National  Museum,  1876- 
83 ; also  in  the  publications  entitled  “The  Auk,” 
“The  Nidologist,”  "The  Osprey,”  and  “Forest 
and  Stream,"  since  1876.  He  is  the  author  of 
Special  Census  Reports  on  Fisheries  of  the 
Great  Lakes,  1883,  and  was  Determining  Col- 
lector for  the  Milwaukee  Public  Museum  in 
1886.  He  was  a contributor  to  “Birds  of 
Michigan”  in  1893,  and  has  prepared  scientific 
collections  for  State  Normal  schools  of  Wis- 
consin and  other  institutions  since  1895. 

Prof.  Kumlien  married  a Miss  Carr,  and 
they  have  three  children,  Ludwig  Baird  Carr, 
Lawrence  Lorraine  and  Alice  Lenore. 

WILLIAM  PORTER,  Professor  of  Latin 
in  Beloit  College,  Beloit,  Rock  county,  is  one 
of  the  older  instructors  of  that  excellent  insti- 
tution, and  has  a warm  place  in  the  hearts  of 
the  old  student  world.  His  years  of  experi- 


ence have  tempered  his  spirit  and  made  him 
deeply  sympathetic  with  the  awkward  endeavor 
of  callow  youth  on  the  way  of  knowledge. 
He  appeals  to  the  nobler  love  of  learning,  and 
has  had  a mighty  influence  in  arousing  a zeal 
for  learning  in  the  classes  before  him,  and  un- 
der his  magic  touch  the  forgotten  past  re- 
appears, and  Caesar  and  Cicero  and  Livy  and 
Horace  breathe  again. 

Prof.  Porter  was  born  in  Lee,  Berkshire 
county,  Mass.,  Jan.  10,  1820,  and  is  a son  of 
William  and  Mary  Ann  (Quincy)  Porter, 
both  natives  of  Massachusetts.  They  were 
the  parents  of  turn  sons  and  two  daughters, 
and  three  of  their  children  are  now  living: 
Prof.  William ; Samuel  Quincy,  of  Unionville, 
Conn. ; and  Mary  W.,  wife  of  Franklin  Cham- 
berlin, of  Hartford,  Conn.  The  father  was  a 
lawyer,  and  practiced  his  profession  in  Lee 
until  his  death,  in  1853,  at  the  age  of  sixtv- 
one  j^ears.  His  wife  died  in  1835,  and  is  re- 
membered as  a lovely  Christian  woman. 
William  Porte**  was  a member  of  the  Congre- 
gational Church.  He  served  in  the  State 
Legislature,  and  was  also  district  attorney  for 
the  four  western  counties  of  the  State  a num- 
ber of  years.  His  father,  who  also  bore  the 
name  of  William  Porter,  was  a native  of  Mas- 
sachusetts, coming  of  English  stock,  and  passed 
all  his  life  in  Hadley,  Mass.,  dying  at  the  ad- 
vanced age  of  eighty-four.  He  was  a physician 
and  also  a farmer.  He  reared  a large  fam- 
ily. The  history  of  the  Porter  family  in  the 
town  of  Hadley  runs  back  to  1656.  Samuel 
Quincy,  the  father  of  Mary  Ann,  mentioned 
above,  was  also  a native  of  Massachusetts,  and 
of  English  lineage.  This  family  settled  the 
town  of  Quincy,  in  that  State,  and  gave  it  the 
name.  It  was  first  called  Braintree,  but  re- 
ceived its  present  appellation  in  compliment 
to  the  character  and  standing  of  the  various 
members  of  the  Quincy  family. 

Prof.  William  Porter  was  reared  in  the 
village  of  Lee,  where  he  grew  to  manhood. 
He  obtained  his  primary  education  in  the  pub- 
lic school,  supplemented  same  by  a course  at 
the  academy  in  the  village  of  Hadley,  and 
made  his  final  preparations  for  college  at  the 
Lenox  Academy.  He  matriculated  at  Williams 
College,  was  graduated  from  that  noble  school 
in  1839,  and  read  law  in  his  father’s  office  for 
the  following  year.  He  entered  the  theologi- 
cal seminary  at  Andover  for  the  purpose  of 
preparing  himself  for  the  Christian  ministry, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


9i 


and  was  engaged  in  study  for  three  years,  but 
lost  his  health  and  had  to  abandon  all  ideas  of 
a ministerial  life.  Going  to  Florida  to  regain 
his  health,  he  spent  seven  years  in  that  State 
before  he  dared  to  return  to  the  North  and  un- 
dertake again  a studious  life.  He  was  em- 
ployed for  two  years  in  Marietta  College,  a 
well-known  Ohio  school,  and  in  1852  came  to 
Beloit  to  take  a place  in  the  college,  where  he 
has  taught  from  that  time  to  the  present,  and 
has  now  almost  completed  a half  century  of 
continuous  service  in  the  noble  work  of  edu- 
cation. 

Prof.  Porter  and  Miss  Ellen  G.  Chapin 
were  married  July  13,  1854,  and  four  children 
have  blessed  this  union,  William,  Frank  Cham- 
berlin, Mary  Quincy,  and  one  child  who  died 
in  infancy.  ( 1 ) William  is  a physician  in 
Hartford,  Conn.;  he  married  Mrs.  Fannie  P. 
Hall,  and  they  have  one  child,  Margaret 
Chapin.  Mrs.  Porter  had  two  children  by 
her  former  husband,  Robert  and  Bessie.  (2) 
Frank  C.  is  a professor  in  the  Divinity  School 
of  Yale  University.  He  married  Delia  Wood 
Lyman,  and  is  the  father  of  two  sons,  Lyman 
Edwards  and  William  Quincy.  (3)  Mary  O. 
lives  at  home,  and  is  a teacher  of  German  in  the 
Beloit  high  school.  Prof.  Porter  and  his  wife 
are  members  of  the  Congregational  Church. 
He  is  a Republican. 

CHALMERS  INGERSOLL,  the  able  and 
popular  editor  and  publisher  of  the  Daily  and 
Weekly  Free  Press,  of  Beloit,  Rock  county, 
was  born  in  Westfield,  N.  Y.,  Oct.  29,  1838, 
and  is  a son  of  Thomas  and  Sarah  (Walker) 
Ingersoll,  natives  of  Massachusetts  and  New 
York,  respectively.  They  were  the  parents  of 
three  sons  and  three  daughters,  all  yet  living, 
viz. : Lucy,  wife  of  C.  K.  Judson,  Washing- 

ton, D.  C. ; Julia  A.,  wife  of  G.  W.  Tandy,  of 
Freeport,  111.;  Orton,  of  Rock  Island,  111.; 
Chalmers;  Clementine  C.,  wife  of  W.  W. 
Bigelow,  of  Chicago;  and  Joseph  W.,  of  Bowie, 
Md.  The  father  was  a teacher  in  early  life 
in  the  academy  at  Westfield,  and  left  the  school 
room  to  enter  the  employment  of  D.  Apple- 
ton  & Co.,  remaining  with  them  some,  years. 
He  died  in  New  York  in  1847,  M the  age  of 
forty-four.  His  wife  remarried,  becoming 
Mrs.  Dean.  Mr.  Dean  died,  and  she  was 
again  married,  to  J.  W.  Dean,  who  is  now 
deceased ; he  reached  the  age  of  eighty-six. 
Mrs.  Dean  died  in  September,  1897,  at  the  age 


of  eighty-three.  From  early  life  she  had  been 
associated  with  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

The  paternal  grandfather  of  Chalmers1  In- 
gersoll was  a native  of  New  York,  and  of 
English  descent.  He  was  a ship  captain,  and 
was  drowned  at  sea  while  still  in  middle  life. 
He  was  the  father  of  two  sons  and  one  daugh- 
ter. Chalmers  Ingersoll’s  maternal  grand- 
father was  a native  of  New  York,  also  of  Eng- 
lish descent,  and  was  killed  in  an  accident  when 
twenty-eight  years  of  age.  He  married  Dor- 
cas Finn,  who  came  of  Dutch  ancestry,  and  had 
four  children. 

Chalmers  Ingersoll  lived  at  Westfield  until 
nine  years  of  age,  when  he  went  to  live  near 
Brockport.  N.  Y.  The  young  lad  spent  four 
years  in  that  community  and  then  went  to 
Greenfield,  Mass.,  to  live  with  an  uncle,  Charles 
J.  J.,  a newspaper  publisher.  Chalmers  at- 
tended school,  and  when  quite  young  went  into 
his  uncle’s  printing  office  to  learn  the  trade  of 
a printer,  working  in  vacations  and  out  of 
school  hours.  After  he  had  become  a capable 
printer  he  worked  a year  at  the  case  in  Spring- 
field,  Mass.,  and  in  1856  went  to  Freeport,  111., 
to  work  for  his  brother-in-law,  C.  K.  Judson, 
a prominent  newspaper  man  of  that  early  day. 
Mr.  Ingersoll  spent  two  years  with  him  and  be- 
came widely  known  in  the  printing  fraternity 
as  a very  capable  workman — a reputation  that 
brought  him  an  invitation  to  enter  the  office 
of  the  Chicago  Tribune.  He  was  in  Chicago 
at  the  breaking  out  of  the  Civil  war,  and  early 
yielded  to  the  patriotic  fever  that  was  in  the 
blood  of  the  North,  enlisting  in  Company  G, 
8th  111.  V.  C..  and  serving  three  years  with  the 
Lhiion  colors.  When  his  term  of  enlistment 
had  expired  he  re-enlisted  as  a veteran.  He 
was  discharged  before  the  close  of  the  war  on 
account  of  serious  and  chronic  illness.  Mr. 
Ingersoll  was  in  every  respect  a capable  and 
gallant  soldier,  and  participated  in  some  of  the 
bloodiest  scenes  in  the  history  of  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac.  He  was  at  Gaines  Mills,  and 
all  through  the  Potomac  campaigns,  in  the  bat- 
tles of  Fredericksburg,  Antietam,  and  Gettys- 
burg, and  in  hundreds  of  engagements  that 
then  were  called  skirmishes,  but  which  in  any 
smaller  war  would  have  been  termed  battles. 

After  his  return  from  the  field  of  battle  Mr. 
Ingersoll  came  to  Beloit,  and  started  the  Free 
Press  in  February,  1866.  He  made  a good 
paper,  won  a considerable  support,  and  in  1872 
sold  his  printing  plant  to  Col.  Frank,  and  be- 


92 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


came  interested  in  manufacturing.  He  was 
the  first  to  put  out  the  paper  plates  used  by 
grocers,  and  for  a number  of  years  had  almost 
a monopoly  in  paper  goods.  Mr.  Ingersoll 
became  a leading  character  in  State  politics, 
and  his  work  was  recognized  by  his  appoint- 
ment as  sergeant-at-arms  in  the  State  Senate 
during  1879  and  1880.  In  1882  he  formed  a 
partnership  with  H.  F.  Hobart,  and  resumed 
the  publication  of  the  Free  Press.  Mr.  Ho- 
bart retired  from  business  the  latter  part  of 
that  year,  and  Mr.  Ingersoll  has  been  alone 
since  that  time,  and  has  published  a strong  Re- 
publican journal.  He  was  postmaster  of  Be- 
loit when  Mr.  Cleveland  became  President  of 
the  United  States,  and  had  held  that  office 
about  twenty  months,  and  as  soon  as  the  new 
administration  could  reach  him  he  was 
promptly  thrown  out.  Upon  the  accession  of 
President  Harrison  Mr.  Ingersoll  was  again 
put  in  charge  of  the  postoffice,  and  when  Mr. 
Cleveland  was  President  a second  time  he  as 
quickly  retired.  President  McKinley  ap- 
pointed him  a third  time  to  that  position,  and 
in  it  he  is  still  serving  the  Beloit  public  very 
capably. 

On  September  12,  1865,  was  celebrated  the 
marriage  of  Chalmers  Ingersoll  and  Charlotte 
B.  Rinewalt,  a daughter  of  Adam  and  Mary 
(Lelm)  Rinewalt.  They  live  at  No.  627 
Church  street,  where  he  built  a home  in  1887. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ingersoll  are  the  parents  of  three 
children,  George  B.,  Charlotte,  and  Charles 
J.  J.  The  last  named  died  of  cerebro  spinal 
meningitis  when  sixteen  months  old.  George 
B.  was  married  to  Miss  Theresa  Jenkins,  and 
they  have  two  children — Sara  and  an  infant ; 
he  is  assistant  postmaster,  and  is  a practicing 
lawyer.  Mr.  Ingersoll  is  a member  of  Morning- 
Star  Lodge,  No.  10,  A.  F.  & A.  M. ; Beloit 
Chapter,  No.  9.  R.  A.  M. ; Beloit  Commandery, 
No.  6;  and  Wisconsin  Consistory,  and  in  these 
various  branches  of  Masonry  has  displayed  a 
deep  and  intelligent  interest.  He  is  also  a 
member  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias. 

JOHN  E.  ANTHONY,  D.  D.  S.,  of 
Evansville,  Rock  county,  is  a very  successful 
dentist,  and  has  a large  patronage.  He  is  a 
man  of  irreproachable  personal  habits,  a genial 
and  social  gentleman,  and  is  fully  abreast  of  the 
times  in  everything  that  relates  to  his  pro- 
fession. 

Dr.  Anthony  was  born  in  Watertown,  N. 


Y.,  April  19,  1845,  and  was  reared  in  his  native 
State,  near  Watertown.  He  attended  the  pub- 
lic schools,  and  was  well  educated  along-  o-en- 
eral  lines  of  culture.  He  selected  dentistry 
for  his  life  work,  took  a course  in  a dental 
school  in  Philadelphia,  and  finished  in  the  city 
of  New  York.  Opening  a dental  office  at  Car- 
thage, in  his  native  State,  he  there  followed 
his  profession  for  about  a year,  but  was  com- 
pelled to  seek  other  employment  on  account 
of  ill  health,  and  lie  outside  of  the  office  for 
three  years.  He  was  at  Niles,  Mich.,  for  about 
one  year,  and  in  1868  spent  a few  months  at 
Evansville.  Six  years  later  he  came  back  to 
this  prairie  city,  and  engaged  in  his  profession, 
and  here  he  has  made  his  home  to  the  present 
time. 

Dr.  Anthony  and  Miss  Katie  R.  Whaley, 
daughter  of  John  Whaley,  w^ere  married  Jan. 
12,  1879.  They  occupy  a pleasant  home  on 
Main  street,  and  are  highly  thought  of  in  the 
community.  Dr.  Anthony  is  prominent  in  fra- 
ternal circles,  and  belongs  to  various  orders. 
He  stands  high  in  Masonic  associations,  and 
holds  membership  in  Union  Lodge,  No.  32, 
A.  F.  & A.  M. ; Chapter  No.  35,  R.  A.  M.,  at 
Evansville;  and  Janesville  Commandery,  No. 
2,  K.  T.  He  is  also  a member  of  Evansville 
Lodge,  Iv.  P. ; T.  L.  Sutphen  Post,  No.  41, 
G.  A.  R. ; and  the  Modern  Woodmen,  and  is 
popular  and  welcome  in  these  various  associa- 
tions. Dr.  Anthony  is  a Republican.  He  en- 
listed at  Watertown,  N.  Y.,  early  in  1862,  as 
a member  of  Battery  D,  1st  New  York  Light 
Artillery,  and  was  discharged  Dec.  4,  same 
year,  on  account  of  serious  disability.  He 
took  part  in  the  battle  of  Malvern  Hill,  and  in 
a number  of  skirmishes. 

REV.  WALLACE  M.  SHORT,  the  schol- 
arly and  devoted  pastor  of  the  Congregational 
Church  at  Evansville,  Rock  county,  is  a man 
distinguished  not  less  for  his  ability  as  a pul- 
pit orator  than  for  his  profound  interest  in 
everything  that  relates  to  the  moral  and  spirit- 
ual welfare  of  the  community.  He  is  at  once 
loyal  to  the  denomination  with  which  he  is  as- 
sociated, and  faithful  to  the  larger  church  of 
which  it  is  but  a part. 

Rev.  Wallace  M.  Short  was  born  at  Col- 
lege Springs,  Iowa,  June  28,  1866,  and  is  a son 
of  James  B.  and  Eugenia  (Noe)  Short,  natives 
of  Illinois  and  Ohio,  respectively.  They  were 
the  parents  of  three  sons  and  two  daughters, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


93 


four  now  living  : Rev.  Wallace  M. ; Rev.  Will- 
iam H. ; Jessie  M.,  a graduate  of  Beloit  Col- 
lege; and  Frank  E.,  in  business  in  Beloit;  Alice, 
who  died  in  childhood,  was  the  eldest  child. 
The  father  was  a farmer,  and  made  a location 
in  Iowa  in  1856,  at  College  Springs.  There 
he  reared  his  family,  in  the  quiet  and  strength- 
giving surroundings  of  a rural  life,  and  there 
he  lived  until  1894,  in  which  year  he  gave  up 
the  farm  and  went  to  Beloit,  Wis., 'to  spent  his 
last  days.  He  is  a deacon  of  the  Congrega- 
tional Church,  and  with  his  wife  has  long  been 
a devout  member  of  that  religious  body.  Mr. 
Short  was  a soldier  in  the  Civil  war,  and  served 
as  a member  of  the  8th  Iowa  Cavalry.  He  was 
in  the  battle  of  Franklin,  Tenn.,  and  alto- 
gether participated  in  about  thirty  engage- 
ments, great  and  small.  During  his  active  life 
James  B.  Short  was  a man  of  considerable 
prominence  in  local  affairs,  and  held  various 
township  offices,  meeting  all  responsibilities 
placed  upon  him  to  the  satisfaction  of  all  con- 
cerned. His  father,  John  Short,  was  a native 
of  Tennessee,  of  Scotch-Irish  descent,  and  fol- 
lowed an  agricultural  life.  He  was  born  in 
the  closing  part  of  the  eighteenth  century,  and 
moved  to  Granville,  Putnam  Co.,  111.,  while 
still  a young  man.  He  served  in  the  Black 
Hawk  war,  was  a man  of  character  and  energy, 
and  lived  to  be  fifty-five  years  of  age.  He 
reared  a family  of  eight  children.  Ebenezer 
Noe,  the  father  of  Eugenia,  referred  to  above, 
was  born  in  Connecticut,  and  was  of  French 
descent.  He  was  a farmer,  and  after  he  lived 
in  Iowa  carried  the  mails  at  an  early  day,  on 
horseback.  He  was  an  early  settler  in  that 
State,  and  is  still  living  at  College  Springs, 
at  the  venerable  age  of  eighty-nine  years.  He 
is  the  father  of  seven  children,  four  of  whom 
are  now  living.  His  father  served  in  the  war 
of  1812. 

Rev.  Wallace  M.  Short  attained  his  man- 
hood on  the  farm  at  College  Springs,  began 
his  education  in  the  local  schools,  continued  it 
at  Amity  (Iowa)  College,  and  was  graduated 
from  Beloit  (Wis.)  College  in  1893,  taking  the 
full  classical  course.  He  made  his  theological 
preparation  for  the  ministry  at  Yale,  and  re- 
ceived his  diploma  from  that  institution  in 
1896.  The  same  year  he  was  called  to  the 
pastorate  of  the  Congregational  Church  at 
Evansville,  and  at  once  entered  upon  its  duties. 
He  has  won  a standing  in  this  community,  not 
only  as  a capable  and  earnest  preacher  and 


pastor,  but  as  an  enlightened  and  progressive 
citizen  of  the  town.  Mr.  Short  made  his  own 
way  through  college.  He  learned  the  cheese- 
maker's  trade  when  quite  a young  man,  and 
followed  it  at  College  Springs,  and  also  at 
Maryville,  Missouri. 

The  year  1896  is  a memorable  one  in  the 
history  of  Mr.  Short.  It  was  the  year  of  his 
graduation  from  Yale,  it  was  the  year  of  his 
call  to  Evansville,  and  it  was  the  year  of  his 
marriage.  O11  July  8,  that  year,  he  wedded 
Miss  Mary  E.  Morse,  daughter  of  James  and 
Jennie  (Smith)  Morse,  the  former  born  in 
Ohio,  the  latter  in  England.  Her  grandfa- 
ther Morse,  who  is  now  residing  in  Racine,  at 
the  advanced  age  of  ninety-three,  was  a rela- 
tive of  Samuel  F.  B.  Morse. 

1 

DAVID  B.  WORTHINGTON,  editor  and 
proprietor  of  the  Beloit  Daily  and  U'eekly 
Nezvs,  has  devoted  his  whole  life  to  newspaper 
work.  He  was  born  in  Centralia,  Wis.,  Oct. 
10,  1863,  son  of  Ralph  Cushman  Worthington, 
a direct  descendant  of  the  Cushman  who  char- 
tered the  “Mayflower.”  Our  subject's  mother, 
Susan  Compton,  was  a native  of  New  York. 
The  parents  were  pioneers  of  Wood  county, 
Wisconsin. 

Mr.  Worthington  graduated  from  the  high 
school  in  his  native  town  at  the  age  of  fifteen, 
entered  a printing  office,  and  has  ever  since  been 
in  one  in  some  capacity.  As  a young  man  he 
did  reportorial  work  on  the  Miltvaukce  lour- 
nal,  Duluth  Tribune,  Seattle  Post-Intelligencer, 
San  Francisco  Chronicle  and  Chicago  Tnnes- 
Herald.  On  these  able  journals  he  secured  a 
first-class  journalistic  training,  which  fitted  him 
for  the  conduct  of  his  paper  at  Beloit,  in  which 
he  secured  a half  interest  Jan.  1,  1897.  Early 
in  1900  he  became  sole  owner,  and  to-day  pub- 
lishes one  of  the  ablest  dailies  in  the  State,  be- 
sides conducting-  a large  job-printing  establish- 
ment, equipped  with  modern  presses  designed 
especially  for  catalogue  and  two-color  work. 
Energy  is  the  keynote  of  Mr.  Worthington  s 
success  in  business.  He  came  to  Beloit  with 
only  experience  and  push  for  his  capital,  took 
hold  of  a practically  defunct  paper,  and  in  four 
years  built  up  a property  worth  many  thousands 
of  dollars. 

ROBERT  M.  HUNTINGTON  (de- 
ceased) was  for  many  years  a stock  farmer  in 
the  town  of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  and  is 


94 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


remembered  as  a thoroughly  honest  and  up- 
right man,  who  amassed  a considerable  for- 
tune by  unflagging  industry  and  careful  man- 
agement. He  was  known  as  a straightforward 
and  reliable  man,  and  a kind  neighbor,  of 
genial  and  social  character. 

Mr.  Huntington  was  born  in  July,  1839, 
son  of  Richard  and  Mary  (Myers)  Hunting- 
ton,  both  natives  of  England.  Richard  Hunt- 
ington came  to  this  State  as  early  as  1834, 
and  settled  two  miles  south  of  Platteville,  on 
the  Darlington  road.  He  owned  seven  or  eight 
hundred  acres  of  the  finest  farm  land  in  the 
county,  put  up  a large  brick  house  and  fine 
barns  in  i860,  and  was  continually  engaged 
in  the  improvement  of  the  magnificent  rural 
estate.  Both  himself  and  wife  died  on  this 
farm,  she  in  1846,  and  he  in  1871.  For  his 
second  wife  he  married  Miss  Lucy  Coleburn, 
of  Vermont,  who  died  in  1895.  There  were 
six  children  by  the  second  union : Ellen  is  Mrs. 
Henry  Dorscher,  of  Platteville.  Charles  died 
when  a young  man.  Frank  married  Miss 
Estabrook,  and  lives  in  Lafayette  county. 
Laura  married  Philip  Roundtree,  and  is  now 
dead.  Samuel  lives  at  Sioux  Falls,  S.  Dak. 
Caroline  is  the  wife  of  John  Spink,  of  St.  Paul. 
The  children  of  Richard  and  Mary  (Myers) 
Huntington  were  as  follows:  William  Morsby 
married  Miss  Sarah  Robinson,  and  settled  on 
a part  of  the  old  homestead,  where  he  lived 
until  his  death,  in  i860,  leaving  a wife  and 
one  child,  Edward ; the  young  man  is  now  a 
hardware  merchant  in  the  State  of  Iowa. 
Richard  died  unmarried.  Lydia  A.  married 
George  C.  Huntington,  and  lives  at  Luverne, 
Minn.,  where  her  husband  is  engaged  in  the 
real-estate  and  banking  business;  they  have 
three  children,  Pearl,  Laura  (Mrs.  Ladew), 
and  Guy  (of  Colorado).  Robert  M.  is  men- 
tioned below. 

Robert  M.  Huntington  rvas  educated  in  the 
Platteville  high  school,  and  followed  farming, 
settling  on  the  old  homestead  after  his  mar- 
riage. He  put  up  buildings  that  are  both  use- 
ful and  attractive,  having  one  of  the  pleasant 
homes  in  the  county.  Mr.  Huntington  married 
Miss  Mary  M.  Stephens,  who  was  born  in 
1844,  daughter  of  William  C.  and  Ann 
(Mitchell)  Stephens.  Her  parents  were  born, 
reared  and  married  in  England,  coming  thence 
to  America  in  1842,  the  year  of  their  marriage, 
and  settling  in  Grant  county,  AVis. ; they  died 
in  Platteville.  Of  their  family  of  six  children, 


Ali  is  a resident  of  Platteville;  George,  of 
Fairfield,  Iowa;  Amo,  of  Platteville;  Mary 
M.  became  the  wife  of  our  subject;  Thomas 
and  Harlan  are  deceased.  Mr.  Huntington 
died  in  1872,  leaving  his  wife  with  five  chil- 
dren: Selina,  born  in  1863,  received  her  edu- 
cation in  the  Platteville  high  school;  she  is 
now  the  wife  of  Bryant  Trenary,  a farmer  in 
the  town  of  Platteville,  and  they  have  one 
son,  Clyde,  who  is  now  a young  man;  their 
daughter,  Laura,  died  at  the  age  of  eight  years. 
Annie,  the  wife  of  Frank  Trenary,  is  men- 
tioned elsewhere  in  connection  with  her  hus- 
band. Albert,  born  in  August,  1867,  married 
Miss  Mary  Kleibenstein,  and  has  one  daugh- 
ter, Gertrude,  born  in  1895;  they  now  reside 
on  his  father's  old  homestead.  William,  born 
in  1869,  is  unmarried,  and  at  home.  Nellie, 
the  youngest  child,  died  when  she  had  reached 
the  age  of  fourteen;  she  was  a very  bright 
and  promising  young  girl,  and  her  loss  was 
deeply  felt. 

On  Aug.  3,  1876,  Mrs.  Huntington  married 
for  her  second  husband  AVesley  Smith,  and 
to  this  union  three  sons  were  born:  Arthur,. of 
Moline,  111. ; Lester,  of  the  United  States  navy ; 
and  Frank,  of  Platteville.  Mrs.  Smith  is  a 
member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
where  she  and  her  family  worship. 

Mr.  Huntington  was  a Democrat.  He  was 
a man  of  marked  domestic  habits,  finding  a 
world  of  pleasure  in  the  company  of  his  wife 
and  children.  In  1892  Mrs.  Smith  purchased 
a home  in  Platteville,  where  she  lived  until 
1900,  in  that  year  returning  to  her  country 
home.  The  various  representatives  of  this 
family  are  all  very  prosperous,  and  own  fine 
estates  in  Grant  and  Lafayette  counties. 

REV.  PETER  PAPE,  priest  of.  St.  An- 
drew’s Catholic  Church,  of  Potosi,  Grant 
county,  is  a native  of  Wisconsin,  having  been 
born  in  Springfield  Corners,  Dane  county, 
Feb.  14,  1866,  son  of  Frank  and  Susan 
(Schaff hausen)  Pape.  Frank  Pape  came  to 
Dane  county  while  a young  man,  married,  and 
settled  on  a farm  of  unbroken  land  near 
Springfield  Corners,  where  he  resided  until  his 
death,  in  1884.  His  wife  is  still  living,  resid- 
ing in  Dane  county. 

" Rev.  Peter  Pape  received  his  early,  educa- 
tion in  the  common  schools  of  his  neighbor- 
hood, and  then  entered  St.  Francis  Seminary, 
at  Milwaukee,  and  was  ordained  to  the  priest- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


95 


hood  June  22,  1890,  by  Bishop  Richter,  of 
Grand'  Rapids.  He  was  first  stationed  at 
Kenosha,  Wis.,  as  assistant,  remaining  there 
two  years.  His  next  charge  was  the  Church 
of  St.  Hubertus  and  St.  Augustine,  at  Rich- 
field, Washington  county,  where  he  remained 
three  years  and  eight  months-,  coming  thence 
to  Potosi  on  April  27,  1895. 

Rev.  Peter  Pape  is  a member  of  the  Catho- 
lic Knights  and  St.  Andrew’s  Benevolent  So- 
ciety. Although  still  a young  man,  our  sub- 
ject has  shown  a high  -order  of  ability  as  a 
priest,  and  has  attached  himself  to  his  people 
in  a remarkable  degree. 

St.  Andrew’s  Catholic  Church,  of  Po- 
tosi, Grant  county,  was  organized  in  1846,  Rev. 
Andrew  Tush  celebrating  mass  that  year  on 
the  first  Sunday  in  Advent.  The  congrega- 
tion consisted  of  some  twenty  families,  and  the 
first  church  edifice  was  a small  frame  one, 
20x30  feet,  to  which  additions  were  made 
until  it  covered  an  area  of  50x30  feet.  Con- 
nected with  the  church  from  the  beginning 
was  a parochial  school,  which  was  in  charge  of 
a lay  teacher,  and  later  of  sisters  from  various 
orders. 

Father  Tush  was  succeeded  by  the  follow- 
ing priests:  Rev.  Schraudenbach,  1851  to 
1855;  Rev.  Michael  Beiter,  1855  to  1856; 
Rev.  Joseph  Polking,  1856  to  1857;  Rev.  T. 
M.  Obermueller,  1858  to  1859;  Rev.  F.  Zuber, 
1859  to  1863;  Rev.  L.  Lenox,  1863  to  1864; 
Rev.  H.  J.  Muckerheide,  1864  to  1865:  Rev. 
J.  M.  Albers,  1866  to  1868  ; Rev.  M.  De  ’Becke, 
1868  to  1871;  James  Kleiber,  1871  to  1872; 
Rev.  J.  A.  Mueller,  1872  to  1874;  Rev.  N.  A. 
Thill,  1874  t-o  1877:  Rev.  A.  Bruhin,  1877 
to  1880;  Rev.  Joseph  Dreis,  1880  to  1886; 
Rev.  P.  M.  Grobschmidt,  1881  to  1890;  Rev. 
August  B.  Salick,  1890  to  1895:  and  Rev. 
Peter  Pape,  the  present  incumbent. 

The  present  church  structure  is  built  of 
brick,  handsomely  furnished,  covers  an  area 
of  100x50  feet,  and  has  a tower  12x14  feet 
beyond  the  main  edifice.  It  was  erected  by 
Father  N.  A.  Thill,  in  1-875,  at  a cost  of 
$12,000.  The  old  church  served  as  a school 
for  a time,  but  is  now  replaced  by  a handsome 
building,  constructed  in  1896,  of  brick,  two 
stories  in  height,  covering  an  area  80x32  feet. 
The  ground  floor  consists  of  three  large  rooms, 
rvhile  the  second  is  thrown  into  a hall.  This 
building  was  erected  at  a cost  of  $4,200.  In 
the  church  itself,  the  appointments  are  very 


costly,  the  high  altar,  put  in  by  Father  Salick, 
costing  $1,200.  The  congregation  numbers 
165  families,  and  about  480  souls. 

The  school,  which  is  one  of  the  best  in  the 
diocese,  is  in  charge  of  sisters  of  the  Order  of 
St.  Francis,  of  Wisconsin.  The  attendance  is 
from  150  to  155  pupils,  and  the  course  of 
study  a very  fine  one.  The  church  has  an 
order  of  Catholic  Knights  of  Wisconsin,  J. 
P.  Stelphfling,  president;  J.  J.  Tobin,  secretary; 
August  Franke,  treasurer;  and  Jacob  Duve, 
assistant  secretary. 

St.  Thomas  Catholic  Church,  Potosi, 
Grant  county,  celebrated  its  fiftieth  anniversary 
in  1886,  having  been  organized  sixty-five  years 
ago,  in  what  was  then  the  village  of  Van  Buren, 
although  at  present  not  one  of  the  original 
members  is  living,  the  last  survivor,  Celestine 
Ivaltersbuch,  having  passed  away  since  the 
half  century  -milestone  of  the  church  was 
passed. 

From  1S36  to  1840  the  tin}-  church  was 
dependent  upon  missionaries,  and  among  those 
who  ministered  to  the  faithful  congregation 
during  those  early  days  were  Rev.  Mathias 
Doras,  now  bishop  of  Dubuque,  Iowa,  and 
Father  Mazzuchelli,  of  Galena,  where  the  rec- 
ords were  kept  until  the  church  was  fully  or- 
ganized at  Potosi.  The  first  church  building 
was  of  logs,  and  stood  on  the  site  of  the  present 
village  of  Potosi.  Later  it  served  as  a residence 
for  a Mr.  Ragan.  On  June  2,  1841,  the  rec- 
ords were  brought  to  Potosi.  Father  Causse 
was  the  first  priest  in  charge,  staying  from 
1840  to  1854,  during  which  time  he  baptized 
475  people,  and  his  congregation  increased  to 
500  people.  Following  this  good  priest  were 
Fathers  Princton  and  Martin  Hubbs,  and  then 
Rev.  J.  N.  Brogard,  who  remained  until  1857. 
The  next  incumbent  was  Rev.  M.  W.  Gibson, 
1857  to  1861,  who  was  followed  by  Father  G. 
H.  Brennan  and  Rev.  W.  IT.  Verhoef,  the  latter 
remaining  until  1865.  Rev.  T.  M.  Albers  re- 
mained from  1865  to  1867  and  part  of  1868. 
Later  Rev.  Nuits  and  Rev.  Vivaldi  officiated, 
and  they  were  succeeded  by  Rev.  Thomas  P. 
H-odnett.  Father  James  Kleiber  followed, 
from  1871  to  1873;  from  1873  to  1876  Rev. 
J.  A.  Mueller  was  in  charge,  and  was  succeeded 
by  Rev.  James  Tiernan,  1S73  to  1876;  Rev. 
J.  C.  DeVine  officiated  from  1876  to  1880,  at 
which  time  he  died,  and  was  buried  June  1, 
1880,  at  Potosi.  For  a short  time  during 
1880  Rev.  William  Bernhard  officiated,  assist- 


96 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ed  by  Rev.  Joseph  A.  Dreis,  and  they  were  suc- 
ceeded by  Rev.  Grobschmidt,  Rev.  A.  B.  Salick, 
and  Rev.  Peter  Pape,  the  present  priest  in 
charge. 

'1  he  present  church  building  was  erected 
by  Father  Causse,  in  1847,  at  a cost  $8,000. 
It  is  a substantial  structure  of  brick,  covering 
an  area  of  36x56,  and  is  two  stories  in  height, 
with  a steeple  sixty  feet  high.  The  interior 
of  the  church  is  beautifully  finished,  while  the 
high  altar  is  a marvel  of  beauty.  The  building 
adjacent  to  the  church  was  built  prior  to 
1845,  and  was  used  as  a female  seminary  by 
sisters  from  Dubuque  until  1852.  During 
Father  Albers’  incumbency  arrangements  were 
made  to  have  St.  Thomas  made  a mission  of 
St.  Andrew’s,  which  condition  exists  to-day. 

WILLIAM  HENRY  BORDEN,  M.  D., 
has  for  over  forty-six  years  been  a medical 
practitioner  at  Milton,  Rock  county,  and  is 
still  actively  engaged  in  his  profession.  His 
long  residence  at  Milton  has  been  one  of  wide 
usefulness  and  eminent  success,  broken  only 
by  his  service  in  the  army  during  the  Civil 
war. 

Dr.  Borden  was  born  in  Sharon,  Schoharie 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  24,  1824,  son  of  James  and 
Rebecca  Combs  (Craige)  Borden,  and  grand- 
son of  Peletiah  and  Ellen  (Gordonier)  Borden, 
the  grandfather  a native  of  New  York,  of 
English  extraction,  the  grandmother  of  Hol- 
land parentage.  They  reared  a large  family, 
eight  sons  and  five  daughters.  Peletiah  Borden 
was  by  occupation  a farmer  and  blacksmith, 
and  lived  to  the  age  of  over  seventy-five  years. 
He  served  a short  time  in  the  Revolution. 

James  Borden,  father  of  our  subject,  was 
born  in  Sharon,  N.  Y.,  and  was  reared  a 
farmer.  He  married  Rebecca  Combs  Craige, 
a native  of  Monmouth,  N.  J.,  daughter  of  a 
cabinet  maker,  and  one  of  a family  of  seven 
children — three  sons  and  four  daughters.  She 
was  of  Scotch-Irish  extraction.  James  Borden 
acquired  the  tanner’s,  currier’s  and  shoe- 
maker's trades,  which  he  followed  for  a number 
of  years,  devoting  his1  attention  chiefly  to  tan- 
ning. He  died  at  Otto,  N.  Y.,  Nov.  13,  1850, 
at  the  comparatively  early  age  of  forty-eight 
years.  His  wife  survived  until  October,  1893, 
passing  away  at  the  ripe  old  age  of  ninety- 
three  years  and  seven  months.  Both  in  their 
younger  years  were  members  of  a Presbyterian 
Church  which  was  later  merged  into  the  Con- 


gregational Church.  To  James  and  Rebecca 
C.  Borden  were  born  seven  children,  five  sons 
and  two  daughters,  of  whom  the  following  sur- 
vive : Dr.  William  H.,  our  subject;  Marietta, 
wife  of  Hurd  Strickland,  of  Otto,  N.  Y. ; Ly- 
man S.,  of  Milton,  Wi'S1. ; Jay,  of  Springville, 
N.  Y.,  and  James  Craige,  of  Otto,  New  York. 

The  boyhood  of  Dr.  Borden  was  spent  in 
Otto,  Cattaraugus  Co.,  N.  Y.  where  he  was 
employed  in  his  father’s  tannery  when  not  at- 
tending school.  He  was  a pupil  in  the  common 
schools,  attended  the  select  schools  at  Gowan- 
da,  N.  Y.,  and  later  for  nearly  two  years  was 
a student  of  the  academy  at  Fredonia,  N.  Y. 
When  his  education  was  thus  completed  he 
taught  school  for  three  terms.  Then,  decid- 
ing to  adopt  medicine  as  his  life  work,  he 
began  study  in  the  office  of  Dr.  Levi  Goldsbor- 
ough,  of  Otto,  later  entering  the  Medical  De- 
partment of  the  University  of  Buffalo,  at  Buf- 
falo, N.  Y.,  of  which  he  was  one  of  the  first 
students,  and  graduating  from  that  institution 
April  19,  1849. 

Dr.  Borden  visited  Jamestown,  N.  Y.,  with 
a view  to  beginning  his  practice  in  that  town, 
but  a few  weeks  later  was  offered  a partner- 
ship with  Dr.  Wilcox,  at  Randolph,  N.  Y., 
which  he  accepted.  This  partnership  lasted  a 
year,  and  at  its  conclusion  Dr.  Borden  prac- 
ticed for  two  years  at  Scio,  N.  Y.  The  ill- 
ness of  his  old  preceptor,  Dr.  Goldsborough, 
of  Otto,  presented  an  opportunity  for  a part- 
nership in  that  town,  which  was  accepted. 
But  a year  later,  in  1854,  the  young  physician, 
now  confident  of  his  future,  resolved  to  begin 
anew  in  the  West.  Locating  at  Milton,  Wis., 
in  that  year,  he  has  there  continued  in  practice 
ever  since,  except  during  the  closing  year  of 
the  Civil  war,  when  he  served  as  surgeon  of 
the  rst  Wisconsin  Heavy  Artillery,  until  the 
regiment  was  mustered  out.  He  at  once  re- 
sumed his  lucrative  practice  at  Milton,  which 
he  has  ever  since  continued.  Dr.  Borden  is 
a member  of  the  Wisconsin  State  Medical  So- 
ciety, and  of  the  Board  of  Examining  Surgeons 
of  the  Pension  Bureau  at  Janesville,  and  has 
been  for  many  years  prominently  identified 
with  the  medical  papers  of  southern  Wis- 
consin. 

Dr.  Borden  was  married,  Jan.  23,  1851,  to 
Miss  Lavina  Depew  Van  Campen,  daughter 
of  Capt.  Benjamin  and  Mary  (Saunders)  Van 
Campen.  To  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Borden  have  been 
born  three  children : Mary  Alice  is  at  home 


V 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


97 


with  her  parents.  Emily  A.  married  George 
Van  Campen,  of  Olean,  N.  Y.,  and  has  one 
child,  Benjamin.  James  B.,  a graduate  of 
Milton  College,  classical  course,  and  a post- 
graduate of  the  State  University  at  Madi- 
son, is  now  superintendent  of  public  schools 
and  principal  of  the  high  school  at  Marsh- 
field, Wis. ; he  married  Miss  Mary  Alice 
Tompkins,  and  has  one  son,  William  Henry. 
In  the  present  home  at  Milton  the  family  has 
lived  for  the  past  thirty-one  years.  Since  the 
Doctor’s  purchase  of  the  property  he  has  re- 
modeled it  throughout,  making  Ins  one  of  the 
attractive  and  inviting  residences  of  the  city. 

Dr.  Borden  and  family  are  attendants  of 
the  Congregational  Church.  For  a number  of 
years  he  was  a prominent  Odd  Fellow,  but  is 
no  longer  active  in  the  order.  In  politics  he  is 
an  independent.  Dr.  Borden  is  a much  re- 
spected authority  in  Milton,,  not  only  pro- 
fessionally, but  in  all  matters  that  pertain  to 
the  general  welfare.  His  long  residence  in 
the  thriving  little  city  has  made  him  a living 
factor  in  its  growth  from  its  infancy,  and  the 
elements  for  well-being,  to  which  for  nearly 
a half  century  he  has  contributed  so  generous- 
ly. will  remain  and  widen  their  influence  long 
after  his  active  life  work  has  drawn  to  a close. 

GEORGE  H.  GOLDMANN,  postmaster 
at  Annaton,  Clifton  township,  Grant  county, 
is  one  of  the  leading  men  of  the  community 
in  which  he  has  made  his  home  for  so  many 
years,  and  in  which  he  has  been  instrumental 
in  promoting  the  material  welfare  of  the  peo- 
ple. Our  subject  was  born  in  Linden,  Iowa 
Co.,  Wis.,  Nov.  14,  1853,  son  of  Freimund  and 
Helena  (Gundrum)  Goldmann. 

Freimund  Goldmann  was  born  in  Prussia, 
Germany,  and  came  to  Iowa  county,  Wis., 
while  a single  man.  He  married,  in  Linden,  in 
1851,  and  bought  a soldier’s  land  warrant, 
locating  480  acres  of  land,  at  eighty-five  cents 
per  acre.  This  land  he  improved,  and  made 
his  home  there  until  his  death,  which  occurred 
in  January,  1892;  his  wife  still  survives,  resid- 
ing on  the  home  farm.  To  them  ten  children 
were  born : Ellen,  now  Mrs.  Clauer,  of  Bee- 
town ; George  H. ; Agnes,  now  Mrs.  Fitzsim- 
mons, of  Montfort,  Wis. : Mary,  Mrs.  I.  Con- 
roy, now  deceased ; Lydia,  Airs.  Hilery,  of 
Nebraska;  Charlie,  on  the  home  farm;  Louis, 
at  home;  Lena;  Minnie;  Emil,  who  died  in  in- 
fancy. 


Our  subject  was  reared  and  educated  in 
Linden  township,  coming  to  Annaton  Feb.  8, 
1875,  and  learning  the  trade  of  wheelwright 
in  the  shop  of  William  Kraemer,  in  a building 
erected  by  Mr.  Kraemer  in  1871.  The  business 
consisted  of  the  manufacture  of  wagons,  bug- 
gies and  other  vehicles,  all  of  the  work  being 
done  by  hand,  and  this  establishment  Mr. 
Goldmann  still  carries  on,  in  connection  with 
farming  and  conducting  the  postoffice.  For  a 
few  years  Mr.  Goldmann  successfully  operated 
a mercantile  establishment,  but  disposed  of  that 
enterprise,  owing  to  pressure  of  other  duties. 

On  Sept.  ,23,  1878,  Air.  Goldmann  was 
married  at  Annaton  to  Aliss  Emma  Kraemer, 
born  in  Philadelphia,  Penn.,  a daughter  of 
William  Kraemer,  a native  of  Germany,  who 
came  to  Philadelphia,  and  thence  in  1S56  to 
Liberty,  township,  Grant  county,  where  he 
purchased  forty  acres  of  land,  on  which  he 
erected  a shop  and  embarked  in  a wagon-mak- 
ing business.  Later  he  removed  his  plant  to 
Annaton,  built  a shop,  and  also  conducted  a 
general  store.  Here  he  died  in  1889,  and  his 
widow  still  survives,  residing  at  Lancaster, 
To  himself  and  wife  were  born  eight  children: 
Emma,  Airs.  Goldmann;  Kate,  Airs.  Wetter,  of 
Lancaster;  Philopena,  Airs.  Henry  Sander,  of 
Platteville;  Lizzie,  Airs.  Roethe,  who  died  in 
Clifton  township  April  19,  1900;  Alary,  Airs. 
George  Damm,  of  Lancaster,  who  with  her 
husband  met  with  a frightful  accident  from  an 
explosion  of  gasoline  on  Sept.  1,  1899,  from 
which  she  died  the  following  day,  and  he 
thirty-six  hours  from  the  time  of  the  accident ; 
Alinnie,  Mrs.  Louis  Stippich,  of  Wichita, 
Ivans. ; Louise,  Airs.  Herman  Bast,  of  Lancas- 
ter; and  Caroline,  Airs.  Kramer,  of  Lancaster. 

The  family  of  Air.  and  Mrs.  Goldmann  is 
an  interesting  one:  William  L.,  Ernest  F., 
Amelia  J.,  Herbert  EL,  George  A.,  and  Frieda 
IT.,  all  at  home. 

Air.  Goldmann  is  a stanch  Republican, 
active  in  the  affairs  of  his  party,  and  has 
served  most  acceptably  as  postmaster  for  eleven 
years,  having  been  appointed  A'lay  25,  1889, 
succeeding  S.  F.  Aloody,  of  Wingville.  The  of- 
fice is  epute  an  important  one, having  been  estab- 
lished about  1865,  and  a considerable  amount 
of  business  is  transacted  through  it.  In  addi- 
tion to  his  other  offices  and  duties  Mr.  Gold- 
mann was  justice  of  the  peace,  having  held  that 
office  eight  years,  and  has  been  a notary  public 
a number  of  years  since.  Few  men  in  Grant 


7 


98 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


county  are  more  widely  known,  and  certainly 
none  is  more  highly  esteemed,  than  Mr.  Gold- 
mann. 

KIMBLE  IvlLLAM,  superintendent  of  the 
Rock  County  Insane  Asylum  and  Almshouse, 
Janesville  township,  is  a public  official  whose 
record  shows  that  he  has  faithfully  discharged 
the  trusts  heretofore  reposed  in  him,  and  that 
he  is  a man  to  whom  may  safely  be  trusted  the 
care  of  the  unfortunates  of  his  locality. 

Kimble  Killam  was  born  in  Milton,  Rock 
county,  Jan.  18,  1849,  a son  °f  Rush  and  Ada 
J.  (Kimble)  Killam,  natives  of  Pike  county, 
Penn.  The  paternal  grandfather  of  our  sub- 
ject, Moses  Killam,  was  a native  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, of  Mohawk-Dutch  descent.  By  occu- 
pation he  was  a farmer  and  surveyor,  and  he 
died  at  an  advanced  age.  He  had  sixteen 
children.  The  grandfather  on  the  mother’s 
side,  Burnham  Kimble,  was  also  a native  of 
Pennsylvania,  and  of  Mohawk-Dutch  descent. 
The  family  resided  in  that  state  for  several 
generations  prior  to  the  time  of  Burnham 
Kimble.  By  occupation  he  was  a farmer,  and 
he  died  when  an  old  man;  he  had  eleven  chil- 
dren. 

Rush  Killam,  the  father  of  Kimble  Killam, 
was  a farmer,  and  migrated  to  Wisconsin  in 
1839,  entering  a farm  from  the  government, 
in  the  northern  part  of  Milton,  in  sections  1 
and  2.  This  property  he  improved,  and  resided 
on  it  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1871, 
when  he  was  fifty-seven.  His  widow  still  sur- 
vives, residing  on  a farm  in  Lima,  owned  by 
Kimble  Killam.  In  religious  belief  Mrs.  Rush 
Killam  is  a Methodist,  while  her  husband  was  a 
Universalist.  During  his  life  Rush  Killam  was 
township  supervisor  and  assessor.  Five  chil- 
dren were  born  to  this  worthy  couple,  one  son 
and  four  daughters,  four  now  living:  Lucy  A. ; 
Kimble;  Harriet,  deceased,  who  was  the  wife 
of  S.  F.  Minard;  Cornelia  I.,  wife  of  J.  J. 
Neal,  of  Chicago;  and  Augusta,  wife  of  Au- 
gust Dabbert,  of  Chicago. 

Kimble  Killam,  our  subject,  was  reared  to 
manhood  in  Milton  township,  attended  the 
public  schools,  and  later  went  two  terms  to  Mil- 
ton  College,  after  which  he  returned  to  his  oc- 
cupation of  farming.  After  his  father’s  death, 
when  he  was  twenty-two,  Kimble  Killam  rent- 
ed the  home  farm  for  seven  years,  then  pur- 
chased it,  and  after  improving  the  property  sold 
it  in  1895,  and  bought  the  farm  of  160  acres  in 


Lima  township  which  he  still  owns.  Here  he 
resided  until  he  was  elected,  by  the  board  of 
trustees,  as  superintendent  of  the  Rock  County 
Insane  Asylum  and  Almshouse,  which  position 
he  assumed  on  Feb.  1,  1900.  Prior  to  this 
date  Mr.  Killam  held  various  public  offices, 
having  been  supervisor  of  Milton  township  a 
number  of  years ; chairman  of  the  town  board 
several  terms;  assessor  in  Milton  township  for 
five  years ; and  a member  of  the  board  of  trus- 
tees of  the  Asylum  for  four  years  before  he 
was  appointed  superintendent. 

I lie  buildings,  which  are  very  comfortable 
and  spacious,  were  erected,  in  1893,  in  Janes- 
ville township,  about  three  miles  north  of  the 
city  of  Janesville,  near  the  Rock  river,  and  are 
surrounded  by  the  poor  farm  of  382  acres. 
I he  former  location  was  in  Johnstown  town- 
ship, but  the  present  one  is  considered  better 
adapted  to  the  requirements  of  the  institutions. 
Idle  new  buildings  were  occupied  on  May  1, 
1894,  and  the  average  number  of  insane  con- 
fined is  about  150;  those  in  the  almshouse  num- 
ber about  fifty-five. 

On  Dec.  18,  1873,  Kimble  Killam  married 
Miss  Mary  A.  Marquart,  daughter  of  Philip 
and  Nancy  (Livingston)  Marquart,  and  seven 
children,  two  sons  and  five  daughters,  have 
been  born  of  this  union:  Grace  C.,  Myrtie  E., 
Inez  M.,  Nellie  M.,  Rush  P.,  Mark  and  Eva. 
Airs.  Killam  is  a consistent  member  of  and 
worker  in  the  Baptist  Church.  Politically  Mr. 
Killam  is  a Republican,  and  an  earnest  sup- 
porter of  the  principles  of  that  party.  The 
family  is  an  old  one  in  this  part  of  Wisconsin, 
and  very  highly  respected,  and  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Killam  enjoy  the  esteem  of  a large  circle  of  ac- 
quaintances and  friends. 

HERBERT  S.  GILIvEY,  junior  member 
of  the  well-known  lumber  firm  of  Pendleton 
& Gilkey,  extensive  wholesalers,  with  their 
general  offices  at  Janesville,  Rock  county,  is 
one  of  the  younger  business  men  of  that  city, 
whose  youth  is  in  years  alone.  He  was  reared 
in  a lumber  country,  and  the  odor  of  the  mills 
has  been  familiar  to  him  from  his  earliest  boy- 
hood. He  has  been  connected  with  the  mills, 
travelled  on  the  road,  and  there  is  little  about 
the  lumber  business  that  is  not  well-known 
to  him. 

Mr.  Gilkey  was  born  at  Oconto,  Wis.,  July 
4,  1868,  and  is  a son  of  Harding  W.  and  Mary 
(Overton)  Gilkey.  His  father  was  born  in 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


99 


Maine,  while  his  mother  is  a native  of  Wiscon- 
sin. They  had  three  sons  and  three  daughters  : 
Everett  H.,  of  Mountain,  Wis. ; Herbert  S., 
whose  name  appears  above  ; Susan,  of  Hayes, 
Wis. ; Arthur,  of  the  same  place:  Lucy,  wife  of 
William  Cody,  of  Janesville:  and  Mabel,  wife 
of  F.  Dickinson,  of  Green  Bay.  Harding  W. 
Gilkey  was  but  a small  boy  when  he  accom- 
panied his  parents  to  Oconto,  Wis. ; they  were 
among  the  earliest  settlers  of  that  city.  There 
he  grew  to  manhood,  and  there  he  made  his 
home  until  the  spring  of  1899,  when  he  moved 
to  Janesville.  He  is  a man  of  much  more  than 
ordinary  culture,  and  followed  the  life  of  a 
teacher  for  more  than  twenty  years,  serving  as 
principal  and  superintendent  of  the  Oconto 
schools,  and  as  county  superintendent.  In  mid- 
dle life  he  engaged  in  business,  keeping  a gen- 
eral store,  and  buying  and  selling  lumber  lands 
in  northern  Wisconsin.  Upon  his  removal  to 
Janesville  he  gave  up  active  business  relations, 
and  is  now  living  a cpiiet  and  retired  life.  He 
and  his  wife  are  Methodists,  and  he  is  a Re- 
publican politically.  His  father,  Samuel  Gil- 
key, was  a native  of  Maine,  and  came  to  Oconto 
about  1849  to  engage  in  the  'hotel  business.  He 
was  a man  of  more  than  ordinary  ability,  and 
was  elected  sheriff  of  Oconto  county  several 
terms.  He  died  in  1872,  when  about  sixty-one 
years  old.  His  family  consisted  of  three  sons 
and  one  daughter.  William  Overton,  the  ma- 
ternal grandfather  of  the  gentleman  whose  life 
forms  the  theme  of  this  biographical  sketch, 
was  born  in  Massachusetts,  and  was  one  of  the 
early  settlers  of  Kenosha,  Wis.  He  had  two 
daughters  and  one  son. 

Herbert  S.  Gilkey  grew  to  manhood  in 
Oconto,  and  was  given  fine  educational  op- 
portunities, graduated  from  the  Oconto  schools, 
and  later  attended  the  Oshkosh  Normal.  He 
began  teaching  in  a country  school  when  he 
was  fourteen  years  of  age,  and  taught  three 
years.  At  eighteen  years  of  age  he  became  a 
traveling  representative  of  an  Oconto  mill,  and 
for  six  years  sold  lumber.  In  1891  he  formed 
a partnership  with  Frank  R.  Pendleton,  and 
engaged  in  business  in  Janesville,  under  the 
firm  name  of  Pendleton  & Gilkey,  wholesale 
dealers  in  cedar  products.  Mr.  Pendleton  is 
located  at  Everett,  thirty-three  miles  from 
Seattle,  Wash.,  where  they  have  extensive  in- 
terests. They  have  several  lumber  yards  in 
Wisconsin,  and  one  in  Michigan. 

Mr.  Gilkey  and  Miss  Lenora  Runkel,  a 


daughter  of  Louis  and  Christina  (Weber) 
Runkel,  were  married  Oct.  15,  1890,  and  they 
have  three  children:  Weber,  Margaret  and 
Helen.  Mrs.  Gilkey  is  a lady  of  many  attrac- 
tive qualities,  and  is  a worthy  associate  of  her 
husband,  both  in  society  anci  at  home.  They 
have  an  elegant  and  commodious  home  at  No. 
168  Garfield  avenue.  Mr.  Gilkey  belongs  to 
Oriental  Lodge,  Knights  of  Pythias,  and  in  his 
political  relations  is  a Republican.  He  is  at 
present  serving  his  second  term  as  alderman  in 
the  city  council,  from  the  Third  ward,  and  is 
president  of  that  body. 

ALBERT  G.  KNUTSON  is  a prosperous 
and  well-known  farmer  in  the  town  of  Clinton, 
Rock  county,  and  is  a man  of  generous  impulse 
and  kindly  spirit.  He  is  a native  of  the  town, 
and  has  taken  part  in  its  history  for  almost  fifty 
years,  in  which  time  tremendous  changes  have 
taken  place,  and  southern  Wisconsin,  in  his 
youth  on  the  frontier  line,  is  now  in  the  very 
heart  of  the  old  Northwest.  And  the  man  whose 
name  introduces  this  article  has  helped  in  the 
making  of  this  new  world.  He  has  worked  out, 
carried  himself  as  a man  of  honor  and  charac- 
ter, paid  his  debts,  dealt  squarely  with  all  men, 
and  is  now,  in  middle  life,  at  a very  comfortable 
pitch  of  prosperity,  not  won  by  sharp  dealing, 
but  dug  out  of  the  earth — the  more  honor  to 
him  and  his  kind. 

Albert  G.  Knutson  was  born  at  his  present 
residence,  near  the  village  of  Bergen,  on  the 
Wisconsin  and  Illinois  State  line,  January  2, 
1853.  Here  he  grew  up,  attended  the  district 
school,  and  when  he  became  a man  assisted  his 
father  with  the  farm  work.  1 hen  he  took 
charge  of  the  farm,  which  he  operated  on 
shares  for  several  years,  until  in  1883  he 
bought  out  the  other  heirs,  and  is  now  the  sole 
owner  of  158  acres  of  as  choice  farming  land 
as  may  be  found  in  the  United  States.  1 his  is 
known  as  the  “Wetteren  Farm," -perpetuating 
the  name  of  the  home  of  his  father  in  Norway 
in  the  memory  of  his  children  and  descendants 
in  the  New  World. 

Mr.  Knutson  and  Miss  Christina  Hanson 
were  married  March  28,  1883.  She  is  a 

daughter  of  Oliver  Hanson  and  Tone  Even- 
son,  her  father  a farmer,  and  one  of  the  first 
settlers  in  the  town  of  Capron,  111.  He  was  a 
man  of  high  standing  among  his  neighbors, 
and  kindly  thought  of  by  all.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Knutson  are  the  parents  of  eight  children, 


1 oo 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Clara  Aclelia,  Hilda  Jurane,  Tonetta  Marie, 
George  Henry,  Myrtle  Regina,  Roy  Ernest, 
Walter  Truman  and  Earl  William. 

Gulick  Knutson,  the  father  of  Albert  G., 
was  born  Nov.  io,  1810,  in  the  kingdom  of 
Norway,  where  he  received  his  education,  and 
became  in  his  manhood  a lumberman  and  live 
stock  dealer.  On  March  15,  1842,  he  married 
Christina  Ingebretson,  daughter  of  Ingebret 
Irickson,  a farmer  in  Norway.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Knutson  came  to  this  country  m 1846,  bringing 
with  them  their  two  daughters,  and,  buying 
land,  settled  near  Bergen,  in  the  town  of  Clin- 
ton, Rock  county.  This  farm  he  subsequently 
sold,  and  bought  the  farm  now  divided  between 
his  two  sons,  Ivnute  G.  and  Albert  G.  Here 
lie  lived  until  his  death,  which  occurred  June 
24,  1894;  his  remains  are  interred  in  the  family 
cemetery  on  the  farm  owned  by  Albert  G.  Mrs. 
Knutson  was  born  May  14,  1814,  and  makes 
her  home  with  her  sons.  She  is  the  mother  of 
six  children,  Cornelia,  Christie, Mary,  Knute  G., 
Albert  G.  and  Ruby.  Mary  died  at  the  age  of 
thirty-one,  and  Ruby  at  the  age  of  thirty-eight. 
Gulick  Knutson  was  always  a member  and  a 
liberal  supporter  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and 
once  donated  two  acres  of  land  near  the  center 
of  his  farm  for  its  use  as  a cemetery.  He  was 
a Republican,  and  a public-spirited  man 
throughout  his  career. 

Albert  G.  Knutson  is  walking  well  in  the 
footsteps  of  his  father,  loyally  stands  by  the 
church  of  his  parents,  and  is  repeating  his 
father’s  noble  and  generous  character. 

WILLIAM  GUNN.  England  has  contrib- 
uted much  valuable  material  to  the  upbuilding 
of  our  Commonwealth,  men  of  brawn  and  mus- 
cle, men  of  brains  and  character,  in  whom  old 
Anglo-Saxon  liberty  and  daring  have  devel- 
oped a noble  humanity.  Mr.  Gunn,  whose  rural 
home  is  found  in  Section  10,  Rock  township, 
Rock  county,  has  embodied  in  his  own  career 
the  best  ideals  of  his  ancestry,  and  given  to 
them  a significance  peculiarly  American. 

Mr.  Gunn  was  born  in  Lincolnshire,  Eng- 
land, March  28,  1834,  a son  of  John  and  Re- 
becca (Tawlkes)  Gunn,  both  natives  of  Eng- 
land, who  had  four  sons  and  four  daughters, 
five  now  living:  William;  Alice,  wife  of  a Mr. 
Bowen,  of  London,  England;  Anna,  wife  of 
Edwin  Bowen,  of  Stowe,  Lincolnshire,  Eng- 
land; Jesse  E.,  of  Sydney,  Australia;  and 
Henry,  a traveler.  John  Gunn  was  a man  of 


ready  resources,  and  followed  various  occupa- 
tions in  life,  prospering  in  whatever  he  under- 
took. Lie  was  a veterinary  surgeon,  carpenter, 
brewer,  and  hotel-keeper.  He  died  in  Lincoln- 
shire, England,  about  1882,  at  the  age  of  sev- 
enty-five. His  wife  died  in  1877,  when  sixty- 
four  years  old.  He  was  a prominent  member  of 
the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  and 
was  advanced  in  its  councils.  His  father,  Will- 
iam Gunn,  who  was  a farmer,  also  lived  to  an 
advanced  age.  He  had  four  sons  and  one 
daughter.  Henry  Tawlkes,  father  of  Rebecca 
Tawlkes,  was  a native  of  England,  and  died 
in  his  native  land,  where  he  was  a farmer  and 
a stock  raiser.  He  had  a numerous  family. 

William  Gunn,  the  subject  of  this  article, 
lived  in  England  until  he  was  sixteen  years 
old,  and  was  educated  at  a school  known  as 
Cooley’s  Charity,  a fine  practical  establish- 
ment, founded  by  a Mr.  Cooley.  There  were 
three  grades,  and  the  languages,  engineering, 
etc.,  were  taught.  Mr.  Cooley  supported  the 
school  from  his  own  funds,  and  also  furnished 
the  books  for  the  students,  who  were  limited 
to  those  of  the  middle  class  and  poor  families. 
Each  member  of  each  poor  family  was  given 
a full  suit  of  clothing  every  Christmas,  and 
each  poor  family  received  a ton  of  coal,  all 
provided  by  Mr.  Cooley.  At  church  each  Sun- 
day a loaf  of  bread  was  given  to  the  head  of 
each  poor  family.  Our  subject  was  reared  on 
a farm,  and  in  1850,  with  a company  of  his- 
neighbors,  crossed  the  ocean  and  located  in 
Warren  county,  Penn.,  engaging  in  the  lumber 
business.  He  lived  there  until  1865,  in  which 
year  he  came  West  and  settled  in  Rock  town- 
ship, Rock  Co.,  Wis.,  buying  the  farm  which 
has  since  been  his  home.  It  then  consisted  of 
156  acres,  but  it  has  been  considerably  enlarged 
and  well  improved,  and  now  comprises  190 
acres,  with  a commodious  stone  house,  a large 
barn,  and  other  needed  farm  buildings.  It  is 
about  two  and  a half  miles  from  Janesville, 
and  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  most  complete 
agricultural  establishments  in  the  county. 

On  June  25,  1S57,  Mr.  Gunn  married  Han- 
nah McGee,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Rachel 
(Thompson)  McGee,  and  they  had  two  chil- 
dren: John  A.  and  Thomas  M.  B.  John  A. 
married  Margaret  Finley,  and  is  a farmer  in 
Rock  township ; they  have  seven  children, 
Hannah,  Willie,  Mary,  James,  Kittie,  Adelbert 
and  Biddle.  Thomas  M.  B.  married  Alice  E. 
Ratheram,  and  lives  on  the  home  place.  Mrs- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


IOI 


Hannah  Gunn  died  very  suddenly  from  heart 
disease,  April  27,  1900,  in  Decherd,  Franklin 
Co.,  Tenn.,  whither  she  had  gone  hoping  to 
restore  her  failing  health.  She  was  a woman 
of  beautiful  character.  Her  parents  were  na- 
tives of  Pennsylvania,  he  father  being  a farmer 
and  lumberman.  He  was  justice  of  the  peace 
for  many  years,  becoming  widely  known  as 
“'Squire  Joe  McGee,”  and  had  a great  record 
for  pronouncing  marriage  ceremonies.  His  fa- 
ther was  a soldier  of  the  war  of  1812,  and  was 
in  the  battle  of  Lundy’s  Lane.  When  he  died 
he  was  almost  one  hundred  years  of  age. 

Mr.  Gunn  is  a Republican,  was  supervisor 
of  the  town  sixteen  years,  chairman  of  the 
town  board  twelve  years,  chairman  of  the  coun- 
ty board  two  years,  a trustee  of  the  Rock  Coun- 
ty Insane  Asylum  six  yearn  and  has  been 
treasurer  of  the  school  district  twenty-two 
3'rears. 

Mr.  Gunn  was  a soldier  in  the  Union  army 
during  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  and  served 
with  honor  and  fidelity,  enlisting  Aug.  18, 
1862,  in  Company  F,  145th  P.  V.  I.,  and  re- 
maining in  the  service  two  years  and  eleven 
months.  He  was  badly  wounded  in  the  left 
hip  at  the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  and  there 
he  also  lost  part  of  the  fourth  finger  of  his  left 
hand.  That  was  the  only  battle  of  any  import- 
ance in  which  he  participated.  After  that  en- 
gagement he  was  clerk  in  the  York  Hospital, 
at  York,  Penn.,  where  he  remained  until  dis- 
charged, July  18,  1865,  on  account  of  wounds 
received  in  battle.  While  in  this  hospital  he 
was  transferred  to  Companv  108,  2d  Battalion, 
Veteran  Reserve  Corps,  First  Lieut.  William 
L.  Mitchell,  commanding.  Mr.  Gunn  was  ad- 
jutant of  W . H.  Sargent  Post,  No.  20,  G.  A. 
R.,  but  resigned  in  the  spring  of  1900,  by  rea- 
son of  his  removal  from  the  city  of  Janesville. 

JAMES  CALDW  ELL.  a retired  farmer 
and  well-known  citizen  of  Janesville.  Rock 
county,  is  an  ex-soldier,  having  served  bravely 
in  defense  of  the  LTnion  during  the  war  of  the 
Rebellion,  when  the  courage  of  men  was  tried 
to  its  utmost,  and  they  proved,  for  all  time,  the 
metal  of  which  they  were  made. 

James  Caldwell  was  born  in  Janesville 
township,  Rock  county,  Oct.  4,  1848,  a son  of 
James  and  Eliza  (Alford)  Caldwell,  natives  of 
Scotland  and  England,  respectively.  The  pa- 
ternal grandfather  of  our  subject  died  in  Scot- 
land in  middle  life,  after  rearing  a large  family. 


The  grandfather  on  the  maternal  side  was 
Thomas  Alford,  a native  of  England,  who  died 
in  that  country;  he  had  a family  of  fourteen 
children. 

The  father  of  our  subject,  James  Caldwell, 
was  a sailor  during  his  early  manhood,  came 
to  America  about  1842,  and  settled  in  Janes- 
ville, where  he  took  up  land  from  the  govern- 
ment, and  later  bought  additional  property, 
until  at  one  time  he  owned  366  acres,  but  after- 
ward sold  eighty  acres,  and  improved  the  re- 
mainder. This  land  was  located  in  sections  3 
and  9,  and  he  resided  upon  it  for  many  years, 
rearing  his  family.  When  sixty-three  years 
old  Mr.  Caldwell  went  on  a trip  to  England, 
and  died  there,  being  buried  in  London.  His 
widow,  who  accompanied  him  on  the  trip,  still 
survives,  residing  in  Janesville.  In  religious 
belief  Mr.  Caldwell  was  a Presbyterian,  while 
Mrs.  Caldwell  is  an  Episcopalian.  Six  children 
were  born  to  this  worthy  couple,  five  sons  and 
one  daughter,  four  of  whom  are  now  living: 
Thomas,  of  West  Concord,  Minn. ; James,  our 
subject;  Alexander,  of  Center  township,  Rock 
county;  and  William,  of  the  town  of  Porter, 
Rock  Co.,  Wisconsin. 

During  his  boyhood  our  subject  worked 
upon  his  father's  farm,  attending  the  district 
schools  as  opportunity  offered.  Although  but 
a bo}r,  even  in  the  closing  days  of  the  war,  lie 
felt  it  his  duty  to  go  to  the  front  and  risk  his 
life  in  the  cause  he  loved  so  dearly,  so  in  1864 
he  enlisted  in  Company  A,  43d  Whs.  V.  I., 
serving  one  year,  participating  in  the  battle  at 
Johnsonville,  Tenn.,  and  other  minor  engage- 
ments, and  at  all  times  displaying  courage  and 
fortitude.  After  the  close  of  the  war  Mr.  Cald- 
well returned  home,  and  began  life  for  himself, 
working  a rented  farm  in  Minnesota.  How- 
ever, it  was  not  long  before  this  enterprising 
young"  man  had  sufficient  money  saved  to  pur- 
chase a farm  of  160  acres  for  himself,  in 
Dodge  county,  Minn.,  and  here  he  remained 
several  years,  cultivating  his  property.  Later 
Mr.  Caldwell  sold  his  farm,  and  purchased  the 
interest  of  the  other  heirs,  in  the  old  homestead 
in  Rock  county,  which  now  contains  320  acres. 
Here  he  resided  until  1896.  when,  retiring 
from  active  work,  he  removed  to  Janesville, 
renting  the  farm,  and  is  now  living  in  a beauti- 
ful home  at  No.  15  Forest  Park  boulevard.  In 
addition  Mr.  Caldwell  also  owns  640  acres  in 
South  Dakota,  320  acres  being  near  Waupton; 
160  near  Aberdeen;  and  160  near  Ipswich. 


102 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


On  Nov.  4,  1877.  James  Caldwell  married 
Miss  Eleanor  M.  Chase,  born  Dec.  28,  1858, 
daughter  of  Samuel  and  Elvira  M.  (Maxson) 
Chase,  and  three  children  were  born  of  this 
union:  Harriet  M.,  Beatrice  C.  and  Laurien 
J.  The  great-grandfather  of  Mrs.  Caldwell 
was  Lord  Michael  Pitt,  of  England.  Her  pa- 
ternal grandfather,  Calvin  Chase,  a native  of 
England,  died  in  New  York  State,  where  he 
served  as  captain  in  the  state  militia.  He  had 
three  children,  Samuel,  the  father  of  Mrs. 
Caldwell,  being  one.  It  is  a peculiar  coinci- 
dence that  Calvin  Chase  had  three  children, 
and  that  two  of  his  sisters  had  the  same  num- 
ber, as  did  also  his  son  Samuel,  and  the  latter’s 
daughter,  Mrs.  Caldwell,  as  well  as  his  son, 
Frank  L.  Chase.  The  maternal  grandfa- 
ther of  Mrs.  Caldwell,  Laurien  Maxson,  was 
a native  of  New  Y'ork  State  (although  the 
family  is  of  French  descent),  and  belonged 
to  the  New  York  State  militia;  he  now  re- 
sides at  St.  Peter,  Minn.,  in  his  eighty-fourth 
year.  Five  children  were  born  to  himself  and 
wife.  Samuel  Chase,  the  father  of  Mrs.  Cald- 
well, was  a native  of  New  York  State,  as  was 
his  wife,  and  came  to  Wisconsin  at  an  early 
date,  locating  in  Walworth  county,  where  he 
resided  for  several  years,  pursuing  his  occu- 
pation of  farming.  Later  he  removed  to  Win- 
throp,  Minn.,  where  he  died  in  1896,  aged  six- 
ty-four years,  his  widow  still  surviving,  and 
residing  in  Minneapolis  with  her  son.  Of  the 
three  children  born  to  this  couple,  Mrs.  Cald- 
well and  Frank  L.  (of  Minneapolis)  are  the 
only  survivors. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Caldwell  attend  the  Episcopal 
Church,  of  which  Mrs.  Caldwell  is  a member. 
Mr.  Caldwell  belongs  to  W.  H.  Sargent  Post, 
G.  A.  R.,  and  politically  is  a Republican. 
Among  a large  circle  of  friends,  as  well  as  in 
their  immediate  family,  Mr.  Caldwell  and  his 
pleasant  wife  enjoy  a well  deserved  popularity 
for  their  many  excellent  qualities,  and  are  de- 
servedly considered  as  representatives  of  the 
substantial  people  of  Janesville. 

JOHN  NAGLE,  of  Bloomington  town- 
ship, Grant  county,  was  one  of  the  defenders 
of  the  Union  during  the  dark  days  of  the  Civil 
war,  having  enlisted  in  August,  1864,  in  Com- 
pany H,  43d  Wis.  V.  I.  He  was  on  duty  dur- 
ing his  whole  term  of  service,  and,  though  at 
times  ill  from  hard  marching  and  severe  duty, 
he  managed  to  keep  out  of  the  hospital,  pre- 


ferring to  remain  with  his  company.  The  43d 
rendezvoused  at  Milwaukee,  went  from  there 
to  Nashville,  Tenn.,  and  thence  to  Johnson- 
ville,  where  the  government  stores  were  locat- 
ed, and  where  the  regiment  remained,  doing 
guard  duty,  for  a considerable  time.  This  was 
an  important  point,  and,  owing  to  the  large 
amount  of  supplies  stored  there,  its  possession 
was  very  much  desired  by  the  Confederates, 
and  the  troops  were  under  Rebel  fire  a large 
part  of  the  time.  Later  the  regiment  went  to 
Nashville,  and  remained  at  that  place  until 
January  1.  1865,  when  it  was  divided  into  de- 
tails and  engaged  in  railroad  guarding.  Dur- 
ing the  last  part  of  the  war  Mr.  Nagle  was 
detailed  at  Elk  River  Fort,  and  remained  there 
until  hostilities  ceased. 

Mr.  Nagle  represents  an  early  and  well- 
known  family  of  Grant  county.  Lie  was  born 
in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  in  1842,  a son  of  Thomas 
and  Eliza  Nagle,  the  former  a native  of  Ire- 
land, the  latter  of  Scotland.  When  he  was  a 
small  child  the  family  moved  to  Grant  county, 
Wis.  In  fact,  the  parents  had  come  to  the 
county  previous  to  his  birth,  but  decided  to 
return  to  Cincinnati,  and  not  until  1842  did 
they  locate  here  permanently ; they  were  early 
settlers  of  Patch  Grove  township.  Our  sub- 
ject was  one  of  five  children,  two  sons  and 
three  daughters. 

The  lady  who  now  bears  the  name  of  Mrs. 
John  Nagle  was  formerly  Miss  Jane  Foster,  a 
daughter  of  Thompson  Foster.  Mr.  and  Mrs-. 
Nagle  have  had  seven  children,  three  sons  and 
four  daughters.  Mr.  Nagle  is  one  of  the  most 
prominent  citizens  and  successful  agricultur- 
ists of  Bloomington  township,  where  he  has 
a pleasant  home  and  fine  farm. 

JOHN  LITTLE,  the  accommodating  path- 
master  of  Janesville,  Rock  county,  and  a farm- 
er, residing  in  Section  28,  of  that  township, 
was  born  in  Roxburghshire,  Scotland,  in  1830, 
a son  of  John  and  Isabel  (Blythe)  Little,  na- 
tives of  Scotland.  The  paternal  grandfather 
of  our  subject  died  in  Scotland  and  the  ma- 
ternal grandfather,  Thomas  Blythe,  also  died 
there,  when  about  eighty-two  years  of  age ; he 
had  two  children. 

John  Little,  Sr.,  was  a farmer,  and  . ope- 
rated a lime-kiln.  Coming  to  America  in  1853, 
he  located  in  Janesville  township,  where  he 
bought  200  acres,  to  which  he  added  more  land, 
improving  it  all.  Here  he  died,  aged  seventy- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


103 


six,  in  about  1865.  His  first  wife  died  about 
1841,  a stanch  Presbyterian,  as  was  also  Mr. 
Little.  The  second  wife  of  Mr.  Little,  Isabel 
Irving,  died  in  June,  1867,  without  issue.  To 
the  first  union  were  born  eight  sons  and  one 
daughter,  five  of  whom  are  now  living : Thom- 
as, John,  James  and  Walter,  of  Janesville  town- 
ship; and  Andrew,  of  Blue  Earth,  Minnesota. 

John  Little,  our  subject,  was  educated  in 
the  schools  of  his  native  land,  coming  to  this 
country  with  his  father  in  1853,  since  which 
time  he  has  resided  continuous!}''  in  Janesville 
township,  remaining  with  his  father  until  his 
death.  John  Little  now  owns  160  acres  of  the 
old  homestead,  finelv  improved.  Employing 
the  best  methods  of  cultivation,  he  has  been  en- 
abled to  bring  his  land  up  to  a high  grade  of 
cultivation,  and  his  broad  acres  show  the  re- 
sult of  his  efforts. 

On  November  30,  1861,  John  Little  was 
married  to  Miss  Jane  Scott,  daughter  of  Walter 
ancl  Elizabeth  (Armstrong)  Scott,  and  ten  chil- 
dren have  been  born  to  this  union,  four  sons 
and  six  daughters:  John,  who  married  Ella 
Gentle,  lives  in  La  Prairie,  and  has  two  chil- 
dren, Fay  and  Norman;  Isabella,  who  married 
James  Duthie,  lives  in  Bradford  township, 
Rock  county;  Walter,  unmarried,  is  at  home; 
Bessie  married  Lester  Van  Galder,  who  is  now 
deceased  ; Thomas  died  aged  eighteen  months  ; 
Annie  is  teaching  school  in  district  No.  5 ; 
Mary  married  Frank  Korn,  and  lives  in  Janes- 
ville township ; Jane  married  Eugene  Smith, 
resides  near  Tiffany,  La  Prairie  township,  and 
has  one  son,  Harold  ; Maggie  is  living  at  home ; 
Willie  died,  aged  three  months. 

Mrs.  Little  is  a consistent  member  of  and 
earnest  worker  in  the  Presbyterian  church. 
Politically  Mr.  Little  is  independent  in  his 
views,  voting  with  the  party  whose  platform 
contains  the  principles  most  nearly  in  accord- 
ance with  his  own  ideas.  For  many  years  Mr. 
Little  has  been  pathmaster  in  Janesville,  has 
also  served  as  school  director,  and  is  justly  re- 
garded as  one  of  the  representatives  of  the  best 
class  of  farmers  in  Rock  county. 

GEORGE  M.  APPLEBY,  of  Beloit,  Rock 
county,  holds  the  responsible  position  of  city 
marshal,  and  has  for  a number  of  years  dis- 
charged the  duties  of  that  position  in  an  intel- 
ligent and  fearless  manner.  He  is  highly 
thought  of  as  a police  officer,  and  his  honor 
and  integrity  as  a man  are  unquestioned. 


Mr.  Appleby  was  born  in  Avon,  Rock  Co., 
V is.,  Aug.  30,  1855,  and  is  a son  of  John 
Thomas  and  Sarah  (Landdragin)  Appleby, 
both  natives  of  England.  They  were  the  par- 
ents of  seven  children,  five  of  whom  are  now 
living:  John  Thomas,  Jr.;  Elizabeth,  wife  of 
Albert  Graves;  George  M. ; Caroline,  wife  of 
Henry  Graves ; and  William  H.  The  father 
was  formerly  a silk  weaver.  He  came  to  this 
country,  and  settled  in  Wisconsin  at  an  early 
day,  locating  in  Janesville,  where  he  was  a 
butcher  for  some  years.  For  the  last  fifteen 
years  he  has  led  a retired  life,  living  in  Beloit, 
in  the  home  of  his  son  George  M.  His  wife 
died  in  1865.  She  was  a Seventh-day  Ad- 
ventist. The  paternal  grandfather  of  George 
M,  Appleby  lived  in  Boone  county,  Iowa,  where 
he  and  his  wife  died  at  an  advanced  age.  He 
was  a general  merchant,  and  served  as  a jus- 
tice of  the  peace.  The  father  of  Sarah  Land- 
dragin was  a merchant  in  London,  where  he 
died. 

George  M.  Appleby  lived  in  Avon,  V is., 
until  he  reached  the  age  of  nineteen  years,  at- 
tended the  public  schools,  and  was  reared  on 
a farm.  When  he  attained  his  majority  he 
moved  to  Beloit,  where  he  secured  the  ap- 
pointment of  assistant  city  marshal,  and  so  en- 
ergetic and  capable  did  he  prove  that  six  months 
later  he  was  made  the  city  marshal,  and  has 
been  retained  in  this  position  by  every  succeed- 
ing city  administration.  Mr.  Appleby  and 
Miss  Anna  Noble,  of  Marengo,  111.,  were  mar- 
ried Jan.  1,  1885.  Mrs.  Appleby  is  a daugh- 
ter of  John  and  Jane  (Corvan)  Noble,  and  is 
the  mother  of  one  daughter,  Flossie.  She  is 
a member  of  the  Episcopal  Church.  Our  sub- 
ject is  a member  of  the  order  of  Modern  \\  ood- 
men,  and  is  a Republican  politically.  He  is 
deputy  sheriff  of  Rock  county,  having  held  this 
position  for  five  years,  and  is  poor  master  for 
the  southern  tier  of  towns  in  Rock  county,  in- 
cluding Beloit  and  the  village  of  Clinton. 

HAROLD  KNILL,  of  the  town  of  Beloit, 
Rock  county,  was  born  in  Gloucestershire,  Eng- 
land, Jan.  24,  1849,  and  was  only  six  months 
old  when  his  parents  came  to  the  United  States. 
They  lived  in  Genesee  county,  N.  Y..  for 
three  years,  and  then  removed  to  Wisconsin, 
settling  in  the  town  of  Beloit.  Harold  was 
onlv  eip'ht  years  old  when  his  father  died,  and 
he  went  to  live  with  a half  sister,  at  Racme, 
Wis.,  beino-  an  inmate  of  her  home  for  seven 

o 


104 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


years.  At  the  age  of  fifteen  the  young  man 
came  back  to  the  town  of  Beloit,  and  here  has 
made  his  home  to  the  present  time.  He  has 
been  chiefly  engaged  in  farming,  owning  a 
highly  cultivated  farm  of  sixty-seven  acres, 
and  has  given  much  attention  to  dairying, 
which  has  proved  very  profitable  to  him.  He 
has  put  up  fine  buildings,  designing  them  him- 
self, and  is  a modern  and  up-to-date  farmer 
in  every  respect,  disposing  of  his  product  at 
the  highest  prices  of  the  season.  Mr.  Knill 
began  business  for  himself  when  eight  years 
old,  selling  papers  in  Racine,  Wis.,  and  has 
accumulated  his  property  through  his  own  ex- 
ertions, and  with  the  help  of  his  estimable  wife. 
They  have  had  little  to  help  them  but  their  own 
courage  and  self-reliance,  and  are  already  well- 
to-do  people,  while  in  the  prime  of  life. 

Mr.  Knill  and  Miss  Mary  E.  McNeal  were 
married  in  Beloit  Oct.  13,  1875.  Mrs.  Knill 
was  born  in  the  town  of  Beloit,  and  is  a daugh- 
ter of  John  and  Clara  McNeal.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Knill  have  one  daughter,  Maude  L. 

Henry  Knill,  father  of  Harold  Knill,  was 
born  in  London,  England,  and  married  Mary 
Ann  Sterry,  who  was  born  in  Norfolk.  He 
died  in  the  town  of  Beloit  when  fifty-two  years 
old,  and  she  at  the  age  of  eighty-five.  They 
were  the  parents  of  nine  children,  of  whom 
Harold  was  fifth  in  the  order  of  birth.  Henry 
Knill  was  an  English  gentleman,  and  came  to 
this  country  with  a fortune.  He  built  the 
Grand  Trunk  railroad  in  Canada,  and  the  Ra- 
cine & Mississippi,  now  a part  of  the  Milwau- 
kee system,  the  road  running  from  Racine  to 
Galena ; in  building  it  he  lost  money,  though 
his  wife  and  family  would  have  been  very 
comfortable  but  for  a dishonest  administrator, 
and  they  were  left  with  only  a small  home. 

ELIJAH  N.  CLARK,  M.  D.,  of  Beloit, 
Rock  county,  is  both  a physician  and  a dentist, 
and  though  now  at  an  advanced  age  still  con- 
tinues to  practice  dentistry  at  intervals.  He 
has  had  a varied  and  eventful  life,  and  has 
maintained  a character  and  standing  above  re- 
proach throughout  his  many  years. 

Dr.  Clark  was  born  at  Amherst,  Mass., 
Feb.  10,  1817,  a son  of  Elijah  and  Sybill 
(Green)  Clark,  both  natives  of  that  State. 
They  were  the  parents  of  ten  children,  of 
whom  the  two  older  daughters  died  in  infancy, 
and  the  seventh  son,  Barnard,  died  in  his 
eighteenth  year.  The  others1  all  attained  ma- 


turity. The  Doctor  and  his  sister,  Mary 
Ann,  now  widow  of  Woodhull  Helm,  are  the 
only  surviving  members  of  this  family.  The 
father,  who  was  a farmer,  moved  to  Marion, 
Wayne  Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  he  settled  on  a 
farm,  and  died  at  the  age  of  fifty-four.  His 
widow  survived  a number  of  years,  and  in 
1845  came  to  Beloit  with  her  son  Rufus,  mak- 
ing that  city  her  home  as  long  as  she  lived. 
She  and  her  husband  were  Congregationalists, 
and  lie  was  a deacon  in  the  church.  Simeon 
Clark,  the  father  of  Elijah,  was  born  at  Am- 
herst, and  there  spent  his  entire  life,  reaching 
the  age  of  eighty  years.  He  was  of  English 
descent,  and  followed  the  trade  of  a millwright. 
Joel  Green,  the  father  of  Sybill,  referred  to 
above,  lived  at  Amherst,  and  was  a farmer. 
He  was  of  English  descent. 

Dr.  Elijah  N.  Clark  lived  in  his  native  town 
until  he  was  twelve  years  old,  and  began  his 
studies  in  the  common  'School.  At  the  age  of 
sixteen  he  was  a teacher  at  Marion,  Wayne 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  was  engaged  in  that  vocation 
four  years.  W hen  he  was  twenty  he  began 
the  study  of  medicine  with  Dr.  Asahel  Clark, 
his  eldest  brother,  as  his  preceptor.  He  was 
graduated  from  Geneva.  College  in  1841,  and 
was  a practicing  physician  at  Phelps,  Ontario 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  for  five  years.  In  1847  ^ie  made 
his:  first  appearance  in  the  city  of  Beloit,  re- 
maining' there  until  1852,  when  he  was  carried 
away  by  the  flood  of  gold  seekers  and  made 
his  way  to  California,  where  lie  spent  about 
three  years.  At  the  expiration  of  that  period, 
he  returned  to  Beloit,  and  that  city  has  since 
been  his  home.  He  practiced  medicine  and 
dentistry  until  1887,  when  he  confined  himself 
exclusively  to  the  work  of  the  dentist.  He  also 
practiced  medicine  and  dentistry  in  California. 
He  was  a charter  member  of  the  Wisconsin 
State  Dental  Society. 

Dr.  Clark  and  Miss  Sarah  A.  Sutton, 
daughter  of  Robert  B.  Sutton,  of  Lyons,  N. 
Y.,  were  married  in  1842.  They  became  the 
parents  of  five  children,  Delaphine,  Emma, 
Hattie,  Matie,  and  Robert  B.  Delaphine  mar- 
ried Nelson  Chamberlain,  and  became  the 
mother  of  two  children,  Grace  and  Hattie,  both 
of  whom  are  engaged  in  teaching;  Mrs.  Cham- 
berlain is  now  deceased.  Emma  married 
George  F.  Ackley,  and  is  the  mother  of  three 
children,  Blaine,  Bert,  and  Willard.  Hattie 
married  Oliver  P.  Smith,  and  they  have  two 
children,  Sadie  and  Roy.  Matie  is  the  widow 


&.  Jp?  Jh>£8, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


105 


of  Fred  Messer;  they  had  one  child,  Mar- 
ion. Robert  lives  in  Chippewa  Falls,  Wis. ; 
he  married  Harriet  J.  Williams. 

Mrs.  Sarah  A.  Clark  died  in  1876,  in 
Beloit.  She  was  a member  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  Dr.  Clark  married  for  his  second 
wife  Mrs.  Carrie  E.  Conant,  of  Beloit.  They 
went  to  Evanston,  Ilk,  where  they  had  a 
wedding  supper  at  the  home  of  George  E. 
Redfield;  Mrs.  Clark  was  seized  with  a spasm 
of  coughing,  which  could  not  be  checked,  and 
she  died  before  midnight,  June  19,  1882.  In 
1887  Dr.  Clark  married  Miss  Emily  Caroline 
Rowe.  They  belong  to  the  First  Presby- 
terian Church,  in  which  he  has  filled  the  posi- 
tion of  elder  for  fifty  years.  He  was  one  of 
the  charter  members,  and  is  the  only  one  of 
the  first  official  board  of  the  church  now  living. 
The  Doctor  is  a Mason,  member  of  the  Odd 
Fellows  and  Sons  of  Temperance,  and  has 
been  associated  with  these  various  orders  for 
many  years.  On  account  of  his  age  he  does 
not  now  meet  with  them  except  in  spirit.  He 
is  a Republican,  and  in  early  life  was  a 
Whig.  Dr.  Clark  owns  a fine  arm  adjoining 
Beloit  on  the  southeast,  but  situated  in  Illi- 
nois. It  contains  175  acres  of  land,  and  is 
very  valuable. 

CARL  A.  HANSEN,  M.  D.,  the  oldest 
practicing  physician  in  point  of  service  in 
Lafayette  county,  is  a native  of  Kongsberg, 
Norway,  where  he  was  born  May  31,  1844. 
He  received  his  literary  training  in  the  unex- 
celled schools  of  his  native  land,  and  for  several 
years  prior  to  his  coming  to  America  made 
an  especial  study  of  pharmacy,  with  the  inten- 
tion of  entering  the  medical  profession,  and 
later  attended  medical  lectures  at  the  LTiiversi- 
ty  of  Christiania. 

In  1865  he  started  for  the  New  World,  and 
began  his  professional  career  at  Brodhead, 
Green  Co.,  M is.,  but  remained  in  that  place 
only  a year,  when  he  went  to  Wiota,  Lafayette 
county,  at  the  time  an  important  mining  town. 
After  coming  to  this  country  Dr.  Hansen  felt 
that  it  would  be  well  for  him  to  pursue  a course 
of  medical  studies  as  taught  in  America,  and 
accordingly  entered  Bennett  Medical  College, 
Chicago,  for  a course  of  lectures.  In  1876 
he  became  a resident  of  Argyle,  where  he  has 
since  followed  the  practice  of  his  profession, 
meeting  with  richly  deserved  success.  His 
clear  insight  into  human  nature,  his  fine  at- 


tainments, and  his  wide  sympathy  have  made 
him  a welcome  visitor  in  the  sick  room  and  a 
clever  and  successful  physician.  He  has  a wide 
practice,  and  has  found  friends  and  a home 
in  his  adopted  country.  Dr.  Hansen  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Wisconsin  Eclectic  Medical  Society 
and  of  the  National  Eclectic  Medical  Society, 
and  fraternally  is  an  esteemed  member  of  the 
Masonic  Order. 

In  1865  Dr.  Hansen  was  united  in  mar- 
riage, at  Brodhead,  to  Miss  Sarah  Jane  Clegg, 
who  was  born  in  Logan  county,  Ohio,  Aug.  13, 
1844,  and  came  to  AVisconsin  with  her  parents 
in  1854.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Hansen  have  two  sons, 
both  of  whom  are  successful  practicing  phy- 
sicians : Charles  O.,  born  Dec.  2,  1867,  was 

graduated  from  Bennett  Medical  College,  Chi- 
cago, and  now  resides  in  Neenah,  Wis.,  en- 
gaged in  the  practice  of  his  profession;  Oscar 
L.,  a graduate  of  Rush  Medical  College,  Chi- 
cago, is  now  practicing  in  Argyle. 

WILLIAM  E.  STEArENS,  a well-known 
contractor  and  builder  of  Beloit.  Rock  county, 
learned  very  early  in  life  that  all  success  which 
is  really  desirable  comes  only  as  the  result  of 
conformity  to  the  great  laws  of  industry  and 
rectitude,  and  the  history  of  his  life  is  the  story 
of  a sound  and  honorable  career.  He  is  still 
in  middle  life,  and  his  character  and  standing 
in  his  own  community  make  him  in  every  sense 
one  of  the  representative  men  of  southern  Wis» 
consin. 

Air.  Stevens  was  born  at  Monroe,  AA  is., 
Sept.  16,  1853,  a son  of  Jedediah  D.  and  Esther 
(Humphrey)  Stevens,  natives  of  New  \ ork ; 
the  former,  born  in  Hamilton,  that  state, 
March  25,  1798,  died  March  23.  1877.  The 
mother  died  in  July,  1884.  They  were  mar- 
ried in  1845,  and  were  the  parents  of  five  chil- 
dren, three  of  whom  are  now  living:  Ed- 

win H.,  of  Ashland,  Neb.;  AA’illiam  E. ; and 
Joy  AA’.,  living  near  Springfield.  S..  Dak.  Jede- 
diah D.  Stevens  was  first  married  in  1827,  at 
Batavia,  N.  Y.,  to  Miss  Julia  Eggleston,  daugh- 
ter of  Ebenezer  and  Anna  Eggleston,  and  five 
children  were  born  to  that  union,  two  of  whom 
are  now  living:  Everts  C.,  of  Aberdeen,  S. 

Dak. : and  Saloma,  widow  of  Horace  Bisbee, 
of  East  Milan.  Mich.  Airs.  Julia  Stevens 
died  in  1842.  The  father,  a clergyman  of  the 
Congregational  Church,  came  west  to  AA  iscon- 
sin  in  1827,  and  spent  fourteen  years  preach- 
ing to  the  Indians.  He  was  a singularly  pure 


io6 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


and  devoted  missionary.  He  was  a son  of 
Jonathan  Stevens,  who  was  from  Southwick, 
Mass.,  and  was  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  in 
western  New  York.  He  was  a deacon  in  the 
Congregational  Church,  and  a man  of  much 
force  of  character.  He  married  Lucy  Barry, 
a native  of  Meriden,  Conn.  Jonathan  Hum- 
phrey, father  of  Mrs.  Esther  Stevens,  was  of 
English  descent,  lived  at  East  Bloomfield,  N. 
Y .,  and  was  a farmer  by  occupation.  He 
died  at  his  own  home  in  old  age.  He  was  the 
father  of  ten  children. 

W illiam  E.  Stevens  spent  the  greater  part 
of  his  early  life  in  Walworth  and  Rock  coun- 
ties, Whs.,  with  the  exception  of  three  years 
during  which  he  lived  in  Illinois,  and  has  made 
his  home  in  Beloit  since  the  fall  of  1869.  He 
obtained  his  education  in  the  schools  of  Water- 
ford, and  supplemented  their  instruction  with 
study  at  Allen  Grove  Academy,  and  later  Beloit 
Academy.  When  he  reached  the  age  of  nine- 
teen years  he  set  himself  to  the  carpenter’s 
trade,  and  this  was  his  occupation  until  1883. 
Since  that  year  he  has  done  contract  work, 
and  has  been  engaged  in  some  of  the  most  im- 
portant construction  in  the  city  and  vicinity. 
He  does  his  work  thoroughly,  and  his  buildings 
stand  as  they  are  represented.  Our  subject 
has  just  formed  a partnership  with  J.  Frank 
Deul,  and  is  engaged  in  the  planing-mill  busi- 
ness at  Rockford,  111. ; they  are  doing  busi- 
ness under  the  firm  name  of  Stevens  & Duel 
Manufacturing  Co.  Percy  Howard  Stevens, 
son  of  our  subject,  is  located  in  Rockford,  and 
has  charge  of  the  office. 

Mr.  Stevens  and  Miss  Sarah  Brown  were 
united  in  marriage  Nov.  29,  1877.  Mrs.  Ste- 
vens was  a resident  of  Beloit  at  that  time.  She 
is  a daughter  of  Charles  and  Martha  (Greg- 
ory) Brown,  and  comes  from  a long-lived  fam- 
ilv  on  her  mother’s  side.  Her  maternal  grand- 
mother lived  to  be  nearly  one  hundred  years 
old,  and  her  grandfather  reached  the  age  of 
over  ninety  years.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stevens  have 
four  children,  Percv  Howard,  William  Earl, 
Lelancl  Eddy  and  Wayne  Harold.  The  family 
reside  at  No.  535  Park  Place,  occupying  a 
house  which  Mr.  Stevens  built  in  1891.  He 
and  his  wife  are  Christian  Scientists  in  re- 
ligious belief.  He  is  a Republican. 

It  is  an  interesting  bit  of  family  lore  that 
the  father  of  William  E.  Stevens  spent  the 
winter  of  1832  with  Black  Hawk,  at  Rock 
Island,  111.  He  was  employed  during  the  win- 


ter of  1862-63  at  New  Orleans,  looking  after 
the  sick  Wisconsin  soldiers,  and  assisting  them 
home.  He  was  one  of  the  trustees  of  Beloit 
College  in  the  early  days. 

DAVID  WILKINSON.  The  real  wealth 
of  a community  is  not  in  its  banks  and  busi- 
ness blocks,  but  in  the  integrity  and  worth 
of  its  people,  for  the  influence  of  a good  life 
goes  farther  than  a bag  of  dollars  in  forming 
the  future  status  of  manner  and  morality. 
When  our  subject,  David  Wilkinson,  was  born 
away  across  the  water,  in  England,  Feb.  6, 
1832,  no  one  would  have  predicted  of  the  little 
Lancashire  lad  the  successful  and  honorable 
life  that  has  been  his,  fertile  in  good  deeds, 
and  an  example  to  the  young  of  the  reward 
awaiting  him  who  lives  justly  and  industrious- 
ly, temperately  and  honestly. 

The  parents  of  our  subject  were  John  and 
Ann  (Brenan)  Wilkinson,  both  born  in  Eng- 
land, the  former  Jan.  28,  1803,  the  latter  in 
1805.  John  Wilkinson  was  the  son  of  David 
and  Ellen  (YTtes)  Wilkinson,  who  were  born 
in  1765,  and  married  in  1795;  both  died  in 
England.  The  father  of  our  subject,  John 
Wilkinson  (2),  was  married  in  England  Feb. 
7,  1830.  He  was  the  manager  of  some  zinc 
works  in  Wales  for  some  time  before  coming 
to  America,  and  also  filled  the  position  of 
bookkeeper  for  the  Liverpool  Ship  Building 
Co.  In  March,  1844,  he  left  his  native  country 
for  the  United  States,  taking  passage  on  a 
sailing-vessel,  and  after  a long  and  tedious 
voyage  the  welcome  port  of  New  Orleans  was 
reached.  Following"  the  Mississippi  until  he 
came  to  Galena,  111.,  he  settled  at  Scales  Mound, 
in  Jo  Daviess  county,  but  in  the  fall  of  that 
year  he  moved  to  Big  Patch,  Wis.,  where  they 
lived  during  the  remainder  of  their  lives,  his 
death  occurring  Nov.  15,  1879,  and  his  wife’s 
July  14,  1866.  Both  John  Wilkinson  and  his 
wife  were  valued  and  consistent  members  of 
the  Primitive  Methodist  Church,  and  were 
known  as  worthy  Christian  people.  A stanch 
Republican  after  settling  in  his  new  country, 
he  never  wavered  in  his  faith  to  that  party 
during  the  rest  of  his  life.  In  1850  he  made 
a trip  to  California,  crossing  the  Plains,  but 
did  not  make  a protracted  stay  there. 

Eleven  children  were  born  to  John  and 
Ann  Wilkinson : David,  our  subject,  is  the 

eldest  of  the  family.  William,  who  was  born 
in  England  in  1833,  married  Miss  Mary  Al- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


107 


tizer,  of  Smelser,  settled  on  his  farm  near  the 
old  homestead,  and  died  in  1861,  leaving  two 
children,  John  and  Oliver,  now  residents  of 
California.  John,  born  in  England  in  July, 
1835,  married  Hannah  Roe,  and  died  after 
coming  to  America;  he  left  two  children, 
Frances  and  John.  Ellen,  born  in  England, 
died  when  a child.  Thomas,  born  in  England 
in  May,  1839,  married  Anna  Slack,  of  Grant 
county,  and  now  resides  in  Linn  county,  Iowa, 
where  he  has  been  a prosperous  farmer  for 
thirty  years ; he  has  a family  of  ten  children, 
Albert,  Edward,  Nellie,  Thomas,  Anna,  Emma, 
James,  Hall,  Milford  and  Yetta.  Elizabeth, 
born  in  Wales  in  August,  1841,  married  Will- 
iam Landshutz,  of  Smelser,  who  died  in  1888, 
leaving  his  wife  and  two  children,  W.  FI.  (who 
with  his  mother  resides  in  Big  Patch)  and 
Laura  (the  latter  now  deceased).  James,  born 
in  England  Aug.  7,  1843,  married,  first,  a Miss 
Rawson,  who  died  leaving  him  one  son,  Will- 
iam, now  of  Dubuque,  Iowa;  his  second  mar- 
riage was  with  Elizabeth  Simpson ; he  resides 
in  Lemars,  Iowa.  Anna  is  deceased.  Mary  A., 
born  in  Grant  county,  married  L.  A.  Jackson, 
resided  in  Smelser,  and  died  Aug.  5,  1874. 
George,  born  in  1850,  married  Sophia  Kopp, 
of  Platteville,  and  now  resides  on  the  old  Wilk- 
inson homestead,  in  Smelser,  with  six  chil- 
dren, Mary,  Sophia,  Carl,  Elizabeth,  Cath- 
arine and  Gretta.  Robert,  born  at  the  old 
home  in  Smelser,  in  November,  1852,  married 
Mary  Whittaker,  formerly  of  Delaware,  and 
resides  in  Pipestone  county,  Minn. ; he  has  four 
children,  James,  Palmer,  Bell  and  Harold. 

David  Wilkinson,  our  subject,  acquired  his 
early  education  in  England,  his  opportunities 
in  Smelser  being  confined  to  a term  of  thre 
months.  However,  he  had  the  advantage  of 
having  an  intelligent  and  educated  father,  and 
under  his  supervision  he  continued  his  studies. 
In  1855  he  married  Miss  Isabella  Harker,  a 
daughter  of  George  and  Isabella  Harker,  this 
family  being  among  the  English-American 
families  who  have  become  prominent  in  Smel- 
ser township.  Mrs.  Wilkinson  was  born  in 
1834,  and  was  called  from  life  in  April,  1880, 
leaving  three  children : Elizabeth,  born  Dec. 

30,  1856,  was  a student  at  Platteville,  married 
Joseph  Thomas,  of  Grant  county,  and  resides 
on  a farm  in  Smelser ; they  have  five  children, 
Edward,  Walton,  Isabel,  Gretta  and  Jessie. 
James,  born  in  January,  1859,  died  in  August, 
1870.  Ellen,  born  in  February,  1861,  mar- 


ried George  Reige,  of  Smelser,  and  died  Aug. 
31,  1889,  leaving  one  daughter,  Florence. 

In  December,  1886,  Mr.  Wilkinson  mar- 
ried Miss  Susanna  Robinson,  of  Platteville 
township,  a daughter  of  Joseph  and  Hannah 
Robinson,  of  an  old  pioneer  family.  She  was 
born  in  1848,  and  died  in  Big  Patch  Oct.  8, 
1899,  leaving  many  lamenting  friends.  Dur- 
ing her  life  she  had  been  noted  for  good  works, 
and  was  one  of  the  leading  members  of  the 
Primitive  Methodist  Church,  in  which  her  fa- 
ther had  long  been  a local  minister. 

After  his  first  marriage  Mr.  Wilkinson  set- 
tled on  a farm  for  some  two  years,  and  then 
purchased  the  Kay  gristmill,  at  Big  Patch, 
which  he  has  managed  for  over  thirty-five 
years.  In  1858  he  engaged  in  the  mercantile 
business,  in  connection  with  his  milling,  and 
until  1900,  when  he  sold,  he  did  a prosperous 
business.  Mr.  Wilkinson  has  always  been  an 
ardent  Republican,  but  was  appointed  by  Presi- 
dent Buchanan  as  postmaster  at  Big  Patch,  and 
in  all  the  changes  of  administration  since  that 
time  has  been  continued  in  office,  his  character 
being  so  high  that  no  citizen  could  ever  be 
found  as  an  opponent.  For  forty-one  years 
he  has  efficiently  held  this  government  ap- 
pointment, this  being,  in  itself,  a testimonial 
of  the  esteem  in  which  he  is  held,  irrespective 
of  party. 

So  prominent  a man  as  Mr.  Wilkinson  could 
not  escape  election  to  the  county  and  town- 
ship offices,  and  he  has  performed  the  duties 
of  them  all,  at  various  times.  He  has  been 
town  treasurer  of  Smelser  for  the  past  three 
years,  and  for  the  three  preceding  years  was 
town  assessor.  Reared  in  the  Primitive  Meth- 
odist Church,  he  has  always  adhered  to  its 
teachings,  and  has  been  a liberal  and  cheerful 
contributor  to  its  support.  In  all  things  Mr. 
Wilkinson  has  been  a worthv  citizen,  always 
ready  to  aid  in  benevolence  where  he  found  a 
deserving  object,  has  served  well  and  faith- 
fully in  his  public  life,  and  the  regularity  of 
his  habits  has  made  him  a pleasant  factor  in 
the  home  circle.  Grant  county  has  in  David 
Wilkinson  a representative  citizen. 

WILLIAM  CRAVEN  is  a highly  es- 
teemed resident  of  Platteville,  Grant  county, 
where  he  is  now  living  retired  from  active 
business.  He  has  been  a noted  hunter  of  large 
game  in  his  day.  and  has  killed  more  wolves, 
bear  and  deer  than  any  other  man  in  Grant 


io8 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


county.  He  was  born  in  Wayne  county,  Ohio, 
March  14,  1843. 

Samuel  Craven,  his  father,  was  born  in 
Washington  county,  Penn.,  in  1800,  and  his 
mother,  Sarah  (Metcalf),  was  born  in  the 
same  county  in  August,  1808.  They  were 
married  in  1832,  and  then  moved  to  Wayne 
county,  Ohio,  where  they  settled  on  a farm, 
upon  which  he  erected  a log  house.  In  this 
primitive  home  they  lived  happily  for  many 
years,  later  building*  a hue  modern  house, 
where  Mr.  Craven  died  in  1888,  and  his  wife 
in  1882.  Before  his  marriage  with  Sarah  Met- 
calf lie  had  married  Margaret  Boher,  who  bore 
him  two  children:  James,  deceased;  and 

Hiram,  of  Paulding  county,  Ohio.  Nine  chil- 
dren were  born  of  the  second  union  : ( 1 ) 

Stewart,  born  in  Ohio,  in  May,  1833,  was 
reared  to  manhood  on  the  home  farm,  and  then 
joined  Van  Amberg’s  Show,  with  which  he 
remained  for  many  years,  working  his  way 
upward  until  he  became  the  trainer  for  the 
noted  elephant  “Romeo.”  He  married  a lady 
from  Philadelphia,  and  for  some  years  made 
that  city  his  home,  later  going  to  Dallas,  Texas, 
where  he  owned  a large  ranch,  upon  which 
his  death  occurred  some  ten  years  ago.  His 
wife  and  child,  Charles,  survive  him,  and  make 
their  home  in  Texas.  (2)  Susan,  born  in 
January,  1835,  became  the  wife  of  S.  C.  Long, 
of  Wayne  county,  Ohio,  and  at  her  death  left 
four  children,  Stewart,  Lewis,  Mary  and  Will- 
iam. (3)  Mary,  born  Jan.  8,  1837,  married 
Dr.  Barnheart,  who  became  a surgeon  in  the 
Civil  war,  and  died,  leaving  one  child,  Cap- 
itola,  who  is  married  and  lives  in  Indiana. 
Mary  is  also  deceased.  (4)  John  and  (5) 

Sarah  died  in  childhood.  (6)  William  is  our 
subject.  (7)  George,  born  in  May,  1845,  grew 
to  manhood,  and  enlisted  in  an  Indiana  regi- 
ment during  the  Civil  war,  after  which  he  came 
west  to  Wisconsin,  and  worked  for  some  years 
in  the  Laflin  & Rand  Powder  Mills.  He  mar- 
ried Ella  Douglas,  of  Platteville,  and  moved 
to  Nebraska,  thence  going  to  Oklahoma,  where 
be  now  resides.  He  has  a family  of  sevp 
children,  Della,  Charles,  Cora,  Wilbur,  Jennie, 
Stewart  and  Julian.  (81  Lucinda  is  the  widow 
of  Solomon  Staher,  of  Wayne  county,  and  has 
two  children,  Sarah  and  Frank,  the  latter  of 
Oklahoma.  (9)  Samuel  C.,  born  in  1851,  was 
educated  in  the  higher  schools  of  Ohio,  mar- 
ried Emma  Winkler,  and  then  located  on  the 
old  homestead,  remaining  there  until  1898, 


when  he  removed  to  Oklahoma,  to  engage  in 
the  livery  and  feed  business.  He  has  two  chil- 
dren living,  Melissa  and  William;  another, 
Charles,  is  deceased. 

William  Craven  was  educated  in  the  ex- 
cellent public  schools  of  Ohio.  In  1862,  at 
the  age  of  eighteen,  he  enlisted  in  Company  F, 
102(1  O.  V.  I.,  and  was  assigned  to  the  West- 
ern Army.  His  first  duty  was  in  Kentucky, 
where  his  regiment  took  part  in  the  fighting 
against  Gen.  Bragg,  engaging  him  at  Perry- 
ville.  Later  they  took  part  in  several  battles 
in  Tennessee,  where  they  wintered  in  1862. 
They  remained  in  Tennessee  one  year,  and 
Mr.  Craven,  being  taken  ill  at  Clarksville,  was 
obliged  to  pass  some  time  in  the  hospital  there, 
and  later  was  detailed  from  the  Invalid  Corps 
as  manager  of  the  government  farm  estab- 
lished there.  In  the  fall  of  1864  he  joined  his 
regiment  at  Decatur,  Ala.,  at  which  point  the 
Union  forces  engaged  Hood’s  army,  and  fol- 
lowed him  in  his  march  to  Nashville.  The 
1 02 d Ohio  served  continually  until  the  close 
of  the  war.  After  the  war  was  over  Mr. 
Craven  returned,  in  July,  1865,  to  his  home, 
and  passed  the  fall  with  Forepaugh’s  show. 
In  1866  he  located  on  his  father-in-law's  home- 
stead, where  he  remained  until  1900,  in  that 
year  purchasing  a home  in  Platteville,  and  has 
since  lived  retired.  In  1894,  while  engaged  in 
a hunting  expedition  in  northern  Wisconsin, 
he  captured  a pair  of  fawns,  which  he  brought 
home,  and  they  became  the  progenitors  of  the 
fine  herd  of  deer  on  his  farm. 

Politically  Mr.  Craven  is  a stanch  Repub- 
lican, and  has  held  the  office  of  justice  of  the 
peace.  Socially  he  belongs  to  Sherman  Post, 
No.  66,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Platteville,  and  to  the 
I.  O.  O.  F.  at  Washburn.  In  religious  faith 
the  family  are  Presbyterians. 

On  March  22,  1866,  Mr.  Craven  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Mary  E.  Burns,  daugh- 
ter of  Thomas  and  Jane  (Thompson)  Burns, 
of  Lima,  Wis.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Burns  were 
born  in  Ohio,  the  former  in  October,  1817,  the 
latter  in  December,  1821.  Mrs.  Jane  (Thomp- 
son) Burns  was  the  daughter  of  Archibald  and 
Martha  (Fitzsimmons)  Thompson,  who  moved 
to  Ohio  from  Pennsylvania  among  the  early 
settlers  of  that  State.  Thomas  Burns  located 
in  Grant  county,  Wis.,  in  1842,  and  settled  in 
the  town  of  Lima,  and  there  in  1849  his  wife 
died,  leaving  him  with  two  children,  Mary  E., 
wife  of  our  subject;  and  Thomas  J.,  now  a 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


109 


merchant  of  Casey,  Iowa.  The  children  were 
taken  back  to  Ohio,  and  were  cared  for  until 
grown  by  their  Grandfather  Burns,  a gallant 
old  soldier  of  the  war  of  1812.  Thomas  T. 
Burns,  brother  of  Mrs.  Craven,  enlisted  in  tire 
120th  O.  V.  I.  during  the  Civil  war;  later  he 
married  Miss  Sidney  Aukerman,  and  moved 
to  his  present  home  in  Casey,  Iowa;  he  has 
three  children,  Carrie.  Thomas  and  Etta.  Mrs. 
Craven  was  highly  educated  in  the  schools  of 
Ohio,  and  for  several  years  was  one  of  the 
successful  teachers  of  that  State. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Craven  have  been  born 
nine  children,  four  of  whom  died  in  childhood. 
The  others  are:  S.  C.,  born  in  Lima  in  1867, 
married  Myrtle  Hake,  of  Platteville,  and  now 
resides  on  the  old  Burns  homestead,  which  he 
owns ; they  have  three  children,  Flossie,  Mellie 
and  Neal.  Mabel,  born  in  April,  1871,  was 
educated  at  the  Platteville  Normal,  became  one 
of  the  successful  teachers  of  Lima,  and  is  now 
the  wife  of  Ralph  King,  of  Ellenboro,  by  whom 
she  has  two  children,  Ivan  and  Margie.  Bell, 
born  in  February,  1876,  educated  in  the  Platte- 
ville Normal,  became  a well-known  teacher  in 
Grant  county,  and  is  now  the  wife  of  Ernest 
Harrison;  they  reside  in  Aitkin,  Minn.,  where 
he  is  a merchant ; they  have  one  son,  William 
Harrison.  Burns,  born  in  April,  1880,  still 
makes  his  home  with  his  parents,  and  is  at 
present  a student  in  the  Platteville  Business 
College.  Bessie,  born  in  April.  1883,  is  a 
student  at  the  Platteville  Normal. 

• S.  B.  SPENCER,  who  for  the  past  twelve 
years  has  efficiently  served  as  justice  of  the 
peace  at  Platteville,  Grant  county,  was  born  in 
Springville  township,  Susquehanna  Co.,  Penn., 
March  1,  1834,  a son  of  Daniel  R.  and  My- 
randa  (Baldwin)  Spencer,  the  former  a native 
of  Concord,  N.  H.,  and  the  latter  of  Vermont. 
They  were  of  Scottish  descent,  and  early  set- 
tlers of  Springville  township,  Susquehanna 
Co.,  Penn.,  where  the  father,  a farmer  by  oc- 
cupation, died  in  1836.  The  mother  long  sur- 
vived him,  dying  in  Wyoming  county,  same 
State,  in  1888.  Our  subject  is  the  only  mem- 
ber of  the  family  now  living. 

S.  B.  Spencer  was  reared  and-  educated  in 
his  native  county,  whence  he  came  to  Grant 
county,  Wis.,  in  1851.  Locating  in  the  town 
of  Beetown,  he  was  engaged  in  mining  there 
for  two  years,  and  then  moved  to  Lancaster, 
where  he  learned  the  mason’s  trade.  After 


a residence  of  five  or  six  years  at  the  latter 
place  he  went  to  Boscobel,  and  accepted  a po- 
sition in  a store.  While  there  the  Civil  war 
broke  out,  and  he  enlisted,  in  1862,  in  Com- 
pany G,  33d  Wis.  V.  I.,  for  one  year,  being 
elected  ordnance  sergeant.  He  was  on  de- 
tached duty  most  of  the  time,  and  was  honor- 
ably discharged  at  Vicksburg  in  1863.  Re- 
turning to  Grant  county,  he  purchased  a farm 
in  Harrison  township  which  he  operated  for 
three  years,  and  in  1871  came  to  Platteville, 
where  he  has  since  made  his  home. 

In  Grant  county  Mr.  Spencer  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Miss  Lucy  Beroyl  McKenzie,  by 
whom  he  had  two  children,  Edward  M.  and  H. 
M.  He  was  again  married,  in  1886,  his  second 
union  being  with  Miss  Hannah  Straw,  by 
whom  he  also  has  two  ch  ldren.  Hazel  E.  and 
Estella  M.  Mrs.  Spencer  is  a native  of  Grant 
county,  and  a daughter  of  Richard  and  Mary 
(Place)  Straw.  Tier  father,  who  was  a well- 
known  smelter,  died  in  Platteville  May  10, 
1892,  at  the  age  of  seventy-five  years,  two 
months  and  twenty-five  days ; he  was  one  of 
the  first  settlers  of  the  county.  Her  mother 
continues  to  reside  in  Platteville. 

Social!}-  Mr.  Spencer  is  a member  of  Melody 
Lodge,  No.  2,  F.  & A.  M.,  and  W.  T.  Sher- 
man Post,  No.  66,  G.  A.  R.,  in  which  he  has 
served  as  chaplain.  Both  he  and  his  wife  are 
earnest  and  consistent  members  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church,  and  are  highly  re- 
spected by  all  who  know  them.  In  his  polit- 
ical affiliations  Mr.  Spencer  is  a Republican. 
He  was  census  enumerator  in  Platteville  in 
1890.  In  1887  he  was  elected  justice  of  the 
peace,  and  has  since  filled  that  position,  with 
credit  to  himself  and  to  the  satisfaction  of  his 
constituents.  He  is  thoroughly  impartial  in 
meting  out  justice,  his  opinions  being  un- 
biased by  either  fear  or  favor,  and  his  fidelity 
to  the  trust  reposed  in  him  is  above  question. 

CHARLES  C.  CLARKE  has  for  the  past 
twenty  years  been  a prominent  stock  dealer  at 
Milton  Junction,  Rock  county.  He  is  a man 
of  active  temperament,  who  has  had  a wide 
experience  in  life,  gained  by  extended  travel 
and  by  following  various  vocations.  Reared 
a farmer,  and  inheriting  from  his  father,  who 
was  a practicing  physician,  a keen  and  com- 
prehensive mind,  he  has  found  in  the  stock 
business  a congenial  and  most  profitable  field 
for  his  talents. 


I 10 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Mr.  Clarke  was  born  in  Madison  county, 
N.  Y.,  Dec.  i,  1833,  son  of  Dr.  Henry  and 
Lorinda  (Coon)  Clarke,  natives  of  New  York. 
The  father  was  the  son  of  a Rhode  Island 
farmer,  who  lived  to  an  advanced  age,  and 
reared  a large  family.  The  maternal  grand- 
father of  our  subject,  Daniel  Coon,  was  a na- 
tive of  New  York  State,  and  there  followed 
farming  through  his  long  life;  he  left  a large 
family.  Henry  Clarke,  the  father,  practiced 
medicine  in  Madison  county,  N.  Y.  In  1836 
he  came  West,  and  for  two  years  lived  at  Chi- 
cago. 111.,  then  a struggling  hut  ambitious  vil- 
lage, in  1838  removing  to  Walworth,  Wis., 
where  he  continued  the  practice  of  his  pro- 
fession until  his  death,  in  1853,  at  ^ie  aSe 
sixty-one  vears.  His  wife  survived  until  1896, 
passing  away  at  the  age  of  eighty-two  years. 
Both  were  prominent  members  of  the  Seventh- 
day  Baptist  Church.  Dr.  Clarke  was  an  in- 
fluential citizen,  as  well  as  a successful  physi- 
cian. He  was  a member  of  the  State  Legis- 
lature in  New  York,  and  was  elected  to  dis- 
charge the  same  legislative  duties  in  Wiscon- 
sin. He  was  the  father  of  eleven  children,  nine 
sons  and  two  daughters,  of  whom  six  survive  : 
Charles  C.,  our  subject;  Benjamin  F.,  of  Los 
Angeles,  Cal.;  Oliver  P.,  of  Walworth  coun- 
tv, Wis. ; Frederick  J.,  of  Walworth;  John  M., 
of  Milton  Junction;  and  Hannah  M.,  wife  of 
Lafayette  Cook,  of  Cecil,  Wisconsin. 

Charles  C.  Clarke  was  four  years  old  when 
brought  by  his  father  to  Walworth  county, 
where  he  was  reared  on  a farm,  receiving  his 
education  in  the  district  schools.  Seeking  a 
more  active  life  than  that  presented  by  the 
farm,  Mr.  Clarke  in  his  younger  years  went 
to  Chicago,  where  for  three  years  he  kept  a 
grocery  store.  Then  for  a time  he  served  on 
the  police  force  of  that  city.  In  i860  he  went 
to  Pike’s  Peak,  Col.,  and  for  a year  engaged  in 
mining.  Returning  to  Chicago  in  1861,  he 
became  a contractor  and  builder  for  a number 
of  venrs,  after  which  he  spent  seven  years  en- 
gaged in  flour-milling  at  Rockton,  111.  In 
1880  Mr.  Clarke  came  to  Milton  Junction.  For 
one  year  he  conducted  a lumber  business  in 
connection  with  stock  dealing,  then  gave  his 
entire  attention  to  the  latter  business,  which 
grew  steadily  under  his  wise  management,  and 
which  he  has  continued  ever  since.  For  the 
past  fourteen  years  his  brother,  John  M.  Clarke, 
has  been  associated  with  him  in  the  stock  busi- 
ness. They  have  attained  marked  success,  and 


our  subject  ranks  as  one  of  the  best  and  most 
favorably  known  business  men  of  Rock  coun- 
ty. He  is  a stockholder  in  the  State  Bank  at 
Milton  Junction. 

Mr.  Clarke  married,  Jan.  1,  1856,  Miss 
Mary  B.  Sheri  nirne,  daughter  of  Joseph  and 
Rebecca  (Atwood)  Sherburne,  natives  of  Ver- 
mont. who  in  1844,  with  their  five  children, 
migrated  to  Wisconsin  and  located  in  Wal- 
worth county,  where  they  engaged  in  farm- 
ing. Of  this  family,  Phoebe  is  now  the  widow 
of  Lucian  Covey,  of  Chicago ; Edwin  is  de- 
ceased ; Mary  B.  is  the  wife  of  our  subject; 
George  A.  is  a resident  of  Covert,  Mich. ; and 
Emily  R.  is  the  wife  of  Edgar  O.  Burdick,  of 
Milton  Junction.  Joseph  Sherburne  died  in 
Walworth  county  in  1876,  aged  seventy-four 
years,  and  his  wife  died  in  1891,  aged  eighty- 
two  years.  Both  were  members  of  the  Sev- 
enth-day Baptist  Church.  The  paternal  grand- 
father of  Mrs.  Clarke,  John  Sherburne,  was  a 
Vermont  farmer,  and  lived  to  about  the  age 
of  seventy-two  years.  Her  maternal  grand- 
father, Elijah  Atwood,  was  also  a Vermont 
farmer.  He  was  killed  in  middle  life  by  the 
kick  of  a horse. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clarke  are  prominent  mem- 
bers of  the  Seventh-day  Baptist  Church.  Po- 
litically he  is  a Prohibitionist.  He  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  school  board  of  Milton  Junction. 

SIGMUND  STEUERT,  of  the  town  of 
Fennimore,  is  one  of  the  pioneers  of  Grant 
county.  He  was  born  in  the  Black  Forest, 
Germany,  Nov.  14,  1820,  son  of  Jacob  Steuert, 
who  died  when  our  subject  was  four  years 
old.  His  mother  survived  many  years,  and 
died  in  her  native  land.  Mr.  Steuert  was  one 
of  five  children,  and  the  only  one  of  the  fam- 
ily who  came  to  this  country.  Llis  father  was 
a painter,  and  made  a specialty  of  painting 
clock  faces,  and  this  became  the  trade  of  the 
son.  Clockmaking  was  one  of  the  principal 
industries  of  the  people  of  that  region. 

In  1842  Sigmund  Steuert  came  to  this  coun- 
try, in  company  with  a neighbor  who  had  al- 
ready been  in  America.  They  were  forty-two 
days  in  making  the  passage  from  Bremen  to 
New  York,  on  the  sailing-vessel  “Westfall.” 
Our  subject  spent  the  winter  in  Pennsylvania, 
and  the  following  year  went  to  Stark  county, 
Ohio,  where  he  traveled,  with  a horse  and 
buggy,  selling  clocks,  and  made  a few  hun- 
dred dollars.  He  followed  this  business  for 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


1 1 1 


about  three  and  a half  years,  and  then  came 
to  Grant  county,  making  the  journey  to  Co- 
lumbus from  Canton  by  canal,  from  there  to 
Xenia  by  stage,  and  from  there  to  Cincinnati 
by  railroad.  From  that  city  he  went  down 
the  Ohio  to  St.  Louis,  and  thence  to  Galena  by 
steamer,  where  he  took  the  stag'e  to  Potosi, 
Wis.,  reaching  that  point  March  18,  1846.  A 
relative  by  the  name  of  Celestine  Kaltenbach 
had  been  a resident  of  the  village  from  1836. 
That  spring  he  came  to  Fennimore,  and  bought 
land  with  the  money  he  had  earned  in  Ohio. 
Mr.  Steuert  had  but  five  francs  when  he  en- 
tered Pennsylvania.  While  in  that  State  he 
desired  to  visit  an  uncle  in  Philadelphia,  and, 
not  wishing  to  spend  his  money  on  the  fare, 
walked  in,  and  paid  his  way  by  repairing- 
clocks  for  the  farmers  on  the  road.  It  was  a 
characteristic  performance.  He  had  nerve  and 
strength. 

When  Mr.  Steuert  bought  land  in  the  town 
of  Fennimore  he  had  as  a partner  Marcus 
Beyerli,  who  sold  out  to  him  after  some  two 
years  and  went  to  California,  making  the  voy- 
age around  Cape  Horn,  and,  as  he  was  never 
heard  of,  it  is  supposed  he  perished  by  the  way. 

Air.  Steuert  and  Miss  Cynthia  Stephens,  a 
native  of  Kentucky,  were  married  July  30, 
1848.  She  died  in  August,  1857,  leaving  four- 
children:  Samuel,  of  Fennimore;  Cornelia,  the 
wife  of  William  Moran,  of  Nebraska;  Jacob, 
a resident  of  Kansas ; and  Sarah,  who  died 
at  the  age  of  eight  years.  A child  named  Sig- 
mund died  in  infancy.  Mr.  Steuert  was  mar- 
ried May  9,  1858,  to  his  present  estimable  wife, 
Margaret  Ann  (Clyde),  who  was  born  in  Mer- 
cer county,  Penn.,  March  20,  1820.  Her  par- 
ents, Solomon  and  Sabina  Clyde,  came  to  Min- 
eral Point,  Wis.,  in  1850.  They  had  eleven 
children,  several  of  whom  died  young  in  Penn- 
sylvania. Six  of  their  children  reached  Wis- 
consin, and  made  homes  for  themselves  in  this 
State,  where  they  cared  for  their  parents.  The 
mother  died  at  Montfort  in  December,  1858, 
and  the  father  died  in  August,  1865.  Three 
of  their  daughters  are  now  (1901)  living, 
Mrs.  Steuert  being  the  eldest.  Mrs.  Eliza 
Reynolds  is  in  South  Dakota.  Mrs.  Nancy 
Davy,  of  Boscobel.  Wis.,  is  the  youngest.  Mrs. 
Jane  McLimans,  Mrs.  Sarah  Smith,  and  a 
brother  of  Mrs.  Steuert  lived  in  Boscobel.  The 
latter  was  captain  of  a company  in  the  war  of 
the  Rebellion ; he  died  in  Minnesota. 

Two  children  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and 


Mrs.  Steuert,  as  follows : Samuel,  who  is  now 
at  Fennimore,  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  the 
Rebellion,  serving  in  the  48th  Wis.  V.  I. 
Sabina  is  the  wife  of  Eugene  McDonald,  and 
lives  on  the  old  home  farm  of  her  parents, 
then  in  Fennimore,  now  included  in  the  town 
of  Mt.  Ida.  A\  lien  Mr.  Steuert  arrived  in  the 
town  of  Fennimore  there  were  but  slight  set- 
tlements between  that  town  and  Lancaster. 
He  became  possessed  of  a fine  farm  there, 
and.  there  all  his  children  were  born.  In  1884 
he  removed  to  the  village  of  Fennimore,  where 
he  yet  lives,  respected  and  highly  esteemed  by 
all  who  know  him.  He  and  his  wife  belong- 
to  the  Methodist  Church.  She  has  been  a 
member  of  the  church  since  she  was  fourteen 
and  her  husband  for  more  than  forty  years. 
Mr.  Steuert  was  in  early  life  a Democrat,  but 
when  slavery  became  the  leading  issue  he  joined 
the  Republican  party.  When  the  old  issues 
were  settled  forever,  feeling  that  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  saloon  is  the  most  vital  question 
before  the  people,  he  became  a member  of  the 
Prohibition  party,  and  has  worked  with  it  for 
a number  of  years.  Air.  Steuert  was  the  first 
German  settler  in  what  are  now  the  towns  of 
Fennimore,  Mt.  Ida,  Hickory  Grove,  Marion, 
and  other  northern  townships.  He  was  justice 
of  the  peace  for  twelve  years,  and  at  his  first 
and  last  elections  to  this  office  not  a single 
vote  was  cast  against  him. 

JOHN  DINSDALE,  of  the  town  of  Fen- 
nimore, Grant  county,  is  one  of  the  earliest 
settlers  of  that  section.  He  has  lived  there 
since  1849,  and  he  has  been  a permanent  set- 
tler in  the  town  of  Fennimore  since  June, 
1850. 

Mr.  Dinsdale  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Askrigg,  Yorkshire.  England,  Nov.  12,  1825, 
son  of  James  and  Elizabeth  (Thompson) 
Dinsdale.  The  Dinsdale  family  has  been  resi- 
dent in  Askrigg  for  many  generations.  James 
Dinsdale,  the  grandfather  of  John,  died  at  the 
age  of  eighty-four.  Edward  Thompson,  the 
father  of  Elizabeth,  married  Dorothy  New-> 
ton.  Our  subject’s  father  had  ten  children, 
only  two  now  living : John  ; and  Mrs.  Dorothy 
Alderson,  of  Denver.  Colo.  The  father  died  in 
England  in  1843.  at  the  age  of  fifty-five  years. 
His  eldest  son,  Matthew,  was  the  first  to  come 
to  America,  arriving  here  in  1846,  and  he  fol- 
lowed mining  for  a time  at  Mineral  Point, 
Wis.  He  became  a minister  of  the  Methodist 


I I 2 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Episcopal  Church.  In  1849  lle  went  to  Cali- 
fornia, and  spent  two  ye'ars  in  the  land  of 
gold.  Returning  then  to  England,  he  married 
Miss  Mary  Ann  Mann,  and  when  he  came  back 
to  the  United  States  he  brought  with  him  his 
mother,  his  brother  Edward,  and  sister  Lizzie. 
He  put  up  a store  at  Linden,  Iowa  Co.,  Wis., 
and  was  engaged  in  its  management  for  sev- 
eral years,  later  in  life  renting  it  and  remov- 
ing to  Madison,  that  his  children  might  have 
the  benefit  of  the  State  University.  He  lived 
at  Madison  ten  years,  and  preached  at  various 
places  in  the  vicinity.  After  his  daughter’s 
graduation  and  marriage  to  Magnus  Swanson, 
of  Chicago,  he  returned  to  Linden,  where  he 
died  in  1897.  A sister  of  John  Dinsdale  mar- 
ried a Mr.  Munden,  of  Geneva  Lake,  and  an- 
other sister,  Jane,  married  a Mr.  Chapman,  in 
England,  and  came  to  this  country  in  1848. 
The  mother  lived  with  her  children  after  com- 
ing to  this  country,  and  died  at  the  age  of 
sixtyrifine  years. 

John  Dinsdale  was  reared  as  a farmer  and 
dairyman.  He  was  married,  May  24,  1847, 
to  Miss  Tirzah  Chapman,  who  was  born  at 
Worton,  Yorkshire,  but  a few  miles  from  the 
birthplace  of  her  husband,  in  1826.  The  young 
couple  came  to  this  country  in  1849,  as  noted 
above,  bringing  with  them  their  two  children, 
Elizabeth  and'james.  They  left  home  Feb. 
13,  sailing  from  Liverpool  on  the  ship  “Sax- 
ony,” and  landed  at  New  Orleans  on  the  last 
day  of  the  following  April,  making  their  way 
up  the  river  to  Galena,  111.,  and  from  there  to 
the  town  of  Linden,  Iowa  county;  in  May  of 
the  following  year  our  subject  entered  eighty 
acres  of  land  in  the  town  of  Fennimore,  Grant 
county.  He  erected  a log  house,  which  was 
his  home  for  eighteen  years,  and  at  the  expira- 
tion of  that  time  built  his  present  residence. 
By  judicious  investments  he  has  increased  his 
original  eighty  acres  to  a magnificent  rural 
estate  of  400  acres,  and  has  long  been  num- 
bered among  the  prominent  and  successful 
farmers  and  stock  raisers  of  his  town. 

Mr.  Dinsdale  was  bereft  of  the  wife  of  his 
youth  in  1869.  She  was  the  mother  of  twelve 
children.  Miss  Grace  Eddy  became  his  second 
wife.  She  died  in  1891,  the  mother  of  three 
children,  two  of  whom  are  living.  Ten  chil- 
dren of  the  first  marriage  are  still  living, 
namely:  Elizabeth,  James,  Zipporah,  B.  C., 

Dorothy,  Alice,  Hattie,  Abbie,  Mary  A.  and 
Tirzah  C.  The  deceased  children  were  Isabella 


M.  and  Matthew  E.  Of  the  children  born  to 
the  second  marriage  Ella  P.  and  Grace  A.  are 
living;  Eddy  is  deceased. 

Mr.  Dinsdale  has  been  closely  identified 
with  the  growth  and  development  of  Grant 
county  for  many  years,  and  has  been  very 
active  in  everything  relating  to  the  best  in- 
terests of  the  community.  He  has  been  asso- 
ciated with  the  Methodist  Church  since  1850, 
and  has  been  class-leader  for  forty-eight  years, 
and  steward  for  fifty  years.  He  has  been  a 
trustee  of  the  Ebenezar  Church,  in  the  town  of 
Wingville,  since  its  erection,  in  1861.  Polit- 
ically he  is  a Republican  of  the  Lincoln  type, 
and  has  lately  been  identified  with  the  Prohibi- 
tion party.  No  man  is  better  known  or  more 
highly  esteemed  in  the  town  of  Fennimore 
than  Mr.  Dinsdale,  and  he  is  well  worthy  of  a 
place  in  any  record. 

WILLIAM  COWDUROY,  who  died  at 
his  residence  in  Platteville,  Grant  county,  Dec. 
13,  1899,  and  was  for  many  years  a dealer  in 
general  merchandise  at  that  city.  Tie  was  a na- 
tive of  London,  England,  born  in  1836,  and 
received  his  early  education  in  that  city.  When 
fifteen  years  old  he  sailed  for  America,  and 
landed  in  New  York  City  in  the  spring  of  1851, 
without  a friend  and  without  money,  but  he 
soon  succeeded  in  finding  employment  at  $5 
per  month  and  board,  and  not  long  afterward, 
in  recognition  of  his  industrious  habits  and  at- 
tentiveness to  his  duties,  this  compensation 
was  increased  to  $13. 

In  1853  young  Cowduroy  sought  a home 
in  the  West,  and  found  it  in  the  then  village 
of  Platteville,  Wis.,  where  he  lived  until  the 
spring  of  1856.  Lie  was  next  employed,  tem- 
porarily, as  a clerk  on  Mississippi  river  steam- 
boats, and  then  went  to  La  Crosse,  Wis.,  where 
he  remained  three  years,  in  1859  §'°in§‘  1°  St. 
Louis,  Mo.,  where  he  secured  an  important 
position  in  the  State  and  county  assessors’ 
office,  holding  same  until  1861.  He  was  next 
appointed  paymaster  of  the  Missouri  State 
militia,  an  office  he  filled  until  1863,  when  he 
returned  to  Platteville,  Wis.,  and  engaged  in 
mercantile  trade,  which  was  ever  afterward 
his  occupation. 

In  September,  1857,  Mr.  Cowduroy  mar- 
ried, for  his  first  wife,  Miss  Elizabeth  Elgar, 
also  a native  of  London,  England,  and  a daugh- 
ter of  William  Elgar,  a pioneer  of  Grant 
county.  This  lady  died  May  21,  1879,  leav- 


/trW' 2 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ing  her  husband  with  two  children,  Lizzie  and 
Harry.  Lizzie  was  born  in  La  Crosse,  Wis., 
was  educated  in  the  State  Normal  School, 
Platteville,  married  William  Bauer,  of  Chi- 
cago, and  died  the  mother  of  one  son,  William, 
who  lives  with  his  grandmother,  Mrs.  Cow- 
duroy,  in  Platteville.  Harry  Cowduroy  was 
born  in  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  was  also  educated  in 
the  Platteville  State  Normal,  and  is  now  in  the 
employ  of  the  Grant  Paving  Co.,  of  Omaha, 
Neb. ; in  Council  Bluffs  he  married  Miss  Katie 
Kirscht,  who  has  borne  him  one  daughter, 
Gertrude  Elizabeth. 

The  second  marriage  of  William  Cowduroy 
took  place  in  October,  1880,  to  Mrs.  Elizabeth 
(Stephens)  Campbell,  a lady  of  Platteville;  to 
this  union  no  children  were  born. 

Religiously  Mr.  Cowduroy  was  a member 
of  the  Episcopal  Church,  to  which  his  widow 
also  belongs,  and  of  which  they  had  been 
constant  attendants  for  many  years  and  liberal 
supporters  through  their  financial  contribu- 
tions. Politically  Mr.  Cowduroy  was  identi- 
fied with  the  Republican  party,  and  active  in 
the  government  of  the  city.  Fraternally  he 
was  a member  of  K.  of  P.  Lodge  No.  125,  of 
Platteville;  was  also  a member  of  the  A.  O. 
U.  W.  and  the  M.  W.  of  A.,  and  in  both  the 
latter  orders  held  official  positions  for  some 
years.  Besides  being  one  of  the  oldest  mer- 
chants in  Platteville  Mr.  Cowduroy  was  a 
stockholder  and  director  in  the  State  National 
Bank,  took  a deep  and  active  interest  in  build- 
ing' up  his  city,  and  as  a business  man  his  repu- 
tation for  fair  dealing  and  integrity  was  well 
established  throughout  Grant  county. 

ERASMUS  AA  1 1 HERBEE  was  born  in 
Hazel  Green,  Grant  county,  where  his  home  is 
found  at  present,  May  15,  1843,  and  is  a son 
of  Hiram  and  Experience  A.  (Day)  AVither- 
bee.  1 he  father  was  born  April  17,  1810, 
at  the  main  entrance  to  Bunker  Hill  Monu- 
ment, and  the  mother  Oct.  30.  .1823,  at  Ecl- 
wardsville,  Madison  Co.,  111.  Hiram  AVither- 
bee  was  the  son  of  Calvin  and  Harriet  A. 
(Estabrook)  AYhtherbee,  the  former  a native 
of  Scotland,  the  latter  of  Massachusetts.  Cal- 
vin AA  itherbee  was  a ship  carpenter  and  a sea- 
faring man.  He  died  in  New  Orleans,  from 
yellow  fever,  about  iSiy 

Hiram  AVitherbee  came  from  Madison 

county,  111.,  to'  AA  isconsin  as  early  as  1832,  and 

followed  lead  mining  for  a number  of  years 
8 


1 13 


near  Hazel  Green,  finally  becoming  the  owner 
of  valuable  mineral  lands  which  he  controlled 
throughout  life.  He  was  quite  successful,  and 
about  1850  bought  the  "Empire  Hotel"  prop- 
erty at  Hazel  Green.  For  some  nine  years  he 
was  the  popular  landlord  of  that  hostelry, 
which  he  then  traded  for  a farm  in  Smelser, 
near  what  is  now  called  Elmo  Station,  where 
he  died  in  1867.  Mrs.  Experience  A.  AVither- 
bee died  in  1850.  She  and  her  husband  be- 
longed to  the  Presbyterian  Church.  In  con- 
nection with  Mr.  Crawford  and  one  or  two 
others  Mr.  AVitherbee  was  instrumental  in  the 
erection  of  the  first  Presbyterian  church  in 
Hazel  Green,  which  was  destroyed  by  the  tor- 
nado of  1876.  Hiram  and  Experience  A. 
YVitherbee  were  the  parents  of  five  children,, 
of  whom  three  died  in  infancy;  the  survivors 
are  Erasmus  and  Hiram  J.  Mr.  AVitherbee 
married  for  his  second  wife  Aliss  Margaret  A. 
Eastman,  of  Grant  county,  and  to  this  union 
were  also  born  five  children,  all  of  whom  are 
living:  (1)  Experience  A.,  born  in  Hazel 

Green  in  1852,  is  the  wife  of  Charles  Nepier,. 
of  Chicago.  (2)  Levi,  born  in  September, 
1853,  is  married,  and  is  the  owner  of  a cattle 
ranch  in  Yuma  county,  Colo.  (3)  L.  C.  is  a 
partner  with  his  brother  Levi  in  the  cattle  busi- 
ness. (4)  Julian  V.,  born  in  Grant  county,  is 
now  a traveling  representative  of  the  St.  Louis 
Stock  Yards ; he  found  a wife  in  Colorado. 
(5)  Orvil  O.,  born  in  Smelser,  Grant  county, 
has  become  a noted  physician  and  surgeon, 
and  lives  in  Los  Angeles,  Cal. ; he  is  married, 
and  has  two  children. 

Hiram  J.  AA’itherbee,  the  only  brother  of 
our  subject,  was  educated  at  the  Platteville 
Normal  School.  In  his  early  life  he  was  a 
miner  and  farmer,  and  was  a school  teacher 
in  Grant  and  Lafayette  counties  for  several 
years  before  his  entrance  into  pastoral  work,  in 
1885.  He  is  a Methodist  clergyman.  Miss 
Julia  A.  Haney,  of  Grant  county,,  became  his 
wife,  and  they  have  had  the  following  chil- 
dren:' (1)  Harriet  A.,  who  died  Aug.  1,  1898, 
was  a young  lady  of  great  promise,  and  a 
worker  in  the  church  of  her  town,  where  she 
had  many  friends.  (2)  Hiram  S.  is  a clergy- 
man of  the  Methodist  Church  at  Brush,  Colo., 
and  (3)  Oliver  Day,  a minister  of  the  same 
church  in  AVisconsin.  (4)  Miss  Elizabeth  H. 
is  at  home. 

Erasmus  AVitherbee  grew  to  manhood  un- 
der the  parental  roof,  and  obtained  his  educa- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


i <4 


tion  in  a private  school  in  Hazel  Green,  and 
the  academy  at  Platteville.  In  1862,  leaving 
school,  he  enlisted  in  Company  I,  25th  Wis. 
\ . I.,  under  command  of  Col.  Montgomery. 
The  regiment  was  mustered  into  the  govern- 
ment service  at  LaCrosse,  Wis.,  and  sent  to 
the  Western  frontier,  New  Clm,  Minn.,  to. 
protect  the  settlers  from  the  raids  of  the  hostile 
Indians.  In  the  early  part  of  1863  it  was  sent 
to  Kentucky,  and  in  May  of  that  year  was 
made  a part  of  the  forces  which  were  to  hold 
the  Rebel  Johnson  in  check  until  Vicksburg 
should  be  compelled  to  surrender.  After  the 
fall  of  that  stronghold  the  25th  Wisconsin  was 
sent  to  Helena,  Ark.,  and  in  the  following 
spring  it  was  sent  to  Kentucky,  and  was 
marched  overland  to  Mooresville,  Ala.,  where 
Mr.  V itherbee  w as  taken  sick,  and  compelled 
to  seek  the  hospital  at  Decatur,  in  that  State. 
After  a furlough  at  home  he  joined  his  regi- 
ment at  Rome,  Ga.,  in  time  to  follow  Gen. 
Sherman  to  the  sea.  The  25th  was  part  of 
the  army  that  marched  clear  through  to  Wash- 
ington, and  took  part  in  the  "Grand  Review.” 
At  the  close  of  the  war  Mr.  Whtherbee  could 
say  that  he  had  served  as  a soldier  in  every 
Southern  State  except  Florida  and  Texas,  and 
in  the  greater  number  of  the  Northern  States. 
An  honorable  discharge  from  the  service  was 
given  him  at  Washington  in  June.  1865.  At 
Helena,  Ark.,  Mr.  Witherbee  was  made  quar- 
termaster sergeant  Nov.  1,  1863,  and  through- 
out the  war  maintained  a high  standing  as  a 
soldier  and  a clear-headed  and  intelligent  man. 

After  the  close  of  the  war  Mr.  Witherbee 
returned  home,  and  the  same  year  went  to 
Lincoln,  Neb.,  to  take  up  a homestead  claim, 
securing  a good  farm.  He  was  married.  July 
4,  1876,  in  Philadelphia,  to  Miss  Mary  Rich- 
ards. a daughter  of  Isaac  and  Elizabeth  Rich- 
ards. of  an  old  and  prominent  family  of  Smel- 
ser.  Grant  county,  and  formerly  from  Tennes- 
see. Mrs.  Witherbee  was  born  in  Platteville, 
Wis.,  where  she  received  her  education  in  the 
academy  and  the  State  Normal.  The  house 
which  they  occupied  at  the  beginning  of  their 
married  life  was  situated  on  part  of  the  land 
purchased  by  his  father  from  the  government, 
and  here  a fine  home  was  erected  in  1880. 
The  greater  part  of  Mr.  Witherbee’s  business 
life  has  been  devoted  to  mining,  and  he  owns  a 
large  acreage  of  valuable  mineral  lands,  to  the 
development  of  which  he  is  still  giving  much 
attention.  To  him  and  his  wife  have  been 


born  a family  of  three  children  : ( 1 ) Blanche, 

born  in  Hazel  Green  in  1877,  acquired  a good 
education  in  the  village  school,  and  was  a 
graduate  in  voice  culture,  under  Prof.  Church- 
ill, of  the  Platteville  State  Normal.  She  is 
now  at  home,  and  has  been  one  of  the  success- 
ful music  teachers  in  this  part  of  the  State. 
(2)Exie  L.,  born  in  August,  1881,  is  a grad- 
uate of  the  Hazel  Green  high  school,  and  has 
studied  at  the  State  Normal,  Platteville.  She 
is  now  a grammar  school  teacher  in  Hazel 
Green.  (3)  Pearle,  born  in  1888,  is  now  a 
student  at  the  home  school. 

Mr.  Witherbee  was  identified  with  the  Re- 
publican party  for  many  years,  became  a Green- 
backer  during  the  administration  of  President 
Hayes,  for  twelve  years  was  a Prohibitionist, 
and  in  1896  and  1900  was  a strong  advocate 
of  the  election  of  W.  J.  Bryan,  believing  in 
legislation  for  the  benefit  of  the  masses.  For 
twelve  long  years  he  helped  to  wage  the  war 
against  the  liquor  traffic,  but  in  1896,  becom- 
ing convinced  that  the  mass  of  the  American 
people,  of  whatever  persuasion,  want  and  will 
have  their  whisky,  he  transferred  his  allegiance 
as  noted.  A public-spirited  and  upright  citi- 
zen of  the  town,  he  has  been  called  on  to-  fill 
several  local  offices,  was  a member  of  the  school 
board  twelve  years,  and  town  clerk  two  years. 
Mr.  Witherbee  is  adjutant  of  W.  O.  Topping 
Post,  No.  266.  G.  A.  IT,  at  Hazel  Green.  Mrs. 
Witherbee  is  a member  of  the  Congregational 
Church,  and  that  church  has  always  received 
a liberal  support  from  her  husband. 

FRANK  WOOD,  one  of  the  representa- 
tive, enterprising  business  men  of  Janesville, 
Rock  county,  proprietor  of  a grocery  estab- 
lishment at  the  corner  of  Madison,  North 
Academy  and  Ravine  streets,  is  fast  building 
up  a very  desirable  trade,  catering  to  the  wants 
of  his  customers  in  a manner  that  secures  con- 
tinued patronage. 

Frank  Wood  was  born  in  Janesville  Oct. 
if),  1842,  a son  of  Royal  and  Eliza  (Andrews) 
Wood,  natives  of  New  York  City.  His  pa- 
ternal grandfather,  Silas  Wood,  was  a native 
of  Ohio;,  a farmer  by  occupation,  and  came 
to  Wisconsin  in  the  early  days,  settling  on  a 
farm  about  eighteen  miles  from  Janesville,  in 
Rock  county,  where  he  died  at  an  advanced  age. 
He  had  four  children.  The  grandfather  on 
the  mother’s  side,  Francis  Andrews,  was  en- 
gaged in  handling  meat  in  New  York  City, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


where  he  operated  a large  market.  His  fam- 
ily consisted  of  four  or  five  children,  and  he 
died  when  quite  an  old  man. 

Royal  Wood,  the  father  of  our  subject,  was 
a sailor  on  the  lakes  in  early  manhood,  and 
came  to  Wisconsin  in  1840,  locating  in  Janes- 
ville, where  he  engaged  in  the  grocery  busi- 
ness. Later  he  embarked  in  a livery  business, 
and  continued  same  for  over  twenty  years. 
Now  Mr.  Wood  has  retired  from  active  busi- 
ness pursuits.  His  wife  died  in  December, 
1899,  aged  about  seventy-six  years.  For  many 
years  Royal  Wood  was  register  of  deeds.  He 
and  his  wife  were  Unitarians  in  religious  be- 
lief. They  were  blessed  with  nine  children, 
six  sons  and  three  daughters,  three  of  whom 
are  now  living:  Frank:  Royal,  of  San  Diego, 
Cal. : and  Wesley  P.,  of  Chicago. 

Frank  Wood, the  subject  proper  of  this  biog- 
raphy, has  lived  in  Janesville  all  his  life,  at- 
tended the  public  schools,  and  is  thoroughly 
identified  with  its  best  interests.  Upon  the  out- 
break of  the  Civil  war,  like  so  many  others, 
he  was  fired  with  patriotism,  and  enlisted  in 
the  1 2th  Wisconsin  Battery,  Light  Artillery, 
serving  about  three  years.  At  the  battle  of 
Savannah,  Ga.,  Mr.  Wood  was  wounded,  and 
he  participated  in  the  battles  of  Corinth,  Iuka. 
Altoona,  Ga.,  Sherman's  march  to  the  sea,  and 
many  other  less  important  engagements.  After 
the  close  of  the  war  Mr.  Wrood  returned  home 
and  became  a brakeman  on  the  Chicago,  Mil- 
waukee & St.  Paul  railroad,  serving  in  this  ca- 
pacity for  several  years : was  then  made  bag- 
gageman; then  freight  conductor:  and  finally 
passenger  conductor.  Feeling  the  need  of  rest. 
Mr.  Wood  finally  retired  from  the  service  of 
the  railroad  in  1883,  and  until  January,  1900, 
did  not  engage  in  any  line  of  business  aside 
from  attending  to  his  personal  affairs.  At 
that  date  he  purchased  the  grocery  concern  of 
W,  S.  Phillips,  made  many  desirable  innova- 
tions, and  now  carries  a full  line  of  provisions, 
and  is  fully  prepared  to  supply  hi;  trade 
promptly  and  efficiently.  In  addition  to  his 
pleasant  home,  at  No.  210  West  Bluff  street. 
Janesville,  which  he  erected,  Mr.  Wood  owns 
other  real  estate  throughout  the  city,  all  of 
which  is  valuable. 

On  Jan.  24,  1866.  Frank  Wood  married 
Miss  Maria  Johnston,  daughter  of  William  H. 
and  Henrietta  (Steinberger)  Johiwton.  and 
one  daughter  was  born  to  them,  Carrie,  who 
married  Arthur  Wr.  Wheelock,  of  Rockford, 


1 15 


111.,  and  has  a daughter.  Marguerite.  Mrs. 
Wood  is  a consistent  member  of  the  Episcopal 
Church,  and  a very  estimable  and  diaritable 
lady.  Politically  Mr.  Wood  is  a Republican, 
and  steadfastly  upholds  the  principles  of  his 
party  upon  every  occasion.  Genial,  public- 
spirited  and  enterprising,  Mr.  Wood  has  made 
many  friends,  and  his  success  in  life  is  well 
deserved. 

JAMES  HAGGART,  one  of  the  prominent 
farmers  and  business  men  of  LaPrairie  town- 
ship, Rock  county,  was  born  in  the  village  of 
Fonda.  Montgomery  Co..  N.  Y.,  Dec.  13,  1843, 
son  of  James  and  Deborah  (Veeder)  Hag- 
gart,  natives  of  New  York,  and  grandson  of 
James  Haggart,  who  emigrated  from  Scotland, 
his  native  land,  to  America,  and  settled  in 
Montgomery  county.  N.  Y.,  where  he  reared 
a large  family  and  lived  to  a good  old  age. 
Fie  was  a farmer.  Abraham  Veeder,  the  ma- 
ternal grandfather  of  our  subject,  was  a na- 
tive of  New  York,  of  Holland-Dutch  descent. 
He  was  a farmer,  and  served  as  a soldier  in 
the  war  of  1812.  He  died  in  Montgomery 
county,  N.  Y.,  at  a ripe  old  age,  leaving  a 
large  family. 

The  father  of  our  subject  was  a farmer  by 
occupation.  He  moved  from  New  York  State 
to  Wisconsin  in  1851.  purchasing  213  acres  of 
land  in  La  Prairie  township.  Rock  county,  and 
twenty-seven  acres  in  the  town  of  Turtle,  which 
he  improved.  He  died  in  November,  1877, 
aged  seventy-five  years.  His  wife  died  Oct. 
8,  1882.  aged  eighty-three  years.  They  were 
devout  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 
Of  their  nine  children,  three  sons  and  Six 
daughters,  three  survive  : Anna,  wife  of  James 
Wilson,  of  Canton,  Ivans. : Sarah,  wife  of  C. 
N.  Wright,  of  Shopiere,  Rock  Co.,  V is. ; and 
James,  our  subject. 

James  Haggart  was  seven  years  old  when 
brought  bv  his  parents  from  New  York  to  Wis- 
consin. In  1852.  the  year  following,  the  fam- 
ily returned  to  Fonda,  where  for  six  years  the 
father  kept  hotel.  They  then  repeated  the 
journey  to  Wisconsin.  James  was  reared  a 
farmer  boy  in  La  Prairie  township,  attending 
the  common  schools.  He  remained  on  the 
farm  of  his  father  until  the  latter's  death,  then 
took  charge  of  the  home  place,  which  he  still 
owns  and  operates.  In  addition  to  farming  he 
is  also  engaged  in  the  creamery  and  general 
merchandise  business  at  Shopiere,  and  is  one 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


1 16 


of  the  successful  and  influential  business  men 
of  La  Prairie  township. 

Mr.  Haggart  married,  Sept.  30,  1869,  Miss 
Laura  Nash,  daughter  of  Samuel  Leonard  and 
Ann  Elmira  (Kimball)  Nash,  who  came  from 
New  York  to  Rock  county,  Wis.,  in  1853, 
when  she  was  seven  years  old,  locating-  111 
Turtle  township,  and  there  engaging  in  farm- 
ing. Later  they  removed  to  Manchester,  111., 
where  the  father  died  in  1884,  having  attained 
the  age  of  almost  eighty-four  years ; his  wife 
survived  until  September,  1887,  dying  at  the 
age  of  seventy-two.  Four  children  were  born 
to  them,  of  whom  two  are  now  living:  Lois, 

who  lives  with  her  sister;  and  Laura,  wife  of 
our  subject.  To  James  and  Laura  (Nash) 
Haggart  have  been  born  three  children  : Archie, 
who  died  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  years  and 
two  months;  James  L.,  who  lives  at  home;  and 
one  who  died  in  infancy. 

Mr.  Haggart  in  politics  is  a Republican. 
Fraternally  he  is  a member  of  the  Modern 
Woodmen  of  America.  He  is  highly  respected 
for  his  sterling  traits  of  character,  and  is  a 
typical  representative  of  those  sturdy  and  force- 
ful characters  to  whom  the  people  of  Wiscon- 
sin are  deeply  indebted  for  the  high  develop- 
ment of  the  State  during  the  past  half  century. 

BENJAMIN  A.  GRAVES,  a venewable 
farmer  of  Harrison  township,  Grant  county, 
whose  years  command  the  respect  his  char- 
acter deserves,  was  born  in  Mercer  county, 
Penn.,  Dec.  11,  1823,  a son  of  Roswell  and 
Mary  A.  (Bates)  Graves. 

Roswell  Graves  was  born  in  New  Haven, 
Conn.,  and  his  wife  in  Virginia.  They  were 
married  in  Mercer  county,  Penn.,  where  Mrs. 
Graves’  father,  Christian  Bates,  was  livffig. 
Roswell  Graves  was  educated  by  his  parents, 
Roswell  and  Lucy  (Arnold)  Graves,  of  New 
Haven,  Conn,  (the  latter  a sister  of  Benedict 
Arnold),  and  was  a teacher  in  early  life.  He 
lived  in  Pennsylvania,  following  farming  and 
teaching,  until  1854,  when  he  came  to  Grant 
county,  Wis.,  and  took  charge  of  tne  County 
Poor  Farm.  He  acted  in  this  capacity  for 
some  ten  years,  and  then  moved  to  Crawford 
county,  Wis.,  where  he  bought  a farm,  rnd 
"spent  his  remaining  years  in  its  cultivation. 
He  and  his  wife  died  some  years  ag_o.  He 
was  a member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  and  frequently  filled  the  pulpit  as  a 
local  preacher.  He  held  a number  of  local 


offices,  and  was  justice  of  the  peace  for  many 
years.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Graves  reared  a numer- 
ous family,  all  born  in  Mercer  county,  Penn. ; 
Elizabeth,  their  eldest  daughter,  was  married 
in  her  native  county  to  Alanson  Taft,  and  they 
came  West,  settling-  in  Crawford  county,  Wis., 
where  she  died,  leaving  a family  who  still  re- 
side in  that  section  of  Wisconsin;  Benjamin 
A.  is  the  eldest  son;  the  others  were  named 
Lucy,  Joab,  Rhoda,  Roswell,  Almira,  Alan- 
son, John  and  Mary. 

Mr.  Graves  received  a district-school  edu- 
cation in  Mercer  county,  Penn.  In  1842  he 
married  Miss  Lurancy  Ray,  of  Kinsman,  Ohio, 
the  daughter  of  George  and  Lucinda  Ray,  of 
Vermont,  who  moved  to  Ohio  at  an  early  day, 
and  from  there  to  Wisconsin  by  wagon.  They 
settled  in  Grant  county,  and  after  a few  years 
journeyed  still  farther  West,  to  Fayette  county, 
Iowa,  where  they  died,  full  of  years  and  honor. 
Mrs.  Graves  was  born  in  Cattaraugus  county, 
N.  Y.,  in  1828,  and  was  quite  young  when 
taken  by  her  parents  into  Ohio,  where  her  edu- 
cation was  mostly  obtained.  She  was  an  am- 
bitious and  capable  girl,  and  taught  winter 
school  several  years  after  coming  to  Wiscon- 
sin. Mrs.  and  Mrs.  Graves  moved  to  this 
State  soon  after  their  marriage,  and  after  one 
or  two  changes  made  the  location  in  Harrison 
township  which  has  proved  so  desirable  that 
they  occupy  it  to  this  day.  He  bought  107 
acres  of  George  McFall.  At  the  time  of  pur- 
chase this  farm  was  but  little  improved,  but 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Graves  have  converted  it  into 
one  of  the  most  desirable  tracts  in  Grant  county. 

Mr.  Graves  enlisted  in  Company  K,  44th 
Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  under  Gen.  Thomas 
in  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee.  He  was  dis- 
charged in  August,  1865,  and  came  home  to 
his  wife  and  the  eight  children  he  had  left  on 
the  farm.  He  has  continued  his  residence  on 
this  place  to  the  present  time,  and  here  he  and 
his  worthy  wife  are  enjoying  a full  share  of  the 
comforts  of  life  in  their  declining  years.  They 
are  the  parents  of  ten  children,  of  whom  Joab 
and  Lorenzo  died  in  childhood.  George  was 
born  in  Ohio  in  1843,  married  Miss  Harriet 
Coates,  of  Grant  county,  and  is  now  a resident 
of  Fennimore.  Roswell,  born  in  Grant,  coun- 
ty in  1848,  married  Miss  Sarah  Coates,  a sister 
of  the  wife  of  his  brother  George,  and  settled 
on  his  farm  in  Ellenboro  township,  -where  he 
died  in  April,  iqoo,  leaving  a wife  and  three 
children,  Jesse,  Benjamin  R.  (both  engineers 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


on  the  Western  railroad)  and  Dove.  Mary  A., 
born  in  Grant  county  in  1850,  married 
William  Roddick,  and  settled  on  a farm 
in  Ellenboro,  where  he  died  in  1887,  leav- 
ing- her  with  two  children,  Mabel  and 
Millie;  she  died  in  April,  1900,  and  her 
children  live  in  the  old  home.  Arnold  Graves 
was  born  in  Grant  county  in  1852.  married 
Rosella  Singe,  and  now  resides  on  his  farm 
in  Harrison  township ; they  have  one  daugh- 
ter, Glenny.  Martha,  born  in  Grant  county  in 
1854,  married  Cassius  Lathrop,  of  Crawford 
county,  where  they  now  live;  they  have  four 
children,  Lester.  Fern,  Flossie,  and  Loren. 
Lucy,  born  in  1858,  is  now  the  wife  of  Jacob 
Dietzman,  of  Crawford  county,  and  the  mother 
of  six  children,  Ethel,  Orra,  Elva,  Laverne, 
Claude  and  Clyde.  Lurinda,  born  in  February, 
1862,  is  the  wife  of  Timothy  Culver,  a Harri- 
son township  farmer,  and  has  two  children, 
Lela  and  Leda.  Hattie,  the  youngest  daugh- 
ter, was  born  in  September,  1864,  was  educa- 
ted in  the  Platte ville  Normal,  and  for  several 
years  was  a successful  teacher  of  Grant  coun- 
ty; she  married  Jasper  Shipton,  of  Grant  coun- 
ty, and  located  in  Wapello,  Iowa,  where  he 
kept  a hotel;  both  died  in  April,  1900 — a mel- 
ancholy instance  of  the  frequent  coming  of  the 
dread  archer,  four  deaths  occurring  in  the 
family  within  a short  time. 

Mr.  Graves  has  always  been  a Republican. 
He  was  treasurer  of  the  school  district  for  four 
years,  and  a constable  in  the  town  of  Harrison 
a number  of  years.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Graves 
are  among  the  old-time  prominent  families  of 
\\  isconsin,  and  are  well  known  and  highly  re- 
spected. Their  many  acts  of  charity  and  kind- 
ness have  been  felt  in  many  homes  in  this  com- 
munity, and  they  are  widely  respected  and  be- 
loved. 

JOHN  E.  WISE,  of  Beetown,  Grant 
county,  became  a member  of  Company  I,  20th 
M isA  . I.,  Aug.  14,  1862.  enlisting  at  Beetown, 
and  was  identified  with  the  history  of  that  fa- 
mous regiment  throughout  the  war.  He  was 
at  Prairie  Grove,  where  Capt.  McDermott  fell 
and  the  regiment  lost  heavily,  more  than  half 
its  number  being  left  on  the  field  of  battle.  He 
served  throughout  the  war  as  a brave  and  loyal 
soldier,  and  was  discharged  from  the  United 
States  service  at  Galveston,  Texas,  July  14. 
1865.  His  health  was  badly  shattered  by  the 
long  and  terrible  experiences  through  which 


11 7 


he  had  passed,  and  he  suffers  to-day  from  the 
ill  effects  of  his  life  as  a soldier. 

Mr.  Wise  was  born  in  Canada  in  February, 
1837,  a son  of  Joseph  and  Madeline  Wise. 
He  left  his  parents  when  twenty-one  years  old, 
went  to  Beetown,  where  the  father  died,  and 
the  mother  lived  to  pass  the  century  mark;  she 
died  in  the  home  of  her  son,  John  E.,  Sept.  30, 
1899,  at  the  age  of  one  hundred  years,  three 
months  and  ten  days.  She  was  the  mother  of 
seven  children.  Daniel,  one  of  the  sons,  went 
into  the  Union  service,  and  died  in  hospital,  at 
the  age  of  twenty-five. 

John  E.  Wise  has  been  twice  married.  His 
first  wife,  Caroline  Polkenhorn,  died  after  his 
return  from  the  war.  His  present  wife  was 
Julia  McDaniel.  No  children  were  born  to 
the  first  marriage,  but  of  the  second  union 
fourteen  children  have  been  born,  of  whom 
seven  are  now  living. 

WILLIAM  EDWIN  HOWE,  of  Boscobel, 
is  the  district  attorney  for  Grant  county,  and 
the  present  mayor  of  the  city  in  which  he  re- 
sides. He  is  a prominent  lawyer,  and  displays 
great  familiarity  with  the  fundamental  prin- 
ciples of  the  law,  is  quick  to  make  application 
of  these  to  the  complicated  cases  that  come  be- 
fore the  courts,  and  is  regarded  as  a rising  man 
in  his  profession. 

Mr.  Howe  came  to  Grant  county  in  April, 
1892,  and  located  in  Boscobel,  which  has  been 
his  home  to  the  present  time.  He  was  born 
in  Monona,  Clayton  Co.,  Iowa,  Jan.  17,  1851, 
a son  of  Henry  E.  and  Mary  E.  (Wood) 
Howe,  natives  of  Gill,  Mass.,  and  Cattaraugus 
county,  N.  Y.,  respectively.  They  were  mar- 
ried at  Galena.  111.,  where  they  lived  some 
years,  in  1850  removing  to  Clayton  county, 
Iowa,  where  they  engaged  in  farming,  to  him 
a most  congenial  occupation.  In  1870  they 
came  to  Madison,  Wis.,  and  there  Mr.  Howe 
was  for  a time  in  business  as  a groceryman. 
He  died  in  Madison,  at  the  age  of  sixty-nine, 
in  1879,  and  his  death  marked  the  close  of  a 
busy  and  upright  life.  He  was  the  father  of 
two  children  by  his  first  wife,  one  of  whom, 
Leonard  Howe,  is  now  living  at  Owatonna, 
Minn.  Mrs.  Mary  E.  Howe  first  married  a 
Mr.  Purcel.  and  had  two  daughters  by  him: 
Melissa,  Mrs.  Skinner,  of  Madison : and  Anna, 
Mrs.  C.  W.  Turner,  of  LaCrosse,  Wis.  Mrs. 
Howe  died  in  Madison  in  1890,  at  the  age  of 
sixty-six.  Both  she  and  Mr.  Howe  were  bur- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


1 1 8 


ied  at  Monona,  Iowa.  They  were  the  parents 
of  six  children,  five  of  whom  grew  to  maturity: 
Elmer  L.  is  the  publisher  of  a paper  at  Ripon, 
Wis.  William  Edwin  lives  at  Boscobel. 
Frank  A.  is  in  the  wood  and  coal  business  at 
River  Falls,  Wis.  Carrie  L.  married  Lew  F. 
Porter,  of  Madison.  Eliza  M.,  Mrs.  Aithison, 
is  a resident  of  Madison. 

William  Edwin  Howe  passed  his  early 
boyhood  on  the  farm,  and  attained1  a strong 
and  vigorous  manhood.  He  had  a thirst  for 
knowledge,  and  made  such  advancement  in  the 
local  schools  that  at  the  age  of  eighteen  he  was 
able  to  enter  the  Freshman  class  of  the  Uni- 
versity of  Wisconsin.  He  was  graduated  with 
the  class  of  1873,  with  the  degree  of  B.  A.,  took 
first  honors,  and  displayed  marked  ability 
throughout  his  course.  He  at  once  entered  the 
law  office  of  J.  H.  Carpenter,  of  Madison,  and 
when  the  fall  term  opened  became  a student  in 
the  law  school  of  the  University.  He  was 
graduated  from  the  law  school  in  1874,  and 
was  at  once  called  to  St.  Louis  to  assist  in  set- 
tling the  estate  of  his  uncle,  Lyman  Howe,  for 
years  an  extensive  lumber  dealer  in  that  city. 
In  1876  Mr.  Howe  entered  into  partnership 
with  Mills  Tourtellotte,  under  the  firm  name 
of  H owe  & Tourtellotte,  and  opened  a law 
office  in  LaCrosse,  Wis.  They  practiced  to- 
gether in  that  city  until  the  firm  was  dissolved 
by  the  election  of  Mr.  Howe  as  municipal 
judge.  In  1885  Mr.  Howe  went  to  Madison, 
S.  Dak.,  and  followed  his  profession  two  years, 
but  was  obliged  to  engage  in  other  business  on 
account  of  ill  health;  he  turned  his  attention  to 
real  estate,  and  was  in  a hotel  at  Madison  for 
a time.  In  1892,  as  noted  above,  Mr.  Howe 
came  to  Boscobel  and  opened  a law  office. 
Here  he  resumed  the  practice  of  his  profession, 
and  his  success  was  immediate.  He  now 
stands  in  the  front  rank  among  the  members 
of  the  Bar  in  his  district.  In  1896  he  was 
elected  district  attorney,  and  again  in  1898. 
In  the  spring  of  1899  Mr.  Howe  was  chosen 
mayor  of  Boscobel,  and  he  has  also  served  the 
city  two  years  as  city  attorney;  held  that  posi- 
tion also  at  Madison,  S.  Dak.  Mr.  Howe  has 
a good  law  library,  and  is  very  familiar  with  its 
contents.  He  does  a general  law  business,  and 
practices  in  both  the  State  and  United  States 
district  and  circuit  courts.  He  is  a Republican, 
and  during  campaign  times  his  voice  is  fre- 
quently  heard  on  the  hustings.  Socially  he  is 


a Mason  and  a member  of  the  Independent 
Order  of  Foresters. 

Mr.  Howe  was  married  June  23,  1875,  to 
Miss  Mary  I.  Carrier,  daughter  of  Terrence 
Carrier,  of  Boscobel.  Mrs.  Howe  was  born 
in  Janesville,  Wis.,  and  is  a lady  of  most  esti- 
mable character.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Howe  have  had 
four  children : Fannie,  the  oldest,  died  at 

Madison,  S.  Dak.,  when  nine  years  old,  and  is 
buried  at  Boscobel ; T.  H.  was  born  in  La- 
Crosse June  11,  1881;  Grace  C.  and  William 
C,  twins,  were  born  in  Madison,  S.  Dak.,  Aug. 
8,  18S8. 

ELIJAH  TROLLOPE,  an  energetic  and 
progressive  business  man  of  Cassville,  Grant 
county,  who  is  now  successfully  engaged  in  the 
grocery  trade,  was  born  in  Vermont  Jan.  6, 
1845.  His  parents,  Thomas  and  Elizabeth 
(Dewing)  Trollope,  were  natives  of  England, 
and  on  their  emigration  to  the  New  World  first 
located  in  Canada,  where  they  made  their  home 
for  six  years  before  their  removal  to  Vermont. 
In  1854  they  came  to  Little  Grant,  Wis.,  and 
the  father  is  still  a resident  of  Little  Grant, 
Grant  county;  the  mother  died  in  1894. 

Elijah  Trollope  passed  his  early  life  princi- 
pally in  Grant  county,  and  in  its  public  schools 
he  received  his  literary  education.  On  starting 
out  in  life  for  himself  he  followed  farming  in 
Lancaster  township  for  some  time,  but  is  now 
engaged  in  the  grocery  business  in  Cassville. 
On  Jan.  21,  1895,  he  was  married  at  Beetown 
to  Mrs.  Flora  A.  Hendricks. 

Responding  to  the  President’s  call  for  more 
volunteers  during  the  Civil  war,  Mr.  Trollope 
enlisted  at  Lancaster  Jan.  4,  1864,  in  Company 
1,  20th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  remained  in  the  service 
for  some  time  after  hostilities  ceased.  He  took 
part  in  the  capture  of  Fort  Morgan  and  Span- 
ish Fort,  was  later  transferred  to  Company  G, 
35th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  was  honorably  discharged 
at  Brownsville,  Texas,  March  11,  1866,  after 
which  he  returned  to  Boscobel,  Grant  county. 
He  is  now  one  of  the  leading  members  of 
Joseph  Mueller  Post,  No.  218,  G.  A.  R.,  of 
Cassville,  in  which  he  is  filling  the  office  of 
adjutant. 

JOHN  ANDERSON.  It  is  astonishing 
to  witness  the  success  of  young  men  who  have 
emigrated  to  America  without  capital,  and, 
through  their  own  unaided  efforts,  have  be- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


come  quite  well-to-do.  The  readiness  with 
which  they  adapt  themselves  to  circumstances 
and  take  advantage  of  opportunities  offered 
brings  to  them  success  and  wins  them  a place 
among  the  leading  men  of  the  community  in 
which  they  reside.  In  John  Anderson,  of 
Patch  Grove  township,  Grant  county,  we  find 
a worthy  representative  of  this  class.  He  was 
born  in  Ireland  in  1834,  though  his  family  is 
not  of  Irish  ancestry,  but,  as  the  name  indi- 
cates, of  Scotch  origin.  In  1852  he  emigrated 
to  the  United  States,  and,  after  spending  some 
time  in  New  York,  came  to  Wisconsin,  since 
which  time  he  has  been  a resident  of  Grant 
county.  He  made  his  home  for  a while  in 
Wyalusing  township,  and  since  1861  has  lived 
in  Patch  Grove  township,  where  he  owns  and 
operates  a good  farm. 

On  July  24,  1862,  Mr.  Anderson  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Mrs.  Cornelia  W.  Stiles,  wid- 
ow of  Denniston  Stiles,  and  a daughter  of 
Henry  Patch,  a well-known  pioneer  of  Grant 
county,  whose  sketch  appears  elsewhere  in  this 
work.  Mrs.  Anderson  was  born  June  28, 
1832,  and  was  only  four  years  old  when 
brought  by  her  parents  to  Grant  county.  By 
her  first  marriage  she  had  three  children,  one 
of  whom,  Chauncey  Stiles,  is  still  living.  To 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Anderson  have  been  born  ten 
children,  and  seven  still  survive. 

Mr.  Anderson  began  life  for  himself  a poor 
boy,  but  by  industry  and  good  management  he 
has  secured  a competence,  and  is  now  one  of 
the  substantial  and  prosperous  men  of  his  com- 
munity, as  well  as  one  of  its  most  prominent 
and  influential  citizens.  Both  he  and  his  wife 
are  widely  and  favorably  known,  and  it  is  safe 
to  say  that  no  couple  in  the  county  are  held 
in  higher  regard. 

HOMER  M.  PAUL,  a retired  farmer,  now 
living  at  No.  12  Prairie  avenue,  Janesville, 
Rock  county,  was  born  in  the  town  of  Chili, 
Monroe  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Oct.  2,  1852,  and  is  a son 
of  Lemuel  and  Susan  (Burrows)  Paul,  both 
natives  of  New  York.  They  had  three  chil- 
dren, two  of  whom  are  now  living : Adelbert 
R.,  of  Davenport,  Iowa;  and  Homer  M. 

The  father  was  a farmer,  and  a man  of  un- 
usual business  capacity.  He  came  to  Wiscon- 
sin in  1870,  and  located  in  Janesville,  buying 
a farm  which  was  then  in  the  extreme  southern 
part  of  the  city,  and  contained  500  acres.  He 
cultivated  same  until  his  death,  in  1896,  when 


1 1 9 


he  was  over  eighty  years  of  age.  His  first  wife, 
the  mother  of  Homer  M.,  died  in  1858,  when 
thirty-four  years  old.  They  were  not  identified 
with  any  church,  but  held  to  the  Baptist  faith. 
He  was  a Republican.  Lor  his  second  wife 
Mr.  Paul  married  Miss  Lucretia  R.  Paul,  and 
had  by  her  a family  of  two  sons  and  two  daugh- 
ters, all  of  whom  grew  to  maturity : Louis ; 
Edward  H. ; Vinnie  May,  wife  of  Charles 
Wright;  and  Clara  B.,  wife  of  John  Cripe. 
His  father,  Zebulon  Paul,  who  was  a farmer, 
died  in  New  York  when  eighty  years  of  age. 
He  was  the  father  of  six  children.  Grandfather 
Burrows  died  early  in  life,  and  scarcely  any- 
thing- is  known  concerning  him. 

Homer  M.  Paul  lived  in  Monroe  countv. 
N.  Y.,  until  he  was  eighteen  years  old,  and  had 
very  good  opportunities  for  obtaining  an  ed- 
ucation. He  was  reared  on  the  farm,  and  at- 
tended Hicks  College,  a somewhat  celebrated 
local  institution.  In  1870  he  came  to  Janes- 
ville in  company  with  his  parents,  and  attended 
Fellows  College  one  winter.  Then  he  took 
up  farming,  and  lived  at  home  until  he  was 
twenty-five  years  old.  His  father  gave  him 
eighty  acres,  and  to  this  he  has  added  another 
eighty,  having  a fine  farm  in  Section  7,  La 
Prairie  township,  and  also  owning  three  other 
eighty-acre  tracts  in  the  town  of  Janesville. 
He  has  always  followed  farming,  and  is  a skill- 
ful and  successful  tiller  of  the  soil. 

Mr.  Paul  and  Miss  Sarah  Louise  Read  were 
married  Nov.  14,  1877.  She  is  a daughter  of 
William  H.  and  Margerie  A.  (Ercanbrack) 
Read.  They  have  had  four  children,  Alta 
Ann,  Susan  Ada,  Gertie  Blanche,  and  Marion 
Ava.  Mr.  Paul  is  a member  of  Wisconsin 
Lodge,  No.  14,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  is  a stanch 
Republican.  He  has  served  as  supervisor  of 
La  Prairie  township  three  terms,  and  is  highly 
regarded  by  his  friends  and  neighbors.  Mr. 
and  Airs.  Paul  are  genial  and  hearty  people, 
hospitable  in  their  home,  and  friendly  to  all. 
They  are  full  of  cheer  and  encouragement,  and 
carry  sunshine  in  their  lives. 

Mrs.  Paul’s  parents  were  early  settlers  in 
Rock  county.  They  had  eight  children,  all 
but  one  now  living:  Martha  Elizabeth,  wife  of 
E.  E.  Eddington;  George  Warren,  on  the  old 
homestead;  John  R.,  of  La  Prairie  township; 
Sarah  L..  wife  of  the  gentleman  whose  name 
introduces  this  article;  William  Arthur,  of  La 
Prairie  township;  Mary,  deceased;  Jennie, 
wife  of  Charles  Campbell,  of  Beloit;  and 


1 20 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Thornton,  of  La  Prairie,  who  married  Miss 
Mathie  Finch,  and  lives  on  the  old  homestead. 
Mrs.  Paul’s  father,  William  H.  Read,  died  in 
1880,  eleven  days  before  completing  his  sixty- 
second  year.  Pier  mother  died  in  June,  1886, 
aged  fifty-seven.  They  were  among  the  early 
settlers  of  La  Prairie  township,  and  were  life- 
long' agriculturists.  He  bought  government 
land,  and  in  the  early  days  hauled  his  grain 
to  Milwaukee,  and  brought  back  supplies.  Plis 
father,  John  Read,  was  a native  of  Bangor, 
Maine,  where  he  died  when  eighty  years  old, 
from  injuries  received  in  falling  down  stairs. 
Mrs.  Paul's  maternal  grandfather,  Philip 
Ercanbrack,  was  born  near  Gloversville,  N.  Y., 
and  ran  a canal-boat;  he  lived  to  old  age,  and 
his  parents  both  lived  to  be  over  ninety. 

JOSEPPI  EMERSON,  D.  D.,  LL.  D,  de- 
ceased. This  distinguished  representative  of 
classical  learning  and  philosophical  culture  was 
the  occupant  of  the  chair  of  Greek  at  Beloit 
College  for  more  than  fifty-two  years,  and  his 
name  was  associated  with  the  history  of  the 
college  from  its  beginning. 

Dr.  Emerson  was  born  in  Norfolk,  Conn., 
May  28,  1821,  and  was  a son  of  Dr.  Ralph 
Emerson,  a native  of  Hollis,  N.  Id.,  a Pro- 
fessor in  Andover  Theological  Seminary  for 
twenty-five  years,  and  previously  Pastor  of 
the  Congregational  Church  at  Norfolk,  Conn., 
for  thirteen  years.  Dr.  Ralph  Emerson  mar- 
ried Eliza  Rockwell,  a native  of  Colebrook, 
Conn.,  and  they  were  the  parents  of  nine  chil- 
dren, three  of  whom  are  now  living : Samuel 

Emerson,  of  the  University  of  Virgviia ; Ralph 
Emerson,  a manufacturer  at  Rockford,  111., 
associated  with  the  Emerson  Manufacturing 
Co. ; and  Elizabeth,  wife  of  Rev.  J.  S.  Hum- 
phrey, of  Oak  Park,  111.  Mary,  wife  of  Prof. 
Joseph  Haven,  of  the  Chicago  Theological 
Seminary,  died  December  31,  1896.  Char- 
lotte, wife  of  Rev.  Dr.  W.  D.  Brown,  of  East 
Orange,  N.  J.,  was  the  first  president  of  the 
Federation  of  Women’s  Clubs  of  the  United 
States;  she  died  in  February,  1895.  Rev. 
Daniel  Emerson  was  pastor  of  a number  of 
churches  in  Missouri,  Michigan  and  Ohio. 
Rockwell  Emerson  was  a lawyer  in  New  York 
City.  Ebenezer  Porter  Emerson  was  a farrm-r 
in  Winnebago  county.  111.,  and  an  owner  of 
real  estate  in  different  parts  of  the  State;  he 
died  in  June,  1891.  Rev.  Ralph  Emerson 
came  to  Illinois  in  1857  and  located  at  Rock- 


ford, where  he  died  in  1863,  at  the  age  of 
seventy-five.  His  widow  survived  until  1875, 
attaining  the  age  of  seventy-nine.  She  was 
a member  of  the  Congregational  Church,  in 
which  her  husband  was  an  honored  min- 
ister. 

Deacon  Daniel  Emerson,  the  father  of 
Ralph,  was  the  leading  citizen  of  his  native 
town,  Hollis,  N.  IT,  represented  his  town  nine- 
teen times  in  the  State  Legislature,  and  served 
in  the  State  Constitutional  Convention.  He 
was  a Revolutionary  soldier  and  participated 
in  three  wars,  each  time  as  captain,  the  third 
time  going  out  in  command  of  a company. 
He  was  a farmer,  and  also  had  an  interest  in 
a store.  He  died  in  1820,  at  the  age  of  sev- 
enty-four. His  father,  Rev.  Daniel  Emerson, 
was  born  in  Reading,  Mass.  He  served  as  a 
chaplain  in  the  French  war.  The  history  of 
the  Emerson  family  in  this  country  begins  with 
Thomas  Emerson,  who  settled  in  Ipswich, 
Mass.,  in  1638.  His  son  Joseph  came  with 
him  from  Hertfordshire,  England,  when  he 
was  eighteen  years  old.  In  England  the  Em- 
erson family  are  clearly  traced  laack  to  Ralph 
Emerson,  in  the  time  of  Henry  VIII,  in  1535. 
The  family  is  of  Norman  antecedents,  and  its 
coat  of  arms  is  a compound  of  those  of  English, 
Norwegian  and  Danish  royal  families.  It  was 
presented  to  “Raffe”  Emerson  in  England,  and 
was  brought  to  Massachusetts,  where  it  may 
be  seen  on  the  tombstone  of  Thomas  Emerson, 
at  Ipswich.  Joseph  Emerson,  son  of  Thomas, 
became  a clergyman  at  Milton,  Mass.,  and  was 
in  charge  of  the  parish  there  when  the  town 
was  burned  by  the  Indians  in  King  Philip’s 
war.  He  went  to  Concord,  Mass.,  where  the 
parents  of  his  wife,  Elizabeth  Buckley,  lived. 
Her  father,  Rev.  Edward  Buckley,  was  a son 
of  Rev.  Peter  Buckley,  the  first  settler  of  that 
town. 

Martin  Rockwell,  a farmer,  of  Colebrook, 
Conn.,  the  maternal  grandfather  of  Prof. 
Emerson,  of  Beloit,  was  born  in  1772,  and  died 
in  1851.  He  came  of  a good  old  Puritan  line. 
His  ancestor  six  generations  back.  Deacon 
William  Rockwell,  was  a member  of  a church 
formed  in  Plymouth,  England.  This  church 
elected  Messrs.  Warham  and  Maverick  their 
pastor  and  teacher,  respectively,  emigrated  to 
this  country  in  1630  and  settled  in  Dorchester, 
Mass.  In  1636  the  greater  part  of  the  church 
moved  to  Windsor,  Conn.  From  that  point 
Samuel  Rockwell,  the  father  of  Martin  Rock- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


I 2 I 


well,  moved  to  Colebrook  in  1776,  and  was  the 
fifth  settler  in  that  town. 

Joseph  Emerson  was  born  at  Norfolk, 
Conn.,  where  he  lived  until  nine  years  old, 
when  he  was  taken  by  his  parents  to  Andover, 
Mass.,  and  there  attained  his  majority.  He 
fitted  for  college  in  Phillips  Academy,  a fa- 
mous old  school  at  Andover,  entered  Yale  in 
*1837,  and  was  graduated  in  1841,  after  which 
he  was  a teacher  for  one  year  at  New  London, 
Conn.  He  went  back  to  Andover,  and  studied 
theology  in  the  Seminary  there  for  two  years, 
returning  to  Yale,  where  he  taught  four  years. 
In  May,  1848,  he  came  to  Beloit,  Wis.,  and 
for  fifty-two  years,  until  his  death,  was  Pro- 
fessor of  Greek  in  Beloit  College,  being  a mem- 
ber of  the  first  Faculty  of  that  institution.  In 
addition  to  his  teaching  and  writing  for  Be- 
loit College  the  Professor  did  much  preaching 
and  lecturing  in  Wisconsin  and  the  West.  A 
volume  of  his  “Lectures  and  Sermons”  was 
published  in  1897. ' One  of  the  finest  buildings 
of  Beloit  College,  built  by  Dr.  D.  K.  Pearsons, 
wras  named  “Emerson  Hall”  in  his  honor. 
Prof.  Emerson  died  of  general  debility  August 
4,  1900,  honored  and  mourned  by  the  college, 
the  community,  and  the  educational  world  at 
large. 

Dr.  Emerson  and  Miss  Mary  Cordelia 
North  were  married  Sept.  1,  1852,  at  New  Brit- 
ain, Conn.  Mrs.  Emerson  was  the  daughter 
of  Alvin  and  Clarissa  (Burnam)  North. 
They  had  the  following  children : Ralph 

Chapin,  born  March  20,  1855,  died  Aug.  31, 
1855;  Charles  Alvin,  born  Aug.  29,  1856,  is 
now  a druggist  in  Beloit ; Clara  Eliza,  born 
April  4,  1866,  is  a teacher  at  New  Haven, 
Conn.  Charles  Alvin  married  Miss  Delia 
Blodgett,  and  they  have  two  children,  Charles 
Alvin,  Jr.,  and  Cordelia.  The  first  wife  of 
Prof.  Emerson  died  Nov.  13,  1879,  and  on  July 
9,  1884,  he  married  Miss  Frances  Helen  Brace, 
a daughter  of  Harvey  and  Hannah  (Thomp- 
son) Brace.  The  latter,  in  connection  with 
her  husband,  founded  the  Art  Department  of 
Beloit  College,  whose  art  collections,  secured 
by  their  united  efforts,  are  of  great  value. 

-OmNCY  o.  SUTHERLAND,  M.  D.,  is 
a well-known  and  eminently  successful  physi- 
cian of  Janesville,  Rock  county,  whose  reputa- 
tion _as  a skillful  practitioner  extends  beyond 
the  confines  of  his  native  State.  He  is  a son 
of  Chester  and  Sarah  A.  (Rood)  Sutherland, 


and  a brother  of  that  distinguished  Rock  coun- 
ty lawyer,  George  G.  Sutherland,  whose  biog- 
raphy appears  upon  another  page.  His  family 
history  is  there  given,  with  more  or  less  at- 
tention to  detail,  and  for  some  interesting  par- 
ticulars in  connection  therewith  the  reader  is 
referred  to  that  sketch. 

Dr.  Sutherland  was  second,  in  the  order 
of  birth,  in  a family  of  six  children — five  sons 
and  one  daughter.  He  was  born  April  13, 
1848,  in  the  town  of  Fitchburg,  Dane  county, 
his  boyhood  was  passed  upon  the  paternal  farm, 
and  his  young  ideas  were  first  taught  to 
"shoot”  in  the  district  school.  Later  he  ma- 
triculated at  the  State  University,  at  Madison, 
entering  the  preparatory  and  graduating  from 
the  academic  department,  in  the  class  of  1871. 
The  bent  of  his  mind  was  wholly  toward  the 
study  of  medicine,  and  he  pursued  his  profes- 
sional studies  at  Hahnemann  College,  Chicago, 
receiving  his  degree  from  that  institution  in 
1874.  He  at  once  commenced  practice  at 
Janesville,  in  which  city  his  native  talent,  aided 
and  developed  by  close  study  and  a resolute 
determination  to  keep  in  close  touch  with  the 
progress  of  the  times,  has  won  for  him  a large 
clientele  and  an  enviable  reputation. 

At  the  very  outset  of  his  career,  which  was 
destined  to  prove  so  successful,  the  Doctor 
married  Miss  Addie  Green,  a daughter  of 
Timothy  and  Jane  (Jessup)  Green.  The  issue 
of  this  union  has  been  three  children,  Charles, 
Frederick  and  Ella.  The  daughter  is  yet  a 
pupil  in  the  Janesville  high  school,  while  the 
two  sons  are  studying  medicine  at  Chicago. 

Dr.  Sutherland  is  a member  of  numerous 
medical  societies,  and  has  been  the  recipient  of 
many  honors  at  the  hands  of  his  professional 
brethren.  He  was  for  several  terms  president 
of  the  Rock  County  Medical  Society,  and  is  an 
honored  member  of  the  A isconsin  Homeo- 
pathic Medical  Society,  in  which  he  has  held 
every  office,  as  well  as  of  the  American  Insti- 
tute of  Homeopathy,  the  American  Public 
Health  Association,  and  the  Pan-American 
Public  Health  Association.  At  present  (1901) 
he  is  a member  of  the  Wisconsin  State  Board 
of  Health,  and  has  rendered  most  valuable  ser- 
vice to  the  city  of  Janesville  in  the  position  of 
president  of  the  board  of  education.  He  is 
fond  of  social  pleasures  and  a delightful  host, 
although  the  many  and  exacting  calls  upon  his 
time  prevent  his  devoting  as  much  time  as  he 
would  like  to  relaxation  and  recreation.  He  is 


122 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


a Master  Mason ; in  politics  a Republican ; and 
in  religious  faith  a Congregationalist,  both  him- 
self and  his  wife  being  members  of  that  com- 
munion. His  pleasant  home  is  at  No.  306 
South  Second  street,  where  he  erected  a hand- 
some residence  in  1889.  He  is  possessed  of 
a comfortable  fortune. 

GEORGE  GEER  SUTHERLAND.  Al- 
though not  yet  past  middle  life,  Mr.  Suther- 
land has  won  for  himself  an  enviable  position 
at  the  Rock  County  Bar,  and  is  one  of  Janes- 
ville’s most  substantial  and  influential  citizens. 
His  family  is  of  Scottish  origin,  although  both 
his  grandfather  and  father  were  born  in 
New  York.  The  former,  Joshua  Sutherland, 
was  a native  of  Dutchess  county,  that  State. 
He  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  .1812.  By  oc- 
cupation lie  was  a farmer  and  millwright,  and 
he  was  held  in  high  regard  by  his  neighbors 
as  a citizen,  a man  and  a patriot.  He  was 
the  father  of  a large  family,  and  died  after 
reaching  threescore  years  and  ten. 

Mr.  Sutherland's  father,  Chester  Suther- 
land, was  a carpenter  and  joiner  and  cabinet- 
maker by  trade,  and  came  from  New  York  to 
Wisconsin  while  yet  a young-  man,  locating 
first  at  Milwaukee.  He  bought  320  acres  of 
land  in  the  town  of  Fitchburg,  Dane  county, 
four  miles  from  Madison,  to  which  he  subse- 
quently added  other  small  parcels  by  pur- 
chase. He  died  there,  in  1889,  at  the  ripe  old 
age  of  seventy-four.  His  widow,  Mrs.  Sarah 
Ann  (Rood)  Sutherland,  is  yet  living,  in 
Madison,  and  is  a devout  member  of  the 
Methodist  Church,  as  was  also  her  husband. 
He  was  a man  of  no  little  influence  in  the  com- 
munity, his  bright  mind  and  blameless  life 
alike  commanding  respect,  and  filled  various 
local  offices,  among  them  those  of  supervisor, 
county  superintendent  of  schools,  and  town- 
ship treasurer.  His  wife  was  born  in  Ver- 
mont, and  is,  like  himself,  of  Scottish  ancestry. 
Her  father,  Orlin  Rood,  migrated  from  the 
Green  Mountain  State  to  Illinois,  bringing  his 
family  with  him,  and  found  employment  on 
the  building  of  the  Illinois  & Michigan  canal. 
He  bought  considerable  real  property  in  Chi- 
cago, as  well  as  valuable  pine  lands  in  Wis- 
consin, and  was  the  owner  of  several  sawmills. 

George  G.  Sutherland'  was  one  of  a family 
of  five  sons  and  one  daughter,  all  but  one  yet 
living.  Two  elder  brothers — Henry  J.  and 
Quincy  O. — -live  in  Wisconsin,  the  former  near 


Madison,  and  the  latter  at  Janesville.  Another 
brother,  Albert  W.,  has  his  home  in  Randolph, 
Iowa,  while  the  only  sister,  Annie  E.,  is  the 
wife  of  George  Gill,  of  Madison.  Our  sub- 
ject was  born  in  Fitchburg  March  21,  1851, 
and  was  educated  at  the  State  University  at 
Madison,  graduating  from  the  academic  de- 
partment in  1872,  and  from  the  law  school  two 
years  later.  The  following  eighteen  months' 
he  devoted  to  gaining  a thorough  knowledge 
of  practice,  in  the  office  of  J.  D.  Gurnee,  Escp, 
of  Madison,  and  in  1876  began  the  active  prac- 
tice of  his  profession  at  Janesville.  He  has 
continued  to  follow  same  since  that  date,  and 
is  at  present  senior  member  of  the  firm  of 
Sutherland  & Nolan. 

Mr.  Sutherland  has  promoted  and  aided  in 
the  organization  of  many  important  commer- 
cial, financial  and  mechanical  enterprises  in 
the  city  of  his  residence.  Among  these  may 
he  named  the  Janesville  Cotton  Mills,  which 
employ  from  350  to  450  hands  in  the  manu- 
facture of  brown  sheetings ; the  Bower  City 
Bank ; and  the  Choate-Hollister  Furniture  Co. 
Of  each  of  these  he  was  one  of  the  incorpora- 
tors, and  in  each  is  a director,  being  president 
of  the  first  named.  His  rare  business  ability, 
no  less  than  his  recognized  high  standard  of 
fidelity  to  trusts  reposed  in  him,  admirably 
qualifies  him  for  positions  of  such  high  respon- 
sibility. Mr.  Sutherland  is  also  a large  owner 
of  real  estate.  He  is  a Mason,  of  the  thirty- 
second  degree,  being  a member  of  Western 
Star  Lodge,  No.  14,  A.  F.  & A.  M. ; Janes- 
ville Chapter,  No.  5,  R.  A.  M. ; Janesville 
Commandery,  No.  2,  Iv.  T. ; and  the  Milwau- 
kee Consistory.  He  is  a Democrat,  but  has 
never  either  held  or  sought  political  office. 

Our  subject  resides,  with  his  wife  and  three 
children,  at  No.  256  Park  Place,  in  what  was 
formerly  known  as  “the  Wheelock  Place.” 
Mrs.  Sutherland  before  marriage  was  Miss 
Agnes  Sayre,  daughter  of  David  F.  and  Sarah 
E.  (Ely)  Sayre.  Their  marriage  was  cele- 
brated on  Tune  30,  1880,  and,  as  has  been  said, 
has  been  blessed  with  three  children,  Sarah, 
Clarence  and  Frank.  Mrs.  Sutherland  is  a 
member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

GEORGE  W.  HALL,  Sr.,  of  Evansville, 
Rock  county,  has  had  a varied  and  eventful 
history.  He  has  thoroughly  tried  all  changes 
of  fortune,  and  knows  by  sad  experience  the 
meaning  of  the  “ups  and  downs”  of  life.  FTe 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


12 


has  made  money,  and  scattered  it  to  the  winds. 
He  began  life  for  himself  with  no  capital  but 
his  ambitious  spirit  and  clever  brain.  Drifting 
into  the  show  business,  and  finding  himself 
peculiarly  fitted  for  it,  he  made  it  his  life  oc- 
cupation, and  has  but  recently  retired  from  the 
sawdust  arena.  He  has  now  disposed  of  all  his 
circus  property,  and  is  living  in  Evansville, 
with  extensive  real-estate  investments  in  Rock 
county  and  elsewhere. 

Mr.  Hall  was  born  in  Lowell,  Mass.,  Dec. 
5,  1837,  and  is  a son  of  Joseph  B.  and  Susan 
(Nichols)  Hall,  both  natives  of  New  Hamp- 
shire. Six  children  were  born  to  them : George 
W. ; Benjamin  Franklin,  who  during  the  Civil 
war  became  a member  of  the  13th  Wis.  V.  1., 
and  died  in  the  hospital  at  Nashville;  Orrin,  of 
Oshkosh,  Wis.;  James,  a farmer  at  Antigo, 
Wis.;  and  Byron  and  Charles,  both  of  whom 
died  when  children,  from  scarlet  fever.  The 
father  was  a watchman  at  Lowell,  Mass.,  when 
a young  man,  and  then  went  to  Manchester, 
N.  H.,  where  he  ran  a stationary  engine.  In 
mature  life  he  became  a partner  in  a sash,  door 
and  blind  factory,  under  the  firm  name  of  Bald- 
win, Stephens  & Hall.  The  factory  burned 
down,  and  Mr.  Hall  became  connected  with  a 
car-making  firm  at  Bakersville,  N.  H.  He  af- 
terward owned  a steam  mill  on  the  Merrimac 
river,  opposite  Manchester,  until  it  was  de- 
stroyed by  fire.  He  owned  a farm  at  Hills- 
boro, N.  LL,  and  in  1859  came  to  Rock  county, 
Wis.,  and  bought  a farm  at  Magnolia,  where 
lie  spent  the  last  years  of  his  life.  He  died  in 
1882,  at  the  age  of  seventy-four.  His  widow 
survived  a number  of  years,  dying  in  1895,  at 
the  age  of  eighty.  He  was  a Baptist,  and  she 
a Methodist. 

John  Hall,  the  grandfather  of  George  W., 
Sr.,  was  a native  of  New  Hampshire,  and 
came  of  English  stock.  He  was  a farmer, 
and  died  in  middle  life,  in  his  native  State. 
He  was  the  father  of  four  sons  and  one  daugh- 
ter. His  father  was  a veteran  of  the  Revolu- 
tion, and  for  many  years  drew  a pension  for  his 
services  in  that  struggle. 

Samuel  Nichols,  the  father  of  Susan,  men- 
tioned above,  was  a native  of  Massachusetts, 
and  of  Scottish  descent.  He  was  a farmer  in 
the  town  of  Stoddard,  and  died  in  his  native 
State  when  between  ninety  and  one  hundred 
years  old.  He  had  four  sons  and  one  daughter. 
His  father  also  served  in  the  Revolution,  and 
drew  a pension. 

George  W.  Hall  spent  his  earlier  years  in 


Lowell  and  Manchester,  until  he  reached  the 
ag'e  of  ten.  Then  an  uncontrollable  longing  to 
be  with  the  circus  manifested  itself,  and  he 
would  run  away  from  home  in  the  spring, 
spend  the  summer  with  some  circus,  and  then 
return  home  in  the  fall  to  spend  the  winter  at 
home.  He  did  this  until  he  was  about  seven- 
teen, when  he  graduated  from  the  district 
school,  as  he  himself  says,  by  having  a fracas 
with  the  teacher,  and  with  that  he  made  his  way 
to  Boston,  and  found  work  in  a candy  factory 
at  $4  • a month.  When  he  had  accumulated 
$13.64  he  quit.  He  went  to  Concord,  and 
started  peddling  popcorn  on  the  trains  and  at 
various  towns.  In  1855  he  took  himself  to 
New  York,  and  followed  the  same  business 
during  the  winter,  spending  the  summer  season 
with  various  circus  organizations.  From  these 
experiences  he  acquired  the  name  of  “Pop-corn 
George,"  a name  that  he  has  never  lost  through 
all  the  mutations  of  fortune. 

Mr.  Hall  joined  the  Dick-Sands  wagon 
show  in  New  York  in  i860,  came  by  wagon 
road  through  Canada  into  the  West,  and  spent 
the  following  winter  with  his  father  in  Mag- 
nolia, Wis.  He  followed  the  side  show  busi- 
ness with  various  organizations  for  several 
years.  He  was  with  Jesse  Maybell,  and  after 
leaving  him  organized  a show  of  his  own,  and 
attached  himself  to  the  great  Bailey  show,  and 
later  in  the  same  season  to  the  Van  Amberg 
organization.  He  left  that  organization  at 
Cleveland,  and  made  the  round  of  the  county 
fairs.  He  spent  the  next  winter  at  Magnolia, 
and  occupied  himself  as  a trapper.  The  next 
season  he  was  with  the  Orton  side  show,  left 
them  at  Mt.  Pleasant,  Iowa,  and  joined  Howe's 
European  Show,  and  when  the  county  fair 
season  came  011  he  made  that  route.  In  the 
late  fall  he  went  to  Madison,  Wis.,  and  had  a 
museum  during-  the  winter.  Subsequently  he 
was  with  Frank  Howe's  show,  then  started  an- 
other museum  combination,  and  conducted  it 
at  Madison  during  the  winter.  The  following 
year  he  and  John  Long,  of  Janesville,  organ- 
ized a show,  which  they  ran  through  the  lead- 
mining regions  of  Wisconsin,  and  came  back  to 
Janesville  in  June  completely  bankrupt.  Mr. 
Hall  reorganized  it  as  a side  show,  put  it 
alongside  of  the  Jim  French  circus,  and  trav- 
eled in  this  way  until  the  fair  season  began. 
This  was  the  most  prosperous  year  that  he  had 
so  far  experienced.  He  closed  the  season  with 
$4,800  and  a farm  which  he  had  bought  and 
paid  for,  all  after  his  June  failure! 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Mr.  Hall  had  a side  show  of  his  own  with 
MoKinzie  <&  Johnson,  prominent  circus  men, 
and  ran  with  them  for  several  years.  In  1881 
he  organized  a large  circus  for  himself.  He 
had  a circus,  menagerie  and  museum,  and  trav- 
eled with  same  until  1885,  visiting  every  State 
in  the  Union  excepting  Montana,  Nevada  and 
California.  He  crossed  the  Atlantic,  and  the 
Caribbean  Sea  in  1885,  and  showed  in  all  the 
West  Indies,  including  the  Bahama  Islands. 
The  next  year  he  returned  to  the  United  States 
and  leased  his  show  to  George  Dellaven,  and 
at  a later  period  sold  it  to  him.  For  five  years 
the  show  traveled  under  the  name  of  “Col. 
George  W.  Hall's  United  States  Railroad 
Shows.”  In  1887  our  subject  bought  the  Bign- 
ley  show,  reorganized  it,  and  conducted  it  for 
two  years.  In  the  fall  of  1889  he  formed  a 
partnership  with  Samuel  McFlynn,  and  was 
with  him  until  the  summer  of  1891,  -when 
he  sold  to  Mr.  McFlynn.  He  formed  a 
partnership  afterward  with  his  son  Charles, 
reorganized  a show  and  went  South,  and  re- 
mained in  that  region  two  years.  He  after- 
ward bought  his  son’s  interests,  and  continued 
alone  in  the  business  until  1898.  In  1897  he 
went  to  Mexico,  crossing  at  El  Paso  and 
Juarez,  and  showed  about  a year  in  that  coun- 
try, with  Orrin  Brothers.  They  spent  six 
weeks  in  the  city  of  Mexico,  and  visited  all 
the  important  Mexican  cities  except  Tampico. 
In  1898  Air.  Hall  disposed  of  all  his  show  in- 
terests, and  is  now  making  his  home  in  the 
city  of  Evansville,  where  he  has  a fine  residence 
in  the  southern  part  of  the  town,  surrounded 
by  twenty  acres  of  tobacco  land.  He  has  ex- 
tensive real-estate  investments  in  Rock  county, 
and  owns  altogether  466  acres  in  the  county. 
He  owns  fine  residences  in  Tampa,  Fla.,  in  Den- 
ver. Colo.,  and  in  Anoka  county,  Minnesota. 

Air.  Hall  and  Aliss  Sarah  Wilder  were  mar- 
ried in  Alarch,  1855.  Mrs.  Hall  is  a daughter 
of  Levi  Wilder,  and  has  been  a helpful,  com- 
panion to  her  ambitious  and  enterprising  hus- 
band. They  have  had  four  children,  George 
Mb,  Ida,  Charles  and  Jessie.  George  married 
Aliss  Lida  Wood,  and  they  have  three  children, 
Frank,  Grace  and  Charles  Russell.  Ida  mar- 
ried a Air.  Blair,  and  died  when  thirty-three 
years  old.  Charles  died  in  Meridian,  Miss., 
where  he  was  a partner  with  “Sam”  McFlynn 
at  the  time  of  his  illness  and  death.  Jessie 
married  Frank  Alacart,  and  is  the  mother  of 
two  children,  Fred  and  Vivian. 


Air.  Hall  is  the  oldest  showman  now  liv- 
ing, in  the  point  of  years  of  continuous  travel. 
He  claims  to  be  the  first  person  to  introduce 
the  breeding  of  Poland-China  hogs  in  Rock 
county,  and  one  of  the  first  to  encourage  to- 
bacco raising  on  a large  scale.  He  has  proved 
that  marsh  tiling  is  a success — a fact  which  will 
be  of  interest  to  the  farmers  of  Rock  county — 
having  made  the  marsh  land  the  most  product- 
ive land  in  his  locality'.  In  his  extensive  travels 
Air.  Hall  has  had  many  thrilling  experiences 
that  would  be  deeply  interesting  if  submitted 
to  the  public.  However,  he  prefers  not  to  ex- 
ploit his  adventures  in  a boastful  or  sensational 
manner. 

JOHN  M.  and  GEORGE  H.  ROBINSON 
are  energetic  and  progressive  young  farmers 
in  the  town  of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  and 
have  made  many  friends  by  their  open  and 
manly  conduct. 

John  AI.  Robinson  was  born  in  October, 
1862,  in  a log  cabin  near  the  site  of  the  house 
where  he  now  lives,  and  is  a son  of  Thomas  and 
Ann  (Hilton)  Robinson.  The  father  was  born 
in  Hook,  Yorkshire,  England,  in  April,  1815, 
and  the  mother  in  Lincolnshire,  England, 
Nov.  10,  1818.  They  were  reared  in  their 
home  country,  were  married  in  1839,  and 
lived  in  England  for  two  years  afterward, 
coming  to  America  and  to  Grant  county, 
Wis.,  in  1841.  They  settled  on  reserved 

mineral  land,  which  he*  purchased  from 
the  government  at  a later  period.  He  bought 
more  land,  and  before  his  death  was  the 
owner  of  500  acres  in  one  body,  was  a success- 
ful farmer,  and  became  very  wealthy  through 
his  own  industry.  He  built  a log  cabin,  which 
was  their  home  until  1863,  in  which  year  he 
erected  a large  brick  house,  and  there  made 
his  home  until  his  death,  July  14,  1898.  He 
was  widely  known  as  an  honest  and  conscien- 
tious citizen,  was  always  ready  to  help  in  the 
establishment  of  schools  and  churches,  and 
there  is  a church  building  on  his  land  for  which 
he  and  Richard  Huntington  together  gave  the 
site ; they  also  dedicated  the  cemetery.  His 
worthy  wife  survived  him  one  year,  and  died 
Aug.  16,  1899.  They  had  nine  children,  seven 
of  whom  are  living:  (1)  Sarah,  born  in  Eng- 
land in  1840,  married  James  Huntington,  and 
settled  on  a farm  near  Darlington,  where  she 
died  in  1873,  leaving  seven  children — Allen, 
of  Elk  Grove  ; Bell,  Airs.  George  Turner,  whose 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


125 


husband  is  sheriff  of  Lafayette  county,  and 
lives  at  Darlington;  Amelia,  wife  of  George 
Booth,  a Grant  county  farmer;  Albert,  of 
Darlington;  Charles  (he  visited  the  Paris  Ex- 
position in  the  summer  of  1900)  ; Wilbur,  a 
farmer  in  Lafayette  county;  and  Frank,  a resi- 
dent of  Wood  county,  Wis.  (2)  Miss  Jane, 
born  in  Grant  county  in  1844,  is  at  home,  and 
she  and  her  sister  Amelia  together  cared  for 
their  aged  parents  during  their  lives.  (3)  Mary, 
born  in  May,  1846,  married  Thomas  Edgar, 
of  Grant  county,  and  they  settled  in  Kansas, 
where  she  died  May  26,  1899,  leaving  five  chil- 
dren, Lillie  (wife  of  Charles  Kuhlman,  of 
Oketo,  Ivans.),  George,  William,  Florence,  and 
Olive.  (4)  Thomas  A.,  born  in  October,  1849, 
married  Miss  May  Topins,  of  Grant  county, 
who  died  on  his  farm  in  Lafayette  county,  leav- 
ing one  daughter,  Laura  M.,  now  Mrs.  Newell, 
of  Iowa.  Mr.  Robinson  later  married  a sister 
of  his  first  wife,  and  is  now  living  on  a 240- 
acre  farm  in  Grundy  county,  Iowa.  (5)  George 
H.  was  born  in  1851.  (6)  Charles  W.  was 

born  in  December,  1853,  is  unmarried,  and  is 
settled  on  one  of  the  home  farms.  (7)  James 
Richard,  born  in  October,  1855,  is  a partner  of 
his  brother  Charles.  (8)  Amelia  A.,  born  in 
November,  1857,  obtained  her  education  in  the 
home  school,  and  is  a lady  of  culture  and  re- 
finement ; her  kindly  presence  is  felt  and  ap- 
preciated by  the  family.  (9)  John  M.  Robin- 
son is  the  youngest  of  a large  family;  he  was  a 
student  for  one  year  at  the  Platteville  Normal, 
grew  up  at  home,  and  became  manager  of  the 
paternal  estate  when  quite  young.  After  the 
death  of  the  parents  the  four  sons  continued  011 
the  large  estate ; they  have  three  houses  and  a 
number  of  barns.  Charles  and  Richard  farm 
eighty  acres,  which  they  purchased,  adjoining 
the  old  homestead.  John  and  George  are  part- 
ners in  the  management  of  the  old  homestead, 
and  are  doing  well.  The  Robinsons  are  one  of 
the  old  pioneer  families  that  settled  in  Grant 
county  when  Wisconsin  was  mostly  given  over 
to  the  wilderness.  The  family  are  all  Republi- 
cans. and  the  father  was  roadmaster  for  seven 
years. 

J.  L.  FINLEY,  a prosperous  farmer  and 
prominent  resident  of  Cassville,  is  one  of  the 
pioneers  of  Grant  county,  having  been  identi- 
fied with  its  interests  for  half  a century.  He 
is  a native  of  Missouri,  born  at  Ste.  Genevieve, 
Dec.  3.  1833. 


John  Finley,  his  father,  was  born  in  Finley- 
ville,  Washington  Co.,  Penn.,  in  1794,  and  in 
that  State  grew  to  manhood  and  was  married, 
his  first  wife  dying  in  Washington  county.  At 
an  early  day  he  moved  to  Corydon,  Ind.,  where 
he  wedded  Miss  Margaret  Thompson,  who  was 
born  in  Louisville,  Ky.,  in  1802.  There  he 
was  engaged  in  merchandising  for  two  years, 
and  later  conducted  a store  at  De-Witt,  Ark., 
after  which  he  moved  to  Ste.  Genevieve,  Mo., 
where  he  was  similarly  employed.  In  1834  he 
moved  to  Dubuque,  Iowa,  and  became  one  of 
the  early  merchants  of  that  place,  conducting 
a general  supply  store  for  about  four  years. 
In  1838  he  located  on  the  Mississippi  river,  at 
what  became  known  as  Finley's  Landing, 
named  in  his  honor,  and  there  he  kept  a wood 
yard  for  five  years.  At  the  end  of  that  time 
he  located  on  a farm  at  Durango,  in  Dubuque 
county,  Iowa,  where  he  made  his  home  until 
his  death,  in  1847.  Subsequently  his  widow 
and  family  settled  near  Spechts  Ferry,  on  the 
Mississippi  river,  and  during  the  season  of 
1849-50  her  son  J.  L.  had  charge  of  the  ferry. 
In  1851  the  family  moved  to  Potosi,  Wis.,  and 
Mr.  Finley  has  since  made  his  home  in  Grant 
county.  The  mother  died  in  Waterloo  town- 
ship Aug.  22,  i860.  The  children  were  Thomp- 
son, who  died  at  Finley’s  Landing  in  June, 
1842,  at  the  age  of  seventeen  years;  Wilmot, 
who  died  in  Hurricane,  Grant  county,  in  1855, 
aged  twenty-eight ; Margaret,  who  died  at  the 
age  of  twenty-four  years;  J.  L.,  whose  name 
introduces  this  sketch ; Howard,  who  enlisted 
at  Waterloo,  in  1862,  in  the  25th  Wis.  V.  I., 
and  was  killed  at  Decatur,  Ga. ; Mrs.  Julia 
Engles,  a resident  of  Oelwein,  Iowa ; and  Mrs. 
Isabelle  McDowell,  a resident  of  Missouri. 
The  rest  of  the  family,  which  numbered  eleven 
children,  died  young. 

The  boyhood  and  youth  of  J.  L.  Finley  were 
principally  passed  in  Iowa,  and  in  the  spring  of 
1851  he  came  with  the  family  to  Grant  county, 
Wis.,  where  he  has  since  successfully  engaged 
in  agricultural  pursuits.  In  1855  he  took  up 
his  residence  in  Waterloo  township,  where  he 
opened  up  and  improved  a farm,  making  his 
home  there  until  his  removal  to  Cassville,  in 
1879.  He  still  carries  on  farming. 

Mr.  Finley  was  married  in  Beetown,  in 
1855,  to  Miss  Eliza  J.  Vedder,  a native  of 
Chautauqua  county,  N.  Y.,  and  a daughter  of 
A.  W.  and  Susan  (Hogle)  Vedder,  the  former 
born  in  Cortland  county,  same  State,  in  1809, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


1 26 


the  latter  in  Genesee  county,  in  1820.  Her 
paternal  grandfather,  John  Veclder,  was  one 
of  the  early  settlers  of  New  York.  Her  ma- 
ternal grandfather,  Andrew  Hogle,  a Revolu- 
tionary hero,  came  to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  in 
1842,  and  located  in  Lancaster  township.  Dur- 
ing 1841  and  1842  he  carried  the  mail  between 
Galena  and  Prairie  du  Chien,  and  also  drove  a 
stage  and  engaged  in  farming.  In  1875  he 
moved  to  Le  Mars,  Iowa,  where  he  made  his 
home  until  his  death,  in  1897.  His  wife  died 
in  1894.  at  an  advanced  age.  In  1842  A.  W. 
Vedder,  father  of  Mrs.  Finley,  came  to  Grant 
county  from  New  York,  making  the  journey 
from  Chicago  with  teams.  He  located  at  Bee- 
town,  where  he  owned  and  operated  a farm  of 
200  acres,  and,  being  a machinist,  he  manu- 
factured the  first  threshing  machine  used  in 
Grant  county.  He  worked  at  his  trade  in  the 
government  employ  two  years.  His  death  oc- 
curred in  Beetown,  in  May,  1898,  and  his  wife 
died  in  October,  1896.  Their  children  were 
Jefferson,  a resident  of  Dakota;  Mrs.  Eliza  J. 
Finley;  Mrs.  Irene  Wood,  who  lives  on  the  old 
home  farm;  and  Mrs.  Ella  Alsip,  a resident  of 
Bushnell,  S.  Dak.  Mrs.  Finley  also  has  a half 
brother  and  sister,  A.  J.  Vedder,  of  Mason 
City,  Iowa;  and  Mrs.  Lucy  Gardner,  of  Lan- 
caster, Wis.  Four  children  have  been  born  to 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Finley,  namely:  Clara  B.,  now 
the  wife  of  Frank  Teasclale,  of  Cassville; 
James,  who  wedded  Mary  Johnson,  and  lives 
in  Twin  Valley,  Minn.  ; Myrta,  wife  of  Willis 
C.  Nickles,  of  Cassville;  and  Effie  D.,  at  home. 

\\  hen  President  Lincoln  issued  a call  for 
more  volunteers  to  aid  in  crushing  out  the  Re- 
bellion, Mr.  Finley  enlisted  in  August,  1862,  in 
Company  H,  25th  Wis.  V.  I.,  for  three  years, 
and  on  Aug.  29,  1864,  he  re-enlisted,  in  Com- 
pany E,  43d  Wis.  V.  I.,  for  one  year  or  during 
the  war,  being  sworn  into  the  LTnited  States 
service  at  Milwaukee.  His  regiment  became  a 
part  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  For  some 
time  he  was  stationed  at  Johnsonville,  Tenn., 
on  detached  duty,  and  also  near  Nashville, 
where  he  assisted  in  the  construction  of  block 
house  No.  1.  He  was  honorably  discharged  at 
Nashville  July  6,  1865,  and  mustered  out  at 
Milwaukee.  In  politics  Mr.  Finley  is  a Repub- 
lican, and  he  most  efficiently  filled  the  office  of 
constable  for  four  years  while  a resident  of 
Waterloo  township,  and  three  years  in  Cass- 
ville. He  and  his  wife  are  widely  and  favor- 
ably known,  and  are  numbered  among  the 


leading  citizens  of  the  county,  as  well  as  among 
its  honored  pioneers.  Mrs.  Finley  is  a promi- 
nent member  of  the  Order  of  the  Eastern  Star, 
in  which  she  has  served  as  matron  and  associate 
matron,  and  is  also  a great  worker  in  Woman’s 
Relief  Corps,  No.  47,  of  Lancaster.  In  her 
youth  she  was  a school  teacher. 

SHASTA  E.  BARNARD,  of  Evansville, 
Rock  county,  is  a member  of  the  well-known 
tobacco  house  of  Barnard  & Wilder,  and  is  a 
man  of  fine  business  habits  and  unswerving 
integrity.  By  strict  attention  to  the  work  be- 
fore him  and  reliable  methods  he  has  won  a 
name  and  a standing  of  which  any  man  might 
be  proud. 

Mr.  Barnard  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Porter,  Rock  Co.,  Wis.,  at  the  family  home, 
four  miles  east  of  Evansville,  and  is  a son  of 
Elliott  D.  and  Susan  (Webb)  Barnard,  both 
natives  of  the  State  of  New  York.  The  family 
history  and  antecedents  of  the  Evansville 
Barnards  are  fully  set  forth  in  the  biographical 
sketch  of  E.  D.  Barnard,  which  appears  else- 
where. 

Shasta  E.  Barnard  spent  his  childhood  and 
youth  on  the  farm  in  Porter  township,  and 
grew  to  manhood  with  the  privileges  and  op- 
portunities of  the  farmer  boy  for  the  acquire- 
ment of  a sound  physique  and  the  accumula- 
tion of  a vital  force  that  should  last  through, 
a hard  and  busy  lifetime.  He  attended  the 
district  school  and  the  seminary  at  Evansville, 
and  was  engaged  in  farming  until  1881.  His 
father  had  moved  into  Evansville  the  previous 
year,  and  was  engaged  in  the  tobacco  business 
with  Thomas  Hutson.  Shasta  Barnard  be- 
came interested  in  the  business  in  1881,  and 
bought  out  the  interest  of  Mr.  Hutson  some 
years  later,  the  firm  then  becoming  E.  D. 
Barnard  & Son.  They  continued  in  business 
until  1893,  when  the  personnel  was  changed  by 
the  retirement  of  the  senior  Barnard  and  the 
entrance  of  Mr.  Wilder,  so  that  it  became 
Barnard  & Wilder.  The  new  firm  owns  exten- 
sive warehouses  at  Oregon  and  Madison,  as 
well  as  at  Evansville,  and  is  doing  a large  and 
increasing  business.  Our  subject  is  a stock- 
holder in  the  Union  Telephone  Exchange. 

O11  April  3,  1881,  Shasta  E.  Barnard  mar- 
ried Miss  Lilia  C.  Lee,  daughter  of  T.  T.  and 
Julia  ( Lowe)  Lee,  and  they  have  had  two  chil- 
dren, Fred  and  Orland  K.  Fred  died  when  a 
boy  of  eight  years.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barnard  have 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


12  7 


an  elegant  and  inviting  home  on  W est  Main 
street,  erected  in  1901.  Mr.  Barnard  is  a 
member  of  Union  Lodge,  A.  F.  & A.  M. ; of 
the  local  lodge  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias;  and 
of  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America.  He  and 
his  wife  are  members  of  the  Order  of  the  East- 
ern Star.  Mr.  Barnard  is  a Republican  in  po- 
litical, sentiment. 

DR.  CHARLES  C.  DEVEREAUX  is  a 
fine  example  of  the  younger  generation  of  Wis- 
consin’s native  sons.  Lie  is  a skilled  dentist 
of  Janesville,  Rock  county,  and  has  come  to 
the  practice  of  his  profession  trained  in  the  best 
schools  of  the  country,  representing  the  ripest 
scientific  culture  of  the  times. 

Dr.  Devereaux  was  born  in  Evansville, 
Wis.,  Feb.  26,  1S68,  son  of  Edward  and  Eva 
(Whaley)  Devereaux,  natives  of  New  York 
and  Ohio,  respectively.  They  were  the  parents 
of  four  sons  and  four  daughters,  and  six  of 
their  children  are  now  living : Theodore  E.,  of 
Fort  Dodge,  Iowa;  Harry  C.,  of  Algona. 
Iowa;  Charles  C. ; Claude  H.,  of  Humboldt, 
Iowa  ; Lula  B.,  wife  of  Albert  Dixon,  of  Evans- 
ville, Whs.;  and  Kittie  D.,  wife  of  Arthur 
Snasliall,  of  the  same  place.  The  sons  are  all 
dentists  of  high  professional  character  and  un- 
usual ability.  Edward  Devereaux  was  a cheese 
and  butter  maker  for  many  years,  and  was  an 
early  settler  in  Rock  county.  The  first  few 
years  of  his  residence  in  W isconsin  Were  passed 
in  Milwaukee.  He  moved  to  Evansville,  which 
city  is  still  his  home;  his  wife  died  there  Dec. 
16,  1899.  He  is  a member  of  the  Baptist 
Church,  as  was  also  Mrs.  Devereaux.  His  fa- 
ther, I heodore  Devereaux,  spent  his  early  life 
in  the  State  of  New  York,  and  died  in  Iowa, 
well  advanced  in  years.  The  Devereaux  family 
was  originally  French,  but  has  lived  many 
generations  in  this  country,  and  ranks  among 
the  oldest  and  proudest  in  New  England  and 
New  York.  The  maternal  grandfather  of  the 
subject  of  this  writing  died  when  a young  man. 

Charles  C.  Devereaux  was  reared  on  the 
farm  near  Evansville,  attended  the  public 
schools,  and  lived  on  the  farm  until  he  was 
twenty  years  old.  He  selected  dentistry  as  his 
life  work,  and  went  into  the  office-  of  Dr. 
Theodore  Devereaux.  where  he  studied  until 
1891.  That  fall  he  entered  the  Haskell  Post 
Graduate  Dental  College,  and  completed  the 
course  there.  He  continued  with  his  brother 
until  1893,  in  which  year  he  entered  the  Chi- 


cago College  of  Dental  Surgery,  and  was  grad- 
uated with  honor  in  the  spring  of  1896.  He 
resumed  practice  with  his  brother  at  Fort 
Dodge,  Iowa;  and  remained  with  him  until 
January,  1898,  when  he  came  to  Janesville  and 
opened  an  office,  and  at  once  commanded  a 
flattering  clientage  from  among  the  best  people 
of  the  city. 

Dr.  Devereaux  is  popular  in  fraternal 
circles,,  and  is  a member  of  Union  Lodge.  No. 
32,  A.  F.  & A.  M. ; Evansville  Chapter,  No.  5, 
R.  A.  M. ; the  A.  O.  LI.  W. ; the  Royal  Ar- 
canum; and  the  Royal  League;  when  at  col- 
lege he  joined  the  Delta  Sigma,  and  retains 
an  active  interest  in  that  fraternity,  holding 
his  membership  in  Beta  Chapter,  and  also  in 
the  Supreme  Chapter.  In  these  various  asso- 
I Nations  his  manly  and  genial  character  has 
I never  failed  to  command  respect  and  win  him 
j warm  personal  friends.  He  is  an  active  worker 
in  the  Southern  Wisconsin  Dental  Associa- 
tion, where  his  learning  and  skill  are  recog- 
nized. I11  politics  he  is  a Republican. 

WILLIAM  STEVENS,  a retired  stock 
and  grain  dealer  at  Evansville,  has  been  identi- 
fied with  the  business  interests  of  that  region 
from  an  early  day,  and  counts  a host  of  friends 
among  the  farmers  and  stock  dealers  of  Rock 
county.  Mr.  Stevens  was  born  in  Franklin 
county,  N.  Y.,  near  Fort  Covington,  Jan.  10, 
1842,  a son  of  William  and  Mary  (McMillan) 
Stevens,  natives  of  Vermont  and  New  York, 
respectively.  They  were  the  parents  of  five 
children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living,  David 
E.  and  William,  of  Evansville  ; Jennie  A.,  wife 
of  A.  Van  Patten,  of  Perry,  Iowa ; and  Styles 
H.,  of  Fort  Covington,  N.  Y.  The  father, 
who  was  a farmer,  died  in  New  York  in  Jan- 
uary, 1881,  at  the  age  of  seventy-five.  The 
mother  died  in  1877,  at  the  age  of  seventy; 
she  was  a Presbyterian.  His  father,  Ebenezer 
Stevens,  was  a native  of  Vermont,  of  Scottish 
and  English  descent,  and  was  a fafmer  by  oc- 
cupation. He  died  in  New  York  at  the  ag'e  of 
eighty.  He  was  pressed  into  the  war  of  1812 
as  a teamster.  David  McMillan,  the  father  of 
Mary  McMillan,  mentioned  above,  was  of 
Scottish  descent.  Lie  was  a farmer  in  Franklin 
county,  N.  Y.,  and  was  between  seventy-five 
and  eighty  years  of  age  when  he  died. 

William  Stevens  was  reared  on  his  father's 
farm  in  Franklin  county,  N.  Y.,  where  he  at- 
tended the  district  school.  He  remained  at 


128 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


home  with  his  parents  until  1869,  in  which 
year  he  came  to  Evansville  and  established  him- 
self in  the  stock  and  grain  business.  This  was 
his  vocation  for  twenty-five  years:  Since  then 

he  has  mainly  occupied  himself  with  the  man- 
agement of  two  extensive  farms  near  the  city, 
one  in  the  town  of  Union,  containing  300  acres, 
and  the  other  in  Porter  and  Center  townships, 
containing  440  acres.  He  has  a beautiful  home 
in  Evansville,  which  he  built  in  1896. 

Mr.  Stevens  and  Miss  Elvira  Gilman, 
daughter  of  Obed  and  Sarah  (Case)  Gilman, 
were  married  June  17,  1874.  They  have  had 
two  children  born  to  them,  Mary  and  Meda. 
Mary  died  in  1881,  when  she  was  a bright  and 
winning  child  of  two  years.  Mrs.  Stevens  be- 
longs to  the  Methodist  Church,  and  our  sub- 
ject is  a member  of  Leota  Lodge,  No.  16, 
I.  O.  O.  F.  He  is  a Democrat,  was  mayor  of 
Evansville  two  years,  and  has  served  the  city 
several  years  as  a member  of  the  board  of  al- 
dermen. He  is  a careful  business  man,  and  a 
public-spirited  citizen. 

HON.  ANDREW  BARLASS  (deceased) 
was  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  of  Rock  county, 
and  long  occupied  an  elegant  and  commodious 
home  on  his  farm  in  Section  36,  Harmony 
township.  The  locality  was  scarcely  less  than 
a wilderness  when  he  arrived  in  Wisconsin,  and 
he  addressed  himself  with  energy  and  persever- 
ance to  the  creation  of  a productive  and  sup- 
porting farm  out  of  the  beautiful  wild  land. 
He  was  eminently  successful  in  all  his  under- 
takings, and  became  quite  prosperous  and  well- 
to-do  before  his  death.  He  is  remembered  as 
a hard-working  and  upright  farmer,  and  a 
worthy  citizen. 

Mr.  Bar  lass  was  born  in  Kinross,  Scotland, 
Sept.  30,  1822,  and  was  a son  of  David  and 
Mary  (Marshall)  Barlass,  both  born  and  bred 
in  Scotland.  They  had  a family  of  three  sons 
and  one  daughter : Thomas,  of  Bradford 

township,  Rock  county;  Mrs.  Helen  Brown,  of 
Harmony  township;  David,  of  Harmony;  and 
Andrew,  our  subject.  The  father  was  a farm- 
er, and  died  in  Scotland  when  only  twenty- 
eight  years  of  age.  His  widow  came  to  W is- 
consin, settled  in  Rock  county  in  1844,  and  died 
Jan.  14,  1875.  Our  subject’s  grandfather, 
Andrew  Barlass,  died  in  Scotland  in  old  age. 
He  had  six  children.  Mrs.  Barlass’  father, 
who  died  in  Scotland  when  an  old  man,  had 
two  sons  and  three  daughters. 


Andrew  Barlass  came  to  this  country  in 
1842,  and  locating  in  Johnstown  township, 
Rock  Co.,  Wris.,  worked  for  his  uncle,  Robert 
Barlass,  two  years.  Then  he  bought  the  farm 
noted  above,  added  eighty  acres  to  it,  and  at 
the  time  of  his  death  owned  160  acres.  He 
always  followed  farming,  though  he  was  a 
natural  mechanic..  He  had  received  a good 
common-school  education  in  Scotland,  one  of 
his  teachers  being  a nephew  of  Robert  Burns. 
He  first  married  Miss  Margaret  Clink,  who 
bore  him  four  children,  Margaret,  Mary, 
Helen  and  David.  Margaret  married  David 
Clark,  of  Harmony  township.  Mary  married 
Robert  Clark,  of  Harmony  township.  Helen 
married  David  Duncan,  a physician  in  Chi- 
cago. David  married  Ella  Hill,  and  lives  at 
Hastings,  Neb.  Mrs.  Margaret  Barlass  died 
in  1851,  and  on  June  18,  1861,  Mr.  Barlass 
married  Miss  Margaret  Beveridge,  a daugh- 
ter of  James  and  Christina  (White)  Beveridge. 
Six  children  were  born  to  this  union : Chris- 
tina Jane,  Agnes  May,  Andrew  James,  Chris-* 
tina,  John  Albert  and  William  Frank.  Chris- 
tina Jane  died  when  five  years  and  four  months 
old.  Agnes  May  married  William  Koebelin, 
who  is  now  deceased.  The  other  children  are 
all  at  home. 

Mr.  Barlass  was  a man  of  prominence  in 
his  day.  With  his  wife  he  belonged  to  the 
United  Presbyterian  Church,  and  had  a high 
standing  for  integrity  and  moral  character. 
He  was  a stanch  Republican,  and  served  as 
chairman  of  the  town  board,  school  director, 
assessor  and  justice  of  the  peace  for  many 
years,  and  was  a member  of  the  General  Assem- 
bly of  Wisconsin  for  three  years.  He  was 
president  of  the  township  insurance  company. 
He  died  July  26,  1895,  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
two  years  and  ten  months. 

James  and  Christina  (White)  Beveridge, 
parents  of  Mrs.  Barlass,  were  natives  of  Scot- 
land. They  had  four  children:  James,  a 

soldier  in  the  war  of  the  Rebellion, 'who  died 
at  his  home  in  Iowa,  leaving  a widow,  Mar- 
garet (Clink)  Beveridge;  Christina,  wife  of 
John  Addie.  of  Northville,  S.  Dak.;  Margaret; 
and  John  G.,  of  Doland,  S.  Dak.,  who  mar- 
ried Margaret  Allen.  The  father  was  a farmer. 
The  mother  died  in  Scotland  in  1846,  when 
about  thirty-five  years  old,  and  he  came  to  this 
country  in  1852,  bought  a farm  in  Johnstown 
township,  Rock  Co.,  Wis.,  and  lived  there  until 
1853,  when  he  sold  out  and  bought  a farm  of 


* 1 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


eighty  acres  in  Harmony  township.  This  he 
sold  later  on,  moving  to  Iowa,  and  later  re- 
turned to  Wisconsin,  where  he  has  lived  with 
his  daughter  for  the  last  five  years.  Mrs.  Bar- 
lass  came  to  this  country  when  ten  years  old 
with  her  aunt,  Miss  Jane  Beveridge,  who 
brought  the  three  youngest  children  of  Mr. 
Beveridge  to  this  country,  and  returned  to 
Scotland  a year  later.  Mrs.  Barlass’  paternal 
grandfather,  James  Beveridge,  died  in  Scot- 
land at  an  advanced  age.  Her  maternal  grand- 
father. James  White,  was  born  in  Scotland, 
moved  to  England,  and  died  in  New  South 
Wales. 

JOHN  A.  KLINDT.  No  better  illustra- 
tion of  the  characteristic  energy  and  enterprise 
of  the  typical  German- American  citizen  can  be 
found  than  that  afforded  by  the  career  of  this 
prominent  business  man  of  Cassville,  Grant 
county.  Coming  to  this  country  with  no  capital 
except  his  abilities,  he  has  made  his  way  to 
success  through  wisely  directed  effort,  and  he 
can  now  look  back  with  satisfaction  upon  past 
struggles. 

Mr.  Klinclt  was  born  May  15,  1844,  in  the 
village  of  Prasdorf,  near  the  city  of  Kiel,  Hol- 
stein, Germany,  a son  of  Claus  and  Catharine 
(Sneclode)  Klinclt,  natives  of  the  same  place. 
The  father,  who  was  a tailor  by  trade,  spent 
his  entire  life  in  Germany,  where  he  died  at  the 
age  of  eighty-three  years,  the  mother  at  the  age 
of  seventy-eight.  Their  children  were  John 
A.;  Anna,  a resident  of  Luverne,  Iowa;  and 
Lena,  Mrs.  Ramrn,  who  makes  her  home  in  the 
same  place. 

In  his  native  land  John  A.  Klinclt  received 
a common-school  education,  his  summers  being- 
devoted  to  work,  his  winters  to  study,  during 
his  boyhood  and  youth.  In  August,  1864,  he 
came  to  America,  and  on  reaching  Cassville, 
Wis.,  found  that  his  capital  consisted  of  a 
silver  half  dollar,  dated  1823,  which  he  still 
has,  and  intends  to  keep  as  a memento  of 
those  early  days.  That  fall  he  engaged  in 
threshing  on  a farm,  and  attended  school  dur- 
ing the  winter.  On  May  1,  1865,  he  entered 
the  employ  of  C.  L.  La  Grave  & Barks,  pro- 
prietors of  a warehouse  and  store,  as  clerk  and 
bookkeeper,  and  on  May  1,  1868,  became  con- 
nected with  the  business  of  which  he  is  now  the 
head.  Mr.  Klinclt  served  as  clerk  and  book- 
keeper for  John  Geiger  until  the  latter’s  death, 
in  December,  1873,  and  on  January  20,  1874, 


1 29 


purchased  the  stock  of  goods  and  commenced 
business  on  his  own  account.  He  was  alone 
until  March  1,  1878,  when  he  formed  a part- 
nership with  Gustav  and  O.  F.  Geiger,  under 
the  firm  name  of  Klinclt,  Geiger  & Co.,  dealers 
in  general  merchandise,  buyers  and  shippers  of 
grain  and  produce,  and  proprietors  of  the  Cass- 
ville Creamery.  The  last  named  industry  was 
established  by  them  in  1885,  and  has  since  been 
conducted  most  successfully.  As  merchants 
they  carry  a large  and  well-selected  stock  of 
dry  goods,  groceries,  clothing,  boots,  shoes, 
crockery,  flour,  groceries  and,  in  fact,  every- 
thing found  in  a first-class  establishment  of  the 
kind.  They  are  part  owners  of  the  Cassville 
Electric  Light  Plant.  The  firm  is  also  exten- 
sively interested  in  the  canning  business,  own- 
ing and  operating  one  of  the  largest  canning 
factories  in  the  State ; the  main  building, erected 
in  1893, is  50x160  feet, with  an  addition  48x110 
feet,  and  a pickle  shed  50x110  feet,  and  here 
employment  is  furnished  to  from  seventy-five  to 
one  hundred  people.  This  enterprising  house 
also  holds  interest  in  a new  canning  and  pickle 
factory  which  is  now  under  construction  at 
Janesville,  Wis.,  and  concerning  which  the 
Janesville  Daily  Recorder  of  April  21,  1901, 
makes  mention  as  follows : 

"Yesterday  afternoon  the  articles  of  in- 
corporation of  P.  Hohenadel,  Jr.,  & Co.  were 
filed  with  Register  of  Deeds  Rowe.  The  in- 
corporators are  P.  Hohenadel,  Jr.,  John  A. 
Ivlindt,  Otto  F.  Geiger,  and  Otto  Fabling,  all 
of  Cassville,  and  the  capital  stock  is  $100,000. 
Work  has  been  well  started  on  the  new  plant 
and  ground  is  broken.  The  plans  have  been 
accepted  and  work  on  the  buildings  will  be 
pushed  to  a rapid  finish.  All  the  acreage  has 
been  secured  and  the  company  have  arranged 
for  leasing  several  good-sized  farms  which 
they  will  plant  with  such  products  as  need 
more  experience  in  the  care  of.” 

I11  April,  1875.  Mr.  Ivlindt  married  Miss 
Ida  Sager,  a native  of  Mecklenburg,  Germany, 
who  came  to  America  in  1863  with  her  parents, 
Christian  and  Mary  (Wodrich)  Sager.  The 
family  located  in  Cassville,  Wis.  Mr.  Sager, 
who  was  a gardener  in  his  native  land,  fol- 
lowed that  occupation  for  a time  in  this 
country,  and  then  took  charge  of  the  vineyard 
of  Gov.  Dewey,  who  was  from  Cassville.  Mr. 
Sager  is  still  living  here,  at  the  ripe  old  age 
of  eighty-two  years,  but  his  wife  is  now  de- 
ceased. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ivlindt  are  the  parents 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


130 


of  four  children:  Gustav  A.,  born  March  24, 
1878;  Edith  Alma,  May  31,  1885;  John 
Arthur,  April  12,  1888;  and  Irving,  Oct.  24, 
1891,  died  Feb.  24,  1892. 

In  the  spring  of  1879  Mr.  Ivlindt  visited  the 
Fatherland,  and  found  his  parents  both  living 
at  that  time.  Returning  home  in  the  fall  of 
that  vear,  he  was  nominated  by  the  Republican 
party  for  representative  to  the  General  Assem- 
bly, and  was  elected  by  a large  majority.  He 
could  have  had  the  office  a second  term, but  on 
account  of  the  death  of  his  partner,  Gustav 
Geiger,  in  1880,  his  business'  interests  would 
not  permit  it.  He  has  been  prominently  identi- 
fied with  public  affairs  in  Cassville,  and  has 
most  efficiently  served  as  president  of  the  vil- 
lage board  for  a number  of  years,  and  also  as 
treasurer  of  the  high  school.  Religiously  Mr. 
Klindt  was  reared  a Lutheran.  His  life  record 
is  one  well  worthy  of  emulation,  and  contains 
many  valuable  lessons  of  incentive,  showing  the 
possibilities  that  are  open  to  young  men  who 
wish  to  improve  every  opportunity  for  advance- 
ment. 

ALMERON  EAGER,  of  Evansville,  Rock 
county,  is  president  of  the  Baker  Manufactur- 
ing Co.,  and  for  years  has  been  a leading  spirit 
in  the  business  interests  of  the  city.  He  is  a 
man  of  much  intelligence,  force  of  character 
and  uncompromising  honesty. 

Mr.  Eager  was  born  in  Sangerfield,  Oneida 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  March  14.  1838,  a son  of  William 
and  Caroline  (Northrup)  Eager.  His  father 
was  born  in  Oneida  county,  and  his  mother 
in  Delaware  county,  N.  Y.,  and  they  were 
reared  and  married  in  their  native  State.  Nine 
children  were  born  to  them,  seven  of  whom 
are  now  living:  Amy,  wife  of  Peter  Case, 
of  Fredericksburg,  Iowa;  Almeron,  of  Evans- 
ville; Adelia,  wife  of  William  Case,  of  Fred- 
ericksburg; Alvin,  of  Grand  Island,  Neb.; 
Amos,  of  Lincoln,  Neb.;  Orinda,  wife  of  John 
Ellison,  of  Fredericksburg;  and  De  Witt,  of 
Beaver  Crossing,  Neb.  The  father,  who  ,was 
a farmer,  came  West  in  the  spring  of  1835, 
locating  in  the  town  of  Union,  Rock  Co.,  Wis., 
where  he  died  in  1861.  at  the  age  of  sixty- 
one.  His  wife  died  in  Oneida  county,  N.  Y., 
in  1850,  at  the  early  age  of  thirty-eight.  She 
was  a Methodist.  Oliver  Eager,  the  paternal 
grandfather  of  Almeron  Eager,  was  a native 
of  Massachusetts,  and  an  early  settler  in  Oneida 
county,  N.  Y.  He  died  at  the  age  of  sixty- 


five.  He  was  a farmer,  and  the  father  of  five 
children.  Almeron  Eager's  maternal  grand- 
father was  also  a native  of  New  York,  and 
died  when  his  daughter  Caroline,  mentioned 
above,  was  about  three  years  old,  leaving  one 
son  and  one  daughter.  He  was  a hard-work- 
ing, honorable  man. 

Almeron  Eager  was  reared  on  the  Oneicla 
county  farm,  and  obtained  his  education  in  the 
district  school.  He  came  to  Rock  county, 
Wis.,  in  the  fall  of  1854,  and  bought  eighty 
acres  in  the  town  of  Union,  which  he  improved 
and  afterward  sold.  He  then  purchased  a 
tract  of  200  acres,  lying  two  and  a half  miles 
east  of  Evansville,  and  partly  improved  it. 
In  1868  Mr.  Eager  moved  into  Evansville, 
and  in  partnership  with  W.  S.  Smith  opened 
a general  store.  Smith  & Eager  continued  the 
store  fourteen  years,  and  then  bought  leaf  to- 
bacco for  some  three  years  or  more.  In  the 
meantime,  in  1S83,  a company  was  formed 
to  build  a tack  factory  in  Evansville,  and  four 
years  later  Mr.  Eager  became  associated  with 
it  as  secretary.  He  held  that  position  until  the 
company  went  out  of  business.  In  1S73  Mr. 
Eager,  in  company  with  A.  S.  Baker,  L.  M. 
Shaw,  L.  Mygatt,  C.  Snashall  and  W.  S. 
Smith,  organized  the  Baker  Manufacturing 
Co.,  to  engage  in  the  manufacture  of  wind- 
mills, tanks  and  pumps.  Mr.  Snashall  was 
president  of  this  corporation,  and  W.  S.  Smith 
secretary.  Since  1885  Mr.  Eager  has  been 
president,  and  Clifford  Smith  secretary.  The 
company  give  employment  to  some  sixty  or 
seventy-five  persons,  and  have  an  authorized 
capital  of  $300,000.  They  ship  goods  all  over 
the  United  States,  and  won  two  gold  medals 
at  the  world's  fair  for  the  best  wind  and  power 
mill. 

Mr.  'Eager  and  Miss  Olive  Boyce,  daugh- 
ter of  Henry  and  Mary  (Almy)  Boyce,  were 
married  Nov.  26,  1863,  and  they  have  had  four 
children,  Clarence,  Gertrude,  and  two  who 
died  in  infancy.  Clarence  died  when  one  year 
and  nine  days  old.  Gertrude  married  Lile 
Humphrey,  and  is  the  mother  of  one  child, 
Leonard.  Mrs.  Eager  is  a member  of  the 
Methodist  Church.  Our  subject  belongs  to 
Union  Lodge,  No.  32,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  Evans- 
ville Chapter,  No.  35,  R.  A.  M.,  and  Janes- 
ville Commandery,  No.  2,  K.  T.  He  is  a Re- 
publican, and  takes  pride  in  the  fact  that  he 
cast  his  first  vote  for  Abraham  Lincoln.  He 
was  town  treasurer  for  many  years ; a mem- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


131 


ber  of  the  village  board  of  Evansville  for  many 
years,  and  president  of  the  board  three  years; 
has  been  a member  of  the  county  board  of 
supervisors  nine  years,  and  is  still  acting  in 
that  capacity.  On  Nov.  6,  1900,  he  was  elected 
assemblyman  for  the  Second  District  of  Rock 
county,  receiving  2,670  votes,  his  opponent 
915  votes.  Mr.  Eager  owns  a number  of  store 
buildings  and  residence  properties  in  Evans- 
ville. He  built  his  present  home,  at  No.  321 
West  Main  street,  in  1878.  While  he  was  on 
the  farm  he  spent  a year  and  a half  in  the 
book  delivery  business. 

Our  subject  has  traveled  in  every  State 
and  Territory  in  the  Union,  and  has  visited 
all  points  of  interest  in  the  United  States.  In 
1899  he  took  a trip  to  Alaska.  In  1900  he 
traveled  through  Europe,  attended  the  world’s 
fair  at  Paris,  went  through  Germany,  saw  the 
Passion  Play,  visited  the  mountains  of  Switz- 
erland, went  through  the  St.  Gothard  tunnel 
(the  longest  in  the  world),  and  journeyed  over 
Holland,  Belgium,  England,  Ireland,  Scotland 
and  Wales. 

FLOYD  D.  MURDOCK  is  yet  living  at 
the  place  where  he  was  born.  Sept.  13,  1856, 
at  the  corner  of  Wall  and  Franklin  streets, 
Janesville,  Rock  county,  where  he  has  built 
a magnificent  row  of  flats.  Both  his  grand- 
father and  father  were  born  in  New  York, 
as  were  also  his  mother  and  her  parents.  His 
paternal  grandfather,  who  was  a farmer,  died 
in  his  native  State  at  an  advanced  age,  leav- 
ing a large  family. 

Edwin  Murdock,  the  father  of  Floyd  D., 
settled  in  Janesville  in  the  'forties,  and  en- 
gaged in  business  as  a grain  dealer  and  grocer, 
following  these  lines  until  his  death,  at  the 
age  of  fifty-seven,  in  1883.  He  was  a citizen 
of  prominence,  and  for  several  years  repre- 
sented the  First  ward  in  the  city  council.  He 
married  Adelia  Hoyt,  whose  father,  Charles 
Hoyt,  was  likewise  a New  York  farmer,  but 
removed  to  Wisconsin,  and  was  one  of  the 
early  settlers  of  Rock  county.  Later  he  re- 
moved to  Iowa,  and  died  there  in  his  seventy- 
sixth  year.  Mrs.  Edwin  Murdock  is  still  liv- 
ing; she  is  a devout  Baptist.  She  bore  her 
husband  four  children:  Ida,  now  the  wife  of 
Myron  Clark,  of  Rock  county;  Floyd  D. ; 
Edwin  PI.,  of  Janesville;  and  Jessie,  Mrs. 
Thomas  A.  Nolan. 

Floyd  D.  Murdock  has  passed  his  life 


in  the  city  of  his  birth.  After  leaving 
school  he  began  working  for  his1  father,  and 
on  the  latter  s death  succeeded  to  the  owner- 
ship and  management  of  the  business.  He  has 
been  successful,  bringing  to  bear  upon  his  un- 
dertakings sound  common  sense,  as  well  as 
reflective  power  and  sagacity.  He  sells  hay 
and  feed,  as1  well  as  grain,  shipping  a great 
deal  to  Chicag’o  and  Milwaukee,  and  carries  on 
an  extensive  and  remunerative  trade,  enjoying 
the  confidence  and  respect  of  the  entire  com- 
munity, and  the  sincere  esteem  of  a wide  cir- 
cle of  personal  friends.  He  is  a member  of  the 
Knights  of  Pythias  and  of  the  A.  O.  U.  W., 
and  in  politics  is  a Republican.  On  Dec.  6, 
1883,  Mr.  Murdock  married  Maggie  Josepha 
Inman,  and  they  have  two  children,  Floyd 
Verne  and  Edna  Floydine. 

Mrs.  Murdock  comes  of  English  lineag'e 
on  the  paternal,  and  French  on  the  maternal 
side.  Her  father’s  ancestors  crossed  the  At- 
lantic in  the  “Mayflower,”  and  her  great- 
grandfather, Edward  Inman,  served  under 
Washington  in  the  Revolutionary  war,  holding 
the  rank  of  colonel.  Her  grandfather  was 
John  E.  Inman.  The  family  were  long-time 
residents  of  Pennsylvania,  John  E.  Inman  being 
a large  land  owner  near  Wilkesbarre.  After 
disposing  of  his  holdings  there  he  came  West, 
buying  large  tracts  in  Illinois  and  Wisconsin, 
and  making  his  home  in  Carroll  county,  111. 
He  was  the  father  of  five  sons  and  three  daugh- 
ters, and  lived  to  celebrate  his  seventy-fifth 
birthday.  Edward  Inman,  Mrs.  Murdock’s 
father,  was  for  several  years  a conductor  in 
the  employ  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Co., 
but  the  fracture  of  a leg  compelled  him  to 
seek  other  employment.  For  a time  he  con- 
ducted a dry-goods  store  at  \\  ilkesbarre,  but 
subsequently  (in  1857)  removed  to  V isconsin, 
settling  in  Bradford,  where  he  died  in  1892, 
at  the  age  of  sixty-nine  years.  His  widow  yet 
survives,  and  has  her  home  in  Janesville.  Her 
name  before  marriage  was  Margaret  J.  Mutch- 
lar,  and  her  father  (the  maternal  grandfather 
of  Mrs.  Murdock)  married  Margaret  San  Tee. 
Botlr  were  of  French  descent,  but  residents  of 
Wilkesbarre,  where  Mr.  Mutchlar  was  a suc- 
cessful coal  operator.  They  were  the  parents 
of  four  daughters  and  one  son. 

ALLEN  S.  BAKER,  manager  of  the  Ba- 
ker Manufacturing  Co.,  of  Evansville,  Rock 
county,  is  a native  of  that  city,  where  he  was 


132 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


born  Jan.  12,  1842.  He  belongs  to  one  of  the 
old  Virginia  families  whose  ancestry  on  the 
paternal  side  runs  back  to  England,  and  on 
the  maternal  side  to  Germany. 

Daniel  Baker,  the  grandfather  of  Allen  S., 
was  born  in  West  Virginia,  but  in  early  life 
removed  to  the  vicinity  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 
where  he  and  his  wife  spent  their  lives.  They 
had  a numerous  family,  of  whom  John  T. 
(the  father  of  Allen  S.)  and  Aaron  were  the 
only  ones  to  come  to  Wisconsin.  The  former 
became  a resident  of  Rock  county  in  1837, 
and  the  latter  was  also  a resident  of  that  coun- 
ty, but  lived  only  a few  years  after  coming  to 
the  State. 

John  T.  Baker  was  born  in  Cincinnati, 
Ohio,  in  October,  1806,  and  in  1836  removed 
to  Bloomington,  Ilk,  where  he  remained  only 
a short  time.  In  the  fall  of  the  following  year 
he  settled  in  the  town  of  Avon,  Rock  county, 
where  he  entered  a claim  upon  which  the  fam- 
ily resided  until  the  spring  of  1840.  That 
year  he  sold  out,  and  removed  into  the  town  of 
Union,  where  he  again  entered  a claim,  and 
secured  land  which  he  converted  into  a valuable 
farm.  This  became  the  old  homestead  of  the 
family,  and  here  Mr.  Baker  lived  for  many 
years.  He  died  in  the  village  of  Evansville 
in  April,  1876.  Mr.  Baker  was  twice  mar- 
ried, his  first  union  being  with  Miss  Jemima 
Robinson,  who  died  in  Union  in  the  fall  of 
1850.  Both  he  and  his  wife  were  members  of 
the  Methodist  Church,  in  which  he  held  official 
position.  He  afterward  wedded  Mrs'.  Jane 
Gray  (Sanclford)  Sale.  By  his  first  marriage 
he  had  seven  sons  and  two  daughters,  the  first 
and  last  being  daughters.  The  eldest  daugh- 
ter and  two  sons  are  dead.  The  surviving 
members  of  the  family  are  David  E.,  of  Cler- 
mont, Iowa;  Edward  J.,  living  in  Maryville, 
Mo. ; Francis  A.,  of  Evansville,  Wis. ; Ste- 
phen J.  and  Allen  S.,  of  the  same  place ; and 
Caroline  J.,  wife  of  John  Davenport,  of  San 
Rafael,  Cal.  The  deceased  daughter,  Mary 
Ann,  died  after  reaching  womanhood.  Thom- 
as, the  youngest  son,  died  at  the  age  of  nine- 
teen years.  Aaron  died  when  twenty-seven 
3^ears  of  age,  in  1865. 

In  his  early  years  Allen  S.  Baker  served 
an  apprenticeship  to  the  trade  of  blacksmith, 
and  that  trade  was  his  occupation  for  several 
years.  When  the  Civil  war  broke  out  he  was 
one  of  the  first  to  respond  to  his  country’s  call 
for  troops  to  crush  out  the  Rebellion.  On 


April  20,  1861,  he  became  a member  of  Com- 
pany H,  2d  Wis.  V.  L,  which  regiment  formed 
a part  of  the  famous  Iron  Brigade,  and  in 
that  gallant  command  he  served  in  several  of 
the  most  important  battles  of  the  war.  He 
was  at  Gainesville,  Fitzhugh  Crossing,  Chan- 
cellorsville,  and  Gettysburg.  At  Gainesville 
he  was  severely  wounded  in  the  right  shoulder 
and  was  sent  to  the  hospital  at  Philadelphia, 
where  he  remained  until  February,  1863.  By 
that  time  he  had  recovered1  his  health,  and  he 
rejoined  his  regiment,  only  to  be  again  severely 
wounded  on  the  first  day  of  the  great  battle  of 
Gettysburg,  July  1,  1863.  The  facts  concern- 
ing this  wound  were  remarkable.  Mr.  Baker 
was  struck  in  the  abdomen  by  a minie  ball, 
which,  instead  of  passing  straight  through  his 
body,  took  a circular  direction,  striking  his 
thigh  bone  was  deflected,  and  lodged  in  the 
fleshy  part  of  the  spinal  column,  where  it  be- 
came deeply  imbedded.  The  surgeons  feared 
to  attempt  the  removal  of  the  ball  from  the 
very  great  danger  of  severing  an  artery  in 
the  operation.  So  the  missile  remained  in 
the  same  position  for  many  years  without  ap- 
parent change,  when  it  began  working  its  way 
to  the  surface,  and  on  March  19,  1889,  after 
having  remained  in  his  body  for  nearly  twenty- 
six  years,  it  was  discovered  close  to  the  sur- 
face, where  it  had  worked  its  way  to  a posi- 
tion from  which  it  was  easily  removed  by  Mr. 
Baker  without  surgical  aid.  After  being 
wounded  at  Gettysburg  Mr.  Baker  was  not 
able  to  do  farther  duty  in  the  field.  He  went 
to  Washington,  and  was  presently  mustered 
out.  Returning  to  his  home,  he  resumed  the 
blacksmith  trade,  and  also  engaged  in  carriage 
making.  In  the  spring  of  1873  the  Baker 
Manufacturing  Co.  was  organized  under  the 
firm  name  of  A.  S.  Baker  & Co.  It  was  com- 
posed of  the  following  named  business  men 
of  Evansville,  who  contributed  equally  to  its 
establishment : A.  Eager,  W.  S.  Smith,  Caleb 

Snashall,  Lancing  Mygatt,  Levi  M.  Shaw  and 
A.  S.  Baker.  They  began  business  with  a 
paid-up  capital  of  $6,000,  and  were  incorpo- 
rated Feb.  17,  1879,  with  a capital  stock  of 
$20,000,  under  the  name  of  the  Baker  Manu- 
facturing Co.  On  March  15,  1883,  the  capi- 
tal was  increased  to  $100,000,  of  which  one- 
half  was  paid  up.  About  this,  time  M.  V.  Pratt 
bought  an  interest  in  the  business,  and  March 
13,  1885,  Mr.  Snashall  sold  his  stock  to  the 
remaining  stockholders  and  retired  from  busi- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


133 


ness.  The  company  remained  in  the  hands 
of  the  other  stockholders  until  the  death  of 
Mr.  Smith,  in  the  fall  of  1891.  The  paid-up 
capital  of  the  company  Jan.  1,  1899,  was  $100,- 
000,  and  the  surplus  $105,712.56.  With 
profit-sharing  in  view,  the  company  reorgan- 
ized with  a capital  of  $300,000.  They  manu- 
facture pumps,  windmills,  tanks,  grinders, 
wood  saws,  and  other  g'oods  and  appliances, 
and  employ  from  sixty  to  eighty  men.  To  a 
great  extent  the  success  of  this  institution  is 
due  to  the  business  ability  and  executive  force 
of  Mr.  Baker. 

Mr.  Baker  and  Miss  Margaret  Sayers 
were  married  March  23,  1865.  She  was  born 
on  the  historic  battle  field  of  Brandywine, 
Del.,  in  October,  1844,  a daughter  of  John  and 
Sarah  (Reed)  Sayers.  Her  father  died  when 
she  was  but  twelve  years  old,  her  mother  sur- 
viving until  1876.  They  were  the  parents  of 
four  children  who  reached  mature  years : 
Elizabeth,  the  eldest,  died  in  1885.  Margaret 
was  the  second  in  the  order  of  birth.  Sarah,  the 
youngest  daughter,  married  Thomas  Ha- 
thorne,  of  Delaware.  Robert  is  a resident  of 
Delaware. 

Three  children  have  blessed  the  union  of 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Baker : Elsie,  born  in  October, 
1867;  John,  in  July,  1869;  and  Bessie,  in  No- 
vember, 1875.  Elsie  married  Robert  Hartley, 
who  is  assistant  cashier  of  the  Bank  of  Evans- 
ville; she  is  a stenographer  in  the  office  of  the 
Baker  Manufacturing  Co.  John  is  single,  and 
is  a superintendent  of  the  works  of  the  com- 
pany. Bessie  graduated  from  the  Rockford 
(111.)  Ladies  College,  and  is  now  teaching  in 
the  Highland  University,  at  Highland,  Ivans. 
The  family  reside  at  the  corner  of  Liberty  and 
First  streets,  where  Mr.  Baker  built  a home 
in  1865,  and  erected  his  present  handsome 
residence  in  1883. 

Mr.  Baker  is  one  of  the  representative  busi- 
ness men  of  Rock  county,  and  is  regarded  as 
an  enterprising  and  progressive  citizen  of 
Evansville,  in  the  welfare  of  which  he  has  al- 
ways taken  a deep  interest.  He  was  formerly 
a Republican,  but  he  is  now  independent,  and 
favors  the  principles  of  the  Prohibition  party, 
holding  that  the  liquor  traffic  should  be  sup- 
pressed by  the  strong  arm  of  the  law.  He  and 
his  wife  are  members  of  the  Congregational 
Church,  in  which  he  serves  as  deacon.  He 
was  president  of  the  village  board  of  trustees 
one  term,  and  on  the  county  board  two  terms. 


He  is  at  present  school  treasurer  of  District 
No.  6,  which  includes  the  city  of  Evansville 
and  a portion  of  the  adjacent  country.  Our 
subject  is  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Evans- 
ville Telephone  Exchange,  and  is  its  president. 

GEORGE  PAGE,  a well-known  citizen  of 
Grant  county,  an  ex-soldier  of  the  war  of  the 
Rebellion,  and  a retired  farmer,  is  a native 
of  Great  Yarmouth,  County  of  Norfolk,  Eng- 
land, and  was  born  Oct.  26,  1819.  His  early 
life  was  passed  at  sea,  and  was  quite  an  event- 
ful one,  which  will  be  detailed,  as  far  as  space 
will  permit,  below. 

Richard  and  Mary  (Greenland)  Page,  the 
parents  of  our  subject,  were  also  natives  of 
Norfolk,  where  they  passed  all  their  lives. 
They  reared  a family  of  four  sons  and  three 
daughters,  of  which  family  George  is  the  only 
survivor.  As  a lad  he  was  employed  as  errand 
boy  in  a large  shop  or  store  in  his  native 
town,  but  as  it  was  early  decided  that  he  should 
become  a -sailor  he  began  the  study  of  naviga- 
tion when  but  twelve  and  a half  years  old, 
and  has  still  in  his  possession  many  of  his 
exercises  in  books  which  bear  the  date  of  1830. 
Before  he  was  thirteen  years  old  he  went  to 
sea  as  a cabin  boy,  and  eventually  became  an 
able-bodied  seaman.  The  first  two  years  of 
his  sea  life  were  spent  in  coasting  around 
England,  Scotland  and  Ireland,  and  he  then 
shipped  for  a voyage  up  the  Mediterranean 
sea,  passed  through  the  Grecian  Archipelago 
and  the  Dardanelles  to  Constantinople,  and 
then  back  through  the  Dardanelles  to  Smyrna, 
Turkey  in  Asia;  thence  he  sailed  for  Falmouth 
bay,  England,  for  further  orders.  On  the 
homeward  voyage  the  vessel  was  caught  in  a 
dense  fog  in  the  Mediterranean,  and  ran  ashore 
at  Apes  Hill,  off  Gibraltar,  and  the  next  day 
ran  into  Gibraltar  bay  to  be  inspected.  She 
was  pronounced  to  be  seaworthy,  however, 
and  proceeded  on  her  voyage.  From  Falmouth 
Mr.  Page  went  to  London,  and  tlience  made 
two  voyages  to  St.  John,  N.  B.,  but  on  re- 
turning, on  the  second  voyage,  his  vessel  was 
wrecked,  through  the  ignorance  or  careless- 
ness of  the  pilot,  when  but  nine  miles  out  of 
Liverpool. 

Mr.  Page  then  made  a third  trip  across 
the  Atlantic,  but  this  time  he  came  to  stay, 
relinquishing  ocean  life.  He  left  Liverpool 
about  the  middle  of  December,  1836,  reached 
the  banks  of  Newfoundland  in  thirteen  days, 


134 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


and  fourteen  days  after,  near  the.  middle  of 
January,  1837,  reached  New  York.  He  was 
at  that  time  seventeen  years  old.  Soon  after 
his  arrival  he  sailed  for  New  Orleans,  La., 
and  was  there  employed  on  a steamer  plying 
up  and  down  the  Mississippi  river  and  conflu- 
ent streams,  being  thus  engaged  about  three 
months  when  he  was  taken  seriously  ill ; he 
made  his  last  trip  down  the  “Father  of  Waters” 
to  the  Crescent  City  on  a flat-boat,  and  while 
thus  prostrated  was  robbed  of  all.  his  cash  and 
all  his  clothing  save  what  he  had  on  at  the 
time.  What  rendered  this  robbery  the  more 
shameful  was  the  fact  that  the  culprit  was  a 
comrade  in  whom  he  had  placed  his  confi- 
dence, and  whom  he  had  considered  to  be  a 
faithful  friend. 

When  Mr.  Page  recovered  his  strength  he 
again  started  up  the  Mississippi,  branched  off 
into  the  Ohio  river  at  Cairo,  111.,  and  landed 
at  Mount  Vernon,  Posey  Co.,  Ind.,  in  the  vi- 
cinity of  which  city  he  spent  about  nine  years  in 
farming.  Here  another  episode  of  his  life 
took  place,  one  of  the  most  important,  his  mar- 
riage to  Miss  Nancy  Jane  Altizier,  a daughter 
of  Elias  and  Thyrza  (Taylor)  Altizier,  the  for- 
mer a native  of  Virginia,  of  German  descent, 
and  the  latter  of  Tennessee.  Mrs.  Page  was 
born  May  3,  1824,  in  Posey  county,  Inch, 
where  the  family  had  lived  for  many  years,  and 
where  her  father  died ; her  mother  died  later, 
at  the  home  of  her  daughter,  in  Webster  coun- 
ty, Iowa.  Elias  Altizier  was  twice  married, 
and  to  each  union  were  born  four  children, 
Mrs.  Page  being  the  eldest  living  of  the  last 
marriage;  one  is  deceased,  and  the  other  two 
are  Eli  J.,  a resident  of  the  State  of  Washing- 
ton ; and  Sarah  Ann,  Mrs.  Renshaw,  of  Lan- 
caster, Wisconsin. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Page  came  from  Indiana  to 
Wisconsin,  arriving  at  Plattevil.le.  Grant  coun- 
ty, April  11,  1846,  but  remained  a short  time 
only,  and  then  settled  in  Ellenboro,  same  coun- 
ty, where  he  purchased  and  improved  a good 
farm,  and  became  a prominent  citizen.  He 
served  as  assessor  and  tax  collector  at  differ- 
ent times  in  Ellenboro.  He  was  enrolling  offi- 
cer during  the  early  part  of  the  Civil  war,  but 
decided  to  enter  the  army,  and  enlisted  Oct. 
1,  1864,  in  Company  C,  25th  Wis.  V.  I.  He 
joined  his  regiment  at  Atlanta,  Ga.,  marched 
with  Gen.  W.  T.  Sherman  in  his  famous  ex- 
pedition through  the  State  to  Savannah,  usu- 
ally called  the  march  to  the  sea,  and  took  part 


in  several  other  important  military  operations 
under  that  redoubtable,  grim  warrior.  After 
the  war  Mr.  Page  marched  with  the  victorious 
•Union  host  from  North  Carolina  through  to 
.Washington,  D.  C.,  participated  in  the  grand 
review,  and  received  an  honorable  discharge  in 
June,  1865.  Although  never  wounded,  Mr. 
Page  was  permanently  injured  in  health  while 
in  the  army,  and  soon  after  his  return  he  dis- 
posed of  his  farm,  and  with  his  estimable  wife 
retired,  to  live  in  quiet  in  Lancaster. 

During  all  Mr.  Page’s  long  residence  in 
this  country,  but  two  of  his  family  have  come 
to  America.  His  brother  William  came  sev- 
eral years  after  our  subject  had  arrived,  and 
died  m St.  Louis,  Mo.,  Sept.  12,  1883,  leaving 
a widow  and  four  children;  another  brother, 
John,  who  was  a sea  captain,  made  a brief  visit 
to  George,  returned  to  Great  Yarmouth,  and 
died  a number  of  years  ago. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Page  were,  for  a long  time 
after  the  close  of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  ac- 
tive in  the  affairs  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the 
Republic,  but  their  declining  years  precluded 
their  continuing  their  work  in  this  organiza- 
tion. They  are  members  of  no  church,  but 
they  are  strictly  believers  and  church  goers, 
ever  governed  by  principles  of  charity,  love  for 
their  fellow  beings  and  strict  justice  to  all.  In 
politics  Mr.  Page  is  a Republican  in  sentiment, 
but  has  not  sought  favor  from  the  party  in 
whose  interest  he  exercises  his  franchise.  Con- 
tented with  the  felicitous  society  of  his  wife, 
for  lie  has  no  children,  he  passes  his  time  at 
his  happy  home,  honored  and  respected  by  all 
his  neighbors. 

CHARLES  W.  LONEY,  a well-known 
and  esteemed  old  settler  of  Grant  county,  was 
born  Aug.  21,  1808,  in  Franklin  township, 
Ross  Co.,  Ohio,  a son  of  James  A.  and  Nancy 
(Warren)  Loney,  both  of  North  Carolina. 

Janies  A.  Loney  was  a shoemaker  by  trade. 
Before  the  birth  of  our  subject  he  moved  to 
Ross  county,  Ohio,  settling  twelve  miles  south 
of  Chillicothe,  on  the  Scioto  river.  To  him 
and  his  wife  were  born  five  sons  and  seven 
daughters,  namely : John  D.,  Esther  C.,  Charles 
W.,  Rhea  M.,  Sarah  S.,  Alfred  LI.,  Enos  J., 
Nancy  A.,  Miranda  P.,  Janies.  H.,  Eliza  J. 
and  Mary  W.  All  lived  to  mature  years 
and  married  except  one1  son,  who  died  at  the 
age  of  fourteen.  The  father  of  James  A. 
Loney,  a native  of  Ireland,  settled  in  North 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


135 


Carolina,  and  reared  a family  of  three  children, 
John,  James  A.  and  Mary.  The  maternal 
grandfather  of  our  subject  lived  in  Tennessee ; 
he  had  a family  of  four  sons  and  three  daugh- 
ters, Tilghman,  John,  Charles,  William, 
Rhoda,  Nancy  and  Rebecca. 

Charles  W.  Loney  was  reared  upon  a farm. 
When  twenty-two  years  of  age  he  left  his  na- 
tive State  and  migrated  to  Mound  township, 
Warren  Co.,  Inch,  where  he  taught  common 
school,  for  two  years.  He  engaged  in  farming 
during  the  summer,  and  continued  teaching  in 
the  winter  season  for  thirteen  years,  until  1846, 
at  which  time  he  went  north  to  the  home  of 
John  Switzer,  in  Fennimore,  Grant  Co.,  Wis., 
bought  land  and  commenced  farming,  alter- 
nating with  teaching  short  terms.  When  Wis- 
consin was  admitted  to  the  Union  Mr.  Loney 
was  elected  superintendent  of  schools  and  jus- 
tice of  the  peace,  which  latter  office  he  held 
for  twenty  years ; during  that  time  he  married 
one  hundred  couples,  and  decided  some  very 
complicated  points  of  law.  In  the  spring  of 
1866  Mr.  Loney  commenced  a mercantile 
career,  on  a small  scale,  on  the  public  highway 
leading  from  Lancaster  to  Boscobel,  within 
the  limits  of  the  present  village  of  Fennimore. 
As  time  went  on  he  increased  his  business  until 
he  had  a very  desirable  establishment,  but  for 
the  last  ten  or  twelve  years  he  has  retired  from 
active  life. 

About  1832  Mr.  Loney  married  Miss  Mary 
Switzer,  of  Ohio,  and  to  this  union  have  been 
born  two  sons  and  two  daughters : Mary 

Ann,  July  14,  1833;  Charles  Wesley,  Jan.  30, 
1836;  Nancy  Jane,  July  8,  1838;  and  William 
H.  Harrison,  July  16,  1840.  All  of  these  chil- 
dren lived  to  maturity,  and  three  are  still  alive ; 
one  died  in  1863,  during  the  Civil  war. 

Charles  W.  Loney  is  one  of  the  landmarks 
of  Grant  county,  and,  although  he  has  reached 
the  advanced  age  of  ninety-two,  he  is  still  in 
possession  of  all  his  faculties,  and  is  a very  re- 
markable old  gentleman. 

CHARLES  J.  PEARSALL,  a young  and 
enterprising  business  man  of  Evansville,  Rock 
county,  is  vice-president  of  the  D.  E.  Wood 
Butter  Co.,  and  is  popular  not  only  for  his  thor- 
ough knowledge  of  his  business,  and  his  prompt 
and  accurate  business  habits,  but  also  for  his 
fine  personal  qualities. 

Mr.  Pearsall  was  born  in  Plainfield,  Ot- 
sego Co.,  N.  Y.,  July  20,  i860,  son  of  Edwin 


R.  and  Helen  M.  (Smith)  Pearsall,  both  na- 
tive to  the  soil  of  New  York.  They  were  the 
parents  of  three  sons  and  two  daughters : 
Charles  J. ; Nellie  S.,  of  Salt  Lake  City;  Hat- 
tie M.,  wife  of  M.  C.  Joslyn,  of  Elgin,  111. ; 
Benjamin  S.,  of  Elgin,  secretary  and  treasurer 
of  the  D.  E.  Wood  Butter  Co. ; and  Clifford  R.. 
treasurer  and  manager  of  the  wholesale  and 
retail  jewelry  house  of  J.  H.  Lyson  & Co.,  of 
Salt  Lake  City.  The  father  was  a farmer  in 
New  York.  In  1876  he  moved  to  Illinois, 
and  engaged  in  the  creamery  business  at  Hunt- 
ley,  .McHenry  county,  which  he  owned  until 
his  death,  though  not  actively  engaged  in  its 
management  toward  the  close  of  his  life.  He 
died  Jan.  10,  1901,  at  Elgin,  111.,  aged  sixty- 
seven  years,  his  wife  in  February,  1897,  aged 
sixty-four  years.  They  were  Methodists  in 
early  life,  but  in  Illinois  they  united  with  the 
Congregational  Church.  His  father.  Simon 
Pearsall,  was  a native  of  Connecticut,  but  set- 
tled in  New  York  when  young,  and  lived  to  be 
ninety-three  years  old,  passing  away  in  the 
summer  of  1900,  at  his  home  in  New  York 
State.  He  was  a molder,  and  in  later  life  a 
farmer;  his  last  business  years  were  spent  in  a 
store  of  which  he  was  proprietor  and  man- 
ager. Simon  Pearsall  married  a Miss  Marvin, 
who  died  many  years  ago,  and  they  had  one 
son.  His  second  wife  was  a Aliss  Fern. 
Capt.  Benjamin  F.  Smith,  the  father  of  Helen 
M.,  mentioned  above,  served  in  the  State  mili- 
tia. He  was  a native  of  Connecticut,  and 
followed  farming.  His  wife  died  in  the  East, 
and  he  afterward  came  \\  est,  and  died  at  Big 
Rapids,  Mich.,  at  the  home  of  a daughter,  when 
he  was  over  seventy  years  of  age.  His  wife 
was  sixty-four  at  her  death.  His  remains 
were  taken  back  to  the  old  homestead  in  Ot- 
sego county,  N.  \ . He  had  four  daughters 
and  two  sons. 

Charles  J.  Pearsall  spent  the  earlier  part 
of  his  life  in  Otsego  county,  N.  Y.,  where  he 
had  a good  preparation  for  active  life  in  the 
public  schools  of  that  region.  In  the  spring 
of  1876  he  came  to  Illinois,  locating  at  Hunt- 
ley  with  his  parents,  and  there  he  lived  for 
twelve  years.  He  spent  four  years  in  Ne- 
braska, and  for  the  past  ten  years  he  has  lived 
in  Evansville.  His  entire  business  life  has  been 
spent  in  connection  with  the  creamery.  He 
began  as  an  apprentice  and  served  two  years 
before  he  was  pronounced  competent  to  do 
business  for  himself.  For  nine  years  he  held 


136 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


the  position  of  foreman  in  a factory  at  Coral, 
111.,  and  then  was  made  manager  of  a line 
of  creameries  in  Clay  and  other  counties  in 
Nebraska,  being-  engag'ed  in  this  work  for 
three  and  a half  years.  Coming-  to  Evansville, 
he  formed  a partnership  with  Mr.  Wood,  and 
his  business  career  in  this  city  has  been  both 
profitable  and  satisfactory. 

Mr.  Pearsall  and  Miss  Harriet  I.  Ellis, 
daughter  of  Benjamin  F.  and  Ellen  (Miracle) 
Ellis,  were  united  in  marriage  Nov.  11,  1887. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pearsall  are  the  parents  of 
three  sons  and  one  daughter,  Robert  E., 
Clifford  J.,  Barbara  E.,  and  Philip  D.  Mr. 
Pearsall  is  a Mason,  and  belongs  to  Union 
Lodge,  No.  32,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  and  Evans- 
ville Chapter,  No.  35,  R.  A.  M.,  and  is  also 
a member  of  the  local  Knights  of  Pythias  and 
the  Modern  Woodmen.  He  is  a Republican 
in  his  political  affiliations,  and  is  at  present 
serving  as  alderman  from  the  First  ward,  and- 
is  president  of  the  city  council. 

HON.  A.  CLARKE  DODGE,  one  of  the 
leading  citizens  of  Green  county,  occupies  a 
peculiarly  honorable  and  responsible  position 
as  a member  of  the  legislative  and  law-making- 
bodv  of  the  State,  and  for  years  has  been  one 
of  the  most  progressive  and  representative 
business  men  of  the  city  of  Monroe.  He  is 
now  somewhat  advanced  in  years,  but  his  nat- 
ural force  is  not  abated  nor  the  vital  flame 
burned  low. 

Mr.  Dodge  was  born  in  Barre,  Vt.,  Nov. 
6,  1834,  a son  of  Joseph  and  Lorenda  (Thomp- 
son) Dodge,  both  natives  of  that  State.  They 
had  three  children : A.  Clarke,  Laroy  and 

W esley.  The  two  latter  were  soldiers  in  the 
Union  army  during  the  Civil  war.  Laroy  en- 
listed Sept.  1,  1861,  in  Company  B,  10th  Vt. 
V.  I.,  and  was  wounded  in  the  battle  of  Fish- 
er's Hill,  Va.,  Sept.  21,  1864;  he  was  sent  to 
the  National  hospital  at  Baltimore,  where  he 
died  Oct.  29,  1864.  Wesley  entered  the  serv- 
ice Nov.  19,  1861,  as  a member  of  Company  C, 
]st  Vermont  Cavalry,  and  served  in  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac ; he  was  shot  in  Wilson’s  raid, 
around  Petersburg,  fune  23.  1864,  was  taken 
prisoner,  and  died  the  next  day. 

Joseph  Dodge  was  a farmer  in  Barre,  Vt., 
where  he  was  born  Nov.  14,  1795,  and  where 
he  died  Aug.  3,  1864.  He  first  married  Azu- 
bah  Thompson,  who  bore  him  four  children, 
only  one  of  whom  is  now  living,  Joseph 


Thompson  Dodge,  of  Madison,  Wis.  His  sec- 
ond wife,  Lorenda,  died  May  15,  1844,  at  the 
age  of  forty-three  years.  He  married  for  his 
third  wife  Electa  Marsh,  who  became  the 
mother  of  one  child,  Ellen  Amanda,  now  the 
widow  of  Henry  G.  Staples,  of  Lyndonville, 
Vt.  Mr.  Dodge  held  various  local  offices  from 
time  to  time,  and  was  regarded  as  an  honorable 
and  capable  man.  He  was  captain  in  the  State 
militia,  a position  for  which  he  was  well  fitted 
by  his  services  in  the  war  of  1812;  he  received 
a land  warrant  from  the  government  as  a re- 
ward for  his  loyalty  at  that  time.  He  was  on 
Lake  Champlain,  trying  to  reach  the  scene  of 
the  battle  of  Plattsburg,  but  could  not  reach  the 
field  until  the  fight  was  over.  His  father,  Asa 
Dodge,  was  a native  of  Winchester,  N.  H., 
where  he  was  born  Feb.  13,  1770.  He  moved 
to  Barre,  Vt.,  with  his  brother  John  and  ac- 
quired a farm  in  1791.  He  spent  his  life  upon 
it,  and  died  there  May  12,  1855.  He  was  also 
a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  for  his  mili- 
tary services  received  a land  warrant,  which 
came  to  him  the  day  he  died. 

Isaac  Stevens  Thompson,  the  father  of 
Lorenda  Thompson,  mentioned  above,  was 
born  at  Holden,  Mass.,  April  26,  1763.  He 
married  Catey  Wheeler,  of  Rutland,  Mass., 
Jan.  8,  1790,  and  immediately  moved  to  Barre, 
Vt.  His  father  was  born  in  1735  in  Holden, 
Mass.,  where  he  died  Jan.  3,  1787.  He  was 
a captain  in  the  American  army  during  the  war 
of  the  Revolution,  and  selectman  of  Holden  in 
1780,  1782  and  1783.  He  married  Azubah 
Stevens,  and  they  were  the  parents  of  eight 
children,  of  whom  Isaac  was  the  eldest.  The 
wife  of  Isaac  S.  Thompson  lived  to  be  ninety- 
four  years  of  age.  There  were  two  brothers, 
William  and  Richard  Dodge,  who  came  from 
England  in  1639  and  located  at  Salem,  Mass., 
and  from  them  have  come  most  of  the  Dodges 
in  America,  excepting  the  Block  Island  Dodges. 

A.  Clarke  Dodge,  now  an  old  resident  and 
business  man  of  Monroe,  Wis.,  was  reared  at 
Barre,  his  native  place.  There  he  was  educated, 
at  Barre  Academy.  Mr.  Dodge  left  Vermont 
when  twenty  years  old,  and  coming  West, 
helped  in  the  location  of  the  Milwaukee  & Mis- 
sissippi Railroad  (now  a part  of  the  Milwaukee 
system)  in  1855,  from  Janesville  to  Monroe, 
and  thus  early  acquired  an  acquaintance  with 
the  country  which  afterward  became  his  home. 
From  January,  1856,  until  the  fall  of  1857  he 
lived  in  Chicago,  where  he  held  the  position 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


137 


of  assistant  librarian  in  the  Mechanics’  Insti- 
tute Library.  He  was  a school  teacher  in 
Rock  county  and  in  Monroe  from  1861  to  1864. 
having  moved  to  Monroe  the  first-named 
year,  and  he  has  since  been  continuously  a resi- 
dent of  the  city. 

In  Monroe  Mr.  Dodge’s  public  and  business 
career  has  been  both  successful  and  honorable. 
He  has  been  identified  with  the  Republican 
party  since  its  organization,  and  has  received 
many  evidences  of  regard  at  the  hands  of  his 
fellow  citizens.  He  was  elected  a President'al 
elector  in  1888,  receiving  more  votes  than  any 
other  man  on  the  ticket.  For  more  than  thirty- 
years  he  has  represented  his  city  and  county  in 
a great  majority  of  the  County  and  State  con- 
ventions of  his  party.  For  more  than  twenty- 
five  years  Mr.  Dodge  served  continuously  on 
the  school  board,  and  for  the  greater  part  of 
that  time  was  the  president  of  that  body.  He 
was  nine  times  elected  on  the  county  board, 
and  for  five  terms  served  as  its  chairman.  He 
was  on  the  committee  that  planned  and  built 
the  county  insane  asylum,  served  as  chairman 
of  the  committee  that  prepared  the  plans  for 
the  new  court  house,  and  was  a member  of  the 
building  committee  that  had  in  charge  the  con- 
struction of  that  elegant  building,  acting  as 
its  secretary.  Mr.  Dodge  was  nominated  for 
the  General  Assembly  in  1898,  without  solici- 
tation on  his  part,  and  was  elected  by  the  larg- 
est majority  of  any  man  on  the  ticket  except 
the  treasurer ; he  was  elected  to  the  Assembly 
again  in  1900.  Throughout  his  business  and 
public  career  Mr.  Dodge  has  exemplified  a fine 
character  and  a lofty  spirit.  He  has  been  an 
upright  and  clean-handed  man,  and  has  a host 
of  friends  throughout  the  county  and  State. 
For  many  years  he  has  been  a dealer  in  lum- 
ber, grain  and  coal,  and  by  industry. and  wise 
management  he  has  accumulated  a competence. 

Mr.  Dodge  and  Miss  Sarah  E.  Kidder  were 
married  Nov.  4,  i860,  and  to  this  union  three 
children  have  been  born,  Charles  S.,  Lewis  and 
Flora  E.  Charles  is  manager  of  the  Monroe 
planing-mill ; he  married  Nellie  F.  Weatherby, 
who  died  Nov.  12,  1900,  and  has  four  chil- 
dren, George  Clarke,  Helen  J.,  Laroy  and  Ed- 
ward Wesley.  Lewis  is  keeping  books  in  his 
father’s  lumber  office.  Flora  E.  is  the  wife  of 
Charles  E.  Shriner,  of  Monroe.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Dodge  are  members  of  the  Unitarian  Church, 
and  he  belongs  to  Monroe  Lodge,  No.  72,  I.  O. 
O.  F.,  and  has  filled  nearly  all  the  chairs  in  the 


order,  of  which  he  has  been  a member  thirty- 
three  years,  and  has  repeatedly  served  as  rep- 
resentative to  the  Grand  Lodge.  He  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Society  of  the  Sons  of  the  Ameri- 
can Revolution,  his  National  number  being 
12,011  and  his  State  number  21 1.  His  great- 
grandfather, Nathaniel  Brown  Dodge,  was  a 
soldier  in  the  Revolution,  enlisting  in  Capt. 
Alexander’s  Company  at  Northfield,  Mass., 
Feb.  21,  1776,  and  serving  in  the  ill-starred  ex- 
pedition from  Fort  Ticonderoga  to  Quebec, 
keeping  a pocket  diary  from  March  23  to  Dec. 
7.  This  diary,  which  has  a note  for  every  day 
of  the  intervening  time,  is  now  in  the  posses- 
sion of  Mr.  Dodge.  It  is  in  a perfect  state  of 
preservation,  and  has  lately  received  a new 
dress,  befitting  its  as_e  and  historic  value. 

CHARLES  W.  STARK.  Brought  when 
a boy  of  six  years  to  Wisconsin  by  his  parents 
in  1846,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  Major 
Stark,  now  postmaster  at  Tiffany,  Rock  county, 
has  remained  ever  since  a resident  of  the  coun- 
ty, save  the  four  years  when  he  served  in  the 
army  during  the  Civil  war.  Entering  as  a 
private,  he  soon  won  promotion  for  meritori- 
ous and  gallant  conduct,  and  was  mustered  out 
an  officer.  His  career  in  civil  life  has  been 
equally  successful.  He  has  actively  followed 
farming  through  life  until  quite  recently,  and 
has  been  prominently  identified  with  local  pub- 
lic affairs. 

Major  Stark  was  born  at  Halifax,  Wind- 
ham Co.,  Yt.,  Aug.  5,  1840,  son  of  William  H. 
and  Clarissa  S.  (Plumb)  Stark,  both  natives 
of  Vermont.  William  Stark,  the  paternal 
grandfather  of  our  subject,  was  a native  of 
Connecticut,  of  English  ancestry.  He  had  a 
family  of  ten  children.  He  engaged  in  farm- 
ing for  a half  centurv  at  Halifax.  Vt.,  where 
he  died  at  the  age  of  about  ninety  years.  James 
Plumb,  the  maternal  grandfather  of  our  sub- 
ject, was  also  a native  of  Connecticut.  He 
moved  when  a young  man  to  Halifax,  Vt., 
there  engaged  in  farming,  and  died  aged  about 
seventy-six  years.  He  reared  a family  of 
eleven  children. 

William  H.  Stark,  the  father  of  our  subject, 
was  born  in  1810,  in  Vermont,  where  he  re- 
ceived a good  common-school  education  and 
engaged’  in  farming.  He  served  in  the  Ver- 
mont State  militia,  and  was  elected  to  the 
Legislature  of  his  native  State.  In  May,  1846, 
he  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  located  in  Tiffany. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


138 


He  bought  a farm  of  208  acres,  in  1864  pur- 
chased eighty  acres,  and  later  two  other  eighty- 
acre  tracts,  all  of  which  he  improved.  Twice 
he  was  elected  to  the  Wisconsin  Legislature, 
and  he  held  a number  of  the  more  important 
local  offices ; for  many  years  he  was  a member 
of  the  town  board  of  supervisors,  serving  as 
chairman  of  the  hoard,  and  he  was  also  town 
assessor  and  treasurer  for  many  years.  He 
was  reared  a Presbyterian,  hut  later  became  a 
member  of  the  Universalist  Church,  which  was 
the  faith  of  his  wife.  He  died  in  Tiffany  in 
1894,  aged  eighty-three  years  and  eleven 
months.  His  wife  died  in  1893,  aged  eighty- 
three  years.  Five  children  were  horn  to  them, 
three  sons  and  two  daughters,  of  whom  three 
survive:  Juliette  Maria;  Charles  William,  our 

subject;  and  DeWitt  Q.,  of  Tiffany. 

Charles  William  Stark  was  six  years  of  age 
when,  in  1846,  he  came  with  his  parents  to 
Wisconsin.  He  attended  the  district  schools, 
and  spent  his  youth  on  the  home  farm.  He 
had  just  attained  his  majority  when  he  enlisted, 
Sept.  1,  1861,  in  Company  F,  13th  Wis.  V.  1. 
In  August,  1862,  he  was  commissioned  second 
lieutenant  of  the  22(1  Regiment,  and  thirty 
days  later  was  transferred  to  t(ie  33d  Reg- 
iment. He  was  promoted  to  first  lieuten- 
ant m April,  1863,  and  in  December,  1864, 
was  commissioned  captain  and  transferred 
to  Company  E,  of  the  same  regiment,  com- 
manding the  company  until  mustered  out  and 
discharged  at  Madison,  Wis.,  Sept.  1,  1865. 
For  meritorious  services  during  the  cam- 
paign against  the  city  of  Mobile  “and  its  de- 
fenses” he  was  breveted  major,  United  States 
Volunteers,  effective  March  26,  1865,  receiv- 
ing his  commission  a few  days  later.  He  was 
also  acting  aid-de-camp  and  provost  marshal 
during  the  last  year  of  the  war,  serving  on  the 
staff  of  Col.  J.  B.  Moore  and  Col.  L.  M.  Ward. 
Major  Stark  witnessed  much  active  campaign- 
ing during  his  four  years’  service.  He  partici- 
pated in  the  siege  of  Vicksburg;  was  at  Jack- 
son,  Miss.,  in  1863,  when  his  brigade  in  ten 
minutes  lost  all  but  225  men  out  of  900  en- 
gaged ; served  throughout  the  Atlanta  cam- 
paign in  command  of  a detachment  of  the  33d 
Wis.  V.  I. ; was  in  the  second  battle  of  Nash- 
ville in  1864;  and  participated  m the  capture 
of  Old  Spanish  Fort,  near  Mobile,  which  was 
taken  by  assault  following  a siege  of  fourteen 
days,  the  brigade  to  which  he  belonged  being 
the  principal  troops  engaged  in  the  assault 


that  resulted  in  the  capture  of  the  fort  at  mid- 
night of  April  9,  1865.  During  the  siege  of 
Old  Spanish  Fort  Major  Stark  had  charge  of 
the  construction  of  the  trenches  and  approaches 
to  the  fort,  and  was  highly  commended  by 
Generals  A.  J.  Smith  and  E.  A.  Carr  for  the 
efficiency  of  his  work.  He  also  engaged  in  a 
large  number  of  skirmishes.  Through  expos- 
ure while  in  the  army  his  right  eye  was  affected 
so  that  he  has  since  lost  the  sight  of  it. 

After  the  war  Major  Stark  returned  to  his 
old  home  at  Tiffany,  and  engaged  in  farming. 
His  father  gave  him  a tract  of  eighty  acres,  to 
which  by  purchase  he  subsequently  added  an- 
other eighty-acre  tract,  located  in  the  south- 
west quarter  of  Section  26.  This  property  he 
farmed  and  rented  until  1896,  when  he  sold  it, 
well  improved.  He  now  owns  the  seventeen 
acres  of  land  in  Section  35,  town  of  La  Prairie, 
on  which  he  resides. 

Our  subject  married,  Jan.  20,  1868,  Miss 
H.  Eliza  Nash,  daughter  of  Jefferson  and  Ma- 
tilda (Owen)  Nash,  and  by  this  marriage  there 
was  one  daughter,  Nellie  Matilda,  who  mar- 
ried Charles  H.  Weirick,  of  Shopiere,  and  has 
two  children,  Marion  and  Maurice.  Mrs.  H. 
Eliza  Stark  died  Oct.  8,  1879.  She  was  a 
member  of  All  Souls  Unitarian  Church.  For 
his  second  wife  our  subject  married,  Sept.  20, 
1882,  Mrs.  Cora  M.  Hemmingway,  widow  of 
John  Hemmingway,  and  daughter  of  Hugh 
Chapin.  By  this  marriage  Mr.  Stark  has  three 
children  : Charles  W.,  Jr.,  Hubbard,  and  Cora 

M.  By  her  former  husband  Mrs.  Cora  M. 
Stark  had  one  son,  Hugh.  She  died  Oct.  8, 
1887,  aged  twenty-seven  years. 

Mr.  Stark  has  been  prominent  in  public 
life.  On  Oct.  25,  1865,  he  was  appointed,  by 
the  Treasury  Department  at  Washington,  In- 
spector of  Distilled  Spirits  and  Coal  Oil  in  and 
for  the  Second  Collection  District  of  Wiscon- 
sin. In  the  spring  of  1868  he  was  elected 
town  clerk  and  held  that  office  two  years.  He 
was  then  elected  register  of  deeds  of  Rock 
county,  and  re-elected  two  years  later,  serving 
four  years.  While  filling  that  responsible 
office  he  for  three  years  was  the  owner  of  the 
Rock  County  Abstract,  and  during  the  same 
period  he  built  at  Janesville  350  fanning  mills. 
I11  1874  he  was  elected  alderman  of  the  Second 
ward  in  Janesville,  on  the  Republican  ticket, 
and  be  served  as  such  in  the  common  coun- 
cil of  the  city  until  he  went  back  to  his 
farm.  Returning  to  his  farm  in  1876,  he  has 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


139 


followed  agricultural  pursuits  ever  since,  in 
connection  with  wagon  repairing.  He  has 
served  as  assessor  four  or  five  years,  and  in 
1900  was  census  enumerator  of  La  Prairie 
township.  Though  a Republican  in  politics,  the 
Major  was  appointed  postmaster  at  Tiffany 
Oct.  28,  1895,  during  the  administration  of 
President  Cleveland,  which  office  he  still  holds. 
He  has  been  prominent  in  politics,  and  both 
he  and  his  father  have  attended  numerous 
county,  Congressional  and  State  conventions. 
Major  Stark  became  a member  of  Good  Samar- 
itan Lodge,  No.  135,  F.  & A.  M.,  of  Clinton, 
Wis.,  in  1864,  and  of  Janesville  Chapter,  No. 
5.  R.  A.  M.,  in  1872.  He  is  a member  of  W. 
H.  Sargent  Post,  No.  20,  G.  A.  R.,  and  also 
of  the  Society  of  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee, 
established  at  Raleigh,  N.  C.,  April  25,  1865. 

MARK  GOODRICH.  This  well-known 
citizen  and  representative  farmer  of  Mt.  Ida 
township,  Grant  county,  was  one  of  the  brave 
defenders  of  the  Union  during  the  Civil  war. 
In  August,  1861,  at  Mt.  Ida,  he  enrolled  his 
name  among  the  members  of  Company  H, 
7th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  was  mustered  into  the 
United  States  service  at  Madison,  the  regi- 
ment being  assigned  to  Gen.  McDowell’s 
command.  His  enlistment  was  for  three  years, 
but  on  account  of  disability  he  was  honorably 
discharged  Feb.  27,  1863,  being  at  that  time 
in  the  convalescent  camp  near  Alexandria, 
V a.  He  returned  to  his  home  in  Mt.  Ida 
township,  but,  improving  in  health,  he  resolved 
to  again  enter  the  service  of  his  country,  and 
on  Dec.  n,  1863.  enlisted  for  three  years,  or 
during  the  war,  in  the  33d  Wis.  V.  I.,  with 
which  he  took  part  in  a number  of  important 
engagements,  including  Gen.  Banks’  unfortu- 
nate Red  River  campaign ; the  siege  and  cap- 
ture of  Fort  Blakely  and  Spanish  Fort;  the 
siege  of  Mobile;  and  the  battle  of  Nashville, 
under  command  of  Gen.  Thomas.  He  received 
his  final  discharge  Sept.  4,  1865,  and  again 
returned  to  his  home  in  Grant  county. 

A native  of  New  York,  Mr.  Goodrich  was 
,born  in  Allegany  county  in  1842,  a son  of 
Elijah  and  Polly  (Dempsey)  Goodrich,  the 
former  a native  of  New  Jersey,  the  latter  of 
New  York.  In  1843  the  family  migrated  from 
the  Empire  State  to  Wisconsin,  and  took  up 
their  residence  in  Fennimoire  township,  Grant 
county,  a few  years  later  removing  to  Mt. 
Ida  township,  where  the  father  entered  a tract 


of  government  land  which  became  the  home- 
stead of  the  family,  and  which  his  sons  now 
own  and  occupy.  He  followed  the  occupa- 
tions of  farming  and  blacksmithing,  and  died 
upon  his  farm  in  Mt.  Ida  township.  His  first 
wife,  the  mother  of  our  subject,  died  in  Fen- 
nimore  township,  and  he  subsequently  mar- 
ried Almina  Russell,  who  died  on  the  home- 
stead in  Mt.  Ida  township  in  June,  1899.  By 
the  first  union  there  were  three  children : 
Mark,  the  immediate  subject  of  this  biogra- 
phy; Mary,  wife  of  Thomas  Cooper,  of  Mt. 
Ida  township;  and  Adeline,  wife  of  Frederick 
Werley,  of  the  same  township.  One  son  was 
born  of  the  second  marriage,  Lewis  Edwin, 
who,  with  Mark,  owns  the  homestead  farm. 

Mark  Goodrich  was  quite  young  when  he 
came  with  his  parents  to  Grant  county,  which 
has  been  his  home  continuously  since.  He 
and  his  brother  have  a fine  farm  of  145  acres, 
under  a good  state  of  cultivation,  and  in  its 
operation  are  meeting  with  excellent  success, 
being  among  the  most  thorough  and  sys- 
tematic agriculturists  of  their  township.  Both 
are  highly  respected  citizens  of  the  community, 
and  Mark  Goodrich  is  an  esteemed  member 
of  Sam  Monteith  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Fen- 
nimore. 

LYMAN  D.  CULVER,  familiarly  known 
as  ’Squire  Culver,  is  a representative  farmer 
and  leading'  citizen  of  Ellenboro  township. 
Grant  county,  where  his  manly  virtues  and 
upright  character  have  won  him  a host  of 
friends. 

Mr.  Culver  was  born  in  Huntington, 
Ohio,  April  7,  1840.  His  father,  Joshua  N. 
Culver,  was  born  in  Randolph,  Portage  Co., 
Ohio,  Nov.  30,  1808,  and  his  mother,  Caro- 
line C.  Tillotson,  was  born  in  December,  1814, 
near  Rochester,  N.  Y.  Joshua  N.  Culver  was 
a son  of  Timothy  Culver,  who  was  born  in 
Massachusetts  in  1775,  and  was  a soldier  in 
the  war  of  1812.  He  married  a Merryman. 
and  through  her  our  subject  is  related  to  the 
Morton  family,  the  same  one  to  which  ex- 
Vice  President  Levi  P.  Morton  belongs.  Levi 
P.  Morton  and  Levi  Merryman  Culver  were 
named  after  the  same  man.  Our  subject’s 
great-grandfather,  Joshua  Culver,  born  in 
1750,  was  a soldier  in  the  Revolution. 

Joshua  N.  Culver,  the  father  of  Lyman 
D.,  spent  the  earlier  part  of  his  life  in 
Ohio,  where  he  married,  and  was  for  some 


140 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


years  a farmer  in  Lorain  county.  In  1846 
lie  brought  his  family  to  Grant  county,  Wis., 
buying-  a farm  in  Harrison  township,  and  here 
he  and  his  wife  completed  their  lives.  He 
died  in  1892,  outliving  her  by  seven  years. 
He  cast  his  first  vote  for  William  Henry  Har- 
rison for  President,  and  his  last  for  Benjamin 
Harrison.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Culver  were  both 
consistent  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  and  were  strong  workers  in  its  behalf. 
They  reared  a family  of  seven  children,  all 
sons.  ( 1 ) Henry  Morton  Culver,  the  eldest, 
was  born  in  Ohio  in  September,  1833,  and 
grew  to  manhood  on  the  parental  farm  in 
Grant  county.  He  married  Miss  Elizabeth 
Thomas,  and  they  began  their  married  life 
as  renters  of  a portion  of  the  family  estate. 
She  died  Dec.  22,  1863,  and  he  only  sur- 
vived until  May  7,  1864.  They  left  two  chil- 
dren— Linnie  L.,  now  Mrs.  W.  G.  Corpian, 
of  Grant  county,  and  Delos  L.,  now  of  Potosi. 
(2)  Otis  Morton  died  in  childhood1.  1(3) 
Levi  M.,  now  of  Syracuse,  N.  Y.,  was  sta- 
tion agent  for  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  & St. 
Paul  railroad  at  Woodman  and  Wauzeka, 
Wis.,  for  a number  of  years.  He  married  Miss 
Amelia  Lillie,  who  died  in  Iowa,  and  they  had 
five  children — Lillie,  a graduate  of  the  White- 
water  Normal,  and  now  a prominent  teacher 
in  Milwaukee;  Rose,  deceased;  Fred,  who  died 
when  a young  man;  Hattie,  wife  of  Frank 
Rhodes,  a banker,  of  Estherville,  Iowa ; and 
Roy,  now  a real  estate  dealer  at  Port  Arthur, 
Texas.  (4)  Lyman  D.  is  our  subject.  (5) 
Elmer  E.,  born  in  Grant  county  in  1849,  mar- 
ried Miss  Emma  R.  Curry,  of  Minnesota,  and 
they  live  on  the  old  homestead  in  Harrison 
township.  They  have  a family  of  five  living 
children,  Otis,  Herbert,  Guy,  Arthur  and 
Cora.  (6)  LI.  L.,  born  in  Grant  county  in 
April,  1 853,  married  Miss  Happy  P.  Pickett, 
of  Crawford  county,  and  lives  in  that  county, 
where  he  owns  a farm  of  320  acres.  He  is 
the  father  of  sixteen  children,  eleven  living: 
Charles,  Alva,  Everett,  Ethel,  Asa,  Masel, 
George,  Edith,  Alta,  Edna  and  Lennice.  (7) 
D.  T.,  born  Dec.  26,  1857,  married  Miss  Rynda 
Graves,  and  they  have  two  children,  Lecla 
and  Lelah.  For  some  time  they  lived  on  the 
old  homestead,  but  their  home  is  now  in 
Platteville. 

Lyman  D.  Culver  received  but  a limited 
education  in  the  district  schools,  as  he  was 
able  to  attend  only  during  the  short  three- 


months  winter  terms.  However,  he  was  a 
great  reader  of  history  and  a lover  of  useful 
books,  so  he  accumulated  a stock  of  informa- 
tion that  has  proved  valuable  all  his  life.  In 
1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  F,  7th  Wis.  V. 
I.,  which  became  a part  of  the  Iron  Brigade, 
and  served  in  Virginia  under  Gen.  McDowell 
and  other  commanders  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac.  He  was  taken  sick  at  Fredericks- 
burg, and  lay  in  hospital  for  a long  time. 
He  was  finally  discharged  at  Washington,  in 
November,  1863,  and  sent  home  on  account  of 
disability.  In  July,  1864,  he  married  Miss 
Honor  A.  Ivey,  the  estimable  daughter  of 
James  and  Mary  A.  Ivey,  old  and  prominent 
pioneers  of  Grant  county,  where  Mrs.  Culver 
was  born  in  November,  1846;  she  received 
her  education  in  the  district  schools  of  Har- 
rison township.  The  young  couple  immediate- 
ly took  up  farming,  and  in  March,  1865, 
bought  eighty  acres  of  wild  land  in  Ellenboro 
township,  where  Mr.  Culver  erected  a log- 
house,  and  there  their  life  work  began.  They 
lived  in  the  log  house  until  1880,  when  it  was 
replaced  by  a fine  frame  house,  provided  with 
all  modern  improvements,  and  they  have  now 
one  of  the  finest  homes  in  Grant  county,  known 
as  the  “Evergreen  Avenue  Farm,”  from  the 
fact  that  fine  rows  of  evergreen  shade  trees 
are  on  both  sides  of  the  road.  Mr.  Culver 
owns  160  acres  in  Ellenboro,  and  200  acres 
in  Harrison  township,  having  purchased  the 
old  homestead  from  his  brother  D.  T.  He 
may  well  be  counted  among  the  solid  and  suc- 
cessful farmers  of  southern  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Culver  have  had  nine  chil- 
dren : (1)  Eber,  born  in  1865,  is  unmarried, 
and  living  at  home.  (2)  Adda,  a bright  young 
girl,  died  when  fourteen  years  old.  (3)  Henry, 
born  March  7,  1869,  was  a student  in  the 
Platteville  high  school  and  the  Valparaiso 
(Ind.)  Normal,  is  a young  man  of  scholarly  at- 
tainments, and  takes  an  active  part  in  the  local 
affairs  of  Ellenboro  township,  serving  as  town 
clerk.  He  is  an  active  worker  in  church  and 
Sunday-school.  (4)  Jennie  Ivey,  born  in  Au- 
gust, 1871,  is  a student  at  the  Platteville  Nor- 
mal, class  of  1902,  and  is  one  of  the  suc- 
cessful teachers  in  this  section.  She  is  a 
great  worker  in  the  church  and  Sunday- 
school.  (5)  Jesse  N.,  born  Sept.  26,  1873, 
is  unmarried,  and  is  a resident  of  Iowa.  (6) 
Benjamin  F.,  born  in  January,  1876,  is  at 
home.  (7)  May  L.  and  (8)  Gay  L.,  twins, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


141 


born  Nov.  23,  1878,  ancl  (g)  Edward  D., 
born  Dec.  9,  1883,  are  all  students  at  the  home 
schools.  Air.  Culver  has  always  been  a worker 
in  the  Republican  ranks.  He  has  been  school 
director  twenty-five  years,  and  is  now  justice 
of  the  peace,  an  office  that  he  has  held  for 
five  years.  He  is  a member  of  W.  T.  Sher- 
man Post.  No.  65,  G.  A.  R.,  at  Platteville. 

RALPH  PARKER  BLEASDALE,  one 
of  the  prominent  farmers  of  Janesville  town- 
ship, Rock  county,  enjoys  the  distinction  of 
being  a native  of  Wisconsin,  having  been  born 
Oct.  23,  1854,  in  Section  19,  where  he  now 
resides,  a son  of  Ralph  P.  and  Eliza  C.  (Dick- 
son ) Bleasdale,  natives  of  England  and  Scot- 
land, respectively. 

Ralph  P.  Bleasdale  was  a bookkeeper,  fol- 
lowing that  occupation  in  England  and  after 
he  immigrated  to  America,  whither  he  came 
with  his  parents  in  1845.  The  family  locat- 
ed in  Rock  county,  Wis.,  where  they  engaged 
in  farming.  Later  Ralph  P.  Bleasdale  went 
back  to  Leeds.  England,  in  1846  or  1847,  and 
married,  after  which  he  returned  to  Rock 
county,  farming  until  1851  in  Rock  township. 
At  that  time  he  bought  a farm  of  120  acres 
in  Section  19,  Janesville  township,  later  added 
forty  acres,  and  resided  upon  it  until  his  death, 
in  1880,  at  the  age  of  fifty-four,  improving  the 
property,  and  increasing  its  value.  The  par- 
ents of  our  subject  had  four  sons  and  three 
daughters : John  William,  of  Chicago,  111. ; 

Joseph  Robert,  of  Findlay,  Ohio;  Ralph 
Parker,  our  subject;  Frank  Thornton,  of  New 
Carlisle,  Ind. ; Eliza  Hannah,  wife  of  Frank 
Case,  of  Clarion,  Iowa;  Agnes  Jane,  wife  of 
Charles  Hawk,  of  Center  township,  Rock  Co., 
,Wis. ; and  Florence  Annie,  wife  of  Orrie  Case, 
of  Belmond,  Iowa.  The  paternal  grandfa- 
ther of  our  subject,  Robert  Bleasdale,  was 
a native  of  England,  and  died  in  Rock  coun- 
ty, Wis.,  at  the  advanced  age  of  seventy.  By 
occupation  he  was  a farmer.  His  family  con- 
sisted of  seven  children.  The  maternal  grand- 
father of  our  subject,  John  Dickson,  was  a 
native  of  Scotland,  an  architectural  modeler 
by  trade.  Coming  to  America  in  i860,  he  re- 
sided with  his  daughter,  Mrs.  E.  C.  Bleasdale, 
until  1861,  when  he  died,  aged  sixty-seven 
years.  He  had  five  children,  two  sons  and 
three  daughters. 

Ralph  Parker  Bleasdale  has  lived  all  of 
his  life  upon  the  farm  where  he  was  born, 


except  two  years  which  he  spent  in  Iowa. 
Having  always  followed  farming,  at  the  death 
of  his  father  he  took  charge  of  the  farm.  On 
March  23,  1892,  Air.  Bleasdale  married  Airs. 
Almeda  Isabel  Jenkins,  daughter  of  Charles 
and  Lucy  (Vesper)  Foote.  In  his  political 
affiliations'  Air.  Bleasdale  is  a Republican,  and 
socially  he  is  a member  of  Janesville  Lodge, 
No.  55,  F.  & A.  AT,  and  also  belongs  to  the 
Caledonian  Society.  Both  Mr.  and  Airs. 
Bleasdale  are  hospitable  people.  They  reside 
on  the  farm  of  our  subject’s  mother,  which 
Air.  Bleasdale  is  actively  engaged  in  improv- 
ing. and  are  enjoying  all  the  comforts  of  life. 

PHILIP  C.  GRIMM  is  one  of  the  success- 
ful business  men  of  Cassville,  Grant  county, 
a member  of  the  well-known  firm  of  Grimm 
Brothers,  general  merchants  and  grain  deal- 
ers, who  established  business  at  that  place  in 
1 87 1.  He  was  born  in  Coblenz,  Rhine  Prov- 
ince, Germany,  Dec.  12,  1847,  a son  °f  Valen- 
tine and  Henrietta  (Fuerstenhaupt)  Grimm, 
of  whom  further  mention  is  made  in  the  sketch 
of  Hermann  Grimm,  on  another  page  of  this 
volume. 

Philip  C.  Grimm  was  reared  in  his  native 
land,  where  he  was  educated  in  French,  Eng- 
lish and  German.  In  1871  he  bade  good-by 
to  home  and  friends  and  came  to  the  United 
States,  sailing  from  Hamburg  and  landing  in 
New  York.  He  proceeded  at  once  to  Cass- 
ville, Wis.,  and'  for  seventeen  years  was  em- 
ployed as  clerk  in  the  mercantile  establishment 
of  Klindt,  Geiger  & Co.,  during  that  time  ac- 
quiring an  excellent  knowledge  of  the  business, 
which  has  been  of  great  advantage  to  him  in  his 
subsequent  career  as  a merchant.  In  partner- 
ship with  his  brother  Hermann  he  has  since 
conducted  a general  store  and  engaged  in  the 
grain  business,  meeting  with  good  success  in 
both  undertakings. 

At  Cassville  Air.  Grimm  was  married,  in 
1874,  to  Miss  Alary  E.  Lawrence,  a native  of 
that  place,  and  a daughter  of  Thomas  and  De- 
borah (Smith)  Lawrence,  who  were  born  in 
Ireland,  and  came  to  Cassville  at  a very  early 
day.  Here  her  father  enlisted  in  the  war  of 
the  Rebellion,  and  died  in  the  service.  Airs. 
Lawrence  is  still  a resident  of  Cassville.  The 
children  born  to  Mr.  and  Airs.  Grimm  are 
Charles  L.,  Harry  Leroy,  Lawrence  T.,  Ralph 
H.  and  Hazel  Kittie.  The  parents  are  both 
active  and  earnest  members  of  the  Baptist 


142 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Church,  and  Mr.  Grimm  has  served  as  super- 
intendent of  the  Sabbath-school  for  nine  years. 
He  is  quite  prominent  in  business  and  social 
circles,  and  is  a member  of  Dewey  Lodge,  No. 
98,  K.  of  P.,  of  Cassville,  and  the  Ancient 
Order  of  United  Workmen  in  Nebraska.  In 
his  political  views  he  is  independent,  support- 
ing the  men  whom  he  believes  best  qualified  to 
fill  the  offices,  regardless  of  party  lines. 

RICHARD  H.  BARLOW  is  a prominent 
and  popular  photographer  of  Janesville,  Rock 
county,  and  because  he  puts  into  his  work  gen- 
uine artistic  skill  and  discernment  has  made  it 
a great  success.  He  is  always  seeking  the 
artistic  effect,  and  whatever  he  sends  forth  to 
the  world  has  always  a touch  of  the  light,  and 
is  not  simply  a mere  reproduction  of  the  cut- 
ward  alone. 

Mr.  Barlow  was  born  near  Delavan,  Wal- 
worth Co.,  Wis.,  April  2,  1864,  son  of  Silas 
V.  and  Antoinette  (Goff)  Barlow,  natives  of 
New  York  and  Wisconsin,  respectively.  They 
had  two  children : Richard  H.,  whose  name 

introduces  this  article;  and  a child,  who  died 
in  infancy.  Silas  V.  Barlow  came  from  El- 
mira, N.  Y.,  to  Wisconsin  with  his  parents 
when  fifteen  years  old,  and  located  with  them 
in  Walworth  county.  There  he  grew  to  man- 
hood and  there  he  engaged  in  the  cultivation  of 
his  own  farm  near  Delavan,  in  which  thrifty 
Wisconsin  city  he  is  now  living  with  his  wife, 
and  is  engaged  in  the  livery  business;  he  moved 
into  town  seventeen  years  ago.  Politically 
he  is  a Republican.  His  wife  attends  the 
Methodist  Church. 

Rev.  Silas  U.  Barlow,  our  subject's  grand- 
father, was  a Methodist  clergyman, . born  in 
New  York,  of  English  ancestry.  He  came 
AA  est  in  the.  early  days,  and  worked  at  carpen- 
tering and  farming  through  the  week,  preach- 
ing- on  Sundays,  frequently  making  long  trips 
on  horseback  in  order  to  fill  his  engagements. 
He  died  in  Delavan,  Wis.,  at  the  age  of  eighty- 
three,  leaving  a large  family.  Stephen  C. 
Goff,  the  maternal  grandfather  of  our  subject, 
was  born  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  and  was  an  early 
settler  in  Walworth  county,  owning  a farm  at 
Heart  Prairie,  Wis.;  in  early  life  he  was  a 
painter  and  glazier.  He  reared  a small  fam- 
ily. and  was  over  seventy  at  the  time  of  his 
death. 

Richard  IT  Barlow  was  reared  on  the 
farm  in  AVal worth  county,  and  was  afforded 


opportunity  for  the  acquisition  of  a very  good 
education.  He  attended  the  district  school, 
passed  through  the  public  schools  of  Delavan, 
and  attended  Clark’s  Business  College  one  win- 
ter. Leaving  school,  he  had  charge  of  a sta- 
tionary engine  one  season,  and  then  began  the 
study  of  photography,  which  has  become  his 
life  work.  In  November,  1893,  he  came  to 
Janesville,  and,  in  company  with  Alphonso  E. 
Hatch  and  Robert  H.  Fitch,  bought  the  photo- 
graph gallery  of  Mr.  Turner,  the  business  being 
conducted  under  the  firm  name  of  Barlow, 
Hatch  & Co.,  who  together  owned  and  op- 
erated five  studios.  After  a short  time  Mr. 
Barlow  sold  out  his  interest  in  the  other  studios, 
buying  his  partners’  interest  in  the  Janesville 
gallery,  which  he  has  carried  on  most  success- 
fully up  to  the  present  time.  He  stands  high 
in  his  chosen  calling,  and  was  a member  of  the 
executive  committee  of  the  Wisconsin  State 
Photographers’  Association  at  its  last  annual 
meeting.  Mr.  Barlow  attributes  part  of  his 
success,  at  least,  to  the  excellent  business  train- 
ing he  had  from  his  father,  who  conducted  an 
agricultural  implement  business  in  Delavan  for 
many  years,  and  has  also  had  a livery  barn 
there  for  sixteen  years. 

Mr.  Barlow  and  Miss  Gertrude  M.  Harper 
were  married  Oct.  7,  1896.  She  is  a daugh- 
ter of  Robert  and  Hannah  (Atcheson)  Harper, 
and  is  a lady  of  much  character,  enjoying 
many  friends,  and  sympathizing  heartily  with 
her  husband’s  artistic  tastes  and  proclivities. 
Their  home  is  at  No.  5 Jefferson  avenue.  Mr. 
Barlow  is  a member  of  Oriental  Lodge, 
Knights  of  Pythias,  and  is  a Republican  in 
politics. 

LASELL  C.  BREWER,  the  genial  host 
of  the  “Park  Hotel,”  of  Janesville,  Rock  coun- 
ty, conducts  a first-class  hostelry  upon  mod- 
ern plans,  and  provides  his  guests  with  all  con- 
veniences, and  furnishes  a table  that  has  gained 
for  his  house  a wide-spread  reputation. 

Mr.  Brewer  was  born  in  Otsego  county, 
N.  Y.,  in  the  village  of  Hartwick,  Feb,  27, 
1838,  a son  of  Jonathan  AV.  and  Julia  (Leland) 
Brewer,  natives  of  New  York  and  Vermont, 
respectively.  The  paternal  grandfather  of  our 
subject,  Jonathan  Brewer,  was  a native  of 
New  York  State,  where  he  engaged  in  farm- 
ing, reared  a large  family,  and  died  at  an  ad- 
vanced age.  The  maternal  grandfather,  Joshua 
Leland,  a native  of  Vermont,  was  also  a farm- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


M3 


er,  and  later  a lawyer,  and  had  a number  of 
sons  and  daughters.  Jonathan  W.  Brewer, 
the  father  of  our  subject,  conducted  a foundry, 
blacksmith  shop  and  plow  works,  in  Hart- 
wick,  N.  Y.,  for  many  years.  In  1846  he  re- 
moved to-  Michigan,  buying  a farm  near 
Owosso,  in  the  town  of  Bennington,  where  he 
resided  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  July, 
1872,  when  he  was  seventy-four  years  of  age. 
His  wife  survived  him  several  years,  and  was 
eighty-two  at  her  death.  Both  were  members 
of  the  Universalist  Church,  and  very  worthy 
and  highly  esteemed  people.  During  the 
Mexican  war  Jonathan  W.  Brewer  served  his 
country  in  a brave  and  gallant  manner,  as  colo- 
nel of  a regiment.  Four  children,  three  sons 
and  one  daughter,  were  born  to  him : Helen 

M.,  wife  of  Joseph  H.  Howe,  of  Owosso, 
Mich. ; Emory  L.,  of  Owosso,  Mich.,  a boot 
and  shoe  merchant;  Lasell  C.,  of  Janesville; 
and  Burns  \Y.,  of  Owosso,  Michigan. 

Lasell  C.  Brewer  resided  in  New  York  State 
until  1846,  and  then  moved  with  the  family 
to  Michigan,  where  he  grew  to  manhood, 
working  on  a farm  until  the  war  of  the  Rebel- 
lion broke  upon  the  country.  Fired  with  pa- 
triotism, Mr.  Brewer  enlisted,  in  December, 
1861,  in  Company  E,  14th  Mich.  Ah  1.,  and 
served  until  the  close  of  the  war.  At  Brent- 
wood, Term.,  Mr.  Brewer  was  wounded,  and 
again,  although  but  slightly,  in  front  of  At- 
lanta, in  the  collar-bone.  Entering  the  ranks, 
for  his  bravery  Mr.  Brewer  was  promoted 
until  he  attained  the  rank  of  captain.  Among 
the  engagements  in  which  he  participated 
might  be  mentioned  Shiloh,  the  first  and  sec- 
ond battles  of  Nashville,  Missionary  Ridge, 
Resaca,  Stone  River,  Chickamauga,  and  Buz- 
zard’s Roost,  and  he  was  fighting  almost  con- 
tinuously until  the  fall  of  Atlanta.  After  the 
second  battle  of  Nashville  Mr.  Brewer  was 
promoted  in  the  30th  Mich.  Y.  L,  and  went 
out  as  first  lieutenant  of  Company  K.  Later 
lie  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  captain,  com- 
manding the  company  about  three  months, 
when  he  was  honorably  discharged,  in  June, 
1865. 

After  the  war  Mr.  Brewer  engaged  in  the 
livery  business  in  Owosso,  Mich.,  continuing 
same  for  some  time,  during'  which  period  he 
served  most  acceptably  as  both  alderman  and 
city  marshal.  Leaving  Owosso,  Mr.  Brewer 
removed  to  Dane  county,  Yds.,  and  bought  a 
farm  of  320  acres,  which  he  cultivated  for 


some  years,  and  later  sold.  During  his  term 
of  residence  in  that  county  he  was  elected 
chairman  of  the  town  board  of  supervisors, 
and  held  the  position  as  long'  as  he  remained 
there.  After  selling  his  farm  Mr.  Brewer  en- 
gaged in  the  hotel  business  at  Evansville,  Wis., 
and  on  Feb.  5,  1896,  bought  the  “Park  Hotel,” 
in  Janesville,  which  he  still  conducts.  After 
taking  charge  of  this  popular  house  Mr.  Brewer 
made  a number  of  desirable  improvements, 
and  by  his  efforts  has  largely  increased  its 
patronage. 

On  Feb.  4,  1868,  Mr.  Brewer  married  Miss 
Ellen  M.  Graves,  daughter  of  S.  W.  and  Mary 
R.  Graves,  and  four  children  have  been  born 
to  them:  Lena  G.,  who  married  Joseph  Cole- 

man, of  Fort  Atkinson,  Wis.,  and  has  two  chil- 
dren, Arlene  May  and  Carroll : Chester  L., 
a professor  in  Albion  (Mich.)  College,  who 
married  Grace  Brownell,  a daughter  of  Isaac 
C.  Brownell;  Burns  W.,  in  high  school  at 
Janesville ; and  Claude,  who  died  when  he  was 
eighteen  months  old. 

Sociallv  Mr.  Brewer  is  a member  of  the 
F.  & A.  M.  Lodge  No.  81,  of  Owosso,  Mich., 
and  for  many  years  was  a member  of  Sutbers 
Post,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Evansville.  Politically  he 
is  independent,  voting  as  his  convictions  dic- 
tate, and  in  addition  to  the  offices  already 
mentioned  served  as  clerk  of  the  school  board, 
chairman  of  the  board  of  health,  and  justice 
of  the  peace,  in  Rutland,  Wisconsin. 

Possessing'  as  he  does,  in  marked  degree, 
the  qualities  necessary  to  success  in  his  calling, 
Mr.  Brewer  has  extended  his  circle  of  ac- 
quaintances and  friends  until  it  embraces  many 
States,  his  house  being  a favored  one  with 
travelers  who  pass  through  Janesville,  as  well 
as  with  the  people  of  that  city.  Genial  and 
entertaining,  Mr.  Brewer  is  an  acquisition, 
wherever  he  goes,  and  enjoys  not  only  the  es- 
teem, but  also  the  admiration,  of  all  who  know 
him. 

JAMES  PIERCE  is  one  of  the  oldest  and 
best-known  pioneers  of  Milton  township. 
Rock  county.  In  1838.  before  he  had  attained 
his  majority,  he  left  his  home  in  New  York 
State  for  the  wild  and  undeveloped  West. 
Coming  by  boat  to  Milwaukee,  he  soon  became 
identified  with  the  settlement  of  the  Rock 
River  Valley. 

Mr.  Pierce  was  born  in  Alfred  township, 
Allegany  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Dec.  26,  1817,  son  of 


1 44 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Samuel  ancl  Susan  (White)  Pierce,  both  na- 
tives of  Rhode  Island.  Of  their  five  children, 
four  sons  and  one  daughter,  two  survive  : Will- 
iam, of  Danbury,  Iowa;  and  James,  our  sub- 
ject. The  father  in  1851  followed  his  son 
West,  and  located  in  the  southwestern  part  of 
Milton  township,  Rock  county,  where  he  died 
in  1865.  His  wife  survived  many  years, 
spending  her  later  years  at  her  old  home  in 
New  York  State,  and  living  to  the  age  of 
ninety-four.  Both  were  members  of  the 
Seventh-day  Baptist  Church.  The  paternal 
grandfather  of  our  subject,  Daniel  Pierce,  also 
lived  to  a ripe  old  age,  having  almost  attained 
his  ninetieth  birthday  at  the  time  of  his  death. 
He  removed  with  his  family  from  Rhode 
Island,  his  native  State,  to  Alfred,  Allegany 
Co.,  N.  YY,  about  1817.  The  maternal  grand- 
father of  our  subject  was  a sea-faring  man  of 
Rhode  Island. 

James  Pierce  was  reared  on  his  father's 
farm  in  New  York  State,  and  in  his  youth  at- 
tended the  district  schools.  Possessing  the 
pioneer  spirit,  he  landed  in  Milwaukee  July  11, 
1838,  and  at  once  started  for  the  Rock  River 
Valley.  The  first  halt  he  made  was  at  Du  Lac 
Prairie.  He  began  work  for  Joseph  Good- 
rich in  Milton  township,  Rock  county,  as  farm 
hand  and  clerk  in  the  store,  and  two  years  later, 
upon  his  marriage,  began  life  for  himself. 

On  Sept.  24,  1840,  Mr.  Pierce  married 
Miss  Olive  Hal),  daughter  of  Gardner  and 
Nancy  (Stillman)  Hall , and  to  them  three 
children  have  been  born : Clark  R.,  who  mar- 

ried Rachel  B.  Butts,  and  lives  at  Edgerton, 
Wis. ; Alonzo  D.,  who  died,  aged  thirteen 
months;  and  Susan  M.,  who  died  at  the  age 
of  fourteen  years.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pierce  are 
prominent  members  of  the  Seventh-day  Bap- 
tist Church,  and  for.  many  years  he  has  been 
chairman  and  treasurer  of  the  Seventh-day 
Baptist  Church  at  Milton  Junction. 

In  Territorial  days  Mr.  Pierce  served  as 
deputy  county  surveyor  under  John  Hopkins, 
of  Beloit.  He  has  been  assessor  of  the  town- 
ship, overseer  of  highways,  and  for  many 
years  supervisor,  and  discharged  the  duties  of 
justice  of  the  peace  for  a period  of  twenty-two 
years.  In  politics  Mr.  Pierce  is  a Republican. 

HON.  JOSEPH  HARRIS,  one  of  the  men 
of  Grant  county  who  have  assisted  in  making 
history  within  the  legislative  halls  of  the  State 
capitol,  is  now  resting  from  his  labors  and  en- 


joying a well-earned  repose  in  the  city  of  Cuba, 
Grant  county. 

Joseph  Harris  was  born  in  Cornwall,  Eng- 
land, March  8,  1823,  a son  of  Jacob  and  Eliza- 
beth (Jacka)  Harris,  natives  of  England.  The 
father  died  in  England  when  our  subject  was 
a small  boy,  and  the  mother  married  Thomas 
Nichols,  later  coming  to  Hazel  Green,  Grant 
Co.,  Wis.,  where  she  passed  away.  To  her 
first  marriage  four  children  were  born : John 

died  in  England  before  our  subject  came  to 
this  country;  Charles  came  to  Wisconsin, 
crossed  the  Plains  to  California,  and  mined 
until  his  death,  in  1898;  Mary  A.  married  John 
Vivian,  in  Wisconsin,  and  she  and  her  hus- 
band went  to  California  by  water  (Mr.  Viv- 
ian succeeded  beyond  his  wildest  hopes,  and 
when  he  died,  in  1895,  left  a magnificent  prop- 
erty, including  4,000  acres  of  land.  His  fam- 
ily all  reside  in  California)  ; Joseph  is  our  sub- 
ject. 

Mr.  Harris  received  his  early  education  in 
the  schools  of  his  native  land  and  when  he  came 
to  America,  in  April,  1844,  he  settled  at  Hazel 
Green.  In  1849  the  gold  fever  broke  out,  and 
among  the  thousands  who  crossed  the  Plains 
in  search  of  the  king  of  metals  was  Joseph 
Harris.  After  some  two  years,  during  which 
time  he  successfully  prospected  and  mined,  Mr. 
Harris  returned  to  Hazel  Green,  but  the  love 
of  the  venturesome  life  proved  too  strong,  and 
he  returned  to  California  in  1852,  again  re- 
maining two  years.  In  1854  he  again  returned 
to  Wisconsin,  purchasing  land  in  Hazel  Green, 
which  he  still  owns,  and  which  he  developed 
into  one  of  the  finest  stock  farms  in  Grant 
county.  In  addition  to  this  he  also  owns  a 
fine  farm  of  340  acres  in  Smelser,  and  he  is  one 
of  the  prosperous  farmers  and  stockmen  in  that 
section  of  the  county.  For  many  years  Mr. 
Harris  continued  to  raise  stock  for  the  Chicago 
market,  but  he  now  resides  at  his  comfortable 
home  in  Cuba  City,  retired  from  active  busi- 
ness life. 

In  1846  Mr.  Harris  married  Miss  Rebecca 
Bawden,  and  eleven  children  have  been  born  to 
them  : John  T.,  for  twenty  years  a resident 

of  Texas;  Mary  A.,  now  wife  of  John  Mc- 
Carthy, of  Minnesota,  who  has  four  children; 
Rebecca,  now  wife  of  Josiah  Kempthorne,  of 
Iowa,  who  has  four  children;  Charles,  married, 
a farmer  of  Smelser  township;  Joseph,  mar- 
ried, a prominent  butcher  of  Cuba  City;  Ethel- 
inda,  educated  at  the  Platteville  Normal,  and 


<• 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


145 


now  wife  of  G.  W.  Marvel,  of  Nebraska  (she 
has  a family)  ; Jacob,  married,  a stock  dea’er 
of  Cuba  City,  and  a member  of  the  Cuba  City 
Bank,  which  was  organized  in  1898;  Nettie, 
now  wife  of  Rev.  Mr.  Thomson,  a Congrega- 
tional clergyman,  now  stationed  at  Ashkum, 
111.  (they  have  a family)  ; Laura  B.,  educated 
at  the  Platteville  Normal  School,  and  now  the 
wife  of  Matthew  Hendricks,  one  of  the  leading 
merchants  and  bankers  of  Cuba  City  (she  has 
a family)  ; Allie  B.,  twin  sister  of  Mrs.  Hen- 
dricks, now  the  wife  of  Prof.  T.  J.  Metcalf,  of 
the  Platteville  State  Normal,  from  which  in- 
stitution of  learning  they  both  graduated  (after 
his  marriage  Prof.  Metcalf  removed  to  Merrill, 
Wis.,  where  he  began  to  practice  dentistry,  hav- 
ing also  graduated  from  the  Chicago  Dental 
College)  ; and  T.  H.  Harris,  a graduate  of  the 
Chicago  Dental  College,  now  a dentist  at 
Beresford,  South  Dakota. 

Mr.  Harris  was  originally  a Henry  Clay 
Whig,  and  when  the  Republican  party  was 
formed  gave  his  support  to  its  principles,  and 
has  continued  in  its  ranks  ever  since.  In  i860 
Mr.  Harris  was  honored  with  election  to  the 
Legislature  of  Wisconsin,  and  re-elected  two 
terms,  after  which  he  refused  the  nomination 
several  times,  feeling  that  he  had  given  as 
much  of  his  time  as-  he  could  spare  from  his 
business  to  affairs  of  State.  In  addition,  he 
filled  all  of  the  town  offices  from  time  to  time, 
and  always  received  the  hearty  support  of  his 
constituents.  Mr.  Harris  was  reared  in  the 
Church  of  England,  but  is  a man  of  wide  sym- 
pathies and  broad  opinions,  and  he  willingly 
gives  his  support  to  any  church  work,  feeling 
that  every  denomination  is  working  for  the 
betterment  of  humanity. 

AARON  T.  MOORE,  a retired  farmer  of 
the  town  of  Paris,  Grant  county,  was  born  in 
AVayne  county.  111.,  Jan.  11,  1843,  a son  of 
George  A.  and  Mary  F.  (Jordan)  Moore. 
The  father  was  born  in  Allegheny  county, 
Penn.,  near  Pittsburg.  April  5,  1806,  and  the 
mother  in  Indiana,  July  29,  1811. 

George  A.  Moore  was  reared  on  a farm  hi 
Pennsylvania,  and  after  his  marriage,  in  1828, 
settled  on  a farm  in  Posey  county,  Ind.,  where, 
he  and  his  wife  lived  for  some  years.  The 
family  then  removed  to  Wayne  county.  111., 
purchasing  a farm  there,  which  Mr.  Moore 
tilled  four  years.  In  the  spring  of  1844  Mr. 
Moore  and  his  family  settled  in  the  town  of 


Paris,  Grant  Co.,  AVis.,  on  a tract  of  wild  land, 
and  here  the  remaining  years  of  his  life  were 
spent,  and  under  his  energetic  treatment  was 
developed  a fine  farm.  He  died  March  4, 
1883.  His  wife  survived  many  years,  and 
passed  away  Jan.  19,  1899.  Mr.  Moore  re- 
garded himself  as  an  old  Jacksonian  Democrat, 
but  on  the  breaking  out  of  the  Rebellion  had 
felt  obligated  to  vote  with  the  Republican 
party,  and  continued  to  vote  their  ticket  after 
that  time.  Mrs.  Moore  was  a member  of  the 
Congregational  Church,  and  was  known  as  a 
fine  Christian  woman.  Mr.  Moore  was  not 
identified  with  the  church  as  a member,  but  he 
was  always  interested  in  moral  movements, 
and  was  a liberal  contributor  to  the  support  of 
the  church.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Moore  were  the 
parents  of  eleven  children,  three  of  whom  died 
in  childhood.  ( 1 ) David  S.  Moore,  their 
eldest  son,  was  born  in  Indiana,  and  was  reared 
in  Grant  county,  where  he  married  Miss  Ema- 
line  Richard,  a native  of  that  county.  He 
spent  almost  his  entire  life  as  a farmer  in  the 
town  of  Paris,  and  died  in  1892,  leaving  a 
widow,  but  no  family.  (2)  Benjamin  F. 
Moore,  born  in  Indiana,  when  a young  man 
with  his  brother  David  crossed  the  Plains  to  the 
gold  fields  of  California,  where  they  were  fairly 
successful.  Both  came  back  to  Wisconsin, 
where  Benjamin  married  Miss  Sarah  Crull, 
of  Grant  county,  and  moved  to  British  Colum- 
bia, where  he  is  engaged  as  a stock  and  fruit 
farmer.  They  have  a family  of  three  children, 
Mary,  George  W.,  and  Lucretia.  (3)  Ivezia 

C.  Moore,  born  in  Indiana,  was  reared  to 
womanhood  in  Grant  county,  and  married  John 

D.  Irens,  of  Platteville.  Three  children  con- 

stitute their  family.  (4)  George  AV.  Moore, 
born  in  Indiana,  enlisted  in  Company  I,  10th 
Wis.  V.  I.,  in  1861,  and  died  at  Louisville, 
Ivy.,  in  December,  1862.  (5)  Aaron  T. 

Moore  was  next  in  the  order  of  birth.  (6) 
Mary  E.  Moore,  born  in  Grant  county,  was 
reared  to  womanhood  in  her  parents'  home, 
and  married  John  A.  Blakely,  of  Harrison, 
Grant  county,  who  is  now  a retired  farmer  in 
Rockville,  Wis. ; he  was  a soldier  in  the  Civil 
war.  They  have  had  five  children.  (7) 
John  H.  Moore,  born  in  Grant  county,  is  a 
musician  of  note.  He  has  never  married.  (8) 
Martha  J.  Moore,  born  on  the  Grant  county 
homestead,  married  August  Lenhe,  and  makes 
her  home  on  the  homestead  place.  They  have 
two  children,  Leroy  and  Frank. 


146 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Aaron  T.  Moore  grew  to  manhood  on  the 
home  farm,  and  acquired  his  education  in  the 
public  schools  of  the  town.  When  he  was 
nineteen  years  of  age  he  enlisted  in  Company 
I,  25th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  in  the  far  West 
until  the  month  of  November,  of  the  following- 
year,  keeping  the  Indians  under  control.  In 
December  the  25th  Wisconsin  came  back  to 
the  State,  and  in  February  went  to  Columbus, 
Ky.,  where  four  months  were  spent  in  guard 
duty.  In  May  the  regiment  was  moved  down 
the  Mississippi,  and  it  had  an  active  part  in  the 
operations  around  Vicksburg.  W hen  that 
stronghold  surrendered  the  regiment  was  trans- 
ported to  Helena,  Ark.,  where  it  did  good 
work  in  army  operations  in  that  region  for 
several  months.  In  the  month  of  February, 
1864,  it  was  sent  across  the  State  of  Mississippi 
and  back  to  Vicksburg,  and  took  part  in  Gen. 
Sherman's  operations  against  Gen.  Johnston. 
This  regiment  had  a part  in  the  operations  that 
followed  on  the  Cumberland  river,  in  Tennes- 
see, and  was  with  Gen.  Sherman  in  the  cam- 
paign around  Atlanta;  formed  a portion  of 
the  General’s  magnificent  army  with  which  he 
marched  to  the  sea,  and  broke  the  backbone  of 
the  Rebellion;  was  in  the  grand  review  at 
Washington;  and  was  there  mustered  out  of 
the  service  June  7,  1865.  The  record  of  this 
regiment,  when  told  at  length,  as  it  cannot  be 
in  the  limits  of  a volume  like  this,  is  one  of  the 
most  brilliant  and  patriotic  of  any  of  the  noble 
organizations  that  Wisconsin  sent  to  the  front. 

Mr.  Moore  returned  to  the  old  homestead 
and  took  up  a farmer’s  life  as  soon  as  his 
military  days  were  over.  In  February,  1869, 
he  married  Miss  Harriet  Brady,  a daughter  of 
R.  S.  and  Jane  Brady,  old  pioneers  of  Grant 
county,  originally  from  Ohio.  Mrs.  Moore 
was  born  in  Ohio,  where  she  spent  the  early 
part  of  her  life,  but  her  girlhood  was  mainly 
passed  in  Grant  county.  After  his  marriage 
Mr.  Moore  bought  a farm  in  the  town  of 
Paris,  where  he  and  his  wife  made  their  home 
until  the  death  of  Mrs.  Moore,  in  May,  1897. 
Since  that  time  Mr.  Moore  has  lived  retired. 
They  had  no  family. 

Mr.  Moore  is  a Republican,  has  been  a 
member  of  the  Paris  town  board  a number  of 
terms,  has  been  several  times  a delegate  to  the 
county  convention,  and  in  1901  was  elected 
chairman  of  his  town.  He  belongs  to  W.  T. 
Sherman  Post,  No.  66,  G.  A.  R.,  at  Platte- 
ville.  He  is  also  a member  of  the  Knights  of 


the  Globe,  No:  25,  at  Dickeysville,  Wis.  Re- 
ligiously he  was  reared  a Protestant,  and  has 
always  been  a liberal  contributor  to  the  support 
of  the  local  churches.  Mr.  Moore  is  a repre- 
sentative citizen  of  his  town,  and  has  made  a 
record  in  his  long  and  useful  life  of  which  any 
'man  might  be  proud. 

HERMANN  GRIMM,  one  of  the  leading 
citizens  and  prominent  business  men  of  Cass- 
vil.le.  Grant  county,  is  a member  of  the  firm  of 
Grimm  Brothers,  general  merchants  and  grain 
buyers  of  that  place,  where  he  has  made  his 
home  since  the  spring  of  1852,  Cassville  being 
a very  small  hamlet  when  he  located  here. 
With  the  growth  and  upbuilding  of  the  town 
he  has  been,  prominently  identified,  and,  while 
promoting  his  individual  prosperity,  has  ma- 
terially advanced  the  interests  of  his  adopted 
home. 

Mr.  Grimm  was  born  Dec.  28.  [832,  in  Cob- 
lentz,  Rhine  Province,  Germany,  and  is  a son 
of  Valentine  and  Henrietta  (Fuerstenhau.pt) 
Grimm,  the  former  also  a native  of  Coblentz, 
the  latter  of  Naumburg,  Saxony.  The  father, 
who  was  a municipal  officer  of  Coblentz,  died 
at  that  place  in  1876,  and  the  mother  died 
there  in  1880.  Of  their  ten  children,  Hermann 
is  the  eldest;  Valentine  came  to  Cincinnati, 
Ohio,  in  1854,  and  was  later  engaged  in  the 
manufacture  of  cigars  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  until 
his  death,  in  1892;  Hugo  was  associated  with 
his  brother  Valentine  in  business,  and  died 
the  same  year ; Aloys  is  a prominent  business 
man  of  Cassville,  Wis.,  his  sketch  appearing 
on  another  page  of  this  volume;  William  is 
still  a resident  of  Coblentz,  Germany;  Joseph 
makes  his  home  in  Bloomington,  111. ; Gustoph 
died  in  St.  Louis  in  1895;  Philip  C.  came  to 
Cassville  in  1871,  and  is  the  junior  member  of 
the  firm  of  Grimm  Brothers ; Anna  and  Helen 
are  still  residents  of  Germany. 

Hermann  Grimm  grew  to  manhood  in  his 
native  land,  and  acquired  his  education  in  its 
public  schools.  In  the  spring  of  1852  he  set 
sail  from  Liverpool,  England,  for  America, 
and  after  a voyage  of  six  weeks  landed  at  New 
York.  He  proceeded  on  his  journey  by  rail, 
to  Erie,  Penn. ; by  boat  to  Detroit,  Mich. ; by 
rail  to  Chicago  and  Rockford,  111. ; by  stage  to 
Galena;  and  by  river  to  Cassville,  Wis.,  where 
he  arrived  in  June,  1852.  In  1859  he  opened 
a livery  stable  at  this  place,  which  he  success- 
fully conducted  until  1888,  and  then  embarked 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


147 


in  his  present  business,  in  partnership  with  his 
brother  Philip.  They  carry  a large  and  well- 
selected  stock  of  general  merchandise,  deal  in 
grain,  and  handle  all  kinds  of  produce. 

In  1859  Mr.  Grimm  was  married,  at  Cass- 
ville, to  Miss  Elizabeth  Ishmael,  a native  of 
Illinois,  and  to  them  have  been  born  seven  chil- 
dren, namely : Henrietta,  Mrs.  Duncan,  of 
Cassville ; Kate,  Mrs.  Stevens,  and  Bertha, 
Mrs.  Stevens,  both  of  Rhinelander,  Wis. ; Val- 
entine, of  Cassville;  William,  at  home;  Jennie, 
Mrs.  Willis  P.  Colburn ; and  Eldridge,  of 
Rhinelander. 

Fraternally  Mr.  Grimm  affiliates  with  the 
Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen,  and  po- 
litically he  is  identified  with  the  Democratic 
party.  He  was  chairman  of  Cassville  town- 
ship for  twenty-two  years,  and  has  been  one 
of  the  trustees  of  the  Grant  County  Insane 
Asylum  since  1884.  Pie  takes  an  active  in- 
terest in  all  enterprises  for  the  good  of  his 
town  or  county,  and  is  a recognized  leader  in 
public  affairs.  By  untiring  industry  and  sound 
judgment  he  has  won  merited  success  in  his 
business  undertakings,  and  is  in  all  respects 
worthy  of  the  high  regard  in  which  he  is  held 
by  his  fellow  citizens. 

J-.  M.  ROSE,  a prominent  contractor  and 
builder  of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  is  a na- 
tive of  Ohio,  born  Jan.  31,  1845.  'n  Roseville, 
Muskingum  county,  a son  of  John  and  Mary 
(Woolard)  Rose,  natives  of  Ohio  and  Penn- 
sylvania, respectively.  In  1S49  the  family 
came  to  Grant  county,  Whs.,  and  took  up  their 
residence  in  Platteville,  where  the  father  fol- 
lowed the  carpenter's  trade  until  called  from 
this  life,  in  1862.  The  mother  long  survived 
him,  dying  in  1880.  leaving  three  children, 
namely:  Elizabeth  A.,  now  Mrs.  Townsend, 

residing  in  Platteville;  George  L.,  living  in 
Dubuque,  Iowa;  and  J.  M. 

J.  M.  Rose  grew  to  manhood  in  Platteville, 
and  is  indebted  to  its  splendid  public-school 
system  for  his  educational  privileges.  In  early 
life  he  learned  the  cabinet  trade  with  W.  & 
J.  Grindell,  working  with  them  for  eight  years. 
He  then  abandoned  the  cabinet  trade  and 
took  up  carpentering,  which  latter  trade  he  still 
follows.  For  a number  of  years  he  has  en- 
gaged in  contracting  and  building,  now  hav- 
ing his  eldest  son  as  partner.  He  draws  his 
own  plans  and  specifications,  and  has  met  with 
well-deserved  success  in  his  chosen  occupa- 


tion,. as  mention  of  a few  of  the  many  hand- 
some residences  he  has  erected  will  testify — B. 
F.  Huntington’s,  Will  Rindlaub’s,  H.  G. 
Chase’s,  H.  E.  Stephens,’  Thomas  Jenkens,’ 
and  many  others. 

In  Platteville  Mr.  Rose  was  married,  in 
October,  1866,  to  Miss  Lizzie  Stephens,  a na- 
tive of  Mineral  Point,  Iowa  Co.,  Whs.,  and  a 
daughter  of  Thomas  and  Elizabeth  (Letcher) 
Stephens,  natives  of  Yorkshire,  England,  and 
early  settlers  of  Grant  county.  Mrs.  Stephens 
died  in  1874.  Thomas  Stephens  still  survives, 
aged  about  eighty-five  years.  Mr.  Rose  has 
had  eight  children  born  to  him,  one  of  whom, 
Nora,  died  in  1873.  The  living  are  John  W., 
Jesse  G.,  Cora  E.,  Will  A..  Charles  G.,  Walter 
E.,  and  Myrtle  M. 

In  December.  1863,  Mr.  Rose  laid  aside 
all  personal  interests  to  enter  the  service  of  his 
country,  enlisting  for  three  years  or  during 
: the  war  in  Company  E.  25th  Whs.  V.  I.,  which 
' regiment  was  assigned  to  the  17th  Army  Corps, 
and  accompanied  Sherman  to  the  sea.  Mr. 
Rose  was  mustered  in  at  Madison,  Whs.,  Jan. 
14,  1864.  and  took  part  in  all  the  engagements 
in  which  his  command  participated  up  to  the 
battle  of  Decatur.  These  included  the  battles 
of  Resaca.  Snake  Creek  Gap  and  Dallas.  At 
Decatur,  he  received  a severe  gunshot  wound 
in  the  side  and  arm  and  was  left  on  the 
field  for  twenty-four  hours,  it  being  supposed 
that  he  was  fatally  injured.  He  was  then 
taken  to  the  field  hospital,  and  later  to  Mariet- 
ta, Ga.  Receiving  a furlough  he  came  home, 
and  as  soon  as  able  reported  for  duty  at  Madi- 
son, Whs.  He  was  then  transferred  to  the 
United  States  Army  Hospital  at  Prairie  du 
Chien,  and  remained  there  until  honorably 
discharged  from  the  service,  in  February, 
1865.  Mr.  Rose  is  now  an  honored  member 
of  W . T.  Sherman  Post.  No.  66,  G.  A.  R., 
and  is  also  a member  of  the  Knights  of  the 
Globe.  He  uses  his  right  of  franchise  in  sup- 
port of  the  men  and  measures  of  the  Repub- 
lican party,  and,  as  every  true  American  citi- 
zen should,  he  takes  an  active  interest  in  public 
affairs.  He  is  well  and  favorably  known,  and 
is  a worthy  representative  of  one  of  the  hon- 
ored old  families  of  Platteville. 

CHESTER  C.  BENNETT,  the  principal 
member  of  the  C.  C.  Bennett  Shoe  Co.,  of 
Janesville,  Rock  county,  enjoys  an  enviable 
reputation  as  a business  man  and  a genial  gen- 


148 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


tleman  throughout  the  city  and  county.  . He 
is  now  in  the  prime  of  life,  and  has  a circle  of 
friends  of  which  any  man  might  well  be  proud. 

Mr.  Bennett  was  born  in  Lima  township, 
Rock  Co.,  Wis.,  May  25,  1865,  and  is  a son  of 
George  and  Susan  (Osmond)  Bennett,  both 
natives  of  New  York.  They  were  the  parents 
of  five  sons,  three  of  whom  are  now  living: 
Dr.  L.  F.  Bennett,  of  Beloit,  Wis. ; Chester 
C. ; and  James  B.,  who  is  now  living  on  the 
home  farm.  Orrin  G.,  another  son,  lived  to 
become  a member  of  the  medical  profession, 
and  attain  some  standing  in  that  line,  but  is 
now  deceased.  The  father,  who  has  always 
been  a farmer,  came  to  Wisconsin  about  1851, 
and  located  on  the  farm  which  has  continued 
to  be  his  home  until  the  present  time;  it  or- 
iginally consisted  of  120  acres,  but  he  now 
owns  160  acres.  Here  he  has  lived  and  reared 
his  family,  holding  an  honorable  position  in  the 
world.  He  and  his  wife  are  still  on  the  farm, 
though  its  care  has  fallen  into  the  hands  of 
their  youngest  son,  James.  The  aged  parents 
are  members  of  the  Baptist  Church,  and  have 
worthily  sustained  their  religious  professions 
throughout  their  lives.  George  Bennett  has 
always  been  a Republican.  His  father  was  a 
native  of  New  York,  and  died  in  that  State 
while  still  a young  man.  The  maternal 
grandfather  of  Mr.  Bennett,  Caleb  Osmond, 
was  born  in  England,  but  came  to  this  country 
early  in  life.  He  located  in  New  York,  moved 
to  Ohio,  and  from  that  State  came  to  Wis- 
consin when  it  was  still  largely  a wilderness. 
He  was  a farmer,  and  had  a farm  near  Milton 
Junction,  where  he  died  when  eighty-nine  years 
old.  He  was  the  father  of  a large  family. 

Chester  C.  Bennett  was  reared  to  man- 
hood on  the  farm  in  Lima  township,  attended 
the  district  school,  and  Milton  (Wis.)  College, 
and  began  teaching  when  he  was  nineteen  years 
of  age.  He  was  a teacher  for  three  years,  and 
then  clerked  in  a dry  goods  store  in  Janesville 
six  months.  He  spent  some  time  as  a clerk  in 
a grocery  store  in  Chicago,  and  held  the  posi- 
tion of  buyer  for  the  establishment.  Returning 
to  Janesville,  he  bought  a grocery  store  in  that 
city  Sept.  24,  1889,  and  conducted  same  until 
the  spring  of  1S92,  doing  a fine  business,  and 
building  up  a good  trade.  That  year  he  sold 
it,  and  turning  his  attention  to  real  estate  and 
loaning  money  soon  secured  a very  extensive 
patronage.  On  April  20,  1896,  he  formed  a 
partnership  with  George  H.  Cram,  of  Beloit, 


and  established  a shoe  store  in  Janesville,  which 
quickly  became  a center  of  trade.  Mr.  Ben- 
nett bought  out  Mr.  Cram's  interest  Dec.  16,. 
1897,  and  formed  a stock  company,  now  called 
the  C.  C.  Bennett  Shoe  Co.  (incorporated), 
which  has  become  a brilliant  success. 

Chester  C.  Bennett  and  Miss  Laura  E. 
Chapman  were  married  Nov.  5,  1889.  She  is 
a daughter  of  Mrs.  A.  E.  Chapman,  and  is  a 
lady  of  many  charms  and  graces.  They  are  the 
parents  of  two  children,  Ermine  F.  and 
Audrey  E.  The  family  has  a pleasant  home 
at  No.  1 Jeffris  fiats.  Mrs.  Bennett  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Presbyterian  Church.  Mr.  Bennett 
is  a member  of  several  fraternal  associations, 
and  is  popular  wherever  found.  He  belongs  to 
Janesville  Lodge,  No.  55,  A.  F.  & A.  M. ; the 
Knights  of  Pythias ; the  I.  O.  O.  F. ; the  A.  O. 
U.  W. ; and  Rock  River  Encampment.  He  is  a 
Republican  politically. 

T.  B.  SHERMAN,  one  of  the  well-known 
business  men  of  Stitzer,  Grant  county,  Wis., 
is  engaged  in  the  furniture  and  lumber  busi- 
ness at  that  place,  and  belongs  to  one  of  the 
early  families  of  Lancaster. 

Mr.  Sherman  was  born  in  Franklin  county, 
Vt.,  in  1853,  son  of  Cyrus  L.  and  Fanny  ( Bar- 
ber) Sherman,  also  natives’  of  the  Green 
Mountain  State.  The  mother  of  our  subject 
was  a daughter  of  the  Hon.  Joel  and  Aseneth 
(Melvin)  Barber,  natives  of  Connecticut,  who 
migrated  first  to  Vermont,  and  then,  in  1856, 
to  Lancaster,  Wis.  There  Joel  Barber  died, 
at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-seven,  and  his 
wife  died  in  the  same  city  at  the  age  of  eighty. 
The  Hon.  Joel  Allen  Barber  is  a brother  of 
our  subject’s  mother,  as  is  also  the  venerable 
Theodore  Barber,  who  is  now  eighty-seven. 
Mrs.  Cyrus  L.  Sherman  was  born  in  Vermont 
April  29,  1822,  was  married  June  18,  1849,  and 
died  in  1889,  after  a long  and  active  life  in 
Lancaster.  Cyrus  L.  Sherman  was  a con- 
tractor and  builder.  In  1854  he  migrated  to 
Grant  county,  Wis.,  where  he  died  soon  after- 
ward, in  i860.  His  children  are:  Myron, 

a resident  of  California;  T.  B. ; Mary  F.,  wife 
of  a Mr.  Bushnell,  of  Madison,  Wis.;  and  Ar- 
thur, a resident  of  California. 

T.  B.  Sherman  was  reared  in  Lancaster, 
being  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  that 
place,  and  learning  his  father’s  trade  of  car- 
penter and  joiner.  For  fifteen  years  Mr.  Sher- 
man worked  at  his  trade  in  Lancaster,  then 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


149 


removed  to  Stitzer  and  embarked  in  his  present 
business,  which  he  has  built  up  until  it  is  the 
leading  one  of  the  town.  Since  1891  Mr. 
Sherman  has  been  postmaster,  and  has  rendered 
efficient  service  in  that  capacity. 

In  1880  T.  B.  Sherman  was  married  to 
Miss  Fanny  Carter,  of  Lancaster/  a daughter 
of  William  and  Ann  (Fox)  Carter,  natives  of 
England  who  in  1850  emigrated  to  the  United 
States,  and  settled  in  Lancaster,  Grant  Co., 
Wis.  Xear  that  town  Mr.  Carter  opened  up 
a farm,  where  he  died  in  1875.  and  his  wife 
passed  away,  at  the  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Sherman,  at  Stitzer.  in  1892. 

In  political  matters  Mr.  Sherman  adheres 
to  the  principles  of  the  Republican  party,  and 
socially  he  is  connected'  with  the  Odd  Fellows 
and  the  Woodmen.  He  takes  an  active  interest 
in  the  welfare  of  the  community  in  which  he 
lives,  and  is  regarded  as  a good  citizen,  a kind 
friend  and  a prosperous  business  man. 

JOHN  LEYIT L.  deceased.  The  name  of 
Levitt  is  a familiar  one  to  the  old  settlers  of 
Monticello  township,  Lafayette  county,  and 
one  they  have  all  learned  to  respect  because 
of  the  manly  qualities  of  those  who  have  borne 
it.  John  Levitt  was  a native  of  Yorkshire, 
England,  born  June  12,  1816,  and  his  early  life 
was  passed  in  his  native  county.  In  1832  he 
came  to  America,  proceeding  at  once  to  Wood 
county,  Ohio,  and  in  1838  located  in  Wiscon- 
sin, his  first  home  being  within  the  confines  of 
Green  county,  near  Monroe.  On  March  10, 
1839,  he  arrived  in  Monticello,  where  he  se- 
cured a claim  of  government  land  on  Section 
34.  This  tract  proved  very  valuable  under  his 
careful  management,  and  he  improved  it  with 
good  buildings,  and  made  of  it  a comfortable 
home. 

On  March  11,  1844,  Mr.  Levitt  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Sarah  Alderson.  a native 
of  England,  and  their  union  was  gladdened  by 
ten  children,  two  of  whom  died  in  infancy. 
The  others  were : Mary  Ann,  Mrs.  Peters,  who 
died  Dec.  9,  1900,  while  on  a visit  from  her 
California  home  to  the  old  homestead  in  Wis- 
consin; Richard,  a resident  of  California  : John, 
a resident  of  Monticello  township;  Luther  B., 
at  the  old  home;  Cynthia  E. ; Charles  W. : 
Ed  win  D. ; and  Alice  B..  wife  of  James 
Lamont,  of  Cherokee  county,  Iowa.  Mr.  Levitt 
died  at  his  home  March  22,  1897,  having  passed 
the  age  of  fourscore  years.  The  wife  and 


mother,  whose  birth  occurred  April  26.  1827, 
still  survives,  lovingly  cared  for  by  her  devoted 
children.  The  Leavitt  homestead  is  one  of  the 
oldest  in  this  part  of  the  county,  and  has  been 
in  the  continuous  possession  of  the  family  for 
over  sixty  years. 

Mr.  Levitt  had  not  reached  man's  estate 
when  he  came  to  this  country,  and  was  wholly 
without  means,  but  his  steady  habits,  clear  head 
and  willing  hands  furnished  him  with  what 
proved  to  be  ample  capital,  and  he  gained  a 
competence  sufficient  to  enable  him  to  enjoy 
all  the  comforts  and  many  of  the  luxuries  of 
life  during  the  evening  of  his  career.  He  was 
a public-spirited  citizen,  and  took  a deep  in- 
terest in  all  that  pertained  to  the  welfare  of 
his  community.  Fie  was  a worthy  member  of 
the  Methodist  Church,  steadfastly  endeavoring 
to  practice  in  his  life  the  faith  he  professed. 
Two  of  his  brothers,  William  and  Richard, 
also  came  to  this  country,  and  became  well 
known  in  Monticello  township,  both  highly 
respected;  the  latter  removed  in  1890  to 
Kansas,  where  his  death  occurred  March  15, 
1900. 

CAPT.  JOHN  McDERMOTT  is  num- 
bered among  the  gallant  men  who  hastened  to 
the  defense  of  the  country,  and  whose  lives 
were  sacrificed  in  upholding  the  flag. 

Our  subject  was  born  at  Carrick.  Ireland, 
in  1822,  and  came  to  the  United  States  at  the 
age  of  nineteen,  first  locating  in  Wisconsin,  at 
Mineral  Point,  Iowa  county,  where,  like  most 
of  the  early  settlers  of  that  part  of  the  State, 
he  engaged  in  mining.  At  the  age  of  twenty- 
four  he  married  in  Highland  township.  Iowa 
county.  Aliss  Elizabeth  Fletcher,  of  Mineral 
Point,  and  about  1850  located  on  land  in  Fen- 
nimore,  Grant  county.  In  1852,  when  the 
gold  excitement  in  California  was  at  its  height, 
he  crossed  the  Plains  to  the  Pacific  coast.  Re- 
turning after  an  absence  of  about  two  years, 
Capt.  McDermott  resumed  farming,  and  was 
successfully  pursuing  that  occupation  when  the 
war  of  the  Rebellion  was  inaugurated.  His 
loyalty  to  the  Union,  his  fearlessness  and  sense 
of  duty,  did  not  long  permit  him  to  stand  idly 
by  and  see  others  rushing  to  the  front,  while 
he  remained  at  home  in  the  pursuit  of  ordinary 
business.  Early  in  1862  he  began  raising  a 
company,  and  succeeded  in  the  formation  of 
Company  C,  20th  Wis.  V.  I.,  with  Capt.  Mc- 
Dermott in  command.  The  regiment  was  or- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


150 


ganized  in  August,  1862,  and  soon  after  was 
engaged  in  active  service  at  the  front.  At  the 
battle  of  Prairie  Grove,  Ark.,  Dec.  7,  1862,  the 
20th  took  a prominent  part,  and  made  the  first 
charge  on  the  enemy.  They  were  met  unex- 
pectedly by  a greatly  superior  force,  and  were 
obliged  to  fall  back.  While  doing  so,  the  color 
bearer  and  color  guards  were  the  especial 
targets  of  the  enemy,  and  were  shot  down. 
As  the  colors  fell  Capt.  McDermott  seized  the 
flag,  to  prevent  its  falling  into  the  hands  of 
the  enemy,  but  had  scarcely  done  so  when  he 
too  fell  dead.  Thus  died,  in  defense  of  his 
country,  a brave  soldier  and  loyal-hearted  citi- 
zen. 

Capt.  McDermott  was  sincerely  mourned, 
not  only  by  his  own  command,  but  by  all  who 
had  come  to  know  his  gallantry  and  sterling 
worth.  It  is  the  universal  testimony,  of  those 
who  knew  him  best,  after  nearly  forty  years 
have  passed  away,  that  when  Capt.  McDermott 
died  the  Nation  lost  one  of  its  bravest  officers. 
He  left  his  wife  with  six  children  to  rear.  The 
noble  mother,  faithful  to  the  charge  that  de- 
volved upon  her,  carefully  brought  them  up, 
and  all  have  become  respected  and  useful  men 
and  women.  I hey  are:  Sarah,  wife  of  Samuel 
Steuert,  of  Fennimore ; Mary,  wife  of  Leander 
Walker:  Emma;  Isabel,  wife  of  Melvin  Shear- 
er ; Dr.  Thomas  E.  McDermott ; and  Prof. 
Edward  Eugene  McDermott.  The  good  wife 
and  mother  passed  away  at  her  home  in  Fenni- 
more Nov.  1,  1887,  deeply  mourned  by  her 
family  and  friends.  She  was  a lady  of  a high 
order  of  ability,  and  will  long  be  remembered 
by  all  who  knew  her. 

Thomas  E.  McDermott,  M.  D.,  was  ed- 
ucated at  the  Platteville  Normal  School  and  the 
Wisconsin  State  University,  at  Madison.  In 
1879  he  entered  Rush  Medical  College,  Chica- 
go, where  lie  pursued  the  study  of  medicine, 
and  then  entered  the  Chicago  Medical  College, 
from  which  he  graduated  three  years  later  with 
the  degree  of  M.  D.  Following  his  graduation, 
for  a year  and  a half,  Dr.  McDermott  was  res- 
ident physician  of  the  Cook  County  Hospital, 
Chicago,  since  which  time  he  has  resided  at 
Fennimore,  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  pro- 
fession. Dr.  McDermott  has  built  up  a large 
and  lucrative  practice,  and  is  held  in  high  es- 
teem, both  professionally  and  socially. 

Prof.  Edward  Eugene  McDermott  was  edu- 
cated at  the  Northwestern  State  University, 
Evanston,  111.,  where  he  graduated  in  the  class 


of  1S83.  For  three  years  he  was  principal  of 
the  high  school  at  Lancaster,  and  now  occu- 
pies the  Chair  of  Oratory  in  the  University  of 
Minnesota. 

GEORGE  R.  BARKER,  the  genial,  well- 
known  supervisor  of  Janesville  township,  Rock 
county,  was  born  in  Chautauqua  county,  N.  Y., 
Oct.  25,  1839,  a son  of  Job  and  Phoebe  (Smith) 
Barker,  natives  of  Massachusetts  and  Vermont, 
respectively. 

Caleb  Barker,  the  paternal  grandfather  of 
our  subject,  was  a native  of  Massachusetts,  and 
a farmer  by  occupation.  He  married  a Miss 
Eddy,  and  reared  a large  family.  His  death 
occurred  at  Granville,  N.  Y.,  where  he  is  buried, 
and  where  the  majority  of  his  children  lived. 
The  maternal  grandfather  of  our  subject, 
George  Smith,  was  a native  of  Vermont,  and 
a brother  of  Samuel  Smith,  of  Smithfield,  R.  I., 
born  about  1785.  By  occupation  he  was  a 
farmer.  He  married  Rachel  Read,  a daughter 
of  John  and  Hannah  (Farnum)  Read.  The 
Read  family  trace  their  origin  in  America  to 
Col.  Thomas  Read,  who  came  to  this  country 
in  1630;  and  in  England  back  to  Thomas 
Read,  Escp,  of  Barton  Court,  in  the  County  of 
Berks,  England,  1575.  George  Smith  and  his 
wife  had  nine  children.  He  died  in  the  East, 
while  yet  in  the  prime  of  life. 

Job  Barker,  the  father  of  our  subject,  was 
a farmer,  who  came  to  Rock  county  in  1840, 
and  took  up  government  land,  owning  at  one 
time  1,240  acres,  most  of  which  he  improved, 
although  he  died  in  1846,  aged  forty-eight 
years,  his  wife  surviving  until  1879,  when  she 
died  aged  seventy-six.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Job  Barker  were  members  of  the  Society  of 
Friends,  but  after  moving  West  Mrs.  Barker 
attended  the  Episcopal  Church.  Phoebe  Smith 
was  the  second  wife  of  Job  Barker,  who  by  his 
former  wife  had  two  children:  Walter,  of  Cali- 
fornia; and  Angeline,  of  Santa  Ana,  Cal.,  the 
widow  of  Leonard  Marsh.  In  the  family  of 
which  our  subject  was  a member  there  were  six 
children,  three  sons  and  three  daughters,  four 
of  whom  are  now  living:  Cecelia  A.,  wife  of  J. 
W.  Coolridge,  of  Baldwinsville,  Mass. ; George 
R.,  of  Janesville  township  ; Julius  IT,  who  lives 
with  his  brother  George;  and  Eugenia,  widow 
of  J.  H.  Conrad,  a resident  of  Chicago. 

George  R.  Barker  was  only  six  months  old 
when  brought  to  his  present  home,  in  1840, 
where  he  has  resided  ever  since.  His  early 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


education,  obtained  at  the  district  schools  of  his 
neighborhood,  was  supplemented  by  two  terms 
at  Milton  (Wis.)  College,  since  which  time  Mr. 
Barker  has  devoted  his  attention  to  his  agri- 
cultural interests.  After  his  marriage  he  came 
into  possession  of  a portion  of  the  family  estate, 
and  in  1868  built  his  present  substantial  and 
comfortable  home.  Although  he  owns  200 
acres,  Mr.  Barker  only  farms  a little  over  100 
acres  himself,  renting  the  remainder  of  his 
property. 

On  Feb.  21,  1867,  Mr.  Barker  married  Miss 
Margaret  A.  Cargill,  daughter  of  Capt.  Will- 
iam and  Edna  (Davis)  Cargill,  and  six  chil- 
dren, two  sons  and  four  daughters,  have  been 
born  to  them:  Edna  Phoebe,  wife  of  William 
Bradley  Conrad,  of  Janesville,  has  one  son, 
Bradley  ; Julius  Morville,  who  married  Pauline 
Davis,  of  Brunswick,  Mo.,  is  a partner  in  the 
tobacco  factory  at  Brunswick,  Mo. ; Ella  Claire 
is  the  wife  of  Arthur  P.  Allen,  steward  in  the 
Northern  Hospital,  near  Oshkosh,  Wis. ; Mary 
Rogers  is  temporarily  in  Chicago,  although 
her  home  is  still  with  her  parents ; George  Car- 
gill is  still  at  home ; and  Margaret,  also  at 
home,  graduated  in  1900  from  the  Janesville 
high  school. 

The  paternal  grandfather  of  Mrs.  Barker, 
Thomas  Cargill,  was  a native  of  Scotland,  and 
a custom-house  official.  Mrs.  Barker’s  ma- 
ternal grandfather,  Isaac  Davis,  was  born  and 
lived  on  Long  Island,  N.  Y.  The  parents  of 
Mrs.  Barker  came  from  Long  Island,  N.  Y.,  to 
Rock  county  in  1857,  settling'  in  Harmony 
township,  and  engaging  in  farming,  although 
until  his  migration  Mr.  Cargill  had  been  a 
sailor.  He  followed  farming  until  a few  years 
prior  to  his  death,  when  he  removed  to  the  city 
of  Janesville,  dying  March  26,  1893,  aged 
eighty  years  and  two  weeks.  His  wife  died  in 
1887,  aged  seventy-four  years.  Five  sons  and 
one  daughter  were  born  to  this  couple,  five  of 
whom  are  still  living:  Margaret  A.  (Mrs. 

Barker)  ; William  W. ; Samuel;  Sylvester,  and 
James.  Thomas  is  deceased. 

Mrs.  Barker  is  an  active  and  consistent 
member  of  the  M.  E.  Church ; and  Mr.  Barker 
belongs  to  the  A.  O.  U.  W..  and  the  Grange. 
Politically  his  affiliations  are  with  the  Republi- 
can party,  and  he  has  most  acceptably  served 
as  supervisor  of  Janesville  township  for 
nine  years,  and  as  chairman  of  the  Janesville 
township  board  for  six  years.  Mr.  Barker 
was  also  township  treasurer  for  eight  years, 


1 5 1 


and  has  been  treasurer  of  school  district  No. 
3 for  many  years.  For  sixty-one  years  Mr. 
Barker  has  been  a resident  of  Janesville  town- 
ship, and  he  enjoys  the  distinction  of  being  the 
oldest  resident,  as  well  as  one  of  the  most  es- 
teemed and  honored  of  its  citizens.  No  man 
has  the  welfare  of  the  township  more  at  heart 
than  has  Mr.  Barker,  as  he  has  most  conclus- 
ively proven  by  his  many  years  of  faithful  serv- 
ice as  a public  official,  as  well  as  in  his  char- 
acter as  a private  citizen. 

JACKSON  PACE,  one  of  the  oldest  and 
most  honored  citizens  of  Wyalusing,  Grant 
county,  is  a native  of  Virginia,  his  birth  oc- 
curring in  Bedford  county  May  10,  1815.  He 
is  the  only  child  of  John  and  Polly  Pace, 
though  his  mother  had  several  children  by  her 
second  marriage.  His  father  died  of  yellow 
fever  at  Norfolk,  Ya.,  when  Jackson  was  but 
a child. 

Jackson  Pace  was  reared  in  the  family  of  a 
maternal  uncle,  and  when  about  fifteen  years 
of  age  commenced  earning  his  own  livelihood, 
working  in  a tobacco  factory,  where  he  was 
employed  several  years.  Leaving  his  native 
State  in  1840,  Mr.  Pace  went  to  Warren  coun- 
ty, Mo.,  where  he  worked  in  a similar  establish- 
ment for  three  years,  and  then  came  to  Wiscon- 
sin. locating  first  at  what  was  called  Pigeon 
Diggings,  near  Lancaster,  Grant  county,  where 
he  engaged  in  mining  until  1847.  On  August 
5,  that  year,  he  wedded  Miss  Mary  Allens- 
worth,  who  was  born  July  20,  1827,  and  died 
Sept.  8,  1869.  To  that  union  were  born  six 
children  who  reached  adult  age,  but  two  daugh- 
ters are  now  deceased.  Nancy  and  Mary.  Those 
living  are  Rebecca  Jane,  born  May  4.  1851  ; 
Rachel  F..  May  2.  1857;  Mitchell,  May  9, 
1859;  and  Thomas  Grant,  March  1,  1864. 

In  1849  Mr.  Pace  took  up  his  residence  in 
Lancaster,  but  two  years  later  moved  to  Bee- 
town,  and  about  1857  bought  a farm,  which 
he  operated  for  a time,  and  then  sold.  He 
engaged  in  mining  and  farming  until  1858. 
when  he  moved  to  Wyalusing,  and  has  since 
made  that  place  his  home. 

Politically  Mr.  Pace  was  first  a Whig,  and 
later  a Republican,  and  fraternally  he  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Masonic  Order,  with  which  he  has 
been  connected  for  nearly  half  a century.  He 
and  his  family  are  worthy  members  of  the  Con- 
gregational Church,  and  are  held  in  high  re- 
gard by  all  who  know  them.  He  is  remarkably 


152 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


bright  and  active  for  one  of  his  years,  is  pleas- 
ant and  genial  in  manner,  and  has  a wide 
circle  of  friends  and  acquaintances  who  esteem 
him  highly  for  his  sterling  worth.  His  life 
has  been  manly,  his  actions  sincere,  and  his  ex- 
ample is  well  worthy  of  emulation. 

CAPT.  S.  W.  OSBORN.  For  a half  cen- 
tury Capt.  S.  W.  Osborn,  the  subject  of  this 
biography,  has  been  a resident  of  the  city  of 
Darlington,  Lafayette  county,  which  now  de- 
lights to  honor  him  as  one  of  her  distinguished 
citizens.  He  was  born  at  Franklin,  Dela- 
ware Co.,  N.  Y.,  July  i,  i S 1 1 , a son  of  Samuel 
and  Polly  (Webster)  Osborn,  both  of  whom 
were  natives  of  Connecticut.  The  maternal 
grandfather,  Michael  Webster,  who  was  a 
soldier  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  died  in 
Ashtabula  county,  Ohio,  at  the  age  of  102 
years,  retaining  his  faculties  until  the  close  of 
his  long  life.  The  paternal  grandfather,  Sam- 
uel Osborn,  was  also  a soldier  in  the  Revolu- 
tion ; he  spent  his  last  days  in  his  native  State, 
Connecticut. 

In  1813,  when  our  subject  was  but  two 
and  one-half  years  old,  his  parents  migrated 
from  the  State  of  New  York  to  Ashtabula 
county,  Ohio,  and  the  father  died  near  San- 
dusky in  [820,  the  mother  passing  away  in 
Ashtabula  county  in  December,  1877,  at  the  a§‘e 
of  nearly  ninety-four  years.  Capt.  Osborn  is 
one  of  a family  of  four  sons  and  two  daughters, 
three  members  surviving  at  the  present:  S. 

S.,  who  resides  in  Chicago,  born  Oct.  21, 
1804;  our  subject;  and  Mrs.  S.  E.  Barrett, 
born  in  Franklin,  N.  Y.,  in  July,  1813,  who  is 
a resident  of  Darlington,  Wis.,  and  has  one 
daughter,  Mrs.  R.  S.  Woodworth,  a resident 
of  Pennsylvania.  Those  who  have  passed 
away  were  S.  A.,  Mrs.  S.  M.  Sanford,  and 
S.  C 

Having  the  misfortune  to  so  early  lose  their 
father,  our  subject  and  other  members  of  the 
family  were  given  homes  with  relatives  until 
able  to  provide  for  themselves.  In  common 
with  many  pioneer  families,  the  mother's  means 
were  limited,  while  there  were  many  mouths 
to  feed,  but  our  subject  took  upon  himself  as 
many  responsibilities  as  one  of  his  age  could 
bear,  and  was  not  long  dependent  upon  any 
one.  His  boyhood  and  early  manhood  were 
spent  in  Ashtabula  county,  where  he  early  en- 
gaged in  farming,  later  becoming  a miller,  at- 
tending to  his  business  steadily  and  pursuing 


it  with  success.  In  April,  1850,  Capt.  Osborn 
came  to  Lafayette  county,  and  thus  became  ac- 
quainted with  the  proprietor  of  the  plat  of  Dar- 
lington. Soon  after  he  returned  to  Ohio,  the 
same  year,  he  was  solicited  to  return  West  and 
assist  in  the  erection  of  a large  mill  at  Darling- 
ton. Accepting  the  terms  of  this  offer,  he  re- 
turned to  Darlington  in  1851,  assisted  in  the 
building  of  the  mill,  and  operated  it  for  fourteen 
years.  At  the  time  of  his  location  in  the  city 
the  population  was  sparse,  and  his  is  the  only 
familv  now  residing  here  that  was  located  per- 
manently, except  that  of  Charles  Blakely. 

When  the  Civil  war  broke  out,  in  1861, 
Capt.  Osborn  was  not  long  in  making  up  his 
mind  to  offer  his  services  to  his  country.  From 
youth  he  had  been  opposed  to  slavery,  in  1844 
had  voted  for  James  G.  Birney,  and  was  a 
pronounced  Abolitionist  in  his  views.  His  age 
caused  him  to  be  refused  a place  in  the  ranks 
at  the  opening  of  the  war,  but  a little  later, 
when  rules  became  somewhat  relaxed,  from 
necessity,  he  was  admitted,  his  service  begin- 
ning in  the  fall  of  1861,  as  captain  of  Company 
I,  1 6th  Wis.  V.  I.,  which  left  Camp  Randall 
March  14,  1862.  His  baptism  of  fire  was  on 
the  bloody  field  of  Shiloh,  where  his  regiment 
lost  heavily,  his  own  company’s  ranks  being 
decimated,  his  first  lieutenant  being  killed, 
while  the  second  was  wounded.  Soon  after 
this  battle  Capt.  Osborn  was  taken  ill,  and 
came  home  on  a sick  furlough,  but  rejoined, 
his  regiment  before  he  had  sufficiently  recov- 
ered, taking  part  in  the  battle  of  Corinth, 
Miss. ; however,  his  health  was  so  precarious 
that  he  could  no  longer  be  of  use  to  the  govern- 
ment, and  he  returned  home  in  December, 
1862. 

For  several  years  after  his  return  Capt. 
Osborn  was  unable  to  engage  in  any  work  con- 
tinuously, but,  thanks  to  a good  constitution 
and  a well-ordered  life,  he  has  recovered 
enough  to  pursue  his  ordinary  vocations,  al- 
though he  will  probably  never  fully  recover  his 
former  vigor.  As  soon  as  able  he  again  re- 
sumed work  at  the  mill,  where  he  remained  for 
four  years,  since  which  time  he  has  been 
variously  engaged.  For  four  more  years  he 
was  the  efficient  superintendent  of  the  Lafay- 
ette Poor  Farm,  then  traveled  through  the 
South  for  a season,  in  the  interests  of  the  King 
Bridge  Co.,  of  Ohio.  Always  an  ardent  Repub- 
lican, for  a number  of  years  he  was  postmaster 
at  Darlington,  and  in  1865  was  a member  of 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


153 


the  Assembly  branch  of  the  Legislature.  Capt. 
Osborn  was  a delegate  to  the  first  Republican 
convention  held  in  Wisconsin,  in  1856,  this 
being  the  only  Republican  organization  of  the 
party  in  the  State.  Until  1844  he  voted  with 
the  Whigs,  in  1840  voting  for  Harrison,  in 
1848  for  Van  Buren,  the  Free-Soil  candidate, 
and  since  the  formation  of  the  Republican  party 
he  has  cast  his  vote  with  it  at  every  election. 

The  marriage  of  Capt.  Osborn  took  place 
March  1.  1835,  to  Miss  Julia  M.  Gardner,  a 
native  of  Massachusetts.  She  passed  away 
April  18,  1897,  after  a married  life  of  sixtv- 
two  years.  Four  children  were  born  to  this 
marriage,  three  of  whom  survive:  Mrs.  S.  M. 
Orton,  wife  of  Hon.  P.  A.  Orton,  of  Darling- 
ton; H.  W.,  a physician  of  Cleveland,  Ohio; 
and  C.  F.,  an  attorney  of  ability,  who  is  judge 
of  the  probate  court  of  Lafayette  county : the 
other,  Mrs.  Julia  M.  Hodge,  died  many  years 
ago. 

Within  the  brief  limits  of  a volume  of  this 
kind,  no  adequate  sketch  can  be  given  of  as 
prominent  an  individual  as  our  subject.  Capt. 
Osborn  is  one  of  Lafayette's  most  esteemed 
and  respected  citizens,  and  is  honored  also  as 
one  who  has  assisted  materially  in  the  growth 
of  the  city  to  which  he  came  in  its  infancy,  and 
whose  development  he  has  watched  with  so 
much  interest  and  pride. 

REV.  WILLIAM  CLARKE  WHIT- 
FORD,  President  of  Milton  College,  of  Mil- 
ton,  Rock  county,  was  born  May  5.  1828,  near 
the  village  of  West  Edmeston.  in  the  town  of 
Edmeston,  Otsego  county.  N.  Y.,  the  eldest  of 
four  sons  born  to  Capt.  Samuel  and  Sophia 
(Clarke)  Whitford. 

The  father  of  our  subject  was  a lineal  de- 
scendant of  Pasco  Whitford,  who  was  born 
about  1640  in  Bedfordshire,  England,  emi- 
grated to  America  about  1665,  and  resided  in 
Newport,  East  Greenwich,  and  Kingston,  R.  I. 
In  the  four  generations  succeeding  him,  the 
other  ancestors  of  Samuel  were  directly  con- 
nected by  marriage  with  prominent  families 
of  Rhode  Island  by  the  names  of  Wells,  Cong- 
don,  Burdick,  Clarke,  Brown,  Babcock,  Ma- 
coone,  Saunders,  and  Greenman.  Capt.  Sam- 
uel’s grandfather.  Joshua  Whitford,  of  Ston- 
ington,  Conn.,  and  of  Berlin,  X.  Y..  enlisted  in 
1775  and  in  177S  in  the  Continental  Army  of 
the  Revolution,  and  was  present  at  the  evacua- 
tion of  Boston,  Mass.,  by  the  British.  He  took 


part  in  the  expedition  of  Gen.  Sullivan  against 
Newport,  R.  I.  He  became  ensign  also,  in  a 
company  of  militia  raised  in  Stonington,  Conn., 
in  1777.  Sophia  (Clarke)  was  a descendant 
in  two  lines  from  Joseph  Clarke,  Jr.,  of  New- 
port and  Westerly,  R.  I.,  a nephew  of  Dr.  John 
Clarke,  immigrant  in  1637,  pastor  of  the  first 
Baptist  Church  in  Newport,  and  deputy  gover- 
nor of  Rhode  Island.  The  ancestral  home  of 
this  family  was  in  the  parish  of  Westhorpe, 
County  of  Suffolk,  England.  Members  of  it  in 
direct  lines,  in  Rhode  Island,  became  related 
by  marriage  with  the  families  of  the  State 
named  Hubbard,  Champlin,  Reynolds,  Perry, 
Hazard,  Freeman,  Potter,  Babcock,  and  Pen- 
dleton. 

Capt.  Samuel  Whitford  was  born  the  fourth 
of  twelve  children,  in  the  town  of  Brookfield, 
Madison  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Aug.  28,  1797,  of  parents 
who  were  reared  in  the  town  of  Berlin,  Rens- 
selaer Co.,  N.  Y . He  was  a farmer  by  occu- 
pation nearly  all  his  life,  and  raised  and  bought 
cattle  and  sheep,  selling  them  in  the  large  mark- 
ets of  the  State.  Samuel  Whitford  was  only 
sixteen  years  of  age  when  his  father,  David 
V hitford,  died,  leaving  an  invalid  wife,  Mrs. 
Meribah  V hitford.  and  nine  living  children, 
and  but  one  daughter  younger  than  Samuel, 
and  two  of  them  crippled  from  their  birth ; 
Mrs.  Whitford  was  a daughter  of  Nathan  and 
Eunice  Greenman,  of  Berlin,  N.  Y.  The  care 
of  the  family  came  upon  the  youth’s  shoulders. 
He  worked  the  small  farm  left  by  his  father, 
teamed  to  different  towns  and  cities  for  store 
keepers,  and  manufactured  potash  in  Otsego, 
Madison  and  Allegany  counties,  N.  Y.,  de- 
voting all  his  earnings  for  fourteen  years 
to  the  support  of  his  mother,  brothers  and 
sisters.  On  October  26,  1826,  he  married 
Sophia,  the  eldest  of  eight  children  born  to 
Joseph  and  Hannah  (Clarke)  Clarke,  natives, 
respectively,  of  the  towns  of  Westerly  and 
Hopkinton,  R.  I.  Sophia  Clarke  was  born 
Feb.  6,  1802,  in  the  town  of  Brookfield,  XT.  Y., 
but  lived  the  greater  part  of  her  life  in  the 
town  of  Plainfield,  Otsego  Co.,  same  State. 
She,  too,  lost  her  father  at  an  early  age,  and 
greatly  assisted  her  mother  in  supporting  the 
younger  children  of  the  family.  The  first  five 
years  after  their  marriage  Samuel  Whitford 
and  his  wife  resided  in  the  town  of  Edmeston, 
where  he  bought  and  cleared  a densely  wooded 
farm,  but  they  soon  afterward  returned  to  the 
town  of  Plainfield,  to  live  at  the  old  Clarke 


154 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


homestead,  cultivating  a portion  of  the  old 
farm.  Here  his  death  occurred  Sept.  21, 
1848,  and  hers  July  14,  1888.  He  possessed 
remarkable  physical  strength  and  endurance, 
great  soundness  of  judgment,  and  superior 
moral  and  religious  characteristics;  and  in  his 
later  years,  though  favored  in  boyhood  with 
but  three  months  of  schooling,  he  exerted  con- 
siderable influence  and  held  various  positions 
of  trust  and  honor,  in  both  the  military  and 
the  civil  life  of  bis  town.  Mrs.  Whitford  in- 
herited a somewhat  delicate  body,  sensitiveness 
of  feeling,  strong  affections,  and  a very  tena- 
cious memory,  and  exhibited  through  life  a 
marked  piety  and  an  absorbing  desire  to  help 
others.  Of  their  children,  Rev.  William  Clarke 
was  the  eldest.  Hamilton  Joseph,  born  April 
4,  1830,  became  the  owner  of  the  parental 
farm,  and  cared  most  tenderly  for  his  invalid 
mother  until  her  death,  and  he,  himself,  de- 
parted this  life  at  Leonardsvil.le,  N.  Y.,  Oct. 
28,  1896.  Albert,  born  May  28,  1832,  was 
graduated  by  Union  College,  at  Schenectady, 
N.  Y.,  has  been  occupied  nearly  all  his  adult 
life  in  teaching,  having  served  as  principal  of 
De  Ruyter  Institute  for  two  years,  filled  the 
chair  of  mathematics  in  Alfred  University  for 
four  years  (both  in  New  York  State).  In  ad- 
dition he  has  been  connected  with  Milton  Col- 
lege for  thirty-eight  years  as  one  of  its  main 
professors,  and  at  times  its  acting  president, 
besides  discharging  the  duties  of  a county  su- 
perintendent of  schools  for  one  term.  Herbert 
David,  born  July  9,  1834,  enlisted  in  a Wiscon- 
sin infantry  regiment, "and  served  as  a volunteet 
soldier  for  three  years  in  the  Civil  war,  being 
engaged  in  some  of  the  severest  battles  of  the 
Southwest,  subsequently  joining  the  regular 
army,  and  experiencing  for  four  years  the  hard 
life  belonging  to  service  in  the  Rocky  Mount- 
ains; he  now  has  quarters  in  the  National  Sol- 
diers Home  near  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin. 

Rev.  William  Clarke  Whitford  passed  iris 
early  life  on  his  father’s  farm,  and  from  in- 
fancy has  been  noted  for  his  extraordinary 
physical  activity.  He  attended  usually  a dis- 
trict or  select  school  in  the  winter,  and  worked 
at  tilling  the  soil  during  the  other  seasons  of 
the  year.  At  twelve  years  of  age  he  developed 
an  insatiable  fondness  for  reading,  and  for  the 
ensuing  five  years  be  applied  himself  assiduous- 
ly to  the  perusal  of  all  rvorks  of  travel,  history, 
biography,  practical  moral  instruction,  and 
standard  poetry,  which  came  within  his  reach. 


Finding  farm  work  ill  suited  to  his  ruling- 
taste,  he  began  to  make  preparations  to  enter 
some  literary  or  professional  calling;  and  ac- 
cordingly, at  the  age  of  sixteen  years,  he  en- 
tered Brookfield  Academy,  near  his  home, 
where  he  studied  nearly  three  years.  When 
almost  of  age  he  was  admitted  as  a student  in 
De  Ruyter  Institute,  where  he  fitted  himself 
to  become  a member  of  the  Senior  class  of 
Union  College,  from  which  he  was  graduated 
with  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Arts,  in  1853.  He 
began  teaching  when  sixteen  years  of  age,  and 
paid  his  expenses  largely  in  this  way  while  in 
attendance  at  both  Brookfield  Academy  and 
De  Ruyter  Institute.  Immediately  after  leav- 
ing Union  College  he  began  the  three-years 
course  of  study  in  Union  Theological  Semi- 
nary, of  New  York  City,  and  completed  the 
course  May  5,  1856.  While  in  this  institution 
lie  supported  himself  in  part  by  teaching  private 
pupils,  and  supplying  the  pulpits  of  two  small 
churches.  He  was  ordained  to  the  gospel  min- 
istry April  13,  1856,  by  the  Seventh-day  Bap- 
tist Church  at  New  Market,  N.  J.  There  for 
nearly  two  hundred  years  many  of  his  ances- 
tors had  belonged  to  the  denomination  of  which 
this  church  was  an  honored  member,  and  he, 
himself,  while  living  in  the  town  of  Plainfield, 
N.  Y.,  had  joined  this  religious  body  by  profes- 
sion of  his  faith  and  by  baptism  when  fourteen 
years  of  age.  Prior  to  both  graduations  men- 
tioned above  he  had  assisted  in  collecting  data 
for  the  first  elaborate  map  of  Madison  county, 
N.  Y.,  and  had  filled  for  part  of  a year  the 
position  of  assistant  principal  of  Milton  Acade- 
my, Wis.,  and  that  of  principal  for  two  years 
of  Union  Academy,  at  Shiloh,  New  Jersey. 

On  May  29,  1856,  he  entered  upon  the 
duties  of  pastor  of  the  church  of  his  faith  at 
Milton,  Wis.,  and  continued  in  this  charge 
during  the  following  three  years.  It  was  a 
period  of  almost  incessant  activity.  In  it  he 
averaged  at  least  four  sermons  a week,  made 
over  a thousand  pastoral  visits,  raised  $870 
for  benevolent  purposes  outside  of  the  support 
of  the  gospel  and  of  education  in  the  society, 
conducted  five  distinct  revival  seasons,  and 
added  to  the  church  154  persons,  more  than 
doubling  its  membership. 

In  the  summer  of  1858,  while  still  serving 
the  church,  he  accepted  the  principalship  of 
the  Academy  in  the  place,  which  grew  rapidly 
in  vigor  and  popularity  under  his  administra- 
tion. During  the  Civil  war  its  spirit  of  pa- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


1 55 


triotism  led  312  of  its  students  to  enlist  in  the 
service  of  their  country,  many  of  whom  were 
aided  by  Rev.  Mr.  Whitford  in  securing  posi- 
tions as  officers  in  different  regiments  of  the 
State.  After  this  oversight,  extending  over 
nine  years,  he  induced  the  stockholders  of  the 
institution  to  convert  it,  by  an  act  of  the  Wis- 
consin Legislature,  into  a College,  March  13, 
1867,  and  he  was  at  once  chosen  by  its  Board 
of  Trustees  as  its  President,  and  also  as  the 
head  of  this  Board.  The  former  office  he  has 
held  all  the  time  since,  though  granted  on  one 
occasion  a leave  of  absence  of  nearly  five  years, 
when  he  was  filling  a State  position.  Thus  he 
has  served  forty-three  years  continuously  as 
head  of  the  institution.  Under  his  adminis- 
tration old  debts  have  been  canceled,  additional 
rooms  and  other  accommodations  furnished,  an 
endowment  fund  of  over  $83,900  secured,  and 
277  students  graduated,  some  of  whom  have 
distinguished  themselves  in  the  liberal  pro- 
fessions, and  as  teachers  in  high  schools  and 
universities,  and  two  of  them  as  State  Super- 
intendents of  Public  Instruction  in  Wisconsin. 

In  the  denomination  to  which  lie  belongs 
Rev.  Whitford  has  filled  important  positions 
besides  the  pastorate  of  the  Milton  Church  and 
that  at  Rock  River,  in  the  vicinity.  In  the 
former  church  he  has  served  as  superintendent 
of  its  Sabbath-school  for  fifteen  years.  In  the 
denomination  above  mentioned,  he  has  been 
twice  tlie  president  of  its  General  Conference, 
its  principal  organization,  besides  a moderator 
of  its  Northwestern  Association,  and  chairman 
of  the  executive  committee  of  the  latter  for 
many  years.  He  originated  the  scheme  of  this 
denomination  for  raising  a memorial  fund  at 
the  two  hundredth  anniversary  of  its  existence 
in  America,  for  the  purpose  of  aiding,  chiefly, 
its  institutions  of  learning.  In  the  prosecution 
of  this  movement  he  visited  most  of  its  churches 
in  this  country,  and  secured  a considerable  por- 
tion of  this  fund,  which  now  amounts  to  fully 
$350,000.  In  1884  he  was  the  editor  of  a 
magazine  entitled  The  Seventh-day,  Baptist 
Quarterly , and  for  nine  years  prior  to  1896 
he  was  corresponding  secretary  of  the  Seventh- 
day  Baptist  Education  Society.  He  has  served 
as  corresponding  editor  of  the  Sabbath  Re- 
corder, the  denomination  organ,  having  had 
charge  since  1888  of  its  department  of  History 
and  Biography.  He  was  a member  of  the  com- 
mittee appointed  by  these  people  to  secure  and 
arrange  their  exhibit  at  the  World's  Fair  in 


Chicago,  in  1893.  and  to  represent  them  at  the 
Parliament  of  Religions  held  the  same  year  in 
that  city.  In  1897  he  presented  an  historical 
address  at  the  centennial  anniversary  of  the 
First  Brookfield  Church,  N.  Y.,  with  which 
he  united  in  his  boyhood.  Recently,  at  the 
dedication  of  a monument  erected  to  the  mem- 
ory of  the  early  pastors  of  the  First  Hopkinton 
Church  belonging  to  this  denomination,  in 
Rhode  Island,  he  delivered  an  elaborate  ad- 
dress, reviewing  the  career  of  the  Seventh-day 
Baptists  in  New  England  since  1665.  His 
sermons  presented  at  public  gatherings  of  these 
people  would  form  a good-sized  volume. 

President  Whitford  has  acted  as  visitor 
several  times,  appointed  by  the  State,  at  the 
University  of  Wisconsin,  and  at  the  State 
Normal  Schools.  He  was  for  one  year  the 
president  of  the  State  Teachers  Association. 
From  1867  to  1882,  with  the  exception  of  in- 
tervals amounting  to  three  years,  he  was  a 
member  of  the  State  Board  of  Normal  Regents, 
and  for  four  years  ex-officio  Regent  of  the 
University  of  Wisconsin.  In  1868  he  served 
as  a member  of  the  Lower  House  of  the  State 
Legislature,  and  was  chairman  of  its  standing 
committee  on  Education.  He  has  often  been 
sent  as  delegate  to  County,  Congressional,  and 
State  conventions  of  the  Republican  party. 
In  1877  he  was  elected,  and  in  1879  re-elected, 
State  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction, 
filling  that  office  during  four  years.  While  in 
that  position  he  established  the  present  grading- 
system  of  the  country  schools  of  Wisconsin; 
labored  to  org'anize  public  schools  in  the  newer 
portions ; secured  the  enactment  of  a compul- 
sory education  law — the  same  as  the  one  now 
in  force  in  most  essential  respects ; earnestly 
advocated  the  method  of  raising  a State  tax  for 
the  support  of  public  schools,  especially  in  the 
more  sparsely  settled  districts — a measure 
subsequently  adopted  by  the  State  Legislature ; 
settled  what  seems  to  be  the  permanent  policy 
of  the  State  regarding  the  supply  of  text-books 
in  such  schools;  and  published  well-considered 
suggestions  for  providing  for  these  schools 
better  arrangements  for  warming,  ventilating, 
seating  and  lighting  their  buildings — many  of 
these  suggestions  being  subsequently  adopted 
in  other  States  in  the  Union,  and  by  the  United 
States  Commissioner  of  Education.  For  four 
years  of  the  time  he  was  State  Superintendent 
he  was  chief  editor  of  the  Wisconsin  lournal 
of  Education,  the  organ  of  the  State  Teachers’ 


156 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Association.  His  addresses  on  educational 
subjects  in  the  State,  and  elsewhere  in  the 
West  and  East,  have  been  numerous  and  well 
received. 

Rev.  Mr.  Whit  ford  has  written  more  than 
a score  of  works  or  articles  on  educational 
subjects  for  publication.  Among  these  the 
most  important  are  “The  History  of  School 
Supervision  in  Wisconsin;”  “Historical  Sketch 
of  Education  in  Wisconsin,”  a book  of  no 
pages  printed  by  the  State  for  the  National 
Centennial  held  at  Philadelphia  in  1876;  four 
elaborate  annual  reports  of  the  Department  of 
Public  Instruction  of  Wisconsin;  a circular  of 
200  pages  on  “Plans  and  Specifications  of 
Schoolhouses  for  the  Country  Districts,  Vil- 
lages and  Smaller  Cities  of  Wisconsin,”  ten 
thousand  copies  of  which  were  published  and 
distributed  by  the  State;  “On  the  Free  High 
Schools  of  Wisconsin ;”  “Text  Book  Legisla- 
tion in  the  Different  States;"  “Grading  System 
for  the  Country  Schools  of  Wisconsin;”  “Co- 
education of  Sexes  in  our  Schools;"  "The 
History  of  Education  among  the  Seventh-day 
Baptists  in  America ;”  “The  History  of  Milton 
College,”  published  by  the  State;  “The  Edu- 
cation of  Work;”  “The  Self-Reporting  System 
in  Schools;”  and  "Christianity  in  the  Higher 
Schools."  Among  his  publications  on  other 
subjects  may  be  mentioned  the  following,  as 
perhaps  the  most  interesting:  “The  Principles 
of  Church  Discipline;”  “Lessons  From  a Four 
Months  Trip  in  Europe;”  "Effectiveness  of 
Preaching';"  “The  Prominent  Ideas  Illustrated 
in  the  History  of  the  Milton  Seventh-day  Bap- 
tist Church;"  "Christ,  the  Student’s  Model;” 
“The  Semi-Centennial  of  the  Milton  Sabbath 
School ;”  "A  Memorial  Address  on  the  First 
Fifty  Years  of  the  Northwestern  Seventh-day 
Baptist  Association ;”  a work  of  sixty  pag'es  on 
“Outline  Instruction  in  Elocution;”  “The  Ef- 
fect of  Culture  of  a College  upon  its  Grad- 
uates;" “Thoroughness  in  the  Preparation  for 
the  Pursuits  of  Life;”  and  "Intelligent  Hero- 
ism.” To  this  list  could  be  added  the  titles  of 
numerous  biographical  sketches  published  in 
various  papers  and  reports.  President  Whit- 
ford  has  prepared  a-  full  description  of  the 
three  engagements  of  the  Civil,  war  in  the 
Glorieta  Pass  of  the  Rocky  Mountains  in  New 
Mexico,  with  views  of  the  picturesque  battle- 
fields and  adjacent  scenery.  He  has  gathered 
materials  for  a “History  of  the  Town  of  Mil- 
ton,”  and  intends  soon  to  complete  his  "Popu- 


lar and  Illustrated  History  of  the  Seventh-day 
Baptists."  His  Baccalaureate  sermons  and 
some  of  his  popular  addresses  will  soon  appear 
in  a work  of  375  pages,  now  being  published. 
He  has  visited  on  several  occasions  many  points 
of  interest  in  our  Southwestern  States  and  Ter- 
ritories, and  in  certain  portions  of  the  Republic 
of  Mexico.  In  1891  he  made  a tour  through 
the  principal  countries  of  Europe.  The  infor- 
mation he  gained  in  these  travels  he  has  pre- 
sented in  various  lectures. 

The  honorary  degree  of  Master  of  Arts  was 
conferred  upon  him  in  1858  by  Union  College, 
Schenectady,  N.  Y.,  and  that  of  Doctor  of 
Divinity  in  1883,  by  Blackburn  University,  of 
Jerseyville,  Illinois. 

President  Whitforcl  was  married  (first) 
Oct.  19,  1850,  to  Miss  Elmina  Esther  Coon,  of 
Lincklaen,  Chenango  Co.,  N.  Y.,  a daughter 
of  Clarke  and  Betsey  (Burdick)  Coon,  whose 
ancestors  for  several  generations  lived  in  Rhode 
Island.  She  was  graduated  by  De  Ruyter  In- 
stitute in  1850,  was  a very  amiable  and  ac- 
complished young  woman,  and  had  fitted  her- 
self for  teaching  and  for  foreign  missionary 
work.  Her  death,  from  quick  consumption, 
occurred  within  six  months  after  her  marriage. 
Mr.  Whitford’s  second  wife  had  as  her  maiden 
name  Miss  Ruth  Hemphill.  She  was  a daugh- 
ter of  James  and  Sarah  (Morrison)  Hemphill, 
of  Hartsville,  Steuben  Co.,  N.  Y.,  both  of 
whom  were  descended  from  early  Scotch-Irish 
settlers  in  New  Hampshire,  and  were  born  and 
reared  in  the  town  of  Henniker,  in  that  State. 
Her  grandfather,  James  Hemphill,  Sr.,  served 
in  the  Continental  army  during  the  Revolution- 
ary war,  was  present  at  the  battle  of  Bunker 
Hill,  and  in  other  engagements  in  New  Eng- 
land. Mrs.  Whitford  was  born  June  15,  1829, 
in  Deerfield,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y. ; was  graduated 
in  1848  by  Alfred  University;  was  married  to 
Mr.  Whitford,  March  23,  1852,  at  Shiloh,  N. 
J.,  where  they  were  both  engaged  in  teaching 
in  the  academy  of  that  place.  She  began  when 
only  fourteen  years  of  age  to  teach  a district 
school,  and  subsequently  conducted  a select 
school  at  Adams  Center,  N.  Y.,  and  was  the 
sole  instructor  for  three  years  in  a seminary  at 
New  Market,  N.  J.  Since  coming  to  Milton, 
in  1856,  she  has  taught — at  different  intervals 
— in  the  College  at  least  twenty-five  years. 
She  is  a woman  of  great  industry  and  ripe  cul- 
ture, and  endowed  with  a superior  moral  and 
religious  nature.  Four  children  have  blessed 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


157 


their  union,  only  one  of  whom  is  now  living : 
Minnie,  the  eldest,  died  at  the  age  of  five  years ; 
William,  when  sixteen  months  old;  Freddie, 
at  the  age  of  twelve  years;  and  Milton  Clarke, 
the  youngest,  was  born  Sept.  17,  1866,  at 
Milton,  where  he  still  resides,  and  is  a com- 
mercial traveler  in  Minnesota  and  the  two' 
Dakotas. 

President  Whitford  has  a powerful  physical 
and  mental  organiaztion,  and  has  been  trained 
to  habits  of  ceaseless  industry.  While  perform- 
ing an  immense  amount  of  work,  he  seldom 
shows  any  signs  of  fatigue.  He  is  exceedingly 
fond  of  public  speaking;  and  with  a full  voice, 
earnest  manner,  ready  action  of  mind,  and  a 
practical  view  of  the  questions  discussed,  he 
attracts  and  holds  closely  his  audiences.  He 
takes  the  greatest  delight  in  teaching  his  classes, 
usually  numbering  six  to  eight  daily,  and  pur- 
suing his  favorite  studies  in  history,  philoso- 
phy, rhetoric,  and  elocution.  In  fact,  from  his 
early  boyhood  he  has  always  considered  the 
principles,  methods,  and  uses  of  education  as 
furnishing  the  main  topics  for  his  investiga- 
tion and  for  advancement  by  his  personal  ef- 
forts. In  his  religious  opinions  and  practices 
he  is  entirely  devoid  of  cant  or  bigotry,  while 
his  convictions  in  respect  to  the  doctrines 
and  precepts  of  Christianity  are  firm  and 
ardent.  lie  has  the  pleasure  of  knowing 
that  the  youth  who  have  been  under  his 
instruction  have  reached  a higher  plane 
of  intelligence  and  culture,  and  have  been 
greatly  influenced  and  benefited  in  their 
moral  and  spiritual  careers.  President  Al- 
bert Salisbury,  of  the  State  Normal  School 
at  Whitewater,  Wis.,  who  completed  his  pre- 
paratory and  collegiate  courses  of  study  in 
Milton  College  under  the  administration  of 
Mr.  Whitford,  writes  of  him  as  follows : "But 
his  greatest  and  most  enduring  work  lies  in  the 
personal  impress  that  he  has  left  upon  thou- 
sands of  young  men  and  women  who  have 
passed  under  his  hand.  His  large  sympathetic 
nature,  his  high  ideals,  his  untiring  industry 
and  unquenchable  enthusiasm,  and,  above  all, 
his  own  life  of  steadfast  self-sacrifice,  have 
made  him  a source  of  inspiration  to  all  who 
come  within  his  circle  as  a teacher.” 

WILLIAM  H.  LONG,  a successful  dairy- 
man and  farmer  of  the  town  of  Platteville, 
Grant  county,  Wis.,  has  richly  earned  the  right 
to  be  written  up  among  the  successful  men  of 


his  calling  in  that  section.  He  has  gained  a 
good  share  of  this  world’s  goods  by  industry 
and  economy,  and  is  counted  a faithful  citizen 
and  a good  neighbor. 

Mr.  Long  was  born  in  the  town  of  Platte- 
ville Dec.  7,  1840,  and  is  a son  of  Louis  and 
Mary  (Gregory)  Long,  the  father  born  in 
Tennessee,  the  mother  in  [Missouri.  They 
were  among  the  first  settlers  of  Platteville. 
Mrs.  Gregory,  the  grandmother  of.  our  sub- 
ject, was  one  of  the  first  white  women  in  the 
town.  Louis  Long  settled  here  and  engaged 
in  mining,  and  carried  on  a teaming  business 
from  Galena,  111.  Here  he  reared  his  family, 
and  here  his  wife  died,  in  November,  1887. 
After  her  death  he  moved  to  Nebraska,  where 
he  passed  away  in  1893,  in  the  home  of  one  of 
his  daughters,  full  of  years  and  honor.  He 
was  noted  far  and  near  for  his  great  strength 
when  he  was  in  his  prime.  He  was  deeply 
religious,  and  helped  to  establish  the  Meth- 
odist Church  in  Platteville.  Politically,  he 
was  a Republican,  and  a strong  defender 
of  the  Union  during  the  Civil  war.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Long  had  three  children  of  their 
own,  and  one  adopted  daughter.  Andrew, 
their  oldest  son,  was  born  in  Platteville 
in  1838,  and  married  Catherine  Womack; 
they  lived  in  Platteville  until  a few  years 
ago,  when  he  moved  to  Lancaster.  Will- 
iam H.  is  the  gentleman  whose  name  appears 
at  the  beginning  of  this  article.  U.  I.,  born  in 
1842,  was  a soldier  in  the  25th  Wis.  V.  L, 
serving  with  his  brother  William  H.,  and  fol- 
lowed Sherman  to  the  sea;  he  was  seriously 
wounded  at  Atlanta,  but  survived  the  war,  mar- 
ried Margaret  Cummings,  and  is  a farmer  in 
Nebraska;  they  have  a family  of  six  children, 
Jesse,  Charles,  Lucy.  Fred,  Pearl,  and  Annie. 

William  H.  Long  grew  to  manhood  in 
Platteville,  where  he  attended  the  public 
school.  In  1863  he  enlisted  in  the  25th  Wis. 
V.  I.,  and  followed  the  fortunes  of  that  historic 
regiment  through  the  remaining  years  of  the 
war.  He  was  a good  soldier,  and  was  in  many 
hard-fought  battles,  was  at  Vicksburg  and  at 
Atlanta,  and  in  numerous  conflicts,  and  though 
many  of  his  regiment  were  killed  or  wounded 
he  was  unhurt.  Mr.  Long  belonged  to  the 
pioneer  corps,  and  was  often  detailed  as  for- 
ager. After  the  war  closed  he  returned  to 
wife  and  family,  having  married,  in  1861.  [Mrs. 
Minerva  Dowdy,  the  widow  of  Adolphus 
Dowdy.  Mrs.  Long  is  the  daughter  of  John 


153 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


and  Martha  Day,  a prominent  family  in  old 
Kentucky,  and  was  born  in  Lexington,  that 
State,  in  April,  1839,  coming  into  Wisconsin 
with  her  parents  when  very  young.  Her  fa- 
ttier settled  at  Lancaster,  remaining  there  some 
years,  lived  for  a time  in  Iowa  county,  and 
then  moved  to  Richland  Center,  where  he  died 
in  1855.  His  widow  survived  thirty  years, 
and  passed  her  last  days  in  Minnesota,  in  the 
home  of  a daughter. 

Mr.  Long  bought  his  present  farm  in  1867, 
and  took  up  his  home  there.  He  secured  eighty 
acres  northwest  of  Platte vi lie,  and  has  erected 
good  buildings,  and  cleared  up  one  of  the  fine 
farms  of  Grant  county,  his  land  being  all  under 
a good  state  of  cultivation,  and  stocked  with 
well-bred  horses  and  cattle.  Our  subject  and 
his  wife  have  had  five  children:  Rhoda  died  in 
childhood.  Frank,  born  in  1863,  died  in  1869. 
Nellie  M.,  born  in  1866,  married  William 
W aldron,  of  Omaha,  where  they  now  reside, 
with  one  son.  Cora  L.,  born  in  December, 
1870,  married  David  Burrows,  of  Harrison 
township;  they  reside  in  Grant  county,  and 
have  four  children,  Ella  M.,  Willie,  Albert  E. 
and  Katie  W.  William  A.,  born  Dec.  5,  1872, 
died  when  he  was  a lad  of  twelve  years.  Mrs. 
Long  had  two  children  by  her  first  husband : 
Mary  E.  is  the  wife  of  William  R.  Cummings, 
and  lives  in  Mr.  Long's  house;  they  have 
fourteen  children,  Edith,  Nettie,  Abbie,  Ida, 
Frank,  Clarence,  Annie,  Myrtie,  Mary,  Ethel, 
Clyde,  Jasper,  George  and  Lester.  Rosa  C., 
born  in  Jackson  county,  Wis.,  in  1857,  mar- 
ried Charles  Hoffman,  of  Omaha,  and  is  now 
deceased ; they  had  two  children,  Myrtie  and 
Hattie. 

Mr.  Long  has  always  been  connected  with 
the  Republican  party.  His  wife  is  a member 
of  the  Primitive  Methodist  Church,  and  while 
not  a member,  he  is  profoundly  interested  in 
the  welfare  of  the  same.  He  belongs  to  Sher- 
man Post,  G.  A.  R.,  at  Platteville.  While  in 
the  service,  and  when  he  was  a young  man, 
he  was  noted  for  his  wonderful  strength ; he 
has  been  known  to  lift  five  or  six  hundred 
pounds  as  easily  as  most  men  lift  a hundred. 

JOHN  C.  RECH.  The  life  of  Mr.  Rech 
has  been  filled  with  experiences  of  a shifting — 
and  not  infrequently  adventurous  and  exciting 
— character.  He  was  born  in  Bavaria,  Ger- 
many. July  6,  1821,  a son  of  Henry  and  Mar- 
garet (Rech)  Rech. 


Mr.  Rech  learned  the  trade  of  a baker  in 
his  father's  shop.  On  reaching  the  age  of  sev- 
enteen years  he  became  inflamed  with  a longing 
to  win  fortune  in  the  Western  hemisphere,  and 
in  1838  he  bade  adieu  to  home  and  kindred, 
and  set  sail  for  the  shores  of  America.  He 
landed  at  Baltimore,  and  for  a month  worked 
at  his  trade.  But  wages  were  exceedingly 
low,  and  an  offer  of  one  dollar  per  day  as  a 
workman  to  dig  a canal  then  in  process  of 
construction  attracted  him.  For  two  or  three 
months  he  was  thus  employed,  when  exposure 
induced  a low,  malarial  fever,  and  for  eight 
months  he  lay  in  bed  at  Havre  de  Grace.  When 
he  was  able  to  be  about  he  found  his  way  to 
a Dunkard  settlement  near  Little  York,  Penn. 
The  people,  in  accordance  with  the  precepts  of 
their  faith,  cared  well  for  him  during  one  win- 
ter, and  with  the  return  of  spring  he  felt  able 
to  resume  hard  work.  His  kind  friends  had 
told  him  at  the  outset  that  such  work  as  his 
health  would  permit  him  to  perform  would  be 
accepted  by  way  of  payment  for  board  and 
care;  but  so  faithfully  and  satisfactorily  had 
he  done  what  he  was  able  that,  when  he  left 
them,  he  was  presented  with  a suit  of  clothes 
and  eleven  dollars  in  money.  Going  to  Colum- 
bia, lie  found  work  with  a lumberman,  who 
employed  him  to  haul  logs  from  the  Susque- 
hanna to  his  sawmill,  and  at  this  he  was  able, 
for  a time,  to  earn  two  dollars  a day.  He  was 
liked  and  trusted  by  his  employer,  who  offered 
him  a position  in  his  own  home,  as  a sort  of 
“handy  man"  about  the  house,  the  compensa- 
tion to  be  eight  dollars  per  month,  with  board, 
and  an  opportunity  to  be  given  him  to  attend 
school.  This  proposal  young  Rech  gladly  ac- 
cepted. But  he  was  young  in  years,  awkward 
in  manners,  and  utterly  without  familiarity 
with  the  ways  of  the  world,  and  soon  found 
himself  unequal  to  the  task  of  enduring  the 
ridicule  which  was  heaped  upon  the  head  of  the 
“green,"  overgrown,  German  boy.  He  ac- 
cordingly once  more  set  forth,  to  seek  another 
home,  which  he  found  with  Judge  Braden,  of 
Butler,  Penn.,  who  hired  him  as  a farm  hand. 
It  was  there  that  he  obtained  his  first  naturali- 
zation papers,  which  were  issued  to  him  by  the 
Judge  himself.  From  Columbia  he  went  to 
Lockport,  N.  Y.,  and  it  was  there,  in  1840,  that 
(although  without  sanction  of  law)  he  cast  his 
first  Presidential  ballot,  voting  for  Harrison 
and  Tyler.  For  a short  time  he  worked  on  the 
Erie  and  the  Maumee  canals,  and  in  the  autumn 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


159 


of  1840  drifted  to  the  lead  mines  of  Galena 
and  southwestern  Wisconsin.  For  several 
years  he  spent  his  summers  in  the  mines  and 
his  winters  in  Ohio. 

A natural  fondness  for  military  affairs  in- 
duced Mr.  Rech  to  join  a military  company 
at  Cincinnati,  which  was  ordered  to  support 
Gen.  Taylor  on  the  Rio  Grande  four  months 
before  the  actual  declaration  of  war  by  Con- 
gress. The  company  to  which  Mr.  Rech  be- 
longed was  assigned  to  Gen.  Butler’s  brigade, 
his  division  commander  being  Gen.  Hamer, 
and  they  took  part  in  the  battles  of  Monterey 
and  Buena  Vista.  Mr.  Rech  attended  and 
nursed  Gen.  Hamer  after  the  latter  was  wound- 
ed at  Monterey,  and  that  gallant,  intrepid  lead- 
er died  in  his  arms.  Mr.  Rech's  company  was 
called  into  service  for  twelve  months  only,  and 
at  the  expiration  of  that  period  the  majority 
of  the  men  returned  home,  but  not  the  young 
naturalized  citizen  from  Bavaria.  He  enlisted 
in  another  regiment,  which  was  attached  to  the 
command  of  Gen.  Scott,  and  took  part  in  the 
advance  on  the  City  of  Mexico,  but  peace  was 
declared  while  his  regiment  was  yet  forty-five 
miles  from  the  conquered  capital.  The  war 
ended,  Mr.  Rech  returned  to  Grant  county, 
Wis.,  settling  at  Potosi,  and  for  many  years 
worked  in  the  mines  and  smelting  works.  In 
1878  he  purchased  the  farm  on  which  he  has 
lived  for  over  twenty-two  years,  honored  by  his 
fellow  citizens  and  beloved  by  his  friends.  The 
trials,  exposures  and  hardships  attendant  upon 
the  vicissitudes  of  his  early  life  have  not,  how- 
ever, failed  to  leave  their  impress  upon  his 
physique.  He  is  now  (1901)  in  his  eightieth 
year,  yet  his  intellect  remains  clear ; and  if  his 
mind  dwells  largely  upon  memories  of  the  past, 
his  spiritual  vision  looks  forward  to  the  future 
without  dread. 

On  Sept.  9,  1849,  Mr.  Rech  married  Mary 
Toulouse,  by  whom  he  has  had  four  children, 
Henry,  Margaret,  Rebecca  and  John.  Mrs. 
Rech  was  born  near  Dubuque,  Iowa,  Jan.  5, 
1834.  Time  has  dealt  gently  with  her.  and 
she  shows  but  few  marks  of  his  touch.  She  is 
a daughter  of  Jefferson  and  Rebecca  Toulouse, 
who  migrated  from  Canada  to  Potosi,  Wis., 
while  comparatively  young.  Mr.  Toulouse  died 
there,  upon  his  farm,  May  2 9,  1891,  at  the  age 
of  eighty-five  years.  His  widow  survived 
nearly  nine  years,  and  fell  asleep  Feb.  22,  1900, 
at  the  home  of  her  daughter  in  Oklahoma  Ter- 
ritory. They  were  the  parents  of  eleven  chil- 


dren, and  two  of  their  sons,  John  and  Joseph, 
did  gallant  service  during  the  Civil  war  as 
members  of  the  25th  Wis.  V.  I.  Mrs.  Rech  is 
the  eldest  of  her  parents’  surviving  children,  the 
others  being  Mrs.  Rebecca  Schawp,  John, 
Peter,  Jefferson,  Joseph,  Mrs.  Ella  Vanatta, 
Theresa  (the  wife  of  Barney  Vannatta),  and 
Mrs.  Margaret  Scott  (the  latter  of  Cloverdale, 
California). 

EDWARD  BYRNE,  deceased.  Among 
the  prominent  citizens  of  Smelser  township, 
Grant  county,  who  have  passed  out  of  life, 
leaving  an  honorable  history  behind,  was  Ed- 
ward Byrne,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Mr.  Byrne  was  born  in  County  Wicklow, 
Ireland,  in  1811,  a son  of  Christopher  a-  cl 
Catherine  (Murphy)  Byrne;  grew  to  man- 
hood and  married,  and  was  a widower,  with 
five  sons  and  two  daughters,  when  he  decided 
to  make  a new  home  and  find  better  oppor- 
tunities for  his  children  in  America.  Arriving 
in  the  United  States  in  1847,  he  was  attracted 
to  the  town  of  Hazel  Green,  Wis.,  on  account 
of  the  proximity  of  the  mines.  The  children 
mentioned  were : Edward,  the  eldest.  Mary 

A.,  who  married  Charles  Breen,  died  in  Hazel 
Green,  leaving  two  children,  Thomas  and 
Ellen ; the  former  married  Delia  Ryan,  anti 
the  latter  became  the  wife  of  Samuel  Haw- 
kins. Thomas  died  in  1873.  Katie  married 
Patrick  Rogan  before  coming  to  America, 
where  they  first  settled  at  Hazel  Green  and 
later  at  Ironwood,  Mich. ; there  her  husband 
died,  leaving  two  children,  James  and  Maggie. 
Richard  resides  in  Cuba  City.  Henry  died  on 
his  way  home  from  California.  John  is  a 
resident  of  Cuba  City.  Thus  the  name  has 
been  scattered  over  a wide  territory. 

In  1848  Mr.  Byrne  married  Miss  Esther 
Deevy,  of  Grant  county,  who  was  born  in  Ire- 
land Aug.  2,  1822,  the  capable  daughter  of 
Edward  and  Anna  (Murry)  Deevy,  both  of 
whom  lived  in  Ireland.  Two  children  were 
born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Deevy : Esther,  Mrs. 

Byrne;  and  John,  who  is  supposed  to  have 
died  in  Ireland.  Mrs.  Byrne  was  educated  in 
her  native  country,  and  was  the  only  member 
of  her  family  to  find  a home  in  America.  After 
their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Byrne  lived  at 
Hazel  Green,  where  he  continued  to  mine  until 
1854.  in  that  year  purchasing  the  home  in 
Smelser  township  where  he  resided  until  his 
death,  in  July,  1888.  During  his  life  Mr. 


i6o 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Byrne  took  a great  interest  in  his  farm,  and 
improved  and  beautified  it  with  comfortable 
and  appropriate  buildings,  also  placing  the 
land  under  the  best  state  of  cultivation.  At 
the  time  of  his  death  he  was  possessed  of  160 
acres  of  fine  land,  where  his  family  enjoy  all 
the  comforts  of  life.  The  daily  existence  of 
this  good  man  was  directed  by  the  teachings 
of  the  Catholic  Church,  of  which  he  and  all 
his  family  have  ever  been  consistent  members. 
A family  of  nine  children  was  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Byrne:  Christopher,  born  in  Benton, 

Lafayette  county,  in  December,  1848,  married 
Ellen  Killbride,  who  was  a daughter  of  Michael 
and  Ellen  Killbride,  one  of  Grant  county's  pio- 
neer families;  they  have  seven  children.  Katie, 
born  in  1851,  .married  Ambrose  Brown  and 
died  soon  afterward  in  Iowa.  Henry,  born 
in  Hazel  Green,  in  1853,  died  in  1896,  a young 
man  of  good  parts,  who  was  regretted  by  all. 
Mary  A.,  born  Aug.  6,  1856,  is  a student  at  the 
home  schools,  and  she  and  her  sister  Esther 
care  for  their  aged  mother.  Edward,  born  in 
1858,  manages  the  home  farm.  Thomas,  born 
in  i860,  resides  at  home.  Esther,  born  in 
1861,  a very  estimable  lady,  manages  the  house- 
hold in  connection  with  her  sister  Mary.  Julia, 
born  in  1863,  died  in  childhood.  John,  born 
in  1S65,  lives  at  home. 

In  politics  Mr.  Byrne  was  a Democrat,  and 
his  sons  have  followed  in  his  footsteps.  This 
is  one  of  the  fine  old  families  of  Grant  county, 
one  that  has  helped  place  her  in  the  van  in  the 
State  of  Wisconsin. 

GEORGE  LUCIUS  COLLIE,  A.  M„ 
Ph.  D.  This  is  a name  familiar  to  tiie  students 
of  Beloit  College,  and  to  the  world  of  educa- 
tion, as  the  professor  of  geology  in  that  excel- 
lent institution.  He  was  a student  there  in  his 
earlier  life,  and  attracted  attention  by  the  fine 
work  he  was  doing  throughout  his  college 
course.  Passing  from  its  walls,  he  went 
abroad  to  make  a more  thorough  preparation 
for  his  life  work  as  a teacher  and  instructor  in 
the  higher  learning.  For  nine  years  he  has 
been  a member  of  the  Faculty  of  Beloit,  at  pres- 
ent serving  as  the  Dean  of  the  Faculty.  He 
is  doing  the  same  solid  work  that  has  charac- 
terized his  entire  life,  and  is  a popular  and  help- 
ful personality  among  the  young  people,  upon 
whom  his  influence  for  good  is  pronounced. 

Dr.  Collie  was  born  at  Delavan,  Wis.,  Aug. 
11,  1857,  a son  of  Rev.  Joseph  and  Ann 


(Foote)  Collie,  natives  of  Scotland  and  Ohio, 
respectively.  They  were  the  parents  of  five 
children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living:  Prof. 
George  L. ; Arthur,  an  army  surgeon  at  Iloilo, 
Panay;  Winfred,  a dentist  at  Delavan,  Wis.; 
and  Glenwood,  a student  of  medicine  in  Chi- 
cago. Rev.  Joseph  Collie  was  a Congrega- 
tional clergyman  in  Delavan,  and  had  been 
pastor  of  a church  in  that  city  for  more  than 
forty  years.  He  is  now  a resident  of  Williams 
Bay,  Wis.  He  was  a chaplain  of  the  Chris- 
tian Commission,  and  stationed  in  Kentucky, 
during  the  war  of  the  Rebellion.  His  father, 
George  Collie,  a native  of  Aberdeenshire, 
Scotland,  was  a stone-mason,  and  died  in  his 
native  land  when  a young  man.  He  was  the 
father  of  three  sons.  Lucius  Foote,  the  father 
of  Ann,  was  a native  of  Massachusetts,  of  Eng- 
lish descent,  and  was  also  a Congregational 
minister.  He  died  in  Sacramento,  Cal.,  at  the 
age  of  ninety.  He  was  the  father  of  two  sons 
and  one  daughter. 

Prof.  George  L.  Collie  spent  his  youth  and 
early  manhood  under  the  parental  roof  at  De- 
lavan, Wis.,  where  he  was  graduated  from  the 
local  high  school  in  1875.  He  immediately 
connected  himself  with  Beloit  College,  in  the 
city  of  Beloit,  and  was  graduated  from  that  in- 
stitution in  1881.  His  studious  youth  gave 
promise  of  excellent  scholarship  in  his  riper 
years,  a promise  that  was  largely  fulfilled  in  his 
college  course.  The  young  collegian  was  em- 
ployed for  a year  in  a railroad  office  in  Chicago, 
as  a freight  reviser,  and  then  became  the  assist- 
ant principal  in  the  Delavan  schools.  He  did 
such  satisfactory  work  that  he  was  made  prin- 
cipal of  the  same  schools.  From  Delavan  he 
went  to  Harvard  College,  where  he  did  post- 
graduate work  for  three  years,  and  earned  and 
received  the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Philosophy, in 
1893.  The  same  year  he  was  invited  to  Beloit 
College,  to  take  the  chair  of  geology.  He  ac- 
cepted the  invitation,  and  this  field  has  been  the 
scene  of  his  work  to  the  present  time.  He  is 
a capable  teacher,  understands  his  subject  thor- 
oughly, and  presents  it  in  a magnetic  and  in- 
spiring way,  well  calculated  to  arouse  the  en- 
thusiasm of  his  pupils. 

Dr.  Collie  and  Katharine  A.  Burrows  were 
united  in  marriage  March  26,  1896.  They 
have  a fine  home  and  a pleasant  residence  at 
No.  920  College  street,  Beloit.  Mrs.  Collie 
is  the  daug'hter  of  Harmon  Ary  and  Eliza 
(Hatch)  Ary,  of  Ohio.  Dr,  Collie  and  his 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


1 6 1 


wife  are  members  of  the  First  Congregational 
Church  of  Beloit.  He  is  a member  of  the  Beta 
Theta  Pi  college  fraternity.  He  has  published 
a number  of  geological  papers,  and  is  a Fellow 
of  the  Geological  Society,  of  America.  Po- 
litically the  Doctor  is  a Republican. 

PERRY  C.  WILDER,  now  serving  his 
third  term  as  mayor  of  the  city  of  Evansville, 
Rock  county,  is  a member  of  the  firm  of  Bar- 
nard & Wilder,  wholesale  dealers  in  leaf 
tobacco,  and  is  one  of  the  most  conspicuous  and 
energetic  business  men  of  Rock  county. 

Mr.  Wilder  was  born  in  Granger,  Medina 
Co.,  Ohio,  Nov.  7,  1S52,  and  is  a son  of  Calvin 
H.  and  Mary  Ann  (Oviatt)  Wilder,  natives 
of  Connecticut  and  Ohio,  respectively.  They 
were  the  parents  of  six  sons  and  one  daughter, 
and  four  of  their  children  are  now  living : 
Perry  C.,  of  Evansville;  Stephen  C.,  of  Chi- 
cago; Carey  C.,  of  Denver,  Colo.;  and  New- 
ton D.,  of  Evansville.  The  father,  who  was  a 
Baptist  minister,  came  from  Ohio  in  1864, 
locating  at  Argyle,  Lafayette  Co.,  Wis.,  and 
preached  there  until  1868,  in  which  year  he 
moved  to  Evansville  for  the  sake  of  his  chil- 
dren’s education.  He  preached  at  various 
points  for  a number  of  years,  among  them 
being  Windsor,  Middleton  and  Avon.  He 
died  in  Evansville  in  1887,  at  the  age  of  sixty- 
three.  His  wife  died  in  1873,  when  forty- 
eight  years  old.  His  father,  William  Wilder, 
was  a native  of  Connecticnt,  and  was  one  of 
the  pioneer  settlers  in  Medina  county,  Ohio, 
where  he  hewed  a farm  out  of  the  solid  forest, 
and  spent  his  remaining  years  in  that  com- 
munity, being  about  seventy-five  years  old 
when  he  died.  He  was  a captain  in  the  State 
militia.  Great-grandfather  Wilder  was  a Rev- 
olutionary soldier.  The  Wilders  came  origin- 
ally from  England,  but  there  is  much  German 
bood  in  their  veins.  The  maternal  grand- 
father of  Perry  C.  Wilder  was  a farmer,  and 
lived  in  Wayne  county,  Ohio.  He  was  about 
sixty  years  old  at  his  death. 

Perry  C.  AA  ilder  came  with  his  parents  to 
AAdsconsin  and  lived  at  Argyle  until  he  was 
sixteen,  and  attended  Evansville  Seminary. 
He  taught  school  when  he  was  fifteen  years 
old.  He  was  a clerk  for  Hon.  L.  T.  Pullen, 
of  Evansville,  until  the  firm  was  merged  into 
that  of  Winston,  Pullen  & Co.,  the  first  bank- 
ing house  of  Evansville.  He  kept  their  books 
until  1873,  when  he  and  Charles  F.  P.  Pullen 
11 


formed  a partnership  and  engaged  in  a general 
mercantile  business.  The  firm  was  dissolved, 
and  Mr.  AAbkler  entered  the  employment  of 
E.  D.  Barnard,  in  his  tobacco  business,  and  in 
1882  became  a member  of  the  firm,  which  had 
been  known  as  E.  D.  Barnard  & Son.  In  1893 
it  became  Barnard  & Wilder,  E.  D.  Barnard 
retiring  and  his  son  Shasta  continuing.  They 
have  warehouses  at  Oregon  and  Madison, 
AAds.,  as  well  as  at  Evansville.  They  employ 
125  hands,  and  ship  their  tobacco  all  over  the 
United  States  and  into  Germany. 

Air.  Wilder  and  Afiss  Alice  D.  Pease, 
daughter  of  Milton  and  Sarah  (Black)  Pease, 
were  united  in  marriage  June  26,  1890,  and 
they  have  one  son.  Marlin  Elliott.  Air.  AYilder 
is  a Baptist  and  his  wife  a Methodist.  They 
have  an  elegant  home  at  No.  236  AAYst  Alain 
street.  Mr.  Wilder  belongs  to  Union  Lodge, 
No.  32,  A.  F.  & A.  M. ; Evansville  Chapter,  No. 
35,  R.  A.  M. ; Janesville  Commandery.  No.  2, 
K.  T. ; the  Knights  of  Pythias  ; the  Knights 
of  the  Globe ; Leota  Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F. ; and 
the  Daughters  of  Rebekah  and  Order  of  the 
Eastern  ■ Star.  Airs.  Wilder  also  belongs  to 
the  two  last  named.  Our  subject  is  a Repub- 
lican, and  has  been  very  active  in  public  af- 
fairs. He  was  first  elected  mayor  of  Evans- 
ville in  1899;  was  president  of  the  village  board 
the  last  year  ( 1895)  that  organization  existed; 
was  a village  trustee  in  1887  ; and  was  clerk 
of  the  town  of  Union  in  1879  and  1880.  He 
was  a member  of  the  county  board  in  1895  and 
1896,  has  been  a member  of  the  board  of  edu- 
cation for  eight  years,  and  is  now  clerk  of  that 
body.  He  is  serving  his  second  term  as  a 
member  of  the  Republican  State  central  com- 
mittee from  the  First  Congressional  District. 
Mr.  Wilder  held  the  postoffice  under  President 
Harrison  from  1890  to  1893,  and  resigned  on 
account  of  other  pressing  business  interests. 

THOAIAS  J.  JONES.  The  pioneer  set- 
tlers of  any  locality  who  attained  success  were 
men  of  hardy  enterprise  and  indomitable  spirit, 
and  those  who  came  in  the  early  days  to  this 
part  of  Wisconsin  were  no  exception  to  the 
rule.  Among  those  who  since  1850  have 
found  a happy  dwelling  place  within  the  bor- 
ders of  Lafayette  county,  and  have  left  the  im- 
press of  their  own  individuality  upon  its  ac- 
tivities, is  Thomas  J.  Jones,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch. 

Air.  Jones  was  born  in  North  AAffiles  Alarch 


i62 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


23,  1823,  son  of  John  and  Jane  Jones,  both  of 
■whom  were  also  born  in  Wales,  where  the 
mother  passed  her  last  days.  The  father  came 
to  America,  and  in  his  old  age  was  ministered 
to  by  our  subject  until  his  death,  in  1871.  Our 
subject  came  to  America  on  a sailing  vessel, 
landing  in  New  Orleans  in  1848,  the  journey 
consuming  two  months.  He  then  made  his 
way  up  the  Mississippi  river  as  far  as  Galena, 
thence  to  Dodgeville,  in  Iowa  county,  Wis., 
where  he  immediately  found  employment  at  his 
trade  of  mason.  In  1850  he  made  a purchase 
from  Major  Rountree,  of  Platteville,  of  160 
acres  of  land,  his  present  farm,  upon  which  he 
erected  a rock  house,  in  which  he  has  resided 
until  the  present  time.  Following  his  trade, 
he  built  many  rock  houses  throughout  Grant, 
Iowa,  and  Lafayette  counties,  all  of  these  at- 
testing his  superior  work,  as  they  will  long  re- 
main after  he  is  gathered  to  his  fathers. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Jones  occurred  in 
1852,  to  Margaret  Devaney,  of  Mineral  Point, 
a daughter  of  Robert  and  Jane  Devaney,  who 
were  born  in  Wales,  where  they  died.  Mrs. 
Jones  was  born  in  Wales  in  1825.  After  mar- 
riage Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jones  settled  in  the  new 
home,  where  for  thirty-six  years  they  lived  in 
happiness,  the  death  of  Mrs.  Jones,  in  1888, 
breaking  the  tender  tie.  Mrs.  Jones  was  a 
woman  of  Christian  character  and  her  cheer- 
ful and  capable  management  in  the  privations 
of  pioneer  life,  with  its  toil  and  danger,  en- 
deared her  not  only  to  her  own  family  but  to 
all  others  who  came  within  her  acquaintance. 

The  children  born  of  this  union  were  five 
in  number : Robert  died  when  two  years  old. 

John,  born  in  1855,  married  in  California, 
where  he  still  resides,  being  a bookkeeper  in  a 
mint  in  that  State ; he  was  a cadet  in  a military 
school  in  San  Francisco  from  which  he  grad- 
uated. Mary,  born  in  1856,  married  John 
Prytchect.  Annie,  born  in  1858,  married 
Morris  Jones,  a native  of  Wales,  and  they  now 
reside  in  Gage  county,  Neb.,  where  they  own 
a half  section  of  land;  they  have  a family  of 
six  children,  Maggie,  Miriam,  fennie,  Owen, 
Will  iam,  and  May.  the  two  eldest  being  mar- 
ried. Elizabeth,  born  in  i860,  married  Rob- 
ert R.  Hughes,  in  Iowa  county,  where  they  live 
on  a farm ; they  have  three  children,  Lena, 
Thomas  and  Maggie. 

John  Prytchect,  the  husband  of  the  eldest 
daughter  of  our  subject,  was  born  in  Wales 
July  16,  1844,  coming  to  Wisconsin  in  1868 


and,  settling  on  the  Jones  homestead  after  his 
marriage,  he  managed  the  latter  as  well  as  his 
own.  His  land  comprises  a whole  section 
adjoining  that  of  his  father-in-law.  Mrs. 
Prytchect  died  in  1889,  and  in  1895  Mr. 
Prytchect  was  again  married,  his  second  wife 
being  Miss  Ellen  Thomas,  the  daughter  of  T. 
O.  and  Ellen  Thomas,  who  came  to  this  county 
in  1892;  she  was  born  in  1864  in  Wales,  where 
she  received  a good  education.  The  children 
of  the  first  marriage  were:  Thomas  P.,  born 

in  1873,  who  married  Elsie  Evans;  Margaret, 
born  in  1875,  who  married  Eugene  Euloe; 
John,  born  in  1877,  who  married  Adeline 
Sillier,  of  Platteville;  Robert,  born  in  1888; 
and  Samuel,  born  in  1886,  who  died  two  years 
later.  Mr.  Prytchect  is  one  of  the  leading 
stockgrowers  of  this  section,  owning  much 
cattle  and  many  fine  horses,  besides  great  num- 
bers of  fine  hogs. 

Although  Mr.  Jones  began  life  in  Wiscon- 
sin without  a dollar,  he  has,  by  the  exercise  of 
energy,  good  judgment  and  thrift,  become  one 
of  the  substantial  and  moneyed  men  of  Lafay- 
ette county.  Fortunate  transactions  in  real 
estate  resulted  prosperously  for  him,  and  al- 
though during  his  life  he  has  seen  much  hard- 
ship, and  worked  industriously,  he  has  now  the 
reward.  The  people  of  the  community  where 
he  has  lived  so  long  look  upon  him  with  re- 
spect, and  he  will  long  be  remembered  for  the 
many  acts  of  generosity  and  kindness  which 
he  has  delighted  to  show  to  those  less  fortu- 
nate than  himself. 

STEPHEN  VIVIAN,  a well-known  and 
popular  citizen  of  Lancaster,  Grant  county, 
first  came  here  in  1858.  He  was  born  in  Corn- 
wall, England,  Oct.  20,  1825,  a son  of  James 
and  Elizabeth  Vivian,  who  passed  their  lives 
in  Cornwall. 

The  mother  died  when  Stephen  was  three 
years  old  leaving  himself  and  sister  Mary,  who 
was  a young  girl  when  brought  to  America  by 
her  brother,  in  1848.  She  married,  and  at  her 
death  left  a daughter.  Mr.  Vivian  is  thus  the 
only  member  of  his  father’s  family  living,  as 
far  as  can  be  ascertained,  although  his  father 
married  a second  time  and  had  born  to  him  a 
son. 

Stephen  Vivian  learned  blacksmithing  in 
his  native  country,  and  in  1848  came  to  the 
United  States,  at  once  locating  at  Dodgeville, 
Iowa  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he  engaged  in  lead 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


163 


mining  for  one  season.  He  then  went  to  what 
was  known  as  Franklin,  now  called  Island.  In 
the  spring  of  1849  he  went  to  the  Lake  Super- 
ior country,  and  worked  at  his  trade  until  1858, 
when  he  came  to  Lancaster  township,  follow- 
ing farming  until  1863.  He  then  returned 
to  the  mining  district  of  the  North,  and  for 
twelve  years  was  employed  in  the  iron  mines 
of  Marquette  county,  Mich.  In  1875  he  came 
again  to  Lancaster  township  and  resumed 
. farming  operations,  but  since  1885  his  resi- 
dence has  been  in  Lancaster  city. 

Mr.  Vivian  was  married,  in  1852,  to  Miss 
Frances  Harvey,  who  died  in  1885,  and  in  1887 
he  married  Miss  Elizabeth  Angwin,  who  was 
born  in  England  and  came  to  this  country  with 
her  parents,  Richard  and  Frances  (Tippett) 
Angwin.  They  first  located  in  Illinois,  later 
removed  to  Michigan,  and  finally  returned  to 
Illinois,  dying  at  Galena — both  on  the  same 
day,  Jan.  31,  1892.  Mrs.  Vivian  was  one  of 
a family  of  eight  children,  of  whom  seven  are 
still  living,  viz. : Mrs.  Jane  Bowden,  Mrs. 

Martha  Annette,  Mrs.  Salina  Goldthrop.  and 
Miss  Eliza,  all  of  Galena,  111. ; Mrs.  Mary  Os- 
borne, of  Michigan;  Richard,  who  lives  in 
Missouri ; and  Mrs.  Vivian;  the  deceased,  Will- 
iam, died  Dec.  31,  1854.  at  the  age  of  ten  years. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Vivian  is  funda- 
mentally a Republican,  but  at  times  lie  votes 
the  Prohibition  ticket.  It  can  truthfully  be 
said  of  Mr.  Vivian,  what  can  be  said  of  but 
few  men,  that  he  has  not  tasted  liquor  for  the 
sixty-five  years  since  he  signed  the  pledge, 
when  a boy  ten  years  old,  and  it  may  well  be 
questioned  whether  he  had  tasted  it  prior  to 
that  age;  and  it  can  be  added  that  he  never 
used  tobacco  in  any  form.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Viv- 
ian have  a most  pleasant  home,  which  is  the 
abiding  place  of  true  domestic  felicity.  They 
are  consistent  members  of  the  Methodist 
Church,  and  are  well  known  to  and  truly  re- 
spected by  every  resident  of  the  township  and 
majiy  others  outside  its  limits. 

BURTON  SUMNER  has  been  long  identi- 
fied with  the  growth  and  development  of  Grant 
county,  of  which,  with  occasional  brief  inter- 
vals, he  has  been  a resident  for  nearly  sixty 
years.  He  has  entered  upon  the  seventh  de- 
cade of  his  life  with  rugged  strength  and  un- 
clouded intellect,  hale,  hearty  and  well-pre- 
served in  both  mind  and  body.  He  was  born 
in  Erie  county,  N.  Y.,  Nov.  7,  1839,  a son  of 


Joshua  and  Anna  Sumner,  natives  of  New 
York. 

Joshua  Sumner,  not  wholly  satisfied  with 
his  environment,  came  to  Wisconsin  on  what 
may  be  said  to  have  been  a prospecting  tour 
in  the  spring  of  1843.  Being  satisfied  with 
what  he  saw,  and  perceiving  a bright  outlook 
for  the  then  sparsely  settled  territory,  he  select- 
ed a location  at  British  Hollow,  in  the  mining 
region  of  Southwestern  Wisconsin.  He  sent 
word  to  his  wife  to  meet  him  with  their  fam- 
ily, then  consisting  of  six  children  (all  yet  liv- 
ing)— the  youngest  not  being  born  until  1845 
— to  accompany  him  to  their  new  home  in  a 
country  whose  resources  had  yet  to  be  devel- 
oped, whose  forests  were  to  be  felled,  and 
whose  virgin  soil  was  to  be  reduced  to  sub- 
jection. In  the  autumn  of  that  year  (1843) 
the  family  started  on  the  toilsome,  tedious  jour- 
ney. They  traveled  by  water  to  Chicag'o  (then 
a mere  muddy,  straggling  settlement)  and 
thence  by  ox-team  to  their  point  of  destina- 
tion, the  husband  and  father  meeting  them  at 
Chicago.  After  a residence  of  twelve  years  at 
the  "Hollow”  the  family  removed  to  Hurri- 
cane. In  that  township  is  situated  Mr.  Sum- 
ner's farm,  and  at  his  home  his  father  passed 
away  in  1895,  his  mother  having  gone  to  her 
reward  many  years  before.  The  children,  four 
daughters  and  three  sons,  are  Sarah,  Eliza- 
beth, Almira,  Olive,  Byron,  Burton,  and 
George  W. 

At  the  outbreak  of  the  Rebellion  Burton 
Sumner’s  veins  were  filled  with  patriotic  fire, 
and  in  1862  he  enlisted  in  Company  C,  25th 
Wis.  V.  I.,  commanded  by  the  celebrated  Col. 
(afterward  Gen.)  Jeremiah  M.  Rusk,  who  sub- 
sequently filled  Wisconsin's  gubernatorial 
chair.  The  record  of  the  25th  is  unsurpassed 
by  that  of  any  of  the  gallant  regiments  which 
left  the  State  to  fight,  to  suffer  and  to  win  re- 
nown in  Southern  bivouac  and  on  Southern 
battlefields.  At  the  time  of  its  being  mustered 
in  the  regiment  was  ordered  to  proceed  from 
LaCrosse  into  Minnesota,  which  State  was 
then  being  terrorized  by  Indian  raids,  and  the 
men's  first  experience  of  actual  danp-er  came 
early  in  their  term  of  service.  The  Redskins 
having  been  whipped  into  submission,  the  com- 
mand proceeded  to  Columbus,  Ivy.,  and  thence 
to  Snyder’s  Bluff,  on  the  Mississippi,  where  it 
constituted  a part  of  the  force  deployed  to  pre- 
vent Gen.  Joseph  E.  Johnston  from  attacking 
Grant  in  the  rear  or  going  to  the  relief  of  Pern- 


164 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD . 


berton,  who  was  then  hemmed  up  in  Vicksburg. 
Climatic  influence  and  bad  water  brought  about 
an  epidemic  of  malarial  fever  among  the 
Northern  troops,  and  Mr.  Sumner  was  one  of 
the  large  number  thus  affected.  In  fact,  so 
general  was  the  scourge  that  at  one  time  only 
fifteen  members  of  his  company  were  able  to 
report  for  duty,  while  the  percentage  of  sick 
men  in  other  companies  was  little,  if  at  all, 
lower.  After  the  surrender  of  Vicksburg  the 
25th  was  ordered  to  Helena,  Ark.,  whence  they 
returned  to  Vicksburg  in  time  to  take  part  in 
the  famous  raid  on  Meridian,  Miss.,  joining 
Sherman’s  army  at  Resaca,  and  fighting  in  all 
the  hotly-contested  battles  around  Atlanta. 
Immediately  after  the  engagement  at  Jones- 
boro Mr.  Sumner  was  taken,  broken  in  health, 
to  the  hospital  at  Marietta,  Ga.,  returning  to 
Atlanta  about  the  time  that  Gen.  Sherman  set 
out  for  Savannah.  Being  unable,  because  of 
physical  disability,  to  accompany  his  regiment, 
he — in  company  with  many  of  his  comrades — 
was  sent  home  on  a sick  furlough.  Having 
measurably  regained  his  health  he  reported  for 
duty  at  Madison,  but  owing  to  the  interruption 
of  communication  with  Sherman’s  army  it  was 
impossible  to  send  the  convalescents  forward 
until,  three  months  had  elapsed,  the  men  mean- 
while chafing  at  their  enforced  inactivity. 
Finally,  news  being  received  of  the  army's  ar- 
rival at  the  Atlantic  coast,  he  and  his  compan- 
ions were  at  once  sent  forward,  going  through 
Hilton  Head,  N.  C.,  to  Broad  River,  where 
Mr.  Sumner  remained  in  the  convalescent  camp 
for  a fortnight.  He  at  length  rejoined  his 
regiment  at  Raleigh,  and  was  received  with  a 
hearty  welcome,  Gen.  Rusk  himself  taking  the 
private  by  the  hand  and  congratulating  him 
on  his  return,  saying,  “We  will  have  music 
now  till  you  can’t  rest.”  The  surrender  of 
Johnston  to  Sherman  put  an  end  to  further 
warfare  in  the  Carol  inas,  and  from  Raleigh  the 
victorious  army  proceeded  on  its  long,  toil- 
some march  to  Washington.  The  25th  par- 
ticipated in  the  grand  review  at  the  National 
capital,  and  was  mustered  out  in  June,  1865. 

Mr.  Sumner  was  married  in  1866  to  Irena 
M.  Richardson,  whose  father,  Harris  Richard- 
son, married  Lucy  Gordon,  whose  birthplace 
was  in  Connecticut.  Mr.  Richardson  was 
born  in  New  York,  removed  with  his  family  to 
Ohio,  and  thence  to  Southwestern  Wisconsin, 
settling  at  Hurricane,  Grant  county,  at  an  early 
date  in  the  county’s  history.  He  died  there  in 


i860,  and  his  widow  in  1866.  Mrs.  Sumner 
is  one  of  a family  of  five  children,  all  of  whom 
are  yet  living.  She  has  borne  her  husband 
three  children : Mary,  George  and  Rosa. 

Mr.  Sumner,  as  may  be  readily  believed 
from  the  story  of  his  life,  is  a man  whom  his 
fellow  townsmen  hold  in  deservedly  high 
esteem.  Genial,  generous,  industrious  and  up- 
right, his  friends  are  many,  and  he  is  most, 
thoroughly  respected  by  those  who  know  him 
best.  Lancaster  has  been  his  home  since  he 
first  fixed  his  residence  there,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  his  period  of  military  service  and  the 
seven  years  between  1876  and  1883,  when  he 
and  his  family  resided  at  Lac  qui  Parle,  Min- 
nesota. 

JOHN  JOHNS,  one  of  the  leading  stock 
dealers  and  farmers  of  Smelser  township, 
Grant  county,  is  a native  of  Smelser,  having- 
been  born  there  Jan.  13,  1861,  a son  of  Fred- 
erick and  Mary  (Heil)  Johns. 

The  parents  were  born  in  Germany  and  St. 
Louis,  Mo.,  respectively.  Grandfather  Johns 
died  in  Germany,  and  Frederick  Johns’  mother 
brought  him  to  Smelser;  he  was  the  only  child. 
They  first  settled  in  Jefferson,  Hazel  Green 
township,  where  Frederick  Johns  grew  to  man- 
hood, and  after  his  marriage  he  settled  on  a 
farm  in  Smelser,  where  he  lived  throughout 
life.  He  was  one  of  the  early  cattle  dealers 
of  this  section,  buying  and  selling  herds  to  the 
government  and  private  dealers.  Politically 
he  was  a stanch  Republican,  and  in  religion  he 
was  a member  of  the  M.  E.  Church.  He  died 
in  1887,  his  wife  two  years  later,  in  1889. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johns  had  ten  children : Caro- 

line married  Harmon  Roush,  and  has  four  chil- 
dren, William,  Mary,  Lavinda  and  Lulu; 
Frederick  is  deceased;  John  is  our  subject; 
George  married  Lena  Reese ; W esley  married 
Lavinda  Cullen;  Peter  married  Laura  Himan,. 
and  has  had  three  children,  Hazel,  Maud  and 
Benjamin;  Joseph  married  Minnie  Reese; 
Josephine,  twin  of  Joseph,  is  deceased;  Will- 
iam married  Nettie  Cullen;  and  Millie  married 
Joseph  Cullen. 

Our  subject  was  educated  in  the  schools  of 
his  district,  working  upon  the  farm  in  the  sum- 
mer and  going  to  school  in  the  winter.  Soon 
after  he  had  attained  his  majority  he  rented  a 
part  of  his  father’s  farm,  consisting  of  800 
acres  in  Smelser.  In  1894  Mr.  Johns  pur- 
chased what  is  known  as  the  Eastman  prop- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


erty,  in  Smelser,  commenced  shipping  stock  in 
partnership  with  Jacob  Harris,  and  has  devel- 
oped the  finest  stock  farm  in  Grant  county, 
thousands  of  cattle  being  shipped  by  them  every 
year  to  Chicago,  in  addition  to  outlying  dis- 
tricts. In  addition  to  horses  and  cows  Mr. 
Johns  raises  a very  fine  strain  of  hogs,  and  the 
prices  he  receives,  while  they  are  not  at  all  in 
excess  of  the  value,  are  still  regarded  as 
“fancy”  figures  by  those  less  fortunate. 

In  1887  Mr.  Johns  married  Miss  Lavinda 
Heil,  of  Grant  county,  daughter  of  Frederick 
and  Ann  Heil,  who  was  born  June  30,  1867, 
in  the  town  of  Smelser,  where  she  grew  to 
womanhood,  receiving  a district-school  educa- 
tion. After  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Johns  resided  on  the  old  farm  until  Mr.  Johns 
commenced  his  stock  shipping  business,  and 
upon  his  purchase  of  the  Eastman  property 
they  moved  thereto,  and  now  have  a beautiful 
home  of  about  200  acres,  all  nicely  cultivated. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johns  have  been  born  chil- 
dren as  follows:  Joseph  L.,  Dec.  5,  1887; 

Herbert  E.,  Feb.  14,  i88q;  Amy  H.,  Sept.  19, 
1891  (died  Jan.  8,  1898)  ; John  McKinley, 
Nov.  5,  1896;  Bertha,  May  12,  1898;  and 
Frederick  E.,  April  18,  1900.  Politically  Mr. 
Johns  has  always  been  one  of  the  stanch  sup- 
porters of  the  Republican  party,  although  he 
lias  never  aspired  to  office,  refusing  steadily  to 
be  placed  upon  the  town  board.  Religiously 
both  he  and  his  estimable  wife  were  brought 
up  in  the  M.  E.  Church.  They  are  people  of 
whom  every  one  speaks  well,  and  who  are  sin- 
cerely liked  for  their  many  admirable  qualities. 

LIEUT.  JOHN  GRINDELL.  ex-soldier, 
furniture  dealer,  and  brick  manufacturer,  of 
Platteville,  Grant  county,  now  retired  from  ac- 
tive business,  was  born  in  Ireland  in  1828,  and 
is  the  only  survivor  of  the  five  children  of 
Thomas  and  Jane  (McMullen)  Grindell,  who 
in  1830  settled  in  Toronto,  Canada,  and  there 
passed  the  remainder  of  their  lives. 

John  Grindell  when  a boy  learned  the  cab- 
inet maker’s  trade  in  Toronto,  came  to  Platte- 
ville in  1849,  and  in  March,  1850,  started  for 
California  overland,  crossing  the  Missouri 
river  May  1.  He  went  by  the  way  of  Fort 
Laramie,  and  through  the  South  Pass  of  the 
Rocky  Mountains,  and1  crossed  the  Humboldt 
river  and  Big  Desert.  At  Salt  Lake  City  the 
party  ran  short  of  provisions  and  were  obliged 
to  pay  $15  for  a bucket  of  flour  and  propor- 


165 


tionately  high  prices  for  other  necessaries. 
They  finally  reached  Hangtown,  Cal.,  at  the 
end  of  five  months.  Mr.  Grindell  spent  two 
years  in  the  mines,  and  was  fairly  successful,  in 
his  search  after  wealth,  but  of  the  four  men 
who  comprised  the  party — Messrs.  Gale,  Gillis, 
Holmes  and  Grindell — lie  was  the  only  one  to 
live  to  return. 

On  his  return  to  Platteville  John  Grindell, 
with  his  brother  William,  opened  a furniture 
store  in  the  place,  which  they  conducted  to- 
gether for  forty  years,  when  William  purchased 
John's  interest,  and  the  latter  engaged  in  the 
manufacture  of  brick,  which  he  still  continues 
to  control.  During  the  Civil  war  Mr.  Grin- 
dell raised  a company  of  volunteers  in  Platte- 
ville for  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee,  and  under 
his  first  term  served  one  hundred  days,  as  first 
lieutenant.  He  then  re-entered  the  service,  and 
continued  in  the  army  until  the  close  of  the  war 
in  the  same  rank.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he 
returned  to  Platteville  and  re-engaged  in  busi- 
ness. 

In  1852  Mr.  Grindell  married  Miss  Susan 
Cook,  daughter  of  David  and  Maria  Cook,  of 
Wisconsin,  but  formerly  of  the  State  of  New 
York.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Grindell  at  once  settled 
in  Platteville,  where  he  owned  some  real  es- 
tate, and  resided  in  the  same  dwelling  from 
that  time  until  1885,  when  he  erected  a fine 
brick  house  on  the  site  of  the  first  one.  Our 
subject  has  thus  lived  on  the  same  spot  over 
forty-eight  years.  To  their  marriage  were  born 
six  children:  Ada  is  the  wife  of  T.  L.  Clary, 

a prominent  lawyer  of  Platteville;  John  H., 
who  is  a marble  worker  in  Platteville,  married 
Miss  Clara  Kyle,  and  has  three  children,  Roy, 
Ada  and  Donald ; Albert,  who  married  Miss 
Ina  Dickinson,  removed  to  California,  where 
his  wife  died  soon  after  arrival,  and  on  his  re- 
turn, with  his  little  daughter,  Ina,  he  assumed 
charge  of  his  father’s  brick  works ; David  E. 
was  educated  in  the  State  Normal  School,  mar- 
ried Miss  Alice  Davis,  of  Ohio,  and  is  travel- 
ing in  the  theatrical  profession  (he  has  no 
children)  ; Susan  died  when  eighteen  months 
old ; Arthur  B.  is  a student  in  the  chemical 
department  of  the  State  University  at  Madison. 
The  mother  passed  away  Jan.  31,  1900,  after 
a wedded  life  of  forty-eight  years. 

In  politics  Lieut.  Grindell  has  been  a most 
active  Republican,  and  in  1866  he  was  elected 
treasurer  of  his  town.  In  1880  he  was  made 
president  of  the  village  board,  and  he  also 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


1 66 


served  as  president  of  the  village  council,  of 
which  he  was  three  times  elected  a member. 
In  religion  he  is  a Methodist,  having  joined 
that  church  early  in  life,  and  was  a member  of 
the  building  committee  that  had  charge  of  the 
erection  of  the  fine  brick  church  edifice  in  1877  ; 
he  has  also  been  a trustee  for  twenty-seven 
years,  and  has  ever  been  a liberal  contributor 
to  the  support  of  church  work  in  all  its  depart- 
ments. Fraternally  he  is  one  of  the  oldest 
Masons  in  Platteville,  and  was  a member  of 
the  building  committee  having  in  charge  the 
erection  of  the  fine  Masonic  hall  in  1882;  he  is 
also  one  of  the  oldest  Odd  Fellows  in  the  city; 
and  is  a member  of  Sherman  Post,  G.  A.  R., 
of  Platteville. 

In  February,  1897,  Lieut.  Grindell,  by  an 
accidental  fall,  so  badly  injured  his  right  leg 
as  to  incapacitate  him  for  active  business,  and 
he  is  now  living'  in  retirement,  but  not  as  a re- 
cluse. He  has  shown  himself  to  be  one  of  the 
most  progressive  and  enterprising  business  men 
of  the  city,  has  acquired  a competency,  is  re- 
garded as  one  of  Platteville's  most  substantial 
citizens,  and  bears  a name  that  has  never  been 
tarnished  by  a breath  of  calumny. 

LION.  PHILO  A.  ORTON,  of  Darlington, 
Lafayette  county,  was  born  March  24.  1837,  at 
Hamilton,  N.  Y.,  which  was  also  the  birth- 
place of  his  father,  Philo  A.  Orton. 

The  Ortons  come  from  old  English  stock, 
being  descended  from  Thomas  Orton,  who  set- 
tled at  Windsor,  Conn.,  in  1640.  In  1800 
Judge  Orton’s  grandfather  removed  from  Ty- 
ringham,  Mass.,  to  Hamilton,  N.  Y.,  which 
remained  the  Orton  home  until  1850,  when  his 
father  migrated  with  his  family  to  Wisconsin 
and  settled  at  Beloit.  In  1855  the  family  re- 
moved to  Darlington,  where  the  subject  of  this 
biography  has  since  resided.  Idis  mother, 
whose  maiden  name  was  Nancy  Collins,  was 
born  at  Burlington,  N.  Y.  The  father  died  at 
the  home  of  Judge  Orton  on  July  12,  1872,  and 
the  mother  at  the  same  place  a number  of  years 
later.  The  father  of  our  subject  was  distin- 
guished for  his  high  integrity  and  sterling 
worth,  and  his  mother  was  a woman  of  strong 
character.  Their  sons  are  all  living,  except 
Capt.  Thomas  Orton,  of  the  3d  Wis.  V.  I.,  who 
fell  at  the  siege  of  Atlanta  July  25,  1864;  and 
Lyman  O.  Orton,  who  died  at  Mishawaka, 
Inch,  in  1899. 

In  1851-52  our  subject  attended  Beloit  Col- 


lege, and  in  1S57  was  a student  at  Madison 
(now  Colgate)  University,  in  his  native  town 
of  Hamilton,  N.  Y.  It  was  his  intention  to 
follow  the  occupation  of  civil  engineer,  and  his 
college  course  was  adapted  to  that  end,  but  the 
panic  of  1857  completely  paralyzed  all  efforts 
at  railroad  construction,  in  which  he  had  ex- 
pected to  find  employment.  Therefore  he  gave 
up  his  original  plans  and  turned  his  attention 
to  law,  beginning  its  study  in  the  office  of 
James  R.  Rose,  at  Darlington.  He  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  Bar  in  1859,  and  has  since  con- 
tinuously practiced  law  at  that  place,  for  more 
than  thirty  years  being  the  senior  member  of 
the  firm  of  Orton  & Osborn,  one  of  the  oldest 
law  firms  in  the  State.  Judge  Orton,  early  in 
his  professional  career,  gained  an  enviable 
reputation  as  a strong  and  conscientious  law- 
yer, and  so  great  was  his  success  that  before 
he  had  reached  his  thirtieth  year  he  was  re- 
garded as  occupying  the  front  rank  among 
Southwestern  Wisconsin  lawyers,  a division  of 
the  Bar  second  to  none  in  the  State,  and  in- 
cluding at  that  time  such  bright  minds  as  those 
of  Strong,  Dunn,  Mills,  Cothren,  Crawford, 
and  others  of  equal  note.  The  uniform  success 
which  has  attended  Judge  Orton  has  always 
been  merited,  being  the  fruit  of  thorough  prep- 
aration and  untiring  effort.  Fie  delights  in 
work,  and  never  feels  better  than  when  fully 
occupied,  and  under  a strain  which  weaker 
physical  or  mental  natures  could  not  endure. 

The  essential  honor  and  integrity  of  Judge 
Orton’s  dealings  with  fellow  attorneys,  with 
clients,  and  with  all  with  whom  he  comes  into 
contact,  has  been  a prime  factor  in  securing 
for  him  his  high  professional  reputation,  and 
has  contributed  to  the  result  equally  with  his 
superiority  of  mind.  Before  a jury  Judge  Or- 
ton is  strong  and  eminently  logical,  presenting 
his  arguments  methodically,  passing  rationally 
from  premise  to  conclusion,  and  often  not  only 
with  convincing  weight  but  with  moving  elo- 
quence. Fluent  in  speech  and  correct  in  lan- 
guage, his  extensive  reading  is  frequently 
shown  in  excellent  illustration.  Before  the 
court  he  is  certain  of  respectful  and  attentive 
hearing,  to  which  his  legal  attainments  and  his 
recognition  of  the  true  function  of  an  advo- 
cate entitle  him. 

In  1862-63  Judge  Orton  was  prosecuting 
attorney  for  Lafayette  county,  and  from  1870 
to  1874  he  filled  the  office  of  county  judge. 
During  the  Rebellion  he  was  a war  Democrat, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


167 


and  remained  in  Democratic  councils  until 
1880,  being  candidate  for  attorney  general  on 
the  Democratic  ticket  in  1861;  was  Independ- 
ent candidate  for  circuit  judge  in  1870;  and 
the  Democratic  candidate  for  representative  in 
Congress  in  1876;  though  he  had  a flattering 
vote,  his  personal  popularity  could  not  over- 
come the  Republican  vote,  and  he  was  defeated. 
He  has  always  taken  an  interest  in  the  cause 
of  good  government.  In  1880  he  voted  for 
Garfield  for  President,  and  since  that  time  has 
acted  with  the  Republican  party.  In  1898  he 
accepted  the  nomination  for  the  Assembly 
branch  of  the  Legislature,  and  was  elected  by 
a large  plurality  over  James  H.  Clark,  the 
Democratic  nominee. 

In  1874  our  subject  obtained  a controlling 
interest  in  the  Lafayette  County  Bank,  which 
he  held  until  1882,  when  he  organized  the  First 
National  Bank  of  Darlington,  of  which  he  has 
always  been  president,  being  also  president  of 
the  Benton  State  Bank,  at  Benton,  Wis.  He 
is  a charter  member  of  the  Delta  Kappa  Epsilon 
fraternity,  Colgate  University;  is  a Mason,  be- 
longing to  the  Blue  Lodge,  Darlington  Chap- 
ter, and  Mineral  Point  Comtnandery,  and  for 
several  years  was  master  of  the  Darlington 
lodge;  he  was  deputy  grand  master  of  the 
Grand  Lodge  of  the  State  for  two  years. 

Judge  Orton  was  married  Jan.  27,  1862,  to 
Sarah  M.  Osborn,  daughter  of  Capt.  S.  W. 
Osborn,  of  Darlington,  and  two  children  have 
been  born  to  them : Susanne,  a graduate  of 

Rockford  College  and  of  the  Woman’s  Medi- 
cal College,  of  Chicago;  and  Robert  E.,  now 
assistant  cashier  of  the  First  National  Bank  of 
Darlington. 

EZRA  PHILO  DOTY  (deceased),  one  of 
the  men  to  whom  the  present  commercial,  im- 
portance of  Janesville  is  due,  was  for  many 
years  closely  identified  with  its  best  interests, 
and  his  death  was  deeply  mourned,  not  only  by 
his  family  but  by  the  community  at  large. 

Ezra  Philo  Doty  was  born  in  Peru,  N.  Y., 
Aug.  27,  1826,  a son  of  Zuri  Shaddai  and 
Phebe  Ann  (Bostwick)  Doty.  The  parents 
of  Zuri  Doty,  Ezra  and  Anna  (Mellens) 
Doty,  were  natives  of  Vermont,  his  birth  oc- 
curring Sept.  28,  1760,  hers  Aug.  4,  1767. 
Ezra  Doty,  Sr.,  was  a soldier  of  the  Revolu- 
tion, and  afterward  a captain  in  the  provincial 
army.  During  the  war  of  1812  he  also  served 
his  country  bravely,  and  he  died  on  June  24, 


1840,  while  his  wife  passed  away  in  1813.  The 
maternal  grandfather  of  our  subject,  a Mr. 
Bostwick,  was  a resident  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
died  in  that  State  from  an  accident,  a tree  fall- 
ing upon  him.  In  his  family  there  were  four 
sons  and  one  daughter,  all  now  deceased. 

Zuri  S.  Doty,  father  of  our  subject,  was 
born  at  Bennington,  Vt.,  on  July  23,  1804,  and 
came  to  Turtle,  Rock  county,  in  1841,  settling- 
near  Shopiere,  where  he  took  up  a large  tract 
of  land  from  the  government,  and  resided 
some  years.  Later  he  removed  to  Janesville, 
and  conducted  a sash,  door  and  blind  factory 
and  also  a general  store.  As  his  means  in- 
creased Mr.  Doty  erected  several  business 
houses,  bought  considerable  land  in  the  cor- 
porate limits  of  Janesville,  and  platted  what  is 
known  as  Doty's  addition  to  Janesville.  Dur- 
ing his  residence  in  Janesville  Zuri  S.  Doty 
purchased  on  Oct.  10,  1853,  the  Janesville 
Free  Press  for  his  son,  in  conjunction  with  J. 
Baker,  and  the  paper  was  conducted  under  the 
name  of  Baker  & Doty  until,  on  June  7,  1855, 
Mr.  Baker  became  the  sole  proprietor.  The 
Free  Press  was  started  on  Jan.  6,  1853,  hy  an 
association  of  Free  Democrats,  among  whom 
the  most  prominent  were  J.  M.  Burgess,  J. 
Baker,  R.  B.  Treat,  O.  Guernsey,  and  E.  A. 
Howland,  with  Mr.  Baker  as  editor.  About 
1865  Zuri  Doty  moved  to  Madison,  built  and 
owned  a number  of  houses,  and  engaged  in 
various  business  enterprises,  but  later  removed 
to  Chicago,  and  resided  in  that  city  for  several 
years.  While  on  a visit  to  Madison  he  died, 
on  April  16.  1885,  aged  eighty-one  years,  eight 
months  and  twenty-three  days.  During  the 
time  he  resided  in  Janesville  he  was  a justice 
of  the  peace,  and  was  a very  wealthy,  influ- 
ential and  honorable  man.  Eleven  children 
were  born  to  this  good  man,  five  of  whom  are 
now  living:  Anna,  wife  of  Peter  Fryer,  of 

Kansas  City,  Mo. ; Milton  H.,  of  Brodhead, 
Wis.,  who  rose  from  sergeant  to  the  rank  of 
captain  during  the  Civil  war;  Martha  A.,  wife 
of  Courtland  Stone,  who  now  lives  in  Brook- 
lyn, N.  Y. : Mary,  widow  of  Edwin  Boswick, 
of  New  Milford,  Conn. ; and  Edgar  H.,  of  Chi- 
cago. 

Ezra  Philo  Doty,  the  subject  of  this  sketch, 
was  brought  to  Turtle,  Rock  county,  where  he 
grew  to  manhood.  Later  he  removed  to 
Janesville,  and  was  associated  with  his  father 
in  the  sash,  door  and  blind  manufacturing- 
business,  becoming  his  successor  ; was  the  or- 


1 68 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ganizer  of  the  Doty  Manufacturing  Co.,  and 
its  treasurer  until  his  death.  The  specialty  of 
this  company  was  the  Doty  washing  machine. 

On  May  26,  1847,  Ezra  P.  Doty  married 
Miss  Abigail  Mary  Austin,  daughter  of  Ira  and 
Permelia  (Worcester)  Austin,  and  five  chil- 
dren were  born  of  this  marriage  : ( 1 ) Henry 
(deceased)  married  Ella  J.  Lappin,  daughter 
of  Thomas  Lappin,  and  had  one  son,  who  did 
not  survive  his  first  year;  upon  the  death  of  the 
mother  Henry  married  her  sister,  Mary  Esther 
Lappin,  and  two  children  were  born  to 
them,  Lawrence  Lappin  and  Harriet  Mildred. 
Henry  Doty  died  June  2,  1894.  aged  forty-five, 
having  been  born  June  5,  1849.  (2)  Alta 

Marie,  wife  of  Charles  Atwood,  of  Janesville, 
has  eight  children.  (3)  Edward  P.,  who 
married  Margaret  Hullihen,  daughter  of  Dr. 
Hullihen,  of  Janesville,  has  three  children. 
(4)  Minnie,  deceased,  wife  of  Dr.  Charles  E. 
Wintermute,  had  two  children,  Ruth  Anna  and 
Horace;  the  latter  died,  aged  three  months. 
(O  Anna  S.  is  the  wife  of  Charles  Fifield,  an 
attorney,  formerly  of  the  firm  of  Fethers,  Jef- 
fries & Fifield,  now  judge  of  the  municipal 
court;  they  have  three  children,  Minnie  Eloise, 
Alta  and  Frances  Fethers. 

Mrs.  Doty  was  born  Sept.  6,  1832;  she  had 
a twin  sister,  Mary,  who  died  in  infancy ; and 
a sister,  Ann  Eliza,  now  wife  of  Vinton  L. 
Merrill,  of  Lebanon,  Kans.  The  parents 
of  Mrs.  Doty  were  natives  of  Vermont, 
and  her  mother  died  at  Phelps,  N.  Y.,  on 
April  15,  1845,  aged  thirty-eight,  having  been 
born  on  July  15,  1807.  The  father  of  this 
last  mentioned  lady,  the  grandfather  of  Mrs. 
Doty,  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  the  Revolu- 
tion, and  also  took  part  in  the  war  of  1812. 
Ira  Austin,  father  of  Mrs.  Doty,  came  West 
to  Wisconsin  in  the  early  days  of  the  State, 
settling  in  Janesville,  but  returned  to  Phelps, 
N.  Y.,  and  married  Elmira  M.  Howe.  Again 
coming  West,  Mr.  Austin  settled  on  a farm  in 
Sauk  county,  but  afterwards  removed  to  Mad- 
ison, where  he  and  his  wife  kept  a large  board- 
ing-house, he  dying  on  Nov.  12,  1862,  and 
she  on  June  21,  1895,  in  that  city. 

In  religious  belief  Ezra  P.  Doty  followed 
the  Universalist  faith,  while  his  widow  is  an 
Episcopalian,  and  all  of  their  children  became 
connected  with  Christ  Episcopal  Church  of 
Janesville.  The  political  affiliations  of  Mr. 
Doty  were  with  the  Republican  party,  although 
he  was  not  a politician.  While  in  the  prime 


of  life  Mr.  Doty  was  taken  from  his  family, 
on  March  7,  1869,  aged  forty-two  years,  eight 
months,  and  the  death  cast  a gloom  not  only 
over  his  household,  but  over  Janesville,  where 
for  so  many  years  he  had  been  so  important  a 
factor.  Airs.  Doty  still  survives,  a very 
charming  and  intelligent  lady,  who  enjoys  the 
respect  and  veneration  of  her  family  and  a 
large  circle  of  friends. 

SAMUEL  JARVIS  CUCKOW  was  at  the 
time  of  his  death  one  of  the  venerable  and 
most  highly  respected  residents  of  Janesville, 
Rock  Co.,  Wis.  He  was  a native  of  England, 
where  his  birth  occurred,  in  Rochester,  Kent, 
Jan.  16,  1815,  and  was  the  second  son  of 
Elizabeth  and  Thomas  B.  Cuckow.  The  lat- 
ter was  born  in  England  in  1787,  and  died 
at  the  home  of  his  son,  in  the  town  of  Brad- 
ford, Rock  county,  Nov.  24,  1874.  Thomas 
came  to  America  in  1818,  but  soon  returned 
to  England,  taking  his  family  back  with  him. 
Robert  Cuckow,  father  of  Thomas,  died  in 
1838,  aged  seventy-one  years;  his  entire  life 
was  passed  in  England. 

Samuel  Jarvis  Cuckow  was  brought  up 
and  lived  in  England,  where  he  learned  the 
printer’s  trade.  In  January,  1836,  he  married 
Sarah  Eliza  Bridgeland,  born  at  Boxley,  Eng- 
land, in  1814,  and  came  immediately  to  New 
York.  To  them  were  born  two  children  in 
New  York  City,  Mary  A.  and  Thomas  J. 
They  returned  to  England  in  1840.  After 
that  two  more  children  were  born,  Eliza  and 
Eleanor  B.  His  wife  died  in  July,  1849.  Two 
years  later,  with  his  motherless  family,  Mr. 
Cuckow  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  settled  on 
the  farm  in  Bradford,  Rock  county,  which 
farm,  and  the  additions  thereto,  he  owned  at 
the  time  of  his  decease.  In  1885  he  removed 
to  Evanston,  111.,  to  live  with  his  daughter, 
Mary  A.  Her  death  occurring  a year  later, 
he  went  to  Janesville,  Wis.,  where  he  con- 
tinued to  reside  until  the  time  of  his  death, 
March  5,  1901.  For  his  second  wife  he  mar- 
ried1 Eliza  S.  Filmer,  born  in  England,  in 
1815,  and  who  came  alone  to  New  York  from 
England.  They  were  married  in  New  York 
City  in  Alay,  1853,  coming  immediately  to 
Wisconsin,  where  she  died  Aug.  18,  1900.  Two 
children  were  born  to  them,  Samuel  F.  and 
Ruth  O.  The  latter  died  in  1893.  Mr. 
Cuckow’s  life  was  a busy  one,  and  yet  he 
found  time  to  take  a keen  and  intelligent  in- 


r 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


169 


terest  in  all  that  pertained  to  the  welfare  of 
his  adopted  country,  and  he  won  for  himself 
a high  place  in  the  estimation  of  those  who 
knew  him  for  his  industry  and  integrity  of 
character. 

W.  J.  FUNSTON,  D.  D.  S.,  of  Platteville, 
Grant  county,  and  an  ex-soldier  of  the  war  of 
the  Rebellion,  was  born  in  Coshocton  county, 
Ohio,  in  1840,  and  is  a son  of  J.  D.  and  Isabel 
(McKinley)  Funston. 

While  our  subject  was  still  an  infant  his 
parents  removed  to  Jefferson  county,  Ohio, 
where  the  mother  died  in  1850,  when  the  father 
came  to  Wisconsin  and  located  in  Richland 
county.  There  he  passed  the  remainder  of  his 
life,  dying  in  1893.  They  were  the  parents  of 
five  children,  of  whom  the  Doctor  was  the  eld- 
est, and  of  whom  two,  besides  him,  are  still 
living,  viz. : Mary,  wife  of  A.  J.  Campbell,  a 

farmer  at  Milton  Junction,  Wis. ; and  Theo- 
dore F.,  of  Galesville,  this  State.  The  latter 
served  three  years  in  the  Civil  war,  and'  was 
honorably  discharged  for  physical  disability. 
He  is  one  of  the  most  respected  citizens  of 
Galesville,  and  has  a wife  and  one  child. 

Dr.  Funston  received  his  preliminary  edu- 
cation in  the  public  schools,  and  began  the 
study  of  dentistry  when  a young  man  with  Dr. 
John  McKinley,  of  Uh  richsville,  Ohio.  Fie 
was  still  a student  when,  in  response  to  the  call 
to  arms,  he  enlisted,  in  August,  1862,  in  Com- 
pany E,  52d  O.  V.  I.,  Col.  Daniel  McCook,  and 
took  part,  among  other  engagements,  in  the 
battles  of  Perryville,  Ky.,  Stone  River,  Chick- 
amauga  and  Missionary  Ridge,  Tenn.  He 
was  then  detailed  as  adjutant’s  clerk,  and  filled 
that  position  until  the  cessation  of  hostilities. 
He  was  with  Gen.  Sherman  in  his  Atlanta 
campaign,,  the  historical  march  to  the  sea,  at 
the  siege  of  Savannah,  at  Chattanooga,  and  at 
the  last  battle  of  the  war,  Bentonville,  N.  C. 
The  Doctor  is  alluded  to  by  his  companions  in 
arms  as  a brave  and  faithful  soldier,  who  never 
shirked  or  neglected  his  duty  under  any  cir- 
cumstances. 

After  the  war  had  ceased  and  he  had  been 
honorably  discharged,  the  Doctor  returned  to 
his  Ohio  home  fort  a short  time,  then  going 
West  began  tKe“praxtice  of  dentistry  in  Platts- 
burg,  Mo.  After  remaining  there  a short  time 
he  sold  out  and  came  to  Wisconsin,  in  the 
spring  of  1866,  to  viSif  his  father,  whom  he  had 
not  seen  for  twelve  years.  Stopping  a while 


in  Richland  county,  in  the  fall  of  1866  he  open- 
ed a dental  office  in  Platteville,  Grant  county, 
and  did  a thriving  business  until  1873,  when 
he  went  to  California,  visiting  the  cities  of  Sac- 
ramento, San  Francisco,  San  Jose,  Oakland, 
Salinas  City,  and  the  Spanish  Mission  of  Sole- 
dad.  Returning  to  Platteville  in  1874,  he  has 
since  done  the  leading  business  in  his  line  there. 

In  1882  Dr.  Funston  married  Mrs.  F.  E. 
d homas,  who  was  born  at  Alton,  111.,  and  came 
to  Wisconsin  with  her  parents.  They  have 
reared  three  children : Genevieve  and  Morna, 

students  of  the  State  Normal,  of  Platteville; 
and  Nation,  a grand-daughter,  an  invalid. 
Religiously  the  Doctor  and  his  wife  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  in 
which  they  are  both  earnest  and  active  work- 
ers, the  Doctor  being  one  of  the  directors  and 
trustees.  Politically  lie  has  always  voted  with 
the  Republican  party,  but  has  never  aspired  to 
public  office.  Fraternally  he  is  a charter  mem- 
ber of  W.  T.  Sherman  Post,  No.  66,  G.  A.  R., 
in  which  he  has  held  the  offices  of  adjutant  and 
post  commander;  of  I.  O.  O.  F.  Lodge  No.  6, 
of  Platteville,  of  which  he  has  been  noble 
grand,  and  is  also  secretary  of  his  lodge;  and 
of  Lodge  No.  125,  K.  of  P.,  of  Platteville.  He 
has  been  an  officer  in  the  fire  department  of  his 
town  for  twenty  years.  Mrs.  Funston  is  a 
member  of  the  Rebekahs,  auxiliary  to  the  I.  O. 
O.  F.  The  Doctor  and  his  estimable  wife  are 
among  the  most  respected  residents  of  Platte- 
ville, where  his  professional  reputation  stands 
on  a par  with  that  of  any  dentist  in  the  county. 

THOMAS  LITTLE,  one  of  the  prominent 
and  highly  esteemed  farmers  of  Janesville 
township,  is  a native  of  Scotland,  born  in  Rox- 
burghshire June  18,  1827,  a son  of  John  and 
Elizabeth  (Blythe)  Little,  also  natives  of  Scot- 
land. The  paternal  grandfather  of  our  sub- 
ject died  in  Scotland.  The  grandfather  on  the 
mother’s  side,  Thomas  Blythe,  had  two  chil- 
dren, one  son  and  one  daughter ; was  a farmer 
by  occupation,  and  died  well  advanced  in  years. 

John  Little,  the  father,  was  a farmer  early 
in  life,  but  later  became  a contractor  and  lime 
burner,  and  came  to  America  in  i8q^,  settling 
in  Janesville  township,  Rock  Co.,  Wis.,  where 
he  bought  200  acres  of  land  and  greatly  im- 
proved it.  Having  lost  his  first  wife,  mother 
of  our  subject,  in  Scotland,  in  1841,  he  mar- 
ried Isabella  Irvin,  who  died  in  1867,  two  years 
after  the  death  of  her  husband,  who  passed 


170 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


away  in  1865,  aged  about  seventy-six.  Both 
lie  and  his  first  wife  were  members  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Church.  They  had  eight  sons  and 
one  daughter,  five  now  living:  Thomas,  John, 

James,  Walter,  and  Andrew. 

Thomas  Little  was  reared  in  Scotland,  at- 
tending the  public  schools,  and  engaged  in 
farming  and  working1  in  the  public  lime  kilns. 
Upon  coming  to  America,  in  1853,  he  settled 
in  Rock  county,  Wis.,  where  he  has  since  re- 
sided. Upon  his  father’s  death  the  property 
was  divided,  and  his  share  was  the  160  acres 
of  land  in  section  28,  Janesville  township,  upon 
which  he  now  resides,  and  which  he  has 
brought  to  a high  state  of  cultivation. 

On  Nov.  20,  1875,  Thomas  Little  was 
married  to  Mrs.  Sarah  Little,  widow  of  George 
Little,  and  daughter  of  Bartholomew  and  Eliza- 
beth (Dixon)  Spence,  and  two  daughters  have 
been  born  of  this  union  : Elizabeth  Grace,  who 

is  a teacher ; and  Anna  Belle,  at  home.  Mrs. 
Little  had  two  sons  and  one  daughter  by  her 
former  marriage:  John  Thomas,  who  mar- 

ried Miss  Aggie  Brauns,  resides  in  Chicago, 
and  has  one  son,  George  Lester:  Bartholomew 
Walker,  who  married  Miss  Ellen  Brown,  re- 
sides in  Janesville;  and  Elizabeth  died  at  the 
age  of  two  years. 

The  grandfather  of  Mrs.  Little  died  in 
England,  and  her  father,  Bartholomew  Spence, 
was  also  a native  of  England,  as  was  his  wife. 
They  came  to  America  in  1848  and  settled  in 
Dunkirk,  Dane  Co.,  Wis.,  where  Mr.  Spence 
died  in  1864,  aged  about  sixty;  and  his  wife 
died  some  two  years  later,  aged  sixty-two. 
These  two  worthy  people  were  Methodists  in 
religious  faith.  They  had  six  children,  two 
sons  and  four  daughters,  five  now  living : 
Joseph;  Ellen,  wife  of  Henry  Thompson; 
Sarah,  wife  of  Thomas  Little;  Elizabeth,  wife 
of  Walter  Little;  and  Catharine,  wife  of  Bar- 
tholomew Harwich.  John  is  deceased.  By 
occupation  Mr.  Spence  was  a farmer,  and  cul- 
tivated and  occupied  a fine  farm  in  Dane 
county. 

Politically  Mr.  Little  is  an  Independent, 
voting  as  his  conscience  dictates,  for  twenty- 
seven  or  twenty-eight  years  served  as  super- 
visor, and  for  twenty  years  as  clerk  of  the 
school  board,  his  sterling  honesty  and  faithful 
adherence  to  duty  making  him  an  almost  per- 
fect public  official,  with  whom  could  be  im- 
plicitly trusted  the  affairs  of  the  several  posi- 
tions he  filled.  Mr.  Little  is  the  eldest  of  the 


four  brothers  settled  in  Janesville  township,  all 
of  whom  are  prosperous  and  highly  respected. 
Although  fully  identified  with  the  country  of 
his  adoption,  Mr.  Little  entertains  pleasant 
recollections  of  his  native  land,  and  is  one  of 
the  best  of  its  representatives  among  our 
Sootch-Ameriean  citizens. 

JOHN  S.  PEDLEY,  in  his  lifetime  one  of 
the  successful  farmers  and  stock  raisers  of  New 
Diggings  township,  Lafayette  county,  was  a 
native  of  Yorkshire,  England,  where  he  was 
born  June  6,  1842,  a son  of  William  and  Alice 
Pedley. 

Early  in  his  life  our  subject  was  brought 
by  his  parents  to  America,  here  grew  to  man- 
hood, and  was  trained  to  work  on  the  farm, 
later  engaging  to  some  extent  in  mining.  He 
purchased  a farm  in  New  Diggings  township, 
and  made  his  home  there  until  1883,  when  he 
sold  the  farm  and  purchased  another  in  Aur- 
elia, Cherokee  Co.,  Iowa.  There  he  lived  for 
ten  years,  at  the  end  of  that  time  returning  to 
New  Diggings  and  purchasing  his  father’s 
old  home  farm,  one  of  the  finest  in  the 
township,  where  he  resided  until  death  claimed 
him,  in  December,  1896.  The  large  stone 
house  and  modern  outbuildings  give  an  air  of 
solid  comfort  and  substantial  prosperity,  and 
are  the  result  of  Mr.  Pedley's  careful  manage- 
ment and  natural  business  ability.  A }^ear 
after  his  death  a new  barn  was  erected,  and  his 
widow  has  displayed  business  ability  quite  un- 
usual to  her  sex  in  the  management  of  her  hus- 
band’s estate.  In  politics  Mr.  Pedley  was  al- 
ways a Republican. 

In  July,  1S73,  Mr.  Pedley  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Miss  Mary  A.  Harker,  daughter 
of  Thomas  and  Rose  (Metcalf)  Harker.  She 
was  born  in  England  in  February,  1853,  and 
was  educated  in  New  Diggings  township, 
whither  she  had  come  with  her  father  in  child- 
hood. Three  children  were  born  of  this  mar- 
riage: Luella,  born  in  November,  1875,  re- 

ceived her  education  in  the  Iowa  schools ; Will- 
iam, born  in  1879,  and  Eva,  born  in  1883,  are 
students  at  the  home  schools.  Mrs.  Pedley  is 
a charming  lady,  of  unusually  high  attain- 
ments, and  wins  many  friends  by  her  loving 
and  lovable  disposition. 

Thomas  Harker,  father  of  Mrs.  Pedley, 
was  born  in  Yorkshire,  England,  in  December, 
1824,  and  his  wife,  Rose  (Metcalf),  was  born 
in  the  same  county  some  few  years  later.  They 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


were  married  in  England,  and  there  Mrs. 
Harker  died  in  1858,  leaving  three  children: 
(1)  William,  born  in  January,  1849.  married 
Miss  Jane  (Nottingham,  and  moved  to  Iowa, 
where  his  wife  died,  leaving  five  children,  Wal- 
ter, Willie,  Joseph,  Mamie  and  Jennie.  For 
his  second  wife  he  married  Miss  Grace  Finch, 
by  whom  he  has  two  children,  Harry  and  Lulu. 
He  now  makes  his  home  in  Preston,  Grant  Co., 
Wis.  (2)  Isabel,  born  in  January,  1851,  mar- 
ried Reuben  Howell,  and  lives  in  Iowa.  She 
has  two  children,  Pearl  and  Emma.  (3) 
Mary  A.  is  Mrs.  Pedley.  In  i860  Thomas 
Harker  brought  his  three  motherless  children 
to  America  and  located  in  New  Diggings  town- 
ship, Lafayette  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he  purchased 
a farm  and  remained  until,  a few  years  previous 
to  his  death,  he  moved  to1  Shullsburg.  Re- 
turning to  England,  he  wedded,  that  year,  for 
his  second  wife,  Miss  Anne  Bird,  who  still 
makes  her  home  in  Shullsburg.  By  this  mar- 
riage there  were  seven  children : Hannah, 

now  Mrs.  Robert  Hall,  of  Darlington,  Wis. ; 
Jane,  Mrs.  Henry  Kramer,  of  Shullsburg; 
Maggie,  Mrs.  William  Douglas,  of  Shulls- 
burg; Isaac,  who  married  Alda  Ewing,  and 
lives  on  the  old  homestead;  Lillie;  Thomas; 
and  Luella,  who  died  in  childhood.  Mr.  Har- 
ker passed  away  in  April,  1896. 

Both  the  Pedley  and  Harker  families  were 
members  of  the  Methodist  Church.  Mr.  Ped- 
ley, like  his  wife,  had  been  a faithful  member 
for  over  thirty  years,  and  he  was  serving  as 
steward  and  trustee  at  the  time  of  his  death. 

THOMAS  CARTHEW  (deceased),  for- 
merly a successful  miner  in  the  town  of  Po- 
tosi,  Grant  county,  was  born  in  Cornwall, 
England,  Aug.  8,  1817,  and  exhibited  in  his 
life  and  character  many  of  the  typical  virtues 
of  his  race. 

Mr.  Carthew  grew  to  manhood  in  his  na- 
tive country,  where  he  received  his  education 
at  the  hands  of  the  local  teachers.  When  he 
was  twenty-nine  years  of  age  he  crossed  the 
ocean  to  seek  a home  in  the  United  States,  lo- 
cated at  White  Oak  Springs,  111.,  and  was  a 
miner  for  some  years.  Wisconsin  at  that 
time  attracted  the  attention  of  the  vigorous  and 
hardy,  and  Mr.  Carthew  came  here  and  labored 
in  the  mines.  In  Wisconsin  lie  married  Miss 
Harriet  Webster,  and  the  young  couple  went 
to  California  along  with  the  great  stream  of 
the  adventurous  and  hopeful  who  were  pour- 


171 


ing  into  the  West  in  search  of  gold.  In  Cali- 
fornia his  wife  died,  in  1853,  leaving  him  one 
daughter,  who  is  now  living  in  the  city  of  New 
York.  Four  years  later  Mr.  Carthew  came 
back  to  Wisconsin,  and  buying  a farm  of  160 
acres  near  Rockville,  Grant  county,  engaged 
in  its  cultivation.  He  was  a hard-working 
and  careful  farmer,  and  accumulated  a very 
handsome  property.  In  1869  he  married  Miss 
Mary  L.  Callaway,  whose  parents  came  from 
Cornwall,  England,  and  first  purchased  a farm 
in  Rockville,  which  they  sold,  then  purchasing 
a farm  at  Blake's  Prairie ; her  father  died  there 
in  1878.  Her  mother  is  still  living,  and  is  a 
resident  of  Lancaster.  Mrs.  Carthew  was 
born  Oct.  24,  1848,  in  Cornwall,  England,  but 
spent  all  her  early  life  in  Grant  county,  where 
she  attended  the  district  school,  and  received 
her  education.  After  their  marriage  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Carthew  settled  at  Rockville,  where  he 
engaged  in  farming,  and  made  many  handsome 
improvements  on  his  place,  having  a choice 
farm.  He  died  July  15,  1895,  leaving  a widow 
and  three  children.  Mr.  Carthew  was  a Dem- 
ocrat, though  never  an  aspirant  for  office,  and 
was  a man  of  good  standing  and  fine  spirit. 
He  led  a long  and  useful  life  from  the  highest 
motives. 

Thomas  Carthew,  the  eldest  son,  was  born 
Sept.  16,  1871,  in  Rockville,  where  he  grew 
up,  received  a good  education,  and  was  a grad- 
uate of  the  Dubuque  Business  College,  work- 
ing for  some  time  as  a shipping  clerk  in  that 
important  Iowa  city.  In  April,  1896,  he  mar- 
ried Miss  M.  Annie  Chalder,  daughter  of 
George  and  Elizabeth  Chalder,  old  pioneers 
of  Grant  county,  and  the  young  couple  lived  on 
the  old  Carthew  farm  until  his  death,  April  11, 
1900.  His  widow  and  two  children — George 
R.  and  Violet  E. — survive  him,  and  are  occu- 
pying the  home.  Mr.  Carthew  was  one  of  the 
promising  young  men  of  the  county,  and  had 
many  friends  who  mourned  his  untimely 
death.  He  was  absolutely  conscientious  and 
honest,  was  a dutiful  son  and  a loving  husband 
and  father,  called  away  all  too  soon. 

Moses  Carthew  was  born  March  27,  1876, 
and  grew  up  on  the  old  farm,  where  he  still  re- 
mains,  having  charge  of  his  mother  s estate. 
He  is  a young  man  of  character  and  ability. 

Olive  M.  Carthew  was  born  July  18,  1883', 
and  is  now  a student  at  the  Platteville  high 
school. 

Mrs.  Carthew  purchased  in  August,  1896, 


172 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


the  old  Goodrich  home,  near  Platteville,  where 
she  has  a large  farm,  with  fine  buildings,  con- 
stituting one  of  the  choice  and  desirable  estates 
of  Grant  county. 

ABRAM  PHELPS  for  a number  of  years 
prior  to  his  decease  lived  retired  from  active 
life,  and  was  one  of  the  most  venerable  figures 
to  be  seen  on  the  streets  of  Janesville.  He 
lived  at  No.  155  Pleasant  street,  and  though 
recently  he  bore  but  a small  part  in  the  work 
of  the  world,  he  was  in  his  time  an  active  and 
influential  man,  and  won  a high  standing  by 
industry,  integrity,  and  an  unblemished  char- 
acter. 

The  Phelps  family,  which  is  of  English 
origin,  and  can  be  traced  back  more  than  a 
thousand  years,  was  founded  in  America  by 
three  brothers  who  crossed  the  ocean  at  an 
early  day  and  settled  at  Windsor,  Conn. ; one 
of  our  subject's  ancestors  was  among  the 
Puritan  settlers  of  Massachusetts,  and  took 
a large  part  in  the  founding  of  the  Nation. 
Mr.  Phelps  was  born  in  Egremont,  Berkshire 
Co.,  Mass.,  Dec.  27,  1811,  a son  of  Zacheus 
and  Rebecca  (Grace)  Phelps,  natives  of  Con- 
necticut and  Massachusetts,  respectively.  They 
had  a family  of  seven  sons  and  two  daughters, 
and  the  gentleman  whose  name  appears  above 
was  the  last  survivor.  Zacheus  Phelps  was  a 
farmer.  He  died  in  1813,  but  his  wife  was  a 
capable  and  energetic  woman,  and  kept  her 
children  together  until  they  were  able  to  do  for 
themselves.  In  1830  Abram  Phelps  went  to 
Michigan,  where  his  brother  Norman  and  sis- 
ter Harriet  were  living-,  in  Monroe  county,  and 
he  made  his  home  with  them  for  a time,  while 
he  followed  his  trade  of  carpenter.  He  went 
back  to  Massachusetts  after  staying  in  Michi- 
gan about  a year,  and  came  West  again  in  1835, 
bringing  his  mother  with  him.  In  the  fall  of 
1837  they  moved  to  Freedom,  Portage  Co., 
Ohio,  where  his  mother  died  in  1841,  when 
about  sixty-two  years  old.  About  this  time 
Mr.  Phelps  traded  his  Portage  county  farm 
for  one  in  Geauga  county,  Ohio,  and  moved 
there,  making  that  his  home  for  nineteen  years. 

On  Feb.  1,  1838,  Mr.  Phelps  married  Miss 
Marietta  Moore,  daughter  of  Stephen  and 
Martha  (Dodge)  Moore,  and  two  sons  were 
born  to  them,  Milton,  Moore  and  Frank  W. 
Both  served  in  the  Civil  war,  Frank  lacking 
one  year  of  graduation  from  Meadville 
(Penn.)  College  when  he  enlisted;  he  died 


from  measles  contracted  while  in  the  service, 
at  the  age  of  twenty-one,  unmarried.  Milton 
M.  Phelps  was  graduated  from  Meadville  Col- 
lege. He  married  Miss  Henrietta  Bain,  and 
they  had  four  children,  all  now  deceased,  Frank 
Bain,  George  Norris,  John,  and  one  who  died 
in  infancy.  Frank  B.  married  Miss  Elizabeth 
C.  DeGaine,  and  died  four  years  later.  George 
Norris  was  drowned  when  fourteen  years  old. 
John  died  when  two  years  old.  Milton  M. 
Phelps  was  municipal  judge  in  Janesville  for 
six  years.  He  was  a lieutenant  in  the  Union 
army  during  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  and  was 
acting  adjutant  of  his  regiment  when  he  was 
shot  through  the  lungs  in  the  second  battle  of 
Bull  Run.  He  was  under  treatment  for  sixty 
days  and  then  returned  to  the  front,  but  was 
not  able  to  do  duty,  and  was  discharged  on  ac- 
count of  disability.  He  had  an  accident  in 
Janesville  July  21,  1898,  colliding  with  the 
cars  while  riding  a bicycle,  and  died  Sept.  27. 
A very  eloquent  tribute  of  the  Bar  Association 
to  his  memory  appears  elsewhere  in  this  vol- 
ume. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Abram  Phelps  survived 
all  their  family. 

In  1866  Mr.  Phelps  came  to  Wisconsin, 
locating  in  Rock  county,  and  buying  a farm  of 
202  acres  in  Rock  township,  three  miles  from 
Janesville,  where  he  built  a fine  house  and  other 
good  buildings,  and  devoted  himself  to  the 
cultivation  of  the  soil  until  1884.  That  year 
he  rented  his  farm,  and  with  his  wife  moved 
to  Janesville,  where  he  passed  away  March  31, 
1901.  For  many  years  the  cheery  home  at  No. 
155  Pleasant  street  has  been  a center  of  help- 
fulness. To  many  it  has  proved  a blessed 
haven,  made  so  by  the  practical  Christianity 
which  sweetened  and  glorified  the  lives  of  the 
aged  couple  who  for  more  than  sixty-three 
years  have  traveled  hand  in  hand.  Both  de- 
voted their  lives  to  the  service  of  Christ  in 
their  youth.  He  was  a member  of  the  Court 
Street  Methodist  Church,  as  is  his  widow,  of 
which  he  was  a class-leader,  and  he  was  always 
an  active  worker  in  the  church,  serving  on  the 
official,  board  and  doing  anything  he  could  to 
promote  its  prosperity.  He  and  his  wife  were 
both  members  of  the  church  before  their  wed- 
ding. The  following  is  taken  from  an  article 
which  appeared  in  the  Janesville  Gazette  of 
April  1,  1901  : “Their  religion  inspired  uni- 

versal respect  because  it  had  withstood  the  test 
of  unusual  affliction,  and1  because,  in  spite  of 
great  sorrow,  they  came  to  a lovely  old  age, 


FRAHK  B.  PHELPS 


ABRAM  PHELPS 


MILTOH  M.  PHELPS 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


i/3 


gracefully  and  graciously.  When  life  seemed 
best  worth  living  came  the  tragic  series  of 
deaths  which  shocked  the  entire  community  and 
swept  away  all  family  ties  for  the  aged  couple 
who  were  left  to  bear  the  great  burden  of  sor- 
row. Mrs.  M.  M.  Phelps  died  in  December, 
1897,  and  a month  later  her  son  followed. 
Judge  Phelps  lived  on  for  a few  months,  and 
then  came  the  collision  of  his  bicycle  with  a 
railway  train,  and  in  September,  1898,  he,  too, 
passed  on  to  the  life  beyond  the  grave.  With- 
in a year  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Phelps  had  seen  their 
family  pass  away,  yet  deep  as  was  then  sorrow 
no  word  of  complaint  ever  passed  their  lips. 

“Misfortune  again  visited  the  home  when, 
nearly  two  years  ago,  Mrs.  Phelps  fell  and 
broke  her  hip.  It  was  feared  that  she  could 
not  recover  from  the  shock,  but  her  mission 
had  not  yet  been  fulfilled,  and  she  can  now 
walk  around  the  house  with  the  aid  of  a crutch 
and  cane.  Three  weeks  ago  Mr.  Phelps  was 
taken  ill  with  heart  trouble,  and  one  week  ago 
last  Friday  night  he  suffered  a severe  stroke 
of  paralysis,  which  would  have  proved  fatal 
immediately  to  a man  of  less  marvelous  vital- 
ity. Although  he  lay  as,  if  unconscious  dur- 
ing" the  last  week  of  his  illness  he  retained  his 
mental  faculties,  and  was  able  to  make  himself 
understood.  The  voice  "of  his  beloved  wife 
was  always  able  to  rouse  him,  and  he  never 
failed  to  respond  to  her  good-night  or  good- 
morning greetings  with  a word  or  a hearty 
pressure  of  the  hand.  The  end  came  very 
peacefully. 

“Mr.  Phelps  was  a lovable  gentleman, 
cheerful  and  happy  in  his  disposition,  noble  in 
character,  and  ever  ready  with  a kindly  word  or 
an  act  of  helpfulness.  His  life  was  ruled  by  the 
gospel  of  love,  and  he  knew  his  guide-book, 
the  Bible,  so  thoroughly  that  if  he  were  given 
the  substance  of  a verse  of  Scripture  he  could 
tell  the  exact  book,  chapter  and  verse  where  it 
could  be  found.  Mrs.  Phelps  has  no  imme- 
diate relatives,  except  a half  sister,  but  she 
finds  great  comfort  in  the  sustaining  presence 
of  Mrs.  Elizabeth  C.  Phelps,  the  widow  of 
Frank  Phelps,  who  has  now  cared  for  father, 
son  and  grandson  in  their  last  days  on  earth. 

“The  passing  away  of  Abram  Phelps  marks 
the  closing  of  a remarkable  life.  His  death 
is  one  that  touches  with  peculiar  interest  the 
hearts  of  many  people  because  of  the  rare  his- 
tory of  that  life  whose  influence  was  so  far 
reaching  and  ever  tending  to  the  uplifting  of 


mankind.  Such  a death  must  cause  universal 
sorrow,  but  around  it  can  center  no  gloom, 
only  the  triumphant  confidence  that  for  him 
and  those  who  loved  him  death  has  no  sting, 
the  grave  no  victory.” 

Our  subject  was  a Republican,  and  took 
a keen  interest  in  politics,  but  never  would  con- 
sent to  take  anything  but  a local  office,  in 
which  he  might  directly  serve  his  neighbors. 

Mrs.  Phelps’  father,  Stephen  Moore,  was 
born  in  New  Hampshire,  on  the  Merrimac 
river,  and  her  mother  near  Bath,  Maine,  the 
Moore  and  Dodge  families  being  New  Hamp- 
shire and  Maine  people,  respectively.  Stephen 
Moore  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and 
was  known  as  Major  Moore;  his  father  served 
in  the  war  of  the  Revolution. 

J.  MARTIN  BURGESS,  the  popular 
cashier  of  the  Bank  of  Cassville,  and  justice 
of  the  peace  and  notary  public,  was  born  in 
Muskallonge,  Beetown  township,  in  1847,  and 
is  a worthy  representative  of  a prominent  pio- 
neer family  of  Grant  county. 

Henry  Burgess,  his  father,  was  born  in 
Kentucky  Dec.  19,  1808,  a son  of  William 
Burgess,  who  married  a lady  named  Johnson, 
both  also  natives  of  that  State,  and  early  set- 
tlers of  Bond  county,  Ilk,  where  A illiam  Bur- 
gess  opened  up  and  improved  a farm.  There 
a stockade  was  built,  to  which  during  the  In- 
dian troubles  of  1812  he  took  his  family  for 
protection.  He  was  a member  of  the  Mounted 
Dragoons,  in  the  State  militia,  and  was  wound- 
ed in  the  shoulder  by  an  Indian  during  an  at- 
tack.- He  continued  to  make  his  home  in  Bond 
county,  111.,  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in 
1853.  His  wife  died  some  years  previously. 

Henry  Burgess,  the  father  of  J.  Martin, 
was  reared  and  educated  in  Bond  county,  Ilk, 
and  in  1845  came  to  Potosi,  Grant  county, 
Wis.,  locating  in  Beetown  township  in  the  fall 
of  the  same  year.  He  was  engaged  in  min- 
ing until  about  1853,  when  he  purchased  a 
tract  of  wild  land  in  Cassville  township,  which 
he  transformed  into  a well  improved  and 
highly  cultivated  farm.  I11  early  life  he  affili- 
ated with  the  Democratic  party,  but  on  the 
formation  of  the  Republican  party,  in  1856,  he 
joined  its  ranks,  continuing  one  of  its  stanch 
supporters  until  his  death.  In  1856  lie  was 
elected  justice  of  the  peace  in  Cassville  town- 
ship, and  held  that  office  continuously  until 
1893.  In  that  capacity  he  performed  his  first 


i74 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


marriage  ceremony  Nov.  i,  1857,  and  during 
the  succeeding  years  married  130  couples,  the 
last  being  on  March  14/1892.  He  also  served 
as  chairman  of  the  town  board,  and  was  town 
clerk  for  twenty  years.  Henry  Burgess  was 
twice  married,  the  first  time  in  Bond  county, 
111.,  about  1832,  to  a Miss  White,  who  died  in 
that  State.  To  them  were  born  four  children : 
William,  a farmer,  who  died  in  Cassville,  Wis., 
in  1858  ; John  H.,  who  enlisted  in  1862  in  Com- 
pany C,  2d  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  died  at  Arlington 
Heights  the  same  year;  Elizabeth  Jane,  who 
died  in  Nebraska  in  1896;  and  Mary  Ann,  who 
died  in  that  State  in  1894.  Mr.  Burgess  was 
ag'ain  married,  in  Wisconsin,  in  1845,  his  sec- 
ond union  being  with  Harriet  Leanora  Mat- 
thews, who  died  in  March,  1885,  while  his 
death  occurred  May  3,  1895.  The  children 
born  to  them  were  Joseph  Martin,  whose  name 
introduces  this  review;  James  T.,  principal  of 
the  high  school  at  Sargents  Bluff,  Iowa ; 
George  P.,  postmaster  and  justice  of  the  peace 
at  Graham,  Clayton  Co.,  Iowa;  and  Harriet, 
who  died  at  the  age  of  three  years.  By  a for- 
mer marriage  the  mother  had  two  children : 
Sarah,  wife  of  Butler  Throssel,  chairman  of 
the  county  board  of  Franklin  county,  Iowa; 
and  Adaline,  now  Mrs.  Bates,  of  Kingman 
county,  Kansas. 

Reared  in  Beetown  and  Cassville  town- 
ships, J.  Martin  Burgess  began  his  education 
in  the  district  schools,  and  later  attended  the 
high  schools  of  Cassville  and  Lancaster.  For 
twelve  years  he  successfully  followed  school 
teaching  in  Grant  county,  Wis.,  and  Clayton 
county,  Iowa,  and  for  a time  was  in  the  em- 
ploy of  a railroad  company.  In  June,  1899, 
lie  was  made  cashier  of  the  Bank  of  Cassville, 
and  is  now  filling  that  responsible  position  in 
a most  creditable  and  satisfactory  manner.  In 
1894  he  succeeded  his  father  as  justice  of  the 
peace,  and  up  to  January,  1900,  had  married 
thirty-eight  couples.  He  also  served  as  town 
clerk  a number  of  years,  and  is  now  notary 
public. 

At  Cassville,  in  1872,  Mr.  Burgess  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Mary  Woodall, 
a native  of  Dubuque  county,  Iowa,  of  which 
her  parents,  Obediah  and  Mary  (McGinnis) 
Woodall,  were  pioneers.  Her  father  died  in 
Clayton  county,  Iowa,  in  1893,  having  sur- 
vived his  wife  many  years.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Burgess  are  active  and  influential  members  of 
the  Baptist  Church,  in  which  he  is  serving  as 


deacon,  and  he  was  superintendent  of  the  Sab- 
bath school  in  1899.  Socially  he  is  a promi- 
nent member  of  Cassville  Lodge,  No.  235,  F. 
& A.  M.,  in  which  he  now  fills  the  office  of 
worthy  master.  He  is  one  of  the  most  popu- 
lar and  highly  respected  citizens  of  Cassville, 
and  those  who  know  him  best  are  numbered 
among  his  warmest  friends. 

REV.  GEORGE  W.  ANDREWS,  Union 
evangelist,  who  now  makes  his  home  in  Mil- 
ford, Dickinson  Co.,  Iowa,  is  a representative 
of  one  of  the  early  families  of  Lamont  town- 
ship, formerly  a part  of  Fayette  township,  La- 
fayette county. 

Charles  Andrews,  his  father,  was  born  in 
Crawford  county,  Penn.,  June  14,  1833,  son 
of  Robert  Andrews.  The  family  is  of  Irish 
origin,  but  came  to  America  in  Colonial  days. 
As  Robert  Andrews  died  when  his  son  Charles 
was  but  nine  years  of  age,  the  latter  was  thrown 
largely  on  his  own  resources  at  a very  early 
age.  The  mother,  however,  was  a most  ex- 
cellent and  capable  woman,  and  reared  her  chil- 
dren to  be  honorable  and  useful  members  of 
society.  She  died  at  the  advanced  age  of 
eighty-nine  years. 

In  August,  1853,  Charles  Andrews,  ac- 
companied by  his  brother  William  R.,  left 
Pennsylvania  and  located  in  Wisconsin.  They 
worked  in  different  parts  of  the  State  before 
coming  to  Lafayette  county,  and  in  1857  made 
their  permanent  settlement  in  the  township  of 
Fayette,  now  Lamont.  William  R.  died  at 
his  home  in  June,  1900,  leaving  a family  of 
four  sons  and  four  daughters.  Charles  An- 
drews purchased  the  farm  in  Section  23,  of 
David  Jolly,  a well-known  old  settler,  and 
eventually  became  possessed  of  four  hundred 
acres,  besides  land  in  Iowa.  He  married  Miss 
Jane  McMannus,  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  who 
came  to  Lafayette  county  with  her  parents, 
George  and  Sarah  McMannus,  in  1855. 
George  McMannus  died  at  the  age  of  sixty- 
six,  and  his  wife  at  the  age  of  eighty-seven ; 
they  had  but  two  children  : George,  who  lived 

to  be  nineteen;  and  Jane,  who  became  Mrs. 
Andrews.  Charles  Andrews  was  long  a prom- 
inent and  well-known  citizen,  honorable  and 
successful  in  his  business  career,  and  ever  held 
in  high  esteem  as  an  energetic  and  progressive 
citizen.  He  was  ever  ready  to  help  the  unfor- 
tunate, and  was  greatly  beloved  by  his  friends. 
Socially  he  was  identified  with  the  Masonic 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


175 


fraternity,  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  and  the  K.  of  P. 
His  death  occurred  in  January,  1899,  and  his 
wife,  who  survives  him,  lives  at  Argyle.  They 
were  the  parents  of  four  children : Rev. 

George  W. ; John  H.,  a resident  of  Lamont 
township;  Lizzie;  and  Willard. 

Rev.  George  W.  Andrews  was  born  on  the 
old  homestead  May  14,  1861.  When  he  was 
eleven  years  of  age  his  father  removed  from 
the  farm  to  the  village  of  Argyle,  in  order  to 
give  the  children  the  benefit  of  an  education. 
He  was  but  twenty  years  of  age  when  he  was 
married,  and  immediately  after  marriage  re- 
turned to  the  homestead  farm  in  Lamont,  and 
for  two  years  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits. 
He  then  moved  to  his  present  home  in  Dickin- 
son county,  Iowa,  where  he  has  a fine  farm. 
In  February,  1891,  Mr.  Andrews  was  con- 
verted, and  he  has  ever  since  labored  with  all 
the  earnestness  and  enthusiasm  of  his  nature 
to  spread  Christ’s  kingdom  in  the  hearts  of 
men.  Since  1896  he  has  been  engaged  as  a 
Union  evangelist,  and  while  the  major  portion 
of  his  work  has  been  in  the  State  of  Iowa  he 
has  made  some  stirring  appeals  in  the  vicinity 
of  his  old  home,  in  Wisconsin.  He  has  been 
eminently  successful  in  his  religious  work,  his 
sincerity  touching  the  hearts  of  his  hearers 
and  making  his  appeals  more  convincing. 

Mr.  Andrews  married  Miss  Luella  Jane 
Goodman,  daughter  of  Henry  and  Lavina 
Goodman,  who  emigrated  from  Cornwall, 
England,  in  1856.  and  were  early  settlers  of 
the  township  of  Wiota,  Lafayette  county ; they 
now  make  their  home  in  O'Brien  county,  Iowa. 
The  children  born  to  this  union  are  six  in 
number,  three  sons  and  three  daughters : 
Charles  G.,  Lela  May,  Lavinia  J.,  William  C., 
John  H.,  and  Lenore  Andrews. 

M.  T.  CAMP,  a well-known  and  highly  es- 
teemed citizen  of  Platteville,  Grant  county, 
was  born  at  that  place  in  1847,  and  is  a worthy 
representative  of  one  of  its  prominent  pioneer 
families.  His  father,  William  Camp,  came 
here  in  early  manhood,  and  was  married  in 
Platteville  to  Miss  Sarah  Gillman,  a native  of 
Illinois,  who  came  to  Grant  county  in  1832 
with  her  parents.  Charles  and  Lucinda  Gill- 
man,  whose  last  days  were  spent  in  Platteville. 
M.  T.  Camp  had  a brother,  John,  who  served 
three  years  in  the  Civil  war  as  a member  of 
the  10th  Wis.  Ah  I.,  and  one  year  in  the  44th 
Regiment. 


Responding  to  his  country’s  call  for  aid 
during  the  dark  days  of  the  Rebellion,  Air. 
Camp  enlisted,  at  Platteville,  in  November, 
1863,  for  three  years  or  during  the  war,  and 
was  mustered  in  at  Madison,  Wis.,  as  a mem- 
ber of  Company  C,  7th  Wis.  V.  I.,  which  be- 
came a part  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  Mr. 
Camp  participated  in  all  the  engagements  in 
which  his  command  took'  part,  including  the 
battles  of  the  Wilderness,  Laurel  Hill  and 
Spottsylvania.  When  the  war  ended  he  re- 
ceived an  honorable  discharge,  in  July,  1865, 
and  returned  to  his  home  in  Platteville.  He 
is  now  a member  of  W.  T.  Sherman  Post,  No. 
66,  G.  A.  R.  Politically  he  is  a stalwart  sup- 
porter of  the  men  and  measures  of  the  Repub- 
lican party. 

On  Dec.  25,  1867,  Mr.  Camp  was  married, 
in  Platteville,  to  Miss  Margaret  Edwards,  a 
daughter  of  William  Edwards.  They  are 
widely  and  favorably  known,  and  have  many 
friends  in  the  community  where  they  reside. 

GEORGE  C.  WILKINSON,  who  since 
1901  has  made  his  home  in  the  town  of  Benton, 
Lafayette  county,  inherited  from  his  father 
those  sterling-  characteristics  of  heart  and  brain 
that  have  made  him  a successful  farmer  and 
miner,  as  well  as  a popular  and  respected  citi- 
zen. He  was  born  in  Benton  township  July 
8,  1868,  son  of  George  and  Isabella  (Allinson) 
Wilkinson,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of 
Yorkshire,  England. 

George  Wilkinson  was  born  April  30,  1831, 
and  came  to  America  in  early  manhood,  having 
when  he  landed  a monetary  capital  of  five  dol- 
lars, with  which  he  intended  to  commence  life 
on  the  Western  frontier.  He  had  a limited 
education,  but  natural  business  tact  won  for 
him  the  success  that  literary  training  often 
fails  to  accomplish.  For  two  or  three  years 
after  his  arrival  he  worked  on  farms  in  New 
York  State,  and  then  came  West.  His  first 
farm  was  in  New  Diggings,  Lafayette  Co., 
Wis.,  but  after  a year  of  farm  work  in 
Wisconsin  he  turned  to  mining.  In  Aug- 
ust, 1864,  Mr.  Wilkinson  wedded  Miss 
Isabella  Allinson,  who  was  born  in  March, 
1846,  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Jane  Al- 
linson, who  were  natives  of  England,  and 
early  settlers  of  Lafayette  county.  Shortly 
after  his  marriage  Air.  Wilkinson  pur- 
chased the  old  Allinson  home,  Thomas  Allin- 
son having  died,  and  for  the  remainder  of  his 


176 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


life  lived  in  the  stone  house  early  erected  by 
his  father-in-law,  and  which  is  still  standing, 
in  a good  state  of  preservation.  Mrs.  Wilkin- 
son died  Sept.  23,  1S77,  and  Mr.  Wilkinson  on 
Jan.  29,  1896.  He  was  a member  of  the 
Church  of  England,  while  she  was  a de- 
vout Methodist,  her  father,  Thomas  Al- 
linson,  having  been  a local  preacher  for 
many  years,  and  the  founder  and  builder 
of  the  stone  church  now  in  use  at  New 
Diggings.  Of  the  seven  children  born  to 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wilkinson,  we  have  the  fol- 
lowing record:  (1)  Sarah  A.,  born  in  July, 
1865,  was  graduated  from  the  Hazel  Green 
high  school,  was  for  several,  years  assistant 
teacher  in  the  Lancaster  (Wis.)  high  school, 
and  for  two  or  three  terms  in  Bloomington, 
Wis.  In  1889  she  married  Joseph  A.  Williams, 
now  a practicing  lawyer  at  Plain  View,  Neb., 
and  has  three  children,  Isabella,  Anna  and  Hil- 
lis.  (2)  Thomas,  born  in  August,  1866,  re- 
sides on  a part  of  the  old  homestead,  where 
he  has  erected  new  and  modern  buildings. 
In  1893  he  married  Ella  Beck,  of  Benton,  and 
has  one  son  Fred,  born  Aug.  17,  1894.  (3) 

George  C.  is  next  in  the  order  of  birth.  (4) 
Hannah  J.,  born  Oct.  8,  1869,  was  educated 
in  the  Hazel  Green  high  school,  and  in  June, 
1894,  wedded  Edward  Williams,  of  Hazel 
Green,  now  residing  on  Main  street,  Madison, 
where  he  is  engaged  in  the  drug  business.  (5) 
Joseph  E.,  born  Nov.  28,  1871,  a promising 
young  man,  died  in  June,  1897.  (6)  Robert 

E.,  born  in  May,  1875,  is  engaged  in  the 
butchering  business  in  Benton.  (7)  Eugene 
A.,  born  in  August,  1877,.  was  educated  in 
Brett  College,  in  Iowa ; he  is  now  a furniture 
dealer  in  that  State. 

George  C.  Wilkinson,  the  subject  proper 
of  this  review,  was  educated  in  the  district 
schools  of  the  neighborhood,  and  in  Whig, 
Grant  county,  where  he  lived  with  Robert 
Wilkinson  after  the  death  of  his  mother.  Until 
his  father’s  death  he  worked  on  the  old  home 
farm,  having  learned  the  details  of  farm  work 
in  the  hard  school,  of  experience.  He  then  took 
up  mining',  in  which  he  has  been  quite  success- 
ful, making  quite  a fortune  working  his  own 
mines,  which  bear  his  name.  He  has  given 
good  evidence  of  his  business  ability  and  good 
common  sense  in  the  management  of  his  own 
affairs,  and  personally  has  won  for  himself 
the  respect  of  the  entire  community. 

On  Feb.  2,  1898,  Mr.  Wilkinson  was  mar- 


ried to  Miss  Margaret  A.  Teal,  born  in  1868, 
daughter  of  Joseph  and  Annie  Teal,  and  edu- 
cated in  the  Shullsburg  and  New  Diggings 
schools.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Teal  came  to  Wisconsin 
from  England,  and  were  well  known  people, 
esteemed  for  their  many  virtues.  Mr.  Teal 
died  in  1871,  leaving  three  children:  Joseph, 
of  New  Diggings;  Mary,  wife  of  Horatio 
Bale,  of  White  Oak  Springs,  Lafayette  county  ; 
and  Margaret,  wife  of  our  subject.  Since  the 
death  of  her  husband  Mrs.  Teal  has  again 
married,  her  second  husband  being  Thomas 
Clegg,  by  whom  she  has  three  children,  Fannie 
(now  Mrs.  Charles  Vickers),  Minnie  and 
Thomas,  all  of  New  Diggings.  Mr.  Wilkinson 
follows  in  the  footsteps  of  his  father  in  his 
political  faith,  voting  the  straight  Republican 
ticket,  and  in  religious  belief  both  he  and  his 
wife  are  Methodists.  The  family  has  always 
borne  an  honorable  name,  to  which  the  present 
generation  bids  fair  to  add  new  laurels. 

FRANK  BAIN  PHELPS  (deceased)  was 
born  at  Montville,  Geauga  Co.,  Ohio,  July  21, 
1865,  and  the  following  -November  was 
brought  by  his  parents  to  Janesville,  Wis. 
His  early  training  was  received  in  the  public 
schools  of  that  city,  and  he  spent  one  year  at 
Lawrence  University,  Appleton.  He  then  at- 
tended the  University  of  Wisconsin,  gradu- 
ating in  1887.  His  course  in  the  University 
was  along  scientific  lines,  but  he  took  much 
interest  in  newspaper  work,  and  was  connected 
with  the  student  publications.  Soon  after  his 
graduation  he  was  appointed  city  editor  of  the 
Green  Bay  Gazette,  and  displayed  such  ability 
in  this  work  that  he  was  called  from  Green 
Bay  to  Hancock,  Mich.,  to  take  editorial  charge 
of  the  Hancock  Journal.  Here  his  knowledge 
of  civil  engineering  and  the  theory  of  mining 
proved  of  great  value  to  him.  He  became  ex- 
ceptionally well  versed  in  Wisconsin  and  Mich- 
igan mining  matters,  and  his  letters  to  the  New 
York  trade  journals  attracted  so  much  atten- 
tion that  he  was  offered  an  editorial  position  on 
the  Engineering  and  Mining  Journal  of  New 
York.  While  in  this  position  he  gained  a very 
thorough  knowledge,  from  a newspaper  stand- 
point, of  the  coal  trade  and  the  metal  markets. 

Mr.  Phelps  next  joined  the  staff  of  the  Dow- 
Jones  News  Agency,  which  brought  him  more 
directly  into  contact  with  the  great  financial 
centers,  and  enabled  him  to  gain  a wide  ex- 
perience in  business  and  financial  matters. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


1 77 


Afterward  he  became  financial  editor  of  the 
New  York  Recorder,  a position  he  held  for  two 
years,  and  until  the  paper  was  discontinued. 
He  then  joined  the  staff  of  the  New  York 
Commercial  Advertiser,  as  chief  of  its  Wall 
street  bureau,  retaining-  this  position,  and  dis- 
playing remarkable  ability  in  meeting  its  varied 
and  critical  demands,  until  ill-health  necessi- 
tated his  retirement  from  all  newspaper  work, 
in  the  winter  of  1897.  That  spring  he  came  to 
Janesville,  and  remained  here  a few  months 
without  apparent  improvement.  He  went  back 
to  New  York,  and  died  there  Jan.  7,  1898.  He 
had  a short  but  brilliant  career,  and  his  vital 
powers  burned  quickly  out  with  a splendor  all 
their  own.  His  life  was  sincerely  led,  his  pur- 
pose high  and  noble,  and  his  duties  well  per- 
formed. 

Milton  Moore  Phelps:  A Memorial 

Adopted  by  the  Rock  County  Bar  Association, 
and  filed  in  Court  April  23,  1900. — On  the  27th 
day  of  September,  1898,  Milton  Moore  Phelps 
passed  into  the  larger  life,  after  an  earthly  pil- 
grimage extending  over  a little  more  than  fifty- 
nine  years,  thirty-three  years  of  which  time 
were  passed  among  us  as  a resident  of  our 
city,  and  a member  of  our  Bar.  All  who  im- 
mediately knew  this  man,  as  was  the  fortune 
of  the  writer  of  this  Memorial  to  know  him, 
knew  that  in  his  home,  among  his  friends,  and 
wherever  he  found  persons  who  were  willing 
to  give  an  unprejudiced  and  candid  hearing  to 
all  sides  of  the  question,  he  was  the  most  gentle, 
considerate,  and  loving  and  sweet-spirited  of 
men.  The  integrity  of  his  character  was  his 
leading  quality.  None  excelled  and  few 
equalled  him  in  this  respect.  No  one  who 
knew  him  ever  doubted  the  rugged  honesty  of 
his  nature. 

He  never  stooped  to  trickery,  he  never  re- 
sorted to  hypocrisy,  he  was  absolutely  free 
from  the  pretension  of  deceit.  His  nature  was 
frank,  open,  cheery.  He  was  sincerely  at- 
tached to  his  friends,  and  absolutely  loyal  to 
them.  He  was  Democratic  in  his  ideals  and 
actions,  and  entirely  free  from  dogmatism. 
He  was  not  a genius,  and  yet  he  had  a well- 
rounded  and  evenly-developed  intellect.  He 
was  not  a great  lawyer.  He  was  safe  and 
sound  and  industrious,  one  who  never  disgraced 
his  profession,  or  his  brother  members  at  the 
Bar.  He  was-a  man  of  force,  he  enjoyed  busi- 
ness, and  liked  to  be  a producer  of  things. 

After  all  man’s  title  to  remembrance  by  his 

12 


fellow  men  must  rest  upon  his  virtues  rather 
than  upon  any  vagaries  of  intellect,  sometimes 
designated  genius.  We  are  oftentimes  com- 
pelled to  define  and  illustrate  qualities  by  com- 
parison. And  not  only  a fair  but  a good  way  to 
judge  the  qualities  men  generally  denominate 
virtues1  is  by  comparing  them  with  the  same 
qualities  in  those  illustrious  individuals  whose 
names  and  fame  grow  more  luminous  as  the 
years  go  by,  and  whose  characteristic  virtues 
have  been  preserved  to  us  by  the  printed  es- 
timates of  competent  friends.  And  if  we  shall 
find  that  the  qualities  of  our  friend  whose  mem- 
ory we  seek  here  to  perpetuate,  and  the  record 
of  whose  virtues  we  would  fain  preserve  by 
placing  it  among  the  archives  of  this  court, 
differ  only  from  those  in  degree  rather  than 
quality  or  kind,  we  have  a right  to  congratu- 
late ourselves  that  it  has  been  our  privilege  to 
have  been  associated  with  our  brother  pro- 
fessionally and  officially  for  so  many  years. 

We  have  been  often  struck  in  noticing  how 
closely  those  qualities  in  our  brother  corre- 
spond with  those  justly  described  by  his  eulo- 
gists to  the  Father  of  his  Country.  AYe  make 
bold  to  copy  a few  statements  from  Sparks’ 
and  Lee’s  eulogies  of  Washington  in  order 
that  the  similarity  may  be  observed. 

“His  moral  qualities  were  in  perfect  har- 
mony with  his  intellect ; duty  was  the  ruling 
principle  of  his  conduct,  and  the  rare  endow- 
ments of  his  understanding  were  not  more 
constantly  tasked  to  devise  the  best  methods  of 
effecting  an  object,  than  they  were  to  guard 
the  sanctity  of  conscience.  No  instance  can 
be  adduced  in  which  he  was  actuated  by  a 
sinister  motive,  or  endeavored  to  attain  an  end 
by  unworthy  means.  Truth,  integrity  and 
justice  were  deeply  rooted  in  his  mind,  and 
nothing  could  rouse  his  indignation  as  soon, 
or  so  utterly  destroy  his  confidence,  as  the  dis- 
covery of  the  want  of  these  virtues  in  any  one 
in  whom  he  had  trusted.  Weakness,  follies, 
indiscretions,  he  could  forgive  : but' subterfuge 
and  dishonesty  he  never  forgot,  rarely  par- 
doned. 

“He  was  candid  and  sincere,  true  to  his 
friends,  and  faithful  to  all,  neither  practicing 
dissimulation,  descending  to  artifice,  nor  hold- 
ing out  expectations  which  he  did  not  intend 
should  be  realized. 

“As  a husband,  son  and  brother,  he  was 
tender  and  affectionate.  Without  vanity,  os- 
tentation or  pride,  he  never  spoke  of  himself  or 


173 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


his  actions  unless  required  by  circumstances 
which  concerned  the  public  interest,  if  he  had 
one  passion  more  strong  than  another,  it  was 
the  love  of  country.  The  purity  and  ardor  of  his 
patriotism  were  commensurate  with  the  great- 
ness of  its  object.  He  was  second  to  none  in 
humble  and  endearing  scenes  of  private  life; 
pious,  just,  humane,  temperate,  sincere,  uni- 
formly dignified  and  commanding,  his  example 
was  edifying  to  all  around  him,  as  were  the 
effects  of  that  example  lasting.  To  his 
equals  he  was  condescending;  to  his  in- 
feriors kind;  and  to  the  dear  object  of 
his  affections  exemplarily  tender.  Correct 
throughout,  vice  shuddered  in  his  presence, 
and  virtue  always  felt  his  fostering  hand,  and 
the  purity  of  his  private  character  gave  efful- 
gence to  his  public  virtues.” 

Judge  Phelps  was  born  Jan.  13,  1839,  at 
Freedom,  Portage  Co.,  Ohio,  in  the  Western 
Reserve,  the  oldest  son  of  Abram  and  Marietta 
Phelps,  both  of  whom  survive  him.  His  boy- 
hood and  early  manhood  were  spent  amid  stir- 
ring scenes  connected  with  the  anti-slavery 
excitement,  which  took  an  acute  form  in  the 
Western  Reserve.  The  name  of  his  birthplace 
suggests  a love  of  liberty,  so  that  when  the 
scenes  preceding  the  Rebellion  had  culminated 
in  the  fire  on  Fort  Sumter  he  was  ready  to  don 
a uniform  and  start  for  the  front.  In  1861  Mr. 
Phelps  was  just  finishing  his  college  course  at 
Meadville,  Penn.,  and  upon  graduating  at  once 
enlisted  in  the  Pennsylvania  Reserve.  And 
from  that  time  until  June,  1863,  serving  as 
lieutenant  and  adjutant,  he  confronted  the  en- 
emy’s guns,  only  omitting  from  that  time  sixty 
days,  when  he  was  at  home  recovering  from 
a gun-shot  wound.  His  service  in  the  army 
was  one  of  conspicuous  gallantry.  He  par- 
ticipated in  several  important  engagements  of 
the  war,  and  his  person  was  six  times  hit  by 
Rebel  bullets.  At  the  second  disastrous  battle 
of  Bull  Run,  while  the  forces  confronting  in 
this  part  of  the  field  in  which  Mr.  Phelps  was 
serving  were  becoming  broken  up  and  dis- 
organized, and  at  the  moment  when  he  had  suc- 
ceeded in  rallying  a considerable  force  com- 
posed of  men  from  different  broken  and  flying 
regiments,  he  partly  turned  around  to  lift  a 
fallen  comrade,  when  he  himself  received  a 
Rebel  bullet  which  passed  entirely  through  his 
lungs.  Though  desperately  wounded  in  a man- 
ner that  would  mean  death  to  most  men,  his 
excellent  constitution  and  exemplary  habits  en- 


abled him  to  rapidly  regain  sufficient  strength 
so  that  in  a little  less  than  sixty  days  he  was 
again  upon  the  battlefield,  and  participated  in 
the  battle  of  Fredericksburg,  where,  from  ex- 
posure and  lying  on  wet  ground,  the  old  in- 
jury was  so  aggravated  that  he  was  reluctantly 
compelled  to  take  his  discharge. 

On  June  16,  1864,  he  was  married  to  Hen- 
rietta Bain,  the  daughter  of  the  Rev.  John 
Bain,  at  Franklin,  Venango  Co.,  Penn.,  and  in 
1865  they  removed  to  the  city  of  Janesville, 
and  Mr.  Phelps  entered  at  once  upon  a success- 
ful practice  of  law,  which  practice  was  contin- 
uous, except  as  interfered  with  by  the  perform- 
ance of  his  judicial  duties.  Mr.  Phelps  during 
his  residence  here  served  his  county  and  city  in 
several  different  judicial  capacities,  among  them 
being  justice  of  the  peace,  public  administrator, 
and  at  the  time  of  his  death  he  had  been  for 
nearly  six  years  judge  of  the  municipal  court 
for  Rock  county.  In  the  performance  of  his 
judicial  duties  he  was  ever  honest,  painstaking, 
impartial,  and  faithful..  And  while  he  was 
kindly  sympathetic  with  unfortunates  who 
were  brought  before  him,  he  ever  tried  to  ad- 
minister the  law  so  as  to  deter  people  from 
committing  offenses,  and  to  protect  the  public 
in  all  personal  and  property  rights.  Mr.  Phelps 
had  no  sisters,  and  but  one  brother,  and  he 
died  in  the  year  1863  from  disease  contracted 
in  the  army.  During  their  married  life  there 
were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Phelps  four  chil- 
dren, two  of  whom  died  in  infancy,  and  the 
youngest  of  the  survivors,  Norris  Phelps,  was 
drowned  when  he  was  fourteen  years  of  age. 
The  last  year  of  Judge  Phelps’  life  was  one  of 
peculiar  afflictions.  In  the  month  of  Decem- 
ber, 1897,  his  beloved  wife,  after  a protracted 
illness,  passed  to  her  eternal  reward.  On  the 
7th  day  of  January  following  his  only  son, 
Frank,  followed  his  mother,  but  leaving  a 
widow,  Elizabeth  C.  Phelps,  who  supplied  the 
place  of  a dutiful  daughter  to  Mr.  Phelps  after 
his  wife  and  son  had  been  taken  from  him, 
and  her  loving  kindness  and  faithful  care  miti- 
gated1 the  suffering  of  his  last  days.  And  he 
had  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  that  she  would 
be  left  to  perform  in  his  stead  the  loving  duties 
to  his  aged  parents  which  he  had  fondly  ex- 
pected to  be  permitted  to  perform. 

The  apparent  cause  of  Mr.  Phelps’  death 
was  the  result  of  colliding  with  a train  while 
riding  a wheel.  Those  who  knew  him  and 
his  family  were  inclined  to  connect  that  injury 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


with  the  death  of  his  wife  and  son.  Brave  and 
strong,  he  had  faced  death  in  many  ways ; on 
the  battlefield,  and  in  behalf  of  the  needy  and 
the  weak,  he  had  met  his  full  share  of  acci- 
dental injuries.  He  seemed  almost  superior 
to  death  from  physical  causes.  His  domestic 
life  had  been  one  of  felicity,  and  so  strong 
was  his  life  intrenched  with  the  light  of  home, 
wife  and  children  that,  when  they  were  taken 
away,  the  steadying  prop  of  his  life  was  gone. 
Such  was  his  nature  that  he  would  not  bend, 
and  could  only  break. 

Up  to  within  a few  short  months  of  his 
death  his  thoughts,  energies,  were  concentrated 
upon  his  family,  and  they  were  here  and  with 
him.  The  mind  was  alert  and  vigilant,  quick 
to  care  for  them,  and,  for  their  sake,  for  him- 
self. Then  all  was  changed.  Their  abiding 
place  had  been  transferred  to  another  and  bet- 
ter world.  The  home  scenes  that  knew  him 
here  would  know  them  no  more  forever.  And, 
while  Mr.  Phelps  would  not  shrink  a duty  or 
evade  a responsibility,  and  would  bravely  fight 
the  battle  of  life  to  the  end  alone  if  need  be, 
it  is  not  too  much,  we  think,  to  say  that  the 
calamities  which  had  broken  the  heart  of  this 
brave  soul  somewhat  dimmed  the  alert- 
ness and  activity  of  his  consciousness  applied  to 
mere  earthly  or  physical  conditions,  and  that 
it  was  want  of  alertness  which  resulted  in  the 
injuries  which  terminated  his  earthly  career. 

And  so  here  to-day  we  pay  our  last  tribute 
to  the  man  we  all  honored,  and  whose  life  and 
character  honored  us.  One  by  one  we  followed 
this  loving  family  to  their  last  resting-place 
here  on  earth.  We  minoied  our  tears  with 
his,  as  one  by  one  the  jewels  of  his  life 
were  taken  from  him.  So  now  that  love  has 
conquered  death,  we  will  rejoice  with  him  in 
the  grand  reunion  with  the  loved  ones  in  that 
land  where  sorrow  and  death  and  separation 
shall  never  come. 

[Signed]  William  Smith, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee. 

C.  H.  WANAMAKER,  a prominent  black- 
smith of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  and  an  hon- 
ored veteran  of  the  Civil  war.  was  born  in 
Southington  Center,  Trumbull  Co..  Ohio, 
April  30,  1846,  a son  of  H.  L.  and  Hannah 
A.  (Chatfield)  Wannemaker  (as  the  name 
was  then  spelled),  and  a grandson  of  Jacob 
and  Elizabeth  (Sechler)  Wannemacher  (which 
was  the  original  spelling  of  the  name).  From 


1 79 


Pennsylvania,  their  native  State,  Jacob  Wan- 
nemacher and  wife  moved  to  Trumbull  county, 
Ohio,  where  they  died.  By  occupation  he  was 
a shoemaker.  His  brother,  Jonas  Wanne- 
maker, came  to  Grant  county,  A is.,  from  Penn- 
sylvania in  1846,  and  located  in  Liberty  town- 
ship, where  from  the  wild  land  he  developed  a 
farm.  He  died  in  Crawford  county,  this  State. 
Of  his  large  family  the  following  are  still 
living:  Samuel,  a resident  of  Crawford  county; 
Jonas,  Timothy  and  Nelson,  all  of  Colorado; 
and  Emily,  Mrs.  Dennis,  of  Grant  county, 
Wisconsin. 

H.  L.  Wannemaker,  father  of  the  gentle- 
man whose  name  introduces  this  sketch,  was 
born  in  Berks  county,  Penn.,  Sept.  18.  1822, 
' but  was  reared  and  educated  in  Ohio,  where  he 
learned  the  trade  of  blacksmith.  In  Trumbull 
county  he  was  married,  in  1843,  t°  Miss  Han- 
nah A.  Chatfield,  a native  of  Connecticut,  and 
a daughter  of  John  and  Eunice  (Percy)  Chat- 
field, who  were  also  born  in  that  State.  Her 
father,  who  was  a farmer  by  occupation,  and 
a veteran  of  the  war  of  1812,  moved  to  Ohio 
at  an  early  day,  and  in  1854  came  to  Platte- 
ville, Wis.,  where  he  died  in  1869.  His  wife’s 
death  occurred  in  Missouri,  in  1868.  In  1849 
H.  L.  Wannemaker  came  to  Grant  county, 
Wis.,  and  he  walked  all  the  way  back  to  Trum- 
bull. county,  Ohio,  to  bring  his  family  here  the 
following  year.  They  located  in  Platteville, 
where  the  father  worked  at  his  trade  until 
1853,  in  which  year  he  went  to  California,  re- 
turning in  1857  to  resume  blacksmithing.  Dur- 
ing the  war  of  the  Rebellion  he  enlisted,  for 
three  years,  in  Company  E,  25th  A is.  V.  I., 
and  was  with  Sherman  on  the  march  to  the 
sea  and  in  the  Carolina  campaign.  He  partic- 
ipated in  the  grand  review  at  Washington, 
D.  C.,  and  was  honorably  discharged  in  1865. 
In  1875  he  left  Platteville  and  moved  to  Golden, 
Colo.,  where  he  and  his  wife  still  reside.  Of 
the  five  children  born  to  them,  C.  H.  is  the 
eldest;  Walter  L..  the  second,  entered  the 
Union  army  in  1864.  and  died  in  Colorado  in 
1894;  Z.  PI.  is  a resident  of  that  State;  Nellie 
R.  is  married,  and  resides  in  Golden,  Colo. ; 
and  Ruby  R.  is  now  Mrs.  Crowe,  of  Denver. 

From  tfie  age  of  four  years  C.  H.  A ana- 
maker  has  been  a resident  of  Platteville.  where 
he  was  educated,  and  learned  the  blacksmith’s 
trade  with  his  father.  He  was  also  one  of  the 
boys  in  blue  during  the  Civil  war,  enlisting 
at  Columbus,  Ivy.,  in  April,  1863,  for  three 


i8o 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


years  or  during  the  war,  and  becoming  a mem- 
ber of  Company  E,  25th  Wis.  V.  I. ; he  was 
mustered  into  the  United  States  service  at 
Helena,  Ark.,  and  assigned  to  the  16th,  and 
later  to  the  17th,  Army  Corps.  He  partici- 
pated in  the  battle  of  Resaca,  and  all  of  the 
engagements  of  the  Atlanta  campaign.  At 
Decatur,  Ga.,  July  22,  1864,  the  company  lost 
two  more  than  half  its  number.  Mr.  Wana- 
maker  was  taken  prisoner  Nov.  1,  of  that  year, 
and  confined  at  Cahab'a,  Ala.,  for  five  months 
before  being  exchanged.  While  at  Vicksburg, 
in  1865,  he  was  transferred  to  Company  K, 
1 2th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  he  was  honorably  dis- 
charged in  June,  1865,  at  Madison,  Wis.,  as 
a prisoner  of  war.  Returning  to  Platteville,  he 
started  work  at  his  trade,  and  is  to-day  one  of 
the  leading  blacksmiths  of  the  city. 

On  May  10,  1868,  in  Platteville,  Mr.  Wana- 
maker  married  Miss  Eliza  Webster,  who  was 
born  in  L’Anse,  Mich.,  in  1850,  a daughter  of 
Thomas  and  Mary  Ann  (Trebilcock)  Webster. 
The  father  was  a native  of  Cornwall,  England, 
and  on  his  emigration  to  America  first  settled 
in  Pennsylvania,  but  later  moved  to  the  upper 
peninsula  of  Michigan,  locating  at  L’Anse 
prior  to  1850.  By  occupation  he  was  a.  miner. 
About  1851  or  1852  he  came  to  Platteville, 
Wis.,  where  he  died  in  1889.  After  the  death 
of  his  first  wife,  which  occurred  in  1855,  he 
married  her  sister,  who  still  resides  in  Platte- 
ville. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wanamaker  are  the  par- 
ents of  five  children,  namely : Alice,  wife  of 
John  Webb,  of  Platteville;  Mildred,  wife  of 
W.  E.  Hough,  of  Janesville,  Wis. ; T.  Webster, 
a resident  of  Green  Bav;  C.  L.,  who  has  charge 
of  the  electric  light  plant  at  Stevens  Point ; 
and  Vera,  wife  of  H.  M.  Dunn,  of  Milwaukee. 

Mr.  Wanamaker  is  a supporter  of  the  Re- 
publican party,  and  takes  an  active  interest  in 
political  affairs.  He  was  one  of  the  organizers 
and  charter  members  of  W.  T.  Sherman  Post, 
No.  66,  G.  A.  R.,  in  which  he  has  held  office, 
and  he  is  also  a member  of  the  Ancient  Order 
of  United  Workmen. 

JOHN  HAYES,  one  of  Muscoda’s  leading 
citizens,  enjoys  the  distinction  of  being  among 
the  few  survivors  of  those  who  participated  in 
the  great  naval  battle  between  the  “Kearsarge” 
and  the  “Alabama,”  lie  having  served  as  cox- 
swain on  the  former,  and  had  charge  of  one  of 
the  guns  which  sent  the  Confederate  craft  to 
the  bottom  of  the  English  Channel. 


Mr.  Hayes  was  born  July  20,  1832,  in  New- 
foundland, a subject  of  Great  Britain,  and  is 
a son  of  John  and  Mary  (Walker)  Hayes. 
The  family  originated  in  England,  but  for  sev- 
eral generations  representatives  thereof  have 
made  Newfoundland  their  home.  Our  sub- 
ject was  one  of  four  children,  three  sons  and 
one  daughter,  and  lost  his  mother  when  only 
five  or  six  years  old,  so  he  scarcely  remembers, 
her.  Being  apprenticed  to  the  trade  of  cooper, 
John  Hayes  served  his  full  time,  but  soon 
after  shipped  on  a British  merchantman,  his 
inclinations  tending  toward  seafaring  life.  In 
1856  or  1857  he  made  his  last  trip  on  an  Eng- 
lish vessel,  sailing  from  London  to  New  York. 
Leaving  that  service,  Mr.  Hayes  went  from 
New  York  to  Philadelphia,  and  entered  the 
American  naval  service,  shipping  on  the  United 
States  vessel  “Saranac,”  which  was  ordered  to 
the  Pacific  coast.  Remaining  in  the  naval 
service  for  about  two  years,  he  and  his  mates 
were  relieved,  and,  returning  to  New  York, 
Mr.  Hayes  entered  the  merchant  service,  and 
engaged  in  coasting  along  the  Atlantic  sea- 
board. 

In  November,  1861,  feeling  that  his  adopted 
country  had  need  of  his  services,  Mr.  Hayes,, 
leaving  the  merchant  service,  re-entered  the 
United  States  navy,  and  was  assigned  to  the 
“Ohio,”  at  Charlestown  harbor.  However, 
when  the  “Ohio”  was  at  Boston,  the  "Kear- 
sarge” was  also  in  that  harbor,  and  a carefully 
picked  crew  being  selected.  Knowing  Mr. 
Hayes’  record,  the  officers  of  the  “Kearsarge” 
had  him  transferred  from  the  “Ohio”  to  their 
vessel,  and  he  remained  one  of  its  crew  until 
1864.  As  is  well  known,  the  “Kearsarge”  was 
fitted  up  and  sent  out  expressly  for  the  purpose 
of  destroying  the  “Alabama,”  which  had  been 
such  a menace  to  the  commercial  interests  of 
the  United  States.  The  vessel  belonged  to 
Farragut’s  command,  but  possessed  a roving- 
commission,  and  the  search  was  a long  and 
exciting  one — through  the  straits  of  Gibraltar ; 
along  the  coast  of  Europe  ; thence  to  the  Azores. 
Finally,  while  cruising  along  the  coast  of  Hol- 
land, Capt.  Winslow,  the  officer  in  command,, 
received  information  that  the  “Alabama”  was 
lying  in  the  harbor  at  Cherbourg,  France. 
Acting  promptly  upon  this  information,  which 
was  sent  by  the  United  States  consul  at  Cher- 
bourg, the  “Kearsarge”  was  soon  at  the  end  of 
its  long  quest.  Underestimating  the  “Kear- 
sarge,” the  “Alabama”  immediately  sent  a 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


1 8 1 


challenge,  which  was  promptly  accepted,  and  on 
June  19,  1864,  the  “Kearsarge”  steamed  out  of 
the  harbor,  beyond  the  neutral  line,  closely  fol- 
lowed by  the  ‘‘Alabama.”  Just  as  the  com- 
manding officer  of  the  latter  began  to  think  that 
the  “Kearsarge”  was  trying  to  escape,  she  sud- 
denly turned  and  approached  the  enemy,  and 
then  was  fought  one  of  the  most  important 
battles  of  the  sea  ever  recorded  in  history. 
This  memorable  event  is  by  some  historians  re- 
garded of  more  importance  than  the  engage- 
ment between  the  “Merrimac”  and  the  "Moni- 
tor.” The  “Kearsarge”  not  only  overcame  the 
“Alabama,”  but,  as  is  well  known  by  every 
student  of  our  history,  sank  this  formidable 
vessel,  and  freed  the  high  seas  of  an  enemy 
which  had  swept  from  the  nations'  highway  all 
merchant  ships  belonging  to  the  commerce  of 
the  United  States  that  it  could  approach.  In- 
deed, this  victory  was  regarded  as  being  such 
an  important  one,  with  reference  to  the  com- 
merce of  the  country,  that  the  Chamber  of 
Commerce  of  New  York  City  contributed  a 
large  sum  of  money  to  be  presented  to  the  of- 
ficers and  crew  of  the  gallant  "Kearsarge  ” 
Of  this  sum  Mr.  Hayes’  portion  was  fifty  dol- 
lars, accompanied  by  a beautiful  certificate  of 
acknowledgment  of  the  part  he  took  in  the 
battle.  Mr.  Hayes  was  captain  of  a thirty-two- 
pound  gun  in  this  engagement,  which  he  ope- 
rated very  effectively. 

After  his  discharge  from  the  “Kearsarge,” 
Mr.  Hayes  re-enlisted  in  the  navy,  going  on 
the  recruiting  ship  “Ohio,”  but  was  soon  after 
selected  as  one  of  the  crew  of  the  "Wauchus- 
etts,”  which  cruised  along  the  coast  of  South 
America.  I11  the  spring  of  1865,  soon  after  the 
assassination  of  President  Lincoln,  the  steamer 
“Hartford”  (Admiral  Farragut’s  former  flag- 
ship) and  the  “Wauchusetts”  were  ordered  to 
China.  This  was  a long  and  interesting  trip, 
the  vessels  touching  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope, 
St.  Helena,  Manila,  Hong  Kong,  and  other 
important  points.  At  Hong  Kong  Mr.  Hayes 
Avas  transferred  from  the  “Wauchusetts”  to 
the  “Hartford.”  During  the  trip  the  captain 
and  first  and  second  officers  died,  and  a com- 
mander Avas  selected  from  the  “Hartford.” 
The  tAvo  A’essels  returned  to  Hong  Kong,  and 
the  “Wauchusetts”  Avas  soon  afterward  ordered 
home,  but.Mr.  Hayes  remained  Avith  the  "Hart- 
ford,” and  sailed  for  Japan  early  in  1868. 
Just  before  the  “Hartford”  started  on  its  home- 
Avarcl  voyage  Admiral  Bell,  with  several  of  the 


creAV,  took  a small  boat  to  go  to  shore,  to  at- 
tend to  some  final  business,  but  unfortunately 
the  boat  capsized,  and  the  Admiral  and  several 
of  the  crew  were  droAvned,  although  Mr. 
Hayes  and  others,  on  board  the  “Hartford,” 
hastened  to  their  rescue.  I11  August  the  "Hart- 
ford" arrived  in  NeAV  York,  and  the  crerv  Avas 
soon  after  paid  off,  at  the  Brooklyn  navy  yard, 
thus  closing  Mr.  Hayes’  long  and  eventful 
service  in  the  United  States  navy. 

After  a short  stay  in  Boston  Mr.  Hayes 
came  West  and  located  in  Mihvaukee,  follow- 
ing his  calling  on  the  Great  Lakes,  but  after 
his  marriage  he  came  to  Muscoda,  and  bought 
land  in  Richland  county.  In  1869  Mr.  Hayes 
was  married  to  Celia  Johnson,  and  three  chil- 
dren Avere  born  of  that  union:  John  H.,  a resi- 
dent of  Richland  county ; Louisa,  Avife  of 
David  Hardin,  a resident  of  IoAva ; and  Simon, 
of  Pittsburg,  Penn.,  now  engaged  in  railroad- 
ing. The  latter  Avas  a soldier  in  the  late  war 
with  Spain,  and  participated  in  the  siege  cf 
Santiago,  as  a member  of  Company  A,  17th 
United  States  Infantry. 

.On  Aug.  10,  1878,  Mr.  Hayes  lost  his  first 
Avife,  and  on  Dec.  28,  1878,  he  married  Mary 
Nelson,  the  lady  who  now  graces  his  home, 
and  avIio  Avas  a Avarm  friend  of  the  first  Mrs. 
Hayes.  She  Avas  born  in  Christiania,  Norway. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hayes  have  a delightful  home, 
Avhere  they  dispense  hospitality  and  enjoy  the 
comforts  of  life.  Mr.  Hayes  is  Arery  entertain- 
ing, and  can  talk  for  hours  of  the  stirring  events 
he  has  Avitnessed,  and  in  Avhich  he  has  partici- 
pated. He  is  both  popular  and  influential  in 
the  communitA’  Avhere  lie  has  resided  so  many 
years.  Few  men  hai'e  rendered  their  country 
as  efficient  sendee,  both  in  Avar  and  in  peace, 
as  has  Mr.  Hayes,  the  subject  of  this  biog- 
raphy. 

IOSEPPI  BLACKSTONE,  half-OAvner  and 
manager  of  the  creamery  at  Shullsburg,  Lafay- 
ette county,  is  one  of  the  foremost  citizens  and 
enterprising  business  men  of  the  tOAvn.  He 
AA'as  born  in  December,  1839,  in  Y\  bite  Oak 
Springs,  same  county.  where  his  father  Avas  one 
of  the  prominent  pioneers. 

John  W.  Blackstone.  his  father,  Avas  born 
in  Madison  county,  N.  Y.,  Oct.  8.  1796,  son  of 
Stephen  F.  and  Elizabeth  (Baker)  Blackstone, 
both  of  English  descent.  He  received  his  early 
education  in  the  public  schools  of  that  county, 
and  later  entered  Hamilton  College,  NeAV  York, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


1 82 


being  graduated  therefrom  in  the  class  of  1819. 
For  three  years  he  studied  law,  was  admitted 
to  the  Bar  at  the  end  of  that  time,  and  com- 
menced practice.  Being  possessed  of  an  ad- 
venturous spirit,  however,  the  glowing  tales  of 
the  West  interfered  with  his  interest  in  his  legal 
work,  and  he  resolved  to  personally  investigate 
the  wonders  of  the  Northwest.  He  passed  two 
years  in  Canada  before  locating  in  Wisconsin, 
and  in  1827  reached  Lead  Mine,  going  the  fol- 
lowing year  to  Mineral  Point,  where  he  re-* 
mained  two  years,  and  then  moved  to  New 
Diggings.  In  1835  he  purchased  a farm  near 
White  Oak  Springs,  long  since  known  as  the 
“Judge  Blackstone  Farm,”  and  that  became  his 
home  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1868. 
He  became  a prominent  factor  in  the  develop- 
ment of  that  region,  and  was  always  looked 
upon  as  one  of  the  leading  spirits  in  any  en- 
terprise for  the  good  of  the  community.  Dur- 
ing the  Black  Hawk  war  he  held  a lieutenant’s 
commission  in  Capt.  Clark’s  company,  under 
Gen.  Henry  Dodge,  and  proved  himself  an  in- 
trepid soldier.  In  1838  he  became  a member 
of  the  Territorial  Legislature,  which  convened 
at  Madison  in  November,  of  that  year,  and  ac- 
cording to  the  Blue  Book  of  Wisconsin  was 
made  Speaker  of  the  Assembly.  In  1833  Mr. 
Blackstone  was  married  to  Miss  Catherine 
Tomlinson,  who  died  in  1866,  the  mother  of 
seven  children:  (1)  Theodore  E.,  born  in  New 
Diggings,  in  1834,  was  educated  in  the  Platte- 
ville  schools,  and  studied  medicine.  He  op- 
ened a drug  store  in  Shullsburg,  but  after  three 
years  engaged  in  farming,  until  his  removal 
to  a ranch  in  Montana,  where  he  died  in  1891. 
He  married  Miss  Mary  E.  Hardy,  of  Platte- 
ville,  who  was  horn  in  Pottsville,  Penn.,  and 
they  became  the  parents  of  nine  children,  Ernest 
W.,  Harry  R.,  John  G.,  David,  Mary  D.,  Daisy, 
Katie,  Mintie,  and  Josie.  (2)  John  W.,  born 
Dec.  22,  1835,  former  editor  of  the  Shullsburg 
Local,  is  one  of  the  leading  lawyers  of  the 
town.  (3)  Isabel,  horn  at  White  Oak 
Springs,  died  in  early  womanhood.  (4) 
Joseph  is  the  fourth  in  order  of  birth.  (5) 
Augustus  for  a time  farmed  the  old  home- 
stead, but  later  moved  to  Shullsburg,  where 
he  engaged  in  the  hardware  business  for 
some  years,  and  then  retired.  He  married 
Miss  Mary  Jane  Richardson,  of  Platteville, 
and  has  two  children,  Adelbert  and  Bert- 
ram, the  former  of  whom  is  a lawyer  at 
A\  aukesha,  Wis.,  and  the  latter  a photographer 


at  Platteville.  (6)  Eugene  died  in  early  man- 
hood. (7)  Janette,  born  in  White  Oak 
Springs,  in  1868  married  H.  A.  Beckwith, 
who  was  born  in  Vermont,  and  they  now 
live  on  a farm  in  White  Oak  Springs. 
Eight  children  have  been  born  to  them,  Frank, 
Charles  L..  Joseph  W.,  Ethel,  Harry,  Blanche, 
Maud,  and  David. 

Joseph  Blackstone  passed  his  early  years 
on  the  home  farm,  enjoying  superior  advant- 
ages in  the  way  of  cultured  and  educated  par- 
ents, who  encouraged  him  in  every  way  to 
make  the  best  use  of  the  talents  with  which 
nature  had  endowed  him.  He  secured  a good 
education  in  the  old  Platteville  Academy.  In 
1862  he  enlisted  in  Company  K,  20th  Wis. 
V.  I.,  was  sergeant-major  of  his  regiment  for 
a time,  later  was  elected  lieutenant  of  Com- 
pany B,  and  served  under  Gen.  Grant.  His 
first  engagement  was  at  Prairie  Grove,  Ark., 
which  ended  disastrously  for  the  young  soldier, 
as  he  was  wounded  there,  so  seriously  that  he 
still  at  times  suffers  intensely  from  the  effects. 
The  wound  healed  at  the  time,  however,  and 
he  rejoined  his  regiment,  participating  in  a 
number  of  engagements  with  bushwhackers 
in  Missouri,  the  siege  of  Vicksburg,  and  other 
battles  in  that  section.  His  regiment  was  sent 
to  Brownsville,  Texas,  for  nine  months,  and 
thence  to  the  siege  of  Mobile,  Ala.,  whence 
after  some  time  they  were  stationed  at  Galves- 
ton, Tex.,  and  there,  on  July  14,  1865,  mus- 
tered out  of  the  United  States  service. 

Upon  his  return  from  the  war  Mr.  Black- 
stone engaged  in  farming,  locating  on  his  fine 
farm  at  White  Oak  Springs,  where  he  erected 
a fine  modern  house  and  large  barn,  and  made 
many  other  valuable  improvements,  proving 
himself  a most  progressive  agriculturist.  In 
1885  he  purchased  real  estate  in  Shullsburg, 
and  there  erected  a commodious  home,  finely 
finished  in  hard  wood,  and  furnished  with 
every  modern  convenience. 

Since  locating  in  Shullsburg  Mr.  Black- 
stone has  engaged  in  the  creamery  business 
with  his  son-in-law,  W.  H.  Look,  his  business 
ability  manifesting  itself  in  his  unvarying- 
success. 

In  January,  1867,  Mr.  Blackstone  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Emma  Pool, 
daughter  of  Francis  and  Elizabeth  (Bastian) 
Pool.  She  was  born  in  January,  1848,  and 
was  educated  in  the  Mount  Morris  Seminary, 
in  Illinois.  To  their  marriage  have  come  four 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


183 


sons  and  two  daughters:  (i)  Nettie,  born  in 
September,  1867,  was  graduated  in  1884  from 
the  Shullsburg  high  school.  She  married  W.  H. 
Look,  a dry-goods  merchant  of  that  city,  who 
was  also  engaged  with  his  father-in-law  in  the 
creamery  business,  and  they  have  two  children, 
Frederick  W.  and  Florence.  (2)  Dr.  Wilfred 
R.,  born  in  November,  1868,  was  graduated 
from  the  Shullsburg  high  school,  and  later  en- 
tered the  Atlanta  (Ga.)  Dental  School,  whence 
he  was  graduated  in  1897;  he  is  now  a leading- 
dentist  in  Shullsburg.  In  1900  he  wedded 
Miss  Effie  Oates,  a graduate  of  the  Platteville 
Normal,  and  for  two  years  a popular  teacher 
in  the  Shullsburg  high  school.  (3)  Herbert 
Lee,  born  in  August,  1870,  was  graduated 
from  the  Shullsburg  high  school,  and  is  now  a 
resident  of  Butte,  Mont.,  where  he  holds  the 
position  of  freight  solicitor  for  the  Great 
Northern  Railway  Co.  He  married  Miss  Freda 
Baum,  of  Minneapolis,  Minn.  (4)  Eva  M., 
born  in  1873,  was  graduated  in  1892  from  the 
Shullsburg  high  school.  (5)  Joseph  R.,  born 
in  1874,  was  graduated  from  the  home  high 
school,  and  for  two  years  engaged  in  teaching 
there,  at  present  being  a conductor  on  a rail- 
road in  Anaconda,  Mont.  (6)  Samuel  L., 
born  in  January,  1877,  like  the  rest  of  the 
family  graduated  from  the  home  high  school, 
and  is  now  a telegraph  operator  in  Sibley, 
Iowa. 

In  his  political  affiliations  Mr.  Blackstone 
has  always  been  identified  with  the  Republican 
party,  and  he  has  held  a number  of  offices  in 
the  gift  of  his  admiring  townsmen,  among 
them  being  that  of  chairman  of  White  Oak 
Springs.  After  the  incorporation  of  Shulls- 
burg as  a borough  he  was  elected  the  first 
mayor  of  the  town,  and  also  chairman  of  the 
board  of  the  city,  and  for  two  years  was  chair- 
man of  the  county.  For  a number  of  years  he 
has  been  a member  of  the  school  board.  In 
religious  belief  the  family  are  all  Congregation- 
alists,  and  Mrs.  Blackstone  has  ever  been  found 
at  the  front  in  any  Christian  work.  Socially  our 
subject  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity, 
of  the  Order  of  the  Eastern  Star,  and  Post  No. 
96,  G.  A.  R.  The  name  of  Blackstone  is  synony- 
mous with  enterprise  and  progress,  and  the 
people  of  the  town  take  it  for  granted  that 
Mr.  Blackstone  will  always  be  ready — and  cer- 
tain it  is  they  will  always  find  him  so — to  do  his 
utmost  to  advance  the  moral,  and  material  in- 
terests of  the  town,  county,  or  State. 


Francis  and  Elizabeth  (Bastian)  Pool,  par- 
ents of  Mrs.  Blackstone,  were  both  natives  of 
England.  They  emigrated  from  England  in 
1839,  being  among  the  old  pioneer  families  of 
Jo  Daviess  county,  111.,  and  later  located  in 
White  Oak  Springs,  Wis.,  remaining  there 
until  they  erected  the  home  near  that  of  Mr. 
Blackstone  which  proved  to  be  their  last  earthly 
residence.  Both  died  the  same  year,  1881. 
Their  children  were  as  follows : ( 1 ) Hanni- 
bal, of  California,  married  Aliss  SophieAdams, 
and  has  seven  children.  (2)  Robert  enlisted 
in  the  96th  111.  V.  I.,  in  the  Civil  war,  and  at- 
tained the  rank  of  captain;  he  was  seriously 
wounded  in  one  of  the  engagements,  and  was 
then  retired,  taking  charge,  as  conductor,  of 
a military  train.  After  the  war  he  returned  to 
Galena,  111.,  where  for  eight  years  he  served 
as  sheriff  of  Jo  Daviess  county.  He  married 
Miss  Amelia  Lowe,  who  bore  him  three  chil- 
dren, Alice,  Zera  and  Robert.  He  removed 
to  Portland,  Oregon,  where  his  death  occurred 
in  1898,  from  the  effects  of  his  old  wounds, 
and  his  family  now  reside  in  Grant’s  Pass, 
Oregon.  (3)  John,  now  a 'resident  of  Grant's 
Pass,  Oregon,  is  a miner.  He  wedded  a Miss 
Farr,  of  Galena.  (4)  Frank  also  became  a 
member  of  the  96th  111.  V.  I.,  and  died  five 
months  later,  at  Harrodsburg,  Ky.  (5)  Phil- 
lippa  now  makes  her  home  in  Shullsburg. 
(6)  Jennie  E.  died  at  the  age  of  eighteen,  her 
early  death  cutting  short  a life  of  great  prom- 
ise. (7)  Emma  is  the  wife  of  Mr.  Black- 
stone. 

EDWARD  P.  DOTY,  miller  and  grain 
dealer  of  Janesville,  Rock  county,  was  born  in 
Janesville  Sept.  27,  1857,  a son  of  E.  Philo  and 
Abigail  hi.  (Austin)  Doty,  natives  of  New 
York  State. 

The  paternal  grandfather  of  our  subject, 
Zuri  Shaddai  Doty,  was  a native  of  Vermont, 
who  came  to  Rock  county  in  the  early  days, 
settling  at  Turtle;  he  afterward  removed  to 
Janesville,  where  he  engaged  in  conducting 
a sash,  door  and  blind  factory.  Later  he  re- 
moved to  Madison,  where  he  died  aged  about 
eighty-one  years.  His  family  was  a large  one, 
and  a number  of  its  representatives  reside  in 
Janesville.  The  Doty  family  dates  back,  in 
America,  to  one  of  the  “Mayflower”  crew. 
Our  subject's  maternal  grandfather.  Ira  Austin, 
was  a native  of  New  York,  of  English  descent, 
and  had  two  children.  In  the  early  days  he 


184 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


came  West,  resided  in  Madison,  and  died  there, 
advanced  in  years. 

E.  Philo  Doty  was  a young  man  when  he 
migrated  to  Rock  county,  settling  at  Turtle, 
and  after  some  years’  residence  in  that  town 
removed  to  Janesville,  and  engaged  in  con- 
ducting a sash,  door  and  blind  factory  until 
he  embarked  with  his  brothers  in  the  manu- 
facture of  the  Doty  washing  machine.  Later 
this  business  was  merged  into  the  Doty  Manu- 
facturing Co.  In  1869  E.  Philo  Doty  died, 
aged  nearly  forty-three  years,  but  his  widow 
still  survives.  In  religious  faith  he  was  a Uni- 
versalist,  and  Mrs.  Doty  an  Episcopalian. 
Five  children  were  born  to  them,  two  sons  and 
three  daughters,  three  now  living:  Alta  M., 
wife  of  Charles  Atwood,  of  Janesville;  Edward 
P. ; and  Anna  S.,  wife  of  Judge  Charles  L. 
Fifiel.d,  of  Janesville. 

Edward  P.  Doty  has  lived  all  of  his  life  in 
Janesville,  securing  his  education  in  the  public 
schools  of  that  city.  When  about  fifteen  he 
went  into  business  with  his  brother  Henry, 
milling,  but  twenty-five  years  ago  embarked  in 
business  for  himself,  and  for  fifteen  years  was 
in  partnership  with  Pliny  Norcross;  the  part- 
nership was  dissolved  Oct.  15,  1900. 

On  Jan.  13,  1881,  Edward  P.  Doty  mar- 
ried Miss  Margaret  V.  Hullihen,  daughter  of 
Dr.  James  and  Sarah  (Kramer)  Hullihen,  and 
one  son  and  two  daughters  have  been  born  of 
this  union:  Kramer,  Josephine  and  Margaret. 
Mrs.  Doty  is  a member  of  Christ  Episcopal 
Church  of  Janesville.  Politically  Mr.  Doty’s 
affiliations  are  with  the  Republican  party.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Doty  reside  on  the  corner  of  Conrad 
and  Oakland  avenue,  where  they  have  lived 
for  the  past  seven  or  eight  years. 

HON.  WILLIAM  G.  WHEELER,  a dis- 
tinguished member  of  the  Bar  of  Janesville,  is 
a son  of  Hon.  Guy  and  Ann  L.  (Snell)  Wheel- 
er, both  of  whom  were  born  in  New  York. 
Mrs.  Wheeler’s  family  settled  in  Wisconsin 
three  years  before  her  husband,  the  respective 
dates  of  their  location  being  1839  and  1842. 

In  1844  Guy  Wheeler  settled  on  a farm  of 
240  acres,  two  and  a half  miles  southeast  of 
Janesville,  and  on  this  tract  he  still  resides, 
honored  by  the  community  and  beloved  by  his 
friends.  His  family  consisted  of  two  sons 
and  two  daughters,  of  whom  three  are  yet  liv- 
ing: Marion  W.  is  the  wife  of  A.  C.  Dow, 

of  Chicago,  111. ; Ralph  H.  is  a successful  phy- 


sician in  the  same  city;  and  the  third  is  Hon. 
William  G.  Wheeler,  whose  name  appears  as 
the  subject  of  this  sketch.  Cordelia,  the  sec- 
ond child,  died  in  her  fourteenth  year.  Hon. 
Guy  Wheeler  is  one  of  Rock  county’s  most  in- 
fluential citizens,  broad-minded,  keen-sighted, 
and  public-spirited.  He  was  one  of  the  found- 
ers of  the  county  agricultural  society,  and  for 
many  years  its  secretary.  The  meeting  to  or- 
ganize the  township  of  La  Prairie  was  held 
at  his  house,  and  he  was  chosen  the  first  town 
clerk.  The  township  was  so  named  at  the  in- 
stance of  his  brother  Samuel,  who  is  now  one 
of  the  leading  citizens  of  Rochester,  Minn. 
Guy  Wheeler  was  a member  of  the  Wisconsin 
Legislature  in  1864. 

Hon.  Guy  Wheeler  married  a daughter  of 
Asa  F.  Snell,  who  was  the  father  of  ten  chil- 
dren. Mr.  Snell  and  his  wife  were  New  York- 
ers, and  settled  at  Fort  Atkinson,  Wis.,  in  1839. 
He  was  a prosperous  farmer,  and  was  elevated, 
by  the  suffrages  of  his  fellow  citizens,  to  vari- 
ous offices  of  trust,  the  duties  of  which  he  dis- 
charged with  rare  acumen  and  fidelity.  He 
died  at  the  age  of  about  sixty  years. 

The  paternal  grandfather  of  William  G. 
Wheeler,  Justus  P.  Wheeler,  was  born  in 
Lanesboro,  Mass.,  and  was  descended  from 
Welsh  ancestry.  He  was  a patriot  of  pro- 
nounced devotion,  and  served  with  gallantry 
throughout  the  war  of  1812.  He  came  West 
in  1840,  settling  in  what  is  now  known  as  La 
Prairie  township,  Rock  Co.,  Wis.  As  is  his 
son  Guy,  so  was  he,  a man  keenly  alive  to  every 
vital  interest  of  the  people  among  whom  his 
lot  was  cast.  His  life  was  a long  and  useful 
one,  and  not  devoid  of  honor.  The  Rock 
County  Agricultural  Society  chose  him  its 
first  president.  He  was  a man  of  superior 
classical  education,  having  graduated  from 
Williams  College.  He  held  deep  and  earnest  re- 
ligious convictions,  and1  was  a devout  member 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  in  Janes- 
ville, having  taken  a prominent  part  in  founding 
the  M.  E.  congregation  in  that  city. 

The  early  life  of  Hon.  William  G.  Wheeler 
was  much  the  same  as  that  of  other  boys  of 
his  day  and  generation  who  grew  up  upon  Wis- 
consin farms  in  the  early  history  of  the  State. 
He  was  born  in  the  township  of  La  Prairie, 
Rock  county,  Nov.  11,  1861,  and  the  district 
schools  and  the  Janesville  high  school  gave 
him  his  early  education.  At  the  age  of  twenty 
years,  in  1881,  he  began  the  study  of  law,  his 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


185 


preceptors  being  Messrs.  Winans  & Fethers. 
He  was  admitted  to  the  Bar  in  1884,  and  from 
Oct.  1 of  that  year  until  June  6,  1885,  served 
as  deputy  in  the  office  of  the  circuit  court  clerk. 
On  the  date  last  named  he  was  himself  ap- 
pointed clerk  of  the  circuit  court,  to  fill  the  va- 
cancy occasioned  by  the  death  of  the  previous 
incumbent  of  the  office,  A.  W.  Baldwin.  His 
term  expiring  in  January,  1887,  he  began  the 
active  practice  of  his  profession  in  the  follow- 
ing May,  and  has  been  remarkably  successful. 
In  1892  he  entered  the  firm  of  Dunwiddie  & 
Goldin,  the  name  of  the  new  co-partnership 
being'  Dunwiddie,  Goldin  & Wheeler.  Three 
years  later  this  firm  was  dissolved  by  the  elec- 
tion of  Mr.  Goldin  as  clerk  of  the  circuit  court, 
and  on  June  19,  1899,  the  partnership  between 
Messrs.  Dunwiddie  & Wheeler  came  to  an  end 
through  the  elevation  of  the  senior  member  of 
the  firm  to  the  circuit  court  bench.  From  1891 
until  1895  Mr.  Wheeler  filled  the  office  of  dis- 
trict attorney,  bringing  to  the  discharge  of  his 
arduous  duties  a well-trained  legal  mind,  a 
ripe  experience,  and  unquestionable  integrity. 
Among  many  noteworthy  prosecutions  which 
he  successfully  conducted  while  in  this  incum- 
bency may  be  mentioned  the  cases  of  the  State 
versus  D.  G.  Cheever  and  the  State  versus 
Matthew  R.  Ashton.  The  trial  of  Ashton, 
who  was  charged  with  the  murder  of  a wo- 
man consumed  thirty  days.  The  case  ranks 
among  the  causes  cclebrcs  of  the  Northwest, 
and  so  skillfully  was  the  web  of  evidence 
woven  around  the  guilty  man,  by  the  astute 
and  careful  district  attorney,  that  a convic- 
tion and  life  sentence  were  secured.  In  1897, 
and  again  in  1899,  Mr.  Wheeler  represented 
his  district  in  the  Wisconsin  Legislature,  and 
during  the  last  session  filled  the  responsible 
post  of  chairman  of  the  committee  on  Judi- 
ciary. During  his  first  term  in  the  Assembly 
he  nominated  Hon.  John  C.  Spooner  for  the 
United  States  Senate,  and  in  1899  was  a sup- 
porter of  Mr.  Quarles.  On  Jan.  11,  1901,  he 
was  appointed  United  States  attorney  for  the 
Western  District  of  Wisconsin,  which  posi- 
tion he  now  holds. 

Mr.  Wheeler  is  personally  one  of  Janes- 
ville's most  popular  citizens,  cordial,  genial 
and  generous.  He  is,  as  may  be  imagined, 
prominent  in  both  social  and  political  circles, 
and  .is.  a member  of  Oriental  Lodge,  No.  22, 
K.  of  P.,  and  of  the  B.  P.  O.  E.  He  was 
until  recently  a member  and  chairman  of  the 


commission  to  organize  a park  on  the  St. 
Croix  river,  to  be  known  as  the  Inter  State 
Park  of  the  Dalles  of  the  St.  Croix. 

On  Nov.  19,  1889,  Mr.  Wheeler  married 
Miss  Jessica  M.  Jackman,  a daughter  of  Hi- 
ram and  Harriet  M.  (Coatsworth)  Jackman. 
Mrs.  Wheeler  is  a communicant  of  the  Epis- 
copal Church. 

WILLIAM  HENRY  TRIPP,  a venerable 
resident  of  Rock  township.  Rock  county,  has 
come  to  a serene  and  beautiful  old  age,  with 
the  memories  of  a long  and  useful  life  behind 
him..  He  is  a true  type  of  the  American  farmer : 
not  afraid  of  hard  work,  willing  to  labor  and 
wait,  careful  and  frugal,  and  yet  generous  and 
open-handed.  He  has  lived  to  enjoy  the  re- 
sults of  industrious  and  well-spent  years,  and 
to  gain  and  hold  the  confidence  and  respect  of 
alb  who  know  him. 

Mr.  Tripp  was  born  in  Scranton,  Penn., 
Feb.  18,  1821,  and  is  a son  of  Stephen  and 
Nancy  (Benedict)  Tripp,  natives  of  Rhode 
Island  and  New  York,  respectively.  Isaac 
Tripp,  his  grandfather,  was  a native  of  Rhode 
Island,  where  his  ancestors  had  lived  since 
1610,  was  a farmer,  and  lived  to  the  age  of 
seventy-three.  He  served  in  the  Revolutionary 
war.  He  was  the  father  of  twelve  children. 
The  following  appeared  in  a Scranton  ( Penn. ) 
paper  of  Dec.  12,  1900: 

“It  lias  been  ascertained  by  diligent  research 
by  one  of  the  Tripp  family  that  their  name 
originated  in  the  following  manner : About  the 
middle  of  the  Thirteenth  century  a party  of 
Danes  overran  England  and  found  a lodg- 
ment in  one  of  the  strong-walled  castles  for 
which  the  country  was  noted.  An  English 
general  of  the  family  by  the  name  of  Howard, 
and  a few  brave  followers  crossed  the  moat, 
scaled  the  walls  of  the  castle  and  drove  out  the 
Danes.  The  king  asked  the  general,  ‘How  did 
you  accomplish  the  herculean  task?’  The  an- 
swer was,  ‘We  tripped  over  the  moat,  tripped 
over  the  'wall,  tripped  up  the  enemy  and  drove 
them  out.'  Then  the  king  said,  ‘Thy  tripping 
was  a grand  and  glorious  trip,'  and  he  knighted 
the  general  forthwith,  and  said,  ‘henceforth 
thy  name  and  the  name  of  thy  posterity  shall 
be  Tripp  through  all  the  coming  ages.'  And 
Tripp  it  was,  and  is,  and  will  be  to  the  end  of 
time.” 

Stephen  Tripp,  our  subject's  father,  moved 
to  Pennsylvania  with  his  father  in  1776,  the 


1 86 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


family  settling  in  the  Lackawanna  Valley;  they 
arrived  fifteen  clays  after  the  promulgation  of 
the  Declaration  of  Independence.  There  were 
only  two  white  families  in  Providence  at  that 
time.  They  were  obliged  to  go  to  Wilkes- 
Barre  even  for  salt  and  other  necessaries,  and 
the  first  store  in  the  Valley  was  kept  in  the 
front  part  of  Stephen  Tripp’s  house,  by  Cox 
& Carpenter.  Mr.  Tripp  once  traded  200  acres 
in  the  “Notch”  for  a set  of  whiskey  stills.  He 
followed  farming.  His  old  homestead  on  the 
west  side  of  the  road  on  the  hill  in  Hyde  Park 
(Scranton),  is  still  standing;  the  newest  por- 
tion was  built  over  eighty-six  years  ago.  There 
he  resided  until  his  death,  in  1841,  at  the  age  of 
sixty-five  years.  He  was  a man  of  affairs,  and 
held  the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace,  and 
various  other  local  positions.  His  wife  reached 
the  age  of  eighty-three.  They  were  Baptists 
in  religious  faith.  Of  the  ten  children  born 
to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tripp,  Horace  married  (first) 
Almira  Stone,  of  Abington,  and  (second) 
Caroline  Kempton ; Harriet  married  Samuel 
Church;  Hannah  married  Herman  Dailey; 
Martha  died  in  infancy;  Samuel  married 
(first)  Sally  Brown  and  (second)  Polly 
Hobbs;  Martha  (2)  died  in  infancy;  Nehe- 
miah  married  Margaret  Inman;  Polly  (Mary) 
married  (first)  James  Hartley  and  (second) 
Isaac  Robbins;  William  Henry  is  our  subject; 
Fanny  married  Lewis  Armstrong.  Only  two 
survive,  Polly  and  William  Henry.  Mrs. 
Polly  (Tripp)  Robbins  was  born  March 
1 L 1S19,  in  a portion  of  the  old  Stephen 
1 ripp  homestead  built  about  one  hundred  years 
ago.  Her  first  school  teacher  was  Samuel 
Church,  who  afterward  married  her  sister, 
Harriet.  In  1861  she  married  James  Hartley, 
of  Glenwood,  Penn.,  who  died  in  1870,  and  in 
1874  she  married  Isaac  Robbins.  She  is  now 
living  quietly  in  Scranton,  at  the  home  of 
Charles  J.  Church,  exceedingly  well  preserved 
in  mind  and  body. 

Joshua  Benedict,  father  of  Mrs.  Nancy 
(Benedict)  Tripp,  and  our  subject's  maternal 
grandfather,  was  born  in  New  York,  of  Eng- 
lish descent,  and  lived  to  the  advanced  age  of 
eighty-three.  He,  also,  was  a soldier  in  the 
Revolution.  He  was  the  father  of  three  sons 
and  four  daughters. 

William  Henry  Tripp  was  reared  on  the 
farm  near  Scranton,  and  farming  has  been  the 
occupation  of  his  life.  It  is  a noble  calling, 
and  if  loyally  followed  may  serve  to  bring  out 


the  noblest  faculties  of  a man’s  soul,  and  it  has 
been  a kindly  mistress  to  this  venerable  Rock 
county  farmer.  He  had  a farmer  boy’s  ad- 
vantages in  the  district  school,  and,  being  of 
a thoughtful  and  observant  disposition,  has 
acquired  a very  fair  knowledge  of  men  and  the 
world  as  he  has  gone  through.  His  period  of 
life  has  covered  some  of  the  most  important 
chapters  of  the  world’s  history,  and  he  fully 
understands  the  significance  of  what  he  has 
seen  as  it  was  becoming  history. 

Mr.  Tripp  was  united  in  marriage,  Jan. 
14,  1844,  to  Miss  Delilah  Thomas,  a daughter 
of  John  and  Eliza  (Osborn)  Thomas.  Three 
children  were  born  to  their  union:  Theodore 
F.,  George  B.  and  Hattie  H.  Theodore  F. 
enlisted  in  Company  C,  35th  Wis.  V.  I.,  served 
at  the  front  two  years,  and  contracted  disease 
from  which  he  died,  at  home ; he  was  only  nine- 
teen when  he  enlisted,  and  is  remembered  as 
an  opened-faced  and  manly  young  man.  George 
B.  married  Ida  Clark,  and  they  have  had  two 
children,  Mary  L.  and  Minnie.  Hattie  IT. 
married  J.  B.  Porter ; they  live  in  the  town  of 
Porter,  Rock  county,  and  have  a family  of  four 
sons,  J.  K..  Rockwell,  Wallace  and  Liel.  Mrs. 
Tripp  is  a Methodist,  and  is  a lady  of  excellent 
character  and  standing.  Mr.  Tripp  belongs  to 
Blue  Lodge  No.  14, A.  F.  & A.  M.,in  Janesville; 
Janesville  Chapter  No.  5,  R.  A.  M. ; and  Janes- 
ville Commandery,  No.  2,  K.  T.,  and  is  highly 
esteemed  among  his  fraternal  associates.  He  is 
an  ardent  Republican,  and  he  raised  the  first 
banner  bearing  the  names  of  McKinley  and 
Roosevelt  in  the  late  Presidential  campaign, 
hoisting  same  within  twelve  hours  after  their 
nomination,  in  Philadelphia.  It  was  6x14  feet 
in  dimensions,  and  floated  from  a 55-foot  flag- 
staff at  his  home.  Mr.  Tripp  hoisted  a flag  at 
half-mast  on  the  closing  day  and  hour  of  the 
Nineteenth  century,  and  had  it  at  the  mast-head 
on  the  morning  of  the  Twentieth  century.  Mr. 
Tripp  has  held  various  town  offices,  was  chair- 
man of  the  town  board  two  terms,  and  was  a 
member  of  the  General  Assembly  in  1857,  being 
the  youngest  member  of  that  body  with  one 
exception.  Pie  served  in  the  Legislature  with 
the  late  Senator  Philetus  Sawyer,  and  ex- 
Gov.  David  FI.  Waite,  of  Colorado,  who  is 
known  as  “Bloody  Bridle”  Waite.  At  the 
time  of  his  friend  Sawyer’s  burial,  Mr.  Tripp 
was  unable  to  attend  the  funeral  and  he  hoisted 
his  flag  at  half-mast.  Our  subject  has  served  as 
trustee  for  the  Institution  for  the  Blind  twenty- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


iS  7 


one  years,  proving  himself  one  of  the  most 
capable  officials  associated  with  that  noble  in- 
stitution, and  has  been  appointed  by  six  dif- 
ferent governors  of  the  State.  He  was  a 
charter  member  of  the  Central  Wisconsin 
Bank,  was  its  first  vice-president,  and  a mem- 
ber of  its  first  board  of  directors.  When  it 
became  a National  bank  he  retired  from  the 
active  management. 

Mr.  Tripp  came  West  in'  1851,  with  his 
wife  and  eldest  son,  then  six  years  old,  and 
bought  his  present  farm,  then  comprising  200 
acres,  but  now  reduced  to  fifty  acres.  It  is 
four  miles  from  Janesville,  on  the  Hanover 
road.  On  this  place  he  has  made  his  home 
forty-nine  years,  and  has  witnessed  the  devel- 
opment of  what  was  then  a wilderness  into  a 
most  charming  and  attractive  country. 

With  the  Tripp  family  is  associated  the 
romantic  history  of  Frances  Slocum,  a distant 
relative  of  the  subject  of  this  narrative,  who 
was  taken  captive  by  the  Delaware  Indians 
Nov.  2,  1778,  four  months  after  the  Wyoming 
Massacre,  when  she  was  only  five  years  old, 
and  was  not  found  until  sixty  years  later. 
She  had  married  a chief  of  the  Miami  Indians, 
and  they  came  West  and  lived  near  what  is  now 
Peru,  Ind.  There  she  died,  and  was  buried. 
Fler  grave  is  now  marked  by  a very  appropriate 
monument,  costing  seven  hundred  dollars, 
which  was  unveiled  May  17.  1900,  in  the  pres- 
ence of  three  thousand  people,  two  of  whom 
were  from  Wisconsin — Mr.  Tripp  and  Mrs.  E. 
C.  Potter  (of  Whitewater).  The  unfortunate 
captive  had  reared  a family  of  children,  and 
had  become  an  Indian  in  every  sense-  of  the 
word  except  her  blood.  The  monument  was 
unveiled  by  two  great-great-granddaughters 
of  Frances  Slocum,  Victoria  and  Mabel  Ray 
Bondy. 

JESSE  S.  JONES,  dairyman  and  farmer 
of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  is  a prominent 
representative  of  the  agricultural  interests  of 
Wisconsin,  and  highly  esteemed  in  the  com- 
munity in  which  he  makes  his  home. 

Jesse  S.  Jones  was  born  in  Orange  county, 
N.  Y.,  Dec.  21,  1823,  a son  of  Anthony  and 
Dorothy  (Smith)  Jones,  and  grandson  of  An- 
thony Jones.  - Our  subject’s  parents  were  both 
born  and  died  in  Orange  county,  N.  Y.  They 
had  nine  children,  four  still  living:  Mary  A., 
now  Mrs.  Jackson,  a resident  of  Orange  coun- 
ty, N.  Y. ; R.  D.,  a well-to-do  farmer  of  New 


York  State;  James  W.,  a prominent  farmer  of 
Grant  county,  Wis. ; and  our  subject;  five  are 
deceased. 

Jesse  S.  Jones  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1847, 
settled  in  Iowa  county,  and  followed  farming 
and  mining  until  1850,  when  he  settled  at  New 
California,  Grant  county,  and  engaged  in  the 
real-estate  business.  Later  he  became  a merch- 
ant, continuing  in  that  line  for  four  or  five 
years,  and  afterward  became  extensively  inter- 
ested in. the  lead  mines  in  Grant  and  Iowa  coun- 
ties. Under  President  Buchanan  he  was  ap- 
pointed postmaster  of  New  California,  serving 
for  some  years,  also  served  as  town  clerk  for 
several,  terms,  being  the  first  clerk  of  Clifton 
township,  served  on  the  county  board  several 
years,  and  then  as  treasurer  of  the  county. 
In  1866  Mr.  Jones  sold  his  other  interests  and 
purchased  a farm  adjacent  to  the  city  of  Platte- 
ville, on  which  he  erected  a large,  comfortable 
home.  This  property  has  been  so  much  im- 
proved, in  every  way,  since  Mr.  Jones  came  into 
possession  of  it,  that  it  is  now  one  of  the  finest 
in  the  county.  For  a number  of  years  Mr. 
Jones  has  made  a specialty  of  breeding  fancy 
blooded  horses  and  cattle,  and  also  owns  and 
operates  a fully  equipped  dairy,  furnishing  the 
city  of  Platteville  with  the  best  quality  of  Jersey 
milk  and  cream,  his  herd  of  Jersey  cattle  being 
one  of  the  best  in  the  State.  In  addition  to 
his  Jersey  cattle  Mr.  Jones  owns  a fine  herd  of 
Galloway  stock,  the  magnificent  Royal  George 
Mogan,  a full-blooded  horse  known  to  breed- 
ers all  over  Wisconsin,  and  the  celebrated 
Pelham  Tartar.  Handling  none  but  pure 
blooded  stock,  Mr.  Jones  has  become  famous 
as  a stock  dealer,  and  his  horses  and  cattle  al- 
ways command  fancy  prices. 

On  Oct.  9,  1850,  Mr.  Jones  married  Miss 
Elizabeth  Kirkpatrick,  who  was  born  Oct.  18, 
1832,  in  Iowa  county,  Wis.,  daughter  of  F.  C. 
and  Fannie  (Sparks)  Kirkpatrick,  pioneers  of 
Wisconsin,  formerly  of  Georgia..  To  this 
union  were  born  four  daughters  and  one  son 
who  grew  to  maturity : Agnes,  born  in  Grant 

county  in  1852,  was  well  educated,  and  after- 
ward taught  in  Grant  county;  she  married 
Lewis  P.  Shears,  and  settled  in  Iowa,  where 
she  died  in  1883,  leaving  one  son  and  one 
daughter — Ernest,  of  Chicago,  and  Agnes, 
adopted  daughter  of  Mr.  Stine,  of  Belmont, 
Lafayette  Co.,  Wis.  Eva,  educated  at  the 
State  Normal,  married  Dr.  George  W.  Lee, 
and  now  resides'  at  Black  Earth,  Wis. ; they 


1 88 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


have  one  son,  Glen,  of  Chicago.  Dorothy, 
educated  at  the  State  Normal,  married  H.  J. 
Smiley,  a plumber,  of  New  York  City,  later 
of  Chicago,  now  of  Platteville;  they  have  no 
family.  Elvira,  also  educated  at  the  State 
Normal,  is  the  widow  of  John  A.  Ruble,  of 
Beloit,  and  has  one  son,  Jesse  J.  Ruble,  who 
resides  with  Jesse  S.  Jones  at  his  home  in 
Platteville.  Jesse  S.,  born  in  1866,  married 
Leora  Bell,  of  Platteville,  who  was  born, 
reared  and  educated  in  that  city,  a daughter 
of  Archie  Bell,  an  attorney,  and  one  of  the 
prominent  men  of  Plattevflle,  now  deceased ; 
they  have  two  children,  Eva  and  Benjamin; 
Jesse  S.  Jones,  Jr.,  is  an  ice  dealer,  and  owns 
his  home  in  Platteville.  On  Oct.  9,  1900,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Jones  celebrated  the  fiftieth  anniver- 
sary of  their  married  life. 

Politically  Mr.  Jones  has  always  been 
identified  with  the  Republican  party,  but  since 
coming  to  Platteville  has  taken  no  active  part 
in  politics.  In  religious  matters  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Jones  are  consistent  members  of  the  Congre- 
gational Church,  and  greatly  interested  in  the 
work  pertaining  thereto.  They  are  both  very 
worthy  people,  kind-hearted,  genial,  and  pleas- 
ant, and  are  very  widely  known  throughout 
the  entire  county. 

DEXTER  D.  MAYNE,  superintendent  of 
the  city  schools  of  Janesville,  Rock  county, 
was  born  in  Beetown,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  May 
14,  1863,  son  of  Nicholas  and  Mary  (Tre- 
loar)  Mayne,  both  of  whom*  were  born  and 
bred  in  Cornwall.  England.  They  were  the 
parents  of  five  sons:  and  three  daughters,  and 
five  of  their  children  are  now  living : Mary, 
wife  of  Rev.  A.  S.  Newcomb,  of  Beloit,  Wis.; 
A.  Finley,  of  Omaha,  Neb.;  H.  Watson,  of 
Linn  Grove,  Iowa;  Dexter  D. ; and  Charles 
M.,  of  Lincoln,  Nebraska. 

Nicholas  Mayne  was  a clergyman  in  the 
Methodist  Church,  and  in  later  life  attached 
himself  to  the  Congregational  body.  While 
still  with  the  Methodists  he  served  as  a mis- 
sionary to  the  Chippewa  Indians  in  the  Bad- 
Ax  country.  As  a Congreg'ationalist  he  did 
the  greater  portion  of  his  clerical  work  in  Grant 
county,  Wis1.,  and  was  highly  respected,  both 
for  his  learning  and  for  his  profound  devo- 
tion to  his  calling.  He  died  in  1891,  aged 
seventy-one  years,  his  wife  in  1898,  aged  sev- 
enty-three years.  His  father  died  in  Eng- 
land in  middle  life,  leaving  two  sons.  Our 


subject's  mother,  Mary  Treloar,  was  the 
youngest  of  a large  family  of  children — -six- 
teen. Her  father,  a miller  by  occupation, 
died  in  England  at  an  advanced  age.  Her 
mother's  maiden  name  was  Tabb. 

Dexter  D.  Mayne  was  reared  in  Grant 
county,  attended  the  local  public  schools,  and 
was:  graduated  from  the  Normal  School  at 
Platteville  in  1883,  at  which  time  lie  was  al- 
ready an  experienced'  and  successful  teacher. . 
Leaving  school,  he  became  principal  at  Fen- 
nimore.  For  five  years  he  was  principal  of 
the  high  school  at  Elkhorn,  and  four  years  at 
Fort  Atkinson.  He  is  now  serving  his  eighth 
year  as  superintendent  of  the  Janesville  city 
schools  and  principal  of  the  high  school.  Su- 
perintendent Mayne  has  conducted  Teachers 
Institutes  for  four  seasons  in  Wisconsin,  and 
was  manager  of  Teachers  Summer  Schools 
for  three  years.  He  organized  the  Sectional 
Teachers  Associations  for  Wisconsin  in  1889, 
and  filled  the  office  of  president  of  the  South- 
ern Wisconsin  Teachers  Association  for  two 
consecutive  terms;  served  as  president  of  the 
City  Superintendents:  and  Supervising  Prin- 
cipals Association  for  two  terms ; was  director 
of  the  National  Educational  Association  for 
Wisconsin  for  one  year;  and  was  assigned 
places  on  the  program  at  its  Los  Angeles 
meeting,  and  011  the  National  Superintend- 
ents program  at  Columbus. 

Superintendent  Mayne  and  Miss  Nella  G. 
Coman,  of  Spring  Prairie,  Wis.,  daughter  of 
James:  and  Ann  (Gray)  Coman,  were  united 
in  marriage  Dec.  14,  1887.  To  this  union 
have  been  born  two  sons,  James  Coman  and 
Mac  Hudson.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mayne  belong 
to  the  Congregational  Church.  He  is  a Ma- 
son, belonging  to  lodge,  chapter  and  com- 
mandery,  and  is  affiliated  with  Oriental  Lodge, 
Knights  of  Pythias. 

JOHN  I.  MORRIS,  a retired  farmer  of 
the  town  of  Harrison,  Grant  county,  has  been 
a resident  of  the  county  for  nearly  half  a cen- 
tury, and  represents  an  old  and  solid  family  of 
New  Jersey  and  Pennsylvania.  He  came  to 
Wisconsin  when  it  was  largely  a wilderness, 
and  has  lived  to  see  it  become  one  of  the  fair- 
est States  in  a noble  Union.  The  forest  and 
the  prairie  now  afford  homes  to  a multitude,  of 
happy  and  contented  people,  and  the  grand 
generation  of  which  Mr.  Morris  and  a few 
others  are  lingering  members  accomplished  the 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


transformation  with  long  and  exhausting  labor. 
May  their  last  clays  be  beautiful. 

John  I.  Morris  was  born  in  Trumbull  coun- 
ty, Ohio,  Jan.  22,  1830,  a son  of  Richard  and 
Katie  (McFall)  Morris.  The  father  was  born 
in-  New  Jersey,  and  the  mother  in  Trumbull 
county,  Ohio.  They  were  married  in  Trum- 
bull county,  and  there  lived  for  some  fifteen 
years,  at  the  expiration  of  which  time  they 
went  farther  East,  and  settled  on  a farm  in 
Mercer  county,  Penn.,  living  there  seventeen 
years.  In  1855  they  came  West  to  Grant  coun- 
ty, Wis.,  where  John  I.  had  preceded  them,  and 
had  already  been  established  one  year  in  Har- 
rison township.  William  Morris,  another  son, 
had  already  secured  eighty  acres  of  government 
land,  at  fifty  cents  an  acre,  and  on  this  land  the 
father  and  mother  settled,  and  remained  dur- 
ing their  lives.  He  died  in  1881,  and  she  sur- 
vived him  ten  years,  dying  in  1891.  They 
were  good  Christian  people  and  members  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church.  He  was  originally 
a Whig,  and  on  the  formation  of  the  Republi- 
can party  cast  in  his  lot  therewith,  and  voted 
its  ticket  as  long  as  he  lived. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morris  were  the  parents  of 
nine  children,  whose  record  may  be  briefly  giv- 
en: (1)  Lavina  Morris,  born  in  Ohio  in  182S, 
is  now  the  widow  of  Geradius  Malone,  of 
Platteville,  and  has  one  living  daughter,  Sarah. 

(2)  John  I.  Morris  was  second  in  the  family. 

(3)  William  Morris,  born  in  Trumbull  county, 
Ohio,  in  1831,  married  Mary  A.  Mapes,  of 
Platteville,  and  now  resides  on  his  farm ; he 
has  seven  children,  Homer,  Nancy,  Roseann, 
George,  Lydia,  Lucy,  and  Bessie.  He  was  a 
member  of  Company  C,  6th  Wis.  V.  L,  and 
served  throughout  the  Civil  war,  participating 
in  many  important  battles  and  skirmishes  suf- 
ficiently large  to  be  called  battles  in  any  lesser 
war.  (4)  Charles  Morris,  born  in  Ohio  in 
1834,  was  also  a soldier  in  the  Civil  war,  enlist- 
ing in  the  10th  Wis.  V.  I.,  which  regiment  was 
under  Gen.  Sherman  much  of  the  time,  and 
followed  him  on  the  great  march  from  Atlanta 
to  the  sea.  He  never  married,  and  is  now  re- 
siding at  the  Soldiers’  Home,  in  Milwaukee. 
(5)  Mark  and  (6)  Luke  Morris,  twins,  were 
born  in  Ohio  in  1837.  Mark  is  unmarried, 
and  lives  in  Platteville.  Luke  married  Sarah 
Hubbard,  and  lived  in  Platteville  a number  of 
years.  He  is  now  deceased.  Mrs.  Luke  Mor- 
ris has  three  children,  Joseph,  Burton  and 
Jessie.  (7)  Thomas  Morris,  born  in  Mercer 


1 89 


county,  Penn.,  in  1840,  came  West  with  his 
parents,  and  married  Miss  Eliza  Cummings. 
They  settled  on  a farm  in  the  town  of  Harri- 
son, where  he  died  in  1893,  leaving  a widow 
and  three  children  on  the  farm,  Eva,  Nettie 
and  Ellsworth.  (8)  Mary  J.  Morris,  born  in 
Mercer  county,  Penn.,  in  1844,  married  Frank 
Lothine,  and  they  live  on  a farm  in  Harrison 
township,  where  they  are  rearing  a large  fam- 
ily, Everett,  Minnie,  Henry,  Thomas,  Lester, 
John,  Olive,  Edward,  and  one  whose  name  is 
not  given.  (9)  Margaret  Morris,  born  in 
Pennsylvania  in  1850,  married  David  Parish, 
who  was  a soldier  in  a Wisconsin  regiment  dur- 
ing the  Civil  war,  and  was  confined  fourteen 
months  in  Libby  prison.  He  died  in  Harrison 
township  in  1891,  leaving  a large  family — 
James,  of  Platteville;  Lucv,  now  Airs.  Conrad 
Ricey,  of  Harrison  township ; Mamie,  Mrs. 
Henry  Connell,  of  Ellenboro  township;  Will- 
iam; Ada,  Mrs.  James  Connell;  Cora,  Mrs. 
Ben.  Connell;  Arthur;  Jesse;  and  Logan. 

John  I.  Morris  acquired  his  education  very 
largely  in  the  district  schools  of  Ohio  and 
Pennsylvania,  where  he  spent  the  earlier  years 
of  his  life.  When  he  was  able  to  handle  the 
lines  he  was  put  to  work  teaming,  and  was 
engaged  in  hauling  goods  from  Pittsburg  into 
Mercer  county.  In  1854  he  came  West  to 
Crawford  county,  Wis.,  having  married  Miss 
Delia  Byers,  of  Mercer  county,  in  May  of  that 
year.  The  young  couple  settled  on  a farm 
which  they  secured  from  the  government,  and 
remained  in  Crawford  county  three  years.  In 
the  spring  of  1857  they  came  to  Grant  county, 
and  started  afresh.  That  year  the  young  wife 
died,  leaving  him  one  son,  Andrew,  born  in 
Crawford  county  in  April,  1855.  Andrew 
Morris  is  now  a Grant  county  farmer ; he  mar- 
ried Miss  Wildie  Ballard,  and  is  the  father  of 
three  sons,  Ellsworth,  Harry,  and  Earl. 

John  I.  Morris  was  a soldier  in  the  Civil 
war,  having  enrolled  in  Company  C,  6th  Wis. 
V.  I.,  which  regiment  was  attached  to  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac,  and  our  subject  was  in  a num- 
ber of  heavy  engagements,  having  many  nar- 
row escapes  from  being  killed.  On  one  oc- 
casion a Rebel  ball  broke  the  stock  of  his  gun, 
and  left  his  arm  crippled  for  seven  days. 
When  the  war  was  ended,  and  he  was  set  free 
from  the  service,  Mr.  Morris  returned  to  Wis- 
consin. In  March,  1870,  our  subject  married 
Miss  Annie  Zigler,  of  Platteville,  daughter  of 
Jacob  and  Margaret  Zigler,  both  of  whom  died 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


1 90 


in  Germany.  Mrs.  Morris  was  born  in  Witten- 
berg, Germany,  in  1846,  and  came  to  this  coun- 
try in  1867,  in  company  with  her  sister  Mar- 
garet. Their  brother,  George  Zigler,  had  pre- 
ceded them,  coming  in  1855,  and  he  bore  arms 
for  his  adopted  country  during  the  war  of  the 
Rebellion,  serving  in  the  heavy  artillery.  He 
married  Miss  Mary  Spies,  and  is  a prosperous 
farmer  of  the  town  of  Ellenboro,  Grant  county. 
They  have  three  children,  Eliza,  Albert  and 
Walter.  Margaret  Zigler  married  Lawrence 
Voss,  after  her  arrival  in  this  country,  and  he 
died  leaving  her  a widow  with  three  daughters, 
Emma,  Mary  and  Minnie;  Mr.  Voss  was  a sol- 
dier in  the  Civil  war.  Mrs.  Voss  subsequent- 
ly married  William  Carl,  by  whom  she  had 
two  children,  Henry  and  Louisa.  He  died,  and 
she  married  Christ  Hartlip,  to  whom  she  has 
borne  one  daughter,  Annie;  they  live  in  Lan- 
caster. Mrs.  Morris  has  one  other  sister,  Mary, 
who  married  August  Walter,  and  lives  in  Le- 
high county,  Pennsylvania. 

After  his  second  marriage  Mr.  Morris 
brought  his  wife  to  the  old  home,  which  has 
been  their  residence  to  the  present  time.  He 
is  a Republican,  and  religiously  he  and  his 
wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church.  ‘‘Uncle  John  Morris,”  as  he  is  famil- 
iarly called,  is  one  of  the  honored  old  pioneers 
of  V isconsin.  He  is  a man  of  sterling  quali- 
ties, a type  of  the  Christian  gentleman,  whose 
whole  life  has  been  lived  on  a generous  and 
helpful  plane. 

ANDREW  J.  BRANT  was  born  in  Prus- 
sia July  9,  1843,  s.on  °f  Joseph  and  Dorathea 
Brant,  both  born  in  Prussia,  where  Mrs.  Brant 
died  in  1848.  Mr.  Brant  married  a second 
time  before  leaving  for  the  United  States,  in 
1852.  - 

The  family  came  to  New  York,  and  made 
their  way  to  Rockford,  then  to  Galena  by 
wagon,  and  from  there  to  Hazel  Green,  Wis., 
where  Mr.  Brant  purchased  a tract  of  wild  land. 
He  did  not  live  many  years  after  his  settle- 
ment in  Wisconsin.  By  his  first  marriage  he 
had  six  children,  four  sons  and  two  daughters, 
the  latter  dying  in  infancy.  The  only  child  of 
the  second  union,  Theresa,  died  in  Hazel  Green 
when  a young  girl.  Of  the  four  sons  men- 
tioned, ( 1 ) Christopher  Brant,  born  in  Ger- 
many in  1838,  completed  his  education  in  the 
Grant  county  public  schools,  and  married  Miss 
Burghardt,  of  Mineral  Point,  where  they  lived 


for  some  years,  and  where  she  died,  leaving- 
three  children,  Lizzie  F.,  Henry  A.  and  Will- 
iam. Mr.  Brant  later  married  Miss  Amelia 
Beacher,  of  that  city,  and  to  this  union  one 
daughter,  Veronica,  has  been  born.  He  is  a 
farmer.  For  a number  of  years  he  was  man- 
ager for  one  of  the  Mineral  Point  smelting 
firms.  (2)  Adam  Brant,  born  in  1841,  en- 
listed during  the  Civil  war  in  Company  E,  9th 
Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  until  the  close  of  the 
war;  he  was  in  many  hard-fought  battles,  and 
was  once  taken  prisoner.  After  the  war  he 
came  to  Wisconsin,  and  married  Miss  Mary 
A.  King,  settling  in  Missouri  for  a time,  and 
he  is  now  living  in  Oklahoma;  he  has  a family 
of  eight  children,  Charles,  Frank,  Godfrey, 
Joseph,  Dora,  Mary,  Gertrude  and  Maggie. 
(3)  Andrew  J.  Brant,  the  third  child,  is  our 
subject.  (4)  Valentine  Brant,  born  in  1845, 
crossed  the  Black  Hills  for  his  health,  and  re- 
mained there  thirteen  years.  He  came  back 
to  Wisconsin,  and  died  at  the  home  of  his 
brother  Andrew  in  April,  1883. 

Andrew  J.  Brant  was  a boy  of  nine  years 
when  his  father  came  to  Wisconsin.  A dis- 
trict-school education  was  given  him  in  Hazel. 
Green,  and  he  was  a lead  miner  until  the  break- 
ing out  of  the  Civil  war,  enlisting  at  that  time 
in  Company  C,  7th  Wis.  Volunteers,  under 
Capt.  Naysmith,  of  Platteville.  The  regi- 
ment was  sent  east,  and  served  under  McDowell 
and  Pope,  in  the  brigade  of  Gen.  Gibbons, 
being-  transferred  to  Battery  B,  4th  U.  S. 
Artillery.  During  the  battle  of  Sulphur 
Springs  our  subject  lost  his  right  hand,  and 
was  the  first  man  to  be  injured  after  their 
transfer.  Mr.  Brant  was  taken  to  the  freight 
car  hospital,  and  was  without  attention  for 
several  days,  the  Rebels  having  temporarily 
broken  the  communication  with  Washington. 
He  was  sent  to  Philadelphia,  and  was  detailed 
to  hospital  duty  until  his  discharge,  in  1864. 

Mr.  Brant  came  back  to  Wisconsin,  and 
was  a miner  until  his  marriage,  in  1872,  to 
Miss  Caroline  Raup.  who  was  born  in  Illinois 
in  1855.  Frank  and  Caroline  Raup,  her  par- 
ents, were  born  in  Germany,  and  emigrated  to 
Grant  county  in  1856.  Mrs.  Brant  received 
her  education  in  the  local  schools.  After  their 
marriage  our  subject  and  his  wife  settled  in  a 
home  near  the  one  in  which  they  lived  until 
recently,  not  far  from  the  village  of  Louis- 
burg,  and  in  1884  be  put  up  a fine  modern 
home.  A short  time  ago  Mr.  Brant  sold  his 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


191 


Wisconsin  place  and  purchased  one  in  Du- 
buque, Iowa,  at  No.  861  West  14th  street. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brant  are  the  parents  of  four 
children:  (1)  Frank  J..  born  Sept.  8,  1S75, 

was  educated  in  the  State  Normal  at  Platte- 
ville.  He  married  Miss  Mary  B.  Wagner,  of 
East  Dubuque,  and  has  one  son,  Clarence. 
(2)  John  A.,  born  in  1879,  died  in  September, 
1882.  (3)  Michael  C.,  born  Nov.  7,  1881, 

was  educated  in  the  public  schools.  (4)  Miss 
Theresa  K.,  born  May  24,  1884,  was  educated 
in  the  public  schools  and  St.  Clara’s  Academy, 
at  Sinsinawa,  and  is  at  home.  Mr.  Brant  has 
always  been  a Republican,  was  a member  of 
the  town  board,  constable,  roadmaster,  and  a 
member  of  the  school  board.  The  Brants  are 
all  members  of  the  Catholic  Church.  Mr. 
Brant’s  mining  experiences  have  been  very 
successful,  and  he  has,  in  company  with  Con- 
rad May,  taken  from  one  mine  over  a million 
and  a half  pounds  of  cleat  lead. 

AUGUSTUS  C.  MUNGER,  an  enterpris- 
ing and  popular  g'rocer  of  Janesville,  Rock 
county,  has  acquired  a handsome  competence 
by  his  attention  to  business,  his  readiness  to 
accommodate,  and  his  strict  adherence  to  sound 
and  conservative  business  principles. 

Mr.  Munger  was  born  in  Palmyra,  Wis., 
Nov.  19,  1849.  His  parents,  Levi  and  Martha 
(Thayer)  Munger,  natives  of  New  York  and 
Massachusetts,  respectively,  had  a family  of 
five  sons  and  two  daughters,  four  of  whom  are 
now  living:  William  Henry,  of  Palmyra; 

Augustus  C.,  whose  name  introduces  this  ar- 
ticle: and  Charles  W.  and  Della  (Mrs.  Andrew 
Rood),  both  of  Palmyra.  The  father,  who 
was  a farmer,  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  early 
’forties,  and  located  on  a farm  of  160  acres 
within  three  miles  of  Palmyra,  which  he  speed- 
ily made  productive.  At  the  time  of  his  death 
he  owned  a half  section  of  land  where  he  first 
settled  in  the  State.  He  reared  his  children 
on  this  farm,  which  was  their  birthplace,  and 
here  he  died  in  December,  1895,  at  the  age  of 
seventy-five,  after  a long  and  useful  career. 
His  widow  still  survives,  and  is  a resident  of 
Palmyra.  She  and  her  husband  were  members 
of  the  Methodist  Church,  which  he  served  in 
an  official  capacity.  He  was  a Republican,  and 
at  different  times  had  filled  several  township 
offices.  His  father,  Alvero  Munger,  rvas  born 
in  New  York,  and  in  the  early  days  moved  to 
Ohio-,  where  he  continued  to  live,  dying  there 


at  the  age  of  eighty-five.  He  had  ten  children. 
Eli  Thayer,  the  father  of  Mortha  Thayer,  was 
a native  of  Massachusetts,  but  moved  to  Michi- 
gan in  its  early  settlement.  He  was  a farmer, 
and  lived  to  be  eighty  years  of  age ; his  wife 
attained  the  great  age  of  ninety-four.  They 
had  twelve  children. 

Augustus  C.  Munger  lived  on  the  home 
farm  near  Palmvra  until  he  reached  the  age  of 
eighteen  years.  He  secured  his  education  in 
the  district  school,  and  attended  the  Normal  at 
Whitewater,  Wis.,  until  he  was  ready  to  teach. 
After  following  that  profession  for  seven  win- 
ters, he  embarked  in  business  as  the  proprietor 
and  manager  of  a general  store  at  Emerald 
Grove,  where  he  remained  for  eight  years.  In 
1883  he  came  to  Janesville  and  opened  a gro- 
cery store,  to  which  he  has  given  his  close  per- 
sonal attention  up  to  the  present  time.  He  has 
done  well,  and  it  would  be  difficult  to  find  a 
better  class  of  patrons  than  those  he  has  se- 
cured. 

Mr.  Munger  and  Miss  Jeanette  Ketchpaw, 
a daughter  of  George  and  Lucinda  (Parker) 
Ketchpaw,  were  married  Nov.  2,  1875.  She 
is  the  mother  of  four  children  : Percy  L., 

Charles,  Leon  D.  and  Mabel.  Percy  L.  is  trav- 
eling salesman  for  L.  A.  Budlong  & Co.,  Chi- 
cago, his  territory  being  Wisconsin  and  south- 
ern Minnesota.  Charl.es  is  in  his  father's  store 
as  clerk;  he  was  married  to  Cecelia  Gatelev 
Nov.  8,  189S,  and  has  two  sons.  Mr.  Munger 
is  a Republican,  and  fraternally  is  a member  of 
the  M.  W.  A.  He  lives  at  No.  6 Clark  street, 
where  his  home  has  been  for  the  last  ten  years. 

JUDGE  JAMES  S.  WADDINGTON] 

well  known  in  Lafayette  county,  came  to  Wiota 
in  the  fall  of  1840.  He  was  born  in  Chau- 
tauqua county,  N.  Y.,  Nov.  12,  1831,  son  of 
Aaron  Wadclington,  who  was  a drover,  and 
made  the  first  trip  with  a drove  of  cattle  from 
Illinois  to  Philadelphia  about  1839.  Plis 
mother  was  Eliza  Saxton,  a native  of  New 
York  State,  who  died  when  James  S.  was  but 
four  years  old. 

The  early  death  of  the  mother  resulted  in 
our  subject  being  reared  in  the  family  of  his 
great-uncle,  John  Z.  Saxton,  of  Fredonia, 
N.  Y.  In  1840  they  came  to  Wiota,  then  a 
village  known  on  the  frontier  as  “Hamilton's 
Diggings.”  After  two  years  in  Wiota  they 
located  in  Belvidere,  111.  About  1848  Mr. 
Saxton  moved  to  Argyle,  Lafayette  Co.,  Wis., 


iga 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


where  his  wife,  Mary,  died,  and  he  subse- 
quently married  a Mrs.  La  Follette,  and  then 
moved  to  a farm  in  Dane  county,  where  his 
own  death  occurred.  Though  he  had  no  chil- 
dren of  his  own,  he  reared  and  educated  twelve, 
of  whom  his  nephew,  James  S.  Waddington, 
was  the  youngest. 

After  the  location  of  his  uncle  in  Argyle 
Mr.  Waddington  returned  to  Illinois,  where  he 
was  employed  as  a clerk  for  one  year.  At  the 
end  of  that  time  he  returned  to  Wisconsin,  and 
clerked  for  Asa  Saxton,  a merchant  of  Ar- 
gyle, continuing  in  that  position  until,  at  the 
age  of  twenty,  he  began  for  himself,  buying 
his  employer’s  stock,  and  for  a time  had  as  his 
partner  John  Z.  Saxton.  He  was  successfully 
engaged  in  business  for  many  years,  and  finally 
sold  out  to  L.  A.  Rossing,  who  is  still  at  the 
old  stand.  Judge  Waddington  then  erected 
another  building,  and  began  banking  as  an  in- 
dividual. In  1895  his  banking  firm  became 
J.  S.  Waddington  & Son,  and  it  is  one  of  the 
most  popular  business  institutions  in  that  part 
of  the  county.  His  long  and  upright  life  here, 
where  the  people  all  know  his  sterling  integrity 
and  sound  business  principles,  gave  him  a firm 
foundation  for  his  banking  enterprise. 

Judge  Waddington  had  a brother,  L.  B., 
younger  than  himself,  who  was  reared  on  a 
farm  in  New  York  State,  came  West,  and 
taught  a term  of  school  in  Argyle,  and  for  a 
time  was  in  partnership  with  his  brother,  the 
Judge.  He  played  an  important  part  in  pub- 
lic affairs,  having  held  the  offices  of  treasurer 
and  sheriff;  was  later  employed  in  the  adju- 
tant general’s  office,  at  Madison,  and  held  that 
postion  when  his  death  occurred,  a number  of 
years  ago. 

Judge  Waddington  married  Miss  Helena 
Lars,  and  by  this  marriage  became  the  father 
of  eight  children,  four  sons  and  four  daugh- 
ters: L.  B. ; Lillian,  wife  of  Walter  Jenks,  of 

Freeport;  John  S.,  who  died  at  the  age  of 
forty;  Mary,  Mrs.  Young,  deceased;  Frank  A., 
his  father’s  assistant;  Alice;  Elmer  C..  in  the 
grocery  business  in  Argyle;  and  Nellie,  de- 
ceased. In  politics  Judge  Waddington  has  al- 
ways been  a Republican,  and  was  elected  to 
the  office  of  judge;  he  has  studied  law,  and  is 
a well-informed  man,  but  has  never  been  ad- 
mitted to  the  Bar.  Fraternally  he  is  a thirtv- 
second-degree  Mason,  belonging  to  the  Blue 
Lodge  at  Argyle,  Chapter  at  Darlington,  Com- 
mandery  at  Mineral  Point,  and  Consistory  at 


Milwaukee.  He  is  one  of  the  highly-esteemed 
citizens  of  his  community,  and  his  sound  judg- 
ment and  wise  counsel  are  often  sought  by  his 
friends  and  neighbors,  whose  faith  he  has  ever 
attempted  to  justify. 

SAMUEL  CLARK  VAN  GALDER 
(deceased)  is  well  and  favorably  remembered 
by  all  who  are  familiar  with  the  history  of 
Rock  county  and  La  Prairie  township.  He 
came  here  at  a very  early  day,  helped  to  re- 
claim the  wilderness,  and  did  much  to  aid  in 
the  general  development  of  Rock  county.  He 
was  a kindly  and  open-hearted  man,  upright 
in  his  disposition,  and  honorable  in  h is'  every 
action. 

Mr.  Van  Galder  was  born  in-  Ohio  March 
22,  1835,  a son  of  Jacob  and  Rhoda  (Wil- 
son) Van  Galder.  They  had  eleven  children, 
only  one  of  whom  is  now  living,  Oscar,  of 
Janesville.  The  father  ran  an  ashery  in  Ohio, 
and  was  also  a dry-goods  merchant  in  Akron. 
In  early  life  he  learned  the  cooper’s  trade. 
In  1848  he  came  to  Wisconsin,  buying  a half- 
section  of  land  in  La  Prairie  township,  Rock 
county,  which  came  into  the  hands  of  his 
children  after  his  death,  a few  years  later. 
Samuel  C.  Van  Galder  received  eighty  acres 
in  Section  32  of  that  town,  and  added  to 
this  from  time  to  time  until  he  owned  400 
acres  at  the  time  of  his  death.  He  had  worked 
assiduously  on  his  land,  and  it  was  a highly 
cultivated  and  productive  farm  long"  before 
his  demise.  On  Aug.  1,  1858,  he  married 
Miss  Eliza  Heald,  a daughter  of  Lewis  and 
Harriet  (Olney)  Heald,  and  six  sons  and 
two  daughters  were  born  to  this  union : Alice 
E.,  Clark  F.,  Louis  A.,  Charles;  R.,  Lester  G. 
and  Grace  E.  (twins),  and  Ernest  H.  and 
Irving  S.  (twins).  Alice  E.  has  been  twice 
widowed;  by  her  first  husband,  Frank  Graves, 
she  had  one  son,  Glen,  and  by  her  second, 
John  Howard,  she  had  three  sons,  Harley, 
Clark  and  John.  Clark  F.  died  aged  twenty 
years  and  eleven  months.  Louis  A.  married 
Nellie  Bostwick,  and  they  have  two  living 
children,  Edwin  and  Floyd;  they  live  in 
O’Brien  county,  Iowa.  Charles  R.  is  a farmer 
on  part  of  the  old  homestead  farm;  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Viola  Crotzenburg,  and  is  the  father 
of  two  children,  Merl  and  Dorothy.  Lester 
G.  died  in  March,  1899,  aged  twenty-six  years 
and  eleven  months ; he  married  Miss  Bessie 
Little.  Grace  E.  died  when  two  years  old. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


193 


Ernest  H.  was  six  years  and  eleven  months 
old  when  he  died.  Irving  S.  and  his  mother 
live  together  on  the  old  home  place ; he  is 
still  unmarried,  and  carries  on  the  farm. 

Samuel  C.  Van  Galder  was  reared  in  Ohio, 
and  went  with  the  family  to  Michigan,  com- 
ing with  his  parents'  to  Wisconsin  in  1848 
and  locating  in  La  Prairie  township,  where 
he  lived  until  his  death,  in  October,  1894,  at 
the  age  of  fifty-nine  years.  He  was  a man 
of  more  than  ordinary  strength ‘of  character, 
and  had  been  called  upon  to  fill  several  local 
positions  by  his  fellow  townsmen.  He  was 
supervisor  for  a number  of  years,  and  also  a 
member  of  the  school  board.  He  was  a Re- 
publican, and  always  took  an  active  and  in- 
telligent interest  in  public  affairs. 

Mrs'.  Van  Galcler’s  parents,  Lewis  and 
Harriet  (Olney)  Heald,  were  both  natives  of 
the  State  of  New  York.  They  had  four  sons 
and  four  daughters,  and  five  of  their  children 
are  still  living:  Mrs.  Eliza  Van  Galder;  Mar- 
garet, wife  of  William  Lewis,  of  Rockford, 
111.;  David,  of  Beloit;  George,  of  Shopiere, 
Rock  county;  and  Joseph  L.  Mr.  Heald  was 
a farmer,  and  he  came  to  Rock  county,  V is., 
with  his  wife  and  three  children  in  1845. 
He  located  in  La  Prairie  township,  on  eighty 
acres  of  government  land,  and  devoted  his 
remaining  years  to  its  cultivation  and  improve- 
ment, dying  in  La  Prairie  township  in  1888, 
at  the  age  of  seventy-seven.  His  widow  still 
survives,  aged  eighty-two  years,  her  birth  hav- 
ing occurred  Oct.  9,  1818.  Mr.  Heald  was 
justice  of  the  peace  for  many  years,  and  was 
also  on  the  board  of  supervisors.  His  father, 
Thomas  Heald,  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of 
1812.  Mrs.  Heald's  father,  Thomas  Olney, 
was  born  in  New  York,  and  was  an  early 
settler  in  western  Pennsylvania,  having  his 
home  in  Fairview  township,  Erie  county. 
Mrs.  Heald  is  still  strong  and  healthy,  with 
a bright  intellect  and  a fine  memory  for  one 
of  her  years.  She  has  seen  the  development 
of  Rock  county  from  a wilderness,  and  in  con- 
versation recalls  many  valuable  and  interest- 
ing memories  of  that  early  day. 

ARIEL  K.  BAYLEY,  long  and  favorably 
known  in  his  section  of  Grant  county  in  his 
connection  with  stock  and  dairy  farming,  was 
born  in  the  town  of  Massena,  St.  Lawrence 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1830,  son  of  Ariel  K.  and  Lu- 
cinda (Kezar)  Bayley,  both  natives  of  the  old 

13 


Empire  State.  The  father  was  born  in  1797, 
and  the  mother  a few  years  later. 

Our  subject’s  grandfather,  Elijah  Bayley, 
was  born  in  1771,  married  Amanda  Fisher, 
who  was  born  in  1777,  at  Rutland,  Vt.  Elijah 
Bayley  settled  at  Massena,  on  the  St.  Lawrence 
river,  in  the  town  of  Massena,  St.  Lawrence 
county,  where  he  followed  lumbering  all  his 
life.  His  son  ( 1 ) Ariel  K.  was  the  eldest  of 
ten  children,  of  whom  are  mentioned:  (2) 

Ezekiel  Fisher  was  drowned  in  the  St.  Law- 
rence river  when  a young  man.  (3)  Betsy, 
born  in  1800,  married  a Mr.  Sheak.  and  moved 
Vv  est  to  Davenport,  Iowa,  where  she  died,  leav- 
ing four  daughters.  (4)  Loren  was  killed  on 
the  St.  Lawrence  river.  Pie  left  one  daughter, 
who  is  living  in  Iowa.  (5)  Hosea  was  drown- 
ed while  rafting  on  the  St.  Lawrence.  (6) 
Olive,  born  in  1814,  married  A.  Palmer,  and. 
came  West  to  Platteville,  Whs.,  where  they  both 
died  years  ago,  leaving  a family  of  five  chil- 
dren. (7)  Fisher,  born  in  1823,  came  to 
Platteville,  and  in  company  with  a Mr.  Marsh 
established  the  first  weekly  paper  published  in 
that  place.  In  1849  he  s°ld  out  his  paper  and 
started  to  cross  the  Plains,  but  was  taken  sick 
with  cholera,  and  died  at  St.  Charles,  Neb. 
(8)  Elijah,  born  in  1811,  came  West  with  a 
team  to  Rock  Island,  111.,  when  a young  man, 
and  on  reaching  that  point  traded  his  team  for 
some  real  estate.  As  a school  teacher  he  re- 
ceived twenty-five  dollars  a month  in  that  city, 
and  after  a year  in  the  school  room  he  went  to 
New  Buffalo,  Iowa,  and  was  a merchant  for 
a time.  Selling  out  there,  he  traveled  through 
Texas,  selling  goods  from  house  to  house,  ac- 
cumulating in  this  way  a large  quantity  of 
Texas  script,  for  which  years  after  he  received 
dollar  for  dollar  at  Washington,  D.  C.  Soon 
after  he  moved  to  Platteville,  Wis.,  then  a min- 
ing camp,  and  started  a general  store  in  1836. 
Mr.  Bayley  prospered  in  this  last  venture,  and 
became  very  wealthy.  He  married  Caroline 
Bevins,  daughter  of  Dr.  Bevins,  of  Platteville. 
She  died  before  her  husband,  who  was  killed 
by  a vicious  bull  on  Christmas  Day,  1879. 
Two  daughters  were  born  of  this  marriage, 
both  deceased — Nora,  who  was  the  wife  of 
David  B.  Jones,  of  Chicago,  and  Miss  Annie, 
who  died  at  Clifton  Springs,  N.  Y.,  where  she 
was  stopping  for  the  benefit  of  her  health. 
Leslie,  Elijah  Bayley’s  only  son,  died  when  a 
young  man. 

Ariel  K.  Bayley,  our  subject’s  father,  mar- 


194 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ried,  in  New  York,  Miss  Lucinda  Kezar,  who 
died  in  that  State,  leaving  two  children,  Ariel 
K.  (whose  name  introduces  this  article)  and 
Charles.  The  latter  came  West  with  his  uncle, 
Elijah  Bayley,  for  whom  he  clerked  a number 
of  years  in  his  store  at  Platteville,  Wis. 
Charles  Bayley  married  a young  lady  from  La- 
Crosse,  where  he  lived  a number  of  years,  and 
then  went  to  California  for  the  benefit  of  her 
health.  While  there  she  died,  and  Mr.  Bay- 
ley  returned  to  Wisconsin,  marrying-  for  his 
second  wife  Miss  Emma  North,  of  Oshkosh, 
Wis.  Soon  after  their  marriage  they  settled 
in  Oakland,  Cal.,  where  he  was  killed  by  the 
kick  of  a horse  in  1899.  No  children  were 
born  to  the  first  marriage  of  Charles  Bayley, 
but  to  his  second  union  were  born  the  follow- 
ing : Leslie,  Emma,  Annie,  and  Harvey. 

Leslie  is  a gunner  on  board  the  United  States 
battleship  “Oregon,”  and  was  in  the  harbor 
of  Manila  at  the  time  of  his  father’s  death. 

Ariel  K.  Bayley,  the  father  of  the  Lima 
farmer  and  dairyman,  married  for  his  second 
wife  Miss  Cornelia  Gear,  and  they  came  West 
to  LaCrosse  in  1858.  Mrs.  Bayley  died  in 
1872,  and  Air.  Bayley  made  his  home  with  his 
son  at  Lima  until  his  death,  in  1880.  To  this 
second  marriage  was  born  one  daughter,  Hen- 
rietta, a native  of  St.  Lawrence  county,  N.  Y., 
where  she  is  now  living;  she  married  William 
Wright,  and  they  have  one  daughter. 

Ariel  K.  Bayley,  whose  career  is  the  sub- 
ject proper  of  this  writing,  was  educated  in  the 
public  schools  of  St.  Lawrence  county,  N.  Y., 
and  while  growing  up  worked  with  his  father, 
who  was  a sailor  on  the  lakes  and  the  St.  Law- 
rence river.  When  he  was  eighteen  years  old 
he  shipped  from  Kingston  to  Oswego,  and  from 
there  to  Milwaukee  and  Chicago.  The  young 
man  made  his  way  through  the  country  to 
Galena,  and  walked  from  there  to  Platteville, 
Wis.,  where  his  two  uncles,  Elijah  and  Fisher 
Bayley,  and  his  grandmother  were  living. 
Here  he  found  work,  and  plenty  of  it,  first  by 
the  month  on  the  farm  of  Henry  Phillips,  near 
Platteville.  and  then  for  some  years  lumbering 
and  steamboating  on  the  Mississippi.  While 
engaged  on  the  river  he  made  his  home  at  Dav- 
enport, Iowa. 

Air.  Baylejr  and  Miss  Hester  Burnside,  of 
Davenport,  Iowa,  formerly  of  Ohio,  were  mar- 
ried in  1857,  and  located  at  Platteville,  Wis., 
where  they  lived  for  three  years  while  he  was 
working  for  his  uncle  Elijah.  In  i860  Mr. 


Bayley  purchased  the  William  Buell  farm,  in 
the  town  of  Lima,  Grant  county.  The  place 
had  received  some  small  improvements,  and 
under  Air.  Bayley's  energetic  management  it 
has  been  brought  into  a fine  condition,  with 
ample  buildings  and  modern  equipments,  in- 
cluding a large  Pennsylvania  barn.  Here  the 
home  of  Mr.  Bayley  and  his  family  has  been 
established  and  maintained  for  more  than  forty 
years,  and  here  this  estimable  couple  have 
reared  a family  of  seven  children  : ( 1 ) Millie, 

born  in  October,  i860,  married  Lee  H.  Cobb. 
For  some  years  they  lived  in  Iowa,  and  in  1900 
came  back  to  Grant  county  to  rent  and  occupy 
the  old  homestead  of  the  Bayley  family.  They 
have  one  daughter,  Gladys,  who  was  born  in 
Iowa.  (2)  Carrie,  born  in  Grant  county  in 
1862,  married  Henry  Barrett,  and  lives  in 
Pocahontas  county,  Iowa.  They  have  a fam- 
ily of  six  children,  Leslie,  Pearl,  Francis,  Burt, 
and  Ira  and  Inez  (twins).  (3)  Ernest  A., 
born  in  1864,  married  Augusta  Kirkpatrick, 
and  lives  on  a rented  farm  in  Clifton,  Grant 
county.  They  are  rearing  a family  of  three 
children,  Viola,  Lee,  and  Ariel,  the  third  of 
the  family  to  bear  that  name.  (4)  Pearl,  born 
in  1866,  married  Miss  Alary  Miller,  of  Lima, 
Grant  county,  and  resides  on  his  farm,  which 
adjoins  the  old  homestead.  They  have  two 
children,  Jennie  and  Frankie.  (5)  Luella, 
born  in  1868,  married  William  Munden,  and 
has  her  home  in  Pocahontas  county,  Iowa. 
She  is  the  mother  of  five  children,  Aland,  Rov, 
Carrie,  Ora,  and  Hester.  (6)  Agnes,  born  in 
1870,  is  the  wife  of  Lee  Dennis,  of  Lima, 
Grant  county.  (7)  John,  born  in  1875,  is  liv- 
ing at  home,  and  is  unmarried.  Mr.  Bayley’s 
children  were  all  educated  in  the  public  schools 
of  Grant  county.  Agnes  had  a course  at  the 
Normal  School  at  Platteville,  and  was  a teacher 
in  the  Grant  county  schools  for  a number  of 
years. 

In  politics  Mr.  Bayley  has  been  a Republi- 
can, and  he  has  been  a member  of  the  town 
board  some  years.  In  religion  he  and  his  wife 
were  reared  in  the  Congregational  Church, 
with  which  they  have  always  been  associated. 
Air.  Bayley  came  to  Wisconsin  when  Platte- 
ville was'  but  a hamlet  and  the  surrounding 
country  a wilderness.  A vast  improvement 
has  been  wrought  in  the  Northwest  in  his  life- 
time, and  he  has  been  in  no  unimportant  sense 
a factor  in  the  progress  toward  a higher  civi- 
lization that  has  been  achieved.  He  has  been 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


*95 


a prominent  factor  in  the  social  and  industrial 
life  of  the  town  of  Lima  for  forty  years.  Al- 
though denied  the  benefit  of  a liberal  educa- 
tion  when  young,  he  is  a close  student  of  af- 
fairs, and  is  a liberal  and  broad-minded  man. 
A generous  spirit  and  an  upright  character 
have  made  him  hosts  of  friends. 

RALPH  LIDDLE,  deceased.  Among  the 
quiet,  refined  and  educated  ladies  of  Plattc- 
ville.  Grant  county,  is  the  representative  of  a 
family  well  and  favorably  known  through  parts 
of  Grant  county  as  late  as  1895,  of  which  she 
is  now  the  only  surviving  member. 

The  parents  of  Miss  Elizabeth  A.  Liddle 
were  Ralph  and  Hannah  (Nicholson)  Lid- 
dle, both  natives  of  England,  who  came 
to  the  United  States  in  1848  and  settled 
in  Big  Patch,  Wis.  There  they  remained 
until  1856,  when  removal  was  made  to  Ips- 
wich Station,  in  Lafayette  county.  At  that 
place  Mr.  Liddle  purchased  a large  amount 
of  land  and  erected  comfortable  and  com- 
modious buildings,  living  there  until  the 
time  of  his  death,  which  took  place  in  1877, 
his  wife  passing  away  in  1881.  A man  of 
good  education,  he  was  called  upon  to  serve 
in  many  of  the  local  offices,  and  filled  them  most 
efficiently.  In  his  politics  he  was  a Republi- 
can, and  he  was  an  active  member  of  the  M.  E. 
Church,  his  former  connection,  in  England, 
having  been  with  the  Episcopal  Church.  Eight 
children  were  born  to  these  parents,  but  only 
three  grew  to  maturity.  George  died  on  the 
farm  when  he  was  developing  into  young  man- 
hood. John,  born  in  Grant  county  in  June, 
1857,  grew  to  manhood,  and  upon  the  death 
of  his  father  undertook  the  management  of  the 
farm,  where  he  remained  until  his  death,  July 
4,  1895  ’ this  was  a blow  to  his  only  sister,  who 
was  thus  left  quite  alone  in  the  world,  all  her 
relatives  having  passed  from  earth.  We  have 
often  heard  that  “death  loves  a shining  mark,” 
and  in  this  case  it  seemed  true,  for  the  death  of 
John  Liddle  took  out  of  life  a noble  charac- 
ter, whose  influence  for  good  still  remains  with 
those  who  knew  his  life.  Faithful  to  duty,  de- 
voted to  his  sister,  helpful  in  a thousand  ways 
to  those  who  needed  assistance,  his  was  a life 
that  shed  blessing's  wherever  he  was.  From 
1894  he  had  been  connected  with  the  Elk 
Grove  M.  E.  Church,  although  he  had  long 
been  an  attendant  on  religious  services,  and, 
when  it  became  apparent  that  his  span  of  life 


was  nearly  ended,  he  was  ready  to  say  fare- 
well, his  only  regret  being  that  his  beloved  sis- 
ter must  be  left  alone.  Early  in  life  he  had 
become  a member  of  the  Order  of  Odd  Fellows, 
and  in  his  life  carried  out  the  fraternal  prin- 
ciples inculcated  by  its  teachings. 

Miss  Liddle  was  born  in  the  old  homestead, 
received  her  early  education  in  the  district 
schools  of  Elk  Grove,  and  later  graduated  from 
the  Platteville  Business  College.  In  1897  she 
moved  her  residence  to  Platteville,  where  she 
lives  in  partial  retirement.  Her  father  had 
accumulated  sufficient  means  to  enable  her  to 
choose  her  life,  and  she  is  well  known  to  be 
liberal,  kind  and  charitable. 

JAMES  CLINE,  a part  of  whose  farm  is 
in  the  town  of  Lamont,  but  whose  residence  is 
just  across  the  town  line,  in  Fayette,  being  sit- 
uated in  Section  16,  of  that  town,  is  the 
youngest  member  of  a numerous  and  well- 
known  family  of  Lafayette  county.  His  fa- 
ther was  George  Cline,  and  his  mother's  maiden 
name  was  Margaret  De  Mars.  John  Cline,  the 
grandfather  of  James,  was  a native  of  Ger- 
many. 

George  Cline  was  born  Nov.  20,  1796,  in 
Crawford  county.  Penn.,  where  he  was  reared, 
and  he  bore  arms  in  the  American  army  dur- 
ing the  war  of  1812.  After  his  death  his  wid- 
ow drew  a pension  on  account  of  his  services 
in  that  conflict.  George  Cline  died  in  Penn- 
sylvania Nov.  8,  1844.  He  was  the  father  of 
eleven  children,  of  whom  seven  were  living  in 
January,  1901.  Adam  D.  Cline,  one  of  the 
sons,  belonged  to  the  33d  M is.  V.  I.,  and  died 
in  the  service ; he  fell  mortally  wounded  at  the 
siege  of  Vicksburg,  in  1863,  and  died  soon 
afterward.  Fannv  died  in  Darlington,  La- 
fayette Co.,  Wis..  Dec.  17,  1884.  All  the  chil- 
dren who  attained  adult  years  became  residents 
of  Wisconsin  between  1830  and  1852.  The 
eldest  of  these  is  (1)  John,  of  Darlington, 
whose  biography  will  be  found  elsewhere. 
(2)  Sarah  Ann  is  the  wife  of  Robert  Henry, 
and  lives  in  South  Dakota.  (3)  Noble  D.  is 
a resident  of  Lamont.  (4)  Mary  is  the  wife 
of  Silas  McManners,  of  Dumont,  Iowa.  (5,) 
Tacob  and  (6)  George  are  twins,  the  former  a 
resident  of  Burlington.  Ivans.,  and  the  latter 
of  the  town  of  Fayette.  Lafayette  Co..  Wis. 
(7)  James  is,  as  stated  above,  the  youngest 
member  of  the  family.  The  brothers  John, 
George  and  Adam  were  the  first  of  the  family 


196 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


to  come  from  Pennsylvania  to  Wisconsin,  mak- 
ing the  journey,  then  much  more  formidable 
than  now,  in  1850.  The  others,  including  the 
aged  mother,  came  in  1852.  Mrs.  Cline  made 
her  home  with  her  son  James  until  her  death, 
Dec.  7,  1884. 

James  Cline  was  born  in  Crawford  coun- 
ty, Penn.,  Dec.  24,  1836,  and  was  a sturdy  lad 
of  sixteen  years  when  he  first  appeared  in  La- 
fayette county,  Wis.  Here  he  made  his  home, 
and  his  residence  in  the  county  has  never  been 
broken,  in  1863  he  established  himself  on  his 
present  farm,  and  for  nearly  forty  years  has 
been  engaged  in  its  tillage.  His  wife,  formerly 
Miss  Mary  Mumford,  is  also  a native  of  Craw- 
ford county,  Penn.,  where  she  was  born  in 
J 858.  Her  parents,  John  and  Mary  (Hazen) 
Mumford,  never  came  to  Wisconsin.  Her 
mother  died  many  years  ago,  and  her  father, 
who  wore  the  Union  blue  in  a Pennsylvania 
regiment  during  the  Civil  war,  is  still  living' in 
Pennsylvania.  Mrs.  Cline  is  the  only  one  of 
her  father’s  family  to  come  to  Wisconsin. 
She  is  one  of  three  children  born  to  her  father’s 
first  marriage,  all  now  living:  William  Mum- 

ford, of  Corning,  Cal, ; John  Mumford,  of 
Marion,  Ind. ; and  Mrs.  Cline.  Her  father 
was  married  a second  time,  and  became  by  that 
union  the  father  of  three  children,  Frank, 
Harry  and  Luella. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cline  have  two  daughters  and 
one  son  living:  Mabel,  Bessie  and  James 

Blaine.  Their  eldest  child,  Myrtle,  died  in 
infancy.  Mr.  Cline  has  a fine  farm,  and  is  re- 
garded as  an  honorable  and  substantial  man, 
a reputation  his  son  bids  fair  to  sustain. 

D.  L.  COLSON,  who  now  owns  a fine  farm 
in  Watterstown  township,  Grant  county,  is  one 
of  the  leading  representatives  of  the  agricul- 
tural interests  of  his  section  of  Wisconsin.  He 
was  born  in  Maine  in  1S27,  a son  of  Samuel 
and  Clarissa  (Littlefield)  Colson,  also  natives 
of  Maine. 

Jonah  Colson,  the  paternal  grandfather  of 
our  subject,  was  born  in  Maine,  where  he  lived 
and  died.  The  maternal  grandfather,  Daniel 
Littlefield,  also  spent  his  life  and  died  in  the 
same  State,  having  been  born  there.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Samuel  Colson  migrated,  in  1856,  to 
Oconto,  \\  is.,  and  later  to  Grant  county,  where 
the  father  died,  in  Lancaster,  aged  eighty-six; 
the  mother  died  at  Mount  Hope,  aged  seventy- 
one.  Fourteen  children  were  born  to  these 


parents : Alvin,  who  died  in  Maine ; Ada- 

laide,  now  Mrs.  Lowell,  of  Maine;  Chrycinda,. 
who  lives  at  Black  River  Falls,  Wis. ; Stephen, 
who  died  in  Maine;  D.  L.,  our  subject;  Melin- 
da, Mrs.  John  Lowell,  of  Maine;  Abagail,  Mrs. 
Reed,  who  died  in  Maine ; Elizabeth,  Mrs. 
Bowden,  who  died  in  Maine;  Gr'anville,  who 
came  to  Wisconsin,  and  died  aged  twenty-one ;. 
Sarah,  who  died  in  Oconto,  aged  seventeen;. 
Samuel.,  deceased  in  infancy ; and  others  that 
died  in  infancy  unnamed. 

Our  subject  was  reared  in  his  native  State, 
and  received  a fair  education  in  the  public 
schools  of  Maine.  Coming  West  when  a 
young  man,  in  1853,  to  Oconto,  Oconto  county, 
he  engaged  in  the  lumber  business.  Later  he 
removed  to  Black  Earth,  and  then  to  Lancas- 
ter, Grant  county,  about  1867.  His  next 
change  was  to  Mount  Hope,  where  he  opened 
up  a fine  farm,  which  he  improved.  He  then 
located  at  Hickory  Grove.  Finally,  in  1898, 
the  farm  known  as  the  Wilson  property,  com- 
pising  487  acres,  in  Watterstown  township, 
came  into  the  market.  Mr.  Colson  purchased 
it,  and  has  since  made  his  home  in  the  town- 
ship, improving  the  already  excellent  build- 
ings, adding  to  the  stock  and  otherwise' increas- 
ing the  value  of  the  property. 

In  1868  Mr.  Colson  was  married,  in  Mount 
Hope,  to  Miss  Irene  Hazen,  born  in  Wiscon- 
sin, a daughter  of  Amos  and  Louisa  Hazen, 
natives  of  Chautauqua  county,  N.  Y.,  who  came 
to  Grant  county  early  in1  the  history  of  the 
State.  Mrs.  Hazen  died  at  Mount  Hope  in 
1897;  her  husband  still  survives,  residing  at 
Mount  Hope.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Colson  have 
been  born:  Lena  (now  Mrs.  William  Ous- 

ley,  of  South  Dakota),  Ida,  George,  Vernie, 
Warren,  Asa  and  Adolph. 

Mr.  Colson  is  a Republican  in  politics,  being 
an  important  factor  in  local  affairs,  and  is  a 
man  of  prominence,  not  only  in  the  community 
in  which  he  resides,  but  throughout  Grant 
county.  Prosperous,  popular,  highly  esteem- 
ed, he  certainly  deserves  highest  mention 
among  the  well-to-do  farmers  of  southwestern 
Wisconsin. 

JOHN  JONES,  one  of  the  most  influential 
and  prominent  citizens  of  Patch  Grove  town- 
ship, Grant  county,  dates  his  residence  here 
from  April  21,  1867. 

Mr.  Jones  is  a native  of  England,  born  in 
Northamptonshire  June  15,  1836,  a son  of 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


197 


Thomas  Jones,  who  spent  his  entire  life  in  that 
country.  In  the  fall  of  1853  Mr.  Jones  left 
his  native  land,  taking  passage  to  New  York. 
His  start  to  America  was  quite  an  eventful 
one.  The  sailing-vessel  “Kossuth,”  on  which 
he  took  passage,  was  partially  wrecked,  and, 
becoming  unmanageable,  was  towed  into 
Queenstown  by  a passing  vessel.  Cholera  also 
prevailed  on  board,  and  a number  of  deaths 
occurred.  Mr.  Jones  left  the  vessel  at  Queens- 
town, before  the  officials  came  on  board ; had 
he  remained  he  would  have  been  placed  in 
quarantine  with  the  rest  on  the  vessel.  From 
Queenstown  he  returned  home,  having  for- 
feited his  passage  money.  In  August,  1854, 
he  entered  the  service  of  the  East  India  Com- 
pany, went  to  Bombay  on  the  clipper  “York,” 
thence  to  Hyderabad,  Scinde,  where  he  was 
stationed  for  one  and  a half  years,  and  whence 
he  was  removed  to  Kurrachee,  Scinde,  being- 
appointed  station  clerk  there.  He  remained 
there  until  the  mutiny  broke  out,  when  he  vol- 
unteered to  go  to  Kolapur,  S.  M.  C.,  where  he 
was  also  appointed  station  clerk,  and  held  that 
office  until  the  English  Government  annulled 
the  company’s  charter.  Being  unwilling  to 
serve  the  English  Government,  he  was  sent  to 
Belgaum  to  join  his  regiment,  the  2d  Bombay 
European  Regiment  of  Light  Infantry,  and 
thence  marched  with  a detachment  to  Goa, 
waiting  until  the  ship  “Herefordshire”  came 
into  the  harbor  ( cn  route  from  Bombay  to  Lon- 
don) and  took  them  on  board.  Mr.  Jones  en- 
tered the  service  for  twelve  years,  but  in  1859 
England  gained  full  control  of  the  company, 
and  different  arrangements  were  made.  While 
in  India  he  learned  the  Hindoostanee  language, 
and  witnessed  all  the  horrors  which  resulted 
from  the  famous  mutiny,  such  scenes  as  blow- 
ing sepoys  from  the  mouths  of  guns,  etc.,  etc. 
Mr.  Jones  has  in  his  possession  a medal  con- 
ferred upon  him  by  the  English  Government 
for  his  services  in  India,  being  entitled  to  the 
same  by  virtue  of  his  service  with  the  East 
India  Company,  though  the  government  took 
control  of  the  company  before  the  expiration 
of  his  term. 

Mr.  Jones  arrived  in  England  Jan.  1,  i860, 
and  entered  the  employ  of  the  London  & North- 
western Railroad  Co.,  with  which  he  remained 
until  his  emigration  to  the  United  States,  in 
1867.  O11  his  arrival  in  Grant  county,  Wis., 

he  located  at  Bradtville,  where  he  made  his 
home  for  a number  of  vears,  and  then  moved 


to  his  present  residence,  in  Patch  Grove.  For 
several  years  he  devoted  his  energies  to  the  oc- 
cupation of  carpentering,  but  for  some  time 
has  been  engaged  in  the  pension  business.  He 
is  a wide-awake,  energetic  business  man,  and 
has  met  with  well-merited  success  in  his  under- 
takings. 

In  England  Mr.  Jones  was  married,  July 
14,  i860,  to  Sarah  Dale,  and  on  his  removal 
to  America  brought  with  him  his  wife  and  three 
children,  namely : Mary  Elizabeth,  Char- 

lotte Jane,  and  Hannah  (since  dead).  One 
daughter  and  four  sons,  all  living,  were  born 
in  this  country.  Mr.  Jones  is  a gentleman  of 
culture,  who  is  well  informed  on  the  leading 
questions  and  issues  of  the  day,  and  is  highly 
esteemed  as  a worthy  and  progressive  citizen 
of  his  adopted  county. 

GEORGE  A.  MARSHALL,  of-  Darling- 
ton, who  has  for  many  years  been  a prominent 
member  of  the  legal  fraternity  of  Lafayette 
county,  is  a native  of  the  “Old  Granite  State,” 
and  was  born  at  Northumberland,  Coos  county, 
Feb.  17,  1836. 

The  Marshall  family  is  an  old  and  honored 
one  in  the  annals  of  New  England.  The  origi- 
nal ancestor  came  from  England  in  the  seven- 
teenth century.  The  paternal  grandfather  of 
our  subject  was  an  officer  in  the  Continental 
army  in  the  Revolutionary  war.  Among  his 
ancestors  on  his  father’s  side  was  Gen.  Israel 
Putnam,  and  on  his  mother's,  Dr.  Benjamin 
Franklin. 

In  1852  the  parents  of  Mr.  Marshall  sold 
their  farm  of  500  acres  in  New  Hampshire  and 
removed  to  Saint  Johnsbury,  \ t.,  and  there 
passed  the  last  years  of  their  lives.  1 hey 
reared  a family  of  nine  children,  four  sons  and 
five  daughters. 

Mr.  Marshall  was  prepared  for  college  in 
the  academy  at  Johnson,  entered  the  Univer- 
sity of  Vermont  in  1857,  and  was  graduated 
in  1861,  with  a standing  of  fourth  in  the  larg- 
est class  which  the  University  had  up  to  that 
time  graduated.  He  came  \\  est  the  same  sum- 
mer, and  studied  law  at  Sheboygan,  Wis., 
where  he  was  admitted  to  the  Bar  June  9, 
1862.  After  practicing  five  years  in  Galena, 
111.,  he  removed  to  Darlington,  which  has  since 
been  his  home.  In  politics  he  has  always  been 
a Republican,  though  never  a politician:  he 
was  never  a candidate  for  a political  office. 
He  has  filled  the  positions  of  district  attorney, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


198 


county  surveyor,  and  superintendent  of  schools. 
Socially  our  subject  is  connected  with  several 
civic  societies.  In  1863  he  joined  the  Odd 
Fellows,  and  has  often  been  a delegate  to  the 
Grand  Lodge.  He  is  also  a Freemason,  and 
was  a charter  member  of  the  Darlington  lodge 
of  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  Mr.  Marshall  pos- 
sesses high  literary  attainments,  and  has  con- 
tributed to  various  papers  and  magazines  ar- 
ticles, which  have  received  special  attention  on 
account  of  their  literary  merit. 

Mrs.  Miriam  Id.  Marshall,  wife  of  our  sub- 
ject, was  a daughter  of  Albert  Gallatin  Cutler, 
of  Highgate,  Vt.,  and  a descendant  of  James 
Cutler,  who  came  from  England  in.  1634  and 
settled  at  Watertown,  Mass.  Her  grand- 
father, Hodges  Cutler,  was  a soldier  in  the  war 
for  independence,  and  lived  to  the  age  of  one 
hundred  years.  Both  grandfather  and  father 
were  physicians;  a brother,  Hiram  C.  Cutler, 
having  been  graduated  in  medicine  at  Dart- 
mouth College,  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1856,  and 
became  one  of  the  most  eminent  physicians  in 
the  State.  He  died  at  Mineral  Point  in  1892. 
Few  men  are  more  sincerely  mourned  than  Dr. 
Cutler ; benevolence  and  unselfishness  were  his 
most  prominent  characteristics.  Mrs.  Mar- 
shall is  a lady  of  culture  and  refinement.  She 
was  educated  at  the  Ladies'  Seminary,  of  Bur- 
lington, Vt.,  then  one  of  the  leading  institu- 
tions of  the  kind  in  the  East. 

The  family  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Marshall  in- 
cludes but  two  children:  Mary  Florence  and 

Francis  Cutler.  The  former  is  a graduate  of 
the  Darlington  high  school,  has  taken  several 
degrees  in  the  Chautauqua  University  course, 
has  traveled  extensively,  is  a fine  musician,  has 
studied  law  and  assisted  her  father  in  his  busi- 
ness, and  was  the  first  woman  to  be  appointed 
a notary  public  in  Wisconsin. 

Francis  Cutler  Marshall  was  graduated 
from  the  high  school  of  Darlington,  and  in 
1886  won  an  appointment  to  West  Point  in 
a competitive  examination.  He  was  gradu- 
ated with  honor  in  1890,  being  first  captain  in 
the  cadet  battalion,  and  was  commissioned  as 
second  lieutenant  in  the  Eighth  Regiment, 
LT.  S.  Cavalry.  He  was  promoted  to  the  rank 
of  first  lieutenant  Jan.  5,  1897,  in  the  Sixth 
Cavalry,  saw  service  in  the  South  in  the  war 
with  Spain,  went  with  that  regiment  to  China 
in  1900,  and  took  active  part  in  the  expedition 
for  the  relief  of  the  legations  in  Pekin.  For 
gallant  conduct  in  action  near  Tien  Tsin, 


China,  Aug.  19,  1900,  he  was  recommended 
for  promotion  by  Gen.  Chaffee;  and  on  Feb. 
2,  1901,  he  was  promoted  to  a captaincy,  and 
assigned  to  the  Fifteenth  LT.  S.  Cavalry.  On 
Sept.  5,  1894,  Lieut.  Marshall  was  married  to 
Miss  Sophia  Morton  Page,  a daughter  of  Gen. 
John  H.  Page. 

HON.  H.  D.  YORK,  an  old  and  prominent 
lawyer  of  Grant  county,  who  has  his  home  in 
Hazel  Green,  is  widely  known  as  a thoroughly 
honorable  and  upright  man.  Mr.  York  was 
born  in  Chenango,  N.  Y.,  March  23,  1823,  a 
son  of  Jeremiah  and  Catherine  (Pendleton) 
York,  both  natives  of  North  Stonington, 
Conn.,  the  father  born  in  1802,  and  the  mother 
the  year  following.  Jeremiah  York  was  the 
son  of  Capt.  Jeremiah  York,  a- gallant  officer 
of  the  war  of  1812,  who  lived  and  died  in  Con- 
necticut. James  York,  the  remote  ancestor, 
and  the  founder  of  the  family  on  these  shores, 
was  born  in  England  in  1608. 

Jeremiah  York,  the  father  of  H.  D..  set- 
tled in  Chenango  county,  N.  Y.,  after  his  mar- 
riage, following  farming  until  his  death,  in 
April,  1873.  Mrs.  York  died  in  1836,  leav- 
ing three  children  : ( 1 ) Hiram,  born  April 

5,  1821,  married  and  settled  in  Allegany  coun- 
ty, N.  Y.,  where  he  followed  lumbering  for 
many  years.  During  the  latter  part  of  his 
business  life  he  was  engaged  in  banking  at 
Wellsville,  where  lie  died.  He  first  married 
Sarah  Johnston,  who  left  two  children1 — Cath- 
arine, wife  of  Clarence  L.  Parker,  of  Ithaca, 
N.  Y. ; and  Mary,  Mrs.  E.  F.  Joyce,  of  St.  Aug- 
ustine, Fla.  Mr.  York  married  again.  Harriet 
Palmer  becoming  his  wife.  She  died  in  1880, 
leaving  three  children — Sarah,  now  the  wife 
of  D.  O.  Batterson,  present  bank  inspector  of 
the  State  of  New  York;  Fannie,  wife  of  John 
L.  Langdon,  who  resides  on  the  Hudson ; and 
Edward,  an  architect  in  New  York  City.  (2) 
H.  D.  is  the  subject  proper  of  these  lines.  (3) 
Catherine,  the  only  sister  of  our  subject,  was 
born  in  Oxford,  N.  Y.,  in  1826,  and  is  the  wife 
of  Sandford  P.  Stillman,  of  Rhode  Island,  who 
is  living  a retired  life.  They  have  three  chil- 
dren. Dwight  R.,  Fred  A.,  and  Howard  Y. 
Howard  lives  in  New  York,  Dwight  and  Fred 
in  Rhode  Island. 

Hon.  H.  D.  York  was  educated  in  the  dis- 
trict schools  and  at  the  old  academy  in  Oxford, 
N.  Y..  and  grew  to  manhood  on  his  father’s 
farm.  When  a young  man  lie  was  a teacher 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


199 


two  years  in  his  native  State,  and  two  years 
in  Pennsylvania.  On  the  first  day  of  October, 
1843,  Mr.  York  arrived  in  Grant  county,  Wis., 
coming  via  Buffalo  to  Milwaukee,  and  from 
there  to  Platteville  and  Hazel  Green.  Here  he 
began  life  as  a lead  miner,  and  also  taught 
school.  In  1845  fie  was  made  manager  for  the 
extensive  farming  and  mining  operations  of 
Mrs.  Abagail  Curtis,  and  held  this  responsible 
trust  for  several  years.  Mr.  York  and  Miss 
Mary  E.  Tyler  were  married  in  1854.  Mrs. 
York  was  born  in  Summit  county,  Ohio, 
daughter  of  Augustus  and  Elizabeth  (Han- 
chett)  Tyler,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of 
New  York.  In  1846  they  came  West,  and  set- 
tled in  Hazel  Green,  where  the  father  was  a ho- 
tel-keeper and  a farmer  for  the  remainder  of  his 
life.  During  his  last  years  he  owned  and  con- 
ducted a hotel  in  Platteville.  Mr.  Tyler  died 
in  1875;  his  aged  wife,  after  spending  fifteen 
years  in  Oregon  and  California,  returned  to 
Grant  county  in  1900,  and  is  now  living  with 
Mrs.  York.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tyler  had  nine 
children,  of  whom  we  have  record  of  the  fol- 
lowing: (1)  Mary,  the  wife  of  Mr.  York,  was 
the  eldest  in  the  family.  Born  in  Ohio  in  1834, 
she  obtained  her  education  largely  in  the  public 
schools  of  Grant  county,  where  for  several 
terms  she  was  a teacher.  (2)  Flora  A.  is  the 
wife  of  C.  H.  Nye,  of  Lancaster,  present  super- 
intendent of  schools  for  Grant  county.  (3) 
Kate,  born  in  Michigan,  is  now  the  wife  of  J. 
L.  Nye,  a photographer  of  Platteville.  (4) 
George,  born  in  Hazel  Green,  is  now  a resident 
of  Salt  Lake  City.  (3)  Martha  is  now  Mrs. 
Job  Garretson,  of  California. 

After  his  marriage  Mr.  York  went  into 
the  drug  business  in  Hazel  Green,  continuing 
therein  for  some  eighteen  years.  During  that 
time  he  purchased  a farm  one  mile  north  of 
Hazel  Green,  where  he  resided  eight  years. 
In  1877,  disposing-  of  his  interests  in  the  drug 
store  and  farm,  he  moved  back  into  the  village, 
to  a very  pleasant  and  convenient  home  which 
he  had  occupied  some  twenty  years  before.  Mr. 
York  still  retains  the  small  farm  that  he  pur- 
chased a half  century  ago,  and  while  engaged 
in  the  law  practice  finds  time  to  look  after  its 
needs.  Mr.  York  took  up  the  practice  of  law 
quite  late  in  life,  but  found,  from  personal  as- 
sociation and  acquaintance  with  his  profession- 
al brethren,  warm  friends  with  helping  hands 
ready  to  assist  along  uncertain  lines  till  the  road 
became  more  familiar. 


To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  York  have  been  born  one 
son  and  one  daughter:  (1)  Dwight  S.,  born 
in  Hazel  Green,  in  November,  1855,  was  a 
student  in  the  State  Normal  at  Platteville.  In 
1888  he  married  Mrs.  Edith  (Fisher)  Mills, 
a native  of  New  York,  reared  in  Lancaster, 
Wis.,  and  they  reside  in  Milwaukee,  where  he 
is  engaged  in  business.  They  have  two  chil- 
dren in  their  family,  Mira  E.  and  Harry  H. 
(2)  Ruth  A.,  born  in  1861,  is  a graduate  of 
the  State  Normal  at  Platteville,  and  for  a num- 
ber of  years  has  been  a very  successful  teacher 
in  the  public  schools  of  Evanston,  111.  Both 
Mr.  and  Airs.  York  have  ancestral  lines  that 
run  back  to  the  American  Revolution  and  the 
war  of  1812,  and  have  reason  to  be  proud  of 
their  forefathers. 

Mr.  York  was  elected  to  the  General  As- 
sembly in  1850,  and  in  1853,  and  again  in  1838, 
serving  three  terms  with  honor  and  distinction. 
He  has  from  time  to  time  been  elected  to  local 
offices  in  the  town  of  Hazel  Green.  As  town 
superintendent  of  schools  of  Hazel  Green  he 
laid  out,  under  statutory  requirement,  the  first 
school,  districts  of  his  town. 

THOMAS  NORTH.  Among  the  pioneers 
of  Wisconsin,  who  during  the  ’forties  peopled 
the  forests  of  this  then  inhospitable  region, 
were  many  who  by  their  migration  laid  the 
foundation  for  future  success.  The  hardships 
undergone  were  severe,  the  rewards  commen- 
surate to  those  possessing  patience,  fortitude 
and  strength. 

The  North  family  of  Edgerton,  Rock  coun- 
ty, was  founded  in  Wisconsin  in  1847.  Ih  tliat 
year  Thomas  North,  Sr.,  the  father  of  our 
subject,  was  an  English  farmer,  who  was  ap- 
proaching the  half  century  mark  in  years,  with- 
out having  attained  that  financial  success  which 
brings  comfort  and  ease.  A tide  of  English 
emigration  had  set  in  toward  the  distant  wil- 
derness of  America,  and  Thomas  North  joined 
it.  Lie  was  the  son  of  William  North,  a farm- 
er, and  had  married  Ellen  Hopkins,  who  died 
in  England  about  1832,  leaving  three  children, 
two  of  whom,  Thomas,  our  subject,  and  Will- 
iam, of  Cottage  Grove,  Wis.,  are  living.  For 
his  second  wife  the  father  married  Jane  Biggin, 
by  whom  there  were  no  children.  After  his 
migration  to  America,  in  1847,  Mr.  North 
settled  in  Albion  township,  Dane  Co.,  Wis., 
where  with  his  two  sons,  Thomas  and  William, 
he  bought  eighty  acres  of  land.  Their  indus- 


200 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


try  won,  and  the  holdings  grew,  first  by  the 
purchase  of  126  acres,  and  later  by  the  addi- 
tion of  another  tract,  of  176  acres.  Here  the 
father  and  two  sons  farmed  in  common  for 
some  years,  then  divided  the  property.  The 
father  in  religious  faith  was  a devout  Episcopal 
Methodist,  and  for  a number  of  years  was  a 
local  preacher.  In  politics  he  was  a Republi- 
can, and  in  Albion  township  he  was  assessor 
for  several  years.  He  was  a highly  respected 
citizen,  and  died  in  1868,  aged  nearly  seventy- 
one  years. 

Thomas  North,  our  subject,  was  born  in 
Derbyshire,  England,  Oct.  28,  1828,  was  reared 
a farmer’s  boy,  and  received  a common-school 
education.  Coming  to  America  with  his  father 
in  1847,  he  shared  generously  in  the  toil  es- 
sential to  success  in  the  new  land,  and  when  a 
division  of  the  property  was  made  came  into 
possession  of  a tract  of  160  acres  in  Albion 
township,  Dane  county,  and  Sumner  township, 
Jefferson  county.  This  he  farmed,  and  by 
purchase  subsequently  increased  to  a well-tilled 
and  valuable  farm  of  255  acres.  Mr.  North 
lived  in  Albion  township  until  1864,  then  re- 
moved to  Sumner  township,  Jefferson  county, 
where  he  resided  until  1894.  In  that  year  he 
retired  from  active  farming,  erecting  the  hand- 
some home  in  Edgerton  which  he  now  occu- 
pies. 

Mr.  North  married  July  4,  1852,  bliss 
Sarah  Brailsford,  daughter  of  Joseph  and 
Mary  (Biggin)  Brailsford.  Mrs.  North  came 
to1  America  with  her  parents  in  1845,  when  a 
girl  of  ten  years.  Her  father  was  an  English- 
man, but  prior  to  his  emigration  to  America 
had  spent  eleven  years  on  the  estate  of  Baron 
Rothschild,  in  France,  and  there  three  of  his 
children  were  born,  Mary,  Hannah  and  Sarah, 
the  last  named  on  Oct.  23,  1834.  After  his 
emigration  to  America,  in  1845,  Joseph  Brails- 
ford located  in  Albion  township,  Dane  county. 
Here  his  wife  died  in  1856,  aged  fifty-two 
years,  and  for  his  second  wife  he  married  bliss 
Margaret  Pepper.  Later  he  removed  to  Tyn- 
dall, S.  Dak.,  where  he  lived,  a farmer,  to  the 
age  of  about  eighty-two  years.  Of  his  seven 
children  by  the  first  marriage,  two,  Mary  and 
Ann,  survive.  The  four  children  by  the  sec- 
ond marriage  are  all  living : John,  James, 
George  and  Henry. 

To  Thomas  and  Sarah  (Brailsford)  North 
were  born  ten  children,  five  sons  and  five 
daughters,  as  follows : ( 1 ) George  Elenry 


died  in  infancy.  (2)  Mary  Jane  married  Samuel 
Wileman,  and  died  in  1894,  leaving  six  chil- 
dren, Emily  Jane  and  Thomas,  Sarah,  Charles, 
Arthur,  and  Edith.  (3)  Sarah  Ellen  died  aged 
four  months.  (4)  Thomas  W.,  a Methodist 
Episcopal  minister,  now  stationed  at  Milton, 
Wis.,  married  Josie  Wales,  and  they  have  four 
children,  Beulah,  Hazel,  Vincent  and  Laura. 

(5)  Charles  Edwin,  who  studied  medicine, 
died  in  Chicago,  111.,  aged  twenty-four  years. 

(6)  Sarah  Ann,  wife  of  James  Wileman,  of 
Edgerton,  has  two  children,  Lilly  and  Louie. 

(7)  David  Willard,  a resident  of  Edgerton, 
married  Sarah  Elizabeth  Nelson,  and  has  three 
children,  Theodora,  Jessica  and  Plerschel.  (8) 
Ellen  Melissa  married  Rev.  Lucius  Augustus 
Whitcomb,  a Free  Methodist  minister,  who 
was  principal  of  the  Evansville  Seminary  for 
several  years,  and  now  resides  in  Evanston,  111. ; 
they  have  five  children,  Ethel,  Grace,  Pearl, 
Lawrence  and  Willard.  (9)  Emily  Elizabeth 
married  Archibald  Templeton,  and  is  living  at 
Madison,  Wis. ; they  have  one  child,  Hugh 
Longville.  (10)  Fred  Arthur  married  Lilly 
McCarthy,  and  has  two  children,  Charles  and 
Thomas  Wilford;  they  live  at  the  home  farm 
in  Sumner  township. 

Mr.  North  is  a prominent  member  of  the 
Albion  Prairie  M.  E.  Church,  in  which  he  is 
class-leader,  trustee  and  Sunday-school  teacher. 
His  wife,  who  passed  away  Oct.  14,  1900, 
also  united  with  that  church ; her  remains  rest 
in  Albion  Prairie  cemetery.  Politically  Mr. 
North  is  a Prohibitionist.  For  a year  he  served 
as  supervisor  of  Sumner  township,  but  has  not 
aspired  to  office.  He  is  a conscientious  Christ- 
ian, a patriotic  citizen,  a sympathetic  friend 
and  neighbor,  and  the  many  most  estimable 
traits  of  himself  and  family  have  given  them 
the  affection  and  high  regard  of  a wide  ac- 
quaintanceship. 

PETER  J.  MOUAT  is  editor  and  pub- 
lisher of  the  Janesville  Recorder , which  paper 
he  has  controlled  for  more  than  a decade, 
bringing  to  its  management  sound  practical 
business  sense.  Both  his  parents,  Jeremiah 
Mouat  and  Robina  (Halcrow),  were  natives 
of  the  Shetland  island,  Mainland,  settling  in 
America  in  1855.  The  father  was  for  many 
years  a merchant  in  his  native  land,  also  fol- 
lowing- the  sea  as  a fisherman,  with  its  always 
uncertain  results  and  sometimes  great  hazards. 
Both  he  and  his  wife  were  stanch  Presby- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


201 


terians,  as  well  becomes  those  of  Scottish  birth 
and  ancestry.  They  were  the  parents  of  ten 
children,  four  sons  and  six  daughters,  two  of 
whom  are  deceased.  Those  yet  living  are  Lau- 
rence; Peter  J. ; Thomas  J. ; John  J. ; Robina, 
who  married  Malcolm  Harper,  of  Magnolia 
township,  Rock  county;  Margaret  C.  and 
Elizabeth  A.,  who  are  unmarried  and  live  in 
Chicago;  and  Jessie  H.,  a teacher  in  the  schools 
of  Minneapolis'.  On  coming  to  America  Jere- 
miah Mouat  settled  on  a farm  in  Rock  county, 
Wis.,  afterward  residing  in  the  city  of  Janes- 
ville until  his  death,  in  1887,  at  the  age  of 
seventy-nine  years.  His  widow  still  survives, 
at  the  age  of  eighty-five,  her  home  being  in 
Chicago. 

Peter  J.  Mouat  was  born  in  the  Shetland 
home  June  15,  1854,  being  scarcely  a year 
old  when  his  parents  crossed  the  ocean.  The 
first  sixteen  years  of  his  life  were  passed  upon 
the  farm,  and  he  obtained  a good  fundamental 
English  education  in  the  schools  of  Rock 
county  and  Janesville  graded  schools.  It  was 
not  until  the  winter  of  1874-75  that  he  really 
began  to  battle  with  the  vicissitudes  of  life, 
beginning  his  business  career  as  a shipping- 
clerk  in  the  wholesale  grocery  and  tea  house 
of  Roe  Brothers,  in  Chicago.  Not  finding  his 
position  and  surroundings  wholly  to  his  liking, 
he  returned  to  Janesville  in  the  spring  of  1875. 
was  clerk  and  bookkeeper  for  five  years,  and 
for  the  next  five  years  was  manager  of  the 
Janesville  Vinegar  and  Pickling  Works.  Dur- 
ing this  period  he  bought  the  Publishers  Com- 
mercial Union,  a mercantile  agency  for  report- 
ing the  commercial  standing  of  newspaper  ad- 
vertisers. The  venture  was  original  and  new, 
proved  successful,  and  in  1886  Mr.  Mouat  dis- 
posed of  it  to  a Chicago  stock  company,  in 
which  he  held  an  official  position  for  a year,  be- 
ing himself  located  at  Chicago.  In  the  spring  of 
1888,  however,  he  once  more  found  his  way  to 
Janesville,  and  for  twelve  months  held  the 
position  of  assistant  postmaster.  Not  long- 
after  resigning  this  office  he  became  connected 
with  the  Recorder  Printing  Co.,  as  manager, 
and  subsequently  became  owner  of  a majority 
of.  the  company’s  stock.  At  present  he  is  both 
publisher  and  editor,  and  under  his  judicious 
business  management  the  plant  has  become  a 
valuable  one.  He  i'sl  a Democrat  in  politics, 
and  his  paper  ably  and  strenuously  supports 
Democratic  doctrines  and  policies.  In  the 
councils  of  his  party  his  voice  is  potent  and 


his  influence  pronounced.  For  two  years  he 
was  a member  of  its  State  central  committee, 
while  he  has  long  held  the  position  of  chair- 
man of  the  Democratic  city  committee  of 
Janesville.  Personally  he  has  never  sought 
office,  yet  his1  well-known  interest  in  educa- 
tional matters,  joined  to  his  conceded  well- 
recognized  qualifications  for  the  position,  has 
led  to  his  filling  a seat  on  the  board  of  educa- 
tion for  many  years,  serving  as  president  of 
that  body  one  year.  He  .has  also  filled  the 
office  of  vice-president  of  the  Janesville  Busi- 
ness Men’s  Association,  and  is'  at  present  vice- 
president  of  the  Rock  County  Loan,  Building 
& Savings  Association,  and  one  of  the  direc- 
tors. Mr.  Mouat  is  a genial  gentleman,  pop- 
ular with  all.  He  is  a member  of  the  Janes- 
ville Country  Club,  the  Sinissippi  Golf  Club, 
and  the  Caledonian  Society;  also  belongs  to 
Oriental  Lodge,  No.  22,  K.  of  P. ; the  Press 
Club  of  Chicago,  and  the  Wisconsin  Press 
Association. 

On  Dec.  24,  1879,  Mr.  Mouat  married  Miss 
Charlotte  E.  Wilkie,  whose  native  State  is 
New  Jersey.  Their  union  has  been  blessed 
with  three  daughters,  Lillian  Sturges,  Marga- 
ret Frances  and  Charlotte  Gertrude.  Mrs. 
Mouat  is  a member  of  the  Presbyterian  Church. 

WILLIAM  D.  ROBERTS,  deceased.  Al- 
though no  longer  of  earth,  William  D.  Roberts 
is  not  forgotten.  His  life  of  Christian  charity 
and  continued  generosity  and  kindness  cast  an 
influence  over  the  community  in  which  he 
passed  many  busy  years,  and  his  memory  is 
affectionately  cherished.  Although  no  loud 
praises  have  been  sung,  in  public  places,  many 
homes  have  been  made  happier,  many  discour- 
aged and  drooping  fellow  countrymen  have 
been  cheered  and  comforted  by  the  unostenta- 
tious piety  of  this  good  man. 

William  D.  Roberts  was  born  in  North 
Wales  in  1807,  and  grew  to  manhood  in  his 
native  region,  not  coming  to  America  until 
1832,  after  which  he  was  almost  immediately 
employed  in  the  coal  mines  near  Pottsville, 
Penn.  The  next  year  he  married  Jane,  the 
estimable  daughter  of  William  H.  and  Anna 
Jones,  both  of  whom  were  born  in  Wales,  and 
had  come  to  the  United  States  in  1830.  Some 
years  later  they  removed  to  Iowa  county,  Wis., 
where  he  purchased  land  and  made  his  perma- 
nent home,  our  subject  following  a few  years 
after.  When  Mr.  Roberts  and  his  wife  began 


202 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


their  farming  life  in  Wisconsin,  they  faced 
the  same  difficulties  which  very  many  of  their 
neighbors  found  awaiting  them,  toil,  depriva- 
tion and  limited,  resources,  but  both  were  am- 
bitious, and  by  the  exercise  of  economy  and 
industry  overcame  all  disadvantages,  so  that 
at  the  time  of  his  death,  in  1890,  our  subject 
was  able  to  leave  his  bereaved  widow  every 
comfort  of  life.  His  estate  comprised  160 
acres  in  Belmont  township,  Lafayette  county, 
which  he  had  placed  under  cultivation  and  had 
well  stocked,  and  sixty  acres  in  Iowa  county. 

The  Roberts  family  was  not  a large  one, 
and  has  now  no  representative.  Mrs.  Roberts 
has  three  surviving  sisters,  Mrs.  John  Thomas 
and  Mrs.  Owen  Hughes,  both  of  Lafayette 
county,  Wis.,  and  Mrs.  Ann  Edwards,  of 
Chicago.  So  esteemed  is  this  estimable  lady  in 
the  neighborhood  that  her  friends  make  up  for 
any  want  of  kindred. 

Mr.  Roberts  during  life  was  attached  to  the 
Republican  party,  and  was  active  in  all 
measures  looking  to  good  local  government. 
Both  he  and  his  wife  were  known  for  their 
charities,  his  generosity  making  possible  the 
building  of  two  churches  in  Iowa  county.  A 
Calvinist  in  belief,  he  was  still  tolerant  of  the 
opinions  of  others,  being  so  just  a man  in  the 
opinion  of  his  neighbors  that  he  was  very  often 
called  upon  to  settle  disputed  points  among  the 
citizens  in  his  community. 

JAMES  MULROONEY,  who  is  num- 
bered among  the  early  settlers  of  Wisconsin, 
is  a native  of  the  Emerald  Isle,  having  been 
born  in  1818,  about  .twenty-five  miles  from 
Dublin,  a son  of  William  and  Honora  Mul- 
rooney,  who  never  came  to  America,  but  lived 
and  died  in  Ireland.  In  this  family  there  were 
five  sons— John,  James,  William,  Thomas  and 
Patrick — and  one  daughter. 

After  attaining  to  years  of  manhood  James 
Mulrooney  married  Mary  McGary,  in  1847, 
and  a few  days  thereafter  the  young  couple  em- 
barked from  Ireland  for  America,  on  a sailing- 
vessel,  landing  after  a long  and  stormy  passage 
at  Quebec ; they  were  on  the  water  seven  weeks 
and  three  days.  After  a few  weeks  spent  in 
Quebec  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mulrooney  started  for 
Whitehall,  N.  Y.  Their  means  being'  almost 
exhausted,  Mr.  Mulrooney  worked'  at  what- 
ever he  could  find  until  he  obtained  employ- 
ment on  the  Whitehall  & Saratoga  Railroad, 
for  which  he  worked  many  years.  In  a few 


years  he  was  sent  by  the  company  to  Castleton, 
Vt.,  which  was  the  eastern  terminal  town  of  the 
road,  and  there  he  remained  three  years,  mak- 
ing his  term  of  service  with  this  road  eight 
years  altogether.  Having  been  a faithful  em- 
ploye, the  railroad  company  would  have  gladly 
retained  him  for  a longer  period,  but  Mr.  Mul- 
rooney had  saved  some  money,  and  wished  to 
invest  it  in  Western  land;  therefore  he  and 
his  wife  started  for  Wisconsin.  By  hard  work 
they  managed  to  reach  Grant  county  with  one 
thousand  dollars  in  gold  (which  Mr.  Mulrooney 
had  concealed  in  a belt  around  his  body)  and 
ten  dollars  in  bills  of  the  kind  then  known  as 
“wild  cat”  money.  Locating  in  Mount  Hope 
township,  Mr.  Mulrooney  invested  in  land,  first 
purchasing  160  acres,  to  which  he  added,  from 
time  to  time,  until  he  became  one  of  the  large 
land  owners  of  Mount  Hope  township.  Clear- 
ing of  land,  a half  century  ago,  required  much 
hard  and  persistent  work,  for  farmers  of  that 
day  possessed  none  of  the  modern  appliances. 
The  only  way  to  remove  trees  was  to  dig  about 
the  roots  until  they  were  exposed ; then  cut 
them  off  with  an  axe,  hitch  oxen  to  the  branches 
of  the  tree,  and  pull  the  roots  out  of  the  ground. 
James  Mulrooney  brought  two  yoke  of  cattle 
with  him,  as  did  a neighbor,-  and  by  working 
together  these  two  men  were  able  to  accomplish 
more  than  by  clearing  their  land  alone.  Many 
interesting  stories  of  the  hardships  of  those 
early  days,  and  the  difficulties  labored  under, 
are  told  by  Mr.  Mulrooney.  At  one  time  he 
was  sadly  in  need  of  a plow,  and  journeyed 
to  Lancaster  to  purchase  one,  but  upon  arrival 
discovered  it  was  impossible  to  get  what  he 
wanted,  and  he  continued  to  Platteville,  where 
a man  named  Potter  dealt  in  plows.  However, 
Mr.  Potter  had  so  many  orders  on  hand  that 
he  could  not  let  our  subject  have  one  at  once, 
but  told  him  if  he  would  stay  until  Saturday 
he  would  furnish  him  with  a sixteen-inch  plow. 
As  an  extra  inducement,  Mr.  Potter  offered  the 
hospitality  of  his  own  home  to  Mr.  Mulrooney, 
which  was  accepted,  and,  it  being  Monday,  the 
latter  settled  down  to  enjoy  his  stay  in  town. 
On  Thursday  there  was  a circus  in  town,  which 
attracted  the  attention  of  many,  and  resulted 
in  benefit  to  Mr.  Mulrooney.  Mr.  Potter  had 
by  this  time  obtained  an  eighteen-inch  plow, 
which  had  been  promised  to  a man  with  the 
condition  that  he  call  for  it  by  twelve  o’clock. 
Being'  attracted  by  that  circus,  however,  the 
man  failed  to  keep  his  appointment,  and  Mr. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


203 


Mulrooney  secured  the  plow,  which  he  took,  al- 
though it  was  a little  heavier  than  he  had  wish- 
ed. By  working  together,  turn  about,  Mr.  Mul- 
rooney and  his  neighbor  succeeded  in  clearing 
about  twenty  acres  on  each  farm,  and  then  our 
subject  continued  the  work  on  his  own  farm 
until  it  was  one  of  the  best  cultivated  in  that 
locality. 

After  working  hard  and  faithfully  to  assist 
her  husband  in  his  struggle  for  success,  Mrs. 
Mulrooney  died,  in  March,  1861,  mourned  by 
her  husband  and  children.  On  April  12,  1899, 
Mr.  Mulrooney  was  again  called  upon  to  suf- 
fer the  loss  of  a wife,  the  partner  of  his  second 
marriage,  whose  maiden  name  was  Bridget 
Flaherty,  passing  away  on  that  date.  She  was 
a most  excellent  woman,  and  her  death  is  deeply 
felt,  especially  bjr  her  husband,  who  greatly 
misses  her  loving  companionship.  Nine  chil- 
dren were  born  to  Mr.  Mulrooney  by  his  first 
marriage,  and  three  by  the  second,  but  the 
majority  of  them  have  passed  away.  The  sur- 
viving children  are:  Elizabeth,  wife  of  James 
Cull ; and  Miss  Mary,  his  youngest  daughter, 
who  with  his  little  adopted  son,  John,  cares 
for  their  father  at  his  home  in  Fennimore. 

Although  he  has  now  passed  his  four- 
score milestone,  Mr.  Mulrooney  is  still  hale 
and  hearty,  enjoying  the  esteem  of  all  who 
know  him,  and  reaping  the  fruits  of  his  years 
of  toil,  and  he  and  all  his  family  are  consistent 
members  of  the  Catholic  Church. 

ANDREW  EASTMAN,  a retired  pioneer 
and  a hero  of  the  Black  Hawk  war,  who  has  his 
residence  in  Lancaster,  Grant  county,  was  born 
in  Ohio  March  10,  1818,  a son  of  Moses  and 
Elizabeth  (Courtwright)  Eastman,  the  former 
of  whom  was  a native  of  the  State  of  New 
York,  and  the  latter  of  New  Jersey. 

In  June,  1821,  Moses  Eastman  migrated 
with  his  family  from  Ohio  to  Indiana,  and  two 
or  three  years  later  removed  to  Illinois.  In 
1827  he  came  to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  spent  one 
winter  at  a place  then  called  Hardscrabble, 
and  the  following  spring  crossed  the  county  line 
into  Lafayette  county,  and  settled  on  land 
purchased  from  the  government.  This  land 
he  converted  into  a valuable  farm,  which  be- 
came the  permanent  homestead  of  the  family, 
and  on  which  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his 
life,  dying  in  1863,  at  the  age  of  seventy-six 
years.  His  widow  survived  a number  of  years, 
and  died  at  the  age  of  eighty-four.  They 


were  the  parents  of  six  sons  and  eight  daugh- 
ters, several  of  whom  died  young. 

Andrew  Eastman  was  about  nine  years  of 
age  when  brought  to  Wisconsin  by  his  parents, 
and  he  was  reared  among  the  wild  scenes 
of  frontier  life.  Although  but  fourteen  years 
old  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  Black  Hawk 
war  he  voluntered  as  a soldier,  was  equipped 
with  a musket,  and  now  draws  a pension 
for  his  services,  being  perhaps  the  young- 
est ex-soldier  on  Uncle  Sam’s  pension  roll. 
He  still  remembers  the  condition  in  which 
Grant  county  existed  nearly  three-quarters 
of  a century  ago,  when,  attracted  by  the 
rich  mines  of  the  southern  part,  and  at 
Mineral  Point  and  Galena,  111.,  the  early 
pioneers  had  begun  settlement,  for  the  country, 
even  in  close  proximity  to  the  mines,  was  but 
sparsely  inhabited.  Many  of  these  pioneers 
would  engage  in  mining  for  a short  time,  and 
would  then  enter  the  cheap  government  lands 
and  devote  their  time  and  energy  to  the  clear- 
ing off  of  the  timber,  and  to  carving  out 
homes  for  themselves  from  the  wilderness. 
Most  of  these  honest,  robust  and  courageous 
settlers,  have  passed  away,  and  their  places  are 
now  occupied  by  descendants  who  enjoy  all 
the  luxuries  of  modern  times. 

On  Jan.  15,  1840,  Mr.  Eastman  married 
Miss  Louisa  Maria  Goodrich,  who  still  lives 
to  share  with  him  the  competency  their  mutual 
labor  has  won.  She  was  born  in  Delaware 
county,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  3,  1825,  a daughter  of 
Hiram  and  Elmira  (Burdick)  Goodrich,  who 
in  1829  migrated  from  New  York  to  Wayne 
county,  Penn.,  and  thence  to  Indiana.  There 
the  family  suffered  greatly  from  sickness. 
Mrs.  Eastman’s  grandfather  Burdick  had  died 
in  New  York,  and  the  grandmother  accom- 
panied her  daughter  Elmira  and  her  son-in-law 
Hiram  to  Pennsylvania  and  Indiana,  dying  in 
the  latter  State,  as  also  did  a brother  of  Mrs. 
Eastman.  Owing  to  the  sickness  prevailing 
in  the  Hoosier  State  Mr.  Goodrich  moved  his 
family  to  Linn  county,  Iowa,  and  it  was  there 
Andrew  Eastman  found  and  married  the 
daughter,  Louisa  Maria,  since  which  time  this 
couple  have  lived  in  Lafayette  and  Grant  coun- 
ties— a period  of  over  sixty  years.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Goodrich  also  came  to  Wisconsin  shortly 
after  the  marriage  of  their  daughter,  locating 
in  Lafayette  county,  where  Mrs.  Goodrich 
passed  away.  Mr.  Goodrich  later  returned  to 
New  York  State,  there  remarried,  and  went 


204 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


to  California,  but  died  on  the  day  of  his  ar- 
rival in  the  Golden  State. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Eastman 
has  been  blessed  with  eleven  children,  all  of 
whom  attained  mature  years  excepting  the  eld- 
est, a daughter  who  died  when  three  years  old ; 
Lucius  Albert,  the  eldest  son,  was  killed  in 
the  second  battle  of  Bull  Run,  in  1862;  another 
son,  Lemuel  Davidson,  also  a soldier  in  the 
Union  army,  died  in  hospital,  in  Springfield, 
Mo.,  the  same  year;  the  other  eight  still  sur- 
vive, and  are  named  as  follows:  Andrew  Jack- 
son,  Eva  D.  (Mrs.  Dean),  Francis  Marion, 
Oliver  Campbell,  Henry  Ellsworth,  Louisa 
Elizabeth  (Mrs.  Beverly  Pritchard),  Esther 
Ann  (Mrs.  George  Patton),  and  Luella  May 
(Mrs.  John  Reukauf). 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Eastman  have  for  thirty 
years  been  members  of  the  Methodist  Church, 
and  lived  strictly  up  to  its  teachings.  The 
duty  that  devolved  upon  them  in  rearing  their 
large  family  has  been  faithfully  performed,  as 
well  as  every  duty  to  society.  They  are  still 
enjoying  a fair  degree  of  health,  and  are  pass- 
ing their  declining  days  in  comfort  at  their 
home  in  Lancaster,  venerated  and  beloved  by 
all  who  know  them. 

GUSTAVUS  STONE,  a retired  manu- 
facturer of  Beloit,  Rock  Co.,  Wis.,  has  been 
a resident  of  that  city  for  more  than  fifty 
years:,  and  in  that  long  period  of  time  has 
been  ' closely  identified  with  the  industrial 
growth  of  the  city  to  a marked  degree.  He 
is  a man  of  much  character  and  unusual  abil- 
ity, and  in  every  enterprise  to  which  he  has 
set  his  hand  he  has  manifested  all  the  marks 
of  a genuine  man.  He  occupies  a pleasant 
home  at  No.  205  West  D street. 

Mr.  Stone  was  born  in  the  town  of  Can- 
ton, Norfolk  Co.,  Mass.,  Aug.  27,  1821,  a 
son  of  Jonathan  and  Eliza  (LTpham)  Stone, 
both  natives  of  Massachusetts.  They  had  two 
sons  and  two  daughters,  and  three  of  their 
children  are  now  living:  Eleanor,  wife  of 
Charles  H.  Parker,  of  Beloit;  Gustavus;  and 
Horace,  of  St.  Louis.  Jonathan  Stone,  who 
was  a physician,  came  to  Belvidere,  111.,  in 
1839,  practiced  his  profession  for  some  years, 
and  then  became  absorbed  in  business  enter- 
prises of  various  kinds.  He  engaged  in  farm- 
ing, ran  a sawmill,  operated  a stone  quarry 
and  lime  kiln,  all  on  his  own  premises,  and 
died  there  in  1862,  at  the  age  of  seventy-seven. 


His  first  wife,  the  mother  of  Gustavus  Stone, 
died  at  an  early  age.  Both  she  and  her  hus- 
band were  Unitarians.  Many  years  afterward 
Dr.  Stone  was  married  to  Ann  P.  Blackman, 
and  they  had  three  children,  all  of  whom  are 
now  dead.  The  widow  is  still  living.  He 
was  a Whig  and  became  a Republican  on  the 
formation  of  the  party.  He  was  a ‘soldier  in 
the  war  of  1812.  Pie  was  such  a rigid  tem- 
perance man  that  he  cut  down  the  apple  trees 
in  his  orchard  that  the  fruit  might  not  be 
made  into  cider.  Daniel  Stone,  his  father, 
was  a native  of  Framingham,  Mass.,  of  En- 
glish descent,  and  was  also  a physician.  He 
lived  to  a good  old  age.  His  wife  died  when 
eighty-eight  years  old.  They  were  the  par- 
ents of  eleven  children.  Amos  Upham,  the 
father  of  Eliza  Upham,  was  a native  of  Mas- 
sachusetts, of  English  descent,  and  is  remem- 
bered as  a man  of  more  than  usual  character 
and  standing.  Pie  was  a tavern-keeper,  and 
lived  to  old  age. 

Gustavus  Stone  was  reared  in  Massachu- 
setts until  he  was  about  eighteen  years  old. 
Pie  attended  the  public  school,  and  a private 
school,  and  after  his  removal  to  the  West,  in 
1839,  was  a student  in  an  academy  at  Belvi- 
dere, 111.  Mr.  Stone  was  a teacher  of  a pri- 
vate school  in  Kentucky,  not  far  from  Louis- 
ville. for  a year,  and  then  he  returned  to  Bel- 
videre, and  lived  on  his  father’s  farm  some 
ten  years.  He  made  his  first  appearance  in 
Beloit  on  the  last  day  of  the  year  1849,  and 
for  some  twelve  months  worked  by  the  day  in 
the  machine  shop  of  Barker  & Love.  At  the 
expiration  of  this  period  of  time  Mr.  Stone 
and  his  brother-in-law,  C.  H.  Parker,  formed 
a partnership  for  the  purpose  of  manufactur- 
ing field  hoes.  They  leased  the  Barker  & 
Love  factory,  on  the  east  side  of  the  race, 
and  constructed  all  the  machinery  their  under- 
taking required,  such  as  trip-hammers,  press, 
dies,  forms,  furnaces,  grindstone  arbors,  forges, 
emery  wheels,  etc.,  although  their  entire  capi- 
tal did.  not  exceed  $100  at  that  time.  They 
did  a good  business,  and  were  on  the  high- 
way to  prosperity,  and  in  1854  began  the  man- 
ufacture of  grain  sickles  and  mowing-machine 
knives,  obtaining  large  contracts  for  these 
goods  from  reaping  and  mowing  machine 
manufacturers  in  various  States',  East  and 
West.  In  this  same  year  Messrs.  Love  & Or- 
ton manufactured  fifty  reapers  and  sent  out 
men  to  sell  them,  but  with  poor  success.  Then 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


205 


each  member  of  the  company  went  out,  and 
returned  very  much  discouraged  at  the  gloomy 
outlook,  with  the  harvest  near  at  hand.  Mr. 
Orton  came  to  Mr.  Stone  with  tears  in  his 
eyes  and  said:  “Stone,  I am  a ruined  man 
it  you  can’t  save  me ; for  I have  everything  in 
the  world  I own  invested  in  these  reapers ; 
and  i believe  you  are  the  man  to  help  us  out.” 
Mr.  Stone  agreed  to  make  the  effort,  and  did 
sell  nearly  their  entire  stock  before  the  com- 
mencement of  the  harvest.  With  this1  stimulus 
and  experience,  Mr.  Stone  decided  that  Par- 
ker & Stone  had  better  engage  in  the  manu- 
facture of  reaping  machines;  and  so  told  Mr. 
Parker.  And  his  reply  was,  “I  am  afraid  you 
will  ruin  us  for  life.”  But  the  attempt  was 
made,  and  in  the  month  of  April  Mr.  Stone 
contracted  with  different  mechanics  for  do- 
ing the  work,  bought1  stock  on  credit  to  be 
paid  for  on  a specified  time,  and  all  arrange- 
ments were  made  for  the  completion  of  the 
reapers.  Mr.  Stone  went  out  among  the  farm- 
ers, and  sold  nearly  all  of  them  for  cash,  pay- 
able on  delivery.  This  enabled  them  to  settle 
their  indebtedness  before  maturity,  the  largest 
amount  being  to  Fisher,  Bundy  & Cheeny; 
and  when  the  money  was  presented  Mr.  Fisher 
made  this  remark:  “Stone,  what  does  all  this 
mean?  We  were  never  treated  so  before;  the 
debt  is  not  due.”  All  of  their  other  indebted- 
ness was  settled  in  a similar  manner,  which 
gained  for  Parker  & Stone  the  utmost  confi- 
dence of  the  public  for  their  integrity,  and 
gave  them  unbounded  credit. 

Some  time  after  this  departure  their  fac- 
tory burned,  bringing  a severe  loss'  upon  the 
progressive  firm.  They  rebuilt,  however,  on 
a larger  scale,  a structure  now  owned  by  the 
Besley  Co.,  and  the  building  north  of  the  old 
iron  works,  and  part  of  the  grounds  occupied 
by  the  Beloit  Lumber  Co.,  are  part  of  the  site 
of  their  extensive  buildings.  In  , the  latter 
part  of  i860  the  foundry  was  destroyed  by 
fire,  with  a large  loss  of  valuable  patterns  and 
machinery.  Parker  & Stone,  nothing  daunted 
by  this  heavy  loss,  rebuilt,  and  continued  busi- 
ness until  1878,  when  they  suspended  opera- 
tions, and  were  succeeded  by  L.  H.  Parker 
and  Fred  Dennett,  who-  about  two  years  later 
moved  the  plant  to  Milwaukee.  Through  the 
efforts  of  Parker  & Stone  was  given  to  the 
farming  community  the  twine  binder,  one  of 
the  greatest  labor-saving  machines  the  world 
has  ever  known,  and  it  is  in  the  history  and 


development  of  the  Appleby  Twine  Binder 
that  Mr.  Stone's  inventive  genius  is  most  con- 
spicuously seen.  The  Marsh  Harvester  had 
supplanted  the  'self-raking  reaper,  and  was 
itself  displaced  by  the  wire  binder,  to  which 
many  serious  objections  were  raised  by  farm- 
ers, threshers  and  millers.  These  objections 
were  entirely  overcome  by  the  inventors  and 
perfecters  of  the  twine  binders,  which  took 
the  place  of  the  wire  binder.  About  1872 
John  F.  Appleby  called  at  the  office  of  Parker 
& Stone,  and  submitted  a model  for  binding- 
grain  with  twine.  A contract  was  speedily 
entered  into,  whereby  Parker  & Stone  were 
to  furnish  capital,  etc.,  for  the  perfecting  of 
Mr.  Appleby’s  idea,  a feature  of  which  had 
to  be  abandoned,  and  Mr.  Stone’s  idea  substi- 
tuted therefor.  With  this  change  and  various 
experiments,  covering  a period  of  about  six 
years,  the  twine  binder  became,  in  1878,  a 
success,  and  from  Parker  & Stone  the  McCor- 
mick, Deering  and  other  harvesting  machine 
companies  purchased  the  shop  right.  But  to 
Mr.  Stone  alone  is  due  the  credit  for  the 
“stick-to-itiveness”  which  perfected  and  left 
to  the  farming  community  the  greatest  labor- 
saving-  machine  of  the  country — the  twine 
binder.  At  the  time  Parker  & Stone  entered 
into  the  agreement  to  develop  the  twine  binder 
the  business  of  manufacturing  reapers  was 
on  the  wane  all  over  the  country,  they  being- 
superseded  by  wire  binders  and  other  machin- 
ery, which  required  less  manual  labor  to  har- 
vest the  grain,  and  did  the  work  more  rapidly, 
and  with  greater  economy — a combination  of 
causes  that  cut  off  the  demand  for  reapers. 
The  Beloit  Reaper,  about  this  time  at  the 
height  of  its  greatest  success,  was  one  of  the 
most  popular  machines  in  the  Northwestern 
States,  having  many  excellent  features,  unob- 
tainable in  other  reapers,  which  were  the  in- 
ventions of  Mr.  Stone,  and  for  which  he  ob- 
tained letters  patent. 

In  1853  Mr.  Stone  married  Miss  Sarah 
A.  Bartlett,  daughter  of  Tristram  and  Han- 
nah (Pulsifer)  Bartlett,  of  Newburyport, 
Mass.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stone  are  the  parents 
of  six  children,  Ella  Frances,  Waldo  B.,  Em- 
ma FI.,  Edgar  H.,  Clarence  M.  and  Alonzo. 
The  last  named  died  at  the  age  of  fourteen 
months.  Ella  Frances  married  Harry  L.  Sher- 
man, of  Beloit,  and  has  three  children,  Horace 
H.,  Elsie,  and  Lytle.  Waldo  B.  married  Miss 
Minnie  Bartlett,  and  is  an  attorney  in  Chicago. 


206 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Emma  H.  married  Manning-  T.  Hackley,  of 
Chicago;  they  have  two  children,  Levant  and 
Bartlett.  Edgar  EL  married  Lorena  Gustin ; 
he  is  a solicitor.  Clarence  M.  is  a traveling- 
man,  and  lives  in  Chicago;  he  married  Ella 
Pigney,  of  South  Dakota,  and  has  three  chil- 
dren, Doris,  Marshall  and  Lloyd. 

Gustavus  Stone  united  with  the  Masonic 
fraternity  over  thirty  years  ago,  and  belongs 
to  Beloit  Commandery.  Over  fifty  years  ago 
he  joined  the  Odd  Fellows,  and  was  affiliated 
w ith  them  many  years.  He  has  been  a Repub- 
lican since  the  formation  of  the  party,  and 
represented  the  Third  ward  in  the  city  council 
for  two  or  three  years,  but  was  compelled  to 
resign  on  account  of  the  pressure  of  business. 
He  never  sought  any  public  position,  but  was 
urged  and  entreated  in  the  early  '70s.  by  many 
of  the  prominent  men  of  the  city,  to  run  for 
mayor,  they  claiming  him  to  be  the  strongest 
and  most  popular  man  in  the  city,  but  he  de- 
clined all  solicitations. 

Mrs.  Stone’s  father  was  born  at  Newbury- 
port,  Mass.,  and  her  mother  in  New  LI  amp- 
shire,  of  English  ancestry.  They  had  nine 
children,  and  only  a son  and  daughter  are  now 
living,  John  Bartlett,  of  Rockford,  111.,  and 
Mrs.  Stone.  Her  paternal  grandfather  was 
a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812.  He  was  a cabi- 
net maker  by  trade,  and  later  in  life  became  a 
farmer.  He  lost  his  life  when  over  eighty 
years  of  age,  by  being  thrown  from  a horse. 
Mrs.  Stone's  maternal  grandfather,  Major 
Joseph  Pulsifer,  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of 
1812.  His  wife  belonged  to  a wealthy  family; 
she  lived  to  be  over  eighty  years  of  age. 

HENRY  BARNES,  a retired  farmer  of 
Shullsburg,  Lafayette  county,  was  born  in 
Leicestershire,  England,  Nov.  7,  1823,  a son 
of  Thomas  and  Ann  (Hossen)  Barnes,  and  a 
grandson  of  John  Barnes,  all  natives  of  the 
“tight  little  isle.”  Thomas  Barnes  and  wife 
were  the  parents  of  ten  children,  all  now  de- 
ceased except  our  subject:  John,  Mary,  Susan, 
A illiam,  Ann,  Elizabeth,  Sarah,  Eliza,  Lucy 
and  Henry. 

Henry  Barnes  received  his  education  in  the 
neighboring  schools  of  his  native  town  and 
earned  his  livelihood  at  various  employments 
until  he  was  twenty-seven  years  of  age,  when, 
in  1850,  he  boarded  a sailing-vessel  for  New 
\ ork.  He  came  to  Wisconsin  the  same  year, 
and  engaged  in  mining  for  some  time.  He  then 


purchased  a tract  of  wild  land  from  the  govern- 
ment, and  determined  to  take  up  farming  as  his 
life  work.  At  first  he  erected  a small  house, 
which  a number  of  years  later  was  replaced 
by  a commodious  dwelling,  with  all  modern 
improvements.  He  cleared  this  farm,  and 
made  all  needed  improvements  as  the  years 
passed  by,  until  he  had  one  of  the  finest  farms 
in  the  county,  200  acres  in  extent,  making  his 
home  thereon  for  over  forty  years.  In  1890 
he  rented  this  place,  and,  purchasing  a home  in 
the  town  of  Shullsburg,  moved  there  to  pass 
the  balance  of  his  life  at  ease.  Elis  property 
has  all  been  acquired  through  his  own  efforts, 
and  he  now,  in  the  evening  of  his  life,  finds 
himself  possessed  of  an  abundant  competence, 
and  is  ranked  among  the  substantial  citizens 
of  his  town. 

In  September,  1852,  Mr.  Barnes  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Elizabeth  Parr,  a 
daughter  of  William  and  Sarah  (Norton) 
Parr,  who  were  natives  of  Leicestershire,  Eng- 
land. Five  children  of  William  Parr  came  to 
America : Sarah,  wife  of  John  Roddam,  of 
Shullsburg;  Mary,  wife  of  Michael  Boddy,  of 
Illinois;  William,  who  now  resides  in  British 
Columbia ; Edward,  who  first  located  in  Cali- 
fornia, and  now  makes  his  . home  in  British 
Columbia ; and  Elizabeth,  Airs.  Barnes.  Airs. 
Elizabeth  (Parr)  Barnes  was  born  in  1821, 
and  grew  to  womanhood  in  England,  where  she 
obtained  a good  education,  and  was  for  a time 
engaged  successfully  in  Sunday  teaching  there. 
In  1851  she  came  to  Wisconsin,  where  her 
culture  and  refinement  have  drawn  around  her 
a choice  circle  of  friends.  Three  children  have 
blessed  the  union  of  Mr.  and  Airs.  Barnes : 
Sarah  A.,  born  in  Shullsburg  in  1859,  married 
James  Mills,  who  died  in  1880,  and  in  1883 
she  married  William  Mills,  a farmer ; she  has 
two  sons,  Henry  and  Walter,  by  her  first  mar- 
riage. Mary  E.,  born  in  1861,  married  Thomas 
Brown,  who  now  manages  the  Barnes  home- 
stead, and  has  eight  children,  Alarie  (born  in 
1877,  who  now  makes  her  home  with  her 
grandparents  in  Shullsburg,  and  lightens  the 
burdens  of  their  increasing  years  with  her  lov- 
ing ministrations),  Annie,  Henry,  Grant, 
Alary,  Myrtle,  Sherman,  and  an  infant,  un- 
named. Lucy,  born  in  1864,  died  at  the  age  of 
twenty-five. 

The  Republican  party  has  always  found  in 
Air.  Barnes  an  unfaltering  adherent  and  he 
never  fails  to  keep  thoroughly  posted  on  party 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


20  7 


work.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barnes  have  been 
attendants  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church 
for  many  years,  Mrs.  Barnes  being  particu- 
larly interested  in  the  Sabbath-school,  in  which 
she  was  for  many  years  a teacher. 

DELFORD  B.  BRUNSON,  of  Fenni- 
more,  is  a representative  of  one  of  the  well- 
known  pioneer  families  of  Grant  county.  He 
is  a son  of  Ira  W.  Brunson, ' whose  name 
was  identified  with  the  history  of  the  county 
from  the  time  of  his  entrance  until  his  death, 
Nov.  15,  1884,  at  the  age  of  eighty  years. 

Ira  W.  Brunson  was  born  at  Sing  Sing, 
N.  Y.,  May  3,  1805.  His  father,  Asa  W. 
Brunson,  a stone  mason,  lost  his  life  in  the 
Hudson  river  by  drowning,  the  accident  oc- 
curring while  he  was  operating  a ferry  across 
the  river.  The  widow  removed  with  her  family 
to  Danbury,  Conn.,  and  there  Ira  W.,  at  the 
age  of  fifteen,  became  an  apprentice  to  the 
trade  of  hat  making  with  John  Foot,  living 
with  him  until  he  was  nineteen.  His  mother 
died  in  1824,  and  the  young  man  left  home 
and  worked  at  his  trade  in  various  places, 
bringing  up  at  Utica,  N.  Y.,  where  lie  at- 
tended school  for  six  months.  In  1827  Mr. 
Brunson  became  a resident  of  Columbus,  Ohio, 
where  he  worked  at  his  trade  for  several  years. 
In  1835  he  gave  up  hat  making,  and  in  the 
spring  of  the  following  year,  accompanied  by 
his  brother  Alfred  and  Henry  Patch,  left  Co- 
lumbus, and  floated  down  the  Ohio  river  and 
up  the  Mississippi  on  a keel-boat  to  Prairie 
du  Chien.  Here  Mr.  Brunson  spent  some  time, 
going  back  to  Ohio  late  in  the  year  to  close 
up  his  business,  and  move  to  Wisconsin.  He 
left  Columbus  on  his  way  to  the  West  in  1836. 
The  journey  was  a wild  and  perilous  one,  and 
was  attended  by  many  difficulties.  At  Fort 
Wayne  the  snow  was  fifteen  inches  deep,  and 
at  South  Bend  the  ground  was  bare.  At  Michi- 
gan City  it  was  once  more  deep  snow,  and  at 
Chicago  bare  ground.  He  crossed  the  Rock 
river  at  Rockford,  on  the  ice.  From  Free- 
port to  Mineral  Point  the  way  was  very  diffi- 
cult. As  night  fell  he  asked  for  lodging  at  a 
farmhouse,  and  was  directed  to  a mill  three 
miles  away.  He  found  an  abandoned  saw- 
mill, and  no  house  was  to  be  seen  anywhere. 
He  spent  that  night  in  the  woods,  and  turning 
his  horse  loose  to  browse  on  the  grass  that 
reached  above  the  snow  he  made  a path  be- 
tween two  trees,  and  spent  hours  in  walking 


up  and  down.  Becoming  drowsy,  he  sat  down 
and  rested  his  head  on  his  saddle.  He  took 
a chew  of  tobacco,  which  he  swallowed.  This 
roused  him  so  that  he  resumed  his  weary  march, 
and  at  last  the  sun  rose.  With  his  compass 
he  found  his  bearings,  and  about  eleven  o’clock 
he  found  tire  mill  and  the  house  to  which  he 
had  been  directed  the  night  before,  but  had 
missed  in  the  gathering  shadows.  He  was 
taken  in  and  cared  for  by  the  hospitable  lady  of 
the  house.  Fed  and  refreshed,  he  resumed 
his  journey,  and  reached  Mineral  Point  at  last, 
thoroughly  worn  out,  but  glad  and  thankful 
that  his  long  journey  was  completed. 

Mr.  Brunson  went  into  the  mercantile  busi- 
ness at  Cassville,  in  company  with  Mr.  Sellers, 
in  1836,  but  shortly  after  removed  to  Fancaster, 
where  he  opened  the  first  store  in  the  city. 
In  1837  he  was  elected  collector  of  taxes  for 
Grant  county,  serving  until  1840,  when  he 
took  a farm  in  the  town  of  Mt.  Hope,  Grant 
county,  residing  there  until  his  death.  He 
was  three  times  married,  first  time,  in  1829, 
to  Margaret  Benton,  of  Bladen,  Ohio,  daugh- 
ter of  Samuel  and  Aurelia  Benton.  She  died 
in  1833.  In  1840  he  was  married,  in  Crawford 
county,  Wis.,  to  Miss  Henrietta  Foster,  a 
daughter  of  Henry  and  Julia  Foster.  In  1847 
he  was  married  to  Miss  Almina  Benton,  a sister 
of  his  first  wife,  who  died  in  October,  1896. 
Two  children  were  born  to  the  first  marriage : 
Mary  Young,  widow  of  William  Humphrey, 
of  Patch  Grove ; and  Alfred,  a resident  of  Sib- 
ley, Iowa.  To  the  second  marriage  were  born 
Benjamin  F.,  of  Kenton,  Ohio;  Emily  M.,  wid- 
ow of  William  Bailey,  of  Bloomington,  Grant 
county;  and  Ida  E.,  who  became  the  wife  of  Eu- 
gene Anger,  and  died  in  October,  1896.  By 
the  third  marriage  were  born  Aurelia  F.,  wife 
of  Andrew  Abram,  of  the  town  of  Mt.  Hope, 
Grant  county;  Delford  B.,  of  Fennimore; 
Almina,  a teacher  in  Milwaukee;  and  Jennie, 
wife  of  Frank  Roach,  of  Fennimore.  The 
father  was  a man  of  more  than  average  ability, 
and  had  decided  views  on  the  issues  of  the 
day.  Ide  improved  a naturally  bright  mind  by 
reading  and  observation,  and  was  one  of  the 
best  informed  men  in  his  community,  was  well 
versed  in  the  law,  and  had  a fine  memory. 
He  was  honored  by  many  local  offices,  though 
he  never  sought  public  position,  and  was  once 
a candidate  for  the  State  Senate.  His  party, 
however,  was  so  far  in  the  minority  that  he 
could  not  pull  through.  He  was  a genial  and 


208 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


courteous  gentleman,  and  had  a generous  dis- 
position. Mr.  Brunson  was  a Methodist,  and 
fraternally  a prominent  Mason.  He  was  de- 
voted to  the  order,  and  was  accustomed  to  at- 
tend its  sessions  up  to  a very  advanced  age. 

Delford  B.  Brunson,  of  Fennimore,  is  the 
youngest  son  of  his  parents,  and  their  only 
son  now  living  in  Grant  county.  He  was 
born  on  the  Mt.  Hope  homestead  Nov.  15, 
1858,  and  there  remained  for  thirty  years.  In 
1888  he  located  in  the  village  of  Mt.  Hope, 
and  for  five  years  was  engaged  in  the  buying 
and  shipping  of  live  stock.  In  1894  he  moved 
to  Fennimore,  where  he  is  still  engaged  in  the 
same  business.  Mr.  Brunson  has  been  twice 
married,  Miss  Effie  Fox  becoming  his  first 
wife.  She  was  a daughter  of  Isaac  B.  Fox,  of 
Mt.  Hope,  and  died  Aug.  14,  1895.  His  Pres_ 
ent  wife  was  Miss  Lisetta  Biedermann.  Two 
children  were  the  fruit  of  the  first  marriage, 
Jennie  and  Clair.  There  is  a daughter,  Frances, 
by  his  second  marriage.  Mr.  Brunson  is  one  of 
the  leading  business  men  of  Fennimore.  Fie  is  a 
stanch  supporter  of  the  Republican  party,  and 
was  elected  to  the  Legislature  in  November, 
1900. 

JAMES  MILLS,  M.  S.,  M.  D.,  a promi- 
nent and  successful  physician  and  surgeon  of 
Janesville,  is  a native  of  Rock  county,  and  was 
born  on  the  25th  day  of  July,  1852.  His  fa- 
ther, Peter  Mills,  one  of  the  early  settlers  of 
the  county,  was  born  in  Perthshire,  Scotland, 
Feb.  7,  1818.  He  was  reared  in  his  native 
land,  and  there  learned  the  miller’s  trade.  He 
was  the  son  of  Peter  Mills,  born  in  Abernethy 
in  1761.  On  the  7th  day  of  November,  1841, 
he  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Jane  Pea- 
cock. In  1849  'ie  emigrated  with  his  family 
to  America,  locating  in  Rock  Prairie,  in  Rock 
county,  Wis.,  where  he  engaged  in  farming. 
His  children  were  four  in  number : Mary,  the 
eldest,  born  May  3,  1843,  's  the  wife  of  Alex- 
ander McGregor;  Peter,  born  Jan.  18,  1846, 
enlisted  during  the  Civil  war  as  a member  of 
the  13th  Wis.  V.  I.,  Feb.  17,  1862.  and  died  at 
Fort  Henry,  Tenm,  Dec.  16,  1862;  Margaret, 
born  Nov.  27,  1850,  died  in  infancy;  James, 
subject  of  this  sketch,  is  the  youngest.  The 
latter  was  but  four  days  old  when  liis  father 
died,  on  the  farm  in  Rock  Prairie,  July  29, 
1852,  from  cholera,  at  the  age  of  thirty-four 
years.  Though  his  decease  occurred  thus  early 
in  life,  he  was  naturally  of  a robust  constitu- 


tion, possessing  great  strength  and  powers  of 
endurance.  He  was  well  educated,  refined,  in- 
dustrious and  highly  esteemed.  His  wife, 
after  the  death  of  her  husband,  succeeded,  by 
hard  work  and  careful  management,  in  carry- 
ing on  the  farm  and  in  providing  for  her  fam- 
ily in  a thoroughly  Christian  home.  I11  1858 
she  married  John  Henry,  and  they  resided  on 
the  old  homestead,  where  a daughter,  Mar- 
garet Jane,  was  born  to  them  March  10,  1863. 
The  last  named  is  the  wife  of  Robert  J.  Plad- 
den,  and  their  home  is  on  the  old  farm.  The 
Doctor's  mother  died  Feb.  2,  1891,  at  the  age 
of  sixty-nine  years.  She  was  a devout  Chris- 
tian, and  an  active  member  of  the  United  Pres- 
byterian Church  of  Rock  Prairie.  She  pos- 
sessed those  sterling  qualities  which  character- 
ize her  race,  and  was  beloved  by  all  who  knew 
her  for  her  many  kind  deeds.  John  Henry 
departed  this  life  March  17,  1891. 

Dr.  Mills  grew  to  manhood  on  the  old 
homestead  in  Johnstown.  He  worked  on  the 
farm  with  unceasing  industry,  the  only  relaxa- 
tion being  his  attendance  at  the  district  school 
during  the  winter  months.  In  1869  he  entered 
Milton  College,  where  he  attended  several 
terms.  His  ambition  did  not  slumber,  and, 
finding  himself  partly  dependent  upon  his  own 
energies  to  secure  an  education,  he  began  farm- 
ing for  himself  during  the  summer,  attending 
the  college  during  the  winter.  In  1875  he 
taught  school  in  the  old  school  house  where  he 
first  attended.  He  still  pursued  his  college 
course,  and  for  several  terms  was  one  of  the 
assistant  teachers.  Milton  College  graduated 
him  in  1879,  and  conferred  upon  him  the  de- 
gree of  Master  of  Science  in  1890.  Immedi- 
ately after  leaving  this  institution  he  began 
his  medical  studies  in  the  office  of  Dr.  Henrv 
Palmer  (now  deceased),  of  Janesville,  and  in 
1880  he  entered  the  Chicago  Medical  College, 
now  the  Medical  Department  of  the  North- 
western University,  by  which  college  he  was 
graduated  in  1883.  During  his  last  year  there 
he  was  appointed  assistant  surgeon  of  the  Chi- 
cago & Northwestern  Railway  Co.,  which  is 
a strong  proof  of  the  ability  he  possessed  as 
a student,  and  which  afforded  him  a wide  ex- 
perience in  surgical  practice.  This  position 
he  held  for  one  year. 

A few  days  after  receiving  his  degree  of 
Doctor  of  Medicine  he  received  his  appoint- 
ment of  assistant  physician  in  the  Insane  Hos- 
pital at  Elgin,  111.,  where  he  remained  two 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


209 


years.  His  practice  there  afforded  him  valu- 
able opportunity  for  acquiring  knowledge  con- 
cerning the  treatment  of  the  insane.  Desiring 
to  still  further  extend  his  medical  researches, 
and  to  widen  his  experience  before  entering 
upon  general  practice,  he  resigned  his  position 
and  went  to  Scotland,  taking  a course  in  the 
Edinburgh  Medical  University.  O11  the  com- 
pletion of  his  course  he  received  a diploma  from 
the  Royal  Maternity  and  Simpson  Memorial 
Hospital.  Here  his  advantages  for  gaining 
skill  in  the  attendance  upon  patients,  at  their 
bedside  and  in  the  operating  room,  were  ex- 
tensive. Going  thence  to  London,  he  spent 
several  months  making  observations  in  surgery 
at  St.  Thomas  and  King’s  College  Elospital, 
under  Sir  James  Lister  and  other  eminent  sur- 
geons ; also  in  Soho  Square  Hospital,  devoted 
to  the  treatment  of  the  diseases  of  women;  in 
Brompton  Hospital,  applying  remedies  for  dis- 
eases of  the  chest ; and  in  Sir  Morrell  McKen- 
zie’s Hospital.  He  enjoyed  exceptional  ad- 
vantages in  this  school,  where  he  learned  the 
methods  used  by  many  of  the  most  noted  and 
eminent  physicians  and  surgeons  in  Europe, 
and  where  he  gained  instruction  that  has  since 
proved  of  inestimable  value  in  his  practice. 
Leaving  London,  the  Doctor  spent  some  time 
in  Paris,  pursuing  the  same  course,  and  visit- 
ing the  principal  hospitals.  In  1885,  prior  to 
his  leaving  Scotland,  he  became  a member  of 
the  Edinburgh  Obstetrical  Society,  a long-es- 
tablished and  famous  organization. 

In  the  month  of  August,  1885,  Dr.  Mills 
returned  from  the  old  countries,  and  began  at 
once  the  practice  of  his  profession  in  Janes- 
ville, where  he  has  since  resided.  Both  as  a 
physician  and  a surgeon  he  has  attained  an 
enviable  reputation ; his  energy  and  superior 
ability  soon  placed  him  in  the  foremost  rank 
of  his  profession.  He  has  a large  and  lucrative 
patronage,  derived  chiefly  from  the  better  class 
of  people  in  both  the  city  and  the  country. 
He  is  a thorough  scholar  and  a perfect  gentle- 
man, and  has  the  unquestioned  respect  and 
good-will  of  the  community.  Everything  he 
undertakes  bears  the  unmistakable  impress  of 
energy  and  sound  judgment.  Well-equipped 
as  the  Doctor  is,  careful  and  painstaking  as 
has  been  his  preparation  for  the  work  of  a 
successful  physician,  it  is  not  to  be  wondered 
at  that  he  is  considered  an  authority  among 
his  fellow  practitioners.  His  bearing  is  such’ 
as  to  inspire  confidence  in  his  patients;  and  his 


pleasant  manner  such  as  to  win  friends  wher- 
ever he  goes. 

After  continuing  his  practice  without  in- 
terruption for  ten  years  at  Janesville  the  Doc- 
tor again  went  abroad,  in  1895,  for  further 
study,  taking  his  family  with  him.  After  re- 
maining in  Edinburgh  for  a short  time  he  went 
to  Dublin,  taking  a practical  course  in  mid- 
wifery in  the  famous  old  Dublin  Maternity 
Hospital.  He  then  proceeded  to  London,  and 
revisited  many  of  its  hospitals.  Leaving  that 
city,  he  reached  Berlin,  Germany,  where  he  at 
once  entered  the  Medical  Department  of  the 
University  of  Berlin,  taking  special  courses  for 
six  months  in  Gynecology  and  the  diseases  of 
women  under  Prof.  A.  Martin;  in  surgery  un- 
der Prof.  Von  Bergman;  on  Internal  Medicine 
under  Prof.  D.  G.  Klemperer  and  others.  Re- 
turning to  New  York  City  after  a year's  study 
abroad,  he  took  there  a course  in  the  Post 
Graduate  School.  The  Doctor  is  a member  of 
the  Wisconsin  State  Medical  Society;  Amer- 
ican Medical  Association;  and  ex-president  of 
the  Central  Wisconsin  Medical  Society ; and 
president  of  the  Rock  County  Medical  Society. 
He  is  a well-known  contributor  to  medical 
journals.  On  Feb.  13,  1888,  the  Rock  County 
Caledonian  Society  was  organized,  and  the 
Doctor  was  chosen  its  president,  which  office 
he  held  continuously  for  eight  years.  He  is 
now  acting  as  secretary  of  the  society.  Socially 
lie  is  a member  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias, 
Odd  Fellows,  Masons,  and  other  societies,  and 
is  secretary  of  the  Palmer  Memorial  Hospital. 
In  politics  he  casts  his  vote  on  the  Republican 
side.  His  ardent  and  sincere  love  for  the  sol- 
diers of  the  Civil  war  prompted  him.  in  1897, 
to  raise  a flag.  A great  concourse  of  people 
gathered  on  the  lawn  and  street  in  front  of 
the  Doctor’s  residence  in  Janesville.  W.  H. 
Sargent  Post  and  the  Janesville  Light  Infantry 
were  present,  and  assisted  in  the  ceremonies. 
The  flag  was  raised  in  honor  of  the  Grand 
Army  of  the  Republic,  and  as  a memorial  to 
Peter  Mills,  the  brother  of  Dr.  Mills,  who  died 
at  Fort  Henry,  Tenn.,  and  James  Peacock,  an 
uncle,  who  was  killed  at  Gainesville,  Georgia. 

Dr.  Mills  was  married  to  Emma  F.  Cham- 
berlain, at  the  home  of  her  parents  in  La 
Prairie,  Rock  county,  May  12,  1886.  .She  was 
the  only  child  of  James  A.  and  Jane  (Hum- 
phrey) Chamberlain,  and  was  born  Jan.  2, 
i860.  She  attended  the  home  district  school 
and  Milton  College,  from  which  she  was  grad- 


2 10 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


uatecl  in  1878,  and  for  several  terms  was  a 
teacher  in  the  country  schools.  Mrs.  Mills  has 
always  manifested  an  interest  in  literary  and 
art  studies,  and  is  a most  amiable  and  accom- 
plished woman.  Her  father  was  the  son  of 
James  and  Maria  (Jackson)  Chamberlain.  He 
was  born  March  2,  1833,  in  Hartford,  Conn., 
and  with  the  family  moved  to  the  town  of 
Bradford,  Rock  county,  when  but  five  years 
old.  The  father  of  this  son  came  West  in 
1837,  and  built  a log  cabin  upon  his  claim  in 
Bradford,  and  here  suffered  in  that  year  many 
privations  and  lonesome  hours  in  a thinly  set- 
tled country.  He  was  a carpenter  and  builder, 
which  trade  he  learned  in  England,  his  native 
country,  where  he  was  born  March  13,  1791, 
in  Hampshire.  He  emigrated  to  America  in 
1819.  remaining  in  New  York  State  four  years, 
then  moved  to  Connecticut  and  in  1837,  after 
fourteen  years  spent  there  as  a contractor  and 
builder,  he  removed1  to  the  Territory  of  Wis- 
consin, and  took  up  the  life  of  a farmer.  He 
was  delegate  to  the  first  convention,  at  Madi- 
son, for  the  framing  of  the  State  Constitu- 
tion. He  built  the  first  courthouse  in  Janes- 
ville; the  first  bridge  across  Rock  river,  in 
Rock  county,  at  that  city ; the  first  bridges  at 
Beloit  and  Roscoe ; and  the  first  school  houses 
in  the  towns  of  La  Prairie  and  Turtle.  He 
was  noted  for  his  excellent  habits,  for  his  care 
of  his  family  and  for  his  upright,  honorable 
dealings  with  his  fellow  citizens.  He  died  at 
the  age  of  eighty-three,  from  an  accident.  He 
left  four  children  and  his  wife,  Maria  (Jack- 
son)  Chamberlain,  who  survived  him  only  two 
years. 

James  A.  Chamberlain,  the  father  of  Mrs. 
Mills,  grew  to  manhood  upon  the  farm  in  La 
Prairie,  and  when  he  was  married,  in  1856,  he 
brought  his  wife  there,  and  they  spent  over 
forty  years  together  upon  the  same  farm.  Her 
health  failed  in  1898,  and  they  left  the  old 
homestead  and  moved  to  Janesville.  She  died 
Jan.  15,  1899,  at  the  age  of  sixty  years. 
Through  her  mother  Mrs.  Mills  was  a de- 
scendant of  Frederick  A.  and  Eliza  (Yates) 
Humphrey,  both  of  whom  were  born  in  the 
State  of  New  York,  where  they  lived  until 
they  moved  to  Shopiere,  Rock  county,  in  1847. 
Here  they  spent  the  greater  part  of  'their 
lives,  and  here  both  died  in  the  spring  of  1896 
— she  at  the  advanced  age  of  ninety,  and  he  at 
ninety-five.  He  was  also  a contractor  and 
builder.  Eliza  Yates  was  a direct  descend- 


ant of  Col.  Peter  Yates,  of  Revolutionary 
days. 

Dr.  and  Mrs.  Mills  have  two  children ; 
Wallace  C.,  born  in  Janesville  April  16,  1889; 
and  James  Stewart,  born  in  Berlin,  Germany, 
Nov.  22,  1894.  The  Doctor  and  Mrs.  Mills 
are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  and 
he  is  one  of  its  elders.  They  have  a beauti- 
ful home,  an  ornament  to  the  city. 

VOLNEY  ATWOOD,  president  of  the 
Oak  Hill  Cemetery  Association,  is  one  of  the 
substantial  and  representative  men  of  Janes- 
ville, and  has  played  an  important  part  in  the 
material  growth  of  his  community. 

Volney  Atwood  was  born  in  Cambridge, 
Vt.,  Feb.  28,  1812,  a son  of  Levi  and  Lucretia 
(Waterman)  Atwood.  The  history  of  the 
paternal  grandfather  of  our  subject  is  not 
known,  but  the  maternal  grandfather  was 
Arana  Waterman,  a native  of  Connecticut, 
who  in  1801  removed  to  Vermont  and  took  up 
a large  tract  of  land ; he  died  there  when  over 
eighty  years  of  age,  the  father  of  a large 
family.  The  father  of  our  subject,  Levi  At- 
wood, who  was  a farmer,  died  in  Vermont  in 
1812,  when  Volney  was  not  quite  ten  months 
old,  and  the  mother  survived  him  many  years. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Levi  Atwood  had  three  sons : 
Victor,  Norman  and  Volney.  Victor  was  a 
business  man  in  St.  Albans,  Vt.,  for  sixty 
years,  and  Norman  was  a farmer  in  Cam- 
bridge, Vt.,  but  both  are  now  deceased. 

Volney  Atwood  was  reared  in  Vermont, 
his  mother  removing  to  Johnson,  that  State, 
about  four  years  after  her  husband’s  death. 
Here  our  subject  remained  until  he  was  eight- 
een, when  he  returned  to  the  farm  at  Cam- 
bridge, and  pursued  the  calling  of  a farmer 
until  1837.  When  opportunity  offered  he  at- 
tended the  public  schools  of  his  neighborhood, 
and  made  the  best  of  his  opportunities.  In 
1837  he  came  West  to  Wisconsin,  settling  in 
Janesville  township,  Rock  county,  where  he 
took  up  a tract  of  320  acres.  After  improving 
this  land  Mr.  Atwood  sold  it,  and  engaged  in 
keeping  a tavern.  During  1845  and  I846  he 
served  his  county  very  acceptably  as  sheriff, 
and  afterward  engaged  in  general  merchan- 
dising for  many  years.  Later,  however,  he 
embarked  in  the  hardware  business,  confining 
himself  exclusively  to  this  branch  of  trade 
until  1887,  when  he  practically  retired,  al- 
though since  he  was  made  president  of  the 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


2 I I 


Oak  Hill  Cemetery  Association  he  has  person- 
ally attended  to  all  its  affairs.  Having  always 
been  a loyal.  Republican  Mr.  Atwood  has  sev- 
eral times  been  called  upon  to  represent  his  com- 
munity in  town  and  county  office,  serving  as 
supervisor  in  the  early  days,  when  a number 
of  the  towns  were  represented  together ; also 
as  alderman  for  two  years;  register  of  deeds 
one  term;  and,  as  before  stated,  as  sheriff.  At 
one  time  Mr.  Atwood  was  interested  in  the 
cottonmill  at  Janesville,  having  assisted  in  its 
organization  and  establishment.  Another  in- 
dustry which  owes  much  of  its  present  pros- 
perity to  his  executive  ability  and  busi- 
ness acumen  is  the  Janesville  shoe  factory. 
Mr.  Atwood  was  one  of  the  promoters  who 
induced  the  Chicago  & Northwestern  railroad 
to  come  to  Janesville,  and  although  the  town 
benefited  his  loss  in  the  matter  was  consider- 
able. There  is  scarcely  any  line  of  business 
in  Janesville  which  has  not  felt  the  impetus 
of  Mr.  Atwood’s  enterprise,  and  among  these 
is  the  coal  and  wood  business,  in  which  he 
engaged  at  one  time  with  a Mr.  Lawrence, 
under  the  firm  name  of  Lawrence  & Atwood, 
their  business  being  the  second  of  its  kind  in 
that  locality. 

On  June  30,  1847,  Mr.  Atwood  married 
Miss  Catherine  A.  Holmes,  daughter  of  Will- 
iam and  Rachel  (Day)  Holmes,  and  they  have 
had  six  children:  Volney,  Charles,  Mary  Lu- 
cretia,  Harriet  Augusta  and  Helen  Adelaide 
(twins)  and  Anna  E.  Volney  died  when  a 
little  over  two  years  old,  and  the  twins  when 
eighteen  months  old.  Charles  married  Miss 
Alta  M.  Doty,  and  they  have  had  eight  chil- 
dren: Volney  D.,  Abbie  A.,  Mary  Lea,  Harry 
C.,  Charles  Starr,  William  Williston,  Leo  and 
Edward  Philo;  they  live  in  Janesville,  where 
he  is  engaged  in  the  ice  business.  Mary  Lu- 
cretia  married  Edward  Vernon  Whiton,  now 
deceased,  and  had  four  children,  Edward 
Vernon,  Lucretia,  Annette  T.  and  Victor  A. 
Miss  Anna  E.  resides  with  her  parents,  and  is 
a very  pleasant  lady. 

Mrs.  Atwood,  who  is  the  oldest  resident 
of  Janesville  in  length  of  residence,  was  born 
in  Newark,  Licking  Co.,  Ohio,  Aug.  9.  1819, 
and  her  parents  were  natives  of  Pennsylvania. 
They  moved  to  Ohio,  settling  in  Marion  coun- 
ty, where  they  resided  twelve  years ; then  re- 
moved to  La  Porte  county.  Inch,  and  resided 
there  until  1836.  In  March  of  that  year  they 
went  to  Rock  countv,  Wis.,  and  settled  in  Rock 


township,  where  Mr.  Holmes  purchased  land 
from  the  government  at  $1.25  an  acre,  obtain- 
ing an  entire  section  in  one  body,  and  160  acres 
in  another,  all  of  which  is  now  included  in 
Janesville;  also  sixty  acres  of  timber  land. 
While  in  Marion  county,  Ohio,  Mr.  Holmes 
was  a judge  of  the  court  for  a number  of 
years,  and  was  known  as  Judge  Holmes,  al- 
though engaged  in  farming.  After  a long 
and  useful  life  Mr.  Holmes  died,  in  the  spring 
of  1861,  aged  eighty-one  years.  The  father 
of  Mr.  Holmes,  James  Holmes,  a native  of 
England,  came  to  America  with  two  brothers. 
Mrs.  Atwood’s  maternal  grandfather  was 
George  Day,  a native  of  Scotland,  who  lived 
to  a ripe  old  age. 

Mrs.  Atwood  is  a consistent  member  of 
the  Episcopal  Church,  and  is  an  earnest  worker 
in  the  several  organizations  connected  with  it. 
Mr.  Atwood  is  a member  of  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  has  been  for  fifty 
years,  filling  every  chair  in  the  lodge.  Hav- 
ing always  been  public-spirited,  he  has  gener- 
ously contributed  of  his  time  and  means  toward 
all  improvements,  and  still  takes  a warm  in- 
terest in  public  affairs,  the  advancement  of  the 
city  in  prosperity,  the  success  of  the  party 
whose  principles  he  advocates,  and  the  general 
welfare  of  the  community,  being  matters  of 
vita]  importance  to  him. 

HENRY  PATCH,  deceased.  Prominent 
among  the  citizens  of  Grant  county  who  were 
actively  identified  with  its  early  development 
and  prosperity  was  the  gentleman  whose  name 
introduces  this  sketch.  He  was  born  in  Dan- 
bury, Conn.,  April  10,  1803,  a son  of  Elijah 
and  Susana  (Morgan)  Patch,  the  former  of 
English,  the  latter  of  Scottish  descent.  The 
father  was  born  Oct.  29,  1769,  and  died  Nov. 
27,  1804,  while  the  mother  was  born  Feb.  23, 
1780,  and  died  in  October,  1820.  In  the'r 
family  were  eight  children,  five  sons -and  three 
daughters,  all  of  whom  have  passed  away, 
namely:  John  T.,  Prosper.  Henry,  Mary  A., 
Ezra,  Elijah,  Rebecca,  and  Abigail. 

Henry  Patch  was  reared  in  his  native  place, 
and  in  early  manhood  married  Miss  Emily  C. 
Brunson,  a sister  of  the  well-known  pioneers 
of  Grant  county.  Wis.,  Ira  and  Alfred  Brun- 
son. Soon  after  their  marriage  they  moved  to 
Columbus,  Ohio,  where  Mr.  Patch  was  engag'ed 
in  farming  until  the  fall  of  1836,  when,  ac- 
companied by  the  Brunson  brothers,  above 


2 I 2 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


mentioned,  he  came  to  Grant  county.  For  a 
short  time  he  lived  in  Section  32,  in  what  is 
now  Patch  Grove  township,  but  in  the  spring 
of  1837  located  on  land  he  had  pre-empted, 
there  making  his  permanent  home.  His  was 
the  fifth  family  in  what  is  now  Patch  Grove 
township.  In  his  house  was  conducted  the  first 
school  of  that  township,  and  the  first  post-office, 
lie  serving  as  postmaster  ; the  office  was  given 
the  name  of  Patch  Grove  in  his  honor,  and  later 
the  township  and  village  took  the  same  name. 

Mr.  Patch  became  one  of  the  most  promi- 
nent and  influential  men  of  Grant  county,  and 
being  public-spirited  and  progressive  was 
called  upon  to  fill  various  local  offices,  the 
duties  of  which  lie  always  faithfully  and  con- 
scientiously discharged.  He  also  ably  repre- 
sented his  district  in  the  lower  branch  of  the 
State  Legislature.  He  was  a man  of  more  than 
average  ability,  and  always  took  a leading  part 
in  promoting  those  enterprises  that  were  for 
the  best  interests  of  the  community.  Generous 
and  sympathetic  by  nature,  no  one  was  ever 
turned  from  his  door  without  assistance,  and 
no  man  in  the  county  was  more  highly  es- 
teemed or  more  sincerely  respected  than  Henry 
Patch.  He  died  in  the  village  of  Patch  Grove, 
Jan.  2,  1867,  and  in  his  death  the  community 
realized  that  it  had  lost  one  of  its  most  valued 
and  useful  citizens.  As  a business  man  he 
had  steadily  prospered,  and  became  possessed 
of  a large  amount  of  land,  both  by  pre-emption 
and  by  purchase. 

The  wife  who  had  accompanied  Mr.  Patch 
from  her  New  England  home  to  what  was  then 
the  wilds  of  the  West  departed  this  life  March 
14,  1856,  and  he  was  again  married,  July  24, 
1858,  his  second  union  being  with  Mrs.  Louisa 
Nelson  McConnell,  whose  maiden  name  was 
Dunbar.  She  died  June  20,  1900.  By  the  first 
marriage  there  were  eight  children,  four  sons 
and  four  daughters,  but  only  three  are  now 
(1901)  living,  Mrs.  Cornelia  W.  Anderson, 
Reed  Patch  and  Mrs.  Emma  Gilpatrick.  Those 
deceased  were  Harriet,  William  H.,  Henry 
W.,  Thomas  B.  and  Almira.  Of  the  three 
children  born  to  the  second  union  only  Mrs. 
Jennie  Lewis,  born  in  1861,  is  living,  Jessie 
and  Ada  L.  having  passed  away. 

STEPHEN  J.  BAKER,  of  Evansville, 
Rock  county,  holds  the  responsible  position  of 
foreman  of  the  Baker  Manufacturing  Co.,  in 
that  city,  and  is  one  of  the  leading  men  of  the 


community.  He  understands  his  business  thor- 
oughly, and  is  a straightforward  and  manly 
character. 

■Mr.  Baker  was  born  in  Stephenson  county, 
111.,  Feb.  13,  1840,  and  is  a son  of  John  T. 
and  Jemima  (Robinson)  Baker,  both  natives  of 
Ohio.  They  were  the  parents  of  seven  sons  and 
three  daughters,  and  six  of  their  children  are 
now  living,  David,  Edward,  Francis,  Stephen 
J.,  Allen,  and  Caroline  (who  is  the  wife  of 
John  Davenport,  of  San  Rafael,  Cal.).  John 
T.  Baker  was  a farmer,  and  one  of  the  pioneer 
settlers  of  Rock  county,  coming  to  Wisconsin 
in  1840,  and  settling  in  the  town  of  Union, 
where  he  improved  a farm,  and  reared  a family 
to  be  honorable  men  and  women.  He  spent 
the  last  few  years  of  his  life  in  Evansville,  dy- 
ing in  1876,  at  the  age  of  seventy  years.  Plis 
wife,  the  mother  of  Stephen  J.,  died  in  the 
town  of  Union  in  the  fall  of  1851,  aged  thirty- 
nine  years.  John  T.  Baker  was  a man  of  promi- 
nence in  his  time,  and  served  as  town  clerk, 
treasurer,  and  in  other  offices  in  the  town  and 
district  during  his  active  years.  His  father, 
Daniel  Baker,  was  a native  of  West  Virginia, 
and  died  in  Ohio  at  the  age  of  sixty-five  years. 

Stephen  J.  Baker  was  reared  on  the  farm, 
and  gained  moral  character  and  vital  force 
from  the  close  touch  of  nature  and  the  quiet 
life  he  lived.  He  attended  the  district  school, 
and  was  a young  man  of  patriotic  thought  and 
feeling  at  the  breaking  out  of  the  Civil  war. 
He  enlisted  in  Company  D,  13th  Wis.  V.  L, 
and  followed  the  flag  of  the  Union  for  three 
long  and  bloody  years ; he  was  on  patrol  duty 
much  of  the  time.  He  was  at  Decatur,  Ala., 
where  his  regiment  was  under  fire  four  days 
while  Gen.  Hood  was  crossing  the  Tennessee 
at  Mussels’  Shoals.  The  13th  had  a share  in 
many  expeditions,  and  captured  many  Rebel 
prisoners,  making  a good  record,  and  the  old 
veterans  recall  with  pride  the  scenes  and  perils 
now  long  past.  When  the  war  was  over  Mr. 
Baker  learned  the  blacksmith’s  trade,  which 
was  his  occupation  for  a number  of  years. 
Later  he  went  into  the  employ  of  the  Evansville 
Manufacturing  Co.,  principally  engaged  in  the 
production  of  tacks,  and  in  1888  he  became 
foreman  of  the  Baker  Manufacturing  Co.,  a 
position  he  still  fills.  The  concern  is  a large 
one,  and  produces  many  different  articles  large- 
ly in  demand  in  an  agricultural  country,  such 
as  windmills,  pumps,  grinders,  wood  saws, 
and  other  goods  in  the  same  line. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


213 


On  Oct.  6,  1868,  Stephen  J.  Baker  married 
Miss  Flora  C.  Allen,  daughter  of  Heman  M. 
and  Caroline  (Anderson)  Allen,  and  they  had 
one  child,  deceased  in  infancy.  Mrs.  Baker 
passed  away  in  1874.  Mr.  Baker  remarried 
March  2,  1875,  Miss  Clare  Sherman  becom- 
ing his  wife,  and  they  have  an  attractive  home 
on  Liberty  street,  Evansville.  They  have 
two  children,  Clarence  S.,  born  Feb.  3, 
1876,  and  Flora  Ethel,  born  April  14,  1881. 
Clarence  chose  a position  as  fireman  on 
the  Madison  division  of  the  Northwestern 
railroad.  Ethel  is  fitting  herself  to  teach  school. 
Mr.  Baker  is  a member  of  Union  Lodge,  No. 
32,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  and  Chapter  No.  35,  R.  A. 
M.,  at  Evansville.  He  is  a Republican,  and 
was  alderman  of  the  Second  ward  in  Evansville 
two  terms.  He  has  been  a resident  of  Rock 
county  sixty  years. 

Mrs.  Clare  (Sherman)  Baker,  wife  of  Ste- 
phen J.  Baker,  was  born  May  27,  1852,  near 
Menasha,  Wis.,  later  moving  to  Evansville, 
W is.  Her  parents,  Erin  and  Mariam  B.  (Stev- 
ens) Sherman,  had  three  children:  Elisha,  who 
died  in  infancy;  Eva  E.,  Mrs.  Albert  Snashall, 
of  Evansville,  and  Clare,  Mrs.  Baker.  Her  fa- 
ther, Erin  Sherman,  was  born  in  Le  Roy, 
Genesee  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1820.  Fie  was  a con- 
tractor and  builder  in  his  native  place.  Later, 
coming  West,  he  settled  in  Milwaukee,  where 
he  owned  a dry-goods  store,  and  was  pro- 
prietor of  the  same  for  several  years,  afterward 
moving*  onto  a maple  sugar  farm  near  Menasha. 
At  the  time  of  the  gold  fever,  in  1857,  he,  with 
several  companions,  went  to  the  gold  fields  of 
California.  In  1846  Mr.  Sherman  was  married 
to  Mariam  B.  Stevens,  who  was  the  daughter 
of  Joseph  and  Phoebe  (Eastman)  Stevens,  and 
was  born  in  Concord,  N.  H.,  June  7,  1828, 
coming  West  with  her  mother  and  brothers 
when  thirteen  years  of  age.  She  died  in 
Evansville,  Wis.,  March  4,  1875.  She  joined 
the  L nited  Brethren  Church,  of  which  she  was 
a member  in  good  standing  until  her  death. 
Erin  Sherman’s  father,  Thomas  Sherman,  was 
born  in  the  State  of  New  York.  He  and  his 
wife,  Sallie.  (Van  Gilder)  Sherman,  were  the 
parents  of  nine  children,  seven  sons — Thomas, 
Benjamin,  William,  Walter,  Erin,  Elisha  and 
Lucius — and  two  daughters — Clarissa  and 
Susan.  All  were  born  in  Le  Roy.  Joseph 
Stevens,  father  of  Mrs.  Mariam  B.  (Stevens) 
Sherman,  was  born  in  Andover,  Essex  Co., 
Mass.,  in  1784,  and  was  engaged  in  the  lumber 


business,  owning  and  operating  a sawmill. 
He  died  in  Concord,  N.  H.,  of  typhus  fever. 
He  and  his  wife,  Phoebe  E.  Stevens,  were  the 
parents  of  seven  children,  Joseph,  Phoebe, 
William,  Serena,  John,  Thomas  and  Mariam. 
Mrs.  Phoebe  (Eastman)  Stevens  was  born  in 
Londonderry,  Rockingham  Co.,  N.  H.,  in  1783. 
After  the  death  of  her  husband  she  was  advised 
by  his  cousin,  Charles  Stevens,  who  lived  in 
Janesville,  Wis.,  to  come  West  with  her  family. 
She  did  so,  and  bought  government  land  sit- 
uated north  of  the  city  of  Janesville,  where  she 
lived  several  years.  Two  of  her  sons,  Thomas 
and  William,  settled  on  farms  in  the  town  of 
Porter,  near  Fulton.  John  settled  in  Janesville, 
where  he  kept  an  hotel  for  a number  of  years. 
Serena  married  and  went  to  Michigan.  Later 
Mrs.  Stevens  moved  to  the  town  of  Porter, 
where  she  spent  the  remainder  of  her  life. 
She  died  in  1878,  at  the  home  of  her  son 
Thomas.  William  Eastman,  father  of  Phoebe 
(Eastman)  Stevens,  was  born  in  Concord,  N. 
H.,  in  1757.  He  served  in  the  Revolutionary 
war  under  Capt.  Livermar  and  Col..  Camp- 
bell, and  was  granted  a pension  for  three 
years’  actual  service.  The  Eastman  family 
were  all  quite  patriotic. 

WILLIAM  ELGAR,  a well-to-do  and 
prominent  citizen  of  Platteville,  Grant  county, 
and  ex-postmaster  at  that  place,  is  one  of  the 
adopted  sons  of  America,  for  he  was  born  in 
London,  England,  in  1829.  His  parents,  Will- 
iam and  Ann  (Hambrook)  Elgar,  were  natives 
of  Kent,  England,  and  the  mother  died  in  1841, 
in  London.  The  father,  who  was  a business 
man  in  Engdand,  came  to  the  United  States 
in  1851,  settling  in  Grant  county,  Wis.,  where 
he  followed  farming  for  some  time.  He  died 
in  Platteville  in  1873.  His  children  were 
William;  John,  a resident  of  Wisconsin; 
Viroqua ; Stephen,  who  died  in  Platteville  in 
1891 ; Elizabeth,  Mrs.  William  Cowduroy,  who 
died  in  the  same  place  in  1879;  and  Anne,  Mrs. 
Kolb,  a resident  of  Platteville. 

The  early  life  of  William  Elgar  was  passed 
in  'his  native  land,  and  he  attended  school  in 
London.  In  1831  he  sailed  for  the  New  World, 
and  after  a voyage  of  twelve  weeks  landed  in 
New  York.  After  spending  a short  time  in 
Mineral.  Point,  Whs.,  he  came  to  Grant  county, 
where  he  has  since  made  his  home.  For  some 
years  he  was  suecessfullv  engaged  in  mercantile 
business  in  Platteville,  but  on  being  appointed 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


2 14 


postmaster,  in  February,  1886,  he  disposed  of 
his  store.  He  held  the  office  for  four  years, 
discharging  its  duties  in  a most  creditable  and 
satisfactory  manner,  and  was  succeeded  by  M. 
P.  Rindlaub. 

Mr.  Elgar  was  married  in  Platteville  to 
Miss  Frances  Kolb,  a native  of  Chester  county, 
Penn.,  and  to  them  were  born  three  children, 
namely:  William,  now  a merchant  of  Rewey, 

Wis. ; Laura,  Mrs.  McArthur,  whose  husband 
is  a lumber  dealer  of  Minneapolis,  Minn. ; and 
George,  who  is  married  and  resides  in  Madi- 
son, Wisconsin. 

Mr.  Elgar  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the 
Episcopal  Church  of  Platteville,  of  which  he 
has  since  been  a prominent  and  influential 
member,  having  always  taken  a very  active 
part  in  its  work.  Pie  served  as  the  first  treas- 
urer and  clerk  of  the  church,  and  has  filled  the 
former  office  over  thirty  years.  Fraternally 
he  is  a member  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  of 
America.  A man  of  strong  individuality  and 
indubitable  probity,  one  who  has  attained  a 
due  measure  of  success  in  life,  and  whose  in- 
fluence has  always  been  on  the  side  of  right 
and  order,  this  worthy  citizen  of  Platteville 
assuredly  deserves  representation  in  this  vol- 
ume. 

TERRENCE  CARRIER  is  a very  popu- 
lar and  successful  hardware  merchant  in  the 
city  of  Boscobel,  and  has  filled  the  office  of 
sheriff  of  Grant  county  with  marked  ability. 
He  became  a resident  of  the  county  in  1855, 
at  which  date  lie  located  in  Muscoda,  and  en- 
gaged in  farming.  In  1858  he  moved  to  Bos- 
cobel,, and  resumed  his  trade  of  wagon  maker, 
which  he  followed  for  some  years.  Failing 
health  obliged  him  to  seek  a change  of  occupa- 
tion, and  he  became  a hotel  man,  being  land- 
lord of  the  leading  hotel  in  the  city  for  some 
ten  years.  In  1872  Mr.  Carrier  was  elected 
sheriff  of  Grant  county,  and  served  his  term 
of  office  with  general,  satisfaction,  as  the  result 
of  the  manner  in  which  he  conducted  its  busi- 
ness. In  1874  he  returned  to  Boscobel,  and 
entered  into  the  hardware  business,  in  which 
he  is  still  engaged. 

Ter  rence  Carrier  was  born  in  Cambridge, 
Vt.,  Dec.  5,  1827,  a son  of  Patrick  and  Bridget 
(O’Neil)  Carrier,  both  natives  of  County  Mon- 
aghan, Ireland.  The  parents'  were  reared  and 
married  in  their  native  county,  and  came  to 
the  United  States  in  1826,  settling  in  Vermont. 


Patrick  Carrier  was  a linen  weaver  in  Ireland, 
but  became  a farmer  in  this  country.  In  1837 
they  moved  West,  to  the  town  of  Tallmadge, 
Summit  Co.,  Ohio,  and  in  the  spring  of  1849 
came  to  Wisconsin,  settling  on  a farm  at  Wat- 
ertown, where  the  remainder  of  their  days  was 
spent.  He  died  at  the  age  of  eighty-three,  and 
she  when  seventy-five.  They  had  a family  of 
seven  children,  of  whom  Alice,  the  eldest,  mar- 
ried Michael  Reynolds,  and  lives  in  Vermont. 
Terrence  lives  in  Boscobel.  Mary  died  at  the 
age  of  seventeen.  Nancy  married  John  Mc- 
Laughlin, and  lives  at  Watertown,  Wis. 
Amelia  has  been  twice  married,  her  first  hus- 
band being  Francis  McHugh,  and  her  second 
Luke  Byrne,  of  Watertown,  Wis.  James  re- 
sides in  Grant  county.  John  lives  in  Califor- 
nia. 

Terrence  Carrier  removed  with  his  par- 
ents. to  Ohio,  and  in  1848  made  a journey  of 
exploration  into  Wisconsin.  Being  thor- 
oughly satisfied  with  the  outlook,  lie  carried 
back  such  a report  to  Ohio  that  the  following 
year  the  entire  family  came  West.  In  1852 
lie  was  married  to  Miss  Amelia  Powers,  who 
was  born  at  Gardner,  Maine,  a daughter  of 
James  and  Julia  (Clay)  Powers,  and  at  the 
time  of  her  marriage  was  residing  in  Janes- 
ville, Wis.  To  this  union  three  children  were 
born,  Mary  being  the  eldest;  she  married  Will- 
iam E.  Howe.  Martha  Jane  married  Michael 
McSpaden,  of  Boscobel.  Alice  is  the  widow 
of  Fred  Mortimer,  and  has  her  home  in  Bos- 
cobel. Mr.  Carrier  is  a Republican,  and  was 
formerly  a Whig.  He  has  held  various  local 
and  county  offices,  has  served  on  the  county 
board,  and  has  acted  as  president  of  the  village, 
and  has  been  generally  regarded  as  a man  of 
more  than  usual  ability  and  character.  Mr. 
Carrier  owns  a fine  farm  of  450  acres  near 
Boscobel,  and  also  owns  the  business  in  which 
he  is  engaged. 

CHARLES  BLAKELY  is  the  earliest  set- 
tler of  Darlington,  Lafayette  county,  no  other 
citizen  of  the  place  having  been  here  at  the 
time  of  his  location — April,  1851,  ip  what  was 
then  a wilderness. 

Mr.  Blakely  is  a native  of  Ohio,  although 
descended  from  New  England  ancestry,  his 
father,  Russell  Blakely,  having  been  born  in 
Vermont,  and  his  mother,  Permelia  (Gale), 
being  from  the  same  State.  They  removed  to 
Ohio,  and  some  time  afterward  removed  to 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


215 


Canada,  but  in  1851  they  located  in  Lafayette 
county,  Wis.  Our  subject  was  one  of  their 
family  of  eleven  children,  and  is  the  only  sur- 
viving son ; he  has  but  two  sisters,  one  of  whom 
resides  in  New  Orleans,  and  the  other  in  Can- 
ada. 

In  1848  our  subject  left  Canada  and  went 
to  Rockford,  111.,  but  returned  to  Canada  in 
the  autumn  of  the  same  year.  In  the  follow- 
ing spring  he  returned  to  Rockford,  went 
thence  to'  Beloit,  where  lie  learned  the  trade  of 
blacksmith,  and  has  been  engaged  in  that  busi- 
ness ever  since.  In  1851  he  settled  in  Darling- 
ton, having  taken  the  contract  for  doing  the 
iron  work  on  the  first  mill  at  that  place,  then 
in  process  of  construction,  and  established  the 
first  blacksmith  shop  in  the  place,  still  contin- 
uing work. 

In  Beloit  our  subject  was' married  to  Miss 
Martha  Graham,  a native  of  Canada,  and  four 
children  have  been  born  of  this  union,  Per- 
melia,  Eleanor,  Charles  and  Elizabeth ; Charles 
is  city  clerk  of  Darlington.  Since  the  very  be- 
ginning of  the  place  Mr.  Blakely  has  resided 
here,  and  has  lived  to  see,  with  interest,  this 
beautiful  city  arise  out  of  the  wilderness,  its 
schools,  churches,  business  blocks  and  fine  res- 
idences standing  where  lie  found  only  depths 
of  forest.  All  his  life  he  has  been  one  of  the 
most  esteemed  of  its  citizens,  and  his  recollec- 
tions are  most  instructive  and  entertaining. 

MORGAN  J.  VAN  MAT  RE.  who  resides 
with  his  sister,  Mrs.  Mary  Dobbs,  in  Section 
34,  Lamont  township,  Lafayette  county,  repre- 
sents a pioneer  family  of  southwestern  Wis- 
consin. 

James  Van  Matre,  the  father  of  our  subject, 
came  to  the  mining  regions  in  1827,  with  sev- 
eral brothers,  and  they  were  well  known  in 
the  neighborhood  of  Shullsburg  and  at  other 
points.  James  Van  Matre  was  born  at  Cyn- 
thiana,  Ky.,  and  was  descended  from  a hardy 
race  of  pioneers,  the  grandfather  of  our  sub- 
ject having  been  Morgan  Van  Matre,  an  as- 
sociate of  Daniel  Boone  in  the  early  Indian 
wars  in  Kentucky.  James  Van  Matre  went  to 
Ohio  in  his  youth,  and  there  married  Sidney 
Kelley,  a native  of  Warren  county,  that  State, 
where  he  and  his  brother  engaged  in  mining 
for  a considerable  time,  finally  coming  to  Wis- 
consin. and  settling  in  what  is  now  Wiota  town- 
ship, Lafayette  county.  When  the  township 
was  organized,  in  1849,  he  was  made  a mem- 


ber of  the  first  board  of  supervisors,  and  he 
continued  his  residence  there  until  the  close  of 
his  life,  his  wife  surviving  him  for  a number 
of  years.  A family  of  fourteen  children  was 
born  to  them,  of  whom  survive : Morgan  J. ; 

Mary,  Mrs.  Dobbs,  both  residents  of  Lamont 
township;  Jefferson,  a resident  of  the  State  of 
Iowa;  John,  a resident  of  Springfield,  Mo. ; and 
James  and  Andrew,  residents  of  Wayne  town- 
ship. 

Our  subject  was  born  in  Ohio  Aug.  18. 
1818,  being  now  one  of  the  oldest  men,  both 
in  age  and  time  of  residence,  in  his  part  of  the 
county.  He  married  Mary  Jane  Wood,  who 
died  many  years  ago,  leaving  two  children : 
Washington  Irving,  born  in  1844.  a resident 
of  Wiota  township;  and  Sidney  Hannah,  the 
wife  of  Joseph  Lovelace.  Mrs.  Dobbs,  sister 
of  our  subject,  came  to  Lamont  township  in 
1845.  She  has  been  twice  married,  her  first 
husband,  Elijah  E.  Swank,  dying  in  1862;  her 
second  husband,  George  Dobbs,  died  August 
16,  1897. 

WILLIAM  R.  DIXON,  of  Fennimore,  is 
numbered  among  the  older  settlers  of  Grant 
county,  his  residence  in  the  county  dating  from 
Nov.  16,  1846. 

Mr.  Dixon  was  born  in  Kanawha  county, 
in  what  is  now  West  Virginia,  April  17.  1817, 
son  of  Peter  Dixon.  His  grandfather,  George 
Dixon,  served  as  a scout  in  the  Revolution  un- 
der Gen.  Washington  for  some  six  years.  He 
was  a flag  bearer  at  the  surrender  of  Lord 
Cornwallis.  His  father  was  born  in  Scotland, 
and  when  a boy  was  stolen  and  „ brought  to 
America.  V illiam  R.  Dixon  well  remembers 
his  grandfather,  and  recalls  many  incidents  of 
the  war  of  independence  as  related  by  him. 
The  maiden  name  of  Mr.  Dixon's  mother  was 
Lucinda  Long,  and  her  father,  Isaac  Long, 
also  served  in  the  Revolution.  Both  our  sub- 
ject's grandfathers  died  in  1844.  at  the  age  of 
eighty-four. 

Peter  Dixon  was  one  of  a family  of  nine 
children.  He  was  an  officer  in  the  war  of 
1812,  and  four  of  his  brothers  were  also 
soldiers  in  that  same  war,  two  of  them  dying 
in  the  army.  Mr.  Dixon  was  the  father  of 
seventeen  children,  all  of  whom,  with  but  one 
exception,  lived  to  maturity.  He  was  twice 
married,  and  his  first  wife,  who  died  in  1825, 
was  the  mother  of  William  R.,  who,  so  far  as 
known,  is  her  only  surviving  child.  Six  chil- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


216 


dren  of  the  second  union  are  now  living.  The 
father  died  in  1863. 

The  Dixon  family  were  opposed  to  slavery, 
and  helped  many  a negro  to  freedom.  They 
moved  into  Ohio  when  William  R.  was  a boy, 
and  for  years  were  actively  connected  with  the 
“underground  railroad.”  In  1831  the  grand- 
father, George  Dixon,  and  all  his  surviving 
sons,  moved  into  Warren  county,  Ind.,  where 
all  the  older  members  of  the  family  died.  In 
1846  William  R.  Dixon  came  to  Grant  county, 
and  on  Dec.  16,  following  year,  lie  married 
Miss  Emily  Mitchell,  who  was  born  near  Knox- 
ville, Tenn.,  and  reared  in  Missouri,  whither 
her  parents  removed  early  in  her  life.  They 
died  in  that  State  while  she  was  still  a girl,  and 
she  came  to  Grant  county,  making  her  home 
with  h^*  sister.  Here  Mr.  Dixon  met  and 
married  her.  They  were  the  second  couple 
married  in  the  town  of  Fennimore. 

Mr.  Dixon  had  little  idea  of  remaining 
when  he  came  to  Grant  county,  and  was  about 
to  return  to  Indiana  when  he  was  asked  to  take 
a school.  He  was  willing,  and  a subscription 
school  was  opened  in  what  were  known  as  the 
Switzer  and  Walker  settlements.  Many  of 
the  children  who  attended  came  from  a long 
distance.  There  was  no  school  house,  but  a 
log  cabin  was  put  up  on  Section  7 — a typical 
frontier  school  house ; there  were  no  glass  win- 
dows, but  open  spaces  were  left  between  the 
logs  and  covered  with  greased  paper.  Cold 
draughts  blew  through  the  building  in  the  win- 
ter. The  seats  were  slabs  brought  from 
Prairie  du  Chien.  Holes  were  bored  for  the 
legs.  This  school  house  did  not  fit  in  with 
present-day  notions,  but  it  answered  for  the 
times,  and  here  in  1846  and  1847  Mr.  Dixon 
taught  the  first  school  in  the  town.  He  was 
to  receive  ten  dollars  a month,  and  board 
around,  but  money  was  scarce,  and  he  never 
secured  the  full  amount  of  his  wages.  He  had 
about  twenty  scholars,  and  he  taught  the  same 
school  the  two  following  winters.  School 
commissioners  had  been  elected,  but  they  gave 
little  or  no  attention  to  school  matters,  and 
Mr.  Dixon  taught  his  first  term  without  a cer- 
tificate. In  1847  he  was  elected  school  com- 
missioner, and  he  was  really  the  first  commis- 
sioner to  give  any  attention  to  the  public 
schools.  I11  early  life  he  was  also  tax  collec- 
tor, and  served  on  the  town  board  for  two 
years.  He  was  both  assessor  and  collector  in 
1871  and  1872. 


When  Mrs.  Dixon  began  keeping  house  on 
Section  30,  in  the  spring  of  1848,  the  surround- 
ing country  was  wild  and  unbroken.  There 
Mr.  Dixon  improved  a farm,  and  afterward 
exchanged  it  for  one  north  of  the  village,  which 
he  cultivated  for  twenty  years.  Then  he  sold 
it,  and  bought  a farm  of  320  acres,  which  he 
occupied  until,  in  the  spring  of  1899,  he  sold 
it  to  his  son  Ora.  That  year  he  and  his  son 
removed  to  Fennimore.  Now,  at  the  age  of 
eighty-three  years,  William  R.  Dixon  is  re- 
markably well  for  his  venerable  age.  He  has 
done  his  share  in  the  development  of  this 
region.  He  is  a Republican  politically,  and  a 
Methodist  in  religion. 

Mr.  Dixon  lost  his  'first  wife  in  1855,  and 
he  married  in  April,  1859,  Miss  Harriet  John- 
son, who  died  in  1864.  He  was  the  father  of 
four  children  by  his  first  marriage,  two  of 
whom  are  now  living : Mrs.  Ellen  Bunerman, 

of  Cylinder,  Iowa;  and  Ora  A.,  of  Fennimore. 
George  and  Mary  L.  are  deceased.  Emily 
(the  wife  of  Clark  Streeter,  of  Iowa  county) 
and  Walter  are  the  children  of  the  second 
union. 

William  R.  Dixon  and  his  brother  George 
W.  are  the  only  members  of  their  father’s  fam- 
ily who  came  to  Wisconsin.  George  settled 
in  the  town  of  Fennimore,  where  he  married, 
and  he  died  in  1863,  leaving  a wife  and  two 
children.  The  widow  and  one  daughter  have 
passed  away.  The  other  daughter  is  the  wid- 
ow of  Abe  Howe,  and  lives  in  Fennimore. 

Ora  A.  Dixon,  the  eldest  son  of  William 
R.,  was  born  June  20,  1850,  and  has  always 
lived  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  his  parents’ 
home.  He  bought  the  old  homestead,  which 
he  has  recently  sold,  and  now  resides  in  Fen- 
nimore.  On  Nov.  4,  1876,  he  married  Miss 
Eliza  Switzer,  whose  birth  occurred  in  Fenni- 
more July  30,  1854,  a daughter  of  John 
Switzer,  an  old  pioneer  of  the  county.  To 
this  union  four  children  have  been  born,  and 
three  of  them  are  living : Cora  Gertrude  is 

the  wife  of  William  Monteith,  of  Clark  county, 
Wis. ; William  R.  is  a young  man,  and  is 
studying  electrical  engineering;  Katie  is  at 
home;  Electa  Pearl  died  in  infancy. 

CHARLES  ALFRED  BACON,  M.  A., 
occupies  the  position  of  Professor  of  the  French 
Language  and  Literature  in  Beloit  College,  and 
also  serves  as  librarian  of  that  institution.  Lie 
is  one  of  the  energetic  men  in  the  Faculty,  and 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


holds  a prominent  place  in  the  public  esteem 
as  thoroughly  versed  in  his  spec.al  field,  and 
at  the  same  time  broadly  informed,  and  an  in- 
spiring presence  wherever  encountered.  He 
comes  of  a scholarly  line,  and  is  himself  de- 
voted to  the  interests  of  true  learning,  with 
an  eye  of  kindly  regard  for  a studious  youth, 
and  a disposition  to  help  every  budding  genius’ 
unfold  its  wings. 

Prof.  Bacon  was  born  in  Bra'ttleboro,  Vt., 
in  i860,  and  is  a son  of  Rev.  William  F.  and 
Mary  W.  (Beal)  Bacon,  both  natives  of  Mas- 
sachusetts. Their  children  are  as  follows : 
Prof.  Charles  A. ; Prof.  George,  vice-principal 
of  the  Beloit  Academy;  Rev.  William  A.,  a 
Congregational  minister  at  Shelburne  Falls, 
Mass. ; Theodore  H.,  a teacher  in  Danbury, 
Conn. ; Arthur  A.,  an  instructor  in  physics 
in  Dartmouth  College;  and  Julia  A.,  at  Med- 
ford, Mass.  The  father  was  a teacher  when  a 
young  man,  and  in  later  life  became  a clergy- 
man. He  is  living  at  Medford,  Mass.,  at  the 
present  time.  His  father,  Isaac  P.  Bacon,  was 
a native  of  Bedford,  Mass.,  born  in  a home  that 
had  been  the  birthplace  of  eight  generations 
of  the  family.  The  ancestors  of  the  Bacon 
family  came  from  the  North  of  Ireland,  and 
located  at  Bedford  in  1642.  Michael  Bacon 
was  the  founder  of  the  family  in  this  country. 
Isaac  P.  Bacon  had  two  children,  a son  and 
a daughter.  He  was  a carriage  builder,  and  a 
prominent  character  in  his  day,  and  for  many 
years  was  chairman  of  the  board  of  selectmen, 
but  declined  to  go  to  the  Legislature.  He  died 
in  Bedford. 

Capt.  George  Beal,  the  father  of  Mary  W., 
was  born  in  Hingham,  Mass.,  of  English  de- 
scent, and  it  is  recorded  of  him  that  he  brought 
the  first  steam  vessel  into  Boston  harbor ; it 
was  the  old  steamboat  “Lincoln,”  and  he  had 
superintended  its  construction  in  Philadelphia. 
He  spent  the  greater  portion  of  his  adult  life 
on  the  water,  and  was  well  known  in  Bos- 
ton. He  reached  the  age  of  seventy-eight. 
He  was  a veteran  of  the  war  of  1812.  Capt. 
Beal  was  the  father  of  nine  children. 

Prof.  Charles  A.  Bacon  spent  his  youth  and 
earlier  manhood  in  Massachusetts,  graduating 
from  Dartmouth  College  in  1883.  He  im- 
mediately began  a career  as  a teacher  which 
has  been  singularly  successful.  His  first  en- 
gagement was  at  the  Classical  Academy  at 
Hallowell,  Maine,  where  he  taught  one  year. 
The  young  teacher  passed  from  there  to  the 


2 1 7 


high  school  at  Wakefield,  Mass.,  where  he 
filled  a year’s  engagement.  In  1885  he  came 
to  Beloit  to  take  the  chair  of  astronomy  in 
Beloit  College,  and  was  engaged  in  that  de- 
partment until  a recent  date.  In  1899  Be  be- 
came the  occupant  of  the  chair  noted  above,  a 
position  for  which  he  is  well  fitted  by  wide 
study  and  reading,  and  by  special  work  done 
in  Europe  in  1888  and  1890.  In  1888  the  col- 
lege library  was  put  into  his  charge,  and  he 
has  displayed  much  zeal  in  its  management  to 
accomplish  the  best  results.  He  is  regarded 
as  one  of  the  pillars  of  Beloit  College. 

Prof.  Bacon  and  Mrs.  Alice  G.  Sheldon 
were  united  in  marriage  July  5,  1893,  and  they 
have  a pleasant  home  at  No.  641  Church  street. 
Mrs.  Bacon  was  the  widow  of  Preston  Shel- 
don, M.  D.,  and  the  daughter  of  Rev.  Henry 
hi.  and  Frances  (Foster)  Grout,  of  Concord, 
Mass.  She  had  two  children  by  her  former 
marriage,  Paul  G.  and  Rex.  The  Professor 
and  his  talented  wife  are  members  of  the  Con- 
gregational Church.  He  is  a Republican  in 
politics. 

HENRY  SMITH,  who  is  numbered 
among  the  leading  business  men  of  Stitzer, 
town  of  Liberty,  Grant  county,  is  a good  rep- 
resentative of  the  German- American  element 
in  the  country. 

Mr.  Smith  was  born  in  1837,  a son  of 
Adam  Smith,  also  a native  of  Germany.  In 
1855  the  latter  immigrated  to  America  with 
his  family,  and  the  same  year  located  in  Grant 
county,  Wis.,  on  a farm  in  the  town  of  Little 
Grant,  where  they  resided  for  nine  years : they 
then  removed  to  the  town  of  Liberty,  and  set- 
tled on  a small  farm  near  the  present  village 
of  Stitzer.  Here  Adam  Smith  died,  in  1873, 
his  wife  surviving  him  for  five  years,  when 
she  too  passed  away.  The  subject  of  this 
sketch  was  one  of  a family  of  three  children, 
two  sons  and  one  daughter.  Of  these,  Henry 
is  the  eldest.  John  died  several  years  ago. 
The  daughter,  Elizabeth,  is  the  wife  of  Ferdi- 
nand Hintze. 

Henry  Smith  was  about  eighteen  when  he 
first  came  to  Grant  county,  where  he  has  since 
made  his  home,  a period  of  over  forty-five 
years.  Reared  to  the  occupation  of  farming, 
he  has  devoted  a number  of  his  years  to  that 
pursuit,  and  borne  his  part  in  the  develop- 
ment and  improvement  of  Liberty.  Always 
interested  in  agricultural  pursuits,  Mr.  Smith 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


2 1 8 


still  owns  a fine  farm  and  pleasant  home. 
Soon  after  the  arrival  of  the  railroad  here,  in 
1880,  realizing  the  opportunity  offered  by  this 
improvement,  Mr.  Smith  engaged  in  mercan- 
tile business,  and  now  also  owns  and  success- 
fully operates  a meat  market.  At  first  he  was 
associated  with  Herman  Bergheger,  but.  later 
dissolved  that  partnership,  and  now  conducts 
the  business  alone. 

Henry  Smith  married  Miss  Mary  Ann  Gar- 
ner, daughter  of  Daniel  Garner,  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  four  sons  and  five  daughters  have 
been  born  of  this  union. 

One  reason  why  Mr.  Smith  is  so  deeply  in- 
terested in  the  railroad  at  Liberty  is  on  ac- 
count of  his  association  with  it,  for  in  1856-57 
he  assisted  in  the  construction,  near  Bridge- 
port, of  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  & St.  Paul. 
Railroad,  the  first  that  entered  Grant  county. 
During  the  time  of  his  association  therewith 
Mr.  Smith  worked  under  Joseph  Nathan,  one 
of  Grant  county's  well-known  citizens.  In 
political  affiliations  Mr.  Smith  is  a Republican, 
and  has  held  several  local  offices,  serving  most 
acceptably.  Although  he  never  enjoyed  any 
educational  advantages  outside  his  native  coun- 
try, he  is  well  informed  and  capable,  and,  by 
his  industry,  honesty  and  thrift,  has  firmly 
established  himself  among  the  prominent  mer- 
chants and  representative  men  of  his  locality. 

HENRY  TARRANT  was  born  in  Berk- 
shire, England,  May  23,  1833,  son  of  George 
and  Mary  Ann  (Chandler)  Tarrant.  The 
father  was  overseer  for  a large  land  owner  in 
England,  and  a gardener  by  occupation.  He 
had  married  the  daughter  of  an  English  malt- 
ster, William  Chandler,  who  lived  to  a good 
old  age;  he  had  four  children.  George  Tar- 
rant, Sr.,  grandfather  of  our  subject,  died  in 
England  in  middle  life,  leaving  a family  of 
six  or  seven  children. 

In  1850  George  Tarrant,  the  father  of  our 
subject,  emigrated  to  America  and  located  at 
Janesville,  Wis.  There  he  purchased  land,  and 
had  expected  to  engage  in  floral  culture,  but 
three  months  after  his  arrival  he  died,  aged 
forty-six  years.  His  widow  survived  many 
years,  passing  away  in  1897,  aged  eighty-one 
years.  They  were  Episcopalians  in  early  life, 
and  later  Methodists.  Six  of  their  children 
lived  to  maturity,  four  sons  and  two  daugh- 
ters, as  follows:  Henry,  our  subject;  George, 

of  Durand,  Wis. ; Sarah,  wife  of  W.  Id.  How- 


ard, of  La  Prairie;  Charles,  of  Janesville; 
Fannie,  wife  of  James  Beswick,  of  Rock  town- 
ship ; and  William,  of  Custer,  South  Dakota. 

Henry  Tarrant,  our  subject,  had  lived  four- 
teen years  in  Berkshire  and  three  years  in  Lon- 
don, England,  prior  to  coming  to  America. 
He  had  attended  the  common  schools,  and  in 
London  served  as  a messenger  boy.  Coming 
to  America  in  1850  with  his  parents,  he  went, 
after  his  father's  death,  to  Vernon  county, 
Wis.,  and  there,  near  Virocjua,  entered  120 
acres  of  land.  He  remained  there  only  two 
years,  and  in  1854  returned  to  Janesville, 
where  for  a year  he  operated  a sawmill.  Mr. 
I arrant  then  bought  eighty  acres  of  land  in 
Section  31,  La  Prairie  township,  and  settled 
down  to  the  active  and,  to  him,  the  successful 
life  of  a farmer.  His  present  home  of  320 
acres,  comprising  the  north  half  of  Section  28, 
La  Prairie  township,  he  purchased  in  1878,  and 
here  he  has  resided  ever  since,  operating  and 
improving  his  broad  acres,  and  ranking  high 
among  the  agriculturists  of  Rock  county. 

Mr.  Tarrant  married,  Dec.  26,  1857,  Miss 
M;  irgaret  Jane  Arnold,  daughter  of  John  and 
Laura  (Kemmerer)  Arnold,  natives  of  Penn- 
sylvania, and  the  parents  of  thirteen  children, 
of  whom  eleven  grew  to  maturity.  Seven  of 
these  are  now  living:  Freeman,  of  B rod- 

head,  Wis. : William,  of  Bristow,  Iowa ; Eman- 
uel, of  Plymouth  township,  Rock  county; 
Margaret  J.,  wife  of  Henry  Tarrant;  Sarah 
E.,  wife  of  Joseph  Van  Buskirk,  of  Blairs- 
burg,  Iowa ; Christiana,  widow  of  Richard 
Van  Buskirk,  of  Allison,  Butler  Co.,  Iowa;  and 
John,  twin  brother  of  Christiana.  John  Ar- 
nold was  a farmer,  and  migrated  to  Wisconsin 
in  1843,  settling  in  Rock  township,  Rock  coun- 
ty. Two.  years  later  he  removed  to  Plymouth 
township,  took  up  a farm  from  the  govern- 
ment, and  lived  there  until  his  death,  June  13, 
1871,  at  the  age  of  sixty-six  years.  He  was 
most  highly  respected  for  his  integrity  and 
high  character.  His  wife  died  Jan.  15,  1878, 
in  her  seventieth  year. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tarrant  have  been  born 
ten  children,  seven  sons  and  three  daughters, 
as  follows : (1)  Ella  R.  married  Edward 

Kelly,  and  lives  at  Elma,  Iowa.  They  have 
two  children  living,  Harland  and  Clare  C. 

(2)  Clara  Jane  died  aged  thirty-eight  years. 

(3)  Elmer  C.  married  May  Eddy,  and  is  a 
liveryman  of  Janesville.  They  have  one  son, 
Leland.  (4)  Irving  H.,  a Milwaukee  drug- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


gist,  for  his  first  wife  married  May  Sherman, 
now  deceased,  by  whom  he  had  one  child,  Stan- 
ley S.  For  his  second  wife  lie  married  Selena 
Stephens,  by  whom  he  has  one  child,  Loraine. 
(5)  Willis  M.  died  in  infancy.  (6)  Arthur 
died  in  infancy.  (7)  Lester  M.  died  in  in- 
fancy. (8)  Willard  M..  who  lives  on  the 
home  farm,  married  Cora  Eddy,  and  has  three 
children,  Lyle  Id.,  Beulah  May  and  Floyd. 
(9)  Ray  G.  married  Bertha  Howard,  now  de- 
ceased, and  they  had  one  child,  Russell.  (10) 
Ethel  G.  lives  at  home. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tarrant  are  prominent  mem- 
bers of  the  M.  E.  Church,  of  which  he  is  stew- 
ard. Politically  lie  is  a Republican.  Mr. 
Tarrant  was  twice  elected  to  the  State  Assem- 
bly, serving  continuously  from  1889  to  1893; 
filled  a vacancy  as  county  treasurer  for  seven 
months;  and  has  been  called  upon  repeatedly 
to  fill  local  offices.  For  eleven  years  be  has 
been  supervisor,  town  clerk  sixteen  years,  and 
chairman  of  the  county  board  of  supervisors 
two  years.  For  many  years  he  has  served  as 
school  clerk  and  director.  Ide  is  one  of  the 
most  progressive  and  influential  citizens  of  La 
Prairie  township. 

RUFUS  B.  SHEFFER  is,  so  far  as  is 
known,  the  oldest  living  native-born  son  of 
Wisconsin  in  the  State,  where  his  parents  were 
among  the  very  first  settlers.  He  was  born 
in  New  Diggings  township,  Lafayette  county, 
Nov.  16,  1830,  son  of  Peter  and  Elizabeth 
(Bean)  Sheffer. 

Peter  Sheffer  was  born  in  Henderson  coun- 
ty, Ky.,  in  1798,  son  of  Pennsylvania  Germans. 
His  wife,  Elizabeth  (Bean),  was  born  at  St. 
Charles,  Mo.,  daughter  of  Ahab  Bean,  a na- 
tive of  Tennessee,  who  located  in  Benton 
in  1827,  and  died  there  at  the  age  of  eight  v- 
four.  In  1827  Peter  Sheffer  came  to  Wiscon- 
sin from  Kentucky,  and  two  years  later  mar- 
ried Elizabeth  Bean.  Her  family  were  the 
first  to  ever  reach  Galena,  111.,  by  boat.  After 
their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sheffer  settled  in 
New  Diggings  township,  and  he  followed  min- 
ing as  a means  of  earning  a livelihood.  They 
made  their  home  there  continuously,  with  the 
exception  of  five  years  passed  in  Missouri,  a 
part  of  which  time  Mr.  Sheffer  worked  in  the 
mines  in  Wisconsin,  leaving  his  family  in  the 
West.  During  the  Black  Hawk  war  he  was 
a volunteer  under  Capt.  Dodge.  His  death 
occurred  in  1872,  that  of  his  wife  in  1852,  and 


2 1 9 


they  left  nine  children,  of  whom  Rufus  B.  is 
the  eldest.  Of  the  others,  Alzina  is  the  widow 
of  Andrew  Lindsey,  of  Cuba  City,  Wis. ; 
Mary,  wife  of  Sebra  Beeman,  of  Kansas;  Hes- 
ter. wife  of  a Mr.  Holder,  of  Denver,  Colo. ; 
Emily,  wife  of  Charles  A.  Doan,  of  St.  Joseph, 
Mo. ; Henry,  of  Los  Gatos,  Cal. ; James  A.,  of 
North  Dakota;  and  George  P.,  of  New  Dig- 
ging's, representative  in  the  Legislature  from 
his  district  in  1896.  The  last  named  was  a 
member  of  Company  C,  33d  Wis.  V.  I.,  in  the 
Civil  war.  He  married,  and  has  three  chil- 
dren, John  W.,  Charles  H.  and  Bell. 

Rufus  B.  Sheffer  would  have  had  a poor 
chance  indeed  for  an  education  had  the  family 
not  moved  to  Missouri  during  his  boyhood. 
There  were  no  schools  in  Wisconsin  at  that 
time  near  enough  for  him  to  attend,  and  an 
education  would  have  been  almost  an  impos- 
sibility had  the  family  not  spent  that  five  years 
West,  where  he  had  the  advantage  of  subscrip- 
tion schools — an  advantage  of  which  he  eagerly 
availed  himself.  His  principal  work  in  his  boy- 
hood days  was  on  his  father’s  farm.  With 
the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war  he  shouldered 
his  musket  and  marched  to  the  front,  a member 
of  Company  E,  43d  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  in 
the  Western  Arm)-’  until  the  close  of  the  war ; 
while  in  Tennessee  he  was  in  the  engagement 
at  Johnsonville,  on  the  Tennessee  river.  After 
his  return  from  war  he  settled  in  the  town  of 
New  Diggings,  and  there  lived  until  1884, 
when  he  sold  that  land  and  moved  to  his  pres- 
ent farm,  known  as  a part  of  Abraham  Loo- 
ney’s old  homestead.  This  farm  consists  of 
eighty  acres,  all  finely  cultivated,  and  with 
good  improvements. 

During  his  army  service,  in  1864.  Mr. 
Sheffer  wedded  Miss  Matilda  A.  Sheffer.  born 
near  Henderson,  Ky.,  in  1844,  daughter  of 
David  and  Eliza  C.  Sheffer,  representatives  of 
one  of  the  old  Kentucky  families  who  passed 
their  lives  there.  Besides  Mrs.  Matilda  A. 
Sheffer  there  are  four  other  children  of  David 
Sheffer  still  living:  Thomas;  John;  Lucy,  now 
Mrs.  John  Jones,  of  Kentucky;  and  Robert,  of 
Pine  Bluff,  Ark.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rufus  B. 
Sheffer  five  children  have  been  born,  of  whom 
the  following  is  the  record:  Robert  S.,  a farm- 
er of  New  Diggings,  born  in  January,  1865, 
married  Elizabeth  Peasley,  and  has  two  chil- 
dren, Ural  and  Zula  B. ; Albert  Frederick,  a 
farmer  and  miner  of  New  Diggings,  born  Sept. 
20,  1866,  married  Miss  Mary  Ellen  Corr,  and 


220 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


has  one  daughter,  Mary;  David  E.,  a farmer 
of  New  Diggings,  born  in  May,  1868,  mar- 
ried Miss  Annie  Lowe,  of  Lafayette  county, 
and  has  two  children,  Gladys  and  Clyde  V.; 
Lilly  Josephine;  and  Lizzie  B. , born  in  August, 
1879,  a graduate  of  the  Lead  Mine  school 
class  of  1899,  is  at  home. 

Rufus  B.  Sheffer  has  always  been  a Re- 
publican. His  father  before  him  was  a stanch 
A\  hig,  and  while  both  took  an  active  part  in 
public  affairs  there  have  been  no  evidences  of 
any  official  aspirations.  In  religious  belief  the 
family  were  raised  in  the  Methodist  Church, 
and  have  been  active  in  Christian  work.  So- 
cially Rufus  B.  Sheffer  is  a member  of  the 
1.  O.  O.  L.,  Lead  Mine  Lodge,  No.  168. 

_ HON.  CORNELIUS  MORTIMER 
TREAT.  A splendid  specimen  of  what  for 
some  years  has  been  called  the  “old  school” 
of  gentlemen  may  be  found  in  the  personality 
oi  Mr.  Treat,  for  many  years  a prominent 
citizen  of  Clinton,  Rock  county.  He  embodies 
those  traits  of  dignity,  broad-mindedness  and 
kind-heartedness  which  command  universal  es- 
teem and  respect.  Mr.  Treat  is  self-educated, 
in  the  sense  that  his'  school  days  were  limited 
to  a few  terms’  attendance  at  the  district 
schools  of  his  youth,  but  the  broader  educa- 
tion of  worldly  experience  has  been  his,  sup- 
plemented by  application  to  books  by  his  own 
fireside.  The  thoroughness  of  the  education 
thus  attained  is  amply  attested  by  his  long  and 
successful  career  as  county  superintendent  of 
schools,  and  by  his  entire  life  work.  Mr.  Treat 
was  born  in  Angelica,  Allegany  Co.,  N.  Y., 
April  25,  1817,  son  of  Amaziah  and  Sallie 
(Colvin)  Treat,  natives  of  Massachusetts  and 
Vermont,  respectively. 

Cornelius  Treat,  his  grandfather,  was  a na- 
tive of  Massachusetts,  of  English  and  Scottish 
descent,  and  for  seven  years  was  a soldier  in 
the  Revolutionary  war,  being  present  at  the 
surrender  of  Gen.  Burgoyne.  He  participated 
once  in  an  expedition  against  the  Indians,  and 
had  a thrilling  and  narrow  escape  from  death. 
Joining  Capt.  Woodward’s  Company  of  Rang- 
ers, in  New  York  State,  he  marched  with1  them 
to  Lort  Schuyler,  where  Utica  now  stands,  and 
thence  proceeded  in  a northwesterly  direction 
in  search  of  hostile  Indians.  They  numbered 
sixty-two  men,  rank  and  file,  and  were  guided 
by  a faithful  Indian  who  forewarned  them  of 
danger.  Heedless,  the  captain  advanced,  until 


finally,  surrounded  by  the  savages  in  greatly 
superior  numbers,  they  were  ambushed  and  the 
entire  party  killed  except  Mr.  Treat,  who  fled 
and  secreted  himself  in  a fallen  tree  that  was 
partly  split  open.  Into  this  log  he  crawled, 
feet  foremost,  with  his  rifle  at  command,  in- 
tending to  sell  his  life  as  dearly  as  possible. 
The  Indians  in  pursuit  stood  upon  the  fallen 
tree  and  there  conversed,  then  continued  on- 
ward in  their  search  without  discovering  him. 
He  lay  there  all  night,  and  in  the  morning 
started  for  Lort  Schuyler,  which  lie  reached 
twenty-four  hours  later.  Cornelius  Treat  fol- 
lowed farming  in  New  York  State,  and  for 
many  years  was  a justice  of  the  peace.  He 
reared  a large  family,  and  lived  to  the  age  of 
eighty  years.  The  maternal  grandfather  of 
our  subject,  Rufus  Colvin,  was  a native  of 
Vermont,  of  Scottish  and  English  extraction. 
He  followed  farming,  reared  a large  family, 
and  died  in  Monroe  county,  N.  Y.,  only  a 
half-mile  distant  from  the  home  of  our  sub- 
ject’s paternal  grandfather. 

Amaziah  Treat,  the  father  of  our  subject, 
was  born  in  1784.  He  served  in  the  war  of 
1812,  and  was  at  Lort  Erie  when  it  was  blown 
up.  He  was  a farmer  and  millwright,  and  in 
1818  removed  from  Angelica,  N.  Y.,  to  south- 
ern Illinois,  where  he  died  of  malarial  fever 
the  following  year,  aged  thirty-five.  His  wife 
survived  him  many  years.  She  removed  from 
New  York  to  Ohio,  and  thence,  in  1847,  to 
Wisconsin,  locating  in  the  town  of  Turtle,  Rock 
county,  where  she  died  when  over  seventy 
years  of  age.  In  religious  faith  she  was  a de- 
vout member  of  the  Baptist  Church.  To  Ama- 
ziah and  Sallie  Treat  were  born  four  children, 
three  daughters  and  one  son,  of  whom  two 
are  now  living:  Cornelius  M.,  our  subject; 

and  Adeline,  wife  of  Joel  Miner,  of  Turtle 
township.  Rock  county. 

Cornelius  M.  Treat,  our  subiect.  when  three 
vears  old  was  taken  by  his  widowed  mother  to 
Monroe  county,  N.  Y.,  where  he  was  reared 
on  the  farm,  receiving  his  education  in  the  dis- 
trict schools.  When  nineteen  years  old,  in 
1876,  he  removed  with  his  mother  to  a farm 
near  New  London,  Huron  Co.,  Ohio,  where 
for  nine  years  he  taught  school  in  winters  and 
worked  on  the  farm  in  summers,  also  making 
brick  for  two  seasons. 

On  Aug.  29,  1841,  at  Ruggles,  Ohio,  Mr. 
Treat  married  Miss  Phebe  Alvira  Curtis, 
daughter  of  Charles  and  Jemima  (Treat)  Cur- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


22  I 


tis.  In  1847  Mr.  Treat  removed  with  his  fam- 
ily and  mother  to  Rock  county,  Wis.,  making 
the  journey  by  team,  and  consuming  sixteen 
days  on  the  trip,  which  can  now  be  made  by 
rad  in  eleven  hours.  Mr.  Treat  purchased 
eighty  acres  of  land  in  Turtle  township,  which 
he  improved  and  occupied.  In  1849  he  leased 
a hotel  at  Belvidere,  111.,  which  he  kept  be- 
tween three  and  four  years,  removing  in  1853 
to  Janesville,  Rock  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he  bought 
property,  and  operated  for  three  years  an  ex- 
press between  Janesville  and  Belvidere,  at  the 
latter  place  connecting  for  Chicago  with  the 
newly-built  Galena  & Chicago  Union  railroad 
(now  the  Northwestern).  Mr.  Treat  hauled 
many  loads  of  goods  between  the  termini  of 
his  express  route,  the  round  trip  requiring 
three  days.  In  1856  he  sold  out  this  business, 
and  purchased  in  Turtle  township  a farm  of 
100  acres,  to  which  he  removed  from  Janes- 
ville. Here  for  eight  years  he  farmed  in  sum- 
mer, teaching  school  in  winter.  He  was  for 
nine  years  town  superintendent  of  schools,  and 
county  superintendent  for  eight  years ; while 
serving ,in  the  latter  capacity  lie  examined  both 
the  present  State  supply  and  his  immediate 
predecessor  for  a certificate  to  teach. 

On  Dec.  24,  1868,  Mr.  Treat  removed  with 
his  family  to  the  village  of  Clinton,  having 
erected  his  present  attractive  home,  his  wife 
planting  the  seeds  for  some  of  the  large  trees 
which  now  adorn  the  lawn.  Since  coming  to 
Clinton  Mr.  Treat  has  engaged  in  the  fire  in- 
surance business.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Treat 
were  born  two  children,  Emily  Diadama  and 
Curtis  Mortimer.  Emily  Diadama  married 
Oscar  C.  Gates,  who  is  now  deceased ; she  has 
three  children,  Cyrus  Mortimer,  Allee  and  Vol- 
ney  Curtis.  Curtis  M.  married  Miss  Jennie 
Farrington,  and  they  have  two  children,  Lil- 
lian Gertrude  and  Leona  Farrington;  they  re- 
side at  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  where  he  is  secretary 
of  the  Merchants  Exchange,  the  fore-runner 
of  the  Pan-American  Exposition. 

Politically  our  subject  is  independent.  He 
served  as  a member  of  the  State  Assembly  in 
1862-63.  Mr.  Treat  is  a prominent  Mason,  a 
member  of  Good  Samaritan  Lodge,  No.  135, 
F.  & A.  M.,  Beloit  Chapter,  No.  9,  R.  A.  M., 
and  Beloit  Command ery.  No.  6,  K.  T.  In  all 
his  successes  his  amiable  and  good  wife  has 
done  her  part,  and  they  deserve  mutual  credit 
for  the  sunshine  which  they  have  scattered 
about  them  in  the  pathway  of  life.  This  aged 


couple  have  won  the  kindest  regard  and  the 
deep  affection  of  all  who  know  them,  by  their 
charitable  works  and  many  good  deeds. 

MRS.  ORSON  M.  RICHARDS.  One  of 
the  well-known  and  honored  names  of  Grant 
county  was  that  of  Orson  M.  Richards,  who 
passed  out  of  life  in  March,  1887,  and  his 
estimable  widow  resides  in  Elmo,  Grant  county, 
where  she  is  much  esteemed. 

Mrs.  Richards  was  born  in  Clinton  county, 
HI-,  March  14,  1832,  a daughter  of  James  and 
Narcissa  (Gingles)  Jones,  the  former  of  whom 
was  born  in  Washington  county,  Va.,  in  1796, 
and  the  latter  in  North  Carolina,  in  1806. 
They  were  married  in  Illinois,  and  came  to 
Galena  early  in  1822,  Mr.  Jones  going  out  from 
there  as  one  of  the  Home  Guards  in  the  Black 
Hawk  war.  By  profession  he  was  an  editor, 
and  managed  and  edited  the  well-known 
“Miner’s  Journal,”  the  first  paper  printed  in 
Galena,  III,  up  to  the  time  of  his  death,  in 
1834.  He  left  a wife  and  five  children  to 
mourn  nis  demise:  Isabella  was  the  wife  of 
William  Reves,  of  Missouri ; Henry  married 
and  settled  in  Tennessee,  where  he  died  when 
only  twenty-six;  Emily  died  in  Galena,  when  a 
girl  of  thirteen;  Oswald  died  in  Lafayette 
county  when  a young  man;  Airs.  Richards 
being  the  only  survivor. 

Our  subject  grew  to  beautiful  womanhood 
in  Galena,  where  she  was  educated,  and  in  1S51 
married  Orson  M.  Richards,  of  Grant  county, 
Wis.,  who  was  born  in  Morgan  county,  111., 
Jan.  31,  1831.  With  his  parents  he  came  to 
Wisconsin,  settling  at  Elk  Grove,  Lafayette 
county,  and  later  moving  to  Big  Patch, 
Grant  county.  Soon  after  marriage  Air. 
Richards  purchased  the  farm  in  Elk  Grove 
where  they  lived  at  the  time  of  his  death. 
Mr.  Richards  was  a man  well  and  favor- 
ably known  in  this  section  for  his  many 
excellent  traits  of  character,  and  in  his 
death  the  township  lost  one  of  its  most  pro- 
gressive and  energetic  men.  For  many  years 
he  had  been  actively  identified  with  the  Republi- 
can party,  and  all  his  life  bore  the  reputation 
of  one  whose  word  was  as  good  as  his  bond. 
Seven  children  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Airs. 
Richards  : ( 1 ) Walter,  born  in  Grant  county, 
in  1852,  lives  in  Aladison,  in  declining  health. 
(2)  Isabella  was  born  in  Lafayette  county  in 
1855,  and  is  the  wife  of  W.  D.  Millman,  who 
resides  on  his  farm  in  Lafayette  county ; they 


2 2 2 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


have  two  children,  Lora  and  Benny.  (3) 
Mary,  born  in  Lafayette  county  in  i860,  was 
educated  in  the  Platteville  Normal  School. 
(4)  Grant,  born  in  September,  1862,  began 
the  study  of  law  in  1884,  under  James  Murphy, 
continuing  for  two  years,  and  was  admitted 
to  the  Bar  at  Wichita,  Ivan.,  in  1886;  on  ac- 
count of  ill  health  he  changed  to  newspaper 
work,  editing  the  Newton  Daily  Republican 
until  1889,  and  displayed  talents  of  a high 
order.  Mr.  Richards  was  married  in  1889  to 
Miss  Frances  Scribner,  of  Newton,  Ivan.,  and 
they  moved  to  Santa  Rosa,  Cal.,  where  he  died 
in  1898.  During  his  residence  in  California 
he  was  the  brilliant  editor  of  the  Santa  Rosa 
Republican , gaining  the  favor  of  a large  bodv 
of  patrons.  His  death  took  out  of  life  a 
bright  and  scholarly  young  man,  and  he  was 
most  sincerely  mourned  by  a large  circle  of 
friends.  His  widow  survives.  (5)  Rachel  was 
born  in  1865,  died  in  1889,  leaving  a vacant 
place  in  the  home  circle  which  can  never  be 
filled.  (6)  Milton,  born  in  Lafayette  county  in 
August,  1867,  was  appointed  station  agent  for 
the  Chicago  & Northwestern  Railway  at  Elmo, 
Grant  county,  in  1888,  and  acceptably  filled 
that  position  until  his  death,  in  1897,  this  sad 
event  being  a heavy  blow  to  his  deeply  bereaved 
mother.  (7)  Eva,  born  in  September,  1871, 
grew  up  in  Lafayette  county,  was  educated  in 
the  schools  of  Wisconsin,  and  is  now  filling 
the  position  of  agent  and  telegraph  operator  at 
Elmo  station,  on  the  Northwestern  railroad. 

Mrs.  Richards  has  reared  her  family  in  the 
Presbyterian  Church,  and  they  are  most  highly 
esteemed.  As  politicians,  Mr.  Richards  and 
his  sons  were  of  the  Republican  faith,  active 
and  energetic  in  work  for  the  party.  Mrs. 
Richards  and  the  family  are  among  the  best 
citizens  of  Grant  county.  She  is  a lady  of  re- 
finement and  culture,  whom  sorrow  has  visited 
only  to  leave  her  a nobler  woman. 

CONRAD  NAPP  (deceased)  was  an  early 
settler  in  Grant  county,  having'  come  here  in 
1846.  Lie  was  born  in  Werlau,  Prussia,  Oct. 
15,  1829,  a member  of  a family  of  nine  chil- 
dren, six  sons  and  three  daughters.  The  father 
of  these,  also  named  Conrad,  brought  his  family 
to  the  United  States  in  the  year  named  above, 
and  settled  on  an  improved  farm  at  Hurricane, 
in  Lancaster  township,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.  There 
the  parents  passed  the  remainder  of  their  lives, 
the  mother  passing  away  Nov.  27,  1872,  and 


the  father  March  3,  1885.  The  surviving  mem- 
bers of  the  family  are  Jasper  and  Anton.  Mrs. 
Sophia  Gelbach  died  Jan.  24,  1900;  Philip 
died  in  April,  1900;  Mrs.  Mary  Ann  Pabst, 
William,  Charles,  Mrs.  Catherine  Hain  and 
Conrad  are  also  deceased. 

Conrad  Napp  remained  with  his  parents 
until  his  marriage,  Feb.  28,  1849,  to  Miss 
Ann  Elizabeth  Bruick,  a daughter  of  Philip 
and  Christiana  Bruick,  and  born  in  the  same 
town  in  Prussia  in  which  her  husband  had  his 
birth:  She  came  to  the  United  States  in  1848, 
in  company  with  her  parents,  whose  family 
comprised  Catherine,  who  afterward  became 
Mrs.  Llenry  Llall  and  died  several  years  ago; 
Ann  Elizabeth,  Mrs.  Napp;  and  Christiana, 
who  became  Mrs.  Will  Belscamper,  and  died  in 
February,  1883. 

After  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Con- 
rad Napp  settled  on  forty  acres  of  timber  land 
near  Hurricane.  This  tract  Mr.  Napp  parti- 
ally cleared  up,  but  he  also  gave  a great  deal  of 
his  attention  to  lead  mining.  About  six  years 
later  he  sold  his  place  and  rented  his  father’s 
farm,  on  which  he  lived  three  years,  and  then 
bought  a farm  in  the  township  of  Waterloo. 
Three  years  later  he  lost  his  house  by  fire,  and 
soon  afterward  sold  the  land,  purchasing  a 
farm  two  miles  from  Lancaster,  owned  by  John 
Schreiner.  Here  he  again  lost  his  house  by 
fire,  but  rebuilt,  and  traded  the  place  for  a 
farm  in  Fennimore  township,  adjoining  a tract 
of  eighty  acres  which  he  had  purchased  some 
time  previously.  His  farm  now  comprised 
240  acres.  Later  he  added  another  tract,  of 
eighty  acres.  When  Mr.  Napp  became  well 
advanced  in  years  he  sold  his  entire  estate, 
of  320  acres,  to  his  eldest  son,  but  120  acres  are 
still  in  the  possession  of  the  family.  In  1885 
Mr.  Napp  retired  to  a pleasant  home  in  Lan- 
caster, where  his  widow  and  her  daughter 
Mattie  still  reside,  and  where  lie  passed  away 
Aug.  31,  1893.  He  was  greatly  respected  as 
a citizen,  and  a Christian  gentleman,  he  and 
wife  having  been  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  for  manv  years.  When  he  was  called 
away  Grant  county  suffered  a severe  loss,  as 
he  had  ever  been  a most  public-spirited  man, 
and  ready  at  all  times  to  contribute  of  his 
means  to  the  promotion  of  the  welfare  of  his 
township  and  county. 

Mr.  Napp,  at  his  death,  left  his  widow  with 
nine  children,  viz. : Elizabeth,  Mary  Margaret, 
Conrad,  Charles  Philip,  Caroline,  Emma,  John 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


223 


Calvin,  David  and  Mattie.  Mrs.  Napp,  as  was 
her  husband,  is  held  in  the  highest  esteem  by 
all  who  knew  her,  or  who  knew  him. 

ISAAC  TIXDELL.  Among  the  respected 
citizens  of  Beetown  township,  Grant  county, 
no  one  deserves  more  esteem  than  Isaac  Tin- 
dell,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  who  is  an  honor- 
ed veteran  of  the  Civil  war.  Mr.  Tindell  is  a 
native  of  Tennessee,  having  been  born  in  Knox- 
ville, that  State,  in  1834,  and  coming  in  the 
family  migration  to  Illinois,  and  thence  to  Wis- 
consin, where  settlement  was  made  at  Mont- 
fort.  The  father  returned  to  Illinois  where  he 
died  in  1864,  the  mother  passing  away  a few 
years  ago,  at  the  age  of  seventy-five  years. 
Since  1852  our  subject  has  been  a resident  of 
Beetown  township,  where  he  is  well  known 
and  highly  regarded.  On  July  19,  1853,  at 
Dubuque,  Iowa,  Mr.  Tindell  was  married  to 
Miss  Maria  Polkinghorn,  who  died  Feb.  10, 
1900.  Eleven  children  were  born  of  the  union, 
six  now  living,  four  sons  and  two  daughters. 

On  the  organization  of  the  43d  Wis.  V.  I., 
our  subject  enlisted  for  service  in  the  Civil 
war,  in  August,  1864.  The  service  of  this  regi- 
ment was  principally  in  Tennessee,  and  our 
subject  was  for  a considerable  time  on  detached 
duty,  being  at  one  season  in  the  engineer  corps. 
Although  seeing  hard  and  continuous  service, 
Mr.  Tindell  escaped  serious  illness  of  wound, 
but  suffered  a sunstroke,  at  Nashville,  and  has 
never  recovered  entirely  from  this  affliction, 
being  able  to  do  little  manual  labor.  He  enjoys 
the  esteem  of  his  old  neighbors  and  friends, 
for  his  duty  was  bravely  done  when  he  had  the 
strength.  Like  many  others  of  the  old  vet- 
erans, he  sees  the  shadows  beginning  to  creep 
nearer,  although  he  can  not  realize  the  blank 
which  will  be  felt  by  the  younger  generation, 
when  the  last  “old  soldier”  shall  have  stolen 
away  to  the  great  camp  of  the  Hereafter. 

JAMES  BENNETT,  of  Willow  Springs, 
Lafayette  county,  who  resides  on  Section  33, 
Town  3,  Range  3,  East,  is  one  of  the  pioneers 
of  his  town. 

James  Bennett,  his  father,  was  born  about 
1807,  in  Cornwall,  England,  where  he  was 
reared  a miner,  and  where  he  married  Mary 
Record.  In  1837  the  family,  then  consisting 
of  the  parents  and  four  children,  three  sons 
and  one  daughter,  came  from  England  to  Wis- 
consin, journeying  directly  to  Mineral  Point, 


where  the  father  engaged  in  mining.  At  that 
time  Indians  and  wild  animals  were  numerous, 
and  in  all  respects  the  country  was  a hardly 
discovered  wilderness,  the  only  white  citizens 
being  the  few  miners.  The  wife  and  mother, 
unused  to  such  pioneer  life,  besought  her  hus- 
band to  return  to  England.  Mr.  Pilling,  to 
whom  Mr.  Bennett  sold  his  mineral,  was,  on 
account  of  the  stringency  of  money,  unable  to 
pay  cash  for  the  same,  and  so  turned  over  to 
Mr.  Bennett  a quarter  section  of  land,  which 
became  the  family  homestead,  and  where  our 
subject  still  lives.  This  is  but  an  illustration 
of  the  chance  or  Providence  that  determines 
ones  lot;  had  Mr.  Bennett  secured  cash  for 
his  ore,  he  would  have  taken  his  people  back 
to  England,  and  everything  would  have  been 
vastly  different.  The  land  was  heavily  tim- 
bered, but  in  due  time  James  Bennett,  the  son. 
succeeded  in  clearing  it  up  and  reducing  it 
to  the  condition  of  a model  Wisconsin  farm. 

James  Bennett,  Sr.,  was  an  industrious  and 
hard-working  man,  of  exceedingly  powerful 
physique,  and  possessed  an  iron  constitution. 
As  an  illustration  of  his  powers  of  endurance 
it  is  remembered  that  at  one  time,  having  pur- 
chased a lead  mine,  shortly  after  he  had  located 
on  the  farm,  he  was  accustomed  to  walk  to  his 
work  in  the  morning,  and  home  again  at  night, 
making  a daily  tramp  of  sixteen  miles,  besides 
doing  a long  day  of  hard  work.  That  the 
mine  developed  well,  and  richly  rewarded  his 
intense  exertions,  would  seem  only  a fair  deal- 
ing of  fortune.  For  some  years  he  lived  in 
Mineral  Point,  that  he  and  his  family  might 
be  near  the  mine,  and  then,  returning  to  the 
farm,  erected  the  stone  house  where  he  and 
his  wife  passed  their  last  days,  and  where  his 
descendants  are  still  living.  Of  the  four  chil- 
dren of  this  honest  and  worthy  couple  who 
came  with  them  from  England,  it  is  possible 
that  James  Bennett  is  the  only  one  now  living. 
John,  the  eldest,  was  killed  by  foul  air  at 
Galena,  when  about  nineteen  years  old.  Mary 
Ann  married  Charles  Cox,  and  after  his  death 
became  the  wife  of  Zacharias  Warren;  she 
died  in  April,  1881.  William  went  to  Cali- 
fornia with  his  father,  soon  after  the  discoverv 
of  gold  in  that  region ; after  returning  to  Wis- 
consin he  journeyed  into  the  West,  and  his 
whereabouts  to-day  are  entirely  unknown. 
Mrs.  Catherine  Jane  Burg,  of  Mineral  Point, 
another  daughter,  was  born  in  Mineral  Point. 

James  Bennett,  Jr.,  whose  name  opens  this 


224 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


sketch,  was  born  in  England  in  1832,  and  came 
to  America  with  his  parents,  and  he  has  had 
his  home  where  he  now  lives  since  the  first 
venture  of  the  parents  into  agricultural  life. 
Going  to  California  in  1854,  he  returned  in 
1859,  after  an  eventful  and  varied  experience 
in  the  land  of  gold.  James  Bennett,  Jr.,  mar- 
ried Hannah  Jetfery,  a native  of  England,  who 
died  Feb.  1,  1881,  the  mother  of  six  children: 
William  G.,  whose  farm  adjoins  that  of  his 
father;  Nellie,  the  wife  of  Benjamin  Mitchell, 
of  Willow  Springs;  Robert,  also  a resident  of 
Willow  Springs;  Byron,  living  at  the  family 
homestead;  and  Phillipia  and  James,  both  of 
Willow  Springs. 

Byron  Bennett,  who  lives  on  the  fam- 
ily homestead,  and  on  whom  its  management 
and  work  now  very  largely  fall,  was  born  at 
his  present  home  March  1,  1871,  and  has 
always  lived  at  home,  from  an  early  age  reliev- 
ing his  father  from  much  care  and  worry. 
Byron  Bennett  was  married  to  Miss  Mary 
Ellen  King,  a daughter  of  William  John  and 
Mary  Ann  (Ferreill)  King,  and  to  this  union 
have  come  two  children:  Henry  R.,  born  Oct. 
10,  1897;  and  Hannah  Irene,  born  April  29, 
1900. 

WILLIAM  M.  ELDREDGE  belongs  to 
the  present  generation  of  business  men  of  Janes 
ville,  whose  native  intelligence,  sound  common 
sense,  good  judgment,  and  enlightened  public 
spirit,  have  done  so  much  toward  the  up- 
building and  improvement  of  the  city.  He 
was  born  at  Clinton,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Nov. 
1,  1848,  son  of  Barnabas  B.  and  Louisa  M. 
(Hutchins)  Eldredge.  The  original  home  of 
the  family  was  in  Wales,  whence  emigrated  his 
great-great-grandfather,  who  settled  on  the 
rockgirt  peninsula  of  Cape  Cod.  I he  story  of 
his  ancestry  is  most  interesting,  and  for  its 
recital  in  detail  the  reader  is  referred  to  the 
biographical  sketch  of  his  father,  B.  B.  Eld- 
redge, which  may  be  found  elsewhere  in  this 
volume. 

Our  subject  was  but  a child  when  his  par- 
ents made  their  home  in  Janesville,  bringing 
him  with  them.  Lie  attended  the  public  schools 
in  that  place,  and  later  for  a year  the  Liberal 
Institute,  at  Clinton,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.,  of 
which  school  his  father  was  an  alumnus.  For 
some  two  years  after  returning  home  he  was 
content  to  hold  a clerical  position  in  various 
stores.  His  next  experience  was  as  an  as- 


sistant to  the  distinguished  civil  engineer,  Capt. 
Edward  Ruger,  with  whom  he  was  associated 
five  or  six  years.  He  next  studied  pharmacy, 
and  was  one  of  the  first  twenty-five  applicants 
to  whom  the  State  Board  of  Pharmacy  (in  the 
year  of  its  official  existence)  granted  certificates 
on  June  1,  1882.  For  some  sixteen  or  seven- 
teen years  he  was  identified  with  the  drug 
business,  but  he  is  now  a successful  real, -estate 
agent,  of  quick  perception,  flawless  memory  and 
unfailing  tact. 

Mr.  Eldredge  married  Sarah  C.  Pease,  and 
has  one  daughter,  Louise  H.,  wife  of  John 
Barlass,  of  Janesville,  Wis.  Flis  wife's  father, 
John  J.  R.  Pease,  married  Cornelia  M.  Ruger. 
Mrs.  Eldredge  has  been  confirmed  in  the  Epis- 
copal Church.  In  private  life  Mr.  Eldredge 
is  universally  popular.  - Generous  and  genial, 
he  readily  makes  friends,  whom  he  retains 
through  his  high  sense  of  moral  obligation. 
He  is  a Republican  in  politics.  Socially  he  is 
a member  of  Janesville  Lodge,  No.  55,  A.  F. 
& A.  M. ; and  of  Janesville  Chapter,  No.  5, 
R.  A.  M.  His  home  is  at  No.  65  Prospect 
avenue. 

SAMUEL  BRUCE  BUCKMASTER, 
M.  D.,  is  one  of  the  best-known  physicians  of 
the  Northwest.  His  learning  and  character 
command  the  confidence  of  the  public,  and  he  is 
rapidly  acquiring  a National  reputation  in  cer- 
tain important  departments  of  medical  science. 

Dr.  Buckmaster  was  born  in  Lima,  Ohio, 
April  26,  1853,  and  is  now  at  the  full  prime 
of  his  manly  powers.  Fie  has  had  an  extensive 
and  varied  experience,  and  is  an  alert  and  vig- 
orous man.  He  is  a son  of  Samuel  R.  and 
Mary  (Tracy)  Buckmaster,  both  natives  of 
Pennsylvania,  who  were  the  parents  of  five 
sons  and  two  daughters,  four  of  whom  are 
now  living:  Joshua,  at  San  Francisco;  Ella, 

Mrs.  Thompson,  of  Chicago;  Dr.  Samuel  B.; 
and  Harry  E.,  of  Chicago.  Samuel  R.  Buck- 
master  was  a manufacturer  in  Ohio,  whither 
his  parents  moved  when  he  was  only  six  months 
old,  settling  in  Holmes  county,  and  living  there 
some  years.  There  he  grew  to  manhood,  and 
there  he  was  married.  About  1835  he  located 
at  Lima,  Ohio,  and  engaged  in  the  manufacture 
of  furniture.  He  was  a prominent  man  in  his 
day,  and  served  as  sheriff  of  the  county  for 
several  terms.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  Civil 
war  he  organized  Company  B,  1st  Ohio  Cav- 
alry, was  appointed  captain  of  that  company, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


2 2 5 


and  served  a year  or  more,  when  he  was  se- 
verely injured  by  his  horse  falling  upon  him. 
He  left  the  service  a chronic  invalid,  and  died 
from  his  injury  in  1878,  at  the  age  of  sixty- 
five.  His  wife  died  in  1865,  when  about  fifty 
years  old.  One  of  his  sons,  Jasper  N.,  ran 
away  from  home  and  enlisted  as  a drummer 
boy  at  the  age  of  fourteen,  and  being  a bril- 
liant boy  rose  rapidly  in  the  service,  receiving 
commission  as  a captain  before  he  was  eight- 
een; he  died  of  injuries  received  in  the  war. 
Dr.  Buckmaster  had  two  other  brothers  in 
the  war,  George  and  Joshua,  and  two  brothers- 
in-law,  who  were  taken  prisoners  and  confined 
at  Andersonville. 

Joshua  Buckmaster,  the  grandfather  of  Dr. 
Samuel  B.,  was  a native  of  Maryland,  of  Eng- 
lish descent,  and  moved  into  eastern  Ohio  while 
it  was  yet  a.  wilderness.  He  had  a family  of 
several  sons  and  daughters.  He  moved  to 
Lima  later  in  life,  and  died  near  Toledo  when 
eighty-six  years  old.  He  was  a man  of  sterling 
character.  He  served  in  the  war  of  1812,  be- 
ing a volunteer  with  Perry  in  his  battle  at 
Put-in-Bay,  and  his  father  was  a veteran  of 
the  Revolutionary  war.  The  Buckmasters  are 
an  old  New  England  family,  and  the  name  is 
familiar  in  Colonial  records  since  1638,  the 
year  they  came  from  England  to  settle  at  Sud- 
bury, Mass.  Mrs.  Mary  (Tracy)  Buckmaster 
lost  her  father  when  she  was  a small  girl.  He 
was  a native  of  Pennsylvania. 

Dr.  Samuel  B.  Buckmaster  was  reared  in 
Lima,  Ohio,  until  he  reached  the  age  of  twelve 
years,  when  his  mother  died,  and  he  went  to 
live  with  his  brother  George,  in  Toledo,  Iowa, 
only  spending  a year  with  him,  however.  He 
attended  high  school  at  Peru,  Ind.,  and  busi- 
ness college  at  Toledo,  Ohio,  taught  school 
one  term,  and  then  became  bookkeeper  for  the 
Ford-Hamlet  bendifig  works,  at  Tippecanoe 
City,  Ohio.  When  eighteen  years  old  he  went 
to  Yreka  City,  Cal.,  and  taught  school  three 
years  in  that  place.  Returning  East,  he  was 
a bookkeeper  in  Chicago  four  years.  While 
in  California  he  was  near  the  lava  beds  where 
the  celebrated  Modoc  war  occurred ; he  went 
in  as  a volunteer,  and  helped  care  for  the  bodies 
of  Gen.  Canby  and  the  other  peace  commis- 
sioners who  had  perished  at  the  hands  of  Capt. 
Jack  and  his  band  of  bloodthirsty  savages.  On 
his  return  East  our  subject  began  the  study 
of  medicine  at  Janesville,  with  Dr.  Henry  Pal- 
mer, sur.o-eon-sfeneral  of  Wisconsin.  He  was 

'00 

15 


graduated  from  the  Medical  Department  of 
the  University  of  Virginia  in  1S79,  and  the 
next  fall  took  a special  course  in  the  Univer- 
sity  of  the  City  of  New  York  and  at  Bellevue 
Hospital.  In  the  spring  of  1880  he  received 
the  appointment  of  third  assistant  physician 
at  the  State  Hospital  for  the  Insane,  at  Madi- 
son, Wis.,  and  a year  later  was  made  second 
assistant.  Another  year  and  he  was  promoted 
to  be  first  assistant,  and  in  Jnly,  1884.  when 
thirty-one  years  old,  he  was  the  unanimous 
choice  of  the  State  board  of  supervision  of 
Wisconsin  institutions  for  the  position  of  su- 
perintendent of  the  State  Hospital.  He  made 
a record  rarely  surpassed  for  efficiency  in  every 
department  of  his  labor,  and  in  five  years  be- 
came widely  known.  In  December,  1889,  he 
resigned  his  position  that  he  might  give  his 
children  proper  educational  advantages — the 
hospital  being  too  far  from  the  city — and  lo- 
cated in  Chicago,  in  which  city  he  was  en- 
gaged in  practice  several  years. 

While  superintendent  of  the  hospital  Dr.. 
Buckmaster  was  credited  with  making  many 
improvements  in  caring  for  the  insane.  Lie 
was  the  first  superintendent  in  the  West  to 
adopt  the  non-restraint  system ; and  in  recogni- 
tion of  his  work  in  this  line  was  elected  vice- 
president  for  Wisconsin  of  the  Medico-Legal 
Society  of  the  United  States.  His  portrait  was 
published  in  the  group  of  twelve  eminent 
alienists  given  as  a premium  by  the  "Medico- 
Legal  Journal." 

While  in  Chicago  Dr.  Buckmaster  was 
elected  adjunct  professor  of  physiology  in 
the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons,  and 
later  held  the  position  of  professor  of  medical 
and  surgical  electricity  in  the  same  institution. 
Lie  also  became  professor  of  physiology  and 
president  of  the  West  Side  Dispensary,  which 
treats  nearly  25,000  patients  yearly.  He  has 
read  numerous  valuable  and  instructive  papers 
before  various  medical  bodies,  and  is  a fre- 
quent contributor  to  medical  publications;  be- 
longs to  several  medical  societies,  and  is  a: 
member  of  the  Loyal  Legion  of  ex-Officers 
of  the  United  States  Army  and  Navy,  his  cer- 
tificate of  admission  into  the  Loyal  Legion 
bearing  the  name  of  President  Rutherford  B. 
Hayes.  Membership  in  this  order  passes  from 
father  to  son,  and  he  holds  it  because  his  fa- 
ther was  an  officer  in  the  Union  service,  and 
died,  as  noted  above,  from  injuries  received 
while  in  service. 


226 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Dr.  Buckmaster  did  not  find  the  climate  of 
Chicago  congenial  to  either  his  family  or  him- 
self, and  he  accordingly  bought  an  interest  in 
the  sanitarium  at  Hudson,  Wis.,  of  which  pop- 
ular resort  he  was  superintendent  for  three 
years,  when  he  disposed  of  his  interest  there, 
accepting  a similar  position  in  the  Oakwood 
Sanitarium,  at  Lake  Geneva,  Wis.  His  health 
giving  out,  on  account  of  the  close  confine- 
ment necessitated  by  his  work,  he  disposed  of 
his  interests  there,  and  spent  a couple  of  months 
in  Minnesota  recuperating.  While  there  he 
visited  Dr.  Hart,  who  was  an  Indian  agent, 
and,  an  outbreak  occurring,  he  nearly  lost  his 
life.  Dr.  Buckmaster  came  to  Janesville  Dec. 
I,  1898,  with  the  intention  of  making  his  per- 
manent home  in  the  city.  Here  his  wife’s  peo- 
ple live,  and  here  he  has  many  friends.  He 
has  practiced  from  the  day  of  his  arrival  here, 
and  now  commands  a patronage  second  to  no 
physician  in  the  State. 

The  Doctor  was  married  to  Miss  Minnie 
Holdredge  May  9,  1882.  She  is  a daughter  of 
Samuel  and  Mary  (Lee)  Holdredge,  and  a 
lady  of  many  accomplishments,  being  a grad- 
uate of  the  Boston  College  of  Oratory,  and 
was  instructor  in  elocution  at  the  Lawrence 
University,  Appleton,  Wis.  Her  great-grand- 
father was  a Revolutionary  soldier,  and  made 
a speech  at  Cooper  Institute  when  one  hundred 
and  ten  years  old,  speaking  to  ten  thousand 
people ; he  lived  six  years  after  that  remarkable 
event.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Buckmaster  have  three 
daughters : Mary  E.,  Ada  A.  and  Agnes  T. 

She  is  a member  of  the  Congregational  Church, 
and  is  in  every  way  a worthy  associate  of  so 
learned  and  popular  a character  as  her  hus- 
band. The  Doctor  is  a Republican  in  political 
sentiment. 

FRANK  ROWE,  a retired  miner,  now 
living  at  Platteville,  Grant  county,  has  been 
an  industrious  and  hard-working  man,  and 
with  no  friend  save  his  own  indomitable  spirit 
and  strong  right  arm  he  has  gained  a com- 
petency and  commanded  the  esteem  of  all  with 
whom  he  has  come  in  contact. 

Mr.  Rowe  was  born  in  Cornwall,  England, 
Oct.  1,  1833,  son  of  Frank  and  Fannie  (Kitto) 
Rowe,  who  were  born  and  married  in  England. 
The  elder  Rowe  came  to  Platteville  in  1847, 
when  Wisconsin  was  just  assuming  Statehood, 
and  engaged  in  mining  and  farming.  He  pur- 
chased real  estate  near  the  old  fair  grounds, 


where  he  built  a brick  house,  which  is  still 
standing,  in  a good  state  of  preservation.  He 
also  owned  a farm  two  and  a half  miles  from 
town,  on  which  he  and  his  wife  spent  their 
lives.  He  died  in  1880,  when  eighty-two  years 
old,  and  his  wife  passed  away  two  years  later, 
at  the  age  of  eighty-four.  They  were  members 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  were 
never  absent  from  religious  services  except  on 
account  of  sickness  or  some  other  weighty 
cause.  They  had  a family  of  eight  children, 
of  whom  our  subject  was  the  eldest.  Lavinia 
married  William  Waters,  and  died  six  months 
after  her  marriage.  Catherine  came  from  Eng- 
land, and  married  William  Waters.  Ellen  mar- 
ried Cornelius  James,  and  died  leaving-  four 
daughters.  Emily  (twin  of  Ellen)  married 
Richard  James,  of  Mineral  Point,  and  is  the 
mother  of  four  children.  William  was  born  in 
England,  married  a lady  of  Sioux  City,  Iowa, 
and  is  a harness  merchant  in  that  State.  James 
is  a retired  farmer  at  Le  Mars,  Iowa;  he  has 
two  children,  Charles  and  Nellie.  Lavina,  the 
youngest  of  the  family,  was  born  in  Platteville, 
and  makes  her  home  with  her  brother,  the 
subject  of  this  sketch. 

Frank  Rowe  came  to  Platteville  when 
about  thirteen  years  of  age.  He  was  educated 
in  the  public  schools  of  England,  and  never  at- 
tended school  in  this  country.  After  coming 
to  Wisconsin  with  his  parents  he  engaged  in 
mining  until  1852,  in  which  year  he  went  to 
California,  crossing  the  Plains  with  an  ox- 
team.  The  Indians  made  their  journey  exceed- 
ingly perilous.  They  went  through  Salt  Lake, 
where  the  Mormons  were  fully  established, 
and  their  entire  trip  was  both  interesting  and 
dangerous.  Mr.  Rowe  remained  in  the  mines 
for  a period  of  five  years,  and  came  back  to  his 
Wisconsin  home  in  1857,  continuing  mining 
until  i860.  That  year  Mr.  Rowe  and  Miss 
Kittie  Wilcox  were  married.  Mrs.  Rowe  is 
the  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Mary  Wilcox,  of 
Cornwall,  England,  and  was  born  in  that  coun- 
try March  2,  1842.  Her  parents  moved  to 
Wales,  where  the  father  died  in  1854,  and 
from  that  country  Mrs.  Wilcox  came  to  Wis- 
consin with  her  children,  of  whom  Mrs.  Rowe 
is  the  youngest.  She  was  educated  in  the  pub- 
lic schools  in  England  and  in  Grant  county, 
Wis.  Her  brothers  were  old-time  Californians. 
James  is  a retired  miner  at  Red  Jacket,  Mich. 
Thomas  (deceased)  married  Mary  Morgans, 
of  Wales,  and  they  had  two  sens  and  two 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


227 


daughters.  Ann  ( deceased)  married  William 
Nichols,  and  they  had  four  children  who  grew 
to  maturity,  Martha, William,  John  and  Frank. 
Mary  (deceased)  married  Stephen  Higgs,  by 
whom  she  had  three  children,  Martha,  Stephen 
and  Mary;  she  later  became  the  wife  of  Ed- 
ward Dunstone,  of  Blackhawk,  Colo.,  by  whom 
she  had  two  children,  Thomas  and  Annie. 
Susan  (deceased)  married  William  Osborne, 
by  whom  she  had  two  children,  Thomas  and 
Emily;  by  her  second  husband,  William  Johns, 
she  had  three  children,  William,  Henry  and 
Mary.  Elizabeth  (deceased)  married  James 
Pascoe,  and  had  three  children,  Elizabeth,  Will- 
iam and  James.  Mrs.  W ilcox,  the  mother, 
died  in  1865,  in  New  York. 

• After  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Airs.  Rowe 
settled  at  Hancock,  Mich.,  where  he  worked  in 
the  mines  a year  or  more.  They  lived  for  a 
short  time  at  Dover,  N.  J.,  and  at  Staten 
Island,  N.  Y.,  at  which  place  lie  was  a su- 
perintendent of  mines  for  a company  of 
New  York  capitalists,  and  was  engaged 
in  that  capacity  some  three  years.  In  1867 
the  young  couple  came  back  to  Platteville, 
where  they  engaged  in  the  millinery  trade, 
which  they  have  carried  on  for  over  thirty 
years.  They  purchased  a home  on  Oak  street, 
which  they  now  rent.  In  1899  they  purchased 
the  new  Albertson  home,  on  Southworth  av- 
enue, one  of  the  finest  homes  in  Platteville. 
It  is  finished  in  hard  wood,  and  contains  every 
modern  improvement.  They  own  considerable 
real  estate  in  the  town  of  AA'est  Superior,  Wis. 
Airs.  Rowe  has  made  her  millinery  business 
very  prosperous,  and  is  highly  successful.  She 
has  many  friends,  and  a wide  circle  of  con- 
stant patrons.  Our  subject  and  his  wife  are 
attendants  at  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 
He  is  an  independent  voter,  and  does  his  own 
thinking. 

HORATIO  PLUM  IRISH,  a highly  re- 
spected farmer  of  Lancaster  township,  Grant 
county,  and  a veteran  of  the  war  of  the  Rebel- 
lion, was  born  in  Hamburg,  Erie  Co.,  N.  Y., 
Nov.  26,  1838,  and  is  descended  from  New 
England  ancestry. 

Stephen  B.  Irish,  father  of  Horatio  P.,  was 
a native  of  Vermont,  born  near  Rutland  Oct. 
2,  :795>  and  was  a son  of  Daniel  L.  Irish,  also 
a native  of  the  Green  Alountain  State,  and  a 
hero  of  the  Revolutionary  war.  Stephen  B. 
was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and.  as 


Horatio  P.  was  a veteran  in  the  Civil  war,  it 
is  evident  ’ that  the  family  possesses  unalloyed 
patriotism  and  gallant  military  ardor  and 
mettle.  Daniel  L.  Irish  and  family  migrated 
from  Vermont  to  Erie  county,  N.  Y.,  when 
Stephen  B.  was  about  twelve  years  old,  and 
there  passed  the  remainder  of  their  days. 
Stephen  B.  and  a brother,  Sylvester,  were  the 
only  two  of  a numerous  family  to  come  to 
the  west,  Sylvester  residing  for  some  time  in 
Grant  county,  AVis.,  and  then  departing  for 
Alinnesota,  while  Stephen  B.  remained  here. 

Stephen  B.  Irish  grew  to  manhood  in  the 
wilds  of  western  New  York,  and  there  married 
Abigail  Dustin,  a native  of  New  Hampshire, 
a daughter  of  Timothy  and  Prudence  Dustin, 
and  a descendant  of  Hannah  Dustin,  one  of 
the  most  famous  women  in  the  early  history  of 
the  Colony  of  New  Hampshire,  who,  it  will 
be  remembered  by  the  student  of  Colonial  his- 
tory, was  captured  by  hostile  Indians,  and  a 
number  of  her  family  slain.  One  night  she  suc- 
ceeded, by  means  of  the  noiseless  tomahawk, 
in  killing  her  sleeping  savage  captors  and  in 
making  her  escape.  The  Dustin  family  was 
also  related  to  the  Lovejoy  family,  one  mem- 
ber of  which,  who  was  among  the  earliest  of 
Abolitionists,  was  foully  murdered  by  pro- 
slavery adversaries. 

In  1844  Stephen  B.  Irish  brought  his  fam- 
ily, consisting  of  his  wife  and  seven  children, 
to  the  State  of  Wisconsin,  coming  from  Buffa- 
lo, N.  Y.,  via  the  lakes  to  Alilwaukee,  and 
thence  by  wagon  to  Hurricane,  Grant  county  ; 
he  arrived  on  the  14th  day  of  September,  of 
that  year.  Mr.  Irish  here  entered  eighty  acres 
of  government  land,  purchased  eighty  addi- 
tional acres,  and  at  once  began  to  convert  the 
wilderness  in  which  he  had  settled  into  a pro- 
ductive farm.  Here  his  wife  died  Feb.  8,  1876, 
and  his  own  death  occurred  Nov.  4,  1879,  after 
he  had  passed  the  age  of  eighty-four  years. 
He  was  held  in  the  highest  esteem  by  his  fellow 
citizens,  as  he  was  endowed  with  an  intelli- 
gence far  above  the  average.  He  was  pos- 
sessed of  an  extremely  retentive  memory,  was 
a constant  student  of  the  Bible,  and  was  well 
versed  in  history  and  in  general  literature. 
He  was  of  a kindly  disposition,  and  was  cheer- 
ful and  hopeful  in  his  views  of  life.  He  was 
a member  of  the  Free-Will.  Baptist  Church, 
but  was  not  entirely  creed-bound,  as-  he  was 
somewhat  liberal  in  his  religious  views  and 
opinions. 


228 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stephen  B.  Irish  were  the 
parents  of  a numerous  family  of  children,  of 
whom  four  at  least  died  young,  in  the  State  of 
New  York,  viz. : Dustin,  Ambrose,  Prudence, 

and  John.  Of  the  seven  who  came  to  Grant 
county  with  the  parents,  three  still  survive : 
Lucinda,  widow  of  Elijah  Hamuton,  now  liv- 
ing in  California ; Sarah  M.,  widow  of  William 
Small,  of  Merrill,  Iowa;  and  Horatio  P.,  who 
is  the  youngest  of  the  family.  Of  the  four 
who  died  in  Grant  county,  Ezekiel  passed  away 
Oct.  2,  1845;  Timothy  in  1846,  at  the  age  of 
ten  years;  Caleb  L.,  March  27,  1S58,  in  his 
thirty-ninth  year;  and  Lyman  D.,  Jan.  11, 
1876,  at  the  age  of  fifty-one  years,  from  the 
effects  of  fatigue  and  exposure  endured  while 
serving  in  Company  C,  2d  Wisconsin  Cavalry, 
in  the  war  of  the  Rebellion. 

Lloratio  Plum  Irish,  the  only  surviving 
male  representative  of  his  father’s  family,  was 
about  six  years  old  when  brought  to  Grant 
county,  and  was  reared  to  manhood  on  the 
home  farm.  On  April  5,  i860,  he  married 
Miss  Maria  A.  Morrell,  daughter  of  Ruel.  and 
Eliza  (Cooley)  Morrell,  whose  biography  is 
given  elsewhere.  In  December,  1861,  Mr. 
Irish,  fired  with  patriotic  fervor,  enlisted  in 
Company  C,  2d  Wisconsin  Volunteer  Cavalry 
(the  same  in  which  his  brother,  Lyman  D., 
enlisted),  but  was  soon  afterward  seized  with 
erysipelas,  which  prevented  his  going  to  the 
front  and  resulted  in  his  discharge.  But  Mr. 
Irish  was  not  to  be  foiled  in  his  desire  to  serve 
his  country,  and  on  convalescing  re-enlisted, 
in  the  same  command,  with  which  he  served  in 
all.  its  marches  and  engagements,  chiefly  in  the 
Southern  States  bordering  on  the  Mississippi 
river.  He  was  on  active  duty  continuously, 
with  the  exception  of  sixteen  days  spent  in  hos- 
pital, until  the  close  of  hostilities,  in  April, 
1865,  when  his  regiment  was  sent  to  Texas,  as 
a part  of  the  force  detailed  to  keep  a watch  over 
the  movements  of  the  French  army  in  Mexico 
under  Maximilian.  In  the  winter  of  1865 
Mr.  Irish  was  honorably  discharged,  and 
reached  his  home  Dec.  16.  Plis  health  has 
not  been  robust  since  his  army  experience,  and 
he  has  therefore  followed  farming  as  a vocation 
and  means  of  recuperation  up  to  the  present 
time,  although  he  is  a carpenter  and  builder 
by  trade. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Irish  has 
been  blessed  with  two  children : Henry,  born 
April  1,  1862,  married  Julia  F.  Magonegil; 


Abbie  M.,  born  Dec.  8,  1867,  is  now  the  wife 
of  James  U.  Smith. 

Mr.  Irish  is  a Republican  in  his  political 
affiliations,  but  has  never  been  a seeker  after 
party  favors.  Mrs.  Irish  is  a devout  member 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  Aside 
from  his  personal  merits,  the  valiant  services 
of  Mr.  Irish  as  a soldier,  and  his  long  line  of 
American  ancestry,  have  won  for  him  the 
esteem  of  his  fellow  citizens,  and  he  and  fam- 
ily stand  among  the  best  residents  of  Grant 
county. 

ADDISON  HANDY.  Prominent  among 
the  early  settlers  of  Grant  county  is  this  well- 
known  farmer  of  Wyalusing  township,  whose 
home  is  in  Section  9,  and  who  dates  his  resi- 
dence here  from  Nov.  21,  1855.  He  was  born 
in  the  town  of  Stockton,  Chautauqua  Co.,  N. 
Y.,  May  30,  1832,  a son  of  Samuel  and  Rosetta 
(Clark)  Llandy,  also  natives  of  the  Empire 
State,  while  the  former  was  of  Irish  and  Scot- 
tish descent,  the  latter  of  Scottish  and  French 
extraction.  The  paternal  grandfather,  Obed 
Handy,  was  also  born  in  New  York. 

About  1834  Samuel  Plandy,  accompanied 
by  his  family,  moved  to  Branch  county,  Mich., 
where  the  wife  and  mother  died  four  years 
later.  Soon  after  her  death  the  family  re- 
turned to  New  York,  and  Addison  grew,  to 
manhood  in  the  town  ol  Pomfret,  Chautauqua 
county,  near  the  village  of  Fredonia.  In  1853 
the  family  again  came  West,  this  time  locating' 
in  Freeport,  111.,  but  a year  later  took  up  their 
residence  on  Blake’s  Prairie,  Grant  Co.,  Wis., 
which  county  has  been  regarded  as  their  home 
ever  since.  The  father  passed  away  April  16, 
1888,  at  the  age  of  seventy-eight  years,  his 
last  days  being  spent  at  the  homes  of  his  chil- 
dren. He  had  two  sons  and  one  daughter,  all 
of  whom  grew  to  mature  years ; Addison  and 
Juliette,  widow  of  > William  Barr,  survive; 
Mr.  Barr  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  the  Re- 
bellion, and  died  at  Glen  Haven,  Grant  county, 
Jan.  17,  1865.  Jefferson  Handy,  the  only 
brother  of  Addison,  died  in  March,  1886. 

On  Dec.  13',  1853,  Addison  Handy  was 
united  in  marriage,  at  Jamestown,  Chautauqua 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  to'  Miss  Sylvania  V.  McKnight, 
who  was  born  April  27,  1835,  in  the  same  town 
as  her  husband,  a daughter  of  David  and 
Jemima  (Ellis)  McKnight,  natives  of  Massa- 
chusetts and  Connecticut,  respectively.  For 
many  years  her  parents  made  their  home  in 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


229 


Chautauqua  county,  N.  Y.,  where  the  father, 
who  was  born  Jan.  6,  1789,  died  in  April,  1863, 
and  the  mother,  who  was  born  Sept.  9,  1791, 
died  in  September,  1862.  In  their  family  were 
seven  children,  four  of  whom  are  now  (1901) 
living : Mrs.  Priscilla  Little,  Mrs.  Sally  Mal- 
lory, Mrs.  Melvina  Younger  and  Mrs.  Syl- 
vania  V.  Handy.  Those  deceased  were  Mrs. 
Jemima  Carr,  David  W.  and  William.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Handy  have  three  children:  Fred, 
born  Aug.  27,  1855;  Frank,  born  Jan.  11, 
1857;  and  William  Eugene,  born  Feb.  8,  i860. 
The  eldest  and  youngest  are  residents  of  Grant 
county,  Wis.,  while  Frank  is  now  in  Iowa. 

For  almost  half  a century  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Hand}"  have  resided  in  the  immediate  vicinity 
of  their  present  home  in  Wyalusing  township. 
He  possesses  a remarkably  strong  constitution, 
and  has  ever  led  an  honorable  and  industrious 
life.  In  their  declining  years  he  and  his  worthy 
wife  are  enjoying  the  fruits  of  their  former 
toil  in  peace  and  contentment,  respected  and  es- 
teemed by  all  who  know  them.  In  public  affairs 
Mr.  Handy  has  taken  no  deep  interest  In 
early . life  he  affiliated  with  the  Democratic 
party,  being  a Democrat  by  inheritance,  but 
since  Abraham  Lincoln’s  second  election  has 
voted  with  the  Republican  party. 

REUBEN  S.  MORSE.  This  influential 
citizen  of  Beetown  is.  one  of  Grant  county’s 
early  educators,  and  has  gained  distinction  not 
only  in  civil  life,  but  as  a veteran  of  the  Civil 
war.  He  comes  of  Revolutionary  stock,  his 
grandfather  having  served  in  the  patriot  army 
of  1776.  He  is  a native  of  Maine,  as  was  his 
father,  who  was  the.  youngest  of  seven  brothers, 
and  whose  baptismal  name  was  Moses.  Reuben 
S.  Morse  is  one  of  two  surviving  members  of 
his  father’s  family.  Mary  J.  is  the  wife  of 
Richmond  B.  Pierce,  of  Cassville  township, 
Grant  county.  Edwin  Russell,  politician  and 
editor?  died  at  Springfield,  111.,  Aug.  6,  1900. 

Reuben  S.  Morse  was  born  Tune  3,  1833, 
and  was  a lad  of  ten  years  when  his  parents  re- 
moved from  Maine  to  West  Cambridge,  Mass. 
Later  the  family  had  its  home  in  Lexington,  in 
the  same  State,  a spot  the  mention  of  which 
makes  the  pulse  of  every  true  American  beat 
faster.  In  1855  young  Reuben  determined  to 
seek  fortune  in  the  Northwest,  and  coming  to 
Grant  county,  Wis.,  he  settled  in  Waterloo. 
For  several  years  lie.  devoted  himself  to  teach- 
ing, conducting  schools  at  various  localities  for 


thirty-five  terms.  He  first  came  to  Beetown 
township  in  1859.  and  in  1861  located  in  the 
village  of  that  name.  His  early  training  was 
in  the  Whig  school  of  politics,  and  it  is  no 
cause  for  surprise  that  upon  the  formation  of 
the  Republican  party  he  at  once  affiliated  with 
that  organization,  casting  his  first  Presidential 
vote  for  John  C.  Fremont,  in  1856.  The  out- 
break of  the  Rebellion  fired  his  youthful  blood 
and  stirred  his  patriotic  impulses  to  their 
depths.  In  August,  1862,  he  enlisted  in  Com- 
pany I,  20th  Wis.  V.  I.,  but  in  the  following 
April  was  discharged  for  disability,  at  Spring- 
field,  Mo.,  and  returned  home.  His  health 
having  been  partially  restored,  he  re-enlisted, 
in  1864,  this  time  in  Company  B,  of  the  43d 
Wisconsin  Regiment.  His  service  was  in 
Kentucky  and  Tennessee,  and  was  chiefly  on 
detached  duty,  'his  strength  being  unequal  to 
arduous  service  in  the  field.  He  acted  as  or- 
derly sergeant,  and  was  ever  prompt  to  respond 
to  every  call  made  unon  him.  He  received  his 
final  discharge  at  Nashville,  on  June  24,  1865. 
Mr.  Morse  keeps  alive  his  recollection  of  his 
life  as  a soldier  through  his  membership  in 
Tom  Cox  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Lancaster.  Since 
his  return  home  he  has  been  prominent  in 
public  affairs,  and  has  been  honored  alike  by 
his  fellow  citizens  and  by  the  National  Govern- 
ment through  elevation  to  various  posts  of  high 
trust  and  grave  responsibility.  For  nine  years 
he  served  as  clerk  of  the  township,  and  for 
eleven  years  following  1874  he  held  the  office 
of  postmaster.  He  also  enumerated  the  town- 
ship for  the  United  States  censuses  of  1890  and 
1900.  He  has  ever  taken  a deep  and  active 
interest  in  educational  matters,  and  has  given 
his  own  children  the  best  opportunities  within 
his  command.  His  life  has  been  one  of  activity 
and  industry.  Free  from  self-seeking,  he  has 
been  ever  ready  to  perform  every  public  duty 
to  which  he  was  called,  and  his  fidelity  to  every 
trust,  both  private  and  public,  has  gained  for 
him  the  confidence  and  respect  of  the  communi- 
ty whose  welfare  he  has  aided  in  promoting  for 
more  than  forty  years. 

Mr.  Morse  has  been  twice  married.  His 
first  wife  was  Emma  Jane  Waddle,  who  died 
within  a year  after  their  marriage,  and  his 
second  union  was  with  Nancy  A.  Burgess. 
Of  his  children,  three  died  in  childhood,  while 
one  son,  Frank,  was  called  away  in  1895,  at 
the  age  of  twenty-six.  Those  who  are  yet  liv- 
ing are  as  follows : Dr.  Edwin  Morse,  a prom- 


230 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


I 

inent  physician  of  Appleton,  Wis. ; Mary  F., 
the  wife  of  John  Peterson;  Charles  N.,  a resi- 
dent of  Montana,  who  served  in  the  First  Mon- 
tana Regiment  during  the  Spanish-American 
war,  and  did  duty  in  the  Philippines;  Emma 
I.,  Mrs.  Dr.  Albert  Rector;  and  Miss  Effie 
V.,  who  is  an  accomplished  musician  and  a 
teacher  of  music. 

WILLIAM  McGRANAHAN,  who  re- 
sides in  Lamont,  Lafayette  county,  on  Section 
23,  Town  3,  Range  4,  East,  has  been  for  many 
years  one  of  the  more  notable  and  universally 
respected  citizens  of  that  town,  where  he  is 
honored  and  esteemed  not  only  for  a life  of 
industry  and  integrity,  but  also  for  his  neigh- 
borly spirit  and  kindly  interest  in  his  fellow 
townsmen. 

Mr.  McGranahan  came  to  the  Territory  of 
Wisconsin  in  1843,  anfI  bas  never  since  re- 
moved his  home  from  the  confines  of  the  State. 
His  residence  thus  covers  a period  of  fifty-eight 
years,  and  to-day  he  is  one  of  the  very  oldest 
citizens  of  Lafayette  county.  He  was  born  in 
Mercer  county,  Penn.,  March  22,  1817,  the 
same  month  that  James  Monroe  became  Presi- 
dent, hence  he  has  lived  under  the  administra- 
tions of  all  the  Presidents  of  the  United  States 
except  those  of  the  first  four.  Smith  Mc- 
Granahan, his  father,  was  a native  of  West- 
moreland county,  same  state.  John  McGrana- 
han, the  latter’s  father,  and  the  grandfather  of 
William,  was  a native  of  the  North  of  Ireland. 
He  bore  an  honorable  part  in  the  war  of  the 
Revolution.  Smith  McGranahan  and  his  wife 
lived  in  Pennsylvania  all  their  clays.  She  bore 
the  maiden  name  of  Mary  Andrews. 

William  McGranahan  was  one  of  twelve 
children,  but  many  of  them  have  passed  away. 
He  was  reared  and  educated  in  his  native  place, 
and  at  the  age  of  fifteen  years  began  learning 
the  blacksmith  trade.  In  the  fall  of  1842  he 
left  his  native  State  to  come  West.  He  spent 
the  winter  in  Illinois,  and  the  following  spring 
moved  into  Lafayette  county,  Wis.,  where  his 
home  has  been  up  to  the  present  writing.  For 
many  years  he  lived  in  the  village  of  Fayette, 
where  he  had  a blacksmith  shop,  and  in  1858 
he  settled  on  the  farm  where  he  is  found  to-day 
in  a green  and  hearty  old  age.  On  this  place 
but  little  improvement  had  been  made,  and  its 
transformation  into  one  of  the  model  farms  of 
the  county  is  due  to  his  tremendous  energy 
and  ceaseless  industry.  This  place  has  been  the 


home  of  himself  and  family  for  forty-three 
years. 

Mr.  McGranahan  was  married  in  the  town 
of  Fayette,  near  his  present  'home,  in  1849, 
to  Miss  Margaret  Shockley,  a daughter  of  John 
Shockley,  one  of  the  earlier  settlers  of  the  coun- 
ty. He  and  his  wife  are  the  parents  of  five 
sons  and  three  daughters,  all  of  whom  are  resi- 
dents of  Lafayette  county,  namely  : Thomas  B., 
Smith,  John,  David,  Charles,  Nancy  (who  is 
the  wife  of  Samuel  Paxton),  Clara  (who  is 
the  wife  of  J.  W.  Hunt),  and  Rose  (who  is  at 
home) . 

Mr.  McGranahan  has  long  been  one  of  the 
representative  farmers  of  the  county,  and  has 
held  various  local  offices.  In  1859  he  repre- 
sented his  district  in  the  General  Assembly, 
where  his  record  was  thoroughly  honorable  and 
creditable  in  every  way.  He  is  well-known 
throughout  Lafayette  county,  and  in  former 
times,  when  engaged  in  the  more  active  duties 
of  life,  was  himself  acquainted  with  the  greater 
number  of  the  leading  men  of  the  county. 
Mr.  McGranahan  has  always  been  a Democrat, 
and  the  first  President  he  voted  for  was  Martin 
Van  Buren.  In  1844  he  was  prevented  from 
voting  for  President  by  the  fact  that  Wisconsin 
was  as  yet  a Territory.  Our  subject  has 
always  been  held  in  high  esteem  by  his  fellow 
townsmen.  Considering  their  advanced  age 
both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McGranahan  are  in  the 
enjoyment  of  very  good  health.  They  have 
passed  through  formidable  hardships  and  en- 
dured severe  privations,  but  their  faculties  are 
still,  unimpaired,  and  their  interest  in  the  wel- 
fare of  their  children  and  friends  is  not  les- 
sened by  the  flight  of  years. 

DAVID  YOUMANS,  one  of  the  old  set- 
tlers of  Rock  county,  and  a highly  esteemed 
farmer-citizen  of  Janesville  township,  resides 
in  Section  30,  upon  a well-cultivated  farm. 

David  Youmans  was  born  in  Orange  coun- 
ty, N.  Y.,  Dec.  6,  1839,  son  of  Nehemiah  and 
Margaret  (Kelley)  Youmans,  natives  of  New 
York.  The  paternal  grandfather  of  our  sub- 
ject, David  Youmans,  died  in  middle  life;  he 
had  a large  family.  The  grandfather  on  the 
mother’s  side  was  a native  of  Ireland,  but  came 
to  America,  settling  at  Newburgh,  N.  Y.  The 
family  of  this  gentleman  was  a very  large  one, 
and  he  lived  to  see  his  children  and  their  chil- 
dren grow  up  about  him,  and  died  at  the  age  of 
eighty  years.  Nehemiah  Youmans  was  a black- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


231 


smith  by  trade.  He  died  in  Orange  county, 
N.  Y.,  in  1852,  aged  about  forty  years.  In 

1849  wife  died,  aged  thirty-six  years;  both 

attended  the  Presbyterian  Church.  To  this 
couple  were  born  six  children,  four  now  liv- 
ing: Annie,  wife  of  Peter  Colgan,  of  New 

Haven,  Conn. ; David ; and  Mary  and  Sarah, 
both  unmarried,  and  residents  of  New  Haven, 
Conn. ; George,  who  was  a soldier  in  the  Civil 
war,  died  in  Andersonville  prison. 

David  Youmans,  our  subject,  lived  in 
Orange  county,  N.  Y.,  until  ten  years  of  age, 
attending  the  district  school  at  Searsburg.  In 

1850  he  came  West  to  Wisconsin,  in  company 
with  George  Cleland  and  wife,  via  the  great 
lakes  to  Milwaukee,  and  thence  to  Center  town- 
ship, Rock  county,  by  wagon.  Here  they  took 
up  government  land,  and  David  Youmans  lived 
with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cleland  until  he  grew  to 
mature  years.  Later  he  supplemented  his  early 
education  by  a course  at  a commercial  college 
at  Madison.  In  1875  Mr.  Youmans  purT 
chased  his  present  farm  of  about  seventy-five 
acres,  which  he  has  brought  into  a high  state 
of  cultivation. 

On  Jan.  21,  1874,  David  Youmans  married 
Miss  Nancy  Thorburn,  who  was  born  Dec.  28, 
1843,  in  Delaware  county,  N.  Y.,  daughter  of 
George  and  Margaret  (Glendenning)  Thor- 
burn, and  two  children  were  born  to  this  union  : 
George  C.,  who  lives  at  home,  and  Ella,  who 
died  in  1888,  when  a little  over  eleven  years 
of  age.  Mrs.  Youmans  passed  away  Dec.  11, 
1883;  she  was  a consistent  member  of  and 
worker  in  the  Congregational  Church.  Mr. 
Youmans  belongs  to  Footville  Lodge,  No.  137, 
F.  & A.  M.  Politically  his  affiliations  are  with 
the  Democratic  party,  and  he  has  held  the  office 
of  district  trustee  for  twenty-two  years.  There 
is  no  man  in  Janesville  township  who  is  more 
representative  of  the  best  agricultural  interests 
of  the  State  than  is  Mr.  Youmans,  understand- 
ing, as  he  does,  so  thoroughly,  farming  upon 
modern  methods,  with  latest  improved  ap- 
pliances. 

JAMES  H.  BLISS  has  been  a hard-work- 
ing and  upright  man  all  his  life,  and  whatever 
he  has  undertaken  has  been  wrought  with 
painstaking  fidelity.  At  the  very  beginning  of 
his  young  manhood  he  gave  long  and  faithful 
service  to  the  preservation  of  the  National 
Union;  and,  while  he  played  a humble  part  in 
the  great  war  for  liberty,  it  was  the  modest  and 


heroic  devotion  to  duty  on  his  part  and  of  mil- 
lions like  him  that  made  this  the  golden  age  of 
the  Republic.  He  is  now  somewhat  advanced 
in  life,  but  is  still  hale  and  hearty,  and  bears 
himself  like  a strong  and  vigorous  man. 

Mr.  Bliss  was  born  in  Jefferson  county, 
N.  Y.,  Oct.  29,  1838,  a son  of  Janies  and  Julia 
(Coffin)  Bliss,  both  native  to  the  State  of  New 
York.  They  were  the  parents  of  four  children, 
two  of  whom  are  now  living:  James  H.  and 

Horace  R.,  of  Chicago.  One  of  the  deceased 
was  named  Julius.  The  father,  who  was  a 
carpenter  and  cabinet  maker,  came  to  Roscoe, 
111.,  in  the  fall  of  1853.  Four  years  later  he 
moved  to  Beloit,  Wis.,  and  engaged  in  cabinet 
making,  and  some  years  later  he  moved  to 
Janesville  and  secured  a position  in  the  North- 
western shops,  where  he  worked  until  a short 
time  before  his  death,  in  1871,  at  the  age  of 
fifty-six  years.  His  wife  survived  him  many 
years,  and  passed  away  in  1887.  She  was  a 
Methodist.  He  was  a.  soldier  in  the  Union 
army,  having  enlisted  as  a member  of  Com- 
pany E,  3d  Wis.  V.  C.,  under  command  of  Col. 
Bristow.  The  worst  injury  he  received  in  the 
service  was  in  a battle  in  Missouri.  His  fa- 
ther was  born  in  England,  and  coming  to  this 
country  settled  in  New  York,  where  he  died. 
Isaac  Coffin,  the  father  of  Julia  Coffin,  was  na- 
tive to  the  soil  of  New  York.  He  had  four 
sons  and  four  daughters. 

James  H.  Bliss  was  reared  to  manhood  in 
New  York,  where  he  attended  the  public 
schools,  and  acquired  a substantial  and  useful 
education.  At  the  breaking  out  of  the  Civil 
war  he  was  quick  to  respond  to  the  call  for 
soldiers,  and,  enlisting  in  Company  F,  13th 
Wis.  V.  I.,  served  four  years  and  three  months, 
proving  himself  a loyal  and  gallant  defender 
of  the  flag.  He  was  a private  the  greater  Dart 
of  the  time,  but  before  the  completion  of  his 
enlistment  was  appointed  sergeant.  When  he 
had  done  with  war  and  its  horrors  he  returned 
to  civil  life,  and  for  a time  was  engaged  in 
building  bridges.  He  had  a freight  transfer 
wagon  in  Janesville,  and  did  a teaming  busi- 
ness in  that  city  for  fifteen  years,  in  1873  buy- 
ing the  farm  of  ninety-three  acres  on  which 
lie  is  now  living.  Three  years  later  he  left 
the  city,  and,  locating  his  family  on  this  farm, 
has  since  devoted  himself  to  its  cultivation. 
Though  not  large,  it  has  proved  exceedingly 
productive. 

Mr.  Bliss  and  Miss  Lois  Gleave,  a daugh- 


232 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ter  of  James  and  Alice  (Houghton)  Gl.eave, 
were  married  Aug.  9,  1868.  They  had  four 
children:  Philip  R.,  Orville  J.,  Jay  IT,  and 

Alice  O.  Philip  R.  married  Lulu  E.  Deronso, 
and  lives  in  Oregon;  they  have  one  daughter, 
Alice.  None  of  the  other  children  are  mar- 
ried. Orville  J.  is  an  electrician  in  Chicago. 
Jay  PI.  is  studying  pharmacy  in  Janesville. 
Mrs.  Bliss  died  May  17,  1898,  at  the  age  of 
fifty-four  years.  She  was  a Methodist,  and 
a lady  of  many  admirable  qualities.  Mr.  Bliss 
is  a Mason,  belonging  to  Western  Star  Lodge, 
No.  14,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  and  Janesville  Chap- 
ter, No.  5.  R.  A.  M.,  and  he  is  also  a member 
of  V . PI.  Sargent  Post,  No.  20,  G.  A.  R.  Po- 
litically he  is  a Republican.  Pie  is  an  honest, 
hard-working  man,  loving  quiet,  and  devoted 
to  the  farm  on  which  he  lives  and  the  work 
before  him. 

HON.  HARRY  CHAPMAN  MARTIN. 
Among  the  many  distinguished  citizens  of  La- 
fayette county,  who  are  known  well  and  favor- 
ably through  the  State,  is  Harry  Chapman 
Martin,  the  subject  of  this  biography,  who  is 
also  one  of  the  leading  members  of  the  Bar  in 
Wisconsin. 

Mr.  Martin  is  a native  of  Wisconsin,  re- 
siding in  his  birthplace,  the  pleasant  little  city 
of  Darlington,  where  he  first  saw  the  light 
Dec.  15,  1854.  His  parents  were  A.  C.  and 
Adelia  J.  (Chapman)  Martin,  the  former  of 
whom  was  born  March  18,  1827,  in  Orleans 
county,  A t.,  and  married  Adelia  J.  Chapman, 
a native  of  Boston,  Mass.,  who  had  removed 
with  her  parents  to  NeAV  Hampshire  in  child- 
hood. In  1854  A.  C.  Martin  removed  with 
Ins  wife  to  Darlington,  where  for  many  years 
he  was  a successful  business  man,  but  he  now 
lives  retired,  a highly  respected  citizen.  Of 
the  family  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Martin,  our 
subject  is  the  only  survivor. 

Harry  Chapman  Martin,  our  subject,  re- 
ceived his  early  education  in  the  public  schools 
of  his  native  town,  later  engaged  in  teaching 
for  one  year,  and  then  entered  the  Wisconsin 
State  Phiiversity,  from  which  he  graduated  in 
the  class  of.  1879.  Returning  to  Darlington, 
he  immediately  entered  upon  the  study  of  law, 
progressing  so  rapidly  that  he  was  admitted  to 
the  Bar  in  1881,  and  soon  after  his  admission 
he  was  appointed  county  superintendent  of 
schools.  So  efficiently  did  Mr.  Martin  perform 
the  duties  of  his  office,  and  so  entirely  did  he 


gain  the  confidence  of  the  public,  that  for  six 
years  he  was  kept  in  that  responsible  posi- 
tion, leaving  it  when  other  honors  were  prof- 
fered. 

In  1887  Mr.  Martin  was  elected  mayor 
of  the  city  of  Darlington,  and  re-elected  in 
1888,  his  management  of  municipal  affairs 
calling  forth  favorable  notice  through  the 
State.  For  several  years  he  served  as  city  at- 
torney, and  in  1892  was  elected  district  at- 
torney of  Lafayette  county.  An  ardent  and 
active  Republican,  he  gave  four  years  of  serv- 
ice on  the  State  Central  Committee,  and  was 
elected  to  the  assembly  branch  of  the  Legis- 
lature of  Wisconsin  in  1895,  to  fill  a vacancy 
occasioned  by  the  death  of  James  Freeman, 
this  mark  of  esteem  and  confidence  being  em- 
phasized in  1898  by  his  election  to  the  State 
Senate.  Mr.  Martin  represents  the  17th  Sen- 
atorial District,  which  comprises  the  counties 
of  Lafayette  and  Green,  and  a part  of  Rock. 
Should  life  and  vigor  be  vouchsafed  to  our 
subject,  no  one  of  his  many  friends  doubts 
that  he  has  but  commenced  his  successful  pub- 
lic career,  and  they  do  not  hesitate  to  predict 
for  him  the  highest  honor  in  the  gift  of  the 
American  people. 

The  wife  of  Senator  Martin  was  formerly 
Miss  Catherine  E.  Dodge,  a daughter  of 
Ammi  Dodge,  an  early  settler  of  Lafayette 
county,  and  one  daughter,  Anna,  has  been  born 
to  them. 

CHARLES  B.  CHAMPION,  whose  death, 
on  April  4,  1893,  removed  from  Lafayette 
county  one  of  the  central  figures  in  the  business 
world,  as  well  as  one  of  the  most  prominent, 
substantial  and  highly  respected  citizens,  was 
born  in  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  July  1,  1829,  son  of 
Robert  and  Elizabeth  (Cobb)  Champion. 

Robert  Champion  was  a native  of  Vermont, 
and  his  wife  of  Alabama.  Their  marriage  oc- 
curred in  the  latter  State,  where  he  was  follow- 
ing his  trade  of  hatter.  In  1827  lie  came  to 
Wisconsin,  where  he  purchased  a large  tract  of 
government  land  for  mining  purposes,  at  that 
time  owning  all  the  ground  on  which  the  town 
of  New  Diggings  now  stands,  as  well  as  a 
large  body  outside  the  village.  This  he  sold  or 
leased  for  mining  purposes,  and  was  very  suc- 
cessful in  his  own  mine  operations,  becoming 
one  of  the  expert  miners,  as  well  as  operators, 
in  this  section.  The  noted  “Champion  Mine” 
was  named  for  him.  While  descending  one  of 


HARRY  C.  MARTIN 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


233 


the  deep  shafts,  in  1874,  he  fell,  and  received 
injuries  which  caused  his  death  three  months 
later.  He  left  a wife  and  six  children  to  mourn 
for  him.  The  wife  died  in  1890.  The  children 
were  as  follows:  Mary,  born  in  1827,  married 
Henry  Van  Osden,  of  Missouri,  first  residing 
in  Darlington,  then  in  Sedalia,  where  he  died, 
and  where  his  wife  and  family  still  reside. 
Charles  B.  is  our  subject.  Eliza,  born  in  New 
Diggings,  married  Edward  Snyder,  of  Harris- 
burg, Penn.,  where  he  is  engaged  in 'the  real- 
estate  business;  they  have  four  children,  Julia, 
Viola,  Lulu,  and  Robert.  Emaline  married 
H.  Iv.  White,  of  Ohio,  who  died  at  Lake 
Geneva,  Wis.,  leaving  his  wife,  but  no  family. 
Ellen  was  graduated  from  the  Platteville 
Normal,  and  married  Charles  Hafkeymer,  of 
St.  Louis,  where  they  lived  some  years,  then 
moving  to  Chicago,  where  she  died  in  1872, 
leaving  one  son,  Leslie,  who  lives  in  Chicago. 
Julia  married  R.  H.  Weyman,  of  Chicago,  and 
has  two  daughters,  Florence  and  Mildred. 

Charles  B.  Champion,  the  second  in  order 
of  birth  in  the  above  mentioned  family,  was  ed- 
ucated in  the  old  Rock  school  of  Platteville, 
and  in  the  school  at  Mount  Morris,  111.,  where 
he  received  a fine  classical  education.  As  the 
only  son  he  interested  himself  in  his  father’s 
mines,  and  soon  acquired  a practical  knowl- 
edge of  the  entire  subject.  In  1865  he  settled 
in  Darlington,  Wis.,  and  engaged  in  mercantile 
business,  but  in  1872  he  located  in  New  Dig- 
gings again,  and  became  part  owner  and  man- 
ager of  his  father’s  mines.  His  accurate 
knowledge  of  the  business;  and  his  sensible 
way  of  handling  those  in  his  employ,  made 
him  a most  capable  director,  and  he  ever  main- 
tained the  high  respect  of  his  employes.  Some 
years  before  his  death  it  became  evident  that 
consumption  had  fastened  its  evil  hold  upon 
him,  but  he  bravely  and  uncomplainingly  bore 
the  hard  trial  to  the  last. 

In  May,  1865,  Mr.  Champion  was  married 
to  Miss  Ellen  Townsend,  daughter  of  Absalom 
and  Julia  (Wells)  Townsend,  a pioneer  couple 
of  Lafayette  county.  Two  children  were  born 
to  this  union : Julia  became  a student  at  Sin- 
sinawa  Mound  College,  and  died  in  1887;  Bir- 
die C.  was  educated  in  Mount  St.  Joseph  Col- 
lege, of  Dubuque,  Iowa,  where  she  received  a 
fine  musical  and  classical  education,  and  is 
now  one  of  the  social  ^favorites  at  her  home. 
Mr.  Champion  took  a deep  interest  in  politics, 
always  voting  the  Republican  ticket,  but  had 


neither  time  nor  inclination  for  official  posi- 
tions. The  family  are  Presbyterians  in  relig- 
ious connection,  and  liberal  supporters  of  all 
church  work.  Fraternally  Mr.  Townsend  was 
an  active  member  of  the  Masons,  and  his  funer- 
al services  were  conducted  with  all  the  rites  and 
ceremonies  of  that  order,  and  his  remains  laid 
to  rest  in  the  Masonic  cemetery. 

Absalom  Townsend,  father  of  Mrs. 
Champion,  was  born  in  Steuben  county,  N.  Y., 
in  December,  1811.  In  1844  he  settled  at 
Shullsburg,  Wis.,  where  he  owned  a large  body 
of  land,  and  engaged  there  in  farming  and  min- 
ing, becoming  one  of  the  wealthiest  citizens  in 
that  locality.  His  death  occurred  in  1879.  He 
was  twice  married ; his  first  wife,  Miss  Mary 
A.  Ross,  was  born  in  Indiana  and  died  at  Wil- 
low Springs,  Wis.,  leaving  four  children,  two 
of  whom  are  living : Addison,  of  Shullsburg ; 
and  Virginia,  wife  of  John  Benton,  of  Chica- 
go. For  his  second  wife  Mr.  Townsend  wed- 
ded Miss  Julia  Wells,  at  Freeport,  111.,  in  1844. 
She  was  born  in  January,  1829,  and  died  in 
1877  leaving  two  sons  and  one  daughter: 
Edwin,  born  in  1845,  married  Miss  Mary 
Cavanaugh,  of  Shullsburg  (where  he  is  en- 
gaged in  business),  and  has  five  children, 
Laura,  Julia,  May,  Frank  and  Georgie;  Walter 
married  Miss  Ella  Cottle  of  Lafayette  county, 
and  resides  in  Shullsburg,  where  he  is  engaged 
as  a fancy  stock  dealer ; Ellen,  Mrs.  Champion, 
was  educated  in  the  Shullsburg  high  school 
and  in  St.  Clair  Convent,  at  Benton,  Wis.  She 
is  very  intelligent,  and  is  a capable  business 
woman,  carefully  managing  her  late  husband’s 
estate,  and  is  prominent  socially,  cordially  liked 
by  all  who  know  her.  The  Townsend  family 
were  all  members  of  the  Presbyterian  Church, 
and  in  their  political  views  the  men  of  the  fam- 
ily were  all  Republicans.  Fraternally  Mr. 
Townsend  was  active  in  the  work  of  the 
Masonic  fraternity. 

JAMES  C.  ROBBINS,  a stock  dealer  and 
grain  buyer  of  Belmont,  and  former  sheriff  of 
Lafayette  county,  belongs  to  the  number  of 
those  brave  souls  who  are  not  willing  to  admit 
the  approach  of  age  so  long  as  the  eye  is  not 
dimmed  nor  the  natural  force  abated.  Pie  is 
on  the  wintry  side  of  sixty,  and  is  still  ener-- 
getic  and  hustling,  eager  for  business  and  ready 
for  a deal  at  any  time.  He  is  a man  of  char- 
acter and  standing,  and  has  led  a busy  life  use- 
fully and  well. 


234 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Mr.  Robbins  was  born  in  Chautauqua 
county,  N.  Y.,  in  1838,  a son  of  Melzar  and 
Aurelia  (Sprague)  Robbins,  natives  of  Con- 
necticut and  New  York,  respectively.  They 
came  West  to  Jo  Daviess  county.  111.,  in  1841, 
and  engaged  in  farming  for  the  rest  of  their 
lives.  They  were  honest  and  God-fearing 
people,  of  the  best  of  habits  and  the  kindest  dis- 
position. They  reared  a larg'e  family  of  chil- 
dren, seven  of  whom  are  still  living:  Celestia, 

widow  of  William  Bell,  is  now  living  in  Iowa. 
William,  born  in  New  York,  became  a soldier 
in  Company  E,  96th  111.  V.  I.,  was  wounded 
at  Chickamauga.  and  discharged  from  the 
service ; he  married  and  settled  in  Illinois, 
where  he  reared  a family,  and  he  and  his  wife 
are  now  deceased ; the  children  are  living-  in 
Colorado.  Clara,  born  in  Illinois,  married  H. 
D.  Easley,  and  settled  near  Apple  River,  in  her 
native  State,  where  she  died,  leaving  three 
children.  Joseph  B.,  born  in  Illinois,  was  a 
soldier  in  the  Civil  war ; he  married,  and  is 
now  a resident  of  St.  Paul,  Minn.,  extensively 
interested  in  mines,  being  one  of  the  principal 
owners  of  the  Robbins  copper  mines.  Cor- 
nelia, born  in  Illinois,  is  the  wife  of  Hugh 
Williams,  of  Freeport.  George  was  born  in 
Illinois,  where  he  married,  and  settled  on  the 
home  farm  near  Apple  River ; he  is  still  living 
there,  and  has  a family  of  two  children,  Frank 
and  Maggie.  Ella  married  Lewis  Hinckley, 
moved  to  Colorado,  and  died  in  that  State. 
Charles,  unmarried,  is  a resident  of  Illinois. 
Etta,  Mrs.  Martin  Tanner,  of  Waterloo', 
Iowa,  is  the  mother  of  two  children. 

James  C.  Robbins  spent  his  childhood  and 
early  youth  in  Illinois,  where  he  received  the 
benefit  of  a common-school  education,  and  was 
well  prepared  for  the  realities  of  life.  He  was 
a young  man  at  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war, 
and  soon  became  a soldier  in  the  Union  army, 
enlisting  in  Company  B,  45th  111.  V.  I.  Dis- 
playing much  ability  in  the  discharge  of  his 
military  duties,  he  rose  in  rank,  and  presently 
was  commissioned  by  President  Lincoln  a cap- 
tain in  the  Louisiana  Volunteer  Artillery,  being 
mustered  into  the  5th  United  States  Heavy 
Artillery  (colored).  He  participated  in  some 
of  the  most  important  battles  of  the  war,  and 
'made  a record  of  which  he  is  justly  proud,  as- 
sisting in  the  capture  of  Fort  Henry  and  Fort 
Donelson,  was  at  the  siege  of  Vicksburg,  and 
seriously  wounded  at  Shiloh.  He  had  a tedi- 
ous recovery,  and  when  able  for  duty  reported 


at  the  front,  and  served  until  Nov.  20,  1864, 
when  the  gallant  soldier  and  officer  resigned 
on  account  of  physical  disability. 

In  i860  Mr.  Robbins  married  Miss  Sarah 
Frost,  who  was  born  in  Vermont  in  1841, 
daughter  of  Josiah  and  Lydia  Frost.  Her 
parents  removed  to  Illinois  while  she  was  still 
a young  girl,  and  in  that  State  she  was  edu- 
cated and  married.  The  young  couple  settled 
in  Illinois,  and  Mrs.  Robbins  remained  near 
her  people  during  the  long  and  terrible  years 
when  her  husband  was  at  the  front.  She  died 
soon  after  his  return  from  the  battlefields  of 
the  South,  passing  away  in  1866,  and  leaving- 
two  sons,  J.  W.  and  Herbert  J.  J.  W.  was  born 
at  Apple  River  in  1862,  was  educated  in  the 
Platteville  (Wis.)  Normal,  and  is  a railroad 
man,  living  in  Chicago ; he  has  been  in  the  em- 
ployment of  the  Illinois  Central  railroad  much 
of  "his  life.  Herbert  J.  was  born  in  Illinois  in 
1865,  was  educated  in  the  Platteville  Normal, 
and  is  also  a railroad  man.  He  married,  and 
has  his  home  in  Chicago.  He  and  his  wife 
have  one  daughter,  Katie,  a charming  young 
girl. 

I11  1869  Mr.  Robbins  married  Miss  Emily 
Buss,  a daughter  of  Daniel  and  Charlotte 
Buss,  who  came  from  England.  At  the  time 
of  her  marriage  she  was  residing  in  Belmont, 
where  Mr.  Robbins  had  already  established 
himself  in  the  grain  and  stock  business.  1 o 
this  union  there  were  born  five  children : 
Lewis  F.  was  born  in  Belmont  in  1871.  Laura 
was  born  in  Iowa  in  1873,  was  educated  in  the 
high  school  at  Belmont,  in  1897  married  Dr. 
George  Walters,  and  now  resides  in  Weslev. 
Iowa;  she  has  one  son,  Cassius.  Frank  M., 
born  in  Belmont  in  1875,  is  now  in  business 
in  Fairbank,  Iowa.  Frank  and  Lewis  both 
served  in  the  Spanish-American  war.  Miss 
Cora,  born  in  Belmont,  is  living  with  her  par- 
ents ; she  was  educated  in  the  Belmont  high 
school.  Charles  D.,  born  in  Belmont  in  1883, 
is  a student  in  the  local  high  school. 

In  1868  Mr.  Robbins  came  to  Belmont  and 
established  himself  in  the  grain  and  stock  busi- 
ness. In  1892  he  disposed  of  his  grain  trade, 
and  since  that  time  has  devoted  himself  to  live 
stock,  shipping  principally  to  the  Chicago  mar- 
kets. He  has  owned  large  tracts  of  Belmont 
business  and  residence  property,  and  in  1898 
he  erected  his  present  home,  a fine  modern 
building,  on  Liberty  street.  Mr.  Robbins  has 
made  extensive  investments  in  mineral  lands 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


235 


in  Lafayette  county,  and  is  the  owner  of  the 
“Lucky  Three"  mine  in  the  town  of  Kendall. 
Politically  he  has  always  been  a Republican, 
and  was  elected  sheriff  of  Lafayette  county  in 
1884,  discharging  the  duties  of  that  important 
office  with  credit  to  himself  and  satisfaction  to 
the  county.  He  has  been  justice  of  the  peace 
in  Belmont  twelve  years,  is  now  a member  of 
the  county  board,  and  has  been  school  director 
and  treasurer  several  terms.  He  is  a man  of 
character  and  standing  in  his  community. 
Socially  he  is  a member  of  the  Grand  Army 
of  the  Republic,  Sherman  Post.  Platteville, 
Wis. ; a charter  member  of  the  Blue  Lodge  of 
Masons  at  Apple  River,  111. ; and  is  connected 
with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America,  No. 
1 1 17,  in  which  various  associations  he  has 
proved  a companionable  and  genial  gentleman. 
He  takes  a leading  part  in  the  affairs  of  his  own 
community,  and  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  solid 
business  men  and  foremost  citizens  of  Bel- 
mont. 

CPIARLES  R.  BRIDGMAN.  The  fam- 
ily from  which  our  honored  and  respected  sub- 
ject, Charles  R.  Bridgman,  descends  can  be 
traced  unbrokenly  back  to  the  time  of  King 
Charles  I.,  of  England. 

One  of  the  representatives  of  the  Bridg- 
man family  came  to  New  England  but  twenty 
years  after  the  landing  of  the  Pilgrims.  This 
family  did  not  belong  to  Puritan  stock,  but, 
on  the  other  hand,  were  Royalists,  friends  of 
the  unhappy  King  Charles  I.,  one  of  the  an- 
cestors, Sir  Orlando  Bridgman,  presiding  at  the 
trial  of  the  Regicides,  after  the  Restoration, 
and  the  coming  to  the  throne  of  Charles  II. 
The  name  has  frequent  and  honorable  mention 
in  English  history,  and  the  family  has  fur- 
nished many  persons  of  note,  not  only  in  Eng- 
land, but  in  this  country  as  well.  Rev.  Elijah 
Coleman  Bridgman  was  the  first  American 
missionary  sent  to  China,  going  to  that  coun- 
try in  1829,  and  he  performed  the  herculean 
task  of  translating  the  Bible  into  the  Chinese 
language,  his  being  the  standard  translation 
at  this  time.  His  only  son  was  stoned  to  death 
by  an  infuriated  mob.  Among  others  of  the 
family  who  did  missionary  work  in  China  was 
James  G.,  who  went  there  in  1843,  and  was 
killed  in  1850.  Rev.  Henry  Martin,  his  wife 
and  four  children  have  been  doing'  missionary 
work  in  India  since  i860.  In  military  matters 
the  family  have  been  well  represented ; Col. 


Frank  Bridgman,  a brother-in-law  to  Gen. 
McDowel,  is  now  on  the  retired  list,  and  re- 
sides at  Washington,  D.  C.  Capt.  William 
Ross  Bridgman,  who  died  at  Tacoma,  Wash., 
grew  up  in  the  navy,  held  every  rank  up  to  cap- 
tain, and  was  commander  of  the  battleship 
“Baltimore"  from  the  date  of  his  commission, 
Jan.  10,  1892,  until  the  date  of  his  death,  Sept. 
14,  1894.  In  the  war  of  the  Revolution  the 
family  was  liberally  represented,  the  great- 
grandfather of  our  subject  having  fought  un- 
der Gen.  Montgomery  in  the  famous  but  un- 
fortunate expedition  to  Quebec  at  the  beginning 
of  the  war  for  independence,  and  continuing 
in  the  service  until  the  close  of  hostilities. 
Members  of  the  Bridgman  family  were  also 
conspicuous  in  the  second  American  war.  that 
of  1812,  and  no  important  event  in  the  history 
of  our  country,  where  the  citizen  comes  into 
prominence,  has  taken  place  in  which  the  fam- 
ily of  which  our  subject  is  a member  has  not 
been  represented.  It  is  an  interesting  fact  that 
the  celebrated  Laura  Bridgman,  one  of  the 
most  remarkable  women  of  her  time,  whose 
death  occurred  in  1878,  was  a cousin  to  the 
father  of  our  subject. 

John  J.  Bridgman  was  born  in  the  State 
of  New  Hampshire  Nov.  5,  1813.  Alien  he 
was  but  a child  his  parents  moved  to  the  West- 
ern Reserve,  in  the  State  of  Ohio,  and  his  wife, 
when  a child,  was  taken  to  the  same  part  of  the 
State  by  her  mother,  her  father  dying  in  New 
York.  There  the  children  grew  to  maturity, 
married,  and  in  1848  migrated  westward, 
finally  settling  in  Lafayette  county,  Wis.  For 
many  years  Mr.  Bridgman  resided  in  the  town 
of  Fayette,  and  now,  at  the  age  of  eighty-six, 
lives  with  his  son  at  Lamont.  His  wife  passed 
away  in  1898,  aged  eighty-five.  The  parents 
of  John  J.  Bridgman  also  came  to  Lafayette 
comity,  when  quite  well  advanced  in  life,  and 
lost  their  lives  by  drowning  while  attempting 
to  ford  the  Pecatonica  river,  this  sad-event  oc- 
curring Feb.  13,  1867. 

Charles  R.  Bridgman,  the  immediate  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch,  was  the  eldest  of  a family 
of  eight  members,  the  others  being  Hiram  M. ; 
Mrs.  Elizabeth  C.  Cook,  of  Charles  City, 
Iowa;  Henry,  who  died  in  1854:  James  S.,  of 
Lamont,  Wis. : Mrs.  Tulia  A.  McConnell,  of 
Spencer,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Hannah  R.  McCarty,  of 
Lamont;  and  William  M.,  of  Charles  City, 
Iowa,  now  deceased. 

Our  subject  was  born  in  Ashtabula  county, 


236 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Ohio,  Dec.  8,  1838,  a son  of  John  J.  and 
Rhoda  (Cone)  .Bridgman,  the  former  a native 
of  New  Hampshire,  the  latter  of  Cazenovia, 
N.  Y.  When  about  ten  years  of  age  Charles 
was  brought  to  Lafayette  county,  Wis.,  and 
lived  in  the  town  of  Fayette  for  some  four 
years,  going  thence  to  Wiota,  where  he  has 
resided  the  greater  part  of  his  life.  When  the 
Civil  war  broke  out  Mr.  Bridgman  had  already 
reached  man’s  estate,  and  he  was  not  long  in 
making  up  his  mind  as  to  his  duty,  the  blood 
of  his  ancestors  urging  him  on  to  warlike 
deeds.  On  Aug.  11,  1862,  Mr.  Bridgman  was 
enrolled  as  a member  of  Co.  E,  31st  Wis.  V. 
I.,  entering  as  a private,  and  at  the  end  of  his 
first  year  of  service  being  advanced  to  the  po- 
sition of  second  lieutenant,  in  which  rank  he 
remained  until  the  close  of  the  war,  although 
a large  part  of  the  time  he  was  in  command 
of  his  company.  The  31st  Regiment  served 
at  different  points  along  the  Mississippi  river 
until  the  fall  of  Vicksburg,  when  the  regiment 
was  transferred  to  the  Army  of  the  Cumber- 
land, and  became  a part  of  the  3d1  Brigade,  1st 
Division,  20th  Army  Corps,  with  which  it  was 
identified  until  the  close  of  the  war.  Mr. 
Bridgman  took  part  in  all  of  the  important 
battles  of  the  famous  Atlanta  campaign,  and 
after  the  capture  of  that  city  the  regiment  was 
employed  for  a time  as  a portion  of  the  garri- 
son. This  regiment  made  itself  felt  in  all  the 
prominent  events  in  the  March  to  the  Sea,  at 
the  battles  of  Averysboro  and  Bentonville,  in 
the  latter  struggle  losing  sixty  men  in  killed, 
wounded  and  missing.  After  the  grand  re- 
view in  Washington  the  regiment  wras  sent  to 
Louisville,  Ivy.,  and  on  June  20,  1865,  was 
mustered  out,  being  disbanded  at  Madison, 
Wis.,  on  July  8,  when  the  bronzed  and  scarred 
men  returned  to  their  homes,  with  memories 
which  time  will  never  efface,  and  followed 
with  the  thanks  of  a grateful  country. 

Our  subject  returned  to  his  old  home  in 
Wiota,  and  on  Nov.  5,  of  the  same  year,  was 
united  in  marriage  to  his  present  most  estimable 
wife,  who  was  then  Miss  Ellen  A.  Williams. 
She  was  born  in  Orleans  county,  N.  Y.,  a 
daughter  of  Rev.  Benjamin  W.  Williams,  and 
was  brought  West  by  her  parents  when  an  in- 
fant. This  union  has  been  blessed  with  six 
children:  Halcyon  Bertha  died  on  April  15, 

1876,  at  the  age  of  seven;  Wilbur  H.  is  editor 
of  the  Stanley  Republican,  Stanley,  Wis. ; John 
C.  is  a student  of  Rush  Medical  College,  Chi- 


cago; Benjamin  W.  is  principal  of  the  high 
school  at  Oakfield,  Wis. ; Ellen  Carlotta  is 
assistant  principal  of  the  high  school  at  Me- 
nasha,  Wis. ; Rhoda  S.  is  at  home. 

For  many  years  Mr.  Bridgman  successfully 
carried  on  farming  and  stock  raising,  owning 
one  of  the  finest  farms  in  the  township  of  La- 
ment, and  making  a specialty  of  fine  stock. 
For  a long  time  'he  was  a justice  of  the  peace, 
and  he  filled  all  of  the  local  offices,  but  he  re- 
tired from  the  active  duties  of  life  for  many 
years,  when  he  removed  to  Darlington.  In 
politics  he  is  a stanch  Republican,  coming  from 
an  Abolitionist  ancestry,  his  grandfather,  when 
a resident  of  Ohio,  being-  an  official  of  the  great 
“underground  railroad,”  and  assisting  many 
an  escaping  negro  to  the  land  of  freedom.  Mr. 
Bridgman’s  health  was  much  broken  in  the 
army,  which  fact  becomes  more  and  more  ap- 
parent as  the  years  go  by.  Socially  he  is  con- 
nected with  Harvey  Post,  No.  45,  G.  A.  R., 
Department  of  Wisconsin,  and  is  a Royal  Arch 
Mason.  He  is  a worthy  'representative  of  the 
sturdy  ancestors  who,  with-  James  Bridgman, 
left  Winchester,  County  of  Hants,  England, 
in  1640,  and  settled  at  Springfield,  Massachu- 
setts. 

EDMUND  F.  WOODS,  M.  D.,  has  led  a 
life  of  activity,  hard  study,  travel  and  re- 
search1, and,  although  he  is  still  only  forty-six 
years  old,  he  has  been  the  recipient  of  many 
honors,  and  is  possessed  of  a handsome  for- 
tune. His  professional  practice  is  large  and 
lucrative,  and  he  is  a member  of  numerous 
medical  societies,  as  well  as  a Mason  of  the 
thirty-second  degree.  The  story  of  his  life  is 
a most  interesting  one. 

Dr.  Woods  w^as  born  Oct.  6,  1854,  in  the 
village  of  Alborough,  in  the  County  of  Nor- 
folk, England.  His  father,  John  Woods,  died 
the  same  year  in  which  Edmund  F.,  his  only 
child,  was  born.  Flis  mother,  whose  maiden 
name  wras  Martha  Woods,  is  a daughter  of 
the  late  Robert  Woods,  of  Covington,  Ky., 
who  lived  to  attain  the  well-nigh  phenomenal 
age  of  ninety-eight  years.  Lie  was  a well- 
lcnown  manufacturer  of  collars  in  England, 
and  emigrated  to  America  in  i860,  taking  up 
his  residence  at  Covington,  where  lie  led  the 
life  of  a retired  gentleman.  Mrs.  John  Woods, 
the  mother  of  the  distinguished  physician  and 
surgeon  whose  career  forms  the  subject  of  this 
short  biographical  sketch,  crossed  the  ocean  in 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


237 


August,  i860,  bringing  her  son,  then  a boy  of 
six  years,  with  her.  Without  tarrying  in 
New  York  (the  port  of  her  arrival)  she  pro- 
ceeded at  once  to  Covington,  Ivy.,  afterward 
removing  to  Darlington,  Lafayette  Co.,  Wis., 
where  she  met  and  married  Jonathan  Fitchett. 
In  the  spring  of  1895  they  removed  to  Janes- 
ville, Wis.,  which  city  is  still  their  home. 

Dr.  Woods  began  the  education  to  which 
he  has  devoted  many  of  the  best  years  of  his 
life  in  the  common  school  at  Darlington.  For 
several  years  he  was  employed  as  clerk  in  a 
hardware  store,  and  in  1877  he  went  to  Lead- 
ville,  Colo.,  where  he  was  engaged  in  handling- 
miners’  supplies  on  behalf  of  H.  N.  Webb  & 
Co.  To  this  vocation  he  brought  such  good 
business  tact,  joined  to  sound  judgment,  in- 
dustry and  thrift,  that  in  the  course  of  a 
year  he  was  able  to  accumulate  enough  to 
well-nigh  pay  the  expense  attendant  upon  a 
course  in  the  Medical  College  of  Indiana,  at 
Indianapolis,  from  which  he  graduated  in  the 
spring  of  1882.  For  seven  years  he  was  en- 
gaged in  practice  at  Darlington,  and  in  the 
autumn  of  1889,  feeling  that  an  additional 
course  of  study  would  be  of  advantage  to  him, 
he  entered  the  Atlanta  (Ga. ) Medical  College, 
from  which  he  received  his  second  diploma. 
This  course  he  supplemented  by  attendance  at 
the  Post-Graduate  College  of  New  York  City, 
after  which  he  devoted  some  time  to  travel. 
On  June  23,  1890,  he  was  married  to  Miss 
Margaret  B.,  a daughter  of  Stephen  S.  and 
M.  Elizabeth  (Lord)  Allen,  of  Darlington. 
After  their  marriage  they  visited  Europe,  going 
to  many  cities  in  England  and  on  the  Con- 
tinent, and  while  in  London  Dr.  Woods  at- 
tended lectures  at  the  University  Hospital. 

On  Jan.  1,  1891,  the  Doctor  located  in 
Janesville,  and  there  practiced  with  marked 
success  until  the  spring  of  1897,  when,  ac- 
companied by  his  wife,  he  once  more  went 
abroad,  his  objective  point  being  the  gathering- 
place  of  the  International  Medical  Associa- 
tion, Moscow,  Russia.  Before  returning  home 
they  visited  Italy,  Germany,  Austria,  Switzer- 
land, Holland,  Sweden  and  France,  traveling- 
in  all  about  18,000  miles.  They  returned  to 
Janesville  about  the  first  of  November,  and 
since  then  the  Doctor  has  been  wholly  de- 
voted to  his  professional  duties.  Both  as  a 
general  practitioner  and  as  a surgeon  he  stands 
high  among  medical  men,  while  his  patients, 
one  and  all,  regard  him  with  admiration,  con- 


fidence and  love.  He  is  a member  of  the  Amer- 
ican Medical  Association,  of  the  Wisconsin 
State  and  the  Central  Wisconsin  Associations, 
and  of  the  Rock  County  Medical  Society.  Since 
1895  he  has  held  the  position  of  district  sur- 
geon to  the  Chicago  & Northwestern  Rail- 
way Co.  Politically  he  is  a Republican,  and 
in  religious  faith  follows  that  of  his  ancestors, 
who  were  members  of  the  Church  of  England. 
Mrs.  Woods  is  a Congregationalist. 

Reference  has  been  made  to  the  high  rank 
held  by  Dr.  Woods  in  the  Masonic  Order.  His 
immediate  affiliations  are  with  AA'estern  Star 
Lodge,  No.  14,  A.  F.  & A.  M. ; Janesville 
Chapter,  No.  5,  R.  A.  M. ; Janesville  Com- 
mandery,  No.  2,  Iv.  T. ; and  Milwaukee  Con- 
sistory. He  is  also  an  Odd  Fellow,  and  a 
member  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  He  is  of 
a genial  and  generous  disposition,  of  tried 
fidelity  to  his  friends,  and  has  charity  for  the 
failings  of  all.  His  home  is  one  of  the  most 
handsome  in  Janesville,  and  is  noted  for  its 
refined  and  liberal  hospitality. 

WILLIAM  R.  ELLIS,  one  of  the  well- 
known  and  highly-respected  citizens  of  Clifton 
township.  Grant  county,  and  a veteran  of  the 
war  of  the  Rebellion,  he  having  served  his 
country  bravely  in  the  great  struggle  when 
brother  was  pitted  against  brother  and  our  fair 
land  drenched  in  blood,  was  born  in  Virginia 
Dec.  15,  1833,  a son  of  Washington  and  Eliza- 
beth (Blankenship)  Ellis,  both  also  natives  of 
Virginia. 

In  the  fall  of  1847  the  parents  and  several 
children,  of  whom  our  subject  was  the  eldest, 
migrated  to  Wisconsin,  settling  in  the  town  of 
Ellenboro.  Grant  county,  where  they  remained 
some  years — during  which  time  several  chil- 
dren were  born,  the  family  numbering  nine — - 
and  where  the  mother  died.  The  father  sur- 
vived her,  and  died  in  the  town  of  Potosi. 

Our  subject  remained  at  home  until  of  age, 
when  he  began  work  for  himself,  and  he  has  al- 
ways been  engaged  in  farming.  In  time  he 
purchased  a fine  farm  in  Clifton  township, 
which  he  has  greatly  improved,  and  upon  which 
he  now  resides.  On  Jan.  12,  1859,  Mr.  Ellis 
married  Miss  Elizabeth  A.  Cox,  a daughter  of 
John  and  Agnes  Cox.  Mrs.  Ellis  was  born  in 
Pennsylvania  July  11.  1844,  and  was  taken  to 
Iowa  by  her  mother  when  but  three  years  old, 
the  father  having  migrated  to  that  State  pre- 
viously. He  died  in  Iowa,  and  Mrs.  Cox  mar- 


238 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ried  Washington  Ellis,  the  father  of  our  sub- 
ject; she  is  still  living.  Thirteen  children 
were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ellis,  nine  of  whom 
are  still  living. 

On  Aug.  20,  1862,  Mr.  Ellis  enlisted  in 
Company  H,  25th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  was  honor- 
ably discharged  in  July,  1865.  He  partici- 
pated in  many  of  the  leading  battles  of  the  war 
which  took  place  in  the  West,  the  regiment 
having  been  stationed  in  Minnesota  and  other 
Western  States.  During-  his  term  of  service 
his  health  became  so  shattered  that  he  has 
never  recovered  from  the  effects  of  his  gallant 
career  in  the  army.  As  the  years  advance  Mr. 
Ellis  realizes  bow  great  the  service  rendered 
by  the  old  soldiers  was,  even  though  they  did 
come  out  of  the  conflict  without  loss  of  any 
members.  Wrecked  health  is  fully  as  serious 
a matter,  and  for  the  past  ten  years  our  subject 
has  had  to  take  very  good  care  of  himself,  and 
refrain  from  active  participation  in  the  work 
of  the  farm.  In  politics  Mr.  Ellis  has  always 
been  a stanch  Republican,  and  he  and  his  esti- 
mable wife  are  consistent  members  of  the  Chris- 
tian Church.  They  are  kind-hearted  people, 
ever  ready  to  lend'  a helping  hand  to  those  in 
misfortune,  and  endeavor  to  show  forth  in 
their  lives  the  faith  they  are  so  earnestly  fob. 
lowing. 

MATTHEW  VAN  ALLEN  has  for  over 
fifty  years  lived. in  Rock  county,  Wis.,  and  in 
that  long  period  of  time  has  grown  from  early 
manhood  to  a serene  and  ripe  old  age. 

Mr.  Van  Allen  was  born  in  Kinderhook, 
Columbia  Co.,  N.  Y.,  May  3,  1824,  son  of 
Lucas  and  Lydia  (Luddington)  Van  Allen, 
both  also  natives  of  that  county.  They  had 
one  son  and  two  daughters : Matthew ; Sarah, 

wife  of  Wilbur  Goodrich,  of  Emerald  Grove, 
Rock  county ; and  Catherine,  who  died  at  Em- 
erald Grove.  The  father,  who  was  a farmer 
by  occupation,  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1849,  l'0- 
eating  at  Emerald  Grove,  in  Bradford  town- 
ship, where  he  and  his  son  together  bought  140 
acres  of  wild  land,  which  they  improved,  and 
thereon  made  the  family  homestead.  There 
Lucas  Van  .-Vilen  lived  until  his  death,  in  1882, 
at  the  age  of  eighty-two  years.  His  first  wife 
died  in  New  York;  she  was  a Baptist.  Han- 
nah Chapin  became  his  second  wife,  and  after 
her  death  he  married  Bathia  Vosberg,  who  is 
also  deceased.  Lucas  Van  Allen  was  a Con- 
gregationalist.  His  father  was  a native  of 


New  York,  and  of  Holland-Dutch  descent,  was 
a farmer,  and  died  in  New  York  when  ad- 
vanced in  years.  He  had  seven  children. 
Samuel  Luddington,  the  maternal  grandfather 
of  Matthew  Van  Allen,  was  a prominent  and 
well-to-do  farmer  of  Columbia  county,  N.  Y., 
was  of  English  descent,  and  died  when  very 
old.  He  had  a large  family. 

Matthew  Van  Allen  was  seven  years  old 
when  his  parents  moved  from  Columbia  coun- 
ty to  Genesee  county,  N.  Y.,  and  there  he  grew 
to  manhood,  receiving  his  schooling  in  the  vil- 
lage schools  of  LeRoy.  He  has  always  fol- 
lowed agriculture  as  the  main  business  of  his 
life,  and  has  farmed  in  Rock  county  since  1849, 
settling  first  in  Emerald  Grove,  where  he  re- 
mained until.  1853.  That  year  he  sold  his  in- 
terests in  Emerald  Grove  and  bought  seventy- 
live  acres  of  farm  land  in  La  Prairie  township 
and  five  acres  of  timber  in  Harmony  township. 
He  has  bought  more  land  from  time  to  time, 
and  now  owns  a fine  farm  of  217  aores,  highly 
improved,  and  provided  with  all  the  appliances 
for  the  most  modern  farming.  Here  he  con- 
tinues to  make  his  home. 

On  Sept.  14,  1852,  was  celebrated1  the  wed- 
ding of  Mr.  Van  Allen  and  Miss  Elizabeth 
Ransom,  daughter  of  Asa  and  Hannah 
(Green)  Ransom,  both  natives  of  the  State  of 
New  York.  Three  children  have  been  born 
to  this  union,  Eber,  Edwin  T.  and  Kittie. 
Eber  is  a farmer,  and  lives  in  La  Prairie  town- 
ship, occupying  a part  of  the  old  farm  and 
working  all  of  it ; he  married  Mary  Jones,  and 
is  the  father  of  three  children,  Edwin  T., 
Elroy  E.  and  Matthew  Arthur.  Edwin  T., 
the  second  son  of  Matthew  Van  Allen,  died 
when  only  fourteen  months  old.  Kittie  is  still 
single,  and  lives  at  home.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Van 
Alien  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Church, 
and  are  highly  respected  in  every  walk  of  life. 
He  is  a Republican,  but  has  never  been  an 
office-seeker,  being  content  to  do  his  daily 
duties  as  strength  is  given  him. 

Mrs.  Van  Allen’s  father  died  in  New  York 
when  she  was  only  three  months  old,  and  her 
mother  died  in  her  native  State  after  Mrs. 
Van  Allen  came  West.  Her  grandfather, 
Thomas  Ransom,  was  a veteran  of  the  Revo- 
lution, and  so  was  her  maternal  grandfather, 
Isaac  Green.  The  Ransoms  and  Greens  were 
both  New  England  families.  Mrs.  Van  Al- 
len’s father  dealt  extensively  in  land,  and  be- 
came a well-to-do  agriculturist.  His  family 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


239 


consisted  of  four  daughters  and  two  sons,  Mrs. 
Van  Allen  being  the  youngest,  her  birth  occur- 
ring Jan.  28,  1828. 

JOHN  R.  BOOTH,  the  very  efficient  police 
justice  of  the  city  of  Beloit,  Rock  county,  has 
become  widely  known  as  a man  of  ability  and 
decided  judicial  temper.  He  is  active  and  in- 
fluential in  public  affairs,  and  enjoys  a personal 
reputation  that  is  beyond  reproach. 

Mr.  Booth  was  born  in  Montgomery  coun- 
ty, N.  Y.,  June  30,  1827,  a son  of  John  and 
Ellen  (Robertson)  Booth,  natives  of  England 
and  Scotland,  respectively.  They  had  seven 
children  born  to  them,  two  now  living,  John 
R.  and  Belle,  the  latter  a resident  of  Fonda, 
N.  Y.  The  father  was  a woolen  manufac- 
turer, and  was  in  business  at  Fonda,  N.  Y.,  the 
last  years  of  his  life.  He  died  there  when  aged 
about  sixty-five.  The  mother  long  survived 
him,  and  reached  the  age  of  eighty-three. 
They  were  members  of  the  Reformed  Church, 
in  which  he  held  official  position.  His  father 
was  a woolen  manufacturer  in  England,  where 
he  lived  and  died;  he  had  his  business  in  York- 
shire, and  was  a man  of  affairs.  John  Rob- 
ertson, the  father  of  Mrs.  Ellen  Booth,  was 
born  in  Scotland,  and  came  to  this  country  to 
locate  in  Fulton  county,  N.  Y.,  where  he  died 
between  fifty  and  sixty  years  ago  at  a good 
old  age.  He  had  five  or  six  children. 

John  R.  Booth  lived  at  home  until  he  at- 
tained his  majority.  He  obtained  a good  edu- 
cation, attending  the  public  school  and  the  local 
academy,  a school  of  high  grade.  During  his 
vacation  seasons  he  worked  in  the  woolen  mills 
until,  by  the  time  he  was  a man,  he  had  a thor- 
ough understanding  of  every  detail  of  the  busi- 
ness. He  owned  and  operated  a woolen  mill 
on  his  own  account  for  some  years,  and  in  1854, 
coming  West  to  Jo  Daviess  county,  111.,  became 
the  agent  of  the  railroad  company  at  Warren, 
a position  that  he  held  for  some  half  dozen 
years.  He  was  living  in  Galena  at  the  out- 
break of  the  Civil  war,  and  he  secured  trans- 
portation for  the  first  company  of  soldiers  sent 
out  from  the  county  to  aid  in  the  suppression 
of  the  Rebellion.  He  lived  in  Galena  until 
1865,  then  spent  a year  in  Warren,  and  in  1866 
came  to  Beloit,  and  has  made  that  city  his  home 
to  the  present  time,  with  the  exception  of  some 
five  or  six  years  when  he  w’as  in  Iowa.  In 
Beloit  Mr.  Booth  was  in  the  sash  and  door 
business  for  several  years,  and  then  became 


senior  partner  in  the  firm  of  Booth,  Hinman 
& Co.,  proprietors  of  a large  paper  house.  The 
firm  did  an  extensive  business,  and  Mr.  Booth 
continued  therewith  until  1880,  when  he  sold 
out  and  removed  to  Iowa,  remaining  there  sev- 
eral, years.  In  1889  he  returned  to  Beloit,  and 
that  city  has  been  his  home  to  the  present  time. 

In  1890  Mr.  Booth  was  elected  police  jus- 
tice, and  he  has  filled  that  position  to  the  pres- 
ent time,  with  the  exception  of  a part  of  one 
term,  to  the  very  great  satisfaction  of  the  gen- 
eral public.  He  is  a man  of  broad  views,  and 
while  he  is  sympathetic  toward  the  unfortunate 
and  criminal  who  come  before  him,  he  remem- 
bers the  violated  law,  and  knows  well  how  to 
temper  justice  with  mercy.  He  has  occupied 
his  present  office  quarters  since  1892. 

Mr.  Booth  and  Miss  Sarah  Hicks  were 
married  Oct.  23,  1854.  Mrs.  Booth  was  a 
daughter  of  Isaac  and  Isabella  (Robinson) 
Hicks,  and  became  the  mother  of  four  chil- 
dren : Isaac,  who  died  when  twenty-six  years 

of  age;  and  three  who  died  in  early  childhood. 
The  mother  died  in  1873.  She  was  a Congre- 
gationalist,  and  a lady  of  fine  character.  In 
1874  Mr.  Booth  married  Miss  Minerva  Leon- 
ard, a daughter  of  H.  Iv.  and  Minerva  (Joce- 
lyn) Leonard.  They  have  one  daughter,  Mary 
J.  Mrs.  Booth  is  a member  of  the  Second 
Congregational  Church,  as  is  her  daughter, 
who  is  a graduate  of  Beloit  College.  Judge 
Booth,  as  he  is  familiarly  called,  is  a member 
of  Morning  Star  Lodge,  No.  10,  A.  F.  & A. 
M. ; Beloit  Chapter,  No.  9,  R.  A.  M. ; and  Be- 
loit Commandery,  No.  6,  Iv.  T.,  being  recorder 
of  the  commandery,  and  secretary  of  the  other 
two  Masonic  bodies.  He  is  a Republican,  was 
alderman  from  the  Third  ward  for  three  years, 
and  has  been  on  the  county  board.  He  has  a 
pleasant  home  at  No.  623  Bluff  street.  Our 
subject  is  held  in  the  utmost  respect  by  all  who 
know  him. 

PETER  VOIGT.  This  prominent  early 
settler  of  Grant  county  is  one  of  the  leading 
German- American  citizens  of  Cassville.  He 
was  born  in  Prussia  in  1836,  a son  of  Theo- 
dore and  Agnes  ( Turnich)  Voigt,  also  natives 
of  Germany,  where  the  father  died.  In  1852 
the  widowed  mother,  with  her  eight  children, 
came  to  the  United  States,  sailing  from  Ant- 
werp. They  came  to  Gothenburg,  Iowa,  by 
way  of  Milwaukee,  and  after  residing  there  for 
a time  moved  to  Cassville,  Wis.,  where  the 


240 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


mother  died  in  1872.  The  children  were  Mar- 
garet, who  died  in  Glen  Haven,  Grant  county; 
Mary,  who  wedded  Dr.  Hambitzer,  of  Brit- 
ish Hollow,  Grant  county,  where  her  death 
occurred;  Clara,  Mrs.  Wiese,  a resident  of 
Cassville ; Celia,  Mrs.  Simmerman,  of  Du- 
buque, Iowa ; Gertrude,  Mrs.  Kuchenberg,  of 
Cassville ; Hubbard,  who  served  through  the 
Civil  war  in  the  same  company  as  his  brother 
Peter,  and  subsequently  died  in  Kansas;  and 
Peter,  subject  of  this  review. 

It  was  in  1853  that  Peter  Voigt  took  up 
his  residence  in  Grant  county,  where  he  secured 
120  acres  of  government  land,  making  several 
trips  to  the  land  office  at  Mineral  Point  for 
that  purpose.  In  his  farming  operations  he 
prospered,  and  became  one  of  the  most  success- 
ful agriculturists  of  his  community.  Feeling 
that  his  adopted  country  needed  his  services 
during  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  Mr.  Voigt 
enlisted,  at  Glen  Haven,  Aug.  14,  1862,  in 
Company  D,  33d  Wis.  V.  I.,  for  three  years 
or  during  the  war,  and  was  mustered  in  at 
Camp  Utley,  Wis.  He  participated  in  the 
siege  of  Vicksburg,  where  he  lay  in  the  trenches 
for  forty-two  days,  and  later  took  part  in  the 
engagement  at  Natchez,  after  which  he  re- 
turned to  Vicksburg.  He  was  in  the  Meridian 
and  Red  River  expeditions  up  to  the  engage- 
ment at  Opelamas,  and  subsequently  took  part 
in  the  battle  at  Tupelo,  Miss.,  after  which  he 
went  with  his  command  up  the  White  River, 
taking  part  in  the  engagements  at  Clarendon, 
Duvall’s  Bluff,  and  other  points  along  that 
stream.  They  followed  Price  through  Mis- 
souri, and  were  in  the  engagements  at  Cape 
Girardeau,  Jefferson  City  and  Warrensburg. 
Capturing  1,100  prisoners,  they  took  them  to 
St.  Louis,  and  from  there  went  to  Nashville, 
and  later  to  Lawrenceburg,  Clifton,  Savannah 
and  Eastpoint,  participating  in  the  engage- 
ments at  these  places.  After  spending  the 
winter  of  1864-65  at  Eastpoint  they  went  to 
Corinth,  and  from  there  to  New  Orleans,  and 
subsequently  took  part  in  the  battles  of  Mobile, 
Spanish  Fort,  and  Tuskegee.  The  war  having 
ended,  Mr.  Voigt  was  honorably  discharged  at 
Vicksburg,  Miss.,  in  August,  1865,  and  re- 
turned to  his  home  in  Cassville  on  the  14th  of 
that  month. 

In  1 866  our  subject  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Miss  Gertie  Brener,  also  a native  of 
Germany,  and  a daughter  of  Peter  Breuer,  who 
came  to  America  in  1S57.  After  his  marriage 


Mr.  Voigt  engaged  in  farming  and  mining  for 
some  years,  but  is  now  engaged  in  lime  burn- 
ing. To  him  and  his  wife  have  been  born 
four  children,  namely : Margaret,  Mrs.  Man- 

ning, a resident  of  LaCrosse,  Wis. ; Clara,  Mrs. 
Teasdale,  of  Cassville;  Rosa;  and  Peter. 

Mr.  Voigt  was  a charter  member  of  the 
Grand  Army  Post  at  Beetown,  but  is  now  con- 
nected with  the  one  at  Cassville,  of  which  he 
was  commander  in  1899.  He  affiliates  with 
the  Republican  party,  and  takes  an  active  and 
commendable  interest  in  political  affairs.  He 
is  a loyal  and  devoted  citizen,  true  to  the  inter- 
ests of  his  adopted  country,  and  is  highly  re- 
spected and  esteemed  wherever  known. 

JOHN  J.  LYKE,  now  living  retired  in 
Janesville,  Rock  county,  where  he  has  a neat 
and  pleasant  home  at  No.  260  South  Main 
street,  has  led  a career  of  singular  probity, 
and  by  industry  and  honesty  has  accumulated 
a considerable  fortune,  and  achieved  a large 
success  in  life. 

Mr.  Lyke  was  born  in  Montgomery  coun- 
ty, N.  Y.,  July  28,  1823,  only  child  of  John 
and  Nancy  (Near)  Lyke,  both  natives  of  New 
York.  The  father,  who  was  a farmer,  died  in 
Steuben  county,  that  State.  In  1856  the  widow 
came  West  with  her  son,  and  made  her  home 
with  him  until  her  death,  in  1863.  She  and 
her  husband  were  Lutherans  in  religion.  Flis 
father,  John  Lyke,  came  from  Germany,  and 
settled  in  New  York  before  the  Revolution,  lo- 
cating in  Dutchess  county.  He  afterward 
moved  to  Montgomery  county,  where  he  died 
at  an  advanced  age.  He  was  a farmer,  and 
had  five  or  six  children.  Her  father,  Zacha- 
riah  Near,  who  was  a farmer,  was  of  Mohawk- 
Dutch  descent,  and  lived  to  about  ninety  years 
of  age.  He  was  the  father  of  four  children. 

John  J.  Lyke  was  reared  in  the  town  of 
Palatine,  Montgomery  Co.,  N.  Y.,  on  a farm, 
attended  district  school,  and  worked  out  by  the 
year  until  after  he  came  West.  Here  he  did 
farming  on  shares  for  six  years,  and  then 
bought  a farm  of  eighty  acres  in  La  Prairie 
township,  section  7,  which  he  still  owns.  He 
brought  it  to  a high  state  of  perfection,  and 
made  his  home  there  until  1887,  when  he 
moved  to  Janesville.  For  some  years  he  owned 
a second  and  adjoining  eighty  acres,  but  sold 
it  after  a time. 

On  Feb.  2,  1854,  Mr.  Lyke  married  Miss 
Catherine  Ann  England,  who  was  born  April 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


241 


20,  1828,  daughter  of  Benjamin  and  Jane 
(Vantwerpt)  England,  and  they  have  had  four 
children,  Benjamin  Clark,  Mary  J.,  Rachel 
Ann  and  Alice  Catherine.  Benjamin  C.  mar- 
ried Margaret  Austin,  now  deceased,  and  they 
had  six  children,  John,  Alice,  William,  Robert, 
Benjamin  and  Alexander;  he  is  a farmer. 
Mary  J.  is  single,  and  lives  at  home.  Rachel 
Ann  married  William  A.  Read,  and  has  her 
home  in  La  Prairie ; they  have  one  son,  Arthur 
Victor.  Alice  Catherine  married  Webster  C. 
Hugunin;  they  live  in  Rock  township,  Rock 
Co.,  Wis.,  and  have  two  children,  Hattie  and 
Ira.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lyke  are  members  of  the 
Congregational  Church.  He  is  a Republican, 
has  been  supervisor  two  years,  and  school  treas- 
urer of  La  Prairie  township  seventeen  years. 
Mr.  Lyke  has  always  been  a hard-working  man, 
and  has  lived  an  upright  life.  He  contemplates 
with  satisfaction  that  he  was  never  sued,  and 
has  never  had  occasion  to  sue  any  one.  He 
has  treated  the  world  squarely,  and  it  in  turn 
has  used  him  well. 

The  parents  of  Mrs.  Lyke,  Montgomery 
county  (N.  Y. ) people,  had  six  children,  Mrs. 
Lyke  being  the  only  one  now  living.  Her 
father  was  a farmer,  and  died  in  New  York 
in  1849,  when  about  fifty-seven  years  old.  Her 
mother  died  at  the  old  homestead  a number 
of  years  later.  Mrs.  Lyke's  paternal  grand- 
father, Benjamin  England,  was  born  and  ed- 
ucated in  Germany,  and  was  a farmer  in  his 
early  life.  Coming  to  America,  he  served 
through  the  Revolutionary  war  as  a minister ; 
lie  belonged  to  the  Lutheran  denomination. 
He  lived  many  years  after  the  war,  continuing 
to  serve  his  Master.  He  married  Jane  God- 
new,  and  had  five  children.  Mrs.  Lyke's  ma- 
ternal grandfather,  John  AYntwerpt,  was  born 
in  Holland,  came  to  this  country  when  young, 
became  a farmer,  and  died  in  New  York  State 
when,  quite  old.  Throughout  the  Revolution 
he  served  as  a home  guard  and  the  incidents 
connected  therewith  which  remained  strongest 
in  his  memory  were  those  of  the  famous  period 
of  starvation  which  occurred  when  the  soldiers 
were  under  a traitor  commander.  His  wife. 
Rachel  (AYnantwerp) , became  blind,  and  died 
in  old  age. 

MRS.  JUDITH  JANE  GILAIORE,  one 
of  the  old  and  highly-esteemed  residents  of 
Smelser  township,  living  in  Georgetown.  Grant 
county,  is  the  widow  of  Lysander  Gilmore,  who 


died  in  1855.  Mrs.  Gilmore  was  born  in  [Mis- 
souri Sept.  13.,  1821,  daughter  of  William  and 
Eliza  (Bryant)  Bowmer,  both  of  whom  were 
born  in  Kentucky. 

William  Bowmer  came  to  AVisconsin  in 
1827,  and  worked  in  the  lead  mines  of  Big 
Patch,  in  the  township  of  Smelser,  for  one  year. 
He  then  returned  to  Missouri  and  brought  his 
family,  settling  in  Smelser  township,  Grant 
county,  in  1828.  Here  he  pre-empted  land 
from  the  government,  and  settled  down  to 
mining  and  agricultural  life. 

As  a miner  and  farmer  he  was  successful, 
but  decided  to  change  his  residence,  in  1881 
selling  his  farm  and  moving  into  the  township 
of  Paris,  where  he  lived  until  his  death,  in 
March,  1886.  During  the  war  of  1812  he 
faithfully  served  as  a soldier  under  Gen.  Jack- 
son,  and  was  at  the  battle  of  New  Orleans;  he 
received  a pension.  The  mother  of  Airs.  Gil- 
more died  in  1832,  leaving  five  children.  Of 
the  family  born  to  Air.  and  Airs.  Bowmer, 
John,  born  in  Kentucky  in  1819,  came  to  Grant 
county,  served  in  the  Black  Hawk  war ; he 
married  Betsey  Ann  Patterson,  who  came  from! 
New  York  in  1836;  he  now  resides  in  Oregon, 
where  he  is  a prominent  man.  Anna,  born  in 
Alissouri  in  1820,  was  burned  to  death  while 
boiling  down  sugar  at  her  father's  camp  in 
Grant  county.  Judith  Jane,  Airs.  Gilmore, 
is  our  subject.  William,  born  in  Alissouri  in 
1823,  migrated  to  California  in  1S50,  and  died 
there.  Armilda  died  when  a child.  Eliza, 
born  in  Grant  county  in  1830,  married  Harvey 
Kenaston,  and  resides  at  Long  Pine,  Neb.,  with, 
one  daughter,  Ada.  Michael.,  born  in  Grant 
county  in  1832,  died  in  childhood. 

Our  subject,  Judith  Jane  Gilmore,  was  ed- 
ucated in  the  private  schools  of  Galena  and  Elk 
Grove.  In  1836  she  was  married  to  Lysander 
Gilmore,  formerly  of  Chautauqua  county,  AY 
Y.,  who  was  born  in  181 1,  a son  of  Hon.  James 
Gilmore,  one  of  the  old  pioneer  settlers  at 
Jamestown,  A\ris.  The  children  born  to  this 
union  were : Hiram,  born  in  AA  isconsin  in 

1837,  married  Aliss  Mary  AkCue,  and  resides, 
at  Farley,  Iowa;  Edwin  died  at  the  age  of 
eleven;  Julia,  born  in  1842,  died  at  the  age  of 
eighteen;  Emily,  born  in  May,  1844,  married 
Spaulding  AYorks,  and  resides  in  Idaho,  the 
mother  of  three  children,  Drusie,  Lillie  and 
Ivy;  Janet,  born  in  1846,  died  in  childhood; 
James,  born  in  1848,  died  young:  Alelissa, 
born  in  1853,  is  the  widow  of  Charles  Nash, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


242 


and  resides  in  Colorado ; and  Alvira,  born  in 
1855,  married  Thomas  Longbotham,  of  Platte- 
ville,  Wisconsin. 

After  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gilmore  set- 
tled on  land  he  purchased  from  the  government 
during  the  administration  of  President  Martin 
Van  Buren,  and  Mrs.  Gilmore  still  has  in  her 
possession  the  parchment  deed  for  this  land, 
which  is  located  near  the  line  of  Smelser  and 
Jamestown.  Mr.  Gilmore  engaged  in  mining 
and  farming,  in  which  he  was  most  successful. 
In  politics  he  was  originally  a Whip-,  later  a 
Republican,  and  filled  many  of  the  county  and 
township  offices,  being  a justice  of  the  peace 
for  a number  of  years  before  his  death.  Mrs. 
Gilmore  has  been  connected  with  the  Christian 
Church  for  many  years,  and  in  that  denomina- 
tion still  finds  her  religious  home. 

Mrs.  Gilmore  is  everywhere  known  as  a 
lady  of  kind  and  Christian  character.  She 
was  one  of  the  first  white  children  brought  to 
Smelser,  Grant  county,  and  passed  through 
many  hardships  in  the  early  days  of  Wisconsin, 
and  relates  many  interesting  tales  of  the  time 
when  the  Black  Hawk  Indians  held  the  settlers 
for  many  days  confined  in  the  blockhouses. 
She  has  administered  to  the  wants  of  the  sick 
through  this  section  whenever  sent  for,  and  no 
record  of  the  county  would  be  complete  with- 
out her  honored  name. 

HUGH  CAMPBELL.  Among  the  well- 
known  old  settlers  of  Lafayette  county  is 
Hugh  Campbell,  of  Darlington,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch,  who  arrived  here  April  1,  1849. 
His  birth  took  place  in  County  Donegal,  Ire- 
land, in  July,  1823,  and  on  March  17,  1831, 
he  removed  with  his  parents  to  Glasgow, 
Scotland.  Although  he  was  born  in  Ireland, 
his  ancestors  were  from  Argyll,  Scotland, 
and  took  part  in  the  wars  and  revolutions  that 
characterized  the  early  history  of  that,  coun- 
try. 

Mr.  Campbell  was  one  of  twelve  children 
born  to  his  parents,  his  two  older  brothers 
dying  in  childhood,  and  many  of  the  family 
passing  away  since.  On  July  29,  1842,  Mr. 
Campbell  arrived  at  the  port  of  New  York, 
having  crossed  the  Atlantic  in  the  good  ship 
' ‘Warns worth.”  He  went  to  Philadelphia 
and  Pittsburg,  where  he  spent  some  time  be- 
fore journeying  through  Delaware  and  Mary- 
land, as  well  as  Kentucky,  being  interested  in 
the  work  in  the  coal  mines  in  the  different 


States,  for  he  was  a miner,  and  carried  on  that 
business  for  a number  of  years.  In  the  mean- 
time Mr.  Campbell  had  sent  for  his  father's 
family,  they  joining  him  while  he  was  in  Pitts- 
burg. He  brought  them  with  him  to  Lafay- 
ette county,  and  showed  his  parents  filial  care 
until  they  died,  his  father  living  to  be  100 
years  old,  and  his  mother  to  the  great  age  of 
105,  and  their  remains  lie  in  the  Catholic  cem- 
etery in  Shullsburg.  One  brother  of  our 
subject,  Thomas,  died  in  Gratiot,  Wis. ; Frank 
became  sheriff  of  Lafayette  county  for  two 
terms,  and  was  elected  to  the  State  Senate; 
Morris  was  at  one  time  treasurer  of  Lafayette 
county;  John  and  Peter  are  deceased;  James 
is  a resident  of  Shullsburg;  Mrs.  Bridget  Rice 
lives  in  Gratiot;  as  also  does  Mrs.  Julia  Camp- 
bell. 

Our  subject,  now  advanced  in  years,  at 
one  time  was  one  of  the  most  prominent  citi- 
zens of  the  county.  Locating  in  the  town  of 
Gratiot  in  1852,  he  began  farming.  In  1856 
he  was  the  Democratic  candidate  for  sheriff, 
but  that  year  the  Republican  party,  for  the 
first  time,  had  entered  the  county  with  a 
National  ticket,  and  had  become  a majority. 
In  1858  he  was  again  his  party’s  candidate, 
and  was  elected,  his  Republican  opponent 
being  Philip  Earnest,  and  his  term  of  service 
was  for  two  years.  The  laws  of  the  State 
then  not  allowing  a candidate  to  succeed  him- 
self, he  was  not  nominated  in  i860,  but  was 
again  elected  in  1862.  During  his  first  term 
the  county  seat  was  at  Shullsburg,  but  by  the 
time  of  his  second  election  it  had  been 
moved  to  Darlington,  and  thus  Mr.  Campbell 
became  a resident  thereof. 

The  first  wife  of  our  subject  was  Miss 
Sarah  Flanagan,  whom  he  married  in  Pitts- 
burg Oct.  22,  1852;  her  death  occurred  Jan. 
19,  1873.  On  Jan.  8,  1880,  Mr.  Campbell 
wedded  Miss  Mary  Ann  O’Toole,  who  was 
born  at  White  Oak  Springs,  a daughter  of 
John  and  Ann  (McFadclen)  O’Toole,  who 
still  live  on  the  old  homestead.  Mr.  O’Toole 
was  born  in  Ireland  in  1822,  and  became  a 
resident  of  Wisconsin  in  1844,  locating  in  the 
town  of  New  Diggings,  at  that  time  in  Grant 
county.  There  he  engaged  in  mining  for  two 
years,  and  then  removed  to  the  farm  in  'White 
Oak  Springs,  where  he  still  resides.  In  1848 
he  married  his  present  wife,  who  is  a native 
of  Ireland  also.  Mr.  O’Toole  is  a well-known 
citizen,  and  has  held  various  town  offices. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


243 


The  family  and  connection  possess  the  ability 
and  energy  of  their  race,,  and  combine  with 
those  attributes  others  which  make  them  prom- 
inent and  valuable  citizens,  as  well  as  pleas- 
ant and  agreeable  people. 

Our  subject  has  reached  his  seventy-eighth 
year,  yet  is  vigorous  in  mind  and  body,  and 
it  is  the  wish  of  his  many  friends  that  his  life 
may  be  prolonged'  as  was  that  of  his  honored 
parents. 

F.  W.  KLINKHAMMER,  one  of  the  suc- 
cessful and  prominent  farmers  of  Cassville 
township,  Grant  county,  chairman  of  the  town- 
ship board,  and  a man  of  influence  in  the  com- 
munity, was  born  in  the  Rhine  Province,  Ger- 
many, in  1839,  a son  of  Wynand  and  M.  Ann 
(Klinkhammer)  Klinkhammer,  natives  of  Ger- 
many, who  never  left  the  Fatherland.  A 
brother  of  our  subject,  Peter,  came  to  Albany, 
N.  Y.,  in  1852,  and  in  1854  migrated  to  Glen 
Haven  township,  Grant  county. 

Our  subject  was  reared  and  educated  in 
Germany,  after  which  he  served  for  four  years 
in  the  German  army,  and  was  in  the  war  be- 
tween the  German  Confederation  and  Den- 
mark in  1864.  He  was  one  of  the  stormers  of 
Fort  Dueppel,  on  April  18.  1864;  this  was  a 
very  bloody  battle,  in  which  thousands  were 
killed  in  about  two  hours.  Our  subject  was 
the  only  non-commissioned  officer  left  in  his 
company  after  the  battle.  Mr.  Klinkhammer 
started  for  America  in  1865,  sailing  from 
Antwerp  June  1,  on  the  ill-fated  vessel  ‘■Will- 
iam Nelson,”  which  burned  on  the  26th  of 
June,  1865,  in  mid-ocean,  and  447  lives  were 
lost.  The  captain  and  sailors  took  the  life- 
boats and  left  the  vessel,  never  turning  their 
hands  to  save  anybody  or  do  anything.  When 
the  heat  became  unbearable  Mr.  Klinkhammer 
jumped  into  the  ocean  and  swam  toward  the 
nearest  boat,  which  he  reached  after  an  hour’s 
free-handed  swimming.  He  caught  hold  of 
the  rim  of  the  boat,  but  the  second  mate  struck 
his  hands  off.  Then  he  looked  around,  and 
seeing  two  inch  boards,  ten  feet  long  and  ten 
inches  wide,  took  one  under  each  arm,  laid  on 
his  back,  and  so  swam  toward  another  boat, 
into  which  he  was  taken  about  sundown ; he 
left  the  burning  vessel  between  8 and  9 o'clock 
Monday  morning.  The  sailing-vessel  ‘‘Mer- 
kur,”  a Dutch  ship,  found  them  on  Wednes- 
day morning  and  brought  them  to  Havre, 
France,  landing  there  July  10,  1865.  Noth- 
ing dismayed,  our  subject  again  started  for  the 


goal  of  his  desires,  taking  passage  the  second 
time  July  18,  1865,  in  a steamer,  and  landing, 
after  seventeen  days,  in  New  York,  whence 
he  went  direct  to  Glen  Haven,  Wis.  Here  he 
remained  one  year,  then  went  to  Cassville 
township,  purchased  land,  opened  it  up,  and 
now  has  one  of  the  finest  pieces  of  farming 
property  in  the  town  of  Cassville,  comprising 
320  acres.  From  1895  to  1898  Mr.  Klink- 
hammer resided  in  Cassville,  and  at  the  latter 
date  returned  to  his  farm,  where  he  has  since 
lived. 

In  1867  our  subject  was  married,  in  Cass- 
ville, to  Miss  Mary  Ahrens,  born  in  St.  Louis, 
a daughter  of  Ignatz  and  Catherine  (Peine) 
Ahrens,  natives  of  Germany.  Of  the  children 
born  to  our  subject  and  wife  five  are  living: 
Clara;  Anna,  now  Mrs.  Knapp,  .of  Beetown 
township;  Susan,  who  graduated  from  the 
University  of  Wisconsin  in  June,  1900;  Lena; 
and  Agnes.  They  have  also  an  adopted  son, 
John  Klinkhammer,  a very  estimable  young 
man,  now  eighteen  years  old. 

Mr.  Klinkhammer  has  been  on  the  town- 
ship board  for  about  twenty  years,  and  chair- 
man since  1897;  also  a director  of  the  Bloom- 
ington Farmers’  Insurance  Co.,  which  position 
he  has  held  for  eighteen  years.  Mr.  Klink- 
hammer has  been  enabled  to  develop  his  land 
to  the  best  advantage,  and  is  a man  well 
known  and  highly  respected  throughout  the 
community. 

GEORGE  W.  RUSSELL,  a well-known 
resident  of  the  town  of  Gratiot,  is  a promi- 
nent representative  of  a numerous  family  that 
has  played  a large  part  in  the  practical  devel- 
opment of  Lafayette  county. 

Dr.  George  Washington  Russell,  the  pro- 
genitor of  this  family,  was  born  in  Litchfield 
county,  Conn.,  Sept.  21,  1800,  and  was  de- 
scended from  early  Colonial  ancestry.  When 
he  was  quite  young  his  father  migrated  to 
Bradford  county,  Penn.,  and  his  mother  car- 
ried him  thither  on  horseback.  Young  George 
returned  to  his  native  State,  however,  and 
attended  school  in  Hartford.  He  remained 
in  Connecticut,  variously  engaged,  until  Aug- 
ust, 1820,  when  he  returned  to  his  Pennsvl- 
vania  home,  and  engaged  in  farming  in  the 
town  of  Windham,  Bradford  county.  Five 
years  later  he  went  to  Waterloo,  N.  Y.,  where 
he  made  his  home  for  four  years,  and  then 
returned  to  Windham  and  took  up  the  study 
of  medicine.  He  possessed  a versatile  mind, 


244 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


and  soon  became  proficient  in  the  science  of 
medicine,  practicing-  successfully  for  many 
years.  He  was  destined,  however,  to  play  an 
important  part  in  the  development  of  the  coun- 
try. As  early  as  1833  he  was  enrolled  in  the 
volunteer  militia  of  Pennsylvania,  in  the  ca- 
pacity of  adjutant,  and  later  as  major.  He 
sold  his  farming  interests  in  Windham  and 
removed  to  Ulster,  same  county,  and  in  1850 
he  became  interested  in  obtaining  land  war- 
rants for  the  soldiers  of  the  war  of  1812,  also 
engaging  to  some  extent  as  a pension  agent. 
He  began  to  purchase  these  land  warrants,  and 
in  the  latter  part  of  1850  he  had  obtained  pos- 
session of  a large  amount  of  land.  His  pos- 
sessions in  Wisconsin  alone  aggregated  about 
one  thousand  acres,  and  he  owned  much  more 
in  the  State  of  Iowa.  In  March,  1857,  he 
located  in  the  town  of  Gratiot,  Lafayette  Co., 
Wis.  He  practically  retired  from  the  prac- 
tice of  medicine  after  locating  in  the  West, 
and  devoted  himself  entirely  to  the  improve- 
ment of  his  land,  clearing  a fine  farm  and 
erecting  a beautiful  home,  where  he  lived  until 
his  death,  Nov.  2,  1870.  On  June  27,  1826, 
he  married  Susan  Bear,  only  child  of  John 
Bear,  of  Waterloo,  N.  Y.,  and  she  survived 
her  husband  but  a few  years,  dying  Oct.  2, 
1878.  She  was  born  in  Seneca  county,  N.  Y., 
June  30,  1806.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Russell  were 
the  parents  of  eleven  children,  those  surviving 
at  this  writing  (January,  1901)  being:  John 

Bear,  born  May  1,  1827;  George  W.,  born 
Sept.  28,  1828;  Mary  Jane,  wife  of  John  Ran- 
dall, born  Feb.  15,  1830;  Harriet,  widow  of 
S.  B.  Dunbar,  born  March  16,  1832;  Angeline, 
widow  of  W.  W.  Tuttle ; Amanda,  born  Sept. 
28,  1834,  wife  of  George  C.  West,  of  Brad- 
ford county,  Penn. ; Louisa,  born  Nov.  5, 
1837,  wife  of  M.  S.  Wright;  Read,  born  April 
4,  1839;  Sarah  Catherine,  born  Nov.  4,  1841, 
at  Ulster,  Penn.;  Lewis  C.,  born  March  13, 
1844. 

George  W.  Russell  was  the  second  in  the 
order  of  birth  in  the  above  mentioned  family. 
With  his  brother  John  he  came  to  Lafayette 
county  in  1856,  and  his  first  efforts  in  improv- 
ing land  were  on  a farm  in  what  is  now 
Blanchard  township,  a portion  of  his  father's 
estate.  He  remained  there  about  three  years, 
and  then  became  a resident  of  Gratiot  town- 
ship, where  he  has  since  resided.  He  has  been 
one  of  the  most  extensive  farmers  and  stock 
raisers  in  the  county,  and  has  done  much 


toward  developing  the  natural  resources  of 
the  country.  He  has  assisted  in  laying  out 
and  building  some  fifteen  miles  of  road,  and 
has  cleared  and  grubbed  over  two  hundred 
acres  of  land,  breaking  over  a section  for  him- 
self. His  large  landed  possessions  are  culti- 
vated by  tenants.  Air.  Russell  has  always, 
been  a friend  of  progress,  and  has  taken  a deep 
interest  in  the  public  schools;  he  helped  to 
build  and  maintain  sixteen  “little  red  school 
houses,"  and  thoroughly  believes  in  compul- 
sory education.  In  political  belief  he  is  a 
strong  Prohibitionist,  in  religion  a Universal- 
ist. 

On  May  24,  1865,  Mr.  Russell  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Adiss  Mary  Jane  Dawson, 
daughter  of  Jonathan  and  Jane  (Hale)  Daw- 
son, natives  of  England,  and  early  settlers  of 
Shullsburg,  Lafayette  county.  Mrs.  Russell 
was  born  near  Scales  Mound  Dec.  2,  1842. 
Five  children  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Russell : Grant  R. ; Alvin  R. ; Georgina,  wife 

of  Ashton  Thompson ; Della,  who  married 
Ashton  Thompson,  and  died  at  the  age  of  twen- 
ty-two years ; and  Belva  Lockwood,  who  died 
at  the  age  of  six  months.  The  family  hold 
an  honored  place  in  the  social  fife  of  the  town,, 
where  they  are  all  highly  esteemed. 

GEORGE  STEWART,  of  Lancaster,. 
Grant  county,  a retired  farmer,  was  born  in 
Edinburgh,  Scotland,  in  1822,  came  to  Amer- 
ica when  fourteen  years  old,  and  has  been  a 
resident  of  Grant  county  since  1856. 

Thomas  Stewart,  father  of  George,  mar- 
ried Anna  Alelrose,  who  died  when  her  son 
was  a mere  child.  The  father,  however,  sur- 
vived until  he  was  eighty-eight  years  old,  and 
died  in  Scotland  in  1874.  George  Stewart, 
father  of  Thomas,  and  after  whom  George, 
our  subject,  was  named,  took  charge  of  the 
latter  at  his  mother’s  death,  and  cared  for  him 
until  he  came  to  America.  The  grandfather 
married  Catherine  Butler,  five  of  whose  uncles 
fought  in  the  famous  battle  of  Culloden,  in 
which  they  all  lost  their  fives.  The  grand- 
father was  called  away  when  eighty-seven 
years  old. 

George  Stewart,  whose  name  opens  this 
biographical  review,  came  to  America  in  com- 
pany with  several  others  in  the  brig  “Feronia," 
Capt.  Grant,  of  Glasgow,  landing  in  Alontreal, 
Canada,  after  a voyage  of  eight  weeks.  From 
Montreal  the  young  man  proceeded  by  steamer 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


245 


to  Kingston,  and  thence  to  Hamilton,  where 
the  companions  separated,  all  of  them  save  Mr. 
Stewart  returning  soon  afterward  to  Scotland, 
without  having  intimated  their  intentions  to 
Mr.  Stewart,  who  was  thus  left  alone  among 
strangers.  However,  he  soon  secured  employ- 
ment with  a wealthy  Scotchman  named  Crooks, 
who  lived  near  Hamilton,  and  assisted  about 
the  house  at  a compensation  of  $6 -per  month. 
Mr.  Stewart  next  went  to  Toronto,  where  he 
worked  in  a brickyard  two  years,  then  returned 
to  Hamilton,  and  remained  in  that  vicinity 
three  years,  thence  going  to  Rochester,  Mon- 
roe Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  to  York,  Livingston  Co., 
same  State,  where  many  of  his  countrymen  re- 
sided. He  passed  nine  years  in  York  and 
vicinity,  and  during  the  latter  part  of  this 
period  worked  for  J.  C.  Holloway,  with  whom 
he  came  to  Grant  county,  Wis.  Here  he 
worked  on  Mr.  Holloway's  large  farm  for 
seven  years,  and  by  this  time  had  saved  a few 
hundred  dollars  and  purchased  an  eighty-acre 
tract  of  land  about  two  miles  south  of  Lan- 
caster, in  Boyce  Prairie.  This  land  he  occu- 
pied seven  years,  then  sold  and  bought  a 400- 
acre  farm  of  Lewis  Holloway,  for  which  he 
paid  $16,000;  subsecpiently  he  bought  twenty 
acres  within  the  corporation  limits  of  Lan- 
caster. After  residing  on  his  large  farm  for 
fourteen  years  Mr.  Stewart  sold  to  great  ad- 
vantage to  Shrack  Mitcheh,and  purchased  what 
was  known  as  the  Farnsworth  farm,  on  which 
he  lived  five  years,  at  the  end  of  that  time  dis- 
posing of  it  and  retiring  from  active  responsi- 
bility as  a farmer.  He  repurchased  ten  acres 
of  the  twenty-acre  tract  he  had  previously  sold 
in  Lancaster,  and  here  erected  his  elegant 
mansion,  although  he  has  disposed  of  a portion 
of  the  ten  acres. 

Mr.  Stewart  was  married,  in  Rochester, 
N.  Y.,  to  Miss  Eliza  Morrow,  a native  of  Ire- 
land, and  to  this  union  have  been  born  five 
daughters  and  one  son,  namely:  Jane,  wife  of 

John  Stevens,  of  Lancaster;  Robert,  who  lives 
near  Mason  City,  Iowa;  Nellie,  wife  of  Darius 
Walker,  also  residing  near  Mason  City  ; Cather- 
ine, wife  of  Harrison  R.  King;  Mary,  who  is 
married  to  Frank  Healey,  of  Iowa;  and  Lucy, 
still  at  the  parental  home. 

Mr.  Stewart  has  made  his  own  way  through 
the  world  bravely,  being  possessed  of  sound 
sense  and  judgment  and  all  the  characteristics 
inherent  to  the  natives  of  Scotland — indefati- 
gable perseverance,  indomitable  courage,  quick 


observation,  untiring  industry  and  economical 
habits.  He  has  found  time  to  cross  the  Atlan- 
tic ocean  several  times  since  he  first  reached  the 
\\  estern  continent,  visiting,  among  other 
places,  the  city  of  his  birth. 

In  politics  Mr.  Stewart  is  independent  of 
party  ties,  and  votes  in  accordance  with  his 
personal  views  touching  the  issue  before  the 
public,  but  generally  for  the  men  whom  he 
thinks  best*  qualified  to  fill  local  positions  of 
either  responsibility  or  trust.  In  religion  he 
and  family  are  Methodists,  and  are  worthy 
and  devout  members  of  that  church ; socially 
their  standing  is  elevated  and  desirable,  if  not 
enviable. 

WALTER  D.  THOMAS,  A.  M.,  pro- 
fessor of  Greek  at  Milton  College,  is  a native 
of  New  Jersey,  born  in  Shiloh,  Cumberland 
county,  July  1,  1S55,  a son  of  Amos  W.  and 
Abigail  S.  (Ayers)  Thomas,  both  also  natives 
of  New  Jersey.  James  B.  Thomas,  his  pa- 
ternal grandfather,  was  a native  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  of  Welsh  ancestry.  Clayton  Ayers, 
his  maternal  grandfather,  was  a native  of 
New  Jersey,  of  English  extraction,  and  a 
farmer  by  occupation.  He  lived  to  the  age  of 
about  eighty. 

Our  subject  was  one  of  seven  children, 
five  sons  and  two  daughters,  of  whom  five 
survive:  Albert  Jones,  of  Ely,  Minn.;  Prof. 

Walter  Davis,  our  subject;  Lewis  Titsworth, 
of  St.  Paul,  Minn.;  Nettie,  of  Milton;  and 
Edward  Ayers,  of  Shiloh,  N.  J.  The  father 
was  for  many  years  a farmer  of  Shiloh,  N. 
J.,  and  in  1898  came  to  Milton,  where  he 
died  in  September,  1900,  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
eight.  The  mother  died  at  Shiloh,  N.  J.,  in 
August,  1893,  aged  sixty-eight  years.  Both 
were  members  of  the  Seventh-day  Baptist 
Church. 

Prof.  Walter  Davis  Thomas  was  reared  on 
the  farm  in  Shiloh,  and  there  attended  the  dis- 
trict schools,  and  later  Union  Academy,  at 
Shiloh.  In  1879  be  entered  Milton  College, 
as  a student,  graduating  in  1884.  He  was 
immediately  afterward  elected  an  instructor  of 
the  College,  where  he  has  remained  ever  since, 
now  filling  the  chair  of  the  Greek  Language. 

On  Dec.  4,  1889,  Prof.  Thomas  married 
Miss  Celia  Belle  Oviatt,  daughter  of  Dr. 
William  Henry  and  Theresa  Fidelia  (Collins) 
Oviatt.  Dr.  Oviatt  was  a native  of  McKean 
county,  Penn.,  son  of  William  Sweet  Oviatt, 


246 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


a native  of  New  York,  a farmer  and  justice 
of  the  peace,  who  reared  a large  family,  and 
died  at  the  age  of  nearly  eighty  years.  Dr. 
Oviatt  married  the  daughter  of  Dr.  John 
Collins,  a physician,  who  was  a native  of  New 
York  State.  Dr.  Oviatt  died  at  Milton  Junc- 
tion in  1899,  aged  fifty-nine  years.  Of  his  six 
children,  two  sons  and  four  daughters,  three 
are  now  living : Celia  Belle,  wife  of  our  sub- 
ject; Kittie,  wife  of  Frank  Gesler,  of  Bangor, 
Wis. ; and  William  C.,  of  Milton  Junction. 

Prof,  and  Mrs.  Thomas  are  members  of 
the  Seventh-day  Baptist  Church,  of  which  he 
is  serving  as  clerk.  In  politics  he  is  a Pro- 
hibitionist. His  attractive  home  at  Milton  he 
built  in  1888. 

JOSEPH  SPARKS,  a retired  miner  and 
farmer,  is  now  passing  the  closing  years  of  a 
well-spent  and  useful  life  in  well-deserved  peace 
and  comfort. 

Mr.  Sparks  was  born  in  Carlisle,  County 
of  Cumberland,  England,  May  4,  1827,  son  of 
John  and  Ann  (Phillips)  Sparks,  both  born 
in  England,  he  in  March,  1786,  and  she  July 
19,  1791.  In  1836  they  came  to  this  country, 
and  made  their  home  for  a short  time  in  Chi- 
cago. The  same  fall  they  moved  to  Galena, 
111.,  where  Mr.  Sparks  followed  mining  un- 
til he  purchased  200  acres  of  government  land 
in  Jo  Daviess  county,  111.,  along'  the  Wisconsin 
line.  There  he  made'  his  permanent  home. 
He  died  in  1854,  and  his  widow  in  October, 
1877.  Both  were  members  of  the  Episcopal 
Church.  A family  of  seven  children  was  born 
to  them  in  England  : ( 1 ) John,  born  in  Jan- 

uary, 1819,  obtained  his  education  in  the 
English  schools,  and  was  a farmer-  and  miner 
in  this  country.  In  1851  he  migrated  to  Cali- 
fornia, where  he  died  July  4,  1870,  leaving 
a widow  and  two  children,  who  still  reside  in 
that  State.  (2)  Elizabeth,  born  in  1820,  mar- 
ried Michael  Calvert,  and  died  in  Fair  Play, 
Grant  county,  May  16,  1882,  leaving  ten  chil- 
dren, all  grown  up.  (3  ) Sarah,  born  in  1823, 
married  William  Armstrong,  of  Jamestown, 
and  died  leaving  two  daughters,  Ann  and 
Emma.  (4)  Thomas,  born  in  1825,  went  to 
California  in  1849,  when  a young  man,  in  com- 
pany with  his  brother  Joseph,  and  they  were 
very  successful  in  the  gold  mines,  taking 
$8,000  from  one  mine  in  six  months.  They 
returned  to  Wisconsin  in  1850.  Thomas  mar- 
ried Miss  Maria  Rick,  and  they  settled  in 


Hazel  Green,  on  a farm,  where  she  died.  Mr. 
Sparks  then  married  her  sister,  Louisa.  After 
this  marriage  he  moved  to  Clay  county,  Kan., 
for  the  purpose  of  engaging  in  farming  in  that 
region.  Mrs.  Sparks  died  ten  years  after  their 
arrival  in  that  country,  Mr.  Sparks  four  days 
after  her.  He  left  six  children,  one  now 
living  in  New  Mexico.  (5)  Joseph  is  our  sub- 
ject. (6)  Mary,  born  in  1830,  married  Ben- 
jamin Straw,  and  resides  in  Hazel  Green. 
(7)  George,  born  in  1833,  married  Miss  Annie 
Jeffrey,  of  Jamestown,  and  is  now  living  in 
Jackson  county,  Minn.,  with  four  children, 
Marvin,  James,  George  and  Clyde. 

Joseph  Sparks  obtained  his  education  part- 
ly in  England  and  partly  in  Illinois,  and  when 
he  was  a young  man  went  to  California,  as 
noted  above.  He  had  three  yoke  of  cattle, 
and  left  Dubuque  in  April,  1849,  reaching 
Grass  Valley  in  August.  Theirs  was  the  first 
wagon  to  cross  the  Valley.  On  Deer  creek 
they  began  their  mining  operations,  and  found 
large  quantities  of  gold,  Joseph  discovering 
what  was  afterward  known  as  the  Dubuque 
Ravine  Mines.  After  a year  of  mining  the 
two  brothers  came  back  to  Wisconsin,  intending 
to  go  back  to  hold  their  mines,  but  did  not 
return  in  time,  and  this  great  mine  was  lost. 

In  1853  Joseph  Sparks  married  Miss  Mary 
A.  Tomlinson,  daughter  of  William  and  Eliza 
Tomlinson,  natives  of  England,  and  emigrants 
to  this  country  in  1842.  Mr.  Tomlinson  set- 
tled at  New  Diggings,  Lafayette  county,  where 
he  died  in  1850.  The  widow  married  John 
Watson,  and  died  in  1889.  Four  children 
were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tomlinson,  three  of 
whom  are  still  living:  John  is  a resident  of 

Alden,  Iowa ; Elizabeth  is  the  wife  of  W.  A. 
Wilkinson,  of  Alden,  Iowa;  William  was  a 
soldier  in  the  Civil  war,  was  with  Gen.  Sher- 
man on  his  march  to  the  sea,  and  was  killed 
in  one  of  the  last  skirmishes  in  North  Caro- 
lina; Mary  A.,  Mrs.  Sparks,  was  born  at 
Manchester,  England,  in  May,  1837.  After 
his  marriage  Mr.  Sparks  bought  a farm  in 
Jamestown,  which  was  highly  improved,  and 
where  he  lived  for  over  forty  years;  it  was 
sold  in  1896.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sparks  are  liv- 
ing in  Fair  Play,  Grant  county,  and  he  is  now 
retired  from  active  labor.  During  all  these 
years  Mr.  Sparks  has  had  lead  mining  in- 
terests which  have  richly  rewarded  his  labors. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sparks  were  born  ten 
children,  six  of  whom  are  now  living.  Two 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


247 


died  in  childhood.  ( 1 ) John  W.,  born  in  1856, 
was  drowned  in  1875,  in  the  Mississippi  river. 

(2)  Eliza  A.,  born  in  December,  1858,  married 
C.  E.  Buell,  and  is  now  living  in  Webster  City, 
Iowa,  where  he  is  engaged  in  the  real-estate 
business.  They  have  four  children,  Laura  B. 
(Mrs.  George  M.  Teed,  of  Webster  City, 
Iowa),  Herbert  J.,  James  A.,  and  Walter. 

(3)  Walter  P.,  born  in  June,  1863;  was  en- 

gaged in  the  furniture  business.  He  was  taken 
sick,  and  died  at  Webster  City,  Iowa,  in  June, 
1897.  (4)  Mary  A.,  born  in  May,  1865, 

married  M.  R.  Blank,  of  Stillwater,  Minn., 
and  has  one  son,  Harrison  J.  (5)  Franklin 
T.,  born  in  January,  1868,  married  Miss  Nellie 
Watson,  of  Williams,  Iowa,  and  has  two  chil- 
dren, Hazel  and  Arline.  They  live  at  Ban- 
croft, Iowa,  where  he  is  a very  prominent 
man,  and  was  elected  mayor  of  that  city  in 
1900;  he  is  an  active  Republican.  He  is  a 
furniture  man,  and  stands  high  in  business 
circles.  (6)  Florence  E.,  born  in  1870,  is  the 
wife  of  Edward  Keys,  of  Stillwater,  Minn., 
and  is  the  mother  of  two  sons,  Edward  and 
James  A.  (7)  Arthur  J.,  born  in  January, 
1873,  married  Miss  Lena  Larson,  and  resides 
on  a farm  purchased  by  his  father  in  Jackson 
county,  Minn.  He  has  one  son,  Stacey  H. 
(8)  Clinton  A.,  born  in  April,  1875,  is  un- 
married, and  lives  on  the  farm  in  Minnesota, 
with  his  brother  Arthur. 

In  1897  Mr.  Sparks  purchased  a large 
place  near  Lakeheld,  Minn.,  where  his  sons 
run  a fancy  stock  farm.  A Republican  since 
the  organization  of  the  party,  he  has  held  the 
office  of  treasurer  of  Jamestown,  and  has  been 
on  the  town  board  for  three  years.  The  fam- 
ily support  the  Methodist  Church. 

JOSIAH  THOMAS,  a retired  merchant 
of  Hazel  Green,  Grant  county,  who  is  now 
enjoying  a richly-earned  leisure  and  rest,  was 
born  in  Cornwall,  England,  July  23,  1835. 

John  and  Jenefer  (Vine)  Thomas,  his  par- 
ents, were  both  natives  of  Cornwall,  where 
they  were  born  in  1810.  In  1842  they  came  to 
Lafayette  county,  Wis.,  and  there  he  engaged 
in  lead  mining,  later  on  buying  a farm,  to  the 
cultivation  of  which  he  devoted  himself  when 
he  gave  up  mining.  In  1851  he  went  to 
California,  and  met  with  considerable  success 
as  a gold  miner.  Coming  back  to  Wisconsin, 
he  died  on  his  farm  in  1853.  Mr.  Thomas  was 
a local  preacher  of  the  Primitive  Methodist 


Church,  and  for  a number  of  years  filled  local 
pulpits.  The  worthy  wife  who  shared  his  ad- 
versities in  early  life  lived  to  old  age,  and 
died  in  1875.  They  had  three  children:  (1) 

Mary,  born  in  England  in  1831,  married 
George  Bennett,  and  went  to  California,  where 
she  died  in  i860,  leaving  a family.  (2)  Eliza- 
beth, born  in  England  in  1833,  is  now  the 
widow  of  William  Bennett,  and  lives  in  Vine- 
gar Hill,  111.,  where  Mr.  Bennett  had  extensive 
mercantile  interests.  Two  sons  were  born  to 
them,  John  T.  and  William  G.,  the  former 
in  business  in  Galena,  111.,  the  latter  at  Water- 
loo, Iowa.  (3)  Josiah  is  our  subject. 

Josiah  Thomas  grew  up  in  Lafayette  coun- 
ty, Wis.,  where  he  received  a public-school 
education.  When  he  was  twelve  years  old  he 
began  working  in  the  mines,  and  in  1852  he 
went  to  California,  where  he  worked  in  the 
gold  fields,  meeting  with  good  results  for  his 
labors.  After  spending  some  years  in  that 
State  he  returned  to  Lafayette  county,  and 
assumed  charge  of'  the  homestead  farm,  which 
he  conducted  until  1863.  That  year  he  went 
to  Colorado,  and  spent  two  years  111  the  gold 
mines  of  Colorado  and  Montana. 

In  1854  Mr.  Thomas  married  Miss  Jane 
Hocking,  who  was  born  in  England,  a daugh- 
ter of  John  and  Elizabeth  Hocking,  who  came 
West  in  1846,  and  settled  in  Jo  Daviess  coun- 
ty, 111.,  where  Mrs.  Thomas  completed  her 
education  and  was  reared  to  womanhood. 

Mr.  Thomas  established  himself  as  a mer- 
chant in  Hazel  Green  in  1865,  and  for  over 
twenty-six  years  was  a well-known  and  upright 
business  man  of  that  village.  During  tins  time 
he  also  engaged  quite  extensively  m real-es- 
tate dealing,  especially  in  the  village,  where  he 
owns  some  of  the  most  valuable  property. 
Mr.  Thomas  was  appointed  postmaster  dur- 
ing Hayes’  administration,  in  1877.  and  filled 
the  position  until  1881.  He  has  been  a some- 
what prominent  character  in  local  politics,  and 
has  held  severaldocal  positions  of  more  or  less 
importance,  -having  been  a member  of  both 
town  and  school  boards,  as  well  as  holding 
other  offices  necessary  for  the  transaction  of 
local  affairs.  Formerly  he  was  a justice  of  the 
peace,  serving  in  that  office  a number  of  years. 
In  1893  he  sold  out  his  mercantile  interests, 
and  retired  from  active  business  labors.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Thomas  have  four  daughters  liv- 
ing out  of  a family  of  ten  children  : ( 1 ) 

Laura  A.,  born  in  Lafayette  county  in  Decern- 


248 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ber,  1857,  was  educated  in  the  high  school 
at  Hazel  Green,  and  worked  in  the  store  with 
her  father  until  her  marriage,  in  1886,  to  Jo- 
seph Harvey,  of  Council  Hill,  111.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Harvey  live  in  Central  City,  Colo.,  where 
he  is  ’engaged  in  the  real-estate  business.  (2) 
Minnie,  born  in  1861,  assisted  her  father  in 
the  store  and  as  clerk  in  the  post  office  up  to  the 
time  of  her  marriage,  in  1888,  to  j.  B.  Roy, 
a hardware  merchant  at  Darlington,  Wis.  He 
is  now  retired  from  business.  (3)  Evangeline 
L.,  born  in  1859,  was  educated  in  Hazel 
Green,  where  she  married  Frank  P.  Trewar- 
tha,  and  they  live  in  that  village  with  their 
two  children,  Evangeline  and  Glenn  F.  (4) 
Jennie,  born  in  Hazel  Green  in  1877,  had  a 
high-school  education,  and  is  living  at  home. 
John  H.  Thomas,  born  in  1856,  was  engaged 
with  his  father  in  the  store  until  his  death, 
July  25,  1887.  He  married  Miss  Minnie  Jack- 
son,  of  Hazel  Green,  where  they  were  living 
at  the  time  of  his  death,  by  drowning  in  the 
Mississippi  river.  Mrs.  Thomas  was  left  a 
widow  with  one  child,  Hazel,  and  is  now  liv- 
ing in  Chicago.  The  other  children  of  our 
subject’s  family  died  young. 

Mr.  Thomas  was  a Republican  until  1883, 
when  he  associated  himself  with  the  Prohibi- 
tion party,  and  has  acted  with  it  to  the  present 
time.  Mrs.  Thomas  is  a member  of  the  Con- 
gregational Church,  and  her  husband  is  a lib- 
eral contributor  to  its  support.  A member 
of  the  lodge  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  in  Hazel 
Green,  he  is  the  oldest  Mason  in  the  town. 
For  many  years  Mr.  Thomas  was  a leading 
merchant,  and  he  is  held  in  the  highest  esteem 
by  the  people  of  his  town.  Beginninp-  at  the 
bottom,  he  worked  to  the  top  of  the  business 
ladder,  richly  deserving  the  success  that  has 
come  to  him. 

DAVID  JEFFRIS.  The  Jeffris  family 
had  its  early  seat  in  the  North  of  Ireland,  but 
moved  to  England  early  in  the  seventeenth 
century,  and  early  in  the  eighteenth  to  America. 
Mr.  Jeffris'  mother  was  a native  of  Maryland, 
but  his  father  and  grandfather  were  natives 
of  Virginia,  taking  an  active  part  in  the  history 
of  that  Commonwealth.  His  grandfather, 
Thomas  Jeffris,  fought  under  Washington  in 
the  Revolutionary  war  for  five  years,  enlisting 
when  but  sixteen  years  of  age,  was  made  ser- 
geant. and  received  300  acres  of  land  from  the 
government  in  recognition  of  his  services,  this 


land  being  located  in  southwestern  Virginia. 
Moving  westward  after  tarrying  some  years 
in  east  Tennessee,  he  finally  settled  in  Hardin 
county,  Ky.,  where  he  became  a well-to-do 
planter,  dying  after  having  passed  life’s  me- 
ridian, the  father  of  nine  children. 

William  Jeffris,  the  father  of  David  Jeffris, 
removed  to  Illinois  in  1830,  settling  in  what  is 
now  Coles  county,  then  within  the  limits  of 
Clark  county,  which  at  that  time  embraced  the 
present  county  of  Cook,  reaching  as  far  north 
as  the  southern  border  of  Lake  Michigan.  He 
was  a man  of  prominence,  respected  and  in- 
fluential, a Whig  in  politics,  and  a Baptist  in 
religious  faith.  He  married  Susan  Keller, 
whose  father,  George  Keller,  emigrated  from 
Germany  to  Maryland  early  in  life.  From  that 
State  he  removed  to  Kentucky,  and  thence,  in 
1830,  to  Coles  county.  111.,  where  he  was  a 
farmer.  He  had  a larg-e  family.  He  passed 
away  at  the  age  of  nearly  fourscore  years. 
William  Jeffris  died  at  his  home  in  Charles- 
ton, 111.,  at  the  age  of  seventy-four,  his  wife 
in  1831,  while  yet  in  young  womanhood.  The 
issue  of  their  marriage  was  five  sons  and  five 
daughters,  only  two  of  whom  are  now  living: 
David,  our  subject;  and  Susan,  widow  of  H. 
K.  Nowlin. 

David  Jeffris  was  horn  in  Grayson  coun- 
ty, Ky.,  Aug.  6,  1821,  and  was  but  nine  years 
old  when  his  parents  moved  to  Illinois.  He 
grew  up  in  Charleston,  and  enjoyed  the  some- 
what limited  educational  advantages  afforded 
by  the  district  schools  of  seventy  years  ago. 
He  aided  his  father  in  farming  and  lumbering, 
and  at  the  age  of  twenty-two  accompanied  Col. 
Anderson,  a cattle  drover,  from  Macoupin 
county.  111.,  to  Janesville,  Rock  Co.,  Vis.,  as 
an  assistant.  They  reached  the  Wisconsin 
town  June  8,  1846,  and  Mr.  Jeffris  has  re- 
sided in  Rock  county  ever  since.  For  six  years 
he  was  a drover,  but  in  1851  he  settled  down 
to  the  life  of  a farmer.  His  first  purchase  of 
land  consisted  of  200  acres  in  the  township  of 
Tanesville,  four  miles  west  of  the  present  city. 
Subsequently  he  bought  240  acres  adjoining, 
which  he  afterward  sold.  In  1867  he  removed 
to  Janesville,  where  he  embarked  in  the  lumber 
business,  of  which  he  had  gained  some  knowl- 
edge in  boyhood  through  association  with  his 
father.  He  also  became  an  extensive  building 
contractor,  having  erected  419  structures  in 
Janesville  and  vicinity,  the  list  including 
churches,  hotels,  stores,  business  blocks  and 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


249 


dwellings.  For  thirty  years  he  led  an  exceed- 
ingly busy  life,  devoting  his  best  energies  to 
the  conduct  of  his  large  undertakings,  no  de- 
tail of  his  business  escaping  his  personal  su- 
pervision. In  its  management  he  united  sa- 
gacity with  industry,  sound  judgment  with 
perseverance.  In  1896,  having  accumulated  a 
handsome  fortune,  he  retired  from  active  busi- 
ness, and  since  that  time  has  been  employed 
chiefly  in  the  management  of  his  estate  and  the 
oversight  of  his  numerous  important  financial 
interests.  He  is  far-seeing  and  broad-minded, 
and  has  done  much  toward  the  advancement 
of  the  city’s  commercial  interests.  He  aided  in 
organizing,  and  is  one  of  the  directors  of,  the 
Tanesville  Machine  Co.,  which  gives  employ- 
ment to  250  men,  and  was  one  of  the  founders 
of  the  Merchants  & Mechanics  Savings  Bank, 
of  which  he  was  president  for  several  years. 
He  is  also  a shareholder  in  various  other  im- 
portant financial,  commercial  and  manufactur- 
ing enterprises.  He  is  a Republican  in  pp 
tics,  and,  while  naturally  averse  to  holding  of- 
fice, has  consented  to  accept  official  preferment 
at  his  party’s  earnest  request. 

Mr.  Jeffris  was  married  to  Miss  Grace 
Alice  Mouat  Nov.  14,  1850.  Both  her  par- 
ents, Malcolm  and  Margaret  ( Youngclause) 
Mouat,  were  born  in  the  Shetland  Isles,  and 
it  was  in  that  quaint,  picturesque  corner  ot 
the  British  empire  that  she  herself  was  horn, 
June  12,  1831.  Mr.  Jeffris  is  a member  of 
the  Congregational  Church,  of  which  he  has 
been  a trustee  for  many  years,  and  to  which 
Mrs.  Jeffris  also  belonged,  having  been  a mem- 
ber for  more  than  fifty-two  years.  They  had 
nine  children,  one  of  whom  died  unnamed,  the 
others  being  Susan  Alice,  Thomas  M.  (de- 
ceased). Margaret  (deceased),  William  S., 
Helen  Jane  (deceased),  Malcolm  George, 
David  K.  and  Fred  J.  Thomas  M.  resided  at 
Huron,  S.  Dak.,  where  he  owned  a ranch,  be- 
sides having  carried  on  business  as  a lumber- 
man and  dealt  extensively  in  real  estate.  He 
was  a man  of  wide  influence  in  his  adopted 
State,  and  did  much  for  its  welfare.  He  died 
April  4,  1900,  at  his  father’s  home.  In  1889 
he  married  Harriet  Hall,  and  they  had  three 
children.  Ruth  B.,  Bruce  M.  and  Robert  M. 
Margaret,  the  second  daughter  of  Mr.  Jeffris, 
died  when  seven  and  a half  months  old,  and 
Helen  Jane  in  her  eighth  year.  William  S. 
is  president  of  the  Merchants  & Mechanics 
Savings  Bank  of  Janesville;  he  married  Jean- 


nette Baldwin,  and  is  the  father  of  one  son 
and  two  daughters,  Kenneth  B.,  Katharine 
L.  and  Margaret  H.  Malcolm  G.,  the  third 
son,  is  a member  of  the  firm  of  Fethers,  Jeffris 
& Mouat,  practicing  attorneys  in  Janesville; 
he  married  Nancy  Roys,  and  their  three  chil- 
dren are  named  Malcolm  R.,  Helen  and  Rufus 
R.  David  K.  is  also  a resident  of  Janesville, 
and  is  engaged  in  the  lumber  business;  he 
married  Della  Hanchett,  and  they,  too,  are 
the  parents  of  three  children,  Donald  H..  Jean 
E.  and  Grace  M.  Fred  J.,  the  fifth  son,  is 
associated  with  his  brother  David  K.  in  the 
lumber  business ; he  is  unmarried.  The  mother 
of  this  family  died  Aug.  28,  1900. 

THOMAS  J.  LLOYD,  a wealthy  retired 
farmer,  who  occupies  a cozy  home  on  Pleas- 
ant street,  two  doors  west  of  Oak  Hill  avenue, 
in  the  city  of  Janesville,  has  been  intimately 
associated  with  the  agricultural  interests  of 
southern  Wisconsin  for  many  years.  He  has 
had  a varied  and  eventful  career,  has  worked 
assiduously,  been  provident  and  saving,  and 
has  made  a history  that  might  well  be  read  bv 
every  young  man  as  he  faces  his  life  work,  it 
has  such  lessons  of  thrift  and  industry,  hon- 
esty and  integrity. 

. Mr.  Lloyd  was  born  in  Radnor.  Wales,  Nov. 
4,  1837,  and  is  a son  of  Thomas  and  Ann 
(Worthing)  Lloyd,  both  natives  of  England, 
who  were  the  parents  of  six  children,  four 
now  living:  Thomas  J. ; William,  of  South 

Dakota;  John  W.,  of  Janesville;  and  Edward, 
of  Plainfield.  Iowa.  The  father  was  a hotel- 
keeper  and  contractor  earl}'  in  life.  He  emi- 
grated to  America  in  1839,  settled  in  \\  ater- 
ville,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  engaged  in 
farming.  Pie  came  to  Wisconsin  about  1847, 
located  in  Walworth  county,  and  followed 
farming  until  within  a few  years  of  his  death, 
at  Big-  Foot  Prairie,  near  Delavan.  His  wife 
died  in  about  1884,  at  the  age  of.  sixty-seven 
years,  and  shortly  after  that  he  broke  up  house- 
keeping and  went  to  live  with  his  daughter, 
in  Plainfield,  Iowa,  where  he  died  in  1896, 
when  eighty-nine  years  and  ten  months  old. 
He  and  his  wife  were  Baptists,  and  he  had 
held  various  town  offices.  His  father  died  in 
England  when  Thomas  was  only  two  years 
old.  History  is  silent  as  to  the  facts  of  his 
career,  but  it  is  known  that  he  was  a British 
soldier  in  the  war  of  - 1812,  and  that  he  died 
early  in  life.  The  father  of  Ann  Worthing 


250 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


was  of  English  birth,  and  died  in  middle  life, 
in  his  native  country. 

Thomas  J.  Lloyd  was  about  two  years 
old  when  his  parents  brought  him  to  this 
country,  and  he  lived  in  Walworth  county  from 
1847  t0  1887,  when  he  moved  to  Janesville, 
in  which  city  he  has  made  his  home  to  the 
present  time.  This  is  but  a brief  statement 
of  a very  interesting  career.  Mr.  Lloyd  when 
a boy  attended  school  in  Waterville,  N.  Y., 
until  he  was  ten  years  old,  and  then  at  Doug- 
las Corners,  in  Walworth  county,  Wis.,  where 
he  completed  the  high-school  course,  acquir- 
ing* a very  sound  and  practical  education.  His 
first  business  venture  was  the  purchase  of  forty 
acres  at  what  was  known  as  Big  Foot  Prairie. 
He  improved  this  thoroughly,  and  brought  it 
into  fine  condition,  and  then  added  to  it  the 
adjoining  forty  acres,  and  still  later  an  ad- 
jacent forty  acres,  thus  making  a very  nice 
farm.  When  he  was  quite  sure  of  himself, 
and  dared  to  undertake  it,  he  bought  a sec- 
ond farm,  of  178  acres,  and  had  now  become 
one  of  the  important  land  owners  of  Wal- 
worth county.  Later  in  life  he  sold  these 
two  farms  at  a handsome  profit,  and  became 
quite  a real-estate  dealer  in  choice  farm  prop- 
erty, buying  and  selling  both  farm  and  city 
property.  He  continued  farming  until  he 
came  to  Janesville,  when  he  engaged  in  the 
boot  and  shoe  business  for  several  years.  At 
the  present  time  he  devotes  himself  to  the 
care  of  his  extensive  investments  in  that  city 
and  Rockford,  Illinois. 

Mr.  Lloyd  and  Miss  Martha  C.  Boorman, 
a daughter  of  John  and  Mary  (Reader)  Boor- 
man, were  married  May  20,  1864.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Lloyd  have  had  four  children,  Chester 
C.,  Laura  L.,  Mary  Leona,  and  one  child  that 
died  in  infancy.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lloyd  are 
members  of  the  Baptist  Church.  He  is  a Re- 
publican. Our  subject  was  a soldier  in  the 
Civil  war,  enlisting  in  1861  in  Company  K, 
2d  Wisconsin  Volunteer  Cavalry,  and  serving- 
one  year,  when  he  was  discharged  on  account 
of  serious  sickness.  The  three  living  chil- 
dren of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lloyd  are  all  very  nice- 
ly settled  in  life.  Chester  C.  married  Miss 
Hattie  Bennett,  and  lives  in  Rockford,  111., 
where  he  is  a boot  and  shoe  dealer.  During 
the  summer  he  runs  a steamboat.  He  has  two 
sons,  Clair  and  Forest.  Laura  L.  married 
Mark  Dunlap,  and  she  and  her  husband  live 
with  her  parents ; they  have  one  son,  Lester 


Lloyd.  Mary  Leona  married  William  Mor- 
ris, and  lives  at  No.  108  South  High  street, 
Janesville. 

Mrs.  Lloyd’s  parents  were  natives  of  Eng- 
land, came  to  this  country  in  1832,  located  in 
Chautauqua  county,  N.  Y.,  where  they  lived 
some  years,  and  were  among  the  first  settlers 
of  Walworth  county,  coming  into  Wisconsin 
about  1S38.  They  were  the  parents  of  three 
sons  and  four  daughters,  and  three  of  their 
children  are  now  living : Esther,  wife  of 

Luther  Adams,  of  Walworth,  Wis.;  Martha 
C.,  wife  of  Thomas  J.  Lloyd;  and  Melissa, 
wife  of  John  Lloyd,  of  Janesville.  Mrs. 
Lloyd's  grandfather,  John  Boorman,  was  born 
in  England,  and  died  there  when  over  eighty 
years  old.  He  was  a farmer,  and  had  a large 
family.  Mrs.  Lloyd’s  maternal  grandfather, 
Thomas  Reader,  was  born  and  reared  in  Eng- 
land, and  came  to  this  country  in  about  1854. 
He  stopped  in  New  York  for  a time,  but 
finally  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  died  when  over 
seventy.  Fie  had  fourteen  children.  Fie  was 
a soldier  in  the  Revolution,  on  the  British 
side. 

JOHN  SIDE,  postmaster  at  Lead  Mine, 
Lafayette  county,  and  local  preacher  of  the 
Primitive  Methodist  Western  Conference,  is 
a native  of  the  County  of  Cumberland,  Eng- 
land, born  in  April,  1825,  son  of  George  and 
Bell  (Brown)  Side,  both  of  whom  passed 
their  entire  lives  in  the  County  of  Cumberland, 
the  former  following  mining  as  an  occupa- 
tion. Of  the  six  children  in  their  family  but 
two  came  to  America,  John  and  William,  the 
latter  coming  in  1859,  accompanied  by  his  wife 
and  family.  He  settled  in  Iowa,  and  there 
died  in  1897;  his  family  are  still  residents  of 
that  State. 

John  Side  g*rew  to  manhood  in  England, 
and  received  a fair  education  in  the  public 
schools.  After  the  death  of  his  father  he 
came  to  America,  landing  in  this  country  in 
1847.  He  made  the  voyage  on  the  sailing- 
vessel  “Monarch,”  which  brought  him  to  New 
York,  and  thence  by  way  of  the  Erie  canal  he 
reached  Buffalo,  where  he  boarded  a lake  ves- 
sel for  Chicago.  From  the  last-named  place 
he  started  by  team  for  New  Diggings,  La- 
fayette county,  there  to  engage  in  lead  and 
zinc  mining,  which  has  been  his  life  work,  and 
he  continued  industriously  at  work  until  but  a 
few  years  ago,  when  he  retired,  and- is  now  rest- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


251 


ing  on  the  fruits  of  his  early  toil.  In  1863  he 
erected  his  present  home  in  the  village  of  Lead 
Mine,  and  equipped  it  with  all  the  conven- 
iences and  comforts  obtainable  at  the  time. 
Politically  he  is  a Republican,  and  when  the 
office  at  Lead  Mine  was  established,  in  1884, 
he  was  appointed  postmaster,  which  position 
he  has  continued  to  hold.  He  has  also  held 
a number  of  local  offices  in  the  gift  of  the 
people,  among  them  .being  those  of  chairman 
and  member  of  the  town  board,  and,  for  over 
twenty  years,  the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace. 
In  religious  belief  both  he  and  his  wife  are 
members  of  the  Primitive  Methodist  Church, 
Mr.  Side  having  become  a member  of  that 
denomination  over  forty  years  ago,  or  short- 
ly after  his  permanent  location  here.  His  in- 
terest in  all  good  and  religious  work  is  keen, 
and  for  years  he  has  filled  the  pulpit  as  a 
local  minister,  leading  an  upright,  honorable 
life — an  example  well  worthy  of  emulation. 

Mr.  Side  has  been  three  times  married, 
first  in  1849,  when  Miss  Jane  Barnes  became 
his  bride.  She  died  in  1862,  leaving  three 
children : William,  a miner  of  Etna,  Wis., 

is  married  and  has  three  children,  Alvin, 
Jennie  and  Joseph;  George  D.,  of  Lead- 
ville,  Colo.,  is  married  and  has  one  son, 
George;  Mary  M.  is  the  wife  of  John 
Cottingham,  of  Benton.  For  his  second  wife 
Mr.  Side  wedded  Miss  Lizzie  Harker,  a na- 
tive of  England,  and  daughter  of  Joseph  and 
Mary  Harker,  who  located  in  Lafayette  coun- 
ty and  died  in  New  Diggings  township.  Mrs. 
Lizzie  (Harker)  Side  died  in  April,  1878, 
leaving  a family  of  three  children,  two  of 
whom  died  in  childhood ; Maggie,  born  in 
1865,  married  Thomas  Miller,  of  Benton,  a 
partner  of  John  Cottingham  in  the  milling 
business,  and  they  have  one  son,  Otho.  Mr. 
Side’s  last  marriage  was  to  Mrs.  Mary  J. 
Rowe,  who  was  born  in  England  in  1848, 
daughter  of  Ralph  and  Catherine  Miller,  who 
early  came  from  England  and  located  in  Wis- 
consin, where  he  died  in  1880;  Mrs.  Miller 
is  yet  living  here.  Mrs.  Side  was  educated  in 
New  Diggings,  and  in  that  town  married 
William  Rowe,  who  was  killed  in  the  mines 
in  1880,  and  left  his  wife  with  four  children: 
Lizzie  married  Thomas  Martin,  of  Iowa,  and 
has  one  daughter,  Phoebe;  John,  of  New  Dig- 
gings, married  Nettie  Smith;  Roy  is  a miner 
of  Cuba,  Wis. ; Ivittie  is.  at  home. 

During  the  Civil  war  Mr.  Side  enlisted, 


becoming  a private  in  Company  C,  50th  Wis. 
\ . I.,  and  by  faithful  performance  of  duty  rose 
i to  the  rank  of  sergeant.  His  regiment  -was 
I assigned  to  the  Western  Army. 

ELIAS  PILLING  (deceased)  was  one  of 
the  pioneers  of  the  town  of  Willow  Springs, 
Lafayette  county,  and  at  his  decease  left  tne 
record  of  an  honest,  upright  man.  His 
birth  occurred  in  1798,  in  England,  where  he 
attained  his  maturity  and  married  Elizabeth 
Haigh,  immigrating  to  the  United  States  in 
1827,  with  his  wife  and  three  children. 

i he  first  location  of  the  Pilling  family  was 
at  Potosi,  Mo.,  where  they  resided  until  1832. 
They  then  removed  to  Galena,  remaining  there 
but  a short  time,  however,  and  coming  to  Wil- 
low Springs,  where  they  made  a permanent 
residence.  Mr.  Pilling  was  one  of  the  earliest 
settlers  of  Willow  Springs.  He  immediately 
began  the  work  of  smelting  lead,  for  John 
Parkinson  and  John  Brown,  the  methods  of 
carrying  on  this  work  being  of  the  most  primi- 
tive character  at  that  time,  the  modern  meth- 
ods never  having  been  dreamed  of,  even  in  the 
largest  establishments.  One  year  later  Mr. 
Pilling  bought  out  the  interest  of  Mr.  Park- 
inson in  these  works,  following  which  he  and 
Mr.  Brown  erected  a store,  which  was  suc- 
cessfully conducted  in  connection  with  their 
smelting  plant.  Some  time  later  a blast  fur- 
nace was  erected  in  the  same  town,  on  Otter 
creek,  near  the  eastern  boundary  of  what  is 
now  the  town  of  Willow  Springs.  This  fur- 
nace was  a move  in  the  direction  of  improve- 
ment in  the  method  of  smelting;  it  was  built 
by  Frank  Gregoire  and  Joshua  Bailey.  In  about 
1837  Mr.  Pilling  bought  the  interest  of  Mr. 
Bailey,  a year  later  becoming  the  sole  propri- 
etor of  the  blast  furnace,  which  he  operated 
until  1849.  His  four  sons  were  interested  with 
their  father  in  the  smelting  business,  but  when 
the  California  gold  fever  broke  out  they  caught 
the  infection,  and  joined  the  scores  of  others 
who  made  their  way  across  the  Plains.  On 
this  account,  and  also  because  of  scarcity  of 
mineral,  the  furnace  was  now  closed,  and  Mr. 
Pilling  never  re-opened  the  works. 

Our  subject  had  entered  several  hundred 
acres  of  land,  much  of  which  he  had  placed 
under  cultivation,  his  homestead  being  in  Sec- 
tion 15,  and  he  lived  there  many  years.  Two 
years  prior  to  his  death,  however,  he  left  the 
"home  to  his  two  sons,  John  and  George,  al- 


252 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


though  he  resided  in  the  neighborhood  until 
the  time  of  his  death,  Oct.  25,  1873.  Mrs. 
Pilling  had  passed  away  July  9,  1871.  She 
was  a devoted  Christian  mother  and  neighbor. 
The  Sunday-school  of  Willow  Springs  is  an 
existing  testimonial  to  the  energy  and  pious 
character  of  this  estimable  woman,  she  being 
its  originator,  and  through  life  one  of  its  most 
active  workers. 

Elias  Pilling  and  his  wife  became  the  par- 
ents of  eleven  children,  eight  sons  and  three 
daughters,  those  surviving  being  two  sons  and 
three  daughters:  Dr.  Abraham  Pilling,  of 

Burlington,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Nancy  Monehan,  of 
Darlington,  Wis. ; Mrs.  Frances  Jane  Warren, 
of  Tucson,  Ariz. ; Mrs.  Mary  fi.  Sheldon,  of 
Willow  Springs;  and  Dr.  Henry  FI.  Pilling,  of 
Tucson,  Ariz.  Joseph,  John,  George,  Isaac, 
Elias  and  Robert  have  all  passed  away,  though 
all  of  them  lived  to  be  advanced  in  years. 

Mr.  Pilling  was  a typical  pioneer,  honest 
and  upright  in  all  his  dealings,  liberal  and  ever 
ready  to  assist  those  in  need  of  help,  and  en- 
joyed the  esteem  and  respect  of  his  fellow  citi- 
zens. Both  he  and  his  estimable  wife  are  still 
remembered  as  worthy  people  whose  acquaint- 
ance was  desirable,  and  whose  death  was  re- 
garded in  the  light  of  a neighborhood  calamity. 

DAVID  KELLER  JEFFRIS  is  one  of 
Janesville's  leading  business  men,  and  one  of 
the  best-known  lumbermen  in  the  State  of 
V isconsin.  He  is  the  son  of  David  Jeffris, 
whose  biography  appears  upon  another  page 
of  this  work,  where  may  be  found  a detailed 
sketch  of  the  family’s  history. 

Our  subject  was  born  in  Janesville  town- 
ship May  28,  1867,  and  has  inherited,  the  busi- 
ness acumen  and  tireless  energy  of  his  father. 
He  was  educated  in  the  common  schools  of 
Janesville.  His  first  business  experience  was 
obtained  in  his  father’s  lumberyards,  and  in 
1887  he  embarked  in  trade  upon  his1  own  ac- 
count. At  that  time  he  was  but  twenty  years 
old,  and  his  subsequent  success  in  life  might 
be  regarded  as  phenomenal  by  those  who 
should  fail  to  take  into  account  his  admirable 
mental  endowment  and  quick,  ready  grasp  of 
the  problems  of  every-day  life.  In  1890  he 
sold  out  his  original  plant,  and  in  that  year 
erected  mills  in  what  is  known  as  Jeffris,  a 
village  having  sprung  up  around  them.  Since 
that  time  his  business  enterprises  have  stead- 
ily increased  in  number.  His  brother  Frederick 


is  associated  with  him  as  a partner,  and  the 
firm  owns  and  operates  a large  factory  in 
Janesville,  for  the  manufacture  of  sash,  doors 
and  blinds  and  window  screens,  employing  be- 
tween 250  and  300  men.  They  also  own  saw- 
mills at  Jeffris,  Wis.  Mr.  Jeffris  is  also  an 
extensive  owner  of  real  estate,  and  holds  large 
tracts  of  valuable  pine  lands  in  the  northern 
part  of  the  State,  besides  being  a director  in 
various  moneyed  corporations  in  the  city  of 
his  residence.  He  is  a man  of  generous  im- 
pulses and  social  instincts,  loving  the  compan- 
ionship of  his  friends  and  being  both  loved  and 
honored  by  them  in  return.  He  is  a member 
of  Janesville  Lodge,  No.  55,  A.  F.  & A.  M., 
as  well  as  of  the  K.  of  P.  and  the  B.  P.  O.  E. 
He  also  belongs  to  that  widely  reputed  social 
organization  of  lumbermen  known  as  the  “Hoo 
Hoos,"  whose  good  fellowship  and  love  of 
mirth  are  known  throughout  the  Northwest. 
Being  of  Scotch  descent  on  the  maternal  side, 
he  has  been  eligible  for  election  in  the  Cale- 
donian Society,  of  which  he  is  one  of  the 
most  esteemed  members.  Politically  he  is  a 
Republican. 

Mr.  Jeffris  was  married  Jan.  2,  1889,  his 
bride  being  Miss  Della  Hanchett,  a daughter 
of  Geranclo  M.  and  Anna  (Spaulding) 
Hanchett.  Their  three  children  are  named 
Donald  IT,  Jean  E.,  and  Grace  M.  Mrs. 
Jeffris  is  a member  of  the  .Congregational 
Church. 

WILLIAM  H.  APPLEBY.  This  gentle- 
man, who  is  now  serving  his  second  term  as 
sheriff  of  Rock  county,  has  been  for  many 
years  identified  in  an  official  capacity  with  the 
enforcement  of  the  criminal  law.  His  parents 
and  grandparents  were  natives  of  London, 
England,  but  he  himself  was  born  Oct.  15, 
1861,  in  the  town  of  Avon,  Rock  county. 
Both  his  father  and  paternal  grandfather, 
who  were  weavers  by  trade,  emigrated  to 
America  in  1848,  settling  first  in  Elgin,  111. 
The  grandfather,  John  Appleby,  went  from 
that  place  to  Iowa,  where  both  he  and  his 
wife  died,  aged  seventy-seven  and  seventy- 
six  years,  respectively.  They  were  the  parents 
of  two  sons,  John  Thomas  and  Alfred,  the 
elder  of  whom  is  the  father  of  William  H. 
Appleby.  He  resided  in  Elgin  for  four  or 
five  years,  and  then  removed  to  Janesville, 
where  he  is  still  living.  He  married  Eliza- 
beth Landredgen,  the  daughter  of  a retired 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


253 


London  merchant.  She  died  in  1863.  Both 
were  members1  of  the  Church  of  England. 
Three  sons  and  two  daughters  were  born  to 
them,  of  whom  William  H.  is  the  youngest. 
The  others  are : Elizabeth,  the  wife  of  Alfred 
Graves,  of  Evansville,  Wis. ; John  Thomas, 
a retired  farmer,  of  Parker,  S.  Dak.;  Caro- 
line, now  Mrs.  Henry  Graves,  of  Dewitt, 
Iowa;  and  George  AL,  chief  of  police  in  the 
city  of  Beloit,  Rock  county. 

William  H.  Appleby  received  a good  ele- 
mentary English  education  in  the  common 
school's.  After  reaching  early  manhood  he 
removed  to  Beloit,  where  for  a considerable 
period  he  served  on  the  police  force,  filling 
the  office  of  superintendent  for  six  years.  In 
1894  'the  citizens  of  Rock  county  elected  him 
sheriff,  for  a term  of  two  years.  At  the  ex- 
piration of  that  period  he  was  made  chief  of 
police  of  Janesville,  and  in  1898  w'as  re-elected 
sheriff.  The  grave  duties  of  this  high  posi- 
tion he  still  continues  to  discharge,  with  a 
courage  and  efficiency  which  command  uni- 
versal admiration  and  respect.  His  personal 
popularity  is  widespread,  and  his  friends  are 
legion.  He  is  genial,  frank,  courteous  and 
generous,  and  fond  of  social  pleasures.  He 
is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  be.ng 
connected  with  Mining  Star  Lodge,  No.  10, 
A.  F.  & A.  M. ; Beloit  Chapter,  No.  8,  R. 
A.  M. ; and  Beloit  Commandery,  No.  6,  Iv. 
T.  He  is  also  a member  of  the  Uniformed 
Rank,  Iv.  P.,  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  of 
America,  and  of  the  A.  O.  U.  W.  Politically 
lie  is  a Republican. 

On  March  7,  1886,  Mr.  Appleby  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Pauline,  a daughter  of  F.  R.  Vin- 
cent. They  have  one  child,  Floy. 

RODGER  PIORNER.  Industry  and  thrift 
are  the  price  that  honorable  men  pay  for  suc- 
cess, and  this  has  been  amply  paid  by  the  gen- 
tleman with  whose  name  this  article  begins, 
and  who  lives  in  the  town  of  Harrison,  Grant 
county.  His  business  life  has  been  devoted  to 
mining  and  farming,  and  he  may  be  written 
down  as  one  of  the  solid  and  representative  men 
of  both  these  callings  in  his  part  of  the  State. 

Mr.  Horner  was  born  in  Toronto,  Canada, 
in  March,  1835,  a son  of  Matthew  and  Jane 
Horner,  natives  of  Yorkshire,  England.  They 
were  married  in  their  native  country  in  1823, 
and  some  ten  years  later  came  to  Canada.  In 
1840  they  moved  to  Jo  Daviess  county,  111., 


where  they  lived  seven  years.  At  the  expira- 
tion of  this  time  they  found  a location  in 
British  Hollow,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he  fol- 
lowed lead  mining  and  smelting  until  1854. 
That  year  he  bought  the  Joseph  Reiter  farm, 
in  the  town  of  Harrison,  Grant  Co.,  Wis., 
which  was  afterward  their  home  as  long  as  they 
lived.  Mr.  Horner  died  in  January,  1880,  and 
his  wife  in  September,  same  year.  They  had 
a family  of  twelve  children : Rachel  was 

'buried  at  sea.  Margaret  died  when  a child, 
at  British  Hollow.  James  died  in  Grant  coun- 
ty, when  a young  man.  Matthew  died  at  the 
home  of  his  parents,  in  1858.  Mary  died  when 
a young  woman  at  her  parents’  home.  Will- 
iam was  killed  in  the  mines  of  California, 
leaving  a wife  and  daughter,  Emma,  now  Mrs. 
J.  P.  Bonnett,  of  Harrison.  Rachel,  born  in  Illi- 
nois, married  Morris  Cavanaugh,  and  is  now 
deceased.  Jane  is  Airs.  Norman  Clark,  of 
Harrison.  Jonathan  married  Lizzie  Bradley, 
and  lives  at  British  Hollow.  Elizabeth,  Mrs. 
J.  Reiter,  is  on  the  old  Horner  homestead,  in 
Harrison.  Rodger  died  in  infancy,  and  his 
name  was  given  to  the  youngest  child  of  the 
family,  our  subject. 

Rodger  Horner  received  a common-school 
education.  He  became  a soldier  of  the  Union 
army  during  the  Civil  war,  enlisting  in  Com- 
pany H,  44th  Wis.  V.  I.,  which  regiment  was 
attached  to  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee,  and 
Mr.  Horner  followed  the  flag  until  the  close 
of  the  war.  He  was  in  hospital  some  months, 
and  made  an  honorable  record  as  a soldier 
and  a gentleman  while  at  the  front.  In  1859 
Mr.  Horner  crossed  the  Plains,  and  was  in 
California  until  the  summer  of  1864,  when  he 
came  back  to  Wisconsin,  and  entered  the  serv- 
ice. After  the  war  he  went  to  California  a 
second  time,  and  remained  in  the  West  until 
1871.  There  he  married  Aliss  Marietta  Butler, 
who  was  born  in  Harrison,  Wis.,  a daugh- 
ter of  Daniel  and  Anna  (Coates)  B.utler;  (Mr. 
Butler  died  at  East  Dubuque,  Iowa,  Airs. 
Butler  at  Georgetown,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.  Air. 
Butler  was  an  old-time  Californian,  and  a sol- 
dier in  the  Civil  war  from  Wisconsin.  Airs. 
Horner  was  visiting  her  brother  in  California 
at  the  time  of  her  marriage,  and  they  remained 
in  that  State  two  years  longer.  Their  eldest 
child  was  the  first  child  born  in  Bodie,  Cal. 
In  1873  Air.  and  Airs.  Horner  settled  on  his 
present  farm  in  the  town  of  Harrison,  where 
they  are  now  living.  They  have  put  up  a good 


254 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


home,  and  cleared  up  the  farm,  and  he  has 
spent  many  years  mining  in  the  county.  In 
1879  be  made  a third  trip  to  California,  leav- 
ing his  wife  and  five  children  on  the  farm, 
and  returned  in  1880.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Horner 
have  had  nine  children:  Matthew  D.,  who 

lives  at  home;  William  H. ; Elijah  R. ; Sarah 
A.,  who  was  a student  of  the  Platteville  Nor- 
mal, and  has  been  a teacher  for  some  six  years  ; 
Nora,  also  a student  at  the  Normal,  who  has 
been  one  of  the  successful  teachers  of  the  coun- 
ty for  some  years;  Maud  S.,  a student  of  the 
same  Normal,  who  has  been  a teacher  for  five 
terms  in  the  schools  of  the  county;  Minnie 
May,  who  was  educated  in  the  high  school 
and  the  Normal;  Rodger  is  the  youngest  liv- 
ing of  the  family;  and  the  youngest  of  all, 
Jonathan,  died  when  an  infant.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Horner  also  took  an  orphan  child  to  raise,  Mrs. 
Horner’s  niece,  Annie  Wynne,  now  Mrs.  Will 
Champion,  of  Hazel  Green,  Wis.  Mr.  Hor- 
ner's daughters  are  all  bright,  capable  young 
ladies,  very  highly  regarded  in  the  community. 

Mr.  Horner  is  an  independent  Republican, 
and  has  held  the  office  of  school  treasurer  and 
roadmaster.  Mrs.  Horner  and  the  family  at- 
tend church  in  the  neighborhood,  and  take  a 
lively  interest  in  all  good  movements  and  meas- 
ures. They  are  highly  regarded,  and  are 
spoken  of  as  among  the  cultured  and  refined 
people  of  the  county. 

THOMAS  S.  NOLAN,  a member  of  the 
Bar  of  Rock  county,  and  connected  with  the 
firm  of  Sutherland  & Nolan,  practicing  at- 
torneys at  Janesville,  is  himself  a native  of 
Wisconsin,  born  of  Irish  parents. 

Simon  Nolan,  his  father,  was  born  in  the 
old  country,  emigrated  to  America  while  a 
young  man,  and  about  1854  came  West,  lo- 
cating at  Janesville,  where  he  resided  until  his 
death,  in  1858.  He  married  Margaret  Coss, 
whose  birthplace  was  in  Queen’s  County,  Ire- 
land. She  survived  her  husband,  and  after 
his  death  married  a second  time,  her  husband 
being  Thomas  Poev,  and  the  fruit  of  that 
union  being  one  daughter,  Mary  A.,  now  Mrs. 
George  E.  Lynch,  of  Milwaukee.  Two  chil- 
dren were  born  to  the  first  marriage,  Thomas 
S.  and  Catherine  M.,  the  latter  now  the  wife 
of  Dr.  Walter  E.  Fernald,  at  present  (Sep- 
tember, 1900)  the  efficient  superintendent  of 
the  School  for  Feeble  Minded,  at  'Boston. 

I homas  S.  Nolan  was  born  at  Janesville 


Oct.  11,  1856.  His  attendance  at  the  public 
schools  was  supplemented  by  a course  of  in- 
struction at  the  Ridgetown  (Ontario)  Acad- 
emy, and  he  began  the  study  of  law  in  the 
office  of  Edward  Bates,  a well-known  attorney 
of  York,  Neb.  Before  commencing  the 
reading  of  Blackstone  he  was  employed 
first  as  assistant  clerk  and  afterward  as 
clerk  in  the  office  of  the  Nebraska  State 
Penitentiary.  His  course  of  professional  read- 
ing was  completed  at  Janesville.  He  was  ad- 
mitted to  practice  in  1879.  In  1881  he  aided 
in  the  incorporation  of  the  Recorder  Printing 
Co.,  and  for  two  years  was  editor  of  the  Re- 
corder, then  a Republican  newspaper.  Dur- 
ing 1880-81  he  held  the  office  of  police  justice, 
and  is  now  serving  his  second  term  as  a mem- 
ber of  the  board  of  fire  and  police  commission- 
ers. He  is  an  active  worker  in  the  cause  of 
the  Republican  party,  and  is  at  present  chair- 
man of  the  county  central  committee.  He  is 
a member  of  Western  Star  Lodge,  No.  14, 
A.  F.  & A.  M.,  and  of  Janesville  Chapter,  No. 
5,  R.  A.  M. ; and  also  belongs  to  Oriental 
Lodge,  No.  22,  K.  of  P.,  in  which  he  held  the 
office  of  chancellor  commander  for  two  terms. 
He  is  a member  of  the  Hamilton  Club,  of 
Chicago,  and  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the 
Twilight  Club,  being  one  of  its  active  and  in- 
fluential members. 

Mr.  Nolan  was  married  Feb.  22,  1883,  to 
Miss  Jessie  M.  Murdock,  a daughter  of  Ed- 
win D.  and  Adelia  M.  (Ployt)  Murdock,  and 
one  daughter  was  born  to  them,  Vera  E. 

JOHN  SCHREINER,  a prosperous  busi- 
ness man  of  Lancaster,  Grant  county,  was  born 
in  Hessen-Darmstadt,  Germany,  in  1835,  and 
was  but  nine  years  of  age  when  bereft  of  his 
father,  Nicholas  Schreiner,  after  which  sad  oc- 
currence he  worked  his  way  through  life  alone. 
When  eighteen  years  old,  in  1853,  lie  came  to 
America,  Grant  county,  Wis.,  being  his  point 
of  destination.  He  here  found  employment 
by  the  month  as  a farm  hand,  and  this  contin- 
ued to  be  his  occupation  until  1864,  when  with 
his  savings  he  purchased  an  interest  in  the 
firm  of  Jacob  Nathan  & Son,  the  well-known 
merchants  of  Lancaster.  I11  1868  the  firm 
name  was  changed  to  Nathan,  Schreiner  & 
Co.,  and  in  1880  Mr.  Schreiner  bought  out  his 
partners  and  conducted  the  business  alone  un- 
til 1884,  since  which  date  the  firm  name  has 
been  John  Schreiner  & Sons — Frank  and  Ed- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


255 


ward  being-  the  present  partners  of  their  fa- 
ther. Another  son,  Adolph,  was  a member  of 
the  firm  from  the  time  of  its  formation  until 
his  death,  in  1889. 

John  Schreiner  married  Miss  Sophia  Na- 
than, a native  of  Prussia,  and  a daughter  of 
Jacob  Nathan,  alluded  to  in  the  foregoing  para- 
graph. To  this  union  have  been  born  seven 
children,  of  whom  six  are  still  living : Ellen, 
Mrs.  Simonson,  of  Seattle,  Wash. ; Elizabeth, 
Mrs.  Moulton,  of  Two  Harbors,  Minn.; 
Emma,  at  home ; Frank ; Edward  H. ; and 
Herbert  E. 

Besides  the  mercantile  business  carried  on 
in  Lancaster  John  Schreiner  & Sons  have  a 
still  more  extensive  establishment  at  Two 
Harbors,  Minn.,  which  is  in  charge  of  the 
son,  Edward  EL,  and  the  son-in-law,  Mr.  Moul- 
ton. Adolph,  the  deceased  son,  had  charge 
of  this  business  until  fatally  attacked  by  ty- 
phoid fever,  and  was  a most  excellent  busi- 
ness man,  as  well  as  a model  citizen. 

John  Schreiner  began  life  a poor  boy,  but 
as  he  possessed  good  business  qualities  and 
moral  habits,  as  well  as  sound  judgment,  he 
•has  risen  to  prominence  and  affluence,  and 
consequently  in  the  good  opinion  of  his  fellow- 
citizens.  When  the  State  Bank  of  Grant  Coun- 
ty was  organized,  in  1889,  the  directors  elect- 
ed him  president,  which  office  he  has  held  ever 
since.  Politically  he  is  a Republican,  and  fra- 
ternally an  Odd  Fellow. 

REV.  OLE  PAULSON,  the  esteemed 
pastor  of  the  Norwegian  Lutheran  Church  at 
Blanchardville,  Lafayette  county,  was  born  in 
Norway  April  26,  1832,  and  accompanied  his 
father’s  family  to  America  in  1850.  For  a 
time  they  made  their  home  in  Winneshiek 
county,  Iowa,  removing  thence  to  Carver  coun- 
ty, Minn.,  where  the  parents  passed  the  re- 
mainder of  their  lives. 

The  opening  days  of  the  war  of  the  Re- 
bellion found  Rev.  Ole  Paulson  a student  in 
the  Scandinavian  Lutheran  Augustana  Sem- 
inary and  College,  at  Chicago,’  111.,  and  like 
many  another  student  in  the  schools  and  col- 
leges of  the  North  he  left  his  books  and  shoul- 
dered a musket  in  defense  of  the  Union.  In 
August,  1862,  he  became  a member  of  Com- 
pany IT,  9th  Minn.  V.  I.,  with  the  rank  of 
second  lieutenant,  William  R.  Baxter  being- 
captain  of  the  company.  That  year  occurred 
the  famous  uprising  of  the  Sioux  Indians, 


and  the  9th,  with  other  volunteer  regiments, 
was  sent  to  chastise  the  red  men  and  prevent 
further  depredations.  Mr.  Paulson  took  part 
in  Gen.  Sibley's  expedition  in  Minnesota  and 
Dakota  during  the  summer  of  1863,  and  was 
in  several  battles  with  the  savages.  When 
the  Indians  were  finally  driven  beyond  the  Mis- 
souri river,  and  the  Indian  war  closed,  the 
regiment  returned  to  Fort  Snell ing,  and  thence 
in  the  fall  of  1863  proceeded  to  St.  Louis, 
where  it  was  occupied  doing  guard  duty  the 
following  winter,  from  there  going  to  Rolla, 
Mo.  During  this  time  the  men  were  sent  out  on 
detached  duty,  and  the  entire  regiment  con- 
siderably divided.  In  the  spring  of  1864  they 
were  again  united,  and  proceeded  to  Little 
Rock,  Ark.,  as  Col.  Wilkinson,  who  com- 
manded the  regiment,  was  ambitious  to  join 
in  Gen.  Sturgis’  well  known  expedition  against 
the  Rebel  Gen.  Forrest,  and  was  successful  in 
realizing  his  ambition.  The  result  of  this  was 
the  somewhat  famous  battle  of  Guntown,  in 
which  the  army  under  Sturgis  was  badly  de- 
feated, the  expedition  having  been  badly 
planned,  and  the  battle  fought  at  great  disad- 
vantage to  the  Union  forces.  The  9th  lost 
heavily,  Company  H losing  its  captain  and 
thirty  men  taken  prisoners  and  placed  in  the 
noted  stockade  at  Andersonville,  Ga.,  where 
many  of  them  perished  from  starvation.  The 
next  important  event  in  which  the  9th  partici- 
pated was  at  Tupelo,  near  Memphis,  where 
Col.  Wilkinson  was  killed.  They  also  took  part 
in  the  battle  of  Nashville  and  the  taking  of 
Spanish  Fort.  The  health  of  Rev.  Mr.  Paul- 
son was  much  broken  before  the  close  of  the 
war,  and  after  receiving  his  discharge,  in  the 
summer  of  1864,  he  returned  to  Minnesota, 
being  for  some  time  too  ill  to  resume  his 
duties  at  college.  When  he  did  recover  he 
found  that  the  college  in  the  meantime  had 
been  removed  from  Chicago  to  Paxton,  111.  He 
was  graduated  in  1868,  and  since. that  time 
has  been  engaged  in  the  ministry.  For  six 
years  he  was  pastor  at  Minneapolis,  being  the 
first  Scandinavian  Lutheran  pastor  in  that 
city.  After  the  [Minneapolis  charge  he  passed 
twelve  years  as  pastor  of  the  church  at  Will- 
mar,  Minn.,  and  since  Nov.  20,  1885,  has 
been  in  charge  at  Blanchardville,  besides  which 
he  administers  to  three  other  congregations, 
namely : Argyle,  Adams  and  \ork,  the  one 

at  Adams  being  the  largest.  These  parishes 
taken  collectively  number  about  1,200  people. 


256 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Our  subject  is  a hard  worker,  and  has  organ- 
ized some  large  congregations.  He  preaches 
and  practices  the  doctrines  of  the  universal 
brotherhood  of  man,  and  is  greatly  beloved 
by  his  parishioners,  who  feel  that  in  him,  in- 
deed, they  have  a firm  and  a conscientious 
spiritual  adviser.  He  has  also  done  a large 
amount  of  literary  work,  being  a frequent  con- 
tributor to  the  F olkebladet , and  having  written 
some  hymns  of  unquestioned  excellence.  One 
of  his  greatest  desires  is  to  see  the  spread  of 
the  practice  of  total  abstinence. 

in  1857  Rev.  Mr.  Paulson  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Miss  Inger  Loberg,  a native  of 
Norway,  and  their  family  consists  of  three 
sons  and  four  daughters : Alphia  Theodora, 
Martin  Luther,  Helga  Otilda,  Lydia  Regina, 
Paul  Gerhard,  Olaf  lngvald,  and  Aagot  Her- 
bertha,  all  living.  Petra  Augusta  and  Johan- 
nes died  in  their  infancy. 

PROF.  BENJAMIN  DWIGHT  ALLEN, 
Choirmaster  and  Professor  of  Music  in  Beloit 
College,  is  the  personal  friend  of  many  bright 
and  capable  people  who  have  gone  out  of  that 
institution  to  make  their  way  in  every  walk  and 
calling  of  life.  Lie  is  one  of  the  venerable 
figures  upon  the  streets  and  in  the  homes'  of 
which  the  city  of  Beloit  is  justly  proud,  and 
the  uplifting  and  inspiring  power  of  his  long 
and  useful  career  has  been  beyond  computa- 
tion. He  has  a pleasing  and  attractive  per- 
sonality, a warm  and  genial  manner. 

Prof.  Allen  was  born  in  Sturbridge,  Mass., 
Feb.  16,  1831,  a son  of  Alvan  and  Lucy 
(Salisbury)  Allen,  both  natives  of  that  State. 
They  had  two  sons,  Albert  Salisbury  and  Ben- 
jamin Dwight,  the  former  of  whom  died  in 
Worcester,  Mass.,  in  1895,  and  Prof.  Allen  is 
the  only  representative  of  the  family  now  liv- 
ing. The  father  was  a merchant  when  a young 
man,  and  later  became  city  marshal  of  Wor- 
cester. He  developed  an  extensive  business 
as  a contractor  in  the  stage  business  between 
Boston,  Hartford.  Norwich  and  other  points, 
and  in  middle  life  took  to  the  business  of 
selling  pianos  and  other  musical  instruments. 
He  died  at  Worcester  in  1859,  at  the  age  of 
sixty-two  years.  Flis1  widow  survived  until 
1888,  when  she  passed  away  at  the  age  of 
eighty-eight.  They  were  both  Congregation- 
alists.  Alvan  Allen  was  a colonel  in  the  State 
militia.  His  father,  Elisha  Allen,  was  born 
in  Massachusetts,  and  was  a farmer  all  his 


life,  dying  in  middle  age.  Fie  had  a large 
family,  t he  family  belongs  to  the  Medford 
branch  of  the  Allens,  and  its  history  in  Amer- 
ica runs  back  to  the  early  part  of  the  seven- 
teenth century.  The  maternal  grandfather  of 
Prof.  Allen,  Benjamin  Salisbury,  born  in  either 
Massachusetts  or  Rhode  Island,  is  supposed  to 
have  been  a tailor,  and  lived  to  be  over  eighty 
years  of  age.  He  belonged  to  the  Rhode  Island 
family  of  this  name. 

Prof.  Allen  spent  the  first  four  years'  of 
his  life  at  Sturbridge,  and  was  then  taken  by 
his  parents  to  Worcester,  where  he  grew  to 
manhood  under  exceptionally  fine  opportuni- 
ties for  the  acquisition  of  a solid  and  sub- 
stantial education.  He  passed  through  the 
public  school,  had  private  tutors,  and  was 
thoroughly  grounded  and  broadly  trained,  as 
much  so  as  he  would*  have  been  at  college. 
Prof.  Fisher,  then  a young  man,  and  now  of 
Yale,  was  his  instructor  in  literary  themes,  as 
was  also  H.  G.  O.  Blake,  who  became  widely 
known  at  a later  period  as  the  editor  of 
Thoreau's  writings.  While  studying  general 
themes,  Prof.  Allen  was  also  engaged  in 
teaching  instrumental  music.  He  early  fore- 
shadowed his  career  in  life,  and  made  prepara- 
tion for  it  under  such  competent  instructors 
as  Timm,  of  New  York,  and  Satter  and  Dresel, 
of  Boston.  He  began  his  career  as  a teacher 
of  high-class  music  in  Worcester.  He  was  a 
member  of  the  staff  of  the  New  England  Con- 
servatory of  Music,  in  Boston,  one  of  the 
professors  of  the  Boston  University,  and  mem- 
ber of  the  Harvard  Musical  Association,  and 
for  thirty-seven  years  was  organist  of  the 
Union  Church  and  one  of  the  directors  of 
the  music  festivals  of  Worcester.  Prof.  Allen 
was  intimately  associated  with  Carl  Zerrahn 
for  more  than  a quarter  of  a century,  and  his 
memories  of  the  scenes  and  incidents  of  the 
music  world  of  New  England  fifty  years  ago 
are  interesting  in  the  extreme. 

Prof.  Allen  and  Miss  Eliza  White  were  mar- 
ried Aug.  18,  1857.  Mrs.  Allen  was  a daugh- 
ter of  James  and  Eliza  ( Healy)  White,  and  a 
descendant  of  Peregrine  White,  of  Pilgrim 
fame.  Five  children  were  born  of  this  union, 
Mabel,  James,  Eliza  Salisbury,  Charlotte  Joy, 
and  Benjamin  Lincoln  Wayland.  Mabel  mar- 
ried Rev.  W.  W.  Sleeper,  and  after  their  mar- 
riage they  spent  five  years  in  Bulgaria.  Air. 
Sleeper  is  now  pastor  of  the  Second  Congre- 
gational Church  in  Beloit.  They  have  had 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


25  7 


six  children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living, 
James  Taylor,  William  Allen,  Helen  Joy  and 
Frank  McDonald.  James  Allen  had  a varied 
career.  He  was  graduated  from  the  high 
school,  was  a student  at  Amherst  College, 
and  then  became  connected  with  the  Worcester 
Evening  Gazette,  remaining  in  the  office  of 
that  paper  some  ten  or  twelve  years.  He  was 
sent  to  Zanzibar,  Africa,  as  agent  for  the 
great  New  York  trading  house  of  Arnold, 
Cheney  & Co.,  and  came  back  from  the  other 
side  of  the  world  to  go  into  the  banking  busi- 
ness at  Worcester,  under  the  firm  name  of 
Winslow  & Allen.  He  died  in  1898.  Eliza 
S.  -died  in  early  childhood.  Charlotte  Joy  mar- 
ried Charles  H.  Farnsworth,  who  is  now  in- 
structor in  music  at  Columbia  College,  New 
York.  Benjamin  died  in  infancy.  On  Aug. 
18,  1894,  on  the  anniversary  of  her  marriage, 
Mrs.  Allen  died  in  Beloit,  while  on  a visit  to 
her  daughter,  and  was  buried  in  Worcester. 
Mass.  She  had  reached  the  age  of  fifty-nine 
years,  and  belonged  to  the  Congregational 
Church,  as  also  does  her  husband.  After  her 
death  Prof.  Allen  removed  to  Beloit,  in  order 
to  make  his  home  with  his  daughter,  coming 
here  in  the  fall  of  1894,  and  took  the  pro- 
fessorship of  music  in  the  college.  He  is 
still  active  in  the  performance  of  its  duties, 
and  is  a member  of  the  guild  of  organists  of 
the  United  States.  He  is  a Republican  in  po- 
litical sentiment.  Prof.  Allen  has  had  some 
students  of  music  who  afterward  became  very 
prominent,  among  them  being  Eugene  Thayer ; 
Henshaw  Dana,  the  composer;  Marie  Stone 
McDonald,  of  the  Bostonian  Opera  Company; 
her  sister,  Bessie  Barton,  who  has  won  recog- 
nition as  a singer  abroad ; and  another  sister, 
Agnes,  who  is  famous  as  a singer.  Howard 
Parkhurst,  organist  of  the  Madison  Square 
Church,  New  York  City,  and  George  C.  Gow, 
director  of  music  in  Vassal'  College,  were  also 
pupils  of  the  Professor.  Many  others  might 
be  mentioned.  He  has  been  a hard-working 
and  enthusiastic  teacher  of  music,  and  the  fire 
of  art  in  his  soul  has  kindled  in  many  another 
soul  the  divine  passion  of  music. 

JAMES  KILPATRICK.  Among  the  ag- 
riculturalists of  Grant  county  who  have  at- 
tained success  from  a financial  point  of  view, 
and  have  now  laid  aside  all  business  cares  to 
enjoy  a well-earned  rest,  is  this  well-known 
and  prominent  resident  of  Platteville.  He 

17 


was  born  in  Ireland  Jan.  19,  1825,  and  the 
same  year  was  brought  to  this  country  by  his 
parents,  Andrew  and  Elizabeth  (Stuart)  Kil- 
patrick, natives  of  the  North  of  Ireland,  and  of 
Scottish  descent.  The  family  located  in  Phila- 
delphia, Penn.,  where  the  father  worked  as  a 
laborer  and  weaver  for  about  ten  years,  but  in 
1 83 5 moved  to  Galena,  111.,  and  he  opened  up 
a farm  in  Jo  Daviess  county,  devoting  the  re- 
mainder of  his  active  business  life  to  agricult- 
ural pursuits.  .There  he  died  in  1896,  having 
long  survived  his  wife,  who  departed  this  life  in 
1870.  Of  the  five  children  born  to  them,  James 
is  the  eldest;  Mrs.  Eliza  Wright  died  in  Jo 
Daviess  county,  111.,  March  2,  1881  ; Andrew 
Stuart,  a farmer  of  the  same  county,  died  in 
1896;  Ellen  is  living  near  Hanover,  111.;  and 
Robert  is  an  extensive  farmer,  residing  on 
the  old  homestead  in  Jo  Daviess  county. 

In  Philadelphia  James  Kilpatrick  was 
reared  until  ten  years  of  age,  and  then  ac- 
companied the  family  on  their  removal  to  Ga- 
lena, 111.,  where  he  grew  to  manhood.  For 
some  time  he  was  engaged  in  teaming  and 
staging  between  that  city  and  Chicago,  and 
in  1856  moved  to  Lafayette  county,  Wis., 
where  he  followed  farming  until  coming  to 
Platteville,  in  June,  1892,  since  which  time  he 
has  lived  retired. 

In  response  to  the  President's  call  for 
troops,  at  the  beginning  of  the  Civil  war,  Mr. 
Kilpatrick  enlisted  in  Lafayette  county,  in 
1861.  for  three  years  or  during  the  war,  be- 
coming a member  of  Company  E,  nth  Wis. 
V.  I.,  which  was  assigned  to  the  Army  of  the 
West,  and  was  mustered  in  at  Madison.  For 
some  time  the  regiment  was  stationed  at  Pilot 
Knob,  Mo.  Mr.  Kilpatrick’s  command  partici- 
pated in  the  battles  of  Champion  Hills,  Black 
River  Bridge,  Vicksburg,  and  Jackson,  Miss., 
and  was  then  transferred  to  the.  Department 
of  the  Gulf,  with  which  it  took  part  in  the 
battles  of  Bayou  Teche  and  Vermilion  Bayou, 
the  siege  of  Mobile,  Fort  Blakely  and  Spanish 
Fort.  Our  subject  was  not  in  all  these  engage- 
ments, however.  For  three  or  four  weeks  he 
was  confined  in  the  regimental  hospital  below 
Helena,  Ark.,  and  for  four  weeks  in  the  Sis- 
ters’ hospital  at  St.  Louis,  after  which  he 
was  sent  to  the  post  hospital  at  Ironton.  Mo., 
where  he  was  honorably  discharged  Feb.  17, 
1863,  on  the  surgeon’s  certificate  of  disability. 
Returning  to  his  home  in  Lafayette  county, 
Wis.,  he  resumed  farming  as  soon  as  able, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


258 


owning  and  operating  a good  farm  in  Kendall 
township. 

At  Galena,  111.,  in  1847,  Mr.  Kilpatrick 
was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Esther  Ben- 
nett, also  a native  of  Ireland,  and  to  them  were 
born  five  children:  John  Andrew,  a resi- 
dent of  Cass  county,  Iowa,  married  Maria 
Jane  Westroke,  and  they  have  fourteen 
children ; Martha  E.,  Mrs.  Ludlow,  died 
in  Lafayette  county,  Wis.,  June  22,  1888, 

leaving  five  sons;  Thomas  James,  living 
on  the  home  farm,  married  Aggie  Stockdale, 
and  has  six  children;  Francis  William,  a resi- 
dent of  Leeds  City,  N.  Dak.,  married  Kittie 
McGowan,  now  deceased ; and  William  B.  mar- 
ried Bessie  Reskill,  who  died  in  1888,  while 
his  death  occurred  in  Lafayette  county,  Wis., 
the  following  year. 

On  June  7,  1892,  Mr.  Kilpatrick  married 
Mrs.  Alice  A.  (Cattermole)  Griffin,  his  pres- 
ent wife,  who  was  born  in  the  County  of 
Suffolk,  England,  a daughter  of  John  and 
Charlotte  (Ablett)  Cattermole,  natives  of  the 
same  place.  For  forty  years  her  father  fol- 
lowed the  baker’s  trade  in  England,  and  then 
emigrated  to  America,  over  fifty  years  ago, 
locating  in  Elk  Grove,  Lafayette  Co.,  Wis., 
where  he  opened  up  and  improved  a farm,  pre- 
empting a part  of  the  land.  He  became  one 
of  the  leading  citizens  of  that  community,  and 
served  as  postmaster  at  Elk  Grove.  He  died  in 
Platte ville  in  1887,  and  his  wife  passed  away 
in  1885.  In  religious  belief  he  was  a Methodist. 
Their  family  numbered  seven  children : Alice 
A.,  now  Mrs.  Kilpatrick;  Alfred  A.,  who  en- 
listed at  Platteville  in  Company  F,  10th  Wis. 
V.  I.,  during  the  Civil  war,  and  was  ill  when 
he  returned  home,  dying  in  Elk  Grove  in  1873  ; 
Aggie  A.,  now  Mrs.  E.  T.  Mears,  of  Inde- 
pendence, Ivans.;  Agnes  A.,  who  married  and 
died  in  Wisconsin,  leaving  six  children;  Anna 
A.,  who  married  J.  B.  Stockdale,  of  Belmont, 
Wis.,  and  died  in  1873;  Emma,  wife  of  Will- 
iam Sherburn,  of  Oklahoma ; and  Cynthia, 
who  married  William  Owens,  and  died  in 
1873.  For  her  first  husband  Mrs.  Kilpatrick 
married  D.  Griffin,  a lock  and  gun  smith, 
who  lived  for  a time  in  Elk  Grove,  and  then 
moved  to  Platteville,  where  he  died  in  1888. 

Religiously  both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kilpatrick 
are  earnest  and  consistent  members  of  the  Con- 
gregational Church,  and  socially  he  is  connected 
with  W.  T.  Sherman  Post,  No.  66,  G.  A.  R., 
of  Platteville,  and  Belmont  Lodge,  No.  2S2, 


L O.  O.  F.  While  a resident  of  Kendall  town- 
shin,  Lafayette  county,  he  served  as  justice  of 
the  peace  six  years,  and  was  also  a member  of 
the  board  of  supervisors,  discharging  his  offi- 
cial duties  in  a most  creditable  and  satisfactory 
manner.  His  loyalty  as  a citizen  and  his  de- 
votion to  his  country’s  interests  have  ever  been 
among  his  marked  characteristics,  and  the  com- 
munity is  fortunate  that  numbers  him  among 
her  citizens. 

OLIVER  F.  KEENE,  an  old  and  well- 
known  citizen  of  Lancaster,  Grant  county,  and 
a valuable  ex-soldier  of  the  war  of  the  Rebel- 
lion, was  born  in  Vigo  county,  Inch,  July  4, 
1830,  and  was  about  four  years  old  when 
brought  to  Wisconsin  by  his  parents,  Samuel 
B.  and  Lydia  A.  (Shattuck)  Keene. 

Samuel  B.  Keene  was  a native  of  Homer, 
Cortland  Co.,  N.  Y.,  born  in  1796,  son  of  Zeb- 
ulon  Keene,  a soldier  of  the  war  of  the  Revolu- 
tion. The  Keene  family  came  originally  from 
Wales  to  America,  in  the  early  colonial  days. 
Samuel  B.  Keene  left  his  native  State  when 
about  twenty-four  years  old,  located  in  Vigo 
county,  Inch,  and  there  married  Lydia- A.  Shat- 
tuck, a native  of  Oneida  county,  N.  Y.,  who  was 
taken  to  Indiana  when  young  by  her  father, 
Dr.  Eliphalet  Shattuck.  Samuel  B.  Keene 
brought  his  family  from  Indiana  to  Wisconsin 
in  1834,  and  located  near  the  site  of  the  pres- 
ent village  of  Darlington,  for  a year  occupying 
the  fort  that  had  been  erected  in  1832  for  de- 
fense against  the  Indians  during  the  Black 
Hawk  insurrection.  The  following  year  the 
family  removed  to  Elk  Grove,  and  two  years 
later,  in  1837,  came  to  Lancaster  township, 
Grant  county,  Mr.  Keene  here  purchasing  a 
tract  of  wild  land  which  he  converted  into  an 
excellent  farm,  although  lie  was  a blacksmith 
by  trade.  He  continued  to  improve  his  farm 
and  to  work  at  his  trade  until  he  was  called 
away,  in  December,  1879.  For  three  years,  dur- 
ing- his  earlier  residence  here,  he  was  engaged 
in  hauling  goods  between  Galena,  111.,  and 
Mineral  Point,  Wis.,  and  lead  on  the  return 
trip.  At  the  death  of  his  wife  lie  was  left  with 
five  children,  four  sons  and  one  daughter,  whom 
he  reared  with  great  care ; the  eldest  was  but 
fourteen  years  did  at  the  time  of  Mrs.  Keene's 
death,  and  Oliver  F.  was  only  about  ten.  Mr. 
Keene  was  a remarkably  industrious  man,  and 
no  person  was  ever  known  to  speak  an  ill  word 
of  '‘Uncle  Sam,”  as  he  was  familiarly  called. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


259 


Of  the  five  children  alluded  to,  two  only  now 
survive,  Oliver  F.  and  Rev.  A.  C.  Keene,  the 
latter  a Baptist  missionary  clergyman,  now 
residing  in  South  Dakota.  The  three  that 
have  passed  away  were  Delia  Ann,  the  eldest 
of  the  family,  who  was  the  wife  of  Nelson 
Rise;  Eliphalet,  the  eldest  son;  and  Hon.  H. 

5.,  a member  of  the  State  Legislature,  a law- 
yer of  prominence,  and  for  three  years  a mem- 
ber of  the  Wisconsin  Battery  in  the  war  of  .the 
Rebellion,  who  died  in  July,  1898,  in  Seattle, 
Wash.,  where  his  surviving  family  still  reside. 
Two  other  children  passed  away  ere  the  death 
of  the  mother. 

Oliver  F.  Keene  well  remembers  the  ap- 
pearance of  the  country  when  he  arrived  m 
Grant  county,  to  which  the  family  came  over- 
land with  one  team  of  horses  and  four  yoke  of 
oxen,  and  where  he,  like  all  the  rest,  endured 
the  hardships  and  deprivations  of  pioneer  life. 

On  June  24,  1858,  Mr.  Keene  married  Miss 
Jane  A.  Shappelle,  a daughter  of  Andrew  and 
Sarah  Shappelle,  the  former  of  whom  was  born 
in  Illinois,  of  French  parentage;  and  the  latter, 
born  in  New  York  State,  was  taken  to  Illinois 
when  a child.  Mrs.  Keene  was  born  near  Ga- 
lena, 111.,  April  3,  1836.  In  1839  her  father 
bought  land  in  Potosi  township.  Grant  Co., 
A\  is.,  transformed  the  wild  place  into  a fertile 
farm,  and  here  he  and  wife  passed  the  remain- 
der of  their  lives,  being  buried  on  their  own 
premises.  They  were  the  parents  of  four  sons 
and  three  daughters,  of  whom  Mrs.  Keene  is 
the  eldest  and  Mrs.  Margaret  W.  Royster  the 
youngest.  Of  the  seven,  three  only  now  sur- 
vive : Mrs.  Keene,  Mrs.  Royster  and  Charles 

A.  The  latter  served  four  years  in  the  war 
of  the  Rebellion. 

Oliver  F.  Keene  and  his  father  were  work- 
ing together  at  blacksmithing  in  Hurricane 
Corners  when  the  Civil  war  broke  out,  and  a 
little  over  two  years  later  Oliver  F.  enlisted, 
Aug.  11,  1863,  in  Company  H,  25th  Wis.  V. 

1.,  and  with  his  regiment  was  ordered  to  the 
frontier  to  subdue  the  refractory  Indians.  But 
Mr.  Keene  contracted  a severe  cold,  which  cul- 
minated in  rheumatism,  and  as  a result  he  was 
transferred  to  the  Invalid  Corps,  with  which 
he  served  until  honorably  discharged,  for  dis- 
ability, in  April,  1865.  He  has  never  fully  re- 
covered from  the  disorder  that  seized  him  dur- 
ing his  army  service,  and  after  the  war  he 
engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits,  working  when 
able  to  do  so.  He  and  wife  are  now  living  in 


quiet  at  their  pleasant  home  in  Lancaster,  where 
they  enjoy  the  respect  and  companionship  of  a 
host  of  friends.  They  have  reared  a family  of 
thirteen  children,  eight  sons  and  five  daughters  : 
Samuel  A.,  Maggie  A.  (Mrs.  Wayne),  Sarah 
Lydia  (Mrs.  Campbell),  Mary  (Mrs.  War- 
mes),  C.  Frank,  George  L.,  William  IT.,  John 

S.,  Joseph  A.,  Ollie  J.  (Mrs.  Sock),  Albert  E., 
Pearl  Wright,  and  Ethel  S.  Six  of  the  sons 
and  four  daughters  are  married,  and  are  most 
worthy  members  of  the  communities  in  which 
they  live. 

Oliver  F.  Keene  is  a member  of  the  G.  A. 
R.  He  has  always  been  a public-spirited  and 
progressive  citizen,  and  also  , as  hard-working 
and  industrious  at  his  trade  and  at  farming  as 
his  infirmities  have  permitted,  and  he  well  de- 
serves the  high  esteem  in  which  he  is  univer- 
sally held. 

HENRY  SIMMONS  is  passing  the  closing 
years  of  a long  and  honorable  agricultural 
career  in  the  village  of  Hazel  Green,  Grant 
county,  now  living  retired  from  all  active  cares 
and  labors. 

Mr.  Simmons  was  born  in  Cornwall,  Eng- 
land, March  8,  1826,  son  of  Joseph  and  Mary 
(Goninan)  Simmons,  both  born  in  Cornwall, 
the  father  in  1795,  and  the  mother  in  1805. 
They  were  married  in  1823.  Mr.  Simmons 
was  employed  as  a miner  before  coming  to  this 
country,  in  1848.  All  the  members  of  his  fam- 
ily accompanied  him  with  the  exception  of 
Henry,  who  came  the  preceding  year.  Joseph 
Simmons  brought  his  people  to  Hazel  Green 
and  engaged  in  mining  for  a number  of  years, 
finally  purchasing  a farm  in  the  western  part 
of  the  town,  where  he  died  in  1858.  Airs.  Sim- 
mons survived  until  1873.  They  were  mem- 
bers of  the  Methodist  Church  at  Hazel  Green, 
and  both  were  consistent  Christian  people. 
Seven  children  were  born  to  them  ; ( 1 ) Alary 

married  "William  Dent,  and  settled  at  George- 
town, where  she  died,  leaving  five  children, 
Joseph  (deceased),  William  (of  Missouri), 
Thomas  (of  Georgetown).  George  (of  Cuba 
City),  and  Charles  (deceased).  (2)  Henry 
is  the  eldest  son  of  the  family.  (3)  Jane,  born 
in  England,  married  William  Moss,  and  is  now 
dead.  (4)  Joseph,  born  in  England,  married 
Miss  Charlotte  Lukey,  of  Hazel  Green,  and  is 
now  living  a retired  life  at  Waverly,  Iowa. 
(5)  Grace,  born  in  England,  married  James 
Richards,  of  Hazel  Green,  and  is  now  dead. 


26o 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


She  left  a family,  six  of  whom  reside  at  Le- 
Mars,  Iowa,  and  one,  Elizabeth,  at  Hazel 
Green.  (6)  John,  born  in  England,  married 
Miss  Jemima  Bullock,  of  Hazel  Green,  and 
now  resides  in  Waverly,  Iowa,  where  he  is 
leading  a retired  life.  (7)  Sarah  A.,  born  in 
Grant  county,  is  the  youngest  of  the  family. 
She  married  Daniel  Garenger,  is  the  mother  of 
one  son  and  two  daughters,  and  now  lives  at 
Waverly,  Iowa. 

Henry  Simmons  was  a student  in  the  dis- 
trict- school  at  his  English  home,  and  when  he 
was  twelve  years  old  began  working  in  the 
Cornwall  mines.  In  1847  ke  came  to  the 
United  States  by  way  of  Quebec,  making  the 
ocean  voyage  in  a sailing-vessel,  touching  at 
Montreal,  Kingston,  Oswego,  and  Buffalo,  and 
coming  by  way  of  the  lakes  to  Milwaukee  and 
Chicago.  The  remainder  of  the  journey  was 
made  across  country,  and  on  reaching  Hazel 
Green  he  found  work  in  the  lead  mines.  In 
1849  he  married  Miss  Julia  Rowe,  who  was 
born  in  1828  in  England,  where  her  parents, 
James  and  Julia  Rowe,' lived  and  died. 

Mr.  Simmons  purchased  what  was  known 
as  the  Enoch  Robinson  property  in  Hazel 
Green,  and  to  the  original  tract  has  added  ex- 
tensive purchases  until  he  now  owns  over  two 
hundred  acres  of  fine  farm  land.  Good  build- 
ings have  been  erected,  and  extensive  improve- 
ments made,  so  that  now  few  farms  in  south- 
western Wisconsin  may  be  preferred  to-  his  for 
thorough  cultivation,  good  equipment  or  com- 
fortable home.  Mrs.  Simmons  died  in  1889, 
leaving  four  children.  There  were  nine  in  the 
family,  four  of  whom  died  in  infancy.  (7) 
James  died  when  eleven  years  old.  ( 1 ) Eliza- 
beth, born  in  1850,  married  Samuel  NeCol- 
lins,  and  has  two  children;  they  live  at  their 
farm  home  in  the  town  of  Hazel  Green.  Her 
daughter  Mamie,  born  in  1883.  is  now  the  wife 
of  Joseph  Egelhof,  and  is  living  with  her  par- 
ents. Samuel  C.,  the  son,  resides  at  home. 
(3)  William  H.  Simmons,  born  in  September, 
1853,  married  Miss  Mary  J.  NeCollins,  of 
Hazel  Green,  and  lives  on  his  father’s  old 
homestead.  They  have  a family  of  five — Will- 
iam H.,  born  in  1886;  Benjamin  H.,  in  1889; 
Joseph  E.,  in  1891;  James  R.,  in  1893;  and 
Jennie  Estella,  in  1895.  (4)  Joseph  Simmons, 

horn  in  July,  1855,  married  Miss  Martha  Sin- 
cock,  of  Illinois,  and  now  resides  in  Hazel 
Green.  Two  of  their  children  died  in  in- 
fancy, Julia  A.  and  Edward  hi.  (6)  John 


Simmons,  born  in  1857.  married  Miss  Ella 
Bartell,  and  now  lives  in  Hampton,  Iowa,, 
where  he  is  rearing  his  two  children,  Julia 
Vine  and  TIenry  M. 

Mr.  Simmons  belongs  to  the  Methodist' 
Church,  where  he  has  worshipped  over  forty 
years.  Always  interested  in  church  work,  he 
has  served*  as  trustee  and  steward,  and  has 
given  liberally  to  the  erection  of  several  church 
buildings.  In  politics  he  has  been  a Republi- 
can. Some  seven  years  ago  he  was  stricken 
with  a kidney  trouble,  and  for  six  years  he  has 
been  confined  to  the  house. 

A.  C.  VANDERWATER  ELSTON  is 
numbered  among  the  most  prominent  citizens 
of  Muscoda,  Grant  county,  and  has  attained 
his  eminence  through  his  ability,  business  acu- 
men, and  energy,  being  now  one  of  the  leading- 
merchants,  banker  and  postmaster  of  that 
place  and  an  ex-member  of  the  State  Legisla- 
ture. 

Mr.  Vanderwater  Elston  is  a native  of  the 
Empire  State,  having  been  born  at  Unionville, 
Orange  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  9,  1845,  a son  °f  S. 
B.  and  Hannah  (Meyers)  Elston,  also  natives 
of  New  York,  of  German  ancestry.  The  par- 
ents migrated  with  their  three  children,  one  of 
whom  was  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  to  Mus- 
coda, Wis.,  in  1855,  and  purchased  the  ‘‘Wis- 
consin House,”  a hotel  at  that  place.  Not 
finding  it  suitable  to  his  requirements,  Mr.  Els- 
ton rebuilt  it,  and  conducted  the  hotel  very  suc- 
cessfully for  fifteen  years,  after  which  he  sold 
out  and  purchased  a farm  in  Eagle,  Richland 
county,  this  State,  on  which  he  resided  until 
his  death,  Nov.  11,  1878.  He  gained  the  re- 
spect of  all  who  knew  him.  He  and  his  esti- 
mable wife  were  consistent  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  politically 
Mr.  Elston  was  first  an  anti-slavery  Whig  and 
later  a Republican.  His  wife  survived  him 
until  June,  1896,  and  both  will  be  tenderly  re- 
membered by  their  large  circle  of  friends,  not 
only  in  Richland  county,  but  throughout  the 
State.  The  eldest  child  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  S.  B. 
Elston  is  Albert  D.,  of  Chicago;  the  subject  of 
this  sketch  was  the  second ; Emma,  wife  of 
Fred  W.  Smith,  was  the  third  (she  died  at  the 
age  of  twenty-two)  ; after  locating  in  Wiscon- 
sin two  daughters  were  added  to  the  family 
circle,  Ida,  now  Mrs.  W.  S.  Manning,  ^of 
Soldiers’  Grove,  Wis. ; and  Eva,  wife  of  Ed- 
ward Bohb,  of  Thorp,  Clark  Co.,  Wisconsin. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


261 


A.  C.  Vanderwater  Elston  was  about  ten 
years  old  when  brought  to  Muscoda  by  his 
parents,  and  is  therefore  one  of  the  old  resi- 
dents, and  well  known  to  everyone.  In  addi- 
tion to  an  academic  course  he  studied  at  Bry- 
ant & Stratton’s  Commercial  College,  Chicago, 
and  began  his  business  career  as  a clerk  in  the 
store  of  McDonald  &’ Graham,  at- Muscoda,  in 
1862.  Four  years  later  he  entered  into  part- 
nership with  Jacob  Bremmer,  continuing  this  re- 
lation for  one  year.  His  next  venture  was  in 
1867.  when  he  formed  a partnership  with  Peter 
McIntyre,  under  the  firm  name  of  McIntyre  & 
Elston,  which  style  was  continued  for  ten 
years,  when  Mr.  McIntyre  retired ; his  son  suc- 
ceeded'him,  and  the  house  became  known  as 
Elston  & McIntyre.  They  are  merchants  and 
bankers,  having  embarked  in  the  latter  branch 
of  their  business  in  October,  1884,  and  now 
conduct  their  affairs  under  the  name  of  Mc- 
Intyre, Elston  & Co.  Mr.  Elston  is  also  post- 
master at  Muscoda,  having  been  appointed  in 
1897.  He  was  elected  to  the  State  Legisla- 
ture on  the  Republican  ticket  in  1889,  and 
served  his  constituents  most  acceptably. 

On  Dec.  16,  1867,  Mr.  Elston  was  married 
to  Miss  Julania  Lane,  of  Platteville,  Grant 
Co.,  V is.,  a daughter  of  Henry  C.  Lane,  who 
settled  in  Platteville  in  1837,  was  one  of  the 
pioneer  blacksmiths  of  the  town,  and  later  one 
of  its  leading  hardware  merchants.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Elston  have  had  two  children;  their 
daughter  died  in  1899.  The  son,  Henry  L. 
Elston,  is  an  electrician  and  manufacturer  of 
telephones,  is  his  father’s  assistant  in  the  post- 
office,  and  is  a very  worthy  young  man. 

As  merchant,  banker,  government  official 
and  representative  of  the  people,  Mr.  Elston 
has  displayed  ability  of  a high  order,  and  a 
steadfastness  of  purpose  that  works  toward  the 
attainment  of  best  results.  His  friends  are 
legion,  and  his  domestic  and  social  relations 
are  as  pleasant  as  his  business  connections  are 
successful. 

REV.  THOMAS  DE  WITT  PEAKE, 
A.  M.,  D.  D.,  for  several  years  the  eloc[uent 
and  devoted  pastor  of  the  First  Methodist 
Church,  of  Beloit,  is  one  of  the  most  influential 
and  efficient  representatives  of  his  church  and 
the  gospel  to  be  found  in  southern  Wisconsin, 
a region  of  strong  churches  and  mighty  preach- 
ers. 

Dr.  Peake  was  born  near  Princeton,  But- 


ler Co.,  Ohio,  March  19,  1843,  and  a son  °f 
William  Burton  and  Cynthia  (Flenner) 
Peake,  both  natives  of  Ohio.  They  had  a fam- 
ily of  four  sons  and  seven  daughters,  and  eight 
of  their  children  are  now  living:  Angeline,  a 

widow,  who  first  wedded  Alexander  i\  Lick, 
a prominent  lawyer  in  Indiana,  who  was  killed 
in  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  and  later  married 
John  Chidester,  now  deceased;  Joseph  S.,  of 
Flora,  111. ; Mary,  wife  of  Bishop  Halleck 
Floyd,  of  Dublin,  Ind. ; Rev.  T.  DeWitt,  our 
subject;  Carrie,  wife  of  James  Major,  a hotel- 
keeper  at  Flora,  111. ; Calastine,  widow  of  James 
Manker,  of  Clay  City,  111. ; Rev.  Rudolph,  a 
minister  of  the  Advent  faith  in  Kansas ; and 
Louisa,  wife  of  Rev.  C.  A.  Beckett,  of  Olney, 
Illinois. 

William  B.  Peake  was  a farmer.  He 
moved  from  Butler  county,  Ohio,  into  Shelby 
county,  Ind.,  about  1852,  and  lived  there  some 
twelve  years,  removing  from  Indiana  to  Flora, 
111.,  at  the  expiration  of  that  period,  and  still 
continued  farming  for  some  years.  When  old 
age  forbade  his  farther  sowing  and  reaping, 
Mr.  Peake  made  his  home  in  Flora,  where  he 
died  at  the  age  of  eighty-four,  full  of  years 
and  of  honor.  His  wife  died  several  years 
previously,  when  about  sixty-eight  years  of 
age.  Both  were  Methodists,  and  Mr.  Peake 
was  a minister  at  one  time.  He  was  a talented 
man,  and  did  good  to  his  day  and  generation. 
His  father  was  Joseph  Peake,  a native  of  Vir- 
ginia, a farmer,  and  of  English  descent.  He 
had  six  or  seven  children,  and  died  in  Butler 
county,  Ohio,  when  sixty  years  old.  David 
Flenner,  the  father  of  Mrs.  William  B.  Peake, 
was  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  of  German  de- 
scent. He  was  a farmer,  reared  a large  fam- 
ily, and  died  in  Butler  county,  Ohio,  in  old 
age. 

Rev.  Dr.  Peake  was  reared  on  the  farm, 
and  spent  the  first  seventeen  years  of  his  life 
under  the  parental  roof.  He  attended  the 
local  schools  and  Hartsville  University,  In- 
diana, where  he  received  a classical  education, 
with  a view  to  entering  the  ministry.  He 
taught  school  in  Ohio  several  years,  and  dur- 
ing his  period  of  teaching  was  attracted  very 
strongly  toward  the  law.  But  later,  on  strong 
conscientious  grounds,  he  returned  to  his  first 
ambitions,  and  became  a preacher.  He  had 
his  first  charge  in  Highland  county,  Ohio,  a 
field  of  labor  known  as  the  Newmarket  cir- 
cuit. and  rode  circuits  for  several  vears,  his 


262 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


appointments  frequently  calling  for  three  ser- 
mons on  Sunday  and  a journey  of  twenty- 
five  miles  or  more.  He  was  stationed  at  Mil- 
ford, Yellow  Springs,  Portsmouth,  and  Pom- 
eroy, Ohio,  and  from  the  last  place  was  trans- 
ferred to  the  Wisconsin  Conference,  and  as- 
signed to  the  Court  Street  Methodist  Episco- 
pal Church,  Janesville;  he  held  that  important 
charge  three  years.  He  was  at  Merrill  four 
years,  at  Beaver  Dam  three  years,  and  four 
years  ago  came  from  that  city  to  Beloit,  hold- 
ing his  work  here  four  years  with  increasing 
success  and  satisfaction. 

Dr.  Peake  and  Miss  Lida  Vail,  a daughter 
of  Moses  and  Elizabeth  (Vail)  Vail,  were 
united  in  marriage  April  20,  1870.  Mrs. 
Peake  is  in  every  way  a worthy  companion 
and  associate  of  her  gifted  husband.  Eight 
children  have  come  to  bless  their  union,  El- 
more Elliott,  Ouesnal  DeWitt,  Harriett  Neff, 
Prue  Ferren,  Frederick  Robertson,  Noon  Tal- 
ford,  Carrie  Pearne  and  Edward  Payson.  El- 
more Elliott  is  a literary  man,  his  contribu- 
tions appearing  in  the  leading  magazines  of 
the  country,  and  author  of  “The  Darlingtons,” 
one  of  the  popular  novels  of  the  day,  pub- 
lished in  1900.  Ouesnal  DeWitt  is  a newspa- 
per man  at  Green  Bay,  Wis. ; he  married  lsora 
Hansen,  and  they  have  one  child,  Elmore  Elli- 
ott. Harriett  married  Burt  S.  Barber,  of 
Beaver  Dam,  Wis.,  where  she  died  when  twen- 
ty-two years  old.  Prue  Ferren  died  when  an 
infant  six  weeks  old.  Frederick  R.  died  at 
Portsmouth,  Ohio,  an  infant  of  fifteen  months. 
Noon  Talforcl  died  at  New  Carlisle,  Ohio, 
when  sixteen  months  old.  Carrie  Pearne  is 
living  with  her  parents;  she  is  a very  gifted 
woman  and  a fine  singer.  Edward  Payson 
died  at  Merrill,  Wis.,  when  six  years  old.  Mr. 
Peake  is  a Mason  of  the  thirty-second  degree. 
His  Blue  Lodge  is  in  Milford,  Ohio,  his  Chap- 
ter at  New  Carlisle,  and  his  Consistory  at 
Cincinnati.  Both  the  Doctor  and  his  wife  be- 
long to  the  Beloit  Lodge  of  the  Order  of  the 
Eastern  Star. 

During  the  war  Dr.  Peake  was  a revenue 
officer  of  the  government  at  Shelbyville,  Ind. 
When  he  was  in  Ohio  he  was  appointed  by  the 
judge  of  the  circuit  court  a member  of  the 
board  of  inspection  for  the  examination  of  pub- 
lic buildings.  He  had  two  brothers  in  the 
Union  army,  and  was  himself  connected  with 
the  67th  Ind.  V.  I.,  but  saw  no  field  service  of 
any  account. 


Dr.  Peake  is  a writer  of  much  force  and 
power.  He  has  published  a book  on  “Sancti- 
fication,” and  one  on  the  “Symbolism  of 
Solomon’s  Temple,”  a book  on  the  teachings 
of  Masonry.  Many  of  his  sermons  have  been 
printed  and  widely  read.  Dr.  Peake  is  an 
eloquent  and  popular  speaker,  and  his  style  is 
peculiar  to  himself.  He  is  a close  reasoner 
and  a hard  worker,  and  wherever  he  has  been 
he  has  left  behind  him  an  enviable  reputation 
as  a loyal  and  devoted  pastor. 

ALOYS  GRIMM  is  one  of  the  important 
factors  in  the  business  circles  of  Cassville, 
Grant  county,  and  his  life  is  an  exemplification 
of  the  term  "the  dignity  of  labor.”  He  has 
utilized  the  possibilities  that  America  offers  to 
her  citizens,  and  though  he  came  to  this  coun- 
try in  limited  circumstances  has  steadily  and 
perseveringly  worked  his  way  upward,  leav- 
ing the  ranks  of  the  many  to  stand  among  the 
successful  few. 

A native  of  Germany,  Air.  Grimm  was 
born  in  Coblentz,  Rhine  Province,  June  16, 
1839,  a son  of  Valentine  and  Henrietta 
( Fuerstenhaupt)  Grimm,  the  former  also  a 
native  of  Coblentz,  the  latter  of  Naumburg, 
Saxony.  The  father  was  a municipal  officer 
in  Coblentz,  where  both  he  and  the  mother 
died.  In  their  family  were  ten  children,  eight 
sons  and  two  daughters,  namely : Hermann, 

whose  sketch  appears  on  another  page  of  this 
volume ; Valentine,  who  came  to  America  in 
1854,  and  became  a cigar  manufacturer  of  St. 
Louis,  AIo.,  where  he  died ; Hugo,  who  came 
to  this  country  at  the  same  time,  and  also 
located  in  St.  Louis,  where  he  engaged  in  the 
manufacture  of  cigars  until  his  death ; Aloys ; 
Joseph,  a resident  of  Bloomington,  111.;  Will- 
iam, a resident  of  Coblentz,  and  an  official  of 
the  Prussian  government,  serving  as  superin- 
tendent of  river  and  harbor  work;  Gustoph, 
who  died  in  St.  Louis  in  1895;  Ann  M.,  a 
resident  of  Germany;  Philip  C.,  a member  of 
the  firm  of  Grimm  Brothers,  of  Cassville, 
Wis. ; and  Helen,  a resident  of  Coblentz, 
Prussia. 

In  his  native  city  Aloys  Grimm  was  reared 
and  educated,  and  in  his  seventeenth  year  de- 
cided to  try  his  fortune  in  America.  On  land- 
ing in  this  country  he  came  at  once  to  Cass- 
ville, Wis.,  where  he  arrived  Alay  9,  1856. 
For  a number  of  years  he  followed  the  car- 
penter’s trade,  and  later  engaged  in  bridge 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


263 


building  until  1870.  Two  years  later  he  em- 
barked in  the  drug  business,  near  the  store  of 
Klindt,  Geiger  & Co.,  and  in  May,  1876,  moved 
to  his  present  place  of  business.  He  carries 
a full  and  complete  stock  of  drugs,  paints,  etc., 
and  is  doing  a large  and  profitable  business. 

Mr.  Grimm  was  married,  in  Cassville,  in 
1865,  to  Miss  Agnes  Thormyer,  a native  of 
Cincinnati,  Ohio,  and  a daughter  of  Albert  and 
Mary  Thormyer,  who  at  an  early  day  located 
in  Cincinnati,  and  from  that  place  removed  to 
Louisville,  Ivy.  While  there  Mr.  Thormyer 
enlisted  in  the  LTfion  army,  in  1865,  and  was 
in  the  service  until  the  war  ended.  Subse- 
quently he  engaged  in  farming  near  Indian- 
apolis, Ind.,  where  his  death  occurred. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Grimm  have  been  born 
seven  children,  as  follows : Lena,  now  the 

wife  of  D.  G.  Sheesman,  of  Washington,  D. 
C. ; Anna,  wife  of  G.  O.  Bean,  agent  at  St. 
Paul  for  the  Great  Western  Railroad  Co. ; 
Agnes,  wife  of  Henry  A.  Robinson,  a drug- 
gist of  Durand,  111. ; Adolph,  who  is  married 
and  engaged  in  the  drug  business  in  Dubuque, 
Iowa;  Philip  C.,  a merchant  at  the  Sac  and 
Fox  Agency,  in  Oklahoma ; Aloys,  a book- 
keeper for  Conklin  & Hoffman,  at  the  same 
Agency;  and  Frank  H.,  who  is  pursuing  a 
course  in  pharmacy  at  Highland  Park  Col- 
lege. 

As  a Democrat  Mr.  Grimm  has  ever  taken 
quite  an  active  and  prominent  part  in  local 
politics,  has  served  as  town  treasurer  for  nine- 
teen consecutive  years,  and  school  treasurer 
sixteen  years,  resigning  at  the  end  of  that 
time.  He  was  postmaster  at  Cassville  during 
President  Cleveland's  first  term,  and  one  year 
during  President  Grant’s  administration,  and 
is  now  an  efficient  member  of  the  school  board. 
His  official  duties  have  always  been  discharged 
with  the  utmost  promptness  and  fidelity,  and 
his  well-spent  and  honorable  life  commands 
the  respect  and  confidence  of  all  who  know 
him.  Socially  Air.  Grimm  is  a worthy  mem- 
ber of  Cassville  Lodge,  No.  235,  F.  & A.  AT, 
of  which  he  is  senior  warden;  of  Chapter  No. 
27,  R.  A.  M.,  of  Lancaster;  of  the  Ancient 
Order  of  United  Workmen,  and  of  the  Modern 
Woodmen  of  America. 

JACOB  R.  HETTMAN,  who  has  been 
agent,  for  many  years,  of  the  Chicago  & North- 
Western  Railroad  at  Woodman,  Grant  county, 
is  numbered  among  the  veteran  soldiers  of  the 


war  of  the  Rebellion.  He  was  born  at  Baden. 
Germany,  July  25,  1843,  a son  °f  Frederick 
Hettman,  who  immigrated  with  his  family  to 
America  in  1846,  and  their  first  home  in  the 
New  World  was  in  Erie  county,  N.  Y.  In 
June,  1856,  ten  years  later,  they  came  to  Wis- 
consin, locating  at  Norwalk,  Monroe  county, 
where  the  father  died  in  1865 ; the  mother 
survived  until  May  24,  1900,  reaching  the 
age  of  ninety-three  years. 

Jacob  R.  Hettman  was  one  of  a fam- 
ily of  eleven  children,  six  sons  and  five 
daughters,  ten  of  whom  came  to  America,  the 
other  one  having'  died  prior  to  their  immigra- 
tion. Three  sons  and  three  daughters  still 
survive:  Charles  F.,  a resident  of  Columbus, 

Ohio;  Elizabeth,  who  lives  in  New  Jersey; 
Catherine,  a resident  of  Minnesota;  Jacob  R. ; 
Christopher  G.,  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin; 
and  Caroline  (with  whom  the  mother  resid- 
ed), at  Norwalk.  Frederick,  who  was  a resi- 
dent of  Minnesota,  died  March  31,  1901. 

Three  of  the  brothers  served  their  country  in 
the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  Charles  being  a 
member  of  the  164th  Regiment,  N.  Y.  V.  I., 
and  Frederick  of  the  3d  Wisconsin  Cavalry. 

Jacob  R.  Hettman  enlisted,  in  December, 
1863,  at  Sparta,  in  Company  G.  19th  \\  is.  \ . 
I.,  and  was  mustered  into  the  service  soon 
after,  at  La  Crosse.  The  19th  was  one  of 
Wisconsin's  fine  regiments,  serving  in  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac,  and  taking  part  in  the 
terrible  battles  of  Grant’s  command  during 
1864-65,  including  the  siege  of  Petersburg. 
It  was  the  first  regiment  that  entered  Rich- 
mond after  the  evacuation;  in  June.  1865,  the 
regiment  was  ordered  to  Fredericksburg, 
thence  to  Warrenton,  and  back  to  Richmond, 
where  it  was  mustered  out  of  the  service  in 
August,  1865. 

At  the  close  of  his  army  service  Air.  Hett- 
man returned  to  Norwalk,  W is.,  and  engag'ed 
in  farming,  but  in  1872  he  removed  to  Fay- 
ette county,  Iowa.  Two  years  later  he  re- 
turned to  Norwalk,  and  engaged  in  the  grain 
business;  in  1880  went  to  Afton,  Rock  Co., 
Whs.,  as  agent  for  the  Chicago  & North  West- 
ern Railroad,  and  in  December,  1888.  was  sta- 
tioned at  Woodman,  where  he  has  since  re- 
mained, having  now  been  in  the  service  of 
this  road  continuously,  for  twenty  years. 

After  his  return  from  the  seat  of  war  Air. 
Hettman  married  Aliss  Alinnie  Aleyer,  a 
daughter  of  Charles  Aleyer,  and  five  daugh- 


264 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


tens  and  two  sons  have  been  born  of  this 
union. 

During  his  long  service  in  the  Civil  war 
Mr.  Hettman  gave  good  proof  of  his  courage 
and  gallantry,  but  as  years  go  by  he  is  con- 
scious that  he  contributed  more  than  he  then 
realized,  for,  like  many  of  his  fellow  soldiers, 
he  has  never  fully  recovered  from  the  effects 
of  the  forced  marches,  sleepless  nights,  poor 
food,  exposure,  and  the  thousand  and  one  ills 
of  a soldier’s  life.  Although  not  seriously  in- 
jured at  the  time,  he  was  obliged  to  remain 
in  hospital  from  June  until  December,  1864, 
and  the  insufficiency  of  the  medical'  staff  and 
appliances  contributed  to  his  present  condition. 
He  is  a member  of  H.  D.  Crane  Post,  G.  A.  R., 
of  Beloit,  Wisconsin. 

I11  politics  Air.  Hettman  is  an  ardent  Re- 
publican, having  cast  his  first  vote  for  Abra- 
ham Lincoln,  and  takes  great  interest  in  party 
matters.  Socially  he  is  a member  of  the  K. 
of  P.,  Janesville  Lodge.  Genial,  accommo- 
dating and  efficient,  he  enjoys  the  esteem  and 
respect  of  his  fellow  townsmen,  and  is  a good 
representative  of  the  solid  men  of  Wisconsin. 

ROBERT  WILLIAM  SCOTT,  the  affable 
and  courteous  superintendent  of  Oak  Hill 
Cemetery,  Janesville,  Rock  county,  has  a thor- 
ough comprehension  of  landscape  art,  and  has 
produced  some  exceedingly  beautiful  scenic 
effects  in  the  field  of  his  work.  He  has  made 
Oak  Hill  Cemetery  a notable  and  attractive 
city  of  the  dead,  worthy  of  the  admiration  of 
all  who  have  come  to  feel  that  the  last  resting 
place  of  this  poor  mortality  should  be  adorned 
with  all  that  can  speak  of  faith  and  hope  and 
life  forever. 

Air.  Scott  was  born  in  Glasgow,  Scotland, 
Alarch  15.  1844,-  and  remained  in  Ins  native 
country  until  he  had  reached  the  age  of  four- 
teen years,  when  he  came  to  Toronto,  Canada. 
There  he  had  relatives,  with  whom  he  made 
his  abode  for  some  years.  In  1863  he  came 
into  the  United  States,  and  in  the  following 
February  enlisted  in  the  Union  army,  being 
mustered  into  service  as  a member  of  Company 
F.  35th  Wis.  V.  L,  and  participating  in  the 
stirring  scenes  and  events  that  marked  the 
closing  year  of  the  Civil  war.  He  was  in  the 
Alobile  campaign,  helped  to  capture  Spanish 
Fort,  and  after  the  collapse  of  the  Confederacy 
did  duty  in  Texas  until  his  discharge  from  the 
service,  April  15,  1865.  Coming  back  to  Wis- 


consin, he  found  employment  with  the  North- 
western Railway  Co.,  and  was  in  their  service 
several  years.  On  Aug.  5,  1868,  he.  was  ap- 
pointed to  his  present  position,  which  he  has 
filled  continuously  since  that  date.  Then  the 
cemetery  consisted  of  only  twenty  acres,  and 
the  improvements  were  of  the  most  meager 
character,  the  whole  grounds  having  the  ap- 
pearance of  a forest.  The  grounds  now  con- 
sist of  fifty-eight  acres,  all  improved  beyond 
criticism,  and  maintained  in  the  most  perfect 
order.  Air.  Scott  has  several  assistants.  Af- 
ter he  had  been  with  the  association  eighteen 
years  his  present  residence,  located  on  the 
grounds,  was  built  for  him.  It  is  a handsome 
and  convenient  house,  and  an  attractive  home. 
The  cemetery  is  just  outside  the  city  limits, 
and  is  reached  by  street  cars  running  to  its 
gates  every  thirty  minutes.  In  1899  a chapel 
was  erected  at  the  cemetery  for  the  use  of 
patrons,  at  a cost  of  $2,500 — a convenient  and 
tasteful  structure. 

Mr.  Scott  owns  a farm  of  113  acres,  ad- 
joining the  cemetery,  which  is  yearly  becoming 
more  valuable  on  account  of  its  proximity  to 
the  flourishing  city  near  which  it  is  located. 
On  June  7,  1866,  he  married  Miss  Mary  Jane 
Godden,  a daughter  of  Robert  and  Rebecca 
(Bond)  Godden.  She  was  born  in  England 
June  8,  1844,  and  came  to  this  country  with 
her  family  in  1859,  settling  near  Janesville, 
where  her  father  engaged  in  farming.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Scott  have  had  ten  children,  of  whom 
four,  Willie,  Charles,  Archibald  D.  and  Mar- 
tha,  are  deceased.  Two  of  them  died  in  a 
single  night  from  scarlet  fever.  The  living 
are : James  W.  is  married ; he  is  now  a drug 

clerk  in  Janesville.  Walter  R.,  a druggist  at 
Puyallup,  Wash.,  is  married,  and  has  three 
children.  Isabel  is  the  wife  of  Frank  Pierce, 
of  Janesville,  Wis.,  and  has  one  child.  Marion 
E.,  Gertrude  F.,  and  Luella  AI.  are  at  home. 
Air.  and  Airs.  Scott  are  members  of  the  First 
Presbyterian  Church,  and  are  highly  respected, 
not  only  in  their  church  associations,  but  in 
their  social  relations  as  well.  He  usually 
votes  the  Republican  ticket,  but  is  not  blindly 
partisan  in  his  political  relations,  seeking  al- 
ways by  his  ballot  to  promote  the  best  govern- 
ment of  the  people  by  aiming  to  bring  men  and 
principles  together. 

Mr.  Scott's  father  died  in  Scotland  in  1847, 
leaving  a widow  and  one  child.  She  subse- 
quently married  William  Nixon,  by  whom  she 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


265 


had  three  children.  He  also  died  in  Scotland. 
She  came  to  the  United  States,  and  lived  for 
some  years  with  her  son,  the  subject  of  this 
article,  dying  in  Philadelphia,  Penn.,  where  the 
three  children  by  her  second  husband — Will- 
iam, John  and  Sarah — reside. 

FAITHFUL  WILLIAM  CHAPMAN. 
Among  the  many  esteemed  and  valuable  citi- 
zens of  Darlington,  Lafayette  county,  is  Faith- 
ful William  Chapman,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  who  has  made  that  place  his  home, 
and  there  has  centered  the  interests  of  his  life. 
Mr.  Chapman  was  born  at  Cambridge,  Eng- 
land, Dec.  29,  1823,  a son  of  William  and 
Hannah  (Fisher)  Chapman,  the  former  of 
whom  was  born  in  Bedfordshire,  and  the  lat- 
ter in  Huntingdonshire.  Both  passed  all 
their  lives  in  their  old  English  home.  Air.  and 
Mrs.  William  Chapman  were  the  parents  of  six 
children,  four  of  whom  survive : Airs.  Alary 
Perkins  Watt,  still  a resident  of  England; 
Faithful  W.,  our  subject;  William,  who  resides 
in  England;  and  Jane,  who  lives  with  our 
subject,  in  Darlington.  The  father  was  a 
skillful  carpenter  and  builder,  and  did  much 
work  in  the  city  of  London.  His  two  sons 
learned  the  same  trade  under  their  father’s 
instruction,  and  became  as  skilled  as  he. 

Our  subject  was  married  to  Rachel  Weston, 
a native  of  Westerham,  in  Kent,  England,  in 
August,  1845,  three  years  later  coming  to 
America.  With  his  wife  and  one  child  Mr. 
Chapman  landed  Dec.  23,  1848,  at  New  Or- 
leans, where  they  remained  until  April,  1850, 
when  they  came  up  the  Alississippi  river  to 
Galena,  and  from  there  to  Shullsburg.  On 
the  boat  on  the  Mississippi  river  Air.  Chapman 
became  acquainted  with  a traveler  named  Ab- 
salom Townsend,  who  was  returning  from  a 
successful  sojourn  in  the  mines  of  California, 
and  by  the  time  the  families  had  reached 
Shullsburg  our  subject  had  been  persuaded  to 
return  with  his  new  friend  and  try  to  make  a 
fortune  for  himself. 

The  company  left  Shullsburg  on  Alay  23, 
1850,  crossed  the  Alissouri  river  at  Omaha, 
_ and.  were_pn  the  way  no  days  ere  they  reached 
their  destination.  Air.  Chapman  was  offered 
$16  per  day  to  work  at  his  trade  on  the  first 
May  of  his  arrival.  Two  years  passed  before  he 
was  ready  to  return  to  his  home  in  Shulls- 
burg, which  he  reached  on  April  10,  1852. 
Upon  his  return  he  found  little  building  going- 


on,  and  then  engaged  in  lead  mining,  but  later 
returned  to  his  trade,  and  some  of  the  build- 
ings he  erected  in  Shullsburg  are  the  Brewster 
house,  and  the  residences  of  Henry  Stevens 
and  Samuel  Rickert.  For  some  ten  years  our 
subject  remained  in  Shullsburg,  and  then  en- 
gaged in  farming  at  what  was  then  known  as 
Stump  Grove,  near  the  line  between  the  towns 
of  Shullsburg  and  Darlington.  Increasing  his 
first  purchase  of  land,  he  finally  owned  some 
200  acres,  and  became  a well-known  farmer 
and  stock  raiser  in  Lafayette  county.  Until 
1890  he  continued  to  remain  on  the  farm,  in 
that  year  removing  to  Darlington,  and  he  has 
recently  sold  the  homestead  to  his  son-in-law, 
who  now  occupies  it.  Air.  Chapman  is  an 
example  of  what  honest,  persevering  effort 
can  accomplish,  and  richly  deserves  the  esteem 
and  confidence  with  which  he  is  regarded  by 
his  fellow  citizens. 

Eight  children  were  born  to  Air.  and  Airs. 
Chapman:  Clare,  wife  of  Frank  Rowe,  who 

lives  on  the  homestead;  James  Faithful,  ot 
Dawson,  Iowa;  Faithful  William,  of  Darling- 
ton; Airs.  Nettie  Parson,  of  Denver,  Colo.; 
and  William  Albert,  of  Darlington : the  others 
dying  in  infancy.  Airs.  Chapman  passed  away 
Feb.  19,  1863,  after  having  been  an  invalid 
for  a long  time,  but  leaving  a sad  vacancy  in 
the  household.  The  pleasant  home  of  our  sub- 
ject in  Darlington  is  capably  managed  by  his 
estimable  sister. 

REV.  WILLI AAI  WESLEY  WOOD- 
SIDE,  the  beloved  pastor  of  the  First  AI.  E. 
Church  of  Janesville,  was  born  in  Bucyrus, 
Ohio,  April  20,  1854,  a son  of  William  and 
Susan  (Heller)  Woodside,  natives  of  Penn- 
sylvania. 

The  paternal  grandfather  of  our  subject, 
James  Woodside,  was  born  in  Ireland,  but 
came  to  America  when  a young  man,  and  set- 
tled in  Pennsylvania,  near  Harrisburg,  where 
he  engaged  in  farming.  Fie  participated  in  the 
war  of  1812.  When  an  old  man  he  removed 
to  Bucyrus,  Ohio,  where  he  resided  with  his 
daughter,  and  died  when  over  eighty  years 
of  age.  The  family  he  and  his  wife  reared 
was  a very  large  one.  and  all  were  highly- 
esteemed.  The  maternal  grandfather  of  Rev. 
Air.  Woodside,  Jacob  Heller,  was  a native  of 
Germany,  who  immigrated  to  America  when 
still  a young  man,  settled  in  Pennsylvania,  en- 
gaged in  farming,  reared  a large  family,  and 


266 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


became  very  prominent,  dying  in  the  State  of 
his  adoption  at  an  advanced  age. 

The  father  of  our  subject  was  a farmer, 
and  about  1877  went  to  Kansas,  where  he  lo- 
cated on  a farm  near  Larned,  that  State,  and 
lived  there  a number  of  years,  finally  return- 
ing to  Bucyrus,  Ohio,  where  he  died  in  1898, 
aged  eighty-four.  During  his  life  he  had  been 
a justice  of  the  peace,  and  quite  prominent. 
Both  he  and  his  wife,  who  died  in  1871,  were 
consistent,  devout  and  active  members  of  the 
M.  E.  Church.  Eleven  children  were  born  to 
them,  three  sons  and  eight  daughters,  four  of 
whom  are  now  living:  Rachel,  wife  of  D. 

L.  McMichael,  of  Bucyrus,  Ohio;  Sarah,  wife 
of  H.  D.  Markle,  of  Elkhart;  Inch;  Rev.  Will- 
iam W. ; and  James  j.,  of  St.  John,  Kans. 
One  son,  Isaiah,  served  during  the  last  vear 
of  the  Civil  war,  participating  in  twelve  battles; 
he  is  now  deceased. 

Rev.  William  W.  Woodside  lived  at  Bu- 
cyrus until  thirteen  years  old,  at  which  time 
his  parents  removed  to  St.  Joseph  county, 
Ind.,  near  South  Bend,  where  he  grew  to  man- 
hood. After  completing  the  studies  taught 
in  the  common  schools  of  Ohio  and  Indiana 
our  subject  attended  Oberlin  Colleg-e,  Fort 
Wayne  University  (now  Bishop  Taylor  Uni- 
versity), and  also  the  Normal  School  at  Val- 
paraiso, Ind.  After  attending  Oberlin  Mr. 
Woodside  taught  school  in  St.  Joseph  county, 
Inch,  for  eight  or  nine  terms,  working  his  way 
in  college.  Wishing-  to  complete  his  educa- 
tion, Mr.  Woodside  went  to  Kansas  in  1877. 
However,  he  at  once  entered  the  ministry  of 
the  M.  E.  Church,  in  the  South  Kansas  Con- 
ference, and  preached  in  that  State  for 
about  nine  years.  At  the  end  of  that  time 
Mr.  Woodside  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  was 
stationed  at  Kaukauna,  Milwaukee,  Eclg-erton, 
and  Elkhorn,  coming  to  Janesville  in  1898, 
as  pastor  of  the  First  M.  E.  Church,  where  he 
has  since  remained,  endearing  himself  to  his 
people,  and  adding  many  members  to  his 
flock. 

On  May  2,  1880,  Mr.  Woodside  married 
Miss  Anna  Drew,  a daughter  of  Mark  and 
Julia  M.  (Bellows)  Drew,  and  one  son,  Forest 
H.,  was  born  of  this  union.  Mrs.  Woodside 
died  in  1885,  deeply  mourned.  On  Sept.  2, 
1886,  Mr.  Woodside  married  Miss  Frances 
E.  Drew,  a sister  of  his  first  wife.  The  pa- 
ternal grandfather  of  Mrs.  Woodside,  Peter 
Drew,  was  a native  of  England ; while  her 


maternal  grandparents  were  Caleb  Strong 
Bellows  and  Esther  Mansell,  natives  of  Wal- 
pole, N.  IT,  and  Stencil,  England,  respectively. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bellows  had  ten  children  who 
grew  to  mature  years.  Mr.  Bellows  was  a 
colonel  in  the  militia  in  Canada ; also  post- 
master of  West  Meath  nine  or  ten  years;  and 
held  various  minor  offices,  enjoying  the  re- 
spect and  esteem  of  all.  The  father  of  A'Irs. 
Woodside,  Mark  Drew,  was  a native  of  Ver- 
mont, the  mother  of  Canada.  Air.  Drew  op- 
erated a tannery  and  shoe  factory  at  West 
Meath,  Canada,  later  went  to  Ohio,  and 
thence  to  Wisconsin,  locating  at  Eureka.  In 
December,  1899,  Father  Drew  died,  over 
eighty-three  years  of  age.  His  wife  still  sur- 
vives, living  with  her  daughter,  Airs.  Wood- 
side.  They  were  very  worthy  people,  and  Mr. 
Drew  was  a very  devout  and  consistent  mem- 
ber of  the  M.  E.  Church. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Woodside  are  earnest, 
Christian  workers,  who  have  the  welfare  of 
their  people  at  heart,  and  are  very  success- 
ful in  their  endeavors  to  set  an  example  of 
high-minded  living,  and  win  souls  to  the  cause. 
Politically  Mr.  Woodside  is  a Prohibitionist, 
and  is  an  earnest  advocate  of  the  principles  of 
that  party. 

HENRY  MILL,  now  residing  in  Blanch- 
ardville,  has  found  in  Lafayette  county  a 
comfortable  home  for  over  half  a century, 
and  bears  the  distinction  of  being  one  of  the 
comparatively  few  survivors  of  the  war  with 
Alexico. 

Air.  Alill  was  born  in  Germany  in  1823,  and 
in  1846  emigrated  to  the  United  States.  He 
landed  in  this  country  just  before  the  openingof 
hostilities,  and,  being  possessed  of  a somewhat 
daring  spirit,  resolved  to  enter  the  service  of 
his  but  lately  adopted  country.  Accordingly 
he  enlisted,  at  New  York,  becoming  a member 
of  Company  D,  2d  Regiment,  United  States 
Artillery,  -and  went  at  once  with  his  regiment 
to  Matamoras,  where  he  joined  the  army  of 
Gen.  Winfield  Scott,  and  participated  in  all 
the  famous  battles  from  Vera  Cruz  to  the  city 
of  Mexico,  inclusive.  He  served  in  Alexico 
for  two  years,  or  until  the  close  of  the  war. 
His  term  of  enlistment  had  been  for  five  years; 
but  two  years  having  expired  when  peace  was 
declared,  more  work  was  found  for  the  army 
looking  after  the  Indians  on  the  border,  who 
were  very  troublesome.  Mr.  AI ill's  regiment 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


267 


was  ordered  to  New  Mexico,  where  they  were 
engaged*  in  Indian  warfare  the  next  three 
years.  Before  Mr.  Mill  had  entered  the  army 
he  had  become  engaged  to-  Miss  Margaret 
Bayer,  and  when  he  was  returned  to  New 
York,  at  the  close  of  the  Mexican  war,  'he  was 
married,  and  took  his  bride  with  him  to  New 
Mexico,  where  they  remained  until  the  end  of 
his  enlistment.  Mr.  Mill’s  health  was  badly 
shattered  by  his  army  experience,  and  just 
two  months  before  the  time  for  his  discharge 
he  was  granted  a furlough  for  the  remainder 
of  his  term.  He  and  Ins  wife  went  to  Fort 
Leavenworth,  Kans.,  where  he  received  an 
honorable  discharge,  which  to-day  is  careful- 
ly guarded  as  one  of  the  family  treasures,  ot 
which  Mr.  Mill  is  most  justly  proud. 

A comrade  in  the  army  had  told  Mr.  Mill 
of  the  glories  of  Lafayette  county,  \\  is.,  and 
when  he  was  ready  to  take  up  the  pursuits  of 
peaceful  life  he  came  to  this  county  and  en- 
gaged in  farming.  He  did  not,  however,  con- 
fine his  labors  exclusively  to  agriculture.  He 
built  the  “Ryan  Hotel,"  in  Blanchardville,  and 
generally  led  an  active  life  until  feebleness, 
aggravated  by  age  and  his  hard  life  in  the 
army,  compelled  him  to  retire.  He  and  his 
wife  have  always  held  the  high  respect  of  the 
community,  and  Mr.  Mill  has  ever  been  found 
on  the  side  of  progress,  showing  in  a marked 
degree  his  love  for  the  country  he  served  so 
well.  One  daughter  was  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Mill,  Katherine,  now  Mrs.  Gould,  of 
Blanchardville. 

WILLIAM  ROWLANDS  holds  an  en- 
viable position  among  the  older  farmers  of  the 
town  of  Belmont,  Lafayette  county,  both  by 
reason  of  his  advanced  years  and  his  reputa- 
tion as  a man  of  character  and  industry. 

Mr.  Rowlands  was  born  Dec.  5,  1827,  a 
son  of  William  and  Jane  (Perry)  Rowlands, 
all  born  in  North  Wales.  Our  subject  and  his 
brother  John  came  to  America  in  1849,  and 
the  parents  in  1854.  The  brothers  crossed  the 
ocean  in  a sailing-vessel,  landing  in  New  York, 
in  which  city  they  made  but  a brief  stop,  jour- 
neying west  to  Waukesha.  Wis.,  where  they 
found  work  on  a neighboring  farm  for  some 
two  years.  In  1850  William  Rowlands  came 
to  Dodgeville,  Iowa  Co.,  Wis.,  and  was  em- 
ployed on  a farm  by  Frank  Dunn,  where  he 
was  presently  joined  by  his  parents,  who  emi- 
grated to  Wisconsin  in  1S54.  The  father 


bought  land  in  the  town  of  Belmont,  and  there 
made  his  home  until  his  death,  in  1868.  His 
widow  survived  many  years,  and  died  in  1897. 
at  the  advanced  age  of  ninety-six  years.  They 
were  the  parents  of  six  children : ( 1 ) Will- 

iam is  our  subject.  (2)  John,  born  in  Wales 
in  1830,  is  a farmer  near  Dodgeville;  he  is 
the  father  of  two  daughters,  Elizabeth  and 
Anna.  (3)  Richard,  born  in  Wales  in  1833, 
never  married.  He  has  prospered  since  com- 
ing to  Wisconsin,  and  is  now  living  retired 
in  Dodgeville.  (4)  Anna,  born  in  Wales,  is 
the  widow  of  Samuel  Jones,  and  is  the  mother 
of  six  children.  (5)  Jane,  born  in  Wales,  came 
to  Wisconsin  with  her  parents,  and  married 
Orrin  Morris,  they  settling  in  Minnesota, 
where  her  husband  died.  She  came  back  to 
Platteville,  and  died  in  1874,  leaving  one 
daughter,  Jane,  who  is  a Mrs.  O'Brian,  of 
Minnesota.  (6)  Ellen  married  Thomas 
Thomas,  and  remained  in  Y ales,  where  she 
died  in  1900,  leaving  seven  children,  four  of 
whom  are  still  living  in  the  old  country.  I he 
others  came  to  Wisconsin. 

William  Rowlands  obtained  his  education 
in  the  public  schools  of  his  native  community. 
Pie  was  married  in  1870  to  Miss  Anna  Rob- 
erts, who  was  born  in  Wales  in  1838.  and 
came  to  Wisconsin  with  her  brother  Robert 
in  1870.  He  settled  in  the  State  of  Iowa, 
where  he  died  lately.  In  1887  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Rowlands  moved  to  Union  county,  S.  Dak., 
where  they  lived  three  years.  For  five  years 
they  lived  in  Lake  county,  same  State,  where 
Mrs.  Rowlands  died  in  1892,  leaving  him  with 
three  children.  Soon  after  her  demise  he  re- 
turned to  the  old  homestead  in  Belmont,  where 
he  has  since  remained.  Children  were  born  to 
their  union  as  follows  : ( 1 ) Katie,  born  in  Bel- 
mont in  July,  1871,  was  married  in  1900  to 
Robert  Williams,  in  South  Dakota,  and  is  now 
residing  at  Miner,  that  State.  (2)  Richard, 
born  in  March,  1874,  was  educated  in  the 
schools  of  Lafayette  county,  Wis.,  is  unmar- 
ried, and  lives  at  home  with  his  father,  tak- 
ing the  general  management  of  the  farm.  (3) 
Rice  Lloyd  died  when  two  years  old.  (4)  Han- 
nah, born  in  April,  1879.  was  well  educated, 
and  is  a bright  and  capable  young  woman ; 
she  is  housekeeper  for  father  and  brother. 

In  politics  Mr.  Rowlands  is  a Democrat, 
and  has  been  roadmaster  for  a number  of  years. 
He  began  life  in  his  adopted  country  with  but 
little  means,  and  made  his  way  by  hard  work. 


268 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


By  wise  investments  he  has  come  to  be  an  ex- 
tensive land  owner  in  Lafayette  and  Iowa 
counties. 

DAVID  H.  POLLOCK.  This  name  will 
be  readily  recognized  by  any  one  at  all  familiar 
with  the  business  personnel  of  the  city  of  Be- 
loit, Rock  county,  as  that  of  one  of  its  popular 
and  successful  druggists  and  book  dealers. 
Mr.  Pollock  is  a cultivated  and  genial  gentle- 
man, of  fine  character  and  excellent  character- 
istics. He  has  a good  patronage,  and  is  rated 
with  the  best  people  of  the  city. 

David  IT.  Pollock  was  born  at  Whitewater, 
Wis.,  Feb.  23,  i860,  and  is  a son  of  Arthur 
and  Lydia  (Nagle)  Pollock,  both  natives  of 
Ireland.  They  had  five  children,  of  whom  all 
but  one  are  now  living:  William  J. ; David 

H. ; Sarah,  wife  of  W.  M.  V an  Lone,  of  Beloit ; 
Mary  B..  deceased;  and  Effie  A.,  wife  of 
George  Beedle,  of  Beloit.  Arthur  Pollock 
was  bred  a farmer,  and  came  to  the  United 
States  about  1845,  when  he  was  twenty-one 
years  old.  He  found  a location  at  Canan- 
daigua, X.  Y.,  where  he  remained  some  seven 
or  eight  years,  and  then  moved  West  to  Wis- 
consin, settling  on  the  farm  in  Jefferson  county 
where  he  died,  Oct.  1,  1894,  of  typhoid  fever, 
when  seventy  years  old.  His  widow  is  still 
living,  and  makes  her  home  with  her  daugh- 
ter, Airs.  Van  Lone,  in  Beloit.  He  was  a 
prominent  church  worker,  and  early  in  life 
was  a Presbyterian,  his  wife  a member  of  the 
Episcopal  Church.  Later  they  both  united 
with  the  Alethodists.  His  father,  William 
Pollock,  was  a farmer  in  Ireland.  He  had 
four  sons  and  two  daughters.  Coming  to  this 
country  to  make  his  home  with  his  children,  he 
died  in  Jefferson  county  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
nine.  The  father  of  Lydia  Nagle  was  an  Irish 
farmer,  who  lived  and  died  in  his  native  coun- 
try. 

David  IT.  Pollock  grew  to  manhood  on  his 
father’s  farm  in  Jefferson  county.  He  was 
given  unusual  educational  advantages,  includ- 
ing a course  at  the  State  Normal  at  White- 
water,  and  for  ten  years  followed  the  profession 
of  teaching  in  Jefferson,  Green,  Waupaca  and 
Walworth  counties,  with  most  creditable  re- 
sults. He  became  noted  as  an  educator  of 
much  ability,  and  had  he  chosen  to  remain  in 
the  school  room  would  doubtless  have  had  a 
successful  career.  But  the  inclinations  of  Mr. 
Pollock  led  him  toward  a commercial  life,  and 


he  selected  pharmacy  as  a field  suited  to  his 
desires.  ITe  acquired  a practical  knowledge  of 
the  business  by  clerking  in  drug  stores  at  Janes- 
ville and  Whitewater,  and,  when  he  felt  him- 
self prepared  to  make  the. venture,  came  to  Be- 
loit and  bought  out  the  old  and  well-established 
drug  house  of  F.  S.  Fenton,  conducting  same 
under  the  firm  name  of  D.  H.  Pollock  & Co. 
This  was  in  1888,  and  here  he  has  remained 
to  the  present  time,  retaining  the  old  patron- 
age and  winning  many  new  friends.  He  car- 
ries a full  line  of  druggists’  supplies  and  sun- 
dries, books,  bicycles  and  paints.  Our  subject 
is  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Beloit  Tele- 
phone Co.,  and  is  a competent  and  successful 
business  man. 

Mr.  Pollock  has  been  twice  married,  his 
wives  being  sisters,  and  daughters  of  O.  A.  and 
Zella  (Plulse)  Wheeler.  Myrtle  E.  became 
his  wife  Sept.  19,  1888,  and  died  April  7,  1890. 
On  Jan.  13,  1892,  Mr.  Pollock  and'  Miss  Bertha 
A.  were  married.  She  died  Dec.  23,  1899. 
Both  were  fine  musicians,  teachers  of  the  piano, 
and  much  interested  in  all  matters  that  con- 
cerned the  general  progress  of  the  community. 
They  were  great  church  workers,  and  'took 
much  thought  about  the  successful  operations 
of  the  literary  clubs  with  which  they  were  as- 
sociated. Their  great-great-grandfather  Chen- 
ey’s name  is  on  Bunker  Hill  Monument,  and 
the  Wheeler  and  Cheney  families  belong  to  old 
New  England. 

Air.  Pollock  is  a member  of  the  Knights 
of  Pythias,  the  Knights  of  the  Globe,  and  the 
Modern  Woodmen  of  America.  He  is  a Re- 
publican, has  been  twice  elected  to  the  city 
council  from  the  Fourth  ward,  and  is  now  serv- 
ing in  that  position.  Religiously  he  is  a mem- 
ber and  trustee  of  the  Second  Congregational 
Church  of  Beloit. 

ARIAL  RODDICK  was  born  in  the  house 
which  is  now  his  home  Aug.  30,  1862,  a son  of 
John  and  Sarah  (Batchelor)  Roddick.  The 
father  was  born  in  Wales  in  1811,  and  the 
mother  was  born  in  Somersetshire,  England, 
in  November,  1814.  They  obtained  their 
schooling  in  their  native  land. 

John  Roddick  came  to  Philadelphia  in 
1832,  and  there  worked  at  his  trade  some 
three  years,  at  the  end  of  that  time  moving  to 
Pittsburg,  where  he  married  in  1836.  Airs. 
Roddick  is  still  living  in  the  old  home  in  El- 
lenboro,  with  her  son  Arial,  who  with  h:s 


) 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


269 


wife  leaves  nothing  undone  to  make  her  de- 
clining days  peaceful  and  happy.  Mrs.  Rod- 
dick has  witnessed  great  changes  in  Grant 
county.  She  and  her  husband  both  belonged 
to  the  Campbellite  Church.  After  their  mar- 
riage they  lived  in  Pittsburg  for  about  three 
years,  while  Mr.  Roddick  worked  on  a steam- 
boat plying  between  Pittsburg  and  Louisville, 
Ivy.  They  came  West  to  Wisconsin  as  early 
as  1838,  and  spent  two  years  in  Elk  Grove, 
until  he  purchased  the  present  farm  from  the 
government,  and  he  was  the  third  settler  in 
this  locality,  there  being  one  settler  in  the  vil- 
lage of  Ellenboro  and  one  in  Harrison.  A 
lob  cabin  furnished  a home  for  the  family  un- 
til the  present  stone  house  was  built,  in  1859. 
To  the  original  eighty  acres  a second  eighty 
was  presently  added,  and  the  enlarged  farm 
brought  into  good  shape.  The  improvements 
wrought  on  this  place  were  all  made  by  Mr. 
Roddick  and  his  family.  He  died  in  February, 
1889,  leaving  a widow  and  six  children  out 
of  the  family  of  ten  born  to  them.  George, 
Reuben  and  Emma  died  in  childhood.  Will- 
iam, born  on  the  present  family  home  Jan.  5, 
1852,  died  in  1885;  he  married  Miss  Mary  A. 
Graves,  who  died  in  April,  1900,  and  they 
left  two  children,  Mabel  and  William.  Of 
the  living,  (1)  Fernando  was  born  in  Grant 
county  Dec.  12,  1839,  and  enlisted  in  the 
Union  army  during  the  Rebellion,  serving-  in 
the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  He  married  Lida 
Gillette,  of  Fennimore,  and  now  resides  on 
his  farm,  adjoining  the  old  paternal  estate. 
They  have  a family  of  six  children,  Sarah,  Jo- 
seph, Edith,  Samuel,  Daniel,  and  Lewis.  (2) 
Thomas,  born  in  the  town  of  Harrison  in  Au- 
gust, 1842,  served  in  the  Civil  war  in  the  6th 
and  7th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  participated  in  many 
of  the  most  severe  engagements  of  that 
sanguinary  struggle.  He  saw  many ' hard- 
ships, and  was  badly  wounded  several  times. 
Soon  after  the  war  he  married  Miss  Sarah 
Pike,  who  died  soon  after  marriage,  and  later 
he  married  Vashti  Bellwood,  of  Platteville. 
They  are  living  on  his  farm  in  Ellenboro,  and 
are  the  parents  of  five  children,  Clara,  George, 
Lester,  Nora  and  Eva.  (3)  Elizabeth  A., 
born  in  March,  1846,  married  George  Atkin- 
son, who  was  born  in  England.  Settling  on 
a farm  in  Ellenboro,  they  have  kept  their  home 
there  to  the  present  time,  and  are  the  parents 
of  six  children,  George,  Sarah,  Allen,  Walter, 
Mary  and  Jessie.  Sarah  married  Benjamin 


Cornwell,  and  died  leaving  two  children,  Ida 
and  Liela.  Allen  is  married  and  has  two  chil- 
dren, Jessie  and  Naomi.  (4)  Malissa,  born 
May  14,  1849,  is  fhe  wife  of  Lewis  Pollander, 
and  resides  in  the  town  of  Harrison.  They 
have  a family  of  five  children,  Joseph,  Lizzie, 
Genevieve  (now  the  wife  of  Duane  Hull,  of 
Lima,  and  the  mother  of  two  children,  Velma 
and  Archie  Duane),  William  and  Sena.  (5) 
John,  born  in  February,  1855,  married  Miss 
Emma  Dean,  and  now  lives  on  a farm  in  Ellen- 
boro, where  they  are  rearing  a family  of  four 
sons,  George,  Archie,  Ora  and  Lloyd.  (6) 
Arial  is  the  gentleman  whose  name  introduces 
this  article. 

Arial  Roddick  had  the  benefit  of  a dis- 
trict-school education,  and  has  always  re- 
mained on  the  old  homestead,  where  he  was 
manager  for  some  years  prior  to  the  death  of 
his  father.  In  February,  1884,  he  married 
Miss  Lucinda  A.  Hudson,  daughter  of  Hiram 
and  Roxy  (Ray)  Hudson,  a family  long  es- 
tablished in  this  country.  They  are  now  liv- 
ing in  the  town  of  Potosi.  Mrs.  Roddick  was 
born  in  July,  1864,  and  received  her  education 
in  the  home  schools.  After  his  marriage  Mr. 
Roddick  settled  on  the  old  Roddick  estate,  and 
devoted  himself  to  the  building  up  of  this  fine 
property.  He  and  his  wife  have  had  one  son, 
Harold  Verne,  who  died  when  two  years  old. 
The  Roddicks  are  among  the  most  highly  es- 
teemed residents  of  Grant  county,  and  Mrs. 
Roddick  deserves  equal  praise  with  her  hus- 
band for  her  industry  and  energy,  which  have 
aided  him  greatly.  In  politics  Mr.  Roddick 
is  a Republican.  He  is  on  the  town  board. 
Fraternally  he  belongs  to  the  Modern  Wood- 
men of  America. 

Mr.  Roddick  is  a born  inventor  and  a 
natural  mechanic.  Though  never  taught  a 
trade,  he  has  invented  several  ingenious  ma- 
chines, the  most  striking  being  a corn  busker 
and  shredder  that  will  husk  from  'forty  to 
fifty  bushels  per  hour,  and  prepare  the  fodder 
for  use. 

MELFORD  PRATT  SMITH,  of  Fenni- 
more, has  been  a prominent  farmer  in  Grant 
county  for  nearly  half  a century,  and  in  that 
time  has  made  himself  felt  as  a man  of  de- 
cided force  of  character  and  genuine  integrity. 
He  came  here  in  1853,  and  during  his  long 
residence  in  the  county  has  proved  himself 
a valuable  citizen  of  the  community,  an  non- 


270 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


orable  man,  and  a skillful  and  progressive 
farmer.  He  is  now  leading  a retired  life  in  the 
city  of  Fennimore. 

Mr.  Smith  was  born  in  Wayne  county, 
Penn.,  March  19,  1829,  son  of  Jacob  and 
Sophia  (Wheeler)  Smith.  His  father  was 
born  east  of  the  Green  Mountains,  in  Vermont, 
in  1802,  and  his  grandfather  was  a clergyman 
of  the  Methodist  Church,  and  lived  in  New 
England  all  his  life.  Jacob  Smith  was  the 
youngest  son  in  a family  of  twelve  children,  six 
sons  and  six  daughters,  all  of  whom  were  given 
Bible  names,  as  was  the  fashion  of  the  times. 
The  sons  were  called  Simeon,  Reuben,  Daniel, 
Abram,  Isaac  and  Jacob.  The  names  of  the 
daughters  cannot  now  be  obtained,  as  that 
generation  has  passed  from  earth.  In  1824 
Jacob  Smith  married  Sophia  Wheeler,  who 
was  born  in  Massachusetts,  her  birth  occurring 
the  same  year  as  her  husband’s.  She  was  a 
daughter  of  Simeon  and  Polly  (Noble) 
Wheeler.  Her  mother  was  a daughter  of  Capt. 
Charles  Noble,  a Revolutionary  soldier,  who 
died  before  the  close  of  the  Revolution,  from 
disease  contracted  in  the  service.  Mel  ford  Pratt 
Smith  therefore  is  a great-grandson  of  a Revo- 
lutionary soldier.  The  Noble  family  was  long 
prominent  in  Massachusetts.  Four  brothers 
came  from  England  in  early  Colonial  times, 
and  from  them  are  descended  the  greater  part 
of  the  Nobles  in  the  United  States. 

In  1826  Jacob  Smith,  with  his  wife  and 
only  child,  removed  to  Wayne  county,  Penn., 
ancl  in  1853  the  parents,  with  their  family, 
then  consisting  of  six  children,  came  to  Grant 
county,  Wis.,  and  settled  on  a farm  in  the 
town  of  Fennimore.  Within  six  years  after 
their  arrival  five  of  the  family  had  passed 
away.  The  parents  and  three  of  their  children, 
Algernon,  and  Celestia  and  Cecilia  (twins), 
had  succumbed  to  sickness,  and  gone  on  “to 
join  the  great  majority.”  The  children  reached 
maturity  before  they  died.  The  mother’s 
death  occurred  in  1857,  and  the  father's  the 
following  year.  There  are  now  living  of  this 
family  Esther  (the  wife  of  O.  N.  Smith,  of 
Eau  Claire,  Wis.),  Melford  P.,  and  Alfica  (of 
Iowa ) . 

Melford  P.  Smith  obtained  a good  educa- 
tion in  the  common  schools  of  his  county, 
rather  better  than  was  the  habit  of  the  times. 
He  taught  two  terms  of  school  during  the  win- 
ter after  coming  to  Grant  county,  and  was  re- 
garded as  a capable  instructor.  He  was  mar- 


ried, a few  weeks  before  leaving  Pennsylvania, 
to  Miss  Ada  M.  Adams,  who  was  born  in 
Luzerne  county,  Penn.,  April  19,  1831.  Her 
parents  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  died  many 
years  ago.  Mr.  Smith  bought  State  and  gov- 
ernment land  in  Section  32,  of  the  town  of 
Fennimore,  and  here  he  settled,  and  made  a 
valuable  farm,  which  he  still  owns.  He  re- 
sided on  it  until  the  fall  of  1898,  when  he 
and  his  venerable  spouse  moved  to  their  pleas- 
ant home  in  the  city  of  Fennimore. 

Mr.  Smith  has  long  been  one  of  the  repre- 
sentative men  of  his  section  He  was  town 
treasurer  ten  years,  assessor  for  six  years,  and 
town  clerk  for  eighteen  years.  He  held  the 
office  of  justice  of  the  peace  for  a long  period, 
and  during  the  greater  part  of  his  active  life 
held  some  local  office. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Smith  have  had  three  chil- 
dren : Ira,  born  in  1855,  married  Viola  Shearer, 
a daughter  of  John  A.  Shearer,  an  early  set- 
tler of  the  county.  Charles,  born  in  1858,  is  a 
lawyer  and  lives  in  Viroqua.  Ida,  born  in 
1864,  is  the  wife  of  Ambrose  Peterson,  and 
lives  at  Hillsdale,  Mich.  There  are  two  grand- 
children in  the  family:  Irl,  the  son  of  Ira, 

born  in  1890,  and  Kenneth,  the  son  of  Charles, 
born  in  1892.  Mr.  Smith  has  always  taken  a 
deep  interest  in  the  moral  and  educational  prog- 
ress of  the  community.  Flis  children  have  had 
good  educational  privileges.  Charles  was 
graduated  at  the  Platteville  Normal  in  1881, 
and  for  three  years  was  principal  of  the  Viro- 
qua schools.  He  was  a successful  teacher,  but, 
determining  to  become  a lawyer,  entered  the 
office  of  Judge  Wyman,  read  law  under  his  in- 
struction for  one  year,  and  then  entered  the 
law  school  at  Albany,  N.  Y.,  from  which  he 
graduated  in  1886.  He  immediately  entered 
into  practice  at  Viroqua,  and  has  remained 
there -up  to  the  present  time.  Melford  Pratt 
Smith  is  a man  of  extensive  reading  and  wide 
information.  He  is  a Republican,  and  in  re- 
ligious connection  both  he  and  his  wife  are 
members  of  the  Congregational  Church  at  Lan- 
caster. 

RL1FUS  I.  CUTTS  has  been  intimately  as- 
sociated with  the  agricultural  interests  of  Har- 
mony township  and  that  portion  of  Rock 
county  for  the  greater  part  of  his  life,  and  may 
fairly  and  justly  be  written  down  as  one  of  the 
leading  farmers  of  Rock  county.  Fie  owns  a 
farm  in  Section  6,  Harmony  township,  and 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


271 


has  made  it  in  every  way  profitable  and  attract- 
ive by  industry,  thrift  and  careful  manage- 
ment. 

Mr.  Cutts  was  born  in  Sullivan  county, 
N.  H.,  Dec.  14,  1831,  and  is  a son  of  Nathan 
and  Mary  ( Burnham)  Cutts,  both  natives  of 
that  State.  Five  children  were  born  to  them, 
two  of  whom  are  now  living:  Alonzo  K.,  of 
Janesville;  and  Rufus  I.  Nathan  Cutts,  who 
was  a farmer,  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1844,  lo- 
cating in  the  town  of  Fulton,  Rock  county, 
where  he  lived  three  years,  and  then  moving 
into  Harmony  township  and  purchasing  a farm 
of  178  acres.  This  proved  to  be  his  home  for 
life,  for  he  lived  upon  it  until  his  death,  in  1864, 
when  he  was  about  sixty-five  years  old.  His 
widow  survived  many  years,  and  was  about 
eighty-two  years  .old  when  she  died.  They 
were  members  of  the  Free-Will  Baptist  Church, 
and  were  in  every  way  good  people  and  fine 
neighbors.  Nathan  Cutts,  his  father,  was  a 
farmer  in  New  Hampshire,  where  he  was  born. 
He  was  killed  in  the  East  by  an  accident,  and 
left  a large  family.  Mrs.  Mary  (Burnham) 
Cutts'  father  was  born  in  New  Hampshire,  of 
English  descent,  and  was  a sailor.  He  died 
in  the  East,  leaving  a small  family. 

Rufus  I.  Cutts  was  twelve  years  old  when 
his  parents  came  to  Rock  county,  and  here  his 
life  has  since  been  spent.  On  his  father’s 
death  he  came  into  possession  of  the  old  home- 
stead by  purchasing  the  interest  of  the  other 
heirs.  He  attended  the  district  school,  ob- 
tained a fair  business  education,  and  began  life 
for  himself  by  helping  his  parents  pay  for  the 
home  place,  as  he  was  given  eighty  acres  of  it 
when  he  set  up  a home.  He  now  owns  one 
hundred  acres,  and  has  started  his  sons  farm- 
ing. On  Sept.  22,  1858,  he  was  married  to 
Miss  Sarah  G.  Daggett,  a daughter  of  Henry 
and  Meribah  (Jackson)  Daggett.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Cutts  have  had  three  sons  and  three 
daughters,  Henry,  Acil,  Effie,  Meribah,  Fred 
and  Elnora.  Henrv  died  in  early  childhood. 
Acil  married  Catherine  Kahoe,  and  lives  in 
Harmony  township ; they  have  six  children, 
Lawrence.  Asa,  Earl,  Howard,  Christi  and 
Bertie.  Effie  married  David  Alverson,  and 
lives  on  the  old  place ; they  have  three  chil- 
dren, Claris,  Letha  and  Anna.  Meribah  is  at 
home.  Fred  married  Miss  Lottie  Wells,  and 
lives  in  Harmony  township ; they  have  six  chil- 
dren, Lester,  Lelah,  Gladys,  Gertie,  Helen  and 
Rufus.  Elnora  died  in  early  childhood. 


Mrs.  Cutts'  parents  were  natives  of  the 
State  of  Maine,  and  came  by  the  lakes  to  Mil- 
waukee in  1S46,  making  a home  in  Winne- 
bago county,  111.,  where  her  father  died  in 
1881,  at  the  age  of  eighty-six  years.  Her 
mother  died  in  1875,  at  the  age  of  eighty-two. 
They  were  Free- A ill  Baptists.  He  enlisted  in 
the  American  army  during  the  war  of  1812, 
though  he  was  never  in  battle.  When  a young- 
man  he  was  a school  teacher,  but  became  a 
farmer  in  the  A est.  His  father,  Edward  Dag- 
gett, was  a native  of  Maine,  of  English  de- 
scent, and  died  in  the  East.  Mrs.  Cutts  was 
twelve  years  old  when  she  came  to  Wisconsin 
with  her  parents,  and  she  has  lived  in  Rock 
county  for  over  forty-two  years.  Her  grand- 
mother, Elizabeth  Grindell,  lived  to  be  one  hun- 
dred and  four  years  old. 

Air.  Cutts  is  a Republican.  He  has  lived  in 
Rock  county  for  over  fifty-six  years,  and  dur- 
ing that  long  period  has  attended  steadily  to 
his  business,  proved  a kind  friend  and  a good 
neighbor,  and  now  in  his  old  age  has  well- 
earned  rest  and  peace. 

JOHN  H.  JONES,  one  of  the  highly  es- 
teemed and  substantial  residents  of  Belmont 
township,  has  made  his  home  in  Lafayette 
county  since  1869,  and  has  been  identified  with 
the  growth  and  development  of  his  neighbor- 
hood. The  birth  of  our  subject  occurred  in 
Tioga  county,  Penn.,  Sept.  9,  1840. 

John  W.  and  Elizabeth  (Hughes)  Jones, 
his  parents,  were  both  born  in  Anglesey,  A'ales, 
the  former  in  1813,  the  latter  in  1810.  They 
had  the  advantage  of  being  instructed  in  both 
Welsh  and  English.  Airs.  Jones  was  a daugh- 
ter of  Griffith  and  Ellen  Hughes,  both  of 
whom  died  in  A’ales,  Airs.  Jones  making  the 
journey  to  America  alone,  arriving  in  1830. 
Air.  Jones  came  later,  and  both  located  in  Ti- 
oga county,  Penn.,  where  a number  of  their 
countrymen  reside.  There  they  met  and  mar- 
ried. For  some  ten  years  Air.  Jones  worked  in 
the  coal  mines  of  Pennsylvania.  In  1844,  with 
wife  and  three  children,  he  removed  to  Dodge- 
ville,  Iowa  Co.,  Wis.,  and  was  employed  for 
the  following  four  or  five  years  in  the  lead 
mines  in  that  locality.  With  him  had  come 
his  father,  who  located  near  Aliffiin,  Iowa  coun- 
ty, where  he  died  in  1879,  leaving  a family 
of  two  sons  and  five  daughters,  of  whom  are 
mentioned:  John  A'.,  the  father  of  our  sub- 
ject; Hugh,  who  married  Anna  Hughes,  of 


2/2 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Mifflin,  and  settled  on  his  father’s  farm,  where 
he  died,  his  wife  and  family  still  living  in 
Iowa  county;  Anna,  who  married  Edward  Ed- 
wards, a jeweler  of  Mineral  Point,  who  moved 
to  Chicago,  where  he  died,  his  wife  being  still 
a resident  of  that  city ; the  others  of  the  family 
remaining  in  Pennsylvania  until  a later  date. 

John  W.  Jones,  after  leaving  Dodgeville, 
purchased  a tract  of  160  acres  near  Mifflin, 
where  he  erected  a log  cabin  and  improved  the 
land,  this  being  the  home  of  the  family  until 
the  death  of  Mrs.  Jones,  in  1887.  Soon  after 
Mr.  Jones  and  his  son  William  began  the  erec- 
tion of  a new  house  on  the  old  site,  and  there 
he  resided  until  his  decease,  in  1892,  leaving 
six  children  to  mourn  the  loss  of  a good  fa- 
ther. Of  his  family,  John  H.  is  our  sub- 
ject. Anne  is  deceased.  William,  born  in 
1844,  was  educated  in  the  district  schools  of 
Iowa  county,  later  enjoyed  a term  at  the  old 
academy  in  Platteville,  and  taught  school  sev- 
eral terms;  he  married  Elizabeth  Jones,  who 
was  born  in  New  York  State  March  17,  1859, 
a daughter  of  William  Jones,  of  Iowa  county, 
formerly  of  Utica,  N.  Y.,  and  died  in  1891, 
while  residing  in  Mineral  Point;  the  children 
of  this  marriage  were  Jane  and  Elizabeth. 
Ellen,  born  in  1846,  married  John  J.  Jones, 
and  resided  on  the  old  Jones  homestead  in 
Iowa  county,  where  he  died.  Griffith  H.,  born 
in  1849,  married  Sarah  James,  of  Lafayette 
county,  and  they  reside  on  the  old  homestead 
in  Iowa  county ; their  children  are  Anna,  Ella 
and  Alvin.  Jane,  born  in  1851,  married  John 
Lloyd  Jones,  and  died  in  Dodgeville  in  1887; 
their  children  are  Thomas,  John,  and  Mary. 
Owen,  born  in  1854,  married  Emma  Thomp- 
son, and  died  at  Mineral  Point,  leaving  one 
son,  Owen,  of  Iowa  county. 

Our  subject,  John  H.  Jones,  was  educated 
in  the  district  schools  of  Iowa  county.  He 
remained  at  home  until  he  was  about  twenty- 
two,  when  he  crossed  the  Plains  to  the  mines 
of  Nevada,  remaining  there  for  three  years', 
and  coming  home  by  way  of  California.  In 
1865  he  was  married  to  Mary  A.  Jones,  an 
educated  young  lady,  daughter  of  John  P.  and 
Catherine  Jones,  of  Schuylkill  county,  Penn. 
The  father  of  Mrs.  John  H.  Jones  died  in 
Pennsylvania,  and  her  mother  married  Owen 
Hughes,  who  came  West  and  located  in  1 ,a- 
fayette  county.  Although  Mrs.  Jones  was  born 
in  the  Keystone  State,  she  obtained  her  edu- 
cation in  the  schools  of  Wisconsin. 


After  marriage  our  subject  settled  at  Coal 
Valley,  111.,  where  he  worked  in  the  coal  mines 
for  one  year,  and  then  moved  to  Iowa  county, 
m 1869  purchasing  his  present  farm.  At  that 
time  the  land  was  wild,  and  much  labor  has 
been  required  to  bring  it  to  its  present  fine 
state  of  cultivation,  but  Mr.  Jones  possessed 
the  determination  to  make  here  a permanent 
home  and  insure  the  prosperity  of  his  family, 
and  he  has  succeeded.  In  addition  to  this  com- 
fortable place,  with  its  commodious  buildings, 
fences  and  orchards,  Mr.  Jones  also  owns  a 
farm  of  forty  acres  in  Iowa  county,  which  is 
valuable  land. 

Children  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Jones  as  follows:  William  R.,  born  in  1866, 
resides  at  home.  John  is  deceased.  Elizabeth, 
born  in  1874,  married  Thomas  P.  Thomas, 
and  they  reside  on  a part  of  our  subject’s  home- 
stead ; they  have  one  daughter,  Anna.  Miriam, 
born  in  1879,  married  Charles  Kinsman,  of 
Iowa  county,  his  death  occurring  in  1900,  after 
but  one  year  of  marriage;  their  son  is  named 
Charles  R. 

Our  subject  has  always  been  identified 
with  the  Republican  party,  and  has  efficient- 
ly filled  many  of  the  local  offices.  Both  he 
and  his  wife  are  constant  in  their  attendance 
at  the  Presbyterian  Church,  of  which  she  is  a 
consistent  member,  and  to  which  he  is  a liberal 
contributor.  Mr.  Jones  is  one  of  the  good, 
substantial  citizens  who  form  the  foundation 
stones  of  the  county’s  prosperity,  sensible, 
honest,  energetic,  and  willing  to  advance  any 
interest  which  his  judgment  assures  him  is 
for  the  real  benefit  of  the  community. 

HON.  SOLOMON  C.  CARR,  of  the  town 
of  Milton,  Rock  county,  is  an  old  and  highly 
respected  member  of  the  farming  community 
of  that  portion  of  Rock  county.  He  is  a son 
of  Peleg  S.  and  Deborah  (Goodrich)  Carr,  the 
father  born  in  Stephentown,  Rensselaer  Co., 
N.  Y.,  and  the  mother  a native  of  the  same 
neighborhood.  They  came  to  this  State  In 
1839,  and  settled  in  Milton  township,  Rock 
county,  where  he  died  in  September,  1846.  His 
widow  survived  many  years,  and  passed  away 
in  September,  1874.  They  were  the  parents  of 
ten  children,  and  Solomon  C.  was  the  sixth 
child  of  the  family. 

Solomon  C.  Carr  was  , born  in  Rensselaer 
county,  N.  Y.,  Dec.  19,  1830,  and  came  with 
his  parents  to  Milton  Junction,  which  has  been 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


273 


his  home  to  the  present  time.  He  has  lived 
on  the  same  farm  sixty-two  years.  He  has  been 
an  extensive  traveler  both  in  this  country  and 
Europe.  On  Dec.  31,  1851,  he  married  Miss 
Isabella  Mackie,  who  was  born  in  Belvidere, 
N.  J.,  Aug.  4,  1830,  and  they  had  four  chil- 
dren: William  S.,  Isabella  M.,  Florence  S., 

and  Kittie  E.  William  S.  is  a conductor  on 
the  Wisconsin  Central  railroad.  ' Isabella  M. 
is  the  wife  of  W.  C.  King,  of  Springfield, 
Mass.  Florence  S.  resides  at  Springfield, 
Mass.  Kittie  E.  is  the  wife  of  C.  E.  Marquart, 
of  the  town  of  Milton.  Mrs.  Carr  died  April 
11,  1900,  leaving  behind  her  tender  memories 
as  a good  wife  and  mother. 

Mr.  Carr  has  been  twice  elected  to  the  State 
Legislature,  first  in  1865,  and  again  in  1874. 
He  was  master  of  the  State  Grange,  of  W is- 
consin  for  a period  of  ten  years,  was  chairman 
of  the  executive  committee  for  twelve  years, 
and  State  lecturer  for  six  years,  still  serving 
in  the  latter  position.  Mr.  Carr  has  held  dif- 
ferent town  offices,  and  has  always  been  asso- 
ciated with  the  Republican  party.  While  in 
the  Legislature  in  1874  he  worked  for  the  pas- 
sage of  the  Potter  law,  a measure  decidedly  in 
the  interest  of  the  people. 

REV.  FREDERICK  DOBSON,  a retired 
minister  and  farmer  of  the  town  of  Platte- 
ville,  Grant  county,  has  had  a long  life,  in 
which  he  has  been  a man  of  honor  and  char- 
acter, filled  with  the  lofty  ambition  of  doing 
good,  and  helping  men  onward  to  the  King- 
dom of  God,  and  has  come  to  his  old  age  com- 
manding the  respect  and  confidence  of  all  who 
know  him. 

Mr.  Dobson  was  born  in  the  County  of 
Durham,  England,  Aug.  14,  1822,  a son  of 
John  and  Emma  (Gaskin)  Dobson,  who  were 
born  and  reared  in  England.  They  had  a 
family  of  eight  children,  and  Frederick  was  the 
youngest.  Thomas,  the  eldest  son,  went  to 
New  Mexico  when  a young  man,  and  spent 
some  few  years  in  that  country ; returning 
home  to  England,  he  was  taken  sick  on  the 
voyage,  and  died  on  the  high  seas.  Joseph, 
born  in  England,  came  first  to  the  coal  mines 
of  Pittsburg,  on  the  Ohio  river,  and  two  years 
later  to  Wisconsin,  and  settled  at  New  Dig'- 
gings,  where  he  followed  mining  for  some 
years.  He  later  settled  on  a farm.  He 
married  Grace  Parkin,  of  England,  and  they 

have  four  children,  Joseph,  Emma,  Sarah,  and 

18 


John.  Ann  (deceased)  married  George  Willis, 
and  always  lived  in  England.  John  died  in  Eng- 
land, when  a young-  man.  William  is  still  liv- 
ing in  England,  where  he  has  for  many  years 
held  the  position  of  foreman  in  the  iron  stone 
mines.  Henry  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1857, 
and  worked  in  the  powder  mills  of  Platteville; 
he  is  now  living  at  Rockville,  Grant  county, 
where  he  is  leading  a retired  life.  He  was 
first  married  in  England  -and  has  a large  fam- 
ily— Thomas,  Sarah,  Henry  (by  his  first  wife), 
John,  William,  George  and  Mary  (children 
of  his  second  wife).  James  lived  and  died  in 
England. 

Frederick  Dobson  during  his  boyhood  re- 
ceived the  benefit  of  the  training  afforded  by 
the  English  schools,  and  was  mainly  engaged 
in  mining  while  at  home.  In  1842  he  crossed 
the  ocean,  in  a sailing-vessel,  and  the  voyage 
was  tedious  and  protracted,  seven  weeks  being 
required  by  the  slow-moving  vessel  to  reach 
the  harbor  of  New  York.  He  came  West  to> 
Illinois  by  way  of  Buffalo  and  the  Great  Lakes,, 
and  when  he  reached  this  State  engaged  in 
mining.  He  was  then  appointed  a preacher 
in  the  Primitive  Methodist  Church,  having  for 
his  circuit  New  Diggings,  Platteville,  and  other 
points.  He  was  the  first  preacher  of  his  de- 
nominational connection  in  Platteville,  and  he 
has  frequently  preached  in  the  New  Church; 
he  has  labored  as  a local  preacher  for  over  sixty 
years. 

Mr.  Dobson  and  Miss  Ellen  Snowden  were 
married  in  1844.  Mrs.  Dobson  was  the  daugh- 
ter of  Henry  and  Ann  Snowden,  early  settlers 
in  Grant  county,  and  was  born  in  England 
in  November,  1823.  She  grew  to  womanhood 
in  Platteville,  which  was  the  home  of  her  par- 
ents until  their  death.  Mr.  Dobson  purchased 
a farm  one  mile  south  of  Platteville,  where 
he  lived  until  1862,  selling  that  year  and  mov- 
ing to  a farm  in  Iowa  county,  where  he  lived 
until  1895.  That  year  he  bought  the  old 
Mitchell  homestead,  one  mile  east  of  Platte- 
ville, where  he  is  now  living  a quiet  and  re- 
tired life.  His  excellent  wife  died  in  1891. 
She  united  with  her  husband's  church  early  in 
life,  and  lived  as  a devout  Christian  woman 
should  live.  She  was  the  mother  of  children 
as  follows  : John  H.,  born  in  Platteville  in  1845. 
married  Miss  Julia  Kirkpatrick,  and  lived  in 
Lima,  where  she  died  in  1891,  leaving  four 
children,  Frank,  Annie,  Charles  and  John.  Em- 
ma, born  in  1847,  married  Albert  Beers;  they 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


settled  in  Lima,  where  she  died  in  March,  1890, 
leaving  five  children,  Emma  May  (born  in 
1881),  Eva  (1883),  Frederick  (1885),  Willie 
(1886),  and  Clara  (1889),  Willie,  Clara  and 
May  being  inmates  of  the  home  of  their  grand- 
father. Miss  Elizabeth,  born  in  1849,  is  at 
home.  William,  born  in  1851,  died  the  same 
year.  Mary,  born  in  1852,  is  now  the  wife  of 
Willard  Moon,  and  lives  at  Boscobel ; they 
have  had  four  children,  George,  Jesse,  Ida  and 
Minnie,  the  two  last  dying  in  childhood.  Rob- 
ert, born  in  1854,  married  Miss  Frances  Bar- 
ber, and  resides  on  Mr.  Dobson’s  old  home- 
stead ; they  have  had  five  children,  Orville, 
Adda,  Maggie  (who  died  when  a young  lady, 
in  February,  1900),  and  Edward  and  Samuel, 
who  died  in  infancy.  Margaret,  born  in  1857, 
is  at  home.  Clara,  born  in  i860,  was  educated 
in  the  schools  of  Iowa  county,  lives  at  home, 
and  with  her  sister  Margaret  is  rearing  the 
two  daughters  of  their  sister,  Mrs.  Beers;  May 
Beers,  the  elder,  is  now  a teacher ; she  was  a 
student  at  the  Normal.  Frederick,  born  in 
June,  1863,  in  Iowa  county,  married  Miss 
Mary  Tucker,  of  Montfort,  and  lives  in  Iowa 
county;  they  have  three  children,  Marcia,  Ellen 
and  Anna. 

Mr.  Dobson  has  always  been  identified  with 
the  Republican  party.  He  was  elected  justice  of 
the  peace  in  Iowa  county,  but  refused  to  accept 
the  position.  All  the  family  are  members  of 
the  Primitive  Church,  in  which  the  husband 
and  father  has  labored  in  Christ's  cause  for  over 
sixty  years. 

FRANCIS  A.  BAKER,  of  Evansville, 
Rock  county,  a member  of  the  hardware  firm 
of  that  city,  is  widely  known  and  highly  es- 
teemed, not  only  for  the  fine  business  ability 
which  he  has  displayed  through  a long  and 
active  life,  but  also  for  his  upright  and  honor- 
able character,  which  has  been  a potent  factor 
in  the  upbuilding  of  the  firm. 

Mr.  Baker  is  a son  of  John  T.  and  Jemi- 
mah  (Robinson)  Baker,  natives  of  Ohio. 
They  were  the  parents  of  ten  children,  six  of 
whom  are  now  living:  David  E.,  of  Clermont, 
Iowa;  Edward  J.,  of  Nodaway  county.  Mo.; 
Francis  A.,  of  Evansville;  Stephen  J.,  whose 
sketch  appears  elsewhere  in  this  volume;  Allen 
S.,  of  Evansville;  and  Caroline  Jane,  wife  of 
John  Davenport,  of  San  Rafael,  Cal.  The 
father,  who  was  a farmer,  came  to  Rock  county 
hi  1837,  and  in  1840  settled  in  the  town  of 


Union,  one  and  a half  miles  east  of  Evansville. 
He  took  up  160  acres  of  government  land, 
and  improved  it  into  a fine  farm.  Here  he 
reared  his  family.  In  1864  he  moved  into 
Evansville,  and  died  in  that  city  in  1876,  at  the 
age  of  sixty-nine  years.  His  first  wife,  the 
mother  of  Francis  A.,  died  in  1850.  Both 
were  strong  Methodists.  For  his  second  wife 
he  married  Mrs.  Jane  Sales,  and  they  had  one 
child,  Elizabeth  J.,  now  living  at  San  Rafael. 
John  T.  Baker  was  a man  of  more  than  usual 
ability,  and  held  various  town  offices.  His  fa- 
ther, Daniel  Baker,  was  a native  of  West  Vir- 
ginia, and  led  a rural  life,  making  his  home  in 
the  State  of  Ohio. 

Francis  A.  Baker  was  born  in  1837  in 
Green  county,  Wis.,  and  was  reared  on  his 
father’s  farm  in  Union,  where  he  spent  the 
first  sixteen  years  of  his  life.  He  attend- 
ed the  district  school  and  in  1852  went 
to  Janesville,  Wis.,  and  learned  the  tinner’s 
trade,  which  is  still  his  occupation.  He  spent 
the  winter  of  1856  engaged  at  his  trade  in  Ne- 
braska City,  Neb.,  and  the  following  summer 
he  was  in  Kansas.  In  the  fall  of  the  same 
year  he  worked  in  St.  Joseph,  Mo.,  and  crossed 
the  Plains  as  a teamster  in  an  expedition  un- 
der command  of  Gen.  Hancock,  then  a quarter- 
master  in  the  United  States  army,  and  sent 
to  Salt  Lake  City  with  troops  and  supplies 
on  account  of  the  Mormon  troubles  that  year. 
Mr.  Baker  was  two  years  in  California  as  a 
miner  and  prospector,  and  five  years  in  the 
same  lines  in  Nevada,  working  at  his  trade 
during  the  winter,  and  spending  the  open  sea- 
son on  the  mountains.  In  1866  he  went  to 
Montana,  where  he  was  a miner,  and  also  em- 
ployed in  a sawmill,  and  in  1867  returned  to 
Wisconsin.  The  same  year  he  was  at  Ossian, 
Iowa,  for  a few  months,  and  then  worked  for 
John  Griffith,  of  Janesville,  where  he  spent 
seven  years.  In  1877  he  established  himself 
in  Evansville,  where  he  has  continued  to  the 
present  time.  He  is  senior  member  of  the 
firm  of  F.  A.  Baker  & Co.,  who  carry  the 
largest  stock  of  hardware  and  similar  goods 
to  be  found  in  the  city,  and  has  built  up  a wide 
circle  of  friends  and  patrons  throughout  the 
adjoining  country.  Fred  A.  Baker  has  been 
associated  with  him  in  business  for  the  last  ten 
years.  The  firm  have  erected  a brick  business 
block  66x100  feet.  Francis  A.  Baker  is  a 
stockholder  in  the  Evansville  Telephone  Ex- 
change. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


275 


Mr.  Baker  and  Mrs.  Julia  M.  Baker,  widow 
of  his  brother  Aron  T.,  were  married  April 
21,  1869,  and  three  children  have  been  born  to 
this  union,  Maud  J.,  Bert  F.  and  Lulu  J.  Maud 
J.  died  when  two  and  a half  years  old.  Bert 
F.  married  Aliss  Rissa  Tullar  Oct.  24,  1899. 
Lulu  J.  lives  at  home.  Fred  A.  is  a son  of  Mrs. 
Baker  by  her  first  marriage;  on  Nov.  19,  1885, 
he  married  Maggie  Williams,  and  they  have 
three  children,  June  L.,  Elizabeth  M.  and 
Loyal  S.  Mr.  Baker  belongs  to  Union  Lodge, 
No.  32,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  Evansville  Chapter, 
No.  35,  R.  A.  M.,  and  Janesville  Command- 
ery,  No.  2,  K.  T. ; he  is  also  a member  of  the 
Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Modern  Woodmen 
of  America.  Ffe  is  a Republican,  and  has 
served  on  the  village  board  of  trustees.  Fie 
has  a handsome  and  well  appointed  home  on 
Main  street. 

THOMAS  H.  EWING,  who  passed  away 
Nov.  9,  1895,  was  one  of  the  foremost  citizens 
of  New  Diggings  township,  Lafayette  county, 
where  he  had  been  engaged  for  many  years  in 
mining  and  farming.  In  his  business  and  so- 
cial relations  he  cheerfully  met  every  obliga- 
tion, and  the  record  of  his  life,  replete  with  all 
that  is  good,  cannot  fail  to  be  an  inspiration  for 
coming  generations. 

Mr.  Ewing  was  born  in  Cornwall,  England, 
May  26,  1845,  SOn  of  Thomas  and  Christiana 
(Mark)  Ewing,  who  came  to  this  country  in 
1850,  and  settled  at  Council  Hill,  111.,  later  in 
New  Diggings  township,  Lafayette  Co.,  Whs., 
where  they  passed  the  remainder  of  their  lives. 
In  their  family  were  five  children,  as  follows : 
Thomas  H. ; James,  of  Peoria,  111. ; John  A., 
of  Scales  Mound,  111. ; Catherine,  of  Scales 
Mound,  111.;  and  Benjamin,  who  died  in  Ne- 
braska. 

Thomas  H.  Ewing  grew  to  manhood  in 
Illinois,  and  received  a fairly  good  education, 
which  he  later  supplemented  greatly  by  read- 
ing and  observation.  In  his  young  manhood 
he  engaged  in  mining,  which,  in  connection 
with  farming,  he  followed  all  his  life.  By 
careful  management  and  unceasing  industry  he 
soon  acquired  a firm  financial  footing,  and  his 
wise  investments  began  to  yield  good  and  sure 
returns.  First  he  became  a stockholder  of  the 
Coltman  Mine,  and  later  invested  in  mining  and 
farming  lands.  In  1893  he  purchased  the 
“Stone  House  farm,”  known  in  New  Diggings 
as  the  Abraham  Looney  homestead,  and  there 


began  general  farming.  The  old  stone  house 
was  remodeled,  and  other  buildings  added  to 
make  a comfortable  home.  For  a number  of 
years  Mr.  Ewing  was  superintendent  of  and 
stockholder  in  the  Blende  Mine,  and  was  su- 
perintendent of  the  Eureka  Mine. 

In  September,  1869,  Mr.  Ewing  was  wed- 
ded  to  Miss  Jane  A.  Farrey,  who  was  born  in 
England  in  February,  1852,  daughter  of  Will- 
iam and  Elizabeth  (Brown)  Farrey.  Seven 
children  brightened  their  home:  (1)  Alda- 

retta  A.,  born  in  July,  1872,  and  educated  in 
the  public  schools  of  New  Diggings,  married 
Isaac  Harker,  who  now  assists  in  the  manage- 
ment of  the  Ewing  home.  (2)  Thomas  W., 
born  in  December,  18^3,  educated  in  Dixon 
College,  is  now  engaged  in  the  livery  business 
in  Benton,  Whs.  (3)  Benjamin  A.,  born  in 
March,  1877,  is,  with  the  assistance  of  his 
brother-in-law,  Isaac  Harker,  managing  the 
home  farm.  (4)  Charles  L.  was  born  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1S79;  (5)  Everett  H.,  in  September, 
1881  ; (6)  George  R.,  in  December,  1883;  and 
(7)  Ear]  M.,  in  August,  1890.  Air.  Ewing 
regarded  it  as  a citizen’s  duty  to  have  an  intel- 
ligent knowledge  of  public  affairs,  and  he  made 
a deep  study  of  the  political  situation,  and  was 
always  found  thoroughly  posted  in  the  leading 
events  of  the  day.  He  was  always  identified 
with  the  Republican  party,  and  for  several 
years  served  as  chairman  of  his  town.  He 
was  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  and 
also  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  In  his  religious  faith 
he  was  a devout  Methodist,  and  a liberal  con- 
tributor to  all  church  work.  Mrs.  Ewing  is 
a lady  of  culture  and  refinement,  and  is 
esteemed  for  her  many  loving  qualities. 

William  Farrey  and  his  wife  (parents  of 
Mrs.  Ewing)  came  from  England  in  1853,  and 
settled  three  miles  west  of  Benton,  where  Mr. 
Farrey  engaged  in  mining,  which  occupation 
he  followed  the  greater  part  of  his  life.  His 
death  occurred  at  his  home  in  1872,  .just  three 
years  after  his  wife  had  been  laid  to  rest.  Dur- 
ing the  Civil  war  Mr.  Farrey  had  given  his 
service  to  his  adopted  country,  becoming  a 
member  of  Company  I,  25th  W is.  \ . I.,  in 
1862,  and  serving  until  the  close  of  the  war. 
He  participated  in  Gen.  Sherman’s  famous 
march  to  the  sea,  and  suffered  many  of  the 
hardships  incident  to  soldier  life.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Farrey  were  the  parents  of  nine  children: 
Henry,  born  in  1S51,  now  residing  in  Lead 
Mine,  married  Mary  J.  Hoffman,  of  Lafayette 


276 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


county;  Mrs.  Ewing;  Mary  E.,  born  in  April, 
1854,  married  Raisbeck  Horsley,  of  Benton, 
Wis. ; Elizabeth,  born  in  1855,  married  Seldom 
Sheffer,  of  New  Diggings  township;  William, 
born  in  1857,  married  Mary  Franklin,  and  lives 
in  Lead  Mine ; Thomas,  born  in  Lafayette 
county,  married  Mary  Neenan,  and  now  resides 
in  Benton ; Robert,  born  in  the  same  county, 
married  Lizzie  Perkins,  and  lives  in  New  Dig- 
gings; Louisa,  the  eighth  in  order  of  birth, 
married  Frank  Horsley,  of  New  Diggings;  and 
John  B.,  the  youngest,  married  Susie  Miller, 
and  makes  his  'home  in  Lead  Mine. 

JASON  B.  LOTHROP,  a most  respected 
citizen  of  Lancaster,  may  well  be  classed  among 
the  pioneers  of  Grant  county,  as  he  is  now  one 
of  the  few  living  who  had  attained  manhood's 
years  when  he  arrived  here,  in  1837.  He  was 
born  in  Boston,  Mass.,  Jan.  15,  1814,  a son  of 
Calvin  and  Betsey  (Clapp)  Lothrop,  who  spent 
their  entire  existence  in  Boston  and  vicinity, 
and  of  their  numerous  children  Jason  B.  is  the 
sole  survivor. 

Jason  B.  Lothrop  learned  the  carpenter’s 
trade  in  Boston.  On  June  1,  1836,  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Cynthia  Cutler,  who  was  born  June 
16,  1816.  In  December,  1836,  Mr.  Lothrop 
went  to  Pensacola,  Fla.,  where  he  followed  his 
trade  nearly  six  months,  and  then  determined 
to  visit  the  West,  in  May,  1837,  arriving  at 
Mineral  Point,  Iowa  Co.,  Wis.  In  1838  he 
returned  to  Massachusetts,  and  in  the  same 
year  brought  back  to  Wisconsin  his  young  wife, 
settling  in  Grant  county,  where  he  has  resided 
ever  since — a period  of  over  sixty-three  years. 
For  nearly  twenty-eight  years  he  lived  in 
Jamestown,  following  his  trade  and  farming, 
and  then  came  to  Lancaster. 

On  July  27,  1875,  Mr.  Lothrop  was  bereft 
of  his  wife  by  death,  and  on  Jan.  1,  1876,  he 
married  his  present  wife,  Mrs.  Effa  (Kelts) 
Brown.  By  his  first  marriage  Mr.  Lothrop 
had  born  to  him  seven  children,  viz. : Erne- 

line  Hardy,  born  in  Massachusetts  May  16, 
1837,  died  in  Grant  county,  Wis.,  Oct.  27, 
1848.  George  Cutler,  born  Feb.  13,  1840,  was 
for  three  years  a member  of  Company  I,  25th 
Wis.  V.  I.,  in  the  war  for  the  preservation  of 
the  Union,  and  is  now  a resident  of  Nebraska. 
Alonzo  Hawkins,  born  Dec.  19,  1841,  served 
in  the  same  company  with  his  brother  in  the 
Civil  war ; he  now  lives  near  Lexington,  Ind. 
Franklin  Baldwin,  born  July  3,  1844,  served  in 


the  same  company  with  his  brothers ; he  is  a 
resident  of  Dubuque,  Iowa.  Agnes  Melvina, 
born  June  28,  1848,  was  married  to  Robert  E. 
Lawrence,  and  died  Oct.  24,  1876.  Adelaide, 
born  Feb.  13,  1852,  died  Feb.  23,  1868.  Ella 
Frances,  born  Jan.  9,  1856,  is  the  wife  of  M. 
H.  Meyer  and  resides  in  Cleveland,  Ohio.  The 
present  Airs.  Lothrop  is  a native  of  Oneida 
county,  N.  Y.,  and  is  a descendant  of  the  oldest 
Dutch  families  of  that  State.  Mr.  Lothrop  and 
his  estimable  wife  are  now  passing  their  de- 
clining years  in  their  pleasant  home  in  Lan- 
caster, and  it  is  needless  to  add  they  are  of  the 
honored  the  most  honored. 

Mr.  Lothrop,  now  eighty-seven  years  of 
age,  is  a remarkably  well-preserved  gentleman, 
and  would  readily  pass  for  one  fully  sixteen 
years  younger.  His  memory  is  vigorous  and 
retentive,  and  'his  recollection  extends  to  the 
years  when  Grant  county  was  almost  entirely 
a wilderness,  from  which  he  has  lived  to  see  it 
developed  into  one  of  the  most  productive 
counties  in  the  State.  His  personal  reminis- 
cences would  fill  a large  volume.  In  the  early 
days  he  saw  the  French  patriot,  La  Fayette,  on 
the  occasion  of  that  eminent  personage's  final 
visit  to  the  United  States;  he  saw,  likewise, 
Andrew  Jackson,  the  hero  of  New  Orleans,  and 
once  shook  hands  with  the  “great  commoner,” 
Henry  Clay.  In  the  early  days  Mr.  Lothrop. 
was  in  politics  a Whig,  and  he  has  changed  as 
the  parties  have  changed.  He  has  held  many 
local  offices  in  Grant  county;  for  four  years  he 
was  a member  of  the  county  board,  and  has 
also  served  on  the  town  board.  During  his 
active  life  he  was  much  interested  in  public  edu- 
cation, and  filled  several  important  school 
offices. 

In  1850,  during  the  height  of  the  Cali- 
fornia gold  excitement,  Mr.  Lothrop  crossed 
the  Plains  to  the  Pacific  coast,  having  for  his. 
fellow  voyagers  Mr.  Hannum  and  others, 
whose  biographies  may  be  found  elsewhere. 
He  returned  by  way  of  the  Isthmus  of  Panama, 
across  which  he  walked,  from  the  Pacific  ocean 
to  the  Gulf  of  Alexico. 

PROF.  RUDOLPH  H.  AIUELLER,  prin- 
cipal of  the  high  school  and  superintend- 
ent of  the  public  schools  of  Argyle,  La- 
fayette countv,  is  one  of  those  German-born 
American  citizens  who  have  inherited  the  in- 
herent noble  characteristics  of  their  race,  and 
have  combined  them  with  the  progressive  spirit 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


2 77 


of  the  New  World,  a union  that  gives  to  Amer-' 
ica  a peculiarly  high  class  of  citizens. 

Prof.  Mueller  was  born  in  Germany,  and 
when  two  years  of  age  was  brought  by  his 
parents  to  this  country.  The  public  schools  of 
Dane  and  Jefferson  counties,  Wis.,  afforded 
him  his  early  literary  training,  which  was  sup- 
plemented by  a course  in  the  University  of  \\  is- 
consin,  Madison,  Wis.,  whence  he  was  grad- 
uated in  1890,  in  the  modern  classical  course. 
Previous  to  his  graduation  he  had  taught 
school  for  four  terms  in  Jefferson  county,  and 
immediately  upon  leaving  school  was  engaged 
as  principal  of  the  high  school  at  Chetek,  Wis., 
where  he  remained  three  years,  after  which 
he  assumed  -charge  of  the  schools  of  Argyle, 
succeeding  Prof.  E.  W.  Pryor.  These  schools 
have  long  sustained  a high  reputation  for 
thoroughness,  and  it  is  safe  to  say  that  under 
the  able  direction  of  the  present  superintendent 
they  are  second  to  none  in  the  county.  Besides 
himself  there  are  five  teachers  employed,  John 
W.  W atson  being  assistant  principal  in  the 
high  school ; Miss  Mina  Anderson,  grammar 
school;  Aliss  Jennie  Peacock,  intermediate; 
Miss  Anna  Davis,  second  primary;  and  Aliss 
Inger  Fenns,  first  primary.  In  February, 
1901,  the  number  of  pupils  enrolled  was  235, 
fifty-two  of  whom  were  in  the  high  school,  the 
senior  class  numbering  eight.  Prof.  Mueller 
is  very  popular  with  his  pupils,  and  is  held  in 
very  high  esteem  by  the  citizens  of  the  town. 

JOHN  CLINE.  In  the  rush  and  strife  of 
modern  environment  it  is  with  difficulty  that 
we  are  brought  to  realize  the  courage  and  self- 
confidence  possessed  by  the  pioneers  who 
started  out  from  comfortable  homes  to  pene- 
trate into  wildernesses  where  even  communi- 
cation with  civilization  was  only  possible  by 
long  days  of  slow  travel,  often  over  nothing 
but  trails.  But  the  men  who  made  Wiscon- 
sin were  tillers  of  the  soil,  and  many  of  the 
complex  elements  that  now  confuse  as  they 
confront  us  were  reduced  by  them  to  the  ques- 
tion, "Can  I find  a suitable  home  for  my  fam- 
ily, where  energy  and  perseverance  can  receive 
their  reward  from  a productive  soil?" 

One  of  those  hardy,  sensible,  honest  men  is 
John  Cline,  the  subject  of  our  review,  who  has 
had  a residence  of  half  a century  in  Lafayette 
county.  Mr.  Cline  was  born  in  Crawford 
county,  Penn.,  Feb.  24.  1818,  son  of  George 
and  Margaret  (DuMars)  Cline.  George  Cline 


came  to  America  with  his  parents  when  a small 
child.'  His  father  was  one  of  five  brothers  who 
came  to  America  together,  and  made  settle- 
ment on  the  Susquehanna  river,  but  finally 
scattered  to  different  parts  of  the  country,  two 
of  them  locating  in  western  Pennsylvania;  one 
of  these  was  the  grandfather  of  our  subject. 
The  father  of  our  subject  died  in  1849,  and  M 
1852  the  mother,  with  her  youngest  son,  James, 
came  to  Lafayette  county,  Wis.  She  'died  at 
the  home  of  James,  at  the  age  of  eighty-eight 
years. 

Our  subject  is  one  of  a family  of  nine  chil- 
dren, all  of  whom  became  residents  of  La- 
fayette county,  and  all  survive  except  Adam 
and  Fanny,  the  former  dying  in  the  siege  of 
Petersburg,  during  the  Civil  war.  The  sur- 
vivors are  John;  Noble  D. ; George  and  Jacob, 
twins,  the  former  a resident  of  Lafayette 
county,  the  latter  of  Burlington,  Ivans. ; Sarah 
Ann,  widow  of  Robert  Henry,  of  Iowa ; Polly, 
wife  of  Silas  McMannes,  of  Dumont,  Iowa; 
and  James. 

Our  subject  attained  manhood  in  his  native 
State  where  he  married  Mary  Ann  McMannes, 
a native  of  Ireland,  in  1839,  and  seven  children 
were  born  to  this  union,  six  now  living : Sarah, 
Mrs.  Abraham;  John  T. ; George  D. ; Mary 
Melvina,  Mrs.  Loffswold,  of  Lyons,  Iowa; 
Fanny,  wife  of  M.  F.  Howrey;  and  Melissa, 
wife  of  L.  B.  Howrey.  • Mrs.  Cline  died  Dec. 
20.  1891.  and  on  April  19.  1893.  our  subject 
married  Miss  Margaret  D.  Sudduth,  who  died 
April  9,  1895.  On  ^T°v-  27-  :89S-  lie  wedded 
Mrs.  Angelina  (Sudduth)  Hill,  a sister  of  his 
second  wife,  who  was  born  in  Kentucky,  a 
daughter  of  John  and  Editha  Sudduth,  who 
passed  all  their  lives  in  that  State. 

After  deciding  to  make  a home  in  the  West 
for  his  growing  family,  Mr.  Cline  started  with 
his  wife,  four  children  and  a brother  from 
Mercer  county,  Penn.,  journeying  in  a covered 
wagon  as  far  as  Cleveland,  Ohio,  where  the 
party  crossed  Lake  Erie.  I hey  then  took  the 
only  train  that  ran  through  the  State  of  Michi- 
gan, reached  Milwaukee,  and  thence  by  team 
again  came  to  Lafayette  county,  arriving  on 
Tune  3.  1851,  having  been  on  the  way  since 
May  20.  On  his  arrival  in  Lafayette  county. 
Mr.  Cline  was  uncertain  just  where  he  would 
locate,  but  had  in  view  Grant  county,  where  his 
sister  and  her  husband,  Silas  McMannes,  lived. 
Accordingly  the  tired  little  party  moved  on- 
I ward  again  until  Grant  county  was  reached. 


278 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


After  viewing  the  land  Mr.  Cline  finally  de- 
cided that  Lafayette  county  offered  more  ad- 
vantages for  settlement  so  he  returned  and 
purchased  a farm  in  the  town  of  Fayette,  which 
was  the  family  home  for  many  years ; in  fact, 
all  of  his  business  life  was  passed  there.  The 
first  purchase  was  of  fifty  acres,  on  which  was 
a small  house,  and  all  of  the  land  was  wild  but 
ten  acres.  Mr.  Cline  also  entered  a claim  for 
a quarter  section  of  school  land  adjoining  'his 
fifty  acres,  which  he  afterward  purchased  when 
it  came  into  the  market,  getting  it  at  the  gov- 
ernment price,  and  this  gave  him  a farm  of 
200  acres.  The  little  house  held  the  family 
for  some  two  years,  but  in  1853  he  built  a rock 
house  from  rock  which  he  and  his  brother 
Adam  quarried  the  previous  year ; the  lumber 
used  in  its  construction  was  hauled  from  Ga- 
lena, on  the  Wisconsin  river,  the  trip  requiring 
two  days.  In  this  residence  Mr.  Cline  lived 
for  many  years,  but  he  finally  rented  his  farm 
and  removed  to  the  village  of  Fayette,  about 
ten  years  later  coming  to  Darlington,  where 
he  has  continued  to  reside  ever  since. 

Mrs.  Cline  came  to  Highland,  Iowa  county, 
with  two  brothers,  William  and  Franklin  Sud- 
dut'h,  in  1846,  and  in  February,  1847,  married 
Francis  A.  Hill,  from  Buxton,  in  the  State  of 
Maine,  near  Portland,  a lawyer  by  profession, 
and  a finely  educated  man,  interested  in  lead 
mining  in  Iowa  county,  being  associated  with 
C.  C.  Washburn  and  other  leading  men  of  'the 
early  days  in  the  lead  regions.  He  died  July 
15,  1850,  of  Asiatic  cholera,  after  which  Mrs. 
Cline  took  charge  of  his  business  of  surveying, 
and  she  met  many  of  the  leading  people  of  the 
day,  of  whom  she  can  tell  many  interesting- 
tales.  Mrs.  Clbue  has  a daughter,  Fanny  A. 
Hill,  whose  devotion  to  study  broke  down  her 
health,  and  has  made  her  an  invalid.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Cline  have  a pleasant  home,  and  are  num- 
bered with  the  best  people  of  Lafayette  county. 
They  are  consistent  and  valued  members  of  tire 
M.  E.  Church. 

BURTON  F.  XOWLAN,  managing  editor 
of  the  Janesville  Daily  Gazette,  and  secretary 
of  the  Gazette  Printing  Co.,  is  the  son  of  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Oscar  F.  Nowlan,  and  was  born  in 
Janesville  June  1,  1870.  He  attended  the  city 
schools  until  1884,  when  he  injured  one  of  his 
knees  while  at  play,  and  for  the  next  five  years 
was  an  invalid,  being  confined  to  the  house 
nearly  all  the  time.  As  a source  of  amusement 


he  was  given  an  amateur  printing  press,  the 
outfit  costing  three  dollars.  Fie  took  a liking 
to  the  toy  at  once,  and,  by  soliciting  work,  and 
adding  to  his  outfit  from  time  to  time,  soon 
had  more  business  than  he  could  attend  to.  He 
then  sold  his  amateur  office,  inventorying  more 
than  $250,  and  made  arrangement  with  the  late 
Garrett  Veecler,  the  veteran  publisher  and 
printer,  for  the  use  of  his  material  on  shares. 
Cnder  Mr.  Veeder’s  guidance  Mr.  Nowlan 
mastered  the  printer’s  art  in  all  its  branches, 
learning  the  trade  from  its  foundation.  He 
remained  with  Mr.  Veeder  until  October,  1S80. 
when  he  left  him  to  enter  the  employment  of 
the  Gazette  Printing  Co.,  as  a reporter.  By 
following  the  teachings  of  John  C.  Spencer, 
then  city  editor  of  the  Gazette,  Mr.  Nowlan 
made  rapid  progress,  and  a few  years  later 
became  news  editor  of  the  paper.  He  held 
this  position  until  January,  1898,  when  he  be- 
came managing  editor. 

It  was  as  a reporter  that  Mr.  Nowlan  first 
showed  the  stuff  of  which  he  was  made.  Hear- 
ing that  an  accident  had  happened  at  the  gas 
works,  lie  hastened  thither.  It  was  late  on  the 
afternoon  of  April  17,  1891,  and  on  the  way 
he  met  Cornelius  Ryan,  of  the  fire  department, 
and  accompanied  him  to  the  scene  of  the  acci- 
dent. Arriving  at  the  gas  works,  they  found 
that  three  men — H.  E.  Merrill,  superintendent 
of  the  company;  William  Farmer,  his  assistant, 
and  Fred  Henrich,  the  engineer — had  been 
overcome  by  gas  and  were  lying  senseless  in 
the  cellar  at  the  foot  of  a narrow  winding 
stairway.  Nowlan  and  Ryan  hastened  into 
the  basement  and  rescued  Henrich,  but  were 
nearly  overcome  themselves.  They  stuck  to 
the  task,  however,  and  succeeded  in  rescuing 
Farmer  also.  By  this  time  both  were  exceed- 
ingly weak,  and,  while  Mr.  Nowlan  fought  for 
breath  in  the  street,  Air.  Ryan  staggered  to  the 
telephone,  in  another  part  of  the  plant,  to  sum- 
mon help.  Mr.  Nowlan  arrested  the  attention 
of  a passer-by,  William  Irwin,  by  motioning, 
and.  with  his  assistance  undertook  to  remove 
Air.  Merrill,  who  was  still  in  the  basement. 
Together  they  descended  the  stairs,  and  while 
Mr.  Irwin  was  lifting  Air.  Merrill  up  the  stairs, 
Mr.  Nowlan  undertook  to  lift  his  feet  clear  of 
the  stairs  and  the  railing,  but  he  fell  back  on 
the  floor  unconscious.  He  was  soon  missed 
by  the  others,  and  as  an  immense  crowd  had 
gathered  by  that  time,  was  quickly  brought 
forth  into  the  open  air.  All  recovered,  but  if 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


2/9 


Mr.  Nowlan’s  newspaper  instinct  had  not  im- 
pelled him  to  make  haste  the  three  would  un- 
doubtedly have  died  before  the  arrival  of  help. 

As  an  editorial  writer  Mr.  Nowlan  has 
been  as  successful  as  he  was  in  his  news  work. 
He  is  not  afraid  to  speak  his  mind  at  all  times. 
He  lays  no  claim  to  a command  of  flowery 
language,  but  aims  to  make  his  meaning  clear, 
in  which  he  has  apparently  succeeded,  as  some 
of  his  political  articles  have  been  widely  copied 
and  endorsed  by  the  press  of  the  State.  Mr. 
Nowlan  realized  from  the  first  that  he  would 
be  greatly  handicapped  in  life  by  his  lack  of 
education,  as  he  left  school  when  he  was  only 
fourteen  years  old,  and  accordingly  set  about 
a systematic  course  of  reading.  The  first 
money  that  he  ever  earned  went  to  buy  Dick- 
ens' works,  a set  of  books  he  now  values  more 
than  any  other  on  his  library  shelves. 

On  June  24,  1894,  Mr.  Nowlan  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Jessie  E.  Merrill,  the  youngest 
daughter  of  Hon.  and  Mrs.  Hiram  Merrill. 
They  have  two  children,  Louise  Marlette  and 
Hiram  Merrill.  They  reside  in  their  own 
pretty,  modern  house  at  the  corner  of  South 
Bluff  and  South  Second  streets.  Mr.  Nowlan 
is  a lover  of  the  rod  and  gun,  and  is  secretary 
and  treasurer  of  the  Carcajou  Shooting  Club, 
a corporation  owning'  a duck  shooting  preserve 
at  Lake  Ivoshkonong.  He  is  also  president  of 
the  Janesville  Trap  Shooting  Club. 

There  is  an  object  lesson  for  young  men 
in  Mr.  Nowlan’s  career.  Although  he  began 
life  without  education,  and  in  very  poor  health, 
he  has  made  the  trip,  in  ten  short  years,  from 
the  amateur  printing  press  to  the  desk  of  the 
managing  editor  of  one  of  the  oldest  and  most 
influential  newspapers  in  the  State.  At  the 
time  he  assumed  his  present  duties  he  was  prob- 
ably the  youngest  man  in  Wisconsin  to  occupy 
so  important  and  responsible  a position. 

E.  J.  MARVEL,  the  efficient  superintend- 
ent of  the  soda  mill  of  the  Platteville  Powder 
Co.,  was  born  in  Cynthiana,  Ind.,  in  1837,  a 
son  of  Georg'e  and  Ruth  (Jordan)  Marvel,  also 
natives  of  the  Hoosier  State,  who  in  1840 
moved  to  Illinois,  where  the  remainder  of  their 
lives  were  passed.  By  occupation  the  father 
was  a farmer.  Three  of  his  sons  were  among 
the  defenders  of  the  Union  during  the  Civil 
war — James  A.,  John  and  E.  J.  James  A.  en- 
listed in  Illinois,  in  1862,  in  the  5th  Illinois 
Cavalry,  and  was  discharged  for  disability  in 


1864;  he  died  in  Illinois  in  1872.  John  was 
also  a member  of  an  Illinois  regiment,  in  the 
100-day  service;  he  is  now  living  at  Mt.  Erie, 
Wayne  county,  that  State. 

The  boyhood  and  youth  of  E.  J.  Marvel 
were  passed  in  Illinois,  and  in  the  schools  of 
that  State  he  acquired  his  education.  On  first 
coming  to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  in  1857,  he  was 
employed  at  farm  labor,  his  home  being  in 
Paris.  At  Platteville,  in  August,  1862,  he 
enlisted  in  the  25th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  was  mus- 
tered in  at  La  Crosse,  Wis.,  his  regiment  being 
assigned  to  Sherman’s  command.  He  was 
with  that  general  on  the  march  to  the  sea,  and 
participated  in  the  battles  of  Resaca.  Mission- 
ary Ridge  and  Decatur,  Ga. ; the  siege  of  At- 
lanta; and  in  the  Carolina  campaign,  including 
the  battle  of  Bentonville,  the  last  engagement 
of  the  war.  Mr.  Marvel  took  part  in  the  grand 
review  at  Washington,  D.  C..  and  was  honor- 
ably discharged  in  that  city  June  7.  1S65,  after 
which  he  returned  to  his  home  in  Paris,  Wis. 
The  following  year  he  purchased  a flouring- 
rnill  at  that  place,  which  he  operated  until  com- 
ing to  Platteville,  in  1882,  to  accept  his  pres- 
ent responsible  position  with  the  Platteville 
Powder  Co. 

In  Grant  county  Mr.  Marvel  was  married, 
in  1858,  to. Miss  Elizabeth  C.  V ilson,  who  died 
in  1865  leaving  one  son,  George  W..  now  a 
merchant  of  Ashton,  Neb.  For  his  second 
wife  our  subject  wedded,  in  1867.  Miss  Emma 
Vannatta,  a daughter  of  Aaron  and  Elizabeth 
(Kispaugh)  Vannatta,  who  are  mentioned 
more  fully  in  the  sketch  of  S.  B.  Y anriatta  else- 
where. By- this  union  was  also  born  one  son. 
Walter  E.,  who  is  married  and  resides  in  Clin- 
ton, 111.,  filling  a responsible  railroad  position. 

As  a Republican  Mr.  Marvel  takes  quite  an 
active  interest  in  political  affairs.  He  is  a 
prominent  member  of  V . T.  Sherman  Post, 
No.  66,  G.  A.  R.,  in  which  he  has  served  as 
commander  and  junior  and  senior  warden,  and 
is  also  connected  with  Melody  Lodge.  No.  2, 
F.  & A.  M. ; Washington  Chapter.  No.  2,  R. 
A.  M. ; and  the  Eastern  Star  Chapter.  Both 
he  and  his  wife  hold  membership  in  the  Con- 
gregational Church  at  Platteville.  and  enjoy 
the  hospitality  of  many  of  the  best  homes  of 
the  city. 

IOSEPH  T.  MARVIN,  of  Darlington. 
Lafayette  county,  is  an  esteemed  citizen,  and 
a veteran  of  the  Civil  war  whose  honorable 


28o 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


and  industrious  career  since  his  return  from 
the  "tented  field”  has  given  added  meaning  to 
his  military  services. 

Mr.  Marvin  was  born  in  Walton,  Delaware 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1822,  and  belongs  to  a family 
whose  ancestry  in  this  country  runs  back  to 
1636,  when  two  brothers,  Reynold  and  Mat- 
thew Marvin,  came  from  England  and  settled 
in  the  Colonies,  Reynold  Marvin  being  the 
progenitor  of  Joseph  T.  Marvin,  whose  name 
appears  above.  Recent  investigations  have  re- 
sulted in  disclosing  the  ancestry  as  far  back 
as  the  early  part  of  the  fifteenth  century. 
The  Marvin  family  was  well  represented 
in  Colonial  days,  and  its  various  generations 
were  largely  stout-hearted  and  strong-minded 
men  and  women.  During  the  old  Colonial 
wars  and  in  the  French  and  Indian  war,  as 
well  as  in  the  struggle  for  American  inde- 
pendence, it  was  well  represented. 

Matthew  Marvin,  the  grandfather  of  Jo- 
seph T.,  served  seven  years  in  the  Continental 
forces,  was  with  Gen.  Washington  at  Valley 
Forge,  during  the  darkest  period  of  the  Amer- 
ican Revolution,  and  was  mustered  out  as  first 
sergeant.  It  is  also  recorded  of  him  that  he 
took  part  in  the  battles  of  Brandywine,  Red 
Bank,  Mud  Fort,  Trenton  and  Princeton.  At 
the  capture  of  Cornwallis  this  veteran  of  seven 
years  was  one  of  sixty-eight  picked  men  form- 
ing an  escort  for  LaFayette. 

Thomas  Marvin,  son  of  Matthew,  and  fa- 
ther of  Joseph  T.,  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of 
1812,  and  it  was  but  natural  that  the  grand- 
son should  feel  the  force  of  family  tradition 
strongly  enough  to  bear  arms  himself  for  his 
country  when  the  occasion  demanded. 

Joseph  T.  Marvin  remained  in  New  York* 
until  1855,  in  which  year  he  came  to  Wis- 
consin. On  April  22,  1861.  he  enlisted  in 
Company  H,  3d  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  they  left  the 
State  July  12,  under  orders  for  Hagerstown, 
Md.  On  Feb.  3,  1862,  Mr.  Marvin  was  made 
second  lieutenant,  and  transferred  to  Com- 
pany C.  On  Aug.  13,  following,  he  was  made 
first  lieutenant,  and  returned  to  Company  H. 
On  Feb.  6,  1863,  he  was  appointed  quarter- 
master of  the  regiment,  in  which  capacity  he 
continued  to  the  close  of  the  war,  and  was 
mustered  out  July  18,  1865.  The  regiment 
had  a long  and  honorable  record  of  campaigns, 
marches  and  battles  to  its  credit,  and  saw  serv- 
ice in  Maryland  and  Virginia  until  after 
Gettysburg.  It  was  with  Banks  in  his  Shenan- 


doah campaign,  and  with  Pope  in  Virginia; 
fought  at  Bolivar  Heights,  Winchester,  Cedar 
Mountain,  Chancellorsville  and  Gettysburg, 
and  was  then  sent  to  the  West,  being  trans- 
ferred from  the  12th  Army  Corps  to  the  20th. 
In  the  West  it  served  under  Gen.  Hooker,  and 
then  became  a part  of  the  command  of  Gen. 
Sherman,  following  him  through  Georgia  and 
the  Carolinas  to  Washington,  and  taking  part 
in  the  grand  review.  Mr.  Marvin  made  an  ex- 
ceptionally fine  record  as  a soldier  and  as  an 
officer. 

Joseph  T.  Marvin  was  married  to  Miss 
Jennie  E.  Flail,  of  the  town  of  Willow  Springs, 
Lafayette  countv.  where  she  was  born  in  1843, 
a daughter  of  Elisha  Hall,  who  settled  in  the 
town  about  1834.  Mr.  Hall  was  the  first 
treasurer  of  V illow  Springs  after  its  organi- 
zation in  1849,  and  took  an  active  part  in 
the  early  affairs  of  the  town.  He  was  a prom- 
inent Congregationalist,  and  kept  a hotel  on 
strictly  temperance  principles  for  many  years. 
Mr.  Marvin  was  bereft  of  his  wife  by  death  in 
1896,  and  is  now  making  his  home  with  his 
daughter,  Mrs.  Minnie  Oates,  in  Darlington. 
The  surviving  members  of  the  Hall  family  now 
(1901)  are  Mrs.  Nellie  Duncan;  Miss  Fannie 
B.  Hall ; and  Mrs.  Clara  Oclgers,  of  Milford, 
Oregon.  There  were  two  sons  in  the  family ; 
George  C.  (who  served  in  the  Union  army) 
and  Calvin  Hall,  but  both  are  deceased. 

Our  subject  was  one  of  a family  of  eight, 
of  whom  only  three  are  now  (1901)  living. 
Matthew  W.  Marvin  is  living  in  New  York, 
near  the  old  family  homestead  where  he  was 
born.  He  also  bore  arms  for  the  Union,  serv- 
ing in  the  144th  N.  Y.  V.  I.,  in  which  he  at- 
tained the  rank  of  captain.  Since  the  war  he 
has  been  a conspicuous  figure  in  local  politics, 
and  has  been  a member  of  the  State  Senate. 
Fred  F.  Marvin  was  a member  of  the  1 ith  Kan- 
sas Volunteer  Cavalry,  being  a member  of  the 
band ; he  died  in  Canon  City,  Colo.,  September, 
1900. 

• GEORGE  HANTHORN,  ex-sheriff  of 
Rock  county,  and  one  of  the  representative 
men  of  Janesville,  was  born  in  Dilworthtown, 
Chester  Co.,  Penn.,  Mav  26,  1832,  a son  of 
Thomas  and  Louisa  (Cobourn)  Hanthorn. 

George  Hanthorn,  the  paternal  grandfather 
of  our  subject,  was  of  Irish  descent;  he  had 
seven  or  eight  children.  The  maternal  grand- 
father was  John  Cobourn,  a native  of  Chester 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


281 


county,  Penn.,  of  English  descent,  a shoe- 
maker by  trade,  who  died  when  nearly  ninety; 
he  had  six  children. 

The  parents  of  our  subject  were  natives  of 
Chester  county,  Penn.,  and  of  the  two  sons  and 
two  daughters  born  to  them  George  Hanthorn 
is  the  only  survivor.  Thomas  Hanthorn  was 
a school  teacher  in  his  younger  days,  and  later 
was  assessor  and  collector  for  many  years,  dy- 
ing in  his  native  county  in  1851,  aged  fifty;  his 
wife  survived  until  1891,  when  she,  too,  passed 
away,  aged  eighty-three.  In  religious  belief 
the  mother  was  an  adherent  of  the  Baptist 
faith,  and  was  a very  good  and  worthy  woman. 
Their  son  Oscar  F.  was  a soldier  in  the  war 
of  the  Rebellion,  and  died  in  Alexandria,  Va., 
immediately  after  the  battle  of  Antietam,  from 
disease  contracted  in  the  service. 

George  Hanthorn  was  reared  in  Chester 
county,  Penn.,  attending  the  district  schools 
when  opportunity  afforded,  and  began  to  learn 
the  trade  of  stone-mason  when  but  fifteen, 
which  occupation  he  followed  many  years.  In 
1857  Mr.  Hanthorn  migrated  to  Illinois,  but 
after  spending  one  summer  in  that  State  re- 
moved to  Wisconsin,  and  has  resided  in  Rock 
county  ever  since.  Upon  coming  to  this  State, 
Mr.  Hanthorn  followed  his  trade  for  many 
years,  but  later  purchased  eighty  acres  of  land 
in  Johnstown  township,  where  he  resided  three 
years.  This  property  he  then  sold,  and  bought 
160  acres  in  the  same  township,  farming  same 
until  1885,  when  he  was  elected  sheriff  and  re- 
moved to  town,  and  his  son  Duane  took  charge 
of  the  farm.  Two  years  ago  Mr.  Hanthorn 
sold  this  property,  and  bought  240  acres  in  the 
town  of  Bradford,  which  his  son  now  operates. 

On  Sept.  7,  1862,  George  Hanthorn  mar- 
ried Miss  Rebecca  A.  Vandenburg,  daughter 
of  William  G.  and  Mary  Ann  (Leavenworth) 
Vandenburg,  and  two  children,  Oscar  Duane 
and  Orlando  Van,  were  born  of  this  union. 
Oscar  Duane  married  Miss  Minnie  Hankie 
(whose  parents  own  a farm  in  the  town  of 
Harmony,  Rock  county),  and  five  children 
have  been  horn  to  them,  four  living,  Harold; 
Leo  (who  died  at  the  age  of  six  vears),  Earl, 
Le  Roy  and  Carroll.  Orlando  Van  married 
Miss  Nellie  Inma|i,  and  lives  in  Janesville, 
where  he  is  a letter-carrier ; they  have  two 
'children,  Lottie  and  Mabel  R. 

The  paternal  grandfather  of  Mrs.  Han- 
thorn, Gilbert  Vandenburg,  a native  of  Hol- 
land, died  when  over  eighty  years  old,  in  New 


York  State,  and  was  the  father  of  a large  fam- 
ily. The  maternal  grandfather  of  Mrs.  Han- 
thorn, David  Leavenworth,  who  was  a native 
of  New  York  State,  of  English  descent,  and 
a millwright  by  trade,  died  when  he,  too,  was 
over  eighty.  All  of  his  seven  children  lived 
to  a good  old  age,  longevity  being  a character- 
istic of  the  Leavenworths. 

Mrs.  Hanthorn’s  parents  were  natives  of 
New  York  State,  came  West  in  1845,  and  lo- 
cated in  the  town  of  Bradford,  Rock  county, 
engaging  in  farming.  The  father  died  March 
24,  1893,  aged  nearly  eighty-six,  and  his  wife 
survived  him  but  four  days,  passing  away  on 
j March  28,  1893,  aged  eighty-three.  Both 
were  consistent  members  of  the  Congrega- 
t tional  Church,  and  people  of  prominence  in 
their  community.  Ten  children  were  born  to 
this  worthy  couple,  four  sons  and  six  daugh- 
ters. four  now  living:  Elizabeth  C.,  wife  of 

Stanley  H.  Joiner,  of  La  Prairie  township; 
Rebecca  A.,  wife  of  our  subject;  Addie  V., 
wife  of  James  A.  Kipp,  of  Badger,  S.  Dak.; 
and  David  L.  Vandenburg,  of  Clear  Lake, 
Iowa.  One  son,  Minard  A.  Vandenburg.  was 
a soldier,  and  died  at  home  from  the  effects 
of  exposure  and  hardships  during  the  war. 
One  died  in  infancy.  The  others  were  Caro- 
line, Sarah,  Josiah,  and  Burzinah. 

Politically  Mr.  Hanthorn  has  always  es- 
poused the  cause  of  the  Republican  party,  and 
has  ably  represented  its  principles  upon  sev- 
eral occasions,  having  been  sheriff  of  Rock 
county  in  1885  and  1886;  supervisor  of  Johns- 
town township  several  terms;  chairman  of  the 
township  board  a couple  of  times,  and  alderman 
from  the  Second  ward,  one  term.  Mr.  Hanthorn 
was  also  street  commissioner  for  four  years, 
and  county  coroner  for  two  terms,  and  in  every 
capacity  proved  himself  an  able  exponent  of  the 
wishes  of  his  constituents,  and  faithful  in  the 
discharge  of  his  duties. 

Air.  and  Mrs.  Hanthorn  have  a beautiful 
home  on  the  Delavan  road,  corner  of  Vine 
street,  where  they  are  surrounded  by  the  com- 
forts of  life.  Their  residence  was  erected  in 
1895.  and  is  surrounded  by  six  and  one-half 
acres  of  ground.  Prior  to  building,  Mr.  Han- 
thorn resided  on  Alilton  avenue.  In  the  com- 
munity where  he  has  lived  so  many  years,  and 
to  which  he  has  always  given  his  hearty  sup- 
port in  all  matters  of  public  improvement,  Mr. 
Hanthorn  enjoys  a well-earned  popularity,  and 
his  friends  number  legions. 


282 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


GEORGE  WIEDERHOLD,  proprietor  of 
the  "Dickeyville  Hotel,”  at  Dickeyville,  Grant 
county,  was  born  in  Prussia  April  12,  1839, 
and  is  a son  of  Nicholas  and  Anna  (Fidler) 
Wiederhold,  both  natives  of  Prussia.  The  fa- 
ther was  born  in  1795,  and  the  mother  in  1797. 
They  came  to  this  country  in  1857,  landing  at 
Baltimore  after  a seven  weeks’  voyage.  Com- 
ing to  Galena,  111.,  in  June  of  that  year,  the 
husband  and  father  died  the  following  August, 
leaving  his  wife  with  five  children.  The  strain 
was  too  great  for  her  endurance,  and  she  broke 
down,  dying  the  following  year.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Nicholas  Wiederhold  were  consistent 
Christian  people,  and  are  remembered  as  am- 
bitious and  energetic  to  the  last  degree.  Of 
their  five  children,  all  born  in  Germany,  ( 1 ) 
Elizabeth,  the  eldest,  born  in  1831,  was,  like 
the  other  children,  educated  in  their  native 
land.  She  married  Jacob  Barth,  a native  of 
Baden,  Germany,  and  they  settled  in  Galena, 
Ilk,  where  she  died  in  1898,  leaving  one  daugh- 
ter, Lizzie,  now  Mrs.  Lorenzo  Focht,  of  Ga- 
lena. (2)  Mary,  born  in  1833,  married  Henry 
Althaus,  of  the  town  of  Paris,  Grant  county, 
and  died,  leaving  no  family.  (3)  Dorothy, 
born  in  1835,  is  now  the  widow  of  George  A. 
Leffelholtz,  and  lives  in  Jamestown,  Grant 
county.  She  has  had  five  children,  one  that 
died  in  infancy,  Annie,  Lizzie,  George  and 
Henry.  (4)  Joseph,  born  in  1835,  was  first 
married  in  Galena,  and  moved  to  the  town  of 
Paris,  where  his  wife  died,  leaving  seven  chil- 
dren, George,  Joseph,  Frank,  John,  Charles, 
Dorothy  and  Katie.  Dorothy  is  the  wife  of 
Charles  Dresler  and  lives  in  Ivieler,  Grant 
county.  Katie  is  the  wife  of  Christopher  Dres- 
ler, of  the  town  of  Paris.  Joseph  Wiederhold 
married  second  Miss  Dorathea  Weber,  of 
Grant  county,  to  which  union  were  born  four 
children.  He  now  lives  in  the  town  of  Paris. 

George  Wiederhold  is  the  fifth  and  young- 
est member  of  the  family.  A good  education 
was  given  him  in  Germany,  and  after  coming 
to  this  country  he  learned  the  shoemaking 
trade,  which  he  followed  until  lie  enlisted  in 
the  Civil  war,  as  a member  of  Company  H, 
25th  Wis.  V.  I.,  under  the  command  of  Capt. 
Schwan.  This  regiment  served  in  the  West- 
ern Army  under  Gen.  Sherman  and  other  dis- 
tinguished officers.  On  the  march  to  the  sea 
its  presence  was  often  made  manifest  to  the 
retiring  enemy.  Skirmishes  and  figTiting  were 
daily  occurrences,  and  they  were  often  days 


without  food,  barefooted  and  ragged,  but  they 
drove  the  Rebels,  and  the  “boys"  were  happy. 
Mr.  Wiederhold  served  until  the  close  of  the 
war,  and  received  his  honorable  discharge  at 
Madison,  Wis.,  and  he  returned  with  glad- 
ness to  the  scenes  of  peaceful  life. 

Resuming  his  trade  at  Dickeyville,  Mr. 
Wiederhold  was  married  there  in  August, 
1865,  to  Miss  Theresia  Schmerbach,  of  Grant 
county,  daughter  of  Barth  and  Annie  R. 
Schmerbach,  natives  of  Germany,  who  came 
to  the  United  States  in  1848,  and  lived  for  a 
short  time  in  the  State  of  New  York.  Com- 
ing to  Wisconsin,  they  settled  near  the  Wis- 
consin and  Illinois  State  line,  on  what  was 
known  as  the  Sinsinawa  Mound,  and  there 
made  their  home  for  a number  of  years,  eventu- 
ally moving  to  the  town  of  Paris,  where  they 
died.  Mrs.  Wiederhold  was  born  in  Germany 
in  1846,  and  was  reared  in  this  country.  After 
their  marriage  Mr.  Wiederhold  and  his  wife 
located  in  the  town  of  Dickeyville,  where  he 
owned  a home.  Later  on  he  bought  a farm 
near  the  village,  and,  greatly  improving  it  with 
new  buildings  and  energetic  work,  they  there 
made  their  home  until  1874.  That  year  he 
purchased  his  father-in-law’s  hotel  property  in 
Dickeyville,  and  became  a hotel  man,  which  has 
been  his  calling  to  the  present  time.  As  a 
genial  and  hospitable  landlord  he  has  made 
many  friends  among  the  traveling  public,  and 
is  known  as  a solid  and  substantial  citizen. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wiederhold  have  been, 
born  a large  family  of  children,  of  whom  ( 1 ) 
Annie  and  (2)  L’zzie  died  in  childhood.  (3) 
Maggie,  born  in  1866,  married  John  Hartung, 
a resident  of  the  town  of  Paris,  and  has  had 
eight  children,  John  (who  died  at  the  age  of 
seven  years),  George,  Joseph,  Frank,  Lizzie, 
Lena,  Arthur,  and  the  baby.  (4)  Joseph, 
born  in  the  town  of  Paris  in  186S,  mar- 
ried Miss  Lizzie  Utte,  and  lives  on  his  father’s 
old  homestead  farm.  They  have  one  son, 
Arthur.  (5)  George,  born  in  September, 
1870,  is  running  a restaurant  in  Cuba  City. 
•(6)  Michael,  born  in  May,  1872.  married  Miss 
Christina  Kunkle,  of  this  county,  and  they  now 
reside  in  the  village  of  Dickeyville,  where  he  is 
doing  a good  business  as  a contractor  and 
builder.  (7)  Annie,  born  in  1S74.  is  the  wife 
of  Peter  Snyder,  a resident  of  the  town  of 
Hazel  Green,  where  he  is  engaged  in  farming. 
They  have  two  children,  Peter  and  Joseph. 
(8)  Theresia,  born  in  January,  1877,  married 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


283 


Joseph  Splinter,  and  has  her  home  in  Cuba 
City;  she  is  the  mother  of  two-  children,  Arthur 
and  Hildergard  E.  (9)  Barthel,  born  in  July, 
1880,  has  learned  the  carpenter’s  trade,  and  is 
now  in  partnership  with  his  brother  in  Dickey- 
ville.  He  is  one  of  the  solid  and  capable  young- 
men  of  the  day. 

Mr.  Wiederhold  has  held  several  local 
offices,  was  a member  of  the  town  board,  and 
for  eleven  consecutive  years  was  collector  of 
the  town.  Our  subject,  wife  and  family  are  all 
members  of  the  Catholic  Church. 

WILLIAM  S.  FIELD,  an  active  business 
man  and  farmer  of  New  Diggings  township, 
Lafayette  county,  has  led  a most  strenuous 
life,  tilled  with  experiences  difficult  in  accom- 
plishment, but  interesting  in  retrospection. 
He  was  born  in  New  Diggings  township  July 
17,  1840,  one  of  the  large  family  of  children 
of  William  and  Sarah  (Shaffer)  Field. 

William  Field  was  born  in  Kentucky  in 
1804,  and  his  wife,  Sarah  Shaffer,  was  a na- 
tive of  Germany,  born  in  1813.  They  came  to 
Wisconsin  in  their  early  married  life,  locating 
on  government  land  now  included  in  the  town- 
ship of  New  Diggings.  He  owned  about  2,400 
acres  of  prairie  and  mineral  land  in  the  days 
when  Grant,  Iowa  and  Lafayette  counties  were 
all  in  one,  under  the  name  of  Iowa  county. 
He  erected  a double  log  house  for  protection 
from  the  Indian  raids,  the  nearest  fort  being 
at  Galena,  111.,  twelve  miles  away,  but  they  were 
often  obliged  to  take  refuge  there  in  the  more 
exciting  times.  Mr.  Field  was  a farmer  and  a 
dealer  -in  minerals,  and  became  very  wealthy 
as  his  land  increased  in  value.  He  was  widely 
known  all  over  southwestern  Wisconsin,  as 
well  as  on  the  Mississippi,  as  he  did  some  busi- 
ness between  Galena  and  Kentucky,  on  the 
river.  In  politics  he  was  always  interested,  and 
voted  with  the  Democratic  party.  He  filled  a 
number  of  offices  during  his  time,  and  was  one 
of  the  prominent  men  on  the  frontier.  Al- 
though he  was  not  a member  of  any  denomi- 
nation, he  and  his  wife  were  both  good  Chris- 
tian people,  charitable  and  kind,  and  were 
greatly  beloved.  Mr.  Field  was  much  inter- 
ested in  the  educational  problems  presented  by 
the  sparsely  settled  country,  and  helped  to  erect 
the  first  school  house  in  his  community.  His 
death  occurred  in  1858,  and  that  of  his  wife 
in  1887.  They  were  the  parents  of  a large 
family  of  children  : ( 1 ) Elizabeth,  born  in 


New  Diggings,  attended  the  district  school 
erected  by  her  father,  and  later  Mount  Carroll 
Seminary,  in  Illinois.  She  married  John 
Chambers,  of  Missouri,  and  they  first  lived  on 
a farm  given  her  by  her  father,  later  removing 
to  Sheldon,  Iowa,  where  she  died  in  1900.  leav- 
ing a family  of  eight  children.  George,  Will- 
iam, Alice,  Emily,  Ida,  Aaron,  John  and  Fred. 
(2)  Fannie  became  the  wife  of  A.  S.  Rock,  and 
they  reside  in  Shullsburg,  Lafayette  Co.,  Wis., 
on  his  farm.  They  have  two  children  living, 
Charles  and  Anna.  Eliza,  a third  child,  died 
in  early  womanhood.  (3)  Miss  Emily  resides 
on  the  old  homestead.  (4)  George  married 
Miss  Anna  Harker,  and  bought  himself  a farm, 
which  he  afterward  sold,  going  to  Mobile.  Ala. 
Returning  home,  he  was  drowned  in  the  Mis- 
sissippi river.  (5)  Martha  married  Millard 
Townsend,  and  resided  in  Shullsburg,  where 
both  died,  leaving  a daughter.  Edith,  now  Mrs. 
White,  of  Galena,  111.  (6)  William  S.  is  sixth 

in  the  order  of  birth.  (7)  Benjamin  married 
Emeline  Williams,  and  located  in  St.  Cloud, 
Minn.,  where  she  died  in  1900.  leaving  four 
children.  (8)  Edward  married  Miss  Annie 
Collins,  of  England,  and  they  make  their  home 
on  his  farm  in  New  Diggings.  They  have  chil- 
dren as  follows — William,  Edward,  Charles, 
Katie,  Gerald,  Timothy,  Benjamin,  Emily. 
Rilla,  and  Arthur.  (9)  Alice  married  a Mr. 
Young,  of  Beetown,  Grant  county,  who  died, 
leaving  his  widow  and  two  children.  (10) 
Annie  married  Frank  Bailey,  and  lives  on  a 
part  of  the  Field  homestead.  She  has  four- 
children,  Carrie  (wife  of  George  Hall,  of 
Platteville) , Silas,  Bertie  and  Ada.  (11) 
Silas,  the  youngest  in  the  family,  married  Bell 
Metcalf,  and  lives  on  a part  of  the  old  home 
farm.  They  have  four  children,  \\  illis,  Luella, 
Benjamin  and  Sarah. 

William  S.  Field,  while  growing  to  man- 
hood, attended  the  district  schools  of  die  neigh- 
borhood. He  was  early  trained  to  frontier  life, 
and  in  i860,  with  two  teams  of  oxen  and  one 
of  cows,  crossed  the  Plains  to  Pike's  Peak, 
via  Denver,  Colo.,  being  three  months  en 
route.  He  worked  in  the  gold  fields,  spend- 
ing a year  and  a half  in  prospecting  and  lo- 
cating claims,  and  then  moved  to  Hannibal. 
Mo.,  where  with  three  others  he  contracted  to 
furnish  the  lumber  for  the  railroad  from 
Cameron  to  Kansas  City.  After  they  had  com- 
pleted the  contract,  and  just  before  it  was 
inspected  by  the  company  and  taken  off  their 


284 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


hands,  it  was  burned  by  soldiers  of  the  Union 
army,  while  on  a raid  after  QuantreH’s  guerril- 
las. Martial  law  being  in  force,  Mr.  Field  was 
obliged  to  walk  seven  hundred  miles  to  reach 
his  Wisconsin  home.  He  then  engaged  in 
lumbering  in  Wisconsin,  but  in  1863  he  again 
made  a Western  trip  by  wagon,  this  time  to 
Montana,  where  he  was  successfully  engaged 
in  gold  mining  until  1867,  when  he  returned 
home.  He  had  had  adventures  enough  for  a 
time,  and  resolved  to  settle  down  on  the  home 
farm  and  pass  the  rest  of  his  days  in  less  ex- 
citing occupations.  Fie  now  has  a large  stock 
farm,  with  good  buildings,  all  erected  by  him- 
self, and  is  one  of  the  most  enterprising  busi- 
ness men  of  southwestern  Wisconsin. 

In  1867  Mr.  Field  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Miss  Lizzie  Hurley,  daughter  of  John 
and  Joanna  (Driscoll)  Hurley,  who  were  na- 
tives of  Ireland,  married  in  Pennsylvania,  and 
became  early  settlers  of  Wisconsin.  Mr.  Hur- 
ley engaged  in  farming  and  mining  in  Wis- 
consin until  his  death,  leaving  a widow  and 
four  children,  all  of  whom  are  now  deceased 
except  Firs.  Field.  Mrs.  Lizzie  (Hurley) 
Field  was  born  in  June,  1847,  and  grew  to 
womanhood  in  Lafayette  county,  receiving  a 
fair  education,  and  in  time  becoming  one  of 
the  successful  teachers  in  the  county.  Eleven 
children  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Field  : 
(1)  Edith,  born  in  November,  1868,  married 
James  Martin,  a farmer  of  Benton,  Wis.,  and 
has  six  children,  Mary,  Regina,  Catherine,  Jo- 
seph, John  and  Edith  C.  (2)  William  J., 
born  in  May,  1870,  now  a farmer  in  New 
Diggings,  married  Eliza  Hillary,  and  has  four 
children,  Florence,  Catherine,  Cheresa,  and 
Lizzie.  (3)  Charles  A.,  born  Feb.  16,  1872, 
married  Minnie  Rodgers,  of  Fort  Dodge,  Iowa, 
and  now  resides  in  Des  Moines,  Iowa.  They 
have  two  children,  Florence  E.  and  Elizabeth. 
(4)  Edward  was  born  March  14,  1876.  (5) 

George,  born  March  13,  1878,  resides  in  Fort 
Dodge,  Iowa.  (6)  Annie,  born  in  January, 
1880,  married  William  Newman,  of  New  Dig- 
gings, and  has  one  son,  Mannuartus.  (7) 
Zita,  born  in  May,  1882,  attends  the  home 
schools.  (8)  Nellie  was  born  in  December, 
1883.  (9)  Lizzie,  m October,  1885.  (10) 

Gertrude,  in  September,  1887.  (11)  Joanna, 

in  November,  1890. 

While  Mr.  Field  has  always  taken  a keen 
interest  in  the  affairs  of  the  day,  he  has  never 
aspired  to  office,  having  found  that  his  own 


private  business  engTOssed  all  his  time  and 
attention.  He  is  very  progressive,  and  ever 
ready  to  take  hold  and  investigate  improve- 
ments and  developments,  and  owns  the  first 
separator  threshing  machine  that  came  to  this 
part  of  the  State,  the  original  cost  of  which 
was  $2,500.  For  thirty  years  he  has  followed 
threshing  over  this  section.  He  is  the  founder 
of  the  Co-operation  Creamery  at  New  Dig- 
gings, owning  a large  share  of  the  stock.  In 
religious  belief  he  has  allied  himself  to  no 
denomination,  but  as  his  wife  is  a member 
of  the  Roman  Catholic  Church  'he  has  liberally 
contributed  toward  the  support  of  same.  The 
family  are  very  popular  socially,  and  their 
pleasant  home  is  always  open  to  give  visitors 
a hearty  welcome.  They  have  paid  great  at- 
tention to  music,  and  two  of  the  daughters, 
Zita  and  Nellie,  are  fine  musicians.  The  entire 
family  are  talented,  and  attract  a most  cultured 
circle  of  friends. 

JOHN  FREEMAN  KEMMERER.  A 
native  of  Rock  county,  Mr.  Ivemmerer  has 
throughout  life  remained  a resident  thereof, 
employing  his  earlier  years  in  farming,  then 
engaging  in  business  at  Clinton,  and  since 
1898  acting  as  traveling  salesman  for  the  Deer- 
ing  Harvester  Co.,  of  Chicago.  Successful  in 
whatever  he  has  undertaken,  he  is  a represent- 
ative citizen  of  the  State,  active  in  affairs  of 
public  interest,  and  contributing  by  his  force 
of  character  and  clear  principles  to  the  welfare 
of  the  community  in  which  he  lives. 

Mr.  Kemmerer  was  born  in  Rock  township, 
Rock  county,  Sept.  17,  1854,  son  of  Samuel 
(deceased)  and  Elizabeth  (Gish)  Kemmerer, 
who  were  natives  of  Pennsylvania, both  belong- 
ing to  sturdy  German  families  of  the  Keystone 
State.  The  paternal  grandfather  was  a farmer 
and  the  maternal  grandfather  a miller;  both 
died  in  Pennsylvania,  well  advanced  in  years. 
Both  reared  large  families. 

Early  in  their  married  life  the  parents  of 
our  subject  resolved  to  found  a home  in  the 
then  distant  West.  In  the  fall  of  1849  they 
came  to  Rock  township.  Rock  county,  and  here 
Samuel  Kemmerer  purchased  a tract  of  forty- 
four  acres  and  began  his  successful  business 
career  in  the  Western  home.  He  steadily  add- 
ed to  his  modest  acres  until  he  possessed  and 
tilled  a well-cultivated  farm  of  258  acres.  In 
1884  he  retired  from  active  life,  moving  to 
Janesville,  where -he  ever  after  continued  to 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


285 


reside.  In  politics  he  was  a Republican,  in  re- 
ligious faith  an  earnest  Methodist,  and  he  was 
always  active  in  church  work,  in  his  younger 
days  acting  as  steward,  class-leader,  etc.  To 
Samuel  and  Elizabeth  Kemmerer  were  born 
six  children,  four  sons  and  two  daughters, 
namely : Abram,  of  -Redheld,  S.  Dak. ; 

Charles  W.,  of  Janesville,  whither  he  recently 
removed  from  Shopiere,  Rock  Co.,  Wis. ; 
Blandena;  John  F.,  our  subject;  Lewis,  of 
Janesville;  and  Ida,  wife  of  VV.  Van  Valen. 

John  F.  Kemmerer  was  reared  on  the  farm, 
receiving  his  education  in  the  district  schools. 
He  began  active  life  for  himself  by  renting  a 
farm,  which  he  operated  for  four  years,  and 
then  bought  183  acres  of  land  in  the  townships 
of  Turtle  and  La  Prairie,  later  adding  fifty 
acres  to  the  tract.  He  lived  there  until  1891, 
when  he  removed  with  his  family  to  Clinton, 
and  there  engaged  in  the  stock  and  machinery 
business.  In  1898  Mr.  Kemmerer  accepted  a 
position  as  traveling  salesman  for  the  Deering 
Harvester  Co.,  which  he  still  holds. 

On  Sept.  12,  1877,  Mr.  Kemmerer  married 
Miss  Ella  E.  Smith,  daughter  of  Artemus  and 
Olivia  P.  (Pike)  Smith,  and  to  them  have  been 
born  four  children,  George  1.,  Ethel  B.,  For- 
rest G.,  and  Walter  F.  in  1898  George  and 
Ethel  graduated  from  the  Clinton  high  school, 
and  he  is  now  attending  the  State  University; 
Miss  Ethel  is  teaching  at  Manchester,  111.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Kemmerer  and  family  are  members 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  of  which 
he  has  been  steward  for  a number  of  years. 
Politically  he  is  a Republican.  Among  the  so- 
cieties Mr.  Kemmerer  is  a member  of  the  Mod- 
ern Woodmen  of  America.  He  is  held  in  high 
esteem,  and  his  influence  has  ever  been  exerted 
in  advancing  measures  for  the  general  welfare. 

Artemus  Smith  (deceased),  father  of  Mrs. 
Ella  E.  Kemmerer,  was  born  in  Chester,  Vt., 
April  11,  1818,  son  of  Artemus  Smith,  Sr.,  a 
native  of  Massachusetts.  Artemus  Smith,  Jr., 
was  engaged  in  business  in  the  East  until  1854, 
when  he  came  to  Chicago  and  engaged  in  the 
manufacturing  of  bonnets.  He  sold  out  there 
and  moved  to  Shopiere,  Wis.,  where  he  was 
engaged  in  the  coopering  business.  In  1863 
he  bought  a farm  of  100  acres  located  a short 
distance  from  Shopiere,  to  which  he  afterward 
moved.  On  Nov.  1,  1843,  he  was  married 
to  Olivia  P.  Pike  (now  deceased),  daughter  of 
Jonathan  Pike ; her  grandfather  on  the 
mother's  side  was  a brave  soldier  in  the  Revo- 


lution and  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  her  grand- 
father on  her  father’s  side  enlisted  in  the  army 
of  the  Revolution  when  sixteen  years  old. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Smith  have  had  seven  children, 
five  of  whom  are  still  living. 

J.  W.  JONES,  deceased.  Many  of  the 
successful  and  prominent  farmer  citizens  of 
the  great  State  of  Wisconsin  had  their  birth 
on  the  other  side  of  the  Atlantic  ocean,  and 
coming  to  this  country  took  rank  among  the 
best  citizens.  Such  was  the  case  with  our  sub- 
ject, the  late  J.  W.  Jones,  than  whom  no 
more  estimable  citizen  ever  passed  out  of  life 
in  Lafayette  county. 

Mr.  Jones  was  born  in  South  V ales  Feb. 
10,  1822,  coming  to  the  United  States  in 
1841  ; he  made  the  long  trip  in  a sailing-vessel. 
Landing  in  New  York,  he  remained  in  that 
State  for  two  years,  and  in  1844  joined  the 
settlers  who  were  then  flocking  to  the  fertile 
lands  of  Wisconsin.  Selecting  Elk  Grove  as 
a suitable  place  for  settlement,  he  purchased 
eighty  acres  of  land,  and  improving  this,  added 
more,  and  still  later  another  tract,  as  his  means 
permitted,  until  his  estate  now  comprises  472 
acres  in  one  body,  both  of  cultivated  and  wood- 
ed land,  the  larger  portion  being  under  culti- 
vation. Remaining  industriously  employed 
on  this  place,  he  became  one  of  the  most  sub- 
stantial men  of  the  township. 

In  1853  Mr.  Jones  married  Miss  Catherine 
Webster,  a daughter  of  Stephen  and  Anne 
(Holman)  Webster,  who  were  both  born  in 
Cornwall,  England,  where  they  married,  com- 
ing to  this  country  in  1848.  The  family  set- 
tled in  Potosi,  in  British  Hollow,  Grant  Co., 
Wis.,  and  remained  there  some  years,  later 
moving  to  Mineral  Point,  after  which  the 
parents  lived  retired.  Of  a family  of  eleven 
children,  but  three  survive.  Our  subject’s 
wife,  Catherine,  the  youngest,  was  born  in 
England  Sept.  17.  1827,  received  a fair  educa- 
tion in  the  common  schools  of  her  own  land, 
and  upon  coming  to  America  was  engaged  as 
a needlewoman,  her  accomplishment  in  this 
line  making  her  services  in  great  demand,  and 
enabling  her  to  live  in  comfort  and  inde- 
pendence. 

After  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jones  settled 
down  to  domestic  life  in  a little  log  cabin  which 
he  had  erected,  and  in  which  they  continued  to 
reside  until  the  building  of  the  present  com- 
modious and  comfortable  home,  in  1876.  For 


286 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


five  years  previous  to  his  demise  Mr.  Jones 
was  afflicted  with  blindness,  which  prevented 
him  from  attending  to  much  business,  but  the 
capable  woman  who  so  bravely  cared  for  her- 
self when  a stranger  in  a strange  land  came 
to  his  aid,  in  his  age,  and  her  assistance  and 
management  relieved  him  of  many  cares.  Mr. 
Jones  was  a consistent  member  and  cheerful 
supporter  of  the  Swedenborgian  Church,  his  in- 
fluence in  the  community  ever  being  in  favor  of 
religion  and  good  citizenship.  For  many  years 
he  was  a member  of  the  town  board,  and  held 
other  offices  in  the  gift  of  his  townspeople. 
Politically  he  upheld  the  principles  of  the 
Democratic  party.  Children  were  born  to 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jones  as  follows:  Harriet,  born 
in  1855,  was  educated  in  the  best  schools,  mar- 
ried Hdward  Curkeet,  of  Elk  Grove,  and  has 
children — Lillian,  John  and  Orvile.  Ruth, 
born  in  1857,  married  Frank  Bentlv,  of  Platte- 
ville, and  has  children — Francis,  Robert,  and 
Bayard.  Bessie,  born  in  i860,  married  James 
Murphy,  a leading  lawyer  of  Platteville.  John, 
born  in  1862,  was  well  educated,  and  is  now  the 
competent  manager  of  his  father's  large  estate. 
Katie  was  born  in  1865.  Frank  W.,  born  in 
1868,  graduated  in  the  class  of  1890  at  the 
Platteville  Normal  School,  and  in  1891  en- 
tered Madison  University  as  a geological 
student,  graduating  from  that  institution  in 
1898.  Coming  home,  he  was  taken  sick,  and 
shortly  after  his  brilliant  young  life  ended. 
1 he  community  was  saddened  by  this  untimely 
end  to  a bright  career. 

EDWARD  H.  RYAN,  A.  B.,  LL.  B., 
a member  of  the  Rock  County  Bar,  was  born 
in  Janesville  April  3,  1852,  of  Irish  descent. 

Edward  Ryan,  his  father,  was  a native  of 
County  Tipperary,  Ireland,  and  his  mother, 
Eliza  O’Donnell,  was  born  in  Burlington,  Vt., 
although  her  parents,  too„  came  from  Tipper- 
ary. His  paternal  grandfather,  also  named 
Edward,  was  a farmer  in  the  Irish  county 
whence  some  of  the  younger  members  of  the 
family  emigrated  to  seek  a new  home  and 
better  fortune  in  this  country,  and  passed  his 
life  in  the  old  country.  He  was  twice  mar- 
ried, and  three  children  were  born  of  the  first 
marriage,  and  six  of  the  second.  Edward 
Ryan  (2),  the  father  of  Edward  H.  Ryan, 
after  coming  to  America  spent  seventeen  years 
in  the  city  of  New  York.  He  was  industrious 
and  economical,  and  in  1850  found  himself 


in  a position  to  seek  a new  home  in  the  broader 
Western  country,  where  the  virgin  soil  and  the 
unbroken  forest  yet  awaited  the  plow  of  the 
farmer  and  the  axe  of  the  woodman.  He  set- 
tled in  the  town  of  Plymouth,  Rock  Co.,  Wis., 
on  a farm  of  eighty  acres,  and,  by  careful  man- 
agement and  judicious  investment,  gradually 
increased  his  holdings,  until  at  the  close  of  his 
life  he  was  the  owner  of  800  acres  and  was 
regarded  as  one  of  the  prosperous,  substantial 
men  of  the  community.  He  died  in  1883,  in 
his  seventy-fourth  year.  His  wife,  Mrs.  Eliza 
(O’Donnell)  Ryan,  was.  one  of  a family 
of  two  sons  and  four  daughters  born  to  Michael 
O'Donnell,  of  Tipperary,  Ireland,  who  came 
thence  to  the  United  States  by  way  of  Can- 
ada. Crossing  the  border,  he  lived  for  a time 
in  Vermont,  and  later  in  New  York,  going 
thence  to  Wisconsin  in  1847.  For  a short 
time  he  lived  in  Janesville,  but  soon  removed 
to  Green  countv,  where  he  engaged  in  farm- 
ing, and  owned  a farm  of  160  acres.  He  was 
noted  for  his  integrity,  no  less  than  for  his 
gentle  disposition  and  equable  temperament. 
Fie  entered  into  rest  after  reaching  an  age  sel- 
dom paralleled — one  hundred  and  two  years. 

Edward  H.  Ryan  was  the  first-born  of  a 
family  of  seven  children,  the  others  being 
Ellen  E.,  James  M.,  John  F.,  Joseph  A.,  Will- 
iam H.,  and  Thomas  Ambrose.  Ellen  E.  is 
the  wife  of  Daniel  Ryan,  of  Janesville,  of 
which  city  James  M.  and  Joseph  A.  are  also 
residents.  John  F.  lives  in  Montana,  and 
Thomas  Ambrose  resides  upon  the  old  home- 
stead in  Plymouth,  where  the  father  of  the 
family  settled  more  than  half  a century  ago. 
William  A.  was  a soldier  in  the  19th  United 
States  ' infantry,  serving  gallantly  in  Porto 
Rica  during  the  Spanish  war,  and  was  mus- 
tered out  at  Camp  Meade,  Pennsylvania. 

Edward  H.  Ryan  was  given  a college  edu- 
cation. His  preparatory  collegiate  course  was 
taken  at  Milton  (Wis.)  College,  and  in  1870  he 
entered  the  Freshman  class  of  the  State  LTni- 
versity,  receiving  his  degree  of  A.  B.  in  1874. 
From  March  until  September,  1875,  he  studied 
law  with  Hon.  John  Winans,  of  Janesville, 
and  then  matriculated  at  the  law  school  of  his 
Alma  Mater,  graduating  with  the  degree  of 
LL.  B.  in  1876.  He  was  admitted  to  the 
B'ar  on  June  18,  of  that  year,  and  remained 
in  Madison  until  March,  1877,  as  an  assistant 
to  Tudge  J.  Id.  Carpenter.  Going  thence  to 
Shreveport,  La.,  he  was  admitted  to  practice 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


28  7 


in  the  courts  of  that  State,  but  not  finding  his 
surroundings  congenial  he  returned  to  Rock 
county,  after  six  months.  For  the  fourteen 
following  years  he  was  engaged  in  railroad 
construction,  and  for  four  years  afterward  he 
found  satisfaction  in  the  independent  life  of  a 
farmer.  Then  coming  to  Janesville,  he  once 
more  began  the  practice  of  his  profession,  in 
1899  forming  a partnership  with  J.  L.  Ma- 
honey which  continued  two  years.  He  is  a life- 
long Democrat,  and  his  religious  creed  is  that 
of  the  Roman  Catholic  Church,  in  the  profes- 
sion and  practice  of  which  faith  a long  line  of 
his  ancestors  have  lived  and  died.  He  is  a 
man  of  happy  temperament,  and  of  marked 
individuality.  Possessing  the  genial  humor 
and  ready  wit  of  his  race,  no  less  than  its 
unselfish  generosity,  he  has  a strong  personal- 
ity, which  enables  him  fearlessly  to  maintain 
the  right  and  combat  the  wrong.  Fraternally 
he  is  a member  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  of 
America. 

Mr.  Ryan  married,  in  1886,  Susie  C.  Inger- 
soll,  daughter  of  Charles  L.  and  Susan  Curry 
Ingersoll,  of  Vernon  county,  Wis.,  and  they 
have  had  two  children,  Edward  A.,  born 
March  19,  1887  ; and  Genevieve  L,  born  June 
19,  1890.  Mrs.  Susie  C.  Ryan's  paternal  an- 
cestors came  to  America  in  1638.  Six  of  her 
ancestors  on  the  paternal  side,  and  two  on  the 
maternal  side,  were  in  the  Revolution.  Her 
uncle,  John  Curry,  is  a Judge  of  the  Supreme 
Court  of  California;  her  grand-uncle,  Daniel 
Curry,  was  a noted  Methodist  divine,  was  at 
one  time  bishop,  and  also  editor  of  the  "Chris- 
tian Advocate.” 

A.  H.  BARBER,  M.  D..  an  eminent  physi- 
cian and  surgeon  and  honored  resident  of 
Lancaster,  Grant  county,  was  born  in  Fair- 
field,  Vt.,  in  1843,  a son  °f  John  J.  Barber. 
Dr.  Barber's  father  died  a number  of  years 
ago,  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-eight  years ; 
his  mother,  who  was  born  in  1819,  is  still  liv- 
ing. .1  he  Doctor  is  the  only  son,  and  he  has 
two  sisters,  namely:  Mrs.  Eleanor  Durand, 

of  Crookston,  Minn. ; and  Mrs.  Lucy  Tomlin- 
son, of  Osage,  Iowa. 

Dr.  Barber  was  brought  to  Grant  county  by 
his  parents  in  1845.  His  earlier  education 
was  accjuired  in  the  public  schools,  and  at  a 
private  school  in  Lancaster,  and  for  a year 
he  was  a student  in  Beloit  College.  He  be- 
gan the  study  of  medicine  with  Dr.  Hyde  in 


1866,  and  attended  his  first  course  of  lectures 
at  the  University  of  Michigan,  at  Ann  Arbor. 
In  1870  he  was  graduated  from  the  Long  Island 
(N.  Y. ) College  Hospital,  and  later  took  a 
course  of  instruction  at  the  College  of  Physi- 
cians & Surgeons,  beginning  practice  in  Lan- 
caster, where  his  ability  was  soon  recognized, 
and  where  he  has  ever  since  been  favored  with 
a large  and  lucrative  patronage. 

To  the  marriage  of  the  Doctor  with  Miss 
Lucy  Holloway  have  been  born  two  children, 
viz. : Elvira,  wife  of  N.  B.  Bailey,  cashier  of 

the  bank  of  Baldwin,  Wis. ; and  Herbert,  who 
died  in  infancy. 

SILAS  HILL,  one  of  the  early  settlers  of 
Darlington,  Lafayette  county,  is  also  dis- 
tinguished because  of  his  valiant  service  dur- 
ing the  Civil  war.  Mr.  Hill  was  born  in 
Salem  township,  Washington  Co.,  Ohio,  Feb. 
4,  182^,  a son  of  William  and  Elizabeth  (Hill) 
Hill. 

William  Hill  was  a native  of  County  An- 
trim, Ireland,  and  crossed  the  ocean  to  Amer- 
ica when  but  ten  years  of  age.  His  wife  was 
a native  of  Maryland,  and  of  English  ancestry. 
Her  father,  James  Hill,  was  a soldier  under 
Washington  from  the  commencement  of  the 
Revolution,  was  one  of  the  company  who  made 
the  perilous  passage  across  the  Delaware  on 
the  night  before  the  battle  of  Trenton,  and  was 
present  at  the  surrender  of  Cornwallis.  1 he 
subject  of  this  sketch  was  one  of  a family  of 
twelve  members,  eleven  of  whom,  seven  sons 
and  four  daughters,  reached  maturity.  The 
survivors  are:  Silas,  our  subject;  Mrs.  Eliza 

Huber,  his  twin  sister,  who  resides  in  Shulls- 
burg,  Lafayette  county;  James,  who  is  a resi- 
dent of  Sedalia,  Mo. ; Ruth,  who  resides  at 
Mondovi,  Wis. ; and  Mrs.  Mary  \\  ilson,  a 
resident  of  Nebraska.  Our  subject  had  the 
great  misfortune  to  lose  his  devoted  mother 
when  but  thirteen  years  of  age,  and  in  1845 
his  father  also  died. 

In  1847  Silas  Hill  left  his  former  home  and 
came  to  Shullsburg,  Wis.,  where  he  engaged 
in  mining,  and  in  1850,  with  scores  of  miners 
from  the  local  districts,  he  crossed  the  Plains 
to  California,  and  applied  his  lead  mining  ex- 
perience to  gold  mining,  spending  three  years 
in  that  State.  Mr.  Hill  returned  to  his  home 
in  Lafayette  county  three  years  later,  arriving- 
on  April  1st.  Previous  to  going  to  California 
he  had  married  Mary  Franklin,  who  died  in 


288 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


1854,  leaving  one  son,  William  Hill,  now  a 
resident  of  Duluth,  Minn.  The  second  wife 
of  Mr.  Hill,  Elizabeth  Collier,  died  in  1873, 
leaving  six  children.  Mr.  Hill's  present  wife, 
formerly  Miss  Florence  Ball,  of  Mineral  Point, 
Wis.,  was  born  near  there  in  1854,  one  of 
the  eight  children  of  William  and  Maria  Ball, 
both  of  whom  are  deceased.  Her  father  was 
born  in  Cornwall,  England,  in  1812,  coming 
to  this  country  when  twelve  years  old,  and 
her  mother  was  a native  of  Massachusetts, 
born  in  1818.  Mr.  Ball  located  at  Mineral 
Point,  Wis.,  for  some  years,  but  in  1867  moved 
to  Darlington,  where  Mrs.  Hill  was  residing 
at  the  time  of  her  marriage.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Hill  have  one  son,  Clarence  E.,  who  was  born 
Dec.  9,  1887.  The  younger  son,  Orville,  died 
Feb.  4,  1897,  after  a brief  illness,  his  demise 
being  a lasting  grief  to  his  parents. 

Mr.  Hill  enlisted  in  the  Union  army,  on 
Aug.  21,  1862,  and  was  mustered  into  the 
United  States  service  at  Racine,  Wis.,  as  a 
member  of  Company  H,  33d  Wis.  V.  I.,  under 
Col.  J.  B.  Moore.  This  regiment  had  an  hon- 
orable record,  and  took  part  in  many  of  the 
most  important  engagements  in  which  the 
Western  Army  was  engaged.  Soon  after  the 
siege  of  Vicksburg  Mr.  Hill  was  given  a fur- 
lough to  come  home  on  account  of  sickness. 
He  rejoined  his  regiment  at  Natchez,  Miss., 
but  his  malady  returned,  and  he  was  obliged 
to  enter  a regimental  hospital  at  Jacksonville, 
Ark.,  rejoining  his  regiment  again  at  Nashville, 
Tenn.  He  was  honorably  discharged  Aug. 
9,  1865.  Mr.  Hill  has  never  recovered  from 
the  effects  of  his  army  service,  and  has  been 
a great  sufferer  from  rheumatism  ever  since. 
Always  an  honest  and  industrious  man,  he  is 
a much  respected  and  esteemed  citizen  of 
Darlington.  Socially  he  is  connected  with 
Harvey  Post,  No.  35,  G.  A.  R.  Mr.  Hill  has 
for  several  years  been  successfully  engaged  in 
the  culture  of  strawberries,  for  the  market. 

PROF.  JOHN  SIEBERT  TAYLOR,  one 
of  the  leading  instructors  in  vocal  and  instru- 
mental music  in  Janesville,  Rock  county,  was 
born  in  Leechburg,  Penn.,  Sept.  15,  1869,  a 
son  of  John  and  Julia  (Bair)  Taylor,  natives 
of  Pennsylvania. 

Matthew  Taylor  the  paternal  grandfather 
of  our  subject,  a native  of  England,  was  a mer- 
chant tailor  by  trade,  and  came  to  America, 
locating  in  Pennsylvania,  near  Leechburg, 


where  he  died  at  the  age  of  ninety-five.  He 
had  a large  family.  The  grandfather  on  the 
mother's  side,  John  Bair,  was  a native  of  Penn- 
sylvania, of  German  descent.  The , family  he 
reared  was  a large  one,  and  he  died  at  eighty- 
four. 

In  his  younger  days  John  Taylor,  father 
of  Prof.  Taylor,  learned  the  trade  of  a tanner, 
which  he  followed  for  fifty  years,  but  now  lives 
retired  from  active  business,  at  Leechburg, 
Penn.  His  wife  died  in  1882.  He  is  a con- 
sistent member  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  as  was 
also  his  wife.  Seven  children  were  born 
to  this  couple,  five  sons  and  two  daugh- 
ters : George  B.,  of  Birmingham,  Ala. ; Mary 

C.,  wife  of  J.  H.  Parks,  of  Leechburg,  Penn.; 
Millard  F.,  of  Leechburg;  Harriet,  wife  of  S. 
M.  McCracken,  of  Leechburg;  Charles  G.,  of 
Leechburg;  William  L.,  of  Leechburg;  and  our 
subject. 

Prof.  John  S.  Taylor  was  reared  in  Leech- 
burg, Penn.,  where  he  attended  the  public 
schools,  and  later  took  a course  of  instruction 
in  the  musical  department  at  Oberlin  (Ohio) 
College.  In  1895  Prof.  Taylor  came  to  Janes- 
ville, and  has  taught  vocal  and  instrumental 
music  ever  since,  becoming  very  popular,  his 
methods  of  instruction  being  such  as  to  com- 
mend him  as  a teacher,  while  his  pleasing  per- 
sonality gains  him  numerous  friends.  For  the 
past  five  years  Prof.  Taylor  has  been  the  leader 
of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.  band;  is  a member  of  the 
M.  E.  Church,  and  is  an  important  factor  in 
the  musical  circles  of  Janesville.  In  political 
matters  Prof.  Taylor  is  a Republican,  and  sup- 
ports the  principles  of  his  party  upon  all  oc- 
casions. 

The  musical  studio  of  the  Professor  is  lo- 
cated in  the  Court  Street  M.  E.  Church  block. 
Not  only  does  he  possess  the  power  to  impart 
his  knowledge  to  others,  but  he  is  also  a com- 
poser of  considerable  note,  among  his  compo- 
sitions for  band,  orchestra  and  piano  being: 
The  New  Annapolis.  The  Knight  of  Liberty, 
Old  Colonial,  Paris  Exposition,  Peace  Jubilee, 
March  of  the  Citizen  Soldier,  March  of  the 
Maroons,  The  Cosmopolitan,  Sylvan  Rapids, 
Princetonian,  Glen  Cathedral,  National 
Guards,  Apollinaris,  De  Alumins,  Silver  Plume 
and  The  Alligator.  Prof.  Taylor  possesses  a 
fine  baritone  voice,  of  good  range  and  timber, 
and  since  assuming  his  professional  duties  at 
Tanesville  has  given  further  attention  to  voice 
culture  under  the  direction  of  Madam  Johanna 


/ULJ-  & 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


289 


Hess-Burr,  of  Chicago.  He  not  only  sings 
well  himself,  but  his  pupils  show  well  placed 
voices  and  a good  style. 

WILLIAM  WHITE,  of  Mount  Hope, 
Grant  county,  is  a well-known  citizen  and  a 
veteran  of  the  Civil  war,  having  been  a mem- 
ber of  Company  I,  20th  Wise  V.  I. 

Mr.  White  is. a native  of  the  land  of  Burns, 
having  been  born  in  Corshill,  Ayrshire,  Scot- 
land, in  1831,  a son  of  Alexander  and  Jane 
(Walker)  White.  The  former  died  when  the 
subject  of  this  sketch  was  about  ten  years  of 
age.  In  1852  the  mother  and  her  three  sons 
immigrated  to  the  United  States,  and  their 
first  home  in  the  New  World  was  in  Bovina, 
Delaware  Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  the  mother  died 
in  1865.  All  of  this  good  woman’s  sons 
served  their  adopted  country  in  the  war  for 
the  preservation  of  the  Union.  Robert  was 
a member  of  the  144th  N.  Y.  V.  I. ; he  now 
resides  near  Denver,  Colo.  Alexander,  who 
was  also  a member  of  a New  York  regiment, 
still  lives  in  Delaware  county,  New  York. 

William  White  served  a three-years  ap- 
prenticeship and  one  year  as  journeyman  at  the 
baker’s  trade.  He  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1855, 
about  three  years  after  coming  to  America,  hav- 
ing been  given  a glowing  description  of  Grant 
county,  Wis.,  by  a Mr.  Lewis,  father  of  the 
well-known  citizen  of  Lancaster,  Wis.,  Will- 
iam Lewis.  Deciding  that  it  would  be  a 
good  place  in  which  to  settle,  he  accordingly, 
accompanied  by  Alexander  Sloan,  turned  his 
steps  westward,  traveling  directly  from  the 
State  of  New  York  to  Galena,  111.,  and  thence 
to  Platteville,  Wis.  The  young  travelers 
reached  Platteville  by  stage,  but  by  that  time 
their  scanty  hoard  of  money  was  exhausted, 
and  as  it  was  Saturday  they  asked  to  be  kept 
over  Sunday,  continuing  their  journey  to  Lan- 
caster, on  foot  on  Monday.  At  this  latter 
place  William  White  bargained  with  the  driver 
of  the  stage  to  take  them  to  Patch  Grove 
for  a shotgun  which  he  had  brought  with 
him  from  the  East.  In  addition  Mr.  White 
received  a dollar  in  currency,  but  it  proved  to 
be  counterfeit,  there  being  so  much  “wild  cat" 
money  in  circulation  at  that  time  that  it  was 
difficult  to  distinguish  genuine  from  false. 
Arriving  at  Patch  Grove,  Mr.  White  went  di- 
rectly to  the  home  of  John  Lewis,  a brother 
of  William  Lewis,  with  whom  he  remained  for 
some  time  chopping  wood  for  his  board,  until 
19 


he  had  an  opportunity  to  work  for  money.  It 
was  not  long  before  a man  named  Moses 
Burns,  who  had  learned  Mr.  White  wanted 
work,  came  to  John'  Lewis’s,  in  Patch  Grove, 
to  hire  him.  Not  having  received  any  money, 
Mr.  White  was  beginning  to  be  destitute  of 
clothes,  and  resolved  to  make  an  extra  effort 
to  buy  a vest,  which  he  very  much  needed, 
on  credit.  With  this  end  in  view  he  called  on 
the  merchant  of  the  town,  I.  G.  Wery,  and 
stated  his  case,  promising  to  pay  as  soon  as. 
he  had  earned  the  money.  However,  as  he 
was  a comparative  stranger  to  the  merchant, 
the  latter  refused.  There  happened  to  be 
present,  at  that  time,  a countryman  of  Mr. 
White's,  Alexander  Paul,  who  interceded  for 
him,  and  promised  to  stand  security  for  the 
young  stranger.  Just  at  this  time  the  em- 
ployment was  very  welcome,  but  after  work- 
ing two  weeks  Mr.  White  found  it  im- 
possible to  continue  with  his  employer,  and 
was  therefore  obliged  to  ask  an  exten- 
sion from  the  merchant.  However,  he 
soon  obtained  another  place,  with  a man 
named  Jacob  Snyder,  with  whom  he  re- 
mained two  years.  At  the  end  of  this  time 
Mr.  White  had  paid  for  his  vest,  purchased 
other  necessary  clothing,  and  saved  one  hun- 
dred dollars,  which  he  applied  toward  the  pay- 
ment of  a quarter  section  of  land  he  and  his 
friend  Sloan  had  bought,  each  contributing 
one  hundred  dollars.  Later  Sloan  wanted  to 
sell  his  interest,  but  Mr.  White  had  no  money, 
although  he  was  very  anxious  to  get  the  land. 
At  last  he  obtained  the  name  of  a man,  George 
Pike,  with  whom  he  had  become  acquainted 
while  working  for  Moses  Burns,  upon  a note, 
which  enabled  him  to  get  the  land  he  de- 
sired. 

After  securing  his  land,  the  next  thing  was 
the  building  of  a house,  and  again  the  money 
question  confronted  the  ambitious  young  set- 
tler. However,  to  the  sturdy  pioneers  who  de- 
veloped these  Western  States,  difficulties  were 
overcome  with  surprising  energy.  Not  hav- 
ing the  money  to  buy  materials,  Mr.  White, 
with  a friend,  E.  Y.  Ousley,  went  to  Crawford 
county,  in  the  timber  land,  built  a winter 
cabin,  sawed  the  logs,  and  in  the  spring  rafted 
them  to  Millville.  One  of  their  oxen  died 
from  the  effect  of  a rattlesnake  bite,  the  rattlers 
being  very  numerous  in  that  country.  From 
there  Mr.  White  hauled  his  lumber  to  its  des- 
tination, and  erected  his  first  residence,  a build- 


290 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ing  16x24  feet.  When  it  was  finished,  Mr. 
White  began  to  feel  that  he  was  making  some 
progress  in  the  world. 

At  about  this  time  occurred  the  most  im- 
portant event  of  Air.  White's  life,  his  marriage 
to  Miss  Mary  Moore,  a native  of  Ohio,  a 
daughter  of  William  Aloore,  one  of  the  pio- 
neers of  that  State.  The  wedding  trip  of  Mr. 
and  Airs.  White  was  not  one  that  would  be 
recognized  as  a model  one  in  these  days.  When 
the  home  was  ready  Mr.  White  journeyed  in 
an  ox-cart  to  the  home  of  Mr.  Aloore,  return- 
ing with  his  bride  in  the  same  manner.  The 
happy  life  of  the  young  couple  was  destined 
to  be  rudely  broken  upon.  The  war  cloud 
burst,  and  among  the  early  enlistments  was 
that  of  Mr.  White,  who  enrolled  himself  in 
Company  I,  20th  Wis.  V.  L,  and  took  part  in 
the  various  marches,  campaigns  and  engage- 
ments in  which  his  regiment  participated,  in- 
cluding the  battle  at  Prairie  Grove,  in  which 
the  gallant  Capt.  McDermott,  and  the  first 
lieutenant,  Bintliff,  were  killed ; siege  of  Vicks- 
burg, from  which  the  regiment  went  to  Yazoo 
City,  then  to  Port  Hudson,  and  from  there  to 
New  Orleans.  From  that  city  the  regiment 
marched  to  Brownsville,  on  the  Rio  Grande, 
Texas,  where  they  boarded  a Gulf  steamer,  and 
encountered  heavy  storms  during  the  sixteen 
days  they  were  on  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  thence 
to  the  siege  of  Forts  Morgan  and  Blakely,  and 
finally  to  Mobile.  At  this  latter  city  occurred 
an  unfortunate  event,  in  which  Air.  White  had 
a narrow  escape.  By  accident,  a large  amount 
of  ammunition  exploded,  and  a large  number 
of  men  were  killed.  Mr.  White  was  near 
the  place  of  explosion,  in  charge  of  a detail 
of  men,  but  fortunately  a piece  of  timber  fell 
upon  him  in  such  a way  as  to  protect  him, 
without  seriously  injuring  him.  However,  he 
was  nearly  unconscious  when  rescued,  and  has 
never  fully  recovered  from  the  shock,  one  of 
his  legs  having  since  been  shorter  than  the 
other  as  a result,  and  the  halt  in  his  walk  is  a 
constant  reminder  of  his  services  to  his  coun- 
try. A horse  that  was  in  his  charge  at  the 
time  was  killed. 

Returning  home  Air.  White,  with  the  help 
of  his  good  wife,  commenced  improving  his 
home,  and  their  efforts  were  attended  with 
success.  Flis  first  purchase  was  largely  added 
to,  until  he  became  one  of  the  largest  and  most 
successful  farmers  and  stock  raisers  in  his 
township,  and  he  remained  on  the  farm  until 


1900,  when  he  sold  out  to  his  youngest  son 
and  built  a fine  residence  in  Mount  Hope.  Eight 
children  have  been  born  to  Air.  and  Airs. 
White,  three  sons  and  five  daughters:  Jane, 

wife  of  Anthony  Morton;  William,  a con- 
tractor and  builder  of  Minneapolis,  Minn. ; 
Alexander,  a carpenter  and  builder,  a resident 
of  Alount  Hope;  Ulysses,  wife  of  Plarly 
Handy;  Jessie,  wife  of  George  Harrower;  Ed- 
ward; Alary,  wife  of  William  Decker;  and 
Cora,  wife  of  Otis  Russell. 

William  White  enjoys  good  physical 
health,  considering  his  age  and  experience  as 
a soldier.  Politically  he  is  a Republican,  and 
has  served  as  member  of  the  town  board1  for 
five  years,  and  on  the  school  board  for  fifteen 
or  sixteen  years.  Socially  he  is  a member  of 
the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  the 
G.  A.  R.  post  at  Mount  Hope.  Mr.  White 
inherits  from  his  Scottish  ancestry  a high 
sense  of  honor  and  integrity ; his  word  is  es- 
teemed as  good  as  his  bond,  and  he  enjoys  the 
blessings  that  come  from  an  active,  honorable 
and  industrious  life. 

THOAIAS  WALKER,  one  of  the  leading 
citizens  of  Preston,  Grant  county,  is-  a veteran 
of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  and  relates  many 
entertaining  and  thrilling  stories  of  the  days 
when  he  was  one  of  the  “boys  in  blue.”  Flis 
birth  occurred  in  Yorkshire,  England,  Sept. 
28,  1825,  and  he  is  a son  of  James  and  Dorothy 
Walker.  The  good  mother  died  when  our 
subject  was  only  seven  years  old,  and  his  fa- 
ther passed  away  when  he  was  sixteen,  leaving 
three  sons  and  two  daughters,  of  whom  only 
Thomas  and  Peter  came  to  America.  The 
other  brother,  James,  and  the  two  sisters, 
Mary  and  Dorothy,  are  now  deceased. 

Leaving  Liverpool  Feb.  25,  1849,  the  two 
brothers  came  to  the  New  World  via  New 
Orleans,  landing  in  that  city  after  a stormy 
passage,  in  a sailing-vessel,  of  nine  weeks. 
There  they  took  passage  for  Galena,  111.,  but 
this  being  the  great  cholera  year,  scarcely  had 
the  steamer  left  the  harbor  when  fifty  of  the 
passengers  were  dead  or  dying.  The  captain 
of  the  boat  suggested  to  Thomas  and  Peter 
Walker  that  they  add  a little  alum  to  their 
drinking  water,  and  take  as  a preventive  a 
little  brandy  and  red  pepper.  Whether  this 
is  an  infallible  remedy  or  not  Mr.  Walker  can- 
not say,  but  he  and  his  brother  were  among 
the  few  who  escaped  the  scourge.  From  Ga- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


291 


lena,  our  subject  traveled  to  a place  near  Ben- 
ton, in  Lafayette  county,  \\  is.,  where  he  en- 
gaged in  lead  mining,  but  as  he  was  a mason 
by  trade  he  decided  to  return  to  Illinois,  and 
located  in  Jo  Daviess  county,  working  in  the 
summer  at  his  trade,  and  in  winter  as  a miner. 
Finally  he  was  employed  to  purchase  minerals, 
and  was  located  near  Shullsburgv  Wis.,  for 
about  a year,  at  what  was  known  as  Big  Patch 
Furnace,  at  a higher  salary  than  he  had  as 
yet  received.  However,  in  a year,  Mr.  Walker 
engaged  in  mining  again,  and  then  worked  in 
the  smelting  works  near  Hazel  Green  for  about 
one  year.  Having  accumulated  sufficient 
money,  Air.  Walker  about  this  time  purchased 
a farm  of  240  acres,  about  nine  miles  south 
of  Muscoda,  but  a year  later  exchanged  it  for 
one  in  the  town  of  Clifton,  Grant  county,  where 
he  has  made  many  improvements,  converting 
the  property  into  a good  farm.  In  addition 
to  his  property  in  Wisconsin,  Mr.  Walker 
possesses  160  acres  in  Sherman  county,  Ivan., 
which  he  purchased  while  spending  several 
years  in  that  locality,  making  the  trip  in  1888. 
On  account  of  broken  health,  as  a result  of 
his  army  experience,  Mr.  Walker  has  not  been 
actively  engaged  in  farming  for  a number  of 
years. 

On  Feb.  1,  1864,  Mr.  Walker  was  enrolled 
a member  of  Company  H,  7th  Wis.  V.  I., 
which  regiment  formed  a part  of  the  famous 
Iron  Brigade,  and  for  a time  after  enlistment 
he  was  drilled  in  Camp  Randall,  Madison, 
Wis.  As  spring  approached,  the  regiment  was 
sent  to  Culpeper  Court  House,  Va..  and  on 
May  4,  1864,  entered  upon  the  famous  cam- 
paign of  the  Wilderness.  Mr.  Walker  partici- 
pated in  all  of  the  battles  of  that  bloody  cam- 
paign around  Petersburg,  including  the  battle 
• for  possession  of  the  Weldon  railroad.  The 
regiment  joined  in  the  pursuit  of  Gen.  Lee, 
and  was  at  Appomattox,  being  mustered  out 
of  the  service  Julv  30,  1865.  Although  never 
wounded,  seriously,  Mr.  Walker  had  a very 
curious  experience  during  the  battle  of  Peters- 
burg-. Four  bullets  struck  the  buckle  of  his 
cartridge  belt,  in  rapid  succession,  but  he  was 
not  injured,  although  any  one  of  them  would 
have  meant  certain  death  if  he  had  not  been 
protected  by  the  buckle.  Among  his  most 
valued  possessions,  to-day,  may  be  seen  this 
self-same  buckle,  dented  and  showing  evidence 
of  hard  usage,  but  more  precious  than  if  en- 
crusted with  diamonds.  At  the  battle  of 


Hatcher's  River  Mr.  Walker  took  cold,  which 
resulted  in  rheumatism  and  catarrh,  from  which 
he  has  never  recovered. 

Mr.  Walker  married  Miss  Mary  Ann 
Thomas,  daughter  of  Thomas  Thomas,  Sr., 
of  Wingville,  one  of  Grant  county’s  old  and 
well-known  farmers,  now  deceased.  During 
his  term  of  service  in  the  army  Mr.  Walker’s 
wife  and  children  remained  on  the  farm  at 
Clifton,  where  he  rejoined  them  at  the  close 
of  the  war.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Walker  have 
been  born  ten  children — James  Mi,  who  lives 
in  Dixon  county,  Neb. ; Tanner,  who  lives  in 
Wingville  township ; Ulysses,  now  residing  on 
the  home  farm;  Norvel  and  Benjamin,  of 
Wingville ; Stella,  living  in  Liberty  township ; 
Alda,  living  in  Wingville  township;  and  Mary 
Ellen,  May  and  Llewellyn,  deceased. 

Mr.  Walker  is  a worthy  member  of  Sam 
Montieth  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  and  enjoys  the  con- 
fidence of  a wide  circle  of  friends,  by  whom 
his  many  excellent  traits  of  character  are  ap- 
preciated at  their  true  value. 

WILLIAM  M.  CURRY  and  his  wife,  who 
reside  on  Section  25,  in  the  town  of  Lament, 
are  among  the  early  settlers  of  that  part  of 
Lafayette  county,  having  been  there  since 
1S53. 

Mr.  Curry  was  born  in  Adams  county, 
Ohio,  April  3,  1823,  a son  of  Thomas  and 
Mary  (David)  Curry,  both  natives  of  Penn- 
sylvania, who  came  to  Ohio  by  way  of  New 
York,  and  in  Ohio  passed  the  remainder  of 
their  lives.  William  M.  Curry  was  the  young- 
est of  nine  children,  and  is  now  the  only  sur- 
vivor of  the  family  ; he  is  the  only  one  who  ever 
came  to  Wisconsin.  Our  subject  attained 
manhood  in  his  native  State,  under  the  pa- 
rental roof,  and  was  married  May  28,  1844, 
to  Sarah  Close,  who  was  born  in  Mifflin  county, 
Penn.,  Jan.  16,  1824.  After  their  marriage 
they  moved  to  Maysville,  Ky.,  where  they  lived 
two  years,  then  returning  to  their  old  Ohio 
home,  where  they  had  their  residence  until 
coming  to  Wisconsin,  in  1853.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Curry  made  their  home  in  the  town  of  Lament, 
on  Section  26,  where  they  lived  until,  in  March, 
1879,  ’they  moved  to  their  present  place,  the 
old  homestead  coming  into  possession  of  their 
son  Irving  G.  Curry,  who  is  now  living  there. 

The  children  of  William  M.  Curry  and  his 
wife  are  as  follows:  ( 1 ) Henry  C.,  who  was 

born  at  Maysville,  Ky.,  March  7,  1845,  is  now 


292 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


living  in  Dickin:on  county,  Iowa.  (2)  Mary, 
the  wife  of  D.  C.  Shockley,  of  the  town  of 
Lamont,  was  born  in  Ohio  June  2,  1846.  (3) 

Irving  G.  was  born  Dec.  1,  1848.  (4)  Caro- 

line, born  May  27,  1850,  is  the  wife  of  William 
S.  Armstrong,  of  O'Brien  county,  Iowa.  Ail 
were  born  in  Ohio  with  the  exception  of  the 
eldest. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Curry  are  among  the  oldest 
settlers  in  Lafayette  county,  both  in  age  and 
point  of  years  of  residence  in  the  county.  Their 
long  and  honorable  career  is  known  to  all  who 
are  at  all  conversant  with  the  affairs  of  the 
county,  and  they  command  universal  respect. 
When  they  came  into  the  county,  almost  a half 
century  ago,  the  country  was  comparatively 
new ; wild  game  abounded ; the  Indian  had 
moved  011,  but  deer,  wild  turkey,  and  many 
other  beasts  and  birds  long  strange  to  the 
prairies  and  woods  of  Wisconsin  were  still 
abundant.  Mr.  Curry  and  his  estimable  wife 
brought  little  money  with  them,  but  by  in- 
dustry and  good  management  they  have  ac- 
quired a fine  property,  and  in  the  last  years  of 
their  stay  on  earth  are  surrounded  with  the  re- 
sults of  successful  toil  and  careful  manage- 
ment. 

Mr.  Curry,  like  all  his  father’s  family,  was 
reared  according  to  the  teachings  of  the  Meth- 
odist church ; Mrs.  Curry  came  from  a fam- 
ily indoctrinated  in  the  tenets  of  the  Presby- 
terian faith,  and  since  their  marriage  both 
affiliated  with  the  followers  of  the  great  Wes- 
ley ; they  have  always  been  active  in  Christian 
work.  Mr.  Curry  has  for  vears  been  associated 
with  the  Republican  party,  but  has  come  to 
hold  more  and  more  strongly  to  the  affirma- 
tions of  the  Prohibition  movement,  and  is 
looking  upon  the  liquor  question  as  the  fore- 
most problem  in  American  politics  to-day.  Both 
he  and  his  wife  are  held  in  the  highest  esteem, 
and  their  children  are  upright  and  honorable 
people,  highly  respected  by  all  who  know  them. 

ASAHEL  P.  SMITH,  a noted  citizen  of 
the  town  of  Lamont,  Lafayette  county,  was  a 
soldier  for  the  Union  in  the  Civil  war,  and 
served  as  a member  of  Company  E,  31st  Wis. 

V.  I. 

Mr.  Smith  enlisted  in  August,  1862,  and 
his  military  career  is  an  integral  part  of  the 
history  of  his  company  and  regiment,  from 
which  he  was  absent  only  ten  days  in  a three 
years’  service,  at  which  time  he  was  in  the  hos- 


pital at  Columbus,  Ky.,  on  account  of  sickness. 
Company  E was  composed  chiefly  of  men  from 
the  four  towns  of  Darlington,  Fayette,  Argyle 
and  Wiota,  and  was  noted  as  presenting  to  the 
service  an  exceptionally  fine  lot  of  robust  and 
stalwart  men.  The  regiment  was  organized 
at  Prairie  du  Chien,  was  mustered  into  the 
service  Oct.  9,  1862,  was  ordered  to  Columbus, 
Ky. ; its  first  service  was  in  guard  and  picket 
duty.  It  was  assigned  to  the  6th  Division, 

1 6th  Army  Corps,  and  on  July  3,  1864,  in  gen- 
eral orders,  was  transferred  to  the  3d  Brigade, 
1st  Division,  20th  Army  Corps,  in  that  com- 
mand taking  a leading  part  in  the  capture  of 
Atlanta,  and  in  the  important  events  that  at- 
tended the  famous  march  across  Georgia  to 
Savannah.  The  regiment  was  in  the  battles  at 
Averysboro,  March  16,  1865,  and  at  Benton- 
ville,  N.  C.,  three  days  later,  where  it  lost 
about  sixty  men,  killed,  wounded  and  missing. 
They  were  at  Goldsboro,  N.  C.,  when  Gen.  Lee 
gave  up  and  the  war  was  ended.  The  regi- 
ment was  then  marched  to  Washington,  where 
it  was  encamped  for  a time,  was  sent  to  Louis- 
ville, Ky.,  and  there  mustered  out.  Our  sub- 
ject returned  to  Wisconsin.  The  final  dis- 
charge papers  for  the  soldiers  of  this  command 
were  issued  at  Madison,  Wis.,  July  8,  1865. 

Mr.  Smith  was  born  at  Tolland,  Conn., 
Nov.  12,  1830.  John  P.  and  Anna  (Darby) 
Smith,  his  parents,  were  also  natives  of  Con- 
necticut, and  never  left  their  native  heath. 
Asahel  P.  Smith  was  one  of  a family  of  thir- 
teen children,  and  three  of  the  sons  served  in 
the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  Asahel  P.  being  the 
eldest  of  the  gallant  trio ; the  others  were  Milo 
D.  and  Joel  L.  Smith,  who  belonged  to  the  7th 
Conn.  V.  L,  commanded  by  Col.  Alfred  Terry, 
who  rose  to  high  rank  as  a gallant  soldier  and 
dashing  commander.  Both  our  subject’s  . 
brothers  died  in  Confederate  prisons,  having 
been  taken  by  the  enemy  while  Butler  was  re- 
treating from  the  James  river,  in  1864.  One 
died  in  Charleston,  S.  C.,  and  the  other  at 
Florence. 

In  1854  Mr.  Smith  came  from  his  Con- 
necticut home  and  settled  in  the  town  of  La- 
mont, which  was  then  a part  of  the  town  of 
Fayette.  In  i860  he  was  married  to  Miss 
Jane  Tresner,  a daughter  of  William  and 
Sarah  (Warner)  Tresner.  They  were  at  one 
time  Illinois  people,  but  came  into  Lafayette 
county  from  Indiana,  and  settled  in  the  town 
of  Willow  Springs.  Peter  Tresner,  a brother 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


293 


of  Mrs.  Smith,  served  in  the  war  with  Mr. 
Smith,  and  died  in  1867.  Mrs.  Smith  was 
born  in  1834,  and  is  still  hale  and  hearty. 
They  have  two  sons,  Milo  and  Luman,  and 
one  daughter,  Hettie  L. 

Mr.  Smith  has  lived  on  his  present  farm 
since  i860.  It  is  one  of  the  better  farms  of 
the  county,  and  has  on  it  a comfortable  and 
inviting  residence  and  ample  farm  buildings  of 
every  kind.  Mr.  Smith  is  a Republican  in 
politics,  and  cast  his  first  vote  for  President 
for  the  first  Republican  candidate,  John  C. 
Fremont. 

STANLEY  H.  JOINER.  This  influential 
farmer  of  La  Prairie  township,  Rock  county, 
justice  of  the  peace,  and  town  clerk,  is  one 
of  the-  oldest  settlers  of  the  county,  and  is 
justly  regarded  as  one  whose  mind  and  heart 
are  in  sympathy  with  his  fellow  men,  and 
whose  counsel  it  is  always  safe  to  follow.  If 
one  were  to  inquire  into  the  causes  which  give 
men  personalities  of  especial  usefulness,  account 
would  have  to  be  taken,  in  this  instance,  of 
Mr.  Joiner's  ancestry.  Both  his  grandfathers 
were  soldiers  of  the  war  of  1812.  His  ma- 
ternal great-grandfather,  Lieut.  Abraham 
Locke,  was  an  officer  in  the  Revolutionary  war. 
The  achievements  of  the  family  have  made  it 
possible  to  trace  the  lineage  back  to  a remote 
period  in  history. 

1 he  Locke  family  is  known  in  this  country 
back  to  William  Locke,  a mariner  of  the  Coun- 
ty of  Suffolk,  Stepney  Parish,  one  of  the  larg- 
est subdivisions  of  London,  England.  The 
earliest  representative  in  America  was  Deacon 
William,  who  was  born  in  December,  1628,  and 
in  1634,  when  an  orphan  boy  of  six  years, 
was  brought  to  America  in  the  ship  “Planter,” 
settling  in  Woburn,  Mass.  Stanley  H.  Joiner, 
our  subject,  has  the  coat  of  arms  of  the  Locke 
family,  which  was  probably  granted  to  Sir 
William  Locke  for  his  exploit  at  Dunkerque, 
France,  in  tearing  down  the  Pope's  bull  of  ex- 
communication  against  the  King,  a deed  then 
hazardous  as  the  storming  of  a castle,  on  ac- 
count of  the  temporal  power  of  the  Pope  and 
the  loyalty  of  the  masses  to  him.  It  is  believed 
that  Sir  William  Locke  was  the  son  of  John 
Locke,  who  was  sheriff  of  London  in  1461. 
If  so,  the  ancestry  can  be  traced  to  Thomas 
Locke,  of  Merton  Abbey,  1291. 

The  immediate  paternal  ancestors  of  our 
subject  were  Harvey  R.  Joiner,  his  father; 


and  Erastus  Joiner,  his  grandfather,  a farmer 
of  New  York  State,  who  reared  a large  family, 
and  lived  to  a good  old  age.  The  immediate 
maternal  ancestry  is  traced  as  follows:  (I) 
Daniel  Locke,  a weaver,  and  Abigail,  his  wife; 
(II)  Dr.  Daniel  and  Mary  Locke;  (III)  Lieut. 
Abraham  and  Hannah  Locke,  our  subject’s 
great-grandparents,  Vermont  farming  people; 
(IV)  Daniel  Locke,  his  grandfather,  a native 
of  Vermont,  and  a farmer  of  New  York  State, 
who  had  a large  family,  and  lived  to  a ripe  old 
age;  and  (V)  Mary  (Locke)  Joiner,  our  sub- 
ject’s mother. 

Harvey  R.  Joiner,  our  subject’s  father, 
was  born  Jan.  25,  1815,  in  New  York  State, 
there  married  Mary  Locke,  and  in  1855  came 
to  Wisconsin,  locating  in  Bradford  township, 
Rock  count)’,  and  ten  years  later  moving  to 
La  Prairie  township,  where  he  bought  a farm 
of  106  acres  in  Section  1.  This  he  improved 
and  operated  until  1891,  in  which  year  he 
moved  to  Rockwell,  Iowa.  Six  years  later  he 
became  a resident  of  Lake  City,  Minn.,  where 
he  died  Jan.  15,  1899,  aged  nearly  eighty-four 
years.  His  wife  died  in  1880,  at  the  age  of 
sixty-one  years.  Both  were  devout  members 
of  the  M.  E.  Church.  Of  their  four  children 
two  are  now  living : Stanley  H. ; and  Adin  E., 
of  Lake  City,  Minnesota. 

Stanley  H.  Joiner  was  born  Dec.  30,  1838, 
in  Essex  county,  N.  Y.,  and  there  remained 
until  seventeen  years  old,  attending  the  com- 
mon schools  and  the  academy.  In  1855  he 
came  with  his  parents  to  Rock  county,  and  from 
that  time  has  been  identified  with  the  develop- 
ment and  growth  of  Wisconsin.  He  taught 
one  term  of  school  after  coming  to  Wisconsin. 
He  lived  with  his  parents  on  the  farm  in  Brad- 
ford township  for  a number  of  years,  and  in 
1861  purchased  forty  acres  which  he  farmed 
until  1863,  in  which  year  he  bought  his  pres- 
ent home  place  of  eighty  acres  in  La  Prairie 
township,  which  he  has  brought  to  a high  state 
of  cultivation,  and  where  he  has  lived  ever 
since. 

Mr.  Joiner  married  March  12,  1861,  in 
Bradford  township,  Miss  Elizabeth  C.  Vanden- 
burg,  daughter  of  William  G.  and  Mary  Ann 
(Leavenworth)  Vandenburg,  and  granddaugh- 
ter of  Gilbert  Vandenburg,  whose  parents  came 
to  America  from  Holland.  On  her  mother’s 
side  Mrs.  Joiner  traces  her  ancestry  back  to 
Thomas  Leavenworth,  who  emigrated  from 
England  to  New  Haven,  Conn.,  about  1624. 


294 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


William  G.  and  Mary  Ann  Vandenburg  mi- 
grated to  Rock  county,  Wis.,  in  1845,  locating 
in  the  town  of  Bradford,  where  he  died  March 
24,  1893,  his  wife  surviving  him  only  four 
days.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Vandenburg  were 
born  ten  children,  four  sons  and  six  daughters, 
of  whom  four  are  now  living:  Elizabeth  C., 

wife  of  our  subject;  Rebecca  Ann,  wife  of 
George  Hanthorn,  of  Rock  county;  Adeliza 
V.,  wife  of  James  A.  Kipp,  of  Badger,  S. 
Dak. ; and  David  L.,  of  Clear  Lake,  Iowa. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Joiner  have  one  daughter,  Es- 
telle M.,  who  married  Lewis  McDaniels,  and 
has  two  children.  Dee  Jay  and  Ella  May. 

Politically  Mr.  Joiner  is  a Prohibitionist. 
He  is  a prominent  agriculturist,  and  an  active 
member  of  the  Patrons  of  Husbandry,  Grange 
No.  79.  Pie  is  town  clerk,  an  office  which 
with  the  exception  of  three  years  he  has  filled 
continuously  since  1884,-  and  since  that  year 
he  has  also  served  most  of  the  time  as  justice 
of  the  peace.  Mr.  Joiner  is  secretary  of  the 
La  Prairie  Creamery  Go.,  and  in  business,  so- 
cial and  public  affairs  is.  recognized  as  one  of 
the  foremost  citizens  of  Ids  township. 

JOHN  OETTIKER.  Among  the  old 
residents  of  Lafayette,  county  the  name  of  Oet- 
tiker  was  prominent  fifty  years  ago,  and  the 
descendants  of  those  estimable  pioneers  are 
among  the  best  citizens  of  to-day.  Our  sub- 
ject, as  his  name  signifies,  is  of  Swiss  parent- 
age. his  parents,  Jacob  and  Mary  (Brighten- 
stein)  Oettiker,  both  having  been  born  at 
Mannedorf.  Switzerland,  in  1801  and  1821, 
respectively.  Both  came  to  America  when 
young. 

Jacob  Oettiker  was  a tailor  by  trade.  Pie 
located  in  Pittsburg,  Penn.,  where  from  1832 
to  1847  lie  worked  diligently,  applying  himself 
at  night  with  books  in  order  to  educate  him- 
self in  the  language  of  his  adopted  country. 
In  1839  he  married  Mary  Brightenstein,  and 
before  leaving  Pittsburg  two  children,  Henry 
and  John  (our  subject),  were  born  to  them. 
Henry  is  now  one  of  the  leading  men  in  the 
hardware  line  in  Platteville ; James,  another 
son.  born  later,  is  a leading  physician  of  Platte- 
ville; Jacob  is  a stock  farmer  well  known 
through  this  whole  locality.  In  1847  Mr. 
Oettiker  started  with  his  .small  family  for  Wis- 
consin, making  , the  trip  by  boat  down  the 
Ohio  river,  but  on  account  of  the  ice  in  the 
Mississippi  river  they  were  obliged  to  winter 


at  Hannibal,  Mo.  In  the  spring  they  resumed 
their  journey,  and  finally  located  near  the  old 
State  capital,  near  old  Belmont,  now  known  as 
Leslie,  at  which  place  Mr.  Oettiker  entered 
160  acres  of  land,  entirely  unimproved,  later 
adding  more  by  purchase  until  he  possessed 
several  hundred  acres.  There  the  two  younger 
sons  were  born,  the  familv  home  being  there 
until  1893,  when  Mr.  Oettiker  moved  to  Platte- 
ville. Much  of  the  superintendence  of  the 
farm  was  left  to  the  very  capable  manage- 
ment of  his  wife,  Mr.  Oettiker  working  at 
his  trade  until  1889,  in  which  year  they  cele- 
brated their  Golden  Wedding.  The  death  of 
Mr.  Oettiker  took  place  in  1900,  when  he  was 
almost  a centenarian.  Throughout  life  he  had 
been  a man  of  remarkable  vigor  of  both  mind 
and  body,  and  took  a deep  and  intelligent  in- 
terest in  the  leading  issues  of  the  day,  the 
game  of  politics  having  for  him  a peculiar 
fascination.  His  friends  were  numerous,  and 
held  him  in  high  respect.  His  aged  widow  is 
still  living  in  Platteville. 

Our  subject  was  born  at  Pittsburg,  Penn., 
Jan.  1,  1844,  and  received  a district-school  edu- 
cation. When  the  Civil  war  was  declared  he 
entered  the  44th  Wis.  V.  L,  and  gallantly  served 
through  the  war.  In  1867  he  was  married  to 
Catherine  Bartle,  of  Grant  county,  Wis.,  a 
daughter  of  Zecldick  and  Nancy  (Armstrong) 
Bartle,  both  of  whom  were  born  in  Ohio, 
where  Mrs.  Oettiker  was  born  in  1848.  Her 
parents  moved  to  Ellenboro,  Grant  county, 
where  her  father  died  soon  afterward.  One 
of  her  brothers  lives  in  Platteville,  two  in  Da- 
kota, and  a sister  in  Wisconsin. 

After  marriage  our  subject  settled  on 
eighty  acres  of  land  near  Leslie,  on  the  North- 
western railroad,  where  he  has  erected  excellent 
buildings,  all  modern  in  structure  and  finish, 
and  in  1883  he  built  his  present  comfortable 
and  attractive  home.  The  surroundings  pro- 
claim the  fact  that  he  is  a careful  farmer,  his 
buildings,  stock,  improvements  and  farm  all 
bearing  that  stamp.  Among  his  neighbors  he 
is  regarded  as  one  of  the  most  substantial  of 
the  stock  raisers  of  the  township,  and  his  farm, 
now  consisting  of  280  acres,  is  one  of  the  best 
cultivated.  Mr.  Oettiker  also  became  the  owner 
of  the  old  homestead,  but  has  disposed  of  it. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Oettiker  have  been  born 
five  children:  Elmer,  born  in  1870,  married 

Mary  Gormer,  of  Grant  county,  and  resides  on 
the  old  homestead ; they  have  one  daughter, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


29S 


Margie.  Luella,  born  in  1872,  married  Will- 
iam Nodolf,  and  resides  on  his  farm  in  Bel- 
mont. Bert  was  born  in  1880.  Lessie  was 
born  in  1884.  Ethel,  born  in  1889,  is  de- 
ceased. 

For  some  years  our  subject  has  been  a 
member  of  the  town  board,  and  he  is  the  most 
progressive  member  on  the  board  of  school  di- 
rectors. His  politics  are  Democratic,  and  he 
has  held  local  offices  in  the  gift  of  his  party 
for  a number  of  years.  Although  not  con- 
nected by  membership  with  any  denomination, 
his  influence  has  ever  been  in  favor  of  religion, 
and  the  family  are  church  attendants.  They 
are  noted  in  Belmont  as  enterprising  and  ener- 
getic, and  no  better  citizens  can  be  found  in 
Lafayette  county  than  the  Oettiker  brothers,  as 
they  are  familiarly  known. 

ROBERT  POLLOCK,  who  may  be  found 
at  No.  265  South  Bluff  street,  Janesville,  Rock 
county,  has  but  recently  retired  from  active 
farm  life,  and  is  just  entering  upon  a period  of 
well-deserved  leisure.  He  has  been  an  indus- 
trious farmer  all  his  life,  and  has  lived  in  Rock 
county  since  he  was  fourteen  years  of  age.  He 
is  to  be  congratulated  that,  while  he  is  still 
hale  and  hearty,  he  can  pause  from  the  grind 
of  life  and  take  his  ease  as  long  as  he  shall 
tarry  here  below. 

Mr.  Pollock  was  born  in  Ayrshire,  Scot- 
land, Aug.  21,  1838,  and  comes  of  a long  line 
of  wise  and  “canny”  Scotchmen.  His  parents, 
Robert  and  Lillies  (Hodge)  Pollock,  who  were 
natives  of  Ayrshire,  had  a family  of  four  chil- 
dren, two  of  whom  are  now  living.  The  fa- 
ther, a farmer,  came  to  the  United  States  in 
1852,  locating  in  Rock  township,  Rock  Co., 
W is.,  where  he  bought  a farm  of  eighty-eight 
acres,  and  died  there  the  following  year,  aged 
seventy-one.  His  widow  survived  many  years, 
and  died  in  1883,  aged  seventy-one.  They 
wer e Presbyterians.  He  was  a member  of  the 
home  guards  in  Scotland,  but  saw  no  active 
service  as  a soldier.  His  father,  Robert  Pol- 
lock, was  a farmer,  and  lived  and  died  in  Scot- 
land ; he  had  a large  family.  His  father-in-law, 
John  Hodge,  who  was  born  and  reared  in 
Scotland,  died  in  that  country  when  nearly 
eighty  years  of  age.  He,  too,  had  a large 
family.  His  occupation  was  that  of  a farmer. 

Robert  Pollock,  the  subject  of  this  article, 
was  fourteen  years  old  when  his  parents  came 
to  Rock  county,  and  here  he  has  continued  to 


live.  He  was  fairly  well  educated  in  Scotland 
before  emigrating  to  this  country,  and  after 
his  father’s  death  felt  quite  competent  to  under- 
take the  work  of  the  home  farm,  which  he  car- 
ried on  for  some  eight  years.  The  farm  was 
then  divided  among  the  children,  and  young 
Robert  bought  more  land  in  the  town  of  La 
Prairie,  beginning  with  an  eighty-acre  farm 
and  increasing  his  real  estate  until  at  one  time 
he  was  the  owner  of  400  acres.  He  now  owns 
a half  section  of  land,  which  is  'regarded  equal 
to  any  in  the  State  for  agricultural  purposes, 
as  well  as  for  beautiful  location  and  appearance. 
In  1893  he  moved  into  Janesville,  and  spent 
four  years  in  the  city,  but  he  did  not  feel  quite 
ready  to  cease  farming,  and  accordingly  went 
back  to  his  country  home.  In  April,  1900,  he 
rented  his  farm  and  resumed  his  residence  in 
Janesville,  where  lie  had  bought  a fine  and 
commodious  home  in  1892.  Mr.  Pollock  has 
always  been  a general  farmer  and  stock  raiser, 
and  during  the  last  few  years  of  his  stay  on 
the  farm  gave  much  attention  to  horses,  par- 
ticularly draught  stock,  Clydesdales  and  Perch- 
erons.  He  imported  some  fine  stock  in  1889. 

Mr.  Pollock  was  married  to  Miss  Mary 
Elizabeth  Gower,  a daughter  of  Daniel  and 
Elizabeth  (Young)  Gower,  June  3,  1859. 
They  became  the  parents  of  nine  children,  Lilly, 
Rose  E.,  Leuie,  Albert,  Agnes,  Nora,  Myrtie, 
William  and  Jennie.  Agnes  and  Myrtie  are 
the  only  ones  now  living.  Lilly  died  when  a 
child  of  three  years.  Rose  E.  married  Oliver 
Grant,  had  one  child,  and  is  now  deceased. 
Leuie  died  when  thirty-two  years  old,  unmar- 
ried. Albert  died  when  an  infant  of  one  year. 
Agnes  married  W.  B.  Hodge,  and  lives  on  the 
home  farm  in  La  Prairie  township ; they  have 
three  children,  Robert  A.,  Mary  and  Bethel. 
Nora  married  John  H.  Wright,  and  had  one 
daughter,  Mildred  Blanche.  Myrtie  married 
John  H.Hugunin,  and  lives  in  La  Prairie  town- 
ship ; they  have  two  children,  Carrie  May  and 
Gladys  Irene.  William  and  Jennie  died  in  in- 
fancy. Mr.  Pollock  is  a Republican,  has  been 
supervisor  a number  of  terms,  and  chairman  of 
the  town  board  one  term. 

Mrs.  Mary  Elizabeth  Pollock,  our  subject's 
first  wife,  died  in  1886,  at  the  age  of  forty-two, 
and  on  Jan.  9,  1891,  he  married  Mrs.  Elizabeth 
Gower,  the  widow  of  D.  E.  Gower,  and  daugh- 
ter of  T.  L.  and  Mary  (Comstock)  Hollister. 
No  children  have  been  born  to  this  union.  Mrs. 
Pollock  had  three  sons  by  her  former  mar- 


296 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


riage,  Bert  L.,  Forest  E.,  and  George  Wesley. 
Bert  L.  married  Mary  Cox,  and  has  one  child, 
Evelyn.  Forest  E.  married  Julia  Marble,  who 
bore  him  one  child,  and  is  now  deceased. 
George  Wesley  is  a farmer,  and  unmarried. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pollock  are  members  of  the  Bap- 
tist Church. 

WILLIAM  ASA  MAYHEW,  postmaster 
at  Clinton,  Rock  county,  and  one  of  the  suc- 
cessful business  men  of  that  town,  has  had  a 
residence  in  Wisconsin  covering  a period  of 
nearly  a third  of  a century.  It  began  soon  after 
the  close  of  his  honorable  career  in  the  army. 
His  education,  interrupted  by  his  enlistment 
as  a soldier  in  the  Civil  war,  was  completed 
the  following  year,  and  prepared  him  for  his 
successful  business  life. 

Mr.  Mayhew  was  born  on  Point  Peninsula, 
Jefferson  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  23,  1844,  son  of 
St.  Valier  and  Calista  M.  (Wheelock)  May- 
hew, natives,  respectively,  of  Vermont  and 
New  York,  and  grandson  of  William  Mayhew, 
who  was  born  on  the  Island  of  Martha's 
Vineyard,  of  French  descent.  He  was  a man 
of  high  educational  attainments,  followed 
farming  as  a vocation,  and  also  engaged  in 
surveying.  He  lived  past  his  ninetieth  birth- 
day, and  died  at  Terre  Haute,  Inch,  at  the 
residence  of  his  eldest  son.  His‘  family  con- 
sisted of  eight  children,  four  sons  and  four 
daughters.  The  maternal  grandfather  of  our 
subject,  Asa  Wheelock,  was  a native  of  New 
York  State,  of  Scottish  and  Welsh  extraction. 
He  was  a sea-faring  man  in  early  life,  and 
later  served  in  the  war  of  1812.  He  settled 
down  to  farming,  and  migrated  from  New 
York  to  Jo  Daviess  county,  111.,  becoming  a 
pioneer,  and  living  there  to  a good  old  age. 
He  left  a large  family. 

St.  Valier  Mayhew,  the  father  of  our  sub- 
ject. was  a farmer  of  Jefferson  county,  N. 
Y.,  and  during  the  Civil  war  was  an  earnest 
supporter  of  the  Union  cause.  One  of  his 
most  pleasant  recollections  was  the  purchase 
of  one  of  the  series  of  ten  government  bonds 
which  during  the  dark  days  of  the  Rebellion, 
when  the  government  credit  was  low,  had  been 
sent  to  Watertown,  N.  Y.,  for  sale.  In  1868 
he  moved  to  a farm  of  130  acres  which  he 
had  purchased  in  Clinton  township.  Rock  Co., 
AVis.,  two  and  a half  miles  east  of  the  village 
of  Clinton.  Two  years  later  he  sold  this  prop- 
erty to  his  son,  our  subject,  and  returned  to 


his  old  home  in  Jefferson  county,  N.  Y.,  where 
he  died  in  1882,  aged  seventy-five  years.  His 
wife  survived  until  Feb.  22,  1894,  passing 

away  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-five  years. 
Both  were  devout  members  of  the  Methodist 
Church.  Of  their  six  children,  four  sons  and 
two  daughters,  two  are  now  living:  Albert  V., 
of  Watertown,  N.  Y. ; and  William  A.,  our 
subject.  The  father  was  an  earnest  man,  of 
deep  religious  and  political  convictions,  high- 
ly respected  by  his1  many  friends  and  neighbors, 
who  occasionally  elected  him  to  some  local 
township  office. 

William/  A.  Mayhew,  our  subject,  was 
reared  on  the  old  homestead  in  New  York, 
and  attended  the  neighboring  schools.  In 
1862,  before  he  had  reached  his  eighteenth 
birthday,  he  enlisted  in  Company  M,  10th  N. 
Y.  V.  Artillery,  serving  until  mustered  out, 
July  7,  1865,  a little  over  three  years.  Mr. 
Mayhew  participated  in  the  battles  of  Cold 
Harbor,  Whitehouse  Landing,  the  first  attack 
upon  Petersburg,  and  Burnside’s  “blow-up.” 
He  was1  with  Sheridan  at  Cedar  Creek,  and 
was  in  the  charge  on  the  Howlett  House  bat- 
tery before  Richmond,  just  before  the  battie 
of  Appomattox,  besides  engaging  in  numerous 
skirmishes.  After  his  return  from  the  army 
he  entered  Belleville  Union  Academy,  in  Jeffer- 
son county,  N.  Y.,  and  was  graduated  in  the 
class  of  1867,  one  of  his  classmates  being  A. 
D.  Shaw,  who  from  1899-1900  was  Com- 
mander-in-Chief  of  the  G.  A.  R. 

In  1868  Mr.  Mayhew  came  to  Wisconsin 
with  his  father,  and  for  eight  years  engaged 
in  farming  during  the  summer,  and  in  teach- 
ing school  during  the  winter  months.  In  1890 
Mr.  Mayhew  embarked  in  the  drug  business 
in  the  village  of  Clinton,  in  the  room  now 
occupied  by  the  postoffice,  and  continued  to 
conduct  the  drug  store  successfully  until  his 
appointment,  Feb.  23,  1898,  as  postmaster  at 
Clinton.  He  entered  upon  the  duties  of  the 
office  April  1,  1898. 

Mr.  Mayhew  married,  Oct.  19,  1870,  Miss 
Rissa  VI.  Mayhew,  a native  of  Jefferson  coun- 
ty. N.  Y.,  daughter  of  Thompson  and  Cor- 
nelia (Flardy)  Mayhew,  farming  people  of 
that  county.  Two  of  her  brothers.  Theodore 
D.  and  Edwin  V.,  served  in  the  war  of  the 
Rebellion,  Edwin  V.  as  first  lieutenant  of  Com- 
pany G,  94th  N.  Y.  V.  I.  To  William  A.  and 
Rissa  M.  Mayhew  has  come  one  son,  William 
A.,  Jr.,  born  Jan.  16,  1883. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


297 


Politically  Mr.  Mayhew  is  a Republican. 
Pie  has  served  six  years  on  the  county  board 
of  supervisors,  and  has  frequently  represented 
Clinton  in  the  county  and  State  conventions. 
In  1885  he  was  appointed  committee-room  at- 
tendant in  the  State  Legislature.  Fraternally 
he  is  a prominent  Mason,  a member  of  Morn- 
ing Star  Lodge,  of  Beloit,  F.  & A.  M.,  Beloit 
Chapter,  No.  6,  R.  A.  M.,  and  Beloit  Com- 
mandery,  No.  9,  K.  T.  He  is  also  a member 
of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  Knights  of  the  Globe,  Mod- 
ern Woodmen,  Home  Forum,  Mystic  Workers 
of  the  World,  and  Alexis  Tallman  Post,  No.  70, 
G.  A.  R.  Mr.  Mayhew  read  commercial  law 
in  Belleville,  and  has  practiced  in  the  justice 
courts'  of  Clinton,  is  a notary  public,  and  does 
conveyancing.  He  is  a progressive,  active, 
influential  citizen  of  Clinton,  and  popular 
among  an  acquaintanceship  which  extends 
throughout  Rock  county. 

CHARLES  E.  STEHL  was  born  in  Prus- 
sia, Germany,  March  29,  1833,  and  is  a son  of 
John  and  Otallie  (Wachsmith)  Stehl,  who 
spent  their  entire  lives  in  that  country.  He 
was  given  a good  education  in  the  German 
schools,  and  in  1853  came  to  New  York  on  the 
sailing-vessel  “Oregon,”  the  same  year  going 
to  Philadelphia  to  work  at  the  trade  of  a shoe- 
maker. This  calling  he  followed  until  1865, 
when  he  came  West.  Mr.  Stehl  and  Miss  Car- 
oline P.  Myers  were  married  in  1857.  Mrs. 
Stehl  is  the  daughter  of  Jacob  Myers,  a native 
of  Germany,  where  she  was  born  in  1833,  com- 
ing in  1848  with  her  parents  to  Philadelphia, 
where  her  father  died  in  1855.  The  mother 
came  West,  and  died  in  1892  in  Grant  county. 

When  the  Civil  war  broke  out  Mr.  Stehl 
responded  to  the  first  call  for  volunteers,  and 
enlisted  in  the  27th  Penn.  V.  I.  He  took  part 
in  the  second  battle  of  Bull  Run,  at  that  time 
serving  in  the  Army  of  the  Shenandoah.  Mr. 
Stehl  participated  in  a number  of  battles  in 
the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  under  Gen.  Pope. 
He  served  under  Gens.  Burnside  and  Hooker, 
and  was  in  the  battles  of  Antietam  and  Gettys- 
burg and  a number  of  others  less  important. 
Mr.  Stehl  re-enlisted  at  the  expiration  of  his 
first- term,  becoming  a member  of  the  12th 
Penn.  Volunteer  Cavalry.  Under  Gen.  Crooks 
they  fought  the  Rebel  army  of  Early,  and  on 
July  4,  1864,  they  were  driven  out  of  Harper’s 
Ferry.  This  corps  was  then  attached  to  the 
army  of  Gen.  Sheridan,  and  served  under  that 


distinguished  cavalryman  until  the  close  of  the 
war.  Mr.  Stehl  was  at  the  battle  of  Winches- 
ter, and  at  Cedar  Creek  fought  Mosby’s  guer- 
rillas during  the  closing  months  of  the  war, 
and  came  home  with  the  consciousness  of  hav- 
ing done  his  duty.  A brave  and  efficient 
soldier,  he  was  promoted  from  the  ranks  to 
official  standing  before  the  close  of  the  war. 

Mr.  Stehl  returned  to  Philadelphia  when 
the  war  was  ended.  In  the  summer  of  1865 
he  came  West,  locating  in  Arthur,  in  the  town 
of  Lima,  Grant  county,  where  he  worked  at 
his  trade  until  1893.  After  coming  to  the  vil- 
lage he  purchased  the  home  which  he  owns  at 
the  present  time,  and  he  has  other  real-estate 
holdings.  The  career  of  Mr.  Stehl  is  an  hon- 
orable one.  Landing  in  New  York,  he  had 
only  fifty  cents  with  which  to  begin  business  in 
a strange  land.  From  that  humble  beginning 
he  has  become  one  of  the  prosperous  and  well- 
to-do  men  of  Grant  county.  Mr.  Stehl  was 
elected  justice  of  the  peace  in  1875.  serving 
continuously  until  1898,  was  assessor  for  ten 
years,  and  in  1890  was  census  enumerator  in 
his  district.  In  1898  he  received  the  appoint- 
ment of  notary  public.  He  is  oil  inspector  for 
the  State  in  his  district. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stehl  are  the  parents  of  six 
children,  of  whom  four  are  living  at  the  pres- 
ent time:  (1)  Caroline  and  (2)  Frank  were 

both  born  in  Philadelphia,  and  died  in  Wiscon- 
sin while  children.  (3)  Louisa,  born  in  Phila- 
delphia in  1858,  was  a student  at  the  State 
Nomal  at  Platteville,  and  taught  for  several 
years  in  Grant  county.  She  married  W.  E. 
Brown,  of  Lyon  county,  Iowa,  and  is  the 
mother  of  eight  children,  Frank,  Charles,  Ora, 
Katie,  Minnie  and  Winny  (twins),  George  and 
Luejla.  (4)  Charles  E.,  Jr.,  born  in  Phila- 
delphia in  i860,  is  now  an  engineer  in  one  of 
the  mills  in  San  Francisco,  Cal.  (5)  Katie, 
born  in  Grant  county  in  1866,  married  John 
Scott,  a resident  of  Des  Moines,  I-owa,  and 
they  have  two  children,  Stella  and  Inez.  (6) 
Minnie,  born  in  Grant  county  in  1868,  is  the 
wife  of  Thomas  Harsha.  They  reside  in  the 
city  of  Nora  Springs,  Iowa,  and  have  two  chil- 
dren, Harry  and  Elton. 

In  politics  Mr.  Stehl  is  a Republican,  has 
been  prominent  in  the  affairs  of  the  town,  and 
has  been  a delegate  to  the  county  convention 
for  twenty-four  consecutive  years.  As  might 
be  expected,  he  belongs  to  W.  T.  Sherman 
Post,  G.  A.  R.,  at  Platteville,  and  for  forty-six 


298 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


years  has  been  a member  of  the  I.  O.  0.  F.,  of 
the  local  lodge  of  which  order,  instituted  Jan. 
5,  1874,  in  the  town  of  Arthur,  he  is  a charter 
member.  Mr.  Stehl  was  reared  a Lutheran, 
but  attends  the  Methodist  Church  in  company 
with  his  wife.  Mr.  Stehl  left  two  sisters  in 
the  old  country,  Dora  and  Mary,  and  is  now 
the  only  living  member  of  his  family. 

JOSEPH  R.  BIRD,  for  many  years  en- 
gaged in  farming  in  New  Diggings  township, 
Lafayette  county,  is  a native  of  Canada,  born 
at  St.  Andrews,  on  the  Ottawa  river,  in  Aug- 
ust, 1832. 

Robert  and  Anna  Bird,  his  parents,  were 
both  born  in  Cumberland,  England,  where  they 
were  married.  They  removed  to  Canada,  and 
engaged  in  farming.  Mrs.  Bird  died  when 
Joseph  R.  was  about  six  years  old,  and  the 
family  then  moved  into  Hamilton,  in  Upper 
Canada,  where  the  children  grew  to  maturity, 
nine  out  of  ten  reaching  mature  years : Sam- 

uel, Thomas,  William,  Joseph  R.,  Margaret 
(deceased  wife  of  Thomas  Jacques,  of  Can- 
ada), Elizabeth  (deceased  wife  of  Thomas 
Buchan,  of  Canada),  Esther  (deceased  wife  of 
Malcolm  MacIntyre,  of  California),  Mary  (de- 
ceased wife  of  James  Buchan,  of  Canada), 
Annie  (deceased  wife  of  John  Vandyke,  of 
Canada),  and  Sarah  (wife  of  John  Benner, 
who  resides  at  Niagara  Falls,  on  the  Canadian 
side).  Of  these,  Samuel  and  Thomas  were 
born  in  England,  the  others  in  the  New  World. 

Joseph  R.  Bird  was  trained  to  farm  work  in 
Canada,  and  attended  the  district  schools  near 
his  home  there.  In  1852  he  came  to  the  United 
States,  being  the  only  member  of  his  family 
to  leave  Canada,  and  settled  in  New  Diggings 
township,  Lafayette  Co.,  Wis.,  engaging  in 
mining,  which  he  continued  for  a number  of 
years.  After  his  marriage,  in  i860,  he  settled 
on  a part  of  his  father-in-law’s  farm,  and  de- 
voted himself  to  farming.  In  1869  he  erected 
his  present  home,  and  later  two  large  barns, 
and  now  has  one  of  the  most  highly  improved 
places  in  the  township,  all  due  to  his  thrift  and 
industry. 

In  i860  Mr.  Bird  married  Miss  Mary  Rob- 
inson, daughter  of  Thomas  and  Annie  (Lee) 
Robinson,  born  in  England  in  April,  1838,  and 
by  this  union  has  become  the  father  of  a large 
family  of  children,  of  whom  two  died  in  in- 
fancy : Thomas  died  in  early  manhood ; 

Grant,  born  in  May,  1864,  died  in  1897; 


Esther,  born  in  1866,  married  John  Thorn- 
dyke,  and  has  three  children,  Ray,  Birdie  and 
Mary;  William,  born  in  August,  1870,  a 
farmer  on  his  father’s  homestead,  married  Miss 
Maggie  White,  and  is  a prominent  worker  in 
the  Iv.  of  P.  lodge  at  Benton ; Annie  L.  was 
born  in  September,  1872  ; Joseph,  in  November, 
1875;  Ella  G.,  in  1877;  and  Stella  F.,  in  1880; 
the  last  named  is  now  a student  in  Warren 
Academy,  at  Warren,  111.  The  family  are  all 
members  of  the  Primitive  Methodist  Church, 
of  which  Mr.  Bird  was  one  of  the  founders  in 
this  community.  In  politics  he  has  always 
been  identified  with  the  Republican  party,  and 
has  held  a number  of  local  offices,  having  been 
a member  of  the  town  and  school  boards.  He 
has  proven  himself  a good  citizen,  a capable 
officer,  and  a kind  and  loving  husband  and 
father. 

Thomas  and  Annie  (Lee)  Robinson,  par- 
ents of  Mrs.  Bird,  were  both  born  in  the  county 
of  Cumberland,  England,  and  coming  to  Wis- 
consin as  early  as  1844,  settled  in  the  village 
of  New  Diggings,  where  they  lived  some  years, 
moving  thence  to  a farm  in  that  township, 
where  they  passed  the  rest  of  their  lives.  Mr. 
Robinson  was  a blacksmith  by  trade,  and  dur- 
ing his  residence  in  the  village  followed 
same  as  a means  of  livelihood.  His  death  oc- 
curred in  August,  1888,  and  that  of  his  wife  on 
May  6,  1889.  They  were  the  parents  of  four 
children  who  lived  to  maturity : Ruth,  who 

married  Christopher  Allen,  of  New  Diggings; 
Isaac,  who  married  Eliza  Graham,  and  moved 
to  Hampton,  Iowa,  where  he  died  Oct.  29, 
1886,  leaving  his  wife  with  eight  children, 
Luella,  Thomas,  George,  William,  Estella, 
Alice,  Ruth  and  Isaac ; Matthew,  of  South 
Dakota,  who  married  Lizzie  Robson,  and  has 
four  children,  Thomas,  Willie,  Etta,  and  El- 
mer; and  Mary,  who  became  Mrs.  Bird,  and 
is  one  of  the  most  genial  of  companions,  always 
ready  in  her  womanly  way  to  shed  sunshine 
wherever  she  goes. 

HENRY  BAKER,  a retired  pioneer  farmer 
residing  in  Lancaster,  Grant  county,  but  who 
settled  in  Iowa  county  in  1842,  is  a native  of 
Cornwall,  England,  born  in  1821,  a son  of 
Digory  and  Thomasin  (Uglow)  Baker,  who 
were  the  parents  of  a numerous  family  of  chil- 
dren. 

In  1832  -two  members  of  the  above  named 
family,  Thomas  and  Edmund,  came  to  the 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


299 


United  States,  settling  in  Wayne  county,  Penn. 
In  1836  Thomas  returned  to  England,  coming- 
back  to  America  in  1837  with  a wife  and  two 
of  his  brothers,  John  U.  and  Francis.  I11  1838 
Edmund  and  John  came  West  on  a prospecting- 
tour,  or  in  search  of  cheap  land,  and  traveled 
over  a large  extent  of  territory  with  a team 
and  wagon,  visiting,  en  route,  several  English 
families  of  their  acquaintance.  They  passed 
the  winter  with  the  well-known  pioneer,  Moses 
Meeker,  on  the  Blue  river,  in  Iowa  county,. 
Wis.,  worked  for  him  one  season,  and,  being- 
pleased  with  the  country,  purchased  320  acres 
of  land  in  the  township  of  Linden,  Iowa 
county. 

In  1842,  a year  after  the  death  of  the 
mother  of  the  family  in  England,  the  father, 
with  his  son  Henry  and  two  daughters,  Eliza- 
beth and  Joanna,  came  to  America,  and  at  once 
proceeded  to  Honesdale,  Penn.,  where  Thomas 
and  Francis  were  still  domiciled,  arriving  in 
the  month  of  June.  In  October  the  entire 
family  set  out  for  Iowa  county,  Wis.,  with  the 
exception  of  Francis,  who  remained  behind  un- 
til 1844,  when  he  and  his  family  joined  the 
others  in  Iowa  county.  The  eldest  child  of  the 
family,  William,  died  in  England  in  1825,  at 
the  age  of  twenty-two  years.  The  father  lived 
with  his  children  in  Wisconsin  until  1847, 
when  he  passed  away.  One  son,  named 
Digory,  did  not  leave  England  until  1850,  when 
he  came  to  Wisconsin.  In  1863  he  returned 
to  England,  staid  two  years,  and  then  came 
again  to  America,  remaining  till  1874,  when 
he  returned  to  England;  he  died  in  1875,  un- 
married. The  brothers  who  remained  in  Wis- 
consin all  secured  good  farms  in  the  township 
of  Linden,  and  became  prominent  and  respected 
citizens,  occupying  their  homesteads  for  a long- 
series  of  years.  But  time  has  wrought  its 
changes,  and  there  now  remain  only  Henry 
and  his  brother,  John  U.,  the  latter  a resident 
of  Madison.  Of  the  deceased  members  of  the 
family,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Sampson  died  in  1863; 
Mrs.  Joanna  Pierce,  in  1871  ; Digory,  as  stated 
above,  in  England;  Edmund,  in  1881  ; Thomas, 
in  1888;  and  Francis,  in  1897. 

Henry  Baker  on  coming  to  Wisconsin,  at 
the  age  of  twenty-one  years,  at  first  hired  out 
as  a farm  hand,  and  also  was  employed  at 
times  in  mining,  as  were  nearly  all  of  the  pio- 
neers of  his  part  of  the  State.  In  1847  he 
purchased  forty  acres  of  land  in  Linden  town- 
ship, Iowa  county,  to  which  he  added,  as  he 


waxed  wealthier,  until  his  homestead  com- 
prised 340  acres,  which  he  still  owns. 

On  Jan.  1,  1846,  Henry  Baker  married,  in 
Honesdale,  Penn.,  Miss  Martha  Kirby,  a na- 
tive of  Pennsylvania,  and  a daughter  of  John 
and  Jerusha  Kirby,  with  whom  Mr.  Baker  be- 
came acquainted  while  on  a visit  to  the  Key- 
stone State,  but  a short  tune  before  his  mar- 
riage. To  this  union  were  born  thirteen  chil- 
dren, of  whom  three  died  in  infancy  and  two 
after  reaching  mature  years.  The  eight  sur- 
vivors are  named  Edmund,  Joanna  (Mrs.  Phil- 
lipps),  William,  Finley,  Lincoln,  Daniel,  An- 
netta  and  Emma.  The  two  last  named  still 
have  their  home  with  their  father ; all  were 
born  on  the  homestead  in  Iowa  county. 

In  1892  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Baker  sought  in 
Lancaster  the  rest  and  quiet  required  by  their 
advancing  years,  and  their  well-earned  compe- 
tence fully  justified  them  in  seeking  the  de- 
sired repose.  In  the  meantime,  however,  they 
had  resided,  from  1882  to  1884,  in  Prairie  du 
Chien,  in  order  that  Mir.  Baker  might  avail 
himself  of  the  benefit  of  the  baths  at  that  place. 
In  Lancaster  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Baker  enjoyed  their 
beautiful  home  until  her  death.  By  a fall  Mrs. 
Baker  sustained  a resulting-  paralytic  shock, 
and  she  died  after  a prolonged  illness,  Jan.  6, 
1900,  in  the  faith  of  the  Methodist  Church,  of 
which  she  and  her  husband  had  been  members 
since  early  life.  She  was  seventy-four  years 
of  age,  was  one  of  the  most  faithful  of  help- 
mates and  one  of  the  most  affectionate  of  wives 
and  mothers. 

Henry  Baker  began  life  a poor  boy,  in  a 
frontier  country,  but  by  energy,  industry  and 
good  management  has  secured  for  himself  a 
competency  for  his  old  age.  It  is  true  that  his 
early  educational  advantages  were  but  limited, 
yet  he  was  blessed  with  retentive  memory,  and 
still  more  blessed  with  a loving  mother,  who 
had  some  knowledge  of  books,  and  who  so  in- 
structed him  that  at  the  age  of  seven  years  he 
was  able  to  read.  His  actual  attendance  at 
school  did  not  exceed  six  months,  but  by  travel, 
observation  and  self-instruction  he  acquired  a 
fund  of  solid  and  useful  information. 

Mr.  Baker  has  twice  visited  his  native  Eng- 
land since  he  came  to  the  United  States,  first 
in  1863,  and  again  in  1894.  He  has  attended 
two  world’s  fairs — the  Centennial  in  1876,  at 
Philadelphia,  Penn.,  and  the  Columbian  Expo- 
sition, at  Chicago,  111.,  in  1893,  and  it  may 
well  be  inferred  that  a man  of  his  keen  ob- 


300 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


serration  and  intelligence  profited  to  no  little 
extent  from  these  visits.  A conservative  esti- 
mate of  the  number  of  miles  traveled  by  Mr. 
Baker  might  be  made  at  20,000  by  water  and 
30,000  by  land,  and  yet  in  all  his  journeyings 
he  never  met  with  a mishap  or  lost  a dollar. 
He  stands  today  among  the  substantial  men  of 
Wisconsin,  and  his  simple  word  is  as  solid  as 
a rock. 

ANSON  P.  WATERMAN.  Among  the 
more  prominent  business  men  of  Beloit,  Rock 
county,  men  characterized  by  both  business 
ability  and  personal  probity,  Mr.  Waterman  is 
conspicuous.  His  career  as  a business  man 
has  been  highly  successful,  and  his  personal 
integrity  is  unswerving.  Such  is  the  affirma- 
tion not  only  of  his  warm  friends,  but  the 
sober  judgment  of  every  student  of  the  city 
of  Beloit  as  portrayed  in  the  lives  of  its  lead- 
ing citizens.  He  is  assistant  treasurer  of 
Beloit  College. 

Mr.  Waterman  was  born  in  South  Balls- 
ton,  N.  Y.,  Jan.  15,  1819,  son  of  David  and 
Phoebe  ( Plollister)  Waterman.  They  were  the 
parents  of  nine  children,  of  whom  only  one  is 
now  living,  Anson  P.  The  father,  who  was  a 
farmer,  died  in  Saratoga  county,  N.  Y.,  when 
seventy-six  years  old.  His  wife  survived  a 
short  time,  and  died,  in  her  seventy-sixth  year. 
Both  were  Presbyterians.  He  was  a captain 
of  an  artillery  company  in  the  war  of  1812, 
and  was  stationed  at  Ogdensburg.  Pie  was 
a man  of  considerable  prominence  at  home, 
held  various  local  offices  from  time  to  time, 
and  was  clerk  of  the  town  for  many  years. 
His  father,  Asa  Waterman,  was  a native  of 
New  York,  coming  from  English  ancestry, 
and  followed  a rural  life.  He  died  when  a 
young  man.  Pie  reared  a family  of  six  chil- 
dren. His  father,  who  also  bore  the  name 
of  Asa  Waterman,  was  a soldier,  fought  un- 
der Benedict  Arnold  at  Stillwater,  and  helped 
to  carry  Arnold  off  the  field  when  wounded. 
He  was  appointed  lieutenant-colonel  in  June, 
T778.  his  commission,  signed  by  Gov.  Clinton, 
being  still  in  the  possession  of  the  family. 
The  maternal  grandfather  of  A.  P.  Waterman 
was  a native  of  Connecticut,  and  a descendant 
of  Col.  John  Hollister,  of  Glastonbury.  Conn. 
He  was  a farmer,  reared  a large  family,  and 
died  in  middle  life. 

Anson  P.  Waterman  grew  to  manhood  in 
his  native  State.  Pie  spent  his  first  twelve 


years  on  his  father's  farm,  and  then  entered 
a country  store  as  a clerk,  where  he  was  em- 
ployed for  five  years,  later  clerking  in  a hard- 
ware store  in  Schenectady,  N.  A.,  for  four 
years.  When  he  became  a young  man  he 
went  into  business  for  himself,  as  proprietor 
of  a hardware  store  in  Phelps,  Ontario  Co., 
N.  Y.,  and  was  there  engaged  for  about  twelve 
years.  In  1851  the  young  merchant  came 
West  to  Beloit  and  bought  an  interest  in  a hard- 
ware store.  In  1854  he  brought  his  family 
West,  and  Beloit  has  been  his  home  to  the  pres- 
ent time,  though  he  has  had  business  invest- 
ments in  St.  Louis'  for  thirteen  years  or  more. 
P’or  some  thirty  years1  Mr.  Waterman  was 
a hardware  merchant  in  the  city,  and  alto- 
gether has  had  about  fifty  years’  experience 
in  that  line. 

Mr.  Waterman  and  Miss  Jane  A.  Hubbell, 
daughter  of  Andrew  and  Sally  (Sears) 
Hubbell,  were  married  Dec.  31,  1840.  They 
have  had  four  children,  Arabella  F.,  Annie 
R.,  Jennie  S.,  and  Clara,  of  whom  the  last 
named  died  at  the  age  of  six  years.  Ara- 
bella F.  married  Major  B.  D.  Lee,  a promi- 
nent lawyer  of  St.  Louis,  who  died  in  the 
spring  of  1897;  they  were  the  parents  of  two. 
children,  Edwin  W.  and  Wayne.  Annie  R. 
married  Charles  E.  Whitman,  president  of  the 
Whitman  Agricultural  Implement  Manu- 
factory of  St.  Louis.  Jennie  S.  married  Car- 
roll  S.  Gregory,  a plumber  in  Beloit,  and  a 
graduate  of  Beloit  College;  they  are  the  par- 
ents of  two  children,  Margery  and  Gladys. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  A.  P.  Waterman  celebrated 
the  sixtieth  anniversary  of  their  marriage 
Dec.  31,  1900,  the  children  and  grandchil- 
dren all  being  present.  They  are  members  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  in  which  he  has  been 
an  elder  for  sixty  -years.  He  was  a member 
of  the  General  Assembly  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  1847,  and1  has  filled  the  same  po- 
sition on  several  subsequent  occasions.  For 
forty-five  years  he  has  been  connected  with 
Beloit  College,  as  trustee  and  member  of  the 
executive  committee,  and  for  seventeen  years 
as  treasurer  and  assistant  treasurer.  Plis  elec- 
tion to  numerous  other  positions  of  promi- 
nence testifies  to  the  utmost  confidence  enter- 
tained in  his  trustworthiness,  efficiency  and 
energy.  He  is  now  serving  his  fortieth  year 
as  trustee  of  that  marvel  among  corporations, 
the  Northwestern  Mutual  Life  Insurance  Co., 
having  been  connected  with  the  company,  in 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


301 


that  capacity  since  its  organization,  in  1861; 
with  one  exception  he  is  the  oldest  member 
of  the  board  of  trustees  in  point  of  service, 
and  has.  witnessed  the  growth  of  the  concern 
from  an  insignificant  beginning  to  its  present 
position  of  importance,  unexcelled,  and  scarce- 
ly equalled,  in  the  country.  For  years  Mr. 
Waterman  served  as  a trustee  of  the  Wiscon- 
sin Insane  Asylum,  at  Madison,  until  the  re- 
organization of  the  charitable  institutions  of 
the  State. 

In  political  sentiment  Mr.  Waterman  is  a 
stanch  Republican,  but  takes  little  interest  in 
the  workings  of  party  machinery.  He  was 
mayor  of  Beloit  from  1857  to  1859.  The 
business  career  of  Mr.  Waterman  has  been 
remarkably  creditable.  It  is  said  that  for  sev- 
eral years  he  had  the  only  exclusive  hardware 
store  between  Lake  Michigan  and  the  Missis- 
sippi river.  His  life  has  been  very  active, 
and  his  influence  strongly  pronounced  on  the 
side  of  religion,  temperance  and  good  gov- 
ernment. He  was  educated  in  the  public 
schools,  but  he  has  read  and  studied  much  all 
his  life,  and  his  ideas  are  based  on  sound  infor- 
mation and  accurate  knowledge.  He  has  a 
pleasant  home  at  the  corner  of  College  avenue 
and  Bushnell  street. 

WILLIAM  DUTHIE,  of  the  town  of 
Bradford,  Rock  county,  belongs  to  the  older 
generation  of  farmers  in  this  part  of  the  State, 
and  has  won  his  present  enviable  position  by 
hard  work  and  wise  economy.  His  industry 
has  been  unflagging  through  all  his  active  life, 
and  his  character  beyond  question. 

Mr.  Duthie  was  born  Jan.  8,  1831,  in  the 
parish  of  Garvock,  Kincardineshire,  Scotland, 
son  of  William  and  Mary  (Christison)  Duthie, 
who  had  a family  of  four  children:  Mary, 

William  and  Jessie  (twins),  and  John.  Our 
subject  was  nine  years  of  age  when  he  lost  his 
father,  and  his  mother  died  a year  later.  The 
father  was  also  born  in  Kincardineshire,  and 
the  family  was  descended  from  Norman  cru- 
saders. The  mother,  Mary  (Christison),  was 
a daughter  of  Alexander  Christison,  who  was 
a farmer  in  the  same  county. 

William  Duthie  after  his  parents’  death 
was  cast  upon  a cold  world,  and  early  learned 
to  make  his  own  way  among  strangers.  He 
had  but  little  opportunity  for  schooling,  though 
the  love  for  learning  did  credit  to  his  parent- 
age. At  fifteen  he  had  saved  enough  to  give 


himself  half  a year’s  attendance  at  a district 
school,  and  it  may  be  imagined  with  what  zeal 
the  orphan  lad  applied  himself  to  his  studies. 
T hen  he  resumed  his  work  among  the  neigh- 
boring farmers,  and  at  nineteen  went  to  the 
city  of  Edinburgh.  There  he  spent  six  years 
at  various  occupations,  the  principal  one  being 
a protracted  service  on  the  police  force  of  the 
city.  In  October,  1856,  Mr.  Duthie  came  to 
this  country,  and  settled  in  Wisconsin.  He 
was  two  months  in  Madison,  and  then  engaged 
with  a Rock  county  farmer  to  help  him  at 
monthly  wages.  After  spending  several  years 
at  farm  labor  he  rented  land  for  several  years. 
In  1863  Mr.  Duthie  had  become  sufficiently 
prosperous  to  warrant  his  purchase  of  a farm. 
He  bought  that  year  a quarter  section  near  his 
present  residence,  and  proved  so  successful  in 
its  cultivation  that  he  soon  bought  more,  and 
bought  again  until  he  had  acquired  665  acres 
in  the  town  of  Bradford. 

Mr.  Duthie  and  Miss  Mary  Robinson  were 
married  in  1858.  She  was  the  daughter  of 
Peter  and  Elizabeth  (Lamb)  Robinson,  of 
Stirlingshire,  Scotland,  farming  people,  who 
came  to  this  country  as  early  as  1850.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Duthie  are  the  parents  of  six  chil- 
dren : William  C.,  Elizabeth,  James  R.,  Annie 

M.,  Margaret  J.  and  Edward.  William  C. 
married  Miss  Nellie  Eldridge,  daughter  of 
George  Eldridge,  of  Clinton,  and  the)^  have 
one  son,  William  Edward.  James  R.  married 
Miss  Belle  Lyttle,  a daughter  of  John  Lyttle, 
of  Janesville,  Wis.  Annie  M.  married  John 
Casper,  of  Waterford,  Wis.,  and  is  the  mother 
of  three  children,  Mary,  Jud  and  Burr.  Mar- 
garet J.  married  Charles  Boynton,  and  lives  at 
Emerald  Grove,  Wis. ; they  have  one  daugh- 
ter, Katharine. 

Mr.  Duthie  is  independent  both  in  politics 
and  in  religion.  He  has  been  a supervisor  for 
seven  years,  and  is  highly  respected  by  all  who 
know  him  as  an  honorable  and  capable  man. 

E.  RIEGE,  a retired  business  man  of 
Platteville,  Grant  county,  was  born  in  Han- 
over, Germany.  Jan.  14,  1837,  a son  of  Joachim 
and  Helena  Riege,  who  were  natives  of  Ger- 
many, and  died  there  when  the  subject  of  this 
biography  was  a boy.  Joachim  Riege,  the 
father,  was  a soldier  under  Blucher  in  the  Ger- 
man army,  and  took  part  against  Napoleon  at 
the  battle  of  Waterloo,  but  lost  his  health  and 
died  comparatively  young. 


302 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


In  the  spring  of  1856  Mr.  Riege,  of  this 
sketch,  landed  in  New  York  City,  well  pre- 
pared as  a young  business  man,  and  for  about 
a year  was  employed  in  a store  as  clerk ; he 
then  formed  a partnership  with  his  employer, 
a Mr.  Hinners,  in  general  merchandising,  the 
co-partnership  lasting  about  three  years.  In 
i860  Mr.  Riege  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  in 
1862  entered  into  mercantile  trade  in  Platte- 
ville,  was  prosperous,  and  in  1885  was  able  to 
retire  on  a competency. 

In  1862  Mr.  Riege  married  Miss  Katie 
Doscher,  the  amiable  daughter  of  Nicholas  and 
Annie  Doscher,  then  prominent  in  Platteville, 
who  were  natives  of  Hanover,  Germany.  Mr. 
Doscher  came  here  in  1851,  and  here  he  still 
resides,  at  the  age  of  eighty-two  years ; he  lost 
his  wife  in  1874.  They  had  two  children: 
Katie,  Mrs.  Riege;  and  Henry  C.,  quite  a 
prominent  citizen  of  Platteville.  To  the  mar- 
riage of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Riege  eleven  children 
have  been  born:  C.  H.,  who  for  the  last  ten 

years  has  been  engaged  in  the  book,  stationery 
and  fine  art  business  in  Fresno,  Cal.,  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Masonic  order,  and  is  a scholarly 
young  business  man.  Lillian,  the  eldest  daugh- 
ter, born  in  i86g,  was  graduated  from  the  State 
Normal  School  at  Platteville,  where  she  re- 
ceived a fine  German  classical  education;  was 
for  five  years  a teacher  of  languages  in  the  pub- 
lic schools  of  Wisconsin,  and  is  now  the  wife 
of  Judge  R.  B.  McCoy,  of  the  Monroe  county 
court  at  Sparta ; they  have  four  sons,  Mal- 
comb,  Bruce  E.,  Robert  R.  and  Harold 
Doscher.  Henrietta,  born  in  1873,  a young 
lady  of  scholarly  attainments,  is  at  present  a 
member  of  the  home  circle;  she  also  graduated 
from  the  State  Normal,  taught  two  years,  and 
later  was  graduated  from  the  St.  Louis  (Mo.) 
Training  School  for  Nurses.  Adolph,  born  in 
1880,  was  educated  at  the  Normal  School,  and 
graduated  from  the  business  college  of  Platte- 
ville. Clarence  L.,  born  in  1883,  was  advanced 
in  the  languages  and  music  at  the  State  Nor- 
mal, and  is  now  in  the  Conservatory  of  Music 
at  Chicago.  Benjamin,  born  in  1886,  is  also 
a student  at  the  State  Normal.  Nellie  E.,  born 
in  1888,  attends  the  Platteville  high  school. 
Four  children  of  the  family  died  in  childhood. 

Mr.  Riege  and  his  wife  and  children  are 
members  of  the  German  Presbyterian  Church, 
in  which  they  are  foremost  in  the  work  of  the 
congregation,  and  of  which  Mr.  Riege  is  a 
trustee  and  a strong  financial  supporter.  In 


politics  he  is  a stanch  Republican,  and  for  six 
years  has  filled  the  office  of  town  councilman. 

Although  Mr.  Riege  came  to  America  a 
poor  young  man,  he  came,  as  has  been  stated, 
well  prepared  educationally  for  the  transaction 
of  mercantile  business.  He  was  saving  in  his 
early  days,  had  a keen  understanding  of  mon- 
etary affairs,  was  shrewd  and  judicious  in  the 
investment  of  his  surplus  funds,  and,  withal, 
rigidly  honest  and  strictly  attentive  to  his 
duties  as  an  employe.  As  a merchant  he  was 
obliging  and  urbane,  and  seldom  lost  a patron 
after  he  had  an  opportunity  of  once  dealing 
with  him.  The  result  is  that  he  now  owns  a 
large  amount  of  real  estate  in  the  city  of  Platte- 
ville, including  several  brick  business  blocks 
on  the  main  streets,  and  has  been  a stockholder 
and  director  in  the  First  National  Bank  since 
its  organization,  and  also  one  of  the  directors 
of  the  Electric  Light  Co.  of  Platteville. 

In  1898  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Riege  relieved  the 
monotony  of  their  retired  life  by  visiting  their 
son  at  Fresno,  Cal.,  and  there  spent  the  win- 
ter, taking  in  many  of  the  beautiful  scenes  and 
natural  wonders  of  the  Golden  State,  but  were 
not  sorry  to  return  to  the  city  where  so  many 
of  their  years  had  been  spent,  and  which  Mr. 
Riege  had  aided  so  greatly  in  developing,  here 
to  pass  their  declining  days  in  the  peace  and 
comfort  so  well  earned  in  their  days  of  activ- 
ity and  vigor. 

SAMUEL  C.  RANSOM.  Wisconsin  had 
many  brave  sons  who  valiantly  fought  for  the 
preservation  of  the  Union  during  the  trying 
days  of  the  Civil  war,  and  among  the  number 
was  this  gentleman,  who  was  a member  of  the 
famous  20th  Regiment.  He  is  a resident  of 
Mt.  Ida  township,  Grant  county,  and  is  identi- 
fied with  its  agricultural  interests. 

Mr.  Ransom  was  born  in  Chautauqua 
county,  N.  Y.,  Feb.  2,  1830,  a son  of  Elisha 
and  Hannah  (Camp)  Ransom,  natives  of  New 
York  and  Connecticut,  respectively.  The 
mother  died  in  Chautauqua  county  in  January, 
1835  ; the  father  survived  her  many  years,  and 
spent  his  last  days  in  Grant  county,  Wis.,  where 
his  death  occurred  in  August,  1872.  Samuel 
C.  was  their  only  son,  and  they  had  •five  daugh- 
ters. 

Samuel  C.  Ransom  spent  his  boyhood  and 
youth  in  the  county  of  his  nativity,  early  be- 
coming familiar  with  every  department  of  farm 
work,  and  for  several  years  before  coming 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


303 


West  was  engaged  in  lumbering.  The  year 
1852  witnessed  his  arrival  in  Wisconsin,  and, 
after  spending  four  years  in  Sauk  county,  he 
came  to  Grant  county,  in  December,  1856,  lo- 
cating in  what  is  now  Mt.  Ida  township,  of 
which  he  has  since  been  a resident,  with  the 
exception  of  two  years  passed  in  Nebraska. 

In  1856  Mr.  Ransom  married  Miss  Eliza- 
beth Ambler,  a 'native  of  Ne-w  Jersey,  who 
came  to  Sauk  county  with  her  parents  in  1851. 
They  have  six  children,  four  sons  and  two 
daughters,  as  follows:  Melinda,  wife  of  Jo- 

seph Du  Charme  ; Frank  C. ; Sidney  E. ; Edgar  ; 
Carrie,  Mrs.  Jacobs;  and  John  J.  They  have 
also  lost  three  children  by  death  : Edith,  Mrs. 

Marshall ; Lettie,  Mrs.  Lowe ; and  Chauncey 
Henry,  who  died  in  infancy. 

Mr.  Ransom  was  successfully  engaged  in 
farming  when  the  Civil  war  broke  out,  but  he 
laid  aside  all  personal  interests  to  enter  the 
service  of  his  country,  enlisting  Aug.  12,  1862, 
in  Company  C,  20th  Wis.  V.  I.,  the  company 
being  under  command  of  Capt.  McDermott, 
who  fell  at  the  battle  of  Prairie  Grove,  and  was 
succeeded  by  Capt.  Charles  C.  Stevens.  Mr. 
Ransom  took  part  in  the  battle  of  Prairie 
Grove,  the  siege  of  Vicksburg,  and  the  engage- 
ments at  Yazoo  City,  Atchafalaya,  Fort  Mor- 
gan, Franklin  Creek  and  Spanish  Fort,  re- 
maining with  his  regiment  until  mustered  out, 
at  Galveston,  Texas,  July  14,  1865.  He  re- 
ceived his  discharge  at  Madison,  this  State. 

On  his  return  home  Mr.  Ransom  resumed 
farming,  which  be  has  followed  as  a business 
when  able  to  carry  on  arduous  labor,  his  health 
having  been  greatly  impaired  by  his  army  serv- 
ice. He  has  a pleasant  home  in  Alt.  Ida  town- 
ship, where  he  and  his  wife  reside.  He  was  a 
faithful  soldier  for  the  Union,  and  is  now  an 
honored  member  of  Sam  Monteith  Post,  G.  A. 
R.  Religiously  he  and  his  wife  are  both 
worthy  and  consistent  members  of  the  Bap- 
tist Church. 

JAMES  HUGHES  is  one  of  the  prominent 
citizens  of  Glen  Haven  township.  Grant  coun- 
ty, and  a veteran  of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion, 
in  which  he  served  in  defense  of  the  Union, 
proving  his  bravery  beyond  all  dispute. 

Mr.  Hughes  was  born  in  Ireland  April  8, 
1828,  son  of  Hugh  and  Agnes  (Sey)  Hughes, 
both  born  in  Ireland,  and  of  Welsh  descent. 
Both  Hugh  Hughes  and  his  wife  lived  and  died 
in  Ireland,  our  subject  being  the  only  one  of  the 


family  to  come  to  America,  which  he  did  in 
the  year  1853,  locating  in  Pennsylvania,  where 
he  resided  for  three  years.  In  1856  James 
Hughes  removed  to  Cassville,  Grant  Co.,  Wis. 
In  January,  1858,  he  moved  to  Beetown  and 
commenced  mining.  In  1865  he  bought  some 
land  in  the  woods  in  Glen  Haven,  on  to  which 
he  moved  the  same  year,  opening  up  and  im- 
proving a fine  farm  of  over  160  acres. 

In  1861,  fired  with  patriotism,  our  subject 
enlisted  in  Company  C,  2d  Wis.  V.  I.,  for  three 
years  or  during  the  war,  and  was  mustered  in 
at  Madison,  Wis.,  and  consigned  to  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac,  participating  in  the  first  bat- 
tle of  Bull  Run  and  the  engagement  at  Gaines- 
ville. At  the  latter  place  our  subject  was 
wounded  in  the  arm  and  taken  prisoner,  being 
exchanged  eight  days  later,  and  was  confined 
in  hospital  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  for  three 
months.  From  there  Mr.  Hughes  was  taken 
to  a hospital  at  Philadelphia,  whence  he  was 
honorably  discharged  Jan.  29,  1865,  returning 
to  Beetown.  Several  months  later  he  re-en- 
listed, in  the  2d  Cavalry,  and  went  to  Prairie 
du  Chien,  Wis.,  but  was  not  accepted. 

In  December,  1866,  our  subject  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Mary  M.  Showalter,  a native  of 
Pennsylvania,  and  one  child  was  born  to  this 
union,  Myrtle,  who  is  now  attending  college 
at  Stevens  Point,  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  Hughes  is  a member  of  the  G.  A.  R. 
at  Bloomington.  In  politics  he  is  an  ardent 
Republican,  and  he  is  one  of  the  prominent  and 
respected  men  of  Grant  county.  The  success 
that  has  attended  his  efforts  is  the  just  reward 
of  his  years  of  labor,  and  he  can  look  back  with 
satisfaction  upon  an  honorable  and  well-spent 
life. 

CHARLES  HENRY  MENZIE.  If  the 
locomotive  engineers  of  the  country  are  a 
picked  body  of  men,  this  gentleman  is  a fine 
representative  of  the  craft.  Though  over  sixty 
years  of  age  he  is  still  alert  and  vigorous,  and 
no  steadier  grasp  than  his  is  laid  upon  the 
throttle  along  the  entire  line  of  the  Milwaukee 
road. 

Mr.  Menzie  was  born  in  Hobart,  Delaware 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  June  26.  1837,  and  is  a son  of  Rob- 
ert R.  and  Rebecca  Ann  (Thorpe)  Menzie, 
whose  sketch  appears  elsewhere.  They  came  to 
Walworth  county.  Wis.,  in  June,  1850,  and 
made  their  home  in  this  State  as  long  as  they 
lived. 


3°4 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Charles  H.  Menzie  was  only  thirteen  years 
of  age  when  he  accompanied  his  parents  to 
Wisconsin  on  their  removal  from  New  York. 
He  grew  to  manhood  in  Delavan,  and  finished 
his  literary  education  in  the  public  school  of 
that  thriving  town.  When  a boy  he  worked 
at  various  occupations,  and  early  had  the  am- 
bition to  get  on  in  the  world  and  be  of  some 
account.  His  school  days  over,  he  was  em- 
ployed on  the  Racine  & Mississippi  railroad, 
now  the  Racine  & Southwestern  division  of  the 
Chicago,  Milwaukee  & St.  Paul  railroad, 
and  was  engaged  in  that  capacity  two  years. 
Then,  the  Civil  war  breaking  out,  Mr.  Menzie 
enlisted  as  a member  of  Company  D,  22d  Wis. 
V.  I.,  and  was  in  the  service  two  years,  eight 
months  and  thirteen  days  as  a non-commis- 
sioned officer.  He  was  a loyal  soldier,  partici- 
pated in  some  of  the  most  noted  struggles  of 
the  Middle  West,  and  was  wounded  in  the  left 
leg  at  Overall  Creek,  Tenn.,  carrying  the  ball 
in  his  hip  to  the  present  day.  He  was  also  in 
the  battles  of  Spring  Hill,  Brentwood  Station, 
and  many  other  contests,  which  were  called 
skirmishes,  but  which  in  any  lesser  war  would 
have  been  called  battles.  His  wound  was 
severe,  and  rendered  his  retirement  from  the 
service  necessary.  Returning  home,  Mr.  Men- 
zie resumed  his  work  on  the  railroad,  this  time 
as  a fireman,  having  previously  been  a brake- 
man.  He  fired  four  years,  and  in  1869  was 
promoted  to  engineer,  which  has  been  his  vo- 
cation to  the  present  time.  Since  1881  he  has 
been  continuously  in  the  passenger  service  of 
the  railroad,  and  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  most 
trusty  and  capable  men  on  the  entire  line. 

Mr.  Menzie  and  Miss  Nancy  Emeline 
Beebe,  a daughter  of  William  L.  and  Sallie 
(Tripp)  Beebe,  were  married'  July  17,  1867. 
They  have  one  adopted  daughter,  Alice,  who  is 
now  the  wife  of  Rufus  Baker,  of  Freeport,  ill. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Menzie  are  members  of  the 
Episcopal  Church,  and  he  is  a Mason  of  high 
standing,  belonging  to  Excelsior  Lodge,  No. 
97,  A.  F.  & A.  M. ; Freeport  Chapter,  No.  23, 
R.  A.  M. ; Freeport  Commandery,  No.  7,  K. 
T. ; Freeport  Consistory;  Tripoli  Temple,  of 
the  Mystic  Shrine,  Milwaukee,  Wis. ; and  is 
well  versed  in  the  secret  lore  of  the  order.  He 
is  also  a member  of  L.  FI.  D.  Crane  Post,  of 
the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  at  Beloit. 
Politically  Mr.  Menzie  is  a Democrat.  He 
lives  at  No.  912  School  street,  where  he  built 
a fine  home  in  1897.  Mrs.  Menzie  is  a genial 


and  accomplished  lady,  and  is  very  prominent 
in  social  circles.  She  belongs  to  the  Order  of 
the  Eastern  Star,  and  was  the  first  Worthy 
Matron  of  Beloit  Chapter,  No.  77 ; is  a member 
of  the  Ladies’  Relief  Corps  ; the  Daughters  of 
the  American  Revolution  ; the  Eminent  Ladies ; 
the  Lee  Parliamentary  Club ; and  other  social 
and  intellectual  movements,  doing  everything 
possible  to  uplift  and  advance  humanity  in 
general. 

STEPHEN  B.  LEWIS  is  president  of  the 
Knitting  Co.  which  bears  his  family  name, 
and  is  one  of  Janesville’s  honored  citizens. 
Both  his  father  and  grandfather  were  natives 
of  Connecticut,  of  English  stock,  although 
he  himself  was  born  at  Turtleville,  Rock  Co., 
Wis.,  on  July  12,  1848.  Abel  F.  Lewis,  his 
grandfather,  for  many  years  commanded  ves- 
sels engaged  in  the  coasting  trade.  It  was 
not  his  wish  that  his  sons  should  follow  this 
calling,  however,  and  as  they  began  to  grow 
up  he  removed1  inland,  taking  up  his  residence 
at  McGrawville,  Cortland  Co.,  N.  Y.  In  1842 
he  came  to  . Wisconsin,  settling  at  Turtle 
Creek,  in  Rock  county,  where  he  constructed 
a dam  and  erected  a saw  and  grist  mill,  from 
which  he  furnished  lumber  and  flour  to  all 
the  surrounding  country.  At  that  time  Janes- 
ville was  in  its  infancy,  and  life  was  com- 
paratively primitive  in  its  simplicity,  the  farm- 
ers hauling  grain  and'  flour  with  ox-teamis. 
Mr.  Lewis  was  a man  of  considerable  promi- 
nence, and  an  active  worker  in  the  Baptist 
Church,  occasionally  filling  its  pulpit  in  the 
absence  of  the  regular  preacher.  He  died  in 
Rock  county  in  1864,  from  pneumonia,  aged 
about  sixty-one  years.  He  was  the  father  of 
three  sons  and  one  daughter. 

Edward  F.  Lewis,  son  of  Abel  F.,  and  the 
father  of  Stephen  B.,  was  born  in  Connecti- 
cut, before  the  migration  of  the  family  .to  New 
York,  and  was  about  eighteen  years  old  when 
he  accompanied  his  father  to  Wisconsin. 
About  1849  he  removed  to  Columbia  county, 
Wis.,  before  it  had  been  surveyed,  and  there 
opened  a hotel,  which  he  successfully  con- 
ducted for  several  years,  until  he  w.as  elected 
sheriff.  After  filling  that  office  for  two  years, 
he  opened  a store.  He  was  a man  of  sub- 
stance and  of  influence,  and  during  the 
Civil  war  filled  the  post  of  deputy  pro- 
vost marshal.  He  was  virtually  the  founder 
of  the  Lewis  Knitting  Co.,  although  he  began 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


305 


manufacturing  in  1871  in  a smaller  way. 
Prior  to  the  above  date  there  were  no  ma- 
chines adapted  to  knitting  double-ribbed  under- 
wear, it  being  the  custom  to  sew  together  strips 
made  of  as  great  width  as  the  machines  then 
in  use  could  produce.  In  that  year  he  invented 
the  process  (which  now  bears  his  name)  of 
knitting  double-ribbed  garments  entire.  He 
first  experimented  with  underwear  for  his  own 
use,  and  from  this  small  beginning  sprang  the 
present  large  business  of  the  Lewis  Knit- 
ting Co.,  of  Janesville.  His  first  factory  was 
at  Portage,  and  there  he  resided  until  his  death, 
in  1885,  at  the  age  of  sixty-two.  He  was  a 
Baptist  in  faith,  as  was  also  his  wife,  Betsey 
Barrett.  She  was  one  of  nine  daughters  of 
Stephen  Barrett,  a descendant  of  Col.  Bar- 
rett, commander  at  Concord  Bridge,  where 
was  fought  the  first  battle  of  the  Revolution- 
ary war.  Stephen  Barrett  was  a woolen 
manufacturer,  and  moved  from  Concord, 
Mass.,  to  New  York,  thence  to  Ohio,  and  in 
1842  to  Rock  county,  Wis.,  settling  at  Turtle 
Creek.  He  was  a deacon  in  the  Baptist 
Church,  and  a man  held  in  high  esteem  by 
his  neighbors.  He  passed  away  at  the  home 
of  his  daughter,  Mrs.  E.  F.  Lewis,  in  his 
eighty-fourth  year.  His  widow  died  about 
two  years  later,  at  the  home  of  Mr®.  Lewis, 
and  was  buried  beside  her  husband  at  Portage, 
Wis.  To  Edward  F.  Lewis  and  his  wife  were 
born  seven  sons,  of  whom  only  three  are  liv- 
ing, Stephen  B.,  Franklin  F.,  and  William  L. 
Their  first-born,  Judson  A.,  was  a sergeant 
in  Company  C,  23d  Wis.  V.  I.,  during  the 
war  of  the  Rebellion,  and  was  killed  by  a 
bullet  through  the  forehead  while  charging 
the  enemy's  works  before  Vicksburg. 

Stephen  B.  Lewis  was  reared  a farmer’s 
boy,  although  his  educational  advantages  were 
of  a far  higher  order  than  were  usually  en- 
joyed by  Wisconsin  country  lads  of  his  day. 
He  was  educated  in  the  Normal  school  at 
Whitewater,  being  graduated  therefrom  in 
1874,  and  for  ten  years  was  principal  of  the 
high  school  at  Clinton.  At  the  expiration  of 
that  period  lie  abandoned  the  chair  of  a teach- 
er for  the  more  active  life  of  a business  man, 
he  and  his  brother  Franklin  F.  associating 
themselves  with  their  father  in  the  manu- 
facture of  knit  goods.  LTpon  their  father’s 
death,  in  1885,  the  brothers  succeeded  to  the 
control  of  the  business,  which  they  removed 
from  Portage  to  Janesville,  in  1887,  the  name 
20 


of  the  firm  having  been  changed  from  E.  F. 
Lewis  & Sons  to  Lewis  Brothers,  and  later 
to  the  Lewis  Knitting  Co.  Some  eighty-six 
hands  are  employed  in  the  factory,  and  the 
output  of  the  concern  finds  a ready  market  in 
all  the  principal  cities  of  the  country.  Mr. 
Lewis  is  a deacon  in  the  Congregational 
Church,  and  a liberal  supporter  of  the  cause 
of  evangelical  religion.  A man  of  keen  per- 
ception and  sound  business'  sense,  he  is  re- 
spected for  his  high  moral  principle,  and  be- 
loved for  his  many  amiable  traits  of  heart. 
He  is  a Republican,  but  has  always  declined 
office. 

Our  subject  was  married  July  10,  1877, 
to  Elizabeth,  a daughter  of  Samuel  and  Sarah 
(White)  Church,  and  they  have  one  son,  Rol- 
lin  C.,  born  Aug.  29,  1884. 

STEPHEN  JOHNSON,  whose  history  is 
long  and  intimately  associated  with  that  of 
Grant  county,  was  born  near  Appleby,  in  the 
County  of  Westmoreland,  England,  Feb.  14, 
1821,  a son  of  John  and  Lucy  (Hall)  Johnson, 
both  also  natives  of  the  County  of  Westmore- 
land. In  April,  1830,  they  sailed  from  Liver- 
pool on  a sailing-vessel  bound  for  the  city  ot 
New  York,  and  were  eight  weeks  on  the  At- 
lantic. They  came  West  from  New  York  by 
way  of  the  canal,  over  the  Buffalo  route,  to 
Pittsburg,  where  Mr.  Johnson  was  engaged  in 
farming  for  five  years.  In  1S35  he  moved  his 
family  to  Madison  county,  Mo.,  where  he  died 
soon  after  entering  the  State ; his  .wife's  death 
occurred  two  days  before  his  own.  They  left 
a family  of  seven  children,  of  whom  (1)  Will- 
iam, the  eldest,  was  born  and  reared  in  Eng- 
land, where  he  married.  He  settled  in  Madi- 
son county,  where  he  died  in  1S40.  (2) 

Thomas,  born  in  England,  grew  up,  married, 
and  died  in  Missouri.  (3 ) John,  born  in  Eng- 
land, lived  for  a time  in  Platteville,  Grant 
county,  and  in  1864  went  to  California,  where 
he  followed  farming  until  his  death,  in  1895. 
His  family  still  live  in  that  State.  (4)  Joseph,, 
born  in  England,  married  and  settled  in  Mis- 
souri, where  he  was  killed  by  Ouantrell's  guer- 
rillas during  the  Civil  war.  Children  of  his 
are  still  living  in  that  State.  (5)  Jane  was 
born  in  England,  and  remained  in  Pittsburg, 
where  she  married  Thomas  Hodgeson.  They 
settled  in  Washington  county,  Penn.,  where 
she  died  in  1890,  leaving  one  daughter,  Emma. 
(6)  Stephen  is  the  youngest  of  the  family. 


3°6 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Stephen  Johnson  attended  school  in  Eng- 
land, in  Pennsylvania,  and  also  in  Plattevdie 
in  1842  and  1843,  coming"  to  Grant  county  in 
1837,  and  working"  in  the  lead  mines  of  this 
region  some  twenty  years.  In  1850  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Mary  J.  Neeley,  of  Platteville,  daugh- 
ter of  John  and  Martha  Neeley,  who  came  \\  est 
from  Mercer  county,  Penn.  Mrs.  Johnson 
was  born  in  1834.  After  their  marriage  Mr. 
Johnson  and  his  wife  settled  near  Platteville, 
and  remained  in  that  place  until  1855,  when 
they  moved  to  his  farm  in  Millville.  That 
year  he  bought  a second  farm  in  Ellenboro, 
which  has  been  his  home  to  the  present  time, 
in  1864  he  enlisted,  in  Company  B,  43d  Wis. 
V.  I.,  and  was  in  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland. 
They  were  stationed  at  Johnsonville,  Tenn., 
for  a time,  and  engaged  in  the  battle  at  that 
place.  1 hey  were  part  of  the  forces  gathered 
to  oppose  Hood  at  Nashville,  and  the  entire 
march  to  Clarksville,  Tenn.,  was  a constant 
skirmish.  The  43d  was  mustered  out  at 
.Nashville  June  24,  1865. 

Mr.  Johnson  came  back  to  Wisconsin,  and 
at  once  resumed  with  eagerness  the  rounds  of 
peaceful  industry.  He  built  a new  house  on 
the  farm,  and  put  the  place  in  fine  order.  Mrs. 
Johnson  died  in  November,  1868,  leaving  be- 
hind precious  memories  of  a good  and  true- 
hearted woman.  She  was  the  mother  of  these 
children:  (1)  John  N.,  born  in  Platteville  in 

February,  1852,  married  in  Kansas,  where  he 
is  living  on  a farm  in  Jewell  county  with  his 
four  children,  Lee,  Stella,  Elmer  and  Nettie. 
(2)  William  B.,  born  Oct.  24,  1853,  moved  to 
Kansas  while  he  was  still  a young  man,  mar- 
ried there,  and  is  living  at  the  present  time  in 
Red  Cloud,  Neb.  He  has  two  children  by  his 
first  wife,  Walter  and  Frank.  By  his  second 
wife  he  has  four  children.  (3)  Nettie,  born  in 
the  present  home  in  February,  J858,  is  now  the 
wife  of  Alvin  Hall,  near  Platteville,  and  lias 
one  son,  Stephen  O. 

On  July  4,  1869,  Mr.  Johnson  married  for 
his  second  wife  Miss  Priscilla  N.  Hayward,  of 
Potosi,  daughter  of  Elisha  T.  and  Elizabeth 
(Warfield)  Hayward,  who  were  born  and 
reared  iii  Boston.  In  1834  they  came  West  to 
Dubuque,  Iowa,  and  the  next  year  moved  to 
Potosi,  Wis.,  where  Mrs.  Johnson  was  born 
in  April,  1835.  Her  grandfather  Warfield  was 
in  the  Black  Hawk  war.  Mrs.  Johnson  was  ed- 
ucated in  Grant  county,  where  she  was  engaged 
as  a teacher.  A lady  of  culture  and  refine- 


ment, she  shows  the  influence  of  her  New  Eng- 
land ancestry.  Her  father,  Elisha  T.  Hay- 
ward, was  a prominent  man  in  Grant  county, 
and  served  as  judge  on  the  Bench  one  term. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johnson  have  had  three  children, 
all  still  under  the  parental  roof  : ( 1 ) George 

Grant,  born  in  1870,  was  educated  in  the 
home  schools.  (2)  Virgil  F.  was  born  in 
1876.  (3)  Maggie  V.,  born  in  1880,  has  had 

a good  education. 

Mr.  Johnson  is  a Republican,  and  has  been 
justice  of  the  peace  twelve  years,  also  filling 
other  local  positions.  He  and  his  wife  are 
members  of  the  Primitive  Church,  where  he 
has  been  superintendent  of  the  Sunday-school 
a number  of  years.  Mr.  Johnson  belongs  to 
Sherman  Post,  of  Platteville,  the  local  post  of 
the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic.  He  is  a 
genial  and  sympathetic  character,  and  is  will- 
ing always  to  do  what  is  right  and  honest,  and 
his  kindly  nature  has  endeared  him  to  a host 
of  friends. 

HORACE  H.  STREETER  is  one  of  the 
heroes  of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  and  is 
deserving  of  special-  mention  in  the  annals  of 
his  county,  State  and  Nation,  for  the  active 
part  he  has  played  as  a patriotic  citizen.  He 
is  a native  of  the  Empire  State,  born  near 
Sacket’s  Harbor,  in  1837,  a son  of  Horace  and 
Rebecca  Streeter.  During  his  childhood  the 
family  removed  from  the  place  of  his  birth  to 
Erie  county.  Penn.,  where  the  mother  died; 
the  father’s  death  occurred  previously,  in  the 
State  of  New  York.  In  their  family  were  five 
children,  three  of  whom  are  living  at  the  pres- 
ent writing:  Horace  H.,  of  this  review;  and 

Mrs.  Roxy  Cushman  and  Norman  S.,  both  resi- 
dents of  Rewey,  Iowa  county,  Wisconsin. 

Plorace  H.  Streeter  came  to  this  State  in 
company  with  his  sisters,  Mrs.  Laura  Taple 
(now  deceased)  and  Mrs.  Roxy  Cushman,  and 
later  they  were  joined  by  their  brother,  Norman 
S.  On  his  arrival  in  Wisconsin  Horace  Id. 
was  a lad  of  eighteen  years,  and  in  Iowa  coun- 
ty he  grew  to  manhood.  In  1857  he  was  united 
in  marriage  to  Martha  E.  _ Moore,  who  was 
born  in  Iowa  county  in  1841,  her  father,  Daniel 
Moore,  being  a well-known  pioneer  of  that 
county,  and  a veteran  of  the  famous  Black 
Hawk  war  of  1832.  He  was  a native  of  New 
York  State,  while  his  wife,  America  Parish, 
was  a native  of  Kentucky.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Streeter  are  the  parents  of  fifteen  children, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


30  7 


namely:  Norman  C.,  Nania  R.,  Horace  D.. 

Laura  E.,  Sherman  S.,  Eugene  F.,  Orville 
O.,  Myrtle  J.,  Carl  B.,  Arthur  G.,  Ivy  M., 
Ervin  E.  and  Harry  LI.,  still  living;  and 
Martha  E.  and  Harvey  H.,  both  deceased. 

Prompted  by  a spirit  of  patriotism,  Mr. 
Streeter  enlisted  Aug.  13,  1862,  in  Company 
E,  30th  Wis.,  V.  I.,  which  regiment  was  con- 
siderably divided  during  its  service,  and  was 
engaged  very  largely  in  detached  duty.  It 
was  mustered  into  the  United  States  service 
at  Camp  Randall,  Madison,  Wis.,  and,  after 
performing  various  duties,  at  different  places, 
was  finally  ordered  to  St.  Louis,  Mo.  From 
Benton  Barracks,  in  that  city,  it  went  to  Cairo, 
111.,  where  the  command  was  long  on  duty. 
Mr.  Streeter  was  honorably  discharged  at 
Louisville,  Ky.,  July  29,  1865,  for  disability. 

Since  the  war  Mr.  Streeter  has  been  vari- 
ously employed,  and  since  1871  has  been  a resi- 
dent of  Mt.  Ida  township.  Grant  county,  where 
he  has  a pleasant  home.  In  his  political  rela- 
tions he  is  a Republican,  and  is  a warm  advo- 
cate of  the  main  principles  of  that  great  po- 
litical organization.  Mr.  Streeter  possesses 
much  influence  in  the  local  councils  of  his  party, 
and  has  most  creditably  filled  the  office  of  town 
clerk  for  seventeen  years.  Fraternally  he  is 
an  honored  member  of  Sam  Monteith  Post, 
No.  73,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Fennimore,  and  religious- 
ly both  he  and  his  wife  are  worthy  members 
of  the  United  Brethren  Church. 

ALVIN  S.  COOK  is  one  of  the  old  Union 
veterans  to  whom  the  citizens  of  Grant  county 
delight  to  do  honor,  alike  for  his  patriotic 
services  throughout  the  war  of  the  Rebellion 
and  for  his  moral  and  intellectual  worth  as  a 
man.  He  was  born  in  Erie  county,  N.  Y.,  in 
1838,  one  of  the  seven  children  of  Orson  and 
Resina  (Alby)  Cook,  who  came  from  the  Em- 
pire State  to  the  (then)  Territory  of  Wiscon- 
sin in  1845.  Two  years  later  the  father  died. 

Alvin  S.  Cook  grew  up  in  Grant  county, 
which  has  been  his  home  for  fifty-five  years, 
and  both  for  his  own  and  his  parents’  sake 
he  is  held  in  high  regard.  It  was  there  that 
he  married  Miss  Emily  Jane  Nixon,  and  there, 
too,  their  nine  children — four  sons  and  five 
daughters — were  born,  as  follows:  Emma, 

July  14,  1864  (died  April  14,  1871);  Olive 
M.,  June  22,  1867;  George  J.,  Nov.  1,  1869 
(died  Feb.  15,  1895)  ; Claria  F.,  July  26, 
1872;  Nettie  M.,  Oct.  26,  1874;  Elmer  P., 


June  3.  1878;  Alta  R.,  June  15,  1881;  Henry 
A.,  Aug.  26,  1883;  Melvin  T.,  May  11,  1885. 

Our  subject  was  scarcely  more  than  twenty- 
one  years  of  age  when  the  harbor  of  Charles- 
ton, S.  C.,  reverberated  with  the  echoes  of  the 
first  shot  fired  upon  the  American  flag  bv 
Rebel  hands,  and  it  stirred  his  patriotic  soul 
to  its  very  depths.  He  and  his  brother  Orson 
enlisted  in  Company  C,  2d  Wisconsin  Cavalry, 
the  brother  losing  his  life  in  the  service.  After 
a year  spent  at  the  front  Alvin  S.  was  sent 
home  on  a ‘sick  furlough,"  as  there  appeared 
to  be  danger  of  his  constitution  giving  way, 
and  not  long'  afterward  he  received  an  hon- 
orable discharge.  But,  with  restored  health, 
he  once  more  resolved  to  do  battle  in  his  coun- 
try s cause,  and  re-enlisted,  this  time  in  the 
1st  Wisconsin  Cavalry.  He  remained  in  active 
service  until  the  close  of  the  war,  participating 
in  all  the  sieges,  skirmishes  and  battles  in  which 
that  justly  famed  body  of  troops  took  part, 
and  aiding  in  the  capture  of  Jefferson  Davis 
as  that  redoubtable  chief  conspirator  was  about 
to  flee.  At  Burnt  Hickory,  Ga.,  his  horse  was 
shot  under  him,  and,  falling  upon  its  rider, 
inflicted  upon  him  injuries  of  so  serious  a 
nature  that  he  has  never  fully  recovered  from 
them.  As  years  pass  over  the  head  of  this 
grizzled  veteran  of  many  a hard-fought  field 
he  remembers  his  devotion  to  his  country  in 
her  hour  of  need  with  pleasure  and  pardonable 
pride ; though  as  age  brings  more  and  more 
forcibly  to  mind  the  privations  and  sufferings 
which  he  underwent,  his  broken  health  and 
weakened  frame,  lie  heaves  no  sigh  of  regret, 
and  utters  no  word  of  complaint.  Mr.  Cook 
is  a Republican  in  political  faith.  His  re- 
ligious connection  is  with  the  Church  of  God. 

JAMES  W.  CLEMENTS,  a retired  farm- 
er of  the  town  of  Ellenboro,  Grant  county, 
whose  career  through  life  has  been  singularly 
clean  and  creditable  in  every  way,  was  born 
in  Herkimer  county,  N.  Y.,  April  24,  1831, 
a son  of  Cornelius  and  Jenette  (Haight)' 
Clements,  both  natives  of  the  same  county. 
After  their  marriage  Cornelius  Clements  and 
his  wife  settled  in  Chautauqua  county,  N.  Y., 
where  he  followed  the  trade  of  a carpenter, 
and  also  engaged  in  farming,  on  his  own  land, 
until  his  death,  in  1868.  He  left  his  wife,  who 
survived  him  two  years,  and  three  children. 
She  came  to  Illinois,  and  passed  her  last  days 
with  her  daughter.  (1)  Sallie,  her  eldest 


3°8 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


daughter,  was  born  and  reared  in  New  York, 
where  she  married  Morgan  Wilbur.  They 
moved  to  McHenry  county,  111.,  where  Mr. 
Wilbur  engaged  in  farming,  and  there  Mrs. 
Wilbur  died,  leaving  one  son,  Charles,  now  a 
resident  of  Chicago.  (2)  Nancy,  born  in 
Herkimer  county,  N.  Y.,  died  when  a young 
lady,  at  the  old  homestead  in  Chautauqua 
county.  (3)  Emelyne  died  in  childhood.  (4) 
James  W.  is  the  fourth  member  of  this  fam- 
ily. (5)  Edward,  born  in  New  York,  mar- 
ried Miss  Sarah  Hopkins,  a lady  of  that  State, 
and  they  now  reside  in  Michigan,  where  he 
is  engaged  in  agriculture.  They  have  one 
daughter,  Emma.  (6)  Emily,  twin  of  Ed- 
ward, married  Joseph  Gibbs. 

James  W.  Clements  passed  his  childhood 
at  home,  working  on  the  farm,  and  attending 
the  district  schools  until  he  reached  his  ma- 
turity. I11  February,  1853,  he  married,  in  New 
York,  Amanda  Francis,  who  was  born  in 
Genesee  county,  N.  Y.,  in  June,  1837,  daugh- 
ter of  Amos  and  Isabelle  Francis,  old  and 
prominent  residents  of.  that  county.  Amos 
Francis  was  born  in  Connecticut,  and  his  wife, 
Isahelle  (Doud),  in  Vermont.  They  lived  for 
a time  in  Genesee  county,  and  then  moved  to 
Chautauqua  county,  where  Mr.  Francis  was 
a farmer  up  to  the  time  of  his  death  in 
1853.  Mrs.  Francis  died  in  1851.  Mrs. 
Clements  is  one  of  fourteen  children,,  and 
was  reared  in  New  York.  She  and  her 
husband  were  living  on  a farm  in  Chau- 
tauqua county  at  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war. 
Mr.  Clements  enlisted  in  Company  E.,  154th 
N.  Y.  V.  I.,  which  was  a part  of  the  nth 
Army  Corps,  Army  of  the  Potomac.  Gen. 
Hooker  was  their  first  commander.  Mr.  Clem- 
ents was  in  the  battle  of  Chancellorsville, 
where  he  was  taken  prisoner  and  held  at  Belle 
Isle  by  the  Rebels  for  fourteen  days,  being 
then  released  on  parole.  This  gave  him  an  op- 
portunity to  make  a brief  visit  to  his  family, 
and  when  his  parole  was  cancelled  his  regi- 
ment was  at  Bridgeport,  Tenn.,  where  he 
joined  it,  and  served  until  the  close  of  the  war. 
The  regiment  was  sent  West  once,  becoming  a 
part  of  the  20th  Army  Corps,  and  then  joined 
Sherman’s  army  and  took  part  in  the  march 
through  the  South  up  to  Washington,  where 
it  was  in  the  grand  review,  and  finally  mus- 
tered out. 

During  our  subject’s  service  in  the  army 
Mrs.  Clements  was  left  at  home  with  three 


small  children,  and  Mr.  Clements  made  haste 
to  rejoin  his  family.  In  New  York  he  worked 
at  farming  and  carpentering  until  his  removal 
to  Wisconsin.  Here  he  purchased  a farm 
from  Samuel  Francis,  in  the  town  of  Ellenboro, 
and  there  made  a permanent  home.  Substan- 
tial improvements  were  made,  and  the  place 
became  very  neat  and  attractive.  In  1897  Mr. 
Clements  erected  a home,  furnished  with  all 
modern  improvements  possible  in  its  location, 
and  finished  in  hardwood;  it  is  one  of  the  ele- 
gant homes  of  the  town.  Mr.  Clements  owns 
a quarter  section  of  fine  farming  land  in  Ellen- 
boro, and  for  the  past  few  years,  on  account 
of  his  health,  has  put  his  son  Neil  in  active 
charge  of  his  farming  interests. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clements  have  been  born 
five  children:  (1)  Ella  j.  was  born  in  Chau- 

tauqua county  in  1855,  where  she  obtained  a 
good  education,  and  was  a teacher  in  her  native 
State.  She  is  now  the  wife  of  Albert  Miner, 
and  resides  at  Chautauqua,  where  she  is  rear- 
ing two  daughters,  May  and  Hattie.  (2) 
Hattie,  born  in  New  York  in  1857,  was  well 
educated,  and  taught  in  the  public  schools 
prior  to  her  marriage  with  Theodore  Sage, 
of  Chautauqua.  They  have  two  daughters, 
Olive  (Mrs.  Walter  Dudley)  and  Amy.  (3) 
Alma,  born  in  New  York  in  1859,  married  Abel 
Fuller,  and  is  now  deceased.  (4)  Lida,  born 
in  New  York  in  1866,  was  educated  in  her 
native  State  and  in  Wisconsin,  married  Harry 
Russell,  and  has  four  children,  James  C.,  Ross- 
well,  Eva  and  Ella.  They  reside  in  the  town 
of  Harrison,  Grant  county.  (5)  Neil,  born  in 
New  York  in  1877,  grew  up  in  Grant  county, 
remains  at  home,  and  has  charge  of  the  farm. 
In  1899  he  married  Miss  Minnie  Baker,  of  the 
town  of  Harrison,  and  they  make  their  home 
with  his  parents. 

In  politics  Mr.  Clements  is  a Republican, 
but  has  never  soug'ht  an  office.  He  and  his 
family  attend  the  Methodist  Church,  and  so- 
cially he  is  a member  of  Sherman  Post,  No. 
66,  G.  A.  R.,  at  Platteville. 

ALLEN  F.  PHILLIPS  lives  in  Janesville, 
Rock  county,  and  has  a beautiful  and  com- 
modious residence  at  No.  227  South  Main 
street.  He  has  been  a resident  of  the  city 
some  eighteen  years,  and  in  that  time  has 
commanded  wide  recognition  as  a capable  and 
honorable  business  man  and  an  upright  citizen, 
whose  word  is  as  good  as  his  bond. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


309 


Mr.  Phillips  was  born  in  Woodstock,  Conn., 
Aug.  18,  1835,  and  his  parents,  Addison  and 
Mary  (Waldo)  Phillips,  were  both  natives 
of  that  State.  They  had  two  children : Allen 
F.,  our  subject;  and  a daughter,  Anna,  who 
died  when  about  twelve  years  old.  The  father 
in  early  life  was  a farmer,  but  in  his  later 
years  was  a merchant  in  the  city  of  New 
York.  In*  1837,  in  company  with  his  wife 
and  son,  he  came  West  to  Rockford,  111.,  and 
there  took  up  a half  section  of  government  land. 
In  March,  1839,  he  accidentally  shot  himself, 
while  going  to  the  timber  for  a load  of  rails. 
His  wife  lived  till  the  fall  of  1898,  dying  at 
the  advanced  age  of  eighty-six.  She  was  a 
Congregationalist,  and  a lady  of  many  marked 
excellencies  of  mind  and  heart.  Wheeler 
Phillips,  paternal  grandfather  of  the  subject 
of  this  article,  was  born  in  Connecticut,  and 
came  of  English  stock.  He  was  a prominent 
man  in  his  day,  being  town  clerk  for  many 
years,  and  long  time  judge  of  probate.  He 
died  on  his  farm  in  the  village  of  West  Wood- 
stock,  about  seven  miles  from  Gen.  Putnam's 
wolf  den,  at  the  age  of  eighty-three.  He  was 
twice  married,  and  had  four  sons,  three  by  Ins 
first  and  one  by  his  second  wife.  Francis 
Waldo,  the  father  of  Mary  W aldo,  was  also  a 
native  of  Connecticut,  and  of  English  descent. 
He  was  a farmer,  and  lived  to  celebrate  his 
seventy-second  birthday.  He  was  the  father  of 
five  children. 

Allen  F.  Phillips  was  not  Cjuite  four  years 
old  when  his  father’s  death  occurred.  The 
widow  and  her  children  were  received  into 
the  home  of  her  husband's  father,  and  there 
Allen  lived  until  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil 
war  called  him  to  the  front  in  1861.  He  en- 
listed in  the  fall  of  that  year  in  Company  A, 
1st  Connecticut  Cavalry,  and  did  gallant  serv- 
ice in  the  cause  of  the  Union  for  three  years, 
his  regiment  being  attached  to  the  Army  of 
the  Potomac.  He  led  a stirring  life,  and 
passed  through  many  hot  engagements,  being 
under  the  command  of  Schenck,  Milroy,  Sigel, 
Pope,  and  Burnside.  After  the  battle  of  Fal- 
mouth he  returned  to  Stafford  Court  House, 
where  the  regiment  lay  encamped  for  a num- 
ber of  weeks,  and  was  then  ordered  to  report 
to  Gen.  Schenck,  at  Baltimore.  Mr.  Phillips 
was  detailed  for  special  duty  in  that  city,  and 
was  there  when  the  battle  of  Antietam  was 
fought.  With  forty  men  he  conducted  five 
thousand  Rebel  prisoners  through  the  city  to 


Fort  McHenry.  Mr.  Phillips  at  that  time 
was  second  lieutenant.  A day  or  two  later  his 
troops  were  ordered  to  Harper's  Ferry,  and 
were  the  first  to  cross  on  the  new  pontoon 
bridge,  that  they  might  help  protect  the  Cap- 
ital against  the  advance  of  Gen.  Lee.  Of  the 
forty-nine  men  he  led  across  twenty-four  were 
afterward  captured,  among  them  Major 
Charles  Farnsworth,  who  never  returned,  but 
died  in  Charleston,  S.  C.,  while  a prisoner. 
This  was  about  July  5,  and  the  regiment  lay 
at  Harper’s  Ferry  until  the  following  January 
or  February,  mainly  engaged  in  picket  duty. 
Our  subject  was  in  the  battle  of  McDowell 
under  Gen.  Milroy,  and  immediately  afterward 
joined  Gen.  Fremont  in  his  campaign  for  the 
expulsion  of  Gen.  Jackson  from  the  Shenan- 
doah valley.  In  the  second  battle  of  Bull  Run 
he  was  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Pope.  He 
was  in  many  of  the  most  important  struggles 
and  bloodiest  combats  of  the  war,  and  to-day 
he  marvels  at  his  escape  unscathed.  He  bore  a 
soldier’s  part  in  the  battles  of  the  Wilder- 
. ness,  Spottsylvania,  Ashland,  Kearneysville, 
Cedar  Creek,  in  front  of  Richmond,  in  the 
Shenandoah  Valley,  and  at  Winchester,  and 
was  in  an  almost  continuous  state  of  action 
during  all  of  his  three  years’  service.  He  en- 
tered the  army  as  a private,  was  promoted  to 
second  lieutenant,  and  made  a record  of  which 
any  man  might  well  be  proud. 

After  his  discharge  from  the  government 
service  Mr.  Phillips  went  to  New  York  City, 
and  engaged  in  the  flour  and  feed  business, 
which  he  followed  until  1872.  That  year  he 
sold  out,  and  coming  West  located  in  Rock- 
ford, 111.,  where  he  spent  the  next  ten  years. 
I11  1882  he  removed  his  business  to  Janesville, 
in  which  city  he  has  made  his  home  since 
that  time.  From  the  time  he  came  West  he 
has  bought  and  sold  stock,  and  in  the  pursuit 
of  that  calling  he  has  made  a host  of  friends. 

Mr.  Phillips  was  mairied  to  Miss  Emma 
Childs,  a daughter  of  Elias  and  Nancy  (Perrin) 
Childs,  Nov.  13,  1861.  Mrs.  Phillips  is  a lady 
of  character  and  intelligence  much  above  the 
ordinary,  possessing  those  qualities  of  mind 
and  heart  that  command  and  retain  warm 
friendship,  and  has  ably  assisted  her  husband 
in  his  life  labors.  She  is  the  mother  of  two 
children,  Herbert  A.  and  Myrtis  A.  Herbert 
has  charge  of  the  sheep  and  lamb  department 
of  the  Hammond  Packing  Co.,  at  Hammond, 
Ind. ; Myrtis  married  John  Soulman,  and  lives 


3io 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


in  Janesville,  he  being  engaged  in  the  wholesale 
tobacco  business ; they  have  three  children, 
Ralph,  Ruth  and  Helen.  Mrs.  Phillips  be- 
longs to  the  Congregational  Church,  lie  is  a 
Republican. 

CHARLES  WARING,  one  of  the  repre- 
sentative citizens  of  the  village  of  Livingston, 
Grant  county,  is  of  foreign  birth,  but  his  duties 
of  citizenship  have  ever  been  performed  with 
a loyalty  equal  to  that  of  any  native  son  of 
America,  and  when  the  nation  was  imperiled 
by  rebellion  he  went  to  the  defense  of  the 
Union,  and  protected  the  cause  of  his  adopted 
country  on  many  a Southern  battlefield.  He 
enlisted  in  December,  1864,  in  Company  I, 
47th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  was  mustered  into  the 
United  States  service  at  Camp  Randall,  Madi- 
son, on  the  2 1 st  of  January,  following.  The 
history  of  his  regiment  is  too  well  known, , and 
its  honorable  record  too  familiar  to  those 
versed  in  the  history  of  the  war  between  the 
States,  to  require  special  mention  in  this  sketch. 
Suffice  it  to  say  that  Mr.  Waring  faithfully 
discharged  all  the  duties  that  devolved  upon 
him,  and  during  all  the  time  that  he  was  in 
the  service  lost  but  one  day,  and  then  from 
illness,  returning  to  his  command  the  follow- 
ing day,  against  the  advice  of  the  physician  in 
charge.  After  hostilities  ceased  he  was  hon- 
orably discharged,  Sept.  4,  1865. 

Mr.  Waring  was  born  in  Derbyshire,  Eng- 
land, July  24,  1835,  a son  of  John  and  Alice 
(Andrew)  Waring,  natives  of  the  same  coun- 
try, the  former  born  Aug.  2,  1812,  the  latter 
Oct.  13,  1815.  They  never  came  to  America, 
but  spent  their  entire  lives  in  England,  where 
the  mother  passed  away  Dec.  17,  1857.  The 
father  married  again,  and  survived  until  1896, 
dying  at  the  age  of  eighty-five  years.  No 
children  were  born  of  the  second  union.  There 
were  five  by  the  first,  four  sons  and  one  daugh- 
ter, but  only  Charles  and  John  are  now  living, 
the  latter  a resident  of  Manchester,  England. 
It  is  interesting  to  note  in  this  connection  that 
the  above  dates  were  taken  from  an  old  family 
Bible  sent  to  Mr.  Waring  by  his  father  a few 
years  before  the  latter’s  death.  The  title  page 
of  this  ancient  book  states  that  it  was  instituted 
in  London  in  1804. 

At  the  age  of  fourteen  years  Charles  War- 
ing came  to  the  United  States,  with  an  uncle 
by  marriage,  and  it  may  be  stated  here  that 
he  worked  a year  to  pay  his  passage,  his  par- 


ents being  too  poor  to  send  him,  and  landed 
in  America  without  a cent  in  his  pocket.  Ar- 
riving in  Grant  county,  Wis.,  Nov.  16,  1850, 
he  has  since  made  his  home  in  Clifton  town- 
ship, and  has  been  absent  from  the  township 
no  length  of  time  but  twice — the  time  spent  in 
the  army  and  a sojourn  of  about  six  months 
in  the  Rocky  Mountains.  Yielding  to  a desire 
to  once  more  see  his  aged  father  and  visit 
the  scenes  of  his  early  boyhood,  Mr.  Waring 
visited  the  land  of  his  birth  in  1895,  and  about 
a year  later  his  father  passed  away.  In  his 
earlier  days  in  Grant  county  he  was  engaged 
in  mining,  later  in  farming,  and  for  twelve 
years  conducted  a hotel  which  he  owned  in 
Livingston. 

On  Dec.  16,  1857,  Mr.  Waring  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Harriet  L.  Hudson,  who 
was  born  Jan.  2,  1833,  in  Delaware  county, 
Ohio,  and  came  to  Platteville  from  that  State 
in  1844.  They  have  a family  of  five  children, 
one  son  and  four  daughters,  whose  names  and 
dates  of  birth  are  as  follows:  Aiice  A.,  Jan. 

4,  1859;  Jennie,  Oct.  15,  1863;  Harriet  E., 
June  28,  1866;  Martha  M.,  March  2,  1871; 
and  Charles  W.,  Feb.  24,  1878.  One  daughter, 
Henrietta,  born  March  3,  1876,  died  Feb.  7, 
1877. 

Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  Mr.  War- 
ing’s  health  was  permanently  impaired  by  his 
army  service,  he  has  led  an  industrious  and 
active  life,  and  has  accumulated  a competence 
for  his  declining  years.  He  has  ever  been  held 
in  high  esteem  as  a man  of  honesty  and  integ,- 
rity.  Although  born  on  English  soil,  he  is 
truly  an  American  citizen,  and  the  flag  whose 
honor  he  helped  to  sustain  he  esteems  above  all 
others.  In  his  political  views  he  is  a Republi- 
can, had  the  honor  of  casting  his  first  vote 
for  the  first  Republican  Presidential  candidate, 
John  C.  Fremont,  in  1856,  and  has  supported 
every  Republican  nominee  down  to  McKinley. 
He  voted  twice,  in  i860  and  1864,  for  the 
martyr  President,  Abraham  Lincoln,  whose 
memory  is  sacred  to  every  true  American  cit- 
izen. Mr.  Waring  served  on  the  board  of 
supervisors  in  the  town  of  Clifton  for  seven 
years. 

SAMUEL  GRIFFITH,  formerly  foreman 
of  the  Rand  & Laflin  Powder  Works  at  Platte- 
ville, is  now  living  on  a farm  in  the  town  of 
Harrison,  Grant  county,  and  is  spending  the  last 
measure  of  his  life  in  the  enjoyment  of  leisure 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


3i  i 


and  comfort  that  he  has  richly  earned  by  years 
of  honest  industry  and  unbending  integrity. 

Mr.  Griffith  was  born  in  Ebensburg,  Cam- 
bria Co.,  Penn.,  in  October,  1838,  son  of 
Griffith  and  Hannah  (Rese)  Griffith,  natives 
of  Wales  and  Cambria  county,  Penn.,  re- 
spectively. His  parents  moved  to  Platteville, 
Wis.,  in  the  fall  of  1840,  and  spent  their  last 
days  in  this  State,  the  mother  dying  in  1846, 
and  the  father  in  1850.  They  left  a family,  of 
five  young  children,  of  whom  the  subject  of 
this  sketch  was  the  eldest.  The  eldest  daugh- 
ter, Harriet,  born  in  Platteville,  after  her  fa- 
ther's death  returned  to  Pennsylvania,  grew 
to  womanhood,  and  married  John  Tibbit;  they 
are  still  living  in  Cambria  county,  that  State. 
George,  born  in  Platteville  in  1843,  died  when 
ten  years  old.  Newton,  born  in  1845,  was  a 
soldier  in  the  Union  army  during  the  Civil  war, 
and  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness. 
David,  born  in  1846,  was  drowned  at  Platte- 
ville in  boyhood. 

Samuel  Griffith  obtained  his  early  educa- 
tion in  the  schools  of  Platteville  and  at  Ebens- 
burg, whither  he  was  sent  after  his  father's 
death.  He  remained  in  Pennsylvania  until 
1859,  when  he  came  back  to  Wisconsin,  and 
secured  employment  in  the  powder  works  of 
Rand  & Laflin,  of  which  in  after  years  he  be- 
came foreman,  serving  in  that  capacity  from 
1872  to  1894.  The  young  powder-maker  en- 
listed in  August,  1862,  as  a member  of  Com- 
pany E,  25th  A is.  V.  I.  He  was  at  the  siege 
of  V icksburg,  the  battle  of  Chattanooga,  and 
on  Sherman's  march  to  the  sea;  was  a partici- 
pant in  the  fierce  fighting  around  Atlanta,  the 
battle  of  Decatur,  and  in  many  other  fierce  and 
bloody  struggles.  Pie  survived  the  perils  of 
that  mighty  war,  and  returned  home  after  its 
close,  to  resume  his  position  in  the  powder 
works. 

Mr.  Griffith  and  Miss  Mar  garet  Travis  were 
united  in  marriage  in  1877.  Mrs.  Griffith  is  a 
member  of  one  of  the  first  pioneer  families 
of  Grant  county,  being  a daughter  of  Abram 
and  Sarah  (Cramier)  Travis.  Her  father  was 
born  in  Pennsylvania  in  1798,  was  a soldier 
in  the  Black  Plawk  war,  under  Capt.  Gentry 
and  Major  Rountree.  The  mother  was  born  in 
1813:  They  were  married  in  that  State  in 

1835.  and  came  to  Wisconsin  the  following 
year,  by  wagon,  settling  in  the  town  of  Harri- 
son, Grant  county,  where  he  entered  a large 
tract  of  government  land.  He  put  up  a large 


hewed-log  house,  which  was  his  home  for  ten 
years,  and  is  still  standing,  in  a good  state 
of  preservation.  In  1846  he  put  up  the  house 
which  Mr.  Griffith  and  his  wife,  Mr.  Travis' 
second  daughter,  now  occupy.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Travis  lived  in  this  home  as  long  as  they  were 
spared.  Mr.  Travis  was  an  Old-line  Whig, 
and  the  first  election  in  the  town  of  Harri- 
son was  held  in  his  own  log  house.  He  was 
widely  known  all  over  this  country,  where  he 
was  largely  engaged  in  mining.  He  died  in 
1853,  and  she  survived  until  1894.  reaching 
the  venerable  age  of  eighty-one  years.  Mrs. 
Travis  married  for  her  second  husband  John 
Petty,  by  whom  she  had  one  son.  Moses,  now 
a resident  of  Platteville.  John  Petty  is  still 
living,  hale  and  hearty  for  one  of  his  years, 
and  makes  his  home  on  the  old  farm.  Seven  of 
the  children  born  to  Abram  and  Sarah  Travis 
attained  mature  life,  and  came  to  occupy  an 
honorable  position  in  the  world.  Buckless  C., 
his  oldest  child,  was  born  on  the  present  home 
in  1837,  and  was  the  first  white  child  born 
between  the  Plattes;  he  married  Miss  Mary 
Vannetta,  and  they  live  in  Grand  Island,  Neb., 
and  have  seven  children  living.  George  \\  ., 
born  in  the  town  of  Harrison.  Grant  county, 
Aug.  24,  1839,  is  now  a resident  of  Idaho. 
John  H.,  born  in  Grant  county  in  1841,  is  a 
merchant  of  Loup  City,  Neb. : he  is  married, 
and  has  a family  of  eight  children,  James, 
Abraham,  David,  Anna,  Nelly,  Etta,  Mollie, 
and  Jessie.  Mahala,  born  in  1843.  is  the  wife 
of  David  C.  Philips,  of  Dubuque,  Iowa,  and 
has  one  daughter,  Maggie,  now  Mrs.  John 
Kruger,  of  Chicago.  Margaret,  the  wife  of 
Samuel  Griffith,  was  born  ar  their  present  home 
June  28,  1847,  obtained  her  education  in  the 
public  schools,  and  here  has  largely  spent  her 
life.  Anthony,  born  in  1849,  now  resides  in 
Loup  City,  Neb.,  where  he  is  a merchant. 
Abram,  born  in  1852,  migrated  to  the  far  West 
in  his  early  manhood,  and  settled  inNevada, 
where  he  married  Miss  Julia  Edwards;  after 
their  marriage  the  young  couple  moved  on  to 
California,  where  they  lived  many  years,  and 
where  Mr.  Travis  died  in  1895,  leaving  his 
wife  and  one  son,  John. 

After  his  marriage  Mr.  Griffith  bought  the 
old  Travis  homestead,  where  he  has  made  his 
home  to  the  present  time.  They  have  no  chil- 
dren, but  Mrs.  Griffith  has  brought  up  the 
son  of  her  brother,  Robert,  who  is  now  a young 
man  and  is  making  his  home  with  them.  Mr 


312 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Griffith  has  always  been  identified  with  the 
Republican  party,  and  was  much  interested  in 
politics  in  his  early  life,  when  he  worked  as 
a printer  in  the  office  of  the  Cambria  (Penn.) 
Times.  He  is  a member  of  Sherman  Post, 
No.  66,  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  at  Platte- 
ville,  and  takes  much  interest  in  its  associa- 
tions. For  thirty  years  he  has  been  a mem- 
ber of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  belongs  to  Platte- 
ville  Lodge,  No.  6.  Mr.  Griffith  is  one  of  the 
solid  men  of  the  county  and  has  many  warm 
friends.  Mrs.  Griffith  is  a woman  of  fine 
character  and  much  housewifely  ability,  an 
efficient  worker  in  all  benevolent  causes  and 
societies,  and  her  home  is  always  open  to  the 
needy  and  friendless.  She  is  a member  of 
the  Rachel  Rebekahs  and  the  Order  of  the 
Eastern  Star. 

FRANKLIN  F.  LEWIS  enjoys  an  en- 
viable reputation,  as  well  as  a wide  popularity, 
through  Rock  and  Columbia  counties,  not  only 
because  of  his  business  success,  but  also  on 
account  of  his  recognized  probity,  and  his 
earnest  Christian  character.  He  is  one  of 
Janesville's  public-spirited  citizens,  conserv- 
ative while  progressive,  a friend  of  the  poor, 
and  a liberal  supporter  of  the  cause  of  re- 
ligion, for  whose  advancement  he  is  an  earnest 
worker. 

A somewhat  detailed  history  of  his  fam- 
ily, for  three  generations,  is  given  in  the  bio- 
graphical sketch  of  his  brother,  Stephen  B. 
Lewis,  to  which  the  reader  is  referred  for 
fuller  information  in  reference  thereto.  Frank- 
lin  L.  Lewis  was  born  at  what  is  now  Lewis- 
ton, but  was  then  Lort  Winnebago,  in  Co- 
lumbia county,  Wis.,  Sept.  28,  1S50.  During 
his  childhood  the  Winnebago  Indian  villages 
surrounded  the  fort,  the  curling  smoke  of  their 
wigwams  mingling  with  that  of  the  sunrise 
and  sunset  guns,  while  the  tepees  of  these 
sons  of  nature  swung  low  from  the  forest 
trees.  His  boyhood  was  passed  upon  his  fa- 
ther’s farm,  and  his. early  education  was  ob- 
tained at  the  high  school  in  Portage  and  at 
the  State  Normal  School  at  Whitewater.  For 
several  years  he  taught  at  Waupun,  for  two 
years  being  superintendent  of  the  “west  ward 
schools"  in  that  city.  Returning  to  White- 
water,  he  was  principal  of  the  “East  Side 
School”  for  twelve  months,  and  afterward 
general  superintendent  of  the  city  schools. 
His  innate  physical  activity,  however,  demand-  | 


ed  an  outlet,  and  he  laid  down  the  chalk,  the 
pencil  and  the  birch  to  embark  in  commercial 
life.  His  first  experience  in  this  line  was  at 
Red  Wing,  Minn.,  where  he  remained  two 
years.  Next  he  became  a traveling  salesman 
for  the  Whitewater  Manufacturing  Co.,  sell- 
ing furniture  and  undertakers’  supplies.  His 
keen  intelligence,  common  sense,  good  judg- 
ment and  tactful  address  insured  him  success, 
and  it  was  not  long  before  he  was  tendered 
a better  position  by  the  Cleveland  Burial  Case 
Co.,  his  territory  covering  Iowa,  Missouri, 
Wisconsin,  Minnesota,  Nebraska,  the  (then) 
Territory  of  Dakota  and  northern  Illinois.  In 
1883,  however,  lie  severed  his  connection  with 
that  concern,  to  embark  in  the  manufacture 
of  knit  goods,  in  association  with  his  father 
and  brother,  at  Portage,  Wis.  A succinct  his- 
tory of  the  enterprise  may  be  found  in  the 
sketch  of  Stephen  B.  Lewis.  # Incorporation, 
under  the  name  of  the  Lewis  Knitting  Co., 
was  effected  in  1889,  Franklin  F.  Lewis  be- 
coming secretary  and  treasurer,  which  re- 
sponsible position  in  the  concern  he  yet  holds. 
In  addition  to  rare  capabilities  as  a man  of 
affairs,  he  possesses  native  genius  as  a mechani- 
cian and  inventor.  The  company  avails  it- 
self of  not  less  than  four  of  his  patents  for 
improvements  in  machinery  and  garments, 
and  in  addition  to  the  manufacture  of  under- 
wear he  successfully  operates  a plant  for  the 
manufacture  of  automatic  knitting  machines 
(of  the  same  pattern  used  in  the  company’s 
factory),  devised  and  patented  by  our  sub- 
ject. 

Both  Mr.  Lewis  and  his  wife  are  active 
members  of  the  Congregational  Church,  while 
he  has  been  both  a pioneer  and  a leader  in 
Christian  work.  For  eleven  years  he  has  been 
secretary  of  the  First  Congregational  Church 
and  society.  He  is  also  a member  of  the  board 
of  directors  of  the  Young  Men’s  Christian 
Association  of  Janesville,  was  chief  organizer 
of  the  Young  Men’s  Christian  Association 
concert  band,  and  for  six  years  has  been  its 
president.  The  organization  has  succeeded 
beyond  his  fondest  hopes,  having  successfully 
played,  under  the  auspices,  of  the  Association, 
at  Baraboo,  Madison,  Delavan,  Beloit,  Green 
Bay,  Wis.,  and  at  Grand  Rapids,  Mich.,  under 
the  auspices  of  the  International  Association. 

Politically  Mr.  Lewis  is  a Republican.  Of 
kindly  disposition  and  generous  impulses,  the 
many  cares  which  weigh  heavily  upon  his 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


3i3 


shoulders  leave  him  but  little  time  to  devote 
to  personal  recreation  and  social  pleasures. 
For  twenty-two  years  he  has  been  a member 
of  the  A.  O.  U.  W.,  but  he  belongs  to  no 
other  fraternal  organization.  He  was  married 
Nov.  29,  1877,  to  Victorine,  a daughter  of 
Anson  and  Hannah  (Thorpe)  Rockwell.  The 
issue  of  the  marriage  has  been  one  son,  Ed- 
ward Rockwell,  who  died  in  infancy,  and  two 
daughters,  Mabel  Barrett  and  Frances  Eleanor, 
the  elder  born  at  Whitewater,  and  the  younger 
at  Janesville. 

JOHN  STOCKMAN,  a well-known  agri- 
culturist, whose  home  farm  is  in  Section  6, 
Harmony  township,  has  been  a resident  of 
Rock  county  for  many  years,  and  his  career 
is  a noble  illustration  of  the  possibilities  of 
country  life  for  the  industrious  and  saving,' 
who  are  willing  to  work  hard,  and  wait  patient- 
ly for  the  legitimate  results  of  their  toil  and 
care. 

Air.  Stockman  was  born  in  the  North  of 
Ireland,  in  County  Antrim,  Sept.  2,  1827,  and 
is  a son  of  James  and  Rebecca  (White)  Stock- 
man,  both  natives  of  Ireland.  They  were  the 
parents  of  three  daughters  and  four  sons,  and 
three  of  their  children  are  now  living:  John; 
Jane,  widow  of  Rev.  Andrew  Walker,  of 
Milton,  Wis. ; and  Hugh  H.,  of  Milton  town- 
ship, Rock  county.  The  father  followed  the 
trade  of  stone-mason,  when  he  was  a young- 
man.  He  crossed  the  ocean  in  1831,  and  fol- 
lowed his  trade  in  Philadelphia  some  two  or 
three  years,  from  that  city-  removing  to  Sara- 
toga, N.  Y.,  where  he  combined  farming  and 
stone-cutting.  In  1843  he  came  to  Wisconsin, 
bought  a quarter  section  of  farm  land  in  Milton 
township,  Rock  county,  and  devoted  his  life  to 
its  improvement.  As  a farmer  be  was  highly 
successful,  holding  what  he  bought  and  mak- 
ing large  additions  to  it  until,  at  one  time,  he 
owned  nearly^  if  not  quite  a section  of  land. 
He  died  there  in  1873,  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
seven.  His  wife  survived  him  some  five  or 
six  years,  and  was  about  the  same  age  when 
she  died.  Both  were  Presbyterians. 

Hugh  Stockman,  father  of  James,  died  in 
Ireland,  when  he  was  about  seventy  years  of 
age.  He  was  a fanner,  was  of  Scottish  de- 
scent, and  had  a family  of  four  sons  and  two 
daughters.  John  White,  the  father  of  Re- 
becca, was  a native-born  Irishman,  though  of 
Scottish  descent.  He  came  to  this  country  in 


early  life,  lived  in  the  State  of  New  York  for 
some  years,  and  moved  into  Canada,  where  he 
spent  the  last  yrears  of  a life  that  lasted  almost 
a century.  He  had  four  sons  and  three  daugh- 
ters, and  his  youngest  son  was  the  father  of 
Gen.  White,  who  served  in  Africa  as  an  officer 
of  the  English  army  operating  against  the 
Boers  in  the  late  war. 

John  Stockman  was  about  sixteen  years 
old  when  he  came  with  his  parents  to  Rock 
county.  He  attended  school  in  Philadelphia 
and  afterward  in  New  York,  and  obtained  a 
good  common-school  education.  He  lived  at 
home  until  he  was  twenty-six,  when  he  started 
for  himself  on  a farm  of  130  acres,  part  of 
which  was  a present  from  his  father.  He  has 
added  eighty  acres  to  it  since,  and  now  owns 
a choice  tract  of  land,  consisting  of  213  acres, 
which  has  become  under  his  capable  tillage  a 
very  valuable  farm.  He  has  lived  in  Wis- 
consin since  1843,  an(l  has  occupied  his  pres- 
ent home  since  1856. 

Mr.  Stockman  and  Miss  Elizabeth  Nichol- 
son were  married  Dec.  14,  1853.  She  is  a 
daughter  of  William  and  Alary  (Booth) 
Nicholson.  Mr.  and  Airs.  Stockman  are  the 
parents  of  eleven  children,  James  William, 
Robert  Henry,  Mary  Jane,  William  James, 
John  B.,  Rebecca  Alice,  Sophia,  Martha  Jane, 
Ellen  Elizabeth,  Matilda  and  Alary  Estella. 
Janies  William  died  when  three  months  old. 
Robert  Henry  married  Isabel  Peck,  lives  in 
Fulton  township,  and  has  two  living  children, 
Chester  and  Blanche  Pearl.  Mary  Jane  died 
when  nine  years  old.  William  J.  married  Alma 
F.  Story,  lives  in  Harmony  township,  and  has 
one  child,  Earl.  John  B.  married  Ella  Ander- 
son, of  Mason  City,  Iowa,  and  now  lives  at 
Eldora,_  Iowa,  where  he  is  teaching  school ; 
they  have  one  child,  Harold.  Rebecca  Alice  is 
the  wife  of  Dr.  Bennett,  of  Beloit,  and  is  the 
mother  of  two  boys,  George  and  Howard. 
Sophia  is  deceased;  she  married  Frank  Gun- 
nison, of  Jefferson  county.  Martha  Jane  mar- 
ried Henry  C.  Yale,  and  is  the  mother  of  four 
children,  Nellie  Estella,  Eugene  Henry  and 
Emmett  (twins),  and  Albert.  Ellen  Elizabeth 
died  at  the  age  of  twenty-one.  Alatilda  married 
Harry  Smith,  and  had  one  child,  David  Earl ; 
she  died  Afarch  13,  1900.  Mary  Estella  died 
when  a mere  child  of  two  years  and  eight 
months.  Mr.  and  Airs.  Stockman  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Presbyterian  Church,  of  which  he 
was  an  elder  for  thirty  years.  He  is  a member 


314 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


of  Milton  Lodge,  No.  65,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  of 
Du  Lac  Lodge,  No.  72,  Patrons  of  Husbandry. 
He  is  a Prohibitionist,  and  has  held  various 
local  positions  of  trust  and  honor,  was  super- 
visor three  years,  and  chairman  of  the  board 
one  year ; was  town  clerk  two  years ; assessor 
four  years ; has  been  justice  of  the  peace  twenty 
years ; and  is  secretary  of  the  mutual  fire  in- 
surance company  that  covers  the  four  town- 
ships of  Harmony,  Milton,  Fulton  and  Janes- 
ville, which  position  he  has  held  since  1872. 
He  has  also  held  a commission  as  notary  public 
for  many  years.  From  1856  to  1885  he  was  a 
Republican,  but  in  the  latter  year  he  voted 
with  the  Prohibitionists,  and  has  since  acted 
with  that  party. 

Mrs.  Stockman’s  parents  were  natives  of 
England.  They  had  five  children,  of  whom  she 
was  the  eldest  child,  and  the  only  one  now 
living.  Her  mother  was  first  married  to  Robert 
Meggott,  and  bore  him  two  sons  and  two 
daughters,  two  of  whom  are  now  living:  Mary, 
widow  of  John  Lowis,  now  living  at  Escanaba, 
Mich. ; and  William  Meggott,  of  Janesville. 

CHARLES  R.  SENDELBACPI,  of  Fen- 
nirnore,  Grant  county,  was  one  of  the  members 
of  the  gallant  20th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  made  a rec- 
ord as  a soldier  that  any  man  might  be  proud 
of.  He  was  born  in  Saxony,  Germany,  March 
15,  1828,  son  of  David  Sendelbach,  who  died 
when  he  was  eight  years  old.  His  mother, 
Margaret  Sendelbach,  died  when  he  was  eight- 
een years  old.  They  were  the  parents  of  seven 
children,  Charles  being  the  youngest  son.  Pie 
learned  the  trade  of  cabinet-making,  and  in 
1849  came  to  this  country  with  his  youngest 
sister,  Louisa.  They  landed  at  Baltimore,  and 
went  from  there  to  Pittsburg,  where  he  worked 
at  his  trade  for  a few  months,  also  for  a time 
at  St.  Louis.  In  1850  he  made  his  first  appear- 
ance in  Wisconsin,  and  soon  after  his  arrival 
pre-empted  forty  acres  in  the  town  of  Liberty, 
Grant  county. 

Charles  R.  Sendelbach  and  Miss  Sarah  A. 
Connolly  were  united  in  marriage  Jan.  31, 
1853.  She  was  born  April  21,  1830,  daughter 
of  Henry  and  Sarah  Connolly,  who  came  from 
Kentucky,  and  settled 'in  the  town  of  Alt.  Ida. 
Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1844,  spending  their  last 
years  in  that  town.  He  died  in  1859,  and  she 
in  1S73.  They  were  the  parents  of  twelve 
children,  only  three  of  whom  are  living:  Louis, 
who  was  born  in  1828;  Mrs.  Sendelbach;  and 


her  youngest  brother,  James,  who  has  his  home 
in  Nebraska.  In  the  fall  of  1S53  Mr.  Sendel- 
bach bought  a portion  of  his  father’s  farm  in 
Mt.  Ida,  and  at  a later  period  purchased  what 
was  left  of  the  homestead,  he  and  his  wife 
living  on  this  farm  until  1895,  when  they 
moved  to  Fennimore. 

Mr.  Sendelbach  enlisted,  Aug.  13,  1862, 
in  Company  I,  20th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  was  with 
his  regiment  until  the  battle  of  Prairie  Grove, 
where  that  gallant  soldier,  Capt.  McDermott, 
'was  killed.  A few  moments  after  he  fell  Mr. 
Sendelbach  was  badly  wounded,  being  struck 
three  times  by  bullets  in  his  legs,  and  was  taken 
to  the  hospital  at  Fayetteville,  Ark.  This 
battle  wfas  fought  Dec.  7,  1862,  and  Mr.  Sen- 
delbach was  kept  in  the  hospital  and  the  con- 
valescent camp  until  the  following  spring, 
when  he  returned  to  his  regiment,  at  that  time 
stationed  about  twelve  miles  south  of  Rolla, 
Mo.  He  continued  with  the  command  to  the 
end  of  the  war,  and  was  discharged  at  Gal- 
veston, Texas,  in  1865. 

Mr.  Sendelbach  came  home  and  went  back 
to  work,  and  has  been  greatly  prospered.  He 
was  a brave  soldier  of  the  Union,  and  is  a 
worthy  member  of  the  community.  He  belongs 
to  the  Sam  Monteith  Post,  Grand  Army  of  the 
Republic.  Politically  he  is  a Republican.  He 
was  reared  a Lutheran,  and  his  wife  is  a Bap- 
tist. They  are  the  parents  of  nine  children, 
eight  of  whom  are  living:  David,  born  Nov. 

23,  3:853  J John  L.,  June  21,  1855;  Sarah  M., 
Alay  24.  1857;  William  IT.,  Aug.  12,  1859; 
James,  April  17,  1861;  Fannie  Ann,  Feb.  3, 
1863;  Charles  R.,  May  30,  1866;  Dorothy 
Jane,  Feb.  28,  1869;  and  Mary  E.,  Aug.  2, 
1875  (died  Jan.  23,  1894). 

THOMAS  SCOTT  holds  an  honored  place 
among  the  retired  farmers  of  the  town  of 
Hazel  Green,  Grant  county,  where  his  long  and 
useful  life  wins  respect  as  its  simple  and  un- 
pretending virtues  carry  their  own  lessons. 

Mr.  Scott  was  born  in  Cornwall,  England, 
Inly  17,  1831,  a son  of  Thomas  and  Alary 
Scott,  both  natives  of  England ; the  latter  died 
when  her  son  Thomas  was  a child.  Our  sub- 
ject’s father  was  twice  married,  and  Thomas 
was  the  only  child  of  the  last  marriage:  John 
and  Frederick  were  the  offspring  of  the  first 
union.  John  Scott  died  in  England,  and  Fred- 
erick came  to  America  and  West  to  Wiscon- 
sin, where  he  lived  some  twenty  years,  then 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


3i5 


moving  to  Missouri,  where  he  became  a pros- 
perous farmer.  Thomas  Scott,  Sr.,  moved  to 
Canada,  where  lie  died. 

Thomas  Scott  obtained  his  early  education 
in  the  public  schools  of  England,  and  in  1852 
came  to  Hazel  Green,  Grant  county,  where  he 
was  employed  by  the  neighboring  farmers  for 
about  two  years.  He  purchased  a forty-acre 
tract  about  this  time,  which  he  improved  and 
added  to  it  adjoining  land  from  time  to  time, 
until  he  had  a magnificent  farm  of  280  acres. 
He  put  up  good  buildings,  and  now  owns  one 
of  the  fine  farms  of  southwestern  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  Scott  and  Miss  Ann  Ralph  were  mar- 
ried in  1859.  Mrs.  Scott  was  the  daughter 
of  William  Ralph,  of  Hazei  Green,  and  was 
living  in  Hazel  Green  at  the  time  of  her  mar- 
riage. To  this  union  were  born  seven  chil- 
dren ( 1 ) Thomas  is  a grain  buyer  in  Iowa. 
(2)  Abbie  is  the  wife  of  Richard  Scadden,  of 
Hazel  Green.  (3)  John  W.  is  single,  and  at 
home.  (4)  Jessie  is  the  wife  of  G.  C.  An- 
derson, of  Iowa,  and  they  have  one  son,  Lesley 
Percival.  (5)  Elizabeth,  born  in  Hazel  Green, 
married  G.  C.  Anderson,  and  died  leaving  two 
children,  Lyle  and  Lancelot.  The  other  mem- 
bers of  the  Scott  family  died  in  childhood.  The 
mother  died  in  1869.  In  1870  Thomas  Scott 
married  Mrs.  Cottingham,  daughter  of  Jo- 
seph and  Winnifred  Richards,  both  natives  of 
Cornwall,  England,  and  pioneers  in  Grant 
county.  They  came  to  this  country  in  1847, 
and  three  days  after  their  arrival  Joseph  Rich- 
ards was  drowned,  while  crossing  the  Platte 
river,  leaving  his  widow  and  four  children  to 
struggle  alone  with  pioneer  hardships  in  a 
strange  country  : ( 1 ) Lizzie  married  Leonard 

Lowe,  and  is  now  dead.  (2)  Joseph  died  in 
Humboldt  county,  Iowa.  (3)  Henry  is  in 
Iowa.  (4)  Mrs.  Scott  was  born  in  Cornwall, 
England,  in  1839.  She  bore  three  children  to 
her  first  husband,  two  of  whom,  Matthew  Cot- 
tingham and  Isabel  (now  Mrs.  Scott),  live 
in  Colorado.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Scott  have 
been  born  four  children  : ( 1 ) H.  Erwin,  born  in 
Hazel  Green  in  1872,  is  a graduate  of  the 
State  Normal  School  at  Platteville,  and  is  now 
cashier  and  teller  of  the  Farmers  Bank  at  Cuba 
City.  (2)  Joseph  O.,  born  in  1874,  married 
Miss  Charlotte  Jeffreys,  a resident  of  Hazel 
Green,  and  a teacher  of  the  public  schools, 
and  they  have  one  son.  Hillis  A.  They  now 
live  in  the  village  of  Hazel  Green.  (3)  Mar- 
garet, born  in  1876,  a young  lady  of  many 


charms  and  graces,  is  at  home.  (4)  Sarah 
Irene,  born  in  1878,  is  the  wife  of  Edward 
Scadden,  and  lives  on  a farm  in  Grant  county, 
Wisconsin. 

Mr.  Scott  is  one  of  Grant  county's  earnest 
Republicans,  and  in  religion  is  associated  with 
the  Methodist  Church,  of  which  his  wife  and 
daughters  are  members.  He  was  one  of  the 
founders  of  Wesley  Chapel  forty  years  ago, 
on  the  prairie  in  the  town  of  Hazel  Green, 
where  services  are  still  held.  Mr.  Scott  also 
helped  to  build  the  first  school  building  in  the 
town.  In  1896  Mr.  Scott  purchased  the  Rich- 
ard Ingraham  property  on  Main  street,  in 
Hazel  Green,  and  thoroughly  remodeled  the 
house,  making  it  in  every  respect  modern  and 
up-to-date.  He  and  his  wife  enjoy  the  un- 
stinted appreciation  of  their  friends  and  neigh- 
bors, and  are  regarded  as  honorable  and  re- 
liable people,  with  kind  hearts,  and  of  generous 
disposition. 

GEORGE  BLAKESLEY,  deceased. 
Among  the  citizens  of  Grant  county  who,  early 
in  the  war  of  the  Union,  responded  promptly 
to  the  President’s  call  for  volunteers  to  defend 
the  old  flag  was  George  Blakesley,  who  en- 
listed in  October,  1861,  in  Company  C,  2d  Wis- 
consin Cavalry,  and  died  May  31,  1862,  in  the 
hospital  at  Jefferson  City,  Mo.  He  was  born 
in  Connecticut  Sept.  11,  1828.  and  when  a boy 
removed  with  his  parents  from  his  native  State 
to  Steuben  county,  N.  Y.  Later  the  family 
became  residents  of  Michigan,  where  the  father 
died,  and  the  mother  subsequently  came  to 
Wisconsin,  her  death  occurring  at  the  home 
of  her  daughter,  in  Plainfield,  whom  she  was 
visiting  at  the  time.  In  the  family  were  nine 
children. 

Mr.  Blakesley  grew  to  manhood  in  Steuben 
county,  N.  Y.,  where  he  became  acquainted 
with  the  young  lady  who  on  Oct.  13,  1850, 
became  his  wife.  In  her  maidenhood  she  was 
Miss  Ruth  Welling,  a native  of  Dutchess  coun- 
ty, N.  Y.,  and  a daughter  of  Josiah  and  Sarah 
Welling.  In  early  life  Mr.  Blakesley  com- 
menced learning  the  blacksmith's  trade,  and 
soon  after  his  marriage  returned  to  Steuben 
county  to  complete  his  apprenticeship.  In 
1857  he  came  to  Grant  county.  Wis.,  where  he 
followed  the  business  of  blacksmithing  until 
he  entered  the  army.  Although  lie  was  in  the 
service  but  a short  time,  he  left  an  honorable 
record  as  a faithful  soldier,  who  was  always 


3 1 6 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


found  at  his  post  of  duty,  ready  to  'defend  the 
old  Hag  and  the  cause  it  represented. 

When  i\Ir.  Blakesley  went  to  the  front  he 
left  his  wife  with  four  small  children,  the 
youngest  being  but  a few  months  old.  Upon 
the  mother  devolved  the  responsibility  of  rear- 
ing the  family,  and  this  duty  she  faithfully  and 
creditably  performed,  although  the  task  was  at 
times  a severe  one.  The  family  consisted  of 
three  sons  and  one  daughter.  The  sons,  Max, 
Frank  and  George,  are  all  living  at  the  present 
writing  (iqoi),  but  the  daughter,  Ella,  and 
her  husband,  John  Lewis,  are  both  deceased. 
They  left  one  daughter,  Barbara,  who  makes 
her  home  with  Mrs.  Blakesley.  There  was 
also  another  daughter,  Ida  May,  who  died  in 
infancy,  before  the  father  left  for  the  war. 
Mrs.  Blakesley  has  a pleasant  home  in  Patch 
Grove,  where  she  resides,  and  is  held  in  high 
esteem  by  her  many  friends  and  acquaintances. 

WILLIAM  B.  STRONG.  This  honored 
and  beloved  resident  of  the  city  of  Beloit, 
Rock  county,  may  well  look  back  with  grati- 
tude as  he  marks  the  lengthening  shadows 
along  the  dusty  way  of  life.  God  has  given 
some  privileges  of  help  and  cheer  along  with 
the  burden  of  duty  that  He  has  put  upon  him. 
Loyally  and  gladly  he  has  met  the  demands  that 
have  come  to  his  ears  from  the  suffering  and 
needy. 

Mr.  Strong  was  born  in  Brownington, 
Orleans  Co.,  Vt.,  May  16,  1837,  and  is  a son 
of  Elijah  Gridley  and  Sarah  (Partridge) 
Strong,  both  natives  of  that  State.  They 
were  the  parents  of  four  children : Ellen 

Sylvia,  who  married  Charles  G.  Rolfe,  and 
died  in  1864,  in  her  thirty-fifth  year;  Dr. 
Henry  P.,  a practicing  physician  in  Beloit  for 
over  forty  years;  Rev.  Dr.  James  W.,  presi- 
dent of  Carlton  College,  in  Minnesota,  for 
nearly  thirty  years ; and  William  B.  The  fa- 
ther was  a farmer,  merchant  and  hotel-keeper 
in  Brownington  and  Montpelier,  Vt.,  and  in 
Beloit,  coming  to  the  latter  city  in  1851,  and 
opening  the  “Beloit  House,”  on  the  site  of  the 
present  station  house  of  the  Chicago,  Mil- 
waukee & St.  Paul  railway.  He  died  in  Jan- 
uary, 1859,  in  his  fifty-sixth  year.  His  widow 
died  in  1865,  in  her  fifty-ninth  year.  Both 
were  members  of  the  Congregational  Church. 
He  was  sheriff  and  deputy  sheriff  of  Orleans 
county,  Vt.,  for  nearly  thirteen  years. 

William  B.  Strong  was  fourteen  years  old 


when  he  came  to  Beloit.  When  sixteen  years 
old  he  had  charge  of  the  telegraph  office  in 
Beloit.  Early  in  1855  he  was  in  charge  of  the 
telegraph  office  at  Janesville,  arid  was  made 
agent  for  the  old  Milwaukee  & Mississippi 
Railroad  Co.  at  Milton.  Lie  was  station  agent 
at  Whitewater  for  six  months,  and  at  Monroe 
for  six  months.  He  was  returned  to  Janes- 
ville, where  he  represented  the  company  for 
more  than  seven  years,  being  called  to  Mc- 
Gregor at  the  expiration  of  that  time  to  act 
as  assistant  superintendent  of  the  McGregor 
Western  railroad,  now  a part  of  the  Milwau- 
kee system.  He  served  in  this  position  two 
years.  For  three  years  he  was  in  Council 
Bluffs,  Iowa,  as  the  general  western  agent  of 
the  Chicago  & Northwestern,  after  which  he 
was  made  assistant  general  superintendent  of 
the  Burlington  & Missouri  River  railroad,  and 
had  his  office  at  Burlington,  Iowa.  Two 
years  later  this  line  became  a part  of  the  Chi- 
cago, Burlington  & Quincy,  and  Mr.  Strong 
went  to  Chicago  as  assistant  general  superin- 
tendent of  the  entire  sytem.  After  two  years 
spent  in  the  employment  of  that  corporation 
he  was  made  general  superintendent  of  the 
Michigan  Central,  and  acted  in  this  capacity 
for  a period  of  two  years.  He  was  recalled 
to  the  “Q”  system  as  its  general  superintend- 
ent, which  position  he  held  for  two  years,  and 
then  became  vice-president  and  general  man- 
ager of  the  Atchison,  Topeka  & Sante  Fe 
railroad.  In  1881  he  was  called  to  Boston, 
to  take  the  office  of  president  of  this  corpora- 
tion, and  there  he  remained  until  ill  health 
necessitated  his  retirement,  in  1889.  In  1894 
Mr.  Strong  made  his  permanent  home  in 
Beloit. 

Mr.  Strong  and  Miss  Abby  J.  Moore  were 
united  in  wedlock  Oct.  2,  1859.  She  is  a 
daughter  of  Holland  and  Meribah  (Cheeney) 
Moore.  Three  children  have  been  born  to 
this  union:  Fred  M.,  Ellen  S.  and  William 

James  Henry.  Fred  M.,  who  graduated  from 
Yale  in  1S82,  is  vice-president  of  the  Second 
National  Bank  of  Beloit;  he  married  Miss 
Ella  L.  Ross,  of  Chicago,  and  they  have  three 
children,  Leila  Griswold,  William  B.,  and 
Henry  Ross.  Ellen  S.  married  George  A. 
Burdett,  of  Brookline,  Mass.,  and  they  have 
three  children,  Elizabeth  Martin,  Ellen  Moore 
and  Silvia  Strong;  they  now  live  at  Newton 
Center,  Mass.  William  J.  H.,  now  professor 
of  rhetoric  in  the  University  of  Wooster,  at 


4 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


3i7 


Wooster,  Ohio,  was  graduated  from  Harvard 
in  1893,  and  from  Emerson  College  of  Ora- 
tory, Boston,  in  1898.  Mrs.  William  B. 
Strong  was  the  first  white  girl  born  in  the 
New  England  colony  that  first  settled  Beloit, 
in  1838.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  William  B.  Strong 
are  Congregationalists,  and  in  politics  he  is  a 
Republican.  They  live  two  miles  out  on  the 
Beloit  road,  on  what  is  known  as  the  "Part- 
ridge” farm. 

Among  the  many  good  deeds  of  this  gener- 
ous man  and  public  benefactor  was  the  gift  of 
Gridley  chapel,  a beautiful  brick  edifice  for 
religious  worship,  a memorial  to  his  father. 
This  noble  structure  was  dedicated  Aug.  27, 
1899,  and  our  subject's  brother,  Dr.  James  W. 
Strong,  at  that  time  president  of  Carlton  Col- 
lege, at  Northfield,  Minn.,  delivered  the 
memorial  address,  largely  a character  study 
and  a historical  sketch  of  their  father  and 
mother.  A beautiful  tribute  was  paid  to  the 
saintly  character  of  the  man,  Elijah  Gridley 
Strong,  in  whose  memory  the  building  is 
erected,  and  much  stress  was  placed  upon  his 
devout  spirit  and  high  character;  the  address 
was  throughout  an  elocpient  presentation  of  the 
spiritual  and  religious  side  of  the  life  of  the 
man  whose  memory  was  thus  honored.  The 
name  itself  is  significant  as  that  of  Capt. 
Gridley,  who  opened  the  dread  engagement  in 
Manila  Bay,  and  in  the  Church  is  commemo- 
rated by  Gridley  Hall,  at  Carlton  College,  the 
gift  of  a New  England  cousin.  Elijah  Gridley 
Strong  was  a descendant  in  the  sixth  genera- 
tion from  Elder  John  Strong,  of  Northampton, 
Mass.,  who  came  from  England  in  1630,  and 
became  the  father  of  eighteen  children,  fifteen 
of  whom  reared  families  of  their  own.  No 
larger  family  in  this  country  is  known  as  de- 
scended from  one  progenitor. 

ULYSSES  MILTON  HUNGERFORD, 
of  the  town  .of  Watterstown,  Grant  county,  is 
a well-known  citizen  of  the  county.  He  is  one 
of  five  brothers  who  served  as  soldiers  in  the 
war  of  the  Rebellion. 

Mr.  Hungerford  was  born  in  Livingston 
county,  N.  Y.,  April  12,  1834,  son  of  Josiah 
and  Elizabeth  Hungerford,  also  natives  of  Liv- 
ingston county,  where  all  their  children  were 
born.  Our  subject  learned  the  trade  of  a car- 
penter with  his  father,  and  attended  the  dis- 
trict schools  of  his  native  county  during  boy- 
hood. In  1854  the  family  migrated  from  their 


home  in  Livonia,  Livingston  Co.,  N.  Y.,  to 
Kankakee,  111.,  where  the  father  died  in  No- 
vember of  the  same  year.  The  family  came 
thence  to  Wisconsin,  locating  at  Spring  Green, 
and  the  mother  survived  to  an  advanced  age, 
passing  away  Jan.  6,  1893,  in  Sauk  county, 
Wis.,  at  the  age  of  nearly  ninety. 

It  was  in  March,  1854,  that  our  subject 
went  from  his  native  State  to  Illinois,  and  in 
the  fall  of  the  following  year,  1855,  he  came 
to  Wisconsin,  stopping  at  Spring  Green,  Sauk 
county.  In  the  spring  of  1856  he  removed  to 
Crawford  county,  remaining  there  until  Aug- 
ust, 1857,  when  he  went  to  Grant  county, 
where,  on  Aug.  30,  1857,  he  was  married  to 
Sarah  Carson,  daughter  of  Lott  and  Margaret 
Carson,  early  settlers  of  Wisconsin,  formerly 
of  Lafayette,  Ind.  Mrs.  Hungerford  was 
born  Oct.  9,  1S36,  in  Tippecanoe  county,  Ind., 
and  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1854  with  her  par- 
ents. Soon  after  his  removal  to  Grant  county 
Mr.  Hungerford  became  a permanent  resident 
of  the  town  of  Watterstown. 

On  Dec.  28,  1863,  our  subject  enlisted  in 
the  6th  Wisconsin  Light  Artillery,  and  in  Feb- 
ruary of  the  following  year  the  command  pro- 
ceeded to  Huntsville,  Ala.  In  June,  1864,  the 
command  started  to  join  the  arm)'  of  Gen. 
Sherman,  which  was  attacking  Atlanta,  and 
was  detailed  to  guard  the  railroad  bridge  near 
Cartersville,  while  the  siege  was  in  progress. 
When  Sherman  started  for  the  sea  Mr.  Hun- 
gerford went  with  his  command  to  Nashville, 
and  took  part  in  the  important  events  at  that 
place  under  Gen.  Thomas.  From  Nashville 
the  command  proceeded  to  Chattanooga,  and 
from  there  to  Madison,  Wis.,  where  it  was 
discharged  in  July,  1865.  Although  not 
wounded,  Mr.  Hungerford  lost  an  eye  in  the 
service,  by  accident,  and  suffered  severely  from 
scurvy,  from  the  effects  of  which  his  health 
has  never  fully  recovered. 

The  eldest  brother  of  Ulysses  M.  -Hunger- 
ford,  Eugene  C.,  was  also  a soldier.  Born 
April  25,  1832,  he  was  at  the  time  of  his  en- 
listment a student  in  the  Wisconsin  State 
University,  at  Madison.  In  1861  he  entered 
the  service,  enrolling  in  Company  H.  5th  Wis. 
V.  I.,  for  three  months,  and  after  his  honorable 
discharge  re-enlisted.  He  was  killed  May  3, 
1863,  at  the  storming  of  Fredericksburg,  un- 
der Gen.  Burnside.  This  gentleman  was  a 
gallant  soldier,  and  his  death  was  greatly  de- 
plored. Edwin  R.  Hungerford,  the  second 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


318 


brother  of  our  subject,  and  third  in  the  order 
of  birth,  enlisted  in  August,  1862,  in  the  6th 
Wisconsin  Light  Artillery,  and  died  at  Cor- 
inth, Miss.,  the  same  year.  Thomas  J.  Hun- 
gerford,  the  next  in  order  of  birth,  was  born 
Dec.  20,  1840,  and  enlisted  in  October,  1861, 
when  the  battery  was  organized,  serving  until 
October,  1864.  Owing  to  his  arduous  service 
his  health  was  broken,  and  he  died  Aug.  15, 
1881.  Addison  Hunger  ford,  the  fifth  or  this 
family  to  enter  the  service  of  the  United  States, 
was  born  March  7,  1845,  and  enlisted  in  the 
47th  Wis.  V.  I.  in  1864,  serving  until  the  close 
of  the  war.  He  is  now  residing  at  Evansville, 
Wis.  There  were  also  two  daughters  in  the 
family  of  Josiah  and  Elizabeth  Hungerford: 
Martha,  the  eldest  of  the  family,  born  July  14, 
1830,  died  Oct.  29,  1865  ; Harriet  E.,  born  Aug. 
15,  1836,  died  Dec.  2,  1865. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hungerford  have  a pleasant 
home,  many  friends,  and  enjoy  the  fruits  of 
their  early  industry.  Mr.  Hungerford  is  an 
esteemed  member  of  the  local  G.  A.  R.  post,  and 
can  look  back  with  pleasure  on  his  career,  both 
as  a soldier  and  as  a private  citizen. 

EDWIN  F.  CARPENTER  has  not  round- 
ed out  the  limit  ascribed  to  middle  life,  yet 
he  has  already  attained  marked  distinction  in 
his  chosen  profession,  the  law.  He  comes  of 
that  rugged  Green  Mountain  stock  which  gave 
to  the  army  of  the  Revolution  such  men  as 
Ethan  Allen,  as  well  as  other  heroes,  whose 
names  have  been  forgotten,  while  their  deeds 
and  achievements  live  in  history. 

Edwin  F.  Carpenter  was  born  in  More- 
town.  Washington  Co.,  Vt.,  May  12,  1845, 
son  of  Ira  Carpenter,  who  married  (second) 
Rhoda  S.  Spofford.  Both  his  parents  were 
natives  of  the  Green  Mountain  State.  The 
father  tilled  the  sterile  soil  of  New  England, 
with  the  average  success  attending  farmers  of 
his  day  and  generation.  He  was  a man  of 
courage,  enterprise  and  integrity,  and  it  was, 
perhaps,  these  traits  which  especially  com- 
mended him  to  the  suffrages  of  his  fellow  citi- 
zens, who  elected  and  re-elected  him  to  the 
office  of  sheriff.  He  was  born  in  1798,  and  died 
in  1862,  with  his  physical  and  mental  faculties 
alike  showing  but  little  sign  of  impairment. 
He  was  twice  married,  and  by  his  first  wife. 
Annie,  had  four  children,  only  one  of  whom, 
Cephas  W.,  survives.  His  second  wife,  the 
mother  of  Edwin  F.  Carpenter,  was  Rhoda 


S.  Spofford,  who  died  in  1881,  in  her  seventy- 
third  year.  To  this  union  came  six  children, 
three  of  whom  are  living,  Ira  M.,  Edwin  F., 
and  Albert  N. 

The  father  of  Ira  Carpenter,  and  the 
grandfather  of  Edwin  F.,  was  named  Cephas. 
His  birthplace  cannot  be  definitely  stated,  but 
it  is  certain  that  he  was  born  in  either  Con- 
necticut or  Vermont,  and.  come  from  rugged 
Puritan  stock.  He  was  a man  of  rare  mental 
power,  as  well  as  of  recognized  integrity; 
a gallant  soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  for 
many  years  a justice  of  the  peace.  He  lived 
to  be  nearly ' eighty-nine  years  old,  and  his 
death  was  deeply  mourned  by  his  fellow  citi- 
zens, who  had  learned  to  love  him  for  his 
many  virtues,  as  well  as  to  respect  him  for 
his  sound  judgment  and  conservative  public 
spirit.  The  maternal  grandfather  of  Edwin 
F.  Carpenter,  the  father  of  Rhoda  S.  Spofford, 
was  also  a V ermonter  by  birth,  and  of  English 
descent.  He  was  the  father  of  a large  family, 
and  died  at  an  advanced  age. 

Edwin  F.  Carpenter  was  born  at  Moretown, 
Washington  Co.,  Vt.,  May  12,  1845,  attended 
the  country  schools,  and  at  the  age  of  eighteen 
came  West,  locating  at  Beloit,  Wis.  There  he 
entered  the  preparatory  department  of  Beloit 
College,  and  later  matriculated  in  the  classical 
department,  graduating  in  1870.  Proceeding 
at  once  to  Janesville,  he  entered  the  law  office 
of  Cassidy,  Merrill  & Dixon,  as  a law  student, 
and  was  admitted  to  the  Bar  the  following 
year.  In  1873,  both  Mr.  Dixon  and  Mr.  Mer- 
rill having  withdrawn  from  the  firm,  Mr.  Car- 
penter and  Mr.  Cassidy  formed  a co-partner- 
ship for  the  practice  of  law,  under  the  style 
of  Cassidy  & Carpenter.  Since  that  date  vari- 
ous changes  in  the  firm  have  taken  place.  Mr. 
Cassidy  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  S.  J.  Todd  in 
1880  or  '81,  and  he  in  turn,  the  following  year, 
by  E.  D.  McGowan.  This  business  associa- 
tion continued  for  several  years  under  the  firm 
name  of  Carpenter  & McGowan,  and  since  its 
dissolution  our  subject  has  carried  on  practice 
without  a partner.  He  has  been  eminently 
successful.  He  has  a keen,  analytic  mind, 
of  a judicial  cast,  and  has  for  the  last  six  years 
ably  discharged  the  responsible  duties  of  circuit 
court  commissioner.  He  has  been  twice  elect- 
ed city  attorney,  his  period  of  service  covering 
four  years,  and  at  present  represents  the  Third 
ward  of  Janesville  in  the  city  council,  having 
been  elected  on  the  Republican  ticket. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


3i9 


Mr.  Carpenter  was  married,  Dec.  18,  1873, 
to  Miss  Emma  A.  Lappin,  whose  father, 
Thomas  Lappin,  married  Mary  J.  Jackman. 
Two  children  have  been  born  to  them,  Edwin 
Lappin  and  Henry  F.  Mrs.  Carpenter  is  a 
communicant  of  the  Episcopal  Church. 

EUGENE  F.  WARREN,  one  of  the  most 
prominent,  successful  and  progressive  business 
men  of  Albany,  Green  county,  was  born  in 
Fort  Covington,  St.  Lawrence  Co.,  N.  Y.,  on 
June  30,  1833,  a son  of  Lemuel  and  Betsy 
(Richardson)  Warren,  the  former  a native  of 
Montpelier,  Yt.,  and  the  latter  of  Washington 
county,  N.  Y.  Three  of  their  live  children 
still  survive:  Dr.  John  H.,  of  Cincinnati, 

Ohio;  Lemuel  IT.,  of  Albany,  and  our  subject. 

Lowell  Warren,  the  paternal  grandfather  of 
our  subject,  was  born  in  Marlborough,  Mass., 
on  Oct.  23,  1764.  The  family  can  be  easily 
traced  to  the  coming  over -of  the  “Mayflower.” 
Lowell  Warren  was  a blacksmith  by  trade, 
was  in  the  battle  of  Quebec,  and  died  at  the 
close  of  the  Revolutionary  war.  Elis  son, 
Lemuel  Warren,  was  a farmer  who  came  to 
Janesville,  Wis.,  in  1838,  taking  up  200  acres 
of  land,  which  he  afterward  sold  to  the  father 
of  the  late  Frances  E.  Willard,  it  being  her 
old  home.  .In  1840.  Mr.  Warren  removed  to 
Union  township,  Rock  county,  and  there  took 
up  160  acres  of  land,  five  miles  east  of  Evans- 
ville, which  he  improved  and  added  to  until 
he  possessed  about  400  acres.  He  died  on  the 
old  home  farm,  Sept.  13,  1846,  aged  fifty-five 
years  and  ten  months.  His  wife  died  in  1874, 
at  Albany,  Wis.,  aged  seventy-seven.  They 
were  most  worthy  people,  well-known  and  thor- 
oughly esteemed,  and  belonged  to  the  Univer- 
salist  faith.  Mr.  Warren  had  been  a soldier 
in  the  war  of  1812,  and  was  present  at  the 
battle  of  Plattsburg,  and  his  widow  received 
a land  warrant  for  his  services.  The  govern- 
ment in  1840  made  him  one  of  the  first  justices 
of  the  State,  which  office  he  held  until  the  time 
of  his  demise. 

Eugene  F.  Warren  was  five  years  old  when 
his  parents  came  to  Rock  county,  Wis..  where 
he  grew  to  manhood.  During  his  childhood 
and  youth  Indian  boys  were  his  play-mates, 
and  they  taught  him  to  swim  and  to  use  a 
canoe.  His  educational  advantages  were  lim- 
ited, his  sister  being  his  teacher,  she  being  the 
second  one  to  fill  the  position  in  Rock  county. 
Remaining  on  the  farm  until  twenty  years  old, 


Mr.  Warren  then  entered  in  the  employ  of  a 
grain  firm  in  Janesville,  remaining  with  them 
for  one  year  and  a half,  spending  the  same 
time  in  the  employ  of  the  American  Express 
Company,  as  its  messenger.  On  July  5,  1854, 
he  came  to  Albany,  where  he  engaged  in  gen- 
eral merchandising,  which  he  combined  with 
milling,  remaining  in  the  former  line  for  twen- 
ty-three years,  and  continuing  the  latter  to  the 
present  time,  with  the  exception  of  three  years 
of  army  service. 

On  Aug.  13,  1861,  Mr.  Warren  enlisted 
in  Co.  E,  13th  Wis.  V.  I.,  assisting  in  re- 
cruiting the  company,  and  was  made  its  first 
lieutenant.  In  1862  he  was  in  the  Army  of 
Kansas,  where  there  was  severe  service — no 
battles  which  stirred  the  country  to  enthusiasm, 
but  the  hardest  kind  of  military  duty,  long- 
marches  over  ice,  and  snow-covered  prairies, 
often  short  rations  and  sickness.  The  fol- 
lowing year  he  was  transferred  to  the  Army 
of  the  Tennessee,  where  his  regiment  engaged 
in  fighting  what  was  denominated  “bush- 
whackers," and  scouting,  but  was  present  at  the 
battles  of  Forts  Henry  and  Donelson.  While 
there  our  subject  was  detailed  as  a judge-ad- 
vocate of  a general  court-martial  which  contin- 
ued in  session  for  a period  of  three  months, 
fifty-two  cases  being  tried,  and  five  of  this  num- 
ber receiving  the  sentence  of  death.  In  the  fail 
of  1S63,  Mr.  Warren  was  ordered  to  Flunts- 
ville,  Ala.,  thence  to  Stephenson,  Ala.,  where, 
after  a long  and  weary  march,  on  short  rations, 
he  remained  until  November  when  he  left  that 
place  to  encamp  in  the  village  of  Edgefield, 
opposite  Nashville,  Tenn.,  remaining  there  un- 
til the  summer  of  1864,  when  he  returned  to 
his  home  and  business — at  least,  that  is  what 
he  intended  to  do,  but  a week  later  he  re- 
ceived from  the  Secretary  of  War  an  appoint- 
ment to  a captaincy  in  Maj.-Gen.  Hancock’s 
corps.  As  one  of  his  brothers  had  accepted 
an  appointment  as  U.  S.  revenue  collector, 
and  the  other  brother  was  in  very  poor  health, 
Mr.  Warren  felt  it  wise  to  decline  the  flattering- 
offer.  His  business  needed  his  watchful  eye, 
badly,  and  he  decided  to  remain  in  Wisconsin. 

In  1869  Air.  Warren  built  the  flouring 
mill  known  as  the  mill  of  Warren  & Tom- 
kins, and  in  1881  purchased  the  Albany  Woolen 
mill,  in  1896  adding  an  electric  light  plant,  and 
now  furnishes  that  necessity  to  the  village. 
Among  the  business  enterprises  successfully 
managed  by  our  subject,  was  that  of  the  mail 


320 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


and  stage  business,  which,  in  connection  with 
his  brothers,  was  conducted  as  long  as  no  rail- 
roads connected  the  Great  Lakes  with  the  Pa- 
cific slope.  This  gave  employment  to  hundreds 
of  men  and  horses,  and  was  a public  enter- 
prise of  great  magnitude. 

On  Sept.  9,  185  q,  Mr.  Warren  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Sarah  S.  Gleason,  a daughter  of 
Robert  and  Nancy  (Jones)  Gleason,  and  five 
children  were  born  of  this  union : Mary  E., 

now  engaged  in  a millinery  business,  in  Elgin, 
111.;  Nellie,  who  married  Frank  Smith,  of 
Madison,  S.  Dak.,  and  has  one  daughter, 
Genevieve;  Grace,  who  married  Harry  Hill, 
since  deceased,  lives  in  Elgin,  with  her  sister, 
and  has  one  daughter,  Genevieve;  William  G., 
who  died  at  the  age  of  four;  and  Charles,  who 
died  at  the  age  of  twenty-two  at  Los  Vegas, 
New  Mexico^  after  having  been  in  the  employ 
of  the  U.  S.  Mail  between  Chicago  and  St. 
Paul,  since  he  was  sixteen.  Both  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Warren  are  members  of  the  Universalist 
Church,  where  they  have  the  esteem  of  every 
one.  Socially,  Mr.  Warren  is  a member  of 
Albany  Lodge,  No.  36,  F.  & A.  M. ; and  Evans- 
ville Chapter;  also  of  Erastus  Hoyt  Post,  No. 
69,  G.  A.  R.  A very  ardent  Republican,  Mr. 
W arren  has  been  called  upon  to  fill  various 
offices,  was  chairman  of  the  town  board  for 
twenty-seven  years  and  of  the  county  board 
for  one  term.  With  his  brother,  Dr.  Warren, 
he  was  among-  the  founders  of  the  village  of 
Albany,  and  the  family  has  always  been  prom- 
inent in  its  commercial,  social  and  educational 
affairs.  Mr.  Warren  owns  his  own  handsome 
residence,  and  also  much  other  real  estate  in 
the  town.  A man  who  can  be  trusted,  up- 
right, honorable,  progressive  and  energetic,  Eu- 
gene F.  Warren  possesses  the  characteristics 
which  make  him  a fit  representative  of  this 
community.  With  a war  record  for  gallantry 
and  endurance,  combined  with  the  elements  of 
a judicial  mind,  he  well  deserves  the  honor 
which  his  fellow  citizens  delight  to  render 
him. 

EVAN  J.  EVANS.  This  name  will  be 
readily  recognized  by  those  familiar  with  the 
business  personnel  of  Beloit,  Rock  county,  as 
that  of  an  enterprising  and  successful  grocer 
of  that  city.  He  has  won  a good  patronage, 
and  is  on  the  highway  to  solid  and  lasting 

prosperity. 

Air.  Evans  was  born  in  the  town  of  Em- 


mett, Dodge  Co.,  Wis.,  Jan.  28,  1864,  and,  as 
his  name  indicates,  is  of  Welsh  extraction. 
His  great-grandfather,  John  Evans,  born  in 
1737  on  Lleged  Enwin  farm,  near  Cardigan, 
Cardiganshire,  Wales,  was  a farmer.  He  had 
a family  of  five  children. 

John  Evans,  grandfather  of  our  subject, 
born  in  1777,  on  Tier-bach  farm,  near  Mellin 
Gum,  Llangadock  Parish,  Caermarthenshire, 
Wales,  died  April  12,  1838.  He  was  a pros- 
perous farmer.  He  married  Ann  Stephen 
Thomas,  of  Court  farm,  Mellin  Gum,  born 
in  1790,  died  Sept.  27,  1862.  To  this  union 
were  born  nine  children : Sarah,  Mary,  Mar- 

garet, Stephen,  John,  Thomas,  David  J.,  and 
Evan  and  William  (twins),  two  of  whom, 
John  and  David  J.,  came  to  America.  John, 
born  Nov.  10,  1822,  came  to  America  in 
1870,  and  until  1873  lived  at  Scranton,  Penn. 
He  then  moved  to  Watertown,  Wis.,  where  he 
is  still  living,  bringing  his  wife  and  family  of 
five  children — Thomas  (a  reporter  for  the 
Milwaukee  Sentinel , now  deceased),  John, 
Mary,  David  and  Margaret. 

David  J.  Evans,  father  of  our  subject, 
born  Aug.  11,  1831,  at  Llethergela,  Llanga- 
dock, Wales-,  early  in  life  made  up  his  mind 
to  come  to  America,  and  in  1851  boarded  a 
sailing-vessel  at  Liverpool,  England,  which 
landed  him  at  New  York  after  a tiresome 
voyage  of  six  weeks  and  one  day.  Thence 
he  went  to  Pittsburg,  Penn.,  where  he  found 
employment  with  a coal  company  at  his  trade, 
that  of  carpenter,  and  there  worked  until  1853, 
when  he  got  the  Western  fever.  From  1853 
to  1854  he  spent  most  of  his  time  and  money 
traveling  through  the  Northwestern  States  in 
search  of  a fortune.  In  the  s-ummer  of  1855 
he  settled  at  Watertown,  Wis.,  where  he  found 
employment  with  the  Chicag'O,  Milwaukee  & 
St.  Paul  Railway  Co.,  working  at  his  trade  un- 
til 1859,  when  he  rented  a farm  of  eighty 
acres,  located  on  the  North  road,  six  miles 
north  of  Watertown,  Emmett  township.  This 
farm  he  operated  until  1865,  when  he  bought 
eighty  acres  of  land  located  in  the  northern  part 
of  the  town  of  Emmett.  In  1868  he  bought  an- 
other eighty  acres  of  land,  across  the  road, 
located  on  the  south  line  of  the  town  of  Cly- 
man.  Dodge  Co.,  Wis.,  this  making  a farm 
of  160  acres,  to  which  he  moved,  and  which  he 
operated  very  successfully,  living  there  until 
March  22,  1*880.  He  then  moved  to  a farm 
of  200  acres  which  he  bought  in  the  fall  of 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


321 


1879,  located  in  the  town  of  Emmett,  Dodge 
county,  three  miles  north  of  Watertown,  on 
what  is  known  as  the  North  road;  this  place 
was  formerly  owned  by  Griff  Jones,  and  is  now 
known  as  the  “Silver  Creek  Dairy  Farm.”  Mr. 
Evans  still  resides  on  this  beautiful  place,  where 
his  attention  has  been  for  the  most  part  turned 
to  stock  raising',  dairying  and  butter  making, 
the  butter  from  this  farm  having  taken  first 
prize  at  farmers’  institutes,  county  fairs,  and 
at  the  Milwaukee  State  fair.  He  also  bought 
and  ran  the  first  self-binder  (harvesting  ma- 
chine) in  the  county,  a machine  that  bound 
with  wire;  later  he  bought  one  of  the  first 
twine-binders  in  his  section,  and  he  also  bought 
one  of  the  first  steam  threshing  machines  run  in 
this  section. 

On  March  31,  1857,  Mr.  Evans  wedded 
Ann  LlojH,  who  was  born  March  4,  1839,  at 
Gwinvyn,  Merionethshire,  North  Wales, 
dauhter  of  Evan  and  Catherine  Lloyd,  the  for- 
mer of  whom  died  in  Wales,  in  middle  life. 
At  the  age  of  six  years,  in  1845,  Mrs.  Evans, 
with  her  widowed  mother,  brother  John,  and 
sister  Catherine,  boarded  the  sailing-vessel 
“Jamestown,”  at  Liverpool,  England,  and 
after  a voyage  of  four  weeks  they  landed  at 
New  York  City,  where  they  took  canal-boat 
to  Utica, ' N.  Y.,  living  there  up  to  1855. 
While  in  Utica  the  mother  was  married  to 
William  Williams,  of  that  place,  and  to  this 
union  was  born  one  son,  Griffith.  From  Utica 
they  moved  to  Watertown,  Wis.,  and  on  their 
arrival  there  at  once  bought  a farm  north  of 
the  city,  in  the  town  of  Emmett,  Dodge  coun- 
ty, where  they  continued  to  reside  up  to  the 
time  of  Mr.  Williams’  death,  in  1870.  Mrs. 
Williams  then  rented  the  farm  and  moved 
to  the  city  of  Watertown,  where  she  lived  up 
to  about  six  months  before  her  death,  when 
she  was  taken  to  the  home  of  her  daughter, 
Mrs.  David  J.  Evans,  dying  there  May  13, 
1889.  She  was  born  Aug.  13,  1816.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  David  J.  Evans  became  the  parents 
of  five  sons  and  three  daughters:  John,  born 
May  25,  1858,  who  died  in  1868;  Evan  J., 
born  Jan.  28,  1864:  David  L.,  born  July  8, 
1866,  a farmer  of  Pittsville,  Wood  Co.,  Wis.; 
Griffith  W.,  born  Dec.  19,  1868,  a grocer  at 
Waukegan,  111.;  Anna  E.,  born  Feb.  22.  1871, 
wife  of  John  Slight,  a farmer  of  Watertown; 
Catherine,  born  Aug.  12,  1874,  a dressmaker, 
who  lives  at  home;  and  John,  born  June  3, 

1880,  and  Maud,  born  Dec.  27,  1883,  also 

21 


at  home.  The  parents  are  Congregationalists 
in  religious  faith.  Mr.  Evans  is  a Republi- 
can in  political  sentiment. 

John  Lloyd,  Airs.  Evans’  brother,  born  in 
1837,  died  in  1894.  He  was  one  of  the  volun- 
teers who  enlisted  in  Company  B,  29th  Wis. 
V.  I.,  at  Watertown,  Wis.,  to  do  his  part 
in  the  Civil  war,  and  served  his  full  time  of 
four  years,  during  which  he  was  engaged  in 
quite  a few  battles.  In  1874  he  was  elected 
assemblyman  from  his  district  to  Madison, 
Wis.  He  was  a Republican  and  a popular 
man  in  his  town.  From  the  close  of  the  Civil 
war  to  about  1876  he  conducted  a farm  in 
the  town  of  Clyman,  Dodge  Co.,  Wis.  In 
1S76  he  sold  the  farm  and  moved  to  Ran- 
dolph, Wis.,  where  he  bought  a farm,  and 
continued  to  live  there  up  to  the  time  of  his 
death. 

Evan  J.  Evans  grew  to  manhood  on  his  fa- 
ther's farm  near  Watertown,  and  had  fair 
educational  advantages.  He  worked  hard  dur- 
ing his  boyhood,  attending  school  only  four 
or  five  months  a year,  during  the  winter  terms,, 
and  while  living  at  home  on  the  farm  in. 
Clyman  he  had  two  and  a quarter  miles  to< 
walk  each  way,  carrying  his  dinner  with  him. 
However,  he  made  such  good  use  of  his  time 
at  the  district  school  that  when  he  was  fifteen 
his  parents  decided  to  let  him  board  with  his 
grandmother  Williams,  in  Watertown,  and  at- 
tend high  school  there,  and  he  passed  through 
both  the  high  school  and  the  Northwestern 
University  of  that  place.  It  took  hard  study 
to  keep  up  with  his  classes,  as  he  was  out  of 
school  during  the  spring  and  part  of  the  fall 
term,  working  on  the  farm.  When  he  was 
sixteen  his  father  engaged  an  expert  engineer 
to  teach  him  how  to  run  the  threshing  en- 
gine, of  which  he  took  charg-e  for  from  two 
to  four  months  each  year  for  eight  or  nine 
falls— a farmer  in  spring,  engineer  in  fall, 
student  and  later  teacher  in  winter,  for  after 
completing  his  schooling  he  taught  some  eight 
or  nine  terms,  proving  very  capable.  But  a 
business  career  had  attractions  for  him  he  could 
not  resist,  and  on  April  19,  1S90,  he  came  to 
Beloit,  opening  a grocery  store  June  6,  1890, 
He  has  followed  this  business  to  the  present 
time,  and  it  is  not  saying  too  much  to  say 
that  he  has  made  it  a decided  success. 

The  wedding  ceremonies  of  Evan  J.  Evans 
and  Miss  Meta  Krueger  were  celebrated  Sept. 
24,  1890,  at  Watertown,  Wis.,  and  they  have 


322 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


had  four  children:  Vera,  born  Jan.  13,  1893; 
Everett,  Nov.  25,  1894;  Aneta,  March  5,  1890; 
and  Elvin  John,  April  5,  1899.  Everett  died 
at  the  age  of  three  months.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Evans  belong-  to  the  Safety  Fund  Insurance 
Society,  Syracuse,  N.  Y.,  and  to  the  Equitable 
Fraternal  Union.  Their  bright  and  cheery 
home  is  at  No.  133  Garfield  avenue.  Mr. 
Evans  is  a Republican  in  politics. 

Mrs.  Meta  (Krueger)  Evans  was  born 
June  29,  1868.  in  Emmett,  Dodge  Co.,  Wis., 
on  the  old  family  homestead.  Her  grandfa- 
ther, Fritz  Krueger,  was  born  in  1789,  and 
died  in  1876,  passing  his  entire  life  in  Ger- 
many. He  was  a goldsmith,  and  a dealer  in 
merchandise.  Adolph  Krueger,  Mrs.  Evans’ 
father,  was  born  in  Domitz,  Mecklenburg- 
Schwerin,  Germany,  Sept.  3,  1819,  and  was 
a goldsmith  by  trade.  In  June,  1849,  ^ie  sailed 
from  Hamburg,  Germany,  and  landed  at  New 
York  six  weeks  later.  Thence  he  journeyed 
to  Milwaukee,  and  in  the  fall  of  1849  to 
,\\  atertown,  Wis.,  where  he  worked  at  his 
trade,  and  owned  and  ran  a furniture  factory 
until  March  10,  1863,  when  he  moved  to  a 
farm  on  the  North  road,  three  miles  from 
Watertown,  fii  Emmett  township,  Dodge  Co., 
Wis.  That  place  has  ever  since  been  his  home. 
On  Aug.  8,  1850,  Mr.  Krueger  married  Miss 
Anna  Bruesch,  and  on  Aug'.  8,  1900,  they  cele- 
brated their  Golden  Wedding.  To  this  union 
were  born  four  children:  Ernest,  born  June 

26,  1857,  resides  on  the  farm;  Emma,  born 
Sept.  27,  1859,  is  the  wife  of  E.  Eipman,  a 
dry-goods  merchant  of  Beloit,  Wis. ; Ida,  born 
April  21,  1862,  is  the  wife  of  A.  F.  Baumann, 
a contractor  of  Watertown,  Wis. ; Meta,  born 
June  29,  1868,  is  the  wife  of  Evan  J.  Evans, 
our  subject. 

Nicholas  Bruesch,  father  of  Mrs.  Anna 
(Bruesch)  Krueger,  was  born  in  1809',  at 
Chur,  Graubunden,  Switzerland.  He  was  a 
merchant  and  hotel-keeper.  I11  1827  he  mar- 
ried, and  he  and  his  wife  had  five  children, 
two  of  whom  died  in  Switzerland.  In  1846 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bruesch,  with  their  three  chil- 
dren, boarded  an  American  ship  at  Havre, 
France,  and  sailed  across  the  Atlantic,  reach- 
ing New  York  after  a period  of  forty-two 
days.  There  they  took  a steamship  for  Buf- 
falo, N.  Y.,  journeyed  from  Buffalo  to  Chi- 
cago by  rail,  and  by  boat  from  Chicago  to 
Milwaukee,  Wis.,  thence  to  Watertown,  where 
they  resided  until  1853,  in  Which  year  Mr. 


and  Mrs.  Bruesch  both  died,  of  cholera. 
Anna  Bruesch,  born  Oct.  19,  1832,  at  Chur, 
Switzerland,  became  the  wife  of  Adolph 
Krueger. 

GEORGE  W.  ISRAEL,  a retired  farmer 
in  the  town  of  Paris,  Grant  county,  was  born 
in  Michigan  Feb.  9,  1837,  a son  of  G.  W. 
and  Wealthy  (Cobb)  Israel,  both  natives  of 
Erie  county,  Penn.  Shortly  after  their  mar- 
riage they  removed  west  to  Michigan,  spend- 
ing some  years  in  that  State,  and  coming  to 
Platteville,  Wis.,  in  1841.  Mr.  Israel  did  not 
remain  in  .Platteville  very  long  at  that  time, 
but  soon  moved  to  Iowa  county,  Wis.,  and  in 
1868  bought  a farm  in  Boone  county,  Iowa, 
near  the  village  of  Boonesboro.  Mrs.  Israel 
died  in  Grant  county,  Wis.,  in  1846,  and  in 
1852  Mr.  Israel  wedded  Sara'h  Potter,  who 
died  in  Boonesboro,  Iowa,  after  the  death  of 
her  husband  in  the  same  place. 

George  W.  Israel  is  the  only  one  of  a fam- 
ily of  four  children  born  to  his  parents,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  G.  W.  Israel,  who  lived  to  attain  his 
maturity,  the  others  all  dying  in  infancy,  or 
early  childhood.  In  the  common  schools  he 
received  his  education,  and  when  the  Civil 
war  broke  out,  he  enlisted  in  Company  F,  20th 
Wis.  V.  L,  and  served  in  the  Western  Army, 
a greater  part  of  the  time  under  the  command 
of  Gen.  Herring,  of  Dubuque.  The  20th  Wis- 
consin was  engaged  chiefly  in  Missouri  and  Ar- 
kansas, and  was  a participant  in  the  battle  of 
Prairie  Grove,  Gen.  Price  commanding  the 
Rebel  forces,  where  it  was  badly  cut  up.  Mr. 
Israel  saw  service  at  Vicksburg,  New  Orleans, 
and  at  the  capture  of  Mobile,  the  latter  being 
his  last  engagement  in  the  war.  The  20th 
Wisconsin  was  a hard  worked  and  gallant  regi- 
ment, and  during  its  service  it  is  said  to  have 
marched  over  nine  thousand  miles.  At  Madi- 
son, it  was  honorably  discharged  from  the  gov- 
ernment service. 

Mr.  Israel  was  a farmer  in  Boone  county 
some  three  years  after  his  return  to  civil  life. 
In  1868  lie  married  Miss  Elizabeth  Chapman, 
of  Platteville,  Wis.  Mrs.  Israel  is  the  daugh- 
ter of  Thomas  and  Sarah  (Key)  Chapman, 
old  settlers  in  Grant  county,  who  were  born 
in  England.  When  Wisconsin  was  still  a ter- 
ritory they  made  a settlement  on  a farm  near 
Platteville.  The  father  died  in  1883,  and  the 
mother  in  1864.  By  his  first  wife  Mr.  Chap- 
man was  the  father  of  three  children : Rob- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


323 


ert,  of  Dakota;  Mary  Jane  is  the  widow  of 
John  Parnell,  of  Platteville;  and  Elizabeth, 
who  is  Mrs.  Israel,  was  born  March  3,  1848. 

Mr.  Israel  and  his  wife  lived  on  Mr.  Chap- 
man's farm  some  six  years,  when  'he  purchased 
the  farm  which  is  now  their  home  in  the  town 
of  Paris,  where  they  at  once  located,  and  where 
they  have  lived  to  the  present  time.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Israel  are  the  parents  of  a family  of  five 
children:  Thomas,  born  in  Iowa  in  1871,  grew 
to  manhood  in  Grant  county,  and  is  a resi- 
dent of  Platteville ; Sarah,  born  in  Platteville 
in  1873,  is  now  the  wife  of  James  Hamilton, 
and  lives  on  his  farm  in  the  town  of  Paris, 
where  they  are  rearing  a family  of  five  chil- 
dren, Alice,  Walter,  Clyde,  Ethel,  and  George: 
Robert,  born  in  Platteville  in  1876,  is  unmar- 
ried, and  is  a resident  of  this  town;  Fanny, 
born  in  1883,  graduated  from  the  district 
school  in  1896,  and  is  considered  the  youngest 
graduate  of  the  town  of  Paris ; and  Nora,  born 
m 1887,  is  n°w  a student  of  the  public  school. 
Mr.  Israel  is  a Republican,  and  has  been  an 
active  worker  in  the  politics  of  the  town.  Both 
he  and  his  wife  are  counted  among  the  best 
people  of  the  town,  while  his  record  as  a sol- 
dier is  that  of  a man  who  did  his  full  duty  to 
his  country. in  her  hour  of  peril. 

CHARLES  ATWOOD,  one  of  the  solid 
representatives  of  the  commercial  interests  of 
Janesville,  Rock  county,  is  engaged  in  the  ice 
business,  under  the  firm  name  of  the  City 
Ice  Co. 

Mr.  Atwood  was  born  in  Janesville  March 
6,  1852,  a son  of  Volney  and  Catherine  Ann 
Atwood,  of  whom  a sketch  will  be  found  else- 
where. He  was* reared  in  Janesville,  receiv- 
ing his  education  in  the  very  excellent  schools 
of  his  native  city,  and  when  he  reached  mature 
years  engaged  in  handling  coal  and  wood. 
Being  very  successful  in  this  line,  after  hav- 
ing been  in  business  from  1871  to  1880  he 
branched  out  somewhat,  adding  ice  to  the  com- 
modities handled,  and  since  1887  has  con- 
tinned  the  ice  business  only.  He  and  his  part- 
ner are  carrying  on  a large  and  constantly  in- 
creasing trade,  having  built  up  their  house  by 
honest  methods  and  prompt  and  efficient 
service. 

On  July  23,  1877,  Mr.  Atwood  married 
Miss  Alta  M.  Doty,  daughter  of  E.  Philo  and 
Abigail  M.  (Austin)  Doty,  and  eight  children 
have  been  born  to  them : Volney  D.,  Abbie  A., 


Mary  Lea,  Harry  Cummings,  Charley  Starr, 
William  Williston  (who  died  in  May,  1900), 
Leo  and  Edward  Philo.  Volney  D.  graduated 
from  the  Janesville  high  school  in  1894,  and  is 
now  cashier  for  the  American  Express  Co.  at 
Green  Bay,  Wis.  Abbie  Atwood  graduated 
from  the  Janesville  high  school  in  1895.  and 
has  been  a teacher  in  the  public  schools  of  the 
city  since  that  time.  Mary  Lea,  who  gradu- 
ated in  1898,  is  at  home.  Harry  C.,  who 
graduated  in  1900,  is  now  in  the  Merchants  & 
Mechanics  Bank. 

1 he  paternal  grandfather  of  Mrs.  Atwood, 
Zuri  Shaddai  Doty,  was  a native  of  New  York, 
and  of  the  seventh  generation  in  descent  from 
the  founder  of  the  family  in  America,  who  came 
over  in  the  "Mayflower.”  Elis  father  was  a 
soldier  in  the  Revolution,  and  Mrs.  Atwood  is 
a member  of  the  Daughters  of  the  Revolution. 
In  1841  Zuri  S.  Doty  came  V est,  settling  in 
Rock  county,  Wis.,  and  engaged  in  farming 
for  some  time,  until  he  removed  to  Janesville 
and  embarked  in  the  manufacture  of  sashes, 
doors  and  blinds,  and  all  kinds  of  millwright 
work.  Later  Air.  Doty  went  to  Madison,  then 
to  Chicago,  finally  returning  to  Madison, 
where  he  died  April  16,  1885,  at  the  advanced 
age  of  eighty-one.  During  his  long  and  use- 
ful life  this  good  man  made  many  friends,  and 
his  loss  was  deeply  felt.  He  was  three  times 
married,  and  was  the  father  of  eleven  children, 
all  of  whom  grew  to  be  highly  respected  men 
and  women. 

Ira  Austin,  the  maternal  grandfather  of 
Mrs.  Atwood,  was  a native  of  New  York 
State,  and  a blacksmith  by  trade.  He  came 
to  Turtle,  Rock  county,  in  the  early  days  of 
Wisconsin,  and  died  at  Madison  at  an  ad- 
vanced age.  There  were  two  daughters  in  his 
family. 

E.  Philo  Doty,  father  of  Airs.  Atwood,  a 
native  of  Lockport,  AT.  Y.,  left  his_  native 
State  when  yet  a boy,  in  1841,  and  came  West 
with  his  parents,  who  as  above  stated  settled 
in  Turtle,  Rock  county,  removing  thence  to 
Janesville.  After  attaining  mature  years  he 
engaged  with  his  father  in  the  sash,  door  and 
blind  factory,  and  manufactured  a specialty 
known  as  the  Doty  washing  machine,  the  com- 
pany producing  it  being  known  as  the  Doty 
Manufacturing  Co.  Mr.  Doty  continued  in  this 
business  until  his  death,  in  1869.  when  he  was 
but  forty-three  years  of  age,  and  his  widow 
(now  aged  sixty-eight)  still  survives,  resid- 


324 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ing  with  her  son-in-law,  Judge  Fifield.  She 
is  an  Episcopalian,  while  Mr.  Doty  was  a Uni- 
versalist.  Five  children,  two  sons  and  three 
daughters,  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  E.  Philo 
Doty,  of  whom  three  are  still  living:  Alta  M., 
Mrs.  Atwood;  Edward  Philo,  of  Janesville; 
and  Anna  S.,  wife  of  Judge  Charles  L.  Fifield, 
of  Janesville.  One  brother  of  Mrs.  Atwood, 
Henry  Doty,  lived  in  Janesville  many  years, 
and  died  in  1894.  He  was  secretary  of  the 
Doty  Manufacturing  Co.,  and  also  the  founder 
of  the  incandescent  light  company  in  Janes- 
ville, being  at  first  the  proprietor,  but  later,  as 
the  increasing  volume  of  business  demanded, 
the  concern  was  incorporated. 

Mrs.  Atwood  is  an  earnest  worker  in  and 
consistent  member  of  the  Episcopal  Church, 
and  both  she  and  her  husband  are  very  popu- 
lar. In  their  pleasant  home,  where  Mr.  At- 
wood has  resided  for  twenty-five  years,  these 
two  most  estimable  people  dispense  a cheerful 
hospitality,  and  are  most  justly  numbered 
among  the  leading  citizens  of  Janesville.  Mr. 
Atwood  is  a member  of  the  Iv.  of  P. ; is  a 
Republican  in  politics,  and  has  served  as  school 
commissioner  for  two  years.  For  twenty 
years  he  has  been  a member  of  the  fire  police. 
He  was  the  first  superintendent  of  the  Janes- 
ville Street  Railroad,  holding  that  position  un- 
til 1888,  and  contributed  very  materially  to 
its  success ; the  first  horses  purchased  for  use 
on  the  road  were  bought  by  Mr.  Atwood. 

FRANCIS  ASBURY  COOLEY,  a retired 
farmer  of  Brodhead,  Green  county,  is  one  of 
the  older  citizens  of  the  county,  where  he  has 
practically  spent  his  entire  life  engaged  in  the 
cultivation  of  the  soil.  He  was  born  in  the 
town  of  Spring  Grove,  Green  county,  July  12, 
1846,  a son  of  William  B.  and  Lucretia  ( Ev- 
ans) Cooley,  natives  of  New  York  and  Ken- 
tucky, respectively. 

William  B.  Cooley  was  a school  teacher  and 
Methodist  minister.  He  came  West  in  1839, 
and  taught  school  at  Rock  Island,  111.,  where 
he  was  also  a circuit  rider  for  the  church.  In 
1845  he  married  Lucretia  Evans,  who  died  in 
1848,  leaving  two  children:  Francis  Asbury 

and  William  M.,  of  whom  the  latter,  a railroad 
engineer  for  the  past  thirty  years,  resides  in 
Chadron,  Neb.'  After  his  wife  died  Mr. 
Cooley  moved  to  Stephenson  county,  where  he 
taught  school,  and  later  taught  at  what  was 
known  as  the  Basswood  Church,  in  Green 


county,  Wis.  In  1850  he  married  Mary  A.. 
Busser,  and  they  had  seven  children,  four  of 
whom  are  now  living:  Ella,  the  wife  of  G.  C. 

Aurand,  of  Bowclel,  S.  Dak. ; James  N.,  of  the 
same  place;  Frank  W.,  superintendent  of 
schools  at  Calumet,  Mich.;  and  Homer  D.,  a 
lawyer,  of  Everet,  Wash.  The  father  lived 
at  Brodhead  a number  of  years,  and  died  in 
1871,  at  the  age  of  sixty-five.  His  widow 
survived  until  1899,  when  she  died  at  the  age 
of  seventy-four.  He.  was  town  superintendent 
a number  of  years  in  the  early  days,  and  held 
various  town  offices.  His  father  was  Lewis 
Cooley,  a native  of  Holland,  and  an  early  set- 
tler in  western  New  York,  where  he  reared  a 
large  family,  and  died  at  an  old  age.  The 
father  of  Lucretia  (Evans)  Cooley  was  Enoch 
Evans,  a native  of  Virginia,  who  moved  to 
North  Carolina  in  pioneer  days,  and  then  into 
Kentucky,  where  he  attained  historic  distinc- 
tion as  the  first  mail  carrier  in  the  State.  He 
made  his  journeys  on  horseback,  and  had  many 
exciting  and  perilous  experiences.  From  there 
he  moved  to  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  when  it  was  a 
fort,  and  his  last  days  were  spent  at  Monroe, 
Wis.,  with  his  son  William,  and  lie  died  at  the 
age  of  one  hundred  and  one,  just  as  the  old 
settlers  were  making  ready  to  celebrate  his 
birthday.  He  was  the  father  of  seven  chil- 
dren. 

Francis  Asbury  Cooley  has  lived  his  entire 
life  in  Green  county,  and  has  many  interesting 
recollections  of  primitive  pioneer  days.  He 
vividly  recalls  the  manufacturing  of  matches 
by  hand,  frequently  watching  his  uncle  at  this 
work,  and  lie  can  describe  also  the  shingle  ma- 
chine and  tread-power  threshers  his  grand- 
father used.  He  can  locate  the  ground  upon 
which  stood  the  log  cabin  homes  of  various 
early  settlers,  as  well  as  that  where  was  erected 
the  first  cabin  in  the  township.  Mr.  Cooley 
attended  the  district  school  and  the  Brodhead 
high  school.  When  he  became  a man  he 
worked  for  his  father  a time,  and  then  rented 
a part  of  the  farm,  buying  it  later.  He  owns 
one  hundred  thirty  acres  in  the  town  of  Spring- 
Grove,  and  engaged  in  its  cultivation  until 
1882,  when  he  moved  to  Brodhead,  purchas- 
ing his  father’s  home  from  his  step-mother,  and 
there  makes  his  own  home  at  the  present  time. 

On  Dec.  8,  1867,  Mr.  Cooley  married  Miss 
Samantha  Alexander,  a daughter  of  Frederick 
and  Elizabeth  (Work)  Alexander.  They  have 
one  son,  Walter  E.,  who  is  now  cultivating  the 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


325 


old  home  farm;  he  married  Miss  Minnie  At- 
kinson, and  has  two  children,  Harry  and  Fred. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cooley  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Church,  in  which  he  is  a trustee. 
Socially  he  is  a member  of  the  Bicknell  Lodge, 
No.  94,  A.  F.  & A.  M.  Politically  he  is  and 
always  expects  to  be  a Prohibitionist,  and  has 
served  as  supervisor  one  term  and  township 
assessor  one  year. 

Frederick  and  Elizabeth  (Work)  Alexan- 
der, parents  of  Mrs.  Cooley,  were  natives  of 
Pennsylvania,  of  German  descent.  They  had 
ten  children,  and  six  of  these  are  now  living: 
Priscilla,  the  wife  of  Simon  Hawk,  of  Cler- 
mont, Iowa ; Mary  Ann,  the  wife  of  Moses 
Slawson,  of  Brockway,  Penn. ; Joseph,  of  Oak- 
ley, Wis. ; Samantha,  the  wife  of  Mr.  Cooley; 
Hannah,  the  wife  of  Avery  Tracey,  of  Oakley, 
Wis. ; and  Caroline,  the  wife  of  William 
Tracey.  Mr.  Alexander  was  a fuller  by  trade, 
and  in  later  life  became  a farmer.  He  came 
to  Stephenson  county,  Illinois,  in  the  spring 
of  1855,  and  in  that  fall  moved  to  Fayette 
county,  Iowa,  and  settled  on  a farm,  which  he 
occupied  until  1867.  -That  year  he  moved  to 
Oakley,  Wis.,  where  he  farmed  for  a number 
of  years.  His  wife  died  in  1886,  at  the  age 
of  seventy-three.  He  died  in  August  of  the 
following  year,  at  the  age  of  eighty.  They 
were  devout  members  of  the  Methodist  Church. 

JAMES  G.  KIRKPATRICK,  deceased. 
To  note  in  this  biography  that  our  lamented 
subject  was  born  in  1813,  takes  the  mind  far 
back  over  an  eventful  epoch  of  history,  to  a 
time  when  there  were  no  railroads  or  tele- 
graphs, and  the  wonders  of  science  without 
which  we  imagine  we  could  scarcely  exist  were 
still  undiscovered.  But  in  those  days  brave 
men  and  women  were  born  and  lived  event- 
ful lives,  often  setting  before  the  present  gen- 
eration examples  of  industry,  patience,  energv 
and  indomitable  perseverance  which  should 
not  be  lost  upon  it. 

James  G.  Kirkpatrick  was  a native  of  the 
State  of  Georgia,  a worthy  son  of  James  and 
Sarah  (Pettajohn)  Kirkpatrick,  both  of  whom 
were  reared  in  the  South.  Some  time  previous 
to  1832  they  migrated  to  Illinois,  and  at  that 
time,  when  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin  was 
opened  up  for  settlement,  the  parents  of  our 
subject  were  among  the  first  pioneers  to  ven- 
ture into  the  wilderness.  Locating  near  Ar- 
thur, in  Grant  county,  they  lived  there  until 


many  years  had  fallen  upon  them,  and  died 
surrounded  by  numerous  descendants. 

Our  subject  received  his  education  in  Illi- 
nois, there  grew  to  manhood,  and  accompanied 
the  family  to  Wisconsin,  where  he  took  part 
in  the  Black  Hawk  war,  coming  home  un- 
scathed. In  1840  he  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  CarolineNewman.the  estimable  daugh- 
ter of  John  and  Nancy  (Jones)  Newman. 
John  Newman  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  in 
1793,  and  his  wife  was  a native  of  Kentucky, 
born  Dec.  6,  1803.  After  their  marriage  they 
lived  in  Madison  county,  111.,  until  1836,  when 
they  moved  to  Wisconsin  and  settled  near  Ar- 
thur, in  Grant  county,  there  passing  the  re- 
mainder of  their  lives.  Mr.  Newman  erected 
upon  a part  of  his  property  the  first  gristmill 
in  Wisconsin.  The  eight  children  reared  by 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Newman  were:  Caroline,  Mrs. 

Kirkpatrick,  who  was  born  March  8,  1821,  in 
Illinois ; Harriet,  who  married  Alonzo  Cush- 
man, of  Iowa  county;  Nelson,  born  in  1830, 
who  lives  in  the  State  of  Iowa;  John,  born  in 
1832,  residing  in  Nebraska;  Capt.  Jefferson, 
born  in  1833,  who  was  killed  in  the  battle 
of  the  Wilderness  during  the  Civil  war,  while 
serving  as  captain  of  Company  C,  7th  Wis. 
V.  I.  (he  left  a wife  and  two  children,  who 
reside  in  Chicago)  ; William,  born  in  1836, 
who  crossed  the  Plains  to  California,  and  was 
drowned  in  crossing  the  Feather  river,  in 
1862;  Jane,  born  in  1839,  married  to  Philo 
Medley,  of  Grant  county ; and  Eliza,  born  in 
1843,  married  to  John  Enloe,  of  Lafayette 
county. 

After  marriage  our  subject  and  his  wife 
started  to  clear  up  a farm  near  Arthur,  in 
Grant  county,  being  among  the  pioneers  in 
that  locality.  In  those  days  the  country  still 
remained  in  many  portions  almost  a wilderness, 
and  the  tales  that  Mrs.  Kirkpatrick  can  still 
tell  of  that  early  time  in  the  county  are  many 
and  exciting,  filled  with  adventures  .with  In- 
dians, with  floods  and  prairie  fires,  but  all  of 
these  events  seem  to  have  but  strengthened  in 
her  that  strong  and  helpful  nature  which  still 
is  shown  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty  years. 
In  1866  they  sold  this  farm  and  bought  another 
in  Iowa  county,  which  was  also  improved,  and 
sold  in  1900;  Mr.  Kirkpatrick's  last  purchase 
was  in  Belmont  township,  Lafayette  county, 
which  he  made  his  home  until  his  death,  in 
i897- 

Besides  cheerfully  assisting  her  husband 


326 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


as  only  a noble  woman  can,  never  complaining 
of  the  privations  to  which  she  was  obliged  to 
submit,  Mrs.  Kirkpatrick  also  bore  and  reared 
her  family  of  five  children  to  respected  man- 
hood and  womanhood.  We  have  the  following 
record  of  the  family  : ( i ) Samuel,  born  in 

1841  in  Grant  county,  became  a member  of  the 
nth  Wis.  V.  L,  during  the  Civil  war,  served 
faithfully  for  four  years,  and  now  resides  in 
Platteville.  (2)  Charles,  born  in  Iowa  county 
in  1845,  married  Anna  Lytle,  a daughter  of 
James  and  Elizabeth  (Gillam)  Lytle,  of  Lan- 
caster county,  Neb.,  the  former  a native  of 
Ohio  and  the  latter  of  Illinois.  They  were 
residents  of  Platteville  until  1868,  when  they 
removed  to  Nebraska,  where  Mrs.  Lytle  died, 
and  he  is  now  a resident  of  Colorado.  Mrs. 
Charles  Kirkpatrick  was  born  in  Platteville  in 
1861.  They  reside  on  their  farm  in  Cass 
county,  Neb.,  and  have  one  daughter,  Bessie. 
(3)  John,  born  in  1848,  married  Mary  A. 
Davis,  of  Belmont,  who  died,  leaving  one  son, 
Lewis  E.,  who  died  in  1898,  the  father  now 
living  in  South  Dakota.  (4)  Isabel,  born  in 
1851,  married  Charles  Bomley,  a farmer  of 
Iowa  county.  (5)  Nancy  E.,  born  in  i860, 
is  the  wife  of  Charles  Martin,  a farmer  of 
Iowa  county;  his  seven  children  are  Dora, 
Ethel,  Virgil,  Ruscal,  Leo,  Beulah,  and  Erma. 

In  politics  our  subject  was  always  devoted 
to  the  principles  of  Jackson  Democracy,  and 
as  nearly  as  possible  lived  up  to  them.  Among 
the  old  neighbors  and  friends  who  have  known 
Mrs.  Kirkpatrick  so  long,  and  who  affection- 
ately remember  our  subject,  this  lovable  and 
intelligent  lady  is  passing  a peaceful  and  happy 
old  age.  For  many  years  the  cares  of  life 
set  heavily  upon  her,  but  she  has  now  the  great 
satisfaction  of  knowing  that  her  children  are 
all  well  placed  in  life,  and  her  influence  has 
gone  out  for  good  wherever  she  has  been 
known.  Many  will  be  saddened  when  “grand- 
mother” no  longer  greets  them  from  her  ac- 
customed corner. 

JOHN  BURGIN  SMITH,  a well-to-do 
farmer  in  the  town  of  Bradford,  Rock  county, 
was  born  May  6,  1842,  on  the  place  which  lie 
still  owns,  and  adjoining  the  one  on  which  he 
resides,  and  comes  of  an  English  parentage. 

John  Smith,  his  father,  was  born  in  Eng- 
land March  10,  1818,  and  accompanied  his  par- 
ents to  the  United.  States  when  he  was  a lad 
of  eleven  years.  They  settled  in  New  York, 


and  moved  from  there  to  Michigan,  where  the 
elder  Smith,  named  Joseph  (the  grandfather 
of  John  B.),  was  a contractor  on  government 
works  in  1836.  When  that  work  was  com- 
pleted he  moved  to  Chicago,  and  engaged  in 
the  business  of  a hotel-keeper  until  1845,  i11 
which  year  he  moved  to  Wisconsin,  and  pur- 
chased a farm  near  Madison,  where  he  lived 
until  his  death,  in  1868.  His  wife,  Mary 
Yeatman,  died  about  ten  years  earlier.  They 
were  the  parents  of  six  children,  John,  Alex- 
ander, Henry,  Mary,  Sarah  and  Caroline.  All 
are  deceased  except  the  last  named. 

John  Smith  located  at  Bradford  Center  in 

1839.  He  was  a farmer.  The  first  school, 
church  and  town  meetings  were  all  held  in  his 
house,  and  continued  to  be  until  suitable  ac- 
commodations could  be  provided,  which  was 
not  so  easily  done  in  pioneer  days.  Their  var- 
ious buildings  were  all  erected  later  on  prop- 
erty which  he  donated  for  sites.  Mr.  Smith 
was  chairman  of  the  town  board  of  supervisors 
four  years,  and  held  public  office  continuously 
throughout  life.  He  died  in  1887,  and  his 
widow’  survived  until  1896;  their  bodies  are 
interred  in  Smithton  cemetery.  On  May  14, 

1840,  at  Naperville,  111.,  Mr.  Smith  married 
Louisa  Sargent,  a daughter  of  John  and  Nancy 
(Burgin)  Sargent,  of  New  Hampshire,  and 
they  had  four  children,  John  B.,  Louisa  A., 
Alfred  C.  and  Edwin  S.  Louisa  A.  married 
George  Wilcox  and  lives  at  Clinton,  Wis.  Al- 
fred C.  enlisted  in  Company  E,  10th  United 
States  Infantry,  at  Lexington,  Ivy.,  and  died 
July  28,  1867,  at  Fort  Wadsworth,  Dakota 
Territory.  His  body  is  buried  in  Smithton 
cemetery  on  the  old  homestead.  Edwin  S. 
married  Flora  Irish,  of  Clinton,  Wis.,  and 
they  are  now  living  in  that  place.  This  fam- 
ily was  instrumental  in  the  organization  of  the 
Free  Baptist  Church  of  Bradford,  and  John 
Smith  was  among  the  most  conspicuous  of  its 
founders.  He  was  its  main  support  during  his 
life,  and  left  the  name  of  a devout  Christian 
and  a public-spirited  and  most  benevolent  char- 
acter. 

John  Burgin  Smith  grew  to  manhood  on 
the  paternal  acres,  and  received  an  impulse  in 
the  way  of  right  living  from  his  father's  ex- 
ample that  was  potent  in  his  formative  days. 
He  obtained  his  education  in  the  public  schools 
and  in  the  academy  at  Allen’s  Grove,  Wis.,  and 
when  he  became  a young  man  was  engaged 
in  teaching  with  success.  He  did  service  as 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


327 


a soldier  in  the  Union  army  during  the  war 
of  the  Rebellion,  enlisting  May  11,  1864,  in 
Company  A,  40th  Wis.  V.  I.,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Capt.  Samuel  T.  Lockwood.  He  re- 
sponded to  the  call  for  one-hundred-day  men, 
and  spent  the  period  of  his  enlistment  in  doing- 
picket  duty  around  the  city  of  Memphis  and 
helping  repulse  the  Rebel  Gen.  Forrest’s  forces 
when  they  raided  that  city.  He  was  honorably 
mustered  out  of  service  at  Madison  Sept.  2I-, 
1864.  Mr.  Smith  then  sought  a fortune  in 
the  gold  mines  of  Montana,  and  spent  five 
fairly  successful  years  in  the  mountains,  enter- 
ing Montana  in  1865,  and  returning  home  in 
1871,  to  take  the  management  of  the  old  home- 
stead farm;  here  has  been  his  residence  to  the 
present  time. 

Mr.  Smith  and  Miss  Bertha  Wright, 
daughter  of  William  and  Jessie  (Taylor) 
Wright,  of  Janesville,  Wis.,  were  married  Dec. 
14,  1873.  Mr.  Wright  was  a harness  maker, 
and  had  the  reputation  of  being  one  of  the  very 
best  workmen  in  his  line  in  the  State.  He 
was  born  in  Scotland,  and  came  to  this  country 
in  his  early  youth.  Mr.  Smith  took  a govern- 
ment contract  for  carrying  the  mails  daily 
from  Fairfield  to  Janesville,  Wis.,  for  a period 
of  four  years  ending  July  1,  1899,  thereby 
securing  a postoffice  at  Bradford  Center,  which 
he  has  kept  in  his  house  since,  for  the  accom- 
modation of  the  public.  Rufus  L.  Rollins 
made  an  excellent  record  as  a prompt  and  time- 
keeping carrier.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Smith  are  the 
parents  of  the  following  children : Laura, 

born  Jan.  14,  1875  ; Pearl,  July  23,  1877;  John 
Wright,  April  13,  1879;  and  Jessie  L.,  March 
11,  1885.  Laura  is  the  present  postmistress 
at  Smithton,  and  was  appointed  by  Postmaster- 
General  Charles  Emery  Smith  Feb.  28,  1900, 
to  succeed  her  sister  Pearl,  who  had  held  the 
office  two  years, and  resigned  to  take  up  school 
teaching.  Pearl  is  a graduate  of  the  Clinton 
high  school,  and  is  now  a student  at  the  White- 
water  (Wis.)  Normal,  preparing  herself  for 
her  chosen  work  with  zeal  and  a wise  perception 
of  its  difficulties  as  well  as  advantages.  Jessie 
is  now  a student  at  the  Clinton  high  school,  and 
expects  to  graduate  in  1901.  John,  the  only 
son,  is  at  home,  and  is  carrying  on  his  father's 
farm,  during  the  winter  attending  the  agri- 
cultural department  of  Wisconsin  University. 

John  B.  Smith  is  independent  in  politics 
and  religion,  and  is  a man  of  sterling  worth 
and  character,  highly  regarded  by  his  neigh- 


bors and  very  successful  in  the  management  of 
his  own  affairs.  He  is  a good  neighbor  and  a 
generous  friend. 

OSCAR  M.  LOOMIS  is  a representative 
citizen  of  Grant  county,  and  a veteran  of  the 
Civil  war.  His  birth  took  place  in  Cattarau- 
gus county,  N.  Y.,  in  1834,  his  parents  being 
John  and  Mehitabel  (Hadley)  Loomis,  the 
former  a native  of  Boston,  Mass.,  a son  of  a 
Revolutionary  soldier ; the  mother  was  of  Scot- 
tish descent.  The  parents  of  Mr.  Loomis 
moved  from  New  York  when  Oscar  M.  was 
one  year  old,  settling  in  Ohio,  where  they  re- 
mained for  nine  3-ears,  and  removing  then  to 
the  Territory  of  Wisconsin,  locating  near  Mad- 
ison. Some  }Tears  later  the}"  removed  into 
Grant  county,  where  their  last  da}"s  were  spent, 
in  the  town  of  Mount  Hope. 

Oscar  M.  Loomis  was  one  of  a family  of 
twelve  children,  six  sons  and  six  daughters, 
and  four  of  the  sons  served  their  country  dur- 
ing the  Civil  war,  Benjamin,  Joseph  and  Oscar 
M.  being  members  of  the  43d  Wis.  V.  I.  Ben- 
jamin is  now  a resident  of  Bassett,  Neb.;  Ed- 
win, of  Boscobel.  Grant  county;  while  Oscar 
M.,  after  his  army  service  and  several  changes, 
has  become  one  of  the  solid  men  of  Fen- 
nimore,  Grant  county.  It  was  in  1S54  that 
Mr.  Loomis  entered  into  agricultural  pursuits 
at  Alount  Hope,  and  there  married  Jane  Turn- 
ben^,  a lady  of  English  descent. 

In  1864  Mr.  Loomis  enlisted,  at  Woodman, 
Grant  county,  was  enrolled  at  Madison  Sept. 
16  as  a member  of  the  43d  Wis.  Y.  I.,  and 
served  until  the  close  of  the  war,  his  health 
necessitating  some  three  months’  detention  in 
the  hospital.  After  his  return  home  Air. 
Loomis  ag’ain  resumed  farming,  some  time 
later  removing  to  the  town  of  Woodman, 
where  he  continued  that  pursuit.  Like  many 
others,  Air.  Loomis  found  that  the  hard- 
ships of  army  life  had  serious!}-  impaired  his 
health,  and  he  finall}-  decided  to  make  a change 
in  his  occupation,  with  this  end  in  view  remov- 
ing to  Werlev,  Grant  county,  where  he  engaged 
in  merchandising  for  a period  of  nine  }-ears, 
and  was  station  agent  at  that  place.  The  next 
four  }-ears  he  spent  in  South  Dakota,  since 
which  time  he  has  been  a resident  of  Fenni- 
more,  with  the  exception  of  one  winter  which 
he  spent  in  the  South  in  search  of  health. 

Air.  Loomis  lost  his  first  wife  Oct.  28,  1877, 
she  leaving  a family  of  six  children : Joseph, 


328 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Daniel,  John,  Mary,  Nellie  and  Bessie.  Mr. 
Loomis  was  married  later  to  Mary  Eaton,  and 
he  and  his  estimable  wife  are  valued  members 
of  the  United  Brethren  Church.  Mr.  Loomis 
is  also  a member  of  Sam  Monteith  Post,  G.  A. 
R.,  at  Fennimore,  and  enjoys  the  esteem  of 
his  associates.  They  can  sympathize  with  him 
on  account  of  his  poor  health,  as  their  army 
experience  is  responsible  for  the  breaking  down 
of  many  an  old  soldier. 

ARABUT  LUDLOW,  deceased.  Few  if 
any  names  are  so  intimately  written  in  the 
inner  and  vital  history  of  Monroe  as  that  of 
Arabut  Ludlow,  farmer,  merchant  and  banker. 
Gifted  with  that  quality  of  good  judgment  that 
sees  while  the  many  are  blind,  spurred  by  a 
spirit  of  restless  endeavor,  grounded  in  inflex- 
ible principles  of  integrity,  it  might  have  been 
predicted  that  in  whatever  held  of  action  he 
chose  to  exercise  his  talents  success  would 
have  attended  him.  Like  many  other  men 
who  have  risen  in  the  world,  his  boyhood  days 
were  environed  with  obstacles  and  disadvan- 
tages, as  if  fortune,  to  emphasize  the  merit  of 
her  favored  sons,  had  made  their  growth  a 
question  of  strenuous  endeavor. 

Mr.  Ludlow  was  closely  identified  with  the 
development  of  Green  county,  Wis.,  for  more 
than  a half  century.  A Vermonter  by  birth, 
he  came  to  the  Badger  State  a youth  of  twenty 
years,  with  courage  in  his  heart,  seeking  a 
career  in  the  then  distant  West.  He  was  born 
in  Burlington  June  21,  1818,  son  of  James  and 
Rosanna  (Morton)  Ludlow.  The  father  was 
a farmer  of  Burlington,  and  the  only  son  of  a 
farmer  of  English  ancestry,  who  lived  to  a good 
old  age.  To  James  and  Rosanna  Ludlow 
were  born  three  children  who  lived  to  matur- 
ity: Arabut;  Jane,  who  married  Addison 

Macomber ; and  Rosanna,  who  married  Ben- 
jamin Chenowith,  of  Monroe.  The  mother 
died  when  the  youngest  child  was  a babe,  and 
the  father  for  his  second  wife  married  a Miss 
Alexander,  by  whom  he  had  one  son,  now  de- 
ceased. 1 he  father  died  comparatively  young 
in  life,  while  visiting  in  New  York  State. 

The  boyhood  of  Arabut  Ludlow  was  spent 
at  the  home  of  an  uncle.  He  received  a good 
education  in  the  common  schools  and  academy 
of  his  day.  and  when  sixteen  years  of  age  went 
to  live  with  a Mr.  Waterman,  who,  in  connec- 
tion with  farming,  operated  a carding  machine 
and  starch  factory.  To  Mr.  Waterman’s  care 


and  counsel  Mr.  Ludlow  was  indebted  largely 
for  his  business  education,  though  from  his 
mother  he  had  inherited  marked  business  qual- 
ities. Mr.  Waterman  was  like  a father  to  him, 
schooling  him  in  sterling  business  principles, 
and  intrusting  him  in  a measure  with  the  man- 
agement of  the  carding  machine  and  starch 
factory.  And  here  during  those  critical  forma- 
tive years  from  sixteen  to  twenty  Arabut  Lud- 
low developed  that  sagacity  and  ability  which 
attended  his  subsequent  business  career.  At 
twenty  he  was  ready  to  face  new  conditions. 
With  $50  capital  he  left  his  native  State  in 

1838  for  distant  Michigan,  where  for  two 
years  he  carried  the  mail,  on  an  Indian  pony, 
between  Grand  Rapids  and  Livingston  Center. 
Having  saved  his  earnings,  he  in  the  fall  of 

1839  went  to  Chicago,  then  a struggling  vil- 

lage. He  had  sold  goods  on  his-  travels,  and 
reached  Chicago  with  a team.  Llis  services 
were  engaged  to  make  a trip  to  Green  Bay, 
conveying  a load  of  goods  and  bringing  back 
furs.  Soon  discovering  that  there  was  profit 
in  this  transportation,  he  engaged  in  the  busi- 
ness for  himself,  gradually  shortening  the  trips 
until  they  ended  at  Madison,  trading  general 
merchandise  for  furs,  or  paying  cash  for  the 
same.  Mr.  Ludlow  conducted  a thriving  trade 
until  1846.  O11  March  3 of  that  year  he  mar- 

ried, in  Winnebago  county,  Miss  Caroline  C. 
Sanderson,  daughter  of  John  and  Lydia  (Har- 
ris) Sanderson,  and  in  October  of  that  year 
located  at  Monroe,  where  he  started  a general 
store  and  engaged  actively  in  mercantile  pur- 
suits for  many  years,  becoming  one  of  the  most 
prominent  business  men  of  Green  county.  In 
1857  he  erected  a fine  country  home  on  the 
farm,  a half  mile  north  of  the  city,  to  which 
he  removed  with  his  family  in  that  year,  and 
where  he  continued  to  reside  until  his  death, 
almost  forty  years  later.  He  accumulated 
much  property,  owning  at  one  time  2,100  acres 
of  farm  land,  in  addition  to  much  real  estate 
in  the  city.  He  improved  considerable  of  this 
property,  erecting  among  other  structures  the 
“Ludlow  Hotel.” 

In  1854  Mr.  Ludlow  opened  an  exchange 
at  Monroe.  Two  years  later  the  firm  of  Lud- 
low, Bingham  & Co.  was  organized,  and  ob- 
tained a State  charter  as  the  Bank  of  Monroe. 
In  May  of  that  year  the  first  notes  of  the  bank 
were  issued.  In  1864  the  First  National  Bank 
of  Monroe  was  organized,  and  into  it  in  June, 
1865,  the  old  Bank  of  Monroe  was  merged, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


329 


Mr.  Ludlow  purchasing  a large  interest,  and 
taking  with  him  J.  B.  Galusha,  who  had  been 
cashier  of  the  Bank  of  Monroe  from  its  or- 
ganization. Air.  Galusha  was  elected  cashier 
of  the  First  National  Bank,  in  which  capacity 
he  remained  until  his  resignation,  in  1887. 
Mr.  Ludlow  became  a director  in  1865,  and 
remained  on  the  board  until' his  death.  In 
1870  he  was  elected  vice-president,  and  three 
years  later  became  president,  holding  the  posi- 
tion continuously  until  his  voluntary  resigna- 
tion, Jan.  1,  1894.  He  was  the  guiding  spirit 
in  the  management  of  the  bank,  which  was  as 
well  known  by  the  name  of  "Ludlow's  Bank" 
as  by  its  real  title.  All  his  business  affairs 
were  conducted  with  energy  and  decision,  but 
in  manner  and  sentiment  he  was  genial  and 
good-humored,  known  to  all  his  old  friends 
as  “Lud.” 

In  politics  Mr.  Ludlow  was  a strong  Re- 
publican. He  was  deeply  interested  in  political 
questions,  and  lent  his  personality  and  force 
of  character  to  the  cause  he  espoused.  But 
he  was  in  no  sense  an  office  seeker.  He  served, 
however,  as  a delegate  to  the  Republican  Na- 
tional Convention  at  Philadelphia  that  nomi- 
nated Gen.  Grant  for  the  Presidency.  The 
death  of  Mr.  Ludlow  occurred  April  5,  1896, 
in  the  seventy-eighth  year  of  his  age.  His 
widow  survives,  and  still  resides  in  the  old 
homestead. 

Mrs.  Ludlow  is  a native  of  Cambridge, 
Mass.,  and  a representative  of  several  old  New 
England  families.  Her  parents  were  natives  of 
Massachusetts,  and  her  father  was  a soldier  in 
the  war  of  1812.  He  was  of  Scottish  ancestry. 
Her  maternal  grandfather  was  of  English  ex- 
traction, and  a soldier  of  the  Revolutionary 
war,  participating  in  the  battles  of  Lexington 
and  Bunker  Hill  and  other  engagements.  Her 
daughters  are  now  members  of  the  Daughters 
of  the  American  Revolution,  and  her  son, 
Willis,  is  a Son  of  the  American  Revolution. 
To  John  and  Lydia  (Harris)  Sanderson  were 
born  three  children,  all  living,  namely : Car- 

oline C.,  Mrs.  Ludlow;  John  Sanderson,  of 
Louisiana,  Mo. ; and  Lydia,  widow  of  Josiah 
Richardson,  of  Brodhead,  Wis.  The  mother 
died  when  Caroline  C.  was  a child,  and  the 
father  married  for  his  second  wife  bliss  Martha 
Blood,  by  whom  he  had  one  child  who  grew 
to  maturity,  Harriet,  how  widow  of  Cyrus  Put- 
nam. of  Brodhead.  Mrs.  Ludlow  came  with 
her  father  to  Chicago  in  the  spring  of  1839, 


and  thence  moved  with  him  to  Rockford.  111. 
She  was  twenty-one  years  of  age  at  the  time 
of  her  marriage  to  Mr.  Ludlow,  in  1846. 

To  Arabut  and  Caroline  C.  Ludlow  were 
born  seven  children,  namely : Henry,  Edwin. 

Irving,  Willis,  Addie,  Nettie  and  Nellie. 
Henry  is  president  of  the  First  National  Bank 
of  Monroe ; he  married  Alida  Condee,  and  they 
have  three  children,  May,  Charles  and  Addie. 
Edwin  is  unmarried,  and  lives  at  the  old  home- 
stead. Irving  died  young.  Willis  is  a farmer, 
and  lives  in  Monroe;  he  married  Lottie  Meeker, 
and  they  have  two  children  living,  Hattie  and 
Harris.  Addie  married  Homer  Bingham,  of 
Monroe ; they  have  one  daughter,  Helen,  and 
now  live  in  Denver,  where  he  is  engaged  in  the 
lumber  business.  Nettie  died  at  the  age  of 
two  years.  Nellie  married  John  Flower,  a 
real  estate  dealer  of  Denver ; they  have  two 
children,  Caroline  and  Ludlow. 

MATTHEW  J.  WILLIAMS,  a prominent 
farmer  of  Benton,  Lafayette  county,  is  a citi- 
zen whose  life  extends  back  to  the  days  when 
this  vicinity  was  the  borderland  for  Western 
civilization,  and  who  has  performed  a part  of 
the  hard  labor  necessary  to  develop  the  then 
unbroken  wilderness.  He  was  born  in  the 
town  of  New  Diggings,  Lafayette  county, 
Nov.  3,  1834,  and  his  father  was  Capt.  Mat- 
thew Williams,  of  pioneer  fame. 

Capt.  Matthew  Williams  was  born  in  Corn- 
wall, England,  in  1781,  and  his  wife,  Mary 
Johns,  was  born  in  1787.  Their  marriage  was 
celebrated  in  England,  and  there  they  lived 
until  after  the  birth  of  their  seventh  child,  when 
Mr.  Williams  came  to  America  to  found  a new 
home  and  prepare  for  the  coming  of  his  wife 
and  children.  He  worked  in  the  mines  in 
Pennsylvania  for  a short  time,  and  then  came 
on  to  Wisconsin,  purchasing  land  near  Ben- 
ton, on  which  he  prospected  for  mineral  two 
or  three  years.  The  year  1832  found  him  en- 
rolled in  the  United  States  service,  and  an  ac- 
tive participant  in  the  Black  Hawk  war.  When 
that  sharp  struggle  was  ended  he  returned  to 
England,  rejoining  his  wife  and  family.  They 
started  for  America  on  a sailing-vessel,  and 
landed  in  their  new  home  in  June,  1834.  After 
his  return  to  Wisconsin  Capt.  Williams  en- 
gaged in  mining,  and  was  the  discoverer  of 
the  noted  "Buncome  Mine,"  in  Lafayette  coun- 
ty. The  remainder  of  his  life  was  devoted  to 
farming  and  mining,  and  he  was  widely  known 


330 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


among  the  pioneers,  taking  an  active  part  in 
the  arduous  public  affairs  of  the  clay.  He  was 
a member  of  the  Old-line  Whig  party,  and  took 
a keen  interest  in  the  political  questions  of  the 
hour.  His  death  occurred  in  April,  1843,  and 
that  of  his  good  wife,  who  had  borne  with  him 
all  the  trials  and  hardships  of  frontier  life,  in 
March,  1862.  They  left  one  son  and  four 
daughters:  (1)  Matthew  J.  is  mentioned  be- 

low. (2)  Ann  married  W.  R.  Sampson,  in 
England,  and  came  to  this  country  with  her 
parents.  They  first  located  in  Lafayette  coun- 
ty, and  later  moved  to  Iowa  county,  where 
she  died  on  a farm  near  Ridgeway,  leaving  a 
family,  of  whom  are  yet  liv  ing — Mary  J.,  wife 
of  James  S.  Taylor,  of  Palmyra,  Mo. ; W.  R., 
who  was  a soldier  in  the  Civil  war,  now  a resi- 
dent of  Nebraska:  Samuel  W.,  a resident  of 
Nebraska,  formerly  a member  of  the  "Bloody 
2d"  Wisconsin  Regiment,  serving  throughout 
the  Civil  war;  James  T.  (a  lieutenant  of  the 
1 2th  Wis.  V.  I.  during  the  Rebellion),  also  a 
resident  of  Nebraska;  and  Rev.  Matthew  W., 
a minister  of  Fremont,  Neb.  (3)  Phillipia, 
born  in  1824,  married  Judge  A.  C.  Brown, 
now  of  Jackson,  Cal.  They  first  lived  in 
Grant  county,  Wis.,  where  he  practiced  law, 
and  in  1850  moved  to  California,  where  he 
became  judge  of  the  courts  and  a very  promi- 
nent man.  Mrs.  Brown  died  in  1896,  leaving 
three  children  out  of  a family  of  thirteen — 
Mary,  Maggie  and  George.  (4)  Mary  mar- 
ried Edwin  Johns,  of  Galena,  111.,  where  she 
died  soon  after  her  marriage.  (5)  Elizabeth, 
born  in  1826,  married  William  G.  Thompson, 
a lawyer  of  New  York  State,  later  of  Illinois, 
where  he  died,  leaving  three  children — Matthew 
W.,  W.  G.,  and  Henry  C.,  of  whom  W.  G.  is 
now  the  only  survivor.  Mrs.  Thompson  for 
her  second  husband  married  James  S.  Taylor, 
anch  located  on  a farm  in  Seymour,  Lafayette 
county,  later  going  to  Missouri,  where  she  died 
in  July,  i860. 

Matthew  J.  Williams,  the  only  one  of  his 
generation  yet  living,  received  but  a limited 
education  in  the  primitive  schools  of  New  Dig- 
gings. He  early  began  farming  and  mining, 
and  after  his  father’s  death  became  an  import- 
ant factor  in  the  support  of  the  family.  His 
mother  made  her  home  with  him  up  to  the 
time  of  her  death,  in  1862.  He  settled  on  the 
old  homestead  near  Benton,  and  has  made  that 
his  home  practically  all  his  life,  with  the  sole 
exception  of  two  years  passed  in  the  mines  of 


California,  Idaho  and  Montana.  He  was 
fairly  successful  as  a miner,  but  returned  to 
his  old  home,  where  he  has  followed  mining 
and  farming  together  ever  since.  He  is  enter- 
prising and  industrious,  and  his  highly  culti- 
vated fields  give  abundant  evidence  that  he 
has  a thorough  knowledge  of  his  work. 

In  i860  Mr.  Williams  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Miss  Mary  Alexander,  daughter  of 
William  and  Mary  Alexander,  an  old  pioneer 
couple  who  came  to  this  country  from  County 
Tyrone,  Ireland,  and  located  in  Benton,  where 
they  both  died.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Alexander  were 
the  parents  of  the  following  children : John, 

of  Dubuque,  Iowa  ; Jane,  wife  of  Richard  Dent, 
of  Benton ; Eliza,  wife  of  Jackson  Brandsetter, 
of  East  Dubuque;  William,  of  Cuba  City, 
Grant  Co.,  Wis.;  Thomas  A.,  of  Shullsburg, 
Wis. ; and  Mary,  Mrs.  Williams.  Mrs.  Will- 
iams was  born  in  County  Tyrone,  Ireland,  Dec. 
24,  1839,  and  died  Jan.  6,  1901,  a kind  and 
loving  wife  and  an  affectionate  mother.  She 
was  a faithful  member  of  the  Christian  Church, 
and  steadfastly  endeavored  to  carry  out  her 
professions  in  her  daily,  life.  She  was  the 
mother  of  nine  children,  as  follows : Mary 

L. ; Benjamin  F. ; Lavena  P.,  who  died  in  child- 
hood; William  R.  S.,  a railroad  conductor, 
born  in  January,  1861,  who  married  Nora 
Mac  Breen,  of  Dubuque,  and  has  one  child, 
Marguerite  ; Frank  B.,  born  in  December,  1864, 
who  when  a young  man  entered  the  gold  fields 
of  the  Pacific  coast,  has  visited  the  mines  of 
New  Mexico,  traveled  all  over  the  gold  fields 
of  the  West  and  East,  and  is  now  the  owner 
of  a gold  claim  in  Dawson  City,  Klondike; 
Mary  Luella,  born  in  1869,  who  married  James 
E.  Miller,  of  Lead  Mine,  Lafayette  county, 
and  has  had  four  children,  James  L.,  Matthew 
W.,  Joseph  L.,  and  Mary  Viola,  the  last  named 
having  died  in  childhood;  Henry  C.,  a miner 
in  Livingston,  Wis.,  horn  in  1871,  who  mar- 
ried Maggie  McCauley,  and  has  two  children, 
Viola  and  an  infant  unnamed ; George  W.,  born 
in  1874,  an  industrious  and  highly  respected 
young  man,  now  manager  of  the  home  farm; 
and  Lavena,  born  in  September,  1880,  educated 
in  the  home  schools,  who  has  remained  at 
home  taking  care  of  her  parents  and  nursing 
her  mother  through  the  latter's  last  illness. 
She  is  a lady  of  culture  and  refinement,  and 
presides  over  the  old  home  with  much  grace 
and  dignity. 

Politically  Mr.  Williams  was  first  a Whig, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


33i 


and  then,  with  the  formation  of  the  Republi- 
can party,  cast  his  ballot  in  support  of  the  new 
organization,  and  has  since  remained  an  un- 
faltering adherent  of  its  principles.  Socially 
he  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  and 
of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  Lodge  No.  21,  of  Benton  ; 
he  was  a charter  member  of  the  L O.  O.  F. 
lodge  at  Lead  Mine,  having  joined  thirty-three 
years  ago,  and  has  been  a member  of  the  Ben- 
ton lodge  since  its  organization,  having  helped, 
to  form  it.  While  a member  of  no  religious 
denomination,  he  has  been  a liberal  supporter 
of  all  church  work,  and  has  given  generously 
to  benevolent  purposes,  regardless  of  creed  or 
sect. 

FELIX  C.  BENNETT,  a prominent  citizen 
of  Green  county,  Wisconsin,  is  at  the  present 
time  living  in  the  city  of  Monroe,  retired  from 
all  active  association  with  business  of  any  sort. 
He  has  been  intimately  identified  with  the  ag- 
ricultural and  commercial  interests  of  the  coun- 
ty for  many  years,  and  has  always  been  re- 
garded as  one  of  its  representative  men. 
Under  the  first  and  second  administrations  of 
President  Cleveland  he  was  postmaster  at 
Monroe,  and  proved  a capable  and  popular 
official. 

Mr.  Bennett  was  born  in  Licking  county, 
Ohio,  March  28,  1839,  a son  of  Michael  and 
Elizabeth  (Donnelly)  Bennett,  natives  of 
Pennsylvania  and  Ohio,  respectively.  They 
were  the  parents  of  four  sons  and  two  daugh- 
ters, all  but  one  of  whom  are  now  living: 
Felix  C. ; Joseph,  of  Monroe;  Angeline,  the 
wife  of  William  Parks,  of  Hampton,  Iowa ; 
James  W.,  of  New  Birmingham,  Texas;  Nancy 
A.,  the  wife  of  Asa  Bailey,  of  Thornton, 
Iowa;  and  Wiley,  deceased.  The  father  was 
a farmer.  He  went  to  Ohio  with  his  parents 
when  a boy,  and  spent  his  earlier  years  in  that 
State.  In  1854  he  moved  to  Wisconsin,  and 
located  on  a farm  of  four  hundred  acres  in 
Washington  township,  seven  and  a half  miles 
north  of  Monroe.  Pie  made  his  home  on  this 
farm  until  1870.  That  year  he  sold  out  all  his 
real  estate  and  moved  into  Monroe,  and  lived 
in  that  city  until  his  death,  in  1897,  at  the 
venerable  age  of  eighty-five  years.  His  wife 
survived  him  until  March,  1900,  when  she 
passed  away  at  the  age  of  eighty-six.  They 
had  lived  together  nearly  sixty-five  years,  and 
were  members  of  the  Christian  Church.  He 
had  been  a man  of  considerable  importance, 


and  had  held  various  township  offices  when 
younger  and  more  active.  His  father,  Joseph 
Bennett,  was  of  English  and  German  descent. 
Mrs.  Bennett’s  parents,  Felix  and  Charity 
(McGuire)  Donnelly,  were  of  Scottish  de- 
scent. 

Felix  C.  Bennett  lived  in  Licking  county, 
Ohio,  until  he  was  about  fifteen  years  old. 
His  father  was  keeping  a hotel  at  Newark  dur- 
ing the  Mexican  war,  and  in  that  Ohio  city 
Mr.  Bennett  grew  to  the  age  of  fifteen  years, 
when  he  came  to  Wisconsin,  in  company  with 
his  parents,  and  lived  on  their  Green  county 
farm  for  many  years.  He  obtained  a very 
good  education  in  the  public  schools,  and  is  a 
wide  reader,  and  a deep  thinker  on  live  public 
questions.  The  business  career  of  Mr.  Ben- 
nett began  by  the  rental  of  farm  land  in  Mon- 
roe township,  which  he  held  for  three  years. 
Then  the  young  farmer  bought  an  eighty-acre 
tract  in  the  same  township,  which  he  improved 
and  occupied  until  1875.  That  year  he  moved 
into  Monroe,  and  engaged  in  the  grocery  busi- 
ness. He  continued  in  that  line  for  some 
twelve  or  fifteen  years,  doing  very  well  as  a 
tradesman  and  building  up  a fine  patronage. 
When  President  Cleveland  became  the  official 
head  of  the  country  it  was  a problem  who 
should  succeed  the  retiring  postmaster  of  Mon- 
roe. Mr.  Bennett  easily  demonstrated  his 
possession  of  a standing  as  the  leading  Demo- 
cratic politician  of  the  city,  and  he  was  ac- 
cordingly appointed,  both  in  1888  and  in  1896, 
his  second  term  of  office  expiring  January  31, 
1900. 

In  Play,  1864,  occurred  the  marriage  of 
Felix  C.  Bennett  and  Miss  Catharine  Bell,  the 
daughter  of  William  and  Nancy  (Hanger) 
Bell.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bennett  became  the  par- 
ents of  two  sons  and  two  daughters.  Clay  \Y., 
Estella,  and  twins  who  died  in  infancy.  Clay 
W.,  a dentist  in  Monroe,  is  the  subject  of  a 
sketch  found  elsewhere  in  this  work.  He 
married  Ida  Roderick,  and  they  have  two  chil- 
dren, Byron  and  Catherine.  Estella  married 
George  E.  King,  a druggist  in  Janesville,  and 
has  one  child,  Helen.  Mrs.  King  graduated 
from  the  Whitewater  Normal,  and  for  a num- 
ber of  years  was  engaged  in  teaching.  Mrs. 
Catharine  Bennett,  the  first  wife  of  our  sub- 
ject, died  in  1879.  She  was  a member  of  the 
Christian  Church,  and  a woman  of  fine  char- 
acter. Mr.  Bennett  was  again  married,  Dr. 
Hannah  C.  Russell,  daughter  of  John  and 


332 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Hannah  (Rolfe)  Russell,  becoming  his  wife 
March  9,  1882.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bennett  are  as- 
sociated with  the  Christian  Church.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Ancient  Order  of  United  Work- 
men. and  politically  is  a stanch  Democrat. 
He  has  served  as  supervisor  and  member  of 
the  county  board  from  the  First  ward  of  the 
city  of  Monroe.  Mr.  Bennett  built  his  pres- 
ent residence  in  1893. 

HON.  JAMES  FI.  CABANIS,  who  served 
as  mayor  of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  in  1900, 
was  born  in  Springfield,  III,  Dec.  25,  1838,  a 
son  of  George  E.  and  Mary  A.  (Lanterman) 
Cabanis,  who  were  the  parents  of  two  children: 
Jasper  X.  and  James  H.,  of  whom  more  will 
soon  be  said. 

George  E.  Cabanis  was  born  in  Kentucky 
in  1817,  and  when  a young  man  located  in 
Springfield,  111.,  where  he  married  Miss  Lan- 
terman, and  where  he  followed  his  trade  'of 
carpenter  until  1843 — working  in  his  earlier 
days  on  a boat  for  Abraham  Lincoln.  In  the 
year  last  named  he  brought  his  family  to 
Smelser  township.  Grant  county,  Wis.,  where 
he  passed  away  in  1892,  and  where  his  widow 
still  resides. 

Jasper  N.  Cabanis,  alluded  to  above,  was 
born  in  Springfield,  111.,  in  1836,  was  brought 
to  Smelser  when  about  nine  years  old,  was 
here  educated  in  the  Platteville  Academy,  and 
here  grew  to  manhood.  Not  long  after  the 
Civil  war  broke  out  he  enlisted,  in  the  25th 
Wis.  V.  I.,  and  died  while  in  the  service,  leav- 
ing his  widow,  who  had  borne  the  maiden  name 
of  Hannah  Richards,  with  one  son,  Leon,  who 
now  resides  at  Storm  Lake.  Iowa. 

James  H.  Cabanis,  who  was  but  seven  years 
old  when  brought  to  Smelser,  was  also  educated 
in  the  old  academy  of  the  town,  and  for  six  or 
seven  years  thereafter  taught  in  the  public 
schools  of  the  county.  In  1867  he  married 
Miss  Ada  FI.  Haney,  a native  of  Grant  county, 
and  a member  of  one  of  the  oldest  pioneer  fam- 
ilies of  Wisconsin.  At  marriage  Mr.  Cabanis 
settled  in  Georgetown  village,  where  he  was 
engaged  in  mercantile  trade  for  over  thirty 
years,  and  he  also  owned  a large  farm  near  by, 
which  he  cultivated  to  a considerable  extent. 
In  1893  he  came  to  Platteville,  and  engaged  in 
the  gents'  furnishing  trade  and  in  tailoring, 
succeeding'  bevond  his  expectations  in  this  line. 

In  1898  Mr.  Cabanis,  who  had  become  very 
popular  both  as  a tradesman  and  as  a politi- 


cian, was  elected  mayor  of  Platteville  on  the 
Republican  ticket  by  a large  majority,  having 
qualified  himself  for  this  important  and  re- 
sponsible office  by  having  previously  filled  sev- 
eral offices  of  trust  and  honor  in  Grant  county, 
such  as  member  of  the  town  board  of  Georoe- 

o 

town  and  representative  from  his  district  in 
the  State  Legislature,  in  1881  and  1882.  As 
mayor  of  Platteville  he  exhibited  g'reat  execu- 
tive ability,  and  filled  his  seat  with  grace  and 
dignity. 

To  the  marriage  of  Mr.  .and  Mrs.  Cabanis 
have  been  born  four  children,  in  the  following 
order : Mary,  a graduate  in  music  from  Ev- 

anston Conservatory,  111.,  and  now  the  wife  of 
Simon  Clark,  of  Grant  county,  and  the  mother 
of  three  children,  Florence,  and  the  twins,  Don- 
ald and  Harold  ; Frank,  who  is  vice-president  of 
the  Big  Patch  Zinc  and  Lead  Co.,  of  Grant 
county,  and  is  manager  of  the  mines : Harry, 
bookkeeper  for  his  father;  and  Jennie  F.,  a 
student  at  the  State  Normal  School  in  Platte- 
ville. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cabanis  have  been  members 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  for  more 
than  thirty  years,  and  still  take  an  active  part 
and  interest  in  its  work.  Fraternally  Mr. 
Cabanis  is  a Mason.  He  has  been  one  of  the 
most  successful  of  business  men,  and,  with  Mr. 
Reed  as  his  partner,  owns  the  largest  tailoring 
and  gents'  furnishing  store  in  the  city  of 
Platteville. 

HANNAH  C.  BENNETT,  M.  D„  wife 
of  Felix  C.  Bennett,  is  a daughter  of  John 
and  Hannah  (Rolfe)  Russell,  and  granddaugh- 
ter of  Richard  Russell  and  of  Thomas  and 
Nancy  ( Baileys ) Rolfe.  She  has  won  a high 
standing  in  the  city  of  Monroe,  Green  county, 
where  she  has  lived  for  many  years.  The 
novelty  of  a woman  physician  may  have  served 
to  attract  attention  in  the  early  days,  but  her 
modest  and  unassuming  character,  genuine 
worth,  and  thorough  mastery  of  her  profession, 
command  the  confidence  and  trust  of  the  public 
to  a marked  degree. 

John  Russell  and  his  wife  were  natives 
of  Kent,  England,  and  when  they  emigrated 
to  this  country,  in  1850,  were  accompanied  by 
their  six  children,  born  in  England.  They 
located  in  Sussex,  Waukesha  Co.,  Wis.,  where 
they  had  one  child  born  to  them.  Their  chil- 
dren were : Sarah,  wife  of  George  Hall,  of 
Rio,  Wis. : Matilda,  wife  of  George  Greengo, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


333 


of  Sussex;  Dr.  Hannah  C. ; Mary,  widow  of 
Owen  Cordy,  near  Cambria,  Wis. ; John,  of 
Cambria ; Rolfe,  of  W aukesha ; and  Catherine, 
who  died  at  the  age  of  twenty-four.  The  fa- 
ther was  a boot  and  shoemaker,  and  died  in 
Sussex  m 1883,  aged  seventy-four  years.  His 
wife  died  in  1888,  aged  seventy-six.  They 
were  Episcopalians.  His  father,  Richard  Rus- 
sell, died  in  England  when  sixty  years  of  age ; 
he  had  ten  children.  He  was  an  overseer  and- 
a lumber  lawyer.  Thomas  Rolfe,  the  father 
of  Hannah,  mentioned  above,  was  a farmer, 
and  died  in  England,  aged  eighty-six  years.  He 
had  six  children. 

Dr.  Hannah  C.  (Russell)  Bennett  attended 
the  common  school  at  Sussex,  and  later  was  a 
student  at  Carroll  College,  Waukesha.  She 
secured  a good  education,  and  taught  school 
for  ten  years.  About  this  time  her  attention 
was  turned  to  the  field  that  opened  before 
women  in  the  practice  of  medicine,  and,  feel- 
ing some  natural  adaptation  to  the  profession, 
she  took  up  the  study  of  that  science,  and  was 
graduated  from  the  Women's  Medical  Col- 
lege in  Chicago  in  1876.  Her  own  home  be- 
came the  field  of  her  first  practice  after  her 
graduation,  and  there  the  Doctor  was  engaged 
for  five  years.  In  1881  Dr.  Russell  came  to 
Monroe,  and  here  she  has  been  continuously 
engaged  in  her  profession  to  the  present  time. 
She  married  Felix  C.  Bennett  in  March,  1882, 
and  finds  in  her  gifted  and  successful  husband 
a noble  associate  in  making  life  useful  and 
helpful  to  the  world. 

NICHOLAS  H.  BROWN,  one  of  the 
many  natives  of  Yorkshire,  England,  who  have 
contributed  no  little  part  toward  the  develop- 
ment of  southwestern  Wisconsin,  was  born  in 
December,  1840,  son  of  Joseph  and  Prudence 
Brown. 

Joseph  Brown  brought  his  wife  and  family 
to  America  in  1850,  and  settled  in  the  town 
of  Benton,  Lafayette  county,  where  he  found 
employment  in  the  lead  mines,  at  which  he 
continued  for  three  years,  or  until  he  had  saved 
enough  to  purchase  a farm  east  of  Shullsburg, 
whither  he  removed.  He  then  made  farming 
his  occupation,  and  greatly  improved  his  land, 
continuing  to  reside  thereon  until  his  death, 
in  1864.  After  the  death  of  her  husband  Mrs. 
Brown  moved  to  Shullsburg,  where  she  made 
her  home  until  her  death,  in  1874.  Ten  chil- 
dren were  born  to  this  worthy  couple,  but  two 


of  whom  survive : Isabel,  born  in  Wisconsin, 

now  the  wife  of  James  Prouse,  a well-to-do 
farmer  of  Swartwout,  Miss.  ; and  Nicholas  H. 

Nicholas  H.  Brown  had  received  a fair 
education  in  England  before  the  removal  of 
the  family  to  this  country.  After  they  located 
in  Wisconsin  it  was  necessary  that  he  go  to 
work  to  contribute  to  the  family  fund,  which 
he  did,  accompanying  his  father  in  the  lead 
mines  for  three  years,  and  assisting  in  the 
cultivation  of  the  farm  after  its  purchase.  In 
1874  he  moved  to  Shullsburg,  where  for  two 
years  he  was  engaged  in  the  grocery  business, 
but  since  1878  he  has  lived  retired.  L'pon 
his  determination  to  make  Shullsburg  his 
home  he  purchased  a good  home,  which  he  still 
continues  to  occupy. 

In  1867  Mr.  Brown  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Miss  Annie  Harrison,  born  in  1844, 
daughter  of  James  and  Martha  Harrison.  She 
was  educated  in  the  thorough  schools  of  Alton, 
Ilk,  acquired  a good  literary  training,  and  is 
a charming,  cultured,  Christian  woman,  who 
has  devoted  much  of  her  life  to  doing  good 
to  those  about  her.  No  children  have  come 
to  this  marriage.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brown 
are  members  of  the  (Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  and  always  to  be  found  where  there 
is  good  work  to  be  done.  In  politics  Mr. 
Brown  is  affiliated  with  the  Republican  party, 
but  not  in  the  sense  of  being  an  office  seeker. 
He  is  highly  respected,  and  bears  a reputation 
for  dealing  justly  with  all  men.  Fraternally  he 
is  a Knight  Templar  Mason,  holding  member- 
ship in  Amicia  Lodge,  No.  25,  F.  & A.  M., 
Shullsburg ; Darlington  Chapter ; and  Galena 
Commandery,  No.  40. 

James  and  (Martha  Harrison,  the  parents 
of  Mrs.  Brown,  were  pioneer  residents  of  Wis- 
consin, formerly  of  Illinois.  James  Harrison 
was  born  in  Virginia  in  1807,  and  his  wife 
Martha  in  Kentucky  in  1820.  After  their 
marriage  they  settled  in  Alton,  111.-,  making 
that  their  home  until  1845,  when  they  came 
to  Monticello  township,  Lafayette  county. 
There  his  death  occurred  in  July,  1873.  (Mrs. 
Harrison  made  her  home  after  the  death  of 
her  husband  with  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Brown. 
They  were  the  parents  of  four  children  : ( 1 ) 

Augusta,  born  in  Illinois  in  1838.  died  in 
April,  1883.  She  married  Edward  Vanvoorhis, 
who  was  born  near  the  Hudson  river,  in  New 
York,  in  October,  1826,  and  they  resided  on 
a farm  near  Gratiot  for  some  years,  then  pur- 


334 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


chasing  a farm  east  of  Shullsburg.  They 
were  the  parents  of  six  children — Cornelia, 
wife  of  Daniel  Kramer,  of  Shullsburg;  Will- 
iam, who  died  in  young  manhood ; George,  de- 
ceased in  early  manhood;  lone,  deceased;  Dr. 
James  H.,  a graduate  of  the  Northwestern 
Medical  College,  of  Chicago,  now  a practicing 
physician ; and  Isabel,  who  on  account  of  fail- 
ing health  has  made  her  home  in  Los  Angeles, 
Cal.,  for  five  years.  Mr.  Vanvoorhis  makes 
his  home  with  his  sister-in-law,  Mrs.  Brown. 
(2)  William  H.,  born  in  1840,  in  Illinois, 
now  a successful  physician  of  Houston,  Texas, 
was  a surgeon  of  the  4th  Wisconsin  Volunteer 
Cavalry  during  the  Civil  war.  (3)  Isabel, 
deceased,  a graduate  of  Mount  Morris  (111.) 
Seminary,  and  for  a number  of  years  a teacher 
in  that  institution,  became  the  wife  of  Rev. 
Amos  Patton,  of  Chicago.  They  resided  at 
Lockport,  111.  She  became  the  mother  of  two 
children — Clarence,  who  died  in  childhood ; 
and  Harrison,  a popular  teacher  in  the  Illi- 
nois public  schools.  (4)  Annie  is  now  Mrs. 
Brown. 

DAVID  W.  WATT.  The  family  of  Watt, 
or  at  least  that  branch  thereof  to  which  David 
W.  Watt  belongs,  is  of  Scottish  lineage.  His 
paternal  grandfather,  who  was  also  named 
David,  a well-to-do  farmer,  was  born  in  Vir- 
ginia, and  removed  to  Ohio  early  in  life.  He 
was  the  father  of  seven  children.  He  died  in 
1868,  at  the  age  of  sixty-nine. 

David  Watt,  son  of  David,  was  the  father 
of  the  influential  citizen  of  Janesville  whose 
life  is  under  review.  He  was  a farmer,  as  was 
his  father,  and  like  him,  too,  became  dissatis- 
fied with  his  surroundings  in  early  manhood. 
In  1849  he  went  with  his  family  from  Ohio, 
his  native  State,  to  Wisconsin,  locating  first 
at  Janesville,  and  removing  within  a few  months 
to  Green  county.  There  he  remained  until 
1872,  his  home  being  near  Monroe.  In  the 
year  last  named  he  determined  to  go  yet  farther 
West,  and  bought  a farm  in  the  town  of  Ham- 
ilton, Franklin  Co.,  Iowa.  There  he  died  six 
years  later,  in  his  sixty-first  year,  his  widow 
following  him  to  the  grave  in  1893,  after  at- 
taining the  age  of  threescore  and  ten.  Her 
maiden  name  was  Ruth  Ball,  and  her  father, 
Farlin  Ball,  who  was  a millwright,  removed 
from  Vermont  to  Wisconsin  in  1849.  He 
bought  land  near  Monroe,  and  there  passed  the 
remainder  of  his  life,  dying  at  t)he  age  of 


seventy-two,  respected  by  his  neighbors.  He 
and  his  wife  reared  a family  of  eight  children. 
To  David  and  Ruth  W att  were  born  five  sons 
and  three  daughters,  of  whom  seven  are  yet 
living:  John  M.,  the  sheriff  of  Franklin  county, 
Iowa ; Elizabeth,  wife  of  Joseph  Nye,  of  Hamp- 
ton, in  that  State;  George  F.,  a resident  of 
Hawarden,  Iowa;  Zanna,  Mrs.  Joseph  Noggle, 
of  Hampton;  Charlotte  (married);  Quigley, 
of  Iowa  Falls;  and  David  W. 

David  W.  Watt  was  born  in  Jefferson  coun- 
ty, Ohio,  April  24,  1849,  and  was  reared  upon 
his  father’s  farm  in  Green  county,  Wis.  He 
began  life's  battle  in  1868,  when,  a youth  of 
nineteen  years,  he  came  to  Janesville  to  enter 
the  store  of  Colvin  & Farnsworth,  as  clerk. 
After  eighteen  months’  experience  there  he 
went  to  Chicago,  where  for  a year  he  filled  a 
position  with  Field,  Leiter  & Co.  At  the  end 
of  that  time  he  returned  to  Janesville,  and  for 
two  years  following  was  successfully  engaged 
in  the  livery  business.  This  venture  made 
him  acquainted  with  many  showmen,  and  he 
concluded  to  embark  in  that  branch  of  busi- 
ness himself.  His  first  associate  was  Burr 
Roblins,  with  whom  he  remained  four  years. 
For  the  next  eight  years  he  was  connected 
with  the  Forepaughs,  and  for  a year  with 
Bailey  & Cooper.  His  connection  with  these 
enterprises  carried  him  into  every  quarter  of 
the  Union.  While  with  Forepaugh  & Bailey 
he  acted  as  treasurer  and  ticket  agent,  and 
through  his  alertness  and  facility  earned  the 
sobriquet  of  the  “lightning  ticket  seller.”  Re- 
turning to  Janesville,  he  settled  down  to  a 
more  quiet  life,  embarking  in  business  as  a 
real-estate  agent,  in  which  h’e  has  been  very 
successful. 

Mr.  Watt  was  married  Jan.  4,  1872,  to 
Josephine  M.,  a daughter  of  Lorenzo  and  Mary 
Ann  Dearborn,  and  they  have  had  two  sons, 
William  W.  and  Bertie  Lorenzo.  The  elder 
is  a reporter  on  the  staff  of  the  Janesville 
Daily  Gazette,  and  the  younger  a clerk  in  a 
shoe  store.  Mr.  Watt  is  a Republican  in  pol- 
itics, and  at  present  (1900)  holds  the  office 
of  city  assessor,  a position  for  which  he  is 
well  qualified  by  native  ability,  knowledge  of 
men  and  recognized  integrity. 

RAMSEY  BEAUMONT,  a retired  farm- 
er, and  the  present  mayor  of  Belmont,  is  one 
of  the  representative  citizens  of  Lafayette  coun- 
ty, and  a man  whose  honorable  life  and  upright 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


335 


character  deserve  a prominent  place  in  the  pages 
of  a publication  such  as  this. 

Mr.  Beaumont  is  a native  of  Yorkshire, 
England,  born  June  27,  1838,  and  is  a son  of 
Joseph  and  Elizabeth  (Hatfield)  Beaumont, 
both  English  born  and  bred.  Joseph  Beau- 
mont. with  his  wife  and  four  children,  in  1845, 
crossed  the  ocean  and  came  to  Platteville,  Wis., 
where  he  died  in  August,  1846,  leaving  his 
family  alone  and  in  a strange  land.  Airs. 
Beaumont,  however,  was  a woman  of  a brave 
spirit,  and  she  settled  in  that  town,  determined 
to  keep  her  children  together,  and  give  them 
a schooling  that  would  lit  them  for  a success- 
ful career  in  the  new  country.  And  there,  after 
two  years,  she  married  her  second  husband, 
John  Alareatt,  of  that  city,  tie  was  also  Eng- 
lish born  and  bred,  and  a man  of  much  energy 
and  force  of  character.  They  moved  to  Ken- 
dall township,  in  1850,  and  settled  near  what 
is  locally  known  as  the  “lighthouse,"  put  up  by 
Stephen  Rockwell,  to  show  people  the  way 
across  the  prairie  at  night.  Ramsey  Beaumont 
was  the  eldest  child  of  his  parents,  and  his 
brother  George  their  second  son.  Both  were 
born  in  England.  They,  were  old  enough  at 
the  breaking  out  of  the  Civil  war  to  enlist,  and 
George  became  a member  of  Company  E,  nth 
Wis.  V.  I.,  under  Col.  Harris,  a West  Point 
graduate.  The  regiment  was  in  service  dur- 
ing the  entire  war,  having  re-enlisted  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1864,  and  mustered  in  as  a veteran  or- 
ganization, and  was  in  some  of  the  most  stir- 
ring scenes  and  battles  of  that  great  struggle. 
It  was  mustered  out  in  June,  1865.  While 
in  the  service  Air.  Beaumont  contracted  chronic 
diarrhea,  and  he  died  six  weeks  after  return- 
ing home.  During  his  service  he  had  a fur- 
lough, came  home,  and  married  Aliss  Eliza- 
beth Good,  daughter  of  Charles  Good,  of  Elk 
Grove,  Lafayette  county.  No  children  were 
born  to  this  union.  Alary  Beaumont,  born  in 
England,  is  now  the  wife  of  Henry  Feathers, 
a retired  farmer  of  Belmont,  and  is  the  mother 
of  eleven  children.  Mariah  Beaumont,  born 
in  England,  is  the  widow  of  Arthur  Brewer, 
of  Cuba  City,  Grant  county,  and  has  a family 
of  six  children,  William,  Minnie,  Richard, 
Frank,  Albert,  and  AVallie.  Joseph  Beau- 
mont, born  in  Platteville,  in  December,  1845, 
is  now  living  on  his  farm  in  Adams  county. 
Iowa.  He  married  Anna  Blewit,  of  Lafayette 
county,  and  they  have  had  a family  of  four 
children,  Alary,  Nellie,  Willie  and  Emma. 


Ramsey  Beaumont  grew  to  manhood  on 
the  farm,  and  received  his  education  in  the 
district  schools,  and.  though  it  was  neither 
very  profound  nor  extensive,  he  was  a close 
student,  and  has  made  the  most  of  the  some- 
what deficient  teaching  of  a generation  ago. 
In  i860  he  married  Aliss  Ellen  Yaw,  a native 
of  Ashtabula  county,  Ohio,  and  the  daughter 
of  Joseph  and  Alary  A.  (Beckwith)  Yaw. 
Her  father  was  born  in  New  York,  and  her 
mother  in  Connecticut, coming  of  good  old  Rev- 
olutionary stock.  Airs.  Beaumont  received  her 
education  mainly  in  Ohio,  as  her  parents  came 
to  Wisconsin  in  1853.  After  his  marriage  Air. 
Beaumont  bought  a prairie  farm  in  Kendall 
township,  where  lie  erected  ample  buildings, 
and  improved  the  place  so  that  it  has  become 
one  of  the  choice  farms  of  the  county.  In  1896 
he  bought  a location  and  put  up  a residence 
in  Belmont,  which  at  once  became  his  home. 
Here  he  has  lived  a quiet  and  peaceful  life, 
and  is  enjoying  a well-earned  rest  from  the 
hard  labor  of  his  earlier  years.  He  has  been 
one  of  the  hard-working  and  successful  farmers 
of  Lafayette  county,  and  has  so  managed  his 
affairs  that  in  his  old  age  he  is  not  dependent, 
but  enjoys  an  ample  competence,  and  can  live 
comfortably  and  at  his  ease.  Airs.  Beaumont 
passed  away  Nov.  10,  1900,  and  is  buried  at 
Belmont.  Air.  and  Airs.  Beaumont  had  eleven 
dhildren,  of  whom  five  are  now  living : Spen- 

cer and  Jennie  died  when  they  had  reached  the 
age  of  two  years,  the  others  in  infancy.  Laura 
was  born  in  Lafayette  county  in  1863,  and 
studied  in  the  Normal  School  at  Platteville; 
she  is  now  the  wife  of  Henry  Westrope,  a 
hardware  merchant  of  Corning,  Iowa,  and  is 
the  mother  of  two  children,  Ellen  and  Allen. 
Rosie  was  born  on  the  homestead  farm  in  La- 
fayette county,  and  is  living  with  her  parents. 
Joseph,  born  in  1872,  married  Aliss  Ada  Has- 
ker,  of  Shullsburg,  and  resides  on  his  father's 
farm ; they  have  two  children,  Addison  and 
Howard.  Albert  was  born  in  1875,  married 
Aliss  Lizzie  Aletcalf,  of  Shullsburg,  and  shares 
the  cultivation  of  his  father’s  farm  with  his  old- 
er brother.  John,  born  in  1881,  is  unmarried, 
and  is  residing  in  Wisconsin.  Brothers  of  Airs. 
Beaumont  are  living  in  Belvidere,  111.,  Cedar 
Falls,  Iowa,  Iowa  Falls  and  Alexander,  Iowa, 
and  all  are  prominent  and  successful  business 
men. 

Air.  Beaumont  is  a Republican,  and  is  re- 
garded as  one  of  the  leading  men  of  the  party 


336 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


in  Lafayette  county.  He  has  held  different 
town  offices,  and  is  now  serving  his  third  year 
as  president  of  the  village  board.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  while  his  wife 
was  a Methodist.  Fraternally  Mr.  Beaumont 
is  a Mason,  and  a member  of  Star  Lodge, 
No.  64,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  at  Darlington.  He 
is  regarded  as  one  of  the  solid  and  reliable 
men  of  Lafayette  county,  and  is  very  popu- 
lar in  every  walk  of  life,  an  esteem  which  his 
wife  fully  shared. 

EDWIN  AZRO  CHARLTON,  deceased, 
of  Brodhead,  Green  county,  is  remembered 
as  one  of  the  most  intelligent  and  highly  cul- 
tured members  of  the  Press  Association  of 
Wisconsin.  He  had  a fine  mind  naturally,  and 
had  cultivated  it  under  the  shadows  of  the  most 
classic  centers  of  old  New  England.  He  was 
a lover  of  knowledge,  and  had  drunk  deep  of 
the  Pierian  spring  that  flows  eternally  for 
great  and  noble  souls. 

Mr.  Charlton  was  born  in  Littleton,  N.  H., 
Sept.  29,  1828,  and  was  the  eldest  child  of 
Walter  and  Mindwell  (Moulton)  Charlton. 
Plis  parents  had  five  children:  Edwin  A.; 

Anna,  now  Mrs.  Hiram  Long,  of  Marceline, 
Mo. ; Myra,  Mrs.  A.  W.  Gee,  of  Manchester, 
N.  H. ; Augusta,  Mrs.  H.  H.  Rodliff,  of 
Chelmsford,  Mass. ; and  LeRoy,  who  died  in 
childhood.  The  parents  were  intelligent  and 
cultivated  people,  and  both  had  taught  school 
in  their  earlier  years.  For  six  years  after 
marriage  they  lived  at  Littleton,  and  then 
moved  into  the'  wilderness  near  the  Canada 
line.  There  young  Edwin  attended  the  dis- 
trict school,  and  when  he  reached  the  age  of 
sixteen  was  sent  back  to  Littleton  to  attend  a 
select  school  taught  by  Harry  Bingham,  A.  B., 
then  a recent  graduate  of  Dartmouth.  In  1845 
the  senior  Charlton  moved  to  Hanover,  N.  PI., 
for  the  sake  of  better  schooling  for  his  children. 
This  change  was  a decided  sacrifice  on  his  part, 
as  he  had  risen  to  considerable  prominence  in 
Orleans  county,  Vt.,  and  had  been  elected  to 
a number  of  important  official  positions. 

At  Hanover  Edwin  A.  Charlton  prepared 
for  college  at  the  Academy,  which  was  estab- 
lished as  “Moore’s  Indian  Charity  School.” 
Here  he  worked  and  studied  for  about  two 
years,  and  then  the  family  moved  to  Claremont, 
making  that  place  their  home  for  many  years. 
There  Edwin  worked  on  the  farm,  in  the  fac- 
tory, and  attended  school,  and  in  the  fall  of 


1850  entered  Dartmouth  College.  He  taught 
every  winter,  keeping  up  his  college  work  out- 
side to  such  effect  that  he  was  graduated  with 
his  class  in  1854,  with  a standing  that  ranked 
him  in  the  first  third.  The  class  had  fifty- 
seven  members,  and  this  is  a record  rarely  sur- 
passed in  brilliant  scholarship  and  studious  ap- 
plication. It  gave  him  entrance  to  the  honorary 
Phi  Beta  Kappa  Society,  and  an  enviable  name 
in  the  world  of  letters. 

After  leaving  college  Mr.  Charlton  was 
principal  of  the  academy  at  Haverhill  one  year, 
and  in  1855  was  preceptor  of  the  academy  at 
Gilmanton.  He  studied  law  for  a time  in  the 
office  of  Freeman  & McClure,  but  in  1857  was 
called  to  Lockport,  N.  Y.,  to  take  the  position 
of  principal  of  the  Union  School.  He  was  in 
this  place  four  years,  and  did  such  satisfactory 
and  congenial  work  that  he  gave  up  all  thought 
of  the  law,  and  devoted  his  life  to  teaching. 
Mr.  Charlton  was  vice-principal  of  the  Union 
School  at  Schenectady,  where  he  remained 
until  the  summer  of  1862.  In  March  of  that 
year  he  was  married  to  Miss  Helen  Elizabeth, 
daughter  of  Judge  Alfred  Holmes,  of  Lock- 
port,  N.  Y.,  and  the  same  fall  went  back  to  Gil- 
manton to  assume  the  duties  of  the  preceptor 
of  the  Academy.  The  next  year  he  was  made 
superintendent  of  the  Union  Schools  at  Sche- 
nectady, and  held  that  position  five  years.  He 
was  superintendent  and  principal  of  the  high 
school  at  Auburn,  N.  Y.,  for  two  years,  and, 
finding  a change  of  climate  imperative,  came 
to  Wisconsin,  and  became  president  of  the  first 
Normal  School  established  in  this  State,  the 
one  at  Platteville.  He  held  this  office  eight 
years  and  one  term,  and  in  that  time  firmly 
established  the  school  upon  solid  ground,  and 
in  his  teaching  and  planning  largely  anticipated 
the  work  that  has  since  been  done  by  normal 
trainers. 

In  1879  Mr.  Charlton  retired  from  the 
school  room  and  entered  upon  a new  calling, 
one,  however,  for  which  his  great  literary  gifts 
and  fine  business  abilities  fitted  him  to  a high 
degree.  That  year  he  bought  the  Brodhead 
Independent,  a weekly  publication,  and  devoted 
himself  to  its  editing  and  publishing.  The 
paper  has  greatly  increased  in  its  circulation, 
not  only  while  he  published  it,  but  under  the 
magic  of  his  name,  and  is  one  of  the  most  suc- 
cessful newspaper  publications  of  the  State. 
He  was  cordially  received  by  his  associates  in 
the  Press;  was  a delegate  to  the  National  Edi- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


337 


torial  Association,  held  at  Boston  in  1890,  and 
in  the  State  Association  he  held  several  offices. 
He  was  twice  clerk  in  the  Wisconsin  Legisla- 
ture; comparing  clerk  in  the  Assembly  in  1887, 
and  in  1895  proof-reader  in  the  Senate.  His 
continued  interest  in  school  work  was  shown 
by  the  fact  that  in  1884  his  former  pupils  at 
the  Normal  School  made  him  a life  member 
of  the  National  Educational  Association. 

Mr.  Charlton  belonged  to  the  Phi  Delta 
Theta  while  at  college,  and  early  in  life  became 
a Mason.  At  Gilmanton  he  united  with  the 
Congregational  Church,  and  at  Schenectady 
joined  the  Presbyterian. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Charlton  two  children 
were  born : W alter  Holmes,  born  at  Schenec- 

tady Jan.  4.  1866,  died  in  Lockport,  N.  Y.,  in 
September,  1875.  Winifred  Holmes  was  born 
May  13,  1S74,  at  Platteville,  completed  the 
high  school  course  at  Brodhead,  was  graduated 
from  the  Normal  at  Platteville  in  1894,  and 
from  Beloit  College  in  1898.  She  is  now  teach- 
ing Latin  and  German  in  the  Brodhead  high 
school. 

Mr.  Charlton,  accompanied  by  his  wife,  at- 
tended the  Grand  Army  Encampment  and  the 
meeting  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  at  Minne- 
apolis in  1896,  and  returned  home  greatly  re- 
freshed by  his  journey.  He  was  taken  with 
severe  illness  shortly  after  his  return,  which 
developed  into  pneumonia  beyond  the  power 
of  medical  help.  He  never  rallied,  but  steadily 
declined  until  the  end  came,  Nov.  14,  1896. 

Such  is  the  brief  and  imperfect  story  of  a 
noble  life,  lived  under  lofty  inspirations  and 
desires.  He  sought  to  help  the  world,  and  was 
always  found  battling  for  what  would  improve 
men.  He  had  a genial  spirit  and  kindly  heart, 
and  a “delicate  thoughtfulness  for  the  comfort 
and  welfare  of  others  was  his  most  prominent 
characteristic.”  Mrs.  Charlton,  in  compliance 
with  his  expressed  wish,  still  continues  the 
publication  of  the  Independent , and  has  asso- 
ciated with  her  Mr.  I.  L.  Hanford,  who  entered 
the  firm  in  1892,  under  the  name  of  Charlton 
& Hanford. 

LOLTS  L.  HARMS.  Among  the  promi- 
nent and  enterprising  citizens  of  Platteville  is 
numbered  the  gentleman  whose  name  intro- 
duces this  sketch.  As  a native  of  Grant  county, 
he  has  been  identified  with  its  interests  through- 
out his  entire  life,  and  by  honest  toil  and  in- 
dustry has  succeeded  in  acquiring  a competence. 

22 


For  many  years  he  engaged  in  farming,  then 
followed  merchandising  for  a time,  and  is  now 
practically  living  a retired  life,  though  he  is 
interested  in  mining  operations. 

Mr.  Harms  was  born  in  Smelser  township, 
Oct.  7,  1853,  a son  of  Dedrick  and  Maria  M. 
(Melvin)  Harms.  The  father  was  born  March 
30,  1805,  in  Hanover,  Germany,  where  he  was 
reared  and  educated,  and  in  1834  sailed  from 
Bremen,  arriving  in  New  Orleans  after  a long 
and  tedious  voyage.  By  flat-boat  he  came  up 
the  Mississippi  river  to  Dubuque,  Iowa,  where 
he  worked  at  day  labor,  and  later  found  em- 
ployment in  the  mines.  The  same  year,  how- 
ever, he  came  to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  and 
commenced  working  in  the  mines  there.  At 
that  time  he  was  unmarried,  and  in  very  lim- 
ited circumstances.  In  1839  he  was  joined  by 
his  brother  John,  and  together  they  invested 
their  money  in  land,  always  doing  business 
under  the  firm  name  of  D.  & J.  Harms.  Their 
first  purchase  was  the  claim  of  a Mr.  Hazard,, 
who  had  commenced  to  break  the  land,  and  to 
it  they  added  from  time  to  time  as  their  finan- 
cial resources  increased,  until  they  owned  3. 
large  amount  of  property.  The  partnership 
between  the  two  brothers  continued  until  the 
death  of  Dedrick,  Sept.  3,  1882.  He  was  mar- 
ried in  Galena,  111.,  Aug.  6,  1843,  to  Miss 
Maria  M.  Melvin,  a native  of  Bloomington, 
Ind.,  and  a daughter  of  James  and  Sarah  (Rob- 
erts) Melvin.  Her  mother  was  born  in  Vir- 
ginia of  Holland  ancestry,  while  her  father 
was  born  near  the  city  of  Baltimore,  Md.,  and 
brought  his  family  to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  about 
1831,  becoming  a farmer  of  Belmont  town- 
ship. He  was  a soldier  in  the  Black  Hawk 
war,  and  during  those  troublesome  times  his 
wife  and  daughter  stayed  at  the  blockhouse 
at  Mineral  Point.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Melvin 
died  in  Nebraska. 

After  his  marriage  Dedrick  Harms  located 
on  the  old  homestead  in  Smelser  township, 
where  he  engaged  in  farming  and  stock  rais- 
ing throughout  the  remainder  of  his  life.  Al- 
though he  came  to  the  New  World  empty- 
handed,  by  industry  and  good  management  he 
became  one  of*  the  most  successful  and  sub- 
stantial citizens  of  his  community.  Politically 
he  was  a Democrat,  and  religiously  both  he 
and  his  wife  were  members  of  the  Lutheran 
Church.  She  departed  this  life  March  10, 
1898.  Their  children  were  as  follows:  John 
C.,  born  June  6,  1844,  died  March  13,  1871; 


333 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Mary  I.,  born  Oct.  23,  1845,  became  the  wife 
of  C.  F.  Schroeder,  of  Platteville;  Henry  H., 
born  Feb.  16,  1848,  died  Nov.  9,  1898;  Hed- 
rick W.,  born  Jan.  30,  1850,  died  April  23, 
1856;  James  W.,  born  Feb.  20,  1852,  is  repre- 
sented on  another  page  of  this  volume;  Louis 

L. ,  of  this  review,  is  next  in  the  order  of  birth; 
Martha  ].,  born  April  15,  1855,  died  June  25, 
1886;  Sarah  E.,  born  May  8,  1857,  is  the  wife 
of  Dr.  A.  R.  Law,  of  Madison,  Wis. ; Emily 

M. ,  born  April  9,  i860,  and  George  L.,  born 
April  25,  1862,  both  live  on  the  old  home 
farm;  and  the  youngest,  born  Nov.  3,  1864, 
died  in  infancy. 

Louis  L.  Harms  was  reared  and  educated 
in  Smelser  township,  becoming  thoroughly 
familiar  with  every  department  of  farm  work. 
O11  reaching  manhood  he  continued  to  engage 
in  agricultural  pursuits  until  1885,  when  he 
moved  to  Platteville,  and  embarked  in  general 
merchandising  under  the  firm  name  of  Sander 
& Harms.  He  sold  his  interest  in  the  busi- 
ness three  years  later,  and  is  now  living  re- 
tired, though  interested  in  mining-  to  some  ex- 
tent. 

In  Smelser  township,  Sept.  16,  1880,  Mr. 
Harms  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Mary 
Anna  Riege,  who  was  born  in  that  township 
July  8,  1859,  and  is  a daughter  of  Henning 
and  Mary  Ann  ( Hofferkamp ) Riege,  the 
former  a native  of  Hanover,  Germany,  the  lat- 
ter of  Holland.  They  were  among  the  early 
settlers  of  Smelser  township,  where  they  con- 
tinued to  make  their  home.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Harms  are  the  parents  of  four  children : Ben- 
jamin LL,  born  March  5,  1881,  is  now  propri- 
etor of  the  “Paris  Hotel,”  at  Dubuque,  Iowa, 
and  one  at  Maquoketa,  Iowa.  Lilly  Ann,  born 
June  3,  1882,  died  Sept.  20,  1885.  Purl  L., 
born  March  12,  188s,  is  at  home.  Edith  J., 
born  April  16,  1886,  died  March  4,  1891. 

In  religious  faith  Mr.  Harms  is  a Lutheran, 
and  in  politics  is  a Democrat.  He  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  fire  department  of  Platteville,  and, 
as  a public-spirited  and  progressive  citizen,  he 
takes  an  active  interest  in  those  enterprises 
tending  to  advance  the  moral  or  material  wel- 
fare of  his  town  or  county.  He  is  honored 
for  his  sterling  worth,  and  his  friends  through- 
out this  section  of  the  State  are  many. 

WILLIAM  HENRY  HUDSON.  An  old 
and  honored  resident  of  Albany  township, 
Green  county,  is  William  Henry  Hudson,  who 


was  born  in  Ohio,  in  the  city  of  Chillicothe, 
June  17,  1833;  although  for  forty-nine  years 
he  has  been  engaged  in  active  life,  he  bears 
his  sixty-seven  years  with  ease. 

Gabriel  Hudson,  the  paternal  grandfather 
of  our  subject,  was  a fine  specimen  of  the  Vir- 
ginia gentleman,  and  was  prominent  in  political 
life  in  his  State  for  many  years.  His  father 
had  willed  him  his  slaves,  but  Gabriel,  op- 
posed to  slavery,  gave  them  their  freedom,  and 
left  home  on  account  of  this  action.  Lie  had 
been  a brave  soldier  during  the  war  of  1812. 
1 he  maternal  grandfather,  Jared  Bobo,  was  a 
native  farmer  of  Maryland,  held  many  public 
positions,  and  died  in  advanced  age,  having- 
been  the  father  of  five  children.  James  and 
Mary  (Bobo)  Hudson,  parents  of  our  subject, 
were  natives  of  Virginia.  They  had  a family 
of  eight  children:  William  LL,  our  subject; 

Mary,  wife  of  William  Grey,  of  Marion,, Kans. ; 
George  W,  of  Minonk,  111.;  and  Jared,  of  San 
Antonio,  Texas ; the  others  being  deceased. 
James  Hudson  was  a farmer,  and  in  1844, 
moved  from  Ohio  to  Illinois,  located  in  Lacon, 
bought  a farm  there  and  remained  upon  it  un- 
til 1849,  when  he  sold  out  and  came  to  Green 
county,  Wis.  ldere  he  purchased  120  acres  in 
Decatur  township,  and  there  he  lived  until 
1864,  when  he  sold  and  moved  into  the  village 
of  Brodhead,  where  he  died  in  1866,  aged 
sixty-nine  years.  Llis  wife  survived  him 
twenty  years,  being  eighty-six  years  old.  Both 
parents  were  good  and  pious  people,  devoted 
members  of  the  Baptist  Church,  he  having  held 
many  township  offices  during  earlier  life. 

William  Henry  Hudson  was  eleven  years 
old  when  his  parents  removed  to  Illinois,  and 
was  sixteen  when  he  came  with  them  to  Green 
county.  Reared  a farmer  boy,  he  grew  up  thor- 
oughly acquainted  with  all  the  details  of  ag- 
ricultural life,  attended  the  district  schools, 
and  by  the  time  he  had  reached  man’s  estate, 
was  willing  and  prepared  to  encounter  life  for 
himself.  His  home  instruction  had  been  such 
as  to  teach  him  valuable  lessons  of  thrift  and 
economy,  hence  he  did  not  work  long  by  the 
month  before  he  was  ready  to  rent  land,  which 
he  did  fdr  several  seasons.  The  first  160  acres 
which  he  bought  in  Grant  county  was  held 
and  improved  for  several  years,  when  he  sold 
this,  in  order  later  to  buy  a more  valuable 
tract,  in  the  meantime  renting  land  again  for  a 
short  time.  Buying  a farm  of  200  acres  in 
Albany,  he  had  no  trouble  in  renting  it  out, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


239 


nor  in  finally  selling  it.  In  1870  he  pur- 
chased another  160-acre  farm  in  Albany,  also 
rented  that  for  a time,  and  later  advantageous- 
ly sold  it. 

Air.  Hudson  was  married  Nov.  15,  1858, 
to  Miss  Helen  P.  Hill,  a daughter  of  Asahel  and 
Julia  Ann  (Shultz)  Hill,  and 'one  daughter, 
Ada  E.,  has  resulted  from  this  union.  She 
is  now  the  wife  of  T.  A.  Hess,  of  Winona, 
Minn.  The  parents  of  Airs.  Hudson  were  na- 
tives of  New  York,  she  being  the  only  daugh- 
ter. The  mother  died  on  Feb.  12,  1881,  the 
father  on  Oct.  4,  1900,  both  of  them  having 
been  consistent  members  of  the  AI.  E.  Church. 
They  were  pioneers  in  Green  county,  in  1849, 
and  bought  the  farm  where,  for  the  past  forty- 
two  years,  Mr.  and  Airs.  Hudson  have  resided. 
The  grandfather  of  Airs.  Hudson  settled  in 
Green  county  in  1836,  and  was  obliged  then 
to  drive  to  Chicago,  with  an  ox-team,  in  order 
to  go  to  mill,  a very  important  and  necessary 
function  in  those  days.  He  was  ninety-one 
years  old  when  he  died,  being  an  example  of 
the  sturdy  stock  of  which  pioneers  were  made. 

For  a short  time  our  subject  was  in  the 
mercantile  business,  in  Albany,  later  spent  three 
years  in  the  drug  business,  and  fourteen  years 
in  the  stock  business,  in  buying  grain,  and  in 
* general  trading.  During  his  residence  in  the 
township,  Air.  Hudson  has  served  as  town- 
ship trustee  several  terms  and  has  been  also 
on  the  board  of  supervisors.  His  idea  of  the 
best  form  of  government  is  for  a system  of 
law  whereby  the  weak  can  be  protected  against 
the  strong.  Among  the  best  known  and  most 
respected  people  of  Albany  township,  where 
their  parents  left  honored  names,  they  well 
represent  the  kind  of  citizen  upon  which  the 
bulwarks  of  society  in  Green  county  rests. 

JOHN  F.  WARE,  a representative  of  the 
sterling  worth  and  industry  of  those  whom  the 
mother  country  has  sent  to  our  shores,  was 
born  in  Yorkshire,  England,  in  December, 
1833,  and  now  resides  in  Smelser,  Grant 
county. 

Frederick  and  Esther  (Heben)  Ware,  the 
parents  of  our  subject,  were  both  born  in  York- 
shire, England,  coming  to  this  country  in  1844, 
and  locating  near  Pittsburg,  Penn.  In  1849 
they  moved  to  Wisconsin,  where  he  settled  on 
a tract  of  wild  land  in  Smelser,  two  miles  west 
of  Big  Patch.  At  that  time  deer  were  plenty, 
and  the  surroundings  were  all  wild,  but  Air. 


Ware  cleared  up  and  placed  this  place  under 
a high  state  of  cultivation  before  his  death,  in 
1885.  His  first  wife,  mother  of  our  subject, 
died  in  Pittsburg. 

John  F.  \\  are  received  an  excellent  edu- 
cation in  the  schools  of  Pittsburg,  and  after 
locating  in  Wisconsin  learned  the  trade  of 
miller,  under  John  A.  Woodward,  of  Platte- 
ville,  where  he  was  engaged  when  the  Civil 
war  broke  out.  With  a number  of  other  young 
men  of  his  age,  from  the  same  town,  Air.  Ware 
enlisted  in  Company  F,  20th  Wis.  V.  I.,  un- 
der Capt.  Whitman,  of  Dodgeville,  this  com- 
mand being  included  in  the  Western  Army, 
under  Gen.  Logan.  The  regiment  was  chiefly 
employed  in  Alissouri,  following  the  Con- 
federate Gen.  Price,  their  first  engagement  tak- 
ing place  at  Springfield,  AIo. ; and  later,  in 
1863,  the  regiment  succeeded  in  breaking  up 
Price's  army.  The  same  year  the  regiment 
was  placed  under  Gen.  Grant,  our  subject  tak- 
ing part  in  the  siege  of  Vicksburg,  and  partici- 
pating in  the  expeditions  on  the  Yazoo  and 
Rio  Grande  rivers,  in  Texas,  and  then  moving 
onto  Spanish  Fort,  taking  part  in  seven  dif- 
ferent battles,  and  continuing  in  the  service 
until  the  close  of  the  war,  in  1865.  Air.  Ware 
has  a record  of  never  having  been  off  duty,  or 
being  sick  enough  for  confinement  in  hospital, 
until  within  a few  months  of  the  end  of  the 
war. 

Coming  back  to  Wisconsin,  Air.  Ware  re- 
sumed milling  at  Platteville,  and  in  1866  was 
married  to  Aliss  Emma  Trenary,  a daughter 
of  Philip  and  Isabel  Trenary,  both  of  whom 
were  born  in  England ; the  family  is  an  old 
and  prominent  one  in  Platteville.  Airs.  Ware 
was  born  in  Grant  county  in  December,  1846, 
and  was  educated  in  the  old  academy  at  Platte- 
ville. After  marriage  Air.  and  Airs.  Ware 
first  settled  at  Kendalltown,  Lafayette  county, 
where  Air.  Ware  engaged  in  milling  for  thir- 
teen years,  from  that  place  moving  back  to 
Platteville  ; thence  to  Annaton  ; again  to  Platte- 
ville ; thence  to  Rockville,  Grant  county,  where 
they  passed  the  following  few  years.  In  1880 
Air.  Ware  purchased  the  Thomas  Alill  prop- 
erty, where  he  followed  milling  until  within  a 
few  years  ago,  engaging  in  that  occupation 
altogether  twenty-nine  years  in  Grant  county. 
He  then  changed  his  occupation  to  farming  and 
stock  raising,  the  latter  especially  proving  a 
very  successful  venture. 

To  Air.  and  Airs.  Ware  has  been  born  one 


340 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


child,  Clara  B.,  at  Kendalltown,  in  1875.  She 
was  a student  of  the  Platteville  Normal  for  sev- 
eral years,  but  on  account  of  poor  health  did 
not  remain  to  graduate.  In  1893  she  married 
Joseph  Andsew,  of  Grant  county,  and  they  re- 
side on  his  farm  in  Smelser;  one  daughter, 
Viola,  has  been  born  to  them,  who  was  removed 
by  death  when  yet  a child. 

Politically  Mr.  Ware  has  always  been  iden- 
tified with  the  Republican  party;  he  is  a mem- 
ber of  Sherman  Post,  No.  66,  G.  A.  R.,  of 
Platteville;  both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ware  have 
long  been  connected  with  the  M.  E.  Church, 
and  they  are  highly  respected.  Mr.  Ware  was 
a faithful  soldier,  and  his  comrades  in  arms 
speak  in  the  highest  praise  of  his  courage.  As 
a citizen  he  possesses  the  confidence  of  the 
community,  his  many  acts  of  kindness  and 
Christianity  endearing  him  to  his  neighbors. 

FRANK  P.  STARR.  Although  not  more 
than  forty-five  years  old,  Mr.  Starr  has  al- 
ready won  an  enviable  reputation,  both  as  an 
educator  and  a public  officer.  Endowed  by 
nature  with  talents  of  high  order,  he  has  not 
failed  to  cultivate  and  improve  his  hereditary 
gifts.  His  father,  James  Starr,  was  of  English 
birth,  as  was  also  his  mother,  whose  maiden 
name  was  Amelia  Butters.  His  parents’  home 
was  near  Bristol,  England,  where  his  father 
carried  on  the  trade  of  a butcher  and  shipper. 
Both  their  two  children — Frank  P.  and  Eg- 
bert J. — were  born  after  their  emigration  to 
America.  Egbert,  the  younger,  is  a resident 
of  the  township  of  Newark,  Rock  county, 
where  both  were  born;  it  is  with  the  life  and 
career  of  Frank  P.  that  this  brief  sketch  has 
chiefly  to  do. 

James  Starr  crossed  the  ocean  in  1850,  and 
for  four  years  made  his  home  in  Beloit.  Thence 
he  removed  to  Newark  township,  where  he 
bought  a farm  of  115  acres.  His  mind  was 
receptive,  and  his  ideas  progressive.  Pie  was 
successful  and  prosperous,  gradually  adding 
to  his  holdings  until  he  was  the  owner  of 
200  acres.  He  died  in  1889,  at  the  age  of 
sixty-eight,  while  his  widow  yet  lives  upon  the 
old  homestead.  Both  he  and  his  wife  were 
members  of  the  Established  Church  of  Eng- 
land. 

Frank  P.  Starr  was  born  Dec.  27,  1856. 
His  boyhood  was  passed  upon  his  father’s 
farm,  and  the  district  schools  of  Newark  town- 
ship and  a select  school  at  Beloit  were  the 


seats  of  learning  at  which  he  acquired  his  early 
education.  The  Beloit  school  aimed  to  give 
its  pupils  a sound,  practical  training  as  teach- 
ers, and  Mr.  Starr  has  proved  himself  one  of 
its  best  equipped  and  most  competent  gradu- 
ates. For  some  twenty  years  he  followed  the 
high  vocation  of  an  instructor,  filling  the  prin- 
cipal’s chair  at  the  Afton  (Wis.)  Academy 
for  eight  years  with  distinguished  success. 
1 he  native  ability  and  true  worth  of  such  men 
as  he  cannot  long  lie  “under  a bushel.”  Dur- 
ing 1896-97  he  was  president  of  the  Rock 
County  Teachers  Association,  and  in  1898  was 
elected  county  clerk,  being  re-elected  in  1900. 
The  latter  office  lie  still  holds,  discharging  its 
duties  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  electors  and 
exhibiting  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties  capa- 
bility of  a high  order.  Politically  he  is  an 
ardent  Republican,  and  his  rare  oratorical  gifts 
constantly  force  him  to  the  front  as  a cam- 
paign and  public  speaker.  He  also  has  literary 
ability  which  has  won  him  merited  recognition. 
Fraternally  he  is  a member  of  the  Modern 
Woodmen  of  America,  of  the  Royal  Neigh- 
bors, and  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  He  is  venerable 
consul  of  Florence  Camp,  No.  366,  M.  W.  of 
A.,  Janesville,  and  a delegate  to  the  Head 
Camp. 

Mr.  Starr  was  married,  April  8,  1881,  to 
Mary,  a daughter  of  James  and  Mary  [Mat- 
thews) Marley,  and  they  had  one  daughter, 
May,  born  April  9,  1882.  Mrs.  Starr  died 
Aug.  30,  1897,  aged  thirty-five  years.  On 
Oct.  27,  1899,  Mr.  Starr  married  Naomi  Bar- 
riage,  who  was  born  May  22,  1866,  in  Belle- 
ville, Ontario,  daughter  of  George  and  Sarah 
Barriage.  Mr.  Starr  is  a Congregationalist 
in  religious  connection. 

J.  W.  THOMPSON,  owner  of  one  of  the 
fine  farms  in  New  Diggings  township,  La- 
fayette county,  is  a grandson  of  one  of  the  first 
farmers  and  miners  in  the  town,  Joseph  Thomp- 
son by  name.  Joseph  Thompson  located  here 
in  early  life,  and  his  death  occurred  in  1854, 
his  remains  being  laid  to  rest  in  New  Diggings. 
Eight  children  were  left  to  mourn  his  decease, 
as  follows:  Joseph;  George;  Thomas,  who 

died  in  Ohio;  Abram,  who  died  in  Australia; 
fob,  a resident  of  Montana;  Martha,  deceased 
wife  of  John  Hazel,  of  Shullsburg,  Wis.;  Har- 
riet, wife  of  John  McCoy,  of  Darlington;  and 
William,  father  of  J.  W.  Thompson. 

William  Thompson  followed  farming  and 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


34i 


mining  on  a government  claim  in  New  Dig- 
gings some  years,  and  then  purchased  a tract 
of  wild  land,  which  he  improved,  and  where 
he  passed  the  remainder  of  his  life.  He  mar- 
ried Margaret  Rudd,  who  died  on  the  old  home. 
They  were  both  members  of  the  Protestant 
Methodist  Church,  and  led  devout  Christian 
lives.  They  became  the  parents  of  live  chil- 
dren, of  whom  J.  W.  is  the  eldest;  Elizabeth, 
born  in  1851,  died  in  1873;  Charles,  born  in. 
March,  1853,  now  a farmer  at  Apple  River, 
111.,  married  Annie  McFadden,  of  Illinois,  and 
has  three  children,  Katie,  William  and  Charles; 
Thomas,  engaged  in  gold  and  silver  mining 
in  Montana,  married  Martha  A.  Shlip,  and 
has  a large  family;  and  Margaret  J.,  born  in 
1856,  married  Alfred  Green,  of  Minneapolis, 
when  her  death  occurred  in  1886. 

J.  W.  Thompson  was  born  in  New  Dig- 
gings township  in  February,  1849,  and  the 
district  schools  afforded  him  his  only  means 
of  acquiring  an  education.  The  loss  of  his 
parents  in  early  life  necessitated  the  breaking 
up  of  the  home,  and  Mr.  Thompson  and  his 
brothers  and  sisters  were  brought  up  in  the 
homes  of  their  relatives,  our  subject  finding 
a home  with  his  uncle  Charles.  In  1870  he 
settled  on  his  father's  old  homestead,  which  he 
had  purchased,  and  for  eighteen  years  made 
his  home  there.  He  then  purchased  what  is 
known  as  the  John  Williams  farm,  east  of 
New  Diggings  village,  and  by  the  erection  of 
a new  house,  barn  and  other  necessary  build- 
ings has  made  of  it  an  ideal  country  home, 
with  all  the  modern  improvements  and  con- 
veniences science  and  art  have  made  possible. 
He  has  also  erected  a house  on  part  of  his  prop- 
erty for  one  of  his  sons. 

In  1870  Mr.  Thompson  was  married  to 
Miss  Jane  Metcalf,  daughter  of  William  and 
Mary  (Jackson)  Metcalf,  who  were  both  born 
in  England,  and  came  to  this  country  in  the 
early  'forties,  Mr.  Metcalf  dying  soon  after 
their  arrival,  and  leaving  his  wife  with  five 
children,  who  are  still  living.  Mrs.  Metcalf 
makes  her  home  with  her  children.  To  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Thompson  have  come  four  children : 
William,  born  in  June,  1873,  now  a farmer  of 
White  Oak  Springs,  Lafayette  county,  mar- 
ried Miss  Libbie  Parkins,  and  has  one  daugh- 
ter, Mary.  Mary,  born  in  1875,  married 
Harry  Lyne,  of  Illinois,  who  is  now  engaged 
in  farming  near  Darlington,  Wis. ; the}'  have 
two  children,  Nellie  and  an  infant  unnamed. 


Joseph,  born  in  1877,  now  farming  a part  of 
the  old  home,  married  Miss  Eva  Coulthard. 
Clifford  M.  was  born  in  March,  1894. 

Mr.  Thompson  has  always  been  active  in 
the  work  of  the  Republican  party,  and  has  paid 
great  attention  to  the  questions  of  the  day, 
of  which  he  has  a remarkable  conception.  He 
has  held  a number  of  local  offices,  among  them 
being  those  of  member  of  the  town  board  and 
treasurer  of  the  school  board.  Socially  he  be- 
longs to  the  Knights  of  the  Globe.  In  re- 
ligious connection  lie  belongs  to  no  church, 
but  as  his  wife  is  a member  of  the  Protestant 
Methodist  Church  he  has  always  contributed 
liberally  to  its  support,  and  assisted  its  many 
worthy  ventures.  Mr.  Thompson  owes  his  po- 
sition in  the  financial  world  largely  to  his  own 
individual  efforts,  and  has  always  borne  a high 
reputation  for  industry  and  integrity,  justly 
holding  the  respect  of  the  citizens  of  his  town. 

GEORGE  WEST,  of  Brodhead,  Green 
county,  is  a retired  farmer,  who  has  passed 
the  psalmist’s  limit  of  life  to  find  much  peace 
and  pleasure  on  the  farther  side.  He  is  among 
the  older  settlers  of  the  county,  and  has  led 
a long  and  useful  life. 

Mr.  West  was  born  in  Erie  county,  N.  Y., 
Jan.  7,  1818,  and  is  a son  of  John  and  Avis 
(Bowen)  West,  natives  of  Scipio,  Cayuga 
county,  N.  Y.,  and  Vermont,  respectively.  Ten 
.children  were  born  to  his  parents,  seven  of 
whom  are  now  living:  George;  Susan,  wife 

of  Richard  Sherman,  of  Erie  county,  N.  Y. ; 
Thomas,  of  the  same  county;  Elizabeth,  widow 
of  Nelson  Parke,  of  DeKalb  county,  111. ; John 
and  Jonathan,  twins,  on  the  old  place;  and 
Avis,  wife  of  James  Hill,  of  Erie  county,  N. 
Y.  The  father  was  a farmer,  and  died  in  Erie 
county,  N.  Y.,  when  almost  eighty  years  of 
age.  His  wife  lived  to  be  eighty-seven  years 
old.  They  were  Quakers,  and  people  of  the 
highest  character.  His  father  was.  George 
West,  a farmer,  and  of  Irish  descent,  who  was 
born  in  New  York,  and  was  the  father  of  eight 
children,  and  who  died  when  eighty-four  years 
old.  The  father  of  Mrs.  Avis  West  was  Jen- 
nings Bowen,  a native  of  New  York,  and  of 
Scotch  descent.  He  was  a farmer,  and  the  sire 
of  a numerous  family.  Fie  reached  a good  old 
age. 

George  West  passed  the  first  twenty  years 
j of  his  life  on  the  paternal  estate  in  Erie  county, 

1 where  he  attended  the  common  school,  and 


342 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


received  an  impulse  in  the  right  direction  from 
the  teaching  and  example  of  his  parents  that 
has  never  left  him.  He  came  West  in  1838, 
and  located  south  of  Monroe  near  the  State 
line.  In  1842  he  made  a claim  of  sixty  acres 
in  Stephenson  county,  Illinois.  This  he  fenced, 
and  on  it  built  a log  cabin,  but  he  did  not  hold 
it  very  long,  having  an  opportunity  to  sell  it 
at  a sharp  advance.  He  then  entered  three 
“eighties”  in  the  town  of  Sylvester,  Green  coun- 
ty, which  he  still  owns.  Mr.  \Vrest  has  owned 
at  different  times  about  one  thousand  acres  of 
Green  county  real  estate.  In  more  recent  years 
he  has  sold  quite  liberally,  and  has  helped  each 
of  his  children  to  a start  in  life,  but  stdl  owns 
a valuable  farm  of  two  hundred  seventy  acres. 
This  he  rented  in  1874,  and  moved  into  Brod- 
head,  where  he  has  since  lived. 

Mr.  West  crossed  the  Plains  in  1850,  with 
a team  and  covered  wagon,  spending  four 
months  and  four  days  on  the  trip,  and  spent  a 
year  in  the  gold  mines.  He  built  the  first 
house  in  Nevada  City,  seventy  miles  from  Sac- 
ramento, where  he  expected  to  make  his  home. 
He  had  three  little  children,  and  his  wife  pre- 
vailed upon  him  not  to  take  them  to  the  far 
West.  He  returned  bv  the  Isthmus  of  Panama, 
and  reached  home  by  way  of  the  Lakes. 

Mr.  West  and  Miss  Susan  Winched  were 
married  in  1839.  They  were  the  parents  of 
twelve  children,  Samuel,  Louisa,  Avis,  George 
Franklin,  Clarissa,  Mary,  Alice,  Ida,  Nelson, 
and  three  who  died  in  infancy.  Samuel  is  run- 
ning the  home  farm ; he  married  Miss  Kate 
Reed,  and  is  the  father  of  four  children, 
George,  Mattie,  Nettie  and  Bertha.  George 
died  in  early  childhood,  as  did  Louisa.  Avis 
(deceased)  married  John  Watt,  of  Hampton, 
Iowa ; they  had  six  children,  Winched,  Gertie, 
Kate,  Elizabeth,  Arthur,  and  Trelore.  Clarissa 
married  (first)  James  Vance,  and  has  one  son, 
Frank  Iv.,  who  is  now  assistant  cashier  in  the 
bank  at  Brodhead.  James  Vance  died,  and 
Clarissa  married  (second)  George  Truesdell, 
and  by  this  union  has  two  living  sons,  Harris 
and  Jay.  Mr.  Truesdell  died  and  his  widow 
married  (third)  John  Watt,  of  Hampton,  Iowa. 
Mary  married  John  Vance,  and  is  the  mother 
of  ten  living  children,  Alice,  Jessie,  Nettie, 
Samuel,  George,  Zoe,  Zell,  Kate,  Glenn,  and 
Mary.  Alice  married  Frank  Northcraft,  and 
lives  in  Brodhead;  she  is  the  mother  of  two 
children,  Grace  and  Myron.  Ida  married 
Harry  Smith,  and  has  her  home  in  Chicago ; 


they  have  one  daughter,  Flossie.  Nelson  died 
when  nineteen  years  old. 

Mrs.  Susan  West,  the  first  wife  of  Mr. 
West,  died  Oct.  15,  1893,  leaving  behind  her 
tender  memories  as  a wife  and  mother.  She 
was  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church.  Mr. 
West  and  Mrs.  Eliza  Jane  Decker  were  mar- 
ried Sept.  30,  1894.  She  was  the  widow  of 
Nicholas  Decker,  and  the  daughter  of  Henry 
and  Rachel  Walters.  Mrs.  West  became  the 
mother  of  two  children  in  her  first  marriage, 
Emmarilla  and  George  Henry.  The  daughter 
died  at  the  age  of  thirteen  years.  George 
Henry  married  Sallie  Mitchell,  and  is  the  fa- 
ther of  one  son,  George  Clayton.  Mrs.  Sallie 
(Mitchell)  Decker  died,  and  George  married 
his  second  wife,  Miss  Ida  L.  Byrne;  they  live 
two  miles  from  Juda,  and  have  two  children, 
Valliere  Gwendolin  and  Howard  Sterling. 
Mrs.  West  is  a Baptist,  but  her  husband  clings 
to  his  ancestral  faith,  and  firmly  holds  to  the 
tenets  of  the  Quaker  order.  He  was  a Whig 
and  for  many  years  has  voted  the  Republican 
ticket.  He  owns  a nice  home  in  the  north  part 
of  the  town,  and  is  highly  respected  by  all  who 
know  him. 

Mrs.  West’s  father  was  a native  of  Ger- 
many, and  came  to  America  when  nine  years 
old,  and  grew  up  in  Ohio.  He  died  in  Kan- 
sas about  1871,  when  sixty-six  years  old,  and 
his  wife,  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  died  in 
1S63,  at  the  age  of  forty-nine.  They  had  eight 
children,  six  of  whom  are  now  living,  Eliza, 
the  wife  of  George  West;  Sarah  Ann,  the  wife 
of  George  Atkinson;  Adeline,  the  wife  of  L. 
W.  Lord;  Hester,  wife  of  C.  A.  Francisco; 
John  and  Archibald  Walters.  The  parents 
came  to  Decatur  township  in  1846,  and  in  1861 
went  to  Kansas,  where  they  died. 

COL.  Id.  H.  VIRGIN,  a veteran  of  the 
Civil  war,  and  now  living  in  retirement  in  his 
native  city  of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  was 
born  in  1840,  a son  of  N.  H.  and  Emma 
'(Weed)  Virgin,  natives  of  Pennsylvania. 

N.  H.  Virgin  came  to  Wisconsin  as  early 
as  1830,  and  here  married.  He  became  very 
popular  and  prominent  among  his  fellow  citi- 
zens, was  elected  to  the  State  Legislature,  was 
one  of  the  prime  promoters  of  the  State  Nor- 
mal School  at  Platteville,  and  was  tireless  in 
his  labors  to  advance  the  prosperity  of  his 
town  whenever  he  had  an  opportunity  of  so 
doing.  His  wife  bore  him  seven  children,  of 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


343 


whom  three  still  survive.  She  was  called  away 
in  1884,  and  his  own  death  occurred  in  1892, 
Platteville  losing  thereby  one  of  her  most  use- 
ful and  honored  citizens.  The  three  living- 
children  alluded  to  are  Emma,  wife  of  George 
Laughton,  of  Racine,  he  being  a substantial 
and  leading  business  man  of -that  city;  Mary, 
widow  of  William  Laughton,  of  South  Bend, 
Ind. ; and  Col.  H.  H. 

Col.  H.  H.  Virgin  was  graduated  from  the 
Platteville  Academy,  Platteville,  and  from  a 
commercial  college  at  Madison.  He  enlisted  in 
the  volunteer  service  at  the  outbreak  of  the 
war  of  the  Rebellion,  and  nobly  and  bravely 
fought  to  save  the  honor  of  his  country’s  flag 
and  to  preserve  the  Union  intact.  The  first 
year  he  served  as  battalion  adjutant  in  the  2d 
Wisconsin-  Cavalry,  Col.  C.  C.  Washburn's 
■regiment,  and  the  last  three  years  was  with  the 
33d  Wis.  V.  I.  During  the  Red  River  expedi- 
tion he  took  command  of  a brigade  at  Yellow- 
Bayou,  and  by  a charge  on  Gen.  Major’s  (for- 
merly Gen.  Taylor’s)  Brigade,  known  as  Tay- 
lor’s Texas  Brigade,  succeeded  in  turning  the 
tide  of  battle.  He  took  part  in  over  forty  bat- 
tles, had  three  horses  shot  under  him,  and  rose 
to  the  rank  of  colonel,  serving  until  the  close 
of  the  struggle. 

In  1874  Col.  Virgin  married  Miss  Annie 
E.  Kane,  of  Dodgeville,  the  estimable  and  ac- 
complished daughter  of  William  and  Mary 
(McArthur)  Kane.  William  Kane  was  a son 
of  John  Kane,  a leading  merchant  of  Baltimore, 
Md.,  came  to  Wisconsin  in  an  early  day,  and 
embarked  in  general  merchandising  at  Mineral 
Point,  Iowa  county,  where  he  died  in  1843, 
leaving  his  widow  with  three  children,  viz. : 
Annie  E.,  Mrs.  Virgin;  Mary,-  who  died  when 
a young  lady;  and  John  L.,  who  died  in  1898, 
Mineral  Wells,  Texas,  where  he  was  known  as 
the  “Cotton-Seed  King.” 

Gol.  Virgin  and  his  wife  on  their  marriage 
settled  in  Platteville,  where  the  Colonel  was 
engaged  in  business,  and  owned  -one  of  the 
most  luxurious  homes  in  the  city.  There  have 
been  born  to  them  two  daughters,  viz. : Georgie, 
who  is  one  of  the  most  highly  accomplished 
young  ladies  of  the  city,  having  graduated  from 
the  State  Normal  School  and  the  State  Uni- 
versity  at  Madison ; Ethel  Lyn,  who  was  also 
graduated  from  the  State  Normal  School  and 
the  State  University,  and  in  November,  1899, 
was  married  to  George  O'Neil,  a solid  business 
man  of  Milwaukee.  The  Virgin  family  are 


members  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  and  po- 
litically Col.  Virgin  has  for  some  years  been 
identified  with  the  Democratic  party. 

In  July,  1899,  Mrs.  Virgin  and  her  two 
daughters  made  the  “grand  tour”  of  Europe, 
visiting  Belfast,  Ireland,  the  Isle  of  Man,  Edin- 
burgh and  the  north  of  Scotland,  London, 
Paris,  Geneva,  journeying  down  the  Rhine  to 
Cologne,  to  Brussels,  Antwerp,  Amsterdam, 
Berlin,  Dresden,  Vienna,  Venice,  Florence, 
Rome  and  Naples,  and  finally  returning  to  the 
land  of  their  nativity.  Col.  Virgin  and  his 
wife  are  now  living  in  elegant  retirement,  being 
among  the  wealthiest  and  most  honored  resi- 
dents of  Platteville. 

WINFIELD  SCOTT  PECKHAM  (de- 
ceased ) . Among  those  who  have  been  in- 
strumental in  building  up  the  present  civiliza- 
tion of  Green  county,  and  have  left  a marked 
impression  upon  their  generation,  was  Winfield 
Scott  Peckham,  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  who 
passed  out  of  life  on  April  15,  1898,  in  his 
sixty-ninth  year. 

Mr.  Peckham  was  born  in  Oneida  county, 
N.  Y.,  on  March  19,  1829,  and  was  a son  of 
Abel  and  Ada  (Brown)  Peckham,  who  were 
natives  of  Rhode  Island.  They  had  a family 
of  eleven  children,  seven  now  living:  Nelson, 
of  Beaver  City,  Oklahoma;  George  O.,  of  Ash- 
land, Wis. ; Joshua,  of  Lincoln  county,  Neb. ; 
Halsey,  of  Gothenburg,  Neb. ; Sallie.  widow  of 
Isaac  Armsbury;  Ada,  widow  of  V.  D.  Burt, 
of  Albany,  Wis. ; and  Polly,  wife  of  John  At- 
kinson, of  Pawnee  City,  Nebraska.  The  pa- 
ternal grandfather  of  our  subject  was  Joshua 
Peckham,  of  English  stock,  descended  from 
Sir  John  Peckham,  who  came  from  England 
to  Newport,  Rhode  Island,  in  1638.  The  ma- 
ternal grandfather  of  our  subject  was  a native 
of  Rhode  Island,  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812, 
who  located,  when  an  old  man,  with  his  son  in 
Illinois,  where  he  died,  aged  about  eighty  years. 
He  was  a son  of  a well-known  Baptist  minister, 
Nathan  Brown. 

Abel  Peckham,  the  father  of  our  subject, 
came  from  Chautauqua  county,  N.  Y.,  to  Green 
county,  Wis.,  in.  1851,  and  located  in  a farm 
of  eighty  acres  in  Albany  township.  In  the 
log  house  standing  on  this  farm  the  family 
lived  until  1856,  when  Mr.  Peckham  erected 
a commodious  brick  house,  where  he  remained 
all  his  life.  His  birth  occurred  in  1798,  in 
Grafton,  Rensselaer  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  after  a 


344 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


useful  and  busy  life  his  death  occurred  in  1864. 
In  1820  he  married  Ada  Brown,  who  was  born 
in  Petersburg,  N.  Y.,  in  1800.  In  1822  Mr. 
anti  Mrs.  Peckham  moved  to  Trenton,  in 
Oneida  county,  where  he  worked  at  the  cooper’s 
trade  for  many  years.  Later  on  in  life  the 
family  settled  on  a farm  in  Chautauqua  county, 
where  Mr.  Peckham  cleared  up  the  land  and 
lived  until  his  removal  to  Wisconsin. 

Winfield  Scott  Peckham  remained  under 
the  parental  roof  until  1849,  when  he  removed 
to  Wisconsin,  locating  in  the  city  of  Milwau- 
kee, where  he  remained  four  years,  working 
at  his  trade  of  cooper.  In  1853  he  came  to 
Albany,  with  the  intention  of  devoting  his  time 
to  farming,  and  here  bought  eighty  acres  of 
land  on  Section  35,  which  he  improved,  while 
continuing  work  at  his  trade,  which  in  those 
days  was  a very  lucrative  one. 

On  Jan.  1,  1862,  Mr.  Peckham  was  mar- 
ried to  Mrs.  Eleanor  (Bailey)  Turner,  the 
widow  of  Merritt  Turner,  of  Luzerne  county, 
Penn.  After  his  marriage  he  erected  a small 
frame  house  on  his  land,  in  which  he  lived  one 
year,  when  he  purchased  eighty  acres  of  Sec- 
tion 27,  where  they  lived  two  years,  and  in  the 
fall  of  1866  he  moved  to  his  father’s  place  on 
Section  26,  which  until  the  spring  of  1887  w^as 
the  family  home.  At  that  time  advancing 
years  and  the  acquisition  of  a competency 
caused  Mr.  Peckham  to  decide  on  removal  into 
the  neighboring  village  of  Albany.  Building 
one  of  the  most  commodious  and  complete 
houses  in  the  town,  the  family  removed  to  it, 
and  there  the  kind  and  generous  father  breathed 
his  last.  Two  children  were  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Peckham  : George  T.  married  Cora  Belle 

Price,  and  now  lives  on  the  old  farm,  with  four 
children,  Everett,  Lester,  Harry  and  Jessie; 
Lydia  M.  married  Edward  Phelps,  of  Albany, 
and  they  have  a family  of  nine  children,  Flor- 
ence, Dana,  Roy,  Marion,  Eleanor,  Edna,  Ches- 
ter, Lila  and  Ivan.  By  her  former  marriage 
Mrs.  Peckham  had  two  children:  Gilas  H., 

who  married  Maria  Finn,  and  lives  in  Albany 
township,  near  the  village,  with  three  children, 
Lelia,  Claudia,  and  Hallie;  and  Lowell  E.,  who 
married  Ida  Peckham,  and  has  four  children, 
Effie,  Annie,  Glennie  and  George,  the  father 
dying  in  1S96. 

Mrs.  Peckham  was  the  daughter  of  Harry 
and  Mercy  (Colvin)  Bailey,  natives  of  Rhode 
Island,  who  moved  to  Pennsylvania  when  quite 
young.  1 hey  had  fourteen  children,  eight  of 


whom  survive  : Mrs.  Peckham ; Otis,  of  Oak- 

ley, Penn.;  Henry,  of  Richland  county,  Wis. ; 
Perlina,  wife  of  Halsey  Peckham,  of  Gothen- 
burg, Neb.;  Albert,  of  Richland  county;  Hul- 
dah,  Mrs.  Brown,  of  Ashland,  Oregon;  Jason, 
of  Cadott,  Wis. ; and  Polly,  wife  of  James 
Smith,  of  Gering,  Neb.  The  parents  located 
in  Richland  county,  Wis.,  in  1855,  buying  a 
large  tract  of  land;  the  father  dying  in  1883, 
the  mother  in  1879,  both  having  been  good  and 
worthy  members  of  the  Baptist  Church.  Mrs. 
Peckham  is  connected  with  the  Methodist 
Church. 

All  his  life  Winfield  S.  Peckham  voted  with 
the  Republican  party,  firmly  advocating  its 
principles.  A prominent  and  influential  man, 
he  filled  many  local  positions,  and  on  account 
of  his  interest  in  school  matters  was  made  clerk 
of  the  educational  board,  both  in  the  country 
and  in  the  village.  Mr.  Peckham  left  behind 
him  a record  of  an  industrious,  self-respecting 
life,  and  in  his  death  Green  county  lost  a most 
estimable  citizen. 

HON.  CHARLES  HENRY  BAXTER,  a 
leading,  progressive  citizen  of  Lancaster, 
Grant  county,  who  represented  the  Sixteenth 
Senatorial  District  in  the  Wisconsin  Senate  in 
1 893-95-97-99,  is  a worthy  representative  of 
one  of  the  well-known  families  of  Grant  coun- 
ty. The  paternal  ancestry  of  the  Baxter  fam- 
ily is  of  English  origin,  and  is  traced  in  a direct 
line  back  to  Richard  Baxter,  famous  in  Chris- 
tian literature. 

Dr.  Hiram  Baxter,  father  of  our  subject, 
was  born  in  New  York  State,  where  he  mar- 
ried Elizabeth  Decker,  who  was  descended 
from  an  early  Dutch  family  of  the  State  of 
New  York.  In  1856  he  migrated  to  Wiscon- 
sin with  his  family,  and  settled  at  Lancaster. 
He  was  a prominent  and  widely-known  physi- 
cian, and  continued  in  practice  up  to  the  time 
of  his  death,  in  1866,  while  yet  not  an  old  man, 
being  but  sixty-one  years  of  age.  His  wife 
had  passed  away  the  previous  year.  They  were 
the  parents  of  four  sons  who  attained  to-  ma- 
ture years  : William,  the  eldest,  a druggist  by 

occupation,  died  at  Lancaster  in  1885;  Daniel 
N.  was  a soldier  in  the  war  for  the  Union, 
serving  in  Company  K,  47th  Wis.  V.  I. ; 
Charles  Henry  is  third  in  the  order  of  birth ; 
and  the  fourth,  EI.  G.,  is  a resident  of  Grant 
county. 

Charles  Henry  Baxter  was  born  Nov.  15, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


345 


1841,  on  the  historic  grounds  of  Stillwater, 
Saratoga  Co.,  X.  Y.,  and  was  about  fifteen 
years. of  age  when  the  family  moved  to  Wis- 
consin. He  was  educated  in  the  public  schools 
of  his  native  State  and  of  Wisconsin,  and  in 
i860  commenced  business  life  as  a clerk  in  the 
store  of  George  Howe,  of  Lancaster.  In  Aug- 
ust, 1S62,  having  decided  to  enter  the  military 
service  of  his  country  in  defense  of  the  Union, 
he  enrolled  in  Company  C,  25th  Whs.  V.  I. 
He  enlisted  at  Lancaster,  and  was  nlustered 
into  the  LYiited  States  service  at  La  Crosse. 
The  Indians  at  that  time  being  troublesome, 
•his  regiment  was  ordered  to  the  Minnesota 
frontier,  but  in  the  following  February  pro- 
ceeded to  Columbus,  Ivy. ; thence  marched  by 
Snyder’s  Bluff,  and  from  there  to  Helena,  Ark., 
suffering  severely  from  the  malaria  of  the  coun- 
try. Mr.  Baxter  continued  with  his  regiment, 
which  was  sadly  decimated  by  disease,  and  was 
finally  attacked  with  chronic  diarrhea  and 
taken  to  the  hospital  at  Mound  City,  111.,  where 
he  remained  until  his  discharge,  in  August  fol- 
lowing. Returning  to  Lancaster,  he  there 
remained  until  the  spring  of  1864,  when,  hav- 
ing sufficiently  recovered  to  re-enter  the  serv- 
ice, he  again  enlisted,  this  time  in  Company  A, 
41st  Wis.  V.  'I.,  and  was  mustered  into  the 
service  at  Camp  Washburn,  Milwaukee.  He 
accompanied  the  regiment  to  Memphis,  Tenn., 
and  served  on  detached  duty  at  the  head- 
quarters of  the  adjutant,  and  a little  later  on 
the  staff  of  Gen.  C.  C.  Washburn,  doing  duty 
at  headquarters  until  he  was  mustered  out,  in 
September,  1864.  In  January,  1865,  he  re- 
ceived a captain’s  commission,  and  was  as- 
signed to  Company  Iv,  47th  Wis.  V.  I.  After 
organization,  at  Madison,  the  regiment  was 
ordered  to  report  to  Gen.  Thomas,  at  Nash- 
ville. It  was  stationed  at  Tullahoma,  where 
Capt.  Baxter,  as  ranking  officer,  was  frequently 
in  command  of  the  regiment.  Later  he  was 
detached  and  made  chief  of  ordnance  of  the 
Middle  District  of  Tennessee,  on  the  staff  of 
Gen.  Milroy.  After  the  latter  was  mustered 
out,  Capt.  Baxter  was  transferred  to  the  staff 
of  Gen.  Van  Cleve,  and  held  his  position 
throughout  the  remainder  of  his  term. 

On  his  return  to  Lancaster,  our  subject  en- 
gaged in  business  with  George  Howe,  and 
continued  in  that  business,  the  firm  being 
Charles  H.  Baxter  & Co.,  until  August,  1895, 
when  he  retired.  The  business  of  the  firm  was 
an  extensive  one,  as  in  addition  to  general 


merchandising  they  dealt  in  lumber,  coal  and 
live  stock.  Since  his  retirement  our  subject 
has  been  elected  vice-president  of  the  State 
Bank  of  Grant  County. 

Mr.  Baxter  has  been  called  upon  to  hold 
various  official  positions  in  Ins  city  and  county. 
He  has  served  in  the  council,  and  as  mayor  of 
Lancaster;  as  member  of  the  county  board  of 
supervisors ; member  of  the  State  central  com- 
mittee for  eight  years;  chairman  of  the  county 
central  committee  for  twenty  years ; president 
of  the  Southwestern  Wisconsin  Veterans’  As- 
sociation for  ten  years ; delegate-at-large  to  the 
G.  A.  R.  encampment  in  1885  ; also  to  that  held 
in  Boston,  Mass.,  in  1890.  He  was  the  Re- 
publican candidate  for  the  Assembly  in  1886; 
was  elected  to  the  State  Senate  in  1892,  John 
Bremer  being  his  Democratic  opponent ; and 
was  re-elected  in  1896  by  a largely  increased 
majority,  Morton  Eastman  being  the  Demo- 
cratic candidate.  For  three  terms,  1895-97-99, 
Mr.  Baxter  was  chairman  of  the  joint  com- 
mittee on  Claims ; and  he  was  also  member  of 
the  committees  on  State  Affairs,  Banking,  In- 
surance, and  Military  Affairs. 

Mr.  Baxter  was  married,  Feb.  20,  1865,  to 
Miss  Maria  Howe,  who  was  born  in  Clinton 
county,  N.  Y.,  a daughter  of  George  Howe, 
an  honored  citizen  of  Lancaster.  Their  chil- 
dren are  George  Howe  (who  was  associated 
with  his  father  in  business),  Laura  and  Mar- 
tha. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Baxter  are  members  of  the 
Congregational  Church.  In  politics  he  has 
always  been  an  ardent  Republican,  and  prom- 
inent and  influential  in  the  councils  of  his  party. 
He  is  one  of  Grant  county’s  most  progressive 
and  public-spirited  citizens,  and  has  ever  been 
held  in  high  esteem. 

JOHN  WILFORD  BLACKSTONE,  in 
the  history  of  whose  life  is  interwoven  much 
of  the  early  history  of  southwestern  Wiscon- 
sin, was  born  in  Madison,  Madison  Co.,  N. 
Y.,  Oct.  18,  1796,  a direct  descendant  of  Will- 
iam Blackstone,  the  first  white  settler  on  the 
site  of  Boston,  Mass.  William  Blackstone  was 
born  in  1600,  and  on  July  4,  1659,  wedded 
Sarah  Stephenson.  By  this  marriage  he  had 
a son  John,  born  in  1661.  He  and  his  wife, 
Catherine,  became  the  parents  of  John  (2), 
born  Jan.  18,  1699.  who  on  April  2,  1727, 
wedded  Elizabeth  Foote,  born  Nov.  19,  1709. 
John  (2)  and  Elizabeth  (Foote)  Blackstone 
had  a son  John  (3),  born  in  May,  1733,  who 


346 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


on  May  19,  1757,  married  Rebecca  Baldwin; 
she  was  born  April  18,  1734,  and  became  the 
mother  of  Stephen  Foote  Blackstone. 

Stephen  Foote  Blackstone  was  born  Dec. 
3-  l772,  and  on  Jan.  23,  1793,  married  Anna 
\\  ilford,  who  was  born  April  24,  1767,  a 
granddaughter  of  Richard  Wilford,  who  was 
born  a free  citizen  in  London,  England,  in 
J 653,  and  a daughter  of  Joseph  Wilford,  who 
was  born  in  Branford,  Conn.,  about  1715.  The 
\\  ilford  family  was  represented  in  this  country 
at  a still  earlier  date  by  one  John  Wilford,  of 
New  Haven  and  Branford,  who  died  unmar- 
ried ; he  devised  his  estate,  which  was  very 
large,  to  his  nephew  John,  of  London,  and 
Richard  came  over  as  agent  of  the  estate  for 
John.  Stephen  Foote  Blackstone  was  born  in 
the  town  of  Branford,  Conn.,  and  died  Jan. 
14,  1862,  aged  eighty-nine  years,  one  month, 
eleven  days. 

John  Wilford  Blackstone  assisted  his  father 
in  clearing  a heavily  wooded  farm  in  Madison 
county,  N.  V.,  and  received  his  education  by 
attending  school  as  the  opportunity  offered. 
He  prepared  for  college  with  the  resident  min- 
ister, and ‘in  1815  entered  Hamilton  College, 
at  Clinton,  N.  Y.,  whence  he  was  graduated  in 
1819.  In  the  last  year  of  his  college  life  he 
engaged  with  a merchant  by  the  name  of  Hart, 
and  together  they  loaded  keel  boats  with  mer- 
chandise, left  Olean  Point,  N.  Y.,  at  the  head 
waters  of  the  Allegheny  river,  and  passed  down 
that  stream,  the  Ohio  and  the  Mississippi  rivers 
as  far  as  Vicksburg,  selling  their  goods  at 
the  small  towns  along  the  way.,  Cincinnati  at 
that  time  was  a little  place  of  about  twelve 
hundred  inhabitants.  The  return  trip  was 
made  by  skiff  and  on  horseback,  this  being  be- 
fore the  days  of  steamers.  On  his  return  Mr. 
Blackstone  received  his  degree  from  Hamilton 
College,  and  studied  medicine,  receiving  his 
diploma.  He  made  his  first  location  in  Hamil- 
ton, Canada,  but  after  a short  time  again  start- 
ed from  Olean  Point,  this  time  in  a skiff,  in 
company  with  James  Hammond.  They  passed 
down  the  rivers  until  they  reached  Shawnee- 
town,  111.,  where  at  that  time  there  was  a 
plant  for  the  manufacture  of  salt.  Just  about 
this  time  the  mines  at  Galena,  111.,  began  to 
attract  the  attention  of  the  world,  and  vast 
numbers  of  men  were  flocking-  thither  in  hopes 
of  speedily  winning  a fortune.  In  1827  Mr. 
Blackstone  and  his  friend  joined  this  army  of 
adventurers,  and  passed  the  first  winter  in  the 


vicinity  of  Elizabeth,  Jo  Daviess  Co.,  111.  His 
mining  partner  at  that  place,  whose  name  is 
unknown,  was  also  a college  graduate,  and 
fortunately  had  brought  with  him  his  college 
text-books.  These  furnished  the  young  men 
their  only  reading  matter,  and  so  with  much 
profit  to  themselves  they  reviewed  their  col- 
lege work  during  the  long  winter  evenings. 
After  varying  fortune,  both  good  and  bad,  but 
mostly  bad,  Mr.  Blackstone  purchased  eighty 
acres  cff  land  in  the  town  of  White  Oak 
Springs,  Lafayette  (then  Iowa)  Co.,  Wis.,  and 
began  farming.  He  met  with  success  this  time, 
and  at  his  death  owned  1,500  acres  of  arable 
land,  some  of  it  valuable  mining  land  as  well. 

Mr.  Blackstone  was  associate  judge  under 
the  I erritory  of  Michigan  of  the  large  mining 
district  comprising  Iowa  county,  and  was  elect- 
ed to  the  Territorial  Legislature  in  1837,  from 
Iowa  county;  he  was  speaker  of  the  first  Ter- 
ritorial Assembly,  held  in  1S38  in  Madison, 
the  present  State  capital.  For  many  terms  he 
was  chairman  of  the  town  board  of  supervisors, 
and  many  times  chairman  of  the  county  board. 
He  was  draft  commissioner  of  Lafayette  coun- 
ty in  1862,  and  justice  of  the  peace  nearly 
all  the  years  he  resided  in  White  Oak  Springs. 
During  the  Black  Hawk  war  he  held  a lieu- 
tenant’s commission  in  Capt.  Clark's  company, 
and  was  stationed  at  Galena. 

On  April  4,  1833,  Mr.  Blackstone  was  mar- 
ried to  Mrs.  Catherine  Hammond,  widow  of 
his  former  companion,  James  Hammond.  She 
was  born  in  Rockingham  county,  N.  C.,  in 
1806,  and  passed  her  early  life  in  that  State 
and  in  Tennessee  and  Kentucky.  Her  maiden 
name  was  Tomlinson,  and  her  father  and  two 
of  his  brothers  were  with  Gen.  Jackson,  be- 
hind the  cotton  bales  at  New  Orleans,  when 
Gen.  Pakenham  received  such  a bloody  re- 
pulse. Seven  children  were  born  of  this  union : 
(1)  Theodore  E.,  born  Jan.  4,  1834,  died  at 
Chinook,  Mont.,  leaving  a widow,  Mary  E. 
(Hardy)  Blackstone,  and  four  sons  and  five 
daughters.  (2)  John  Wilford  Blackstone, 
of  Shullsburg,  Wis.,  born  Dec.  22,  1835, 
married  Ellen  E.  Hardy,  sister  of  his  brother 
Theodore’s  widow,  and  has  four  children — 
Mrs.  Roccey  Prince,  of  Minneapolis,  Minn. ; 
Jessie  E.,  principal  of  the  Prescott  school, 
at  Anaconda,  Mont. ; John  Wilford  Jr., 
editor  and  publisher  of  the  Southwestern 
Local , of  Shullsburg;  and  Ralph  H.,  of 
Aurora,  111.  John  Wilford  Blackstone,  son 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


347 


of  the  pioneer,  was  elected  judge  of  Lafayette 
county  at  the  age  of  twenty-five,  and  held  the 
office  two  terms  of  four  years  each,  beginning 
Jan.  i,  1862,  and  ending  Jan.  1,  1870.  He 
held  the  office  of  prosecuting  attorney  for  the 
county  in  1873-74,  was  assemblyman  for  the 
western  half  of  the  county  in  1879,  and  State 
senator  from  Green  and  Lafayette  counties  in 
1880- 1 88 1.  Lie  was  educated  at  Platteville 
Academy,  Beloit  College  and  Brown  Univer- 
sity, and  is  by  profession  a lawyer.  (3)  Isabel, 
born  Aug.  15,  1837,  died  unmarried.  (4) 
Joseph,  born  Dec.  17,  1839,  enlisted  in  the  20th 
Wis.  V.  L,  in  1862,  and  served  until  the  close 
of  the  war.  He  was  sergeant  major  of  the 
regiment,  took  part  in  the  battle  of  Prairie 
Grove,  Ark.  (where  he  was  wounded),  also 
participated  in  the  siege  and  capture  of  Vicks- 
burg, and  in  the  capture  of  Fort  Morgan  and 
Spanish  Fort,  at  Mobile,  Ala.  Fie  has  been 
chairman  of  the  town  board  of  supervisors  of 
Shullsburg,  and  chairman  of  the  county  board 
of  Lafayette  county.  He  resides  in  Shulls- 
burg, where  he  has  a large  creamery.  His 
wife,  who  was  Miss  Mary  Emma  Poole,  has 
borne  him  four  sons  and  two  daughters.  ( 5 ) 
Augustus,  born  Dec.  21,  1841,  married  Mary 
Jane  Richardson  Sept.  1,  1870,  and  has  two 
sons — Adelbert  L.,  an  attorney  at  Waukesha, 
Wis. ; and  Bertrand  A.,  a photographer  at 
Platteville,  Wis.  (6)  Eugene  died  unmar- 
ried. (7)  Janette. 

John  Wilford  Blackstone,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch,  was  prominent  in  all  the  affairs  of 
his  part  of  the  State  from  its  earliest  settlement 
to  the  time  of  his  death,  Oct.  15,  1868.  As 
one  of  the  men  who  helped  to  lay  the  founda- 
tion for  the  great  State  of  Wisconsin,  men  of 
broad  minds,  wide  experience,  and,  in  many 
cases,  of  high  scholastic  attainments,  his  name 
often  appears  in  the  records  of  his  town,  county 
and  .State.  He  was  a man  of  great  self-con- 
trol, and  of  calm,  cool  judgment,  and  through 
a long  life  enjoyed  the  confidence  and  respect 
of  all  with  whom  he  came  in  contact.  Of  pow- 
erful build  physically,  and  of  resolute  courage, 
he  won  from  the  wilderness  a handsome  com- 
petency, and  at  the  ripe  age  of  seventy-two 
entered  upon  his  last  pilgrimage,  honored  and 
beloved  by  all  good  people. 

EDWARD  E.  EDDINGTON  has  long- 
been  an  old  and  honored  resident  of  Janesville, 
and  has  but  recently  established  himself  on  the 


farm  which  he  has  long  owned  in  LaPrairie 
township,  Rock  county.  For  many  years  he 
has  done  business  in  Janesville,  and  is  widely 
known  as  an  upright  man,  a cpiick  and  capable 
workman,  and  one  whose  word  may  be  taken 
without  allowance. 

Mr.  Eddington  was  born  in  Cattaraugus 
county,  N.  Y.,  Oct.  15,  1844,  a son  of  Augustus 
and  Henrietta  (Curtis)  Eddington,  both  na- 
tives of  New  York.  They  had  four  sons  and 
three  daughters,  all  but  one  of  whom  are  now 
living:  Frank,  of  Chicago;  Edward  E. ; Henry, 
of  Clear  Lake,  Minn.;  Morris,  of  Janesville; 
Betsey,  wife  of  John  Lockwood,  of  Clear  Lake; 
and  Millie,  wife  of  Lucius  H.  Lee,  of  Janes- 
ville. The  father  was  a farmer,  and  sought  a 
home  in  the  V est  in  1846,  locating  in  Salem, 
Kenosha  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he  bought  land. 
Some  years  later  he  moved  to  a quarter  section 
in  Waushara  county,  but  left  it  on  account  of 
the  poverty  of  the  soil,  and  tried  a farm  in 
Calumet  county,  returning,  however,  to  Salem 
and  buying  a farm  and  farming  the  old  home- 
stead. He  is  now  living  in  Janesville.  His 
wife  died  in  1882.  .Mr.  Eddington  is  a Meth- 
odist, as  was  also  his  wife.  His  father,  John 
Eddington,  came  from  England  when  a young- 
man,  and  died  in  New  York  while  still  in  mid- 
dle life.  He  was  a natural  iron  and  wood 
mechanic,  and  tales  of  his  ingenuity  are  still 
repeated  in  the  family.  He  had  four  children. 
Hiram  Curtis,  the  father  of  Henrietta,  was  a 
native  of  New  York,  was  a soldier  in  the  war 
of  1812,  and  lived  to  be  a very  old  man.  He 
did  not  have  a numerous  family. 

Edward  E.  Eddington,  the  subject  of  this 
biographical  sketch,  came  from  the  State  of 
New  York  with  his  parents,  and  received  his 
schooling  at  the  Salem  home.  On  May  17, 
1864,  he  enlisted  in  Company  C,  39th  Wis.  V. 
I.,  and  served  four  months.  He  was  at  Mem- 
phis, Tenn.,  when  the  Rebel  commander,  Gen. 
Forest,  made  his  raid  on  that  city.  After  the 
war  he  learned  the  trade  of  blacksmith,  and 
followed  it  in  Janesville  many  years,  doing  a 
considerable  business  as  a carriage  and  wagon 
maker  and  general  blacksmith.  Latterly  he 
has  been  troubled  with  failing  health,  and  hav- 
ing decided  to  try  an  entire  change  of  occupa- 
tion, he  in  the  early  part  of  the  year  1900  moved 
out  of  the  city  to  a farm  in  La  Prairie  town- 
ship, which  he  has  owned  for  many  years.  It 
contains  160  acres,  and  is  a choice  and  desir- 
able agricultural  establishment. 


34§ 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Mr.  Eddington  and  Miss  Martha  Elizabeth 
Read  were  married  Nov.  4,  1874.  She  is  a 
daughter  of  William  H.  and  Margery  Ann 
(Ercanbrack)  Read.  Four  children  have  been 
born  to  bless  this  union:  Jennie  May,  Nettie 

Belle,  Arthur  R.  and  Fay  F.  The  daughters 
are  teaching,  and  the  sons  are  still  at  school. 
Our  subject  is  a Republican,  and  takes  an  in- 
telligent interest  in  public  affairs. 

Mrs.  Eddington's  father  was  born  in  Ban- 
gor, Maine,  and  her  mother  in  New  York, 
t hey  had  eight  children,  all  but  one  of  whom 
are  still  living:  Mrs.  Martha  E.  Eddington; 

George  \ \ . ; John  R. ; Sarah  Louise,  wife  of 
Homer  M.  Paul;  William  A.;  Mary,  deceased; 
Jennie,  wife  of  Charles  Campbell;  and  Thorn- 
ton. Her  father  came  West  among  the  early 
settlers,  settling  in  La  Prairie  township,  Rock 
county,  about  fifty-six  years  ago,  took  up  gov- 
ernment land,  and  became  quite  prosperous. 
He  died  between  the  city  of  Janesville  and  his 
home,  from  heart  disease,  in  1880,  lacking  one 
week  of  being  sixty-two  years  of  age.  His 
widow  died  in  April,  1886,  aged  fifty-seven 
years,  two  months  and  twelve  days.  William 
H.  Read's  father,  John  Read,  died  in  Bangor, 
Maine,  in  1861,  when  over  eighty  years  of  age. 
Mrs.  Eddington’s  maternal  grandfather,  Philip 
Ercanbrack,  belonged  to  that  portion  of  the 
early  settlers  of  New  York  familiarly  known 
as  the  Mohawk-Dutch.  He  came  West,  set- 
tled in  Rock  county,  engaged  in  farming,  and 
died  in  middle  life;  his  wife,  Betsey,  died  in 
Hebron,  Bl.  His  father,  James  Ercanbrack, 
lived  to  be  ninety-eight  years  old,  and  his 
mother,  Mrs.  Virtue  Ercanbrack,  lived  to  the 
age  of  ninety-three. 

THOMAS  H.  EATON  (deceased)  is  well 
remembered  by  the  older  settlers  of  Monroe, 
Green  county,  as  a man  of- decided  energy  and 
great  force  of  character.  He  served  fin  the 
army  during  the  Civil  war,  and  contracted 
sickness  and  suffered  injuries  which  were  pro- 
tracted in  their  effects  upon  his  health,  and 
shadowed  his  last  years  with  chronic  illness. 
He  bore  up  bravely,  however,  and  did  a man’s 
work  through  the  threescore  and  ten  years 
that  were  allotted  to  him,  with  the  lack  of  less 
than  one.  Mr.  Eaton  was  born  in  the  town 
of  Elk  Run,  Columbiana  county,  Ohio,  April 
9,  1822,  and  was  a son  of  John  and  Sarah 
(Marker)  Eaton.  They  had  eleven  children, 
all  of  whom  have  passed  on  to  “join  the  great 


majority.”  John  Eaton  was  a farmer,  and 
served  as  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812.  He 
was  a leading  Democratic  politician  of  Craw- 
ford county,  Ohio,  and  died  when  upwards  of 
seventy  years  of  age.  His  father  bore  the 
name  of  James  Eaton. 

Thomas  PI.  Eaton  was  taken  into  Craw- 
ford county,  Ohio,  by  his  parents  when  a small 
boy,  and  there  grew  to  manhood.  He  had  but 
little  schooling,  and  was  a thoroughly  self- 
made  man,  bright,  intelligent,  studious,  and 
closely  observant  of  the  ways  of  the  world. 
When  he  became  a man  he  learned  the  car- 
penter's trade,  which  he  followed  some  years. 
Pie  came  West  to  Wisconsin  about  1851,  and 
soon  after  began  the  study  of  law.  He  was 
admitted  to  the  Bar  in  due  time,  and' began  his 
legal  practice  in  the  city  of  Monroe.  Mr. 
Eaton  was  living  here  at  the  breaking  out  of 
the  Civil  war,  and  promptly  and  enthusiastic- 
ally espoused  the  cause  of  the  Union,  and  ren- 
dered valuable  service  in  the  formation  of 
several  companies  of  soldiers.  Pie  entered  in 
Company  G,  22cl  Wis.  V.  I.,  as  first  lieutenant. 
He  was  in  the  service  about  nine  months,  when 
he  received  an  injury  to  his  spine  that  brought 
on  effects  from  which  he  pever  recovered.  He 
was  brought  home  barely  alive,  and  was  never 
a well  man  after  his  return  from  the  war. 

On  April  9,  1845,  Mr.  Eaton  was  married 
to  Miss  Martha  Albert,  a daughter  of  Peter  and 
Frances  (Brennermann)  Albert.  Five  sons 
and  one  daughter  were  born  to  this  union : 
John,  Kendrick,  Mary  Frances,  James  Harvey, 
Charles  William  and  George  W.  John  died 
when  five  months  old,  and  Kendrick  when  a 
little  over  three  years.  Mary  Frances  married 
Macletus  Chapin,  and  lives  in  Monroe.  James 
Harvey  married  Miss  Lizzie  Ivasten,  and  lives 
in  Monroe;  he  practiced  law  for  a time,  but  is 
now  manufacturing  pleaters.  Charles  W.  died 
when  about  four  years  old.  George  W.  ’mar- 
ried Miss  Mattie  Boyer,  and  is  a farmer  in 
Clarno  township,  Green  county ; they  have  two 
children,  Ruth  Edna  and  James  Harvey.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Eaton  were  both  members  of  the 
Christian  Church,  and  lived  the  doctrines  they 
professed.  His  widow  still  finds  comfort  and 
support  in  the  faith  that  brightened  her  early 
life  and  made  it  possible  to  endure  the  troubles 
that  have  befallen  her.  Mr.  Eaton  was  form- 
erly a Republican,  but  in  his  later  years  be- 
came a Democrat.  He  was  justice  of  the  peace, 
in  Clarno  township,  and  held  the  same  office  in 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


349 


Monroe  for  a number  of  years ; served  on  the 
town  board,  and  commanded  the  respect  and 
confidence  of  his  neighbors  to  a marked  degree. 
He  died  April  9,  1891,  aged  sixty-nine  years. 

The  father  of  Mrs.  Eaton  was  born  in  Ger- 
many, and  came  to  this  country  when  nine 
years  old.  He  lived  in  the  State  of  New  York 
for  a number  of  years.  His  wife  was  born  in 
Pennsylvania,  and  after  their  marriage  they 
moved  to  Wayne  county,  Ohio,  where  Mrs: 
Eaton  was  born  June  22,  1824,  at  Mount 
Eaton.  They  had  nine  daughters  and  three 
sons,  Mrs.  Eaton  being  the  youngest,  and  two 
of  their  children  are  now  living:  John,  of 

Paoli,  Ind. ; and  Mrs.  Eaton.  James,  of  Mil- 
waukee, who  was  a soldier  in  the  Civil  war, 
died  in  November,  1900.  John  had  two  sons 
who  were  soldiers  and  lost  their  lives  in  that 
struggle.  Peter  Albert,  the  father  of  Mrs. 
Eaton,  a tailor  by  trade,  returned  to  Pennsyl- 
vania on  a business  trip,  was  taken  sick,  and 
died  about  1828,  when  still  in  middle  life.  His 
father  also  bore  the  name  of  Peter  Albert,  and 
served  in  the  Revolutionary  war,  dying  in  mid- 
dle life.  The  maternal  grandfather  of  Mrs. 
Eaton,  Christ  Brennermann,  spent  his  entire 
life  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania,  and  served 
in  the  Revolution ; he  was  a farmer,  becoming 
very  wealthy,  and  giving  all  his  children  a good 
start  in  life.  Mrs.  Eaton  has  lived  in  Green 
county  forty-nine  years.  She  was  a noble 
helpmate  to  her  husband,  and  is  a good  Chris- 
tian woman. 

The  history  of  the  Eaton  family  assumes 
large  interest  with  the  story  of  John  Eaton, 
the  great-great-grandfather  of  the  gentleman 
whose  name  appears  at  the  opening  of  this  ar- 
ticle. He  was  English  born  and  bred,  tmd 
when  the  Revolution  of  1688  brought  on  civil 
war  in  Ireland  he  took  up  arms  against  the 
despot  James  II,  and  for  signal  gallantry  at  the 
battle  of  the  Boyne,  July  1,  1690,  was  rewarded 
by  King  William  with  a liberal  grant  of  land 
in  Ireland,  where  he  . established  his  family. 
His  son,  to  whom  the  paternal,  estate  descended 
in  due  time,  was  greatly  attracted  by  the  possi- 
bilities of  life  in  America.  He  disposed  of  his 
Irish  possessions,  and,  coming  to  this  country, 
settled  on  the  shore  of  Chesapeake  bay,  where 
he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  days.  He  had 
by  his  first  wife  three  children.  James,  Hugh 
and  Mary.  James  was  born  Dec.  25,  1733, 
on  his  father’s  estate  in  Ireland,  and  after  the 
death  of  his  mother  and  the  second  marriage 


of  his  father  he  took  up  his  residence  in  Lon- 
don. He  lived  in  that  city  seven  years,  and 
then  entered  the  British  navy,  and  served  seven 
years  on  a man-of-war.  \V  hen  his  term  of 
service  had  expired,  Mr.  Eaton  traveled  ex- 
tensively in  Europe ; and,  finally  crossing  the 
ocean,  settled  at  Hagerstown,  Md.,  where  the 
world-worn  traveler  found  a wife  in  the  person 
of  Elizabeth  Downey.  Their  children  were 
John,  Hugh,  James,  Elizabeth,  Nancy,  Re- 
becca and  Sarah.  The  father  was  a pioneer 
settler  in  Washington  county,  Penn.,  locating, 
in  1779,  on  the  headwaters  of  Pike  Run.  He 
died  there  March  31,  1814.  His  son,  John,  the 
father  of  Thomas  H.,  of  Monroe,  was  born 
April  25,  1778,  at  Green  Spring  Furnace,  near 
Hagerstown.  He  went  with  his  parents  to 
their  Pennsylvania  home,  where  he  grew  to 
manhood,  and  where,  at  the  age  of  eighteen, 
he  married  Catharine  Marker.  The  fruit  of 
this  marriage  was  eleven  children,  twcof  whom 
died  in  infancy.  The  others  were  Elizabeth, 
Rebecca,  William,  Nancy,  Sarah,  Horace  P., 
James  Harvey,  Reason  Beall  and  Thomas 
Hawkins.  John  Eaton,  the  father,  was  a pio- 
neer of  Columbiana  county,  Ohio,  where  he 
settled  about  1809.  He  was  a soldier  in  the 
war  of  1812,  under  Gen.  William  Henry 
Harrison,  and  was  one  of  the  early  settlers  of 
Crawford  county,  Ohio,  locating  in  the  town 
of  Liberty  in  1830.  During  the  winter  'of 
1 830-3 1 he  was  instrumental,  with  the  aid  of 
the  father  of  the  “fighting  McCooks,”  who  was 
then  clerk  in  one  of  the  branches  of  the  Ohio 
Legislature,  in  permanently  fixing  the  county 
seat  of  Crawford  county.  He  died  in  the  town 
of  Holmes,  in  that  county,  July  23,  1850.  The 
youngest  of  his  sons,  Thomas  H.,  grew  to 
manhood  there,  and  afterward  came  to  Wis- 
consin, to  live  the  honorable  and  useful  life 
here  recorded. 

GEORGE  W.  WRIGHT  (deceased),  late 
of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  was  born  in  Mad- 
ison county,  111.,  Aug.  4,  1827.  and  was  a son 
of  James  C.  and  Sarah  Wright,  natives  of  Ken- 
tucky. The  parents  migrated  first  to  Illinois, 
where  they  lived  some  years,  and  in  1828  came 
to  Wisconsin,  locating  in  Elk  Grove,  Lafay- 
ette county,  where  they  resided  until  1S5S,  Mr. 
Wright  following  farming.  They  then  retired 
to  Platteville,  where  Mrs.  Wright  passed  away 
in  1S74,  and  Mr.  Wright  in  1877.  They  were 
the  parents  of  nine  children  besides  our  sub- 


350 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ject,  born  in  the  following  order:  Belinda, 

wife  of  Eli  Robinson,  a lawyer;  Permelia,  de- 
ceased wife  of  Thomas  Ginn;  Emily,  deceased; 
Martha  C.,  deceased  wife  of  Charles  Rand; 
Samuel  E.,  of  Dunlap,  Iowa ; Harriet  E.,  who 
was  married  to  Albert  Boise,  and  died  in  1867; 
William  H.  H.,  also  a resident  of  Dunlap, 
Iowa;  Mary  F.,  wife  of  the  late  Thomas  J. 
Hooper,  of  Milwaukee,  Wis. ; and  Austin.  The 
parents  had  many  trying  experiences  in  the 
early  days,  and  were  “forted”  twice  during  the 
Black  Hawk  war. 

George  W.  Wright  was  educated  in  the 
Platteville  Academy.  In  1850  he  crossed  the 
plains  to  California,  enduring  many  hardships 
en  route,  and  encountering  many  hostile  In- 
dians. He  was  rewarded  with  success,  how- 
ever, while  in  the  Golden  State,  where  he  passed 
eight  years  in  the  mines,  and  in  1858  returned 
to  Wisconsin  with  a small  fortune.  He  then 
for  a time  attended  a business  college  in  St. 
Louis,  Mo.,  and  in  the  spring  of  1864  was 
employed  by  Dr.  Newhall  in  a drug  store  in 
Galena,  111.  In  1865  he  came  to  Platteville 
again  and  opened  a pharmacy  on  his  own  ac- 
count, which  he  conducted  until  1871,  when, 
in  order  to  increase  his  scientific  knowledge  of 
phamaceutics,  he  hired  a pharmacist  to  take 
charge  of  his  business,  and  entered  the  Chicago 
School  of  Pharmacy.  He  was  in  Chicago  at 
the  time  of  the  great  fire  in  1871,  and  with 
many  others  was  hemmed  in  on  the  lake  front 
some  ten  or  twelve  hours  during  that  excite- 
ment. The  School  of  Pharmacy  was  burned, 
and  he  then  resumed  the  drug  business,  which 
he  followed  most  successfully  until  his  death, 
which  occurred  in  Platteville,  in  September, 
1892.  He  made  many  friends  in  the  city,  who, 
with  his  family,  sincerely  mourned  the  loss  of 
an  affectionate  husband,  an  indulgent  father, 
and  a good  and  patriotic  citizen.  He  had  long- 
been  an  Odd  Fellow,  and  in  politics  was  a lead- 
ing Republican.  Mr.  Wright  was  a member 
of  the  Wisconsin  State  Pharmaceutical  Asso- 
ciation, of  which  he  was  one  of  the  original 
promoters  and  one  of  the  first  vice-presidents. 

In  i860  Mr.  Wright  was  united  in  mar- 
riag-e  with  Aliss  Nancy  E.  Kell,  daughter  of 
John  and  Emily  (Swett)  Kell,  old  and  re- 
spected residents  of  Madison,  111.,  the  former 
of  whom,  native  of  Tennessee,  is  now  living  in 
Missouri : the  latter,  a native  of  Illinois,  was 
of  New  England  descent.  They  reared  two 
children:  Nancy  E.,  now  Mrs.  Wright;  and 


David  W.,  a farmer  of  Richmond,  Mo.,  where 
his  wife  died,  leaving  three  children,  Nellie, 
Edward  and  Lloyd.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wright 
were  born  four  children,  of  whom  three  died 
in  infancy.  The  survivor,  Charles  E.,  was 
graduated  from  the  University  of  Wisconsin, 
at  Madison,  in  1888,  and  is  the  successor  of 
his  father  in  the  drug  trade  at  Platteville,  being 
chief  manager  of  the  store,  which  is  the  finest 
in  the  city,  and  in  which  Mrs.  Wright  also 
holds  an  interest.  He  has  become  quite  popu- 
lar as  a chemist,  as  well  as  personally,  and  fra- 
ternally is  a member  of  the  Odd  Fellows  lodge 
in  the  city. 

Religiously  Mrs.  Wright  is  a member  of 
the  Congregational  Church,  has  ever  been  very 
active  in  pushing  forward  the  good  work  of 
the  congregation,  never  being  behindhand  in 
her  contributions  to  the  support  of  the  church 
itself,  and  is  a lady  of  the  most  charitable  and 
kindly  impulses.  She  is  a member  of  the 
Daughters  of  Rebekah,  an  adjunct  of  the  I.  O. 
O.  F. 

WILLIAM  MATES,  now  a retired  farmer 
making  his  home  in  Belmont,  Lafayette  county, 
is  a man  of  venerable  appearance,  and  the 
natural  regard  that  his  advanced  years  would 
command  is  increased  by  a knowledge  of  his 
upright  character  and  unbending  integrity. 

Mr.  Mates  was  born  in  County  Wicklow, 
Ireland,  near  Dublin,  in  February,  1821,  and 
is  a son  of  Richard  and  Elizabeth  (Burn) 
Mates,  both  Irish  born  and  bred.  His  father 
was  born  in  1783,  and  his  mother  in  1790.  The 
future  Lafayette  county  farmer  obtained  his 
education  in  the  schools  of  his  native  county, 
and  lived  in  Ireland  until  he  had  attained  ma- 
turity v In  1S44  Mr.  Mates  left  his  Irish  home, 
bound  for  Wisconsin,  making  the  journey  by 
the  long  and  roundabout  way  of  New  Orleans 
and  up  the  Mississippi  to  Galena,  and  thence 
overland  into  Lafayette  county,  where  he 
worked  on  a farm  in  Elk  Grove  township.  Re- 
turning to  Ireland,  he  remained  there  about 
two  years,  and  when  he  came  to  Wisconsin  a 
second  time  he  brought  his  aged  parents  with 
him,  and  settled  them  on  farm  land,  some  of 
which  they  bought  from  tlje  government  at  a 
dollar  and  a quarter  per  acre.  He  bought 
more  land,  and  now  ovens  nearly  four  hundred 
acres  in  one  body.  Richard  Mates  died  in 
1863,  and  his  widow  survived  until  1874. 
They  had  a’  family  of  seven  children:  Mary 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


35i 


married  a Mr.  Tomlinson  in  Ireland,  and  is  still 
living  in  her  home  country,  at  the  age  of  eighty- 
six  years;  she  has  three  children  living  in  Ire- 
land. Leonard  was  born  in  1817,  and  came 
to  Wisconsin  at  the  same  time  Ins  parents  made 
the  journey;  as  long  as  they  lived  he  made  his 
home  with  them,  and  is  now  an  inmate  of  the 
home  of  his  brother,  the  subject  of  this  writing; 
he  owns  a good  farm  in  Lafayette  county. 
John  was  born  in  1823,  and  grew  to  manhood 
in  Ireland.  After  coming  to  Wisconsin  he 
married  Miss  Kate  Kinch,  an  Irish  lady.  They 
settled  in  Belmont,  Wis.,  but  later  moved  to 
Iowa,  and  then  to  South  Dakota,  where  she 
died,  leaving  him  three  children,  Charles,  of 
South  Dakota;  Anna  E.,  who  married  Mulford 
Johnson,  and  lives  in  South  Dakota;  and  Alar- 
rend,  who  lives  in  Iowa.  Grace  Abates  was 
born  in  Ireland,  married  Hugh  Livingston,  and 
resides  in  Grant  county,  Wisconsin,  where  her 
husband  died,  leaving  her  with  a family  of 
seven  children,  William,  John,  Robert,  Isabel, 
Mary.  Grace,  and  Jennie.  Jennie  Alates,  born 
in  Ireland,  came  to  this  country  with  her  par- 
ents, and  married  Joseph  Livingston,  a farmer 
in  Iowa  county,  where  she  died  in  1865,  leav- 
ing four  children — Robert,  now  a resident  of 
Iowa  county;  Angeline,  the  wife  of  Hiram 
Rundel,  of  the  same  county ; Hannah,  the  wife 
of  John  Rundel;  and  Elizabeth,  the  wife  of  H. 
Rundel,  of  Platteville,  Wis.  Richard  Alates 
was  born  in  Ireland  in  1830,  and  married  a 
Miss  Sherrill,  of  this  State,  who  bore  him  three 
sons,  John,  W illiam  and  Henry,  all  residing 
in  that  town.  He  was  a farmer,  and  followed 
farming  until  a few  years  ago,  when  he  moved 
to  Belmont,  and  is  now  not  engaged  in  any 
business. 

William  Alates  came  to  Lafayette  county 
when  a young  man,  established  himself  on  a 
solid  and  substantial  foundation,  and  in  1847 
was  married  to  Aliss  Anna  Hammond,  of  Ire- 
land, who  was  born  in  1826,  grew  to  woman- 
hood, and  received  her  education  in  her  native 
town.  She  is  a daughter  of  Richard  and  An- 
nie Hammond,  who  died  in  Ireland  previous 
to  her  coming  to  this  country.  Air.  and  Airs. 
Alates  lived  on  their  farm  until  1875,  when 
they  moved  to  Platteville  in  order  to  give  their 
children  the  advantage  of  the  State  Normal  at 
that  place.  In  1883  Air.  Alates  purchased  a 
fine  home  on  Alain  street,  in  Belmont,  and 
here  they  have  since  made  their  residence.  Of 
their  family  of  nine  children  but  few  lived  to 


maturity,  and  only  one  son  is  now  living,  Rich- 
ard F.,  who  is  a young  business  man  of  Bel- 
mont, with  a bright  future  ahead  of  him.  Eliza 
died  when  she  had  reached  young  womanhood. 
Mary  J.  and  Susan  Grace  both  lived  to  the  age 
of  eighteen  years.  Alartha  was  born  on  the 
farm,  where  she  grew  up,  and  married  S.  G. 
Clark,  of  Iowa;  she  died  in  1892,  leaving- 
two  children,  Ora  and  William  A.,  who  make 
t their  home  with  their  grandparents.  Eunice, 

W illiam,  Emma  and  Anna  died  in  childhood. 
Richard  F.  Alates,  as  noted  above,  is  an  enter- 
prising and  progressive  business  man  of  Bel- 
mont. He  married  Aliss  Susan  Martin,  a 
daughter  of  one  of  the  well-to-do  and  old-time 
families  of  the  county,  and  they  have  four  chil- 
dren— Alartin  W.,  Elsie,  Mary  and  Clay.  He 
is  an  extensive  cattle  dealer  and  stock  raiser 
of  Lafayette  county,  dealing  not  only  at  home 
but  in  the  Chicago  markets. 

William  Alates  has  been  identified  with  the 
Republican  party  since  its  first  organization, 
and  has  held  a number  of  local  offices  in  La- 
fayette county,  having  been  justice  of  the  peace, 
town  superintendent  of  schools,  etc.  He  and 
his  wife  are  Alethodists,  and  are  devout  ad- 
herents of  that  faith.  They  are  among  the 
oldest  residents  of  the  county.  Their  large 
means  were  earned  by  honest  toil,  and  to-day 
there  is  no  more  highly  appreciated  family  in 
the  county  than  these  of  whom  we  have  been 
writing,  for  their  honest  lives  and  sympathetic 
spirit. 

CORNELIUS  BUCKLEY,  of  Beloit, 
Rock  county,  is  an  attorney-at-law,  and  holds 
a leading  position  at  the  Rock  County  Bar.  He 
is  well  grounded  in  the  fundamental  principles 
of  the  law,  and  can  readily  apply  them  to  the 
complicated  details  of  modern  and  present  busi- 
ness conditions.  He  is  an  impressive  speaker 
before  the  jury,  and  excels  in  the  presentation 
of  the  facts  of  the  case  and  the  principles' of  the 
law  that  govern  it. 

Air.  Buckley  was  born  in  Beloit  April  24, 
1856,  and  is  a son  of  Timothy  and  Hannah 
(Kelleher)  Buckley,  both  natives  of  the  town 
of  Af allow,  County  Cork.  Ireland.  They  were 
the  parents  of  seven  children,  all  but  one  of 
whom  are  now  living:  Cornelius  and  Cath- 

erine, twins  ; Patrick,  deceased  ; John,  of  Beloit ; 
Mary,  of  Chicago;  Elizabeth,  the  wife  of  John 
J.  Sweeny,  of  Freeport,  Ilk;  and  Frank,  of 
Washington.  The  father  came  to  Boston  in  1 


352 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


1853,  and  two  years  later  located  in  Beloit, 
in  which  city  he  is  still  living.  The  mother 
died  July  10,  1868,  at  the  age  of  thirty-seven. 
Both  were  devout  Catholics.  His  father,  who 
bore  the  name  of  Cornelius  Buckley,  died  in 
Ireland  when  a young  man.  The  father  of 
Hannah  Kelleher  also  died  in  Ireland;  he  was 
a farmer. 

Cornelius  Buckley  was  reared  to  manhood 
in  his  native  city,  attended  the  parochial  and 
public  schools  of  Beloit,  and  matriculated  at 
the  State  University  as  a student  in  the  law 
department.  Previous  to  his  entrance  into  the 
law  school  he  had  studied  law,  and  he  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  Bar  June  5,  1883.  He  was  ad- 
mitted to  the  supreme  court  of  the  State  and  to 
the  United  States  supreme  court  in  1893.  Mr. 
Buckley  is  also  a member  of  the  Bar  of  the 
State  of  Minnesota,  and  is  authorized  to  prac- 
tice before  the  court  of  appeals  in  Virginia. 
He  was  engaged  in  practice  before  the  courts 
at  Washington,  D.  C.,  in  1893,  1894  and  1895, 
and  held  there  for  a short  time  a position  in 
the  census  department,  tie  is  a member  of 
the  Virginia  Historical  Society  at  Richmond, 
and  of  the  'Savannah  Historical  Society  or 
Georgia,  and  fraternally  is  a member  of  the 
Woodmen  of  the  World.  Our  subject  calls 
himself  a Jeffersonian  Democrat. 

Mr.  Buckley  and  his  twin  sister  live  in  the 
old  home  at  No.  1243  Emerson  street,  their 
father  living  with  them.  He  is  regarded  as  an 
able  lawyer  and  a careful  adviser,  and  stands 
among  the  leaders  of  his  profession  in  Beloit. 

MARTIN  P.  RINDLAUB  was  born  Feb. 
15,  1838,  on  a farm  four  miles  east  of  Gettys- 
burg, Penn.  During  the  war  of  the  Rebellion 
a battle  was  fought  so  near  to  the  family  resi- 
dence that  the  occupants  could  see  it  from  the 
attic  window. 

John  Andrew  Christian  Rindlaub,  our  sub- 
ject’s father,  was  born  in  Gottingen,  Kingdom 
of  Hanover,  Germany,  April  12,  1797,  and 
came  to  this  country  in  the  year  1819,  in  a sail- 
ing-vessel, being  nine  weeks  in  crossing  the 
ocean ; he  landed  at  Baltimore,  Md.  At  that 
time  there  were  no  railroads,  telegraphs,  sew- 
ing machines,  reaping"  or  threshing  machines, 
and  not  even  lucifer  matches.  Mr.  Rindlaub 
was  a tailor  by  trade,  and  for  a number  of 
years  he  traveled  from  house  to  house  in  pur- 
suit of  his  business.  He  died  at  the  home  of 
•his  son  Martin  P.,  in  April,  1885,  at  the  ad- 


vanced age  of  eighty-eight  years.  On  Nov. 
4,  1827,  he  married  Sophia  Mummert,  who  was 
born  in  Adams  county,  Penn.,  daughter  of 
Jacob  Mummert,  a native  of  York  county, 
Penn.,  born  Nov.  4,  1784;  he  died  at  an  ad- 
vanced age.  Her  mother,  Margaret  (Schrein- 
er), was  born  in  Lancaster  county,  Penn., 
April  6,  1790;  she  also  lived  to  a good  old  age. 
To  Christian  and  Sophia  (Mummert)  Rind- 
laub were  born  children  as  follows : Mar- 

garet B.  C.,  Sept.  20,  1828;  Jacob  H.  M.,  Feb. 
10,  1830;  Dorothy  PI.  E.,  April  10,  1832;  J. 
A.  Christian,  Jan.  27,  1834;  Susan  M.  S.,  Jan. 
14,  1836;  Martin  P.,  Feb.  15,  1838;  R.  Sophia, 
June  19,  1840;  Elizabeth  M.,  April  19,  1843; 
Julia  A.,  Oct.  7,  1848.  They  are  all  living 
(1901)  except  Margaret,  Christian  and  Eliza- 
beth. The  mother  died  March  28,  1866. 

Martin  P.  Rindlaub  received  his  education 
in  the  public  schools  and  at  Gettysburg  (Penn.) 
College.  He  learned  the  printing  business  in 
the  office  of  the  Gettysburg  (Penn.)  Sentinel, 
Robert  Goodloe  Harper,  proprietor,  finishing 
in  dhe  fall  of  1856.  He  taught  school  that 
winter,  and  the  next  summer  entered  Johns- 
town (Penn.)  Academy,  assisting  the  princi- 
pal and  pursuing  his  studies.  The  following 
winter  he  taught- school  on  the  western  slope  of 
the  Alleghany  mountains,  in  Cambria  county, 
Penn.,  and  in  order  to  reach  his  school  he  had 
to  walk  from  Altoona  across  the  mountain,  a 
distance  of  twenty-five  miles.  The  country 
in  which  he  taught  was  mostly  covered  with 
virgin  pine  timber,  a few  clearings  here  and 
there  being  the  exception.  1 here  were  few 
wagon  roads,  and  the  country  was  traversed 
mostly  along  trails  blazed  through  the  forest, 
much  of  the  travel  being  on  foot.  The  follow- 
ing spring  the  subject  of  this  sketch  came  West 
to  Warren,  111.,  arriving  there  on  the  first  day 
of  June,  1858,  to  accept  the  position  of  foreman 
of  the  Warren  Sentinel,  as  it  was  called  at  that 
time.  Shortly  afterward  he  bought  a half- 
interest in  the  paper,  and  within  a short  time 
bought  the  entire  plant,  remaining  there  until 
the  spring  of  1864,  when  he  sold  the  office  and 
went  to  Galena  for  a few  months,  as  assistant 
editor  of  the  Galena  Gazette.  Following  this 
he  went  to  Lancaster,  Wis.  (July  1,-1864),  to 
assume  a like  position  in  the  office  of  the  Grant 
County  Herald,  Joseph  C.  Cover,  proprietor, 
and  here  remained  until  March  1,  1867,  when 
he  purchased  the  Grant  County  JJ  itness,  Platte- 
ville,  of  which  paper  he  has  remained  the  sole 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


353 


proprietor  ever  since.  The  paper  was  estab- 
lished in  1859. 

When  Mr.  Rindlaub  first  took  charge  of 
the  Witness  it  had  only  about  600  subscribers, 
but  he  immediately  enlarged  the  paper  and 
made  other  improvements  which  soon  had  the 
effect  of  running  up  the  circulation  to  over 
2,000,  and  placing  it  among  the  leading  news- 
papers of  southwestern  Wisconsin.  When 
he  first  came  to  Platteville  there  were  only 
three  newspapers  in  the  county : The  Herald, 

at  Lancaster;  the  Broadaxe,  at  Boscobel ; and 
the  Witness , at  Platteville.  Now  (1901) 
there  are  thirteen.  Our  subject  has  been  a 
member  of  the  National  Press  Association, 
and  is  the  present  president  of  the  Wisconsin 
State  Press  Association. 

Mr.  Rindlaub’s  parents  were  members  of 
the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  and  early 
in  life  our  subject  connected  himself  with  that 
body.  Later  on  he  joined  the  Congregational 
Church,  in  which  organization  he  has  held 
prominent  positions  among  the  officers  of  the 
church.  Pie  has  always  taken  a prominent 
part  in  politics,  has  been  chairman  of  the  Re- 
publican Congressional  District  Committee, 
and  is  now  chairman  of  the  Republican  Sena- 
torial District  Committee ; the  Assembly  Dis- 
trict Committee;  and  also  of  the  Town  and 
City  Committees  of  Platteville.  He  was  post- 
master at  Platteville  during  President  Harri- 
son’s administration,  and  is  at  present  Deputy 
Internal  Revenue  Collector  for  the  Second 
District,  Wisconsin.  Air.  Rindlaub  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  having  joined 
in  1859,  and  belongs  to  the  Chapter  and  Com- 
mandery;  is  also  a member  of  the  Masonic 
Veterans’  Association,  whose  headquarters  are 
with  the  Venerable  Chief,  Gen.  J.  C.  Smith, 
Chicago ; and  is  also  a member  of  the  I.  O.  O. 
F.,  and  of  the  Encampment. 

On  Dec.  15,  1862,  Air.  Rindlaub  married 
Catherine  Swartley  Young,  who  is  descended 
from  two  of  the  oldest  families  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, the  Swartleys  and  the  Youngs.  She 
was  born  at  Doyleston,  Bucks  Co.,  Penn., 
Feb.  23,  1842.  Her  father,  Joseph  Young,  of 
Northampton  county,  Penn.,  was  the  son  of 
John  and  Elizabeth  Young,  who  occupied 
premises  that  had  been  in  the  family  for  near- 
ly two  hundred  years.  Joseph  Young  was 
publisher  and  proprietor  of  a newspaper  for 
many  years.  He  served  in  the  Union  army 
during  the  war  of  the  Rebellion.  Airs.  Rind- 

20 


laub’s  mother,  Airs.  Elizabeth  Fox  (Swart- 
ley) Young,  died  when  Mrs.  Rindlaub  was 
only  twenty-one  days  old,  and  she  had  one 
brother,  John  S.  Young,  who  died  in  the  sum- 
mer of  1870.  She  received  her  education  in 
the  public  schools,  at  Ingham's  Seminary,  in 
Doylestown,  and  at  the  State  Normal  School 
in  Millersville,  Penn.,  and  has  always  taken  an 
active  part  in  all  matters  pertaining  to  the 
advancement  of  the  social  and  moral  condi- 
tion of  her  sex.  She  is  a member  of  the  Or- 
der of  the  Eastern  Star;  of  the  W.  R.  C.,  in 
which  she  has  been  President ; of  the  Order 
of  Rachel  Rebekahs,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  of  which 
she  has  been  President ; and  of  the  Congrega- 
tional Improvement  Society,  of  which  she  has 
been  President.  She  is  at  present  (1901)  De- 
partment Chaplain  of  the  Woman’s  Relief 
Corps  of  the  State  of  Wisconsin,  and  vice- 
president  of  the  Woman's  Suffrage  Club  of 
Platteville ; and  devotes  much  of  her  time  as 
leader  of  the  Young  Ladies  Alissionary  So- 
ciety and  to  mission  work  generally.  She 
has  also  been  prominently  connected  with  W. 
C.  T.  U.  work  for  the  past  twenty-two  years. 

Eight  children  have  been  born  to  Air.  and 
Airs.  Rindlaub,  as  follows : William  Martin, 

at  Warren,  111.,  Feb.  1,  1864;  John  Harry, 
at  Lancaster,  Wis.,  May  1,  1865;  Kate  Swart- 
ley, at  Lancaster,  Nov.  29,  1866;  Emma  Ger- 
trude, at  Platteville,  Feb.  12,  1869;  Ada 

Sophia,  at  Platteville,  Jan.  17,  1S71  (died 
April  11,  1880);  Elizabeth  Pond,  at  Platte- 
ville, Jan.  27,  1873;  Martin  Phillip,  at 
Platteville,  Nov.  6,  1874;  Julia  Hill,  at 

Platteville,  Oct.  17,  1880.  The  eldest,  Will- 
iam AL,  married  Aiiss  Nina  Bean,  of  La  Crosse. 
He  is  one  of  the  editors  and  business  man- 
ager of  the  Witness.  John  H.  graduated  from 
the  State  Normal  School,  after  which  he 
studied  medicine  at  Columbia  Aledical  Col- 
lege, Washington,  D.  C.,  and  also  took  special 
courses,  at  Georgetown  College  and  at'  Belle- 
vue. He  then  spent  a year  in  Europe,  study- 
ing in  the  cities  of  Berlin,  Vienna,  Edin- 
burgh and  London,  and  in  1896  located  at 
Fargo,  Wis.,  confining  his  practice  to  diseases 
of  the  eve.  ear.  nose  and  throat.  Kate  S.  mar- 
ried John  H.  Robertson,  a jeweler  and  oculist, 
located  at  Aforrison,  111. ; they  have  one  child, 
Martin  Rindlaub  Robertson.  Emma  Gertrude 
is  at  home  with  her  parents.  Elizabeth  P. 
graduated  from  the  State  Normal  School, 
Platteville,  took  a four  years'  course  in  medi- 


354 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


cine  at  Ann  Arbor  (Mich.)  University,  and 
afterward  a special  course  at  Philadelphia,  and 
is  now  with  her  brother  at  Fargo,  as  his  as- 
sistant. Martin  P..  Jr.,  graduated  from  the 
State  Normal  School,  Platteville,  then  gradu- 
ated in  the  literary  course  in  the  Wisconsin 
State  University,  and  for  three  years  has  held 
the  chair  of  Latin  in  the  Platteville  Normal 
School.  At  the  close  of  the  last  school  year 
he  was  granted  a year's  leave  of  absence  by  the 
Board  of  Regents,  and  now  he  and  his  young- 
est sister,  Julia,  who  graduated  at  the  Platte- 
ville Normal  last  year  (1900),  are  spending 
a year  in  study  and  travel  in  Europe. 

OTTO  F.  GEIGER  is  a leading  representa- 
tive of  the  business  interests  of  Cassville,  Grant 
county,  being  a member  of  the  well-known  firm 
of  Klindt,  Geiger  & Co.,  general  merchants  of 
that  place.  Of  excellent  business  ability  and 
broad  resources,  he  has  attained  a prominent 
place  among  the  substantial  citizens  of  his 
county,  and  has  won  success  by  his  well- 
directed,  energetic  efforts. 

Mr.  Geiger  was  born  in  Cassville  April  3, 
1859,  a son  of  John  and  Christina  (Nicholas) 
Geiger.  The  father  was  a native  of  Germany, 
and  came  to  this  country  as  a political  refugee 
in  1833.  Landing  in  New  York,  he  remained 
in  that  city,  working  in  a cigar  factory  for  a 
time,  and  then  went  to  Ivaskaskia,  111.,  where 
he  engaged  in  mercantile  business  until  coming 
to  Cassville,  Wis'.,  in  1848.  Here  he  embarked 
in  business  as  a member  of  the  firm  of  Raffauf 
& Geiger,  and  the  old  frame  building  in  which 
they  conducted  their  store  is  still  standing  near 
the  present  place  of  business  of  the  firm  of 
Klindt.  Geiger  & Co.,  having  been  moved  to 
give  place  to  the  brick  building  erected  in  i860, 
t he  firm  carried  on  business  as  general  mer- 
chants and  grain  dealers  until  that  year,  when 
Peter  Raffauf  returned  to  Germany,  and  Mr. 
Geiger  became  the  sole  proprietor  of  the  store, 
buying  his  partner's  interest.  Under  the  name 
of  John  Geiger  he  engaged  in  business  until 
his  death,  which  occurred  in  December,  1873. 
The  following  year  John  A.  Klindt  purchased 
the  property,  and  was  alone  in  business  until 
March,  1878,  when  the  firm  of  Klindt,  Geiger 
& Co.  was  established.  In  1883,  in  addition 
to  their  extensive  mercantile  business,  they 
erected  a creamery  at  Cassville,  which  they 
have  since  conducted  with  marked  success. 

Mr.  Geiger's  mother  died  in  Cassville  in 


i860.  Otto  F.  is  the  youngest  of  her  three 
children,  the  others  being  Mary,  wife  of  Rob- 
ert Hufschmidt,  of  Lansing,  Iowa ; and  Gus- 
tave J.,  who  was  a partner  in  the  business  until 
his  death,  in  January,  1880.  The  father  was 
again  married,  in  Cassville,  his  second  union 
being  with  Miss  Josephine  Scholz,  also  a native 
of  Germany.  To  this  marriage  have  been  born 
six  children,  namely:  Wilhelmina,  wife  of 

Frank  Junkermann,  of  Clinton,  Iowa;  John  E., 
a farmer,  of  T horp,  Wis. ; Joseph  F.,  a resident 
of  Cassville;  F.  A.,  an  attorney  of  Milwaukee; 
Henry  E.,  teller  in  a bank  at  Madison,  Wis.; 
and  Pauline  A.,  of  Cassville. 

Reared  in  Cassville,  Otto  F.  Geiger  at- 
tended the  public  schools,  and  later  entered  the 
State  University,  at  Madison,  where  he  pur- 
sued his  studies  for  two  years.  He  then  be- 
gan his  business  career  as  a member  of  the  firm 
of  Klindt,  Geiger  & Co.,  with  which  he  is  still 
connected.  It  is  the  oldest  business  house  in 
Cassville,  and  has  the  best  and  most  extensive 
trade  of  any  in  this  section  of  the  State.  Mr. 
Geiger  is  an  energetic,  enterprising  business 
man,  of  known  reliability,  and  the  success  that 
has  come  to  him  is  certainly  well  merited. 
Beside  his  village  property  he  owns  an  interest 
111  farming  land.  In  his  political  views  he  is 
a Democrat,  but  an  advocate  of  sound  money, 
and  gives  his  support  to  every  enterprise  which 
he  believes  calculated  to  prove  of  public  benefit. 

DARIUS  EASTMAN,  for  many  years  a 
resident  of  the  township  of  Wayne,  Lafayette 
county,  and  one  of  the  best-known  and  most 
successful  farmers  and  stock  raisers  of  South- 
western Wisconsin,  represents  one  of  the  pio- 
neer families  of  the  State,  and  is  a descendant 
of  one  of  the  early  emigrants  to  the  American 
colonies.  He  was  born  in  the  town  of  Wayne, 
Ashtabula  Co.,  Ohio,  March  8,  1831,  son  of 
Amos  and  Ruby  (Brockway)  Eastman.  A 
genealogy  of  the  American  branch  of  the  fam- 
ily, compiled  in  recent  years,  states  that  the 
emigrant,  Roger  Eastman,  was  born  in  161.1 
in  Langford,  County  of  Wilts,  England,  emi- 
grating from  that  country  to  the  New  England 
colonies  at  an  early  age.  In  April,  1638,  he 
sailed  from  Southampton  in  the  good  ship 
"Confidence,”  John  Jobson,  master,  and  in  due 
time  landed  at  Salem,  Mass.,  making  his  first 
home  at  Salisbury.  Lie  there  married,  and  be- 
came the  father  of  ten  children,  eight  sons  and 
two  daughters,  whose  progeny  have  scattered 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


355 


all  over  the  country.  In  Part  3,  of  the  East- 
man Genealogy,  there  is  a representation  of 
the  armorial  bearings  of  the  family. 

Amos  Eastman,  father  of  Darius,  was  born 
in  Canada  (where  his  parents  were  temporarily 
residing)  May  22,  1804,  son  of  Amos  East- 
man, Sr.  While  he  was  still'  young  the  fam- 
ily removed  to  the  State  of  New  York,  then 
to  Pennsylvania,  and  later  to  Wayne  township, 
Ashtabula  Co.,  Ohio,  where  occurred  his  mar- 
riage with  Ruby  Brockway,  who  was  born 
there  May  11,  1810.  In  1844,  with  his  wife 
and  six  children,  Amos  Eastman  left  Ohio, 
and  settled  on  Section  22,  Wayne  township, 
Lafayette  Co.,  Whs.,  which  became  their  future 
home.  The  father  died  Dec.  21,  1S86,  at  the 
ripe  old  age  of  eighty-two  years  and  seven 
months.  The  wife  and  mother  passed  away 
May  10,  1863.  Amos  Eastman  was  held  in 
high  esteem,  and  during  his  long  residence 
in  Wisconsin  obtained  possession  of  a large 
amount  of  land,  although  by  trade  he  was  a 
carpenter ; he  erected  a number  of  the  early 
buildings.  To  him  belongs  the  honor  of  hav- 
ing given  the  township  its  name,  which  he 
called  for  ‘‘Mad  Anthony  "Wayne,”  of  Revo- 
lutionary fame.  He  and  his  wife  were  faith- 
ful adherents  to  the  principles  of  the  Free- 
Will  Baptist  Church.  Their  children  were : 
Darius,  mentioned  below;  Dr.  William,  of 
Mineral  Point;  Arial  A.,  of  South  Wayne; 
Cassius  B.,  a member  of  Company  B,  31st  Whs. 
V.  I.,  in  the  Civil  war,  who  died  shortly  after 
his  return  from  the  service,  of  disease  con- 
tracted in  the  army;  and  Lucinda  and  Mary, 
both  now  residents  of  Nebraska. 

Darius  Eastman  was  about  thirteen  years 
of  age  when  he  accompanied  his  parents  to 
Wisconsin,  and  practically  grew  up  in  Wayne 
township.  On  Aug.  15,  1862,  he  entered  the 
Union  army,  being  assigned  to  Company  B, 
31st  W is.  V.  I.  The  regiment  was  actively 
engaged  during  its  whole  term  of  service.  Mr. 
Eastman  kept  a diary  of  passing  events 
throughout  the  war,  which  after  nearly  forty 
years  is  still  in  excellent  preservation.  This 
diary  notes  the  various  occurrences  from  day 
to  day,  and  from  it  might  be  compiled  a com- 
plete history  of  the  regiment  from  the  time 
it  entered  the  service  until  the  close  of  the 
war.  On  leaving  the  State  the  regiment  went 
to  Columbus,  Ky.,  arriving  there  Sept.  25, 
1863,  and  two  days  later  started  for  Nash- 
ville, Tenn.,  which  point  it  reached  the  fol- 


lowing day.  A short  rest  was  allowed  there, 
and  on  Oct.  5 it  was  transferred  to  Lavergne, 
Tenn.,  starting  on  the  24th  for  Murfreesboro. 
Company  B,  with  two  other  companies,  was 
detached  to  guard  bridges  that  spanned  Stone 
river,  and  remained  in  that  vicinity  until  the 
spring  of  1864,  when  they  rejoined  the  regi- 
ment at  Murfreesboro.  There,  on  the  nth 
of  March,  Mr.  Eastman  was  detailed  to  serve 
in  the  commissary  department,  where  he  re- 
mained several  months,  but  finally  succeeded 
in  getting"  permission  to  rejoin  his  regiment, 
then  near  Atlanta.  Leaving  Murfreesboro  on 
Aug.  25,  he  reached  his  regiment  on  the  29th. 
The  31st  then  formed  a part  of  the  3d  Brigade, 
1st  Division,  20th  Army  Corps,  and  the}-  en- 
tered Atlanta  on  the  4th  of  September,  being 
among  the  first  troops  to  enter  after  the  evacu- 
ation of  the  enemy.  On  Sept.  15,  began  that 
historical  march  to  the  sea,  and  Mr.  East- 
man participated  in  all  the  battles  and  skir- 
mishes of  that  never-to-be-forgotten  campaign, 
including  the  battles  at  Fort  Harrison,  before 
Savannah,  Averysboro  and  Bentonville,  and 
then  marched  on  to  Washington  to  take  an 
honored  place  in  the  grand  review.  May  24, 
1865.  The  regiment  was  mustered  out  of 
service  at  Louisville,  Kentucky. 

Since  his  return  to  the  pursuits  of  peace 
Mr.  Eastman  has  engaged  in  agricultural  work 
and  in  the  raising  of  Shorthorn  cattle,  in  which 
he  has  been  eminently  successful.  He  is  now 
an  extensive  land  owner,  and  in  all  his  business 
transactions  has  maintained  a high  reputation 
for  sterling  integrity,  being  respected  by  all 
men. 

On  Feb.  7,  1876,  Air.  Eastman  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Aliss  Susan  Shepard,  and 
four  children  have  been  born  to  them ; Le 
Roy  E.,  Charles  L.,  Roger  A.’ and  Lulu. 

FRANKLIN  H.  DERRICK,  of  Brodhead, 
Green  county,  is  a retired  farmer,  and  is  pass- 
ing his  last  days  in  this  beautiful  little  inland 
city.  He  has  lived  a useful  life,  worked  hard, 
and  is  now  enjoying  a competence  for  which 
he  has  rendered  an  honest  equivalent  in  brain 
and  brawn. 

Mr.  Derrick  was  born  in  Erie  county,  N. 
Y.,  Jan.  26,  1824.  and  is  a son  of  Rodolphus 
D.  and  Lorinda  (Sheldon)  Derrick,  natives  of 
Vermont  and  New  York,  respectively.  Eight 
children  were  born  to  them,  of  whom  two  are 
now  living:  Franklin  H. ; and  Elvira,  the 


356 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


widow  of  Levi  Derrick,  of  Henderson,  Neb. 
The  father  was  a farmer,  and  during  his  active 
years  cleared  several  heavily  timbered  farms 
m his  native  State.  He  came  to  the  West  in 
1 838  to  make  his  home,  though  he  had  already 
been  out  two  years  before  a fid  bought  land  in 
Green  county,  Wis.  In  1840  he  broke  land 
on  this  farm,  and  the  following  year  moved 
his  family  to  it,  and  made  it  his  home  as  long 
as  he  lived.  He  died  in  i860,  at  the  age  of 
sixty-seven,  and  his  widow  died  fourteen  years 
later,  at  the  age  of  seventy-seven,  lacking 
one  month.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  war 
of  1812,  and  111  Ins  mature  years  a lead- 
ing man  in  his  community.  He  was  one 
of  the  three  county  commissioners  in  Green 
county  at  an  early  day,  held  several  town 
offices,  and  was  on  the  county  board  at  dif- 
ferent times.  His  father,  Ephraim  Der- 
rick, was  a native  of  Vermont,  of  English 
lineage.  He  was  a Revolutionary  soldier,  and 
drew  a pension.  He  died  in  New  York  at  the 
age  of  seventy-seven.  His  grandfather,  John 
Derrick  (1),  born  in  England  in  1633,  came 
to  America  in  1674,  and  died  at  the  age  of 
one  hundred  and  eight  years.  The  maternal 
grandfather  of  the  subject  of  this  article  was 
William  Sheldon.  He  was  a farmer  in  New 
York,  reared  a family  of  eleven  children,  and 
reached  the  age  of  seventy-five. 

Franklin  H.  Derrick  was  fourteen  years 
of  age  when  he  came  with  his  parents  to  Wis- 
consin, and  he  has  lived  continuously  in  Green 
county  since  that  time,  with  the  exception  of 
two  years  which  he  spent  in  California,  en- 
gaged in  mining.  He  crossed  the  Plains  in 
1850,  taking  five  months  to  make  the  journey. 
In  1852  he  returned  home  by  way  of  the  Isth- 
mus, and  on  a sailing-vessel  to  New  Orleans, 
where  he  took  a steamer  for  Cincinnati.  He 
farmed  until  1883,  when  he  retired.  Mr.  Der- 
rick attended  the  district  school  one  winter 
after  coming  to  the  West.  He  lived  at  home 
until  his  father's  death,  when  he  bought  the 
entire  homestead  of  four  hundred  acres,  but 
has  since  sold  it. 

Mr.  Derrick  and  Miss  Harriet  A.  Boslow 
were  married  Nov.  18,  1846.  She  was  the 
daughter  of  John  and  Mary  (Condon)  Boslow, 
and  became  the  mother  of  seven  children, 
Theodore  James,  Franklin  R.,  Levi  F.,  Mary 
L.,  Harriet  L.,  Flora  L.,  and  Paul  E.  Theo- 
dore James  lives  at  Jolly,  Texas;  he  married 
Mrs.  Ellen  Purdy.  Franklin  R.  lives  at  Brod- 


head,  and  is  the  husband  of  Miss  Belle  Moore. 
.Levi  F.  married  Miss  Mary  Simmons,  and 
lives  at  McCracken,  Ivans. ; they  have  two  chil- 
dren, Edna  and  Maud.  Paul  E.  married  Miss 
Adeline  Bowen,  and  lives  in  the  city  of  New 
York.  Mary  L.  married  John  C.  Balis,  and 
both  are  dead ; they  were  the  parents  of  six 
children,  Franklin  T.,  Robert,  Ernest,  Mary  L., 
Hattie  and  Mabel.  Harriet  L.  married  Junius 
T.  Lamson,  and  lives  at  Orleans,  Neb.;  they 
have  four  children.  Flora  L.  died  at  the  age 
of  two  years.  Mrs.  Harriet  A.  Derrick  died 
Oct.  22,  1871,  at  the  age  of  forty-nine.  She 
was  a member  of  the  Methodist  Church.  Mr. 
Derrick  married  Mrs.  Mary  A.  Northup,  Sept. 
17,  1872.  She  was  the  widow  of  Sylvester 
Northup,  and  the  daughter  of  Sanford  Will- 
iams. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Derrick  are  members  of 
the  Methodist  Church,  where  he  serves  on  the 
board  of  trustees.  He  was  formerly  a Re- 
publican, but  is  now  a Prohibitionist.  He  was 
sheriff  from  1873  to  1875,  and  was  chairman 
of  the  town  board  a number  of  terms.  He 
has  a good  home  in  Brodhead,  and  is  reckoned 
among  the  leading  citizens  in  the  town  and 
county. 

REV.  LEROY  ELLIS,  of  Patch  Grove, 
Grant  county,  is  a well-known  clergyman  of 
the  Methodist  Church  and  an  ex-soldier  of  the 
war  of  the  Rebellion,  as  well  as  a greatly  be- 
loved citizen  of  his  community.  When  the 
first  note  of  war  sounded  throughout  the  coun- 
try, and  the  news  of  President  Lincoln’s  first 
call  for  troops  went  abroad,  Mr.  Ellis  was 
among  the  first  to  respond.  When  the  informa- 
tion reached  him  that  the  President  had  issued 
a call  for  volunteers,  like  Gen.  Putnam,  he  was 
plowing  in  the  field,  and  like  that  noted  patriot, 
he  responded  promptly  to  his  country's  call. 
History  tells  us  that  Putnam  left  his  team  and 
plow  in  the  field  where  he  was  at  work  and 
hurried  to  the  scene  of  strife.  Mr.  Ellis  un- 
hitched his  team  and  drove  them  to  the  barn, 
but  without  waiting  to  unharness  them  started 
at  once  for  Boscobel,  where  he  promptly  en- 
rolled himself  as  a member  of  Company  F, 
3d  Wis.  V.  I.,  under  Capt.  George  W.  Lin- 
bocker.  The  regiment  went  as  quickly  as  pos- 
sible to  the  front  and  engaged  in  the  early 
military  operations  in  Maryland.  The  Third 
formed  a part  of  Gen.  Patterson's  command 
at  Harper’s  Ferry,  Va.,  when  Gen.  McClellan 
advanced  to  meet  the  Confederate  army,  which 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


357 


advance  resulted  in  the  battle  of  Bull  Run. 
Gen.  Patterson,  as  is  well  known,  was  ordered 
to  join  Gen.  McClellan,  but  failed  to  arrive 
in  time  to  participate  in  the  disastrous  first 
battle  of  Manassas.  Thus  Mr.  Ellis  was  not 
in  that  noted  engagement.  The  command  to 
which  he  belonged  crossed  into  the  Shenandoah 
Valley,  and  took  part  in  the  second  battle  of 
Bull  Run  under  Gen.  Pope,  and  also  partici- 
pated in  the  battles  of  South  Mountain  and 
Antietam,  under  Gen.  McClellan.  Later  the 
regiment  went  into  camp  on  Maryland  Heights, 
where  it  remained  for  about  six  weeks.  There 
Mr.  Ellis  was  taken  ill.  and  was  in  Hospital 
Camp  A at  Frederick  City,  later  being  removed 
to  the  convalescent  camp,  where  he  was  finally 
discharged  for  disability  on  April  29,  1863. 
He  was  severely  injured  in  Banks’  retreat  from 
the  Shenandoah  Valley,  when  that  gentleman 
was  defeated  by  the  illustrious  Stonewall 
Jackson.  The  nature  of  his  injury  was  a rup- 
ture, and  from  this  and  other  effects  of  Ins 
military  service  he  still  suffers. 

Rev.  Ellis  was  born  in  Perry  county,  Ohio, 
May  18,  1835,  a son  of  Daniel  J.  and  Maria 
(Cochran)  Ellis,  who  never  came  West,  but 
spent  their  last  days  in  Ohio.  The  mother 
passed  away  when  her  son  was  a small  child, 
but  the  father  survived  her  many  years.  Air. 
Ellis  may  be  said  to  be  a clergyman  of  the 
Methodist  Church  by  heredity,  as  his  paternal 
grandfather,  Rev.  Michael  Ellis,  was  a pioneer 
preacher  of  the  West  and  was  associated  with 
the  Rev.  J.  B.  Finley.  Air.  Ellis  was  one 
of  three  children  born  to  his  mother,  but  the 
father  married  a second  time,  and  by  that 
union  had  five  children.  They  long  ago  scat- 
tered and  some  of  them  have  passed  away. 
Air.  Ellis  was  reared  111  his  native  State.  On 
Alay  28,  1856,  he  arrived  in  Prairie  du  Chien, 
Wis.,  and  for  some  time  was  engaged  in  farm- 
ing in  Grant  and  Iowa  counties.  Fie  was  al- 
ways of  a religious  turn  of  mind,  but  had  no 
opportunity  for  preparing  for  the  ministry  in 
early  life,  and  it  was  not  until  1867  that  he 
became  a local  preacher,  continuing  as  such 
for  twenty  years.  His  first  charge  was  at 
Patch  Grove,  where  he  remained  three  years, 
and  after  several  other  assignments  he  was 
returned  to  Patch  Grove  in  1895,  where  he  is 
still  living,  in  1901. 

O11  Jan.  29,  1865,  Mr.  Ellis  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Aliss  Alary  A.  Culbertson,  who 
celebrated  the  seventeenth  anniversary  of  her 


birth  on  that  day.  Her  parents,  Robert  and 
Levina  (David)  Culbertson  were  pioneers  of 
southwestern  Wisconsin.  Seven  children  have 
been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ellis,  three  of  whom 
died  in  early  childhood,  while  two  sons  and 
two  daughters  are  still  living,  namely:  Frank 
B.,  a resident  of  Redwood  county,  Minn.; 
George  R.,  of  Oregon;  Jennie  Alay,  wife  of 
Fred  R.  Barnes ; and  Al.  Elma,  a teacher  by 
profession,  residing  at  home.  Rev.  Ellis  pos- 
sesses in  an  eminent  degree  the  respect  and  es- 
teem of  all  who  know  him.  His  preaching 
is  characterized  by  an  earnest  sincerity  that 
carries  conviction  to  the  mind  and  heart  of  the 
hearer.  He  is  cordial  and  genial  in  manner 
and  charitable  toward  all,  and  the  non-religious 
as  well  as  the  Christian  believer  is  his  friend. 
Fraternally  he  is  an  esteemed  member  of  the 
G.  A.  R.  Post  of  Bradtville. 

LUCIUS  S.  MOSELEY,  of  the  town  of 
Beloit,  Rock  county,  is  one  of  the  older  and 
more  successful  farmers  of  that  region.  He 
has  spent  his  life  in  the  cultivation  of  the  soil, 
and  kindly  nature  has  richly  rewarded  his 
continuous  and  honorable  industry.  In  the 
town  of  Beloit  he  is  spoken  of  by  his  neighbors 
as  an  honest  and  upright  man,  who  is  at  once 
a good  neighbor  and  a respected  citizen  of  the 
community. 

Mr.  Aioseley  was  born  in  Bureau  county, 
111.,  July  26,  1843,  bM  received  his  early  train- 
ing in  the  town  of  Beloit,  for  his  parents  re- 
moved to  Rock  county  when  he  was  but  a 
child.  He  had  received  a good  common- 
school  education,  and  was  prepared  to  enter 
Beloit  College  at  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil 
war.  He  enlisted  Aug.  14,  1862,  in  Com- 
pany B,  22d  Wis.  V.  I.  On  the  battlefield  of 
Spring  Hill,  Tenn.,  he  was  made  corporal,  and 
was  afterward  taken  prisoner,  with  almost  the 
entire  command.  Mr.  Aioseley  was  confined 
in  Libby  prison  for  a short  time,  was  then 
paroled,  and  was  at  the  camp  at  St.  Louis 
for  about  two  months,  when  the  command  was 
reorganized  and  sent  to  the  front.  He  served 
as  a 'soldier  until  the  close  of  the  war,  and 
took  part  in  many  fierce  and  bloody  battles, 
being  at  Resaca  and  Peach  Tree  Creek,  and 
with  Gen.  Sherman  on  the  march  to  the  sea. 
Several  times  was  Air.  Aioseley  struck  by  fly- 
ing missiles,  but  never  seriously  injured.  He 
was  mustered  out  at  Washington,  and  finally 
discharged  at  Alilwaukee. 


353 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Our  subject  was  engaged  in  farming  some 
months  after  his  return  home  at  the  close  of 
the  war,  and  then  did  teaming  in  the  city  of 
Beloit  for  about  two  years,  working  for  the 
Rock  River  Paper  Co.  Then  he  resumed  farm- 
ing on  rented  land,  and  finally  purchased  the 
farm  where  he  now  lives,  containing  120  acres, 
on  which  he  has  made  many  handsome  im- 
provements. In  his  early  life  Mr.  Moseley 
learned  the  trade  of  a carpenter,  and  still  fol- 
lows it  in  connection  with  farming.  He  is  an 
active  and  industrious  man,  and  does  not  mean 
to  let  any  time  go  to  waste. 

Mr.  Moseley  is  a member  of  L.  H.  D. 
Crain  Post,  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  at 
Beloit,  has  been  its  commander  two  itermis, 
and  takes  a deep  interest  in  the  welfare  of  all 
the  “old  boys,”  comrades  on  the  tented  field  in 
the  long  ago.  He  has  also  been  president  of 
the  Rock  County  ex-Soldiers  and  Sailors  As- 
sociation. Mr.  Moseley  takes  considerable  in- 
terest in  public  affairs,  and  has  filled  several 
offices  in  the  town  of  Beloit,  having  been  col- 
lector for  five  years,  and  has  been  assessor  and 
supervisor.  He  is  a strong  Republican. 

Mr.  Moseley  was  married,  in  Beloit,  Wis., 
Dec.  16,  1869,  to  Miss  Fanny  M.  Brittan,  who 
was  born  in  Elbridge,  N.  Y.,  May  22,  1847. 
They  have  five  children,  Metta  M.,  Harry  L., 
Hubert  B.,  Jessie  V.,  and  Florence  H.  The 
young  people  of  the  family  are  bright  and 
promising,  and  will  very  shortly  make  their 
influences  felt  in  the  world. 

Selden  D.  and  Harriet  W.  (Gage)  Mose- 
ley, our  subject’s  parents,  were  born  in  Con- 
necticut and  New  Hampshire,  respectively. 
They  were  married  in  Bureau  county,  111.,  and 
came  soon  after  to  Rock  county,  where  they 
spent  the  remainder  of  their  lives.  They 
were  the  parents  of  four  children,  of  whom 
Lucius  S.  was  the  second  child.  The  father 
of  Mrs.  Lucius  S.  Moseley  was  Alfred  Brit- 
tan, and  her  mother  Alvira  (Armstrong)  Brit- 
tan. He  was  born  in  England,  and  she  in 
New  York.  They  were  married  in  that  State, 
and  came  to  Rock  county  in  1855,  and  here 
passed  the  rest  of  their  lives.  They  were  the 
parents  of  four  daughters  and  one  son,  and 
Mrs.  Moseley  was  the  eldest  of  their  family. 

NATHAN  ALLEN  LOOFBOUROW, 
M.  D.,  a prominent  physician  and  surgeon  at 
Monroe,  Green  county,  was  born  at  Mineral 
Point,  Wisconsin,  Oct.  9,  1849,  and  is  a son 


of  Dr.  John  and  Rebecca  (Lamb)  Loofbourow, 
natives  of  Virginia  and  Indiana,  respectively. 
They  were  the  parents  of  six  sons  and  four 
daughters,  and  eight  of  their  children  are  now 
living:  Sarah  is  the  widow  of  George  Proc- 

tor, of  Jamestown,  N.  Dak.;  William,  at 
Monroe;  Wade  H.,  at  Osceola,  Wis.;  Har- 
riet, the  wife  of  J.  A.  Buss,  of  Platteville, 
Wis.;  Dr.  N.  A.,  of  Monroe;  Mary,  the 
wife  of  Henry  Hinners,  of  Platteville,  Wis. ; 
Thomas,  of  California;  and  John,  of  Cin- 
cinnati. The  father  was  a physician,  and  prac- 
ticed for  a time  in  Ohio,  in  1828  coming  to 
Wisconsin,  where  he  located  in  Mineral  Point, 
practicing  there  until  his  death,  in  1859,  when 
he  was  seventy-six  years  of  age.  He  opened 
a farm  in  the  wilderness,  and  became  the 
owner  of  five  hundred  acres.  He  was  active 
in  the  development  of  the  new  country,  and 
served  in  the  Black  Hawk  war.  His  widow 
long  survived  him,  and  died  in  1892  at  the  age 
of  seventy-six.  Both  were  members  of  the 
Christian  Church.  Dr.  John  Loofbourow  had 
been  twice  married  before;  he  had  one  child 
by  his  first  wife,  who  is  now  dead.  His  sec- 
ond wife  was  the  widow  of  Dr.  Monroe,  and 
was  the  mother  of  Dr.  William  Monroe,  of 
Monroe,  Wisconsin. 

The  paternal  grandfather  of  Dr.  N.  A. 
Loofbourow  died  in  the  East,  and  his  history 
is  lost.  His  maternal  grandfather,  Lamb,  is 
supposed  to  have  been  a native  of  Indiana. 
He  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1828,  and  opened  a 
farm  in  Lafayette  county,  near  the  village  of 
Wiota,  where  he  died  about  1863,  when  up- 
wards of  seventy  years  of  age,  leaving  five 
children  who  lived  to  maturity.  He  was  a 
soldier  in  the  Black  Hawk  war. 

Dr.  Nathan  A.  Loofbourow  made  his  home 
in  Iowa  county  until  he  was  sixteen,  and  then 
moved  into  Fayette,  in  Lafayette  county, 
where  he  lived  until  1870,  attending  the  local 
schools,  and  also  a select  school  in  Fayette. 
For  some  two  or  three  years  he  was  a teacher 
in  the  public  schools  of  Wisconsin,  in  the  mean- 
time studying  medicine  under  the  direction  of 
Dr.  William  Monroe.  He  was  a student  in 
Rush  Medical  College,  Chicago,  and  was  grad- 
uated in  February,  1873.  He  also  attended 
the  famous  Bellevue  Hospital  Medical  College, 
at  New  York,  took  post-graduate  lectures  in 
Rush,  and  in  1887-88  spent  the  greater  part 
of  a year  in  the  celebrated  medical  hospitals  and 
schools  at  Paris,  Vienna,  Edinburgh,  and  Lon- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


359 


don.  The  Doctor  established  himself  in  Mon- 
roe in  1873,  and  has  been  continuously  in  prac- 
tice in  this  city  since  that  time,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  intervals  of  study  abroad. 

Dr.  Loofbourow  and  Miss  Alice  Banta,  the 
daughter  of  Jeremiah  and  Caroline  (Bridge) 
Banta,  were  married  Nov.  12,  1874.  The 
Doctor  and  his  wife  are  the  parents  of  one 
child,  Lelia,  who  is  now  living  with  her  father 
at  his  home  on  Washington  street  in  Monroe.. 
He  belongs  to  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  also  to  Ivan- 
hoe  Lodge,  Knights  of  Pythias.  He  is  a Re- 
publican, and  has  always  taken  a deep  interest 
in  public  questions. 

EDWARD  RUSKELL,  familiarly  known 
as  “Squire  Ruskell,”  of  Belmont,  Lafayette 
county,  is  a man  whose  age  commands  the  re- 
spect his  character  and  learning  deserve.  He 
was  a farmer  for  many  years,  and  now  that  he 
is  living  in  what  the  Psalmist  denominates  as 
years  of  sorrow  and  trouble,  he  is  enjoying  a 
green  and  noble  old  age. 

Mr.  Ruskell  was  born  in  Ireland  May  18, 
1825,  and  is  a son  of  Robert  and  Sarah 
(Kegan)  Ruskell,  the  history  of  whose  entire 
lives  is  compassed  in  their  birth,  rearing,  mar- 
riage and  death  in  that  country.  There  Mr. 
Ruskell  grew  to  manhood,  and  there  he  con- 
tracted those  matrimonial  bonds  that  outlive 
youth  and  beauty,  but  he  sought  a home  over 
the  sea,  with  his  young  wife,  Eliza  Richardson, 
whom  he  married  in  1849.  The  same  year 
they  came  to  this  country,  crossing  the  ocean 
on  a sailing  vessel,  landing  at  New  York,  and 
making  their  way  to  Wisconsin  just  as  it  was 
being  transformed  into  a State.  Mr.  Ruskell 
applied  himself  without  hesitation  to  any  work 
that  he  could  secure,  working  by  the  month, 
and  saving  his  earnings,  small  as  they  were, 
until  he  had  enough  after  several  years  to  buy 
a small  farm  in  Kendall  township,  Lafayette 
county.  The  same  patient  industry  and  econ- 
omy enabled  him  to  increase  his  farm  property 
until  he  owned  an  extensive-  farm.  He  put 
up  good  buildings  and  improved  the  grounds 
thoroughly.  A few  years  ago  he  divided  a 
section  of  land  among  his  sons,  and  is  now  liv- 
ing a retired  life  at  Belmont.  His  wife,  the 
faithful  sharer  of  his  toils,  and  a woman  of 
gracious  spirit,  died  in  August,  1889.  and  the 
following  year  Mr.  Ruskell  made  a protracted 
visit  to  Ireland,  going  over  in  May  and  re- 
turning the  following  September.  He  was  the 


father  of  nine  children,  who  have  lived  to  grow 
up,  marry  and  settle  in  Lafayette  county : 
W illiam,  who  is  now  in  the  Dakotas,  where  he 
is  traveling  for  his  health,  has  his  home  and 
business  in  Lafayette  county.  Sarah  is  the 
wife  of  J.  Olney,  of  Belmont.  Mary  A.  mar- 
ried Joseph  Martin,  of  Lafayette  county,  and 
is  now  deceased.  Robert  F. ; Thomas ; Bessie 
married  William  Killpatrick,  and  both  she  and 
her  husband  are  now  dead;  John;  Edward 
died  a few  years  ago  at  the  old  home ; Abbie, 
the  wife  of  Cyrus  Buss,  of  Lafayette. 

In  1893  Mr.  Ruskell  contracted  a second 
matrimonial  union,  his  bride  being  Mrs.  Han- 
nah Bunt,  a daughter  of  William  and  Elizabeth 
Sowden,  of  England,  where  she  was  born  in 
1830.  In  1849  ske  married  Henry  Bunt,  of 
Cornwall,  England,  and  came  to  Wisconsin  the 
same  year,  settling  on  a farm  in  Elk  Grove, 
Lafayette  county,  making  it  their  home  until 
Air.  Bunt  died,  in  1880,  leaving  her  a widow 
with  two  children,  Emily  and  George  W.  The 
daughter  married  James  L.  Mitchell,  now  a 
Platteville  merchant,  and  is  the  mother  of  two 
children,  Mary  and  Eugene.  George  W.,  born 
in  1854,  married  and  moved  to  Lemars,  Iowa. 
Mrs.  Ruskell  has  no  children  by  her  second 
marriage.  Mr.  Ruskell  is  a Democrat,  and  lias 
long  been  identified  with  that  party.  He  was 
a treasurer  of  Kendall  township  for  many 
years,  and  for  twenty-six  years  served  as  jus- 
tice of  the  peace.  He  and  his  good  wife  are 
members  of  the  local  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  and  are  counted  among  the  best  people 
of  Lafayette  county. 

OLE  I.  LUNN,  of  the  town  of  Beloit, 
Rock  county,  was  born  in  Racine  county.  Wis., 
May  1,  1846,  and  was  brought  by  his  parents 
into  Rock  county  when  he  was  a child  of  two 
and  a half  years.  Practically  his  entire  life 
has  been  spent  in  the  community  where  he  is 
living,  and  it  has  been  like  the  pages  of  an  open 
book,  simple  and  clear.  He  has  been  honest 
and  industrious,  with  a simple  and  unassuming 
integrity  and  an  upright  spirit. 

Jacob  Lunn,  our  subject's  father,  en- 
listed as  a soldier  in  the  army  of  the  Union, 
and  was  a member  of  Company  I,  22d 
Wis.  V.  I.  He  died  at  Columbia.  Tenn., 
from  the  effect  of  wounds  received  in  the  bat- 
tle of  Spring  Hill,  March  4-5,  1863.  when  fifty- 
three  years  old  ; his  record  as  a soldier  was  be- 
yond reproach.  His  wife,  Martha,  lived  to  be 


360 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


eighty  years  old,  and  died  in  the  home  of  her 
son  Ole.  They  came  to  America  from  Stav- 
anger, Norway,  June  I,  1844,  locating  first  in 
Racine  county,  Wis.,  where  they  lived  three 
and  a half  years.  They  had  two  sons.  Ole  J. 
and  Jacob.  Jacob  died  in  the  old  home  when 
fifteen  years  of  age,  May  15,  1864. 

Ole  J.  Lunn  was  reared  on  the  farm  that 
is  now  his  home,  and  here  he  has  spent  all  his 
life.  He  loves  the  farm,  loves  its  care  and 
cultivation,  and  knows  there  is  no  life  that  can 
be  so  grandly  lived  as  that  of  a farmer.  He 
owns  160  acres  of  choice  land  and  takes  pride 
in  keeping  it  up  to  a high  state  of  fertility;  he 
is  also  engaged  in  breeding  blooded  cattle. 

Mr.  Lunn  and  Miss  Isabella  O.  Stensland 
were  married  at  Madison,  Wis.,  Sept.  28,  1868. 
Mrs.  Lunn  was  born  in  Norway,  and  came  to 
this  country  with  her  parents  when  a girl  of 
twelve  years.  They  arrived  in  America  in 
1863,  and  immediately  made  their  way  to  Rock 
county,  Wis.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lunn  are  the  par- 
ents of  nine  children,  Martha,  Martin,  John, 
Julia,  Charles,  Jacob,  Benjamin,  William  (who 
died  when  one  year  old),  and  Albert  (who  died 
at  about  the  same  age).  The  family  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Congregational  Church. 

JAMES  S.  LOONEY,  a retired  farmer 
of  Benton.  Lafayette  county,  was  born  Dec. 
31,  1838,  son  of  Abraham  and  Huldah  (Bean) 
Looney.  The  father  was  born  in  Knoxville, 
Tenn.,  in  1800,  and  the  mother  in  Missouri 
in  1 8 1 1 . The  grandparents,  David  and  Mary 
(Spergin)  Looney,  were  born  in  Charleston, 
S.  C.,  and  after  their  marriage  moved  to  Knox- 
ville, Tenn.,  thence  to  Illinois,  where  Mrs. 
Looney  died.  David  Looney  moved  to  New 
Diggings,  where  he  lived  with  his  son  Abra- 
ham until  his  death.  Robert  Looney,  the  fa- 
ther of  David,  was  a colonel  in  the  Revolution- 
ary war.  David  Looney  and  his  wife  reared  a 
family  of  six  children : Abraham,  the  father 

of  James  S. ; David;  Idetty ; John;  Robert, 
who  crossed  the  Plains  to  California,  where 
he  died  in  i860;  and  Jane,  who  married  Ben- 
jamin Beaseley,  and  died  in  Missouri. 

In  1826  Abraham  Looney  settled  in  New 
Diggings,  Wis.,  where  for  a time  he  was  en- 
gaged in  smelting  ore.  Later  fie  took  a farm 
of  prairie  land,  by  pre-emption.  In  his  mature 
life  he  became  an  extensive  land  owner.  Dur- 
ing the  Black  Hawk  war,  with  others,  he  erect- 
ed a fort  on  his  farm,  to  protect  the  families  I 


from  the  Indian  raids.  For  a number  of  years 
Mr.  Looney  carried  on  a store,  shipping  miners’ 
supplies  throughout  the  district.  In  1828  he 
was  married  to  Huldah  Bean,  a daughter  of 
Ahab  Bean,  who  settled  in  Lafayette  county  for 
a while,  then  returning  to  Missouri.  At  a later 
period  he  came  to  Wisconsin  a second  time, 
settling  in  Iowa  county,  where  the  last  years 
of  his  life  were  spent,  and  where  lie  died. 
Abraham  Loone)^  made  his  home  in  New  Dig- 
gings until  the  death  of  his  wife,  in  1845; 
she  left  four  children.  He  was  subsenuently 
married  to  Mrs.  Hannah  Gear.  Mr.  Looney 
died  in  1884,  his  wife  some  years  previously. 
His  children  were  : ( 1 ) Melville,  born  at  the 

old  home  in  1835,  married  William  J.  Bird,  a 
native  of  Canada,  and  a local  minister.  They 
are  now  living  retired  in  the  town  of  Darling- 
ton, and  have  had  four  children,  Charles, 
Huldah,  Isabelle  and  Lincoln.  (2)  Henry, 
born  in  1837,  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  A. 
Hayth,  of  Wisconsin.  They  are  residing  in 
Ballard,  Wash.,  and  have  a family  of  six  chil- 
dren, Wallace, . Cora,  Abraham,  Eva,  Charles 
and  Maud.  (3)  James  S.  (4)  Abraham, 
born  in  Lafayette  county  in  1844,  was  edu- 
cated at  Morris,  111.  He  was  married  to  Miss 
Julia  A.  Evans,  of  New  Diggings,  and  they 
settled  on  one  of  his  father’s  farms  in  La- 
fayette county,  where  they  lived  until  1878, 
when  they  removed  to  Iowa,  and  a few  years 
later  to  Ballard,  Wash.,  where  they  now  re- 
side. They  have  three  children,  Russell,  Jessie 
' and  Ella. 

James  S.  Looney  obtained  his  early  educa- 
tion in  the  public  schools  of  New  Diggings, 
and  later  on  was  a student  in  Rock  River  Sem- 
inary. For  three  years  he  followed  teaching 
in  his  own  county.  He  became  a soldier  at  the 
outbreak  of  the  Civil  war,  enlisting  in  Com- 
pany I,  3d  Wis.  V.  I.,  July  19,  1861,  under 
Capt.  Howard  Vandergriff,  of  Shullsburg. 
He  was  mustered  in  at  Fond  du  Lac,  and  the 
regiment  was  assigned  to  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac.  Its  first  engagement  was  at  Charles- 
town, Va.,  and  it  was  also  at  Winchester, 
after  which  battle  our  subject  was  part  of  the 
force  that  arrested  the  Legislature  of  Mary- 
land, while  it  was  in  session  for  the  purpose 
of  joining  the  Southern  Confederacy.  Mr. 
Looney  was  in  the  battle  at  Strasburg,  and  also 
at  Cedar  Mountain,  in  1862.  He  participated 
in  the  second  battle  of  Bull  Run  that  same 
summer.  In  September  of  the  same  year  he 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


was  a soldier  in  the  terrible  battle  of  Antietam, 
where  his  regiment  lost  heavily  in  killed  and 
wounded.  At  Chancellorsville  the  3d  Wiscon- 
sin lost  ninety-six  killed  and  wounded ; at 
Gettysburg  the  regiment  was  engaged  in  the 
battle  for  three  days.  From  that  bloody  field 
the  3d  was  sent  to  New  York,  to  crush  the 
draft  riots  in  that  city.  The  following  Sep- 
tember the  regiment  returned  to  Alexandria, 
Va.,  and  the  entire  corps  was  presently  attached 
to  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland.  At  Steven- 
son, Ala.,  the  3d  was  on  guard  duty  for  a 
time.  While  at  that  point  the  company  to 
which  Mr.  Looney  belonged  re-enlisted,  and 
he  was  one  of  the  first  to  enroll  himself  for  the 
war. 

Mr.  Looney  was  married,  while  home  on  a 
furlough,  Jan.  15,  1864,  to  Miss  Jane,  a daugh- 
ter of  William  and  Adeline  (Kirkham)  May. 
The  Mays  came  to  New  Diggings  at  an  early 
day,  and  here  they  lived  and  died.  Mrs. 
Looney  was  born  in  Missouri  in  October,  1S40. 
Mr.  Looney  went  back  to  his  regiment,  then  in 
Tennessee,  and  the  3d  participated  in  the  splen- 
did campaigning  that  led  up  to  the  fall  of  At- 
lanta, and  was  part  of  the  Union  forces  at 
Resaca.  Mr.  Looney  had  a hand  in  the  battles 
at  Dallas,  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree 
Creek,  and  at  the  last-named  battle  he  was 
wounded,  July  21,  1864,  by  a minie  ball,  in 
the  knee.  He  was  taken  to  the  field  hospital, 
where  he  remained  until  he  was  able  to  re- 
join his  regiment  at  Atlanta,  and  accompany 
Gen.  Sherman  on  his  march  to  the  sea.  They 
followed  Johnson  and  his  retreating  Rebel 
hosts  to  Raleigh,  where  they  witnessed  the 
final  fighting  of  the  war.  The  3d  took  part 
in  the  grand  review  at  Washington.  Mr. 
Looney  made  a record  of  which  any  soldier 
might  be  proud.  He  was  in  twenty-one  heavy 
battles,  and  was  twice  wounded.  He  was  dis- 
charged at  Louisville,  Ivy.,  July  18,  1865,  and 
hastened  to  resume  the  peaceful  industry  which 
he  had  for  the  time  abandoned  to  take  part 
in  the  dreadful  game  of  war.  He  lived  on  the 
old  homestead  until  1896,  when  he  bought 
real  estate  in  the  town  of  Benton,  where  he  has 
erected  one  of  the  finest  modern  homes  to  be 
found  in  the  entire  region.  He  put  up  new 
buildings  on  the  farm,  and  is  the  proprietor  of 
several  tenements  in  Benton,  which  he  rents. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  fiLooney  have  been  born 
three  children:  (1)  Huldah,  born  in  1866, 

married  William  Cottingham,  and  is  now  liv- 


361 


ing  on  a farm  of  Mr.  Looney,  joining  the  old 
homestead.  They  have  a family  of  seven  chil- 
dren, Charles,  Virl,  Glanard,  Benjamin,  Archie, 
Letha,  and  Gay.  (2)  Arche,  born  at  the  old 
home  in  April,  1872,  was  married  ,to  Miss 
Maggie  Sullivan,  and  lives  in  New  Diggings; 
they  have  one  son,  James.  (3)  Joseph  PL, 
born  in  November,  1873,  was  married  to  Miss 
Jennie  Sullivan,  and  resides  on  part  of  the 
old  homestead  in  New  Diggings. 

Mr.  Looney  is  a Republican,  and  has  held 
the  office  of  mayor  in  Benton.  While  a resi- 
dent of  New  Diggings  he  was  called  on  to 
fill  many  local  offices.  Socially  he  belongs  to 
Thomas  H.  Oates  Post,  No.  96,  G.  A.  R., 
Shullsburg,  is  also  a member  of  the  Inde- 
pendent Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  Benton 
Lodge,  Iv.  P.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Looney  belong 
to  the  Order  of  Rebekahs.  Both  attend  the 
Methodist  Church,  to  which  she  belongs.  Mr. 
Looney  is  a popular  and  successful  business 
man,  a careful  financier,  and  an  upright  char- 
acter. He  is  an  honest  and  genial  gentleman, 
and  enjoys  the  esteem  of  many  friends. 

GEN.  JAMES  BINTLIFF.  The  people 
of  Wisconsin  will  always  read  with  pleasure 
incidents  in  the  lives  of  those  who,  through  its 
half  century  of  growth,  have  taken  an  active 
part  in  shaping  its  destinies.  Such  a man  was 
Gen.  James  Bintliff,  who,  from  1S51  to  1896, 
was  well  known  in  Wisconsin  and  beyond  its 
borders  as  one  who  in  every  walk  of  life  la- 
bored to  assist  in  establishing  the  community 
and  the  State  upon  the  broad  foundations  of 
truth,  justice  and  humanity.  Although  he 
passed  the  evening  of  life  in  a neighboring 
State,  his  heart  was  ever  with  Wisconsin,  and 
his  best  wishes  for  its  prosperity. 

Gen.  Bintliff  was  the  son  of  Gershom  and 
Maria  H.  Bintliff,  and  was  born  in  Yorkshire, 
England,  on  Nov.  1,  1824.  At  the  age  of 
fifteen  lie  became  a clerk  in  a lawyer’s  office  at 
Halifax,  and  was  subsequently  bookkeeper  for 
the  Halifax  & Wakefield  Canal  Co.  In  1841 
his  father  and  mother,  with  four  children,  came 
to  the  United  States,  and  the  next  year  he  fol- 
lowed them  with  the  younger  brother  and  sis- 
ter. They  settled  in  New  York,  where,  in 
1847,  at  Skaneateles,  he  was  married  to  Miss 
Harriet  Snook,  daughter  of  John  Snook,  of 
Somersetshire,  England.  From  the  time  of 
his  marriage  until  1851  he  was  a partner  with 
Air.  Snook  in  business ; then  he  came  to  Green 


362 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


county,  this  State,  where  he  took  the  position 
of  cashier  of  the  Bank  of  Monroe.  In  1856  he 
was  elected  register  of  deeds  for  Green  county, 
and  was  admitted  to  the  Bar  in  1859.  The 
next  year  he  bought  an  interest  in  the  Monroe 
Sentinel , the  leading  newspaper  of  the  county, 
of  which  he  afterward  became  the  sole  pro- 
prietor. 

Soon  after  the  beginning  of  the  Civil  war 
Mr.  Bintliff  recruited  a company  of  volunteers, 
of  which  he  was  commissioned  captain.  This 
company  was  mustered  into  the  service  on 
Sept.  2,  1862,  as  Company  G,  of  the  22d  Wis. 
V.  I.,  and  was  ordered  to  Kentucky,  taking 
part  in  several  minor  engagements  on  its  way 
between  Louisville  and  Nashville.  A detach- 
ment of  the  regiment,  including  Company  G, 
was  ordered  to  Brentwood,  Tenn.,  where  it 
was  attacked  and  captured  by  a large  force 
under  Gen.  Forrest,  on  March  25,  1863,  and 
sent  to  Libby  prison,  where  our  subject  was 
confined  until  the  following  May,  when  he  was 
exchanged  and  joined  his  command  in  St. 
Louis.  In  March,  1864,  Capt.  Bintliff  was 
commissioned  by  Gov.  Lewis,  colonel  of  the 
38th  Wis.  V.  I.,  which  was  sent  to  the  Army 
of  the  Potomac,  and  took  an  honorable  part 
in  the  series  of  engagements  that  led  up  to 
the  capture  of  Petersburg  and  the  end  of  the 
war.  in  the  final  assault  on  Petersburg,  Col. 
Bintliff,  with  his  command,  which  consisted 
of  three  regiments,  was  the  first  to  break 
through  the  enemy's  lines  and  capture  and  hold 
an  important  fort  until  the  whole  line  was 
evacuated.  During  the  day  of  April  2,  1865, 
he  held  the  position  he  had  captured,  Fort 
Mahone,  against  three  attacks  from  a division 
of  the  Confederate  army  under  Maj.  Gen. 
Gordon.  The  three  regiments  which  Col. 
Bintliff  commanded  were  his  own  38th  Wis., 
under  the  immediate  command  of  Maj.  Rob- 
erts; the  109th  N.  Y.,  under  Lieut.  Col.  Pier, 
of  the  38th  Wis. ; and  the  207th  Penna.,  com- 
manded by  Col.  R.  C.  Cox.  At  ten  o’clock 
that  night  he  was  sent  to  take  command  of  the 
d bird  Brigade,  against  which  a further  attack 
was  expected.-  Maj.  Gen.  Hartranft,  in  his 
official  report  of  the  campaign,  and  also  Col. 
Sam  Harriman,  in  his  report,  both  extol  the 
gallantry  of  Col.  Bintliff  for  his  brilliant  serv- 
ices on  this  occasion,  recommending  his  pro- 
motion ; and  he  was  accordingly  commissioned 
brigadier  general  by  the  President,  and  con- 
tinued in  command  of  the  Third  Brigade  until 


the  close  of  the  war,  being  mustered  out  in 
June,  1865. 

Gen.  Bintliff  returned  to  Monroe  and  en- 
gaged in  mercantile  business  until  1870,  when 
he  purchased  an  interest  in  the  Janesville 
Gazette  and  removed  to  that  city,  remaining  in 
charge  of  that  paper  until  1878,  when  he 
bought  the  Republican,  of  Darlington.  For 
five  years  he  edited  the  Republican  with  abil- 
ity, and  then  transferred  it  to  his  son,  E.  H. 
Bintliff,  and  J.  G.  Monahan,  the  latter  of  whom 
has  since  become  its  sole  owner. 

W hen  the  Board  of  Supervision  of  the 
Penal  and  Reformatory  Institutions  of  the 
State  was  organized  under  the  law  of  1881, 
Gen.  Bintliff  was  appointed  one  of  its  mem- 
bers, and  after  he  disposed  of  the  Republican 
he  devoted  his  whole  time  and  attention  to  his 
official  duties.  Deeply  interested  in  the  ques- 
tions of  sociology,  the  discussion  of  which  is 
so  characteristic  of  the  close  of  the  century,  he 
was  a valuable  and  influential  member  of  the 
board,  possessing  great  executive  ability.  Gen. 
Bintliff  was  also  made  a trustee  of  the  Wiscon- 
sin Soldiers  Orphans  Home,  and  president  of 
that  board  from  1877  until  its  labors  were  con- 
cluded, and  the  last  of  its  funds  distributed  to 
those  entitled,  in  1896.  After  the  expiration 
of  his  second  term  in  the  Board  of  Supervision 
he  was  in  no  active  business.  Until  1896  his 
residence  remained  in  Darlington,  when  he  re- 
moved to  Chicago,  where  he  lived  with  his 
widowed  daughter  at  7429  Bond  avenue, 
Windsor  Park.  Another  daughter,  Mrs.  Ida 
Simpson,  resides  in  the  same  block;  and  his 
only  surviving  son,  Edward  H.  Bintliff,  is  the 
editor  of  the  Kankakee  Gazette,  while  two 
grandsons  are  in  business  at  St.  Louis,  Mo. 
During  all  this  time  the  wife  of  his  youth 
shared  the  vicissitudes  of  his  career,  and 
although  herself  full  of  years,  felt  less  the  in- 
firmities of  age,  and  was  the  solace  of  his 
declining  days. 

Gen.  Bintliff  was  lame  from  the  result  of 
a fall  which  dislocated  his  hip,  and  within  the 
last  ,year  of  'his  life  became  blind,  so  as  to  be 
unable  to  read  or  to  recognize  his  friends  ex- 
cept by  the  voice ; while  his  general  health 
failed,  his  mental  faculties  were  bright,  and 
the  abundant  resources  of  a well-stored  mind 
were  at  his  command  to  aid  him  in  bearing  his 
infirmities  with  eauanimity.  Always  a great 
student,  especially  in  the  line  of  humanitarian 
studies,  he  recalled  much  that  was  interesting, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


363 


and  continued1  to  delight  in  learning  concern- 
ing questions  that  touch  the  life  and  well-being 
of  his  fellow-men.  Instead  of  bemoaning  his 
condition,  however,  he  maintained  his  cheer- 
fulness by  striving  to  inculcate  in  the  minds  of 
all  within  the  wide  range  of  his  influence,  tho§e 
principles  of  brotherly  kindness  that  he  had 
proven  and  found  to  have  enduring  value, 
lie  entered  into  rest  March  16,  1901. 

JOHN  M.  RIGGS  is  numbered  among  the 
brave  veterans  of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion  who 
still  remain  to  tell  the  story  of  those  terrible 
days,  when  courage  was  tried  to  the  utmost, 
and  the  flag  was  saved,  although  drenched  with 
the  blood  of  thousands. 

Mr.  Riggs  was  born  in  Meigs  county,  Ohio, 
in  1834,  son  of  William  R.  and  Lavina  (Bur- 
ris) Riggs,  the  former  a native  of  Virginia. 
The  family  removed  from  Ohio  to  Missouri, 
and  from  that  State  to  Wisconsin  in  1844,  set- 
tling at  Belmont.  In  1849  the  father  crossed 
the  Plains  to  California,  and  died  there  not 
long  after  his  arrival,  the  mother  surviving 
him  many  years.  In  their  family  were  two 
sons  and  two  daughters,  of  whom  only  the  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch  and  his  sister  Virginia  Ann, 
who  lives  in  Michigan,  now  (1901)  survive. 

• John  M.  Riggs  was  reared  upon  a farm. 
In  1851  he  crossed  the  Plains  to  California, 
returning  in  1854,  but  in  1855  he  went  back 
once  more,  and  remained  until  the  fall  of  the 
following  year.  When  the  Civil  war  broke  out 
Mr.  Riggs  felt  that  his  sympathies  demanded 
that  he  offer  his  services,  and  on  Aug.  16, 
1862,  he  enlisted  in  Company  B,  33d  Wis.  V. 
L,  his  services  extending  over  a period  of  three 
years,  or  until  the  close  of  the  war.  During 
this  time  Mr.  Riggs  took  part  in  many  of  the 
important  events  of  that  time,  the  regiment 
leaving  the  State  under  the  command  of  Col. 
Jonathan  B.  Moore,  who  had  been  sheriff  of 
Grant  county,  Capt.  George  R.  Frank  in  com- 
mand of  Company  B.  On  October  18,  1862, 
the  regiment  was  mustered  into  the  service, 
and  left  for  the  front  the  following  month, 
proceeding  directly  to  Memphis,  Tenn.,  where 
it  was  assigned  to  Gen.  Lawman’s  division,  in 
Gen.  Sherman's  Army  of  the  Tennessee.  This 
division  became  a part  of  the  16th  Army 
Corps,  and  took  an  active  part  in  the  siege  of 
Vicksburg,  attack  on  Jackson,  and  the  Merid- 
ian expedition.  One  of  the  important  events 
in  which  the  33d  participated  was  the  bloody 


battle  of  Tupelo.  After  many  hard  marches 
and  several  important  battles, .the  33d  reached 
Nashville  Nov.  30,  1864.  In  March  of  the 
following  year  the  regiment  joined  in  the  at- 
tack on  Spanish  Fort,  and  after  the  surrender 
of  Mobile  moved  on  to  Montgomery,  Ala., 
where  they  did  picket  duty.  Later  they  were 
ordered  to  Vicksburg  and  mustered  out,  and 
finally,  in  August,  1865,  disbanded  at  Madison, 
Wis.  It  has  been  truly  said  of  the  33d  that 
few  regiments  saw  more  severe  service  and 
that  its  record  is  untarnished  by  any  cowardly 
or  dishonorable  action.  Mr.  Riggs'  health  was 
badly  broken  as  a result  of  his  service,  and  as 
lie  grows  older  he  realizes  just  how  much  he 
and  his  companions  gave  to  their  country. 
Since  the  war  Mr.  Riggs  has  resided  on  his 
farm,  where  all  of  his  children  were  born  and 
reared. 

In  May,  1871,  John  M.  Riggs  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Lydia  Beam,  who  was  born  in 
New  Jersey  in  1846  and  brought  by  her  fam- 
ily to  Illinois  and  later  to  Wisconsin.  Pier 
parents  are  still  living,  and  reside  in  Watters- 
town.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Riggs  have  four  sons 
and  two  daughters:  John  M.,  Mamie,  Frank, 

James  E.,  Elsie  V.  and  Floyd.  The  four 
youngest  are  still  residing  with  their  parents, 
while  the  others  are  settled  not  far  away.  The 
home  of  the  Riggs  family  is  a very  pleasant 
one,  and  both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Riggs  are  highly 
respected  by  all  who  know  them.  Mr.  Riggs 
has  proven  himself  a loyal  citizen,  good  hus- 
band and  father,  and  kind  friend,  and  no  one 
is  better  entitled  to  an  honorable  place  in  the 
records  of  Grant  county  than  he. 

CHRISTOPHER  MEINERT.  Among 
the  respected  residents  of  the  beautiful  town 
of  Albany,  Green  county,  within  whose  borders 
reside  so  many  of  the  successful  and  substan- 
tial citizens  of  Albany  township,  is  Christopher 
Meinert,  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  His  birth 
took  place  in  Pickaway  county,  Ohio,  on  July 
13,  1818,  a son  of  Garrett  Henry  and  Catherine 
(Wonderly)  Meinert,  both  of  whom  were  na- 
tives of  Germany.  A family  of  nine  children 
were  born  to  them,  only  two  of  whom  survive, 
our  subject  and  his  sister  Angeline,  who  is  the 
wife  of  Jacob  Abley,  of  Albany  township. 

The  paternal  grandfather  died  in  Germany, 
where  he  was  a farmer  by  occupation ; the  ma- 
ternal grandfather  followed  teaming  in  a Penn- 
sylvania hamlet,  where  he  died,  although  he 


364 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


had  been  born  in  Germany.  The  father  of  our 
subject  was  reared  on  a farm  in  his  native 
country,  and  engaged  at  work  in  a sugar  re- 
finery after  coming  to  New  York,  in  that 
city  he  married,  and  then  moved  to  Ohio,  rent- 
ing a farm  in  Pickaway  county,  selling  out 
later  and  moving  to  Vermilion  county,  Ind., 
where  he  bought  a farm  of  eighty  acres  from 
the  government,  dying  at  this  place  in  1858, 
in  Ins  fifty-ninth  year.  His  wife  survived  him 
many  years,  being  aged  eighty-one  when  she 
passed  away.  In  religious  faith  she  was  a 
Methodist,  while  he  was  identified  with  the 
Lutheran  Church,  both  being  good  and  worthy 
people,  who  possessed  the  respect  of  all. 

Christopher  Meinert  was  reared  principally 
in  Indiana,  where  he  attended  the  district 
schools.  His  occupation  has  always  been  that 
of  a farmer,  in  which  he  has  met  with  great 
success.  In  1S41  he  came  with  his  wife  and 
baby  to  Wisconsin,  landing  in  Green  county 
on  Oct.  14,  and  settling  on  a farm  three  miles 
east  of  Monroe,  where  lie  built  a cabin  and  re- 
mained twenty  months.  Finding  more  desir- 
able land  in  Albany  township,  he  moved  there, 
purchasing  240  acres  of  land  a short  distance 
west  of  the  village.  Here  the  family  resided 
until  1884,  when  Mr.  Meinert  rented  out  his 
land  and  bought  one  of  the  best  houses  in  the 
village  of  Albany,  living  there  in  comfort  .ever 
since.  1 he  farm  is  still  in  his  possession,  and 
is  a fine  place,  well  cultivated  and  improved 
with  excellent  buildings. 

Mr.  Meinert  was  married  on  Feb.  14,  1838, 
to  Miss  Elizabeth  Frazier,  a daughter  of  James 
and  Elizabeth  (Cade)  Frazier,  and  five  chil- 
dren were  born  to  this  union,  one  of  whom 
died  in  infancy;  Martha  (deceased)  married 
Joshua  Brown,  and  had  one  son,  Floyd ; Eli 
married  Ida  Andrews,  and  lives  in  Lemhi 
county,  Idaho,  with  two  children,  Ernest  and 
Ina;  Mary  married  Milton  McPherson  and 
they  live  in  Idaho,  with  one  daughter,  Theo; 
and  Sarah,  Mrs.  Hyde,  who  lives  in  Idaho,  and 
has  two  children.  The  mother  of  these  children 
died  on  April  9,  1851,  aged  about  thirty-two, 
a worthy  member  of  the  Christian  Church. 
For  his  second  wife  Mr.  Meinert  married,  Nov. 
20,  1851,  Mrs.  Abigail  Mead,  a daughter  of 
Joseph  and  Charlotte  (Hellenbolt)  Dory,  and 
the  widow  of  Ames  Mead.  Six  children  have 
resulted  from  this  marriage:  Garrett  H.,  who 

married  Emily  Aulthouse,  lives  at  West  Bend, 
Wis.,  and  has  two  children,  Adolph  and  Hat- 


tie ; Isaac  died  at  the  age  of  seven ; Irad  mar- 
ried and  lives  in  Hailey,  Idaho;  Frances,  who 
married  Dick  Sherkamp,  lives  in  Albany; 
Dora,  deceased,,  married  Floyd  Flint,  and  left 
one  daughter,  Dora  Addie,  residing  in  Albany ; 
Statirah  lives  at  home.  Garrett  Henry  and 
wife,  and  also  Mr.  Sherkamp,  are  mutes.  One 
son  was  born  to  Mrs.  Meinert  by  her  former 
marriage,  Oscar  A.  Mead,  who  married  Hattie 
Kenney  and  has  two  children,  Hattie  and 
Merton. 

The  father  of  Mrs.  Meinert  was  a native 
of  France,  her  mother  of  New  York,  the  for- 
mer taking  part  in  the  war  of  1812.  Her  first 
husband  took  part  in  the  rebellion  in  Canada, 
m 1837. 

Although  not  a politician,  Mr.  Meinert  has 
settled  views  on  public  questions,  and  belongs 
to  the  Socialist  party.  For  several  terms  he 
served  the  township  as  supervisor,  performing 
his  duties  faithfully  and  well.  The  family  is 
well  known,  and  Mr.  Meinert  is  a shining  ex- 
ample of  industry  and  honesty  well  rewarded. 
He  is  a member  of  the  Christian  Church. 

JOSEPH  GOODRICH  CARR,  one  of 
Rock  county’s  substantial  and  intelligent  farm- 
ers, is  the  oldest  native  now  living  in  the  town 
of  Milton,  being  the  fourth  male  white  child 
born  in  the  township. 

Peleg  S.  Carr,  his  father,  was  born  in 
Stephentown,  N.  Y.,  April  23,  1794,  and  mar- 
ried Deborah  Goodrich  Jan.  11,  1816.  To  them 
were  born  ten  children,  all  of  whom  lived  to 
advanced  maturity.  He  was  of  English  an- 
cestry, and  directly  descended  from  Robert 
Carr,  who  sailed  for  New  England  on  the  9th 
of  May,  1635,  in  the  good  ship  “Elizabeth 
Ann.”  He  was  also  one  of  the  original  pur- 
chasers from  the  Indians  of  the  island  Conani- 
cut,  in  Narragansett  bay,  consisting  of  about 
six  thousand  acres. 

Deborah  Carr,  the  mother  of  the  subject 
of  this  sketch,  was  a lineal  descendant  of  John 
Goodrich,  who  emigrated  from  England  in 
1644.  She  was  born  Jan.  26,  1794*  at 

Goodrich  Hollow,  near  Hancock,  Mass. 
She  possessed  a vigorous  constitution,  and 
was  a woman  of  more  than  ordinary  ex- 
ecutive ability,  and  her  industrious,  self-reliant 
nature  has  been  an  important  factor  in  the 
■ career  of  her  children.  She  died  at  the  home 
of  her  son  Joseph,  Sept.  24,  1874,  at  the  ad- 
vanced age  of  eighty  years.  For  many  years, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


365 


with  characteristic  energy,  she  toiled  with  her 
husband  among  the  Berkshire  hills,  but  the  op- 
portunities for  bettering  their  condition  were 
meager,  and  they  resolved  to  try  their  fortune 
in  tire  land  beyond  the  Great  Lakes.  1 hey 
arrived  at  the  home  of  Mrs:  Carr’s  brother, 
Joseph  Goodrich,  May  26,  1S39,  accompanied 
by  a family  of  eight  children,  and  also  a son- 
in-law,  Nathaniel  Rose.  The  next  day  they 
purchased  a claim  of  4S0  acres,  and  at  once  ' 
moved  their  small  possessions  into  a little  log 
cabin  14x18,  and  commenced  pioneer  life  in 
earnest.  Joseph  G.  was  born  on  the  19th  of 
the  following  March,  1840.  Thus  he  has  been 
an  eye-witness  to  the  development  that  has 
transformed  a wild,  trackless  prairie  and  wood- 
lands into  a high  state  of  cultivation,  sharing 
the  privations  peculiar  to  pioneer  life,  and  be- 
coming part  of  the  growth  of  the  town  by 
aiding  largely  in  the  work  that  has  made  south- 
ern Wisconsin  bloom  and  blossom  like  a gar- 
den. After  his  father's  death,  which  occurred 
Sept.  28,  1846,  he  lived  with  his  mother,  at 
the  old  homestead,  until  1854,  when  his  brother, 
Solomon  C.  Carr,  became  its  owner.  His 
mother  then  purchased  eighty  acres  of  land 
which  were  still  in  an  uncultivated  condition, 
and  erected  a comfortable  house  and  outbuild- 
ings, and  her  sons  Elijah  M.  and  Joseph  G. 
began  to  convert  the  land  into  fertile  fields 
which  yielded  an  abundant  harvest. 

On  the  17th  day  of  October,  1863,  Mr.  Carr 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Phoebe  Isa- 
belle Maxson,  by  Rev.  James  Rogers.  Five 
children  have  blessed  their  union,  of  whom 
Maude,  born  Aug.  13,  1882,  died  Feb.  27, 
1884.  Fred  M.,  born  April  2,  1865,  is  an  en- 
ergetic farmer  at  Marshfield,  Wis. ; he  married 
Miss  Ella  Palmer  March  28,  1894,  and  they 
have  two  children,  Haldane,  born  Feb.  25, 
1895,  ancl  Maude,  born  May  12,  1899.  Anna- 
bel, born  April  7,  1866,  married  Ludwig  Kum- 
lien,  professor  of  physics  and  natural  history 
in  Milton  College,  Dec.  21,  1892;  their  chil- 
dren are  Carr,  born  Dec.  6,  1893;  Lorraine, 
born  Feb.  28,  1896;  and  Alice,  born  Oct.  30, 
1900.  Joseph  L.,  born  April  7,  1870,  resides 
in  Chicago ; he  married  Miss  Charlotte  Maxson 
June  10,  1896.  Alice  M.,  born  Jan.  17,  1875. 
married  Fred  H.  Campbell  June  27,  1894,  and 
resides  in  Edgerton,  Wis. ; they  have  had  two 
children,  Lenore,  born  Oct.  13,  1897,  who  died 
Aug.  31,  1898;  and  Phyllis,  born  April  11, 
^99. 


Mrs.  Carr  was  the  daughter  of  Nathan 
Maxson  and  Susan  Isabelle  V\  ell,  who  were 
married  Sept.  23,  1844.  Both  were  natives 
of  New  York.  Four  children  were  born  to 
them:  Phcebe  I.,  Oct.  8,  1845,  in  Alfred,  N. 

Y. ; Nathan  E.,  July  29,  1847;  Mary  G.,  April 
17,  1849;  an(l  Adelbert  W.,  March  19,  1852, 
who  died  May  14,  1890,  in  the  Indian  Terri- 
tory. Nathan  Maxson  was  born  Oct.  23,  1819, 
m Alfred,  Allegany  Co.,  N.  Y.,  one  of  eight 
children  born  of  the  marriage  of  Luke  Max- 
son  and  Susannah  Greene,  which  occurred  in 
1807,  and  was  the  first  marriage  celebrated  in 
the  town  of  Alfred,  N.  Y.  The  fathers  of 
both  contracting  parties  being  Revolutionary 
soldiers,  Mrs.  Carr  is  thus  entitled  to  member- 
ship in  the  Daughters  of  the  American  Revo- 
lution. Mrs.  Carr's  parents  were  early  settlers 
of  Milton,  and  were  people  of  much  character 
and  intelligence.  Both  are  deceased,  Mr.  Max- 
son  having  died  Feb.  17,  1855,  and  his  wife 
Oct.  31,  1866. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Carr  began  their  married 
life  upon  that  portion  of  the  homestead  which 
belonged  to  his  mother,  where  they  yet  reside, 
he  having  purchased  the  same  in  1866,  thus 
adding  to  his  original  fifty  acres.  Oak  Lawn 
now  consists  of  250  acres  of  improved  land, 
which  he  has  brought  to  a state  of  fertility 
from  the  virgin  soil,  and  which  is  now  notice- 
able in  this  region  of  fine  farms  for  its  beau- 
tiful lawn,  commodious  residence,  excellent 
barns  and  outbuildings — all  models  of  con- 
venience and  bespeaking  the  thrift  and  enter- 
prise of  the  energetic  owner.  For  years  he 
has  made  a specialty  of  dairy  stock  raising, 
and  his  herd  of  fifty  grade  Jerseys  are  the  pride 
of  Oak  Lawn. 

Socially  Mr.  Carr  has  been  an  earnest,  un- 
tiring worker  of  the  Patrons  of  Husbandry, 
and  Du  Lac  Grange,  No.  72,  owes  its  orig.n 
to  him  and  his  neighbor,  Robert  Stockman, 
who  perfected  the  organization  Feb.  18,  1873; 
he  has  served  as  worthy  master  of  same  several 
years.  He  was  chosen  treasurer  of  the  Milton 
Junction  Building  Association  at  its  organiza- 
tion, in  1881,  and  has  served  in  the  office  con- 
tinually since  then.  In  politics  he  is  an  ardent 
supporter  of  the  Republican  party,  and  has 
taken  a deep  interest  in  public  affairs  and  im- 
provements of  all  kinds,  as  every  true  Ameri- 
can should  do,  but  was  never  an  aspirant  for 
office. 

Though  of  a retiring,  unassuming  nature, 


366 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Mr.  Carr  is  a benevolent,  whole-souled  man, 
and  his  honorable,  upright  life  during  Ins  long- 
continued  residence  in  the  same  community, 
for  more  than  sixty  years,  has  won  for  him  the 
respect  and  confidence  of  all  who  know  him, 
and  he  is  deservedly  held  in  high  esteem  as 
a valued  friend  and  citizen,  and  a man  of  ster- 
ling worth.  His  worthy  wife  has  been  truly  a 
helpmeet  in  all  branches  of  his  business,  and 
their  lives  have  been  a marked  success. 

DWIGHT  TIMOTHY  PARKER,  Sr., 
who  throughout  his  active  life  was  a prominent 
business  man  of  Grant  county,  died  while  still 
a young  man ; but  probably  no  man  in  the  list 
of  the  early  settlers  of  the  county  contributed 
in  as  great  a degree  as  did  he  to  its  material 
growth  and  development  when  the  limited 
number  of  years  of  his  business  life  proper  is 
considered,  and  the  comparatively  early  age 
at  which  he  passed  away. 

Dwight  Timothy  Parker,  Sr.,  was  born 
in  the  village  of  Malone,  Franklin  Co.,  N.  Y., 
Dec.  21,  1821.  His  parents,  Enos  and  Mary 
(Todd)  Parker,  both  belonged  to  old  New 
England  families.  Investigation  into  the  an- 
cestry of  the  Parker  family  discloses  the  fact 
that  it  is  descended  directly  from  Catherine 
Cole,  one  of  the  pilgrim  band  that  landed  from 
the  “Mayflower”  on  Plymouth  Rock  in  Decem- 
ber, 1620.  Mary  Todd  Parker  belonged  to  a 
well-known  New  England  family  that  was  well 
represented  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  and 
she  was  a sister  of  Rev.  John  Todd,  a famous 
New  England  divine.  This  estimable  woman 
possessed  many  of  the  characteristic  traits  that 
rendered  her  family  so  noted.  Unfortunately 
her  children  were  deprived  of  her  love  and  care 
when  still  very  small,  she  dying  when  Dwight 
T.  Parker  was  but  a child,  leaving  behind  her 
two  sons  and  one  daughter  who  attained  to 
mature  years.  Of  these  children,  ( 1 ) Dwight 
T.  was  the  eldest.  (2)  Arunah  came  to  Grant 
county,  Wis.,  after  his  brother,  and  studied 
law  with  J.  Allen  Barber,  of  Lancaster,  Wis., 
with  whom  he  practiced  until  1848,  when  he 
was  elected  county  clerk.  Later  he  took  a 
trip  through  the  South,  and  finally  became 
identified  with  copper  mining  interests  in  Penn- 
sylvania, and  at  the  same  time  had  a law  office 
in  New  York  City.  His  death  occurred  in 
1855,  when  he  was  aged  thirty.  (3)  Mary, 
named  after  her  mother,  married  John  Newton, 


a prominent  citizen  of  Prairie  du  Chien;  she 
died  in  the  autumn  of  1871. 

Enos  Parker  was  twice  married  after  the 
death  of  his  first  wife.  To  the  second  union 
four  children  were  born:  George  W.,  who 

came  to  Grant  county  in  1856,  was  for  a time 
employed  as  clerk  by  his  brother  Dwight,  and 
for  many  years  was  a member  of  the  firm  of 
Parker,  Hildebrand  & Co.,  of  Boscobel,  of 
which  concern  Dwight  T.  Parker  was  the  senior 
partner;  John  J.,  also  associated  with  his 
brother  Dwight  for  some  time,  finally  went  to 
South  Dakota,  and  died  at  Spearfish,  that 
State,  where  he  was  engaged  in  mining;  Will- 
iam W.  is  now  a resident  of  Spearfish,  S. 
Dak. ; Catherine  became  the  wife  of  Owen 
Gibbs,  of  the  firm  of  Deering,  Milligan  & 
Gibbs,  of  Portland,  Maine,  and  died  in  that 
city  in  1875.  No  children  were  born  to  Enos 
Parker's  third  marriage.  Mr.  Parker  died  at 
the  home  of  his  daughter,  in  Portland,  Maine, 
in  January,  1870,  in  his  seventy-sixth  year,  his 
death  being  the  result  of  a cold  contracted  at 
the  wharf  in  Portland  while  viewing  with 
thousands  of  others  the  coming  into  the  harbor 
of  the  vessel  bearing  the  remains  of  the  famous 
philanthropist,  Peabody,  from  Europe. 

The  Parker  family  were  long  residents  of 
the  State  of  Connecticut,  but  prior  to  the  birth 
of  Dwight  T.  Parker  they  removed  to  New 
York,  and  thence  to  Georgia,  Franklin  Co., 
Vt.,  when  the  latter  was  but  two  years  old. 
Dwight  T.  Parker  was  named  for  Timothy 
Dwight,  Sr.,  long  president  of  Yale  College, 
whom  his  father  greatly  admired.  At  the  pa- 
ternal home  in  Vermont  our  subject  grew  to 
manhood,  working  on  the  farm,  assisting  his 
father,  and  attending  the  country  school  of 
his  neighborhood  in  the  winter.  Reared  in  the 
characteristic  New  England  manner,  habits  of 
perseverance,  industry  and  frugality  were  early 
instilled  into  his  nature,  and  formed  the  key- 
note of  his  after  success.  About  the  time  he 
attained  his  majority  Mr.  Parker  decided  to 
seek  his  fortune  in  the  West,  and  in  1843  lie 
started  toward  the  setting  sun,  his  objective 
point  being  the  then  Territory  of  Wisconsin. 
The  first  stop  he  made  was  at  Watertown,  AVis., 
for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  work  of  some  kind 
to  replenish  his  depleted  purse.  From  that 
place  he  journeyed  to  Lancaster,  Grant  Co., 
Wis.,  most  of  the  way  on  foot,  having  but  a 
few  dollars  in  his  Docket,  but  a superabundance 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


367 


of  good  health,  energy  and  determination. 
Working  at  whatever  honorable  employment 
he  could  find,  no  matter  how  humble,  Mr. 
Parker  tried  mining  and  other  kinds  of  manual 
toil,  by  which  he  accumulated  enough  money 
to  commence  his  active  business  career  in 
1847.  Prior  to  this  he  had  also  taught  sev- 
eral terms  of  country  school,  but  after  en- 
gaging in  business  for  himself  he  continued 
thus  until  his  death.  His  first  venture  was  in' 
the  mercantile  line,  at  Lancaster,  with  N.  W. 
Kendall,  who  was  sheriff  of  Grant  county  in 
1844-46,  under  the  firm  name  of  Kendall  & 
Parker.  Two  years  later  Mr.  Parker  bought 
out  the  interest  of  Mr.  Kendall,  and  for  about 
ten  years  conducted  a large  and  prosperous 
business. 

In  1856,  on  the  coming  of  the  railroad  to 
Boscobel,  Mr.  Parker  saw  increased  facilities 
for  business,  and,  with  his  usual  foresight, 
established  there  what  was  known  as  the  "Peo- 
ple's Store."  This  proved  so  successful  that 
he  established  branch  stores  at  Fennimore  and 
Wauzeka.  While  his  mercantile  interests  were 
extensive,  various  other  enterprises  received  a 
share  of  his  attention,  and  in  February,  1871, 
only  a few  months  prior  to  his  death,  he  estab- 
lished the  First  National  Bank  of  Boscobel,  of 
which  he  was  president  and  principal  owner. 
This  bank  was  continued  until  1879,  when  its 
business  was  succeeded  to  by  A.  J.  Pipkin. 
Mr.  Parker  was  the  owner  of  a fine  stock 
farm  in  the  town  of  Fennimore,  on  which  he 
resided  from  1865  until  1870,  taking  a great 
deal  of  interest  in  his  stock  and  the  develop- 
ment of  the  place.  This  farm  was  the  largest 
and  finest  in  Grant  county,  comprising  about 
one  thousand  acres  under  cultivation  and  many 
more  of  timber  and  unbroken  land.  In  time 
Mr.  Parker  also  became  the  largest  real  estate 
owner  in  Boscobel,  and  in  1869  he  erected,  in 
that  city,  the  largest  and  finest  store  building 
in  Grant  county,  which  is  now,  and  has  been 
continuously,  occupied  by  the  firm  of  Parker, 
Hildebrand  & Co.  The  death  of  Mr.  Parker 
occurred  at  Boscobel  May  21,  1871,  the  re- 
sult of  a tumor,  caused  by  an  injury  received 
two  years  previously. 

The  character  and  career  of  Dwight  Tim- 
othy Parker  are  well  worth  the  emulation  of 
the  youth  of  to-day.  Beginning  life  a poor 
boy,  with  no  advantages  other  than  those  given 
to  an  ordinary  farmer  boy,  by  his  own  industry 
and  determination  to  succeed,  and  the  exercise 


of  a well-balanced  judgment,  he  secured  wealth 
and  a position  in  the  business  world  which  few 
men  attain  in  the  limited  number  of  years  that 
covered  Mr.  Parker’s  business  career.  While 
he  was  essentially  a business  man,  and  the  lead- 
ing one  of  Grant  county,  he  was  public-spirited, 
and  always  prompt  to  assist  with  his  influence 
and  means  any  enterprise  whose  object  was  the 
promotion  of  the  best  interests  of  the  com- 
munity. A member  of  no  church,  he  recog- 
nized the  value  of  religious  teachings,  and  gave 
liberally  to  the  establishment  of  churches  and 
their  support.  Mr.  Parker  was  also  interested 
in  educational  matters,  and  to  the  worthy  poor 
he  ever  lent  a helping  hand.  Notwithstand- 
ing his  large  business  interests,  which  ever  de- 
manded much  of  his  time,  he  found  oppor- 
tunity for  reading,  and  possessed  a well-stored 
mind.  Among  his  favorite  authors  were  Burns 
and  Saxe,  and  he  would  repeat  many  of  the 
finest  quotations  of  the  Scottish  poet  in  native 
dialect  in  a most  delightful  manner.  Mr. 
Parker’s  home  was  a most  beautiful  one,  and 
he  was  a generous  and  liberal  entertainer.  The 
home  circle  was  ever  a happy  one,  and  his 
domestic  relations  were  the  most  pleasant. 
\\  hen  Dwight  T.  Parker  died  Grant  county 
lost  one  of  its  ablest  financiers,  the  community 
one  of  its  most  useful  citizens,  and  his  im- 
mediate family  a kind,  generous,  loving  hus- 
band and  father. 

On  Dec.  27,  1848,  Mr.  Parker  was  mar- 
ried, at  Lancaster,  Wis.,  to  Mary  E.  Shrader, 
born  at  Vandalia,  111.,  Dec.  17,  1829,  a daugh- 
ter of  Lenhart  O.  Shrader,  a prominent  citizen 
of  Lancaster,  who  was  clerk  of  Grant  county 
from  1843  to  1846.  A sister  of  Mr.  Shrader, 
Mary  E.,  became  the  wife  of  Hon.  Charles 
Dunn,  first  Chief  Justice  of  the  Territory  of 
Wisconsin,  and  afterward  Judge  of  the  Fifth 
Wisconsin  Circuit  ; their  daughter  became  the 
wife  of  Nelson  Dewey,  the  first  governor  of 
Wisconsin.  Mrs.  Parker  when  a child  lost 
her  mother,  and  was  reared  in  the  home  of 
Hon.  Charles  Dunn ; she  is  still  living,  residing 
at  the  old  home  at  Boscobel.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Parker  were  born  four  children  ; May  Louise, 
Dwight  Timothy,  Frank  Arunah  and  Charles 
Dewey.  The  first  mentioned  was  born  in  Lan- 
caster June  13,  1851,  and  secured  an  excellent 
education,  graduating  in  music  at  the  Rock- 
ford Female  Seminary  in  1870,  and  in  litera- 
ture at  the  Milwaukee  Female  College  in  1873. 
She  was  married  Feb.  23,  1875,  to  Andrew  J. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


368 


Pipkin,  a prominent  citizen  and  banker  of 
Boscobel.  I hey  have  no  children. 

Dwight  h.  Parker,  Jr.,  president  of  the 
State  Bank  of  Fennimore,  was  born  in  Lan- 
caster June  30,  1856,  and  was  educated  at 
Beloit  College  and  at  the  Wisconsin  State 
University.  In  1878  Mr.  Parker  became  vice- 
president  of  the  First  National  Bank  of  Bos- 
cobel, an  institution  founded  by  his  father,  re- 
maining as  such  until  the  business  was  trans- 
ferred to  A.  J.  Pipkin.  For  sixteen  years  prior 
to  the  organization  of  the  bank  at  Fennimore 
Mr.  Parker  occupied  and  conducted  his  large 
stock  farm  in  Fennimore,  which  is  one  of  the 
finest  in  the  State  of  Wisconsin,  comprising 
500  acres  of  choice  land.  In  1895  Mr.  Parker 
moved  into  the  village  of  Fennimore,  and  in 
1896  established  the  State  Bank  there,  of  which 
he  has  since  been  president.  This  gentleman 
inherits  many  of  the  qualities  of  his  father, 
whom  he  ever  holds  in  fond  remembrance,  by 
whose  teachings  he  endeavors  to  be  governed, 
and  whose  example  he  emulates.  'I  lie  bank- 
ing institution  of  which  he  is  thejiead  is  con- 
ducted on  sound  business  principles.  Its  busi- 
ness has  increased  rapidly  year  by  year,  and  at 
the  beginning  of  1901,  only  four  and  a half 
years  from  the  date  of  its  organization,  its 
deposits  were  $150,000,  which  demonstrates 
the  confidence  the  institution  inspires  in  the 
community.  Mr.  Parker  is  public-spirited,  an 
ardent  Republican,  though  in  no  sense  a poli- 
tician, and  is  ambitious  for  the  success  of  the 
principles  of  his  party,  although  he  has  no  de- 
sire for  public  office.  Mr.  Parker  is  a member 
and  treasurer  of  the  Republican  State  Central 
Committee,  and  chairman  of  the  Grant  County 
Republican  Central  Committee;  also  chairman 
of  the  Special  Jury  Commission  for  Grant 
county,  and  auditor  of  the  Southwestern  Wis- 
consin Mutual  Fire  Insurance  Co.  However, 
as  president  and  chief  stockholder  of  the  State 
Bank  of  Fennimore,  Mr.  Parker’s  energies  are 
chiefly  occupied  ; and  in  addition  to  his  business 
interests  he  in  1895  served  as  chairman  of  the 
town  of  Fennimore  and  as  member  of  the 
finance  committee  of  the  county  board.  At 
the  present  time  he  is  one  of  the  trustees  of 
the  village  of  Fennimore.  He  is  a member  of 
the  Order  of  K.  P.,  and  is  treasurer  of  the 
lodge  at  Fennimore. 

On  Oct.  13,  1880,  Mr.  Parker  was  married 
to  Miss  Cora  B.  Anderson,  of  Ripon,  Wis., 
born  at  Fairview,  Penn.,  April  3,  1858,  daugh- 


ter of  Robert  and  Alice  Anderson,  who  came 
to  Boscobel  about  1868.  Airs.  Parker  grad- 
uated from  the  Boscobel  high  school,  and  was 
a successful  teacher  for  many  years.  Later 
the  family  removed  to  Ripon,  Wis.,  where  she 
was  married  to  Mr.  Parker.  This  lady  is  a 
member  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  is  president  of 
the  Grant  County  W.  C.  T.  U.,  and  an  ardent 
and  faithful  worker  in  the  cause  of  temperance. 
Air.  and  Airs.  Parker  have  five  daughters : 
Ethel  and  Marie  (twins),  Amy,  Eleanor,  and 
Gladys. 

Frank  A.  Parker,  the  second  son  of 
Dwight  T.  Parker,  Sr.,  was  born  at  Boscobel 
Jan.  20,  1859,  and  was  educated  at  Pough- 
keepsie, N.  Y.  Later,  for  some  time,  he  was  in 
Denver  and  New  Orleans  on  account  of  his 
health,  and  in  1882  located  in  Minneapolis,  and 
engaged  in  the  real-estate  business.  There  he 
was  married  to  Aliss  Genevieve  Marian  de  Gos- 
seline,  who  died  in  that  city  Nov.  24,  1895, 
leaving  five  children,  Arunah  F.,  D.  Charles, 
Genevieve  I.,  Paul  1.,  and  Alay  Louise.  At 
this  time  (1901)  Frank  A.  Parker  is  a travel- 
ing salesman. 

Charles  Dewey  Parker,  the  youngest  in  the 
family  of  Dwight  T.  Parker,  Sr.,  was  born 
at  Boscobel  April  9,  1862,  and  was  educated 
in  the  schools  of  his  native  town.  For  some 
time  he  was  associated  in  business  with  his 
brother  Frank,  at  Minneapolis,  but  is  now  a 
resident  of  Chicago.  On  Sept.  18,  1889, 
Charles  Dewey  Parker  married  Miss  Rose 
Grandelmyer,  of  Brainerd,  Minn.  They  have 
no  children. 

CHARLES  A.  BOOTH,  editor  and  pub- 
lisher of  the  Sentinel,  and  late  postmaster  at 
Monroe,  Green  county,  is  a veteran  newspa- 
per man,  and  has  a high  reputation  for  both 
ability  and  integrity  among  the  members 
of  the  fraternity  of  the  State.  He  is  at 
present  senior  editor  in  the  State  in  active 
business. 

Air.  Booth  was  born  in  Covington,  Tioga 
Co.,  Penn.,  Feb.  15,  1840,  a son  of  George 
W.  and  Artemisia  (Crandell)  Booth,  and  lived 
with  his  parents  until  1857,  following  their 
migration  to  Wisconsin,  in  1854,  when  they 
settled  in  Beloit.  In  1837  the  young  man 
came  to  Alonroe,  and  entered  the  office  of  the 
Sentinel,  with  the  purpose  of  learning  the 
printing  business  from  the  ground  up.  He  be- 
gan as  an  apprentice,  and  his  long  career  as  a 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


369 


printer  and  publisher  shows  that  he  thoroughly 
mastered  the  rudiments  of  his  calling. 

In  1862  Mr.  Booth  entered  the  Union 
army,  as  a member  of  Company  G,  22(1  W’is. 
V.  L,  and  served  throughout  the  war,  prov- 
ing a brave  and  capable  soldier.  At  the  battle 
of  Thompson's  Station  the  young  soldier  re- 
ceived a gunshot  wound  in  his  leg,  and  had 
other  slight  injuries.  The  fierceness  of  the 
engagement  may  be  inferred  from  the  fact 
that  his  clothing  was  pierced  by  nine  bullets. 
He  was  in  the  hospital  at  Nashville  six  weeks 
on  account  of  his  wounds,  had  a furlough,  re- 
joined his  regiment,  and  was  made  first  lieu- 
tenant. He  was  in  every  battle  in  which  his 
regiment  participated,  from  Wauhatchie  Val- 
ley-to  the  grand  review  at  Washington;  was 
a staff  officer  during  the  Atlanta  campaign  with 
Col.  John  Coburn,  and  during  the  march  to 
the  sea,  and  to  Washington  with  Brevet  Brig. 
Gen.  Dustin,  of  2d  Brigade,  3d  Division.  20th 
Army  Corps.  He  was  in  over  one  hundred 
battles  and  skirmishes,  among  the  more  im- 
portant ones  being  those  at  Spring  Hill,  Resaca, 
Peach  Tree  Creek,  New  Hope  Church,  Kene- 
saw  Mountain,  Marietta,  Culp's  Farm,  Cass- 
ville,  and  nearly  all  the  engagements  in  front 
of  Atlanta.  He  commanded,  as  staff  officer  of 
Col.  John  Coburn,  commanding  the  Brigade, 
the  right  wing  of  the  skirmish  line  that  en- 
tered the  city  of  Atlanta.  The  first  night  after 
he  entered  that  city,  he  slept  in  the  house  of 
Mayor  Calhoun,  who  surrendered  the  city  to 
Col.  Coburn,  and  during  the  next  few  days 
of  occupation  this  house  became  the  headquar- 
ters of  Lieut.  Booth's  provost  guard. 

When  peace  returned  Mr.  Booth  came 
back  to  Monroe,  and  purchased  an  interest  in 
the  Sentinel,  in  company  with  A.  J.  High. 
That  gentleman  sold  out  in  1870  to  S.  E. 
Gardner,  and  three  years  later  Mr.  Booth  leased 
his  partner’s  interest,  and  later  bought  it ; be- 
coming sole  proprietor  of  what  is  and  has  been 
recognized  for  fifty  years  as  one  of  the  most 
valuable  printing  plants  in  southern  Wiscon- 
sin. The  Sentinel  was  established  in  1850  by 
John  W.  Stewart,  who  died  in  Chicago  in  1899. 
John  Walworth,  one  of  its  early  editors,  was 
a Free-Soil  Democrat,  and  one  of  the  original 
leaders  in  the  formation  of  the  Republican 
party,  and  was  chairman  of  the  first  Republi- 
can State  Convention,  since  which  time  the 
paper  has  always  been  Republican,  and  has 
never  missed  a weekly  issue.  Mr.  Booth  has 


been  in  the  printing  and  publishing  business 
forty-two  years,  and  expects  to  follow  it  as 
long  as  he  lives.  Fie  has  been  a member  of 
the  State  Editors  and  Publishers  Association 
since  1868. 

Mr.  Booth  and  Miss  Elizabeth  Gardner 
were  united  in  marriage  Sept.  10,  1862.  Mrs. 
Booth  is  the  daughter  of  Elijah  T.  and  Eliza- 
beth (Stephenson)  Gardner,  the  former  one 
of  the  pioneers  of  Green  county,  and  an  early 
settler  in  Monroe.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Booth  are 
the  parents  of  three  sons  and  two  daughters, 
all  of  whom  have  grown  to  maturity,  and  are 
yet  living.  Their  pleasant  home  is  at  No.  424- 
Jackson  street.  Mr.  Booth  is  a member  of 
O.  F.  Pinnev  Post,  No.  102,  G.  A.  R.,  and 
also  of  the  Royal  Arcanum,  the  A.  O.  U.  W., 
Monroe  Lodge,  No.  72,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  Ivan- 
hoe  Lodge,  K.  of  P.  His  political  and  business 
standing  was  recognized  by  his  appointment 
as  postmaster  at  Monroe.  He  entered  upon 
his  official  duties  Feb.  1,  1900.  and  proved 
himself  a capable  and  efficient  postmaster,  until 
finding  the  work  too  irksome  and  severe  in 
connection  with  his  newspaper  business,  he  re- 
signed. His  assistant,  Robert  A.  Etter,  was 
appointed,  upon  Mr.  Booth’s  recommenda- 
tion, as  his  successor,  his  appointment  taking 
effect  in  February,  1901.  Mr.  Booth  has  at- 
tended many  State  and  Congressional  con- 
ventions as  a delegate,  and  at  Minneapolis 
sat  as  a member  of  the  convention  which  nom- 
inated President  Harrison. 

JOHN  BECK.  When  in  contemplation  of 
the  public-spirited  and  progressive  citizens  of 
Benton,  Lafayette  county,  the  name  of  John 
Beck  stands  in  bold  relief,  and  to  the  people  of 
the  community  in  which  he  lives  there  is  no 
man  more  highly  esteemed  for  his  many  good 
qualities.  In  politics,  in  business,  and  in  the 
administration  of  municipal  affairs  he  stands 
pre-eminent.  Mr.  Beck  was  born  on  the  Isle 
of  Man  Jan.  15,  1845,  son  °f  John  and  Ann 
(Canned)  Beck. 

John  Beck,  Sr.,  passed  his  entire  life  on  the 
Isle  of  Man,  and  died  there  in  June,  1865,  at 
the  age  of  fifty-two  years.  His  wife,  Ann 
Canned,  lived  to  the  age  of  sixty-five.  Be- 
sides the  subject  of  this  sketch,  they  were  the 
parents  of  six  children,  as  follows:  (1)  Will- 

iam married  and  settled  in  England,  and  is  now 
a resident  of  the  Isle  of  Man.  (2)  James  still 
resides  in  the  Isle  of  Man.  (3)  Jane  married 


370 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


William  Kewley,  a Manxman.  (4)  Annie  mar- 
ried a Mr.  Roscoe,  of  England  (now  deceased) 
and  settled  in  Brisbane,  Australia,  where 
she  and  her  family  still  reside.  (5)  Martha 
grew  to  womanhood  and  married  Robert  Cor- 
lett,  and  in  1867  accompanied  her  husband  to 
this  country,  locating  in  New  Diggings  town- 
ship, Lafayette  county,  where  he  followed 
mining  for  some  years.  They  then  moved  to 
Big  Patch,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  where  they  still 
reside.  In  their  family  were  seven  children, 
John,  Annie  (deceased  wife  of  Ralph  Miller, 
of  Lafayette  county),  Douglas,  Thomas,  Em- 
ily, Southward  and  Jennie.  (6)  Thomas, 
born  in  1841  on  the  Isle  of  Man,  was  educated 
there,  and  in  1864  came  to  this  country,  via 
New  York.  His  first  employment  was  in 
Cramp’s  Ship  Yard,  in  Philadelphia.  He  re- 
mained there  but  three  weeks,  when  he  began 
work  on  the  railroad  at  Havre  de  Grace,  Md. 
J11  July,  1864,  in  company  with  his  brother,  he 
came  West  and  located  in  Benton,  Wis.,  find- 
ing work  in  the  mines.  After  a year  or  two  he 
opened  a general  store  in  Etna,  same  county, 
continuing  there  until  1875,  when  he  returned 
to  Benton  and  built  the  "Rock  Store,”  engag- 
ing in  mercantile  business  until  1882.  That 
year  he  located  in  Galena,  111.,  and  three  years 
later  went  to  Aspen,  Colo.,  where  he  is  now  in 
business.  In  1866  he  wedded  Miss  Margaret 
Alton,  who  was  born  in  England,  daughter  of 
William  and  Esther  Alton,  natives  of  that 
country,  who  came  to  America  in  1861.  Of 
their  union  eight  children  were  born : Emma, 

wife  of  Fred  Kissel,  of  Colorado;  John,  of 
Colorado;  Jennie,  wife  of  Milton  Vincent,  of 
Galena,  111. ; William  and  Thomas  F.,  of  Colo- 
rado; Annie,  wife  of  Thomas  Hicks,  of  Colo- 
rado ; and  Maggie  and  Henrietta,  of  Colorado. 
The  mother  of  these  children  has  passed  to  her 
rest. 

John  Beck  received  a substantial  education 
in  the  government  schools  of  England,  and  in 
that  country,  too,  served  an  apprenticeship  at 
the  miller’s  trade  with  William  Kennish.  Af- 
ter his  location  in  Wisconsin,  in  1864,  he  en- 
listed in  the  army,  becoming  a member  of  the 
22d  V is.  V.  I.,  and  doing  duty  at  Camp  Ran- 
dell,  Madison,  until  the  close  of  the  war.  When 
he  left  the  army  he  began  mining,  and  was  so 
engaged  for  six  years.  He  then  returned  to 
his  trade,  and  for  three  years  milled  for  R.  H. 
Emerson,  at  New  Diggings.  His  permanent 
location  was  not  made  in  Benton  until  1875, 


and  after  his  removal  there,  in  that  year,  he 
engaged  in  the  lumber  business,  and  was  also 
interested  in  the  grain  trade.  The  following 
year  he  purchased  real  estate,  and  erected  a 
comfortable  home  for  himself,  and  some  little 
time  later  erected  a large  grain  and  lumber 
building  near  the  Benton  depot,  where  he  has 
since  remained.  He  handles  all  kinds  of  rough 
and  worked  lumber,  sash,  doors  and  blinds, 
barbed  wire,  flour  and  feed.  Success  in  this 
business  came  to  him  early,  and  his  honorable 
dealing  and  careful  attention  to  his  work  have 
brought  their  natural  results. 

In  1867  Mr.  Beck  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Miss  Elizabeth  Alton,  daughter  of  Will- 
iam and  Esther  Alton,  and  ten  children  have 
brightened  their  home  : ( 1 ) Esther,  born  at 

New  Diggings  in  1868,  married  Alonzo  Miller, 
a farmer  of  Benton,  and  has  two  children, 
Mona  and  John  Alton.  (2)  Margaret  E.,  born 
in  1870,  married  Thomas  Wilkinson,  of  Ben- 
ton, and  has  one  son,  Frederick.  (3)  Hen- 
rietta, born  in  1871,  married  William  Temple, 
a farmer  of  Benton,  and  has  three  children, 
Verta,  Melvin  and  Cosetta.  (4)  Mary,  born 
in  1873,  married  Matthew  Brunner,  of  Ben- 
ton. (5)  Louisa  ).,  born  in  1875,  N at  home. 
(6)  Anthony  A.  was  born  in  1877.  (7)  John 

was  born  in  1881.  (8)  James,  born  in  1882, 

is  now  a student  in  the  State  Normal  at  Platte- 
ville.  Both  he  and  his  brother  John  are  grad- 
uates of  the  Benton  high  school,  (q)  Herbert 
Gladstone  and  (10)  Martha  both  died  young. 

Air.  Beck  is  an  earnest  worker  in  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church,  as  is  also  his  wife. 
For  twenty  years  lie  has  served  as  superintend- 
ent of  the  Sunday-school,  and  for  a longer 
period  has  been  one  of  the  trustees,  and  has 
also  been  class-leader.  He  was  one  of  the 
founders  and  builders  of  the  new  church  and 
parsonage  at  Benton,  and  in  every  line  of 
church  work  has  proven  himself  a liberal  con- 
tributor, both  of  his  time  and  of  his  means. 
He  has  also  taken  an  active  interest  in  educa- 
tional work,  and  the  new  high  school  building 
had  no  warmer  advocate  than  Mr.  Beck. 
Since  the  erection  of  this  new  building  be  has 
held  the  position  of  clerk  and  director  contin- 
uously. Socially  he  belongs  to  the  I.  O.  O.  F.. 
Lodge  No.  168,  of  Lead  Mine. 

In  his  political  affiliations.  Mr.  Beck  has 
been  a pronounced  Republican,  and  has  voted 
for  every  President  from  Lincoln  up  to  and 
including  McKinley.  Believing  that  to  every 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


37i 


citizen  there  are  duties  beyond  his  personal  af- 
fairs, he  Iras  given  himself  over  to  public  serv- 
ice at  times  to  the  great  detriment  of  his  pri- 
vate business.  For  twelve  years  he  has  been 
justice  of  the  peace,  for  five  years  he  served 
as  village  clerk,  and  at  the  present  time  he  is 
most  capably  administering  public  affairs  as 
president  of  the  village  board. 

NICHOLAS  SCHEXCK.  This  prominent 
citizen  and  farmer  of  La  Prairie  township, 
Rock  county,  is  a native  of  Wisconsin,  the 
son  of  a pioneer.  He  was  born  at  Shopiere, 
Rock  county,  Sept.  12,  1844,  son  of  William 
and  Sarah  Jeannette  (Yost)  Schenck,  natives 
of  New  York  State,  and  grandson  of  William 
Schenck,  also  a native  of  New  York,  of  Hol- 
land-Dutch  descent,  who  was  married  three 
times,  and  had  seventeen  children.  The  latter, 
who  was  a farmer,  about  1845  came  to  Wis- 
consin, taking  up  a tract  of  land  near  Beloit, 
and  several  years  later  removing  to  Jefferson 
county,  and  engaging  in  farming  between  Jef- 
ferson and  Watertown  until  his  death,  at  a 
ripe  old  age.  William  Yost,  the  maternal 
grandfather  of  our  subject,  was  also  a native 
of  New  York  S.tate,  of  Holland-Dutch  descent. 
He  was  a farmer,  and  lived  in  his  native  State 
to  old  age,  surrounded  by  a large  family  of 
children. 

A\  illiam  Schenck,  the  father  of  our  sub- 
ject, was  a carder  by  occupation,  and  was  em- 
ployed in  the  woolen  mills  of  New  York.  In 
1842  he  came  to  Wisconsin,  locating  at 
Shopiere,  and  there  following  his  trade  for  a 
year.  He  then  entered  320  acres  of  govern- 
ment land  in  Section  27,  La  Prairie  township, 
and  several  years  later  sold  eighty  acres  of  the 
tract  for  a sum  sufficient  to  pay  for  the  other 
240  acres,  the  ownership  of  which  he  retained 
until  his  death,  at  the  age  of  seventy-two  years. 
He  was  a man  of  prominence,  and  held  various 
local  offices,  including  that  of  chairman  of  the 
town  board  for  a number  of  terms.  He  was 
twice  married,  first  to  Sarah  Jeannette  Yost, 
by  whom  he  had  eight  children,  five  sons  and 
three  daughters,  of  whom  four  are  living: 
Dorcas,  widow  of  John  Wayman,  of  Mexico, 
Mo.;  Rachel,  widow  of  Henry  Hart,  of  Mex- 
ico, Mo. ; William,  of  Arcadia,  Ivans. ; and 
Nicholas,  our  subject.  The  mother  of  these 
died  at  the  age  of  forty-two  years,  and  for  his 
second  wife  the  father  married  Miss  Mary 
Mason,  daughter  of  Edwin  and  Mercy  Mason; 


by  her  he  had  one  daughter,  Lorraine,  now  liv- 
ing at  Albuquerque,  New  Mexico. 

Nicholas  Schenck,  our  subject,  was  reared 
in  La  Prairie  township,  attended  the  district 
schools  and  for  two  terms  was  a student  at 
Milton  (Wis.)  College.  Possessing  the  pio- 
neer spirit,  he  began  life  for  himself  in  Tama 
county,  Iowa,  where  he  purchased  160  acres 
of  land  for  $6  per  acre.  This  he  afterward 
traded  with  his  brother  for  190  acres  in  the 
townships  of  Rock  and  La  Prairie,  Rock  coun- 
ty, of  which  he  still  owns  twenty-four  and  one- 
half  acres.  At  the  death  of  his  father  he  came 
into  possession  of  the  homestead  of  240  acres, 
which  he  now  owns  and  occupies,  having  pur- 
chased the  interest  of  the  other  heirs.  Mr. 
Schenck  is  a prosperous  and  progressive 
farmer,  and  is  recognized  as  an  authority  in 
agricultural  affairs.  In  addition  to  farming  he 
devotes  considerable  attention  to  stock  raising. 
Lie  has  resided  in  Rock  county  for  fifty-seven 
years,  except  the  five  years  spent  in  Iowa  and 
one  year  when  he  was  engaged  in  the  grocery 
business  in  Mexico,  Missouri. 

On  Jan.  23,  1895,  Mr.  Schenck  married 
Miss  Jennie  M.  Peterson,  daughter  of  Ole  and 
Mary  (Anderson)  Peterson,  natives  of  Nor- 
way, who  were  married  in  Janesville.  The 
father  died  July  22,  1898,  aged  sixty-seven 
years,  and  the  mother  is  now  a resident  of 
Janesville.  Both  were  devout  members  of  the 
Lutheran  Church.  To  Ole  and  Mary  Peter- 
son were  born  eight  children,  two  sons  and  six 
daughters,  of  whom  six  are  now  living:  Bes- 
sie M.,  wife  of  George  Goldsmith,  of  Rock 
township;  Jennie  M.,  wife  of  our  subject; 
Christina  A.,  wife  of  Herman  Hunt,  of  Janes- 
ville; Dora  M. ; Marvin  H. ; and  Lena  R.,  of 
Janesville.  To  Nicholas  and  Jennie  M. 
Schenck  have  been  born  two  children,  William 
Edward  and  Marvin  Roland. 

Mr.  Schenck  is  a Republican  in  politics. 
Fraternally  is  a member  of  the  Modern  Wood- 
men of  America.  He  is  an  influential  citizen, 
one  whom  long  residence  in  the  community 
and  sterling  character  have  justly  commended 
to  his  fellow  citizens  as  truly  representative  of 
the  best  human  achievements  of  Rock  county. 

JOHN  J.  PUTNAM,  deceased,  was  one  of 
the  prominent  and  well-remembered  early  set- 
tlers of  the  town  of  Decatur.  Green  county, 
Wis.  He  came  here  in  the  fall  of  1848,  and 
purchased  a tract  of  five  hundred  acres,  to 


372 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


which  he  removed  his  family  in  the  month  of 
June,  the  following  year.  Almost  immediately 
he  became  identified  with  the  moral  and  ma- 
terial growth  of  the  community,  and  through- 
out Ins  entire  life  took  a leading  part  in  every- 
thing that  related  to  the  general  progress  of 
the  community. 

Mr.  Putnam  was  born  in  Hampshire  coun- 
ty, Va.,  in  1801.  In  Ins  early  life  he  had  a 
very  limited  opportunity  for  education.  The 
death  of  his  father,  when  he  was  seventeen, 
put  upon  his  shoulders  to  a very  great  extent, 
the  burden  of  the  support  of  the  family,  and  he 
nobly  met  the  serious  responsibilities  of  the 
situation.  He  was  married  before  leaving 
Virginia  to  Miss  Mary  M.  Fleek,  a daughter 
of  Adam  Fleek.  The  young  married  couple 
very  soon  sought  a home  in  Hocking  county, 
Ohio,  and  later  removed  to  Licking  county,  m 
the  same  State,  where  he  engaged  in  agricul- 
tural pursuits,  there  continuing  to  reside  until 
he  came  to  Wisconsin,  in  1849. 

Mr.  Putnam  was  a man  of  great  mental 
gifts  and  sterling  integrity.  Though  he  died 
comparatively  early  in  the  history  of  Green 
county,  he  left  a record  that  is  not  forgotten. 
He  was  justice  of  the  peace  for  a number  of 
years,  and  also  held  the  office  of  chairman  of 
the  town.  He  accumulated  a valuable  prop- 
erty, leaving  an  estate  of  fourteen  hundred 
acres.  His  death  occurred  June  5,  1856,  and 
his  widow  survived  until  February,  1874. 
Of  their  children,  four  are  now  living:  Eliza- 
beth A.,  the  wife  of  W.  Atherton,  of  Albany; 
Oliver  S.,  who  was  a captain  in  the  war  of  the 
Rebellion ; Henry  C.,  a banker  in  Brodhead ; 
and  Virginia,  wife  of  Burton  Gardner,  of 
Brodhead. 

Hon.  I.  F.  Mack,  a former  resident  of 
Green  county,  in  a contribution  to  a historical 
compilation  of  a decade  or  more  back,  has  this 
to  say  of  Mr.  Putnam  : “I  was  well  acquainted 

with  very  many  of  the  early  settlers  of  Green 
county,  and  among  the  more  prominent  men 
of  that  early  day  I am  pleased  to  name  the 
late  lamented  John  J.  Putnam,  who,  with  a 
large  family  connection  of  six  or  eight  fam- 
ilies, left  Ohio,  and  settled  in  the  town  of 
Decatur,  a little  earlier  than  1848,  forming  one 
of  the  most  frugal  and  thrifty  granger  settle- 
ments it  has  ever  fallen  to  my  lot  to  know, 
none  of  whom  will  regard  it  invidious  if  I place 
Mr.  Putnam,  in  his  life,  in  the  front  in  point  of 
intelligence  and  noble  manhood.  Although  a 


farmer,  Mr.  Putnam  was  a man  of  extensive 
reading,  a keen  observer  of  men  and  things, 
an  astute  reasoner,  thoroughly  posted  on  all 
questions  that  then  divided  political  parties, 
of  ripe  judgment  and  unassailable  integrity. 
Though  firm  and  decided  in  his  convictions, 
he  was  not  intolerant,  but  genial  and  kind  to 
the  last  degree.  FLe  was  a prominent  figure  in 
the  old  V hig  ranks,  and  a keen  admirer  of 
Henry  Clay.  Many  a Democrat  felt  the  in- 
cision of  his  political  thrusts  in  the  early  days; 
and  with  true  patriotism  in  his  bones  he  could 
but  pass  into  the  Republican  ranks.  Stricken 
with  a fatal  malady  while  endowed  with  manly 
vigor,  he  passed  away,  leaving  a handsome 
competence  for  a surviving  wife  and  an  inter- 
esting family  of  several  sons  and  daughters.” 

JOSEPH  FI.  CLARY.  Among  the  well- 
known  citizens  of  Lafayette  county  who  have 
been  prominently  identified  with  many  of  its 
interests,  is  Joseph  H.  Clary,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch.  He  is  a native  of  the  Empire 
State,  born  in  Auburn,  Cayuga  county,  May 
2 4,  1828,  a son  of  Dr.  Joseph  and  Susan 
(Bostwick)  Clary,  the  former  an  eminent 
physician  of  western  New  York. 

Dr.  Clary  was  born  in  Conway,  Mass.,  of 
Irish  ancestry  who  located  in  America  in  1645. 
Our  subject’s  mother  descended  from  ancestors 
who  were  early  settlers  of  Long  Island,  com- 
ing thither  from  Chester,  England,  in  1643. 
Dr.  Joseph  Clary  participated  in  the  war  of 
1812,  and  was  at  Sackett  s Harbor  during  the 
important  military  operations  of  that  war.  In 
about  1806  the  family  settled  in  Jefferson 
county,  N.  Y.  Dr.  Clary  removed  to  Cayuga 
county  in  1812,  when  the  now  important  city 
of  Rochester  consisted  of  two  huts,  and  those 
constructed  of  logs.  He  began  the  study  of 
medicine  in  Jefferson  county,  graduated  at  a 
medical  school  in  the  State  of  Vermont,  and 
for  many  years  was  a prominent  physician  of 
the  city  of  Auburn,  where  his  deeply  lamented 
death  occurred  in  1863.  The  mother  of  our 
subject  died  in  1836,  when  her  son  Joseph 
was  but  eight  years  old.  He  was  one  of  seven 
children,  of  whom  he  and  one  brother,  Charles 
A.,  are  now  the  only  survivors. 

Joseph  FI.  Clary  received  his  primary  edu- 
cation in  the  public  schools,  prepared  for  col- 
' lege  at  the  Auburn  and  Aurora  academies,  and 
entered  Hamilton  College  in  1S48,  graduating 
in  the  class  of  1851.  Subsequently  he  took  a 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


373 


post-graduate  course  in  the  law  department 
of  his  Alma  Mater,  under  the  instruction  of 
Prof.  Theodore  \Y.  Dwight,  was  admitted  to 
the  Bar  at  Oswego,  in  his  native  State,  in 

1852,  and  at  once  engaged  in  practice  at  West- 
field,  Chautauqua  county.  This  was  nearly 
fifty  years  ago,  when  a tide  of  emigration  was 
sweeping  westward,  and  many  young  pro- 
fessional men  were  seeking  newer  and  what 
promised  to  be  more  profitable  fields  of  labor. 
Mr.  Clary  joined  the  procession,  in  the  fall  of 

1853,  locating  at  Mineral  Point,  M is.,  and 
there  entering  upon  the  practice  of  law.  He 
remained  for  fifteen  years,  and  established 
quite  an  extensive  practice.  Mineral  Point 
was  well  known  for  its  abundant  deposits  of 
mineral,  and  many  of  the  men  connected  with 
it  have  been  those  whose  influence  has  been  of 
the  greatest  value  in  the  development  of  the 
State  of  Wisconsin.  Mr.  Clary  became  inti- 
mately acquainted  with  the  leading  men  of  the 
State,  and  his  recollections  of  men  and  events 
of  forty-years  ago  are  vivid  and  intensely  in- 
teresting. With  an  excellent  memory  and  fine 
conversational  powers,  he  is  an  interesting  and 
instructive  talker.  In  1868  Mr.  Clary  changed 
his  residence  .to  Darlington,  and  has  been  an 
esteemed  citizen  of  that  city  ever  since.  Being 
well  versed  in  the  law,  he  has  held  the  position 
of  district  attorney,  in  both  Iowa  and  Lafayette 
counties,  and  has  always  been  a prominent  man. 

The  marriage  of  our  subject,  celebrated  in 
1858,  at  Delafield,  Wis.,  was  to  Miss  Eliza- 
beth F.  McHugh,  who  was  born  in  New  York 
State  Sept.  27,  1837,  a daughter  of  Rev.  Steph- 
en McHugh,  one  of  the  early  and  well-known 
Episcopalian  clergymen  of  the  State  of  Wis- 
consin ; her  maternal  grandfather  was  Gen. 
Norris,  formerly  of  the  English  army.  Rev. 
Stephen  McHugh  was  identified  with  the  early 
religious  interests  of  this  State,  and  established 
two  churches  of  his  denomination,  those  in 
Madison  and  Delavan.  Late  in  life  he  re- 
moved to  Arkansas,  where  he  passed  his  last 
years.  Eight  of  the  children  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Clary  are  surviving:  James  C..  in  Nebraska; 

Stephen  McHugh,  in  Darlington ; Henry  H. 
and  Paul  M.,  of  Darlington;  Mrs.  Susan  B. 
Duncanson,  who  resides  in  Nebraska;  Mrs. 
Grace  Walker,  living  in  Mineral  Point;  Mrs. 
Maud  Henry,  residing  in  Nampa,  Idaho;  and 
Miss  Elizabeth,  now  principal  of  the  high 
school  at  Pierre,  the  capital  city  of  South  Da- 
kota. One  son,  Joseph  William,  died  in 


Omaha  Nov.  14,  1886;  another  son,  George, 
was  killed  by  lightning  at  Camp  Douglas, 
W is.,  where  he  was  encamped  with  his  regi- 
ment, on  July  11,  1893. 

Air.  Clary  is  a man  of  liberal  culture,  ex- 
tensive and  varied  reading,  and  possesses  a 
mind  well  stored  with  useful  knowledge.  As 
a citizen  he  is  held  in  high  esteem,  and  he  and 
family  are  valued  members  of  the  Episcopal 
Church.  In  politics  he  is  and  always  has  been 
a Democrat.  As  he  says,  he  “voted  for  Palmer 
and  Buckner  in  1896,  and  in  1900  did  not  vote 
for  President  because  there  was  no  Demo- 
cratic candidate  for  that  office.” 

WILLIS  P.  COLBURN,  the  well-known 
and  efficient  principal  of  the  Cassville  public 
schools,  is  a native  of  Grant  county,  his  birth 
having  occurred  in  Platteville  in  1866. 

T.  J.  Colburn,  his  father,  was  born  and 
reared  in  Vermont.  In  1845,  at  the  age  of 
nineteen  years,  he  came  to  Platteville,  where 
as  a carpenter  and  contractor  he  successfully 
engaged  in  business  for  many  years.  He  mar- 
ried Miss  Margie  Jeardeau,  and  to  them  were 
born  six  children,  namely  : Airs.  C.  J.  Hosmer, 

a resident  of  Westfield,  Alass. ; Alargie,  a sev- 
enth-grade teacher  in  the  schools  of  Afilwaukee ; 
Wis.;  Airs.  Dr.  E.  E.  Coerper,  of  Milwaukee; 
Philip,  of  San  Diego,  Cal. ; Willis  P. ; and  Roy 
Victor,  who  died  in  1884.  The  father,  who 
was  a great  lover  of  music  and  possessed  an 
excellent  voice,  taught  that  art  in  the  Platte- 
ville Academy,  and  also  in  the  State  Normal 
School  after  it  was  established  at  Platteville. 
He  continued  teaching  for  a number  of  years, 
and  was  also  leader  of  the  choir  in  the  Con- 
gregational Church,  of  which  both  he  and  his 
wife  were  prominent  members.  He  died  in 
Platteville  in  1890,  and  his  widow  now  resides 
in  San  Diego.  California. 

During  his  boyhood  and  youth  Willis  P. 
Colburn  attended  the  public  schools  of  Platte- 
ville, and  later  entered  the  State  Normal  School 
at  that  place,  where  he  was  graduated  in  the 
class  of  1891.  He  has  since  devoted  his  time 
and  attention  to  teaching.  In  1885  he  took 
charge  of  his  first  district  school,  and  taught 
one  winter  in  Smelser  township.  Grant  county ; 
in  1887  he  had  charge  of  the  school  in  Benton; 
and  in  1888  was  at  Hurricane  Corners,  near 
Lancaster.  He  became  principal  of  the  Potosi 
public  schools  in  1891,  and  remained  there  un- 
til coming  to  Cassville,  as  principal  of  the  pub- 


374 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


lie  schools  at  this  place,  in  September,  1894. 
For  seven  years  he  has  been  principal  of  the 
high  school,  with  Roscoe  Woodward  as  assist- 
ant, while  in  the  grammar  grades  under  his 
charge  are  three  teachers : Prof.  Clarence 

Brocket,  who  has  charge  of  the  upper  grades — 
the  seventh,  eighth  and  ninth;  Miss  Marguerite 
Baumgartner,  the  fourth,  fifth  and  sixth 
grades;  and  Miss  Maine  Prior,  the  first,  second 
and  third  grades.  The  entire  enrollment  is 
220,  forty-five  being  in  the  high  school,  which 
was  organized  in  1889,  and  is  supplied  with  a 
physical  laboratory  and  a good  reference  li- 
brary of  350  volumes. 

Prof.  Colburn  is  a member  of  the  State 
Teachers  Association,  and  also  of  the  Prin- 
cipals Association,  and  is  one  of  the  leading 
educators  in  Grant  county,  having  met  with 
excellent  success  in  his  chosen  profession. 
Socially  he  is  connected  with  Cassville  Lodge, 
No.  235,  F.  Y A.  M.,  of  which  he  is  secretary, 
and  also  belongs  to  Platteville  Chapter,  R.  A. 
M.  In  religious  belief  he  is  a Congregation- 
alist,  and  has  been  leader  of  the  choir  in  the 
Congregational  Church  at  Platteville. 

Our  subject  was  married,  in  July,  1900, 
to  Miss  Jennie  Helena  Grimm,  daughter  of 
Hermann  Grimm,  of  Cassville. 

HARVEY  MARSHALL  MILLER,  for 
many  years  proprietor  of  the  Miller  homestead, 
in  Section  32,  Bradford  township,  Rock  coun- 
ty, has  lived  many  years  in  this  community, 
and  the  simplicity  of  his  life,  his  industrious 
habits  and  genuine  manliness  have  alike  com- 
manded the  confidence  and  esteem  of  his  neigh- 
bors. 

Mr.  Miller  was  born  in  Rome,  N.  Y., 
March  23,  1823.  He  was  educated  at  the 
academy  at  Whitesboro,  N.  Y.,  and  began  life 
for  himself  as  a clerk  in  a hotel  in  bis  native 
city,  being  employed  there  four  years,  when 
he  married  and  moved  to  Baltimore.  He  was 
twenty-nine  years  of  age  at  that  time,  and  a 
very  capable  and  attractive  business  man.  He 
continued  in  the  hotel  business  for  seven  years 
in  the  “Union  Hotel,”  situated  at  the  corner  of 
Thames  and  Bond  streets,  one  of  the  oldest 
buildings  in  that  city.  The  material  for  it  was 
brought  from  England,  the  building  con- 
structed in  1777.  When  the  Civil  war  broke 
out  the  strong  Union  sentiments  of  Mr.  Miller 
aroused  the  dangerous  hostility  of  the  South- 
ern element,  which  was  manifested  to  such  an 


extent  that  he  thought  it  wise  to  dispose  of  his 
property  and  leave  for  the  North.  He  re- 
turned to  New  York,  and  took  a position  as 
clerk  in  a hotel  in  Oriskany.  There  he  re- 
mained for  two  years,  and  then  came  to  Wis- 
consin to  engage  in  agriculture.  He  located 
at  his  present  residence  in  1900.  He  owns  a 
tobacco  farm  of  twenty  acres  in  Clinton  town- 
ship. 

Mr.  Miller  and  Miss  Anna  Christman  were 
married  Jan.  16,  1852,  when  she  was  seventeen 
years  of  age.  She  is  the  daughter  of  Col. 
Abraham  and  Betsy  (Carpenter)  Christman, 
of  Oriskany,  N.  Y.,  the  former  of  whom  was  a 
farmer,  and  a prominent  man  in  that  com- 
munity. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harvey  M.  Miller 
have  no  children.  She  is  a member  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  Our  subject  has 
been  an  Odd  Fellow  for  fifty  years.  He  shuns 
politics,  and  will  accept  no  elective  office. 

George  W.  Miller,  the  father  of  Harvey 
Marshall,  was  a native  of  Oldhadam,  Mass., 
born  in  1792,  and  was  a farmer.  He- married 
Miss  Elizabeth  Powell,  a daughter  of  Nathaniel 
and  Elizabeth  (Spencer)  Powell,  of  Pough- 
keepsie, N.  Y.,  and  they  became  the  parents  of 
seven  children,  Harvey  M.,  Elizabeth,  Mary, 
Reuben  P.,  Oliver,  Nathaniel  P.,  and  one  chnd 
who  died  an  infant.  At  the  present  writing 
only  Elizabeth  and  Harvey  M.  are  living.  The 
Millers  were  Quakers  in  England  and  came  to 
this  country  about  1682. 

WILLARD  EDMONDS  GRINNELL, 
who  is  now  living  retired  from  active  work  at 
his  comfortable  home  at  No.  923  South  Em- 
erson street,  Monroe,  Green  Co.,  Wis.,  is  a 
highly  respected  citizen,  who  has  inherited 
from  two  lines  of  Revolutionary  ancestry  the 
inherent  patriotism  that  marks  the  highest  type 
of  American  manhood.  Mr.  Grinned  was 
born  in  Montgomery  county,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  21, 
1824,  a son  of  Robert  P.  and  Esther  J.  (Mont- 
gomery) Grinned. 

Robert  P.  Grinned  was  a native  of  New 
York,  a son  of  Amos  Grinned,  a farmer  of 
French  descent,  who  passed  nearly  his  entire 
life  in  the  Empire  State,  served  in  the  Revo- 
lutionary army,  and  died  when  nearly  ninety 
years  of  age.  Robert  Grinned  was  likewise 
a farmer,  and  came  from  New  York  to  Y\  iscon- 
sm  in  1847,  locating  in  Adams  township,  Green 
county,  where  he  took  up  120  acres  of  govern- 
ment land.  There  his  death  occurred  Aug. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


28,  1868,  at  the  age  of  73  years,  1 month  and 
12  days,  his  birth  having  occurred  July  16, 
1795.  He  had  married  Esther  J.  Montgom- 
ery, a daughter  of  Capt.  Silas  Montgomery, 
who  was  a brother  of  Gen.  Montgomery.  To 
their  marriage  were  born  five  children,  three 
of  whom  are  now  living  : Willard  Edmonds ; 

Silas  M.,  of  Vancouver,  Wash.;  and  John  F., 
of  Monroe.  The  mother  of  these  children  died 
at  the  age  of  eighty-two  years.  In  religious 
faith  the  family  were  Baptists. 

Willard  Edmonds  Grinnell  was  reared  to 
manhood  in  New  York  State,  where  his  edu- 
cation was  acquired  in  an  old-fashioned  sub- 
scription school.  He  was  early  trained  to  farm 
work,  and  until  his  retirement  that  has  been 
his  constant  occupation,  except  for  a short  time 
in  early  life,  when  he  engaged  to  some  extent 
in  carpentering.  In  1847  he  accompanied  Ins' 
father  to  Wisconsin,  and  there  took  up  160 
acres  of  land  in  Adams  township,  Green  coun- 
ty, extending  the  boundaries  of  his  land  later, 
until  he  was  the  owner  of  360  acres  of  well- 
improved  arable  land.  He  erected  suitable 
buildings  and  otherwise  improved  his  farm  un- 
til he  had  attained  a high  place  among  the  pro- 
gressive farmers  of  the  county.  In  188(3  he 
laid  aside  the  cares  and  responsibilities  of  ac- 
tive management  of  his  affairs,  renting  his 
old  home  farm,  and  moved  with  his  wife  into 
a home  he  had  purchased  in  the  city  of  Mon- 
roe, there  to  pass  the  rest  of  their  lives  in  well- 
earned  rest  and  enjoyment. 

On  April  20,  1847,  Mr.  Grinned  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Mary  Hanks,  and  to 
this  union  were  born  children  as  follows : 
Frank  D.,  deceased,  married  Rosella  Day,  and 
had  three  children,  Ernest,  Ethel  and  Earl; 
Lovisa  married  Hiram  Austin,  of  Monroe,  and 
has  one  child,  Lena;  Anson  W.  married  Cath- 
erine Owrey,  deceased,  and  has  three  children 
living,  Rena,  Edward  and  Maud;  Orissa  C., 
deceased,  married  a Mr.  Atherton ; Willis,  a 
wealthy  farmer  and  carpenter  of  southern 
Iowa,  married  Samantha  Stewart,  and  has  a 
large  family  of  children;  Harvey,  who  lives 
near  Chamberlain,  South  Dakota,  married 
Maggie  Shrake,  and  has  six  children;  Serepta 
married  Don  Wheeler,  of  1 reton,  Iowa,  and  has 
six  children ; Alice,  of  Ireton,  married  Roy 
Wheeler,  and  has  three  children : Esther  mar- 
ried Lewis  Grinnell,  of  Washington  township, 
Green  Co.,  AVis.,  and  has  three  children;  Wal- 
ter, a carpenter,  married  Lucinda  Brooks,  and 


37  5 


has  one  child,  Guy;  and  Burty,  of  Boone,  Iowa, 
is  in  the  employ  of  the  Chicago  & Northwest- 
ern railroad.  Mr.  Grinned  was  married  to  his 
present  wife,  Miss  Louisa  Owrey,  in  December, 
1871.  No  children  have  been  born  of  this 
union,  but  two  have  been  reared  as  their  own, 
Rosa  Adams  and  Guy  Grinned.  Mr.  Grinned 
is  a stanch  Prohibitionist  in  his  political  views. 
Formerly  he  was  a Whig  and  an  anti-slavery 
man.  He  has  filled  a number  of  important 
positions  in  official  life,  among  them  being  con- 
stable, supervisor,  school  clerk,  etc.,  in  ad  of 
which  he  discharged  the  various  duties  with 
the  same  fidelity  that  has  characterized  his  en- 
tire life. 

Mrs.  Grinned  is  a daughter  of  Jacob  and 
Samantha  (Grinned)  Owrey.  Jacob  Owrey 
was  a carpenter  and  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the 
early  days,  settling  in  Dane  county,  later  lo- 
cating in  Green  county,  where  he  lived  retired 
for  the  last  years  of  his  life.  He  died  April. 29, 
1879,  in  Ms  ninetieth  year.  He  served  under 
Commodore  Perry  in  the  war  of  1812.  His 
wife  died  April  24,  1877,  aged  seventy-eig'ht 
years.  They  were  the  parents  of  eleven  chil- 
dren, three  of  whom  are  yet  living,  Ruth,  wife 
of  Elijah  Midman;  Charlotte,  wife  of  Gover- 
nor Bailey,  of  Michigan;  and  Mrs.  Grinned. 

HON.  JOSEPH  B.  TREAT,  of  Monroe, 
is  one  of  the  most  prominent  citizens  of  Green 
county,  throughout  which  he  is  known  and 
esteemed,  not  only  as  a successful  business 
man,  but  also  for  his  high  character  and  his 
excellent  record  as  a financier. 

Joseph  Treat,  his  paternal  grandfather, 
was  a native  of  Maine,  of  English  lineage,  and 
was  a merchant  and  farmer  by  occupation, 
with  residence  in  the  city  of  Frankfort,  that 
State,  where  he  died  at  a very  advanced  age. 
He  had  a family  of  five  children.  Oliver 
Parker  (maternal  grandfather  of  Joseph  B.), 
also  a native  of  Maine,  born  of  English  ances- 
try, and  an  agriculturist  by  vocation,  was 
ninety-two  years  old  when  he  died;  his  family 
consisted  of  seven  children. 

Nathaniel  Treat  (father  of  Joseph  B.), 
also  of  Maine  nativity,  was  a lumberman  on 
the  Penobscot  river,  in  that  State,  until  his 
coming  in  1870  to  Wisconsin,  when  he  located 
in  Monroe,  whither  ad  his  children  had  pre- 
ceded him.  Here  he  died  in  1895,  an<i  al- 
though at  his  death  he  had  attained  the  patri- 
archal age  of  ninety-six  years,  he  did  not 


376 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


require  the  use  of  glasses.  He  was  a highly 
educated  man,  and  wrote  considerably  for  the 
columns  of  the  current  newspapers,  one  month 
before  his  death  having  contributed  an  able 
article  on  the  tariff,  in  politics  he  was  a 
Democrat,  but  in  1892  voted  for  Harrison. 
While  living  in  Maine  he  served  as  selectman, 
and  as  a member  of  the  State  Legislature.  In 
1823  he  married  Mary  P.  Parker,  also  a na- 
tive of  Frankfort,  Maine,  and  ten  children 
were  born  to  them,  five  of  whom  are  yet  liv- 
ing, namely:  Ezra  Parker,  Joseph  B.,  Na- 

thaniel B.,  Susan  Alice  (widow  of  Samuel 
Chandler),  and  Mary  P.  (widow  of  William 
Bloom),  all  of  Monroe,  Wis.,  except  Mrs. 
Bloom,  who  is  a resident  of  Chicago.  The 
mother  of  these  died  in  1882,  aged  eighty-two 
years.  She  and  her  husband  were  both  identi- 
fied with  the  Universalist  Church. 

Joseph  B.  Treat,  of  whom  this  memoir 
more  particularly  relates,  was  born  Dec.  22, 
1836,  in  Orono,  Maine,  where  he  was  reared 
and  educated.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  he  com- 
menced business  for  himself  in  his  native  town, 
as  a general  merchant,  and  continued  as  such 
until  i860,  in  that  year  coming  to  Wisconsin 
and  settling  in  Monroe.  Here  he  established 
a dry-goods  business,  which  he  conducted  until 
1892,  when  he  sold  out,  and  embarked  in  the 
lumbering  industry  in  Green  county,  engaging 
in  same  exclusively  for  several  years,  and  to 
some  extent  at  the  present  time.  For  the  past 
twenty-five  years  he  has  been  vice-president 
of  the  First  National  Bank,  of  Monroe  (the 
first  National  bank  established  in  the  county)  ; 
he  has  also  interested  himself  in  manufactur- 
ing and  other  industries  of  Monroe,  which  at 
all  times  receive  his  substantial  encourage- 
ment. 

On  Jan.  18,  1S59,  Mr.  Treat  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Miss  Priscilla  W.  Gould, 
daughter  of  Niah  and  Priscilla  (Whitney) 
Gould,  and  two  sons  have  been  born  to  them : 
(1)  Charles  G.,  born  in  1859,  in  Dexter, 
Maine,  graduated  in  1882  from  West  Point, 
where  he  is  now  commandant.  He  married 
Miss  Margaret  Cornell,  of  New  York  City, 
and  they  have  three  children,  Joseph  B.,  Mar- 
garet and  Catherine.  (2)  Harry  W.,  born  in 
1865,  in  Monroe,  is  a graduate  of  Cornell 
University:  at  present  he  is  in  Vancouver, 
British  Columbia,  where  he  is  engaged  in 
mining-.  He  married  Olive  M.  Graef,  of  New 
York. 


In  religious  faith  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Treat  are 
Universalists.  In  politics  he  is  a Republican, 
and  for  the  past  two  years  has  been  chairman 
of  the  Republican  State  Central  Committee; 
from  1876  to  1880  he  was  a member  of  the 
State  Senate ; has  served  as  mayor  of  the  city 
of  Monroe  two  terms;  was  supervisor  several 
terms,  and  chairman  of  the  county  board;  for 
four  years  he  was  a member  of  the  city  school 
board.  Socially  he  is  affiliated  with  Ivanhoe 
Lodge,  F.  & A.  M.,  Monroe,  also  of  the  Chap- 
ter, and  of  Janesville  Commandery,  No.  2; 
and  he  is  prominently  identified  with  the  I.  O. 
O.  F.  In  every  relation  of  life  Mr.  Treat  has 
borne  an  honorable  part  as  an  upright,  patri- 
otic, loyal  citizen,  and  is  justly  classified 
among  the  representative  men  of  Green 
county. 

COL.  THOMAS  STEPHENS.  The  mere 
mention  of  the  name  of  this  late  distinguished 
citizen  of  Wisconsin,  who  passed  from  earth 
nearly  thirty  years  ago,  awakens  memories  of 
affectionate  esteem  in  the  hearts  of  many  of 
the  older  residents  of  the  southern  portion  of 
the  State,  who  recall  with  pleasant  thoughts 
his  manly  bearing,  his  dauntless  courage,  and 
his  sterling  worth. 

Col.  Stephens  was  the  eldest  of  the  four 
sons  of  Charles  and  Elizabeth  Stephens,  and 
was  born  in  the  borough  of  Tavistock,  Devon- 
shire, England,  May  13,  1815.  His  father 
was  a miner,  and  Thomas  and  his  brothers 
were  bred  to  the  same  occupation.  Naturally 
of  a robust  physique,  the  hard,  manly  toil  in- 
volved in  this  laborious  pursuit  tended  greatly 
to  develop  his  native  strength,  and  on  reach- 
ing his  majority  he  presented  a magnificent 
specimen  of  physical  manhood.  He  was  of 
remarkable  stature,  standing  six  feet,  two 
inches,  and  his  well  knit  frame  was  in  perfect 
proportion  to  his  great  height.  Of  so  striking 
appearance  was  he  as  to  attract  the  notice  of 
some  high  officials  of  the  royal  court,  through 
whose  influence  he  was  made  a member  of 
the  Queen’s  Life  Guards,  then  famed  as  the 
finest  body  of  troops  in  the  British  army. 
None  of  the  members  were  less  than  six  feet 
tall,  and  perfect  physical  proportions  and  a 
high  order  of  intelligence  were  absolutely  es- 
sential requisites  for  admission  to  the  corps. 
Young  Stephens  was  at  once  sent  to  Windsor 
Castle,  where  he  entered  upon  his  new  life 
with  the  utmost  enthusiasm.  He  was  duly 


THOMAS  STEPHEHS 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


377 


instructed  in  those  branches  of  knowledge,  a 
familiarity  with  which  was  deemed  indispensa- 
ble to  the  proper  discharge  of  his  duties  as  a 
soldier,  chief  among  these  being  the  arts  of 
fencing,  broadsword  exercise  and  “self-de- 
fense." He  found  that  exercise  with  the  sword 
possessed  for  him  a positive  fascination,  and 
to  perfecting  himself  therein  lie  devoted  a very 
considerable  portion  of  the  time  allotted  to 
the  men  for  recreation.  In  consequence  he 
attained  such  a degree  of  proficiency  that  he 
won  the  reputation  of  being  one  of  the  best 
swordsmen,  if  not  the  very  best  of  all,  in  the 
English  army. 

The  life  of  a guardsman,  however,  with 
its  restrictions  and  monotonous  inactivity,  pre- 
senting, as  it  did,  but  few  chances  of  promo- 
tion, after  a time  began  to  grow  irksome  to 
him.  His  eyes  turned  toward  the  United  States, 
where  he  thought  opportunities  for  advance- 
ment were  far  better  than  in  the  service  of  the 
Queen.  Accordingly,  having  secured  a sub- 
stitute to  complete  his  term  of  military  service, 
he  bade  adieu  to  the  shores  of  the  land  of  his 
birth,  and  accompanied  by  a younger  brother, 
Richard,  set  sail  for  the  New  World  in  1840. 
Tpon  landing  in  America  they  proceeded  at 
once  to  the  mining  region  lying  around  Potts- 
ville,  Penn,  there  his  skill  as  a swordsman 
soon  became  bruited  abroad,  and  he  found  his 
time  fully  occupied  in  giving  exhibitions  and 
imparting  instruction  to  pupils.  Believing  that 
better  success  would  attend  him  in  a wider 
tield,  he  went  to  Philadelphia,  where  he  taught 
sword  practice  for  many  years.  During  his 
residence  in  that  city  he  repeatedly  attested 
his  well-nigh  matchless  skill,  meeting  and  de- 
feating such  past  masters  of  the  art  of  fenc- 
ing as  Profs.  Newton,  of  the  University  of 
Norwich,  Morris,  of  the  Pennsylvania  Mili- 
tary Institutions,  and  Davis,  swordmaster  and 
military  instructor  for  the  State  of  Virginia. 
He  was  constantly  in  receipt  of  encomiums  and 
testimonials  from  high  authorities,  among  the 
most  valued  of  these  being  those  received  from 
Gov.  Porter,  of  Pennsylvania,  and  Gen.  John- 
son, the  reputed  slayer  of  the  famous  Indian 
chief,  Tecumseh.  After  leaving  Philadelphia 
hc,fcught  at  various  points  in  Pennsylvania,  as 
well  as  at  New  York. 

Early  associations,  however,  are  not  easilv 
forgotten,  and  lie  still  mherished  a strong  de- 
sire to  inspect  the  mining  districts  of  the  North- 
west. In  1845  he  visited  the  lead  mines  around 


Galena,  and  soon  afterward  went  to  Lake  Su- 
perior, where  he  spent  two  years  as  agent  of 
the  North  American  Copper  Mine.  Not  long 
after  reaching  this  country  he  met,  at  Williams- 
port, Penn.,  Miss  Jane  Hageman,  a resident 
of  that  place.  f\t  that  time  he  was  teaching 
fencing  there,  and  the  young  couple  plighted 
their  troth.  In  1847  Mr.  Stephens  returned 
to  claim  his  promised  bride,  and  on  Aug.  5, 
of  that  year,  they  were  united  in  wedlock. 
I hey  at  once  removed  to  Dodgeville,  Iowa 
Co.,  V is.,  which  place  was  their  home  until 
Col.  Stephens'  death,  and  his  widow  vet  re- 
sides there.  In  1851  he  visited  California, 
returning  in  1852.  In  1857  he  was  commis- 
sioned inspector  general  of  the  Wisconsin  State 
militia,  a post  for  which  he  was  admirably 
qualified,  by  reason  of  his  previous  soldierly 
training  and  military  experience.  His  busi- 
ness was  dealing  in  real  estate,  and  making 
and  handling  loans  thereupon,  in  the  conduct 
of  which  he  was  eminently  successful. 

The  Colonel  was  a true  patriot,  loyal  to 
the  core  of  his  being,  to  his  adopted  country, 
and  the  first  gun  of  the  Rebellion  fired  in  the 
harbor  of  Charleston  stirred  his  patriotic  soul. 
In  connection  with  C.  C.  Washburne  he  re- 
cruited and  organized  the  2d  Wisconsin  Cav- 
alry, of  which  he  was  commissioned  lieutenant 
colonel,  Col.  Washburne  being  first  in  com- 
mand. Later — on  the  elevation  of  Col.  Wash- 
burne to  a brigadier  generalship — he  was  pro- 
moted to  the  colonelcy.  He  led  his  men 
throughout  the  war  with  distinguished  gal- 
lantry, and,  while  an  admirable  disciplinar.an. 
succeeded  in  gaining  not  only  their  respect  but 
their  affection  as  well.  His  service,  however, 
was  not  without  its  unpleasant  experiences. 
Being  compelled  to  return  home  on  sick  leave, 
he  employed  the  period  of  his  convalescence 
in  securing  recruits  for  his  regiment  at  the 
front.  On  rejoining  his  command,  he  dis- 
covered that  one  of  his  subordinate  .officers 
had  taken  advantage  of  his  absence  to  dissem- 
inate scandalous  and  baseless  reports  concern- 
ing him.  By  permission  of  his  superiors  lie 
at  once  proceeded  to  Washington,  where  he 
demanded  a prompt  and  thorough  investiga- 
tion. His  request  was  granted,  and  the  inquiry 
resulted  in  his  complete  and  triumphant  vindi- 
cation. For  self-seekers  • within  the  service, 
and  for  traitors  without,  Col.  Stephens  had  a 
heart}-  detestation.  That  a man  of  such  high 
sense,  rugged  integrity  and  resolute  purpose 


373 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


should  make  enemies  is  no  cause  for  surprise. 
Yet  the  Colonel's  firmness,  no  less  than  his 
distinguished  military  skill  and  undaunted  hero- 
ism, won  him  alike  the  hearty  respect  of  his 
superior  officers  and  the  unfaltering  devotion 
of  his  men,  none  of  the  many  gallant  officers 
of  the  W isconsin  volunteer  regiments  who 
served  with  courage  and  fidelity  during  that 
great  conflict  returning  with  more  honor  than 
Col.  Thomas  Stephens,  or  with  a more  en- 
viable record.  In  testimony  of  their  apprecia- 
tion and  love  the  men  of  the  2d  Cavalry,  on 
being  mustered  out,  presented  him  with  a 
costly  sword,  belt,  sash,  and  other  equipments 
of  a cavalry  commander,  which  his  family  will 
ever  regard  with  love  akin  to  reverence,  as  they 
recall  the  husband  and  father  who  has  gone  to 
his  reward. 

The  Colonel,  in  addition  to  knowledge, 
skill  and  courage,  did  not  lack  literary  ability, 
and  his  treatise  on  "Broad  and  Short  Sword 
Exercise,”  which  appeared  in  1861,  won  a 
high  eulogium  from  Gen.  Winfield  Scott,  and 
commanded  the  unstinted  admiration  of  all 
competent  military  critics,  being  officially 
recommended  for  study  by  officers  of  the 
United  States  army. 

While  Col.  Stephens  returned  home  with 
high  honor,  he  brought  back  from  his  country’s 
service  a shattered  constitution,  his  magnificent 
physique  being  broken  beyond  repair.  In  a 
vain  hope  of  regaining  his  lost  health  he  vis- 
ited England  in  1869.  His  return  to  his  native 
land  was  most  gratifying  to  the  old  mem- 
ber of  the  Queen’s  Guards,  the  former  toiler 
in  the  tin  mines  of  Cornwall  being  received 
with  marked  honor  at  Windsor  Castle,  Buck- 
ingham Palace  and  the  House  of  Parliament. 
The  trip,  however,  proved  of  little  benefit  as 
a restorative  to  his  ruined  health,  and  not  long 
after  his  return  to  his  home  at  Dodgeville  he 
passed  away,  July  22,  1S73.  Few  deaths  in 
Southwestern  Wisconsin  within  a decade  were 
as  deeply  mourned.  In  no  relation  of  life  had 
he  been  tried  and  found  wanting.  A11  ardent 
patriot  and  a fearless  soldier,  he  was  also  a 
tender  husband  and  an  indulgent  father.  Be- 
nevolent in  heart,  and  with  impulses  generous 
to  a fault,  no  worthy  charity  appealed  to  him 
in  vain,  and  after  the  lapse  of  nearly  thirty 
years  his  memory  remains  still  green. 

Col.  Stephens’  long  experience  with  the 
world  had  taught  him  sound  business  sense, 
and  his  judgment  was  rarely  at  fault.  He  was 


fortunate  in  his  investments,  particular^  in 
real  estate;  and  it  is  probable  that  when  called 
from  earth  in  middle  life  (before  reaching  the 
age  of  fifty-nine)  he  remembered  with  pleas- 
ure that  he  would  leave  his  family  in  moderate 
affluence.  He  left  a widow  and  three  children, 
two  daughters,  and  one  son.  Harriet,  the  first- 
born, is  the  wife  of  Solomon  Osborne,  of 
Dodgeville.  Thomas  Charles,  the  only  son, 
resides  in  Chicago.  Elizabeth,  the  youngest, 
is  the  wife  of  Dr.  Henry  Carson,  of  Mil- 
waukee. 

Mrs.  Stephens  was  born  in  the  township 
of  Lycoming,  Lycoming  Co.,  Penn.,  in  1820, 
daughter  of  Isaiah  and  Rebecca  Hageman. 
Her  father  was  of  Holland  descent,  and  one 
of  the  most  prominent  pioneers  of  Lycoming 
county.  Both  her.  parents  died  full  of  years 
and  good  works  in  the  county  of  their  resi- 
dence, highly  esteemed  by  their  neighbors  and 
mourned  by  their  friends. 

This  necessarily  abridged  tale  of  Col. 
Stephens’  honored  life  may  be  best  concluded 
by  a brief  reference  to  the  other  members  of 
his  father’s  family.  As  has  been  said,  he  was 
the  eldest  son.  His  brother  Richard,  the  next 
in  order  of  birth,  accompanied  him  to  America. 
The  other  brothers  were  named  James  and 
Elijah.  The  father  and  mother,  with  the  two 
younger  sons,  crossed  the  ocean  two  years 
after  Thomas,  and  the  family  was  reunited  at 
Danville,  Penn.  Not  long  afterward  they  re- 
moved to  Ralston,  near  Williamsport,  same 
State.  Richard  went  from  Pennsylvania  to 
Galena,  and  thither  his  father  and  James  fol- 
lowed him  in  1844,  leaving  the  mother  and 
Elijah,  who  were  to  join  them  later,  should 
the  outlook  prove  favorable.  Six  weeks  after 
reaching  Galena,  however,  the  father  died. 
The  widow  joined  her  children,  and  received 
their  tender  love  and  gentle  care  until  her  death, 
in  1853,  at  Dodgeville,  Iowa  Co.,  Wis.  Richard 
twice  visited  the  California  gold  fields,  and 
served  for  a time  in  the  army  of  the  Union; 
lie  removed  to  Kansas,  and  there  died.  James, 
the  third  and  only  living  brother,  resides  at 
Dodgeville.  Elijah,  while  yet  a very  young 
man,  went  to  California,  and  from  there  to 
Chile,  South  America,  where  he  died. 

CAPT.  TPIOMAS  FLINT,  a retired 
farmer,  now  living  in  Albany,  Green  county, 
has  led  an  active  and  strenuous  life,  and  now 
in  his  old  age  can  look  back  over  the  years  with 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


379 


a sense  of  gratitude  that  he  has  been  able  to  do 
so  much  in  the  world,  to  have  so  many  good 
friends,  and  to  help  forward  so  many  valuable 
and  hopeful  enterprises. 

Captain  Flint  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Antrim,  Hillsboro  Co.,  N.  H.,  July  31,  1822, 
and  is  a son  of  John  and  Sailie  (Atwood) 
Flint,  both  natives  of  that  State.  Ten  chil- 
dren were  born  to  them,  of  whom  five  are  now 
living : Thomas ; Lydia,  the  widow  of  Aaron 

Broughton,  of  Rock  county,  Wis. ; Kate,  of 
Minnesota;  Elsie,  the  wife  of  Gaylord  Lock- 
wood,  of  the  town  of  Brooklyn;  and  Sanford 
H.,  of  Woodstock,  111.  The  father,  who  was 
a farmer,  removed  from  New  Hampshire  to 
Chautauqua  county,  N.  Y.,  and  engaged  in 
farming  there.  In  1845  ^ie  came  to  \\  lscon- 
sin,  and  located  in  the  town  of  Albany,  Green 
county,  on  an  eighty-acre  farm,  which  he  cul- 
tivated as  long  as  he  lived.  He  died  at  the 
age  of  seventy-eight.  His  widow  survived 
some  three  or  four  years,  and  died  when  sev- 
enty-seven years  old.  They  were  members  of 
the  Congregational  Church.  Adam  Flint, 
grandfather  of  Captain  Flint,  was  a native  of 
New  Hampshire.  He  engaged  in  farming, 
and  reared  a large  family.  The  history  of  the 
Flint  family  in  this  country  begins  with  the 
arrival  of  three  brothers  of  that  name  in  1635, 
all  settling  in  New  England.  The  father  of 
Sailie  Atwood  was  a native  of  New  Hamp- 
shire, and  passed  his  entire  life  as  a farmer. 

Thomas  Flint  was  six  years  old  when  his 
parents  moved  to  New  York.  In  1843  he 
made  his  first  appearance  in  Wisconsin,  only 
to  return  to  New  York,  and  in  1845  bring 
back  to  Wisconsin  his  mother  and  several  of 
his  brothers  and  sisters,  making  the  journey 
overland  by  wagon.  His  father  had  come  on 
to  Wisconsin,  and  made  a settlement  the  pre- 
vious year.  Our  subject  was  reared  a farmer, 
and  all  his  life  he  has  been  faithful  to  his  early 
teaching  and  kept  close  to  the  soil.  He  ob- 
tained his  early  education  in  the  district 
schools,  and  has  always  been  a student  of  men 
and  events,  keeping  a broad  vision  of  the 
world,  keenly  alive  to  the  significance  of  the 
history  that  is  being  made  in  these  days. 

Captain  Flint  and  Miss  Mary  Simmons 
were  married  July  2,  1846,  and  six  children 
were  born  to  them,  Ella,  Myron,  Alta,  Mer- 
lin, Floyd  and  Ida.  Ella  married  Arnold  A. 
Bennett,  of  Albany.  Myron  married  Esther 
Flint,  and  they  ‘have  one  son,  Merlin,  a farmer 


in  the  town  of  Albany.  Alta  married  Charles 
Comstock,  of  Albany.  Merlm  died  when 
eleven  months  old.  Floyd  married  (first) 
Dora  Meinert,  of  Albany,  now  deceased,  by 
whom  he  had  one  child,  Addie  Dora,  at  pres- 
ent living  with  her  aunt,  Mrs.  Bennett;  for  his 
second  wife  he  wedded  Miss  Kate  Wessel,  of. 
Albany,  and  they  have  two  sons,  Harold  and 
Alfred.  Ida  married  William  Smiley,  of  Al- 
bany, and  is  the  mother  of  four  sons  and  three 
daughters,  Arnold,  Edna,  James,  Robert, 
Harry,  Florence  and  Mary.  Airs.  Mary  Flint 
died  Dec.  25,  1891.  She  was  a Congregation- 
alist,  and  a lady  of  many  charming  traits.  On 
Aug.  12,  1893,  at  Southwest  City,  Mo.,  Air. 
Flint  married  (second)  Airs.  Tamar  A.  Gil- 
lies, widow  of  Edward  A.  Gillies ; she  died 
July  7,  1894.  On  April  25,  1897,  Air.  Flint 
married  Airs.  Hannah  AI.  Colton,  widow  of 
Afejzar  Colton,  and  daughter  of  Dorwin  Hul- 
bert.  She  is  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church. 
Air.  Flint  was  a member  of  the  Congregational 
Church  at  Albany,  but  since  it  disbanded  has 
not  united  with  any  other. 

Air.  Flint  has  led  a hard  and  laborious  life, 
and  has  made  his  way  against  every  kind  of 
obstacles.  When  he  started  out  for  himself 
his  first  work  was  cutting  rails,  at  thirty-six 
cents  a day,  on  Rock  river,  a mile  and  a half 
from  Janesville.  He  then  worked  on  a farm 
for  a year  on  Rock  Prairie.  During  this  time 
he  borrowed  some  money,  and  in  1845  bought 
eighty  acres  in  Section  19,  town  of  Albany. 
He  has  added  to  this  from  time  to  time  until 
he  has  owned  six  hundred  and  twenty  acres. 
He  gave  a farm  to  each  of  his  boys,  sold 
some,  and  on  March  1,  1900,  sold  what  re- 
mained, a farm  of  two  hundred  acres.  He 
lived  on  his  farm  until  1886,  when  he  rented 
it  and  moved  into  Albany,  buying  a good 
home,  in  which  he  now  resides.  He  owns  six 
acres  of  land  within  the  limits  of  Albany,  and 
is  prosperous  beyond  his  early  hopes.  - 

Air.  Flint  enlisted,  Aug.  24,  1864,  as  a pri- 
vate, and  on  Sept.  25,  following,  was  commis- 
sioned captain  of  Company  1,  5th  \\  is.  A".  I., 
and  served  through  the  closing  months  of  the 
war.  He  was  discharged  Alay  15.  1865. 
While  his  military  record  is  not  extended,  it 
covers  some  of  the  fiercest  fighting  of  the  war. 
He  participated  in  the  battles  of  Hatcher's 
Run,  Fort  Steadman,  Petersburg,  Sailor's 
Creek,  and  in  a number  of  skirmishes,  several 
of  which  in  a smaller  war  "would  have  been 


3§o 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


called  battles.  He  was  taken  sick  at  Farm- 
ville,  Va.,  and  was  in  the  hospital  two  months 
at  Cedar  Point  and  Georgetown,  and  then 
came  home.  Since  then  he  has  followed  farm- 
ing. He  belongs  to  Erastus  Hoyt  Post,  No. 
69,  G.  A.  R.,  of  which  he  is  commander,  and 
has  filled  this  position  for  many  years.  He 
belonged  to  the  Odd  Fellows  for  forty  years, 
but  at  the  present  time  is  not  affiliated.  He 
was  a Whig  in  early  life,  and  has  been  a Re- 
publican ever  since  the  formation  of  the  party. 
He  has  been  on  the  county  board  two  terms; 
was  county  treasurer  two  years;  has  been  a 
member  of  the  town  board  several  terms;  and 
was  assessor  of  the  town  of  Albany  thirteen 
terms. 

WILLIAM  MINOR  LUDLUM,  who 
died  Oct.  2i,  1900,  in  Belmont,  Lafayette 
county,  where  he  was  living  retired,  belonged 
to  the  fast  lessening  number  of  those  who 
came  to  tins  State  when  it  was  very  larg'ely 
a wilderness,  and  with  gigantic  courage  at- 
tacked the  prairie  and  the  forest  with  the  im- 
plements of  civilization,  living  to  see  the  State 
become  a garden  spot  of  industry  and  wealth, 
hew  there  are  of  that  .noble  company  remain- 
ing, and  let  those  who  do  have  the  more  honor 
and  reverence. 

Mr.  Ludlum  was  born  in  Warren  county, 
Ohio,  in  November,  1823,  a son  of  Ephraim 
and  Mary  ( Kelly ) Ludlum,  both  natives  of 
that  county,  wliO'  spent  their  lives  on  a farm 
within  its  limits.  Two  of  their  children  are 
still  living:  Clarinda  is  the  widow  of  John 

I rump,  and  is  living  on  the  old  farm  in  War- 
ren county,  Ohio,  at  the  advanced  age  of 
eighty-eight  years ; Phcebe  is  the  widow  of 
Benjamin  Clark,  and  lives  in  Warren  county, 
Ohio.  Johanna,  Rebecca  and  James  came  to 
Wisconsin,  and  married  in  this  State,  but  all 
have  been  dead  some  years. 

\\  illiam  M.  Ludlum  grew  to  manhood  on 
the  home  farm  in  Ohio,  and  received  a very 
good  education  in  the  local  schools  until  he 
met  with  an  unfortunate  accident  in  early  life 
that  shut  him  out  from  school  attendance  in 
the  later  years  of  his  boyhood.  Pie  began  well, 
but  becoming  a cripple  was  not  able  to  go  to 
school  or  study  with  that  intensitv  that  his 
nature  would  otherwise  have  demanded.  Nev- 
ertheless he  was  a close  reader  and  an  attentive 
student  of  the  world  around  him,  and  his  con- 
clusions were  neither  hastily'  drawn  nor  con- 


trary to  facts  as  they  appear  to  the  thoughtful 
eye.  It  was  not  until.  1843  Brat  Mr.  Ludlum 
felt  able  once  more  to  wrestle  with  fate  and 
fortune,  and  he  essayed  the  struggle  by  com- 
ing into  the  West,  and  doing  farm  work  in 
Lafayette  county,  Wis.  After,  a few  years 
spent  in  this  fashion  he  had  saved  enough  to 
warrant  the  purchase  of  eig'hty  acres  of  gov- 
ernment land,  at  a dollar  and  a quarter  an 
acre,  and  he  began  life  for  himself  as  an  inde- 
pendent farmer.  A few  years  later  he  bought 
a second  eighty  at  ten  dollars  an  acre,  and  still 
later  he  bought  more  land,  until  at  the  time  of 
his  death  he  owned  as  handsome  a farm,  of 
200  acres,  as  may  be  found  in  many  a day’s 
ride  in  the  southern  part  of  Wisconsin. 

In  1848  Mr.  Ludlum  and  Miss  Ruth  A. 
Osborn  were  married.  She  is  a daughter  of 
Stephen  and  Mary  Osborn,  both  her  parents 
being  members  of  old  families.  Her  father, 
who  was  a Revolutionary  soldier,  died  when 
she  was  but  four  years  old.  Her  mother  sub- 
sequently remarried,  and  moved  to  Virginia, 
where  she  died.  Mrs.  Ludlum  was  born  in 
Fayette  county,  Penn.,  in  1824,  and  remained 
in  her  native  county  until  she  had  become  a 
girl  of  eighteen,  when  she  accompanied  her 
brother  Peter  to  Wisconsin.  She  located  here, 
but  he  was  not  satisfied  with  the  outlook,  and 
after  two  years  moved  into  Iowa,  and  still 
later  to  Johnson  county,  Kan.,  where  he  is  still 
living.  A second  sister,  Lavina,  accompanied 
Ruth  A.  and  Peter  Osborn  to  Wisconsin  ; she 
married  Moses  Eastmann,  moved  to  Califor- 
nia in  1850,  and  died  in  1898.  Lydia  Osborn 
married  Samuel  Bell,  lived  in  Pennsylvania, 
and  died  there  in  1894.  Martha  and  Catherine 
Osborn  accompanied  their  mother  to  Virginia, 
where  they  married  and  are  now  living.  Sam- 
uel Osborn  died  in  Henry  county,  Iowa. 
John  Osborn  came  to  Galena  at  a very  early 
day;  there  he  married,  and  brought  his  wife 
to  Lafayette  county,  Wis.,  where  he  was  lo- 
cated on  a farm  for  some  years;  selling  out, 
he  went  to  Iowa,  and  is  living  a retired  life 
in  that  State.  Enoch  Osborn  is  a retired 
farmer  in  the  town  of  Tabor,  Iowa. 

After  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lud- 
lum built  a log  house  on  their  farm,  which 
served  them  as  a home  until  1884.  That  year 
they  put  up  a modern  house,  with  up-to-date 
improvements,  and  set  the  old  building  back 
to  serve  very  subordinate  purposes.  Mr.  Lud- 
lum built  a large  Pennsylvania  barn  on  his 


MR.  ASD  HRS.  WILLIAM  MINOR  LUDLUH 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


farm  some  twenty-five  years  ago.  In  1899 
Mr.  Ludlum  bought  a residence  in  the  city  of 
Belmont,  which  the  family  still  occupy;  it  is 
a pleasant  and  commodious  edifice,  and  has  all 
the  comforts  of  a well  regulated  home.  Our 
subject  and  his  wife  had  five  children,  two 
of  whom  are  living;  Laura  M.,  Mary  L.,  and 
Martha  S.  died  in  childhood.  E.  O.  Ludlum, 
the  only  son,  was  born  in  Lafayette  county  in. 
1849,  was  partly  educated  in  the  local  schools, 
and  attended  the  Normal  at  Platteville.  He 
remained  with  his  parents  until  his  marriage, 
with  Miss  Martha  Ivillpatrick,  of  Galena,  111. 
They  settled  on  the  old  homestead,  where  she 
died  in  1888,  leaving  five  sons,  Charles  H., 
Fred  E.  (who  was  killed  by  a runaway  horse 
when  he  was  sixteen  years  old),  Richard  F., 
Clarence  B.  and  William  E.  Charles  H.,  the 
eldest  of  this  family,  is  married,  and  resides  in 
Belmont,  where  he  is  engaged  in  the  livery  and 
feed  business.  Hattie  C.  Ludlum,  the  only 
daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  William  Minor 
Ludlum,  grew  up  on  the  home  farm,  was  very 
well  educated  in  the  local  schools,  and  mar- 
ried Walter  E.  Wright,  of  Belmont,  where 
they  live,  and  where  he  is  engaged  in  business. 
She  is  the  mother  of  three  children,  Laura  M., 
Luella  Pearl  and  Lester  E. 

Mr.  Ludlum  was  a Republican,  and  a sup- 
porter of  the  party  from  its  organization.  He 
was  brought  up  under  the  influence  of  the 
Methodist  Church,  and,  though  he  never  joined 
the  church,  he  always  gave  liberally  to  its  sup- 
port. He  and  his  good  wife  were  numbered 
among  the  earliest  pioneers  of  the  State,  and 
among  its  honored  and  well-to-do  citizens, 
holding  a warm  place  in  the  hearts  of  their 
neighbors  for  their  kindly  and  genial  quali- 
ties. 

GRATIOT  FAMILY  in  Southwestern 
Wisconsin.  Among  the  families  whose  annals 
are  intertwined  with  the  history  of  the  Wis- 
consin lead  mine  region,  none  occupies  a more 
honorable  and  conspicuous  place  than  that  of 
Gratiot. 

The  founder  of  the  family  in  America  was 
Charles  Gratiot:  He  was  a remarkable  man. 

His  father  and  mother  were  Huguenots  of  La 
Rochelle,  France,  and  were  driven  from  their 
home  and  native  land  by  the  savage  act  of 
Louis  XIV,  in  revoking  the  edict  of  Nantes. 
They  fled  to  Switzerland,  and  took  up  their 
residence  at  Lausanne,  where  Charles  was  born. 


38i 


He  was  sent  to  England,  where  he  received  a 
business  education,  and  before  his  majority 
sought  \Yealth  and  fame  in  the  fur  trade  in 
Canada.  With  headquarters  at  Mackinaw,  he 
traveled  to  all  the  early  French  settlements  and 
among  all  the  Indian  tribes  of  the  Northwest. 

I he  canoe  and  the  batteau  formed  his  merch- 
ant fleet,  and  with  them  he  journeyed  in  his 
adventurous  trade  from  Montreal  to  St.  Louis. 
In  the  year  1774  he  abandoned  the  lake  region, 
and  established  trading  posts  at  Cahokia  and 
Ivaskaskia.  When  the  Revolutionary  war 
broke  out  he  gave  time,  influence  and  fortune 
to  the  cause  of  freedom  and  independence.  At 
the  close  of  the  war  Charles  Gratiot  established 
himself  at  St.  Louis.  He  married  Victoire 
Choteau,  and  thus  allied  himself  with  the 
founders  of  St.  Louis.  Charles  Gratiot  had 
four  sons:  Henry,  Charles,  John  Bunyan  and 
Paul  Messellier.  He  had  five  daughters : 
Julie,  \ ictoire,  Marie  Therese,  Emile  Anna, 
and  Louise  Isabelle  Choteau. 

Charles  Gratiot,  Jr.,  was  born  in  St.  Louis, 
Aug.  29,  1786,  and  died  there  May  18,  1855. 
He  graduated  from  the  United  States  Military 
Academy  in  1806;  was  second  lieutenant  of 
engineers;  captain  in  1808;  served  under  Gen. 
Harrison  in  1812;  was  brevetted  colonel;  was 
at  the  defense  of  Fort  Meigs  in  1813;  and  of 
Fort  McKenzie  in  1814.  He  was  major  of 
engineers  in  1815;  built  the  fortifications  on 
the  Delaware  river,  and  planned  and  superin- 
tended the  erection  of  Fortress  Monroe;  was 
lieutenant  colonel  in  1819;  chief  engineer.  En- 
gineer Department,  in  1828;  brevet  major  gen- 
eral., May  24,  1828;  inspector  Lhrited  States 
Military  Academy  in  183S;  and  resigned  in 
1839. 

Charles  Gratiot,  Jr.,  married  Ann  Belin, 
of  Philadelphia.  He  had  two  daughters: 
Marie  Victoire  married  Charles  F.  de  Montho- 
lon,  was  lady  of  honor  to  Empress  Carlotta  in 
Mexico,  and  allied  to  some  of  the  most  dis- 
tinguished families  of  France;'  her  sister,  Julia 
Agusta,  was  married  to  her  cousin,  Charles 
P.  Choteau. 

Louise  Isabelle,  sister  of  Charles  Gratiot, 
Jr.,  was  born  in  St.  Louis,  and  died  there  July 
13,  1878.  On  May  31.  1812.  she  married 
Jules  de  Mun,  of  the  nobility  of  France. 

John  Bunyan  Gratiot  was  born  at  St.  Louis, 
Feb.  19,  1797.  was  a partner  with  his  brother 
Henry  in  mining  and  smelting  lead  ore  in  Wis- 
consin, and  lived  at  “Gratiot’s  Grove,"  where 


382 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


their  smelting  operations  were  carried  on.  At 
the  breaking  out  of  the  Winnebago  war  he 
raised  a company  of  mounted  men,  and  joined 
the  command  of  Gen.  Dodge.  During  the 
Black  Hawk  war  he  raised  a company,  and 
took  part  in  the  battle  of  Bad  Axe,  which 
ended  the  war.  Ide  died  in  St.  Louis  in  1876. 
He  married,  Nov.  18,  1819,  Adele  Marie  An- 
toinette Pedreuville,  daughter  of  Ivene  Ped- 
reuville,  of  Havre,  a noble  of  France,  who 
tilled  high  positions  under  Napoleon. 

It  is  with  Henry  Gratiot,  however,  more 
than  with  any  other  member  of  the  family, 
that  the  history  of  the  lead  mine  region  is  most 
intimately  and  prominently  related.  He  was 
the  second  son  of  Charles,  the  original  pioneer, 
and  was  born  at  St.  Louis  April  12,  1789.  In 
1825  Henry  Gratiot  and  his  brother  John  were 
among  the  first  to  take  up  mineral  lands  in 
northern  Illinois  and  engage  in  the  mining  and 
smelting  of  lead  ores.  In  1826  they  moved 
their  families  there;  in  the  following  spring 
they  moved  to  a new  discovery,  purchased 
from  the  Indians,  and  erected  new  cabins  and 
furnaces.  Making  this  place  their  residence, 
they  called  it  Gratiot’s  Grove,  and  there  they 
remained  during  the  Winnebago  outbreak  and 
the  Black  Hawk  war.  Air.  Gratiot  and  his 
brother  taking  an  active  part  in  both.  At  this 
time  the  settlement  contained  1,500  souls. 
The  present  city  of  Shullsburg,  one  mile  north 
of  Gratiot’s  Grove,  was  a naked  prairie.  In 
the  spring  of  1826  rumors  of  rich  lead  mines 
where  the  city  of  Shullsburg  now  stands  were 
circulated ; but  the  Indians  were  unfriendly, 
and  concealed  the  place,  lest  they  should  offend 
the  Great  Spirit.  The  cupidity  of  the  Indians 
eventually  overcame  their  scruples,  and  they 
told  Jesse  W.  Shull,  who  had  long  been  an 
Indian  trader,  that  if  he  would  go  with  them 
to  Berry's  hill  (Gratiot  Grove  hill)  they  would 
shoot  arrows  in  the  direction  of  the  lead  ore. 
Shull  followed  the  direction,  and  put  up  a 
cabin,  but  the  Indians  soon  drove  him  oft". 
The  Gratiots,  by  the  friendly  aid  of  a half- 
breed  Winnebago  woman,  named  Catherine 
Myott,  bought  for  a large  quantity  of  goods 
and  supplies  the  right  to  dig  for  lead  ore. 
On  the  north  slope  of  Gratiot  Grove  hill  was 
a heavy  forest  of  hard  wood  timber,  and  here 
at  one  time  were  nine  log  furnaces  running, 
and  smelting  a large  share  of  the  product  of 
the  lead  region. 

Airs.  J.  P.  B.  Gratiot  thus  describes  the 


first  news  of  the  outbreak  of  the  Black  Hawk 
war:  “Up  to  this  time  (1832)  our  dwelling- 

had  been  completed,  and  we  were  surrounded 
with  many  comforts,  and  in  our  light-hearted- 
ness never  dreamed  of  the  storm  gathering- 
over  our  heads.  On  the  Fourth  of  July  I 
claimed  the  privilege  of  entertaining  oui- 
friends  at  dinner.  The  table  • was  set,  the 
guests  assembled.  Ours  were  primitive  ac- 
commodations. I was  carrying  a large  bowl 
of  custard  to  the  table,  Mrs.  Henry  Gratiot 
was  assisting,  when  we  saw  four  tall  Indians 
with  guns  in  their  hands  approaching.  I 
let  the  dish  fall,  to  the  great  dismay  of 
the  children.  We  were  quite  relieved  when 
we  saw  them  stack  their  guns  and  share 
our  dinner.  An  interpreter  was  sent  for. 
They  were  four  friendly  Winnebago  chiefs, 
who  were  friendly,  but  told  us  they  could 
no  longer  restrain  their  young  warriors, 
on  account  of  the  encroachments  of  the 
whites.  They  did  not  want  to  hurt  them,  but 
advised  them  to  remove  their  women  and  chil- 
dren. All  was  terror  and  confusion,  and  the 
women  and  children  were  speedily  sent  to  Ga- 
lena. The  services  of  Henry  Gratiot  during 
and  at  the  close  of  the  Indian  wars  were  be- 
yond compute.” 

Henry  Gratiot  was  sent  in  1832  by  the 
government  to  negotiate  the  release  of  Rachel 
and  Sylvia  Hall,  the  two  young  girls  taken 
prisoners  by  the  Sac,  Fox  and  Pottawatomie 
Indians.  Charles  de  St.  Vrain,  their  agent, 
had  been  murdered  by  them  about  this  time. 
Henry  Gratiot  was  taken  prisoner  by  the  In- 
dians, but  by  the  intercession  of  the  principal 
Winnebago  chiefs,  he  and  the  two  girls  were 
released  upon  the  payment  of  a large  ransom. 

Henry  Gratiot  was  married,  Feb.  20,  1813, 
to  Susan  Hempstead,  a daughter  of  Stephen 
Hempstead,  of  New  London,  Conn.,  who  was 
a Revolutionary  soldier.  He  acted  as  sergeant 
in  Capt.  Nathan  Hale’s  company;  accompanied 
that  noble  young  officer  on  his  fatal  mission; 
was  at  Boston  in  1775;  participated  in  the 
battle  of  Bunker  Hill;  was  in  Washington’s 
army  when  the  Declaration  of  Independence 
was  first  read  to  the  troops,  in  July,  1776;  was 
wounded  at  Harlem  Heights  and  taken  off  the 
field  for  dead,  and  again  twice  wounded  at 
Fort  Griswold,  and  was  one  of  the  twentv- 
three  who  spiked  the  guns  at  Fort  Trumbull 
when  attacked  by  Benedict  Arnold,  Sept.  6, 
1781. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


333 


After  the  close  of  the  Black  Hawk  war 
Henry  Gratiot  gradually  closed  up  his  business 
of  mining  and  smelting,  and  prepared  to  open 
a large  farm  adjoining  Gratiot’s  Grove.  He 
built  a large  house,  alter  the  French  style, 
which  was  burned  in  1853.  Having  passed 
through  many  dangers  and  tribulations,  he  set- 
tled down  to  enjoy  life  with  his  family.  In 
1836  he  went  to  Washington,  D.  C.,  on  busi- 
ness, and  to  visit  his  brother,  Gen.  Charles 
Gratiot,  then  chief  of  the  corps  of  C nited 
States  engineers.  On  his  way  home  he  was 
taken  sick,  and  died  at  Baltimore  April  27, 
1836,  at  the  age  of  forty-seven  years.  The 
town  of  Gratiot,  Wis.,  was  named  after  him. 

Henry  Gratiot  had  four  sons : Charles 

H.,  Edward,  Henry  and  Stephen;  and  two 
daughters:  Adele  and  Susanna.  Of -these, 

Charles  H.  Gratiot  married  Anne  Sheldon; 
Edward  Gratiot  married  Ellen  J.  Hagur; 
Adele  Gratiot  married  Elihu  B.  Washburn; 
Susanne  Gratiot  married  Thomas  C.  Child ; 
Henry  Gratiot  married  Eliza  de  Lorimier ; 
Stephen  Gratiot  married  Mary  J.  Chamber- 
lin. 

Charles  H.  Gratiot,  son  of  Henry,  was 
born  m St.  Louis  March  15,  1814.  In  1825 
he  came  with  his  parents  to  Galena,  111.  In 
1832  he  entered  into  business  at  Gratiot  with 
BI011.  Frederick  Stahl.  One  year  later  he 
opened  the  first  store  in  Dubuque,  Iowa,  in 
partnership  with  Peter  A.  Lorimer.  Later  he 
went  to  the  copper  regions  of  Michigan,  and 
there  opened  the  first  copper  mine,  for  which 
he  was  rewarded  by  the  government.  In  1849 
he  visited  the  gold  fields  of  California,  and 
after  remaining  there  a few  years  returned  to 
Gratiot,  Wis.  In  1859  he  led  a wagon  train 
to  Pike's  Peak,  and  while  there  was  stricken 
with  paralysis,  from  which  he  never  recovered. 
Mr.  Gratiot  served  with  distinction  during  the 
Black  Hawk  war,  and  when  eighteen  years  of 
age  held  the  position  of  lieutenant  in  that 
memorable  struggle.  He  married,  at  Willow 
Springs,  Wis.,  Anne  E.  Sheldon,  who  was 
born  at  Detroit,  Mich.,  Nov.  17,  1819,  and 
died  at  Gratiot,  Wis.,  Jan.  9,  1882.  Charles 
H.  Gratiot  died  at  Gratiot  March  15,  1883. 

Charles  and  Anne  (Sheldon)  Gratiot  were 
the  parents  of  three  sons,  of  whom  Charles  C. 
married  Etta  Marcy,  and  they  are  the  parents 
of  nine  children.  H.  R.  married  Ellen  Noble, 
and  they  are  the  parents  of  six  children ; they 
live  in  Gratiot,  Wis.  Charles  and  Anne 


(Sheldon)  Gratiot  also  left  three  daughters, 
of  whom  Elizabeth  married  Edward  Collins, 
and  they  became  the  parents  of  three  children ; 
Mrs.  Collins  is  a widow,  and  resides  with  her 
children  in  Slnillsburg.  Mary  married  J.  H. 
Chassaign,  and  they  are  parents  of  four 
children;  they  reside  in  St.  Louis,  Mo.  An- 
toinette married  Joseph  Brewster,  and  they 
became  the  parents  of  five  children;  Mr.  Brew- 
ster is  deceased,  and  his  widow  resides  with 
her  children  in  Madison,  Wisconsin. 

Charles  C.  Gratiot  is  a prominent  phy- 
sician, a graduate  of  Jefferson  Medical  Col- 
lege. He  has  been  mayor  of  Shullsburg,  where 
he  now  resides,  and  has  long  been  identified 
with  the  public  schools,  in  which  he  takes  a 
great  interest.  Lie  is  a Mason,  Odd  Fellow, 
Knight  of  Pythias,  and  member  of  the  G.  A. 
R.,  having  served  in  the  war  of  the  Rebellion. 

EDWARD  A.  HOLMES,  one  of  the 
prominent  and  successful  business  men  of  Mil- 
ton,  Rock  county,  was  born  in  that  village 
April  25,  1841,  son  of  Harvey  and  Abbie 
(Waterman)  Holmes,  natives  of  Connecticut. 

Harvey  Holmes  was  a carpenter  by  trade, 
and  became  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Rock 
county,  migrating  hither  in  1838,  and  settling 
011  what  is  known  as  the  Waterman  place,  one 
mile  south  of  the  village  of  Milton.  Later  he 
moved  to  the  town  of  Harmony,  and  bought 
a farm  of  176  acres,  which  he  improved  and 
occupied  until  his  death,  in  1854,  at  the  age  of 
forty-nine  years.  He  was  a farmer  ot  un- 
usual. prominence,  was  chairman  of  the  county 
board  of  supervisors  a number  of  years,  and  in 
1852  was  elected  to  the  State  Legislature. 
He  was  a Whig  in  politics.  Himself  and  wife 
were  active  members  of  the  Congregational 
Church,  of  which  he  was  a long  time 
deacon.  The  widow  still  survives,  a resident 
of  Santa  Clara,  Cal.,  at  the  age  of  eighty-eight 
years.  To  Harvey  and  Abbie  Holmes  were 
born  seven  children,  two  sons  and  five  'daugh- 
ters, of  whom  three  now  survive : Edward 

A.,  our  subject;  Adelaide  A.,  widow  of  Alfred 
Post,  and  now  a resident  of  Santa  Clara.  Cal. ; 
and  Sarah  M.,  wife  of  John  Swinton,  of  Port- 
land, Oregon. 

Alfred  Holmes,  the  paternal  grandfather 
of  our  subject,  was  a native  of  Connecticut, 
and  lived  to  the  age  of  about  ninety  years. 
He  had  four  sons  and  one  daughter.  Joseph 
Waterman,  the  maternal  grandfather,  was  a 


3§4 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


native  of  Connecticut,  and  an  early  settler  of 
Rock  county,  locating  about  1839  a mbe  south 
of  the  village  of  Milton,  where  he  lived  to  the 
age  of  eighty-seven  years. 

Edward  A.  Holmes  was  reared  on  the  farm 
in  Milton  township,  attended  the  district 
schools,  and  completed  his  education  at  Mil- 
ton  College.  He  then  started  life  for  him- 
self as  a farmer,  continuing  thus  until  1879, 
when  lie  engaged  in  a general  mercantile  busi- 
ness at  Milton,  until  Ins  general  store  was  de- 
stroyed by  fire,  in  1898.  Mr.  Holmes  then 
opened  a grocery  store,  and  he  has  since  con- 
ducted that  business.  For  the  past  twenty 
years  he  has  been  agent  at  Milton  for  the 
United  States  Express  Co. 

On  Oct.  20,  1869,  Mr.  Holmes  married 
Miss  Alice  Wilkins,  daughter  of  Joseph  and 
Celesta  (Johnson)  Wilkins,  and  to  this  union 
have  been  born  seven  children,  five  sons  and 
two  daughters : ( 1 ) Harvey  E.  married 

Marcia  Jones,  and  they  have  two  children, 
John  Edward  and  Harvey.  (2)  David  Al- 
fred married  Nettie  Spaulding.  (3)  Helen 
Frances  married  Frank  A.  Root,  and  lives  at 
Appleton.  (4)  Walter  Scott  married  Ina 
Gray,  and  lives  in  Harmony.  (5)  James  Pitt, 
who  is  unmarried,  participated  in  the  Spanish- 
American  war ; he  now  has  a position  in  the 
Northern  Hospital  for  the  Insane.  (6)  Paul 
Allen  died  Dec.  25,  1898,  aged  eighteen.  (7) 
Sarah  Alice  is  a student  of  Milton  College. 
Politically  Mr.  Holmes  is  a Republican.  Fie 
attends  the  Congregational  Church. 

JOHN  S.  WILLIAMS  (deceased)  was 
for  many  years  an  honorable  and  industrious 
farmer  in  Grant  county,  and  is  well  remem- 
bered in  the  town  of  Hazel  Green  as  a thor- 
oughly upright  and  public-spirited  man. 

Mr.  Williams  was  born  in  Cornwall,  Eng- 
land, in  April,  1820,  where  he  received  a fan- 
education,  and  remained  until  after  he  reached 
his  majority.  While  still  living  in  England 
he  married  Miss  Susan  Bosanco,  and  she  ac- 
companied him  to  Wisconsin,  whither  he  came 
many  years  ago,  very  early  in  the  history  of 
Grant  county,  engaging-  in  lead  mining  for 
some  years.  In  1850  he  crossed  the  Plains  to 
the  gold  fields  of  California,  and  spent  some 
three  years  in  the  mines.  Coming  back  to 
Wisconsin,  he  settled  on  a farm  three  miles 
west  of  Hazel,  Green,  and  at  that  home  Mrs. 
V illiams  died,  leaving  eleven  children  who 


lived  to  reach  mature  age:  (1)  Susan,  born 

in  Grant  county,  in  184&,  is  now  the  wife  of 
Frank  Lightcap,  of  Winnipeg,  Canada.  (2) 
Honor,  born  in  April,  1848,  married  Joseph 
I homas,  of  Shullsburg,  Wis.  (3)  Hannah, 
born  in  1850,  married  James  D.  Rogers,  of 
Smelser.  (4)  John,  born  in  1832,  married 
Miss  Nettie  Jellett,  of  Hazel  Green,  lives  in 
Platteville,  and  is  the  father  of  four  children, 
Hattie,  Vivian,  Raymond,  and  Irene.  (5) 
Urias,  born  in  January,  1856,  married  and 
settled  in  Sioux  Falls,  S.  Dak.,  and  is  the  fa- 
ther of  two  children,  Irene  and  Warner.  (6) 
William,  born  in  February,  1859,  married 
Miss  Sallie  Price,  of  Galena,  111.,  and  lives  in 
South  Dakota ; he  is  the  father  of  one  daugh- 
ter, Elsie.  (7)  Sarah,  born  in  May,  1861, 
married  Thomas  Mann,  and  lives  in  Suther- 
land, Iowa,  where  she  is  rearing  her  family 
of  children.  (8)  Mary,  born  111  February, 
1864,  married  Rev.  Richard  Brown,  and  lives 
in  Minneapolis.  They  have  one  daughter, 
Joie.  (9)  Grant,  born  in  April,  1866,  mar- 
ried, and  lives  in  LeMars,  Iowa.  (10)  Alfred, 
born  in  October,  1868,  married  Miss  Naomi 
Jewell,  of  Flazel  Green,  where  he  is  living. 
(11)  Thomas  A.,  born  in  September,  1870,  is 
married,  and  lives  near  Sibley,  Iowa,  where 
he  is  engaged  in  farming. 

John  S.  Williams  and  Miss  Elizabeth 
Cooinbe  were  married  in  January,  1887.  Mrs. 
Williams  was  the  daughter  of  William  and 
Elizabeth  Coombe,  old  and  prominent  pioneers 
of  Grant  county,  who  came  from  England  at 
a very  early  day,  settling  in  the  town  of  Hazel 
Green.  Here  Mrs.  Williams  received  her  ed- 
ucation, in  the  public  schools,  and  here  she 
grew  to  womanhood.  After  their  marriage 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Williams  live  on  a farm  some 
two  years,  and  then  purchased  the  Edward 
Thompson  home,  in  the  village  of  Hazel  Green, 
in  which  house  Mr.  Williams  spent  the  remain- 
ing years  of  his  life,  dying  April  23,  1900. 
There  were  no  children  by  the  second  marriage. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Williams  were  both  members  of 
the  Methodist  Church,  which  received  a lib- 
eral support  from  the  family,  and  he  was  one 
of  the  officers  of  the  church  for  many  years. 
In  politics  he  was  ever  an  ardent  Republican, 
and  had  always  taken  an  active  part  in  local 
affairs. 

Mr.  Williams  began  life  in  this  country 
a poor  man,  and  by  long  and  unflagging  in- 
dustry and  wise  management  became  quite 


JOHH  S.  WILLIAMS 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


335 


prosperous.  He  was  a good  man,  and  left  a 
wide  circle  of  friends.  Mrs.  W illiams  is  a 
lady  much  respected  for  her  many  virtues,  and 
much  of  her  time  is  spent  in  unostentatious 
charity  and  genuine  Christian  work. 

MATTHEW  STOTT,  whose  years  of 
active  toil  are  over,  is  now  passing  the  even- 
ing of  a well-spent  life  in  the  home  his  in- 
dustry has  provided.  He  is  a native  of  York- 
shire, England,  born  Sept.  18,  1826,  son  of 
Matthew  and  Margaret  Stott,  who  passed  their 
entire  lives  in  their  native  land.  Of  their  chil- 
dren, Robert  came  to  this  country,  and  died 
unmarried  a few  years  ago.  Four  others  are 
living  in  England. 

Matthew  Stott  grew  to  manhood  in  York- 
shire, and  received  a fair  education  in  the 
schools  there.  In  1856  he  boarded  a sailing- 
vessel  for  the  New  World,  and  on  landing 
came  directly  West  to  Wisconsin.  His  first 
employment  was  as  a miller  in  Big  Patch, 
Grant  county,  where  he  and  Messrs.  Wilkin- 
son and  Johnson  operated  a mill  in  partner- 
ship. He  later  sold  out  his  interest  in  the 
mill  and  returned  to  England,  but  after  a year 
in  the  old  home  came  back  to  Wisconsin,  and 
located  in  Benton,  Lafayette  county,  where  he 
followed  mining  for  a number  of  years.  Etna, 
New  Diggings  township,  was  his  first  loca- 
tion after  his  marriage,  and  he  was  there  en- 
gaged in  farming  and  mining  until  he  pur- 
chased his  present  fine  farm,  which  he  has 
since  greatly  improved,  erecting  good,  sub- 
stantial buildings,  and  making  a comfortable 
home  for  himself  and  his  wife  in  their  old 
age.  As  pioneers  of  the  county  he  and  his 
wife  can  relate  many  interesting  experiences 
of  the  early  days,  and  both  are  much  loved 
by  all  who  know  them. 

In  1866  Mr.  Stott  wedded  Mrs.  Margaret 
White,  daughter  of  John  and  Elmer  Coates, 
both  of  whom  died  in  England.  Mrs.  Stott 
was  born  in  that  country  in  1823,  and  on  reach- 
ing young  womanhood  married  Thomas 
White.  In  1848  Mr.  White,  his  wife  and 
three  children  located  in  New  Diggings,  where 
he  followed  mining  a short  time,  and'  then 
crossed  the  Plains  to  California,  where  he 
died  in  the  gold  fields.  His  wife  and  her  four 
children  were  left  in  Wisconsin.  These  chil- 
dren were  as  follows : Barbara,  wife  of  Dixon 
Cottingham,  of  Dubuque,  Iowa,  is  the  mother 
of  nine  children,  Isabel,  Matthew,  Mary  E., 


John,  Lizzie,  Minnie,  Ella,  Eva  and  William; 
Eleanor,  wife  of  William  Bonner,  of  O'Brien 
county,  Iowa,  is  the  mother  of  eight  children, 
William,  John,  Nora,  Mary  E.,  Robert,  Annie, 
Thomas  and  Lizzie;  John  (deceased)  mar- 
ried Bell  Collard,  of  New  Diggings,  where 
he  died  in  1892,  leaving  three  children,  two 
of  whom,  Maggie  (Mrs.  William  Bird)  and 
Grace,  live  in  New  Diggings,  and  the  third, 
W.  L.,  is  in  Alaska;  and  A illiam  C.,  born  in 
1859,  emigrated  to  New  Mexico,  where  he 
married,  and  then  moved  to  Cripple  Creek, 
Colo.,  where  his  family  now  reside,  during 
his  absence  at  Cape  Nome,  Alaska. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stott  were  both  brought  up 
in  the  faith  of  the  Church  of  England,  and 
have  lived  good  Christian  lives.  In  politics 
Mr.  Stott  is  a Republican. 

FREDERICK  LIBERT.  Sound  judg- 
ment, combined  with  fine  ability  in  mechanical 
lines,  has  enabled  the  subject  of  this  biography, 
a well-known  blacksmith  of  Platteville,  Grant 
county,  to  attain  a substantial  success  in  life, 
and  his  history  is  of  especial  interest.  He  was 
born  in  Bavaria,  Germany,  in  1840,  and  when: 
only  five  years  old  crossed  the  Atlantic  with 
his  parents,  Ivausman  and  Margaret  (Mar- 
tins) Libert,  also  natives  of  Bavaria,  who  lo- 
cated first  in  Jo  Daviess  county.  111.,  but  in 
1856  moved  to  Grant  county,  \Yis.  The  fa- 
ther, who  was  a farmer  by  occupation,  died  at 
Hazel  Green  in  1861,  and  the  mother  departed 
this  life  in  1S58.  In  their  family  were  ten  chil- 
dren, of  whom  the  following  are  still  living: 
Nichlos,  Andrew,  Frederick,  Barbara  and 
Eva. 

Frederick  Libert  was  reared  and  educated 
in  Jo  Daviess  county,  111.,  and  Grant  county, 
A is.,  and  during  his  youth  learned  the  black- 
smith's trade  at  Platteville.  That  occupation 
he  has  made  his  life  work,  and  in  its  prosecu- 
tion has  met  with  good  success.  His  labors 
were  interrupted  by  his  service  in  the  'Union 
army  during  the  war  of  the  Rebellion.  On 
Aug.  8,  1862,  at  Platteville,  Mr.  Libert  en- 
listed in  Company  E.  25th  Wis.  V.  I.,  for  three 
years  or  during  the  war.  The  company  was 
organized  at  La  Crosse,  and  mustered  in  at 
Madison.  As  a part  of  the  Army  of  the  West 
it  took  part  in  the  Sauk  war  in  Minnesota, 
was  sent  south  in  January,  1863,  and  took  part 
in  the  siege  of  Vicksburg;  the  engagement  at 
Jackson,  Miss. : the  battle  of  Kenesaw  Moun- 


3S6 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


tain ; and  was  with  Sherman  on  the  march 
to  the  sea.  At  Atlanta  Mr.  Libert  was  taken 
prisoner,  and  for  two  months  was  confined 
in  Andersonville  prison,  lie  rejoined  Ins  regi- 
ment at  Atlanta,  in  time  to  take  part  in  the 
Carolina  campaign,  including  the  last  battle 
of  the  war — that  of  Bentonville.  He  partici- 
pated in  the  grand  review  at  Washington, 
D.  C.,  and  when  honorably  discharged,  at 
Madison,  Wis.,  in  June,  1865,  returned  to  his 
home  in  Platteville.  He  has  been  a resident 
of  Grant  county  since  1856,  for  two  years  lived 
in  Hazel  Green,  and  since  then  has  made  his 
home  in  Platteville. 

At  Hazel  Green,  in  1866,  Mr.  Libert  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Catharine  Gar- 
ner, a native  of  Pennsylvania  and  a daughter 
of  Daniel  Garner ; her  mother’s  maiden  name 
was  Oppenley.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Garner  were 
early  settlers  of  Grant  county,  and  are  now 
deceased.  Of  the  six  children  born  to  Mr.  and 
Airs.  Libert,  four  are  still  living,  namely : 
Maggie,  now  Mrs.  Dolley,  of  Sioux  county, 
Iowa;  Nellie,  now  Mrs.  Spink,  of  Platteville, 
Wis. ; Elsie ; and  Sadie.  Socially  Mr.  Libert 
.affiliates  with  W.  T.  Sherman  Post,  No.  66, 
G.  A.  R.,  and  politically  is  identified  with  the 
Republican  party.  His  fellow  citizens  have 
for  him  the  highest  esteem,  and  he  has  been 
called  upon  to  represent  his  ward  in  the  city 
council  five  terms,  filling  the  office  with  credit 
to  himself  and  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  his 
constituents. 

FRANKLIN  STONE  (deceased)  was  a 
well  known  pioneer  of  Monticello  township, 
having  arrived  in  Lafayette  county  in  1848. 
His  birth  occurred  in  Lennoxville,  Can- 
ada, near  Montreal,  July  3,  1813.  His  par- 
ents, Phineas  and  Salome  Stone,  were  natives 
of  Massachusetts. 

Franklin  Stone  grew  to  manhood  in  Can- 
ada. and  came  to  the  United  States  in  early 
manhood,  reaching  Wisconsin  by  way  of  Chi- 
cago in  1835.  Chicago,  then  but  a little  ham- 
let, was  his  home  for  a year  or  so,  and  he 
then  engaged  in  mining  in  Iowa  county,  Wis. 
He  was  quite  successful  in  his  operations 
there,  and  after  a few  years  returned  to  Can- 
ada, where  on  Oct.  12,  1848,  he  wedded  Miss 
Jane  Aldrich,  who  was  born  in  Canada,  daugh- 
ter of  Asa  and  Sally  Aldrich,  natives  of  New 
Hampshire.  After  their  marriage  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Stone  settled  on  the  farm  in  Lafayette 


county  on  which  the  family  still  reside.  This 
had  been  previously  purchased  by  Mr.  Stone, 
and  after  his  determination  to  make  it  his 
home  he  had  greatly  improved  it,  continuing 
so  to  do  until  his  death,  which  occurred  June 
10,  1891.  Mr.  Stone  was  a prominent  and 
highly  respected  citizen,  and  was  intimately 
associated  with  the  pioneer  history  of  the 
township.  In  the  early  days  he  was  a Whig- 
in  political  faith,  but  after  the  formation  of 
the  Republican  party  became  one  of  its  firm 
supporters.  Mrs.  Stone  survives  her  husband, 
and,  with  two  of  her  children,  makes  her  home 
on  the  farm  where  the  happy  years  of  her 
married  life  were  spent. 

Eight  children  came  to  bless  the  union  of 
Franklin  Stone  and  Jane  Aldrich,  three  sons 
and  five  daughters:  Clara,  wife  of  James  H. 

Mann,  of  Shullsburg;  Edmund,  of  Defiance, 
Wis. ; Esther,  wife  of  W.  O.  Dimmick,  of 
Bluehill,  Neb. ; Frank,  a resident  of  Bluehill, 
Neb.;  Emeline,  at  home;  Lucy,  wife  of  J.  J. 
Blackbourn,  of  Wyoming;  Oscar,  at  home; 
and  Mary,  who  became  the  wife  of  James 
Terrill,  and  died  at  her  home  in  Wyoming. 

WALGRAVE  ATHERTON,  a retired 
farmer  of  Albany,  is  one  of  the  old  and  suc- 
cessful farmers  of  Green  county,  and  is  now 
spending  the  closing  years  of  his  life  in  the 
enjoyment  of  a richly  earned  competence,  sur- 
rounded with  the  respect  of  the  community  and 
the  regard  and  esteem  of  those  friends  who 
know  him  most  intimately. 

Mr.  Atherton  was  born  in  Licking  county, 
Ohio,  Aug.  4,  1826,  and  is  a son  of  John  and 
Clarissa  (Ackley)  Atherton,  natives  of  Penn- 
sylvania and  New  York,  respectively.  They 
had  three  sons,  and  Mr.  Atherton,  of  Albany, 
is  the  only  one  now  living.  The  father  was 
a chairmaker,  and  moved  into  Licking  county, 
Ohio,  in  the  early  settlement  of  that  country, 
and  owned  about  two  hundred  fifty  acres  at 
the  time  of  his  death.  He  died  in  1881,  at 
the  age  of  eighty-one.  His  wife  passed  away 
in  1873,  at  I'ie  a&e  °f  seventy-six.  Thomas 
Atherton,  the  father  of  John,  was  of:  English 
descent,  and  was  bred  a farmer.  He  died  in 
Ohio,  at  an  advanced  age,  leaving  a large 
family.  Calvin  Ackley,  the  father  of  Clarissa, 
was  of  English  descent,  and  was  born  in  Con- 
necticut. He  was  a Revolutionary  soldier, 
and  moved  from  New  York  to  Ohio,  where  he 
followed  farming.  He  was  the  father  of  a 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


387 


large  family,  and  died  at  the  age  of  ninety- 
one. 

Walgrave  Atherton  lived  in  Licking  coun- 
ty, Ohio,  on  a farm  until  he  was  twenty-eight 
years  old.  i he  district  schools  afforded  him 
opportunity  for  an  education,  and  he  taught 
for  seven  winters.  He  followed  farming  as 
his  chief  occupation,  and  came  to  Wisconsin  in 
1854,  where  he  bought  a farm  of  one  hundred 
fifty-seven  acres  in  Decatur  township,  Green 
county,  where  he  resided,  engaged  in  its  culti- 
vation, until  1888,  when  he  moved  into  Al- 
bany, and  there  is  living  a retired  life.  He 
now  owns  four  hundred  ninety-two  acres,  and 
is  one  of  the  most  prosperous  farmers  of  the 
county. 

On  Oct.  20,  1852,  Mr.  Atherton  and  Miss 
Elizabeth  Ann  Putnam  were  married.  She  is 
the  daughter  of  John  J.  and  Mary  M.  (Fleek) 
Putnam,  of  whom  a sketch  appears  elsewhere 
in  this  volume.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Atherton  are 
the  parents  of  nine  children,  namely : Florence 

V. ,  Edwin  P.,  John  P.,  Oliver  Herman,  George 

W. ,  Elmer  E.,  Harry  C.,  Ernest  and  Fred  V. 
Florence  V.  check  when  nineteen  years  old. 
Edwin  P.  married  Irva  Maynard,  and  lives 
in  Albany,  where  he  is  engaged  in  the  furni- 
ture and  undertaking  business ; they  have  one 
daughter,  Floy.  John  P.  married  Miss  Susie 
Robertson,  of  Laredo,  Mo.,  where  lie  is  a 
station  agent.  Oliver  H.  married  Miss  Ivittie 
Clemmer,  and  lives  in  Blanchardville,  Wis.. 
where  he  is  station  agent ; they  have  three 
daughters,  Nina,  Leila  and  Eva.  George  W. 
married  Miss  Olive  Smout,  and  lives  on  the 
old  home  farm ; they  have  one  daughter,  Wini- 
fred. Elmer  E.  married  Miss  Nettie  Conn, 
of  Juda,  Wis. ; he  is  publisher  of  the  Albany  I 
Vindicator , and  is  the  father  of  two  sons, 
John  W.  and  Charles  Ellsworth.  Harry  C. 
married  Miss  Nora  Francis,  and  is  a farmer 
m the  town  of  Decatur.  Ernest  died  when 
three  and  a half  years  old.  Fred  V.  is  a 
printer,  and  lives  with  his  parents.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Atherton  are  members  of  the  Baptist 
Church,  in  which  he  is  deacon,  trustee  and 
clerk.  He  was  once  a Republican,  but  in  1884 
became  a Prohibitionist.  He  was  clerk  and 
school  director  in  the  town  of  Decatur,  where 
he  also  served  a term  as  school  treasurer. 

Mrs.  Atherton’s  parents  were  natives  of 
Virginia.  They  had  ten  children,  four  of 
whom  are  living', — Elizabeth  Ann,  the  wife 
of  W.  Atherton;  Oliver  S.,  a captain  in  the 


war  of  the  Rebellion;  Henry  Clay,  of  Brod- 
head,  Wis. ; and  Virginia,  the  wife  of  Burton 
Gardner,  of  Brodhead.  Mrs.  Atherton's  fa- 
ther was  a school  teacher  when  a young  man, 
and  later  in  life  became  a farmer  and  a land 
agent  in  Licking  county,  Ohio.  He  was  a 
trustee  of  the  town  of  Newark,  Ohio,  and 
came  to  this  State  in  1849.  He  located  in 
■ Sylvester  township  for  a year,  and  then  moved 
to  the  town  of  Decatur,  where  he  died  in 
1856,  at  the  age  of  fifty-five.  His  widow  died 
Jan.  31.  1873,  at  the  age  of  sixty-eight.  They 
were  members  of  the  Methodist  Church.  Mrs. 
Atherton’s  paternal  grandfather  was  Peter 
Putnam,  a native  of  Virginia,  and  her  ma- 
ternal grandfather  Adam  Fleek,  of  Pennsyl- 
vania. He  lived  many  years  in  Virginia,  and 
died  in  Wisconsin  when  eighty-five. 

LAWRENCE  GANSHIRT,  a prosperous 
farmer  residing  in  Section  7,  Gratiot  town- 
ship, Lafayette  county,  is  a native  of  Baden, 
Germany,  born  in  1840,  who  offered  his  serv- 
ices to  his  adopted  country  in  her  hour  of  peril 
during  the  Civil  war. 

Mr.  Ganshirt  received  his  education  in  the 
schools  of  his  native  land,  and  in  his  twenty- 
second  year  left  the  Fatherland  for  America. 
He  first  located  in  Pennsylvania,  remaining 
there  only  a short  time,  however,  when  he 
went  to  Illinois,  where  he  was  living  when  the 
war  began.  He  enlisted  in  Company  D,  of 
an  Illinois  volunteer  cavalry  regiment,  and 
joined  his  regiment  at  Fairfax  Court  House, 
Va. ; they  were  brigaded  with  the  13th  and 
16th  New  York  Cavalry  regiments,  and  per- 
formed such  service  as  fell  to  their  lot  in 
1 Virginia  and  Maryland.  Our  subject’s  regi- 
ment was  in  pursuit  of  the  famous  guerrilla 
leader  Mosby,  in  Virginia  and  North  Carolina. 
The  brigade  was  ordered  to  Maryland,  and 
a sergeant  of  the  16th  New  York  captured 
and  shot  John  Wilkes  Booth,  the  assassin  of 
Abraham  Lincoln.  After  that  they  were  left 
near  Brandywine,  where  the  citizens  swore 
allegiance  to  the  United  States.  During  his  en- 
tire term  of  service  Mr.  Ganshirt  was  on  active 
duty,  but  was  fortunate  enough  to  escape  the 
bullets  of  the  enemy.  The  hardships  and  ex- 
posures incident  to  the  life  of  a soldier  left 
their  scar,  and  Mr.  Ganshirt  is  a sufferer  from 
rheumatism,  and  disease  of  the  throat  and 
heart.  He  was  mustered  out  of  the  service 
at  the  close  of  the  war,  at  St.  Louis,  Missouri. 


388 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


In  1867  Mr.  Ganshirt  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Miss  Pauline  Busch,  who  was  born 
in  Baden,  daughter  of  Fred  and  Mary  E. 
Busch,  who  located  in  Lafayette  county,  Wis., 
in  1868,  and  there  passed  the  remainder  of 
their  lives.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ganshirt  are  the 
parents  of  ten  children,  six  sons  and  four 
daughters.  1 hey  have  a pleasant  home  on  their 
farm,  and  are  highly  respected  citizens.  So- 
cially Mr.  Ganshirt  is  a member  ot  John  Bragg 
Post,  No.  176,  G.  A.  R. 

I.  C.  SMELKER,  a popular  and  influen- 
tial citizen  of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  is  one 
of  the  honored  veterans  of  the  Civil  war  whose 
devotion  to  his  country  was  tested  not  only 
by  service  on  the  field  of  battle,  but  in  the 
still  more  deadly  dangers  of  the  Southern 
prisons.  This  gallant  soldier  was  born  in 
Johnstown,  Penn.,  April  3,  1842,  a son  of 
J.  W.  and  Catherine  ( Horner)  Smelker,  also 
natives  of  the  Keystone  State. 

The  father  of  our  subject  was  born  in 
Bellefonte,  Center  county,  Sept.  17,  1817,  of 
Holland  ancestry,  and  continued  his  residence 
in  that  State  until  coming  to  Platteville,  VVis., 
in  1843..  Hy  occupation  he  was  a carpenter 
and  joiner.  On  Sept.  7,  1862,  at  Platteville, 
he  became  a member  of  Company  E,  25th  VVis. 
V.  I.,  as  first  lieutenant.  As  a part  of  the 
16th  Army  Corps  he  participated  in  the  Yazoo 
expedition ; was  on  provost  duty  at  Helena, 
Ark. ; took  part  in  the  siege  of  Vicksburg 
and  m a number  of  engagements  in  Alabama 
and  Tennessee;  and  was  with  Gen.  Sherman 
on  the  march  to  the  sea  and  in  the  Atlanta 
campaign.  Being  disabled,  he  was  sent  to 
Mound  City  hospital,  and  received  an  hon- 
orable discharge  at  Cairo,  111.,  in  1864,  after 
which  he  returned  to  his  home  in  Platteville. 
He  died  at  that  place  in  April,  1894,  and  his 
wife  passed  away  in  January,  1898.  To  them 
were  born  four  sons  and  one  daughter,  the 
two  youngest  dying  in  infancy.  Three  sur- 
viving sons  were  all  numbered  among  the  boys 
in  blue  during  the  Rebellion.  Theodore,  the 
eldest,  enlisted,  in  1861,  in  Company  C,  7th 
Wis.  V.  I.,  for  three  years  or  during  the  war, 
and  received  a gunshot  wound  in  the  breast 
and  right  arm  in  the  battle  of  Antietam.  He 
now  resides  in  Lincoln  county,  S.  Dak.  I.  C., 
the  second  son,  is  mentioned  below.  J.  P. 
enlisted  at  Platteville  in  the  three-months 
service,  as  a member  of  Company  A,  41st  Wis. 


V.  I.,  and  in  January,  1865,  joined  Company 
Iv,  47th  Wis.  V.  L,  with  which  he  served  un- 
til the  close  of  the  war,  being  honorably  dis- 
charged at  Madison  Sept.  4,  1865.  He  took 
part  in  a midnight  attack  on  Gen.  Forrest.. 
He  rose  to  the  rank  of  orderly  sergeant.  Re- 
turning to  Platteville,  he  studied  law,  and  is. 
now  an  attorney  at  Dodgeville,  Wisconsin. 

1.  C.  Smelker  was  only  three  years  old 
when  brought  by  his  parents  to  Platteville, 
in  the  public  schools  of  which  place  he  ac- 
quired his  education.  Since  reaching  man- 
hood he  has  followed  the  carpenter’s  and 
joiner’s  trade.  It  was  in  1863,  at  Platteville,. 
that  he  enlisted  in  Company  C,  7th  Wis.  V.  L, 
for  three  years  or  during  the  war,  and  he  was 
mustered  into  the  United  States  service  at 
Camp  Randall,  Madison.  A member  of  the 
Iron  Brigade,  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac, 
he  participated  in  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness, 
May  5,  1864,  and  was  three  times  wounded, 
twice  by  a gunshot  in  the  left  thigh,  and  lastly 
by  a bayonet  in  the  hands  of  a Rebel,  while 
he  lay  on  his  back  under  the  trees  on  the 
battlefield ; the  Rebel  also  cut  the  buttons  from 
his  coat.  He  was  also  taken  prisoner,  and 
confined  at  Salisbury,  N.  C.,  seven  months, 
after  which  he  was  sent  to  Libby  prison,  it 
being  315  days  before  he  was  exchanged. 
When  captured  he  weighed  172  pounds,  and 
during  his  imprisonment  his  weight  was  re- 
duced to  eighty-one  pounds.  On  being  ex- 
changed he  was  sent  to  Annapolis,  Md.,  and 
from  there  went  to  Baltimore,  where  he  was 
granted  a furlough.  For  some  time  he  was 
confined  in  the  hospital  at  Prairie  du  Chien, 
Wis.,  and  while  there  asked  leave  to  return 
home,  but  not  receiving  the  desired  furlough 
he  and  a comrade  crossed  the  river  in  a boat 
to  McGregor,  and  from  there  proceeded  to 
Potosi,  whence  our  subject  started  to  walk 
to  Platteville  on  crutches.  When  within  five 
miles  of  home  he  became  exhausted,  and  had 
to  discontinue  his  journey  until  the  following 
day.  After  spending  the  4th  of  July  at  home, 
he  returned  to  the  hospital,  and  for  diso- 
bedience was  put  in  the  guard-house.  While 
there  he  smuggled  a letter  to  Gov.  Randall  for 
transportation,  and  was  honorably  discharged 
at  Madison  in  September,  1865. 

In  1876  Mr.  Smelker  was  married,  at 
Platteville.  to  Miss  Nettie  Connor,  who  was 
born  in  Wisconsin,  a daughter  of  Patrick  and 
Catharine  (Blindert)  Connor,  natives  of  Ire- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


389 


land  and  Germany,  respectively,  and  early  set- 
tlers of  Potosi,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.  In  early  life 
her  father  followed  mining,  but  later  engaged 
in  farming  in  Platteville  township,  where  both 
parents  died.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Smelker  have 
five  children,  Jessie,  Edward  C.,  Stella,  Kattie 
and  Byron. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Smelker  is  a pro- 
nounced Republican,  and  has  held  office  in  , 
Platteville,  having  received  the  appointment 
of  deputy  revenue  collector  under  President 
Harrison,  and  held  that  position  for  four 
years  and  three  months.  Mr.  Smelker  is  also 
connected  with  the  fire  department  of  Platte- 
ville, and  is  one  of  the  leading  and  influential 
men  of  that  city.  As  one  of  the  organizers 
of  W.  T.  Sherman  Post,  No.  66,  G.  A.  R., 
he  has  always  taken  an  active  interest  in  its 
work,  and  is  very  popular  in  Grand  Army 
circles.  He  is  now  serving  as  commander  of 
his  post,  and  also  holds  the  important  posi- 
tion of  inspector-general  of  the  Department  of 
Wisconsin,  G.  A.  R.,  under  Commander  D. 
G.  James,  of  Richland  Center.  He  has  been 
first  vice-president  of  the  Grant  County  Sol- 
diers and  Sailors  Association  for  the  last  six 
years. 

ANDREW  ANDERSON,  a farmer  and 
painter  living  in  Clinton  township,  Rock  coun- 
ty, is  an  industrious  and  hard-working  man, 
and  has  made  his  living  by  his  own  efforts. 

Mr.  Anderson  is  the  third  child  and  sec- 
ond son  of  Rev.  Dr.  Ole  Andrewson,  of  whom 
a biographical  history  appears  elsewhere  in 
this  volume.  Our  subject  was  born  near  Ot- 
tawa, La  Salle  Co.,  111.,  Nov.  24,  1848,  and 
while  still  a young  boy  moved  with  his  par- 
ents to  Clinton,  Wis.  Here  he  worked  on  a 
farm  until  about  1865,  in  which  year  he  en- 
tered a store  as  clerk,  and  was  engaged  for 
some  three  or  four  years  in  that  capacity  in 
the  different  stores  of  Clinton.  After  the 
great  fire  of  1871  Mr.  Anderson  went  to  Chi- 
cago, and  there  learned  the  trade  of  painting, 
which  has  been  his  main  business  to  the  pres- 
ent time.  He  is  now  living  five  miles  south- 
east of  the  village  of  Clinton,  owning  a home 
of  forty. acres,  to  which  he  attends  in  intervals 
of  his  work  at  painting.  He  is  well  situated, 
and  is  comfortably  fixed. 

Mr.  Anderson  and  Miss  Nellie  Hawkinsen, 
a daughter  of  Ole  Hawkinsen,  of  Manchester, 
III,  were  married  Nov.  4,  1875.  They  have 


had  ten  children,  three  of  whom  are  now  de- 
ceased ; the  living  are  Ruth  Amelia.  Hannah 
Irene,  Sarah  Louisa,  George  Henry  and  Grace 
Henrietta  (twins),  Otto  Paul,  and  Emma 
Helena.  The  two  eldest  lived  in  Sharon,  Wis. 
The  young  people  are  bright  and  helpful,  and 
are  bound  to  become  useful  citizens. 

JOHN  FRANKLIN  WILLEY,  editor 
and  publisher  of  the  “Farm  and  Home,"  at 
Janesville,  Rock  county,  is  a well-known 
authority  on  agricultural  matters,  and  his  jour- 
nal enjoys  a wide  circulation  on  account  of  its 
reliability,  as  well  as  its  literary  merit. 

John  Franklin  Willey  was  born  in  St. 
Johnsbury,  Caledonia  Co.,  Vt.,  March  17, 
1859,  a son  of  George  F.  and  Eliza  (Raines) 
Willey,  natives  of  Vermont  and  New  Hamp- 
shire, respectively.  The  paternal  grandfather 
of  our  subject,  Stephen  Willey,  a native  of 
Maine,  of  Scottish  descent,  died  in  Vermont, 
well  advanced  in  years.  There  were  three 
sons  and  one  daughter  in  his  family.  Mr. 
Willey  was  very  prominent  in  church  affairs. 
The  grandfather  on  the  mother’s  side  was  a 
native  of  Maine,  of  Scottish  descent,  and  died 
at  Bethel,  that  State.  By  trade  he  was  a ma- 
chinist. He  reared  a large  family. 

George  F.  Willey  was  a blacksmith  by 
trade,  in  1863  lie  came  West  to  Madison, 
Wis.,  and  a year  later  removed  to  Beloit, 
where  he  died  in  1868,  aged  thirty-seven;  his 
wife  passed  away  two  years  previously,  at  the 
age  of  thirty-three.  Both  of  these  worthy 
people  were  Free-Will  Baptists.  Three  chil- 
dren were  born  to  them,  one  son  and  two 
daughters:  Our  subject;  Louisa  C.,  wife  of 

Frank  N.  Briggs,  of  Brandon,  Vt. ; and  Emma, 
wife  of  Charles  Hackbarth,  of  Lima,  Wis- 
consin. 

John  Franklin  Willey  came  to  Wisconsin 
with  his  parents,  residing  at  home  until  the 
death  of  his  father,  in  1868,  when  he  was 
adopted  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Malachi  Richard- 
son, of  Janesville,  both  of  whom  are  now  de- 
ceased, he  dying  on  June  19,  1896,  and  his 
wife  on  Feb.  28,  1897.  Mr.  Richardson  was 
an  old  settler  of  Janesville,  and  a gardener  by 
occupation.  At  one  time  he  served  as  school 
commissioner.  He  was  a man  of  considerable 
education,  having  been  a school  teacher  in  his 
younger  days,  and  gladly  assisted  his  young 
charge  in  his  studies,  which  the  latter  pursued 
in  the  excellent  public  schools.  Following 


390 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


the  calling  of  his  adopted  father,  Mr.  Wil- 
ley was  a farmer  and  gardener  until  he 
was  thirty  years  of  age,  when  he  began 
the  publication  of  the  ‘“Wisconsin  Tobacco 
Leaf,"  and  continued  the  journal  until 
1897,  about  eight  years.  At  this  time  he 
started  the  “Farm  and  Home,"  which,  as 
its  name  implies,  is  devoted  to  the  interests 
of  the  farm  and  home.  For  the  past  twelve 
years  Mr.  \\  illey  has  corresponded  for  a 
number  of  papers  on  the  subject  of  tobacco 
growing,  and  the  industry  in  general,  being 
considered  an  authority  upon  the  question. 
In  religious  matters  Mr.  Willey  takes  a very 
liberal  view,  according  to  every  man  the  right 
to  worship  as  his  conscience  dictates,  and  him- 
self attends  All  Souls  Church.  Mr.  Willey  not 
only  thoroughly  understands  agricultural  sub- 
jects, but  is  conversant  with  up-to-date  meth- 
ods of  getting  out  an  attractive  publication, 
and  the  “Farm  and  Home"  is  welcomed,  not 
only  by  the  farmer,  intent  upon  securing  valu- 
able information  relative  to  his  work,  but  also 
by  the  other  members  of  the  family,  who  en- 
joy the  entertaining'  stories  and  household 
articles  presented  to  them  within  its  pages. 
Socially  Mr.  Willey  has  many  friends,  and  is 
an  agreeable,  well-informed  gentleman;  po- 
litically he  is  a stanch  Republican. 

JOHN  A.  CLEMMER,  retired  farmer, 
now  residing  in  Monroe,  has  won  the  com- 
parative leisure  which  since  1892  has  been  his 
by  a previous  life  of  activity  as  an  influential 
and  successful  farmer  of  Green  county.  He 
came  to  the  county  when  a youth  of  eight- 
een years,  and  for  forty  years  following  his 
marriage  was  a most  industrious  agriculturist, 
and  became  prominent  in  that  calling,  during 
the  period  when  the  State  of  Wisconsin 
emerged  from  its  primitive  condition  of  un- 
developed resource  to  wealth  and  influence. 

Mr.  Clemmer  is  a native  of  Pennsylvania, 
born  in  Fayette  county  May  30,  1832,  son  of 
Jasper  and  Delilah  (Neal)  Clemmer,  both  na- 
tive-born Pennsylvanians.  The  paternal 
grandfather,  Jacob  Clemmer,  was  also  born 
in  the  Keystone  State,  and  was  a descendant 
of  one  of  the  early  German  families  that  set- 
tled in  Pennsylvania.  He  followed  farming. 
He  lived  to  the  age  of  almost  one  hundred 
years,  was  twice  married,  and  reared  a large 
family.  I he  maternal  grandfather,  William 
Neal,  was  also  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  of  J 


Scottish  ancestry,  and  died  in  middle  life, 
leaving  a large  family.  He  was  a farmer  by 
occupation. 

Jasper  Clemmer,  the  father  of  John  A., 
was  born  June  16,  1801,  and  in  his  native 
State  followed  farming.  In  1850,  when  about 
forty-nine  years  of  age,  he  migrated  with  his 
family  to  \\  isconsin,  purchasing  a half  section 
of  land  in  Sylvester  township,  Green  county, 
which  he  occupied  and  operated  for  many 
years,  residing  there  until  his  death,  Dec.  17, 
1885,  at  the  age  of  eighty-four  years.  His 
wife,  who  was  born  Sept.  13,  1805,  died  Dec. 
21,  1887.  They  were  members  of  the  Regular 
Baptist  Church,  in  which  Mr.  Clemmer  was 
for  many  years  a deacon.  He  was  a man  of 
great  probity  of  character,  and  highly  es- 
teemed by  all  who  knew  him.  To  Jasper  and 
Delilah  Clemmer  were  born  six  children,  five 
sons  and  one  daughter,  of  whom  four  are  now 
living,  namely:  Dr.  J.  N.,  of  Clarksville,  Iowa; 
John  A.,  whose  sketch  appears  below;  Dr.  J. 
J.,  of  Cresco,  Iowa;  and  G.  G.,  of  Nevada. 

John  A.  Clemmer  received  his  education 
in  the  district  schools  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
was  eighteen  years  of  age  when,  in  1850,  he 
came  with  his  parents  to  Wisconsin.  He  pos- 
sessed musical  talent,  which  he  cultivated  in  his 
youth,  and  for  fourteen  years  taught  vocal 
music.  After  reaching  Wisconsin  he  re- 
mained with  his  parents  for  about  four  years, 
on  Jan.  21,  1855,  marrying  Miss  Rhoda  M. 
Whitcomb,  daughter  of  James  and  Nancy 
(Goltry)  Whitcomb.  She  was  then  living  with 
her  widowed  mother  in  Mt.  Pleasant  township, 
Green  county. 

James  Whitcomb,  the  father  of  Mrs. 
Clemmer,  was  born  in  New  York  State  May 
17,  1812;  his  wife,  also  a native  of  New  York, 
was  born  Aug.  7,  18141  Isaac  Whitcomb, 
father  of  James,  was  born  in  Maine  May  25, 
1769,  and  died  Feb.  26,  1816.  He  married 
Susanna  Gregory,  who  was  born  Sept.  1,  1784, 
and  died  July  7,  1839.  Their  family  consisted 
of  five  children.  The  maternal  grandparents 
of  Mrs.  Clemmer  were  Paul  and  Rachel  (Mof- 
fett) Goltry,  who  had  a family  of  thirteen 
children.  Paul  Goltry  was  born  in  New  Jer- 
sey May  24,  1767,  and  died  Sept.  28,  1845. 
He  was  a man  of  remarkable  mental  activity, 
well  educated,  a writer  of  great  force  and  pleas- 
ing diction,  a musician  of  note,  and  a splendid 
violinist.  Active  in  temperament,  he  became 
a cattle  drover,  and  frequently  drove  large 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


39i 


herds  over  the  mountains  of  Virginia.  His 
sympathies  were  deeply  enlisted  in  the  cause 
of  the  slaves,  and  he  often  assisted  them  in 
escaping  from  the  fields  of  Virginia  to  a north- 
ern refuge. 

Janies  Whitcomb  removed  from  New  York 
to  Indiana,  and  thence  in  1847  to  Rock  county, 
Wis.,  and  two  years  later  to  Mt.  Pleasant 
township,  Green  county,  where  he  purchased 
160  acres  of  land.  There  he  died  April  24. 
1854,  aged  nearly  forty-two  years.  His  wife 
survived  him  many  years,  passing  away  May 
22,  1883,  aged  sixty-nine  years.  They  were 
devout  members  of  the  Baptist  Church.  James 
Whitcomb  was  an  active  Abolitionist,  and 
while  living  in  Indiana  was  the  leader  in  the 
Abolition  movement  in  his  locality,  presiding 
at  meetings  and  assisting  many  fugitive  slaves. 

After  his  marriage,  Jan.  21,  1855,  John  A. 
Clemmer  began  farm  life  on  a tract  of  eighty 
acres  in  Sylvester  township,  given  him  by  his 
father.  To  this  he  subsequently  added  ten 
acres,  and  there  continued  to  farm  for  about 
twenty  years,  when  he  sold  and  bought  a farm 
of  210  acres  in  Decatur  township.  In  1892 
Mr.  Clemmer  rented  that  farm  and  removed  to 
Monroe,  where  he  has  since  resided,  except 
for  a short  time  when  he  lived  in  Evansville, 
to  educate  his  son,  John  F.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Clemmer  have  been  born  six  children,  one  son 
and  five  daughters,  as  follows:  Laura  A.,  who 
married  Alvin  I.  Keen,  of  Monroe  township, 
and  has  two  children.  Roy  and  Lois ; Kittie 
C.,  who  married  Herman  Atherton,  of  Blanch- 
ardville,  and  has  three  children,  Nina.  Lela  and 
Eva;  Nannie  D.,  who  married  Henry  Horan, 
of  Algona,  Iowa,  and  has  one  son.  Clemmer; 
Cora  A.,  who  married  Lawrence  Horan,  and 
is  now  deceased ; Letha,  a stenographer  in  the 
First  National  Bank  of  Monroe;  and  John  F., 
who  is  bookkeeper  in  the  First  National  Bank 
at  Algona,  Iowa.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clemmer 
are  prominent  members  of  the  Baptist  Church 
of  Juda,  in  which  he  has  been  for  many  years 
a deacon.  In  religious,  social  and  business 
cricles  he  is  one  of  the  leading  spirits  of  Green 
county,  and  is  held  in  high  esteem  by  a wide 
acquaintanceship  throughout  that  and  adjacent 
counties. 

JOSEPH  T.  BRIDGE,  deceased.  Half  a 
decade  has  passed  away  since  this  pioneer  citi- 
zen of  Green  county,  passed  from  earth  into 
eternal  rest,  mourned  by  his  friends  and  held 


in  high  esteem  by  his  fellow  citizens,  who  had 
learned  to  love  him  for  his  genial  nature,  and 
to  honor  him  for  his  moral  worth. 

John  and  Deborah  (Clark)  Bridge,  his 
grandparents,  were  among  the  pioneers  of 
Preble  county,  Ohio,  having  migrated  to  that 
State  from  their  native  New  Jersey.  John  H. 
Bridge,  the  father  of  the  late  Joseph  T.  Bridge, 
was  born  April  3,  1815,  in  Preble  county,  one 
of  a family  of  eight,  three  sons  and  five 
daughters,  and  was  early  inured  to  the 
toils  and  hardships  of  a frontier  life.  On 
reaching  manhood  he  married  Nancy  Sam- 
ple, a native  of  Virginia.  In  1835  he  vis- 
ited Green  county,  Wis.,  with  a view  to 
ascertaining  its  desirability  as  a place  of 
abode,  and  in  1840  he  became  a permanent 
resident,  being  reckoned  as  one  of  the  pioneers 
of  Jefferson  township.  He  was  a man  of 
notable  industry,  strict  probity  and  strong- 
character,  and  soon  became  a prominent  and 
influential  citizen.  In  1873  he  surrendered 
the  management  of  the  farm  to  his  son  and 
retired  from  active  work,  to  reside  in  the  city 
of  Monroe,  his  son  following  him  thither  in 
nine  years.  In  18S4  Air.  Bridge  set  out  for 
California,  but  on  reaching  Denver,  Colo., 
suddenly  sickened  and  died.  His  son  was 
with  him,  and  also  the  latter's  wife,  who  had 
accompanied  her  husband  and  father-in-law 
that  far.  Together  they  brought  back  the  re- 
mains to  his  former  home,  and  with  loving 
care  did  they  minister  to  his  widow,  taking 
her  to  their  home,  where  she  passed  away  Oct. 
30,  1899,  her  eighty-fifth  year. 

Joseph  T.  Bridge  was  born  on  his  fa- 
ther s farm  in  Jefferson  township,  Oct.  9, 
1849,  and  was  the  only  one  of  six  children  to 
live  beyond  the  years  of  childhood.  He  in- 
herited the  property  of  his  father,  and  with 
it  as  a basis,  and  with  unwearying  industry 
as  well  as  wise  financial  management,  he  ac- 
cumulated a handsome  competence.  Five  years 
before  his  death  he  built  a charming  home, 
and  at  that  time  apparently  had  before  him 
the  prospect  of  a long  and  honored  life.  In 
the  spring  of  1893.  however,  he  was  attacked 
by  an  incurable  malady,  which  baffled  all  ef- 
forts for  relief,  and  died  on  the  morning  of 
Aug.  19.  of  that  year,  deeply  and  widely 
mourned. 

Joseph  T.  Bridge  deserves  more  than  a 
passing  notice  in  the  Commemorative  Record 
of  Southern  Wisconsin.  Born  here  soon  after 


392 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


the  organization  of  Wisconsin  as  a State,  the 
son  of  a pioneer,  his  whole  life,  although  com- 
paratively brief,  was  passed  in  the  immediate 
vicinity  of  the  place  of  his  birth.  He  was  not 
prominently  identified  with  public  life,  as  he 
never  sought  office,  although  he  served  most 
acceptably  in  the  city  council.  As  a citizen 
he  was  beloved  and  respected  for  his  kindness 
of  heart  and  unassuming  manner.  He  was 
a man  of  sterling  integrity,  and  conscientious 
in  all  he  did  and  said,  in  either  public  or 
private  life,  ever  aiming  to  be  governed  by 
Christian  principles.  In  short,  he  was  a man 
who  believed  in  right  living,  in  being  just  to 
his  fellow  man,  and  honorable  in  all  things. 

On  Dec.  22,  1874,  Mr.  Bridge  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Anna  Hosier,  of  Kansas  City, 
Mo.  Her  parents,  Evan  Abram  and  Rachel 
Hosier,  came  to  Green  county  from  Ohio 
about  1850,  removed  to  Missouri  in  i860,  and 
returned  to  Green  county  in  1864.  Mr.  Hosier, 
who  died  there  in  1866,  was  widely  known, 
influential  and  highly  esteemed.  He  was  a 
man  of  superior  education,  and  in  the  early 
days  of  Green  county  was  a successful  teacher. 
Mrs.  Bridge  is  one  of  five  children:  Harri- 

son, who  has  been  for  many  years  a resident 
of  Denver,  Colo.;  Sarah  E.,  Mrs.  Bolender,  of 
Monroe;  Anna,  Mrs.  Bridge;  and  Abram  and 
George  B.,  who  have  their  homes  in  Kansas 
City.  It  was  there  also  that  Mrs.  Hosier  died 
in  1892.  The  marriage  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jo- 
seph T.  Bridge  was  blessed  by  the  birth  of  one 
son  and  two  daughters : Burton  ( a student 

at  the  State  University  of  Wisconsin),  Ethel 
and  Daisy. 

DUNCAN  McGREGOR,  M.  A.,  Litt.  d. 
In  this  age  of  intellectual  activity,  when  suc- 
cess in  the  business  world  depends  not  upon 
mere  physical  prowess,  but  also  upon  mental 
activity,  upon  an  ability  to  master  the  prin- 
ciples and  details  of  any  enterprise,  the  work 
of  the  educator  has  become  of  even  greater  im- 
portance than  ever  before.  Long  occupying  a 
prominent  rank  among  the  educators  of  Wis- 
consin is  Dr.  McGregor,  the  well-known  presi- 
dent of  the  'Wisconsin  State  Normal  School, 
Platteville,  Grant  county,  under  whose  leader- 
ship that  school  has  taken  rank  with  the  best 
of  its  kind  in  the  country. 

A native  of  Scotland,  our  subject  was  born 
in  the  Forest  of  Clunie,  Parish  of  Clunie, 
Perthshire,  Aug.  12,  1836,  son  of  Malcolm 


and  Catherine  (Kennedy)  McGregor.  The 
father  was  a farmer  in  prosperous  circum- 
stances while. in  Scotland.  Until  fourteen 
years  of  age  our  subject  received  instruction 
in  a private  school,  and  then  prepared  for  col- 
lege at  Perth  Academy,  one  of  the  best  schools 
in  Scotland,  where  he  won  several  prizes  in 
drawing  and  English.  He  took  his  academic 
course  m the  University  and  King’s  College, 
Aberdeen,  where  he  spent  three  years,  com- 
pleting the  junior  year  at  that  institution. 

In  June,  1857,  Dr.  McGregor  came  to 
America,  and  located  at  Wausau,  Wis.,  where 
he  engaged  in  lumbering  and  running  on  the 
river  for  one  year.  In  the  fall  of  1858  he  took 
charge  of  the  school  at  Farmington,  this  State, 
and  remained  there  the  three  winters  follow- 
ing, serving  one  term  as  town  superintendent 
of  the  schools.  For  five  years  he  was  princi- 
pal of  the  high  school  at  Waupaca.  Dr.  Mc- 
Gregor attended  Lawrence  University  one 
year,  passed  the  examination,  and  received  the 
degree  of  A.  B.  He  taught  for  a short  time 
thereafter,  and  then,  in  1864,  joined  the  Union 
army,  being  chosen  captain  of  his  company, 
which  was  mustered  in  as  Company  A,  42d 
Wis.  V.  I.  He  served  during  the  remainder 
of  the  war,  being  engaged  in  provost  duty  on 
the  Mississippi  river  and  its  tributaries.  His 
military  career  ended,  lie  resumed  teaching  in 
the  high  school  of  Waupaca,  where  he  re- 
mained until  1867,  when,  a year  after  its  or- 
ganization, he  was  appointed  professor  of 
mathematics,  teacher  of  methods  and  super- 
visor of  practice  in  the  State  Normal  School 
at  Platteville,  Wis.  In  1878  Dr.  McGregor 
was  elected  president  of  that  institution,  which 
responsible  position  he  held  uninterruptedly 
for  sixteen  years,  when,  owing  to  a change  in 
the  political  complexion  of  the  Board  of  Re- 
gents, he  was  not  re-elected,  but  was  made  pro- 
fessor of  pedagogy,  while  another  was  chosen 
president.  Having  resigned  his  chair  in  1895, 
Dr.  McGregor  was  again  elected  president,  by 
the  unanimous  vote  of  the  Board,  a grateful 
testimonial  to  the  ability  and  fidelity  with 
which  he  served  the  cause  of  education  for  so 
many  years. 

The  Wisconsin  State  Normal  School  was 
established  Oct.  9,  1866,  with  C.  H.  Allen, 
now  of  San  Jose,  Cal.,  as  principal.  He  held 
that  position  four  years,  and  was  succeeded  by 
Edwin  Charlton,  who  died  at  Brodhead,  Wis., 
in  1897.  lie  was  president  of  the  school  eight 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


393 


years,  and  was  in  turn  succeeded  by  Dr.  Mc- 
Gregor, who  held  the  office  sixteen  years.  Dr. 
James  Chalmers  was  then  president  for  three 
years,  at  the  end  of  which  time  Dr.  McGregor 
again  took  charge  of  affairs.-  The  institution 
was  first  known  as  the  Platteville  Academy. 
In  1853  a good  building,  40x70  feet,  was 
erected,  which  was  turned  over  to  the  State  in 
1866.  It  was  then  enlarged  by  a donation 
from  the  State  of  $20,000,  and  Gen.  Grant 
assisted  in  its  dedication.  An  addition,  40X 
70  feet,  was  made  in  1881,  another  addition, 
50x90  feet,  in  1891,  so  that  the  building  is 
now  200  feet  long,  while  the  south  wing  is 
100  feet  deep,  and  the  north  wing  90  feet  deep, 
and  all  two  stories  in  height.  It  is  built  of 
fine  limestone,  quarried  at  Platteville.  Since 
the  school  came  under  the  control  of  the  State 
the  attendance  has  increased  from  thirty  to 
three  hundred,  and  the  Faculty  has  been  in- 
creased from  five  to  twenty-one,  while  the  pay- 
roll has  been  increased  accordingly.  The 
school  has  a good  physical  and  chemical  lab- 
oratory, and  is  doing  a large  amount  of  work 
in  biology  and  geology.  'The  Doctor  has  pre- 
pared a book  on  drawing,  published  by  A.  PL 
Andrews,  of  Chicago.  As  an  evidence  of  his 
scholarly  accomplishments  Lawrence  Univer- 
sity has  conferred  upon  him  the  degree  of 
Litt.  D. 

Dr.  McGregor  was  married,  Dec.  26,  1865, 
to  Miss  Anna  Bowman,  and  to  them  have  been 
born  five  children , Alice,  Grace,  Elizabeth, 
and  Jessica,  all  teachers,  and  graduates  of 
the  State  Normal;  and  Richard,  still  in 
school. 

Dr.  McGregor  has  always  been  an  earnest 
advocate  of  Republican  principles,  but  has 
chosen  to  be  only  a private  in  the  ranks  of  the 
party,  though  in  1896  he  was  mentioned  as  a 
most  suitable  person  for  nomination  as  gover- 
nor on  the  Republican  ticket.  In  religious  be-^ 
lief  he  is  a Congregationalist.  In  Masonry 
he  has  passed  from  the  Blue  Lodge  to  the  Con- 
sistory and  Shrine ; has  been  a member  of 
Melody  Lodge,  F.  & A.  M.,  for  several  years; 
has  repeatedly  served  as  high  priest  of  Wash- 
ington Chapter,  R.  A.  M. : was  grand  high 
priesffifWfhe"  State  two  years ; committee  on 
correspondence  of  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Wis- 
consin eight  years ; a member  of  Commandery 
No.  12,  K.  T.,  of  Mineral  Point;  of  M ilwau- 
kee  Consistory;  and  of  the  Mystic  Shrine. 


He  has  ever  been  an  advocate  of  progress  and 
reform,  and  all  that  pertains  to  the  public  wel- 
fare receives  his  hearty  endorsement. 

DANIEL  TRUMA1  is  numbered  among 
the  prosperous  farmers  of  Woodman  township, 
Grant  county,  his  broad  acres  showing  the  ef- 
fect of  careful,  systematic  cultivation,  and  his 
substantial  buildings  bespeaking  consideration 
for  his  family  and  his  stock. 

Mr.  Trumm  was  born  in  Bavaria,  Ger- 
many, in  1837,  a son  of  Daniel  and  Catharine 
(Dunt)  Trumm,  also  natives  of  Germany,  who 
came  to  America,  settling  in  Syracuse,  N.  \ ., 
where  the  father  died,  while  the  mother  passed 
away  in  another  portion  of  the  same  State. 
To  the  parents  of  our  subject  five  children 
were  born ; Catharine,  Maggie,  Elizabeth,  Bar- 
bara, and  Daniel. 

Our  subject  was  fifteen  years  old  when 
his  parents  immigrated  to  this  country,  and 
he  resided  at  Syracuse  until  he  was  twenty- 
two.  Having  decided  to  move  further  \\  est, 
he  came  to  Wisconsin,  settling  in  Marion 
township,  Grant  county,  where  he  remained 
until  he  purchased  his  present  farm  of  160 
acres,  then  but  partially  improved.  T his  prop- 
erty Air.  Trumm  has  brought  into  a high  state 
of  cultivation,  and  built  substantial  buildings 
thereon,  making  of  it  a model  farm. 

During  the  Civil  war  Air.  Trumm  served 
his  country  most  bravely,  enlisting  in  August, 
1864,  in  Company  C,  43d  Wis.  A".  I.,  and 
being  mustered  in  at  Milwaukee.  Mr.  Trumm 
•was  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  did  garrison 
duty,  and  received  an  honorable  discharge  at 
Nashville,  Tenn.  After  receiving  his  pay  as 
a soldier,  at  Milwaukee,  in  1865,  he  returned  to 
his  home  in  Woodman  township,  where  he  has 
since  resided,  turning  his  sword  into  a plough- 
share. 

Daniel  Trumm  married  Miss  Margaret 
Schippener,  in  Syracuse,  N.  Y.,  and  this  es- 
timable lady  has  borne  him  children  as  fol- 
lows : Airs.  Margaret  Miller,  of  Marion  town- 
ship; Airs.  Elizabeth  Gilleland,  of  Fennimore; 
Airs.  Catharine  Alartin,  of  Boscobel ; Daniel, 
who  is  married,  and  is  a resident  of  Water- 
town;  John,  married,  who  resides  in  Hope- 
ville,  Iowa;  Airs.  Caroline  Hagensick,  of  AIc- 
Gregor,  Iowa;  Julius,  who  is  married  and  liv- 
ing- at  home ; Louise,  at  home ; Airs.  Annie 
Wellner,  of  Alarion ; Jacob,  married,  and  liv- 


394 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ing  at  home;  and  Mrs.  Julia  Wellner,  of  Ma- 
rion. 

Having  served  in  the  Civil  war,  our  sub- 
ject naturally  takes  an  interest  in  the  G.  A. 
R.,  and  is  a member  of  the  post  at  Boscobel. 
Air.  i'rumm  has  seen  the  township  grow  dur- 
ing his  many  years’  residence  in  Woodman, 
and  has  assisted  materially  in  its  development. 
He  and  his  wife  are  very  pleasant  people,  and 
are  highly  esteemed  by  a large  circle  of  ac- 
quaintances and  friends. 

JOHN  CLEMENS,  a retired  merchant, 
and  one  of  the  wealthy  residents  of  the  city 
of  Cuba,  is  well  known  throughout  Grant 
county  as  a thoroughly  reliable  man,  and  one 
well  worthy  the  esteem  of  his  fellow  towns- 
men. By  his  own  industry  and  thrift  he  has 
gained  a comfortable  competence,  and  is  now 
enjoying  the  result  of  his  efforts  in  peace  and 
plenty. 

Mr.  Clemens  was  born  on  a farm  in  Grant 
county,  near  Cuba,  in  June,  1849,  a son  °t 
Christopher  and  Annie  (Tripp)  Clemens,  who 
were  born,  reared  and  married  in  Cornwall, 
England.  Christopher  Clemens  came  to  Grant 
county,  Wis.,  in  1842,  and  engaged  in  mining 
two  years.  He  then  went  to  the  island  of 
Cuba,  where  he  engaged  in  the  copper  mines, 
owned  and  operated  by  a company  of  Ameri- 
cans, for  five  years.  From  Cuba  he  went  to 
England,  was  married,  immigrated  to  Grant 
county,  and  worked  in  the  lead  mines  until 
1849.  At  that  time  he  started  across  the 
Plains  to  California,  remained  one  year,  and 
returned  to  Grant  county.  After  a short  time 
he  again  set  out  for  the  gold  fields,  and  worked 
in  the  mines  of  California  for  a short  time. 
He  then  formed  one  of  a company  which  went 
to  California,  thence  to  Vancouver,  this 
company  making  the  first  trail  to  the 
Fraser  river  known  to  white  men.  Here 
Air.  Clemens  was  very  successful,  panning 
out  a large  quantity  of  gold,  but  his  heart 
yearned  for  his  loved  ones,  and  as  soon 
as  he  felt  he  had  secured  a sufficient  amount 
he  finally  returned  to  Wisconsin,  where  he 
purchased  400  acres  of  land,  all  in  one 
piece,  in  i860.  This  property,  located  near 
Cuba,  is  now  one  of  the  finest  farms  in 
Grant  county.  After  working  upon  the  farm 
for  a number  of  years  Mr.  Clemens  finally  re- 
tired, locating  in  Cuba.  The  following  year 
he  and  his  wife  made  a trip  to  England,  visit- 


ing among  their  friends,  and  soon  after  their 
return,  in  1876,  she  died.  Later  Mr.  Clemens 
remarried,  and  he  resided  in  Cuba  until  the 
day  of  his  death,  in  1894,  when  he  was  eighty 
years  of  age.  Six  children  were  born  of  his 
first  union:  John.  William,  born  in  Grant 

county,  married  Miss  Grace  Bowden,  of  Grant 
county,  and  settled  on  the  old  Clemens  home- 
stead, where  he  and  this  wife  both  died  in 
1894,  leaving  six  children.  Albert,  born  in 
Grant  county,  married  Miss  Rena  Wills,  and 
settled  on  a part  of  his  father’s  farm,  where 
he  died,  leaving  a wife  and  one  son,  Albert. 
Samuel,  born  in  Grant  county,  married  Afiss 
Lizzie  Wills,  and  now  resides  in  Cuba  City; 
he  owns  a part  of  the  home  farm  in  Hazel 
Green  township  (they  have  no  family).  Mary 
A.,  born  in  Grant  county,  died  in  1876,  while 
yet  a young  lady,  at  the  old  homestead.  Na- 
omi, born  in  Grant  county,  married  Lester 
Jackson,  now  resides  on  a portion  of  the  old 
homestead,  and  has  two  sons.  All  of  the 
family  have  been,  and  are  now,  a credit  to  the 
worthy  parents. 

Our  subject  grew  to  manhood  on  the  old 
home  farm,  received  a district-school  educa- 
tion, and  later  a thorough  business  course.  In 
1869  he  purchased  160  acres  of  farm  land, 
adjoining  the  city  of  Cuba,  and  he  also  owns 
a large  farm  in  Hazel  Green  township,  having 
in  all  over  400  acres  of  the  best  farm  land 
to  be  found  in  Grant  county,  if  not  in  the 
United  States.  Since  1881  Mr.  Clemens  has 
resided  in  Cuba,  engaged  in  the  general  mer- 
chandise, live  stock  and  grain  business,  until 
December.  1898,  when  he  retired  from  active 
life.  Having  erected  a fine  residence,  in  1888, 
in  Cuba,  the  family  reside  in  this  modern, 
comfortable  home.  In  addition  to  his  farms 
and  residence  Mr.  Clemens  owns  a large 
amount  of  real  estate  in  Cuba,  including  four 
houses  and  a modern  equipped  creamery,  which 
he  rents. 

In  1869  Mr.  Clemens  married  Miss  Sarah 
Nichols,  daughter  of  Isaac  and  Jane  Nichols, 
prominent  pioneers  of  Grant  county,  who  came 
from  England  at  a very  early  date  in  the 
history  of  Wisconsin.  Mrs.  Clemens  was  born 
in  1855,  and  was  educated  in  the  schools  of 
the  home  neighborhood.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Clemens  five  children  have  been  born : Mabel 
J.  died  when  twelve  years  of  age.  Clinton  died 
in  March.  1896,  aged  eight.  Laura,  born  in 
Cuba  City,  in  June,  1872,  educated  in  the 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


395 


schools  of  Cuba,  was  married  in  1889  to  Sam- 
uel Stephens,  agent  and  operator  for  tlhe  Chi- 
cago & Northwestern  railroad  at  Cuba,  where 
they  reside;  they  have  two  children,  Freddie 
and  Dwight.  John  A.,  born  in  August,  1874. 
grew  up  on  the  farm,  and  in  1900  married 
Miss  Bessie  Smalley,  of  Cuba,  daughter  of 
Daniel  Smalley,  postmaster  at  that  city.  C. 
C.,  born  in  Cuba  in  May,  1881,  is  single,  and 
resides  at  the  old  homestead. 

Politically  Mr.  Clemens  has  always  been 
identified  with  the  Republican  party,  serving 
as  a member  of  the  Smelser  town  board  for 
fifteen  years;  also  as  member  of  the  city  coun- 
cil ; member  and  treasurer  of  the  school  board ; 
as  well  as  in  other  local  offices,  in  all  of  which 
he  performed  his  duties  in  a manner  most  ac- 
ceptable to  the  public.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clemens 
are  active  workers  in  the  M.  E.  Church,  to- 
ward which  he  is  a liberal  supporter.  Being- 
identified  with  the  best  interests  of  the  city, 
Mr.  Clemens  holds  a very  enviable  position 
among  his  fellow  townsmen,  and  is  as  pop- 
ular as  he  is  deservedly  respected. 

JAMES  NELSON  DAVIS.  Among  the 
esteemed  citizens  and  wealthy  retired  farmers 
of  Clarno  township,  Green  county,  may  be 
mentioned  James  N.  Davis,  who  makes  his 
home  in  the  handsome  residence  erected  on  his 
large  farm,  just  two  miles  south  of  Monroe. 

Mr.  Davis  was  born  Oct.  26,  1827,  a son 
of  David  and  Mary  (Woodle)  Davis,  and  is 
in  the  strictest  sense  of  the  word  a self-made 
man,  so  far  as  his  financial  acquirements  are 
concerned.  He  was  brought  to  Wisconsin  in 
youth  by  his  parents,  and  received  his  educa- 
tion in  the  little  log  school  house  near  his 
home.  He  gradually  acquired  his  fine  prop- 
erty, his  home  farm  now  consisting  of  nearly 
500  acres  of  well-tilled  fields.  His  entire  life 
has  been  a temperate  one,  and  he  has  never 
tasted  whiskey  nor  used  tobacco  in  any  form 
- — a fine  example,  worthy  of  emulation.  Of 
lofty  ideals,  a high  sense  of  honor,  of  un- 
tarnished reputation,  he  is  a citizen  of  which 
any  community  might  well  be  proud.  In 
politics  he  is  a stanch  Republican,  and  he  has 
held  the  offices  of  school  director,  chairman 
of  Decatur  township,  supervisor  of  Clarno 
township,  giving  to  the  duties  of  each  the 
same  careful,  close  attention  he  gave  to  his 
private  affairs,  and  proving  himself  a most 
acceptable  official.  In  religious  belief  he  is 


a consistent  member  of  the  Baptist  Church  at 
Juda,  Wisconsin. 

On  March  17,  1851,  Mr.  Davis  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Elizabeth  Roderick,  daughter  of 
Andrew  and  Lydia  Roderick,  early  settlers  of 
Green  county.  To  this  union  came  ten  chil- 
dren, as  follows:  Lydia,  Allies  O.,  Aura, 

Eva  J..  Lucinda  R.,  Austin  C.,  Frank,  Nora, 
and  Edith  J.  and  Edna  M.  (twins).  Four 
died  in  1871,  within  six  weeks,  and  those  now 
surviving  are  Lydia,  Aura,  Eva  J.,  Lucinda 
R.  and  Austin  C.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Davis  also 
reared  an  adopted  son,  Frank,  now  a dentist 
at  Brodhead,  Wis.  Mrs.  Davis,  who  was  born 
in  1825,  died  April  29,  1895,  a faithful  fol- 
lower of  the  teachings  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

David  Davis,  father  of  James  N.  Davis, 
was  a son  of  James  Davis,  and  was  a native 
of  Pennsylvania,  of  Welsh  descent.  He  came 
to  Green  county  in  1838,  settling  in  the  town 
of  Spring  Grove,  thus  becoming  one  of  the 
very  early  settlers  of  the  county.  He  was 
born  May  6,  1793.  and  died  Feb.  17,  1882. 
He  married  (first)  Polly  Ross,  who  bore  him 
three  children:  Joshua,  deceased;  ATancy, 

widow  of  Alfred  Baremore,  of  Juda;  and 
Keziah,  widow  of  J.  W.  Kildow,  of  Spring- 
Grove  township.  For  his  second  wife  he  mar- 
ried, on  Nov.  22,  1822,  Mary  Woodle.  who 
was  born  in  Fayette  county,  Penn.,  Feb.  9, 
1804,  and  died  Feb.  17,  1871.  She  was  of 
Scotch  lineage.  Their  family  of  sons  were 
eleven  in  number,  namely:  Thomas,  born  Sept. 
2,  1824;  James  N.,  mentioned  above;  David, 
born  Nov.  22,  1829;  Joel  J.  P.,  Jan.  8,  1832; 
Samuel,  March  8,  1834;  William,  Nov.  25, 
1836;  Doctor  E.,  Aug.  12,  1S39;  Zachariah 
P.,  June  2,  1841;  Joseph  J.,  Nov.  18.  1S43; 
John  0..  May  26,  1848;  and  Levi  G..  Dec.  1,  ■ 
1850.  Four  are  still  living,  James  N. ; Sam- 
uel, of  near  Hampton,  Iowa;  Doctor  E..  near 
Brodhead,  in  Rock  county;  and  David,  in 
Clarno  township. 

JOHN  EDGAR  FUNK,  of  the  township 
of  Monticello,  is  one  of  the  oldest  native- 
born  residents  of  Lafayette  county,  where  his 
birth  occurred  April  10,  1829. 

Benjamin  Funk,  his  father,  was  born  in 
the  State  of  West  Virginia  Nov.  19,  1798, 
son  of  a surgeon  in  the  Revolutionary  army, 
•whose  father  was  a.  native  of  Germany.  Ben- 
jamin Funk  left  his  native  State  in  his  youth, 
and  went  to  Ohio.  The  news  of  the  golden 


396 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


opportunities  in  the  lead  mines  of  Missouri 
lured  him  thither,  and  there  he  remained  some 
time.  On  April  14,  1828,  he  arrived  at 

Gratiot's  Grove,  Lafayette  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he 
engaged  in  farming  and  stock  raising,  this 
being  his  occupation  during  the  remainder  of 
his  life.  His  first  settlement  was  on  the 
Southeast  Quarter  of  Section  30,  in  Monti- 
cello  township.  For  some  time  after  coming 
to  Wisconsin  he  was  in  partnership  with  his 
brother-in-law,  Thomas  Wiley,  but  they  finally 
separated  their  interests,  Mr.  Wiley  taking  the 
land  upon  which  they  were  located,  and  Mr. 
Funk  a tract  on  Section  27.  This  was  his 
home  at  the  time  of  his  death,  in  September, 
1851.  The  event  was  most  unexpected.  He 
and  his  wife  were  on  a journey  to  visit  the 
latter's  relatives,  who  lived  near  Springfield, 
111.,  when  Mr.  Funk  suddenly  became  ill  and 
passed  away.  During  his  residence  in  Mis- 
souri Mr.  Funk  met  and  married  Miss  Cath- 
erine Wiley,  who  died  in  1838,  and  for  his 
second  wife  he  wedded  Mrs.  Nancy  Black, 
who  passed  away  in  1897.  Four  children  were 
horn  of  the  first  marriage : Harriet,  Airs. 

Ivleeberger,  a widow,  residing  near  Apple 
River,  Ills. ; Alary,  Mrs.  Rundle,  also  a 
widow,  residing  in  Cedar  Rapids,  Iowa; 
John  Edgar ; and  Alonzo  A.,  of  Inde- 
pendence, Ivans.  To  the  second  marriage 
was  born  one  son,  Sidney,  who  grew  to 
manhood,  and  has  since  passed  away.  Ben- 
jamin Funk  was  a well-known  and  highly  re- 
spected citizen,  industrious  and  progressive. 
He  was  a most  valuable  man  in  the  new  com- 
munity, and  possessing'  no  inconsiderable 
knowledge  of  medicine,  to  the  study  of  which 
he  gave  close  attention,  he  was  often  called  to 
.treat  the  sick  among  the  early  settlers.  His 
kindness  and  benevolence  endeared  him  to  all 
who  knew  him.  In  his  political  views  he  was 
a Whig,  of  strong  anti-slavery  sentiments. 
He  was  one  of  those  men  to  whose  death  a 
community  finds  it  hard  to  become  reconciled. 

John  Edgar  Funk  is  now  the  only  member 
of  the  family  residing  in  Lafayette  county, 
which  has  always  been  his  home.  In  his  boy- 
hood days  he  assisted  upon  his  father's  farm, 
and  attended  such  schools  as  were  provided  in 
those  early  days.  He  never  attended  a school 
taught  in  a regular  school  house,  as  his  edu- 
cation was  received  before  the  establishment 
of  schools  in  the  neighborhood,  the  first  he 
attended  being  a private  school  taught  in  his 


father’s  house.  In  1849  Mr.  Funk  went  to 
California,  being  one  of  the  first  company  that 
went  overland  to  the  newly  discovered  land 
of  gold.  It  was  quite  an  event  to  go  to  the 
Pacific  coast  a half  a century  and  more  ago. 
Llis  company  left  Council  Bluffs  March  16, 
and  camped  in  the  Sacramento  Valley  Oct.  1, 
following.  Our  subject  did  well  in  the  mines 
there,  remaining  until  the  spring  of  1852, 
when  he  returned  to  Wisconsin,  and  has  since 
been  engaged  in  farming.  He  purchased  part 
of  his  present  farm  when  he  returned  from 
California,  and  has  made  that  place  'his  home. 

On  Dec.  14,  1852,  Air.  Funk  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Aliss  Sophronia  Dimmick, 
daughter  of  Lot  and  Mary  Ann  Dimmick,  and 
six  children  have  blessed  their  union : Dr. 

Zalmon  E.,  of  Cripple  Creek,  Colo. ; Norman 
A.,  a merchant  of  Clay  county,  Iowa ; George 
H.,  an  attorney  of  Olympia,  Wash.;  Ernest,  a 
resident  of  Chicago;  Adelaide  S.,  wife  of  Prof. 
A.  J.  Volland,  principal  of  the  high  school  at 
Grand  Rapids,  Mich. ; and  Mary  A.,  wife  of 
George  H.  Goodrich,  a merchant  at  Anoka, 
Minn.  Mr.  Funk  has  always  been  on  the  side 
of  progress,  and  has  taken  an  active  interest 
in  public  affairs.  He  cast  his  first  vote  in 
1 S56,  John  C.  Fremont  being  his  choice  among 
the  Presidential  candidates  that  year,  and  his 
last  vote  was  cast  for  William  McKinley,  in 
1900,  making  it  evident  that  in  his  political 
affiliations  he  has  been  constant  to  the  Repub- 
lican party. 

DWIGHT  FLOWER,  AI.  D.  The  pro- 
gressive and  pleasant  town  of  Monticello, 
Green  county,  has  among  its  prominent  citi- 
zens a man  of  deep  learning  and  successful 
practice  in  his  profession  of  physician  and  sur- 
geon— Dr.  Dwight  Flower,  the  efficient  health 
officer  of  Afonticello. 

Dr.  Flower  was  born  in  Rupert,  Vt.,  Jan. 
4,  1839,  a son  of  Roswell  and  Phoebe  Ann 
(Peck)  Flower,  both  of  whom  were  natives 
of  V ermont.  They  reared  a family  of  four 
children,  two  sons  and  two  daughters,  three 
of  whom  are  living:  Dr.  Dwight,  our  sub- 

ject; Esther,  who  is  the  wife  of  George  Cruik- 
s'hank,  of  Humboldt,  Iowa ; and  Ellen,  who  is 
the  wife  of  John  B.  Scott,  of  Forest  Grove, 
Oregon.  The  paternal  grandfather  of  our 
subject,  Roswell  Flower,  was  a native  of 
Massachusetts.  When  but  a boy  he  went 
from  his  home  in  Feeding  Hills,  that  State, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


397 


to  Vermont,  and  located  in  Rupert  township, 
Bennington  county,  where  he  engaged  in 
farming,  dying  there  on  his  old  farm,  which 
was  afterward  the  property  of  his  son  Ros- 
well. The  great-grandfather  had  moved  from 
Wethersfield,  Conn.,  to  Feeding  Hills,  Mass., 
where  he  died.  * The  maternal  grandfather  of 
our  subject  was  Thomas  Peck,  a native  of 
Vermont,  of  Scottish  descent,  and  a farmer 
by  occupation.  About  1856  he  came  to  Wis- 
consin, where  for  many  years  he  was  a man 
of  affairs,  being  elected  selectman  and  justice 
of  the  peace  for  a number  of  terms.  His 
death  occurred  in  Dane  county,  this  State,  in 
1865,  when  he  was  in  his  seventy-fifth  year. 

The  father  of  our  subject  was  a farmer  by 
occupation.  In  1857  he  moved  from  Ver- 
mont to  Iowa,  settling  at  Humboldt,  where 
he  pre-empted  a claim  of  160  acres  and  pur- 
chased the  adjoining  160,  and  this  has  ever 
since  been  the  old  family  home.  There  Mr. 
Flower’s  last  days  were  passed,  and  he  died 
in  1898,  at  the  age  of  eighty-nine.  Mrs. 
Flower  died  there  in  1890,  aged  seventy-six. 
Both  were  devout  members  of  the  Christian 
Church,  in  which  he  was  a deacon.  For  a 
number  of  years  he  had  served  as  town  clerk 
in  Humboldt  county. 

Dwight  Flower,  the  subject  proper  of  our 
sketch,  lived  in  Bennington  county,  Vt..  until 
he  had  reached  the  age  of  seventeen,  receiv- 
ing his  early  education  there,  in  the  common 
schools.  In  the  fall  of  1856  he  left  Vermont 
and  entered  the  Western  Reserve  Eclectic  In- 
stitute, now  Hiram  College,  where  he  pursued 
his  studies  for  two  terms,  leaving  to  accom- 
pany the  family  on  the  removal  to  Iowa. 
After  locating  at  liumboldt  Dr.  Flower  learn- 
ed something  of  the  practical  side  of  pioneer 
life  by  opening  up  a farm,  building  a house, 
fencing  the  lands,  and  hauling  rails,  contin- 
uing this  active  life  until  i860,  when  he  en- 
tered Antioch  College,  at  Yellow  Springs, 
Ohio.  In  the  summer  of  1863  he  left  there 
in  order  to  enter  Union  College,  at  Schenec- 
tady, N.  Y.,  whence  he  graduated  in  1864, 
immediately  entering  the  Medical  Department 
of  the  same  institution,  which  is  located  at 
Albany,  N.  Y.  After  graduating  at  Albany, 
in  1866,  Dr.  Flower  took  a course  of  lectures 
in  New  York  City,  later  teaching  school  a 
short  time  in  Schenectady.  Crossing  the 
ocean  to  Heidelberg,  Germany,  he  visited  the 
hospitals  there,  studying  methods  and  various 


forms  of  disease,  with  their  care  and  cure. 
From  this  center  he  went  to  Berlin,  where  a 
year  was  profitably  spent  in  the  hospitals  of 
that  great  and  enlightened  city.  Four  months 
were  passed  in  a similar  life  in  Vienna,  at  the 
end  of  which  time  Dr.  Flower  turned  his  face 
to  his  native  land,  well  ecpupped  for  the  in- 
telligent practice  of  his  chosen  profession. 
To  his  credit  be  it  said,  he  started  college 
without  a cent,  and  paid  the  expenses  of  his 
college  and  medical  school  courses  by  teach- 
ing and  other  work,  teaching  in  all  six  terms, 
no  two  in  succession,  during  his  career  at  col- 
lege and  medical  school. 

Upon  reaching  home  Dr.  Flower  decided 
to  locate  at  Fort  Dodge,  Iowa,  and  remained 
there  about  one  and  one-half  years,  coming- 
then  to  Wisconsin,  and  settling  at  Arena  for 
the  two  succeeding  years.  On  Jan.  1,  1875, 
he  located  in  Monticello,  where  he  has  re- 
mained ever  since,  building  up  a fine  practice, 
and  gaining  continually  in  the  esteem  of  the 
community.  For  many  years  he  has  been  the 
town's  efficient  health  officer,  his  success  in 
this  line  being  attested  by  the  remarkable  san- 
itary condition  in  which  the  village  is  kept. 

Dr.  Flower  was  married  Oct.  23,  1879,  to 
Miss  Kate  L.  Roser,  a daughter  of  Henry  and 
Theresa  (Seiler)  Roser,  of  Platteville,  Wis., 
and  a family  of  eight  children  have  been  born 
of  this  union.  Roswell  S..  who  died  at  the 
age  of  thirteen  months ; Zella,  who  died  at  the 
' age  of  four  years  and  ten  months ; Roswell 
C.,  who  died  at  the  age  of  two  years  and  seven 
months ; Dwight,  who  is  a student  at  River 
Falls,  Wis.;  Gretchen;  Charlene;  Rupert;  and 
Jeane. 

The  father  of  Mrs.  Flower  was  born  in 
Hesse-Darmstadt,  and  her  mother  in  Alsace, 
France.  Their  living  children  are:  Kate  L., 

wife  of  our  subject;  Henry  H.,  who  resides 
in  Denver,  Colo. ; and  Emil  B.,  who  lives  in 
Wellington,  Ivans.,  the  father  residing  there 
with  him.  Mrs.  Roser  died  in  1893,  aged 
seventy-one  years.  Mr.  Roser  was  a soldier 
in  Germany  in  1848,  coming  to  America  about 
1850. 

Politically  Dr.  Flower  is  an  Independent, 
not  agreeing  with  the  tenets  of  any  of  the  par- 
ties before  the  public.  With  his  large  and  in- 
creasing practice,  the  Doctor  still  takes  an  ac- 
tive interest  in  all  that  pertains  to  the  advance- 
ment of  Monticello,  and  to  his  intelligent 
supervision  may  be  attributed  the  escape  of 


39^ 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


this  pleasant  place  from  all  prevailing  epidem- 
ics. A close  student,  he  is  well  aware  of  all 
modern  inventions,  and  makes  use  of  the  same 
in  his  practice.  Dr.  Flower  is  a representative 
citizen  of  Monticello,  and  no  record  of  Green 
county  would  be  complete  without  mention  of 
his  name. 

MRS.  MARGARET  WITHROW,  who 
has  won  a good  name  and  a standing  as  a busi- 
ness woman  and  manager  of  a farm  in  the 
town  of  Paris,  Grant  county,  was  born  in 
Sangamon  county,  111.,  in  October,  1849. 

Mrs.  Withrow’s  parents,  John  and  Lucinda 
(Rister)-  Wilson,  were  natives  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  settlers  in  the  part  of  Illinois  men- 
tioned. They  came  to  Wisconsin  at  a very 
early  day,  lived  for  a time  in  the  town  of 
Harrison,  Grant  county,  and  then  bought  a 
farm  west  of  Dickeysville,  on  which  they 
passed  the  remaining  years  of  their  lives.  Mrs. 
Wilson  died  at  this  home  in  1877,  and  Mr. 
Wilson  lived  to  April,  1900,  attaining  a very 
great  age.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wilson  reared  a 
family  of  seven  children,  all  of  whom  are  liv- 
ing: Margaret,  Mrs.  Withrow,  the  eldest; 

David,  a retired  farmer  of  the  town  of  Paris ; 
John,  who  lives  in  Lyons,  Minn.;  Jacob,  a 
farmer  in  Minnesota;  Tabitha,  Mrs.  Henry 
Hatfield,  of  Madison,  A \ is. ; William,  who 
lives  in  Minnesota ; and  Henry,  who  is  engaged 
in  farming  in  that  State. 

Margaret  Wilson  obtained  her  education 
in  the  Dickeysville  school.  In  1870  she  mar- 
ried John  Withrow,  of  Grant  county,  who  was 
the  son  of  William  and  Martha  Withrow,  old 
settlers  in  their  town.  John  Withrow  was 
born  in  Potosi,  Grant  county,  in  June,  1841, 
enlisted  in  Company  I,  25th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and 
served  until  discharged  for  disability,  in  1864. 
After  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Withrow 
lived  on  a farm  near  LeMars,  Iowa,  for  about 
a year,  when  it  was  sold,  and  the  present  home 
of  the  family  in  the  town  of  Paris  was  pur- 
chased. There  Mr.  Withrow  died  in  Janu- 
ary. 1890,  leaving  his  wife  with  seven  children 
living:  ( 1)  Julia,  born  in  the  town  of  Paris 

in  1873,  was  for  a time  a student  in  the  Platte- 
ville  Normal.  She  married  Milton  Varnnetta, 
and  they  have  two  children,  Lester  and  Bertha, 
d hey  live  in  the  town  of  Cornelia.  (2)  Frank, 
born  in  1874,  is  single,  and  lives  at  home. 
( 3)  Minnie,  born  in  1876,  is  the  wife  of  Burt 
Rider,  of  the  town  of  Harrison.  (4)  Hattie, 


born  in  January,  1878,  was  educated  in  the 
home  schools,  and  is  living  at  home.  (5) 
John,  born  in  1880,  is  at  home,  as  are  (6) 
George,  born  in  July,  1882,  and  (7)  Walter, 
who  was  born  in  1884. 

Since  the  death  of  her  husband  Mrs.  With- 
row has  continued  on  the  fahn,  keeping  her 
family  together,  and  displaying  much  business 
ability,  i he  farm  has  been  greatly  improved 
under  her  management.  In  1897  she  erected 
a large  bank  barn,  and  in  the  summer  of  1900 
a hue  modern  house,  erected  on  the  founda- 
tions of  the  old  home,  which  was  consumed 
by  fire  May  3,  of  that  year.  Mr.  Withrow 
was  a Democrat,  and  a member  of  the  Con- 
gregational Church,  as  is  also  his  widow.  Mrs. 
Withrow  is  a highly  respected  lady  in  the 
community.  Her  parents  were  fine  people,  and 
socially  the  entire  family  are  ranked  among 
the  best  in  the  town. 

WILLIAM  H.  CALVERT  is  a retired 
miner  and  farmer  of  Benton,  Lafayette  coun- 
ty, where  his  venerable  age  and  long  and  use- 
ful career  demand  and  receive  the  respect  of 
the  community. 

Mr.  Calvert  was  born  in  Yorkshire,  Eng- 
land, March  9,  1815,  a son  of  William  and 
Mary  (Harker)  Calvert,  farming  people,  both 
of  whom  were  born  and  bred  in  Yorkshire. 
Five  of  their  six  sons  came  to  this  country, 
(1)  William  PL,  who  came  in  1839,  being  the 
first  to  emigrate.  Jackson,  Jonathan,  Thomas 
and  Simon  came  later.  James  Calvert,  the 
youngest  of  the  six,  still  resides  in  England, 
now  aged  seventy-two  years.  (2)  Jackson 
Calvert  spent  a few  years  in  the  mines  of 
Wisconsin,  and  in  1851  crossed  the  Plains  to 
California,  where  he  was  married  to  Isabella 
Layton,  a native  of  London,  England.  He  is 
still  living,  in  Nevada  City,  that  State.  (3) 
Jonathan  Calvert  settled  in  McGregor,  Iowa, 
where  he  died  in  1898,  leaving  a widow  and 
six  children,  William,  John,  Edward,  May 
(Airs.  Ben  Corkett),  Mary  (Mrs.  Cole), 
and  Etta  (Airs.  Utter).  (4)  Thomas  Calvert 
died  in  McGregor,  Iowa,  unmarried.  (5) 
Simon  Calvert  was  married  in  England,  came 
to  this  country,  and  settled  in  Benton,  where 
lie  followed  cabinet  making.  He  died  March 
8,  1901. 

William  H.  Calvert  obtained  his  education 
in  the  school  of  his  native  community,  where 
his  early  life  was  spent,  and  in  1839  crossed 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


359 


the  ocean  in  the  sailing-vessel  “Columbia," 
commanded  by  Capt.  Collins,  making  the  jour- 
ney from  Liverpool  to  New  York  in  twenty- 
one  days,  then  rapid  transit.  From  New  York 
he  went  to  Buffalo  by  the  Hudson  and  Erie 
canal,  and  from  there  journeyed  by  the  lakes 
to  Chicago,  from  which  city  the  way  was  by 
wagon  and  foot  to  Galena.  Eighteen  young 
men  agreed  to  come  through  to  the  mines  of 
Wisconsin.  When  Mr.  Calvert  arrived  at 
Galena  he  had  only  twenty-five  cents,  and  he 
pawned  his  jack-knife  to  pay  his  fare  across 
the  Mississippi  river.  Our  subject  is  the  only 
one  of  these  eighteen  young  men  now  living. 
In  Wisconsin  he  began  his  career  as  a miner, 
and  was  engaged  in  that  capacity  for  ten  years, 
during  which  period  he  purchased  land  ad- 
joining the  town  of  Benton,  where  he  erected 
his  present  home.  When  he  came  to  this 
State  there  was  not  a white  woman  in  the  lo- 
cality, and  the  company  had  to  “batch”  it  for 
a long  time.  Our  subject's  first  cabin  was  of 
rock  and  sod.  Mr.  Calvert  has  dealt  largely 
in  real  estate  since  coming  to  Wisconsin,  with 
most  satisfactory  results,  and  is  one  of  the 
more  prosperous  and  well-to-do  citizens  of  the 
county. 

In  the  fall  of  1848  Mr.  Calvert  went  back 
to  England,  and  on  Jan.  30,  following,  was 
married  to  Miss  Jane  Alton,  of  Yorkshire,  a 
daughter  of  William  and  Easter  (Cotting- 
ham)  Alton.  Mrs.  Calvert  was  born  Dec.  28, 
1826,  and  received  a good  education.  Fler 
parents  came  to  America  in  1861,  and  settled 
in  the  town  of  Benton,  where  her  father  died 
six  years  after  his  arrival ; her  mother  lived 
until  1875.  Of  their  family  four  daughters 
are  still  living.  ( 1 ) Henrietta,  who  died 
March  16,  1886,  was  the  wife  of  James  Blades, 
of  Benton;  (2)  Jane  is  the  wife  of  our  sub- 
ject; (3)  John  died  in  England;  (4)  Ellen 
is  the  wife  of  Miles  Cottingham ; (^)  Mary 
A.,  deceased  wife  of  Alexander  Stevens;  (6) 
Margaret,  deceased  wife  of  Thomas  Beck; 
(/)  Elizabeth,  wife  of  John  Beck  (she  lives 
in  Benton)  ; (8)  Esther,  widow  of  Will  iam 
Kay,  of  Cuba  City;  (9)  Joseph;  (10)  Reuben; 
( 1 1 ) Anthony  died  in  Benton.  Mr.  Calvert 
brought  his  wife  to  this  country,  and  installed 
her  in  the  home  which  he  had  prepared  for  her, 
and  in  which  they  have  lived  to  celebrate  their 
Pearl,  and  Golden  Weddings.  They  have 
1 eared  a family  of  fourteen  children:  (1) 

Mary  Ellen,  deceased,  became  the  wife  of 


George  Peart,  of  Aspen,  Colo.,  and  the  mother 
of  six  children,  Leona  (Mrs.  Wayne  Wat- 
kins, of  Colorado),  Joseph  William,  Isabella 
Calvert,  Phyllis,  Phoebe  Carrie,  and  Elenore 
Jane.  (2)  Easter  Ann,  born  in  Benton,  is 
unmarried,  and  is  living  at  home.  (3)  Will- 
iam Alton  is  single,  and  lives  at  home.  (4) 
John  Metcalfe  married  Miss  Ella  Josephine 
Cheney,  of  South  Wayne,  Wis.,  and  settled 
on  a farm  near  Fennimore,  where  his  wife 
died  in  1887,  leaving  him  with  two  children, 
William  H.  and  Cheney  James,  who  are  in 
the  home  of  their  grandparents.  On  account 
of  his  health  John  M.  Calvert  went  to  Colo- 
rado, where  he  died  in  1895.  (5)  Henrietta 

is  the  wife  of  John  Bunt,  of  Fremont,  Neb., 
where  he  is  engaged  in  carriage  manufactur- 
ing. I hey  have  three  children,  Mary  Ann, 
Jane  Alton,  and  Gladys  Percilla.  (6)  James 
Jackson  Buchanan  married  Miss  Mary  Emily 
Emerson,  of  Lafayette  county,  and  resides  on 
a farm  joining  his  father’s.  They  have  three 
children,  Isabella  Maud,, Mary  Moody  and  Em- 
ily Winniefred.  ( 7)  Isabella  Jane  died  when  a 
young  lady,  in  1884.  (8)  Margaret  Elizabeth 

is  unmarried,  and  lives  at  home.  She  was 
educated  in  the  home  schools,  and  possesses 
that  culture  and  refinement  which  character- 
ize all  the  members  of  the  family.  (9)  Caro- 
line Milner  is  the  wife  of  Jacob  Miller,  and 
lives  at  West  Superior,  Wis. ; they  have  a 
family  of  five  children,  Eva  Jane,  John  Jacob, 
Caroline  Calvert,  Wilhelmina  Victoria  and 
William  Calvert.  (10)  George  Thomas  was 
married  to  Esther  Grieves  Blades,  and  lives 
on  a farm  in  the  town  of  Benton,  where  he 
has  a family  of  five  daughters,  Ida  Myrtella, 
Henrietta  Alton,  Ella  Josephine,  Elizabeth 
Golden  and  Jane  Alton.  (11)  Sarah  Johanna 
is  the  wife  of  George  Hunsaker,  of  Fennimore. 
(12)  Reuben  Harker  was  married  to  Mae  A. 
Joslyn,  daughter  of  Rev.  Mr.  Joslyn,  of  this 
State,  and  they  have  one  daughter,  Charlotte 
Joslyn.  They  reside  on  the  homestead  of  his 
father.  (13)  Joseph  Simon  and  (14)  Melvina 
Arabella  both  died  in  infancy. 

All  the  family  are  either  members  of  the 
Methodist  Church  or  closely  associated  with 
it.  Mr.  Calvert  has  been  an  active  member 
of  that  body  for  forty-five  years,  and  was  in- 
strumental in  its  founding.  In  his  politics 
Mr.  Calvert  was  a Democrat  for  years,  but  he 
is  now  a Prohibitionist,  as  are  also  his  sons. 
He  has  held  the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace, 


400 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


has  served  on  the  school  board,  and  filled  sev- 
eral other  local  positions. 

Mr.  Calvert  is  one  of  the  oldest  pioneers 
of  the  county,  and  came  to  these  regions  at 
a very  early  day.  He  has  maintained  a good 
character,  worked  hard,  been  thrifty  and 
frugal,  and  is  now  able  to  give  free  play  to 
his  generous  feelings.  He  has  many  friends, 
and  is  known  as  especially  warm-hearted  to- 
ward the  erring  and  the  unfortunate.  He  has 
a smile  and  a hearty  hand-shake  for  all,  with- 
out regard  to  their  wealth  or  social  standing. 
He  is  the  ideal  of  his  family,  and  is  highly 
regarded  in  the  community. 

JAMES  MILES  and  JOHN  F.  MILES, 
highly  respected  retired  farmers  and  money- 
loaners  of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  are  na- 
tives of  Chester  county,  Penn.,  the  latter  born 
in  1829.  Their  parents,  William  and  Hannah 
(Pinkerton)  Miles,  also  natives  of  Chester 
county,  reared  as  farming  people,  moved 
thence  to  Lancaster  county,  Penn.,  purchased 
a farm,  and  there  passed  the  remainder  of 
their  lives.  Of  the  seven  children  born  to 
them,  three  died  in  the  East,  and  four  came 
West,  viz. : Sarah,  Louisa,  James,  and  John 

Franklin.  For  a short  time  these  four  re- 
mained in  Ohio,  and  then  came  to  Platteville, 
arriving  there  April  25,  1846.  At  that  time 
Platteville  was  a small  mining  village,  the  en- 
tire section  being  underlaid  with  lead  ore. 
They  reached  this  point  by  coming  down  the 
Ohio  river  and  up  the  Mississippi,  by  steam- 
boat, to  Galena,  111.,  and  then  across  country 
by  team,  and  here  they  all  lived  under  one 
roof,  the  circle  being  unbroken  until  the  death 
of  Sarah,  in  1895. 

On  first  reaching  Platteville  James  and 
John  F.  worked  at  coopering,  in  conjunction 
with  farming,  having  purchased  sixty  acres 
of  land,  which  they  afterward  increased  to 
300.  Later  the  two  brothers  opened  an  office 
in  the  town,  loaned  money  on  real-estate  se- 
curity, and  greatly  prospered.  They  are  now 
among  the  very  wealthy  men  of  the  county, 
owning  considerable  property  in  the  city  of 
Platteville  and  elsewhere,  and  in  the  city  own 
one  of  the  finest  homes  on  Pine  street.  The 
four  members  of  the  family  who  came  to  Wis- 
consin clung  together  in  one  family.  Neither 
of  the  sisters  married,  and  Louisa  still  keeps 
house  for  the  two  brothers. 

In  religion  the  Miles  sisters  and  the  brother 


James  united  with  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  to  which  they  have  liberally  contrib- 
uted of  their  means  on  all  occasions.  In  1900 
the  "Miles  M.  E.  Sunday-school  Library  of 
Platteville"  was  established  by  this  family,  they 
putting  in  $500  cash  as  a sinking  fund.  In  poli- 
tics both  of  the  brothers  have  affiliated  with  the 
Republican  party,  but  have  never  been  very 
active  in  political  affairs. 

The  Miles  family  came  to  Wisconsin  when 
it  was  a Territory,  but  were  comfortably  sit- 
uated from  the  start,  and  escaped  many  of  the 
hardships  which  their  pioneer  neighbors  en- 
dured. They  were  always  honest,  industrious 
and  frugal,  and  have  ever  enjoyed  the  respect 
and  good-will  of  their  neighbors.  While 
they  were  engaged  in  a business  which  often 
tends  to  harden  man’s  heart  toward  his  neigh- 
bor, they  have  never  been  known  to  oppress 
the  poor,  and  many  a man  who  is  now  pros- 
perous and  comfortable  owes  his  success  in 
life  to  their  assistance  and  support  in  days  of  . 
necessity  and  trouble. 

AARON  SMITH.  Among  the  prominent 
residents  of  Albany,  Green  county,  who  assist 
in  making  up  the  substantial  framework  of  so- 
cial and  commercial  life  in  the  pleasant  vil- 
lage, is  Aaron  Smith,  the  subject  of  this  sketch, 
who  is  also  a veteran  of  the  Civil  war.  He 
was  born  in  Adams,  Jefferson  Co.,  N.  Y.,  on 
Dec.  17,  1826. 

The  paternal  grandfather  was  Aaron 
Smith,  a native  of  Vermont,  of  English  de- 
scent, who  took  an  honorable  part  in  the  war 
of  1812,  was  a farmer  b}^  occupation,  and 
reared  a family  of  six  children.  The  ma- 
ternal grandfather  was  named  Isaac  Rodgers, 
who  was  a native  of  Rhode  Island,  who  com- 
bined the  trades  of  farmer,  blacksmith,  shoe- 
maker, miller  and  general  mechanic.  Flis 
death  occurred  in  Jefferson  county,  N.  Y.,  at 
the  age  of  eighty-eight,  having  reared  a fam- 
ily of  eleven  children. 

Lewis  Smith,  son  of  Adam,  and  father  of 
our  subject,  was  a native  of  Vermont.  He 
married  Olive  Rodgers,  of  Rensselaer  coun- 
ty, N.  Y.,  and  they  had  one  son  and  three 
daughters,  two  of  whom  are  still  living,  Car- 
oline, the  wife  of  Silas  Curtis,  of  Jefferson 
county,  and  Aaron,  our  subject.  Lewis  Smith 
was  always  a farmer,  but  served  his  country 
during  the  war  of  1812,  dying  in  Jefferson 
county,  N.  Y.,  on  March  30,  1872,  at  the  age 


JOHH  F.  MILES 


JAMES  MILES 


LOUISA  MILES 


SARAH  MILES 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


401 


of  seventy-five.  His  wife  died  in  April,  1876. 
aged  sixty-nine,  both  of  them  having"  been  de- 
voted members  of  the  Methodist  Church  for 
many  years. 

Aaron  Smith,  our  subject,  was  reared  on 
the  farm  in  Jefferson  county,  and  lived  at 
home,  attending  the  common  schools,  matur- 
ing into  a fine  specimen  of  young  manhood. 
On  his  twentieth  birthday,  Dec.  17,  1846,  he 
was  married  to  Miss  Helen  M.  Dennie,  a 
daughter  of  Michael  and  Catherine  (Knapp) 
Dennie,  and  six  children  were  born  of  this' 
union : Josephine,  who  married  Edward 

Shepardson,  now  deceased,  resides  in  Belle- 
vue, Ohio ; Charles,  who  died,  aged  seven ; 
Olive,  who  married  the  late  William  Caple, 
lives  in  Magnolia,  Rock  Co.,  Wis.,  and  has 
three  children,  Elma,  Helen  and  John;  Flor- 
ence, who  married  Henry  Hickathier,  resides 
at  Evansville,  Wis. ; Kate,  who  died,  aged  a 
little  over  two;  Lewis  A.  married  Ida  Milks, 
resides  on  the  old  home  farm  at  Magnolia,  and 
has  two  children,  Neva  and  Sarah. 

In  i860  Mr.  Smith,  with  his,  wife  and  all 
the  children  except  one,  came  West  to  Wiscon- 
sin, landing  at  Milwaukee.  The  same  day 
they  started  for  Janesville,  soon  after  deciding 
to  buy  a farm  in  Rock  township,  Rock  coun- 
ty, where  they  remained  only  a short  time. 
Mr.  Smith  then  bought  a farm  of  eighty  acres 
in  Magnolia  township,  to  which  he  added,  as 
his  means  permitted,  until  he  owned  an  estate 
of  240  acres,  upon  which  he  lived  until  March, 
1897,,  when  he  removed  to  the  village  of  Al- 
bany, selling  the  farm,  with  the  exception  of 
eighty  acres,  to  his  son  Lewis. 

O11  Dec.  18,  1861,  Mr.  Smith  enlisted  in 
Company  E,  3d  Wis.  V.  C.,  in  which  he  served 
through  the  Civil  war,  until  February,  186s, 
when  he  was  mustered  out  in  Madison.  Mr. 
Smith  entered  the  army  as  a private,  but  was 
promoted  to  sergeant.  One  of  the  greatest 
battles  in  which  he  was  engaged  was  that  of 
Prairie  Grove,  Ark.  After  the  war  he  re- 
turned to  the  paths  of  peace,  although  the 
events  of  those  years  can  no  more  be  effaced 
from  memory  than  can  a grateful  country  for- 
get her  defenders. 

The  parents  of  Mrs.  Smith  were  natives  of 
New  York.  Eight  children  were  born  to 
them,  the  mother  dying  in  her  native  State 
about  1848,  her  father  surviving  for  seven 
more  years.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Smith  are  firm  be- 
lievers in  the  Methodist  faith,  and  their  lives 
26 


are  as  their  profession,  charitable,  honest,  up- 
right, with  an  unwavering  faith  in  the  Bible 
as  the  Book  of  Books.  Formerly  Mr.  Smith 
was  a Whig,  but  has  been  a Republican  since 
the  formation  of  that  party.  He  has  been 
prominent  in  all  things  beneficial  to  the  com- 
munity, and  has  been  called  upon  to  serve  as 
justice  of  the  peace,  performing  the  duties  of 
that  office  in  the  quiet,  conscientious  way  that 
has  characterized  every  act  of  his  life. 

JOHN  P.  WRIGHT,  for  many  years  a 
well-known  carpenter  and  builder  of  Janes- 
ville, Rock  county,  has  beeiy  identified  with 
many  of  the  best  constructions  of  the  city, 
either  as  contractor  or  as  foreman  of  the  build- 
ing crew.  The  substantial  character  of  the 
buildings  he  has  erected  attest  the  honesty  of 
his  work  and  the  upright  spirit  that  is  in 
him.  Two  things  have  been  his  good  f6r- 
tune,  that  he  was  born  in  England,  and  chat 
he  was  reared  in  the  LTnited  States.  He  had 
back  of  him  sound  and  healthy  ancestors,  and 
came  to  this  country  with  a heredity  of  health. 
Fie  grew  to  manhood  under  the  stimulus  of 
liberty,  and  felt  the  inspirations  of  the  New 
World. 

Mr.  Wright  was  born  in  Cambridgeshire, 
England,  Dec.  10,  1848,  and  is  a son  of  Sam- 
uel and  Lucy  (Poole)  Wright,  both  English 
born  and  bred.  They  were  the  parents  of  nine 
children,  seven  of  whom  lived  to  attain  ma- 
turity, and  five  of  whom  still  survive:  John 

P. ; George;  William;  Ida,  wife  of  James  Clat- 
worthy,  of  Elmira,  N.  Y. ; and  Mate,  wife  of 
James  Horn,  of  Janesville.  The  father  was 
an  overseer  on  a large  English  farm.  He 
came  to  this  country  in  1851,  locating  in  East 
Troy,  Wis.,  where  he  remained  for  two  years, 
and  came  to  Janesville  at  the  expiration  of  that 
time,  where,  with  the  exception  of  nine  years, 
he  has  continued  to  reside  to  the  present  time. 
For  a time  he  was  a mason,  and  later  a con- 
tractor, but  for  the  last  half  dozen  years  he 
has  been  living  retired.  Flis  wife,  who  died 
in  1892,  at  the  age  of  sixty-six,  was.  with  her 
husband,  a member  of  the  Methodist  Church. 
He  is  a Republican.  His  father  died  in  Eng- 
land at  an  advanced  age.  Isaac  Poole,  the 
father  of  Lucy  Poole,  was  a farmer,  and  kept 
a toll-gate.  He  lived  to  be  old,  and  left  a 
small  family. 

John  P.  Wright  was  two  and  a half  years 
old  when  his  parents  came  to  this  country,  and 


402 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


he  has  spent  ail  but  about  five  years  of  his  life 
in  Janesville.  He  attended  public  and  pri- 
vate schools  when  a boy,  and  was  a student 
at  a commercial  college.  When  only  twelve 
years  old  he  bought  a kit  of  carpenter's  tools, 
and  he  early  selected  that  work  as  the  occupa- 
tion of  his  life.  For  about  twenty-five  years 
he  has  done  contract  work  in  the  city  and  in 
the  surrounding  country,  and  has  been  em- 
ployed on  many  of  the  best  buildings  of  Janes- 
ville. He  helped  to  build  the  Baptist  church 
and  the  Congregational  churches  twice,  and 
the  mark  of  a master  workman  is  on  them.  In 
December,  1900,  he  purchased  a lot  on  South 
Main  street,  in  the  business  portion  of  the  city, 
and  erected  thereon  a brick  block,  three  stories 
in  height — a store,  with  dwellings  above. 

Mr.  Wright  and  Miss  Mary  Ella  Jepson 
were  married  April  13,  1875,  and  they  have 
six  children,  three  sons  and  three  daughters : 
Glen,  Harry,  Grace,  Edna,  Doane  and 
Charles.  They  live  at  No.  102  North  Ma.n 
street.  Mrs.  Wright  is  a member  of  the  Bap- 
tist Church,  which  her  husband  attends.  He 
belongs  to  the  Odd  Fellows  and  the  Knights 
■of  the  Globe,  and  is  very  popular  in  fraternal 
circles.  In  politics  he  takes  an  independent 
attitude,  seeking  the  best  men  to  go  with  the 
best  principles,  but  he  generally  votes  the  Dem- 
ocratic ticket.  He  is  a man  of  good  habits, 
clean  character,  honest  and  industrious,  and 
has  a host  of  friends. 

SCOTT  SMITH,  one  of  the  prosperous 
and  influential  farmers  of  La  Prairie  township, 
Rock  county,  is  a native  of  Wisconsin,  and 
the  son  of  one  of  the  earliest  pioneers  of  Rock 
county.  He  was  born  in  Milton  township, 
Rock  county,  Dec.  13,  1847,  son  °f  Isaac  T. 
and  Nancy  A.  (Dejeans)  Smith,  natives  of 
Chautauqua  county,  N.  Y.,  and  grandson  of 
Farrington  Smith,  a native  of  Vermont,  of 
English  descent,  and  a farmer  by  occupation, 
who  in  the  early  days  migrated  to  Milton  town- 
ship, Rock  Co.,  Whs.,  where  he  died  at  the  age 
of  about  seventy  years.  He  had  a family  of 
five  children. 

Isaac  T.  Smith,  father  of  our  subject,  was 
born  in  1817,  and  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1836, 
locating  in  the  town  of  Milton,  where  he  en- 
tered government  land  and  lived  for  a number 
of  years.  Removing  to  Marshalltown,  Iowa, 
he  lived  there  for  a year  or  two,  and  then  en- 
gaged in  the  manufacture  of  agricultural  im- 
plements at  Fort  Dodge,  that  State.  He  af- 


terward lived  in  Colorado,  and  in  the  northern 
part  of  Wisconsin.  The  last  five  years  of  his 
life  he  spent  with  his  son  Scott,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch,  in  La  Prairie  township,  Rock 
county,  and  died  there  in  January,  1898,  aged 
eighty-one  years.  He  was  twice  married. 
His  first  wife,  Nancy  A.  Dejeans,  was  the 
daughter  of  Stephen  Dejeans,  a native  of 
France,  who  when  a boy  of  about  fifteen  years 
of  age  came  with  his  parents  to  America  and 
located  at  Albany,  N.  Y..,  where  he  grew  to 
manhood.  He  served  in  the  war  of  1812,  and 
in  1837  came  to  Wisconsin,  settling  near  Mil- 
waukee, where  he  engaged  for  a time  in  farm- 
ing. He  died  near  Brooklyn,  Dane  Co.,  Wis., 
aged  about  seventy-five  years,  leaving  a large 
family.  To  Isaac  T.  and  Nancy  A.  Smith 
were  born  nine  children,  six  sons  and  three 
daughters,  five  of  whom  survive,  namely : 
Flora,  wife  of  Charles  Jones,  of  Iris,  Colo.; 
Jay  F.,  of  Hotchkiss,  Colo.;  Scott,  our  sub- 
ject; Ida  M.,  wife  of  Frank  Farrell,  of  Fort 
Dodge,  Iowa;  and  Ira  Clair,  of  Nelson,  North- 
west Territory,  Canada. 

Scott  Smith,  our  subject,  was  reared  on  his 
father’s  farm  in  Milton  township.  He  at- 
tended the  district  schools  during  his  boyhood, 
and  at  the  early  age  of  thirteen  years  began 
working  on  the  farm  by  the  month.  Arriving 
at  the  years  of  manhood,  he  adopted  farming  as 
his  vocation,  and  rented  land  for  a number  of 
years.  In  1882  he  bought  seventy-four  acres 
in  the  town  of  Rock,  living  there  until  1884, 
when  he  sold  the  property  and  bought  the  pres- 
ent home  farm,  in  Section  25,  La  Prairie 
township,  containing  161  Jd  acres,  which  he  has 
brought  to  a high  state  of  cultivation,  and 
where  he  has  since  resided.  Mr.  Smith  also 
owns  fifteen  acres  of  land  two  miles  south  of 
the  home  place. 

Mr.  Smith  married,  Feb.  17,  1870,  Miss 
Adelaide  M.  Spears,  daughter  of  Edward  and 
Mariette  (Brown)  Spears,  and  to  them  have 
been  born  six  children,  namely : Lucy  E.  died 

at  the  age  of  eight  years.  Eugene  S.  married 
Jean  Little,  and  has  two  children,  Harold  and 
Louise;  they  reside  in  La  Prairie  township, 
George  W.  died  at  the  age  of  four  years.  One 
died  in  infancy.  Hattie  E.  married  W.  W. 
Day,  of  the  town  of  La  Prairie,  where  they 
reside  on  a farm.  Walter  E.  lives  at  home. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Scott  Smith  are  prominent  mem- 
bers of  the  M.  E.  Church,  of  which  he  is  a 
steward.  In  politics  he  is  a Republican.  He 
has  been  through  life  an  industrious,  progress- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


403 


ive  farmer,  of  sterling  character,  and  holds  the 
respect  and  high  esteem  of  all  who  know  him. 
His  farm  life  was  broken  during  the  Civil  war 
by  his  enlistment  in  Company  G,  44th  Iowa 
V.  I.,  in  the  one-hundred-days  service,  at 
the  expiration  of  which  he  returned  to  the 
farm. 

WARREN  JOHNSON,  a very  successful 
and  highly  respected  stock  and  dairy  farmer 
of  the  town  of  Lima,  Grant  county,  was  born 
in  the  same  town  in  which  he  is  now  living,  in 
May,  1847. 

Farnum  and  Amanda  (Eastman)  Johnson, 
his  parents,  were  born  in  Ohio,  the  father  in 
1802  and  the  mother  in  1806.  They  came  to 
Galena,  111.,  when  young.  In  1837  they  lied 
to  the  old  fort  in  Grant  county  for  protection 
against  hostile  Indians,  and  there  met  and 
were  married.  At  that  time  Mr.  Johnson  was 
engaged  in  hauling  lead  from  Platteville  to  the 
smelting  works  at  Galena,  and  drove  the  first 
wagon  coming  into  Platteville.  In  1834  he 
purchased  one  hundred  acres  of  wild  land  from 
a Mr.  Mayfield,  and  that  land  is  still  in  the 
jwssession  of  the  family,  his  sons  Henry  W. 
and  Warren  now  owning  it.  Mr.  Johnson 
was  an  industrious  man,  and  accumulated  a 
fine  property  through  industry  and  with  the 
help  of  his  faithful  wife.  In  1878  he  died  at 
this  home,  which  he  had  carved  out  of  the 
wilderness.  Mr.  Johnson  was  a Republican, 
and  for  a number  of  years  served  on  the  town 
board  of  Lima.  In  religion  he  and  his  wife 
were  members  of  the  Baptist  Church.  After 
the  death  of  her  husband  Mrs.  Johnson  re- 
moved to  Platteville,  and  there  she  made  her 
home  .until  she  passed  away,  in  1891,  in  the 
serene  expectation  of  a better  life.  She  was 
a woman  greatly  beloved  and  respected  by  all 
who  knew  her.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johnson 
were  born  a family  of  five  children : ( 1 ) 

Mary  A.,  born  at  Fever  River,  in  Lafayette 
county,  married  J.  J.  Wallace,  and  now  resides 
on  a large  ranch  at  Boulder,  Colo.,  where  they 
have  reared  a family  of  four  children,  Ernest, 
Lewis,  Fred,  and  Lena  (wife  of  Marvin  Hob- 
son, of  Colorado).  (2)  Elizabeth  is  now  the 
wife  of  G.  G.  Clemmer,  of  Colorado.  They 
have  two  daughters,  Kitty,  Mrs.  Iden  Stew- 
art, of  Hampton,  Iowa,  and  May,  Mrs.  Nor- 
man Inglas,  of  the  same  city.  (3)  Nancy  E. 
married  William  Humason,  and  is  now  a wid- 
ow, living  in  Platteville.  She  has  two  chil- 


dren, Arthur  and  Dela,  the  latter  the  wife  of 
Fred  Wallace,  and  living  in  Kansas.  (4) 
Henry  W.  and  (5)1  Warren  are  mentioned  more 
fully. 

Henry  W.  Johnson,  born  in  1844,  grew  up 
on  the  old  homestead,  and  had  the  benefits 
of  a country  school  education.  In  the  spring 
of  1862  he  enlisted  in  Company  E,  25th  Wis. 
V.  I.,  and  served  under  Capt.  Scott.  The 
25th  Wisconsin  was  sent  to  Fort  Snelling, 
Minn.,  and  held  for  duty  against  hostile  In- 
dians until  November  of  that  year,  when  they 
were  returned  to  Camp  Randall,  at  Madison, 
Wis.,  where  they  spent  the  winter.  The  fol- 
lowing May  they  were  ordered  to  Columbus, 
Ky.,  where  they  were  put  under  the  command 
of  Gen.  Grant,  and  took  part  in  the  capture  of 
Vicksburg.  Mr.  Johnson  was  sick  for  nearly 
half  a year,  but  regained  his  health  in  time  to 
join  his  regiment  before  Vicksburg,  and  take 
part  in  the  movements  that  led  to  the  fall  of 
that  city.  The  25th  Wisconsin- was  trans- 
ferred to  Gen.  Sherman's  army,  and  took  part 
in  the  great  march  through  Georgia.  It  lost 
heavily,  and  suffered  many  hardships,  but 
marched  clear  through  to  the  end,  and  went 
down  the  streets  in  the  grand  review  that  sig- 
nalled the  end  of  the  war  and  the  victory  of 
the  Union.  It  had  done  duty  in  fifteen  States, 
and  its  record  is  one  that  any  regiment  of  the 
Union  army  might  consider  creditable. 

After  the  war,  in  1868,  Mr.  Johnson  mar- 
ried Miss  Maria  Quinby,  of  Platteville,  Wis., 
daughter  of  Selden  and  Anna  Quinby,  of  La- 
fayette county,  Wis.  After  his  marriage  Mr. 
Johnson  bought  a part  of  the  old  homestead, 
where  he  now  resides.  They  have  had  a fam- 
ily of  four  children  : ( 1 ) William  L.,  born  Oc- 
tober, 1869,  was  killed  when  a young  man  by 
a vicious  bull.  (2)  Ella  M.,  born  in  June, 
1876,  was  a student  of  the  State  Normal  at 
Platteville,  and  has  been  a successful  teacher 
since  1896.  (3)  Ethel,  born  in  1879,  is  a 

student  at  the  State  Normal  in  Platteville. 
(4)  Alta,  born  in  November,  1882,  died  when 
eight  years  old. 

Warren  Johnson,  the  youngest  child  of  his 
parents,  was  reared  on  the  old  homestead,  and 
obtained  his  early  education  in  the  public 
schools  and  in  the  Academy  and  the  State  Nor- 
mal at  Platteville.  His  first  employment  was 
as  a drug  clerk  in  the  store  of  his  brother-in- 
law,  in  Austin,  Minn.  After  remaining  there 
a year  he  came  back  to  Grant  county,  to  take 


404 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


charge  of  his  father’s  business.  In  1869  he 
married  Miss  Phoebe  Dickinson,  a daughter 
of  Ensign  P.  and  Fannie  Dickinson,  old  and 
honored  pioneers  of  the  county.  The  father, 
who  died  a few  years  ago,  was  a member  of 
the  Legislature  from  this  district,  and  was  a 
man  well  known  for  his  honest  character  and 
public  spirit.  The  mother  is  still  living,  and 
makes  her  home  with  her  son,  Charles  Dickin- 
son. Mr.  Johnson,  after  his  marriage,  pur- 
chased a part  of  the  old  Johnson  home,  and  put 
up  a line  house  and  large  and  roomy  farm 
buildings.  He  has  taken  much  pride  in  his 
home  surroundings,  and  every  part  shows  the 
touch  of  a master  hand.  To  Mr.  Johnson  and 
his  wife  have  been  born  a family  of  seven  chil- 
dren: (1)  Farnum,  born  in  1871,  married 

Miss  Elsie  Russell,  of  Lima,  and  resides  on  his 
farm  in  the  town  of  Lima.  They  have  three 
children,  Earl,  Eugene  and  Hazel.  (2)  Fan- 
nie, born  111  1873,  is  now  the  wife  of  Isaiah 
Buttson,  who  resides  on  his  farm  in  Lima,  and 
has  three  children,  Susan,  Warren  and  Ina. 
(3)  Maud,  born  in  1875,  is  the  wife  of  Frank 
Jones,  one  of  the  leading  farmers  of  Harrison, 
and  is  the  mother  of  three  children,  Frank, 
Helen  and  Ruth.  (4)  Gertrude,  born  in 
Lima,  in  1877,  fitted  herself  for  teaching  at 
the  State  Normal  at  Platteville,  and  is  a suc- 
cessful worker  in  the  schools  of  Grant  county. 
(5)  Warren,  born  in  1881,  is  a student  at  the 
Platteville  State  Normal.  (6)  Grace  was 
born  in  1885,  and  (7)  Clair  in  1889. 

In  politics  all  the  members  of  this  family 
have  been  identified  with  the  old  Republican 
party,  and  have  always  been  prominent  in  local 
affairs.  Warren  Johnson  has  been  a member 
of  the  county  board,  and  chairman  of  the  town 
board.  In  religion  he  and  his  wife  are  asso- 
ciated with  the  Christian  Church. 

JULIUS  BALDWIN,  who  is  a retired 
farmer  at  Brooklyn,  Green  county,  where  he 
is  filling  the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace,  was 
born  at  Clearville,  Kent  Co.,  Out.,  April  16, 
1832,  and  is  a son  of  David  Samuel  and  Cath- 
erine (Roome)  Baldwin,  the  former  a native 
of  Connecticut  and  the  latter  of  Nova  Scotia. 
In  their  family  were  eleven  children,  five  of 
whom  are  living:  Lucinda,  widow  of  Ralph 

Ford,  of  Evansville,  Wis. ; Phineas,  of  Brook- 
lyn; Asa  James,  of  Wausau,  Wis.;  Julius;  and 
Anson,  of  Evansville,  Wisconsin. 

David  Samuel  Baldwin  was  a lumberman 


and  a farmer,  and  for  seventeen  years  had  a 
mail  contract  in  Canada.  He  came  to  Wis- 
consin in  1849,  and  settled  in  Oregon,  Dane 
county,  two  miles  from  the  village  of  Brook- 
lyn, where  he  bought  six  hundred  acres  of 
land,  which  he  improved.  Here  he  died  Aug, 
25,  1854,  at  the  age  of  seventy-five  years.  His 
widow  died  June  14,  1880,  at  the  age  of  eighty- 
six  years.  Mr.  Baldwin  was  a Whig  in  the 
United  States.  In  Canada  he  served  as  jus- 
tice of  the  peace,  and  as  captain  of'  militia. 
Phineas  Baldwin,  his  father,  and  the  grand- 
father of  Julius,  was  a native  of  Litchfield,. 
Conn.,  dying  in  Canada  at  the  early  age  of 
forty-two  years ; he  was  the  father  of  five  chil- 
dren. Abraham  Roome,  the  maternal  grand- 
father of  Julius  Baldwin,  was  a native  of  New 
Brunswick,  and  he  was  a farmer  by  occupation, 
finally  moving  into  Kent  county,  Ontario, 
where  he  settled  in  a place  called  “Fifty-Two;” 
he  died  in  middle  life,  the  father  of  a numerous- 
family.  The  first  Baldwin  in  America  is  said  to 
have  been  a kidnapped  child,  taken  from  some 
place  in  England  or  Wales,  from  which  the 
Baldwins  sprang.  David  S.  Baldwin  was 
married  a second  time,  and  his  second  wife 
was  the  mother  of  the  children  mentioned 
above.  By  his  first  wife  he  was  the  father  of 
two  children. 

Julius  Baldwin  spent  the  first  seventeen 
years  of  his  life  in  Canada,  where  he  had  his 
schooling.  He  was  steadily  engaged  in  farm- 
ing until  1894.  In  1849  lie  came  with  his 
parents  to  Wisconsin  and  remained  at  home 
until  he  reached  maturity.  His  father  gave 
him  one  hundred  acres  of  land,  after  'his  cus- 
tom of  giving  each  of  his  children  land  to  the 
value  of  one  thousand  dollars.  Julius*  Bald- 
win continued  to  cultivate  the  old  homestead 
farm  until  1894,  when  he  rented  it  to  his  son, 
and  moved  into  his  fine  residence  property  in 
Brooklyn,  where  he  has  since  lived  retired. 
Mr.  Baldwin  added  to  his  landed  possessions 
from  time  to  time  until  at  one  time  he  owned 
216  acres.  During  his  active  years  he  did 
general  farming  and  stock  raising. 

On  Oct.  24,  1855,  Mr.  Baldwin  married 
Miss  Clarissa  B.  McLaughlin,  a daughter  of 
William  W.  and  Sarah  (Robinson)  McLaugh- 
lin. To  them  were  born:  Charles  S.,  who 

married  Nona  Colby,  who  is  now  deceased; 
Clinton  I.,  who  married  Carrie  Bennett,  and 
lives  in  the  town  of  Oregon,  Dane  county; 
Lloyd  M.,  who  married  May  Gray,  now  de- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


405 


ceased;  Mimie  E.,  who  married  Palmer  A. 
Haynes,  of  Brooklyn,  and  is  the  mother  of 
one  daughter,  Beth;  Myra  J.,  who  married 
Robert  S.  Gillies,  and  lives  in  Raymond,  S. 
Dak. ; Boyd  M.,  who  married  Minnie  Boning, 
lives  on  the  old  homestead,  and  is  the  father 
of  three  sons,  Henry,  Robert  and  Frank;  and 
Daisy,  who  is  teaching  school  near  Raymond, 
S.  Dak.,  and  is  unmarried.  Mr.  Baldwin  is 
a member  of  the  Brooklyn  Lodge,  No.  332, 
I.  O.  O.  F.  In  politics  he  is  a Republican,  and 
was  supervisor  in  Oregon  one  year,  assessor 
for  eleven  years,  and  for  two  years  he  has  oc- 
cupied his  present  position  as  justice  of  the 
peace. 

Mrs.  Baldwin’s  parents  were  natives  of 
Ohio,  and  had  four  children,  three  of  whom 
are  now  living:  (1)  Anna  Maria,  the  wife 

of  Reuben  Boyse,  of  Dane  county;  (2)  James 
B.,  of  Sheldon,  Iowa;  (3)  Clarissa,  who  is 
Mrs.  Baldwin.  William  McLaughlin  learned 
the  shoemaker’s  trade,  but  followed  farming 
all  his  life.  His  first  wife,  a devout  Metho- 
dist, died  in  Clark  county,  Ohio,  in  1836,  when 
a young  woman.  For  his  second  wife  he  mar- 
ried Emeline  Hazeltine.  To  this  marriage 
there  were  born  four  children,  two  of  whom 
are  still  living:  Harriet,  who  is  the  wife  of 

John  White,  of  Minneapolis,  and  Almira,  the 
wife  of  Frank  Frisbie,  of  Sheldon,  Iowa.  Mr. 
McLaughlin  moved  into  Green  county,  Wis., 
in  1842,  where  he  owned  200  acres  of  land. 
At  the  first  his  nearest  neighbors  were  nine 
miles  off.  He  became  a prominent  man,  and 
was  the  first  chairman  of  the  town  board,  and 
was  chairman  of  the  town  board  of  supervisors 
a number  of  years.  He  was  twice  elected  to 
the  State  Assembly,  and  for  many  years  was 
assessor.  He  died  April  2,  1877.  at  the  age 
of  seventy  years.  His  widow  died  in  1896  at 
the  age  of  eighty.  The  paternal  grandfather 
of  Mrs.  Baldwin  was  James  McLaughlin,  a 
native  of  Scotland,  who  came  to  this  country 
when  he  was  six  years  old.  He  was  the  fa- 
ther of  six  children,  and  died  advanced  In 
years.  Mrs.  Baldwin’s  maternal  grandfather 
was  Richard  R.  Robinson,  a farmer,  who  was 
born  in  Pennsvlvania,  of  Dutch  descent,  and 
who  died  at  the  age  of  eighty-four. 

ESAJAS  BLUMER.  The  American  Re- 
public owes  much  to  her  foreign-born  citizens, 
but  to  no  country  does  she  owe  more  than  to 
her  sister  republic  of  Switzerland  for  the  high 


class  of  citizens  she  has  contributed  to  the  arts 
and  trades  of  America.  Thrifty  and  honest, 
industrious  and  patriotic,  they  hold  a promi- 
nent place  in  the  communities  in  which  they 
live.  Esajas  Blumer,  a highly  respected  citi- 
zen of  Monroe,  Green  county,  Wis.,  was  born 
in  Canton  Glarus,  Switzerland,  Aug.  13, 
1839,  a son  of  John  and  Dorothea  (Blumer) 
Blumer. 

John  Blumer  was  born  in  Switzerland,  and, 
as  his  father  died  while  he  was  quite  young, 
he  was  early  obliged  to  earn  his  own  liveli- 
hood, which  he  did  as  a laborer,  and  for  a 
time  found  work  in  the  factories  of  his  native 
country.  In  1853  came  to  America,  and 
located  in  Washington  township,  Green  coun- 
ty, Wis.,  where  he  purchased  forty  acres  of 
land,  later  adding  several  different  tracts,  all 
of  which  he  finally  sold  and  bought  a 200-acre 
farm  in  the  same  township.  He  was  frugal 
and  industrious,  and  by  his  careful  cultivation 
his  property  rapidly  increased  in  value.  He 
sold  his  farm  in  Washington  township  in  1881, 
and  purchased  300  acres  in  Mount  Pleasant 
township,  remaining  about  three  years,  in  1884 
locating  in  Monroe,  where  he  lived  retired 
until  his  death,  Dec.  11,  1900,  at  the  age  of 
eighty-four  years.  In  Switzerland  he  mar- 
ried Dorothea  Blumer,  whose  death  at  the 
early  age  of  thirty-five  years  occurred  in  1849. 
Five  children  were  born  to  them,  as  follows: 
Anna,  wife  of  Jost  Tschudy,  of  Palmer,  Neb.; 
Esajas,  of  Monroe,  Wis.;  John,  of  Monroe; 
Sarah,  wife  of  Jacob  Freitag,  of  Monticello, 
Wis. ; and  Caroline,  wife  of  Joseph  Hilton,  of 
Ireton,  Iowa.  After  coming  to  America  Mr. 
Blumer  married  a second  time,  Miss  Mary 
Ann  Stuessy  becoming  his  wife,  and  to  this 
second  union  were  born  ten  children,  six  of 
whom  are  now  living:  Ursula,'  wife  of  Henry 

Freitag,  of  near  Monticello,  Whs. ; Mary,  wife 
of  John  Legler,  of  Juda,  Wis. ; Fred,  of  Min- 
neapolis, Minn. ; Samuel,  of  near  Elkhorn, 
Wis,;  Katharina,  wife  of  W.  F.  Truckenbrod, 
of  Monroe;  and  Jacob,  of  Washington  town- 
ship. 

Esajas  Blumer  was  about  fourteen  years 
of  age  when  his  father  brought  him  to  Amer- 
ica. He  attended  the  schools  of  his  native 
land,  and  after  coming  to  Wisconsin  attended 
during  the  winter  term  for  a time.  Be- 
fore leaving  Switzerland  he  had  been  employed 
in  the  calico  printing  factories,  working  from 
six  o'clock  in  the  morning  until  six  o'clock  in 


406 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


the  evening  for  five  cents  per  clay,  and  after  I 
coming'  to  this  country  he  worked  out  by  the 
month  on  farms  for  four  dollars  per  month, 
giving  his  earnings  to  his  parents  until  he  was 
twenty-one  years  of  age.  Upon  attaining  his 
majority  he  started  out  in  life  for  himself, 
working  the  first  year  for  his  father  for  one 
hundred  dollars,  and  then  worked  for  other 
people.  When  the  Civil  war  threatened  the 
disruption  of  the  Union  he  shouldered  a mus- 
ket in  defense  of  his  adopted  country,  becom- 
ing a member  of  Co.  Iv,  16th  Wis.  V.  I.,  in 
1863,  and  was  mustered  out  in  Louisville,  Ky., 
July  15,  1865.  He  took  part  in  over  twenty 
battles,  went  with  Sherman  to  the  sea,  and 
marched  back  to  Washington,  D.  C.,  in  time 
to  participate  in  the  grand  review  there. 
W hile  too  sick  for  duty  a number  of  times,  he 
kept  well  enough  to  avoid  the  hospitals.  After 
the  war  was  over  he  returned  to  Wisconsin, 
and  worked  that  fall  for  $20  per  month,  but 
rested  through  the  winter,  and  with  the  open- 
ing for  farm  work  the  next  spring  he  entered 
into  contract  with  Mr.  J.  J.  Tschucly,  of  Clarno 
township,  to  work  the  season  for  $250.  In 
a short  time  he  purchased  a farm,  and  by  his 
untiring  industry  and  practical  economy  he 
has  acquired  a comfortable  competence.  Farm 
work  has  been  his  life  work  in  this  country, 
but  since  1897  he  has  lived  retired  in  Monroe, 
at  his  comfortable  home  No.  724  Church  street. 
Mr.  Blumer  takes  an  active  interest  in  public 
affairs,  and  socially  belongs  to  the  O.  F.  Pin- 
ney  Post,  G.  A.  R. 

On  April  2,  1867,  Mr.  Blumer  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Henrietta  Grosse, 
daughter  of  Gottlieb  and  Rosina  (Winter) 
Grosse,  and  these  children  came  to  bless  this 
union : Rosa,  who  married  Ernest  Holcomb, 

of  Adams  township,  and  has  had  eight  chil- 
dren, seven  of  whom  are  still  living,  Fred, 
Robert  La  Follette,  Harold,  Ira,  Henrietta, 
Clarence,  and  an  infant;  John,  of  Washing- 
ton township,  who  married  Fannie  Blum,  and 
has  one  son,  Werner;  Wilhelm  Gottlieb,  of 
Adams  township,  who  married  Katherina 
Blumer,  who  died  May  21,  1900,  leaving  two 
children,  Robert  William  and  Adam  Ezra; 
Ezra,  of  Washington  township,  who  married 
Emma  Blumer,  and  has  one  child,  Margaret; 
Edward,  ex-county  superintendent  of  schools 
of  Green  county,  now  a student  in  Rush  Med- 
ical College,  Chicago ; Anna,  who  married  Al- 
bert Zimmerman,  of  Washington  township, 


and  has  three  children,  Edna,  Clara  and  Clar- 
ence; Fred,  who  married  Sophia  Zimmerman, 
and  lives  on  his  father’s  old  homestead  in 
Adams  township ; Henrietta,  who  married 
Thomas  Hoesly,  of  York  township,  and  has 
one  child,  Esther;  Bertha,  who  married  David 
Pfeiffer,  of  Monroe,  and  has  one  child,  Elsie; 
Caroline,  who  makes  her  home  with  her 
brother  Wilhelm  Gottlieb,  caring  for  his 
motherless  little  ones.  Mrs.  Henrietta  Blumer, 
the  mother  of  this  family  of  children,  passed 
away  March  18,  1895,  at  the  age  of  fifty-four 
years.  She  was  a faithful  member  of  the 
Swiss  Reformed  Church,  of  Washington 
township. 

On  July  16,  1897,  Mr.  Blumer  was  married 
a second  time,  Mrs.  Magdalena  Schmid,  widow 
of  Benjamin  Schmid,  and  daughter  of  Chris- 
tian Neuenschwander  and  Anna  Street.  Both 
Mr.  Blumer  and  his  wife  a^e  members  of  the 
German  Evangelical  Church,  of  Monroe.  No 
children  have  been  born  of  .this  second  mar- 
riage, but  Mrs.  Blumer,  by  her  former  mar- 
riage, is  the  mother  of  eleven  children,  as  fol- 
lows : Gottfried,  a soldier  in  the  Spanish- 

American  war,  is  now  in  the  Philippines ; Carl, 
of  Dundee,  111.,  married  Rosa  Christie,  and 
has  three  children,  Emma,  Freddie  and  War- 
ner; Ernest,  of  Elgin,  111,,  married  Rosa  Koh- 
ler, and  has  three  children,  Ernst,  Frieda  and 
an  infant ; Adolph  married  Rosa  Diescher, 
and  lives  in  Monroe;  Mary  married  Edward 
Guggisberg,  of  Monroe,  and  has  two  children, 
Lydia  and  Bertha ; Anna  married  Andrew 
Signer,  of  Elgin,  111.,  and  has  two  children, 
Lydia  and  Carl ; Rosa  married  Dietland  Thom, 
of  Monroe,  and  has  three  children,  William, 
Clara  and  an  infant ; Lena  married  Adam 
Blumer,  of  Monroe,  and  has  one  son,  Harold; 
Lizzie  is  at  home ; Bertha  married  Louis 
Young,  of  Elgin,  111. ; one  died  young. 

John  Blumer,  brother  of  Esajas  Blumer, 
was  born  in  Schwanden,  Canton  Glarus,  Switz- 
erland, Dec.  24,  1840,  and  at  the  age  of  thir- 
teen came  to  America,  where  he  grew  to  man- 
hood. He  learned  the  necessary  details  of 
farm  work  on  his  father’s  farm  in  Washing- 
ton township.  In  October,  1861,  he  enlisted 
in  Company  Iv.  qth  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served 
until  January,  1866,  having  re-enlisted  in  Jan- 
uary, 1864,  when  he  was  assigned  to  Company 
B,  same  regiment.  He  participated  in  the  bat- 
tles of  Newtonia,  Prairie  Grove,  Saline  Bot- 
tom in  Arkansas,  and  numerous  skirmishes. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


407 


He  enlisted  as  a private,  and  was  discharged 
as  a sergeant,  and  for  a time  has  served  as 
company  clerk.  After  the  war  closed  he 
worked  one  year  for  his  father,  then  in  com- 
pany with  his  brother,  purchased  212  acres  in 
Adams  township,  later  adding  160  acres,  from 
which  they  sold  twenty  acres,  making  their 
. farm  consist  of  348  acres,  which  they  farmed 
together  until  1886.  John  then  sold  his  in- 
terest and  removed  to  Monroe,  where  he  has 
since  made  his  home.  For  a time  he  engaged 
in  the  cheese  business,  but  soon  retired  from 
that  also.  Mr.  Blumer  is  a member  of  St. 
John’s  Evangelical  Church.  Socially  he  be- 
longs to  O.  F.  Pinney  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  of  which 
he  has  been  quartermaster,  and  is  now  junior 
vice-commander.  He  is  one  of  the  highly 
respected  citizens  of  the  town  in  which  he 
takes  an  intelligent  interest. 

S.  W.  TRABER,  justice  of  the  peace  and 
notary  public  of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  is 
a native  of  New  York,  born  in  Albany  county 
Nov.  29,  1844,  and  is  a son  of  Peter  C.  and 
Harriet  (Jacobson)  Traber.  The  father  was 
born  in  the  same  county,  in  December,  1804,  a 
son  of  Charles  P.  Traber,  also  a native  of  Al- 
bany county,  of  German  descent;  the  latter's 
wife,  whose  maiden  name  was  Hollenbeck,  was 
likewise  born  in  Albany  county,  of  Dutch  de- 
scent. Charles  P.  Traber,  who  was  an  inn- 
keeper on  the  old  road  leading  from  Albany 
to  Schenectady,  N.  Y.,  died  in  1858,  at  the  age 
of  ninety-two  years. 

In  1853  the  father  of  our  subject,  Peter 
C.  Traber,  came  to  Platteville,  Wis.,  where  his 
death  occurred  in  i860.  By  occupation  he 
was  a laborer.  His  wife  died  in  Milan,  Mo., 
in  1868.  To  them  were  born  eleven  children, 
as  follows:  Nancy.  Mrs.  Smith,  died  in  Cal- 

ifornia in  May,  1897;  E valine,  Mrs.  Becker, 
died  in  Milan,  Mo.,  in  1895;  Margaret,  Mrs. 
Spann,  died  in  Albany  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1898; 
Charles  P.  died  in  Colorado  in  1884;  Henry 
J.  lives  in  Saginaw,  Mich. ; Eliza,  Mrs.  An- 
thony, is  a resident  of  New  York;  Maria  is 
now  Mrs.  McDougall.  of  Helena,  Ark. ; Simon 
P.  died  in  Cohoes,  N.  Y.,  at  the  age  of  ten 
years ; S.  W.  is  next  in  the  order  of  birth ; 
Jane,  Mrs.  McClanahan,  is  a resident  of 
Fresno,  Cal.;  and  John  W.  also  lives  in  that 
city. 

S.  W.  Traber  was  a lad  of  nine  years  when 
he  came  with  his  parents  to  Platteville,  where 


he  was  reared  and  educated.  For  a number 
of  years  after  reaching,  manhood  he  engaged 
in  farming,  and  also  followed  the  painter’s 
trade  for  some  time.  At  the  breaking  out  of 
the  Civil  war  he  enlisted,  in  Grant  county, 
Wis.,  in  1861,  but  was  at  first  rejected.  Later 
he  enlisted  for  three  years,  in  Company  G,  1st 
Wis.  V.  I.,  but  was  afterward  transferred  to 
the  2 1 st  Regiment.  While  with  the  1st  Wis. 
V.  I.  he  participated  in  the  battles  of  Tunnel 
Hill,  Rocky  Face  Ridge  and  Resaca,  and  also 
engaged  in  the  battles  around  Atlanta,  Ga. 
After  being  transferred  to  the  21st  Wis.  V.  I. 
he  was  in  Sherman’s  celebrated  march  to  the 
sea ; took  part  in  the  capture  of  Savannah ; and 
was  in  the  Carolina  campaign,  participating 
in  the  battles  of  Averysboro  and  Bentonville. 
He  was  also  present  at  the  capture  of  Raleigh, 
N.  C.  Though  never  wounded,  he  suffered 
from  a partial  sunstroke.  The  war  having 
ended,  he  was  mustered  out  of  service  from 
Company  F,  3d  Wis.  V.  I.,  July  18,  1865,  and 
returned  to  his  home  in  Platteville. 

In  Platteville  Mr.  Traber  was  married,  in 
1866,  to  Miss  Maria  A.  Hoisington,  who  was 
born  in  Orleans  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1844.  Her 
parents,  George  W.  and  Louise  (Buck)  Hois- 
ington, were  natives  of  the  same  State,  and 
of  English  ancestry.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Traber 
have  been  born  five  children,  of  whom  two 
are  now  living,  Roy  E.  and  Ben  C. 

Mr.  Traber  takes  an  active  interest  in  pub- 
lic affairs,  and  has  been  a member  of  the  fire 
department  of  Platteville  since  May  4,  1874. 
In  1896  he  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace, 
and  so  acceptably  did  he  fill  the  office  that  he 
was  re-elected  in  1898.  and  again  in  1900, 
being  the  present  incumbent.  By  his  ballot 
he  supports  the  men  and  measures  of  the  Re- 
publican party.  Mr.  Traber  belongs  to  and 
is  A.  P.  G.  of  Lily  of  the  Mound  Lodge,  No. 
6,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  of  Platteville,  and  is  also  an 
honored  member  of  A\  . T.  Sherman  Post.  No. 
66,  G.  A.  R.,  which  has  142  members  in  good 
standing,  and  in  which  he  is  now  holding  the 
office  of  adjutant.  Religiously  he  is  an  earn- 
est and  consistent  member  of  the  Congrega- 
tional Church. 

DANIEL  W.  PHILLIPS,  one  of  the  old 
and  respected  residents  of  Elk  Grove  township, 
Lafayette  county,  is  one  Of  the  pioneer  citizens 
of  that  locality. 

Mr.  Phillips  was  born  in  Grant  county. 


408 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Wis.,  Sept.  9,  1848;  a son  of  Thomas  and  Anna 
(Craddock)  Phillips,  both  of  whom  were  born 
in  Cornwall.  England,  where  they  grew  to 
maturity  and  wedded.  Coming  to  America 
in  1835,  they  settled  in  the  coal  regions  of 
Pennsylvania,  where  they  remained  a few 
years  before  coming  West.  Until  1850  Mr. 
Phillips  followed  mining,  in  both  Grant  and 
Lafayette  counties,  and  then  made  the  trip 
across  the  Plains  to  California.  Being  a thor- 
ough miner,  and  understanding  the  business, 
he  was  quite  successful,  and  made  a second 
trip.  After  his  second  return  to  Wisconsin 
he  purchased  a tract  of  land  in  Elk  Grove 
township,  consisting  of  170  acres,  and  there 
made  excellent  improvements  and  erected 
comfortable  buildings.  His  death  occurred  in 
1865,  his  wife  remaining  on  the  home  farm 
until  her  death,  in  1887.  Five  children  were 
born  to  the  parents  of  our  subject,  of  whom 
Elizabeth,  born  in  England,  married  Samuel 
Brunskill,  of  LeMars,  Iowa,  and  has  one 
daughter,  Priscilla,  now  the  wife  of  George 
Hitchens.  Ellen,  born  in  Wisconsin,  married 
James  Thomas,  resides  at  Elk  Grove,  and  has 
five  children.  George,  born  in  Elk  Grove, 
married  Belle  Mase,  and  has  three  children ; 
he  conducts  a hotel  at  LeMars,  Iowa. 

Our  subject  grew  to  manhood  on  the  pres- 
ent farm,  where  he  has  always  been  occupied 
in  agricultural  pursuits.  Elis  education  was 
received  in  the  district  school,  which  he  at- 
tended during  the  winters,  working  through 
the  summers.  In  February,  1869,  he  married 
Miss  Isabel  Rouse,  who  belonged  to  an  old 
pioneer  family  of  Jo  Daviess  county,  111.  Her 
father  was  born  in  Canada,  'her  mother  in 
Kentucky,  and  after  marriage  they  settled  in 
Jo  Daviess  county,  111.,  where  Mr.  Rouse  died 
in  1850;  his  widow  came  to  Lafayette  county 
in  1851.  Mrs.  Phillips  was  born  in  April, 
1848,  in  Illinois,  but  since  1851  has  resided 
in  Lafayette  county,  Wisconsin. 

Our  subject  purchased  his  father’s  farm, 
which  he  has  cultivated  ever  since,  with  most 
gratifying  results,  everything  being  in  the 
most  prosperous  condition.  Many  buildings 
had  to  be  erected  or  renewed,  orchards  to  be 
planted,  and  fencing  and  drainage  looked 
after,  but  all  of  these  matters  it  has  been  the 
pleasure  of  Mr.  Phillips  to  accomplish.  Sur- 
rounded by  a kind  and  esteemed  family,  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Phillips  have  every  reason  to  feel 
gratified  with  the  prosperity  and  comfort  that 


is  theirs  in  their  advancing  years.  Children 
as  follows  have  been  born  to  them : Elsie, 

born  in  1870,  married  Lewis  Weidege,  of  La- 
fayette county,  and  they  have  three  children, 
Isabel,  Percy,  and  Leroy;  Frank,  born  in  1872, 
married  Diana  Coulthard,  lives  on  a farm  in 
Lafayette  county,  and  has  two  daughters, 
Florence  and  Blanche;  Mamie,  born  in  1876, 
was  married  March  20,  1901,  to  Lewis  D. 
Seeley,  of  Elk  Grove;  Nellie,  born  in  1878, 
married  Lewis  Gillie,  lives  at  Meekers’  Grove, 
and  has  one  son,'  Paul ; the  others  are  named 
Robert,  Lester,  George,  Harry,  and  Clarence. 

Politically  Mr.  Phillips  has  always  been 
identified  with  the  Republican  party.  Both 
he  and  his  wife  are  valued  members  of  the 
M.  E.  Church.  The  esteem  in  which  the 
whole  family  is  held  in  the  community  is  gen- 
uine, and  after  a residence  of  so  many  years 
it  is  pleasant  to  meet  only  friendly  faces  among 
one’s  old  neighbors.  Mr.  Phillips  is  one  of 
the  most  substantial  men  of  the  locality,  and 
is  now,  as  he  ever  has  been,  ready  to  advance 
the  interests  of  his  section  in  every  way  that 
his  judgment  sanctions. 

JOHN  AUGUSTINE  BINGHAM,  born 
in  Morristown,  Vt.,  Feb.  27,  1819,  was  the  son 
of  John  and  Lydia  (Thompson)  Bingham, 
the  former  a native  of  Connecticut,  the  latter 
of  New  Hampshire.  The  parents,  of  old 
Puritan  stock,  were  industrious,  energetic,  and 
sternly  religious.  Five  of  their  eight  children 
grew  to  maturity,  four  daughters  and  one  son, 
all  now  deceased.  The  father,  a man  of  much 
character  and  good  standing,  was  a farmer, 
and  was  a man  of  unusual  size  and  endurance. 
His  father,  Elias  Bingham,  was  even  a larger 
man,  and  not  less  noted  for  his  virtues  than 
for  his  size.  He  was  a Revolutionary  soldier 
in  a Connecticut  company.  Lydia  (Thomp- 
son) Bingham  was  a woman  of  fine  character 
and  of  a remarkably  hopeful  disposition.  Her 
father  also  bore  arms  in  the  cause  of  American 
independence. 

John  A.  Bingham  was  reared  on  a farm  in 
Vermont,  and  received  a common  school  ed- 
ucation, later  attending  the  academy  at  John- 
son and  the  academy  at  Montpelier.  He  stud- 
ied law  at  Stowe,  and  was  admitted  to  the  Bar 
at  Monroe,  Green  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1842,  having 
come  into  this  State  the  previous  year.  For 
some  months  he  was  engaged  as  teacher  in 
Racine  county,  and  in  February,  1842,  came 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


409 


to  Monroe,  which  was  his  home  from  that 
time  until  his  death.  Taking  up  the  practice 
of  law,  he  also  did  surveying,  which  was  an 
important  accomplishment  in  those  days. 

On  Nov.  25,  1843,  JU(%e  Bingham  was 
married  to  Miss  Caroline  Elizabeth  Churchill, 
a daughter  of  William  B.  and  Almira 
(Humes)  Churchill,  and  to  this  union  were 
horn  six  children,  Helen  M.,  Horace,  Alice  M., 
Ada,  Homer  W.  and  J.  Herbert.  (1)  Helen 
M.  Bingham  was  born  Oct.  10,  1S45,  was 
graduated  from  Lombard  College,  at  Gales- 
burg, 111.,  in  the  class  of  1867,  and  for  a time 
was  a member  of  the  Faculty  of  that  institu- 
tion. She  graduated  from  the  Boston  Uni- 
versity School  of  Medicine  in  1881,  and  prac- 
ticed for  a number  of  years  in  Milwaukee,  but 
is  now  retired  from  active  professional  work, 
and  lives  in  Monroe.  She  is  a charter  mem- 
ber of  the  Denver  Woman's  Club.  Dr.  Bing- 
ham is  a lady  of.  much  intellectual  ability,  and 
wrote  an  interesting  history  of  Green  county, 
which  was  published  in  1877.  Bor  a time 
prior  to  her  medical  course  she  was  a teacher 
in  the  Monroe  high  school,  and  has  been  an 
active  worker  all  her  life.  (2)  Horace  Bing- 
ham, born  Feb.  5,  1847,  died  in  December, 
1849.  (3)  Alice  M.  Bingham,  born  May  4, 

1851,  was  married  Sept.  7,  1872,  to  Herbert 
E.  Copeland,  who  was  born  in  Avon,  Mich., 
and  was  a teacher  of  sciences  in  the  high  school 
in  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  where  he  died  Dec.  12, 
1876.  To  that  union  came  two  sons’,  Edwin 
Bingham  and  Herbert  Bingham.  Edwin  B. 
was  born  Sept.  30,  1873,  and  married  Miss 
Ethel  Tilclen  Faulkner;  their  home  is  at  Mor- 
gantown, W.  Va.,'  where  he  is  professor  of 
botany  in  the  University  of  West  Virginia. 
Herbert  B.,  born  July  24,  1875,  lives  in  Den- 
ver, where  he  is  in  the  employ  of  his  uncle 
Homer,  a lumber  dealer  of  that  city.  Mrs. 
Copeland  was  a graduate  of  Lombard  College, 
class  of  1872,  and  has  always  taken  a deep  in- 
terest in  educational  matters.  The  first  year 
(1887)  that  women  were  eligible  for  the 
school  board  in  Wisconsin,  she  was  elected  a 
member  of  the  school  board  in  Monroe.  For 
many  }^ears  she  has  served  the  public  in  that 
capacity.  (4)  Ada  Bingham,  born  Feb.  6, 
1854,  was  graduated  from  Lombard  College 
in  1873.  and  from  the  Boston  University 
School  of  Medicine  in  1879.  She  practiced 
her  profession  in  Monroe  until  her  health  com- 
pelled her  removal,  in  1888,  to  Denver.  Dr. 


Bingham  is  a lady  of  many  gifts  and  accom- 
plishments, and  is  much  interested  in  every 
forward  movement  of  the  times.  She  is'  a 
charter  member  of  the  Denver  Woman’s  Club, 
and  is  an  efficient  worker  along  educational 
and  philanthropic  lines.  (5)  Homer  W. 
Bingham,  born  Feb.  1,  1856,  lives  in  Denver, 
where  he  is  engaged  in  the  lumber  business. 
He  received  his  college  education  at  Cornell 
University,  and  graduated  from  the  law  school 
of  the  University  of  Wisconsin  in  1877.  He 
was  married  to  Miss  Addie  Ludlow,  Jan.  20, 
1897,  and  has  one  daughter,  Helen.  (6)  J. 
Herbert,  the  youngest,  born  jam  14,  1859, 
died  Jan.  23,  1881. 

Judge  Bingham  was  not  a member  of  any 
church,  nor  is  his  widow.  Their  sympathies 
were  with  the  Unitarian  faith.  The  Judge 
was  a strong  Abolitionist,  and  was  one  of  the 
first  members  of  the  Republican  organization 
in  Wisconsin.  Fie  took  a deep  interest  in  pro- 
moting the  Abolitionist  movement  into  Kan- 
sas, and  when  war  came  only  physical  disa- 
bility kept  him  from  going  to  the  front.  He 
was  a member  of  the  National  Convention 
that  nominated  Abraham  Lincoln  for  Presi- 
dent the  second  time.  During  the  years  1846 
and  1847  lie  served  as  district  attorney,  and 
afterward  held  for  eight  years  the  office  of 
Probate  Judge.  For  about  twenty-five  years 
he  was  on  the  board  of  education,  and  for 
months  visited  the  schools  daily,  seeking  to 
have  the  most  improved  methods  of  instruction 
employed.  He  was  always  interested  in  young 
people,  and,  having  encountered  difficulties  in 
acquiring  his  own  education,  was  eager  to  help 
ambitious  young  men  to  a chance  to  help  them- 
selves. 

In  1854  he  opened  a broker’s  office,  and 
later,  in  company  with  A.  Ludlow  and  Asa 
Richardson,  started  the  Bank  of  Monroe, 
which  afterward  became  the  First  National 
Bank  of  Monroe.  Of  this  institution  -he  was 
president  for  a number  of  years.  He  also 
owned  a large  flouring  mill,  which  he  oper- 
ated during  the  later  years  of  his  life  in  Mon- 
roe. Judge  Bingham  died  July  24,  1865,  in 
the  forty-seventh  year  of  his  age,  while  on  a 
visit  to  his  native  State  in  the  hope  of  ben- 
efiting his  health. 

JOHN  M.  SIFFORD  was  one  of  the 
brave  boys  in  blue  who  laid  down  his  life  on 
the  altar  of  his  country  during  the  dark  days 


4io 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


of  the  Civil  war.  This  honored  resident  of 
Grant  county  enlisted  in  Wyalusing  township 
Aug.  ii,  1862,  becoming  a private  in  Com- 
pany D,  33d  Wis.  V.  I.,  but  had  been  promot- 
ed to  second  sergeant  before  the  death  sum- 
mons came.  He  died  in  Memphis,  Tenn., 
April  17,  1863.  Though  his  health  was  much 
broken  early  in  the  service,  his  death  was  quite 
sudden  and  unexpected. 

Mr.  Sifford  was  born  in  the  State  of  Vir- 
ginia in  1826,  and  came  to  Grant  county,  Wis., 
with  a maternal  uncle,  Benjamin  Burton,  in 
whose  family  he  grew  to  manhood,  his  par- 
ents having  passed  away  when  he  was  a child. 
A faithful  soldier  in  his  country’s  cause,  and 
a respected  citizen  of  his  adopted  county,  his 
death  was  deeply  lamented  by  a large  circle 
of  friends  and  acquaintances. 

On  April  7,  1851,  Mr.  Sifford  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Sarah  J.  Fink,  also  a native  of 
the  Old  Dominion,  whose  mother  had  died 
when  she  was  but  eleven  years  old.  At  the 
age  of  sixteen  she  accompanied  her  father  on 
his  removal  to  Grant  county,  Wis.  When 
he  entered  the  army  Mr.  Sifford  left  a wife 
and  two  children,  aged  respectively  eleven  and 
three  years'.  Soon  after  the  death  of  her  hus- 
band Mrs.  Sifford  lost  her  younger  child,  John 
Franklin,  and  the  only  daughter,  Mary  Jane, 
died  March  31,  1895,  after  a prolonged  ill- 
ness. During  her  long  and  severe  sickness  she 
was  tenderly  cared  for  by  her  mother,  who  is 
now  left  alone  to  mourn  the  departure  of 
those  near  and  dear  to  her.  She  is  a most 
estimable  woman,  who  makes  many  friends, 
and  is  held  in  high  regard  by  all  who  know 
her  on  account  of  her  many  sterling  qualities. 

JOSEPH  THOMPSON,  justice  of  the 
peace  at  Brodhead,  Green  county,  is  regarded 
as  one  of  the  most  upright  and  reliable  citizens 
of  the  place. 

Mr.  Thompson  was  born  at  Port  Hope, 
Canada,  Dec.  9,  1833,  and  is  a son  of  Henry 
and  Sarah  B.  (Straw)  Thompson,  both  na- 
tives of  the  United  States,  and  the  parents  of 
five  children;  two  of  these  are  now  living,  Jo- 
seph and  Alfred,  the  latter  a ranchman  at  Salt 
Lake  City.  The  father  was  a farmer,  and  died 
in  Canada  in  1845,  ?-t  the  ag‘e  of  fifty-six. 
His  widow  died  at  Mount  Morris,  111.,  some 
years  later,  at  the  age  of  seventy-six.  She 
was  a Universalist.  and  he  was  a Methodist. 
His  father  was  Henry  Thompson,  of  Con- 


necticut, of  Scotch  lineage,  who  became  a 
soldier  of  the  American  Revolution,  and  died 
in  Canada  at  the  age  of  eighty-six,  the  father 
of  five  children.  Nathan  Straw,  the  father 
of  Sarah  B.,  mentioned  above,  was  a native 
of  New  Hampshire,  and  died  in  old  age.  He, 
too,  was  the  father  of"  five  children. 

Joseph  Thompson  spent  the  first  seven- 
teen years  of  his  life  on  the  paternal  estate  in 
Canada.  He  attended  Oberlin  College  for  a 
year  and  a half,  and  then  followed  railroading 
for  three  years.  In  1853  he  came  to  Rock- 
ford, 111.,  and  the  next  year  was  a clerk  in 
a grocery,  and  then  was  a farmer  until  1861. 

Mr.  lhompson  was  among  the  first  to  re- 
spond to  the  call  for  troops  in  1861.  He  en- 
listed in  Company  M,  8th  111.  Vo-1.  Cav.,  under 
the  command  of  John  F.  Farnsworth;  and  with 
his  regiment,  participated  in  many  of  the  more 
important  battles  of  the  war,  including  York- 
town,  Williamsburg,  Seven  Days’  fight  111 
front  of  Richmond,  the  second  battle  of  Bull 
Run,  South  Mountain,  Antietam,  Gettysburg, 
and  many  skirmishes.  At  the  battle  of  Ohan- 
cellorsville  he  had  a horse  shot  from  under 
him,  and  was  taken  prisoner,  but  escaped  after 
three  days  in  the  hands  of  the  rebels,  reach- 
ing the  Union  lines  in  safety.  Soon  after  this, 
as  a reward  for  his  complete  mastery  of  the 
cavalry  drill  and  his  high  personal  character, 
he  was  appointed  to  the  command  of  the  body- 
guard (a  picked  body  of  forty  men)  of  General 
Stoneman.  This  service  under  General  Stone- 
man  continued  for  three  months,  and  included 
the  famous  Stoneman  raid  around  General 
Lee’s  army.  Soon  after  this  raid  General 
Stoneman  was  transferred  to  the  western 
army,  and  his  body-guard  returned  to  their 
respective  regiments.  At  Gettysburg  the  8th 
Illinois  lost  heavily  in  charging  infantry  be- 
hind a stone  wall.  The  severity  of  the  fire 
and  the  chances  of  war  may  be  seen  from  the 
fact  that  there  one  horse  had  nine  bullet 
wounds,  and  bore  his  rider  out  of  the  line  of 
fire  unharmed.  The  8th  Illinois  Cavalry,  in 
all,  participated  in  forty-four  engagements ; 
and  in  spite  of  his  active  service  in  the  front 
through  all  of  these,  our  subject  was  fortunate 
enough  to  return  home  without  a scar. 

Returning  from  his  long  service  in  the  army 
Mr.  Thompson  resumed  the  duties  of  civil  life, 
and  has  served  as  justice  of  the  peace  for 
twenty-five  years,  during  which  time  he  has 
married  over  fifty  couples.  From  the  close  of 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


41 1 


the  war  in  1865,  until  1867,  he  was  a resident 
of  Waterloo,  Iowa,  and  then  moved  to  Al- 
bany, Wis.,  where  he  worked  in  a grist  mill. 
In  1876  he  moved  to  his  present  home,  Brod- 
head.  For  many  years  he  carried  on  an  in- 
surance business,  with  his  other  official  duties, 
but  he  gave  it  up  in  1898,  and  is  now  con- 
cerned only  in  what  conies  to  him  as  a justice 
of  the  peace. 

On  Oct.  9,  1861,  Mr.  Thompson  married 
Miss  Charlotte  Marson,  daughter  of  Sam- 
uel. Marson.  No  children  have;  been  born 
to  them.  Mr.  Thompson  belongs  to  Bick- 
nell  Lodge,  No.  94,  A.  F.  & A.  M., 
and  served  as  Master  four  years.  He  is  a 
charter  member  of  Wesley  W.  Patton  Post, 
No.  90,  G.  A.  R.,  and  was  its  commander  two 
years.  In  politics  he  is  a Republican.  Mr. 
Thompson  and  his  wife  have  a pleasant  home 
on  the  corner  of  Dousman  and  Dixon  streets. 
They  have  reared  two  adopted  children,  the 
orphans  of  her  brother  Thomas,  Ida  and 
Jessie.  Ida  married  Herbert  B.  Oakes,  and 
lives  at  Hartford,  S.  Dakota ; they  have  eight 
children.  Jessie  married  Alexander  Walker, 
and  lives  at  Sioux  City,  Iowa;  they  are  the 
parents  of  three  children. 

JOHN  MEEHAN.  Few  residents  of 
Darlington,  Lafavette  county,  have  a greater 
number  of  friends  than  this  courteous  and 
popular  landlord  of  one  of  the  best  appointed 
houses  of  entertainment  in  that  city.  Mr. 
Meehan’s  birth  took  place  in  Philadelphia, 
Penn.,  in  1843,  and  his  parents,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Patrick  Meehan,  were  natives  of  Ireland. 
They  passed  their  lives  in  Philadelphia,  where 
Mr.  Meehan  was  connected  with  a hotel,  at 
their  decease  leaving  our  subject,  then  a small 
boy,  and  his  sister  Rose,  who  died  in  that 
city. 

Our  subject  came  to  Lafayette  county  in 
1S52.  For  a time  he  engaged  as  cabin  bov 
on  a steamer  that  plied  on  the  Mississippi 
river,  but  when  the  Civil  war  broke  out  he 
enlisted  in  Company  K,  5th1  Ohio  Cavalrv, 
and  served  through  that  struggle,  being  mus- 
tered out  in  June,  1865.  After  the  close  of 
the  war  Mr.  Meehan  returned  to  Wisconsin, 
and  in  June,  1869;  married  Miss  Mary  Rock- 
well, who  was  born  in  1849.  and  belonged  to 
an  old  and  prominent  family  of  Lafayette 
county,  being  a daughter  of  Stephen  Rockwell. 
For  some  time  after  his  marriage  Mr.  Mee- 


han followed  painting,  very  successfully,  in 
Darlington.  He  became  a figure  in  local  pol- 
itics, his  activity  resulting  in  his  appointment, 
in  1886,  as  postmaster  of  the  city,  which  office 
was  never  more  efficiently  conducted  than  dur- 
ing his  term  of  service. 

In  1890,  after  an  official  life  of  three 
years,  Mr.  Meehan  became  the  purchaser  of 
the  large  “Stone  Hotel,”  in  Darlington,  which 
he  has  continued  until  the  present  time,  con- 
ducting and  managing  a well  appointed, 
modern  hostelry,  which  he  has  supplied  with 
every  comfort  and  convenience  for  the  travel- 
ing public,  and  which  is  a credit  to  the  city. 

To  Mr.  Meehan  and  his  wife  have  come 
children  as  follows:  Hugh,  born  in  1870,  is 

cashier  of  the  Onwentsia  Golf  Club,  of  Chi- 
cago; Marie,  born  in  Chicago,  in  1873,  was 
educated  at  the  Sinsinawa  Mound  Sisters' 
School,  and  her  musical  education  was  received 
at  the  Chicago  Conservatory  of  Music ; Frank, 
born  in  1878,  graduated  from  the  high  school 
in  his  city,  and  was  a student  in  the  LMiver- 
sity  at  Madison;  and  Arthur,  born  in  1880, 
was  educated  in  the  Delavan  School  for  the 
Deaf,  from  which  he  graduated  with  honor. 

As  a politician  Mr.  Meehan  has  long  been 
identified  with  the  Democratic  party,  for  which 
he  has  done  valuable  work.  His  religious 
connection  is  with  the  Catholic  Church,  to 
which  he  has  always  given  of  his  means  gen- 
erously. Although  he  was  obliged,  as  a poor 
boy,  to  depend  in  early  life  upon  his  own  ef- 
forts, he  has  ever  had  in  him  the  elements  of 
true  manliness,  as  well  as  honesty  and  industry, 
and  he  occupies  a position  now  which  is  well 
suited  to  him  personally.  Genial,  accommo- 
dating, courteous,  the  guests  of  Mr.  Meehan 
are  made  to  forget  that  they  are  not  under 
their  own  roofs  when  they  enter  his  hospitable 
doors. 

GEORGE  ARTHUR  BLAKELEY, 
M.  D.,  the  present  postmaster  at  Albanv,  is  one 
of  the  most  popular  and  progressive  young- 
physicians  of  this  part  of  Green  county.  He 
is  courteous  and  affable  in  his  general  inter- 
course with  the  public,  and  sustains  a good 
reputation,  both  as  a man  and  as  a member  of 
the  mecbcal  profession. 

Dr.  Blakeley  was  born  near  Lawrence, 
Ivan.,  May  8,  1857.  and  is  a son  of  Edwin 
and  Frances  (Smith)  Blakeley,  natives  of 
New  York  and  Michigan,  respectively.  They 


412 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


were  the  parents  of  five  sons  and  two  daugh- 
ters, and  five  of  their  children  are  now  liv- 
ing: Frances  A.,  the  wife  of  Id.  A.  Babcock, 
of  Evansville,  Wis. ; Dr.  George  A. ; Harri- 
son A. ; William  E. ; and  Eugene.  The  father 
was  a farmer,  and  removed  into  Ohio  in  the 
early  days.  About  1854  he  came  to  Wiscon- 
sin, and  located  at  Evansville,  which  was  his 
home — with  the  exception  of  three  years  spent 
in  Kansas — the  rest  of  his  life.  He  died  in 
1896,  at  the  age  of  seventy,  a consistent  mem- 
ber of  the  Congregational  Church,  and  his 
widow  now  lives  in  Evansville.*  He  was  a 
soldier  in  the  Civil  war,  serving  from  April  un- 
til September,  1865,  and  was  a man  of  some 
prominence  in  local  affairs,  having  held  several 
offices  in  the  town. 

Edwin  Blakeley  was  the  eighth  son  of  Asa 
Blakeley  and  his  wife  Esther  Dibble.  Asa 
Blakeley  was  born  in  Connecticut  in  1784, 
whither  his  people  had  removed  from  Ver- 
mont. He  was  married  to  Esther  Dibble  April 
3,  1810,  and  they  became  the  parents  of  eight 
sons — Isaac,  John,  Henry,  Ransom,  Nathaniel, 
Asa,  Evander  and  Edwin — and  one  daughter, 
the  youngest  in  the  family — Esther  (Blake- 
ley) Hathaway.  He  died  in  Evansville,  Wis., 
where,  in  the  early  fifties,  the  last  years  of  his 
life  were  spent.  Frances  (Smith)  Blakeley 
was  a daughter  of  Henry  Smith,  a native  of 
Rutland,  Vermont,  born  in  1802,  and  his  wife 
Betsey  Burnett,  who  died  in  Michigan.  Henry 
Smith  was  a teacher  by  profession  and  after 
the  death  of  his  wife  he  moved  from  Michigan 
to  Pennsylvania,  where  he  passed  the  remain- 
der of  his  life,  being  killed  by  the  cars  after 
he  had  reached  the  age  of  eighty  years. 

Dr.  Blakeley  was  reared  on  the  farm  south 
of  Evansville,  where  he  attended  the  district 
school,  and,  when  somewhat  older,  the  high 
school  at  Evansville.  Then  he  took  up  the 
study  of  medicine,  and  was  graduated  from 
Rush  Medical  School  in  1885.  He  began  the 
practice  of  his  profession  at  Hampton,  Neb., 
where  he  remained  two  years.  From  there 
the  young  Doctor  went  to  North  Loup,  and  in 
1890  came  to  Albany,  where  he  has  since  con- 
tinued in  his  professional  work. 

Dr.  Blakeley  and  Miss  Jennie  M.  Barge- 
well,  the  daughter  of  Matthew  and  Miriam 
(Regers)  Bargewell,  were  married  Feb.  27, 
1880.  They  are  the  parents  of  six  children, 
Hattie  A.,  Fred  L.,  Glenn  A.,  William,  Ed- 
win and  Miriam.  The  Doctor  is  a member 


of  Anchor  Lodge,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  of  North 
Loup,  Neb.,  being  very  popular  in  his  Ma- 
sonic affiliations;  and  of  Garrison  , 

Knights  of  the  Globe.  Fie  is  a member  of 
the  Central  Wisconsin  Medical  Society.  In 
politics  he  is  a Republican ; he  was  appointed 
postmaster  at  Albany  Dec.  15,  1898,  and  en- 
tered upon  the  duties  of  his  position  the  last 
day  of  that  month.  Lie  was  reappointed  Jan- 
uary 15,  1899.  The  office  was  then  rated  as 
fourth-class,  but  it  is  now  a third-class  office. 
Dr.  Blakeley  was  a member  of  the  village 
board  in  1892. 

There  is  good  Revolutionary  blood  in  the 
family.  Two  brothers  of  our  subject’s  pa- 
ternal great-grandfather  were  killed  in  that 
struggle.  His  wife’s  father  came  from  Eng- 
land. where  he  was  born,  and  located  in  Mich- 
igan. He  came  to  Evansville  when  somewhat 
advanced  in  years,  and  was  a shoemaker  in 
that  city.  H6  was  master  of  Union  Lodge, 
No.  32,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  for  twenty  years,  and 
was  known  far  and  wide  as  one  of  the  most 
loyal  Masons  in  Wisconsin.  He  had  two 
children:  Jennie  M.,  Mrs.  Blakeley;  and 

Myrta,  a teacher  in  the  public  schools  of  Min- 
neapolis. • 

GEORGE  A.  PROCTOR  is  a successful 
and  much  respected  farmer  and  stockman  of 
La  Prairie  township,  Rock  county,  occupying 
a very  fertile  and  highly-cultivated  farm, 
which  is  described  as  the  Southwest  Quarter 
of  the  Northwest  Quarter  of  Section  4,  of 
that  township.  Here  he  has  lived  for  many 
years,  and  is  known  as  an  'honest  and  reliable 
farmer  and  a public-spirited  citizen. 

Mr.  Proctor  was  born  in  Bellows  Falls, 
Vt.,  Dec.  14,  1846,  a son  of  Eli  and  Mary 
(Woodward)  Proctor,  both  natives  of  that 
State.  They  had  a family  of  three  sons  and 
one  daughter:  Mary  Allen,  wife  of  James 

U.  Gould,  of  Delavan,  Wis. ; George  A. ; and 
Joel  and  Hiram  C.,  both  of  La  Prairie  town- 
ship. Eli  Proctor,  who  was  a farmer,  came 
to  Wisconsin  in  1834,  and  bought  a quarter 
of  Section  3,  La  Prairie  township,  to  the  cul- 
tivation of  which  he  devoted  his  life.  There 
he  lived  and  reared  his  family,  and  there  his 
wife  died  July  7,  1889,  at -the  age  of  sixty- 
three.  She  was  a Methodist,  but  he  is  a Uni- 
versalist.  Many  years  ago  he  was  supervisor 
for  two  terms.  Jonas  Proctor,  father  of  Eli. 
was  a Vermont  farmer,  and  was  of  English  and 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


4i3 


Scottish  descent.  He  lived  to  reach  the  age 
of  seventy,  and  died  from  the  effects  of  in- 
juries received  when  a wagon  ran  over  him. 
He  had  a numerous  family,  three  daughters 
and  seven  sons.  The  family  stock  of  the 
Proctor  family  has  superb  vitality.  Eli  Proc- 
tor is  now  eighty-five  years  old,  and  is  still* 
hale  and  hearty.  Two  of  his  brothers  died 
recently,  one  aged  eighty-four  and  the  other 
ninety-six.  Jonas  Woodward,  the  maternal 
grandfather  of  George  A.  Proctor,  was  also  a 
resident  of  Vermont,  and  a farmer.  He  was 
of  Irish  and  Scottish  descent,  and  lived  to 
pass  eighty  years.  He  was  the  father  of  three 
sons  and  three  daughters. 

George  A.  Proctor  was  only  seven  years 
of  age  when  he  first  came  to  Rock  county. 
He  attended  the  district  school,  and  remained 
on  his  father's  farm  until  he  had  grown  to 
maturity.  He  began  life  for  himself  by  en- 
gaging as  a farm  hand  by  the  month,  and  soon 
felt  able  to  rent  a farm, which  he  cultivated  for 
two  years.  Then  he  began  buying  horses,  and 
selling  them  either  in  the  West  or  in  Chicago, 
as  the  times  might  determine. 

On  Feb.  22,  1876,  Mr.  Proctor  married 
Miss  Emma  L.  Hurd,  daughter  of  Silas  and 
Cynthia  (Cowan)  Hurd,  both  natives  of  the 
State  of  New  York,  who  were  among  the  very 
earliest  settlers  of  Rock  county.  Coming  to 
Wisconsin  in  1838,  they  made  their  home  in 
Fulton  township,  Rock  county,  where  they 
always  lived  on  the  farm  on  which  they  first 
settled  in  Indian  Ford  (a  village).  Two  sons 
and  six  daughters  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Proctor:  Luie  A.,  Mildred  C.  and 

Myrtle  E.  (twins),  Edna  E.,  Leo  M.,  Dean 
0.,  Isabel  M.  and  Mabel.  Luie  A.  mar- 
ried Hattie  Rooney,  and  is  now  living  in  Be- 
loit; they  have  two  children,  Florence  E.  and 
Don  L.  Mildred  C.  is  teaching.  The  other 
children  are  all  at  home. 

Politically  our  subject  is  a Democrat. 
From  1876  to  1888  he  lived  in  the  town  of 
Fulton,  and  was  chairman  of  the  town  board 
in  1888.  He  was  also  elected  assessor  of  that 
township,  and  filled  the  office  nine  years  in 
succession.  It  is  a strong  Republican  town, 
and  his  repeated  re-elections  were  a tribute  to 
his  personal  worth  and  character,  his  major- 
ity running  each  year  from  forty  to  fifty  votes. 
He  was  twice  nominated  for  register  of  deeds, 
but  he  could  not  overcome  the  strong  Repub- 
lican majority  in  the  county,  though  on  each 


occasion  he  made  a gallant  struggle.  Mr. 
Proctor  joined  the  Masonic  fraternity  when 
twenty-four  years  old. 

When  the  family  moved  into  La  Prairie 
township  in  1888  Mrs.  Proctor  bought  the 
present  farm,  of  240  acres,  known  as  the 
“Ravine  Hill  Stock  Farm,”  and  our  subject 
has  given  his  attention  very  largely  to  the 
raising  of  a fine  grade  of  horses.  Since  1892 
the  land  has  been  rented,  and  Mr.  Proctor  is 
now  disposed  to  take  life  somewhat  more 
easily.  He  has  always  taken  a leading  part 
in  every  movement  to  help  the  agricultural  in- 
terests of  Rock  county  forward,  and  has  been 
a director  in  the  Rock  County  Agricultural 
Society.  From  1892  to  1898  he  was  in  the 
leaf  tobacco  business  in  Janesville.  He  is 
much  interested,  as  might  be  expected,  in  blood- 
ed stock,  and  having  the  personal  acquaintance 
of  the  drivers  in  the  grand  trotting  circuit, 
goes  the  round  of  the  circuit  every  year,  com- 
mencing at  Detroit,  going  through  all  the  New 
England  States,  and  as  far  South  as  Louis- 
ville and  Lexington,  Kentucky. 

JOSEPH  H.  LINCOLN.  The  arrival  of 
Mr.  Lincoln  in  Wisconsin  antedates  the  ad- 
mission of  the  State  into  the  Union,  he  hav- 
ing first  taken  up  his  residence  in  Grant  coun- 
ty in  April,  1844.  His  birthplace  was  Chester 
county,  Penn.,  and  the  date  of  his  birth  was 
Feb.  10,  1827. 

The  Lincoln  family  is  of  English  origin, 
although  both  our  subject's  grandfather, 
Thomas,  and  father,  Azariah,  were  natives  of 
the  Keystone  State.  In  Pennsylvania  Azariah 
Lincoln  married  Mary  Miles,  and  they  re- 
moved thence  to  Wayne  county,  Ohio,  later 
(about  1840)  settling  in  Illinois.  It  was  in 
1844  that  Azariah  Lincoln  resolved  to  seek 
a home  in  what  was  then  regarded  as  the  far 
Northwest,  a virtually  trackless  territory.  At 
that  time  he  and  his  wife  had  a family  of 
seven  children,  four  of  whom  were  boys. 
Their  first  home  in  Wisconsin  was  at  Liv- 
ingston, but  later  a change  of  domicile  to 
Montfort  was  made,  both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lin- 
coln dying  in  that  town,  he  on  Oct.  9,  1862, 
in  his  seventieth  year,  and  she  on  Nov.  30, 
1877,  after  attaining  the  ripe  old  age  of  four- 
score and  two.  The  dates  of  their  respective 
births  were  Sept.  26,  1793,  and  March  10, 
1795.  Azariah  Lincoln  was  a man  of  great 
muscular  strength  and  fine  physical  develop- 


4 1 4 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


meat,  and  was  by  trade  a blacksmith.  He 
was  a man  of  resolute  will  and  inflexible 
moral  conviction.  Both  he  and  his  wife  were 
ardent  Methodists,  and  it  was  at  their  home 
that  the  itinerant  preachers  of  that  denomina- 
tion in  those  early  days  found  entertainment 
and  encouragement  in  their  self-sacrificing  ef- 
forts to  propagate  Christian  faith  and  dissem- 
inate Gospel  truth  among  the  early  denizens 
of  a new  country,  where  grit  ranked  above 
goodness,  and  brawn  was  the  badge  of  un- 
titled royalty. 

The  children  of  Azariah.  and  Mary  Lin- 
coln were:  Thomas,  who  died  June  15,  1890, 
the  father  of  a family;  Dickinson,  now  a resi- 
dent of  Cottage  Grove,  Oregon;  Joseph  H. ; 
Samuel,  who  died  in  1894;  Elizabeth;  Mar- 
garet ; and  Sarah. 

Joseph  H.  Lincoln  was  a lad  of  seventeen 
when  he  accompanied  his  parents  to  their  new 
home  in  Wisconsin,  and  there  will  never  fade 
from  his  mind  his  first  sight  of  what  is  now 
Grant  county,  with  its  prosperous  villages  and 
well  cultivated  farms,  its  heaven-pointing 
church  spires,  and  its  well  conducted  schools. 
Since  those  days  he  has  seen  Wisconsin  grow 
to  Statehood,  its  forests  cleared,  its  soil  re- 
claimed, its  mineral  wealth  explored,  its  har- 
bors improved,  its  bosom  dotted  with  cities 
and  towns  of  constantly  growing  wealth  and 
prosperity,  and  its  people  become  among  the 
most  enlightened  and  God-fearing  in  an  en- 
tire continent.  He  was  married,  on  Dec.  15, 
1861,  to  Miss  Margaret  Laird,  a daughter  of 
Thomas  and  Elizabeth  (Twining)  Laird.  She 
was  born  Dec.  4,  1841,  and  died  May  16,  1871. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lincoln  had  a family  of  two 
daughters  and  two  sons:  The  eldest,  John, 

died  at  the  age  of  four  years.  The  eldest 
daughter.  Mary,  is  the  wife  of  S.  H.  Taylor, 
one  of  the  leaders  of  the  Grant  County  Bar. 
Eva,  the  youngest  daughter,  lives  at  home 
with  her  father.  Azariah,  the  only  surviving 
son,  who  is  named  in  honor  of  his  paternal 
grandfather,  was  born  June  25,  1868.  He 
early  developed  an  inborn  fondness  for  sci- 
entific study,  and  his  father  has  afforded  him 
admirable  advantages.  After  graduating  from 
the  academic  department  of  the  Wisconsin 
State  University  he  studied  for  and  received 
the  degree  of  Doctor  of  Philosophy,  having- 
prepared  a most  excellent  thesis  on  the  ‘‘Elec- 
trical Conductivity  of  Non-Aqueous  So- 
lutions." So  emphatic  was  his  success  in  this 


field  of  scientific  investigation,  he  was  offered 
an  assistant  professorship  in  Natural  Science 
at  Cornell  University,  a chair  which  he  yet 
fills,  bringing  to  the  discharge  of  his  duties 
ardent  enthusiasm,  ripe  scholarship,  and  an 
illimitable  thirst  and  capacity  for  painstaking 
'investigation. 

Mr.  Lincoln  has  passed  life’s  seventy- 
fourth  milestone,  with  undimmed  intellect 
and  an  unshaken  religious  faith.  He  and  his 
daughter  are  among  Montfort’s  most  esteemed 
residents.  His  life  has  been  an  open  book, 
and  on  its  pages  there  is  no  stain. 

KNUD  B.  DUXSTAD.  Coming  with  his 
parents  to  Rock  county  in  1844,  when  a young- 
man  of  nineteen,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  has 
devoted  to  the  development  of  Wisconsin  the 
strength  of  more  than  half  a century,  and  has 
long  been  ranked  as  one  of  the  foremost  citi- 
zens of  Clinton.  As  owner  of  valuable  busi- 
ness property  in  the  city  of  Chicago,  111.,  .as 
director  and  vice-president  of  the  Citizens 
Bank,  of  Clinton,  as  proprietor  of  the  well- 
improved  Duxstad  homestead  of  205  acres  in 
Section  32,  Clinton  township,  he  has  attained 
a prominent  position  in  the  material  affairs 
of  Rock  county,  and  is  no  less  influential  in 
religious,  social,  educational  and  political  cir- 
cles. 

Brynild  Knudson,  his  father,  was  born  in 
Norway  Jan.  8,  1794,  the  eldest  of  the  five 
children  of  Knud  Erickson  and  Brita  (Knud- 
son) Duxstad,  the  other  children  being  Mar- 
tha, Eric,  Carrie  and  Anguna.  Brynild  took 
up  the  life  of  a farmer.  O11  June  10,  1824, 
he  married  Elie  Knudson  Seime,  daughter  of 
Knud  Seime,  also  a Norwegian  farmer,  and 
by  this  marriage  had  seven  children,  two  of 
whom  died  in  infancy.  The  others  were  Knud, 
Iver,  Brita,  Knud  B and  Carrie.  With  his 
wife  and  children  Brynild  Knudson  in  1844 
emigrated  to  America,  and  settled  in  Rock 
countv,  Wis.,  where  he  acquired  property,  and 
lived  an  industrious  and  prosperous  life  until 
death  called  him,  Aug.  7,  1857.  He  was  a 
lifelong  member  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and 
a good,  substantial  citizen  in  the  pioneer 
country. 

Knud  B.  Duxstad,  our  subject,  was  born 
in  Norway  Feb.  2,  1825,  and  came  with  his 
parents  to  America  in  1844,  arriving  at  Clin- 
ton Aug.  17  of  that  year.  The  cultivation  of 
the  soil  became  his  life  work,  but  his'  foresight 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


41  5 


and  business  judgment  gave  him  prominence 
among  his  fellow  men,  and  he  soon  became 
recognized  as  a citizen  of  sterling  and  com- 
manding principles.  He  owns  260  acres  of 
land  in  Section  33,  Clinton  township,  200 
acres  in  Boone  county,  111.,  and  the  building 
at  Nos.  59-61  East,  Kinzie  street,  Chicago. 
He  is  director  of  the  T.  G.  Mandt  Vehicle 
Co.,  Stoughton,  Wis.  Mr.  Duxstad  married 
Nov.  24,  1863.  Miss  Ingeborg  Sjursdatter 
Qvarme,  born  in  Norway  Aug.  30,  1838, 

daughter  of  Seaver  and  Carrie  K.  ( Duxstad) 
Knudson,  the  former  a Norwegian  farmer 
who  in  1844  emigrated  with  his  family  to 
America,  coming  in  the  same  ship  which 
brought  over  the  Duxstads.  Seaver  Knud- 
son settled  in  Boone  county,  111.,  where  he 
died  in  1882,  aged  eighty-two  years;  his  wife 
survived  him  seven  years.  To  our  subject  and 
wife  have  been  born  seven  children,  Oscar  B., 
Elias  S.,  Carrie  A.,  Annie  C.,  Mattie  B., 
Emma  J.  and  Ida  L.  Mattie  is  deceased. 
Elias  married  Nov.  26,  1898,  Miss  Minnie 
Fessenden,  and  they  have  one  son,  Earl 
Maynard,  born  May  27,  1900. 

Mr.  Duxstad  is  a prominent  member  of 
the  Lutheran  Church,  and  has  been  organist 
in  the  church  for  many  years.  In  politics  he 
is  a Republican.  For  sixteen  years  he  has 
been  on  the  board  of  supervisors,  of  which  he 
was  chairman  (two  years),  also  served  as  town 
assessor  three  years,  and  two  years  officiated 
as  justice  of  the  peace.  He  is  one  of  the 
hardy  pioneers  of  Wisconsin,  a typical  speci- 
men of  the  courageous  and  thrifty  race  that 
settled  its  distant  shores,  and  gave  to  the 
State  a high  grade  of  citizenship.  He  has 
by  his  systematic  course  of  righteous  and  in- 
dustrious living  won  the  highest  respect  of 
the  people  of  Rock  county,  and  ranks  as  one 
of  its  prominent  and  influential  business  men. 

LAUREN  L.  THURBER,  the  genial,  well 
known  agent  of  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  and 
St.  Paul  Railroad,  at  Muscoda,  Grant  county, 
and  one  of  the  old  soldiers  of  that  place,  is  a 
native  of  Door,  La  Porte  Co.,  Ind.,  born  Ian. 

W 184  3. 

Mr.  Thurber  is  the  son  of  Nathaniel  and 
Sarah  A.  (Leland)  Thurber,  who  were  born 
in  Vermont  and  New  York  State,  respectively, 
and  were  old  settlers  of  La  Porte  county,  Ind. 
As  the  country  surrounding  their  home  be- 
came settled,  the  same  spirit  which  prompted 


their  removal  to  Indiana  urged  them  further 
westward,  and  in  1857  they  located  at  Pulaski, 
Iowa  Co.,  Wis.,  where  two  years  later  they 
were  joined  by  their  son,  Lauren  L.  Thurber. 
Mrs.  Thurber  died  at  Muscoda,  while  her  son, 
the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  absent  fighting 
for  the  honor  of  his  country;  Mr.  Thurber  sur- 
vived her  until  1867.  These  worthy  people  had 
four  children:  Lauren  L.,  the  only  son;  Mrs. 
Lauretta  L.  Mack,  who  died  at  South  Bend, 
Ind.,  in  (March,  1900;  Airs.  Sarah  Augusta 
Walbridge,  now  many  years  deceased  ; and 
Airs.  A.  E.  AIcCallister,  whose  death  occurred 
at  her  home  in  Aladison,  S.  Dak.,  several  years 
ago. 

Lauren  L.  Thurber  is  a mason,  having 
learned  the  trade  in  his  native  State,  but  of 
late  years  has  had  no  occasion  to  work  at 
that  calling.  Although  he  had  not  attained 
years  of  manhood  when  his  country  had  need 
of  him  he  was  found  willing  and  anxious  to 
risk  his  life  in  defense  of  its  honor,  and  en- 
listed Aug.  18,  1862,  in  Company  C,  20th 
Wis.  V.  I.,  taking  part  in  all  of  the  engage- 
ments in  which  his  regiment  participated  until 
it  was  honorably  mustered  out,  in  August, 
1865.  While  never  wounded  in  the  service, 
the  hardships  affected  Air.  Thurber  so  that 
he  has  never  since  been  in  robust  health,  and 
has  been  obliged  to  guard  against  complica- 
tions resulting  from  the  forced  marches,  the 
exposure,  and  the  thousand  and  one  trials  en- 
dured by  our  brave  soldiers  during  that  never- 
to-be-forgotten  struggle. 

On  Alay  4,  1867,  Air.  Thurber  was  mar- 
ried to  Alariana  H.  Soper,  daughter  of  Platt 
Soper,  and  four  sons  have  been  born  to  this 
union:  Ralph  L.,  Nathaniel  P.,  Philip  S.  and 

William  AI. 

Air.  Thurber  has  occupied  his  present  po- 
sition for  thirty-two  years,  and  cannot  be 
spoken  of  too  hig'hly  as  a man  of  sterling  in- 
tegrity, unflinching  honesty,  and  faithful  ad- 
herence to  duty.  In  every  walk  of  life  he  has 
proven  himself  to  be  the  kind  of  a man  that 
is  the  best  representative  of  American  inde- 
pendence, and  one  which  should  be  held  up  as 
a model  for  the  coming  generation. 

JOSEPH  KEEN,  a retired  farmer  now  liv- 
ing in  Alonroe,  Green  county,  enjoys  the  re- 
sults of  well-spent  years,  both  in  the  accumu- 
lation of  an  ample  competence  and  in  the  ac- 
quisition of  .the  respect  and  confidence  of  all 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


416 


who  know  him.  Mr.  Keen  has  all  his  life 
been  an  industrious  and  hard-working  man. 
He  has  studied  his  calling,  and  brought  to  the 
tillage  of  the  soil  both  brains  and  character. 

Joseph  Keen  was  born  in  Buckingham- 
shire, England,  Oct.  25,  1831,  and  is  a son  of 
John  and  Mary  (Luck)  Keen,  both  natives  of 
that  country.  They  were  the  parents  of  seven 
sons  and  two  daughters,  and  seven  of  their 
children  are  now  living:  Joseph;  Elizabeth, 

the  wife  of  a Mr.  Stephens,  of  London,  Eng- 
land ; John  C.,  of  Beresford,  S.  Dak. ; Thomas, 
of  England;  James,  of  South  Dakota;  Mary, 
who  married  James  Dickens,  and  is  now  dead; 
Robert,  of  England;  Thomas,  deceased;  and 
Fred,  of  New  Zealand.  The  father  is  still 
living  in  Buckinghamshire,  and  is  over  ninety 
years  of  age;  his  wife  died  in  1890,  when  over 
eighty  years  of  age.  James  Keen,  grandfather 
of  our  subject,  was  a native  of  England, 
where  he  followed  tire  trade  of  shoemaker, 
and  lived  to  be  ninety  years  old;  he  was  twice 
married,  and  had  six  or  seven  children. 
Daniel  Luck,  the  father  of  Mrs.  Mary  Luck 
Keen,  was  born  in  England,  where  he  lived 
and  died ; he  was  a farmer,  and  reared  a large 
family. 

Joseph  Keen  was  reared  in  England,  and 
in  1857  emigrated  to  the  United  States.  He 
located  in  Adams  township,  Green  county, 
and  engaged  in  farming  eighty  acres  rented 
by  him  on  his  arrival  in  the  county.  From 
time  to  time  Mr.  Keen  bought  land,  until  he 
had  title  deeds  to  two  hundred  twenty  acres 
of  as  choice  land  as  the  sun  shines  upon  in 
southern  Wisconsin.  He  remained  on  the 
farm  for  twenty-six  years.  In  1890  Mr.  Keen 
bought  a comfortable  home  in  Monroe,  and 
leaving  the  farm,  went  to  try  the  comforts 
of  life  in  the  town.  He  did  not  have  liberal 
school  privileges  in  old  England,  getting  his 
education  mostly  from  night  schools,  which 
he  could  attend  after  the  day’s  work  was  fin- 
ished. He  is  a close  reader  on  public  topics, 
and  a thoughtful  student  of  present  world 
tendencies. 

Mr.  Keen  and  Miss  Rebecca  Eley,  the 
daughter  of  Henry  and  Elizabeth  (Bennett) 
Eley,  were  married  Dec.  2,  1858.  This  union 
has  been  blessed  by  the  birth  of  eight  children : 
Emily,  Mary,  Avis,  Alvin  J.,  Flora  May, 
Cora,  Eunice,  and  Alma.  Emily  married 
Thomas  Lean  and  lives  in  Ireton,  Iowa;  they 
have  four  children,  Elvin,  Belle,  William  and 


Lola.  Mary  is  the  wife  of  Oren  Post,  and  lives 
in  Pasadena,  Cal. ; she  is  the  mother  of  one 
child,  Grace.  Avis  is  Mrs.  John  Chenhall,  of 
Betdison,  Mo. ; they  have  three  children, 
Edith,  Alta  and  Raymond.  Alvin  J.  married 
Laura  Clemmer,  and  lives  in  Monroe  town- 
ship; they  have  two  children,  Roy  and  Lois. 
Flora  May  died  a child  of  two  years.  Cora 
is  single,  and  lives  at  Pasadena,  Cal.  Eunice 
is  a nurse  in  Garfield  Park  Sanitarium,  Chi- 
cago, and  was  formerly  a kindergarten  teacher. 
Alma  lives  at  home.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Keen  be- 
long to  the  Methodist  Church.  He  was  a 
class-leader  for  many  years,  and  is  now  as- 
sistant class-leader.  Mr.  Keen  has  long  been 
a Republican,  and  has  filled  various  town 
offices.  He  was  treasurer  of  the  school  district 
for  twelve  years. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Henry  Eley,  the  parents  of 
Mrs.  Keen,  were  natives  of  Pennsylvania.  He 
was  a brickmaker  in  early  life,  and  later  be- 
came a farmer.  They  came  West  in  the  early 
days,  and  located  on  government  land  near 
Monroe.  He  left  the  farm  a number  of  years 
before  his  death,  and  lived  in  Monroe,  where 
he  died  in  1880,  at  the  age  of  sixty-five.  His 
widow  is  still  living,  and  makes  her  home 
with  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Thomas,  in  the  town 
of  Monroe,  and  is  now  past  eighty-four.  She 
was  the  mother  of  four  sons  and  six  daugh- 
ters, and  eight  of  her  children  are  still  living: 
Rebecca,  the  wife  of  J.  Keen ; Catherine, 
widow  of  William  Edwards,  of  Spooner,  Wis. ; 
Daniel,  of  Sutton,  Neb.;  John,  deceased; 
Mary  Ann,  wife  of  Nelson  Rolland,  of  Sut- 
ton, Neb.;  David,  of  Nebraska;  Lucinda, 
the  wife  of  Frank  George,  of  Wyoming; 
Louisa,  wife  of  David  Starr,  of  Nebras- 
ka; Henrietta,  the  wife  of  John  Thomas', 
of  Monroe  township,  Green  county;  and  Hen- 
ry Lincoln,  deceased.  Mrs.  Keen’s  paternal 
.grandfather,  John  Eley,  was  a native  of  Penn- 
sylvania, of  Dutch  descent,  and  lived  to  be 
over  seventy.  Mrs.  Keen’s  maternal  grand- 
father was  Joseph  Bennett.  He  was  of 
mingled  Scottish  and  Dutch  ancestry,  and  died 
well  advanced  in  years. 

CAPT.  P.  H.  CONLEY,  a distinguished 
member  of  the  Bar  of  Wisconsin,  located  at 
Darlington,  Lafayette  county,  was  born  in 
County  Monaghan,  Ireland,  Jan.  28,  1852. 
His  father’s  family  emigrated  to  America  in 
1855,  and  settled  in  Lafayette  county,  Wis., 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


4i7 


where  our  subject  was  reared  upon  a farm. 
At  the  age  of  seventeen  he  entered  the  Dar- 
lington high  school,  where,  besides  a course 
of  study  in  the  English  branches,  he  also  took 
up  a course  in  Latin,  two  years  later  entering 
the  professional  ranks  as  a teacher.  In  the 
fall  of  1873  he  became  a student  again,  enter- 
ing the  Freshman  class  of  the  State  Univer- 
sity. In  June,  1876,  when  in  his  Senior  year, 
he  was  offered  the  flattering  position  of  prin- 
cipal of  the  Newell  (Iowa)  graded  schools, 
six  months  later  resigning  this  to  accept  the 
principalship  of  the  Storm  Lake  high  school, 
in  the  same  State.  In  this  position  he  re- 
mained nearly  three  years,  resigning  in  June, 

1879,  and  during  this  period  was  made  presi- 
dent of  the  County  Teachers’  Association, 
and  cond'uctor  of  the  County  Normal  Insti- 
tutes. 

Returning  to  Darlington,  Mr.  Conley  en- 
tered upon  the  study  of  law,  toward  which 
he  had  a natural  inclination,  entering  the  office 
of  Magoon  & O’Keefe,  and1  was  admitted  to 
the  Bar  by  Judge  M.  M.  Cothren,  June  22, 

1880.  In  order  to  better  prepare  himself  for 
the  legal  profession  lie  soon  afterward  en- 
tered the  law  department  of  the  State  Uni- 
versity, graduating  in  1881,  and  immediately 
after  began  the  practice  of  law  in  Darlington, 
succeeding  beyond  expectation.  Mr.  Conley’s 
career  has  been  a successful  and  brilliant  one, 
and  lie  is  one  of  the  citizens  of  whom  Dar- 
lington may  feel  proud,  and  one  who  may  be 
heard  from  in  the  future,  both  in  a legal  and 
in  a literary  way.  He  has  shown  good  judg- 
ment in  the  handling  of  estates  and  in  finan- 
cial matters,  and  his  promptness  and  care  have 
won  him  a clientage  that  love  and  respect  him. 
His'  ability  was  first  publicly  recognized  in 
1888,  when  lie  was  elected  district  attorney 
for  Lafayette  county ; he  was  re-nominated, 
by  acclamation,  in  1892;  twice  has  the  honor- 
able office  of  mayor  of  the  city  been  his ; lie 
was  made  captain  of  Companies  K and  D, 
1st  Regiment,  Wis.  N.  G.,  and  senior  captain 
of  his  regiment,  resigning  after  six  years’ 
service. 

Mr.  Conley  has  been  a delegate  to  the 
League  of  Republican  Clubs';  was  secretary  of 
the  local  Garfield  and  Arthur  Club  in  1880; 
was  president  of  the  Blaine  and  Logan  Club 
of  1884;  and  has  done  considerable  stump 
speaking,  being  an  excellent  and  vigorous 
speaker.  In  his  literary  course  at  the  Univer- 


sity Mr.  Conley  was  a member  of  the  Hesperia 
and  Linonia  Societies,  and!  represented1  the 
former  in  the  first  joint  debate  with  Calliopea, 
also  representing  the  Linonia  in  another  joint 
debate ; he  was  made  vice-president  of  the 
Oratorical  Association.  Mr.  Conley  is  fond 
of  literature,  and  is  a writer  of  ability,  having 
written  numbers  of  articles  for  the  University 
Press,  for  the  Darlington  papers,  for  the 
Storm  Lake  Pilot,  and  for  various  other 
papers.  Mr.  Conley  has  also  written  a num- 
ber of  very  meritorious'  poems  : On  “College 

Days,”  read  before  the  Hesperia  Society  in 
1876;  “Home  Coming;”  “Remembrance;” 
“The  Vision;”  “Education,”  etc.  The  law 
library  of  our  subject  is  a comprehensive  one, 
and  he  also  owns  a great  number  of  volumes 
on  science,  biography,  history  and  literature; 
his  collection  of  volumes  relating  to  the  his- 
tory of  Wisconsin  is  an  exhaustive  one.  In 
1900  Mr.  Conley  crossed  the  Atlantic  and  vis- 
ited the  Paris  Exposition,  visiting  also'  his  old 
family  home  in  Ireland,  and  viewing  many  of 
the  beautiful  and  historical  places  of  that  coun- 
try and  England. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Conley  to  Miss  Eva 
M.  Foster,  of  Monroe,  Wis.,  was  celebrated 
May  20,  1889. 

LEONARD  RAISBECK,  a retired  farm- 
er of  the  town  of  Benton,  Lafayette  county, 
was  born  in  Yorkshire,  England,  in  Febru- 
ary, 1842,  and  is  a son  of  John  and  Jane 
(Bainbridge)  Raisbeck.  The  father  was  born 
in  the  Isle  of  Man  in  1803,  and  the  mother 
was  born  the  same  year.  They  came  to  Amer- 
ica in  a sailing-vessel  in  1850,  bringing  with 
them  a family  of  nine  children,  and  settled 
in  the  town  of  Benton,  where  John  Raisbeck 
engaged  in  mining  for  a time,  afterwards  pur- 
chasing a farm  two  miles  north  of  the  village, 
to  the  cultivation  of  which  he  devoted  the 
rest  of  his  life.  It  is  regarded  as  one  ’of  the 
finest  farms  in  the  county.  John  Raisbeck  died 
in  1873,  and  his1  widow  five  years  later.  Both 
were  members  of  the  Primitive  Methodist 
Church,  and  he  was  active  in  the  building  of 
the  brick  church  now  standing  in  Benton. 
After  his  arrival  in  this'  country  he  became 
interested  in  the  Republican  party.  His  fam- 
ily consisted  of  children  as  follows:  (1)  Rob- 
ert, born  in  England  in  April,  1824,  was  mar- 
ried there  in  1848  to  Ruth  Addison,  and  lo- 
cated in  New  Diggings,  Wis.,  in  1849.  He 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


4 1 8 


was  an  active  farmer  until  1885,  in  which  year 
he  moved  to  Platteville,  where  he  died  in 
1886.  The  following  year  his'  wid'ow  also 
passed  away,  leaving  four  children — Eliza- 
beth, wife  of  Hugh  Cliff,  of  Bloomington, 
Wis. ; Margaret,  wife  of  James'  Nicholas,  of 
Platteville;  Carrie,  wife  of  William  Trenary, 
of  Platteville;  and  William,  a resident  of 
Dubuque,  Iowa,  who  is  the  owner  of  the  Rais- 
beck  Mines  in  Lafayette  county,  the  output  of 
which  has  made  him  very  wealthy.  (2) 
Francis  died  in  England  when  a young  child. 
(3)  Jane,  born  in  England  in  May,  1827,  is 
now  the  widow  of  David  Atkinson,  and1  has 
her  home  in  Scales  Mound.  She  has  raised  a 
family  of  six  children,  Reuben,  William,  John, 
Joseph,  Nettie  (wife  of  Samuel  Ottie),  and 
Libbie  (wife  of  John  Adams).  (4)  Francis, 
born  in  England  in  March,  1829,  was  married 
to  Nannie  Addison,  and  for  a time  was  a 
farmer  in  the  town  of  Benton,  moving  thence 
to  Lancaster,  and  from  there  to>  Beetown, 
Grant  county,  where  he  still  resides.  Their 
children  are  John,  Clarence,  Jane  and1  Frank. 
(5)  Catherine,  born  in  England  in  May,  1831, 
married  James  Barringham  at  Council  Hill, 
Jo  Daviess  Co.,  111.,  where  they  both  died, 
he  in  1882,  a nd  she  in  1896.  Their  children 
were  May,  Sarah,  Margaret,  Elizabeth,  Han- 
nah and  Mary,  all  of  whom  are  living  in  Illi- 
nois. (6)  Elizabeth  was  born  in  May,  1833, 
in  England,  where  she  died  in  June,  1849. 
(7)  John,  born  in  1835,  hied'  in  1849.  (8) 

Ann,  born  in  September,  1837,  married1  Will- 
iam Gates,  of  Benton,  a native  of  England, 
and  is  living  with  her  husband  on  a farm  in 
Beetown,  Grant  county.  They  have  ten  chil- 
dren. (9)  Jonathan,  born  in  February,  1840, 
was  married  in  Wisconsin  to  Miss  Minnie 
Miller,  and  located  on  a farm  in  Benton,  where 
his  wife  died,  leaving  him  four  children,  Jo- 
seph, Mary  J.,  Annie  and  Nannie.  Mr.  Rais- 
beck  married  for  his  second  wife  Miss  Mary 
A.  Cherry.  They  are  living  on  a farm  in 
Shull sburg,  and  have  a family  of  eight  chil- 
dren. (10)  Leonard  is  our  subject.  (11) 
William,  born  Aug.  19,  1844,  was  married  to 
Miss  Lizzie  Row,  of  New  Diggings.  (12) 
Joseph,  born  in  December,  1846,  died  in  1863. 

Leonard  Raisbeck  was'  educated  in  the 
Benton  public  schools,  and1  was  reared  on  the 
home  farm,  taking  the  active  management  of 
the  place  for  his  father  when  he  grew  up.  In 
March,  1879,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Mary 


A.  Bird,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Sarah 
(Johnson)  Bird,  old  and  prominent  pioneer 
settlers  of  Lafayette  county.  Joseph  Bird  was 
born  in  England  in  1828,  and  his  wife  was 
born  in  Tamacjua,  Schuylkill  Co.,  Penn.,  in 
May,  1836,  daughter  of  John  and  Ann  John- 
son, both  born  in  England,  and  settlers  in 
Pennsylvania  in  1832.  In  1848  they  moved 
West,  and  they  died  in  Warren,  111.,  leaving 
four  children:  James  Johnson,  of  Chicago; 

Anna;  Margaret,  now  the  widow  of  Joseph 
Edwards,  living  in  San  Diego,  Cal. ; and 
Sarah,  wife  of  Mr.  Bird,  of  Benton.  They 
have  one  son,  Isaac,  of  Aurora,  Missouri. 

After  hi  s'  marriage  Leonard  Raisbeck  set- 
tled on  the  old  homestead',  where  he  lived  until 
after  the  death  of  his  wife,  in  April,  1883. 
She  was  a Christian  woman,  and  her  life  was 
spent  in  doing  good.  Precious  memories  of 
her  survive.  She  was  the  mother  of  two  sons': 
John  Emmet,  born  in  1881  ; and  Leonard,  Jr., 
born  in  1883,  who  died  the  same  year.  John 
Emmet  received  a good  public-school  educa- 
tion, and  was  a student  in  the  Bailey  Commer- 
cial College,  at  Dubuque.  He  is  now  a mem- 
ber of  the  firm  of  Raisbeck  & Temple,  g-eneral 
merchants  at  Benton,  a new  business  enter- 
prise, organized  in  January,  1901. 

Mr.  Raisbeck  is  a stanch  Republican,  and 
in  religion  is  a member  of  the  P.  M.  Church, 
to  which  lie  is  much  devoted.  By  his  upright 
life  and  kindly  spirit  lie  has  won  a high  stand- 
ing in  his  community.  He  is  gentlemanly 
and  courteous,  considerate  of  the  feelings1  and 
sensibilities  of  those  with  whom  he  comes  in 
contact,  and  enjoys  the  esteem  of  a host  of 
friends. 

JOHN  FOLEY  is  the  well  known  editor 
and  proprietor  of  the  Cassville  Index,  which 
paper  was  established  in  Cassville,  Grant 
county,  March  8,  1888,  by  Charles'  De  Witt, 
who'  conducted  it  for  a few  months,  and  then 
sold1  out  to  Mr.  Foley.  The  latter  hasi  since  en- 
gaged in  its  publication,  and  has  made  it  one 
of  the  leading  newspapers  of  his  section  of  the 
State.  The  office  is  well  equipped  with  both 
hand  and  roller  presses,  and,  in  fact,  every- 
thing needed  in  a first-class  establishment  of 
the  kind. 

A native  of  Wisconsin,  Mr.  Foley  was  born 
in  Mineral  Point  in  1853,  a son  of  James  and 
Ann  (Creavy)  Foley,  who  were  born  in  Ire- 
land, and  located  in  Mineral  Point  at  a very 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


419 


early  day  in  the  development  of  this  State. 
The  father,  who  followed  farming  and  also 
engaged  in  mining,  died  at  Dubuque,  Iowa, 
Oct.  27,  1895,  and  the  mother  is  still  a resi- 
dent of  that  city.  In  their  family  were  the 
following  children:  John;  James,  a hotel  man 
of  East  Dubuque;  Ellen,  a resident  of  Du- 
buque ; Annie ; Margaret ; Elizabeth ; and 
Maria. 

John  Foley  was  reared  at  his  birthplace, 
whence  he  removed  to  Bellevue,  Iowa,  and 
there  operated  a flouring-mill  for  about  eight 
years.  He  then  became  interested  in  theat- 
ricals, and  was  for  several  years  a member 
of  a dramatic  stock  company,  of  which  'he  was 
manager  and  stage  director.  That  this  was 
his  natural  element  is  evidenced  by  reference 
to  printed  matter  now  on  file.  He  was,  how- 
ever, dissuaded  from  his  purpose  by  friends 
old  in  years,  if  not  in  experience;  friends  who, 
in  their  anxiety  for  his  welfare,  thought  he  was 
fast  going  to  ruin  by  the  stage  route ; and  he 
therefore  gave  up  his  job.  As  a matter  of 
course  the  play  came  to  an  end,  and  Mr.  Foley, 
to  use  his  own  words,  “went  back  to  real, 
rural  life  again,”  and  purchased  a flouring- 
mill  in  Patch  Grove,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  con- 
ducting it  until  his  removal  to  Cassville,  in 
1885.  Moving  the  machinery  to  this  place, 
he  erected  a new  building — a mill  which  he 
fitted  and  operated  until  he  took  charge  of  the 
Cassville  Index.  He  still  owns  the  mill  at  that 
place,  but  at  the  present  time  it  is  not  running. 
In  his  journalistic  work  Mr.  Foley  has  met 
with  good  success,  being  a fluent  writer  and 
a man  of  good  business  and  executive  ability. 
The  paper  is  independent  in  politics. 

On  May  25,  1881,  Mr.  Foley  was  mar- 
ried, in  Patch  Grove,  to  Miss  Millie  Lewis. 

JOSEPH  MORRISON  (deceased),  a vet- 
eran of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  was 
born  in  the  town  of  Brockville,  Province 
of  Ontario,  Canada,  July  28.  1833,  and  passed 
from  life  at  his  home  in  Fennimore,  Grant 
county,  March  7,  1896.  His  residence  in  Grant 
county  dated  from  September,  1858,  when  he 
located  here,  a young  man. 

When  the  Civil  war  broke  out,  one  of  the 
first  regiments  of  infantry  furnished  by  Wis- 
consin was  the  gallant  25th,  and  it  was  in 
Company  C of  this  regiment  that  Joseph  Mor- 
rison enrolled  his  name,  Aug.  12,  1862.  Rec- 
ords of  the  war  show  that  the  regiment  par- 


ticipated in  most  of  the  history-making  events 
of  the  next  few  years,  and  hence  Mr.  Morri- 
son was  at  \ icksburg' with  Gen.  Grant;  in  the 
Atlanta  campaign  under  Gen.  Sherman;  took 
part  in  that  memorable  march  to  the  sea; 
finally  enjoyed  the  great  review  at  Washing- 
ton, at  the  close  of  the  war. 

Mr.  Morrison  was  married,  Dec.  25,  1866, 
to  Miss  Catherine  E.  Smith,  who  was  born 
in  Hebron,  Ind.,  in  1847.  She  survives  Mr. 
Morrison,  and  the  family  are  among  the  most 
esteemed  residents  of  the  neighborhood.  The 
eldest  daughter  is  the  wife  of  Daniel  Seeley, 
and  is  the  mother  of  two  sons,  Roy  and  Frank; 
Margaret,  wife  of  Fred  Richmond,  has  one 
son,  Fred  William ; and  Ethel,  the  youngest 
of  the  family,  resides  with  her  mother  in 
Fennimore.  The  sons  are  Joseph  L.,  who 
served  in  Company  C,  4th  Wisconsin  Regi- 
ment, in  the  war  with  Spain;  George  W., 
and  Frank  E. 

The  memory  of  the  good  husband  and 
father  is  kept  green,  and  he  will  long  be  re- 
membered as  a representative  man  of  the  com- 
munity in  which  he  lived,  as  well  as  a loyal 
soldier  and  faithful  friend. 

FRANK  W.  ABELL.  The  subject  of 
this  sketch ’is  one  of  the  well-known  and  pop- 
ular farmers  of  Clinton,  Rock  county.  His 
residence  here  of  more  than  a quarter  of  a 
century  was  preceded  by  a residence  of  almost 
equal  length,  in  Walworth  county,  Wis.,  which 
was  named  in  honor  of  George  Walworth,  his 
maternal  grandfather. 

Our  subject  was  born  Aug.  22,  1849, 
Spring  Prairie,  Walworth  county,  son  of  Ben- 
jamin and  Maria  (W  alworth)  Abell,  natives 
of  New  York  State.  The  paternal  grandpar- 
ents lived  and  died  at  Perry,  N.  Y.,  where 
they  were  engaged  in  farming.  Their  family 
consisted  of  nine  children.  Benjamin  Abell, 
the  father  of  Frank  W.,  was  a school  .teacher 
and  farmer.  He  came  West  in  1843,  an<l  for 
a year  lived  in  Lake  county,  111.  In  1844  he 
removed  to  Spring  Prairie,  Walworth  county, 
where  he  engaged  in  farming  continuously  un- 
til 1874,  carrying  the  United  States  mail,  dur- 
ing twelve  years  of  this  period.  In  March, 
1874,  he  moved  to  Clinton  township,  Rock 
county,  where  he  died  at  the  age  of  eighty- 
two  years,  his  faithful  wife  surviving  only 
three  days,  and  passing  away  at  the  age  of 
seventy-nine.  Both  were  devout  members  of 


420 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


the  M.  E.  Church.  To  Benjamin  and  Maria 
Abell  were  born  five  children,  all  of  whom  are 
living:  Abbie,  of  Clinton;  Frank  W.,  our 

subject;  Henry  H. ; George  B.,  of  Aberdeen, 
S.  Dak.;  and  Jesse  B. 

George  Walworth,  the  maternal  grand- 
father of  our  subject,  was  one  of  the  earliest 
and  most  prominent  pioneers  of  Walworth 
county,  and  was  a member  of  the  Wisconsin 
Legislature  in  1848.  He  had  served  in  the 
war  of  1812,  and  for  some  time  prior  to  his 
migration  to  Walworth  county  had  farmed  in 
New  York  State.  He  married  a Miss  Ivezia 
Perry,  a relative  of  Commodore  Perry,  hero  of 
the  battle  of  Lake  Erie.  He  died  at  the  age 
of  seventy  years.  His  family  consisted  of  two 
children,  both  daughters  : Maria,  Mrs.  Abell ; 
and  Mrs.  A.  A.  Jones. 

Frank  W.  Abell,  our  subject,  was  reared 
on  the  farm  in  Spring  Prairie,  Walworth  coun- 
ty, attending  the  district  schools.  In  his  early 
manhood  he  lived  for  years  in  Chicago,  and 
was  also  engaged  in  butchering  at  East  Troy 
for  two  years.  In  1874  he  came  with  his  par- 
ents to  Clinton,  and  continued  to  live  with  them 
on  the  farm  until  their  deaths.  Since  then  he 
has  managed  the  property,  and  is  recognized 
as  one  of  the  progressive  and  successful  ag- 
riculturists of  the  county.  Politically  Mr. 
Abell  is  a Republican,  and  fraternally  he  is 
a member  of  Good  Samaritan  Lodge,  No. 
135,  F.  & A.  M.  Mr.  Abell  owns  about  sev- 
enty-five acres  of  land  in  the  vicinity  of  Clin- 
ton, and  also  has  some  Western  property.  His 
Clinton  home  is  admirably  located  on  the  hill, 
commanding  a full  view  of  the  Main  street  of 
Clinton.  He  is  an  industrious  and  enterpris- 
ing citizen,  one  whose  early  life  was  closely 
identified  with  the  privations  and  toils  of  the 
primitive  settlements,  and  whose  ancestors  en- 
dured the  full  measure  of  the  arduous  labor 
essential  in  developing  a new  country  and  con- 
verting the  desolate  wilderness  into  peaceful 
and  happy  homes. 

MARTIN  E.  COLTMAN,  the  successful 
drug  merchant,  and  owner  of  the  Coltman 
Mine  in  Benton,  Lafayette  county,  is  one  of 
the  progressive  business  men  and  substantial 
citizens  of  that  county.  He  was  born  in  the 
town  of  Benton  June  24,  1855,  son  of  John 
and  Jane  (Brown)  Coltman. 

John  Coltman  was  born  in  t'he  County  of 
Durham,  England,  in  1815,  and  his  wife,  Jane 


Brown,  also  a native  of  that  county,  was  born 
in  1820.  They  were  married  before  crossing 
the  Atlantic,  which  they  did  in  1850,  in  a 
sailing-vessel.  On  landing  in  New  York  they 
came  directly  West,  and  settled  in  New  Dig- 
gings township,  Lafayette  Co.,  Wis.,  where 
Mr.  Coltman  engaged  in  mining  for  a couple 
of  years.  He  then  located  on  a farm  in  Benton 
township  near  where  the  Cottingham  Mill,  now 
stands,  and  passed  the  remainder  of  his  life 
in  that  location,  making  many  improvements 
on  his  place.  His  death  occurred  in  1889. 
His  wife  had  preceded  him  to  the  better  land 
in  1877.  They  were  both  good  Christian  peo- 
ple, though  not  members  of  any  church.  Po- 
litically he  was  always  identified  with  the  Re- 
publican party,  and  held  a number  of  local 
offices,  giving  the  greatest  of  satisfaction  by  his 
able  manner  of  discharging  the  duties  apper- 
taining to  the  same.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Coltman 
were  the  parents  of  four  children,  two  sons 
and  two  daughters:  (1)  John  H.,  born  in 

1853,  was  educated  in  the  home  schools  and  in 
the  Platteville  Normal.  He  married  Hulda 
Lindsey,  daughter  of  Andrew  Lindsey,  of 
New  Diggings,  and  settled  in  the'  town  of 
Benton;  in  1896  he  moved  to  Stockton,  Cal., 
and  engaged  in  mining.  He  has  two  children — 
Willard  B.,  a reporter  for  the  Manchester 
News,  of  Iowa;  and  Lemoin,  at  his  home  in 
California.  (2)  Martin  E.  is  second  in  the  or- 
der of  birth.  (3)  Hannah  J.,  born  in  1857, 
married  Joseph  Coulthard,  of  Lead  Mine,  La- 
fayette county,  and  has  five  children — Eva. 
wife  of  Joseph  Thompson,  of  White  Oak- 
Springs,  Lafayette  county;  and  Alvin,  Leroy, 
John  E.  and  Joyce,  at  home.  (4)  Lillie  D., 
born  in  1859,  married  Joseph  H.  Allen,  of 
Manchester,  Iowa;  she  has  no  family. 

Martin  E.  Coltman  received  his  education 
in  the  schools  of  Benton,  and  passed  his  life 
in  the  manner  common  to  a farmer’s  son  until 
he  had  reached  man’s  estate — his  summers  de- 
voted to  farm  work,  and  his  winters  to  min- 
ing, for  which  latter  vocation  he  soon  acquired 
remarkable  talent.  In  his  mining  operations 
he  has  been  very  successful,  and  is  now  the 
owner  of  the  Coltman  Mine,  one  of  the  largest 
producers  of  mineral  wealth  in  the  county, 
located  in  Section  10.  This  was  discovered  by 
Mr.  Coltman  in  1879,  and  has  produced 
$181,000  worth  of  Dry  Bone,  Black  Jack  and 
Lead  ore.  Until  1896  Mr.  Coltman  had  as- 
sociated with  him  Thomas  H.  Ewing,  but  since 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


421 


that  time  has  operated  the  mine  alone.  In  1892 
he  purchased  the  E.  Miller  drug  store,  in 
Benton,  and  in  this  line  has  been  equally  suc- 
cessful. 

In  1890  Mr.  Coltman  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Miss  Hattie  D.  Whiting,  who  was 
born  in  New  York  in  1870,  daughter  of  Rev. 
D.  J.  Whiting.  The  latter  was  born  in  Spring- 
Water,  N.  Y.,  came  West,  and  was  pastor  of 
the  Methodist  Church  at  the  time  of  his  death, 
in  March,  1900.  Mrs.  Coltman  received  her 
early  education  in  the  New  York  schools,  and 
later  attended  Ripon  (Wis.)  Seminary.  She 
is  a highly  cultured  and  refined  woman,  and 
presides  with  grace  and  dignity  over  the  beau- 
tiful home  erected  by  her  husband  in  1890. 
Four  children  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Coltman,  as  follows:  Lillian  S.,  in  1891; 

Wanita  G.,  in  1893;  Evangeline  F.,  in  1895; 
and  Holmes  C.,  in  1898.  As  a stanch  Re- 
publican Mr.  Coltman  has  taken  a prominent 
part  in  the  affairs  of  his  town,  serving  as  chair- 
man of  the  board  for  five  years,  and  as  presi- 
dent of  the  village  board  for  three  years. 
Whatever  tends  toward  the  upbuilding  and 
practical  development  of  the  town  and  its  re- 
sources finds  in  this  worthy  citizen  an  ardent 
champion,  and  the  unfortunate  find  in  him  a 
warm  friend.  Socially  he  is  a member  of  the 
Masonic  fraternity,  belonging  to  Benton 
Lodge,  No.  268;  is  also  identified  with  the 
I.  0.  O.  F.,  Lodge  No.  21,  of  Benton,  and  with 
the  Knights  of  the  Globe.  Mrs.  Coltman  is 
not  a member  of  any  church,  and  is  liberal  in 
her  religious  views. 

HENRY  HUDSON.  The  subject  of-  these 
lines,  a well-known  citizen  of  Beetown  town- 
ship, Grant  county,  is  a veteran  of  the  Civil 
war.  Mr.  Hudson  is  a native  of  Grant  county, 
where  he  was  born  in  1843,  a SOn  °f  Hiram 
and  Dorcas  Hudson.  The  family  migrated 
from  Pennsylvania  to  Grant  county  in  1837, 
being  among  the  earliest  pioneers  of  Beetown. 
The  father  of  our  subject  died  April  23,  1870, 
the  mother  in  June,  1894. 

The  war  record  of  Mr.  Hudson  is  a very 
entertaining  one.  He  enlisted  in  August,  1861, 
in  Company  H,  7th  Wis.  V.  I.,  which  regi- 
ment, it  will  be  remembered,  was  a part  of 
the  famous  “Iron  Brigade,’’  a brigade  which, 
for  the  number  of  battles  in  which  it  was  en- 
gaged and  the  efficiencv  of  its  service,  stands 
in  the  front  rank  of  the  many  gallant  organi- 


zations of  which  the  Union  army  had  reason 
to  feel  proud.  After  his  full  term  of  three 
years’  service  had  expired  our  subject  was 
honorably  discharged,  on  Sept.  2,  1864.  The 
"Iron  Brigade"  was  the  one  to  first  cross 
the  river  and  attack  the  enemy  in  the  gallant 
but  unsuccessful  effort  of  the  army  of  Gen. 
Burnside  to  dislodge  the  enemy  at  Fredericks- 
burg. I11  the  battle  which  followed  our  sub- 
ject was  wounded  in  the  right  temple,  which 
confined  him  to  the  hospital  for  some  five 
months,  but  as  soon  as  able  lie  rejoined  his 
comrades  in  the  field,  and  continued  with  them 
until  his  discharge.  Charles  Hudson,  a brother 
of  our  subject,  was  a member  of  Company  D, 
33d  Wisconsin  Regiment.  After  the  close  of 
the  war  our  subject  returned  to  his  peaceful 
home,  taking  up  again  the  occupations  of  other 
days  among  his  old  neighbors  and  friends. 

The  first  marriage  of  Mr.  Hudson  was  to 
Miss  Alice  Taylor,  who  died  April  21,  1867. 
His  second  marriage  was  to  Miss  Sarah  Fox, 
a native  of  Cattaraugus  county,  N.  \.,  and 
he  is  the  father  of  six  daughters,  one  by  the 
first  marriage,  five  by  the  last. 

WILLIAM  HENRY  GRAY  might  well 
be  selected  as  a typical  farmer  of  southern  Wis- 
consin. He  is  pushing  and  earnest,  but  broad- 
minded and  generous  in  his  spirit,  has  helped 
the  world  roll  onward,  and  now  finds  a satis- 
faction in  contemplating  the  vastness  of  the 
revolution  it  has  accomplished  in  his  lifetime. 
He  has  a comfortable  and  commodious  home 
in  Section  11,  Harmony  township,  Rock  coun- 
tv, and  has  at  his  command  everything  that 
makes  life  in  the  country  to-day  the  most  in- 
dependent and  inspiring  of  all  possible  phases 
of  existence. 

Mr.  Gray  was  born  in  Walworth  county, 
Wis.,  in  the  town  of  Linn,  near  Lake  Geneva, 
Jan.  4,  1845,  and  enjoys  the  distinction  of 
being  one  of  the  early  sons  of  the  State.  The 
names  of  those  native  to  the  soil  of  Wiscon- 
sin who  were  born  before  him  would  not  make 
a very  long  list.  He  is  a son  of  Nathaniel 
and  Alvira  (Kent)  Gray,  natives  of  Oneida 
county.  N.  Y.,  who  were  the  parents  of  four 
sons  and  five  daughters,  and  five  of  their  chil- 
dren are  now  living:  William  H. ; Caroline, 

a teacher  of  Beloit ; Lucy,  wife  of  E.  J.  Nor- 
cross,  of  Castana,  Iowa ; Dexter,  of  Johns- 
town township : and  Elizabeth,  who  lives  with 
her  mother  in  Milton,  Wis.  Nathaniel  Gray, 


422 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


a farmer,  came  West  early  in  the  forties,  and 
settled  for  a short  time  near  Kenosha,  Wis. 
He  moved  after  some  years  into  Walworth 
county,  where  he  bought  a hundred-acre  farm 
near  Lake  Geneva.  This  he  sold  in  1857,  and 
moved  into  Rock  county,  buying  a quarter 
section  in  Johnstown  township,  and  from  time 
to  time  added  to  it  subsequent  purchases'  of 
land  until,  when  he  died,  he  owned  329  acres. 
His  demise  occurred  in  1895,  when  he  was 
seventy-three  years  old.  His  wife  still  sur- 
vives, and  now  lives  at  Milton.  He  was  not 
identified  with  any  church;  she  is  a Free-Will 
Baptist.  Joseph  Gray,  the  grandfather  of 
William  Henry,  was  a native  of  New  York, 
and  of  Scottish  descent.  He  was  a soldier 
in  the  war  of  1812,  lived  to  be  old,  and  reared 
a large  family.  Nathaniel  Kent,  the  father  of 
Mrs.  Alvira  (Kent)  Gray,  was  a native  of 
New  York,  where  he  lived  and  died  a farmer. 
He  reached  a good  old  age,  and  reared  a large 
family  of  children. 

William  H.  Gray  was  twelve  years  old 
when  he  came  to  Rock  county  with  his  parents, 
and  lie  has  made  his  home  here  ever  since. 
He  lived  in  Johnstown  township  until  1883, 
and  has  always  followed  the  life  of  a farmer. 
He  received  a good  common-school  education 
in  the  district  schools,  and  attended  Milton  Col- 
lege when  somewhat  older,  and  is  a gentleman 
of  sound  and  matured  views  of  life.  He  lived 
at  home  until  be  reached  manhood,  and  began 
bis  own  independent  career  by  renting  a farm 
in  Johnstown  township.  In  1869  he  pur- 
chased a tract  of  land,  consisting  of  115  acres, 
in  Johnstown  township,  and  there  he  made  his 
home  until  1883,  when  he  sold  it,  and  bought 
a farm  of  199  acres  in  Section  11,  Harmony 
township,  where  he  has  lived  to  the  present 
time.  It  is  a finely  improved  farm,  and  at- 
tests the  agricultural  skill  of  its  owner,  who 
has  spared  no  pains  to  bring  it  up  to  the  stand- 
ard of  any  farm  in  the  country. 

Mr.  Gray  and  Miss  Harriet  Osborne,  a 
daughter  of  Chauncey  and  Polly  (Skinner) 
Osborne,  were  married  Nov.  24,  1867.  Three 
children  were  born  to  that  union,  Ethel,  Ina, 
and  one  who  died  an  infant.  Ethel  died  in 
April,  1900,  at  the  age  of  nineteen,  and  is  re- 
membered as  a sweet  and  beautiful  girl.  Ina 
married  Walter  S.  Holmes.  Mrs.  Harriet 
Gray  died  Nov.  13,  1898.  She  was  a member 
of  the  Free-Will  Baptist  Church,  as  is  also 
Mr.  Gray.  On  April  3,  1901,  our  subject 


married  Sarah  Edith  Dickinson,  a daughter 
of  Reuben  and  Maria  H.  Dickinson.  He  is  a 
member  of  Du  Lac  Lodge,  No.  322,  1.  O.  O. 
F.,  Milton,  and  is  a faithful  adherent  of  that 
order.  He  is  a Republican,  and  has  been 
chairman  of  the  town  board  seven  years;  was 
school  director  for  a number  of  terms ; and 
was  district  clerk  five  or  six  years. 

Mr.  Gray  is  a stock  raiser,  and  is  increas- 
ing his  business  in  that  line  every  year;  at  the 
present  time  his  principal  strain  is  Holstein. 
By  careful  attention  to  his  business  he  has 
become  prosperous  and  well-to-do,  and  takes 
a leading  position  in  every  enumeration  of  the 
better  class  of  citizeps  of  Rock  county,  from 
whatever  standpoint  made. 

JACOB  HAFFELE,  who  resides  on  Sec- 
tion 28,  township  of  Monticello,  Lafayette 
county,  can  look  back  over  nearly  sixty  years 
of  almost  continuous  residence  in  that  town. 
He  first  located  there  in  1842,  when  he  came 
practically  penniless  in  search  of  work,  and 
found  employment  as  a farm  hand.  Years  of 
industry  and  economy  have  given  him  a sub- 
stantial share  of  this  world’s  goods,  and  to  the 
original  eighty  acres  he  entered  in  the  early 
'forties  other  tracts  have  been  added  until  he 
can  now  look  over  a thousand  or  more  broad 
acres  of  well  tilled  fields,  carefully  improved, 
that  he  has  redeemed  from  the  desolation  of 
half  a century  ago. 

Mr.  Haffele  was  born  in  the  town  of  Afal- 
brach,  Weinsberg,  Kingdom  of  Wurtemberg, 
Germany,  Dec.  25,  1818,  son  of  Jacob  and 
Magadelena  (Daferle)  Haffele,  who  passed 
their  entire  lives  in  the  Fatherland.  Jacob 
Haffele  was  the  father  of  a numerous  family. 
The  first  to  come  to  America  was  Christopher, 
who  crossed  the  sea  in  1832,  and  settled  in 
Pennsylvania,  where  the  remainder  of  his  life 
was  spent.  Jacob  followed,  having  had  the 
means  for  his  transportation  furnished  by  his 
brother  Christopher  in  1841.  Gottfried  came 
in  1851,  and  settled  in  Monticello  township, 
Lafayette  Co.,  Wis.,  where  his  death  occurred 
some  years  ago. 

Jacob  Haffele  landed  on  American  soil  Oct. 
8,  1841,  at  the  port  of  Baltimore,  and  went 
directly  to  his  brother  in  Pennsylvania.  There 
he  found  several  families  who  had  sold  out 
and  were  preparing  to  locate  in  Wisconsin, 
and  he  determined  to  accompany  them.  He 
started  on  foot,  walking  all  the  way  to  Pitts- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


423 


burg,  where  he  boarded  a steamer,  and  by  way 
of  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi  rivers  reached  Sa- 
vanna, 111.,  thence  making  his  way  on  foot 
to  Freeport.  They  had  no  special  destination 
in  view,  and  Mr.  Haffele  determined  to  try  at 
once  to  find  work.  He  was  unsuccessful  in 
Freeport,  and  so  continued  on  foot  to  Galena, 
111.,  where  he  also  failed  to  find  anything  to 
do.  Being  somewhat  at  a loss,  and  knowing 
Freeport  to  be  a good  town  for  the  time,  he 
began  a return  trip  on  foot,  but  stopped  at 
the  tavern  of  Francis  Clyma,  on  Section  28, 
Monticello  township.  Mr.  Clyma  was  a well- 
known  pioneer,  his  tavern  being  on  the  old 
stock  route,  and  one  of  the  landmarks  of  that 
early  day.  Fie  met  Mr.  Haffele  and  gave  him 
work  as  a farm  hand  on  the  very  section  that 
has  ever  since  been  his  home,  except  for  a 
period  of  twenty-two  months  which  he  spent 
in  the  gold  fields  in  California,  and  the  time 
occupied  in  making  the  journey  there  and  back. 
For  two  years  he  worked  for  Mr.  Clyma,  and 
then,  having  saved  sufficient  money  to  enter 
government  land,  he  secured  eighty  acres  of 
his  present  farm,  and  at  once  began  to  improve 
it,  adding  more  as  he  was  able.  In  the  spring 
of  1850  he  started  overland  for  the  Golden 
Gate,  being  one  of  quite  a number  to  go  from 
this  vicinity,  including  his  former  employer, 
Mr.  Clyma.  At  Council  Bluffs  a company  of 
one  hundred  men,  with  twenty-eight  ox  teams, 
started  across  the  Plains  011  April  2,  1850.  Mr. 
Haffele  was  appointed  one  of  four  men  to  drive 
one  of  the  teams,  each  taking  his  turn.  After 
a journey  of  five  months  and  seven  days  this 
little  company  arrived  at  their  destination,  a 
trip  that  now  requires  about  three  days,  but 
was  then  long  and  tedious.  Although  half  a 
century  has  passed  since  then,  every  incident  is 
clearly  marked  in  Mr.  Haffele's  mind,  and  his 
simple  story  of  his  actual  experiences  seems 
to-day  to  the  listener  as  thrilling"  as  any  story 
of  adventure  that  ever  delighted  his  boyish 
soul.  The  trip  to  California  was  fairly  suc- 
cessful, in  a financial  way.  Coming  back,  he 
made  the  journey  by  way  of  the  Pacific  ocean, 
the  Isthmus,  and  the  Atlantic.  Immediately 
on  his  return  he  resumed  work  on  his  farm, 
and  has  continued  at  that  occupation  ever  since. 
He  began  life  as  a poor  boy,  but  has  long  been 
known  as  one  of  the  most  successful  farmers 
and  stockmen  in  southwestern  Wisconsin.  In 
his  political  affiliations  he  has  always  been  a 
Democrat,  casting  his  first  Presidential  vote 


for  James  K.  Polk,  in  1844.  He  was  reared 
in  accordance  with  the  tenets  of  the  Lutheran 
faith,  and  has  not  departed  from  the  faith  of 
his  fathers.  As  a business  man  he  bears  an 
untarnished  reputation  for  fair  dealing,  and  as 
a friend  is  loyal  and  true. 

On  March  6,  1853,  Mr.  Haffele  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Mary  Barbara  Hen- 
iger,  who  was  born  in  New  York.  State,  and 
came  with  her  parents  to  Wisconsin  in  1852. 
Four  children  have  blessed  this  union,  namely: 
Clara,  George,  Oscar  and  Ida,  and  all  hold 
high  places  in  the  social  life  of  the  commun- 
ity where  they  have  always  had  their  home. 

ASAPH  J.  ALLEN  , an  energetic  and  en- 
terprising gentleman,  whose  manly  and  indus- 
trious habits  have  won  him  many  friends,  has 
engaged  not  only  in  farming  but  in  wagon 
making,  blacksmithing  and  general  repair  work 
at  his  home  on  Section  24,  in  the  town  of 
Brooklyn,  Green  county.  He  was  born  in 
Aurora,  N.  Y.,  May  18,  1831,  a son  of  Henry 
R.  and  Electa  L.  (Carpenter)  Allen.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Allen  had  four  children,  three  of  whom 
are  now  living : Asaph  J. ; Justin  W.,  of  Ober- 

lin,  Ivans. ; and  Elnora,  wife  of  Gilbert  Patter- 
son, of  LTica,  Neb.  The  father  was  a wagon 
maker,  and  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1855,  lo- 
cating in  the  town  of  Exeter,  Green  county. 
For  a few  years  he  worked  at  his  trade, 
and  then  located  on  a forty-acre  farm  in  the 
town  of  Union,  where  he  died  in  1881,  at  the 
age  of  seventy-one  years.  His,  widow  lived  to 
be  eighty-six  years  old,  and  died  in  1S97  at  the 
home  of  her  daughter  in  Nebraska.  She  was 
a woman  of  remarkable  vitality,  and  remained 
active  in  spite  of  her  advanced  years,  not  being 
confined  to  her  bed  until  the  day  she  died. 
Both  were  Baptists  in  religious  belief.  He  was 
prominent  in  local  affairs,  and  was  a super- 
visor for  several  terms  in  the  towns  of  Exeter 
and  Brooklyn. 

Asaph  Allen,  the  paternal  grandfather  of 
Asaph  J.,  was  a native  of  New  Hampshire,  and 
followed  farming  as  a life  work.  He  was  a 
soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  died  at  Sack- 
ett’s  Harbor,  while  he  was  yet  in  middle  life. 
He  was  the  father  of  eight  children.  The  ma- 
ternal grandfather  of  Mr.  Allen,  Svlvanus  J. 
Carpenter,  was  born  in  one  of  the  New  Eng- 
land States,  where  he  followed  farming  and 
lived  to  be  an  old  man,  dying  at  the  age  of 
eighty,  after  having  reared  a large  family. 


4-4 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Asaph  J.  Allen  was  reared  in  New  York, 
and  learned  the  blacksmith  trade  under  his 
father's  instruction,  beginning  when  he  was 
thirteen  years  old.  In  1855  he  came  West  and 
located  on  a farm  of  forty  acres  in  the  town 
of  Exeter.  Green  county.  There  he  and  his 
father  together  ran  a blacksmith  and  wagon 
shop  for  a few  years.  After  that  he  moved 
over  into  the  town  of  Brooklyn,  and  bought  a 
farm  of  ninety  acres,  setting  up  a wagon  shop 
and  blacksmith  stand,  which  he  has  carried  on 
to  the  present  time.  He  now  owns  a farm  of 
130  acres,  which  his  son  is  cultivating. 

On  Sept.  24,  1853,  Mr.  Allen  was  married 
to  Miss  Amanda  M.,  a daughter  of  Moses  E. 
and  Lucretia  (Baldwin)  Powell.  To  this 
union  were  born  three  children  : ( 1 ) Ethan, 

who  married  Miss  Alice  Lay,  and  is  living 
with  two  sons  on  the  home  farm  in  the  town 
of  Brooklyn ; their  sons  are  Earl  and  Loy. 

(2)  Lucretia,  who  married  George  Cramer,  of 
Juda,  Wis.,  and  has  one  daughter,  Nydia. 

(3)  Rose,  who  married  Edward  Lamb,  of 
Brooklyn,  Wis.,  and  is  the  mother  of  one 
daughter.  Clara.  Mr.  Allen  has  been  a Green- 
backer  of  late  years  in  his  political  views,  and 
has  voted  with  those  who  advocated  similar 
principles. 

ERASTUS  JUNIOR  BUCK,  M.  D„  of 
Platteville,  Grant  county,  Wis.,  was  born 
Sept.  5,  182.8,  at  Heath,  Mass.,  son  of  Erastus 
and  Roxana  (Baldwin)  Buck,  and  grandson 
of  William  Buck.  He  is  a lineal  descendant 
of  Sergt.  William  Buck,  of  Heath,  Mass.,  a 
patriot  of  the  Revolution,  and  also  of  Elbridge 
Gerry,  one  of  the  signers  of  the  Declaration 
of  Independence.  He  received  a common-school 
and  academic  education,  commenced  the  study 
of  medicine  in  1849,  at  Nun-da,  N.  Y.,  under 
Drs.  John  Turner  and  Eben  Warner,  and  at- 
tended medical  lectures  at  Jefferson  Medical 
College,  Philadelphia,  from  which  he  was 
graduated  in  1854;  in  1889  he  attended  a post- 
graduate course  at  the  New  York  Polyclinic. 

In  April,  1861,  Dr.  Buck  enlisted,  as  a 
private  in  a company  of  Union  soldiers  which 
he  had  been  instrumental  in  raising,  in  Mav 
following  was  commissioned  lieutenant  of  the 
same  company,  and  in  November  of  the  same 
year  was  commissioned  first  assistant  surgeon 
of  the  1 8th  Wisconsin  Volunteers;  in  Septem- 
ber, 1862,  he  was  commissioned  surgeon, 
with  the  rank  of  major,  of  this  regiment,  and 


held  the  position  until  the  close  of  the  war, 
July,  1863.  He  was  in  active  service  from 
and  including  the  battle  of  Shiloh  to  the  sur- 
render of  Vicksburg,  and  during  that  time  was 
appointed  brigade  surgeon,  surgeon-in-chief 
of  hospitals',  and  was  one  of  the  board  of 
operators.  A record  of  some  of  his  surgical 
operations  will  be  found  in  the  “Medical  and 
Surgical  History  .of  the  War  of  the  Rebel- 
lion,” while  in  civil  practice  he  has  done  con- 
siderable general  surgery,  gynecological  work, 
etc.  He  entered  the  private  practice  of  medi- 
cine in  1855,  at  Towlesville,  N.  Y.,  where  he 
remained  two  years;  was  then  at  Westfield, 
Wis.,  six  years ; served  in  the  army  four  years ; 
and  has  practiced  at  Platteville,  Wis.,  since 
1868.  Dr.  Buck  is  a member  of  the  Wiscon- 
sin State  Medical  Society;  American  Medical 
Association ; American  Public  Health  Asso- 
ciation; National  Association  of  Railway  Sur- 
geons ; Platteville  Literary  Club ; member  of 
the  executive  committee  of  the  Platteville  Lec- 
ture Association ; and  member  of  the  Grand 
Army  of  the  Republic.  He  served  in  the  Wis- 
consin Legislature  (Assembly)  in  i860  and 
1861,  and  was  a member  of  the  standing  com- 
mittee on  Medical  Societies  and  Medical  Col- 
leges. He  served  as  health  officer  of  the  city 
of  Platteville  from  1887  to  1894,  was  pension 
examiner  for  many  years ; and  is  at  present 
medical  examiner  for  several  of  the  leading 
life  insurance  companies.  He  is  a Republican 
in  politics. 

In  1866  Dr.  Buck  married  Miss  Sarah 
Elizabeth  Trask,  of  Beaver  Dam,  Wis.,  a de- 
scendant in  the  eighth  generation  of  Capt. 
William  Trask,  who  settled  in  Salem,  Mass., 
in  1720.  They  have  seven  children:  Ger- 

trude Amelia,  Clara  Louise,  Guerdon  Condie, 
Winifred  Kendrick,  Florence  Terry,  Ethel- 
wyn  Berenice,  and  Lenys'  Mary. 

JOHN  DRAGGS,  of  Fennimore,  Grant 
county,  a veteran  soldier  of  the  war  of  the  Re- 
bellion, and  an  early  settler  of  that  town,  was 
born  in  Westmoreland  county,  Penn.,  April 
10,  1841,  a son  of  James  and  Elizabeth  Draggs, 
both  of  whom  died  when  their  child,  the  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch,  was  a small  boy. 

About  1836  John  Draggs  came  to  Grant 
county  with  the  family  of  Clinger,  with  whom 
he  had  lived  after  the  death  of  his  parents,  and 
continued  with  them  for  two  years,  when  he 
entered  the  employ  of  a Mr.  Walker.  When 


I 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


425 


he  was  about  eighteen  John  Draggs  entered  the 
family  of  the  well-known  pioneer,  Abner  Dyer, 
and  lived  with  them  until  he  started  out  in  life 
for  himself.  Much  of  his  success  in  life  Mr. 
Draggs  attributes  to  the  sage  advice  and  kindly 
friendship  of  this  good  man,  who  practiced 
what  he  preached,  and  set  an  example  of  ster- 
ling honesty  and  uprightness. 

While  our  subject  was  yet  a boy  the  war 
cloud  burst-,  and  he  felt  stirring  within  his 
breast  the  voice  of  duty,  bidding  him  to  offer 
himself  to  his  country.  Accordingly,  in  Aug- 
ust, 1861,  he  enrolled  in  Company  H,  7th  Wis. 
V.  I.,  which  became  a part  of  the  famous  Iron 
Brigade,  whose  record  for  gallantry  and  ef- 
fective service  is  unexcelled.  Mr.  Draggs  re- 
mained with  his  regiment  from  the  time  of 
organization  until.  June,  1862,  when  he  was 
taken  sick  and  sent  to  Washington.  When  he 
had  sufficiently  recovered  he  was  given  charge 
of  a ward  in  the  hospital  as  nurse.  The  hos- 
pitals at  that  time  were  overflowing,  and  good 
nurses  difficult  to  obtain,  and,  although  Mr. 
Draggs  desired  to  return  to  the  front,  his 
efficiency  as  a nurse  kept  him  in  the  hospital  in 
that  capacity  until  the  fall  of  1863.  At  this 
time  he  again  joined  his  comrades,  and  con- 
tinued with  the  regiment,  sharing  in  all  its 
battles  and  marches,  until  the  engagement  of 
Haymarket.  Va.,  Oct.  19,  1863,  when  he  and 
many  others  were  captured,  and  for  the  re- 
mainder of  the  war  languished  in  Southern 
prisons.  For  a few  months  Mr.  Draggs  was 
confined  at  Belle  Isle,  Va.,  and  was  then  trans- 
ferred to  the  notorious  stockade  at  Anderson- 
ville,  Ga.,  where  he  remained  until  the  close  of 
the  struggle  threw  open  the  doors  of  the  prison. 
John  Draggs  was  among  the  first  squad  of 
prisoners  sent  from  Belle  Isle  to  Andersonville, 
and  there,  during  the  weary  days  of  the  spring 
and  summer  of  1864,  and  the  winter  of  1864- 
65,  he,  with  thousands  of  others,  suffered  from 
heat,  thirst,  starvation,  and  the  cruel  treatment 
of  those  in  charge.  When  the  squad  to  which 
he  belonged  arrived  at  the  prison  it  was  not 
yet  completed,  but  all.  were  carefully  guarded, 
and  their  sufferings  never  lessened.  It  is  not 
surprising  that  men  died  by  the  thousands,  like 
: cattle,  in  this  infamous  place ; the  wonder  is 
that  any  possessed  endurance  to  bear  them 
through  such  a terrible  trial.  The  courage 
and  loyalty  that  could  .survive  such  treatment 
is  of  a loftier  order  than  that  demanded  in  ac- 
tion, although  both  are  of  a value  beyond  price. 


Still,  those  who  did  survive  to  march  forth, 
conquerors  of  their  captors,  have  borne  with 
them  ever  since  traces  of  those  days  of  horror 
that  no  care  or  nursing  will  ever  remove,  and 
which  are  as  honorable  as  bullet  hole  or  sabre 
scar. 

Amid  rejoicing  and  thanksgiving  these  he- 
roic and  almost  helpless  prisoners  were  trans- 
ferred to  \ icksburg.  Miss.,  but  scarcely  had 
they  reached  a haven  of  safety  when  the  sad 
news  of  the  death  of  the  beloved  President 
came  to  them.  As  soon  as  they  were  able  to 
bear  the  journey  the  prisoners  were  transferred 
to  Benton  Barracks,  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  and 
there  John  Draggs  drew  one  hundred  and 
thirty-six  dollars  from  the  government,  and 
invested  fifty  dollars  of  it  in  a suit  of  readv- 
made  clothes.  Arrayed  in  them,  on  the  10th 
of  May,  1865.  he  reached  the  home  of  his  for- 
mer employer  and  kind  friend,  Abner  Dyer, 
with  whom  he  continued  to  reside  until  his 
marriage,  in  1868. 

Soon  after  his  return  from  the  army  John 
Draggs  purchased  160  acres  of  land,  eightv 
acres  of  which  were  in  Section  1,  in  the  town 
of  Little  Grant,  and  eighty  in  Lancaster.  Later 
he  bought  120  acres  more,  in  the  town  of  Lit- 
tle Grant,  and  he  also  owned  forty  acres  in 
Section  6.  After  purchasing  the  land  Mr. 
Draggs  entered  at  once  upon  its  improvement, 
and  eventually  became  one  of  the  most  success- 
ful farmers  and  stock  raisers  in  the  northern 
part  of  Grant  county.  In  1884  he  sold  the  old 
homestead,  and  bought  eighty  acres  near  the 
village  of  Fennimore.  This  he  improved  un- 
til. 1895.  when  he  practically  retired  from  ac- 
tive business,  and  his  son  now  owns  the  farm. 

In  1868  John  Draggs  married  Miss  Eliza- 
beth Beetham,  daughter  of  John  Beetham.  and 
six  children  blessed  their  union : Anna  is  the 

wife  of  Henry  Rothe,  of  the  town  of  Fenni- 
more; Harry  lives  on  the  farm;  Bert  is  a 
farmer  of  the  town  of  Mount  Ida : 'Edith 
and  Amy  are  at  home.  The  eldest,  Cora,  who 
died  in  1888.  at  the  age  of  nineteen,  was  a 
graduate  of  the  high  school  at  Fennimore.  a 
successful  teacher,  and  a most  estimable  voung 
ladv;  she  was  sincerely  mourned  by  all  who 
knew  her.  On  Sept.  12,  1893,  Mrs.  Draggs 
died,  leaving  a blank  which  can  never  be  filled. 
To  her  encouraging  advice,  economical  efforts, 
and  wise  management  Mr.  Draggs  feels  that 
he  owes  much  of  his  success. 

John  Draggs  enjoys  the  esteem  of  his  fel- 


426 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


low  townsmen,  and  has  been  honored  by  them 
in  various  ways,  being  chosen  chairman  of  his 
town  for  three  years  in  succession;  also  a mem- 
ber of  the  county  board  for  several  years;  and 
school  treasurer  of  the  village  of  Fennimore 
the  first  year  of  his  residence  there,  which  office 
he  has  since  held.  In  politics  Mr.  Draggs  is 
a stanch  Republican,  and  takes  an  active  inter- 
est in  the  workings  of  his  party.  Although  a 
member  of  no  religious  body,  he  takes  a lively 
interest  in  all  matters  pertaining  to  church 
work,  and  gives  liberally  to  various  organiza- 
tions. Fie  is  an  honored  member  of  Sam  Mon- 
teith  Post,  No.  173,  G.  A.  R.,  and  was  com- 
mander of  same  for  three  years.  In  recogni- 
tion of  his  services  as  a soldier  Mr.  Draggs 
was  appointed,  Sept.  17,  1897,  aide-de-camp  on 
the  staff  of  Gen.  Palmer  when  the  latter  be- 
came governor  of  Illinois. 

Beginning  life  a poor,  orphan  boy,  without 
a dollar,  Mr.  Draggs  has  worked  his  way  up- 
ward on  the  ladder  of  fortune,  and  often  states 
that  the  highest  remuneration  he  ever  received 
for  his  services  was  thirteen  dollars  a month. 
Still,  by  careful  investment,  and  the  strictest 
economy,  he  managed  to  acquire  a sufficiency 
for  himself  and  his  children  after  him.  Mr. 
Draggs  and  his  two  youngest  daughters  reside 
at  their  pleasant  home  in  Fennimore,  where 
they  dispense  hospitality  to  their  friends,  and 
enjoy  the  confidence  and  respect  of  the  entire 
community. 

JEFFERSON  B.  SIMPSON,  a prominent 
attorney  arid  counselor  at  law,  of  Shullsburg, 
Lafayette  county,  is  the  only  child  of  Philemon 
Baldwin  and  Mary  A.  (Beard)  Simpson. 

Sylvanus  Simpson,  father  of  Philemon  B. 
Simpson,  and  grandfather  of  Jefferson  B.,  re- 
moved from  his  New  England  home  to  the 
State  of  New  York,  and  thence  to  Ohio,  where 
he  and  his  wife  passed  the  remainder  of  their 
lives.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812, 
and  fought  under  Commodore  Perry  in  his 
famous  battle  on  Lake  Erie.  His  father,  and 
also  his  father-in-law,  had  served  in  the  Rev- 
olutionary war.  Sylvanus  Simpson  was  the 
father  of  the  following  children : Philemon 

B.,  mentioned  below;  Sylvanus,  Jr.,  of  Ham- 
ilton, 111.;  Volney,  a resident  of  Ventura,  Cal., 
where  he  is  a prominent  banker;  Elmore,  of 
Applegate,  Cal. ; Mrs.  Mary  L.  Gray,  of  San 
Francisco,  Cal. ; and  Mrs.  Arminda  Bertram, 
who  died  at  the  age  of  sixty-two. 


Philemon  B.  Simpson,  eldest  son  of  Syl- 
vanus, and  so  long  well  known  as  a citizen  and 
as  a prominent  member  of  the  Lafayette  coun- 
ty Bar,  was  born  in  Sandusky,  Ohio,  in  1819, 
but  grew  to  manhood  near  Watertown,  N.  Y., 
and  received  a good  education  in  the  schools 
of  that  city.  He  then  entered  the  office  of 
Lawyer  Beach,  at  Sandusky,  Ohio,  where  for 
two  years  he  read  law.  He  completed  his 
legal  education  in  the  Cincinnati  Law  School, 
whence  he  was  graduated  in  the  spring  of 
1843.  The  following  September  he  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Mary  A.  Beard,  who  was  born  in 
Easton,  Penn.,  in  1822,  daughter  of  John  and 
Hannah  ( Doan)  .Beard,  the  former  of  Scot- 
tish parentage,  and  the  latter  of  English  de- 
scent. After  his  marriage  Mr.  Simpson  re- 
moved from  Ohio  to  Rochester,  Ind.,  where 
for  three  years  he  was  engaged  in  the  practice 
of  his  profession.  On  July  4,  1847,  he  moved 
to  Gratiot's  Grove,  Lafayette  Co.,  Wis.,  and 
as  soon  as  a residence  could  be  erected  at 
Shullsburg  moved  to  that  place.  He  was  one 
of  the  earliest  lawyers  in  the  region,  was  ac- 
tively engaged  in  practice  for  many  years,  arid 
became  one  of  the  representative  men  of  the 
county.  He  was  an  upright  and  public-spir- 
ited citizen,  with  an  untarnished  reputation  for 
honesty  and  integrity.  He  served  in  both 
branches  of  the  Wisconsin  Legislature,  and 
was  recognized  as  a wise  and  able  statesman; 
for  four  years  he  was  chairman  of  the  Judiciary 
committee.  In  politics  he  affiliated  with  the 
Democratic  party,  and  as  long  as  lie  lived  was 
actively  interested  in  its  welfare.  His  death 
occurred  at  Mobile,  Ala.  (where  he  and  his 
wife  were  staying  temporarily),  April  28, 
1895. 

Jefferson  B.  Simpson  was  born  in  Shulls- 
burg, Wis.,  received  his  education  in  the  schools 
of  his  native  State,  and  was  graduated  from 
the  Wisconsin  State  University,  at  Madison. 
He  gained  his  legal  lore  under  the  careful 
tuition  of  his  father,  with  whom  he  later  en- 
gaged in  practice,  and  to-day  is  recognized  as 
one  of  the  leading  lawyers  in  the  county.  Like 
his  father  before  him,  he  is  identified  with  the 
Democratic  party,  and  has  faithfully  served  his 
fellow  citizens  in  a number  of  official  positions, 
among  which  may  be  mentioned  that  of  district 
attorney  of  the  county.  As  a citizen  he  be- 
longs to  that  higher  type  that  places  above  per- 
sonal ambition  and  political  factions  the  wel- 
fare of  his  town  and  community,  and  he  is  a 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


427 


firm  believer  in  the  rigid  enforcement  of  every 
law. 

Mr.  Simpson  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Miss  Mary  Luella  Allan,  who  was  born  at 
Scales  Mound,  111.,  in  i860,  daughter  of  George 
and  Emma  (Proctor)  Allan,  the  former  a na- 
tive of  Scotland,  who  came  to  Canada  in  early 
life,  and  in  1853  located  in  Scales  Mound,  111., 
where  he  superintended  the  construction  of  the 
Great  Cut  at  that  place,  in  the  interests  of  the 
Illinois  Central  Railroad.  Mr.  Allan  became 
a prominent  merchant  at  that  place ; he  died  in 
1864,  at  Portland,  Maine.  Mrs.  Emma  (Proc- 
tor) Allan  was  born  at  Scales  Mound  in  1834, 
and  came  of  a representative  family  of  south- 
western Wisconsin,  Abel  Proctor,  her  father, 
having  come  to  the  lead  mines  from  Proctors- 
ville,  Vt.,  in  1827.  Mrs.  Allan  died  at  Shulls- 
burg  May  10,  1900.  To  the  union  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Simpson  have  come  three  children,  Allan, 
Olive  and  Alexander. 

John  Beard,  father  of  Mrs.  Philemon  B. 
Simpson,  and  grandfather  of  Jefferson  B. 
Simpson,  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812, 
and  also  participated  in  the  great  Perry  vic- 
tory on  Lake  Erie — a singular  coincidence, 
inasmuch  as  it  connects  Jefferson  B.  Simpson 
with  that  victory  by  both  his  paternal  and  ma- 
ternal grandfathers.  In  1824  Mr.  Beard  re- 
moved to  Tiffin,  Seneca  Co.,  Ohio,  and  there 
he  and  his  wife  passed  the  rest  of  their  lives. 
They  were  the  parents  of  six  children,  four 
sons  and  two  daughters,  of  whom  there  are 
three  surviving  members : Mrs.  Phebe  Lam- 

bertson,  of  Montpelier,  Ohio : Mrs.  Philemon 
B.  Simpson,  of  Shullsburg,  Wis. ; and  J.  L. 
Beard,  a resident  of  Montpelier,  Ohio.  The 
three  deceased  are  Joseph,  Lowry  and 
Doan. 

LUALLEN  A.  TYLER,  a prominent 
farmer  of  Millville  township,  Grant  county, 
and  one  of  the  honored  veterans  of  the  war  for 
the  Union,  is  a native  of  Trumbull  county, 
Ohio,  where  he  was  born  Aug.  14.  1846,  and 
is  a son  of  Lewis  and  Rhoda  (Griffis)  Tyler, 
natives  of  Connecticut,  who  in  early  life  moved 
to  the  Buckeye  State,  where  their  marriage 
was  celebrated.  In  1854  they  mig'rated  to 
Grant  county,  Wis.,  first  locating  in  Mt.  Hope 
township,  but  later  changed  their  residence, 
and  the  father  died  in  the  village  of  Mt.  Ida  a 
number  of  years  ago.  The  mother,  who  was 
born  in  1810,  is  still  living  at  this  writing 


(1901),  quite  hale  and  hearty,  being  still  able 
to  walk  to  church. 

Luallen  A.  Tyler  is  one  of  a family  of  seven 
children,  four  sons  and  three  daughters.  He 
had  two  brothers  who  were  in  the  Union  army : 
John,  who  was  a member  of  the  20th  Wis.  V. 
I.,  and  died  in  the  service,  at  Rolla,  Mo.;  and 
Abel,  who  was  in  the  3d  Wisconsin  Cavalry, 
and  also  died  in  the  service,  at  Fort  Scott, 
Ivans.  The  other  brother,  Miner  Tyler,  is  a 
resident  of  Millville  township,  Grant  county. 
Two  sisters  are  living,  Elizabeth  C.  and  Mary 
A.,  while  the  other,  Sylva  A.,  died  at  the  age 
of  eleven  years. 

Mr.  Tyler,  whose  name  introduces  this  re- 
view, remained  at  home  with  his  parents  until 
he  entered  the  service  of  his  country,  enlisting 
April  8,  1865,  in  the  50th  Wis.  Y.  I.  He  was 
with  a part  of  his  regiment  on  detached  duty 
during  the  whole  time  he  was  in  the  army — 
a period  of  nine  months.  After  receiving  an 
honorable  discharge  from  the  service  Mr.  Ty- 
ler returned  to  Grant  county,  and  has  since  been 
successfully  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits. 
He  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Cornelia 
C.  Merritt,  a native  of  Grant  county,  and  a 
daughter  of  William  H.  and  Elizabeth  Mer- 
ritt, and  to  this  union  have  been  born  seven 
children,  four  sons  and  three  daughters, 
namely:  Horace  L.,  born  in  Howard  county, 

Iowa,  where  the  parents  resided  for  a time ; 
Mattie  E.  and  Clay,  born  in  Mt.  Hope  town- 
ship; and  Guy,  Gilson  J.,  Carrie  J.,  and  Al- 
mina,  all  born  in  Millville  township. 

Mr.  Tyler,  who  is  one  of  the  most  success- 
ful agriculturists  of  Millville  township,  pur- 
chased his  present  farm  in  1874,  at  which  time 
there  were  but  eight  acres  broken  on  the  place, 
but  he  now  has  100  acres  under  cultivation,  and 
everything  about  the  farm  indicates  the  good 
taste  and  excellent  management  of  the  owner. 
The  buildings,  both  the  residence  and  outbuild- 
ings, are  comparatively  new,  and  modern  in 
their  improvements. 

Mr.  Tyler's  health  was  much  impaired  by 
his  army  service,  and  he  has  never  recovered 
from  the  effects  of  the  same.  He  did  his  duty 
as  a soldier,  was  honorably  discharged,  and 
is  now  a worthy  member  of  G.  A.  R.  Post  No. 
134,  at  Bloomington,  Wisconsin. 

T.  L.  CAVANAUGH,  stock  and  grain 
dealer  of  Shullsburg,  is  one  of  the  represent- 
ative citizens  of  Lafayette  county,  where  he 


428 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


has  made  his  home  for  over  half  a century. 
He  was  born  in  Waterford,  Ireland,  in  1844, 
son  of  Peter  and  Joanna  (Carey)  Cavanaugh. 

Peter  Cavanaugh,  the  father,  was  born  in 
County  Wicklow,  Ireland,  March  20,  1818, 
and  learned  the  trade  of  shoemaking,  which 
he  followed  in  his  native  land  with . more  or 
less  success.  He  married  Joanna  Carey,  who 
now  resides  in  White  Oak  Springs,  at  an  ad- 
vanced age.  In  1846  Mr.  Cavanaugh  brought 
his  wife  and  family  to  America,  and  found 
work  at  his  trade  in  Franklin  county,  N.  Y. 
In  1852  they  came  still  farther  West,  and  lo- 
cated at  Shullsburg,  later  removing  to  White 
Oak  Springs,  where  the  father  passed  away 
in  1889.  He  was  an  industrious  and  highly- 
respected  citizen.  Eight  children  were  born 
to  them,  three  in  Ireland  and  five  in  America, 
of  whom  five  are  vet  living:  J.  L.,  our  subject; 
Mich  ael,  of  Montana;  Emma,  wife  of  Benja- 
min Lathlane,  of  Montana;  Kate;  and  Jose- 
phine, at  home. 

J.  L.  Cavanaugh  was  but  two  years  of  age 
when  brought  to  this  country,  and  but  eight 
years  of  age  when  he  came  to  Lafayette  coun- 
ty, which  has  ever  since  been  his  home.  He 
passed  the  years  of  1862  and  1863  in  Colora- 
do. His  general  occupation  has  always  been 
farming  and  stock  raising,  and  he  is  the  own- 
er of  a fine  farm  near  the  city,  on  which  he 
has  resided  since  1883.  Since  1884  lie  has 
been  the  chief  stock  and  grain  merchant  of 
Shullsburg,  and  is  an  enterprising  and  pro- 
gressive citizen.  His  own  efforts  have  won 
him  a substantial  standing  in  the  financial 
world,  and  he  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the 
First  National  Bank  of  Shullsburg,  of  which 
he  is  still  a large  stockholder,  and  the  present 
vice-president. 

Mr.  Cavanaugh  wedded  Miss  Mary  Jane 
O'Brien,  who  was  born  at  White  Oak  Springs, 
Lafayette  county,  in  1846,  daughter  of  John 
and  Jane  (Terrell)  O’Brien.  John  O’Brien 
was  a native  of  Ireland,  and  came  to  America 
in  early  manhood,  while  the  Terrell  family 
have  for  several  generations  resided  in  New 
Hampshire.  The  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cav- 
anaugh has  been  brigfitened  by  seven  daugh- 
ter and  one  son:  John,  the  only  son,  born  in 
1870,  who  died  in  1890;  Mary  Agnes,  a suc- 
cessful teacher ; Laura,  a Sister  of  Charity  at 
Evanston,  111.;  Josephine;  Abigail  E.,  a stu- 
dent at  the  State  University,  Madison,  class 
of  1901  ; Jennie,  a graduate  of  the  Shullsburg 


high  school;  Nellie;  and  Clara.  The  family 
are  highly  respected  socially,  and  their  home 
is  one  of  the  most  popular  in  the  community. 
In  religious  faith  they  are  all  communicants 
of  the  Roman  Catholic  Church,  and  faithful  in 
its  work.  I11  his  political  affiliations  Mr.  Cav- 
anaugh is  a stanch  Democrat,  and  has  served 
efficiently  as  chairman  of  the  Democratic 
County  Committee,  and  as  chairman  of  the 
town  board. 

FRANCIS  ATKINSON.  In  almost 
every  progressive  town  will  be  found  residents 
who  have  lived  active,  busy  lives  on  neighbor- 
ing farms  until  advancing  years,  and  a suffi- 
cient accumulation  of  wealth,  plead  for  the 
comforts  and  associations  which  may  be  found 
within  town  or  city  limits.  Among  these 
valued  citizens  of  Albany,  Green  county,  is 
Francis  Atkinson,  who  was  born  in  Yorkshire, 
England,  May  28,  1837. 

Both  maternal  and  paternal  grandfathers 
of  our  subject  were  natives  of  England,  and 
both  of  them  were  engaged  in  agricultural 
pursuits  in  that  land,  where  they  died,  leav- 
ing few  descendants.  Our  subject  was  a son 
of  Richard  and  Mary  (Nelson)  Atkinson,  na- 
tives of  England,  who  had  a family  of  eight 
children,  six  of  whom  are  living:  Ellen, 

widow  of  Andrew  Smith,  of  Green  county; 
William,  who  resides  near  Gothenburg,  Neb.; 
John,  who  lives  in  Pawnee  City,  Neb.;  Ann, 
who  married  Joshua  Peckham,  and  lives  in 
Nebraska;  Francis,  our  subject;  and  Edwin, 
a resident  of  Delhi,  Minn.  Richard  Atkin- 
son, the  father,  was  a stonemason  by  trade, 
but  after  coming  to  America  engaged  in  farm- 
ing, near  Springfield,  Ohio,  where  he  located 
in  May,  1843.  H 1847  Mr.  Atkinson  decided 
to  buy  land  in  the  great  State  of  Wisconsin, 
and  finally  found  a farm  in  Green  county 
which  pleased  him,  in  that  year  purchasing 
120  acres  in  Albany  township,  to  which  he  add- 
ed forty  acres,  and  another  forty  acres  adjoin- 
ing, making  a fine  estate,  upon  which  he  passed 
his  life.  He  died  at  the  age  of  eighty-three 
years,  in  1887.  The  mother  of  our  subject,  a 
good  and  worthy  woman,  known  far  and  wide 
for  her  charities  and  kind  neighborliness,  died  a 
short  time  before  her  husband,  having  made 
the  world  better  for  eighty-three  years.  Mr. 
Atkinson  was  a consistent  Baptist  in  religious 
belief,  while  his  wife  was  connected  with  the 
Methodist  Church. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


429 


Our  subject,  Francis  Atkinson,  was  but 
six  years  old  when  brought  to  America  by  his 
parents,  and  was  reared  to  manhood  in  Al- 
bany township,  growing  up  on  his  father's 
farm,  and  receiving  the  educational  advan- 
tages of  the  district  schools.  After  finishing 
his  school  course  he  successfully  engaged  in 
farming,  and  also  taught  school  five  winter 
terms.  He  continued  to  follow  agricultural 
pursuits  until  he  retired  to  his  pleasant  home 
in  Albany. 

For  one  year  Mr.  Atkinson  rented  a farm, 
which  he  then  bought,  consisting  of  112  acres, 
located  in  Decatur  township,  where  he  spent 
twenty  busy  years,  during  which  time  he  kept 
on  accumulating  land,  his  additions  compris- 
ing, respectively,  forty  acres,  105  acres,  128  A 
and  another  forty,  and  he  finally  bought  the  old 
homestead  where  his  boyhood  had  been  passed. 
Mr.  Atkinson  has  advantageously  sold  all  of 
the  old  homestead  land  except  eighty  acres. 

The  marriage  of  our  subject  took  place 
on  March  17,  i860,  to  Miss  Sarah  Jones,  a 
daughter  of  John  and  Mary  (Wilding)  Jones, 
and  twelve  children  were  born  of  this  union : 
Mary  E.  died  at  the  age  of  six  years;  Frances 
A.  at  the  age  of  three;  and  Finley  at  the  age 
of  twenty-four;  two  died  in  infancy;  Owen  O., 
who  married  Minnie  Evans,  lives  in  Albany 
township,  with  one  son,  Dale;  Russell  B.,  who 
married  Myrtle  Edwards,  lives  in  Albany 
township,  and  has  one  daughter,  Frances; 
Alta  M.,  who  married  George  Larmar,  lives 
in  Albany  township,  and  has  one  daughter, 
Maud;  Annie  M.,  who  married  David  Conway, 
lives  in  Sylvester  township,  with  two  children, 
Harland  and  Stewart;  Lillian  M.,  who  mar- 
ried Lee  Gillett,  lives  in  Albany  township,  with 
one  daughter,  Doris;  Nellie  W.  and  Etta  M. 
are  at  home. 

The  first  wife  of  Mr.  Atkinson  died  June 
25,  1888,  aged  fifty  years.  She  was  a con- 
sistent member  of  the  Methodist  Church.  O11 
Aug.  29,  1891,  our  subject  married  Miss  Mar- 
garet Bell,  a daughter  of  Peter  and  Huldah 
(Miller)  Bell,  and  one  son,  Francis  L.,  has 
been  born  of  this  union.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Atkinson  are  valued  members  of  the  Metho- 
dist Church,  in  which  he  takes  an  active  in- 
terest and  is  class-leader.  I11  politics  our  sub- 
ject is  a Prohibitionist,  deeming  the  solution 
of  the  drink  question  can  be  solved  only  by 
the  ballot.  For  many  years,  while  residing  in 
the  country,  he  was  called  upon  to  serve  as 


clerk  of  the  school  district,  and  has  been  in- 
terested in  advancing  educational  matters. 
Since  1894  his  residence  has  been  in  Albany, 
where  he  purchased  a comfortable  home  after 
renting  his  farm,  and  is  respected  in  the  com- 
munity, well  representing  the  leisurely  class  of 
substantial,  retired  farmers. 

CHARLES  S.  GRAY,  now  retired  from 
the  operations  of  active  farming,  is  passing  the 
last  years  of  a busy  life  in  a well-earned  free- 
dom from  toil  in  Brooklyn,  Green  Co.,  Whs. 
He  was  born  in  the  town  of  Warsaw.  Genesee 
Co.,  N.  Y.,  Jan.  25,  1828,  son  of  Sylvester  and 
Louisa  B.  (Judd)  Gray,  the  former  a native 
of  New  York,  and  the  latter  of  Vermont. 
They  were  the  parents  of  five  children,  two  of 
whom  are  living:  Charles  S.,  and  Demetrius 

A.,  of  Belleville,  Wisconsin. 

Sylvester  Gray  was  a cooper  in  the  East, 
and  in  September,  1845,  he  bought  a farm  in 
the  town  of  Brooklyn.  After  a time  he  sold 
this  farm  and  bought  a home  in  Brooklyn, 
where  he  lived  until  he  entered  into  rest  in 
1874,  at  the  age  of  seventy-two  years.  His 
widow  survived  his  departure  many  years,  and 
died  in  1898,  at  the  age  of  ninety-one  years. 
Mr.  Gray  was  school  director  for  several  years, 
and  was  also  town  supervisor.  In  early  life 
he  was  a Wig,  and  in  his  later  years  a Repub- 
lican. Asahel  Gray,  father  of  Sylvester 
Gray,  was  a native  of  England,  and  in  his  ma- 
ture years  was  engaged  in  the  salt  business  at 
Syracuse,  N.  Y.,  where  he  died  at  an  advanced 
age.  He  was  the  father  of  a small  family. 
The  maternal,  grandfather  of  Charles  S.  Gray 
was  a native  of  Vermont,  where  he  was  fa- 
ther to  a large  family,  and  died  in  middle  life. 

Charles  S.  Gray  was  three  years  old  when 
his  parents  moved  to  Pennsylvania  from  New 
York.  Four  years  later  they  moved  to  Lake 
county,  Ohio.  There  our  subject  went  to 
school  and  helped  his  father  in  the  cooper  shoo, 
He  was  eighteen  years  old  when  his  parents 
left  Ohio,  and  he  accompanied  them  on  their 
removal  to  Wisconsin,  where  he  bought  a farm 
of  eighty  acres,  to  which  he  afterward  added 
eighty  acres.  Fie  has  sold  and  bought  at  dif- 
ferent times,  until  his  last  farm  property,  which 
he  sold  in  September,  1900,  consisted  of  200 
acres.  This  he  rented  in  1877  and  moved  into 
town  to  take  the  position  of  manager  for  the 
Evansville  Mercantile  Association,  which  po- 
sition he  held  for  eleven  years.  In  1894  Mr. 


430 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Gray  and  his  son  Oscar  C.  started  a general 
store,  which  they  conducted  two  years,  and  for 
the  following  two  years  Mr.  Gray  was  not  in 
business.  For  a time  he  was  again  in  the  store, 
and  is  now  retired,  as  noted  above.  After 
leaving  his  father's  store.  Oscar  C.  Gray  pur- 
chased P.  A.  Haynes’  grocery,  but  at  the  end 
of  a year  sold  out  the  entire  stock,  and  on  April 
i,  1900,  bought  a livery  business  in  Oregon, 
Wis.,  which  he  successfully  conducted  until  his 
health  failed. 

Mr.  Charles  S.  Gray  was  married  Oct.  6, 
1850,  to  Emarilla  Smith,  the  daughter  of 
Stephen  and  Philura  (Love)  Smith,  becoming 
by  this  union  the  father  of  four  children : 
Oscar  C.,  Emory  Herbert,  Isadora  Eudelle, 
and  Luta.  Oscar  C.  married  Jennie  Patter- 
son, now  deceased,  and  had  one  child,  who  is 
also  deceased;  for  his  second  wife  he  married 
Ellen  Zook,  and  they  have  one  child,  DeVer 
Dwight.  Emory  Herbert  is  married  to  Nettie 
Doolittle,  and  lives  in  Des  Moines,  Iowa,  where 
he  is  a member  of  the  City  Fire  Department; 
they  have  one  daughter,  Myrle.  Isadora  Eu- 
delle died  at  the  age  of  four  years.  Luta  mar- 
ried the  late  YVayland  Axtell,  and  lives  at 
Rochester,  Wis.,  where  he  had  established  the 
local  Academy  ; he  died  in  Denver,  Colo.,  and 
she  returned  to  Rochester,  with  her  three  chil- 
dren, Wayne,  Clarice  and  Caryl.  Mr.  Gray 
is  a Republican,  and  for  three  terms  was  super- 
visor, town  treasurer  for  a number  of  terms, 
and  school  clerk  for  many  years. 

Mrs.  Gray's  father  was  a native  of  Massa- 
chusetts. and  her  mother  of  New  York.  They 
were  early  settlers  in  Ohio,  his  people  going 
there  in  1811,  and  her  people  about  the  same 
time,  settling  in  the  town  of  Dover,  about  nine 
miles  west  of  Cleveland.  Her  people  came 
to  Wisconsin  in  1843,  and  located  in  Hudson, 
which  is  known  to-day  as  Springfield,  where 
they  were  engaged  in  farming  for  four  years, 
after  which  they  moved  to  Brooklyn.  Here 
they  died,  he  in  1856,  at  the  age  of  fifty-eight, 
and  she  in  1877,  at  the  age  of  seventy-three. 
In  early  life  they  were  Congregationalists,  but 
later  united  with  the  Spiritualists.  They  had 
nine  children,  and  four  of  them  are  now  liv- 
ing: Jonathan,  Emory,  Euphrasia,  and  Ema- 
rilla. Mrs.  Gray’s  paternal  grandfather  was 
Jonathan  Smith,  of  Massachusetts,  and  a veter- 
an of  the  entire  Revolutionary  war,  never,  . 
however,  receiving  a pension  for  his  services,  j 
as  his  property  exceeded  the  limits.  He  fought  l 


on  a war  vessel  and  was  in  many  battles.  He 
was  owner  of  a large  tract  of  land,  and  he  died 
at  an  advanced  age,  the  father  of  a numerous 
family.  Her  maternal  grandfather  was  a Mr. 
Love,  a native  of  New  York,  who  was  drown- 
ed. He  was  the  father  of  one  child,  a daughter. 

On  Oct.  6,  1900,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gray  cele- 
brated their  Golden  Wedding,  there  being  a 
company  of  forty-eight  outside  friends. 

ISAAC  N.  CLIFTON,  a well-known  re- 
tired farmer  of  Platteville,  is  a worthy  rep- 
resentative of  an  honored  pioneer  family  of 
Grant  county.  He  was  born  in  Platteville 
Jan.  24,  1844,  a sen  of  William  and  Frances 
(Basye)  Clifton,  both  natives  of  Missouri. 

Prior  to  his  marriage  the  father  of  our 
subject  came  to  Grant  county  with  his  parents, 
Bascom  and  Sarah  Clifton,  both  now  deceased, 
and  located  in  what  is  now  Clifton  township, 
which  was  named  in  honor  of  the  family.  By 
occupation  William  Clifton  was  a miner  and 
farmer,  and  in  Lima  and  Clifton  townships  he 
improved  a farm  of  222  acres.  For  a time  he 
lived  in  Dakota,  and  on  his  return  to  Grant 
county  took  up  his  residence  in  Arthur,  Lima 
township.  He  died  in  1891  and  his  wife 
made  her  home  in  Lancaster  until  her  death, 
in  February,  1900.  They  were  married  in 
Platteville.  and  became  the  parents  of  the  fol- 
lowing children : Dewitt  C.  enlisted  with  his 

brother  Isaac  N.,  in  August,  1862,  in  the  three- 
years  service,  and  died  at  Rome,  Ga.,  in  1864; 
E.  W.  is  a farmer  of  Lancaster  township, 
Grant  county;  Isaac  N.  is  mentioned  below; 
James  T.  is  a Congregational  minister,  now 
serving  as  secretary  of  the  Congregational 
Educational  Society,  located  at  Chicago;  J.  J. 
is  a Baptist  minister  in  Nebraska;  Sarah  Caro- 
line, Mrs.  Arnett,  is  a resident  of  Fairfield, 
Iowa ; and  Anna  Bell  married  Albert  Hoppin, 
and  died  in  La  Crosse,  Wis.,  in  1879. 

In  the  county  of  his  nativity  Isaac  N.  Clif- 
ton was  reared  and  educated,  in  much  the  usual 
manner  of  farmer  boys  of  his  day,  and  after 
starting  out  in  life  for  himself  engaged  in 
farming  and  carpentering  for  some  years 
He  opened  up  and  improved  a good  farm  of 
eighty  acres  in  Lima  township,  which  he  still 
owns,  and  successfully  engaged  in  its  opera- 
tion until  his  removal  to  Platteville,  in  Novem- 
ber, 1S99.  since  which  time  he  has  lived  re- 
tired. enjoying  a well-earned  rest. 

On  Aug.  9.  1862,  at  Platteville,  Mr.  Clif- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


43i 


ton  enrolled!  his  name  among  the  defenders  of 
the  Union,  enlisting  for  three  years  or  during 
the  war  in  Company  E,  25th  Wis.  V.  I.,  which 
became  a part  of  the  17th  Army  Corps.  He 
participated  in  the  battle  of  Resaca,  the  siege 
of  Atlanta,  and  the  engagement  at  Decatur, 
Ga.,  where  he  was  shot  in  the  leg.  For  some 
time  he  was  confined  in  the  field  hospital,  and 
then  returned  home,  but  was'  able  to  rejoin  his 
regiment  in  time  to  go  with  Sherman  on  the 
march  from  Atlanta  to  the  sea,  and  to  take  part 
in  the  Carolina  campaign.  He  participated  in 
the  grand  review  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  and  in 
that  city  was  honorably  discharged  June  7, 
1865,  being  mustered  out  at  Madison,  Wis- 
consin. 

Mr.  Clifton  was  first  married,  in  1867,  to 
Miss  Nancy  Sinnett,  a daughter  of  Isaac  and 
Elizabeth  (Harris)  Sinnett,  who  died  in  Mad- 
isonville,  111.  Mrs.  Clifton  died  in  1874,  leav- 
ing four  children,  namely:  Marvin  L.,  who  is 
married  and  engaged  in  farming  in  Lima 
township,  Grant  county ; James  W.,  who  died 
in  Lima,  Jan.  1,  1895;  Floyd  G.,  a farmer  of 
the  same  township;  and  Nona  Bell. 

At  Platteville,  in  1893,  Mr.  Clifton  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Mrs.  Martha  J.  (Cal- 
laway) Rickard,  a native  of  Platteville  town- 
ship, and  a daughter  of  John  and  Elizabeth 
(Butson)  Callaway,  who  were  born,  reared  and 
married  in  Cornwall,  England,  and  on  their 
emigration  to  the  New  World,  in  1840,  came 
at  once  to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  locating  in 
Platteville  township,  where  Mr.  Callaway  im- 
proved a fine  farm.  There  he  died  in  June, 
1878,  and  his  wife,  who  survived'  him  a few 
years,  passed  away  in  Platteville  township  in 
1885.  Their  children  were  Joseph,  who  met 
with  an  accident  in  California,  and  died  there 
in  1872;  Elizabeth,  Mrs.  Woodruff,  of  Bloom- 
ington, Grant  county;  Thomas,  a farmer  of 
Jewell  county,  Ivans’. ; John,  a farmer  of  Lima 
township.  Grant  county;  Martha  J.,  now  Mrs. 
Clifton;  William  H.,  who  died  at  the  age  of 
eighteen  years;  Samson  H.,  who  lives  on  the 
old  homestead  in  Grant  county;  George  A.,  a 
farmer  of  Harrison  township;  and  Jessie,  who 
died  of  paralysis  May  28,  1893.  Mrs.  Clifton 
was  first  married,  in  Platteville.  to  Daniel 
Rickard,  a native  of  England,  and  the  son  of 
John  and  Jane  Rickard,  who  came  from  Corn- 
wall to  this  country,  and  were  among  the 
early  settlers  of  Platteville,  where  both  died. 
John  Rickard  was  a foundryman  and  black- 


smith, and  his  son  Daniel  also  followed  the 
blacksmith’s  trade.  The  death  of  the  latter 
occurred  in  Platteville.  By  her  first  union 
Mrs.  Clifton  had  two  children:  Libbie  E., 

now  Mrs.  Eustice,  of  Belmont,  Wis. ; and 
Wesley  H.,  who  is  married  and  lives  on  the 
home  farm. 

In  1882  Mr.  Clifton  moved  to  Hutchinson 
county,  S.  Dak.,  where  he  was  engaged  in 
farming  for  eight  years',  and  he  still  holds 
membership  in  a Grand  Army  post  in  that 
State.  He  is  a stanch  supporter  of  the  Repub- 
lican party  and  its  principles,  and  takes  an  act- 
ive interest  in  politics.  lie  is  widely  and  favor- 
ably known  throughout  Grant  county,  where 
almost  his  entire  life  has  been  passed,  and1  has 
the  confidence  and  respect  of  all  with  whom  he 
has  come  in  contact,  in  either  business'  or  social 
life. 

JOSEPH  BARTLETT,  the  well-known 
miller  at  Attica,  Green  county,  was  born  in 
Wiltshire,  England,  Aug.  1,  1825,  and  in  the 
course  of  his  long  and  honorable  career  has 
demonstrated  the  possession  of  manly  and 
commendable  qualities  far  beyond  the  general 
run  of  the  world.  He  has'  passed  the  years  of 
his  life  engaged  in  a time-honored  occupation, 
and  has  made  many  friends  by  his  upright  and 
genial  character. 

Thomas  and  Sarah  (Cool)  Bartlett,  par- 
ents of  the  Attica  miller,  were  both  natives  of 
England,  and  reared  a family  of  five  sons  and 
five  daughters,  six  of  whom  are  now  living: 
( 1 ) Joseph,  whose  name  begins  this  article,  and 
who  is  the  eldest;  (2)  Thomas;  (3)  John; 
(4)  Mary,  the  widow  of  Fred  Cool;  (5)  Em- 
ma, the  wife  of  John  Richards' ; (6)  Sarah. 
The  father  was  a farmer,  and  died  in  England 
in  1875,  at  the  age  of  seventy-three  years. 
His  widow  died  in  1878,  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
six.  They  were  both  members  of  the  Episco* 
pal  Church.  Joseph  Bartlett,  the  paternal 
grandfather,  was  a farmer  in  England,  reared 
a large  family,  and  died  in  his  native  country 
when  he  had  reached  the  age  of  seventy-five. 
The  maternal  grandfather  of  Joseph  Bartlett 
was  a dealer  in  meats,  and  lived  to  advanced 
years. 

Joseph  Bartlett  grew  to  manhood  in  his  na- 
tive community,  where  he  received  his  educa- 
tion, finishing  in  a college.  When  a small  boy 
he  began  his  life-work  of  milling,  which  has 
always  been  his  occupation.  In  1849  he  came 


432 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


to  America,  locating  in  Oswego,  N.  Y.,  where 
he  remained  but  a short  time,  when  he  went 
to  Canada.  After  a brief  stay  in  that  country, 
he  returned  to  Oswego  and  came  to  Janes- 
ville, Wis.,  there  working  in  the  mill  of  Mr. 
Jackman  for  a year.  Mr.  Bartlett  then  en- 
gaged in  milling  at  Albany,  Wis.,  where  he 
remained  about  two  years',  and  in  1853  came 
to  Attica,  where  two  years  later  he  built  a 
watermill  having  a capacity  of  forty  barrels 
daily  ; this  he  owns.  It  is  both  a roller  and  a 
stone  mill. 

On  Nov.  26,  1853,  Mr.  Bartlett  married 
Miss  Eliza  Price,  who  was  born  Sept.  18, 
1835,  a daughter  of  Thomas  Price.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Bartlett  are  the  parents  of  the  following 
children:  Emert,  who  married  John  Davis,  is 
living  in  Albany,  and  is  rearing  a family  of 
five  children;  Elizabeth  married  William 
Oualley,  of  Exeter  township,  and  has  five  chil- 
dren; Chauncey,  who  follows  carpentering  in 
Attica,  married  a Miss  Maynard,  and  is1  the  fa- 
ther of  five  children;  Charlotte  married  John 
Nye,  of  Plover,  Iowa,  and  is  the  mother  of  two 
children;  Sarah  married  Norman  Jipson,  of 
Everlv,  Iowa,  and  has  a family  of  children ; Jo- 
seph died  May  30,  1868;  Lillie  married  John 
Lawhead,  of  Plover,  Iowa,  and  has  one  child ; 
Myrta  is  the  wife  of  Ralph  Swan,  of  Attica, 
and  the  mother  of  two  children;  and  Gertrude 
is  living  at  home. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bartlett  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Church.  In  politics  he  is  a Repub- 
lican, and  was  roadmaster  a number  of  years. 
For  over  fifty  years  he  has  been  a resident  of 
this  neighborhood. 

EBEN  WHITNEY  SYLVESTER,  one 
of  the  most  esteemed  of  the  surviving  pioneers 
of  Iowa  county,  is  a native  of  the  Pine  Tree 
State,  born  in  the  town  of  Phillips,  Franklin 
county,  Aug.  25,  1820. 

Caleb  and  Joanna  (Whitney)  Sylvester, 
his  parents,  were  also  natives  of  Maine,  and 
sprang  of  families  conspicuous  in  the  early  an- 
nals of  New  England.  The  former  was  a 
descendant  of  Richard  Sylvester,  who  came 
to  this  country  in  1630,  in  the  colony  headed 
by  Sir  John  Wentworth.  He  settled  at  Scitu- 
ate,  Mass.,  where  he  reared  a large  family, 
and  died  in  1663.  The  family  crest  and  coat 
of  arms,  which  he  brought  from  England,  was 
preserved  until  a few  years  ago,  when  it  was 
accidentally  destroyed.  The  descendants  of 


Richard  Sylvester  in  direct  line  to  our  sub- 
ject are  as  follows:  Capt.  Joseph  Sylvester, 

who  lost  his  life  in  1690  while  participating  in 
Sir  William  Phipps’  expedition  to  Canada; 
Amos  Sylvester;  William  Sylvester;  William 
Sylvester  (2),  who  died  in  1780,  of  disabil- 
ities contracted  at  the  battle  of  Monmouth; 
Charles  Sylvester,  the  father  of  Caleb,  and 
grandfather  of  our  subject,  for  many  years 
was  a ship  blacksmith  at  Bath,  Maine,  and  died 
at  Mt.  Vernon,  in  the  same  State,  March  20, 
1847,  aged  seventy-nine  years;  and  Caleb 
Sylvester,  mentioned  below.  Lucy  Barker, 
wife  of  Charles  Sylvester,  was  a sister  of  Capt. 
John  Barker,  of  Dresden,  Maine,  a seafaring 
man,  who  was  captured  by  a British  press 
gang,  and,  refusing  to  enter  the  royal  navy, 
was  sent  to  prison  in  London.  Upon  his  re- 
turn to  the  United  States,  during  the  war  of 
1812,  he  received  a commission  from  the  gov- 
ernment, took  command  of  a privateer,  and 
captured  seven  British  vessels  before  the  close 
of  hostilities.  He  was  often  heard  to  remark 
that  he  had  “paid  off  old  scores  with  interest.” 

Caleb  Sylvester  was  born  Aug.  9,  1793, 
at  Bath,  Maine,  but  removed  in  early  life  to 
the  town  of  Phillips,  where  he  followed  the 
business  of  surveyor  and  filled  numerous  offi- 
cial positions,  including  that  of  member  of 
the  Legislature.  In  1844  he  came  to  Wiscon- 
sin, and,  two  years  later,  settled  in  the  town  of 
Mifflin,  Iowa  county,  where  he  reached  the 
age  of  nearly  seventy-five  years.  He  was  the 
father  of  twelve  children,  all  of  whom  grew 
to  maturity.  His  wife,  Joanna  (Whitney), 
who  was  distinguished  for  her  industrious  and 
frugal  habits,  passed  away  at  the  age  of  sixty- 
three  years.  She  was  born  at  Otisfield, 
Maine,  a daughter  of  Michael  Whitney,  who 
spent  seven  years  in  the  Continental  army. 
Two  of  his  sons  took  part  in  the  battle  of  Lake 
Champlain  during  the  war  of  1812;  another 
son,  Joel,  became  a leading  citizen  of  the  town 
of  Phillips,  where  he  operated  a store  and  mill, 
and  he  served  in  the  Legislature.  Ancestors 
of  this  family  came  to  Massachusetts  in  the 
seventeenth  century,  and  many  of  its  members 
were  prominent  in  the  civil  and  military  af- 
fairs of  the  colony. 

Eben  W.  Sylvester,  whose  name  heads 
this  notice,  enjoyed  the  advantages  of  a high 
school  education  in  his  native  place,  where  he 
taught  school  for  a time.  While  a student  at 
the  Phillips  high  school,  though  the  youngest 


L 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


433 


member  of  'his  class,  he  was  distinguished 
for  proficiency  in  mathematics,  and  still  ex- 
cels many  modern  students  in  that  science. 
In  1843  fie  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  spent  the 
next  year  or  two  teaching  'near  Platteville. 
He  then  “entered”  160  acres  of  government 
land  in  Mifflin  township,  which  he  cultivated 
and  improved  for  about  thirty  years,  meantime 
adding  to  his  land  until  he  had  acquired  520 
acres  in  all,  which  he  still  owns.  Since  1878 
he  has  resided  in  Mineral  Point,  where  he  has 
also  made  some  investments  in  real  estate. 
He  still  retains  his  interest  in  the  cause  of  edu- 
cation, and  served  for  some  years  as  superin- 
tendent of  the  city  schools.  In  political  prin- 
ciple he  has  always  been  a Democrat,  but  has 
supported  the  candidacy  and  administration 
of  'William  McKinley  from  the  start.  He  has 
witnessed  the  development  of  the  nation  for 
more  than  fourscore  years,  and  has  always 
been  ready  to  assist  in  the  march  of  progress. 
When  he  first  came  West  there  was  no  rail- 
road in  operation  west  of  Albany.  He  is  a 
prominent  member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity, 
and  has  filled  the  principal  offices  in  the  local 
chapter  and  commandery. 

On  April  23,  1856,  Mr.  Sylvester  was 
married  to  Miss  Nancy  Howard,  who  was 
born  at  Bruceville,  ne'ar  Vincennes,  Ind.,  a 
daughter  of  William  and  Nancy  (Young) 
Howard,  of  Highland,  Wis.  This  family 
came  to  Wisconsin  from  Indiana  in  1851. 
William  Howard  was  born  in  Hardin  county, 
Ky.,  about  the  beginning  of  the  nineteenth 
century,  and  died  at  Highland,  Wis.,  in  Jan- 
uary, 1856.  His  wife  died  Dec.  25,  1879, 
aged  seventy-eight  years.  Her  grandfather, 
Richard  Young,  came  from  England  to  New 
Jersey,  and  later  settled  in  South  Carolina, 
where  her  father,  also  named  Richard,  en- 
tered the  Continental  army  at  the  age  of  nine- 
teen years.  After  the  war  he  went  to  Ken- 
tucky, and  about  1815  removed  to  Indiana, 
liberating  his  slaves,  of  which  he  had  a consid- 
erable number.  Three  sons  of  William  and 
Nancy  Howard  served  in  the  Union  cause 
during  the  Civil  war  ; WYston  went  all  through 
the  conflict  in  the  51st  Ind.  V.  I. ; John  served 
in  a regiment  of  Kansas  cavalry,  and  was 
killed  at  Coffeyville,  Miss. ; and  William  en- 
listed at  Kerbyville,  Oregon.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Sylvester  are  the  parents  of  two  children,  one 
son  and  one  daughter,  both  of  whom  have 

been  carefully  educated,  and  reflect  credit  upon 
28 


the  home  training : Homer,  a graduate  of 

both  the  Wisconsin  and  Pennsylvania  Univer- 
sities, is  a practicing  physician  in  Milwaukee; 
Nettie,  wife  of  Colin  W.  Wright,  an  attorney 
of  Monroe,  Wis.,  is  an  artist  of  noteworthy- 
talent,  and  prominent  in  the  Order  of  The 
Eastern  Star. 

JUDSON  Le  GRAND  ROBINSON,  one 
of  the  prosperous  and  representative  farmers  of 
Rock  county,  owns  a well-cultivated  farm  in 
Section  10,  Janesville  township,  which  he  has 
acquired  as  the  fruit  of  his  arduous  labors. 

Judson  Le  Grand  Robinson  was  born  in 
Pike,  Wyoming  Co.,  N.  Y.,  May  17,  1844,  a 
son  of  Hubbard  and  Betsy  Ann  (Daine)  Rob- 
inson, natives  of  New  York  State.  The  father 
of  Hubbard  Robinson,  Aaron  Robinson,  was  a 
native  of  Massachusetts,  of  English  descent, 
was  a shoemaker,  farmer  and  tanner,  and  in 
time  amassed  a large  fortune.  Nine  children 
were  born  to  him  and  his  good  wife,  and  he  was 
over  seventy  at  the  time  of  his  death.  During 
his  lifetime  Aaron  Robinson  was  in  the  State 
militia,  and  in  every  way  proved  himself  a 
worthy  man  and  good  citizen.  The  maternal 
grandfather  of  our  subject,  Daniel  Daine,  a 
native  of  New  York  State,  of  English  descent, 
followed  the  occupation  of  farming.  He  had 
a family  of  nine  children,  and  was  about  sev- 
enty-five years  old  when  he  passed  away.  The 
maternal  grandmother,  whose  maiden  name 
was  Hammer,  lived  to  be  108  years  old.  and 
was  a very  worthy  and  highly  esteemed  lady. 

Hubbard  Robinson,  the  father  of  our  sub- 
ject, was  a shoemaker  by  trade,  at  which  he 
worked  until  a few  years  prior  to  his  death. 
While  in  New  York  State  he  was  a member 
of  the  school  board  in  the  village  where  he 
lived,  and  also  served  in  the  State  militia.  I11 
1852  Hubbard  Robinson  came  West,  locating 
in  Rock  county,  Wis.,  in  1856,  and  buying  a 
home  of  eleven  acres  in  Janesville,  on  the  west 
side  of  Rock  river,  in  Section  10,  where  he  re- 
sided until  his  death,  in  1889,  at  the  age  of 
seventy-one.  Mrs.  Robinson  still  survives,  a 
very  estimable  old  lady,  and  a consistent  mem- 
ber of  the  M.  E.  Church.  Three  sons  were  born 
to  this  good  couple,  two  of  whom  are  now  liv- 
ing: Judson  L. ; and  Cornelius  Wayne,  of 
Janesville  township. 

Judson  Le  Grand  Robinson  lived  in  New 
York  State  until  twelve  years  old,  when  he 
came  to  Rock  county  with  his  parents,  and  has 


434 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


since  resided  in  this  locality.  Until  the  Civil 
war  broke  out  Mr.  Robinson  followed  farming 
and  shoemaking',  attending  the  district  schools 
when  opportunity  offered;  but  as  soon  as  old 
enough  he  enlisted,  in  1864,  in  Company  A, 
43d  Whs.  V.  I.,  and  served  until  the  close  of  the 
war,  participating  in  the  battle  of  Johnsonville 
and  a number  ol  skirmishes.  After  the  close 
of  the  war  Mr.  Robinson  followed  his  trade 
about  two  years,  then  engaged  in  farming,  and 
now  owns  the  fine  farm  of  190  acres  where  he 
resides. 

O11  April  21,  1880,  Judson  Le  Grand  Rob- 
inson married  Miss  Hattie  Knofit,  daughter  of 
William  and  Catherine  M.  Knoff,  and  nine 
children  *have  been  born  to  them,  four  sons 
and  five  daughters : Roy  Le  Grand,  Arthur 

Wayne,  Benjamin  Harrison,  Judson,  Eva 
Dett,  Maude,  June,  Flora  and  Luella. 

Politically  Mr.  Robinson  is  a Republican 
in  sentiment,  and  he  has  been  called  upon  to 
serve  his  fellow  citizens  in  several  offices,  hav- 
ing acted  as  justice  of  the  peace  one  term,  and 
constable  several  times.  Socially  Mr.  Robin- 
son is  an  honored  member  of  W.  H.  Sargent 
Post,  G.  A.  R.  Both  he  and  his  wife  are 
good  representatives  of  the  agricultural  popu- 
lation of  Rock  county. 

W.  P.  HARTFORD,  M.  D.  For  almost 
a quarter  of  a century  this  gentleman  has  en- 
joyed a successful  and  lucrative  practice  in 
Grant  county,  and,  as  the  result  of  his  untiring 
labors,  ambition,  energy  and  well-directed  ef- 
forts, lie  is  to-day  the  possessor  of  a handsome 
competence  and  a beautiful  home  in  Cassville, 
where  he  spends  his  leisure  hours,  enjoying  the 
society  of  his  family  and  friends  in  the  midst 
of  all  the  comforts  that  go  to  make  life  worth 
the  living. 

Dr.  Hartford  was  born  in  Kentucky  in 

1853,  a son  of  John  and  Sarah  (Malin)  Hart- 
ford, also  natives  of  that  State,  who  in  April, 

1854,  came  to  Grant  county,  Wis.  The  father, 
who  was  a farmer  by  occupation,  took  up  a 
tract  of  government  land  in  Wyalusing  town- 
ship, to  the  improvement  and  cultivation  of 
which  he  devoted  his  energies  for  eleven  years. 
Fie  then  moved  to  the  village  of  Wyalusing, 
but  he  and  his  wife  now  make  their  home  in 
Cassville.  Their  children  are  W.  P. ; Jennie 
(Mrs.  Loud)  and  Taylor,  both  residents  of 
Wyalusing;  Clara,  now  matron  in  the  reform 
school  at  Milwaukee;  John,  a resident  of  Great 


Falls,  Mont.;  and  Mary,  Mrs.  Twining,  Gay’s 
Mills,  Wisconsin. 

Coming  to  Grant  county  with  his  parents 
during  infancy,  Dr.  Hartford  was  reared  here, 
and  educated  in  the  public  schools  and  acad- 
emy of  Patch  Grove.  He  then  entered  medi- 
cal college  at  Louisville,  Ky.,  where  he  was 
graduated  in  1876,  and  after  practicing  for  a 
short  time  in  that  State  returned  to  Grant 
county,  opening  an  office  in  Wyalusing,  where 
he  remained  eighteen  months.  He  was  then  in 
active  practice  at  Beetown  for  thirteen  years, 
and  in  June,  1891,  came  to  Cassville,  and  pur- 
chased the  business  of  Dr.  Cronin.  In  the  prac- 
tice of  his  profession  at  that  place  he  has  been 
eminently  successful,  and  has  acquired  some 
valuable  property  in  Cassville,  including  three 
good  residences.  He  also  owns  the  half  block 
on  which  his  own  home  stands. 

In  Milwaukee  Dr.  Hartford  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Miss  Ella  Kerr,  who  was  born 
in  Grant  county,  her  parents,  Edward  and  Jane 
(O'Neill)  Kerr,  being  early  settlers  of  Patch 
Grove.  Her  father  died  there  in  1896,  but  her 
mother  is  still  living.  The  Doctor  and  his  wife 
have  one  child,  Neil  Alexander. 

Soon  after  locating  at  Cassville  Dr.  Hart- 
ford was  appointed  surgeon  for  the  Chicago, 
Burlington  & Northern  railroad,  and  still  holds 
that  position.  He  is  prominent  in  professional 
circles,  and  is  an  honored  member  of  the  State 
Medical  Society,  the  Tri-State  Medical  So- 
ciety, and  the  American  Medical  Associa- 
tion. He  also  holds  membership  in  Cassville 
Lodge,  No.  235,  F.  & A.  M.,  of  which  he  was 
worthy  master  several  years ; is  a member  of 
the  Chapter,  R.  A.  M.,  at  Lancaster;  the  Or- 
der of  the  Eastern  Star;  the  Modern  Wood- 
men of  America;  the  Royal  Neighbors;  and 
was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Knights  of 
Pythias  lodge  at  Cassville.  In  his  political 
views  the  Doctor  is  a Republican. 

EZRA  IT.  STUART  has  been  engaged  for 
a number  of  years  in  the  ice  business  in  Brod- 
head,  Green  county,  and  has  recently  taken  up 
the  coal  trade.  He  has  had  a varied  and 
eventful  history,  and  throughout  his  life  has 
played  the  part  of  an  honest  and  industrious 
man. 

Mr.  Stuart  was  born  in  Wayne  county, 
.Ohio,  Nov.  15,  1844,  a son  of  Ezra  and  Caro- 
line (Lassell)  Stuart,  natives  of  Vermont,  who 
moved  into  New  York,  and  then  into  Wayne 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


435 


county,  Ohio.  They  had  four  children,  but 
oniy  two  grew  to  maturity.  Mary  is'  the  wife 
of  Abner  Mitchell,  of  Rock  county,  Wis.,  and 
Ezra  H.  is  our  subject.  The  father  died  in 
Wayne  county,  Ohio,  in  1845,  and  die  mother 
in  1849,  both  being  about  thirty  years  old  at 
the  time  of  their  demise.  They  were  Univer- 
salists  in  religious  faith,  and  lived  up  to  their 
best  ideals.  Sylvester  Stuart,  his  father,  was  a 
native  of  New  York,  of  Scotch-Irish  descent, 
and  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812.  He 
reared  a large  family.  The  founder  of  the 
family  came  to  New  Hampshire  in  1640. 
Bingham  Lassell,  the  father  of  Caroline,  men- 
tioned' above,  was  a native  of  northern  Ver- 
mont, a farmer  by  occupation,  and  was  over 
eighty  years  of  age  at  his  death.  He  had  a 
large  family. 

Ezra  H.  Stuart  was  six  years  old  when  his 
grandfather  Lassell  brought  him  to  Janesville. 
He  was  reared  by  his  uncle  and  aunt,  J.  W.  and 
L.  R.  Stuart,  in  the  town  of  Decatur,  Green 
county,  and  attended  the  district  school.  Mr. 
Stuart  enlisted,  Oct.  27,  1861,  in  Company  B, 

1 8th  Wis’.  V.  I.,  and  after  serving  a little  over 
a year  in  that  regiment  was  discharged  for 
disability.  He  came  heme,  and  in  August, 
1863,  re-enlisted,  in  Company  B.  1st  Wis.  Vol. 
Cav.,  serving  until  Tuly  19.  1865.  He  was 
mustered  out  at  Edgefield,  Term.  He  was  a 
corporal,  and  was  with  Col.  Harndon’s  squad 
when  he  captured  Jefferson  Davis,  receiving 
as  his'  share  of  the  $100,000  reward  $329.  He 
was  in  the  battle  of  Shiloh,  the  relief  of  Knox- 
ville, the  East  Tennessee  campaign,  all  through 
the  Atlanta  campaign,  during  the  sieg-e  of 
Nashville,  on  the  pursuit  of  Lyon,  and  also  on 
the  Gen.  Wilson  raid  through  Georgia  and 
Alabama. 

When  the  war  was  over  Mr.  Stuart  came  to 
Brodhead  and  engaged  in  farming  for  a few 
years.  He  was  four  years  at  Kirksville.  Mo., 
then  moved  into  Illinois,  and  lived  near  Ham- 
ilton twenty-two  years,  engaged'  in  farming 
and  fruit  raising.  In  1894  he  returned  to  Brod- 
head. and  engaged  in  the  ice  business.  In  1898 
he  took  on  the  coal  trade,  and  has  a fine  pat- 
ron? p-e  all  the  year  around. 

Mr.  Stuart  and  Miss  Lacey  A.  Norther?  ft 
were  united  in  marriage  Nov.  20,  1866.  She 
is  the  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Elmira  (Daw- 
son I Northcraft,  and  became  the  mother  of  two 
children,  Francis  and  Mary,  both  of  whom  died 
when  small.  Mr.  Stuart  belongs  to  Bicknpll  , 
Lodge,  Nlo>.  94,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  and,  with  his 


wife,  to  the  Order  of  the  Eastern  Star.  He 
was  master  of  the  lodge  at  Hamilton,  111.,  five 
years  in  succession.  He  is  a member  of  Wes- 
ley W.  Patton  Post,  No.  90,  G.  A.  R.,  at  Brod- 
head, and1  was  commander  of  the  post  one  term. 
He  was  formerly  a Republican,  but  for  a num- 
ber of  years  has  been  a Populist.  He  is  su- 
pervisor of  the  First  ward  in  Brodhead.  He 
lives  at  No.  127  North  Thomas  street,  where 
he  bought  and  has  remodeled  a very  attractive 
j and  elegant  home. 

. 

■ 

r- 

WILLIAM  FINLEY  GIBSON.  Among 
the  old  residents  of  Belmont  township,  La- 
fayette county,  who  have  won  the  esteem  of  a 
wide  circle  of  friends,  and  whose  worth  is  ac- 
knowledged by  the  community  in  which  they 
have  so  long  had  a home,  are  William  Finley 
Gibson  and  his  estimable  wife,  the  former  of 
whom  is  the  subject  of  this  biography. 

The  birth  of  our  subject  took  place  in 
County  Wicklow,  Ireland,  near  the  city  of  Dub- 
lin, May  28,  1826.  He  is  a son  of  George  and 
Jane  (Boyce)  Gibson,  the  former  of  whom  was 
for  many  years  a revenue  officer  under  the 
British  government,  and  both  parents  lived  and 
died  in  their  own  land,  leaving  five  children. 
Our  subject  is  the  only  one  of  these  who  ever 
came  to  America.  In  his  own  country  Mr. 
Gibson  received  a liberal  education.  Having 
decided  to  try  his  fortunes  in  this  land,  he 
reached  Chicago  sometime  in  1848,  engaging 
there  at  his  trade  of  carpenter  for  some  five 
years.  In  1850  he  married  Miss  Margaret 
Keegan,  daughter  of  Francis'  H.  and  Margaret 
Keegan,  who  were  born  in  Ireland,  but  came  of 
' English  parentage.  Francis  H.  Keegan  came 
to  the  city  of  Chicago  in  1848  with  his  family 
of  ten  children,  and  after  a residence  of  five 
years  there  removed  to  a farm  at  Mineral  Point, 
Wis.,  where  he  passed  the  remainder  of  his 
life.  Three  of  the  children  still  survive : 
Frank,  who  resides  in  Chicago;  John,  in  Min- 
eral Point ; and  Mrs.  Gibson. 

Some  five  years  after  their  marriage  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Gibs'on  decided  to  leave  the  city  and 
become  farmers,  and  with  this  end  in  view^  mi- 
grated to  Mineral  Point,  Wis.,  where  they  lived 
on  a farm  which  Mr.  Gibson  purchased  for 
some  eighteen  years.  In  1879  an  opportunity 
offered  for  the  sale  of  that  place  and  the  pur- 
chase of  the  present  home  farm,  and  the  famdv 
moved  to  Belmont  township,  where  Mr.  Gib- 
son has  improved  the  property  very  much  by 


436 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


the  erection  of  commodious  buildings  and  a 
comfortable  home.  For  a number  of  years 
he  continued  to  cultivate  his'  new  farm,  caus- 
ing it  to  become  one  of  the  most  attractive  in 
the  neighborhood,  but  his  son  William  for  some 
time  has  had  complete  charge  of  affairs,  and 
has  successfully  managed  both  farm  and  stock. 

The  family  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gibson 
consisted  of  eight  children:  (i)  George,  born 

in  Chicago  in  1851,  married  Amelia  Delong, 
of  Lafayette  county,  and  they  reside  in  Mont- 
fort,  where  he  is  an  extensive  buyer  of  stock; 
their  six  children  are  May,  Willie,  Holland, 
Laura,  Archie  and  Edna.  (2)  Margaret  J., 
born  in  Chicago,  in  1853,  married  John  Fitz- 
simmons, a merchant  of  St.  Paul,  Minn. ; the 
children  of  this  union  are  Thomas,  Charles, 
Zelba,  Willie  and  Lillie.  (3)  William  F., 
born  at  Mineral  Point,  Wis.,  in  1855,  received 
his  early  education  at  Mineral  Point,  later 
spending  two  years  at  the  Platteville  Normal 
School.  In  1882  he  married  Mary  Jones,  and 
they  resided  at  Cobb,  Wis.,  for  some  years, 
then  removing  to  his  father’s  farm,  Mr.  Gib- 
son purchasing  the  old  homestead’  in  March, 
1900.  His  wife  died  in  December,  1899,  leav- 
ing him  with  nine  children  (who  reside  with 
him  and  his  parents  at  the  old  home),  Ethel, 
William  Roy,  Samuel,;  Ella,  May,  George, 
Anna,  Burt  Clair  and  Guy  J.  (4)  Mary  E., 
born  at  Mineral  Point  in  1859,  married  Rev. 
Henry  Stewart,  of  Cadott,  Wis.,  and  has  two 
children,  Ira  and  Blanche.  (5J  Albert,  born  in 
Iowa  county  in  1861,  was  educated  at  the  State 
Normal  School.  He  married  Libbie  Laugh- 
lan,  of  Benton,  where  they  reside,  Mr.  Gibson 
being  in  business  in  that  city.  Their  children 
are  Joseph,  Charles  and  Russel.  (6)  Joseph, 
born  in  Iowa  county  in  1863,  graduated  from 
the  State  Normal  School,  and  then  became  prin- 
cipal of  the  Bloomer  (Wis.)  high  school.  He 
was  taken  sick  at  that  place  and  died  in  1895, 
the  county  losing  one  of  its  finest  young  men. 
(7)  Dr.  O.  E.,  born  at  Mineral  Point  in  1865, 
attended  the  Platteville  Normal  School,  later 
graduated  with  honor  from  the  Chicago  Den- 
tal College,  and  is  now  the  leading  member 
of  his  profession  in  Platteville.  He  married 
Alice  Gray,  of  that  city,  and  their  two  chil- 
dren are  Irvin  G.  and  Helen  M.  (8)  Henry  I., 
born  at  Mineral  Point  in  1867,  attended  the 
Platteville  Normal  School,  graduated  from  the 
Chicago  Dental  College,  and  then  entered  Rush 
Medical  College,  one  year  after  graduation  lo- 


cating at  Menomonie,  Wis.,  in  the  practice  of 
his  profession.  He  married  Katie  Doughty, 
a daughter  of  Rev.  William  Edward  Doughty, 
and  their  children  are  Obe  E.,  Llenry  Irwin, 
and  Dwi  ght. 

Politically  our  subject  has  always  been 
identified  with  the  Republican  party,  and  he 
has  faithfully  served  as  a justice  of  the  peace 
for  a number  of  years,  both  at  Mineral  Point 
and  in  Belmont,  his  son  William  having  also 
held  that  office.  For  many  years  both  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Gibson  were  members  of  the  Episcopal 
Church,  but  upon  locating  in  Belmont  they 
found  difficulty  in  reaching  a church  of  their 
preference,  and  connected  themselves  with  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  of  which  they  are 
consistent  members,  the  Christianity  of  such 
people  not  being  regulated  by  the  doctrinal 
name.  Throughout  the  county  our  subject 
and  family  are  respected  and  have  a name  for 
generous  hospitality  which  has  brought  them 
many  friends.  None  in  Belmont  township 
deserve  the  esteem  of  the  citizens  in  a higher 
degree  than  do  William  Finley  Gibson  and  his 
wife. 

MRS.  MARY  HANEY  is  a retired  busi- 
ness woman  of  the  town  of  Ellenboro,  Grant 
county,  who  since  the  death  of  her  husband, 
Phillip  Haney,  has  cared  for  her  estate  with 
much  executive  skill,  and  is  now  living  in 
peace  and  quiet. 

Mrs.  Planey  was  born  in  Trumbull  county, 
Ohio,  in  1842,  daughter  of  David  and  Harriet 
(McKee)  Phillips,  who  came  West  to  Ohio 
from  Connecticut,  and  made  their  home  in 
Trumbull  county  some  few  years,  then  moving 
to  Ellenboro,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  being  among 
the  very  early  settlers  of  that  town.  Mr. 
Phillips  owned  a large  amount  of  land,  and  was 
one  of  the  wealthy  and  influential  men  of 
Grant  county.  The  latter  part  of  his  life  was 
spent  at  Rockville,  Wis.,  where  he  and  his  wife 
died  at  a very  advanced  age.  As  a promi- 
nent business  man  he  had  a fine  reputation,  and 
left  ample  estate  to  his  family  of  six  children: 
( 1 ) George,  the  eldest  son,  died  in  the  village 
of  Arthur.  (2)  Lorinda  is  the  deceased  wife 
of  Samuel  Poland.  (3)  Dorns  is  a resident  of 
Nevada,  where  he  owns  a large  silver  mine. 

(4)  Mary  is  the  subject  proper  of  this  article. 

(5)  Harriet  married  a Mr.  Tighe.  (6)  David 
is  mentioned  below. 

Mary  Phillips  married  William  Duncan  for 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


437 


her  first  husband,  and  they  settled  on  a farm 
in  Ellenboro,  'where  he  died  leaving  his  wife 
with  two  daughters,  Harriet  M.  and  Eva. 
Harriet  married  John  Myers,  of  California, 
and  is  the  mother  of  four  children,  Joseph, 
Arthur,  Millie  and  George.  Eva  married 
Philo  Curley,  of  Kansas'.  Mrs.  Duncan  later 
married  Phillip  Haney,  of  Grant  county,  and 
settled  in  the  town  of  Harrison,  where  they 
were  living  at  the  time  of  his  death,  in  1886. 
Mrs.  Haney  still  retains  this  'home.  To  this 
union  there  was  born  one  son,  David  Haney, 

: a prosperous  ranchman  of  Lanagan,  Mo.  Mrs. 

Haney  is  a lady  of  much  culture  and  kindness, 
showing  many  traits  of  character  well  de- 
veloped in  her  distinguished  ancestors. 

Dorus  Phillips,  David  Phillips,  and  Mrs. 
Haney  are  all  who  are  left  of  this  old  and 
prominent  family.  David  Phillips,  one  of 
California’s  old-time  gold  miners,  now  a resi- 
dent of  Potosi,  Wis.,  married  Miss  Mahalla 
Travis,  of  the  town  of  Harrison,  whose  father 
fought  in  the  Black  Hawk  war.  They  have 
one  daughter,  Maggie,  who  is  the  wife  of  John 
Craiger,  of  Chicago. 

FREDERICK  GERBER,  a prominent  and 
successful  dealer  in  furniture  and  undertaking 
at  Monticello,  Green  county,  was  born  near 
Booneville,  N.  Y.,  Dec.  29,  1858,  a son  of 
Nicholas  and  Katherine  (Galli)  Gerber,  na- 
tives of  Canton  Berne,  Switzerland.  They 
were  the  parents  of  four  sons  and  two  daugh- 
ters: Frederick,  whose  name  appears  above; 

Nicholas,  a resident  of  Ohio  ; John,  a resident 
of  Rockwell,  Iowa;  Charles,  who  lives  in  Min- 
nesota; Lena,  who  is  the  wife  of  Edward 
Leibly,  of  Monroe,  Wis. ; Sophie,  the  wife  of 
Fred  Alder,  of  Brodhead.  Nicholas  Gerber 
is  now  in  the  cheese  business  in  Esther,  Iowa. 
In  1858  he  came  to  America,  and  settled  near 
Booneville,  N.  Y.  From  there  he  moved  to 
Wheeling,  111.,  and  in  1868  came  to  Green 
county,  where  he  established  the  two  first 
cheese  factories  there,  one  of  which  was  located 
in  the  town  of  New  Glarus,  and  the  other  in 
the  town  of  Washington,  and  was  proprietor 
and  manager  of  both  for  a number  of  vears. 
In  1894  he  moved  to  Esther,  Iowa,  where  he 
still  resides.  The  first  Mrs.  Gerber,  the  mother 
of  Frederick,  died  in  1868,  at  the  age  of  thirty- 
six  years.  She  was  a member  of  the  Swiss 
Reformed  Church.  After  her  death  Mr.  Ger- 
ber married  bliss  Katherine  Pound,  who  be- 


came the  mother  of  six  children : Louisa, 

wife  of  Isaac  Harrison,  of  Luverne,  Iowa; 
Edward,  of  Omaha;  Henry,  of  Cobb,  Wis.; 
Annie,  of  Esther,  Iowa ; William  and  Robert, 
at  home.  Mr.  Gerber  is  a Republican. 

The  paternal  grandfather  of  Frederick  Ger- 
ber, of  Monticello,  died  in  Switzerland,  well 
advanced  in  years.  He  was  a farmer  and  the 
father  of  five  children.  The  maternal  grand- 
father was  John  Galli,  who  came  to  New  York 
city,  where  he  died  when  about  eighty  years  old. 
He,  too,  was  a farmer,  and  had  five  children. 

Frederick  Gerber  was  six  years  old  when  he 
came  to  Illinois,  and  spent  some  eight  years  at 
Wheeling,  in  that  State.  Then  his  parents  re- 
moved to  Green  county,  bids.,  and  here  he 
completed  his  education  by  attending  the  dis- 
trict school.  Fie  was  reared  to  the  business  of 
cheese  making,  and  was  an  inmate  of  his  fa- 
ther's home  until  he  reached  adult  age.  For 
a number  of  years  he  followed  cheese  making, 
but  abandoned  the  business  in  1885,  when  he 
came  to  Monticello  and  opened  up  in  his  pres- 
ent line.  Flis  furniture  stock  is  very  complete 
and  thoroughly  modern  and  up-to-date,  and 
as  an  undertaker  he  has  a reputation  second 
to  none  in  this  part  of  the  State. 

Mr.  Gerber  was  married  Nov.  6,  1879,  to 
Fannie  Marty,  who  was  born  January  27,  1861, 
a daughter  of  Henry  and  Fannie  (Durst) 
Marty,  of  New  Glarus.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gerber 
are  the  parents  of  two  children,  Fannie,  who 
was  born  in  New  Glarus,  Wis.,  Feb.  28,  1881 ; 
and  Nichlaus,  who  was'  born  in  Monticello, 
Wis.,  June  19,  1884.  The  father  and  mother 
belong  to  the  Swiss  Reformed  Church,  and  he 
is  a member  of  Monticello  Lodge,  No.  153, 
F.  & A.  M.,  Lodge  83,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  the 
M.  W.  of  A.  Mr.  Gerber  is  a Republican  and 
has  been  trustee  of  the  village  for  the  past  three 
years.  In  the  village  he  owns  a good  home 
which  he  has  thoroughly  remodelled  since  his 
purchase. 

JOHN  J.  BRIDGMAN,  the  oldest  citizen 
of  the  town  of  Lament,  Lafayette  county,  was 
born  in  the  town  of  Lyme  (near  Dartmouth 
College),  N.  H..  Nov.  5,  1815.  His  parents, 
Gideon  and  Elizabeth  S.  (Barker)  Bridgman, 
were  natives  of  Haverhill,  N.  H.  Gideon 
Bridgman,  the  grandfather  of  John  J..  was  a 
soldier  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  and  fought 
under  Montgomery  in  his ' ill-starred  expedi- 
tion to  Quebec. 


43§ 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


John  J.  Bridgman  was  the  third  in  a family 
of  seven  children,  and  was  reared  in  the  State 
of  Ohio,  whither  his  parents  had  removed  in 
1818,  settling  in  the  town  of  Williamsfield,  in 
Ashtabula  county.  There  the  children  grew 
to  adult  years,  and  though  the  locality  was  on 
the  frontier  line  of  civilization  much  attention 
was  devoted  to  their  instruction,  both  in  in- 
formation of  the  world  and  in  the  elements  of 
character.  Mr.  Bridgman,  was  married  iin 
Ohio  March  n,  1838,  to  Miss  Rhoda  Cone, 
and  eleven  years  later  they  came  to  Wisconsin 
from  Cherry  Valley,  Ohio,  settling  in  the  town 
of  Fayette,  Lafayette  county,  where  they  lived 
four  years.  In  1853  they  moved  to  their  pres- 
ent home,  and  here  he  has  remained  to  the 
present  time,  a period  of  over  forty-seven  years. 
When  they  settled  here  the  country  was  new, 
and  neighbors  were  few  and  far  between.  Mr. 
Bridgman  has  improved  a fine  farm  with  the 
assistance  of  his  sons,  beginning  with  a tract 
of  120  acres,  which  he  gradually  increased  to 
220  acres.  As  his  sons  grew  up  and  married 
they  acquired  farms  of  their  own.  All  are 
now  well  situated,  and  have  become  honorable 
and  worthy  members  of  society. 

The  greatest  loss  that  Mr.  Bridgman  has 
ever  sustained  was  the  death  of  his  estimable 
wife,  which  occurred  March  11,  1899,  on  the 
sixty-first  anniversary  of  their  marriage.  She 
was  born  June  16,  1815.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bridg- 
man became  the  parents  of  eight  children,  of 
whom  three  sons  and  three  daughters'  are 
now  living:  Charles  R..  of  Darlington;  Hiram 
M.,  who  served  in  the  Union  army  during  the 
war  of  the  Rebellion,  being  a member  of  the 
31st  Wis.  V.  I.,  as  was  also  his  brother,  Charles 
R. : Mrs.  Elizabeth  Cook,  of  Clarksville,  Iowa; 
Mrs.  Julia  Ann  McConnell,  of  Spencer,  Iowa; 
James,  living  at  the  family  homestead,  who 
is  the  present  treasurer  of  the  town  of  La- 
mont ; and  Mrs.  Hannah  R.  McCarty,  living 
in  the  town  of  Lament.  Henry  died  when 
nine  years  old,  and  William  died  in  Charles 
City,  Iowa,  Nov.  22.  1900,  at  the  age  of  fifty- 
one  years. 

The  parents  of  Mr.  Bridgman  came  to  La- 
fayette county  in  1863,  and  were  drowned  in 
Otter  creek,  Feb.  13,  1867,  while  attempting 
to  ford  that  stream.  The  father  was  born 
April  8,  1787,  and  the  mother  June  23,  of  the 
same  year. 

John  J.  Bridgman  is  one  of  the  well  known 
citizens  of  his  town.  He  has  been  very  suc- 


cessful in  his  farming  operations.  Arriving 
in  the  county  with  fifty  dollars  in  his  pocket, 
and  a horse  and  wagon,  worth  not  more  than 
sixty-five  dollars,  he  has  become  one  of  the 
wealthier  men  of  the  community,  and  has  am- 
ple resources  for  every  possible  call  that  may  be 
made  on  him.  In  religion  Mr.  Bridgman  has 
long  been  associated  with  the  Freewill  Baptist 
Church,  and  was  for  forty  years  one  of  its 
active  deacons.  He  is  now  the  only  survivor 
of  the  original  organizers  of  his  church. 

I 

OBED  Iv.  JONES,  a retired  farmer  of 
Harrison  township,  Grant  county,  is  on  the 
“shady”  side  of  sixty,  but  his  step  is  not  feeble 
nor  his  arm  weak.  He  has  retired  from  the 
hard  and  strenuous  labor  of  active  farming, 
but  industry  and  prudence  in  his  earlier  years 
have  brought  him  an  ample  competence  to  make 
his  remaining  days  comfortable  and  independ- 
ent. 

Mr.  Jones  was  born  in  Trumbull  county, 
Ohio,  in  January,  1833,  a son  of  Chauncey  and 
Elizabeth  (Brown)  Jones,  both  natives  of  that 
county,  the  former  born  Dec.  19,  1807,  and  the 
latter  March  1,  1807.  They  were  reared  and 
educated  in  Trumbull  county,  and  were  there 
married.  They  followed  farming  in  Ohio  un- 
til 1840,  when  they  came  to  Grant  county,  Wis., 
and  made  a home  where  their  son  Obed  K.  now 
resides,  Mr.  Jones  purchasing  nearly  three  hun- 
dred acres  from  the  government,  and  putting' 
up  a log  house  near  where  his  parents,  Chaun- 
cey and  Ursula  (Crosby)  Jones,  had  estab- 
lished themselves  in  1839.  They  were  born  in 
Connecticut,  and  moved  West  at  an  early  day. 
These  are  heroic  names  in  American  history. 
The  Browns,  Crosbys  and  Joneses  were  all 
Plymouth  Rock  stock,  and  bore  a hand  stoutly 
in  the  American  Revolution.  Chauncey  Jones, 
Sr.,  and  his  wife  remained  on  their  Grant 
county  farm  as  long  as  they  lived,  he  dying 
in  1863,  and  she  in  1876.  They  had  a family 
of  four  children,  of  whom  (1)  Chauncey,  the 
father  of  our  subject,  was  the  eldest.  (2) 
Obed,  the  second  child,  was  born  in  Ohio, 
came  with  his  parents  to  Wisconsin,  and  set- 
tled on  part  of  his  father’s  original  purchase, 
thence  moving  into  Platteville  township,  where 
he  died  in  1889,  leaving  a wife  and  several 
surviving  children  of  their  familv  of  six — 
Mary,  now  Mrs.  Whittenheim,  of  Lima,  Grant 
county;  Albert,  now  of  Sac  county,  Iowa; 
Julius,  who  died  in  the  Civil  wtar ; Pluma, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


439 


now  Mrs.  Robert  Duncan,  of  Prairie  du  Chien ; 
Celia,  married  and  living  in  Missouri ; and 
Julia,  Mrs.  Burney,  who  lives  in  Nebraska. 
(3)  Clarissa  married  Jesse  Waldorf,  and  set- 
tled on  a farm  in  Lima  township,  Grant  coun- 
ty, where  both  died.  Their  only  surviving 
child  is  Mrs.  A.  V.  Knapp,  who  lives  on  the 
old  Waldorf  homestead.  (4)  Harvey  came 
with  his  parents  into  Wisconsin,  here  married 
Miss  Eliza  Hull,  and  shortly  removed  to  Ore- 
gon, settling  on  a farm  near  Puget  Sound. 
They  were  killed  by  Indians.  Two  of  their 
children,  Harvey  and  Eliza,  escaped  and  were 
brought  back  to  Wisconsin  by  their  grandfa- 
ther; they  died  while  they  were  still  in  their 
childhood. 

Chauncey  Jones,  the  father  of  Obed  K., 
lived  in  the  log  'house  some  years,  and  when 
circumstances  permitted  erected  a handsome 
frame  dwelling.  This  gave  way  later  to  a 
more  pretentious  structure,  which  is  now  the 
home  of  the  gentleman  whose  name  introduces 
this  article.  Chauncey  Jones  died  in  1856,  his 
estimable  wife,,  who  had  shared  with  him  all 
the  hardships  of  frontier  life,  surviving  until 
1885.  He  was  an  old-time  Whig,  and  an  ac- 
tive Republican,  served  as  justice  of  the  peace, 
and  was  a member  of  the  school  board  for  a 
number  of  years.  Both  he  and  his  wife  were 
always  consistent  members  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  opening  their  house  for  pub- 
lic worship  before  the  town  had  either  school 
houses  or  church  buildings.  They  reared  a 
family  of  three  sons  and  one  daughter : Or- 

lando S. ; Obed  Iv. ; Orpha,  who  died  when 
ten  years  old;  and  James  H.  The  last  named 
enlisted  when  only  fifteen  years  old  in  the  7th 
Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  throughout  the  war  as 
a member  of  the  celebrated  “Iron  Brigade." 
He  was  taken  prisoner  and  confined  at  Libby 
prison  and  on  Belle  Isle.  While  home  on  a 
furlough  he  married  Miss  Ortha  McFall,  who 
died  in  December,  1899,  in  Fayette  county, 
Iowa,  where  she  and  her  husband  had  resided 
for  some  years  on  a farm.  Four  of  their  chil- 
dren are  now  living,  Archie,  Dr.  Louie  (phy- 
sician for  the  Northwestern  road  at  Wall  Lake, 
Iowa),  Herrnie,  and  George. 

Obed  Iv.  Jones  was  brought  to  Wisconsin 
by  his  parents  when  a boy,  and  here  he  grew 
up  on  the  farm  and  received  a district-school 
education.  He  married  Miss  Harriet  Gurn- 
sey,  a daughter  of  Joseph  and  Charlotte  Gurn- 
sey,  of  Blue  River,  Grant  county,  and  old  and 


honored  residents  of  the  State  of  New  York. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jones  lived  with  his  mother 
after  his  father's  death.  She  died  in  1861, 
leaving  him  one  son  and  one  daughter : ( 1 ) 

DeForest,  a farmer  in  Sac  county,  Iowa,  grad- 
uated from  the  Platteville  Normal  School. 
He  married  Miss  Clara  Hurlburt,  and  they 
have  five  children,  Harry,  Olive,  Hattie,  Burt, 
and  Gordon.  (2)  Harriet,  the  daughter,  who 
was  educated  at  the  Platteville  Normal,  mar- 
ried David  Murray,  of  Grant  county,  and  they 
are  now  living  on  a farm  in  Iowa.  They  have 
a family  of  five  children,  Bessie  Olive,  Frank, 
Nellie,  Genevieve  and  Ernest. 

Mr.  Jones  enlisted  in  Company  E,  33d 
V is.  V.  I.,  in  the  spring  of  1862,  and  served 
throughout  the  war.  He  was  in  the  Western 
Army  under  Gen.  Sherman,  and  was  in  many 
fiercely-fought  battles  and  long  marches,  but 
survived  all  the  perils  of  that  great  struggle, 
and  came  home  in  1865.  Two  years  later  he 
married  Miss  Susan  Janney,  a daughter  of 
Nathan  and  Elizabeth  (Grimes)  Janney,  na- 
tives of  Virginia  and  Kentucky,  respectively. 
She  was  born  in  Wisconsin  in  1836,  and  her 
parents  were  among  the  earliest  settlers  to  take 
farm  property  near  Platteville.  Mrs.  Jones 
was  educated  in  the  old  academy  at  Platteville, 
and  was  among  the  successful  teachers  of 
Platteville  and  Galena  for  over  fifteen  years ; 
she  is  a lady  of  culture  and  education,  and  'has 
many  warm  friends.  x\fter  their  marriage 
Mr.  and  Airs.  Jones  moved  to  the  old  Jones 
homestead  farm,  where  they  have  resided  up  to 
the  present  time.  In  1892  Air.  Jones  gave  up 
active  farm  work,  and  turned  the  management 
of  the  farm  business  over  to  his  son  Frank. 
One  son  and  one  daughter  were  born  to  the 
second  marriage.  The  daughter.  Nellie,  was 
born  in  1S68,  and  educated  at  the  Platteville 
Normal.  In  1889  she  married  Philip  Wein- 
terheiller,  of  Grant  county,  and  now  resides  in 
Pocahontas  county,  Iowa,  where  her  husband 
is  engaged  in  the  real-estate  business  and 
farming.  They  have  two  children,  Clyde  and 
Clara.  Frank  C.,  the  youngest  son  of  our  sub- 
ject, was  born  in  1870,  was  educated  in  the 
Platteville  Normal,  and  was  a teacher  for  a 
short  time.  He  married  Aliss  Alaude  Johns- 
ton, daughter  of  Warren  and  Phoebe  Johnston, 
one  of  Grant  county’s  old  and  prominent  pio- 
neer families,  and  is  now  the  manager  of  his 
father’s  interests  on  the  home  farm.  They 
have  three  children,  Frank,  Ruth,  and  Helen. 


440 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Mr.  Jones  has  been  a Republican  all  his 
life.  He  and  his  wife  and  children  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  his 
wife  being-  very  prominent  in  the  work  of 
same.  Fraternally  he  is  a Mason,  and  he  be- 
longs to  Sherman  Post,  G.  A.  R. 

WARREN  ELISHA  GARDNER,  of 
Brodhead,  is  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Green 
county,  and  his  life  is  a part  of  its  history 
for  more  than  half  a century.  Here  he  spent 
his  boyhood  and  youth,  and  here  he  has  lived 
and  labored  through  all  the  intervening  years. 
He  is  a man  of  character  and  standing,  and 
may  be  justly  pronounced  one  of  the  leading- 
citizens  of  this  part  of  the  county. 

Mr.  Gardner  was  born  in  Bennington,  Vt., 
Feb.  i.  1839,  and  is  a son  of  Dewey  and 
Samantha  W.  (Wadsworth)  Gardner,  both 
natives  of  Vermont.  They  had  a family  of 
three  children,  of  whom  Warren  Elisha  is  now 
the  only  one  living.  The  father  was  a farmer, 
anti  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1845,  locating  in 
Waukesha  for  a year.  After  that  he  came 
to  Green  county,  and  secured  a tract  of  two 
hundred  forty  acres  from  the  Government 
From  time  to  time  he  added  to  this,  until  he 
had  a magnificent  rural  estate  of  five  hundred 
twelve  acres.  He  lived  in  the  town  of  Decatur 
until  his  death  in  1873,  at  the  age  of  sixty-six. 
His  widow  survived  until  1898,  when  she  died 
at  the  age  of  ninety-one  years.  They  were 
Universalists  in  their  religious  convictions, 
and  lived  after  the  best  ideals  of  their  faith. 
Fie  was  a man  of  local  standing  and  was  called 
to  fill  various  town  offices  from  time  to  time. 
His  father,  Sylvester  Gardner,  was  a native 
of  Vermont,  of  German  lineage,  and  he  was 
born  and  bred  a farmer,  following  that  calling- 
all  his  life.  Fie  reared  a large  family,  and  died 
in  the  East.  The  maternal  grandfather  of 
Warren  Elisha  Gardner  was  Samuel  Wads- 
worth. Fie  was  a native  of  Vermont,  of  Eng- 
lish descent,  and  a farmer  all  his  life.  Fie 
lived  to  be  seventy-five  years  old,  and 'reared  a 
large  family.  He  had  a brother,  Joseph,  who 
served  in  the  Revolutionary  war. 

Warren  E.  Gardner  was  only  six  years 
old  when  he  came  with  his  parents  to  Wiscon- 
sin, and  he  has  lived  in  Green  county  since  he 
was  seven  years  old,  so  that  he  can  say 
that  practically  his  entire  life  has  been 
passed  in  this  State.  He  was  reared  on 
the  farm,  and  attended  the  district  school, 


finishing  his  schooling  at  the  seminary  at 
Evansville.  When  he  became  a man  he 
taught  school,  and  made  a very  credit- 
able record  as  a teacher.  But  he  was  needed 
at  home  and  he  came  back  to  the  farm,  where 
he  remained  assisting  his  father  in  its  cultiva- 
tion as  long  as  he  lived.  When  the  father 
died,  the  farm  was  divided  between  the  two 
brothers,  Gurdon  and  Warren  E.  Warren  E. 
continued  on  the  old  homestead  until  1886, 
and  it  still  remains  in  his  possession.  He  has 
added  to  his  inheritance  until  he  now  owns 
five  hundred  eighty-eight  acres  of  as  choice 
land  as  may  be  found  in  the  southern  part  of 
the  State,  which  is  as  much  as  to  say  any- 
where in  the  United  States,  for  Green  county 
is  a garden  and  a delight  to  the  eye.  In  1886 
Mr.  Gardner  came  to  Brodhead  with  his 
mother  to  occupy  a good  home  which  he  had 
just  completed,  and  here  his  mother  lived  until 
her  death. 

Mr.  Gardner  is  a stanch  Republican.  Fie 
was  chairman  of  the  town  board  several  terms 
before  moving  to  the  city,  and  here  lie  has 
served  two  terms  as  a member  of  the  board 
of  trustees  of  the  corporation.  For  fourteen 
years  he  has  been  a resident  of  Brodhead,  and 
is  one  of  the  most  highly  esteemed  citizens  of 
the  place. 

JACOB  KARLEN.  This  gentleman  has 
been  a resident  of  Monroe,  Green  county,  Wis.. 
for  the  last  twenty  years,  and  in  that  time  has 
made  a large  success  of  the  cheese  business, 
both  as  a producer  and  a wholesale  dealer.  He 
came  to  it  somewhat  late  in  life,  but  lie  was 
familiar  with  the  cheese  methods  of  his  native 
land.  Industrious  and  not  afraid  of  hard 
work,  he  put  character  into  every  cheese  he 
offered  for  sale.  He  is  but  a little  past  sixty 
years  of  age,  yet  he  has  achieved  a very  de- 
cided success,  both  in  the  accumulation  of  a 
fair  fortune  and  the  building  up  of  a wide  and 
prosperous  trade.  He  was  born  in  Canton 
Berne.  Switzerland,  Jan.  18,  1840,  and  is  a 
son  of  Christ  and  Maria  (Pfuncl)  Karlen,  both 
children  of  the  mountain  republic. 

Christ  Karlen  was  a stone  mason  by  trade, 
and  his  death  occurred  in  his  native  land  in 
1852,  at  the  early  age  of  forty-five  years,  the 
result  of  an  accident  while  he  was  engaged  in 
blasting.  He  left  a widow  and  five  sons,  four 
of  whom  are  now  living : Christ,  of  A ilas, 

S.  Dak.;  Jacob;  David,  of  Booneville,  N.  Y. ; 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


441 


and  Gottfried,  of  Beemer,  Neb.  The  mother 
came  to  this  country  in  1875,  and  made  her 
home  with  her  children,  dying  in  Monroe  in 
1898,  when  over  eightv-three  years  of  age. 
Both  she  and  her  husband  were  members  of 
the  Lutheran  Church. 

The  father  of  Christ  Karlen  bore  the  name 
of  Jacob  Karlen,  and  he,  too,  was  a stone 
mason  by  trade,  and  was  a very  hard  working 
man.  He  died  in  his  native  land  at  the  age 
of  eighty-three.  In  1798  he  was  drafted  by 
Napoleon  when  the  latter  invaded  Switzer- 
land, and  made  a call  for  1,800  men.  but  Mr. 
Karlen  would  not  serve,  and  deserted  the 
French  army.  In  his  family  were  eight  sons 
and  three  daughters,  several  of  whom  are  rep- 
resented in  this  country.  Joseph  Pfund,  the 
father  of  Maria  (Pfund)  Karlen,  was  a soldier 
in  the  Swiss  army,  and  lived  to  be  over  seventy 
years  of  age. 

Jacob  Karlen,  who  is  widely  known  as  the 
Monroe  cheese  maker  and  dealer,  was  reared 
to  manhood  in  his  native  community.  He  at- 
tended the  Swiss  schools,  and  had  an  educa- 
tion as  good  as  the  circumstances  of  his  fam- 
ily could  command.  In  November.  1862,  Air. 
Karlen  and  Miss  Maryanna  Zwahlen,  the 
daughter  of  Christ  and  Anna  (Beetschen) 
Zwahlen,  were  united  in  marriage,  and  to  this 
union  were  born  eleven  children : Mary  Ann, 

Magdalena,  Jacob,  Jr.,  Rosina,  David,  Anna, 
Gottlieb,  Louisa,  Samuel,  Fritz,  and  Louis. 
The  first  five  of  these  were  born  in  Switzer- 
land, and  the  others  in  this  country.  Mary 
Ann  married  John  Becker,  and  lives  in  the 
town  of  Jefferson;  they  have  five  children, 
Mary,  John,  Jacob,  Emma  and  Herman.  Mag- 
dalena married  John  Werren,  and  lives  in 
South  W ayne,  Whs. ; they  have  one  child, 
Edna.  Jacob.  Jr.,  married  Kathrina  Hefty, 
and  has  three  children,  Lillian  Kathrina,  Her- 
man Jacob  and  Florence;  Jacob,  Jr.,  is  in  part- 
nership with  his  father.  Rosina  is  Mrs.  Fred 
Schumacher,  and  lives  near  Browntown,  Wis. ; 
they  have  three  children,  Louisa,  Lena  and 
Fritz.  David  married  Miss  Malie  Hoesli, 
and  is  the  father  of  three  children,  Sylvia, 
Myrtle  and  Arthur.  Anna  is  the  deceased 
wife -of  John  Karlen,  of  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  and 
was  the  mother  of  three  children,  David,  Hul- 
dah  and  Lilly.  Gottlieb  married  Miss  Kath- 
•nna  Becker,  and  is  a ’’’grocer  in  Monroe ; thev 
have  one  child,  Marie.  Louise  and  Samuel 
died  about  the  same  time,  children  of  seven 


and  five  years,  from  diphtheria.  Fritz,  in 
business  with  his  father,  married  Sophia 
Hoehn.  Louis  died  when  twenty-one  years 
[ old. 

In  1869  Mr.  Karlen,  his  wife  and  five  chil- 
dren, came  to  this  country  and  located  at 
Booneville,  Oneida  Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  they 
spent  about  a year,  and  then  came  on  West 
to  Wisconsin.  They  stopped  for  some  months 
at  Hanover,  and  presently  arranged  to  have 
their  permanent  home  in  Green  county,  and 
for  the  last  twenty  years  or  more  Mr.  Karlen 
and  his  interesting  family  have  been  residents 
of  the  city  of  Monroe.  He  was  reared  a ma- 
son, but  when  he  came  to  this  county  he  saw 
an  opening  in  the  cheese  business  and  was 
quick  to  take  advantage  of  it,  with  marked 
success.  His  business  extends  to  all  parts  of 
the  United  States,  and  with  every  passing  year 
it  is  increasing.  Mr.  Karlen  is  an  independ- 
ent in  politics.  His  home  is  on  Farmer  street, 
in  Monroe. 

BENJAMIN  G.  JONES.  Among  the 
well-known  citizens  of  Grant  county  is  Ben- 
jamin G.  Jones,  of  Millville,  proprietor  of  a 
flouring-mil]  at  that  place,  and  a veteran  of 
the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  having  fought  for 
the  Union  in  the  famous  Iron  Brigade.  He 
enlisted  in  January,  1864,  in  Company  C,  6th 
Whs.  V.  L,  and  joined  the  regiment  at  Cul- 
peper, Va.,  participating  in  the  terrible  battles, 
marches  and  sieges  which  fell  to  the  lot  of 
the  Army  of  the  Potomac  during  the  last 
desperate  struggles  of  the  war.  All  know  the 
record  of  the  Iron  Brigade  in  the  awful  cam- 
I paign  of  the  Wilderness,  in  the  siege  of  Peters- 
; burg,  and  the  desperate  battles  attending  that 
| sieg'e.  Then,  when  Lee  was  compelled  to 
, leave  his  stronghold  and  flee  before  the  terrible 
I onslaughts  of  Grant’s  army,  the  Iron  Brigade 
I was  foremost  among  the  troops  who  pursued 
the  Confederate  army,  and  was  present  .at  the 
I surrender  at  Appomattox.  Mr.  Jones  partici- 
1 pated  in  many  severe  battles  in  which  the  bri- 
gade was  engaged,  and  had  many  narrow 
escapes,  but  was  never  severely  injured.  At 
the  battle  of  Hatchie’s  Run  a ball  passed 
through  his  hat.  and  the  force  was  sufficient 
to  knock  him  down.  He  is  in  a fair  condition 
of  health,  considering  the  severity  of  his  army 
life,  and  yet  he  has  suffered  much  from  causes 
resulting  therefrom,  chief  among  which  was  a 
l varicose  limb,  which  compelled  him  to  go  on 


442 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


crutches  for  some  time;  he  has  never  fully  re- 
covered in  this  respect. 

A native  of  England,  Mr.  Jones  was  born 
in  Northamptonshire  Dec.  5,  1846,  a son  of 
John  and  Christina  (Carnage)  Jones.  When 
he  was  a mere  lad  the  family,  comprising  par- 
ents and  four  children,  emigrated  to  America. 
Another  child  was  born  after  coming  to  this 
country.  Benjamin  G.  was  the  eldest  son. 
The  father  passed  away  in  1887  at  Bridgeport, 
Wis.,  where  the  aged  mother  still  lives.  On 
coming  from  England  the  family  first  located 
in  Grant  county,  whence  they  removed  to  Craw- 
ford county. 

Mr.  Jones  was  reared  to  the  occupation  of 
farming,  hut  also  learned  the  blacksmith’s 
trade,  which  he  followed  for  a number  of  years, 
in  the  fall  of  1878  he  went  to  Nebraska,  where 
he  had  come  into  possession  of  a milling  in- 
terest, but  after  operating  the  mill  for  a period 
of  twenty-one  years  he  returned  to  Wisconsin, 
since  which  time  he  has  owned  and  operated 
the  mill  at  Millville. 

Mr.  Jones  married  Miss  Rhoda  O.  Polley, 
and  to  them  were  born  seven  children,  but 
the  eldest  child  and  only  son  is  now  deceased. 
They  have  an  adopted  son,  however,  David  L. 
Jones.  The  daughters  are  all  living.  Fra- 
ternally Mr.  Jones  is  a worthy  member  of  W. 
H.  Irwin  Post,  No.  70,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Nebraska. 
He  takes  an  active  interest  in  whatever  tends 
to  promote  the  prosperity  of  the  community 
in  which  lie  lives,  and  is  an  extensive  reader, 
keeping  well  informed  on  the  political  and  gen- 
eral issues  of  the  day.  As  a gallant  soldier  in 
the  war  for  the  Union,  and  one  of  the  highly 
respected  citizens  of  Millville,  he  is  well  de- 
serving of  honorable  mention  in  the  history 
of  his  adopted  county. 

THOMAS  BRACKEN,  of  the  town  of 
Willow  Springs,  Lafayette  county,  is  a son  of 
Gen.  Charles  Bracken,  who  was  one  of  the 
more  prominent  pioneers  of  Southwestern  Wis- 
consin. 

Charles  Bracken  was  born  April  6,  1797, 
in  Pittsburg,  Penn.,  and  belonged  to  a family 
long  established  in  that  State,  its  first  Ameri- 
can representative  having  come  to  America 
about  the  time  that  William  Penn  established 
his  colony.  He  was  a youth  at  the  time  the 
second  war  with  England  broke  out,  and  took 
an  important  part  in  that  struggle  for  one  so 
young.  Some  time  after  the  close  of  that  war 


Mr.  Bracken  went  to  Cynthiana,  Ivy.,  where  he 
was  married  May  30,  1820,  to  Sarah  Jones, 
who  was  born  in  Baltimore  March  1,  1799. 

I he  year  1828  found  him  at  Galena,  111.,  which 
had  already  become  important  as  the  chief 
point  in  the  lead  regions.  From  that  time  un- 
til his  death,  in  1861,  he  was  intimately  identi- 
fied with  the  growth  and  development  of  South- 
western Wisconsin.  Soon  after  Mr.  Bracken 
located  at  Galena  he  was  joined  by  his  family, 
but  on  the  breaking  out  of  the  Black  Hawk 
war  he  sent  them  back  to  Kentucky,  where 
they  remained  until  the  close  of  Indian  hostil- 
ities. Mr.  Bracken  himself  took  an  active 
part  in  that  short  but  sharp  struggle  with  the 
followers  of  Black  Hawk.  He  assisted  in 
building  Fort  Defiance,  where  he  was  made  a 
lieutenant,  and  took  part  in  a number  of  severe 
engagements  with  the  Indians. 

Mr.  Bracken  was  one  of  the  earliest  to 
engage  in  the  smelting  business  m Lafayette 
county,  and  carried  on  that  business  quite  ex- 
tensively for  a number  of  years.  He  estab- 
lished a blast  furnace  smelter  in  Section  35, 
Town  4,  Range  3,  East,  now  the  township  of 
Willow  Springs,  where  he  smelted  both  cop- 
per and  lead  ore.  He  had  previously  built  sev- 
eral ash  furnaces  at  different  points.  Mr. 
Bracken  had  entered  from  the  government  a 
large  tract  of  land,  and  in  1833  settled  with 
his'  family  where  his  son  now  lives,  and  where 
he  lived  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in 
April,  1861,  when  he  was  aged  sixty-four 
years.  Plis  wife  had  passed  away  in  1849. 
Gen. Bracken,  as  he  was  commonly  called,  was  a 
man  of  much  more  than  the  average  ability. 
Possessing  great  energy  and  perseverance,  he 
contributed  as  much  as  any  other  one  man 
to  the  development  of  Lafayette  county,  and  in 
its  early  annals  deserves  a place  with  such  men 
as  Judge  Dunn,  Col.  Parkinson,  Elias  Pilling, 
Moses  Meeker,  Dennis  Murphy,  Major  Shel- 
don, and  other  representative  pioneers  whose 
names  might  he  mentioned.  In  Iris  political 
affiliations  he  was  a Whig  of  the  Old  School, 
and  he  was  active  and  influential  in  the  coum 
cils  of  his  party,  serving  as  a member  of  the 
General  Assembly  in  1858. 

Gen.  Bracken  and  his  wife  became  the  par- 
ents of  nine  children,  of  whom  seven  lived  to 
mature  years,  but  only  three  are  living  at  the 
time  of  this  writing  (1901).  The  oldest  of 
these,  Charles  James  Bracken,  is  a resident  oi 
Hot  Springs,  S.  Dak.;  Mrs.  Jane  Simpson,  the 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


443 


only  surviving  daughter,  lives  at  Mineral 
Point;  Thomas  Bracken  is  the  subject  proper 
of  this  article. 

Thomas  Bracken  was  born  Nov.  4,  1838, 
on  the  family  homestead,  the  establishment  of 
^which,  in  1833,  is  noted  above.  He  obtained 
his  education  in  the  common  schools,  and  in 
what  was  then  Platteville  Academy,  in  i860. 
His  father  was  a competent  surveyor,  and  the 
son  prepared  for  that  profession,  and  in  the 
spring  of  1862  went  to  the  Northwest  Ter- 
ritories for  the  purpose  of  engaging  in  govern- 
ment work.  Congress  had  made  no  appropri- 
ations for  that  work,  and  the  young  man  was 
disappointed,  but  remained  some  nine  years  in 
the  Far  West. 

Mrs.  Thomas  Bracken  was  formerly  Eliza- 
beth, daughter  of  Richard  Benson,  who 
brought  his  family  from  England  to  the  United 
States  in  1849,  and  lived  for  a time  in  Willow 
Springs,  where  friends  of  the  family  had  long 
been  established.  The  father  died  when  sixty- 
two  years  of  age,  the  mother  living  to  be 
eighty-two.  Their  children  are  all  living,  and 
include  Daniel,  who  is  a resident  of  Willow 
Springs;  Joseph,  who  lives  in  Iowa;  Mrs. 
Bracken;  and  John,  of  Plainfield,  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Thomas  Bracken  have  one 
son,  William,  who  is  still  at  home.  Thomas 
Bracken  is  living  where  the  greater  part  of  his 
life  has  been  passed.  He  is  one  of  the  most 
reliable  and  universally  respected  members  of 
the  farming  community  in  this  part  of  the 
State.  He  has  a pleasant  farm  home,  and  his 
broad  and  well-tilled  acres  show  everywhere 
the  work  of  a man  to  whom  agriculture  is  not 
only  work  but  a pleasure.  Generally  affili- 
ating with  the  Democratic  party,  he  has  come 
to  take  strong  ground  on  the  liquor  question, 
and  of  late  he  has  felt  that  is  the  main  prob- 
lem now  before  the  American  people.  Hence 
his  sympathies  go  out  very  largely  to  the  Pro- 
hibition party.  With  his  family  he  holds  mem- 
bership in  the  Primitive  Methodist  Church. 

E.  M.  CURKEET,  one  of  the  substantial 
and  prominent  agriculturists  of  Elk  Grove 
township,  Lafayette  county,  is  known  among 
his  neighbors  as  a successful  and  prosperous 
farmer  and  stock  raiser,  and  is  most  highly 
regarded  as  a representative  man,  both  in  pub- 
lic and  in  private,  in  his  town. 

The  birth  of  our  subject  took  place  on  his 
present  homestead,  March  1,  1854.  He  is  a 


son  of  John  and  Jane  (Martin)  Curkeet,  the 
former  born  at  St.  Martins,  England,  in  Sep- 
tember, 1810,  his  wife  in  Meiore,  England, 
in  1812.  Botn  grew  to  maturity  in  their  native 
country,  where  they  married,  coming  to  Amer- 
ica in  1843.  Their  first  location  was  at  Galena, 
111.,  where  Mr.  Curkeet  engaged  some  years 
in  mining,  and  they  then  moved  to  Wisconsin, 
where  he  purchased  a farm  near  Elk  Grove. 
In  1868  he  purchased  a farm  near  Darlington, 
and  moved  on  it.  In  1874  he  purchased  a home 
in  Hardin  county,  Iowa,  where  he  died  in  1887, 
our  subject’s  mother  surviving  until  1894. 
Mr.  and  Airs.  Curkeet  were  good  and  pious 
people,  Air.  Curkeet  being  a local  preacher  in 
the  AI.  E.  Church  for  a number  of  years,  and 
one  of  the  founders  and  supporters  of  the  first 
M.  E.  Church  in  Elk  Grove.  In  his  good  work 
lie  was  ably  assisted  by  his  worthy  wife,  neither 
ever  tiring  in  their  mission  of  good,  in  pol- 
itics Air.  Curkeet  supported  the  Republican 
party.  The  children  born  to  these  worthy  peo-’ 
pie  were:  Elizabeth  A.,  born  in  1838,  married 
Frank  McNett,  of  Lafayette  county;  later  they 
moved  to  Georgetown,  and  still  later  to  Elk 
Grove,  where  she  died;  their  children  were 
John,  Henry,  Elizabeth,  and  Frank.  Robert, 
born  in  1841,  married  Mary  Deselhorst,  of 
Lafayette  county,  became  a large  stock  raiser 
in  Grundy  county,  Iowa,  where  he  bred  blooded 
stock,  and  later  moved  to  Hardin  county, 
where  he  lived  until  his  death,  in  1894.  Jennie, 
born  in  1844,  lives  in  Flardin  county,  Iowa. 
William  J.,  born  in  1846,  married  Adela 
Woods,  of  Darlington,  and  died  in  Fonda, 
Iowa,  leaving  a daughter,  Rena.  James,  born 
in  1848,  married  Emily  Julian,  of  Mineral 
Point,  and  lives  in  Platteville,  having  one  son. 
Justice,  born  in  1851,  married  Lizzie  A. 
Thomas,  followed  farming  for  some  years,  and 
then  engaged  in  merchandising  at  Elk  Grove, 
later  moving  to  Darlington;  he  died  in  1892, 
leaving  a wife  and  two  sons,  now  living  in 
Denver,  Colo.  E.  AI.  is  our  subject. 

Our  subject  received  his  early  education 
in  the  district  schools  of  Elk  Grove,  and  later 
entered  the  high  school  of  Darlington.  He 
engaged  in  farming  until  his  marriage,  in  1878, 
to  Aliss  Hattie  A.  Jones,  the  daughter  of  J. 
W.  and  Catherine  Jones,  one  of  the  most  prom- 
inent of  the  old  pioneer  families.  Airs. 
Curkeet  was  born  May  6,  1855,  and  as  she 
grew  up  was  educated  in  the  best  schools  of 
the  county,  also  receiving  a superior  musical 


444 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


education.  After  marriage  our  subject  pur- 
chased the  old  homestead,  and  continued  to 
occupy  the  frame  house  erected  by  his  father 
until  1889,  when  the  present  elegant,  modern 
home  was  built.  Since  that  time  many  im- 
provements have  been  made  in  the  way  of 
commodious  barns  and  outbuildings  of  a sub- 
stantial character.  Our  subject  and  wife  own 
267A2  acres  of  fine,  well  cultivated  land  at 
their  location,  and  their  place  is  one  of  the 
most  attractive  in  the  township,  all  the  sur- 
roundings telling  of  the  culture  and  refinement 
of  the  inmates. 

Three  children  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Curkeet : Lillian,  born  in  Elk  Grove 

Aug.  14,  1879,  was  educated  in  the  Platte- 
ville  Normal  and  at  St.  Clair  Academy,  of 
Wisconsin,  and  is  a young  lady  of  superior 
attainments  and  attractions;  John  E.,  born  in 
1881,  is  one  of  the  advanced  students  in 
the  Normal  school ; Orvil  was  born  in 
1891.  Politically  our  subject  is  a Republi- 
can, is  now  a justice  of  the  peace,  and  has 
been  roadmaster  and  a member  of  the  school 
board.  For  thirty-eight  years  Mrs.  Curkeet 
has  been  a necessary  adjunct  to  the  choir  in 
the  M.  E.  Church,  her  duties  as  organist  be- 
ginning when  she  was  but  nine  years  old.  Her 
musical  accomplishments  assist  in  making 
pleasant  the  beautiful  and  hospitable  home  of 
our  subject,  and  the  whole  family  is  one  which 
the  residents  of  Elk  Grove  delight  to  esteem. 

EDWIN  JOHNSON  (deceased)  was 
numbered  among  the  prosperous  retired  farmer 
citizens  of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  where  he 
enjoyed  the  comforts  of  life  removed  from 
active  business,  though  he  took  a deep  interest 
in  the  welfare  of  the  community. 

Mr.  Johnson  was  born  in  Avoca,  County 
Wicklow,  Ireland,  Nov.  2,  1817,  a son  of 
Richard  and  Mary  Johnson,  who  were  born  and 
spent  their  lives  in  the  Emerald  Isle.  Of  the 
ten  children  born  to  them,  our  subject  is  the 
only  one  who  crossed  the  ocean,  and  was  the 
last  to  pass  away.  Receiving  an  excellent  ed- 
ucation in  his  native  land,  Mr.  Johnson  fol- 
lowed a sea-faring  life  -for  a number  of  years, 
sailing  between  Liverpool,  New  York  and 
New  Orleans,  after  which  he  located  in  Balti- 
more. After  a few  years,  at  the  time  of  the 
Black  Hawk  troubles,  he  migrated  West,  lo- 
cating at  Hazel  Green,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  and 
engaged  in  mining  lead  and  other  ores.  Later 


Mr.  Johnson  settled  at  Belmont,  having  pur- 
chased a large  tract  of  prairie  and  timber  land, 
which  he  greatly  improved,  acquiring  over 
1,000  acres  in  and  around  Belmont,  of  which 
he  was  the  founder.  In  1887  Mr.  Johnson 
purchased  a pleasant  home  in  Platteville,  near 
the  State  College,  where  he  resided  until  his 
death,  Nov.  19,  1900. 

In  1839  Mr.  Johnson  married  Miss  Eliza- 
beth Johnson,  of  Ireland,  and  she  bore  him  ten 
children,  four  now  living : Elizabeth,  the  eld- 

est living,  now  Mrs.  Samuel  Fitzsimmons,  of 
Mineral  Point,  Wis.;  Mary,  wife  of  William 
Marsh,  of  Mineral  Point;  Abigail,  wife  of  Dr. 
Cronin,  of  Lancaster,  Wis. ; and  Sarah,  Mrs. 
Samuel  O’Neill,  of  Chicago;  the  remaining 
children  died  in  childhood.  In  1865  Mr.  John- 
son lost  his  wife,  and  in  1866  he  married  Emily 
Stephens,  daughter  of  Michael  Stephens,  one 
of  the  old  pioneers  of  Platteville.  To  the  sec- 
ond marriage  three  children  were  born : Ed- 

win A.  is  mentioned  below ; Eva,  born  in  Grant 
county,  was  well  educated  in  the  public  schools 
and  the  Normal  at  Platteville,  and  is  now  at 
home ; Annie  died  at  the  age  of  seven.  In 
September,  1896,  Air.  Johnson  was  again  be- 
reaved, his  wife  passing  away  at  their  home  in 
Platteville. 

Politically  Mr.  Johnson  was  a member  of 
the  Democratic  party,  and  while  residing  in 
Belmont  held  a number  of  State  and  town  of- 
fices, becoming  well  known  for  his  upright 
principles  and  faithful  discharge  of  his  duties. 
In  religious  matters  he  was  a consistent  mem- 
ber of  the  Catholic  Church.  He  was  instru- 
mental in  forwarding  the  commercial  import- 
ance of  Platteville,  at  one  time  dealing  quite 
extensively  in  real  estate,  improving  property, 
and  enhancing  its  value.  All  of  his  children 
who  attained  maturity  are  a credit  to  him  and 
the  city  from  which  they  hail,  and  our  subject 
was  justly  regarded  as  a man  of  sterling  worth, 
upright  integrity,  and  pleasing  personality. 
He  numbered  his  friends  by  legions. 

Edwin  A.  Johnson  was  born  May  14, 
1870,  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  and 
at  the  Chicago  Veterinary  College,  receiving 
the  degree  of  M.  D.  C.  in  1896.  He  is  now 
engaged  in  the  practice  of  veterinary  surgery. 
I11  April,  1898,  he  married  Miss  Grace  John- 
son, of  Montfort,  daughter  of  John  Johnson, 
one  of  the  pioneers  of  southern  Wisconsin,  and 
they  have  one  daughter,  Emily,  born  Dec.  9, 
1900. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


445 


JAMES  ROBISON,  a worthy  representa- 
tive of  one  of  the  prominent  pioneer  families 
of  Grant  county,  was  too  young  to  enter  the 
service  at  the  inauguration  of  the  Civil  war, 
but  in  January,  1864,  he  enlisted,  at  Platte- 
ville,  in  Company  E,  25th  Wis.  V.  I.,  for  a 
period  of  three  years  or  during  the  war,  being 
mustered  into  the  United  States  service  at 
Madison.  He  entered  the  army  just  in  time 
to  take  part  with  his  regiment  in  Gen.  Sher- 
man’s Atlanta  campaign,  participating  in  its 
famous  battles,  beginning  with  the  engage- 
ment at  Resaca.  He  was  in  the  celebrated 
march  to  the  sea,  and  took  part  in  the  Caro- 
lina campaign  and  the  grand  review  at  Wash- 
ington, D.  C.,  at  the  close  of  the  war.  He 
continued  in  the  army  for  some  time  after  hos- 
tilities ceased,  being  mustered  out  at  Louisville, 
Ky.,  July  16,  1865. 

A native  of  Grant  county,  Mr.  Robison 
was  born  in  Platteville  township  in  1848,  a 
son  of  William  R.  and  Ann  (Gregor)  Robi- 
son. The  father  was  born  in  Pennsylvania, 
and  when  a young  man  came  to  Grant  county, 
Wis.,  where  his  marriage  was  celebrated.  For 
many  years  lie  followed  farming  in  Platteville 
township,  where  his  death  occurred1  in  1886. 
His  widow  now  makes  her  home  in  Dubuque, 
Iowa.  In  their  family  were  seven  children, 
namely:  Mary  Jane,  now  Mrs.  Heinney,  of 

Harrison  township,  Grant  county;  James,  who 
is  next  in  the  order  of  birth;  Oliver  Henry,  a 
resident  of  Iowa;  Agnes  A.,  wife  of  Augustus 
Cooper,  of  Dubuque;  Elizabeth,  Mrs.  Nye,  a 
resident  of  Madison,  Wis. ; and  Rhoda  May, 
Mrs.  Kane,  and  William  R.,  both  of  Dubuque, 
Iowa. 

James'  Robison  grew  to  manhood  in  Har- 
rison township,  Grant  county,  and  for  a num- 
ber of  years  was  engaged  in  mining,  spend- 
ing part  of  this  time  in  the  mining  districts 
of  the  far  West.  Returning  to  his  native 
county,  he  located  in  Cassville  township  in 
1892,  and  has  since  successfully  engaged  in 
farming.  In  the  township  of  Hazel  Green, 
Grant  county,  he  was  united  in  marriage  with 
Miss  Oaklief,  daughter  of  Jacob  and  Rose 
Ann  (Roselief)  Oaklief.  The  father  was  a 
native  of  Germany,  removed  from  Pennsyl- 
vania to  Ohio,  and  later  came  to  Grant  county, 
Wis.,  being  at  present  a resident  of  Waterloo 
township.  Air.  and  Airs.  Robison  have  the 
following  children : Charles  Henry,  Carrie, 

Lottie  Alay,  Laura,  Oscar  J.,  Arthur  and  Ethel 


D.  Mr.  Robison  uses  his  right  of  franchise 
in  support  of  the  men  and  measures  of  the 
Republican  party,  and  gives  his  influence  to 
all  enterprises  which  he  believes  calculated  to 
advance  the  interests  of  his  town  and  county 
along  any  line. 

MICHAEL  McKENNA,  deceased.  The 
founder  of  one  of  the  most  respected  families 
of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  was  Francis  Mc- 
Kenna, a native  of  Ireland,  born  in  County 
Tyrone.  He  married  Sarah  O’Neil,  and  after 
some  years  came  with  his  little  family  to  Amer- 
ica, in  the  hope  of  providing  better  for  his 
children. 

Remaining  in  Pittsburg,  Penn.,  for  a short 
time,  Air.  McKenna  followed  the  influx  of  set- 
tlers then  drifting  toward  Wisconsin,  and  set- 
tled at  Mineral  Point,  on  a farm,  some  time 
later  securing  what  became  the  old  homestead 
near  Moscow,  Iowa  Co.,  Wis.,  owning  at  one 
time  1,300  acres  of  land.  Francis  AIcKenna 
was  an  educated  man,  and  became  one  of  the 
leading  citizens  of  AIoscow,  where  he  and  his 
wife  died,  leaving  a family  of  four  children : 
Anna,  born  in  Ireland,  married  a Air.  Cox, 
who  resided  at  Moscow,  but  is  now  deceased ; 
her  daughter  Ellen  is  the  wife  of  a Air.  Alat- 
son,  of  Iona,  Minn.  Teresa,  born  in  Ireland, 
married  Samuel  McWilliams,  of  Iowa  county, 
and  had  nine  children,  Hugh  (a  well-known 
lawyer  in  the  State  of  Oregon),  Frank  (of 
Ashland,  Oregon),  Alary  (Airs.  Phelan,  of 
Iowa),  James,  John  (of  Colorado),  Sarah  (of 
Colorado),  Terissa,  Michael  and  Jennie  (all 
of  Iowa).  Eliza  is  deceased.  Michael  was 
the  next  in  the  family.  John,  born  in  Ireland, 
who  resides  with  his  family  in  Aladison.  Wis., 
is  the  only  survivor  of  the  family. 

Alichael  AIcKenna  was  a boy  of  eight  years 
when  he  accompanied  his  parents  to  America. 
Attending  the  district  school,  he  received  a 
fair  education,  and  remained  with  his  parents 
on  the  farm  until  his  marriage,  Jan.  1,  1872, 
to  Miss  Alary  L.  Eddy,  daughter  of  William 
W.  and  Eliza  (Morgan)  Eddy,  old  and  prom- 
inent pioneers  of  Lafayette  county.  William 
W.  Eddy  was  born  in  Edinburgh,  Scotland, 
married  Aliss  Eliza  Alorgan,  a native  of  Ver- 
mont, and  after  their  marriage,  which  took 
place  at  Alanchester.  111.,  where  they  became 
acquainted,  they  settled  first  at  Apple  River, 
111.,  where  they  lived  several  years.  Leaving 
there,  they  made  a permanent  home  in  Yellow 


446 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Stone,  Lafayette  Co.,  Wis.,  where  they  both 
died,  the  father  in  1872,  the  mother  in  1868. 
Six  children  were  born  to  them,  of  whom  Mrs. 
McKenna  and  her  brother  Horace,  of  Kenosha, 
are  the  only  survivors;  the  latter  has  a family 
of  six  children.  Mrs.  McKenna  was  born  in 
September,  1852,  and  was  well  educated,  first 
in  the  district  schools’,  later  in  the  Sisters’ 
Catholic  School,  at  Mineral  Point,  and  be- 
came one  of  the  successful  teachers  in  that 
town  for  a number  of  terms. 

After  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McKenna 
settled  down  to  agricultural  life  at  the  old 
homestead  in  Iowa  county,  known  as  “River- 
side stock  farm,”  which  she  and  her  family 
still  own,  remaining  there  until  the  death  of 
Mr.  McKenna,  Sept.  9,  1892.  In  1896  the 
remaining  members  at  home  moved  into  Platte- 
ville,  where  they  have  a pleasant  home.  The 
father  showed  his  devotion  to  his  children  by 
his  care  in  advancing  their  educational  oppor- 
tunities, and  the  home  is  one  o!  intelligence 
and  refinement.  The  following  children  were 
born  to  our  subject  and  wife:  Frank  J.,  born 
in  December,  1873,  was  educated  at  Sacred 
Heart  College,  Watertown,  Wis.,  later  taking 
a course  at  the  State  University,  Madison,  and 
is  now  the  competent  manager  of  the  Conrad 
Houser  ranch,  in  Dodge  county,  Wis. ; the  old 
homestead  will  soon  be  his  permanent  home. 
Hugh  C.,  born  in  1875,  graduated  in  the  class 
of  1898  at  the  Platteville  Normal  School,  and 
then  entered  the  Medical  Department  of  the 
State  University,  at  Madison,  where  he  was 
graduated  in  June,  1900;  he  is  at  present  a 
Sophomore  in  Rush  Medical  College,  Chicago'. 
Charles  M.,  born  in  1877,  graduated1  from  the 
Platteville  State  Normal  School  in  the  class  of 
1900,  and  is  the  principal  of  the  eighth  grade  in 
the  high1  school  of  Darlington.  Mamie,  born  in 
1879,  graduated  at  the  Platteville  Normal 
School  in  June,  1900,  is  a teacher  at  Red  Wood 
Falls,  Minn.  Alice,  born  in  1882,  graduated 
from  the  Platteville  Normal  School  in  June, 
1900.  John  F.,  born  in  1884,  is  a student  of 
the  Normal  School.  Alberta  was  born  in  1887, 
and  Joseph  M.  in  1891. 

Politically  Mr.  McKenna  was  a lifelong 
Democrat,  and  an  active  and  influential  pol- 
itician, was  a delegate  to  the  State  conventions, 
and  held  all  of  the  minor  local  offices  in  the 
gift  of  the  party.  Mr.  McKenna  reared  his 
family  in  the  Roman  Catholic  faith,  as  he  had 
been  reared,  and  through  life  was  a devout  ad- 


herent of  same,  giving  liberally  of  his  means 
to  its  support,  and  as  nearly  as  possible  fol- 
lowing its  teachings.  His  family  grew  up  to 
do  him  credit,  and  in  all  the  locality  surround- 
ing the  old  home  where  he  was1  known  so  well 
none  speak  of  him  except  in  terms  of  the  high- 
est praise.  Mrs.  McKenna  is  still  spared  to  hex' 
family,  and  takes  pride  in  the  education  and 
advancement  of  her  children,  and  in  the  hon- 
orable positions  which  they  occupy  in  the  com- 
munity. 

JOSEPH  L.  BEAR  has  devoted  the  bet- 
ter part  of  his  life  to  the  cultivation  of  the  soil, 
and  may  be  fairly  selected  as  a representative 
member  of  the  farming  community  of  Rock 
county.  At  the  present  time  he  is  a resident 
of  the  city  of  Janesville,  and  takes  pride  in 
the  fact  that  he  belongs  to  the  State  of  Wis- 
consin, both  by  birth  and  choice.  He  has  filled 
various  public  positions  of  trust  and  honor, 
and  in  them  he  has  displayed  integrity  and 
public  spirit. 

Mr.  Bear  was  born  in  Rock  county,  Wis., 
March  20,  1847,  an(l  G a son  °'f  James'  and 
Sarah  (Lawrence)  Bear,  both  born  and  reared 
in  Pennsylvania,  who  were  the  parents  of  four 
sons  and  three  daughters.  Four  of  their  chil- 
dren are  now  living : Hanna  is  the  wife  of 

James  Slawson,  of  Rock  Creek,  Iowa;  Louise 
is  the  wife  of  E.  R.  Jones,  of  Marshalltown, 
Iowa;  Joseph  L.  and  Sarah  J.,  the  wife  of  B, 
L.  Gage,  live  in  Janesville.  James  Bear,  who 
was'  a farmer,  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1845,  lo- 
cating on  a farm  of  seventy-five  acres  in  Janes- 
ville township,  near  the  city.  To  this  he  after- 
ward added  fifty  acres,  and  there  he  lived  and 
reared  his  family.  His  wife  died  in  1891,  at 
the  age  of  sixty-eight,  and  with  her  husband 
belonged  to  the  United  Brethren.  He  was 
horn  in  1S17,  and  died  Feb.  1,  1900,  of  heart 
failure,  at  the  age  of  eighty-two  years,  two 
months  and  seven  days.  Mr.  Bear  was  super- 
visor of  the  township  several  times,  and  was 
also  treasurer  of  the  school  board.  Lie  was  a 
Republican,  and  a man  of  strong  convictions. 
His  father  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  of 
German  descent,  and  died  in  that  State1  in 
middle  life,  leaving  a large  family.  Joseph 
Lawrence,  the  father  of  Sarah  Lawrence,  was 
born  in  Pennsylvania,  and  came  of  English 
stock.  He  was'  a farmer,  and  came  into  Wis- 
consin in  1846,  locating  in  Janesville  town- 
ship, not  far  from  the  city,  and  died  in  1881, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


447 


when  eighty-one  years  old.  He  had  three 
children. 

Joseph  L.  Bear  was  reared  on  his  father’s 
farm  in  the  township  of  Janesville,  attended  the 
district  school,  and  began  a course  of  study  at 
Milton  Academy,  where  he  was  doing  very  well. 
But  he  could  not  continue  in  school  with  the 
whole  country  aflame,  and  he  went  to  the  war 
when  only  fourteen  years  old.  This  was  in 
1862,  and  notwithstanding  his  extreme  youth 
he  completed  a three  years’  term  of  service ; 
he  did  not  return  home  until  the  last  ember  of 
the  Rebellion  was  extinguished.  He  entered 
the  service  a private,  and  was  a corporal  at  the 
time  of  his  discharge,  Sept.  4,  1865.  He  was 
a member  of  Company  G,  8th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and 
took  part  in  the  battles  of  Iuka,  Corinth,  the 
siege  of  Vicksburg,  Banks'  expedition  up  the 
Red  river,  Nashville,  Mobile,  and  many  skir- 
mishes, and  throughout  sustained  himself  with 
the  spirit  of  a veteran.  In  May,  1866,  our 
subject  enlisted  in  the  regular  army,  was  at- 
tached to  Company  A,  3d  United  States  In- 
fantry, and  completed  a second  term  of  three 
years.  In  the  regular  service  he  was  quarter- 
master-sergeant,  and  had  he  elected  to  con- 
tinue had  prospects  of  a flattering  nature  be- 
fore him. 

Mr.  Bear  left  the  army  when  his  second 
term  of  enlistment  was  completed,  and  coming 
back  to  the  homestead  farm  entered  upon  its 
cultivation  and  management.  He  remained 
upon  the  place  until  1892,  when  he  bought  it, 
and  it  is  still  in  his  possession.  That  year 
he  was  elected  sheriff  of  Rock  county,  in  which 
incumbency  he  served  two  years  with  credit. 
He  moved  to  the  city',  made  his  home  at  No. 
204  South  Main  street,  and  there  he  has  since 
remained.  He  has  had  faith  in  the  future  of 
Janesville,  and  has  made  liberal  investments 
m residence  property  in  various  parts  of  the 
city,  most  of  which  he  still  holds.  Mr.  Bear 
and  Miss  Mary  E.  Taylor,  a daughter  of  Rob- 
ert T.  and  Priscilla  M.  (Nelson)  Taylor,  were 
married  Nov.  11,  1873,  and  they  have  had 
three  children,  Robert  J.,  Maud  P.,  and  John. 
Robert  J.  is  clerk  in  a grocery  store.  Maud 
P.  married  Herbert  A.  Griffy.  John  was  sev- 
enteen years  of  age  when  he  died.  Mr.  Bear 
is  a member  of  W.  H.  Sargent  Post,  Grand 
Army  of  the  Republic,  and  also  holds  mem- 
bership in  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  He  is  a 
Republican  ; was  supervisor  of  Janesville  town- 
ship for  seven  years;  was  also  school  director 


and  township  constable;  was  treasurer  of  the 
township  of  Janesville  four  years;  for  the  last 
three  years  he  has  been  supervisor  of  the  Third 
ward  in  Janesville;  and  is  at  present  (1901) 
serving  as  chairman  of  the  county  board  of 
supervisors. 

JOHN  BUXTON,  one  of  the  prosperous 
merchants  of  Lead  Mine,  New  Diggings  town- 
ship, Lafayette  county,  was  born  in  Yorkshire, 
England,  April  15,  1849. 

Joseph  Buxton,  his  father,  was  born  in 
Yorkshire  in  January,  1822,  and  his  wife,  Eliz- 
abeth Harker,  in  May,  1824.  They  were  mar- 
ried in  England,  and  in  1862  came  to  America, 
settling  in  Wisconsin.  Joseph  Buxton  engaged 
in  farming  and  mining  in  New  Diggings  town- 
ship, devoting  himself  almost  exclusively  to 
the  former  occupation  during  the  latter  years 
of  his  life.  He  and  his  wife  were  earnest  fol- 
lowers of  John  AYesley,  and  liberal  supporters 
of  the  Methodist  Church  in  their  new  home. 
In  politics  Mr.  Buxton  was  a Republican,  con- 
tinuing firm  in  the  principles  of  that  party  until 
his  death,  in  1888.  His  wife  passed  away  in 
1866.  In  their  family  were  nine  children:  (1) 
John  is  the  eldest.  (2)  Elizabeth,  born  in 
1851,  married  Albert  Merritt,  and  now  lives 
in  Globe,  Ariz.  They  have  two  children,  Rob- 
ert and  Lucy.  (3)  William,  born  in  England 
in  1853,  engaged  in  mercantile  business  with 
his  brother  John  until  his  death,  in  1S84.  He 
was  postmaster  of  the  village  for  a number  of 
years.  (4)  Thomas,  born  in  183=;,  is  now  a 
farmer  in  Lead  Mine.  He  married  Mary  Al- 
derson,  of  New  Diggings,  and  has  five  children, 
Annie,  Luella,  Nellie,  Ollie,  and  Edward  E. 
(5)  Joseph,  born  in  1857,  moved  from  Wis- 
consin to  Silver  Plume,  Colo.,  where  he  is  en- 
gaged in  gold  mining.  He  married  Vinnie 
Vivian,  and  his  children  are  named  William 
Marcus,  Delores  Vivian,  James  Morton,  Et- 
tienne  Vance,  Viola  May,  Fennimore  Wendell, 
Vesta  Mary  and  Joseph  Menton.  (6)  James, 
born  in  i860,  is  engaged  in  mercantile  business 
in  Hazel  Green,  Wis.  He  married  Hattie 
Hunt,  of  Dubuque.  Iowa,  and  has  two  children, 
Clifford  and*Vanese.  (7)  George,  born  in 
1861,  is  a city  drayman  in  Sioux  Falls,  S.  Dak. 
He  married  Adaline  Buxton,  of  Lafayette 
county,  and  has  ten  children,  Orville  Ray,  Wal- 
ter Lewis,  John  Lester,  Lorena  Essie,  Pearl 
Odessa,  Myrtle  Ana,  Forrest  Herrald,  Hazel 
Almeda,  Lilah  May,  and  George  Otis.  (8) 


44§ 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Mark  E.,  born  in  New  Diggings  in  1863,  mar- 
ried Rachel  Pedelty,  who  has  borne  him  three 
children,  and  they  make  their  home  on  the 
old  Pedelty  homestead.  (9)  Matthew  M.,  born 
in  New  Diggings  in  1865,  is  a railroad  em- 
ploye, residing  at  Leadville,  Colo.,  where  he 
married. 

John  Buxton  received  a fair  education  in 
the  schools  of  England,  and  after  the  removal 
of  the  family  to  Wisconsin  studied  for  one  or 
two  winters  in  the  Lead  Mine  schools.  When 
lie  started  out  in  life  for  himself  he  first  en- 
gaged in  mining,  continuing  in  same  until  the 
spring  of  1880.  That  year,  in  connection  with 
his  brother  William,  he  purchased  Mr.  Hark- 
er’s  general  store  in  Lead  Mine,  and  has  met 
with  great  success  in  his  mercantile  venture. 
He  has  held  the  office  of  assistant  postmaster 
for  many  years.  He  has  become  quite  well-to- 
do,  and  now  has  one  of  the  largest  stores  in 
his  section  of  the  State,  his  honorable  dealings 
and  pleasant  manners  having  won  new  cus- 
tomers, and  kept  the  old  ones. 

In  1884  Mr.  Buxton  was  married,  to  Miss 
Hannah  Pedelty,  daughter  of  James  and  Sarah 
Pedelty,  of  Grant  county.  She  died  at  her 
home  in  Lead  Mine  in  1885.  In  1888  Mr. 
Buxton  wedded  Miss  Lizzie  Ingram,  who  was 
born  in  Lafayette  county,  daughter  of  Richard 
and  Elizabeth  Ingram.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Buxton 
are  both  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  to  which  he  has  given  most  liberally. 
I11  his  political  faith  he  is  inclined  toward  the 
principles  of  the  Republican  party. 

HON.  REUBEN  B.  SHOWALTER, 
president  of  the  Meyer  Showalter  State  Bank- 
ing Institution,  an  ex-Union  soldier,  and  one 
of  the  most  substantial  and  influential  resi- 
dents of  Lancaster,  Grant  county,  was  born 
in  Pennsylvania  June  3,  1842,  and  represents 
a prominent  family  that  has  been  identified 
with  the  history  of  Grant  county  for  half  a 
century. 

Reuben  K.  Showalter,  father  of  Reuben 
B.,  was  also  a native  of  the  Keystone  State, 
where  he  passed  all  his  life,  dying  when  his 
son  Reuben  B.  was  a child.  Mrs.’ Rachel  Sho- 
walter, the  mother  of  Reuben  B.,  came  with  her 
six  children — four  sons  and  two  daughters — 
from  Pennsylvania  to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  and 
located  in  Lancaster  township.  She  passed 
away  at  Beetown  June  28,  1868.  The  sons 
for  several  years  were  employed  in  mining. 


Of  these,  Robert  died  prior  to  the  outbreak 
of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion;  the  other  three 
all  served  in  the  Union  army,  and  John,  who 
was  lieutenant  of  Company  C,  2nd  Wisconsin 
Cavalry,  contracted  disease  while  in  the  serv- 
ice, from  the  effects  of  which  he  died  in  1865, 
soon  after  the  war  had  closed.  The  elder  of 
the  two  sisters,  Sarah,  was  married  to  Charles 
Brownfield,  and  died  many  years  ago.  The 
younger  sister,  who  was  the  youngest  but  one 
of  the  family,  became  the  wife  of  James 
Hughes,  of  Glen  Haven,  Grant  county. 

Reuben  B.  Showalter  grew  to  manhood  in 
the  mining  districts  of  Grant  county,  and  was 
educated  in  the  common  schools.  At  the  out- 
break of  the  Civil  war,  in  1861,  he  was  de- 
sirous of  becoming  a soldier  at  once,  and  en- 
listed in  the  fall  of  that  year.  But  owing  to 
unpropitious  conditions  outside  of  his  control 
he  did  not  enter  the  service  until  1864,  when 
he  became  a member  of  Company  C,  2nd  Wis- 
consin Cavalry,  and  with  his  regiment  took 
an  active  and  gallant  part  in  many  important 
raids  and  expeditions  in  the  Southwest,  in- 
cluding Grierson's  raid,  the  operations  in 
Mississippi  in  the  neighborhood  of  Vicksburg, 
including  the  second  battle  of  Champion’s  Hill, 
and  several  other  sanguinary  engagements 

After  the  Rebellion  had  been  stamped  out 
Mr.  Showalter  returned  to  his  home,  and  for 
several  }Tears  was  again  employed  in  mining. 
In  politics  a Republican,  he  was  elected  super- 
intendent of  the  Poor  Farm  and  Insane  Asy- 
lum, and  officiated  in  that  capacity  fifteen 
years.  He  later  represented  his  district  in  the 
State  Legislature,  serving  in  the  sessions  of 
1886-87-88-89;  was  elected  chairman  of  the 
board  of  supervisors  of  Grant  county  in  1891- 
92-93-94-95-96-97-98 ; and  has  served  the  city 
as  alderman  and  mayor.  In  1888  he  became 
connected  with  the  banking  interests  of  Lan- 
caster, and  has  been  president  of  the  Meyer 
Showalter  Banking  Institution,  ever  since  it 
was  incorporated  as  a State  bank,  July  1,  1892. 

Mr.  Showalter  married  Miss  Martha  I. 
Arthur,  a prominent  Relief  Corps  woman,  she 
having  held  department  offices  for  a number  of 
years.  Mrs.  Showalter  was  born  in  Maquoketa, 
Iowa,  daughter  of  the  Rev.  Evan  Arthur,  a 
sketch  of  whose  life  may  be  found  elsewhere. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Showalter  have  had  three  chil- 
dren, the  first  of  whom  died  in  infancy;  Virgil 
L.  is  employed  in  the  bank  with  his  father: 
Estelle  is  the  wife  of  William  B.  Carter,  of 


I 

! 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAE  RECORD. 


449 


Seattle,  Wash.,  who  is  engaged  in  the  Puget 
Sound  National  Bank. 

Mr.  Showalter  is  a Blue  Lodge  and  Chap- 
ter Mason,  and  was  master  of  his  lodge  seven 
years ; is  also  prominent  in  Grand  Army  cir- 
cles, a past  commander  of  his  post,  and  at 
present  Department  Inspector  of  G.  A.  R.  posts 
of  the  Department  of  Wisconsin.  Socially  he 
and  family  stand  at  the  front,  and  their  prom- 
inence in  this  respect,  and  their  individual 
traits  of  character,  which  are  of  an  exalted 
standard,  naturally  command  general  esteem. 

THOMAS  COOMBE,  a thoroughly  hon- 
orable and  upright  man,  who  is  a stock  and 
p-rain  farmer'  of  the  town  of  Hazel  Green, 
Grant  county,  was  born  in  Lafayette  county, 
Wis.,  July  30,  1844. 

William  and  Elizabeth  (Rodda)  Coombe, 
his  parents,  were  natives  of  Cornwall,  England, 
the  father  born  in  1803,  and  the  mother  in 
1813.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Coombe  were  married  in 
England,  and  became  the  parents  of  three  chil- 
dren before  they  came  to  this  country,  in  1841. 
The  voyage  across  the  ocean  was  made  in  a 
sailing-vessel;  from  New  York  to  Pittsburg 
the  greater  part  of  the  journey  was  made  in 
a canal-boat ; from  Pittsburg  they  floated  down 
the  Ohio;  came  up  the  Mississippi  to  Galena, 
111. ; and  from  there  to  Lafayette  county,  Wis., 
where  he  was  to  have  work  in  the  lead  mines. 
In  1851  Mr.  Coombe  purchased  eighty  acres 
of  land  in  the  town  of  Hazel  Green,  two  miles 
west  of  the  village,  where  he  made  a home 
for  his  family  in  the  wilderness.  In  those 
days  the  Indians  were  still  numerous  in  the 
Western  States,  and  gave  the  adventurous  pio- 
neer settlers  no  little  trouble,  and  danger 
as  well.  In  1851  Mr.  Coombe  went  to  the 
gold  fields  of  California,  by  the  Isthmus  route, 
and  remained  in  the  land  of  gold  for  three 
years  or  more.  Returning  to  Wisconsin  in 
1854,  he  took  up  the  work  of  a farmer,  and 
followed  it  until  his  death  in  1863,  leaving  a 
wife  and  eight  children.  Two  of  his  sons  were 
in  California  at  that  time.  Mr.  Coombe  was  an 
active  worker  in  the  Methodist  Church,  and  in 
politics  he  was  first  a Whig  and  afterward  a 
Republican.  Mrs.  Coombe  lived  on  the  family 
home  until  her  death,  in  1896. 

(1)  William,  the  eldest  son,  was  born  in 
England,  and  educated  in  Wisconsin.  When 
a young  man  he  went  to  California,  and  was 
killed  in  the  gold  mines.  A widow  and  two 

29 


children,  who  still  live  in  California,  survive 
him.  (2)  John,  born  in  England,  went  to  Cali- 
fornia when  a young  man,  and  worked  some 
time  in  the  mines.  Turning  to  the  work  of  a 
surveyor,  he  found  a calling  badly  needed  at 
that  time,  and,  qualifying  himself,  was  elected 
surveyor  of  the  county  in  which  he  lived,  and 
became  very  prominent.  He  married  a Miss 
Waters,  and  spent  the  rest  of  his  life  in  Cali- 
fornia, dying  in  1892 ; he  left  a widow,  but 
no  children.  (3)  Elizabeth,  born  in  England, 
is  now  the  widow  of  John  S.  Williams,  of 
Hazel  Green.  (4)  Blanche,  born  in  Lafayette 
county  in  1842,  married  William  Redd,  and 
lives  in  Dubuque,  Iowa.  To  their  union  were 
born  eight  children,  Mamie,  Emma,  Charles, 
Allie,  Bertha,  John,  Stella,  and  Lucile.  (5) 
Thomas  is  our  subject.  (6)  Emma,  born  in 
Lafayette  county  in  1849,  is  Ike  wife  of 
Thomas'  Pierce,  of  Georgetown,  Grant  county. 
(7)  Jane,  born  in  1851,  always  remained  with 
her  parents  until  they  passed  away,  and  has 
since  lived  with  her  brother  Thomas. 

Thomas  Coombe  obtained  his  early  educa- 
tion in  the  district  schools  of  Lafayette  and 
Grant  counties,  and  grew  up  on  the  farm, 
which  came  under  his  management  when  he 
was  only  nineteen  years  of  age,  his'  father  dy- 
ing at  that  time.  He  has  always  remained  at 
the  old  home,  and  has  had  charge  of  its  culti- 
vation to  the  present  time.  In  1869  he  bought 
sixty  acres  of  land  adjoining,  which  he  has 
added  to  the  old  homestead,  making  it  one  of 
the  choice  farms  in  the  region. 

Mr.  Coombe  has  always  been  a Republi- 
can, and  in  religion  he  supports  the  Methodist 
Church.  The  Coombe  family  is  one  of  the 
oldest  and  most  highly  respected  pioneer  fam- 
ilies in  this  part  of  the  State.  All  its  members 
are  known  for  their  kindly  disposition,  and 
their  Christian  acts  toward  their  fellow  men. 

JOLIN  EPLETT,  a retired  official  now 
living  in  Platteville,  Grant  county,  has  had  a 
varied  and  eventful  history.  He  has  passed 
through  many  interesting  and  suggestive  ex- 
periences, and  has  kept  his  hands  clean,  and  his 
character  unstained. 

Mr.  Eplett  was  born  June  1,  1825,  in  Lon- 
don, England,  son  of  John  and  Sarah  (Mance) 
Eplett,  who  were  born  and  married  in  England. 
In  1851  they  emigrated  to  this  country,  and 
settled  at  Mineral  Point,  Wis.,  living  in  that 
town  until  1854,  Mr.  Eplett  following  his  trade 


450 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


of  millwright.  In  the  year  mentioned  the  fam- 
ily moved  to  Jo  Daviess  county,  111.,  and  spent 
the  next  two  years  on  a farm,  which  he  then 
sold,  moving  to  Smelser,  near  Cuba,  Wis., 
where  he  spent  some  time.  Reports  of  the 
opportunities  of  getting  on  in  the  world  that 
were  to  be  had  in  southwestern  Wisconsin 
reached  the  ears  of  the  elder  Eplett,  and  he 
moved  his  family  to  Georgetown,  Grant  coun- 
ty, where  he  and  his  wife  spent  the  rest  of 
their  lives,  he  dying  Aug.  16,  1871,  and  his 
wife  in  1890.  they  had  a family  of  six  chil- 
dren: Mary  A.,  born  in  England  in  1820, 

grew  to  womanhood  in  that  country,  and  mar- 
ried William  Jennings,  and  has  two  children; 
they  still  reside  in  her  native  land.  Elizabeth, 
born  in  England  in  1822,  married  John  Bur- 
nette, and  is  now  deceased ; they  had  one  son, 
John,  now  living  in  Iowa.  John  is  our  sub- 
ject. Sarah,  born  in  1828,  married  Henry 
Craze,  who  died  in  California,  leaving  one  son, 
Charles,  who  died  a few  years  later ; the  widow 
afterward  married  Herman  De  Graff,  of  New 
York,  and  they  are  now  living  in  Illinois;  they 
have  two  children,  Ella  and  Lawrence,  the 
former  the  wife  of  John  W.  Oliver,  of  Apple 
River.  Jane,  born  in  1831,  grew  up  in  Eng- 
land, came  with  her  parents  to  Wisconsin,  and 
married  James  Minor,  of  Cornwall,  England, 
who  settled  near  Galena  and  remained  in  Illi- 
nois for  some  years,  thence  moving  to  Colo- 
rado, where  he  held  the  position  of  foreman 
in  the  mines  of  one  of  the  large  silver  com- 
panies of  that  State;  they  have  five  children, 
Annie,  John,  Sarah,  Thomas  and  Herman. 
Catherine,  born  in  England,  married  Edwin 
W.  Crockett  in  1851;  they  were  in  California 
for  a time  after  their  marriage,  and  then  made 
their  home  at  Alden,  Iowa,  where  they  both 
died,  leaving  five  children — Edwin,  deceased ; 
Emily,  wife  of  a Mr.  Poppy;  John,  county 
clerk  at  Eldora,  Iowa;  Annie,  wife  of  Joseph 
Byers,  of  Alden;  and  Frank,  of  Eldora. 

John  Eplett  was  educated  substantially  in 
the  schools  of  his  native  country.  When  a 
young  man  he  learned  the  trade  of  millwright 
under  the  instruction  of  his  father,  and  worked 
at  his  trade  some  years  before  coming  to  the 
United  States.  In  1850  the  young  millwright 
came  to  Wisconsin,  and  settled  at  Mineral 
Point,  where  he  found  employment  at  his  chos- 
en craft  for  some  years.  In  1851  Mr.  Elpett 
married  Miss  Joanna  Vivian,  daughter  of 
Francis  and  Anna  Vivian,  her  parents  dying 


in  England,  where  she  was  born.  Mr.  Eplett 
and  Ins  young  wife  settled  in  Grant  county, 
where  he  maintained  himself  with  credit  by 
working  at  his  trade  until  1892.  'that  year  he 
was  elected  county  clerk  and  moved  to  Lan- 
caster, living  in  that  city  nine  years,  through- 
out which  time  he  held  the  important  position 
mentioned.  Before  being  elected  county  clerk 
he  held  the  position  of  town  clerk  nine 
years,  was  also  justice  of  the  peace,  and 
for  two  years  Mr.  Eplett  served  the  house 
at  Madison  as  enrolling  clerk,  filling  that 
office  with  satisfaction  to  all  and  credit  to 
himself.  He  is  thoroughly  versed  in  public 
affairs,  and  has  proved  himself  a capable  and 
trustworthy  man.  In  1897  Mr.’  Eplett  pur- 
chased real  estate,  an  addition  to  his  home- 
stead, where  he  erected  a fine  house,  finished 
in  hard  wood,  and  equipped  with  all  the 
modern  conveniences.  Mrs.  Eplett  died  in 
1885,  leaving  three  children.  Elizabeth,  born 
at  Mineral  Point  in  1852,  was  educated  in  the 
schools  of  the  neighborhood,  and  is'  a lady  of 
culture;  since  the  death  of  her  mother  she  has 
had  charge  of  the  home.  Sarah,  born  in 
Smelser,  Aug.  13,  1857,  became  the  wife  of 
C.  B.  Gray,  a merchant  of  Galena,  111.,  and  died 
in  October,  1893,  leaving  three  children,  John 
R.,  Curtis  and  Harrison;  these  boys  have  been 
reared  in  the  home  of  their  grandfather,  in 
Platteville,  by  their  aunt  Elizabeth,  who  has 
given  them  the  care  and  attention  of  a mother. 
Mary,  born  in  Smelser,  is  now  the  wife  of 
Thomas  Dent,  a farmer  of  Smelser ; they  have 
three  sons,  Floyd,  Raymond  and  Donald.  Mr. 
Eplett  has  always  been  identified  with  the  Re- 
publican party,  and  cast  his  first  vote  for  John 
C.  Fremont.  He  is  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Church,  as  was  also  his  wife,  and  fraternally 
belongs  to  the  Masonic  order.  He  is  a man  of 
character  and  standing  in  his  own  community. 

SAMUEL  B.  LOOMIS,  of  Brodhead. 
Green  county,  has  been  a farmer  and  a painter 
during  his  more  active  life,  and  is  now  living 
in  the  enjoyment  of  a competence  acquired  by 
industry  and  thrift  through  long  and  useful 
years. 

Mr.  Loomis  was  born  at  Bennington,  Vt., 
Oct.  18,  1826,  and  is  a son  of  Jesse  and  Sarah 
(Blackmer)  Loomis,  both  natives  of  that  place. 
Jesse  Loomis  was  born  July  11,  1794.  an(| 

Oct.  21,  1849.  His  wife  was  born  March  12, 
1799,  and  died  in  1865.  They  had  three  chil- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


451 


clren,  two  of  whom  are  now  living,  Samuel  B. 
and  Frances  H.,  the  latter  the  widow  of  Henry 
Johnson,  of  Chicago.  The  father  was  a stage 
proprietor  when  a young  man,  and  ran  all  the 
stages  out  of  Bennington.  In  later  life  he  was 
a hotel  keeper  at  North  Bennington.  His  fa- 
ther also  bore  the  name  of  Jesse  Loomis.  He 
was  a native  of  England,  and  came  to  this 
country  about  1777,  and  served  in  the  Revolu- 
tionary army,  being  with  Gen.  Washington 
at  Valley  Forge.  He  drew  a pension  for  his 
services  in  that  great  struggle,  which  came  to 
his  widow  after  his  death  at  Bennington,  at 
the  age  of  eighty-eight  years.  He  was  a far- 
mer, and  had  a family  of  nine  children.  The 
father  of  Mrs.  Sarah  B.  Loomis  was  a native 
of  Vermont,  and  a farmer;  he  was  twice  mar- 
ried, and  was  the  father  of  eleven  children. 

Samuel  B.  Loomis  was  reared  in  a hotel 
at  Bennington,  Vt.,  until  he  was  about  eighteen 
years  old.  He  then  learned  the  painter's  trade, 
which  was  his  calling  for  fifty-five  years.  He 
attended  the  school  at  Bennington,  and  at 
Hoosick  Falls,  N.  Y.  When  he  was  married 
he  took  his  wife  to  Troy,  N.  Y.,  where  he  lived 
a year  or  more,  and  then  came  to  YY  isconsin. 
He  located  at  Janesville,  where  he  spent  a year, 
and  then  bought  a farm.  This  he  tilled  one 
year,  and  then  sold  it  for  double  the  money  it 
cost,  and  returned  to  Janesville,  where  he  lived 
five  years.  He  spent  some  time  in  the  town 
of  Spring  Valley  on  a farm,  and  then  came  to 
Brodhead,  and  this  city  has  been  his  home  for 
many  years. 

Mr.  Loomis  and  Miss  S.  Lorinda  Bur- 
dick were  married  Aug.  28,  1848.  She  was 
the  daughter  of  Joseph  T.  and  Eunice 
(Scriven)  Burdick,  and  became  the  mother  of 
nine  children,  Frances  H.,  Lilly  IT.,  Norman 
B.,  Willie  H.,  Emma  Josephine,  George  A., 
Mae  B.,  James  Spencer  and  Sara  E.  Fran- 
ces H.  married  James  T.  Smith,  and  lives  at 
Tacoma,  Wash.,  and  has  two  daughters,  Maud 
and  Norma.  Lilly  H.  married  James  H. 
Horne,  now  deceased ; they  had  six  children, 
Jessie  B.  (who  married  Orrin  Brewer,  and  has 
two  children,  Rodney  and  “Bud”),  Alice  M. 
(who  married  William  T.  Green,  and  has  one 
son,  Orvill),  Robert  W.,  Grace  E.,  Tina  M., 
and  Harry;  Mrs.  Horne  lives  in  Brodhead. 
Norman  B.  died  when  twenty-nine  years  old ; 
he  had  married  Miss'  Sarah  L.  Spencer,  and 
was  the  father  of  one  daughter.  Bessie  M. 
AY  illie  H.  married  Miss  Florence  AA’eller,  and 


lives  in  South  Dakota,  where  he  is  engaged  in 
farming;  they  are  the  parents  of  four  children, 
Albert  Spencer,  George,  Samuel  R.,  and  Lora 
Mae.  Emma  Josephine,  who  died  111  1871,  at 
the  age  of  eleven  years  and  six  months. 
George  A.,  a graduate  of  the  Brodhead  high 
school,  class  ot  1880,  died  in  October,  1885, 
aged  twenty-three  years  and  eight  months. 
Mae  B.,  a graduate  of  the  same  school,  class 
of  1884,  is  a teacher  in  the  high  school  at  Brod- 
head. James  Spencer,  a stationary  engineer 
in  a large  elevator  at  Tacoma,  Wash.,  married 
Miss  Mamie  Lauby,  and  has  two  sons,  Harry 
Burdick  and  Jess.  Sara  E.,  who  was  gradu- 
ated' from  the  Brodhead  high  school  in  1887, 
and  from  the  Whitewater  State  Normal  in 
1899,  is  a teacher  in  Madison,  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  Loomis  belongs  to  the  Bicknell  Lodge, 
No.  94,  A.  F.  & A.  M.  In  politics  he  is  a 
Democrat.  His  wife  owns  a farm  of  twenty- 
acres  in  the  corporate  limits- of  Brodhead.  Her 
parents,  Joseph  T.  Burdick  and  Eunice  Scriven 
Burdick,  were  natives  of  Rensselaer  county, 
N.  Y.,  where  they  spent  their  entire  lives.  He 
died  in  1848,  at  the  age  of  forty-seven.  His 
widow  survived  him  many  years,  and  died  in 
1884,  at  a very  great  age.  Fen  children  were 
born  to  them.  They  were  both  devout  mem- 
bers of  the  Methodist  Church,  and  he  was  a 
farmer  and  a blacksmith.  His  father  also  bore 
the  name  of  Joseph  Burdick,  and  was  a native 
of  New  York,  but  died  in  Janesville,  AA  is.  He 
married  Elizabeth  Scriven.  Mrs.  Loomis’ 
maternal  grandparents  were  John  Scriven  and 
his  wife,  Eunice  Chandler,  the  former  of  whom 
attained  a very  great  age. 

Mr.  Loomis  had  a brother,  Norman  B.,  who 
was  an  auditor  in  the  Illinois  Central  railroad 
service  at  Chicago  for  some  twenty-five  years, 
and  died  in  1898,  at  the  age  of  sixty-nine. 

LEWIS  F.  BENNETT,  M.  D.,  is  one  of 
the  younger  physicians  of  Beloit,  Rock  county, 
and  has  rapidly  made  his  way  into  the  forefront 
of  his  profession  in  this  part  of  the  State.  He 
has  acquired  a wide  knowledge  of  the  theory 
of  medicine,  and  is  very  skillful  in  his  applica- 
tion of  its  great  and  fundamental  principles  to 
the  treatment  of  disease.  He  seeks  to  cure,  and 
in  the  last  dozen  years  has  won  an  enviable 
reputation  in  his  chosen  calling. 

Dr.  Bennett  was  born  in  the  town  of  Lima, 
Rock  Co..  AA  is. , Nov.  10,  i860,  and  is  a son  of 
George  and  Susan  F.  (Osmond)  Bennett,  both 


452 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


natives  of  New  York.  They  were  the  parents 
ot  five  children,  three  of  whom  are  now  living: 
Dr.  Lewis  F. ; Dr.  O.  G.,  deceased,  who  was  a 
popular  dentist  in  Janesville;  Chester  C,  a shoe 
dealer  at  Janesville;  James  13.,  a farmer  in  the 
town  of  Lima;  and  one  who  died  in  infancy. 
The  father  was  a farmer,  and  came  from  New 
York  to  Wisconsin  about  1850,  locating  on  a 
farm  near  Lima,  where  he  and  his  wife  still 
reside.  In  religious  faith  they  are  Baptists, 
and  are  recognized  by  their  neighbors  as  gen- 
uine Christians.  He  is  a Republican.  His 
father,  Nathaniel  Bennett,  was  born  in  New 
York,  where  he  followed  farming  all  his  days.. 
He  died  in  middle  life,  leaving  five  children. 
His  father  was  a soldier  in  the  Revolution. 
The  family  is  descended  from  English  ancestry. 
Caleb  Osmond,  the  father  of  Mrs.  Susan  F. 
Bennett,  mentioned  above,  was  born  in  Eng- 
land, and  coming  to  this  country  in  1829,  set- 
tled in  the  western  part  of  New  York.  He 
soon  moved  still  farther  West,  and  found  a 
home  in  what  was  then  almost  on  the  frontier 
line,  the  vicinity  of  Mansfield,  Ohio,  finally  re- 
moving to  Wisconsin,  where  he  effected  a 
settlement  near  Milton  Junction  about  1855, 
and  engaged  in  farming  until  his  death,  about 
1880,  when  he  was  ninety  years  old.  He  was 
the  father  of  six  children.  Politically  he  was 
a Republican. 

Dr.  Lewis  F.  Bennett  spent  the  first  seven- 
teen years  of  his  life  on  the  farm.  He  began 
his  education  in  the  neighboring  district  school 
and  Milton  (Wis. ) College,  graduating  from 
that  old  and  noted  institution  in  1883.  The 
next  fall  he  matriculated  at  Rush  Medical  Col- 
lege, Chicago,  and  was  graduated  in  1886, 
with  honors.  Fie  opened  an  office  at  Lyons, 
Wis.,  and  there  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his 
profession  until  1889,  in  which  year  he  moved 
to  Beloit ; lie  has  since  been  identified  with  the 
medical  history  of  that  city,  his  office  being  in 
the  Manchester  block.  Fie  is  a member  of  the 
staff  of  the  H.  P.  Strong  Hospital. 

Dr.  Bennett  and  Miss  Rebecca  Alice  Stock- 
man were  married  May  6,  1886,  and  to  this 
union  two  children  have  been  born,  George  and 
Howard.  Their  home  is  at  No.  803  Bluff 
street,  where  the  Doctor  has  erected,  one  of  the 
finest  residences  in  Beloit.  Mrs.  Bennett  is  a 
Presbyterian,  and  the  Doctor  attends  church 
with  her.  He  belongs  to  the  American  Medi- 
cal Association,  to  the  State  Medical  Associ- 
ation, and  to  the  Wisconsin  Central  Medical 


Association ; fraternally  he  is  a member  of  the 
Knights  of  Pythias,  and  is  highly  esteemed 
in  that  order.  He  is  a Republican  in  political 
sentiment.  Mrs.  Bennett’s  father,  John  Stock- 
man,  is  Scotch-Irish,  and  came  from  the  North 
of  Ireland.  Her  mother,  Elizabeth  (Nichol- 
son ) Stockman,  was  born  in  England.  Gen. 
White,  the  prominent  officer  in  the  English 
army  operating  in  South  Africa,  is  Mrs.  Ben- 
nett's father's  cousin. 

PETER  La  BORDE,  for  many  years  an 
honored  citizen  of  Juda,  Green  county,  where 
his  death  occurred  April  7,  1901,  was  a son  of 
David1  and  Catherine  (Arnold)  La  Borde,  na- 
tives of  Union  county,  Penn.  The  La  Borde 
family  is  of  French  origin,  and  David  La  Borde 
wyas  born  in  1793,  followed  cabinet  making  as 
a trade,  and  died  in  Stephenson  county,  111.,  in 
1876.  Flis  wife,  Catherine  (Arnold),  whom 
he  wedded  in  1817,  was  born  in  1800,  and- died 
in  1881.  They  became  the  parents  of  the  fol- 
lowing children:  Philip,  born  in  1819,  is  now 

living  in  Nebraska;  Peter;  John,  born  in  1822, 
resides  in  Stephenson  county,  111 ; Elizabeth, 
born  in  1824,  was  killed  by  the  accidental  dis- 
charge of  a gun ; Catherine,  born  in  1826,  mar- 
ried Henry  Long,  now  deceased ; Abraham, 
born  in  1828,  resides  in  Nebraska;  David,  born 
in  1830,  is  dead;  William,  dead;  Samuel,  born 
in  1832,  deceased;  Eli,  born  in  1834,  also  de- 
ceased; Eliza,  born  in  1836,  married  Elias 
Shaffer,  of  Nebraska;  Joseph,  born  in  1838, 
lives  in  Stephenson  county,  111. ; and  George, 
born  in  1840,  died  twenty  years  later. 

Peter  La  Borde  was  born  Sept.  10,  1820, 
and  Aug.  24,  1848,  was  married  to  Miss 
Phoebe  E.  Nofsker,  a daughter  of  Jacob  and 
Catherine  (Miles)  Nofsker.  Mrs.  La  Borde 
became  the  mother  of  the  folio wdng  children : 
Aaron  Lane,  born  Sept.  12,  1849,  died  ln  child- 
hood; Hannah,  born  Oct.  8,  1850,  married 
James  W.  Roderick,  an  extensive  farmer  of  the 
town  of  Jefferson,  whose  biography  appears 
elsewhere;  Lydia,  born  Oct.  13,  1852,  is  a 
noble  Christian  woman,  a member  of  the  Juda 
Baptist  Church,  in  which  she  is  a teacher  in 
the  Sunday  school;  and  Clara,  born  Sept.  21, 
1856,  married  Janies  Newman,  a business  man 
of  Cheyenne,  Wyo.  Mrs.  La  Borde  was  born 
July  15,  1825,  and  died  Oct.  13,  1896.  She 
was  an  active  worker  in  the  Baptist  Church. 
Mr.  La  Borde  began  life  as  a poor  boy,  and 
made  his  own  way  in  the  world.  He  located 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


453 


in  Stephenson  county,  111.,  in  1857,  and  came 
to  Juda,  Green  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1858,  and  followed 
carpentering-  and  undertaking  for  nearly  forty 
years.  From  1890  he  lived  a retired  life. 
Mr.  La  Borde  was  the  owner  of  a choice  farm 
of  140  acres,  three  lots  and  a nice  dwelling  in 
Juda.  He  first  visited  Wisconsin  at  the  age 
of  nineteen  years,  was  always  fond  of  travel, 
and  had  visited  every  State  from  New  Jersey 
to  Wyoming.  A Democrat  in  politics,  and  a 
member  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  he  was  a man 
of  character  and  standing  in  the  community. 
Reared  on  the  farm  in  the  early  days,  he  had 
little  or  no  schooling,  but  became  one  of  the 
honest,  upright  and  prosperous  men  of  Green 
county,  with  clear  views  and  intelligent  ideas 
regarding  questions'  of  the  day.  A kind- 
hearted  and  generous  spirit,  he  made  many 
friends,  and  left  as  part  of  his  legacy  to  his 
children  and  grandchildren  the  record  of  an 
honorable  and  useful  life. 

SAMUEL  MLTLLEN  is  a prominent  farm- 
er of  Shullsburg,  Lafayette  county,  and  has 
attained  a high  place  in  the  financial  circles  of 
his  native  town.  He  was  born  Aug.  31,  1853, 
one  of  the  large  family  of  children  of  John  and 
Catherine  (Nechery)  Mullen,  who  were  of 
Irish  birth.  He  is  industrious  and  enterpris- 
ing, and'  is'  looked  upon  as  one  of  the  public- 
spirited  and  progressive  farmers  of  the 
county. 

John  Mullen  was  born  in  County  Tyrone, 
Ireland,  in  1809,  and  his  wife,  Catherine  Nech- 
ery, was  born  in  the  same  county  in  1814. 
They  were  married  before  leaving  the  Emerald 
Isle,  and  after  a voyage  of  seven  weeks  in  a 
•sailing  vessel  landed  in  New  York.  They  re- 
mained in  York  State  some  two  years,  and 
in  184(1  located  in  New  Diggings  township, 
Lafayette  Co.,  Wis.,  where  Mr.  Mullen  found 
employment  at  smelting  ore.  In  1852  they 
purchased,  with  their  savings,  forty  acres  of 
land,  where  their  son  Samuel  now  lives.  Upon 
this  they  erected  a house,  good  barns  and  other 
buildings,  making  a most  comfortable  dwell- 
ing place.  As  the  years  passed  Mr.  Mullen 
invested  in  other  real  estate  in  that  and  in 
Gratiot  townships,  until  he  became  the  owner 
of  a large  amount  of  land,  acquired  wholly  by 
his  own  industrv  and  economy.  After  his 
first  purchase  he  made  farming  his  steady  oc- 
cupation. He  died  in  1886,  and  his  faithful 
and  devoted  wife,  who  had  shared  with  him  all 


the  trials  and  hardships  of  their  early  life, 
passed  away  at  their  home  in  1893.  They 
were  consistent  members  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church.  In  politics  Mr.  Mullen  was  formerly 
a Whig,  but  upon  the  formation  of  the  Repub- 
lican party  affiliated  with  that  organization. 
Fie  was  the  father  of  the  following  children : 
( 1 ) John,  of  Gratiot  township,  Lafayette  coun- 
ty, born  in  Ireland  in  1838,  married  Miss  Eliza 
Glass,  of  Shullsburg,  and  has  six  children — 
Katie,  wife  of  Samuel  Farrow,  of  Darlington, 
now  in  England  with  her  husband  on  a visit ; 
Elizabeth  J.,  wife  of  Samuel  Urin,  of  Lamont, 
W is. ; James,  of  Gratiot;  John  and  Robert,  of 
Gratiot;  and  Matilda,  wife  of  George  Boning, 
of  Darlington.  (2)  James,  of  Monticello 
township,  married  (first)  Miss  Carrie  Ouinch, 
of  Shullsburg,  who  died,  leaving  two  daugh- 
ters, Cora  and  Carrie.  He  married  (second ) 
Miss'  Hannah  Dickinson,  and  of  this  union 
there  are  nine  children,  Louisa,  Ida,  Josephine, 
Harvey,  George,  Charles,  Irene,  Edna  and  Isa- 
bel. (3)  Thomas,  a farmer  of  Shullsburg, 
married  Miss  Elizabeth  Plutclnnson,  and  has 
ten  children,  John,  Nellie,  James  H.,  Wilbur, 
Joseph,  Edgar,  Clyde,  Katie,  Harrison  and 
Matilda.  (4)  William,  born  in  New  York, 
enlisted  during  the  Civil  war  in  the  33d  Wis. 
V.  I.,  and  was  engaged  in  many  battles  and 
skirmishes.  After  the  war  he  married  Miss 
Sarah  Vivous,  and  now  lives  retired  in  Dar- 
lington. They  have  seven  children,  Nettie, 
Uritt,  Annie,  Minnie.  Bert,  Frank  and  Ernest. 

(5)  Mary,  born  in  New  Diggings,  remains  on 
the  old  homestead  with  her  brother  Samuel. 

(6)  Robert,  born  in  New  Diggings,  now  a 
farmer  on  land  adjoining  his  father's  old  farm, 
married  Miss  Ella  Cook,  of  New  Diggings, 
and  has  five  children,  Jennie,  Luella,  Wesley, 
Ethel  and  Idelle.  (7)  Matilda,  twin  of  Rob- 
ert, married  James  Carr,  of  Scales  Mound,  111., 
and  has  seven  children,  Matilda,  James,  Henry, 
Harvey,  Wilbur,  Edgar  and  Brown._  (8) 
Jennie,  born  in  1855,  married  Edgar  Allison, 
of  Alvord,  Iowa.  (9)  Bessie  is  the  wife  of 
Charles  Pearson,  of  Newell,  Iowa,  and  is  the 
mother  of  twelve  children.  (10)  Samuel  is 
our  subject. 

Samuel  Mullen  grew  to  manhood  on  the 
home  farm,  and  early  acquired  all  the  necessary 
training  to  farm  duties.  An  education  of  this 
sort  in  his  youth  is  essential  to  the  thorough, 
up-to-date  farmer,  and  such  Mr.  Mullen  cer- 
tainty has  proven  himself.  He  is  enterprising, 


454 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


and  with  his  energy  is  calculated  to  develop 
any  latent  resources  in  the  soil  he  undertakes 
to  cultivate.  For  fourteen  years  he  farmed 
in  Gratiot  township,  and  then  moved  back  to 
his  father's  old  home,  where  he  still  resides. 

On  Dec.  9,  1873,  Mr.  Mullen  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Miss  Annie  Rock,  daughter  of 
Abner  S.  and  Fannie  (Field)  Rock.  She  was 
born  in  October,  1855,  and  grew  to  woman- 
hood on  her  father’s  farm.  Two  children 
have  come  of  this  union : Eva,  born  in  Gratiot 

in  1874,  married  Henry  Gille,  of  New  Dig- 
gings, now  engaged  in  business  in  Shullsburg ; 
and  Abner,  born  May  18,  1877,  a farmer  in 
Monticello  township,  married  Miss  Nellie 
Moses,  and  -has  one  daughter,  Delva.  Politi- 
cally Mr.  Mullen  coincides  with  the  views  of 
the  Republican  party,  and  invariably  casts  his 
ballot  m its  support.  The  Congregational 
Church  has  found  in  him  a warm  supporter, 
and  Mrs.  Mullen  has  for  many  years  been  ac- 
tively engaged  in  church  work. 

FREDERICK  C.  DUNN  is  senior  mem- 
ber of  one  of  the  most  prosperous  mercantile 
firms  of  Milton,  Rock  county,  a thriving  busi- 
ness largely  the  creation  of  its  present  owners. 
Mr.  Dunn  has  amply  attested  his  ability  and 
standard  as  a business  man,  his  clean-cut  meth- 
ods and  sterling  integrity  winning  for  him  the 
lifelong  respect  and  friendship  of  many  friends. 

Our  subject  was  born  in  New  Market, 
Middlesex  Co.,  N.  J.,  June  16,  1850,  son  of 
Martin  and  Margaret  (Ayers)  Dunn,  both  na- 
tives of  New  Jersey.  The  paternal  grand- 
father, Joseph  Dunn,  was  also  a native  of  New 
Jersey,  where  he  lived,  a prosperous  farmer, 
to  the  age  of  seventy-two  years,  and  died  leav- 
ing two  sons.  The  maternal  grandfather  of 
our  subject,  Joshua  Ayers,  was  for  many  years 
a resident  of  New  York,  near  Lake  George, 
also  in  Schenectady  county,  and  at  Boyleston. 
Martin  Dunn,  the  father  of  Frederick  C.,  was 
a lifelong  farmer  in  his  native  State.  He  died 
in  May,  1884,  and  his  wife  survived  him  three 
years,  passing  away  at  the  age  of  sixty-seven 
years.  Both  were  devout  members  of  the  Sev- 
enth-Day Baptist  Church,  and  in  the  com- 
munity in  which  he  lived  Martin  Dunn  was  a 
man  of  prominence,  holding  various  local 
offices,  and  possessing  the  good-will  and  esteem 
of  his  friends  and  neighbors.  Of  his  four 
children,  two  survive:  Ellis  j.,  of  New  Mar- 

ket, N.  J. ; and  Frederick  C.,  our  subject. 


Frederick  C.  Dunn  was  reared  on  the  New 
Jersey  homestead,  and  received  a good  com- 
mon-school education.  He  left  the  farm  at 
the  age  of  eighteen,  in  1868,  to  engage  in 
carpenter  work.  Four  years  later  lie  came 
to  Milton,  Wis.,  and  for  two  years  was 
a student  at  Milton  College.  Returning  to 
New  Jersey,  he  taught  school  during  portions 
of  three  years,  then,  in  partnership,  with  his 
brother,  Ellis  J.,  he  went  into  the  general  mer- 
chandise business  at  New  Market,  continuing 
'thus  until  1881.  In  that  year  they  sold  out, 
and  Frederick  C.  returned  to  Milton,  Wis, 
For  six  years  he  worked  for  his  father-in-law, 
Robert  Williams,  in  1887  opening  a clothing- 
store  in  the  adjoining  store  room.  In  1891 
Mr.  Dunn  erected  his  present  store  builclmg, 
and  three  years  later  admitted  to  partnership 
George  R.  Boss.  They  purchased  the  interest 
of  Mr.  Williams,  and  have  since  then  most  suc- 
cessfully conducted  a general  store  under  the 
firm  name  of  Dunn,  Boss  & Co. 

Mr.  Dunn  married,  June  5,  1879,  Miss 
Flora  E.  Williams,  daughter  of  Robert  and 
Martha  (Dodge)  Williams',  and  seven  children 
have  been  born  to  them  : Clarence  W.,  Mabel, 

Eleanor  M.,  Charles  Ellis,  Margaret,  Gladys, 
and  one  who  died  in  infancy.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Dunn  and  their  older  children  are  members  of 
the  Seventh-Day  Baptist  Church.  In  politics 
Mr.  Dunn  is  a Republican. 

DAVID  C.  SHOCKLEY,  whose  residence 
and  farm  are  on  Section  25,  of  the  town  of 
Lamont,  Lafayette  county,  was  a soldier  in 
the  war  for  the  Union,  and  his  long  and  honor- 
able career  in  this  community  has  given  him 
more  than  a local  standing  as  a thoroughly 
honorable  and  upright  man. 

Mr.  Shockley  is  a native  of  the  Buckeye 
State,  and  was  born  in  Clermont  county, 
Ohio,  in  1839,  and  was  a son  of  John  and  Eliza 
Jane  (Carpenter)  Shockley.  The  father  was 
a native  of  Maryland  and  the  mother  of  Ken- 
tucky. When  the  subject  of  this  biography 
was  a bov  of  some  nine  years  the  family  moved 
to  the  West,  and  for  about  a year  made  their 
home  in  northern  Illinois,  and  then  effected  a 
permanent  settlement  in  the  town  of  Fayette, 
Lafayette  Co.,  . Wis.  Mr.  Shockley  was  a 
mason  by  trade,  and  followed  that  occupation 
for  many  years,  always  keeping  his  home,  how- 
ever, in  the  town  of  Fayette.  He  died  about 
1883,  and  his  widow  a year  later.  David  C. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


455 


was  one  of  a family  of  nine  children,  of  whom 
three  sons  and  three  daughters  are  living  at 
the  present  time  (1901). 

David  C.  Shockley  was  reared  to  farming 
pursuits.  In  i860,  when  the  .excitement  was 
greatest  concerning  the  discovery  of  gold  in 
Colorado,  he  went  to  Pike's  Peak,  and  was  ab- 
sent in  tiie  mountains  some  two  years.  In 
February,  1865,  he  enlisted  as  a member  of  the 
50th  Wis.  V.  1.,  and  was  honorably  discharged 
with  his  regiment  when  the  service  of  soldiers 
was  no  longer  needed.  He  was  the  only  one 
of  his  immediate  family  to  enter  the  Union 
army  during  that  time. 

In  March,  1865,  after  he  had  enlisted,  and 
before  he  was  sent  to  the  front,  Mr.  Shockley 
was  married  to  his  present  wife,  Mary  Curry, 
who  was  a daughter  of  William  M.  and  Sarah 
Curry,  prominent  farming  people  of  Lafayette 
county,  whose  biography  may  be  found  else- 
where. Mrs.  Shockley  was  born  in  Ohio  in 
1846,  and  is  the  mother  of  three  sons  and  two 
daughters : Minnie  Belle,  a teacher ; Hattie 

Luell.a,  wife  of  Doctor  Archibald  Cuolahan,  of 
Merrill,  Wis.;  Harlow  O.,  a physician,  who 
graduated  from  the  University  of  Wisconsin 
in  1896,  and  from  Rush  Medical  Colleg-e  in 
1899,  and  is  now  interne  at  the  Presbyterian 
Hospital,  in  Chicago;  Henry  Irving,  now  en- 
gaged in  business  at  Lamont  and  at  Fayette; 
and  Dale  Curry,  a student  in  the  State  Uni- 
versity at  Madison.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Shockley 
have  had  their  home  in  their  present  habita- 
tion since  his  return  from  the  war  about  thirty- 
five  years  ago.  He  is  a member  of  Harvey 
Post,  G.  A.  R.,  at  Darlington,  where  his  genial 
and  fraternal  qualities,  together  with  his  gen- 
uine manhood  and  upright  character  have  made 
him  many  friends. 

Mr.  ohockley  has  always  taken  an  active 
part  in  all  the  progressive  movements  in  his 
town  and  county,  and  was  one  of  the  first  to 
advocate  the  organization  of  the  township,  of 
which  he  became  the  first  ebaiiman.  He,  too, 
was  a prime  mover  in  the  establishment  of  the 
thriving  country  store  in  Lamont,  of  which  his 
son  is  now  a partner. 

ANDREW  JACKSON  TRICKEL,  for 
many  years  one  of  the  representative  citizens 
of  Clarno  township.  Green  county,  was'  born 
Sept.  10,  1825,  at  Butler’s  Point.  Vermilion 
Co.,  111.  Robert  Trickel,  his  father,  a native 
of  Hampshire  county,  West  Virginia,  came  to 


Illinois  in  the  early  settlement  of  the  State, 
having  first  migrated  to  Ohio,  then  to  Indiana, 
and  later  to  Illinois.  He  was  a farmer  by  oc- 
cupation, and  became  a factor  in  the  frontier 
life  of  all  those  States.  His  death  took  place 
in  Wisconsin,  at  the  advanced  age  of  nearly 
eighty-two.  years.  He  married  Alar}-  C.  Ben- 
syl.  who  died  at  the  age  of  eighty-two.  The 
children  born  of  their  marriage  were : Polly, 

who  married  Riley  Curry;  Ashford;  Y\  illiam; 
John;  Andrew  Jackson,  our  subject;  Jesse; 
Joshua,  a resident  of  the  State  of  Washington; 
Robert,  who  resides  in  Colorado;  and. Edward, 
who  lives  in  Browntown,  V is'consin. 

Andrew  Jackson  Trickel  is  a self-made 
man,  his  early  educational  advantages  having 
been  confined  to  one  month's  schooling. 
Reared  on  a farm,  he  settled  in  Green  county 
in  1850,  and  soon  became  thoroughly  identi- 
fied with  farming  interests,  and  by  his  own  in- 
dustry has  accumulated  the  competency  he  now 
enjoys.  He  was  considered  one  of  the  most 
substantial  agriculturists  of  his  locality,  own- 
ing some  700  acres  of  fine  land,  located  in  both 
Clarno  and  Cadiz  townships.  Much  of  this 
land  was  wild  when  it  came  into  his  possession, 
and  the  Indians  still  roamed  through  it.  Since 
April.  1901,  Air.  Trickel  has  resided  in  the  city 
of  Alonroe. 

Air.  Trickel  was  married,  in  i8q8,  to  Eliza- 
beth Crothers,  a native  of  Ten  Aide  Grove,  111., 
who  was  a daughter  of  John  Crothers.  Two 
children  were  born  of  this  union:  John  C., 

deceased:  and  Mary  C.,  who  married  Elias 
Frame,  of  California.  Airs.  Elizabeth  Trickel 
lived  but  a few  years,  and  in  1857  our  subject 
married  Airs.  Charlotte  (Alorton)  Huffman, 
the  children  of  this  union  being : Sarah  Ellen, 

Jesse.  Charles,  William  Andrew,  Laura  E., 
Martha,  Alatilda,  Louis.  Charlotte,  Clara, 
Olive,  Joseph,  Albert,  and  Everett.  Sarah  E., 
Charlotte  and  Everett  are  deceased.  The  two 
children  of  Airs.  Trickel  by  her  previous  mar- 
riage were  Mary  Elizabeth  and  Nancy  Jane. 
The  posterity  of  Air.  Trickel  includes  fifty-one 
grandchildren  and  eleven  great-grandchildren, 
all  but  four  of  whom  are  living. 

Born  of  a family  of  Democrats,  Mr.  Trickel 
advocates  the  principles  of  that  party,  of  which 
he  has  been  an  active  member  all  his  life. 
Travel  and  a wide  acquaintance  have  aided  Air. 
Trickel  to  become  a very  intelligent  man,  de- 
spite his  early  disadvantages,  and  although 
seventy-six  years  of  age,  he  is  mentally  superior 


456 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


to  many  men  in  the  prime  of  rife.  A recent 
trip  to  California  has  benefited  his  health,  and 
his  many  friends  and  neighbors  wish  him  a con- 
tinued life  of  prosperity.  Among  his  associ- 
ates he  is  highly  esteemed,  and  known  to  be 
a worthy  citizen,  a kind  neighbor,  and  a man  of 
exemplary  character  in  all  the  relations  of  life. 
During  his  long  residence  in  Green  county  he 
has  watched  with  interest  the  many  wonderful 
changes  which  have  taken  place  in  his  locality, 
and  he  has  done  his  share  in  the  progress  made 
in  Clarno  township. 

ERNEST  LIPMAN,  proprietor  of  one  of 
the  largest  dry-g'oods  and  carpet  stores  in  the 
Northwest  outside  of  the  large  cities,  has  an 
establishment  in  Beloit,  Rock  county,  that  for 
completeness  of  stock,  elegance  of  appoint- 
ments, and  adaptation  to  the  needs  of  the  com- 
munity, is  not  to  be  surpassed  anywhere.  Mr. 
Lipman  is  an  active  and  pushing  merchant, 
studying  the  public  pulse,  and  quick  to  discern 
its  changing  moods.  He  is  a genial  and  ac- 
commodating gentleman,  and  a popular  char- 
acter in  whatever  place  he  may  be  met. 

Ernest  Lipman  was  born  in  Milwaukee, 
Wis.,  July  14,  1857,  and  is  a son  of  Louis  and 
Lucy  Lipman,  both  natives  of  Germany.  His 
mother  was  a daughter  of  B.  O.  von  Zastrow 
von  Kuessow,  and  a descendant  of  an  old  and 
aristocratic  house  of  Germany,  tracing  its 
authentic  history  back  to  the  year  1180,  be- 
ginning with  Count  Heinrich  von  Kuessow, 
and  coming  down  to  Friederica  Gottliebe, 
Countess  von  Kuessow,  daughter  and  only 
heir  of  Count  Jochen  Friedrich  von  Kuessow, 
from  1752  a knight  of  the  Order  of  St.  John. 
She  married  Obersten  Otto  Bogislav  von  Zas- 
trow, who  was  the  uncle  of  Mr.  Lipman’s 
grandfather,  and  as  no  children  were  born  to 
this  marriage  the  latter  was  the  only  direct 
descendant  and  heir  to  the  Countess  von  Kues- 
sow, being  her  nephew.  In  order  that  the  fam- 
ily name  might  not  die  out  or  be  lost  he  added 
the  name  von  Kuessow  to  his  own,  and  was  aft- 
erward known  as  Bernhard  Otto  von  Zastrow 
von  Kuessow.  He  owned  considerable  prop- 
erty in  Germany  as  well  as  in  the  United  States. 
He  was  born  Feb.  20,  1801,  in  Pomerania,  in 
the  north  of  Germany,  and  died  July  14,  1872, 
at  Port  Washington,  Wis.  His  wife.  Henri- 
etta Othelia  von  Papstein,  was  born  Feb.  8, 
1805,  in  Castle  Blumberg,  Germany,  and  was 
a resident  of  Port  Washington  twenty-eight 


years,  surviving  her  husband  seven  years  to  a 
day.  She  died  July  14,  1879,  at  Port  Wash- 
ington. 

Louis  and  Lucy  Lipman  had  seven  chil- 
dren, all  but  one  now  living:  Harriet,  wife  of 
Louis  Heyn,  of  Milwaukee;  Helen,  deceased; 
Ernest;  Miss  Freddie,  of  Milwaukee;  Louis 
W.,  of  Milwaukee;  Lucy,  wife  of  E.  G.  Dall- 
wig,  of  Milwaukee ; and  Henry,  of  Milwaukee. 
The  father  was  a man  of  artistic  temperament, 
and  earned  his  living  as  a lithographer.  Pie 
came  to  this  country  some  time  in  the  ’forties, 
and  for  a time  lived  in  New  York  City,  about 
1855  coming  West  to  Milwaukee  and  making 
a permanent  home  in  the  Wisconsin  metropolis. 
He  followed  lithographing  there,  and  was  re- 
garded as  one  of  the  best  in  the  city.  He 
died  in  1869,  at  the  age  of  forty-two.  His 
widow  still  survives,  living  in  Milwaukee.  His 
father  lived  and  died  in  Germany. 

Ernest  Lipman  was  reared  in  Milwaukee, 
and  attended  the  German  and  English  academy 
in  that  city.  He  was  not  quite  thirteen  years 
old  when  he  was  obliged  to  go  to  work,  on  ac- 
count of  his  father’s  early  death,  commencing 
as  clerk  in  a store.  He  clerked  from  1870  to 
1879,  and  then  went  on  the  road  for  John  C. 
Olsen  & Co.,  of  Chicago,  as  a commercial 
traveler,  for  two  years.  In  1881  Mr.  Lipman 
opened  a dry-goods  store  in  Beloit,  and  met 
with  instantaneous  and  gratifying  success.  His 
business  has  increased  every  year,  until,  now 
it  commands  the  services  of  some  eight  or  ten 
clerks,  and  is  known  as  one  of  the  popular 
trade  centers  of  the  city. 

Mr.  Lipman  and  Miss  Emma  Kruger,  a 
daughter  of  Adolph  and  Anna  (Bruesch) 
Kruger,  were  married  Sept.  29,  1881.  Mrs. 
Lipman  is  a lady  of  most  estimable  character. 
She  is  the  mother  of  three  sons  and  two  daugh- 
ters, Ernest,  Carl,  Viola,  Theodore  and  Lucile. 
Ernest  died  when  five  years  old.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Lipman  attend  the  Episcopal  Church. 
They  have  a hospitable  and  well-appointed 
home  at  No.  136  Bridge  street.  He  is  a promi- 
nent Mason,  belonging  to  Morning  Star 
Lodge,  No.  10,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  Beloit  Chapter, 
No.  9,  R.  A.  M.,  Beloit  Commandery,  No.  6, 
K.  T.,  and  Wisconsin  Consistory;  ancl  is  also 
a member  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the 
Modern  Woodmen  of  America.  Mrs.  Lipman 
belongs  to  the  Order  of  the  Eastern  Star. 
Mr.  Lipman  is  a Republican,  and  is  a man  of 
standing  in  his  party  councils. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


457 


JOHN  H.  C.  SNECLODE  is  serving  as 
justice  of  the  peace  in  Cassville,  Grant  county, 
a position  he  has  filled  continuously  since  1855 
in  a most  creditable  and  acceptable  manner. 
He  was  appointed  notary  public  the  same  year, 
and  is  still  serving  as'  such.  He  was  one  of  the 
prominent  pioneers  and  highly  respected  citi- 
zens of  that  place,  and  it  is,  therefore,  consist- 
ent that  he  be  represented  in  a work  whose 
province  is  the  portrayal  of  the  lives  of  the 
leading  men  of  this  section  of  the  State. 

Mr.  Sneclode  was  born  in  1820.  in  Hol- 
stein, Germany,  of  which  place  his  parents, 
Nicholas  and  Esther  (Plagman)  Sneclode, 
were  lifelong  residents.  The  father  was  a 
soldier  in  the  German  army,  and  followed  farm- 
ing as  an  occupation.  There  were  four  chil- 
dren in  the  family:  John;  Joachim,  who  died 

in  Holstein  in  1868;  Airs.  Catharine  Klindt, 
who  died  in  Schoenburg,  Holstein,  in  1S86; 
and  Anna,  who  died  in  Kiel,  Germany,  in  1894. 

The  early  life  of  John  H.  C.  Sneclode  was 
spent  on  a farm  in  his  native  land,  and'- there 
he  was  educated.  At  the  age  of  fifteen  he  be- 
came a sailor  and  followed  that  life  for  some 
time,  making  several  trips  on  an  emigrant  ship 
to  American  ports.  He  was  in  New  Orleans 
in  1838,  and  in  1843  came  to  New  York  with 
the  intention  of  making  a permanent  home  on 
this  side  of  the  Atlantic.  He  first  located  in 
Ann  Arbor,  Mich.,  and  in  1844  settled  in  Ga- 
lena, 111.,  where  he  worked  at  the  carpenter's 
trade  for  about  six  years.  In  1850  Air.  Sne- 
clode came  to  Cassville,  Wis.,  which  place  at 
that  time  contained  only  twenty-five  houses, 
and  he  is  now  the  oldest  living  resident  of  the 
town.  Elere  he  continued  to  work  at  the  car- 
penter's trade  and  also  conducted  a cabinet 
shop  for  some  time,  but  is  now  engaged  in  the 
raising  of  small  fruit.  He  is  propagating  a 
raspberry  that  is  of  fine  quality  and  a great 
producer.  In  early  days  he  also  followed  sur- 
veying, and  served  as  county  surveyor  of  Grant 
county  and  as  deputy  surveyor  for  a time.  He 
assisted  in  laying  out  many  lines  and  bound- 
aries in  territorial  days. 

On  March  13,  1856,  in  Cassville,  Air.  Sne- 
clode was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Jane 
Va&AY^tsdMey- a—nafive  of  Virginia.  Her  an- 
cestors, who  were  from  Holland,  came  to  this 
country  as  early  as  1756,  and  settled  in  New 
Jersey.  Air.  Sneclode  lost  his  wife  at  Cass- 
ville July  2,  1871,  and  three  of  their  children 
died  of  typhoid  fever  the  same  year.  He  has 


two  daughters  still  living,  namely : ( 1 ) 

Nancy  Ann  first  married  William  AlcCannsh, 
by  whom  she  had  three  children,  Anna,  Nellie, 
and  Florence.  She  is  now  the  wife  of  Charles 
S.  Inglieb,  and  they  have  two  children,  Glad- 
dys  and  Henry.  (2)  Margaret  S.  is  the  wife  of 
Benjamin  Stevens,  of  Cassville,  and  they  have 
two  children,  Sylva  and  Belva.  Air.  Sneclode 
was  again  married,  in  1872,  his  second  union 
being  with  Aliss  Amelia  Phitteyplace,  a native 
of  Iowa,  and  a daughter  of  Solomon  Phittey- 
place, who,  a's  a soldier  of  the  Mexican  war, 
received  a land  warrant,  which  he  located  in 
Clayton  county,  Iowa,  where  he  spent  his  last 
days.  Air.  Sneclode  was'  also  in  the  United 
States  service  during  the  Mexican  war,  enlist- 
ing at  Galena,  111.,  in  1847,  and  he  took  part 
in  the  battle  of  Chapultepec.  In  early  life  he 
was  a Democrat  in  politics,  but  at  the  time  of 
the  Mexican  war  he  joined  the  Whig  party, 
with  which  he  affiliated  until.  1854,  when  he 
was  one  of  the  band  of  forty-three  that  met  at 
Lancaster  and  formed  the  Republican  party  in 
this  section.  He  has  since  been  actively  identi- 
fied with  that  great  political  organization,  and 
was  the  only  delegate  to  the  first  Republican 
County  Convention  from  Cassville  from 
his  section  of  the  county.  Socially  he 
he  is  a prominent  member  of  Cassville  Lodge. 
No.  235,  F.  & A.  M.,  was'  elected  senior  warden 
on  its  organization,  and  filled  the  office  of 
worthy  master  for  many  years.  He  is  also  a 
member  of  the  Chapter,  R.  A.  AT,  and  was 
connected  with  the  Odd  Fellows  Lodge  at  Ga- 
lena for  many  years.  For  half  a century  Mr. 
Sneclode  has  been  prominently  identified  with 
the  interests  of  Grant  county,  and  having  pros- 
pered in  his  business  undertakings  here,  he  is 
now  the  owner  of  about  twenty  building  lots  in 
that  place.  His  life  has  been  one  of  industry 
and  usefulness,  and  he  well  merits  the  high  re- 
gard in  which  he  is  uniformly  held  by  his  fel- 
low citizens. 

JAAIES  DAVIS  belongs  to  the  older  gen- 
eration of  Rock  county  farmers,  who  have  done 1 
such  brave  and  noble  work  in  the  reclaiming 
of  a wilderness  and  the  building  of  a great 
State.  Thev  came  to  Wisconsin  when  it  was 
a vast  forest,  with  stretches  of  open  prairie,  and 
have  converted  it  into  a State  that  is  the  peer 
of  any  in  the  Union.  Aluch  of  this  trans- 
formation Air.  Davis  has  witnessed,  and,  so 
far  as  his  strength  permitted,  has  helped  in  its 


458 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


accomplishment.  He  lives  in  a fine  home  in 
Section  8,  Harmony  township,  Rock  county, 
and  contemplates  with  wonder  the  change  that 
has  been  wrought  around  him. 

Mr.  Davis  was  born  in  Oneida  county,  New 
York,  Dec.  22,  1837,  and  is  a son  of  David  and 
Elizabeth  (Williams)  Davis,  or,  as  it  was  orig- 
inally written,  “Davies.”  They  were  natives 
of  Wales,  and  had  six  sons  and  four  daughters, 
three  of  their  children  now  living:  William, 

of  Wallula,  Wash.;  James,  whose  name  ap- 
pears at  the  opening  of  this  article;  and  Johm 
of  Westmoreland,  Kans.  The  father  was'  a 
cooper  by  trade,  and  came  to  this  country  about 
1830,  locating  in  Oneida  county,  N.  Y.,  where 
he  engaged  in  farming.  In  1841  lie  came  to 
Wisconsin,  and,  settling  in  Racine,  engaged  in 
work  as  a cooper.  He  died  in  Racine  in  1844, 
and  his  wife  survived  him  but  two  days.  They 
were  Calvinistic  Methodists.  His  father  died 
in  Wales  at  a venerable  age.  Elis  wife’s  fa- 
ther came  to  this  country  after  his  daughter's 
marriage,  and  spent  his  last  days  in  Racine; 
his  wife  and  all  his  other  children  died  in 
Wales. 

James  Davis  lived  with  a family  by  the 
name  of  Deberard  in  Racine  nearly  four  years 
after  his  parents’  death.  In  1849  he  came  to 
Rock  county,  VVis.,  and  made  his  home  with 
Joseph  Spaulding,  with  whom  he  lived  until 
he  was  twenty-one.  He  attended  the  district 
school,  and  found  in  Mr.  Spaulding  and  his 
good  wife  kind  and  faithful  friends.  For  the 
first  three  years  after  he  had  attained  his  ma- 
jority he  worked  out  by  the  month,  saving  his 
money,  and  at  that  time  was  fore-handed 
enough  to  buy  a small  farm  of  seventy-seven 
and  a half  acres  in  Harmony  township.  This 
land  he  has  thoroughly  improved,  and  has 
added  to  it  eighty  acres  in  Section  9,  the  two 
making  a very  complete  and  productive  farm. 
He  has  given  much  attention  to  fine  stock, 
raising  his  own  horses,  hogs  and  cattle ; of  the 
latter  he  prefers  Durham  cattle,  although  he 
has  some  Jersey  stock. 

Mr.  Davis  and  Miss  RIelen  Holmes  were 
married  June  22,  1869.  She  was  a daughter 
of  Harvey  and  Abbey  (Waterman)  Holmes, 
and  became  the  mother  of  two  children  : Helen 
A.  and  John  Edward,  both  of  whom  are  still 
under  the  home  roof.  Airs.  Davis  died  in 
1S75,  at  the  age  of  forty-one.  She  was  a mem- 
ber of  the  Milton  Congregational  Church,  and 
a lady  of  fine  character.  Mr.  Davis  is  a Re- 


publican, and  has  served  one  year  as  assessor 
of  the  town.  He  has  a beautiful  home,  a mod- 
ern house,  neat  and  attractive  in  every  particu- 
lar, and  owns  a finely  improved  farm. 

JACOB  BAUMGARTNER,  of  Lancaster, 
Grant  county,  was  born  in  Wurlitz,  Landge- 
richt  Rehan,  Kreis  Oberfranken,  Bavaria, 
Germany,  Nov.  26,  1830,  where  he  was  sent  to 
learn  the  trade  of  calico  dyer  and  printer  Alay 
14,  1844.  He  finished  his  work  in  the  shop 
Oct.  12.,  1S46,  and  after  the  old  German  cus- 
tom, was  turned  out  to  seek  work  in  different 
shops  and  places.  He  spent  three  years  on  the 
road,  and  in  his  travels  visited  over  four  hun- 
dred different  cities  and  villages,  and  covered 
over  five  thousand  miles  of  road  on  foot.  Dur- 
ing the  first  six  months  of  this  itinerary  the 
young  man  had  a hard  time  and  often  suffered 
for  the  want  of  food  and  shelter.  When  he 
began  his  journeyings  to  and  fro  in  Germany 
lie  also  began  the  keeping  of  a diary,  which  he 
has  maintained  to  this  time.  It  is  full,  of  curi- 
ous and  valuable  information,  and  is  rapidly 
becoming  a historical  document.  It  records 
the  names  of  all  the  cities  and  villages  he  has 
visited,  the  distance  from  one  city  to  another, 
the  weather,  his  income  and  expense,  his  hard- 
ships and  pleasures, — everything  is  set  down 
during  this  long  period  of  time.  Mr.  Baum- 
gartner is  very  proud  of  this  interesting  story 
of  personal  experiences. 

In  the  spring  of  1850  he  came  to  this  coun- 
try. He  left  for  America  on  the  schooner 
“Reform"  Alay  2,  and  landed  at  New  York 
June  17.  There  were  eighty  passengers 
aboard,  and  the  captain  was1  assisted  by  a crew 
of  five  men  and  a boy.  Mr.  Baumgartner  left 
New  York  on  the  day  following  his  arrival,  on 
a Hudson  river  steamer,  bound  for  Albany, 
There  he  took  the  canal  for  Buffalo,  where  he 
arrived  June  28.  Ten  days  from  New  Aork 
to  Buffalo  is  a statement  that  shows  how  rap- 
idly we  have  advanced.  From  Buffalo  Mr. 
Baumgartner  went  around  the  lakes  on  the 
steamer  “Allegheny,”  under  the  command  of 
Captain  Marsden,  to  Milwaukee,  where  he  ar- 
rived July  5,  1850,  and  found  it  a city  of  about 
nineteen  thousand  people.  He  left  his  trunk 
with  the  hotel-keeper  and  started  for  Jefferson 
on  foot,  for  this  was  before  the  advent  of  a 
railroad  in  Wisconsin.  He  had  an  uncle  at 
Jefferson,  who  got  his  trunk,  and  sent  him 
on  to  Cassville,  where  he  had  a brother  living. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


459 


Mr.  Baumgartner  spent  a few  days  at  Cass- 
ville,  and  from  there  took  a river  steamer  to 
St.  Louis,  where  he  sought  in  vain  for  employ- 
ment at  his  trade.  He  did  any  thing  that  came 
along,  however,  and  sold  fruits'  and  clerked  in 
the  city  lunch  hotel  on  Second  street,  and 
then  worked  in  a tannery.  On  Sept.  I,  1850, 
his  means  did  not  amount  to  eig'ht  dollars,  and 
if  he  could,  he  would  have  gladly  returned  to 
Germany.  The  following  spring  he  went  back 
to  Cassville,  where  he  worked  several  months 
on  the  farm  at  $8  per  month.  He  returned  to 
St.  Louis,  and  had  work  in  the  same  tannery. 
In  1852  he  had  thoughts  of  California,  but 
spent  the  summer  in  Wisconsin.  The  following 
year  at  Mineral  Point  he  made  entry  of  the  fol- 
lowing described  land : The  east  half  of  the 

northwest  quarter,  the  southwest  quarter  of  the 
northwest  quarter,  and  the  northeast  quarter 
of  the  northeast  quarter  of  Section  3.  Town  6. 
Range  2 west,  in  the  town  of  Fennimore.  Mr. 
Baumgartner  moved  from  Jefferson  to  Fenni- 
more, a distance  of  105  miles,  constructing  his 
own  wagon  for  the  journey.  This  wagon  must 
have  been  a unique  creation.  He  cut  down  an 
oak  tree  some  three  and  a half  feet  in  diameter, 
and  sawed  off  five  wheels,  each  three  and  a half 
inches  thick.  He  bored  holes  through  the 
center,  and  made  wooden  axle,  tongue  and  box 
of  rough  boards.  On  the  way  to  Fennimore 
he  met  a man  who  asked  him  to  stop  a moment 
while  he  went  into  a cabin  to  get  a pencil  and 
paper  that  he  might  make  a picture  of  the  out- 
fit. Mr.  Baumgartner  readilv  consented,  as 
he  was  proud  of  his  work,  having  had  no 
money  to  pay  for  a wagon.  He  made  the  jour- 
ney safely,  by  making  use  of  the  extra  wheel 
he  carried  along,  one  wheel  having  split. 
LTpon  his  arrival  in  Fennimore,  Nov.  5.  1853, 
he  at  once  applied  himself  to  the  building 
of  a log  house  16x18  feet,  which  cost  him 
$7.80.  He  split  five  hundred  rails  for  his  first 
calf.  In  1855  Mr.  Baumgartner  sold  his  land 
in  Section  3,  and  bought  the  southeast  quarter 
of  Section  5,  where  he  lived  until  1899,  when 
he  moved  into  his  house  in  Lancaster. 

On  Oct.  23,  1852.  at  Jefferson,  Wis.,  Mr. 
Baumgartner  wedded  Anna  Maria  Winterling, 
and  nine  children  blessed  their  union  : Louisa, 

born  in  1853,  married  Martin  Oswald.  Nelson, 
a farmer,  married  Lisette  Frike.  Harrison  died 
in  1850,  and  Franklin  in  1863.  Leo  married 
Anna  Muesse,  and  is  a hardware  dealer  at  Ar- 
mour, S.  Dak.  Peter  married  Millie  Duffner, 


and  is  a farmer  in  the  town  of  Fennimore. 
Frank  married  Matilda  Menkhausen,  and  is  a 
farmer  in  Iowa.  William  married  Martha 
Masow,  and  is  a farmer,  having  charge  of  the 
old  homestead  in  the  town  of  Fennimore.  Cora 
is  single,  and  is  living  with  her  parents  in  Lan- 
caster. Mr.  Baumgartner  takes  a justifiable 
pride  in  the  fact  that  he  has  led  a long  and 
busy  life  without  going  to  law  with  any  man. 
Fie  has  never  knowingly  swindled  a man,  and 
belongs  to  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church, 
where  he  has  been  a working  member  and  a 
liberal  supporter.  He  was  elected  a member 
of  the  board  of  supervisors  in  the  town  of  Fen- 
nimore in  1873,  and  again  in  1875.  In  1876 
he  was  chairman  of  the  town  board.  He  was 
treasurer  of  the  town  of  Fennimore  in  1882, 
and  was  re-elected  for  nine  years.  He  does 
not  waste  much  time  on  politics,  but  usually 
votes  the  Republican  ticket. 

SIMON  HARKER,  deceased,  cue  of  the 
well-known  and  highly  respected  merchants 
and  stock  dealers  of  Cuba  City,  took  a very 
important  part  in  the  upbuilding  of  this  por- 
tion of  Grant  county,  and  his  loss  was  deeply 
felt  when  death  claimed  him  for  its  own.  He 
was  born  in  England  Sept.  30,  1832.  a son  of 
George  and  Elizabeth  Harker,  who  came  to 
Big  Patch.  Wis..  settled  on  a farm,  and  there 
lived  and  died.  In  their  family  there  were  six 
children:  John.  George,  Isabella.  Anna, 

Sarah,  and  our  subject.  Anna  is  still  living, 
and  wife  of  Bonson  Spacely;  John  is  a resident 
of  Bremer  county,  Iowa. 

Simon  Harker  received  his  earlv  educa- 
tion in  his  native  land,  but  also  attended  the 
district  schools  of  Wisconsin.  While  still  in 
England  he  met  with  a sad  accident  in  a wool- 
en mill,  which  resulted  in  the  loss  of  his  left 
.arm.  In  spite  of  this  misfortune  Mr.  Harker 
managed  to' accumulate  sufficient  to  purchase  a 
farm  at  Big  Patch,  and  later  bought  another 
farm  at  Elk  Grove,  where  he  resided  for  some 
years',  then  removed  to  Galena,  and  engaged 
in  smelting  ore  for  eight  years.  About  this 
time  he  returned  to  Big  Patch,  lived  there  four 
or  five  years,  and  then  came  to  Cuba  City  and 
embarked  in  business  with  a Mr.  Cooper  and 
a Mr.  Wilson  under  the  firm  name  of  R.  A. 
Wilson  & Co.,  continuing  this  connection  until 
within  two  years  of  his  death,  when  he  was 
compelled  to  retire  on  account  of  failing  health. 
His  death  occurred  Feb.  22,  1896. 


460 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


On  July  9,  1856,  Mr.  Harker  was  married 
to  Miss  Mary.  A.  Raw,  of  Grant  county,  a 
daughter  of  Thomas  and  Annie  (Bonson) 
Raw,  both  natives  of  England,  who  came  to 
America  after  marriage,  settling  in  Platteville, 
Mrs.  Raw  being  the  only  white  woman  in  that 
village  for  a number  of  years.  Later  Mr.  Raw 
removed  to  Big  Patch,  purchased  prairie  land, 
and  made  a home  for  his  family,  remaining 
there  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1868, 
his  wife  surviving  him  until  1890.  Their  fam- 
ily consisted  of  four  children  : Margaret  mar- 

ried  Thomas  Peters,  resided  first  in  Grant 
county,  then  removed  to  Iowa,  where  Mrs. 
Peters  died,  in  1896,  leaving  a family;  Simon 
is  now  a resident  of  Iowa;  Mary  A.  is  Mrs. 
Harker;  Sarah,  wife  of  John  Bell,  resides  in 
Springfield,  Mo.,  and  has  a family.  Mrs. 
Harker  was  born  at  Big  Patch  Oct.  14,  1838, 
received  a district-school  education,  and  is  a 
very  pleasant  and  agreeable  lady.  To  herself 
and  husband  were  born  children  as  follows : 
Annie  born  in  January,  i860,  wife  of  Thomas 
H.  Peacock,  residing  near  Big  Patch,  'has  four 
children,  Mary  A.,  Roscoe,  Alice  and  William. - 
Edward,  born  in  August,  1862,  died  when  fif- 
teen years  old.  Thomas  Grant,  born  in  1865, 
married  Miss  Sarah  Peacock,  and  now  resides 
at  Big  Patch ; he  has  two  sons,  William  and 
Alvin.  Sarah,  born  in  1867,  wife  of  George 
Dent,  of  Cuba  City,  has  one  daughter,  Gladys, 
and  one  son,  Kenneth.  Isabella,  born  in 
1869,  wife  of  George  Hoffman,  of  Cuba  City, 
has  no  family.  Mary  H.,  born  in  1874,  grad- 
uated from  the  high  school  of  Cuba  City,  and* 
in  1899  married  Charles  AVaters,  of  Platteville, 
a farmer  of  that  locality.  Hayes  D.,  born  in 
1876,  studied  in  the  high  school  of  Cuba  City, 
and  is  now  a watchmaker ; he  married  Kathryn 
E.  Yeager,  of  Grundy  Center,  Iowa.  Jennie, 
born  in  April,  1879,  was  educated  in  Cuba  City, 
and  married  John  Bonson,  of  Platteville. 

Mr.  Harker  never  took  any  active  part  in 
politics,  but  was  prevailed  upon  to  accept  the 
office  of  mayor  one  term,  and  that  of  assessor 
several  years,  as  well  as  other  local  positions, 
his  sterling  integrity  making  him  peculiarly 
fitted  to  hold  positions  of  public  trust,  a fact 
which  his  fellow  townsmen  recognized.  When 
casting  his  vote  Mr.  Harker  was  always  in- 
fluenced by  his  conscience,  supporting  the  man 
he  thought  best  fitted  for  the  office.  He  took 
an  active  part  in  the  erection  of  the  M.  E. 
church  building,  and,  on  account  of  his 


zeal,  it  may  almost  be  regarded  as  a memorial 
of  his  virtues.  Both  he  and  Mrs.  Harker  early 
connected  themselves  with  this  church,  and 
Mrs.  Harker  trained  her  children  in  the  same 
faith.  Strict  or  rigid  integrity,  positive  con- 
victions, superior  intelligence  placed  him  and 
kept  him  to  the  front  in  all  matters  of  morals 
or  public  interest.  The  memory  of  the  good 
man,  whose  life  history  here  appears,  will  linger 
in  the  minds'  of  the  people  of  Cuba  City  for 
many  years,  and  those  among  them  who  can 
point  to  deeds  of  charity  and  gentle  kindness  on 
his  part  are  legion. 

HON.  THOMAS  JENKINS,  retired  busi- 
ness man  and  ex-representative  of  Platteville, 
Grant  county,  is  a native  of  Cornwall,  England, 
born  in  June,  1832,  and  is  a son  of  Benjamin 
and  Martha  (Carlvolth)  Jenkins,  the  former 
of  whom  was  born  in  1800,  and  the  latter  a 
few  years  later.  His  grandfather,  James 
Jenkins,  born  in  Cornwall,  England,  died  in 
Guatemala  about  1832. 

Benjamin  Jenkins  in  1837  took  his  wife 
and  family  to  Brazil,  South  America,  and  there 
worked  in  the  mines  until  1842,  when  he  re- 
turned to  England.  Afterward  going  to  Mex- 
ico, he  was  a miner  there  until  1848.  In  the 
meantime,  in  May,  1848,  his  wife,  with  two 
sons,  came  via  New  Orleans'  to  Mineral  Point, 
AVis.,  where  they  were  joined  by  the  husband 
in  a short  time  after  his  leaving  Mexico.  He 
next  removed  to  Platteville,  and  was  employed 
in  the  lead  mines  until  his  death,  in  1857,  his 
wife  surviving  until  1866,  when  she  died,  in 
the  faith  of  the  Methodist  Church.  Nicholas, 
their  eldest  son,  born  and  educated  in  England, 
accompanied  his  father  to  Mexico  and  thence 
to  Platteville;  in  1850  he  crossed  the  Plains 
to  California,  but  died  on  his  way  home,  at 
the  Fraser  river.  James,  the  second  child, 
came  with  his  mother  from  England,  engaged 
in  mining  in  Platteville,  married  Miss  Eliza- 
beth Jenkins,  and  died  in  i860,  leaving  his 
widow  with  two  children;  the  widow  and  son 
Thomas  are  now  deceased.  Martha,  the  young- 
est child,  is  the  wife  of  A.  A.  Stephens,  a dray- 
man of  Platteville. 

Hon.  Thomas  Jenkins  was  educated  in 
England,  and  on  coming  to  America  com- 
menced mining  and  prospecting  for  lead  in 
Grant  county,  Wis.  In  1851  he  made  a trip 
to  California,  via  New  York  and  the  Isthmus 
of  Panama,  and  after  six  years  of  successful 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


46 1 


mining  returned  to  Platteville.  In  1861  he 
again  went  to  California,  via  the  Plains,  spent 
two  years  in  Helena,  Mont.,  and  at  other 
points,  and  in  1868  came  down  the  Missouri 
river  and  relocated  at  Platteville. 

In  October,  1859,  Mr.  Jenkins  married 
Miss  Sheba  A.,  daughter  of  William  and  Jane 
Martin,  who  came  from  England  in  1848,  and 
settled  at  Dodgeville,  Wis.,  dying  in  this  State. 
Mrs.  Jenkins  was  born  in  England  in  1839,  was 
educated  in  the  Platteville  Academy,  for  a num- 
ber of  years  taught  school  in  the  State,  and 
was  a lady  of  culture  and  refinement.  She 
always  resided  in  Wisconsin  during  her  hus- 
band’s long  absence  in  the  West.  In  No- 
vember, 1899,  Mrs.  Jenkins  passed  away  in 
the  faith  of  the  Congregational  Church,  leav- 
ing her  husband  with  two  daughters:  Ida  A., 
born  in  September,  1862,  was  graduated  from 
the  State  Normal,  Platteville,  in  1885,  and 
for  six  years  was  a successful  teacher  in  that 
city  and  in  Milwaukee.  Netty  E.,  born  in 
February,  1871,  was  also  graduated  from  the 
State  Normal,  and  was  for  three  years  a school 
teacher;  in  1898,  she  married  Freeling  Fox,' 
of  Hampton,  Iowa,  where  they  reside  on  a 
farm,  and  they  have  one  daughter,  Frances 
Marion,  born  in  1900.  Our  subject’s  son,  B. 
M.  Jenkins,  now  deceased,  was  born  in  July, 
i860,  and  married  Josephine  De  Voe,  of  Mus- 
coda,  who  survives  him  with  two  children, 
Jesse  and  Wilma. 

Mr.  Jenkins  was  postmaster  at  Platteville 
during  Cleveland's  second  administration,  and 
has  been  mayor  of  the  city  four  times.  He 
is  a Regent  of  the  Platteville  State  Normal 
School,  and  president  of  the  First  National 
Bank  of  Platteville. 

SYLVESTER  REUBEN  STEPHENS, 
one  of  the  old  and  highly  respected  pioneer 
farmers  of  Green  county,  is  now  spending  his 
last  years  in  a well-deserved  freedom  from  the 
cares  and  burdens  of  an  active  business  life. 

Mr.  Stephens  is  a son  of  Reuben  D.  and 
Sail ie  (Milk)  Stephens,  both  natives  of  the 
State  of  New  York,  where  he  was  born  Sept. 
22,  1822.  At  the  age  of  twelve  he  accompan- 
ied his  parents  into  Erie  county,  Penn.,  and  in 
1842  they  all  came  to  Green  county,  Wis. 
This  was  in  the  early  days,  when  the  country 
was  wild  and  rough,  and  six  years  before  the 
admission  of  the  Territory  as  a State  into  the 
Federal  Union.  He  drove  a team  and  wagon 


from  Erie  county  to  Green  county,  and 
two  years  later  made  a return  trip  to  Erie 
county,  driving  over  the  route  three  times 
in  all.  For  seven  years  he  was  engaged 
in  teaming  between  Green  county  and  Mil- 
waukee, and  he  has  also  drawn  Avheat 
to  market  at  Chicago.  After  his  mar- 
riage he  entered  160  acres  of  govern- 
ment land,  including  the  site  of  the  present 
railroad  station  at  Juda,  there  being  not  a 
single  house  where  that  thriving  village  now 
stands.  He  helped  to  build  a log  school  house 
there,  which  was  the  first  building  in  the  place. 
His  father  was  the  prime  mover  in  organiz- 
ing the  school  and  putting  up  the  building. 
Mr.  Stephens  is  a musician  of  considerable 
local  repute.  He  has  a violin  which  has  been 
in  his  possession  nearly  three-score  years,  and 
has  played  for  many  parties  and  entertain- 
ments including  the  first  4th  of  July  celebra- 
tion in  Monroe,  held  in  1843. 

Mr.  Stephens  and  Miss  Wealthy  Ball  were 
married  in  Green  county,  Wis.,  Oct.  16,  1844. 
Airs.  Stephens  was  born  in  Springfield,  Erie 
Co.,  Penn.,  the  daughter  of  Gary  Ball,  who  set- 
tled at  Joliet,  111.,  in  1836,  and  granddaughter 
of  Daniel  Ball,  who  came  from  England,  and 
first  settled  in  Maryland.  He  died  in  Erie 
county,  Penn.,  aged  about  eighty  years.  His 
bachelor  brother  left  a large  estate  in  Phila- 
delphia and  Virginia,  of  which  the  descend- 
ants of  Daniel  Ball  are  the  rightful  heirs, 
though  they  have  never  come  into  possession. 
To  Mr.  and  Airs.  Stephens  were  born  ten  chil- 
dren : Alfred,  now  a farmer  near  Flandreau, 

S.  Dak. ; Susan,  widow  of  Quincy  Davis,  of 
Shenandoah,  Iowa;  Wilder,  who  died  at  David 
City,  Neb.,  Jan.  30,  1901,  aged  fifty-two  years; 
Alba,  a resident  of  Henderson,  Neb. ; Edward, 
living  in  Juda,  Wis. ; James’,  in  Juda : Theo  R., 
wife  of  Jehiel  Davis,  a farmer  of  Sylvester 
township;  Alalvina,  who  died  Nov.  24.  1886, 
aged  thirty-six  years;  Ezra  and  Etta,-  who 
both  died  in  infancy.  Air.  and  Mrs.  Stephens 
have  thirteen  grandchildren,  and  fourteen 
great-grandchildren. 

Mr.  Stephens  started  out  in  life  a poor 
man,  and  when  he  was  married  was  rich  only 
in  courage  and  in  hope  of  the  future.  After 
many:  years  he  became  the  owner  of  a choice 
Wisconsin  farm  of  160  acres,  which  he  has 
recently  sold,  that  he  might  move  into  the  vil- 
lage of  Juda,  and  be  care-free.  For  some  forty 
years  he  owned  and  operated  a threshing  ma- 


462 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


chine  in  the  county.  Mr.  Stephens  is  an  hon- 
ored veteran  of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  hav- 
ing served  as  a member  of  Company  K,  22d 
A\  is.  Y.  I.,  and  is  now  in  receipt-  of  a liberal 
pension  for  injuries  sustained  during  his  serv- 
ice. With  his  wife  lie  belongs  to  the  Meth- 
odist Church.  He  is  a Republican,  and  a good 
citizen.  During  his  years  of  active  life  he  was' 
a hard-working  man,  and  was  known  to  be 
very  honorable  and  upright  in  all  his  transac- 
tions. 

FRANK  BARNUM,  deceased,  was  a 
farmer  and  school  teacher  by  occupation,  and 
was  a son  of  Horace  and  Caroline  (Curtis) 
Barnum,  of  the  State  of  Connecticut,  the  form- 
er a relative  of  the  late  P.  T.  Barnum,  the 
celebrated  showman.  Horace  Barnum  was  the 
father  of  three  children:  Frederick,  born  in 

1832.  died  in  childhood;  Frank;  and  Marietta, 
born  in  1836,  married  Benjamin  Barnhouse,  of 
Albany.  Horace  Barnum  came  from  Michi- 
gan to  this  State,  and  thence  to  Kansas',  where 
he  died. 

Frank  Barnum  was  born  of  English  de- 
scent Nov.  6,  1834,  and  died  Aug.  21,  1896. 
While  a child  he  was  taken  to  Crawford  coun- 
ty, Penn.,  thence  to  Cass  countv,  Mich.,  where 
he  grew  to  manhood,  and  received  his  educa- 
tion. In  1856  he  came  to  Wisconsin.  In 
1858  Air.  Barnum  married  Sarah  Jane  Myers, 
of  Spring  Grove  township,  born  March  19, 
1844,  a daughter  of  Samuel  and  Sarah 
(Kline)  Myers,  early  settlers  of  the  countv 
[See  sketch  of  John  Myers  elsewhere  in  this 
volume],  Mrs'.  Myers,  the  mother  of  Mrs.' 
Frank  Barnum,  is  still  living  in  Spring  Grove 
in  her  eighty-fifth  year.  Mr.  and  Airs.  Bar- 
num were  the  parents  of  the  following  chil- 
dren: (1)  Josephine,  born  March  19,  1863, 

Inarried  John  Ivrider,  Sept.  5,  1880.  Air. 
Krider  is  a farmer  of  this  county,  and  is  the 
father  of  two  children.  (2)  George,  born 
April  8,  1865,  married  Miss  Samantha  Holmes, 
of  Alonroe,  Sept.  6,  1885,  and  is  the  father  of 
one  child.  He  resides  on  the  old  Barnum 
homestead  farm.  (3)  Mary  E.,  born  Sept.  8, 
1873,  died  Jan.  18,  1894.  (4)  Caroline  Ger- 

trude. born  Dec.  4,  1881,  lives  with  her  mother 
at  I win  Grove,  and  is  unmarried.  All  the 
daughters  are  ladies  of  marked  ability  and 
special  gifts  in  the  field  of  music.  Aliss  Caro- 
line holds  a certificate  as  a teacher  in  the  pub- 
lic schools  of  Green  county,  and  has  won  a 


very  enviable  position  in  the  work  of  musical 
instruction.  She  is  devoting  much  attention 
to  the  piano  and  the  violin,  and  if  her  work  in 
this  direction  is  continued  she  will  undoubt- 
edly develop  into  an  artist  of  marked  ability. 

When  Air.  and  Mrs.  Barnum  were  married, 
the  united  resources  of  himself  and  his  devoted 
wife,  save  their  youth,  strength  and  courage, 
were  not  worth  enumerating.  By  hard  work, 
economy  and  wise  management  they  became 
wealthy,  and  Air.  Barnum  owned  over  four- 
teen thousand  dollars  at  the  time  of  his  death. 
A member  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  his  life 
was  square  and  upright.  In  politics  he  was  a 
stanch  Republican,  and  as  clerk,  treasurer  and 
school  director  he  served  his  town  well  and 
faithfully.  For  some  years  before  his  death, 
he  had  left  the  farm,  and  was  living  with  his 
family  in  an  elegant  home  in  the  village  of 
Twin  Grove  at  the  time  of  his  demise. 

HENRY  HORSLEY,  an  active  and  ener- 
getic farmer  in  the  town  of  Benton,  Lafayette 
county,  was  born  on  the  Isle  of  Man,  Eng., 
Aug.  16,  1847,  and  is  a son  of  William  and 
Alary  (Bramwell)  Horsley,  both  born  in  Eng- 
land. The  father  was  born  Oct.  16,  1822,  and 
the  mother  in  August  of  the  following  year. 
They  were  married  in  England,  where  they  had 
a family  of  six  children  before  their  arrival 
in  America.  They  crossed  the  ocean  on  a sail- 
ing vessel  and  landed  in  New  York  in  1854, 
coming  directly  to  Benton,  Wis.,  where  he 
was  engaged  as  a miner.  This  was  his  occu- 
pation in  Lafayette  county  until  1882,  when 
he  moved  to  Jerauld  county,  S.  Dak.,  in  which 
State  lie  still  resides.  There  he  engaged  in 
farming,  and  there  his  wife  died  in  August, 
1889,  leaving  him  with  six  children.  Of  their 
fourteen  children,  eight  died  young.  Their 
children  were  : ( 1 ) Henry,  the  oldest  now 

living,  is  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  (2)  John, 
born  in  England  in  1851,  was  married  to  Aliss 
Alargaret  A.  Alderson,  is  a farmer  in  the 
town  of  Benton,  and  the  father  of  three  chil- 
dren, James,  Mary,  and  Rosie.  (3)  Hudson, 
born  in  England,  was  married  to  Aliss  Lela 
Hill,  of  Alinnesota,  lives  in  South  Dakota, 
where  he  is  engaged  in  farming,  and  is  the 
father  of  seven  children,  Cora,  Arlo,  Emery, 
Bertha,  Carrie,  Alary  and  Afabel.  (4)  Will- 
iam,. born  in  England,  was  married  to  Miss 
Ella  Hewitt,  of  Lamont,  Iowa,  where  they  now 
reside ; he  is  a brick  manufacturer,  and  they 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


463 


have  two  children,  Max  and  Harry.  (5) 
Bramweil,  born  in  Wisconsin  in  1858,  was 
married  to  Miss  Rosa  Alderson,  is  now  liv- 
ing on  his  farm  in  Beadle  county,  S.  D.,  where 
they  are  rearing  a family  of  six  children, 
Elmer,  Guy,  Roxie,  Alta,  Arthur,  and  Rosana. 
(6)  Sarah  J.,  born  in  Lafayette  county,  Wis., 
in  1856,  married  James  Meikeljon,  of  Canada, 
and  is  living  in  Washington,  where  they  have 
one  son,  Ernest. 

Henry  Horsley  had  bis  education  in  Eng- 
land, and  after  his  arrival  in  Wisconsin  worked 
in  the  mines  with  his  father.  During  the 
Civil  war  he  was  a member  of  the  43rd  Wis. 
V.  I.,  and  served  until  the  close  of  the  war. 
Part  of  this  time  he  was  under  the  command 
of  General  Thomas  in  the  Army  of  the  Cum- 
berland. At  Jacksonville  he  took  part  in  the 
battle  against  General  Forrest,  was  with  his 
regiment  through  all  its  campaigns,  and  was 
discharged  in  June,  1865,  Mr.  Horsley  learned 
the  trade  of  a blacksmith  after  his  return  from 
the  war,  and  lived  at  Linden,  Iowa  county, 
while  he  was  engaged  in  the  acquisition  of  this 
extremely  honorable  and  useful  trade,  which 
he  followed  for  six  years,  and  then  began  min- 
ing. which  was  his  business  until  1895,  when 
he  rented  a farm  in  the  town  of  Benton.  In 
1878  he  worked  in  the  Black  Hawk  Mines  of 
Colorado,  and  spent  about  a year  with  good 
results  in  the  mines.  The  career  of  Mr.  Hors- 
ley has  been  singularly  successful.  Beginning 
hie  with  only  his  own  resources,  he  has  his 
own  energy  to  thank  for  his  standing  to-day. 

On  Christmas  Day,  1873.  Mr.  Horsley  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Rosa  Murry,  who  was 
born  Aug.  31,  1857,  a daughter  of  David  and 
Sarah  (Adnv)  Murry,  old  pioneer  people  in 
this  part  of  the  world.  David  Murry  was  born 
in  Canada,  May  4,  1820.  and  his  wife  at  Hazel 
Green,  Grant  county,  Feb.  17,  1829.  She  is 
the  daughter  of  William  Adny,  who  lived  in 
Dubuque.  David  Murry  lived  in  Benton  over 
forty  years,  and  died  in  March,  1S80.  His 
widow  still  survives  him  at  the  present  writing. 
They  were  the  parents  of  a larg-e  family,  of 
whom  nine  are  still  living:  Nelson,  born  Feb. 
3-  1846;  Harriet,  born  Oct.  25,  1848:  Julia 
A.,  born  July  1,  1851 ; Samuel,  born  Jan.  20, 
1854:  Rosa,  born  Aug.  31.  1857;  Joseph  H., 
born  Dec.  7,  1862:  Sarah  E.,  born  June  15, 
1864;  William,  born  March  21,  1866;  David, 
born  Sept.  29,  1869. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Horsley  are  the  parents  of 


the  following  children:  Sarah,  born  in  Au- 

gust, 1S74,  had  her  education  in  the  town 
schools,  and  is  living  at  home ; William,  born 
Sept.  8,  1876,  is  now  one  of  the  managers  of 
the  home  farm ; David,  born  in  Lafayette  coun- 
ty in  1882,  is  single  and  at  home;  Lester,  born 
in  1884,  is  a student  of  the  home  school; 
Clyde,  born  in  June,  1889;  and  Lola,  born  in 
1894.  Mr.  Horsley  is  a Republican,  and  has 
held  the  office  of  constable  in  Benton  for  sev- 
eral years.  He  belongs  to  Thomas  H.  Oates 
Post,  No.  96,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Shullsburg.  The 
wife  and  family  are  members  of  the  Catholic 
Church. 

COLLINS  CHAPMAN,  an  honored  vet- 
eran of  the  Civil  war  and  a representative 
farmer  of  Waterloo  township.  Grant  county, 
was  born  in  Davenport,  Iowa,  in  1842,  and 
comes  of  good  old  Revolutionary  stock,  his  pa- 
ternal grandfather,  Collins  Chapman,  having 
aided  the  Colonies  in  their  struggle  for  inde- 
pendence. He  was  a native  of  New  England 
and  is  said  to  have  been  descended  from  one 
of  the  passengers  of  the  famous  Mayflower. 
He  made  his  home  in  Connecticut  until  death. 
In  his  family  were  three  sons,  Amyson,  David 
and  Alma,  the  two  latter  being  soldiers  of  the 
war  of  1812. 

Amyson  Chapman,  the  father  of  him  whose 
name  introduces  this  review,  was  born  in 
Hartford,  Conn.,  Aug.  31,  1800.  and  about 
1820  left  bis  New  England  home  to  come 
West.  In  1827  we  find  him  at  the  lead  mines 
of  Galena.  111.,  and  the  same  year  he  was  mar- 
ried in  Quincy,  that  State,  to  Aliss  Mary  Dru- 
lard,  a native  of  Ohio.  For  many  years  he 
made  his  home  in  Jo  Daviess  county,  111.,  and 
in  1850  he  came  to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  locat- 
ing in  the  town  of  Harrison,  where  the  family 
lived  for  several  years  before  going  to  the 
town  of  Waterloo,  where  the  father  died  June 
9,  1881,  at  the  age  of  nearly  eighty-one- years. 
As  a pioneer  of  the  West  he  took  in  the 
Black  Hawk  war,  and  was  identified  with 
other  historical  events  of  early  days.  His 
wife  departed  this  life  in  1858.  In  their 
family  were  twelve  children,  eight  sons  and 
four  daughters,  of  whom  four  sons  and  three 
daughters  are  living  at  the  present  time 
,1901).  Amyson.  the  oldest  surviving  son, 
was  a soldier  for  the  Union  in  the  Civil  war, 
and  is  now  a resident  of  Cassville,  Wis. ; Col- 
lins is  next  in  order  of  birth;  Peter  also  lives 


464 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


in  Cassville;  Jefferson  was  a member  of  the 
43rd  Wis'.  V.  L,  and  is  now  a resident  of  Ne- 
braska; Mary  Ann,  the  eldest  daughter,  is  the 
wife  of  John  Knox,  of  California;  Lois  is  the 
widow  of  Frederick  Lang  and  a resident  of  the 
State  of  Oregon;  and  Florence  is  the  wife  of 
Hubbard  Shelters,  of  Cassville,  Grant  county. 
Those  deceased  died  in  early  life. 

Collins  Chapman  came  with  his  father  to 
Grant  county,  and  lived  at  home  and  in  its 
vicinity  until  he  entered  the  service  of  his  coun- 
try during  the  dark  days  of  the  Civil  war. 
On  Aug.  25,  1861,  he  enlisted  in  Company  F, 
7th  Wis.  V.  L,  and  was'  in  active  service  with 
that  regiment  until  Aug.  22,  1862,  when  he 
was  wounded  by  a pistol  shot  in  a skirmish 
at  Catlet  Station,  just  after  the  battle  of 
Gainesville.  Being  taken  prisoner  by  Mosby’s 
Cavalry,  he  refused  to  accompany  his  captors, 
and  was  shot  by  one  of  them  in  the  right  hand, 
the  ball  coming  out  of  the  wrist,  which  was  ren- 
dered permanently  stiff.  He  determined  not 
to  remain  a prisoner,  and  by  a well-laid  plan, 
it  being  night  and  the  flashes  of  lightning  fre- 
quent, he  made  his  escape.  He  was  confined 
in  the  hospital  at  York,  Penn.,  until  Dec.  4, 

1862,  when  he  was  discharged  on  account  of 
his  wound  and  returned  home,  but  in  June, 

1863,  Mr.  Chapman  re-enlisted  in  the  one  hun- 
dred day  service,  becoming  a member  of  Com- 
pany A,  41st  Wis.  V.  I.  Since  the  close  of 
the  war  he  has  resided  most  of  the  time  in 
Waterloo  township,  and  has  devoted  his  time 
and  energies  to  agricultural  pursuits,  in  which 
he  has  met  with  marked  success.  He  is  now 
the  owner  of  a valuable  and  well-improved 
farm  of  245  acres,  and  is  surrounded  by  all 
the  comforts  which  make  life  worth  the  liv- 
ing. 

On  July  16,  1865,  Mr.  Chapman  married 
Miss  Frances  A.  Hall,  a native  of  Fort  Madi- 
son, Iowa,  and  a daughter  of  David  and  Sarah 
(El well)  Hall.  During  childhood  she  lost  her 
mother,  who  died  near  Hazel  Green,  Grant 
county,  and  her  father  subsequently  went  to 
Missouri,  where  he  married  again  and  made 
his  home  for  about  forty  years'.  There  his  sec- 
ond wife  died,  and  he  is  now  living  with  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Chapman  in  this  county,  the  latter 
being  his  only  child.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Chapman 
have  six  children,  three  sons  and  three  daugh- 
ters, namely:  Minnie,  Henry,  Frederick,  An- 

nie. David  and  Vesta  T.  As  he  grows  older 
Mr.  Chapman  feels  more  and  more  the  effects 


of  his  army  life,  and  -will  always  carry  the 
mark  of  a Confederate  bullet  as  a reminder 
of  the  famous  Mosby  Cavalry.  He  is  a Re- 
publican in  politics,  and  both  he  and  his  wife 
are  worthy  members  of  the  Seventh  Day  Ad- 
ventist Church.  A loyal  and  patriotic  citizen, 
and  a true  friend  and  neighbor,  he  is  justly 
deserving  the  high  regard  in  which  he  is  held 
by  all  who  know  him. 

CHARLES  W.  TOMKINS.  Among  the 
flourishing  industries  of  Albany,  Green  county, 
is  that  of  milling,  and  a progressive  firm  doing 
business  in  that  line  is  that  of  Warren  & Tom- 
kins, custom  millers,  who  own  a large  grist 
and  flour  mill,  and  also  manage  the  city  elec- 
tric light  plant.  The  younger  member  of  the 
firm  is  Charles  W.  Tomkins,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch. 

Mr.  Tomkins  was  born  in  County  Wick- 
low, Ireland,  Feb.  29,  1832,  a son  of  Charles 
and  Margaret  (Warren)  Tomkins,  both  of 
whom  were  natives  of  Ireland.  A family  of 
nine  children  was  born  to  them : Elizabeth, 

deceased  wife  of  Simpson  Tilley,  of  Albany, 
Wis.;  John  W.,  of  New  Town,  Ireland;  Peter, 
of  Milton,  Wis.;  Margaret,  widow  of  Thomas 
James,  of  Rathdrum,  Ireland;  Charles  W.,  our 
subject;  Mary  Ann,  who  lives  with  her  brother 
John  in  the  old  home  in  Ireland;  Robert  and 
William,  both  deceased;  and  Joseph,  who  lives 
in  County  Wexford,  a prosperous  farmer.  Our 
subject’s  father  was  a miller  by  occupation.  He 
died  in  Ireland  at  the  age  of  eighty-four,  in 
1861,  his  wife,  who  survived  a number  of 
years,  being  ninety-three  at  the  time  of  her 
death.  In  religion  she  was  an  Episcopalian, 
but  Mr.  Tomkins  belonged  to,  the  Walkerites, 
old  Scotch  seceders.  Two  of  his  brothers  be- 
longed to  the  Yeomanry. 

Peter  Tomkins,  the  paternal,  grandfather, 
a native  of  Ireland,  was  a miller  by  occupation. 
He  lived  to  be  about  ninety  years  old,  and  died 
leaving  six  children.  John  Warren,  the  ma- 
ternal grandfather,  was  about  eighty-eight 
at  the  time  of  his  death.  He  was  a farmer  in 
the  old  country,  and  had  been  a successful  busi- 
ness man. 

Charles  W.  Tomkins  was  reared  in  Ireland, 
and  early  taught  the  value  of  honest  toil,  enter- 
ing his  father’s  mill  as  soon  as  he  was  old 
enough  to  work.  He  attended  the  common 
schools  of  his  .district.  In  1830  lie  came  to 
America  and  located  at  Milton,  Wis.,  where  he 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


465 


remained  but  a short  time,  removing  later  to 
Janesville,  and  there  securing  employment  in 
the  mill  of  Jackman  & Smith,  in  which  place 
he  continued  for  two  years.  At  Albany  was 
located  the  large  mill  property  of- the  Warrens, 
and  at  this  time  Mr.  Tomkins  entered  their 
employ,  in  1868  becoming  a partner  of  Eugene 
Warren;  this  partnership  has  lasted  to  the  pres- 
ent time,  the  firm  name  being  Warren  & Tom- 
kins. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Tomkins  to  Miss 
Lucy  Ann  Hoyt,  a daughter  of  Benjamin  and 
Abigail  (Emmons)  Hoyt,  took  place  Aug.  3, 
i860,  and  of  the  children  born  of  their  union 
one  son,  Arthur  W.,  survives.  He  married 
Miss  May  E.  Lockridge,  of  Albany,  and  they 
have  two  interesting  children,  Ethel  E.  and 
Charles  Neil.  Two  other  children  were  born 
to  our  subject  and  wife,  whose  decease  cast 
a lasting  shadow  over  their  lives : Warren, 

a brilliant  young  man,  died  at  the  age  of  twen- 
ty-two, when  within  one  year  of  graduation 
from  the  Wisconsin  State  University,  at  Madi- 
son; and  their  only  daughter,  Estella,  passed 
away  at  the  age  of  twelve.  In  1885  our  sub- 
ject erected  his  pleasant  home  in  Albany,  where 
he  still  resides,  and  is  considered  one  of  the 
most  respected  citizens  of  the  town.  During 
his  years  in  this  locality,  Mr.  Tomkins  has 
seen  many  changes,  and  has  borne  his  part  in 
the  advancement  of  every  interest  in  favor  of 
religion,  education  and  temperance.  Politically 
he  calls  himself  an  independent,  using  his  own 
judgment  regarding  his  ballot.  Both  he  and 
Mrs.  Tomkins  belong  to  the  religious  society 
denominated  Christians,  Mr.  Tomkins  having 
been  one  of  the  nrime  movers  in  locating  the 
branch  in  Albany. 

Benjamin  Hoyt,  Mrs.  Tomkins’  father,  was 
born  in  1809  in  Maine,  and  married  Abigail 
Emmons,  who  was  born  in  that  State  in  1811, 
and  is  still  living.  They  had  nine  children, 
all  yet  living,  the  youngest  now  (1901)  forty- 
five  years  of  age,  a remarkable  record.  John 
Emmons,  Mrs.  Hoyt’s  father,  was  born  in 
Maine  in  1787. 

JAMES  DOLAN,  a popular  and  rising- 
young  attorney  at  law  of  Platteville,  Grant 
county,  was  born  in  Belmont,  Lafayette  Co., 
Wis.,  in  December,  1863,  and  is’  a son  of  Owen 
and  Jane  Dolan,  the  former  of  whom  was  born 
in  Ireland  June  23,  1833,  and  the  latter  in 
Greenville,  Bond  Co.,  111.,  March  4,  1842. 

30 

I 


Owen  Dolan  came  to  America  in  1853,  and 
located  at  Mauch  Chunk,  Penn.,  where  he 
worked  two  years  in  the  mines,  in  1855  coming 
to  Platteville,  Wis.,  and  in  November,  1861, 
he  was  married.  He  then  purchased  a farm 
at  Belmont,  where  he  engaged  chiefly  in  stock 
raising.  Later  he  passed  two  years  in  pros- 
pecting in  California,  and  returned  overland, 
riding  one  pony  a distance  of  over  1,800  miles 
from  the  Golden  State  to  Omaha,  Neb.;  at 
that  place  the  pony  broke  away  from  a car- 
riage to  which  he  was  tied  and  escaped  with  a 
herd  of  wild  ponies.  Mr.  Dolan  then  settled 
in  Lafayette  county,  Wis.,  and  farmed  until 
1884,  when  he  returned  to  Platteville.  He 
died  Feb.  12,  1899,  on  his  farm  in  Belmont, 
in  the  faith  of  the  Catholic  Church  ; in  politics 
he  was  always  a Democrat.  His  estimable  wife 
had  passed  away  in  1892,  leaving  one  son  and 
two  daughters. 

James  Dolan,  the  eldest  of  the  family  of 
three  children,  was  educated  in  the  State  Nor- 
mal School,  Platteville,  and  was  also  gradu- 
ated from  the  Law  Department  of  the  State 
University,  at  Madison,  Wis.,  with  the  class  of 
1897.  In  the  meantime,  however,  after  hav- 
ing graduated  from  the  State  Normal,  in  1891, 
he  was  for  some  years  principal  of  the  High- 
land (Iowa  county)  schools,  and  before  enter- 
ing upon  the  practice  of  the  law.  was  also 
principal  of  the  public  school  in  Platteville. 
In  1897  Mr.  Dolan  opened  his  law  office,  and 
at  once  secured  an  encouraging  clientele/  In 
1898  he  was  elected  a justice  of  the  peace  on 
the  Democratic  ticket,  although  the  city  was 
largely  Republican,  and  in  conjunction  with 
the  duties'  of  this  office  continued  the  practice 
of  his  profession.  It  is  stated  that  it  was  rare- 
ly that  a case  he  had  passed  upon  as  a justice 
was  carried  to  a higher  court. 

Miss  Mary  E.  Dolan,  the  elder  sister  of 
James,  was  also  born  in  Belmont,  and  educated 
in  the  Platteville  State  Normal,  is  a lady  of 
culture  and  refinement,  was  one  of  the  success- 
ful teachers  in  the  State,  and  now  resides  at 
the  home  in  Platteville.  Miss  Margaret  R. 
Dolan,  the  younger  sister,  now  deceased,  was 
likewise  born  in  Belmont,  was  graduated  from 
the  State  Normal,  and  was  one  of  the  leading 
young  teachers  in  Grant  and  other  counties. 
She  died  in  1898,  while  on  her  way  from  Ari- 
zona, where  she  had  been  for  the  purpose  of 
recruiting  her  failing  health.  She  was  of 
a most  amiable  disposition,  and  was  great- 


466 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ly  beloved  in  Platteville,  as  well  as  else- 
where, and  stood  very  high  in  the  esteem  of 
the  members  of  her  profession.  She  was,  as 
are  her  brother  and  sister,  devout  in  the 
Catholic  faith. 

James  Dolan  is  a scholarly  gentleman,  and 
an  able  and  astute  lawyer;  is  liberal  in  his 
views  on  all  questions;  is  broad-minded;  de- 
spises hypocrisy  and  sycophancy  in  any  and 
every  form;  never  takes  an  unfair  advantage 
of  an  opponent ; and  is  therefore  held  in  the 
highest  esteem  by  his  fellow  members  of  the 
Bar  and  the  incumbents  of  the  Bench. 

PETER  GNAGI  is  one  of  the  prosperous 
and  esteemed  citizens  of  Green  Co.,  Wis., 
who  after  a long  and  busy  life  has  retired-’  from 
active  duties'  to  a handsome  home  in  the  city  of 
Monroe.  He  is  a son  of  Benedict  and  Eliza- 
beth (Gye)  Gnagi,  and  was  born  in  Canton 
Berne,  Switzerland,  on  Oct.  9,  1828.  His  par- 
ents lived  and  died  on  a farm  in  Switzerland. 
After  leaving  his  native  country,  in  1847,  Mr. 
Gnagi  came  first  to  New  York,  thence  to  Ohio, 
where  he  remained  only  for  a short  time,  re- 
turning to  New  York,  whence  after  six  years 
he  spent  about  eight  years  in  the  State  of 
Michigan.  Reared  in  rather  humble  circum- 
stances in  his'  native  country,  he  there  attended 
school  and  after  coming  to  America  to  better 
his  condition,  he  spent  two  terms  at  a sem- 
inary in  Lima,  New  York. 

In  1865  Mr.  Gnagi  migrated  to  Wisconsin 
and  settled  in  Clarno  township,  Green  county, 
where  he  bought  over  eighty  acres  of  land, 
which  is  one-half  the  farm  he  now  owns, 
and  he  has  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  that 
his  present  possessions',  of  a fine  farm  with 
a handsome  residence  and  modern  buildings 
upon  it,  an  equally  comfortable  home  in  the 
city  of  Monroe,  with  an  accumulation  of  means 
sufficient  to-  maintain  the  same,  have  been 
the  result  of  his  personal  efforts.  At  intervals 
before  and  after  coming  to  Green  county  he 
worked  at  the  carpenter  trade. 

On  March  4,  1858,  Mr.  Gnagi  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Elvira  Marsh,  who  was  born  June 
1,  1830,  in  the  State  of  New  York,  of  New 
England  ancestry,  a daughter  of  Clark  and 
Amanda  ( Drake)  Marsh.  Mrs.  Gnagi  came 
to  Michigan  in  1845,  with  her  parents,  re- 
ceiving an  education  in  a select  school  at  Battle 
Creek,  and  becoming  a proficient  teacher.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Gnagi  became  the  parents  of  one 


child,  who  died  in  infancy,  and  they  then 
adopted  a son,  William  B.,  now  a practicing 
physician  in  Monroe,  Wis.  In  politics  our 
subject  has  always  been  an  active  Republican, 
and  has  served  his  township  in  various  offices, 
having  been  clerk  and  assessor,  and  in  1900 
was  census  enumerator.  He  was  one  of  the 
prime  movers  in  organizing  the  Farmers 
Mutual.  Fire  Insurance  Co.,  of  the  town  of 
Clarno,  and  was  secretary  of  the  company  for 
over  nine  years  following  its  incorporation. 
Both  Mr.  Gnagi  and  his  wife  are  consistent 
members  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  at  Monroe, 
and  socially  he  is  a member  of  the  Masonic, 
fraternity,  having  become  connected  with  it 
thirty  years  ago.  With  his  wife  he  spent  the 
years  of  1882-3-4  in  California,  but  did  not 
make  a permanent  residence  there,  as'  the  old 
home  in  Wisconsin  proved  a stronger  attrac- 
tion. Surrounded  by  neighbors  and  friends 
of  years  standing,  they  possess  the  esteem  of 
all,  and  richly  deserve  the  ease  which  attends 
their  advancing  years. 

WILLIAM  S.  HOLMES,  a retired  farmer 
residing  in  Platteville,  Grant  county,  and  a 
valiant  ex-soldier  of  the  United  States  volun- 
teer army,  was  born  in  Sugar  Grove,  Penn., 
March  23,  1839,  a son  of  P.  A.  and  Rosanna 
( Bulsom ) Holmes,  the  former  a native  of  the 
State  of  New  York,  and  the  latter  of  the  Key- 
stone State. 

P.  A.  Holmes  brought  his  wife  and  child 
to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  in  1840,  and  settled  on 
a farm  near  Platteville,  where  he  died  in  1874, 
leaving  his  widow  with  ten  children.  The 
widow  is  at  present  living  in  Georgetown, 
Grant  county,  at  the  home  of  her  daughter, 
Mrs.  Mary  E.  Graham.  Of  the  family  of  ten 
children,  William  S.,  is  the  eldest;  James  W., 
born  in  Grant  county,  Wis.,  was  a soldier  for 
two  years  in  Company  F,  3d  AVis.  V.  I.,  in  the 
Civil  war,  was  wounded  at  Cedar  Mountain, 
was  honorably  discharged  and  settled  in  Mis- 
souri, where  he  died,  leaving  no  family;  Mar- 
tha M.  is  the  deceased  wife  of  John  Henderson, 
of  Missouri ; Emmett  was  a soldier  in  the  20th. 
AVis.  V.  L,  was  wounded  at  Prairie  Grove,  and 
there  died;  Mary  E.  is  the  wife  of  James  L. 
Graham,  of  Georgetown;  Joseph  W.  is  married 
and  lives  in  Wilsonville,  Neb.,  but  has  no  chil- 
dren ; John  C.  is'  a farmer  at  Sanborn,  Iowa, 
and  has  a family  of  eleven  children;  Abigail 
E.,  deceased  wife  of  Robert  Ouinglev,  left  no 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


467 


family;  Robert  is  a resident  of  Dubuque, 
Iowa;  Susan,  widow  of  Marshall  Cooper,  also 
resides  in  Dubuque  with  her  children. 

As  he  was  the  eldest  of  the  family,  Will- 
iam S.  Holmes  received  but  a limited  educa- 
tion when  young,  and  worked  on  the  farm  un- 
til he  enlisted  in  1861,  in  Company  F,  3d  Wis. 
V.  I.,  with  which  he  took  part  in  numerous 
battles,  including  Maryland  Heights,  Antie- 
tam,  Gettysburg,  Chancellorsville  and  Beverly 
Ford,  and  was  with  Gen.  Pope  in  his  retreat 
across  the  Potomac ; was  also  at  Winchester, 
served  under  Gen.  Hooker,  and  likewise  was 
with  Gen.  Sherman  on  his  celebrated  march 
through  Georgia.  His  military  career  ended 
at  Averysboro,  N.  C.,  where  he  was  shot 
through  the  leg  by  a minie  ball,  from  the  ef- 
fects of  which  wound  he  was  confined  in  hos- 
pital for  four  months  on  David's  Island,  New 
York  Harbor,  and  there  received  an  honorable 
discharge,  and  returned  to  Grant  county. 

In  July.  1873,  Mr.  Holmes  married  Miss 
Selena  J.  Piddington  for  his  first  wife.  He  then 
purchased  the  old  home  place  on  which  he 
lived  until  1896,  when  he  retired  to  Platte- 
ville  and  erected  for  himself  an  elegant  dwell- 
ing. In  May,  1897,  Mrs.  Selena  Holmes 
passed  away,  leaving  him  with  one  daughter, 
Elizabeth,  now  the  wife  of  Charles  Rouse,  of 
Grant  county,  and  the  mother  of  one  child, 
Ethel.  In  March,  1898,  Mr.  Holmes  chose  for 
his  second  wife,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Hoadley,  a 
sister  of  his  first  wife.  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Holmes 
. was  born  near  Manchester,  England,  in  1843, 
and  is  a daughter  of  Matthew  and  Elizabeth 
Piddington,  who  came  to  America  in  1849, 
and  settled  on  a farm  in  Grant  county,  on 
which  they  passed  the  remainder  of  their  lives. 
At  their  death  they  left  two  daughters — Mrs. 
Holmes,  and  Mrs.  Sarah  Hindman,  of  Harri- 
son, Grant  county.  By  her  first  husband  Mrs. 
Holmes  became  the  mother  of  two  children, 
namely : George  W.  Hoadley,  who  resides  near 
the  Block  House,  in  Grant  county,  and  is  the 
father  of  two  children,  Guy  W.,  and  Cynthia 
E. ; and  Gertrude  Hoadley,  at  the  age  of  six- 
teen years,  was  graduated  from  the  State  Nor- 
mal School,  at  Platteville,  and  is  now  a pop- 
ular teacher  in  the  public  schools  of  the  county. 
In  politics  Mr.  Holmes  is  a Republican,  but 
has  never  been  an  office  seeker  nor  an  office 
holder.  He  apd  wife  have  made  many  friends 
since  they  came  to  reside  in  Platteville,  and 
their  life  would  be  one  of  unalloyed  enjoyment, 


but  for  the  fact  that  Mr.  Holmes  at  times  suf- 
fers greatly  from  the  serious  wound  he  re- 
ceived in  his  gallant  defense  of  his  nation’s 
flag. 

JOHN  WHITEHEAD  (deceased),  one  of 
the  pioneer  settlers  of  Green  county,  and  a 
man  well  remembered  for  his  many  good 
qualities,  was  born  in  Ohio  Aug.  25,  1825, 
and  died  at  his  country  home  in  this  county 
in  1879.  Mr.  Whitehead  was  one  of  the  four 
sons  of  Edward  and  Delilah  (Hawk)  White- 
head,  the  others  being  William,  Levi  and 
Henry. 

John  Whitehead  was  married  Feb.  16, 
i860,  to  a Miss  Iseminger,  a native  of  Ohio, 
and  a daughter  of  Joseph  and  Sarah  (Beatey) 
Iseminger.  They  were  the  parents  of  the  fol- 
lowing family:  Hattie,  Sarah  (who  is  Mrs. 

John  Whitehead),  Mary,  Jane,  Levi,  Rebecca, 
Frank,  Martha,  John  and  Alice.  Joseph  Ise- 
minger, the  father  of  the  above  family,  is  still 
living  in  Graysville.  Tenn.,  at  the  advanced 
age  of  eighty-eight  years.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John 
Whitehead  became  the  parents  of  the  following 
children : Emma  is  the  wife  of  Charles 

Palmer,  a farmer  in  the  town  of  Cadiz;  Will- 
iam has  charge  of  the  old  homestead;  Isaac 
is  a farmer  in  the  town  of  Clarno ; Minnie  is 
the  wife  of  Louis  Wolf,  of  Cedar  Rapids,  Iowa  ; 
Effie  Jane  is  the  wife  Ira  Long,  of  South 
Wayne,  Whs. ; and  Milton  is  a farmer  in  the 
town  of  Cadiz. 

John  Whitehead  was  a man  of  ability  and 
attained  a very  considerable  success  in  farm- 
ing, beginning  as  a poor  boy,  and  at  the  time 
of  his  death,  Jan.  6,  1879,  owning  300  acres  of 
very  fine  farming  land  in  Green  county,  mak- 
ing a choice  farm,  well-improved,  and  provided 
with  good  buildings.  His  success  was  not  an 
accident,  nor  the  result  of  the  help  of  friends, 
though  he  had  many,  but  it  came  from  hard 
work  and  careful  and  persistent  savings';  it 
came  from  his  development  of  a trustworthy- 
character  : it  came  very  largely  from  the  help- 
ful cooperation  of  his  good  wife  and  loyal 
children.  All  worked  together,  and  after  a 
time  they  secured  their  handsome  and  attract- 
ive country  home.  When  Mr.  Whitehead  set- 
tled on  his  farm  it  was  covered  with  timber, 
and  was  barren  of  all  improvements.  To-day 
it  is  one  of  the  most  desirable  country  estates 
in  the  southern  part  of  the  State. 

Mr.  Wffiitehead  was  a stanch  Democrat, 


468 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


and  was  a man  of  much  character  and  resolu- 
tion. Well  liked  by  his  neighbors,  he  was  j 
upright  and  honorable  in  all  his  dealings.  Mrs. 
Whitehead  retains  eighty  acres  of  land  in  the 
town  of  Cadiz,  from  which  she  receives  a cash 
rental  of  $225.  She  has  lately  removed  to 
Browntown,  Wis.,  where  she  has  made  herself 
a pleasant  home,  buying  a neat  and  attractive 
village  property.  A devoted  and  faithful  mem- 
ber of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  she  is 
known  as  a good  Christian  woman,  and  com- 
mands the  unstinted  respect  and  esteem  of  all 
who  know  her. 

WILLIAM  W.  DAVIS  has  devoted  him- 
self to  the  agricultural  interests  of  the  town 
of  Flatteville,  Grant  county,  and  now  in  his 
old  age  has  a wide  circle  of  friends  who  esteem 
him  for  his  upright  and  manly  life,  and  love 
him  for  those  personal  qualities  of  heart  and 
mind  that  have  been  conspicuous  throughout 
his  career. 

Mr.  Davis  was  born  in  Franklin  county, 
N.  Y.,  April  27,  1S33,  and  is  the  son  of 
Thomas  Jefferson  and  Mary  (Bell)  Davis,  who 
were  both  natives  of  the  State  of  New  York, 
and  born  on  the  shores  of  Lake  Champlain. 
Thomas  Davis  was  the  son  of  John  and 
Eunice  (Butler)  Davis,  the  former  born  in 
England,  and  the  latter  in  the  State  of  New 
York,  where  they  both  died;  they  left  a large 
family,  of  whom  Daniel  Davis  was  a resident 
of  Canada.  Thomas  Davis  settled  in  Frank- 
lin county,  and  was'  a fruit  farmer  for  many 
years.  Fie  sold  out,  and  re-established  himself 
in  Monroe  county,  in  the  same  State,  and  this 
became  his  home  until  his  death.  They  both 
lived  to  be  very  old  people,  and  reared  a fam- 
ily of  seven  children.  ( 1 ) Amelia  was  born 
in  New  York,  and  died  when  a young  woman. 
(2)  Benjamin  married  and  settled  in  'his  na- 
tive State,  where  he  died  some  years  ago,  leav- 
ing a wife  but  no  children.  (3)  Ruth  is  the 
wife  of  Harvey  Chase,  and  resides  near  Ro- 
chester, N.  Y.  (4)  Chauncey  was  a soldier 
in  the  13th  N.  Y.  V.  I.  during  the  Civil  war; 
he  married  a lady  of  Monroe  county,  settled 
on  her  farm,  and  has  two  children,  Frank  and 
Emma,  both  residents  of  that  State.  (5)  Jo- 
seph M.  was  a soldier  in  the  140th  N.  Y.  V.  I. 
during  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  and  lived  in 
New  York  a number  of  years  after  the  war. 
He  then  came  West  and  took  up  a govern- 
ment claim  near  Yorktown,  N.  Dak.,  and  made 


his  home  in  the  Prairie  State  some  years,  after 
which  he  moved  to  Minneapolis,  and  engaged 
m lumbering.  He  married  a lady  from  his 
native  State,  and  she  died  in  Minneapolis, 
leaving  two  children,  William  and  Emma. 
(6)  Emma  is  married  and  lives  on  a Minne- 
sota farm. 

William  W.  Davis,  who  completes  the 
above  family,  was  reared  to  manhood  under 
tlie  parental  roof  111  Monroe  county,  where  he 
received  an  excellent  education,  and  for  a time 
followed  the  vocation  of  a teacher.  In  1856 
he  came  to  Platteville  on  a business  errand 
for  a stock  firm  in  New  York,  and,  after  tran- 
sacting the  business  entrusted  to  him,  con- 
cluded to  remain  in  Platteville.  Here  he  was 
engaged  in  mining  and  in  other  work  until 
the  breaking  out  of  the  Civil  war.  In  1861 
he  enlisted  in  Company  C,  7th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and 
was  the  first  of  that  noble  army  that  rallied 
to  the  support  of  the  imperilled  Republic.  He 
was  under  Captain  Naysmith,  and  was  sent 
to  the  army  of  General  McDowell  in  Virginia, 
and  his  first  experience  in  real  warfare  was  at 
the  battle  of  Bull  Run.  He  participated  in 
many  , small  battles,  and  was  at  Fredericksburg 
and  Chancellorsville.  His  regiment  was  en- 
gaged at  South  Mountain,  and  here  Mr.  Davis 
was  seriously  wounded,  and  was  detained  in 
the  hospital  seven  months.  When  the  young 
soldier  had  regained  his  health,  he  rejoined  his 
regiment  at  Culpeper  Court  House,  in  time 
to  bear  a hand  in  the  terrible  struggle  in  the 
Wilderness  in  May,  1863,  and  there  he  was 
again  wounded,  in  the  eye.  There  was  a contin- 
ued fight  until  the  line  of  battle  was  stretched 
in  front  of  Petersburg,  where  Mr.  Davis  was 
twice  wounded.  He  was  knocked  down  at 
Gettysburg  by  an  artillery  wagon,  and  had  ribs 
broken  and  other  injuries  inflicted  on  him. 
While  lying  on  the  ground  he  was  taken  pris- 
oner by  the  Rebels,  and  imprisoned  in  Libby 
prison  and  on  Belle  Isle.  He  was  exchanged 
at  City  Point,  and  lie  was’  honorably  dis- 
charged from  the  service  at  Madison,  Wis., 
in  September,  1864.  The  war-worn  veteran 
resumed  peaceful  occupations  with  a zest  that 
only  those  can  know  who  have  led  stormy 
years  on  the  tented  field,  and  engaged  in  farm- 
ing near  Platteville  for  two  years. 

In  1871  he  married  Miss  Martha  E.  Ben- 
nett, the  estimable  daughter  of  Anson  and  El- 
vira J.  Bennett,  old  and  honored  residents  of 
Grant  county.  Mrs.  Davis  was  born  in  Feb- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


469 


ruary,  1851,  and  grew  up  on  the  Bennett 
homestead.  She  was  educated  in  the  public 
schools,  and  is  a lady  of  character  and  refine- 
ment. After  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Davis  settled  on  what  was  knowli  as  the  Phill- 
brook  farm,  where  they  still  live.  They  are 
the  parents  of  four  children:  Benjamin  A., 

born  in  1872,  married  Miss  Elsie  Nicholas,  and 
resides  on  a Platteville  farm ; they  have  one 
son,  Raymond.  William  A.,  born  in  1875, 
married  Miss  Cora  Austin,  and  has  his  home 
on  the  Davis  homestead.  Jennie  M.,  born  in 
1881,  married  Warren  Vanetta,  and  lives  on 
a Harrison  township  farm.  Nellie  B.  is  a 
student  of. the  home  schools.  Mr.  Davis  has 
been  a Republican  since  the  Civil  war,  though 
his  father  was  an  old  Jackson  Democrat.  He 
is  a member  of  Platteville  Post,  G.  A.  R. 
Mrs.  Davis'  belongs  to  the  Free  Methodist 
Church. 

ABNER  S.  ROCK,  a venerable  retired 
farmer  of  Shullsburg,  is  one  of  the  few  men 
living  to-day  whose  knowledge  of  Wisconsin 
extends  back  to  the  days  when  Indians  and 
buffalo  roamed  through  the  country,  and  when 
the  cultivated  farms  of  the  present  were  un- 
broken, uncultivated  tracts  of  wild  land.  He 
was  born  in  Logan  county,  Ohio,  Feb.  8, 
1827,  son  of  George  and  Clarinda  (Snoddy) 
Rock,  the  former  a native  of  Kentucky  and  the 
latter  of  Germany.  They  were  married  in 
Ohio,  and  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1844,  settling 
at  New  Diggings,  where  the  father  followed 
mining  and  teaming  until  his  death  in  1852, 
leaving  his  wife  with  seven  children,  five  of 
whom  are  living:  Sarah  and  Kemper,  both 

deceased:  Francis,  born  in  Ohio,  now  a resi- 
dent of  Sioux  City,  Iowa;  George  S.,  a farmer 
near  Sioux  City.  Iowa;  Margaret,  wife  of  John 
Williams,  of  Jo  Daviess  Co.,  111. ; Clarinda.  re- 
siding with  her  sister.  Mrs.  Williams ; and  Ab- 
ner S.,  our  subject. 

Abner  S.  Rock  received  but  a few  months 
schooling  during  his  boyhood  in  Ohio,  and 
after  the  removal  of  the  family  to  Wisconsin 
he  followed  mining  or  teaming  until  he  moved 
to  his  farm,  which  he  purchased  in  1854.  This 
he  greatly  improved  by  the  erection  of  good 
buildings,  and  the  breaking  of  the  wild  land 
of  which  it  consisted  whollv  when  he  made  his 
purchase.  He  was  very  poor,  and  only  by  his 
untiring  energy  and  dogged  perseverance  has 
he  ever  succeeded  as  he  has.  In  1886  he  bought 


the  George  Proctor  farm  near  the  line  of  White 
Oak  Springs,  and  now  has  one  of  the  best 
farms  in  the  township. 

In  1852  Mr.  Rock  was  wedded  to  bliss 
Fanny  Field,  who  was  born  Feb.  12.  1835, 
daughter  of  William  and  Sarah  Field,  who 
came  early  from  Kentucky  to  New  Diggings 
township.  Their  union  was  blessed  with  three 
children:  Annie,  born  in  T854,  married  Sam- 

uel Mullen,  a farmer  of  Shullsburg,  and  has 
two  children,  Eva  (wife  of  Henry  Girley)  and 
Abner  (a  farmer  of  Monticello  township)  ; 
Charles  H.,  born  in  August,  1858,  residing  on 
a part  of  his  father’s  farm,  married  May  Urin 
in  1896,  and  has  two  children,  Fannie  E.  (born 
in  1897),  and  Abner  C.  (born  in  June,  1900)  ; 
Eliza,  born  in  1863,  is  now  deceased.  In  re- 
ligious connection  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rock  are 
identified  with  the  Congregational  Church, 
which  they.attend  regularly,  and  are  interested 
in  its  work,  contributing  to  the  support  of  same. 
Politically  Mr.  Rock  is  always  found  in  the 
ranks  of  the  Democratic  party,  and  has  been 
honored  with  a number  of  local  offices,  such 
as  member  of  the  town  board  and  school  di- 
rector, the  duties  of  which  he  has  conscien- 
tiously fulfilled. 

THOMAS  MARSDEN.  The  greater  por- 
tion of  Mr.  Marsden’s  long  and  useful  life  of 
sixty-five  years  has  been  passed  in  Grant  coun- 
ty, his  father  having  been  among  the  pioneers 
of  that  section  of  the  State,  the  family  com- 
ing to  this  country  from  Yorkshire,  England. 

Henry  Marsden.  father  of  Thomas,  was 
born  in  Leeds,  England,  Aug.  12,  1807.  For 
many  years  he  was  engaged  in  overseeing  one 
of  the  large  woolen  manufactories  near  the 
place  of  his  birth,  continuing  in  this  business', 
and  the  difficult  business  of  pattern  making,  as 
long-  as  he  remained  in  England.  In  1832  he 
was  married  to  Hannah  Maria  Riley,  and  in 
1842  they  emigrated  to  America,  bringing  their 
family  of  five  children  with  them.  Immedi- 
ately upon  reaching  this  country  they  came 
West,  first  to  Chicago,  then  to  Racine,  and  a 
little  later  to  what  is  now  Waukesha  county, 
Wis.,  where  they  resided  ten  years.  It  was 
here  that  Mrs.  Marsden  died  in  1844.  In 
1853  the  elder  Marsden  moved  with  his  chil- 
dren to  Grant  county,  in  the  same  State,  and 
purchased  a farm  east  of  Lancaster,  in  the 
township  of  Liberty.  Here,  with  the  assist- 
ance of  his  family,  he  created  a home,  and  lived 


470 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


among  the  old  settlers  of  the  county.  His  five 
children  are  all  living:  Rebecca  is  now  Mrs. 

John  Rook,  of  Lancaster;  Thomas  and  William 
reside  in  the  township  of  Fennimore;  Jane  lives 
in  Kansas,  the  wife  of  Zackaria  Thomas ; and 
John  lives  in  California.  The  elder  Marsden 
lived  to  see  his  seventy-fourth  birthday,  and 
passed  away  in  1880,  honored  by  his  neighbors 
and  acquaintances  for  his  industry,  his  moral 
worth  and  his  irreproachable  life. 

Thomas  Marsden  was  born  in  Yorkshire, 
England,  in  1835,  and1  among  the  most  vivid 
recollections  are  the  impressions  made  upon 
his  young  mind,  when,  a boy  of  seven  years, 
he  first  landed  in  New  York  and  crossed  more 
than  a third  of  the  continent  to  find  a home 
whose  character  and  surroundings  were  totally 
different  from  anything  with  which  his  previ- 
ous short  experience  had  made  him  familiar. 
As  he  grew  older  he  aided  his  father  upon  the 
homestead,  and  soon  after  reaching  manhood 
he  married,  his  wife’s  name  being  Sarah  Fry. 
Her  father,  John  Fry,  was  a Pennsylvania  far- 
mer, who  had  migrated  first  to  Iowa,  and  after- 
ward to  Grant  county,  Whs.,  settling  in  Ellen- 
boro  township  in  1854.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Marsden  five  children  have  been  born,  one  of 
whom,  Julia,  died  at  the  age  of  seventeen. 
Those  yet  living  are  Olive,  Henry,  Cora  and 
Riley.  Olive  is  the  wife  of  W.  E.  Lathrop. 
Henry  is  a practicing  physician. 

In  1864  Mr.  Marsden  moved  to  the  farm  in 
Fennimore  which  is  his  present  home,  and 
which,  through  his  efforts  and  energy,  has  be- 
come one  of  the  most  attractive  homes  in 
Grant  county. 

MARION  F.  ROSS.  Among  the  sturdy 
people  of  Wisconsin  there  is  an  element  of 
New  England  ancestry,  schooled  to  effort  and 
achievement,  typical  representatives  of  enlight- 
enment and  progress,  yet  standing  for  the  con- 
servative forces  of  society.  When  a lad  of 
nine  years'  the  subject  of  this  sketch  was  one 
of  a family  which,  in  that  steady  migration 
from  New  England  for  nearly  two  centuries, 
left  home  and  friends  to  people  the  West.  The 
father,  Augustus  Ross,  was  a man  of  superior 
intelligence.  ITe  was  reared  on  a farm  but 
received  a good  common  school  education,  and 
in  his  youth  attained,  also,  a good  medical  ed- 
ucation. He  practiced  medicine  for  some 
years,  but  later  returned  to  farm  life. 

d he  Ross  family  is  of  Scotch  extraction. 


Leonard  Ross,  the  grandfather  of  our  subject, 
was  a native  of  Connecticut,  but  removed  to 
Vermont,  where  he  engaged  in  farming  and 
lived  to  a good  old  age,  leaving  a large  family 
of  children.  Augustus,  his  son,  was  born  in 
Vermont  in  1816.  In  his  native  State  he  mar- 
ried Amanda  Smith,  daughter  of  Asahel  Smith 
a native-born  farmer  of  Massachusetts,  of 
English  ancestry,  who  reared  a large  family 
and  lived  to  an  advanced  age.  Migrating  with 
his  family  to  Wisconsin  in  1854,  Augustus 
Ross  bought  100  acres  of  land  in  Exeter  town- 
ship, Green  county,  and  there  lived;  until  his 
death,  which  occurred  in  1863,  when  he  was 
forty-seven  years  of  age.  Augustus  Ross  was 
a prominent  citizen  in  the  new  community. 
He  served  as  town  superintendent  of  schools 
and  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace.  Among 
other  local  offices,  he  filled  that  of  town  super- 
visor. Himself  and  wife  were  members  ot  the 
Universalist  Church.  His  widow  still  sur- 
vives, living  at  the  old  homestead  in  Exeter 
township,  now  in  her  eighty-fifth  year.  Eleven 
children,  six  sons  and  five  daughters,  were 
born  to  Augustus  and  Amanda  Ross,  of  whom 
six  are  now  living,  namely:  Joseph  W.,  of 

Oak  Park,  111.;  Marion  F.,  our  subject;  Ann 
E.,  wife  of  Thomas  Parkin,  of  Pine  Islanrl, 
Minn. ; Ada  E.,  wife  of  Simeon  D.  Ace,  of  Ex-= 
eter  township;  Louisa  A.,  wife  of  Robert  Par- 
kin, of  Pine  Island,  Minn.,  and  Carrie,  wife  of 
John  Stuckey,  of  Pine  Island,  Minnesota. 

Marion  F.  Ross  was  born  in  Ludlow,  Vt.f 
Nov.  15,  1844.  Fie  attended  school  in  Ver- 
mont when  a boy,  and  after  his  long  journey 
to  Wisconsin  with  his  father  and  'family  in 
1854  he  continued  his  education  amid  the  new 
surroundings.  He  early  gave  his  attention  to 
School  teaching,  beginning  while  yet  a pupil 
at  the  district  schools  and  continuing  it  in  all 
for  twelve  years.  Marion  was  but  nineteen 
years  old  when  his-  faher  died,  and  at  the  age 
of  twenty  years,  like  his  brothers,  he  was  al- 
lowed his  time.  At  that  age  he  took  charge  of 
his  father’s  farm  and  conducted  it  for  one  year. 
Then,  upon  completing  his  majority,  he  had 
the  usual  aspiration  of  the  young  man  to  seek 
his  fortune,  and,  an  opportunity  presenting 
itself  in  the  selling  of  sewing  machines,  he 
seized  it,  but  this  venture  did  not  prove  especi- 
ally rich,  and  Mr.  Ross  returned  to  farming. 
Buying  a farm  of  120  acres  at  Attica,  in  Brook- 
lyn township,  he  lived  there  for  fourteen  years, 
then  traded  the  property  for  his  present  farm 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


47i 


in  Exeter  township,  then  consisting  of  302 
acres,  but  now  of  only  297.  This'  has  been  his 
home  since  1882.  Mr.  Ross  has  brought  the 
farm  to  a high  state  of  cultivation,  and  while 
he  engages  profitably  in  general  farming,  he 
devotes  considerable  attention  also  to  stock 
raising. 

Mr.  Ross  married,  Nov.  4,  1866,  Miss 
Alma  J.  Gassett.  daughter  of  Lucius  and  Sallie 
B.  (Butterfield)  Gassett,  natives  of  Ludlow, 
Vt.,  who,  in  1853,  migrated  to  Exeter  town- 
ship, Green  county,  Wis.,  and  located  on  a farm 
of  160  acres.  The  paternal  grandfather  of 
Mrs.  Ross  was  Darius  Gassett,  a native  of 
Vermont,  of  English  extraction,  and  a farmer, 
who  had  a large  family  and  lived  to  the  age 
of  almost  ninety  years.  Her  maternal  grand- 
father was  Joseph  Butterfield,  a farmer,  native 
of  Massachusetts,  of  English  descent,  who  had 
six  children,  and  lived  to  the  age  of  seventy 
years.  To  Lucius  and  Sallie  B.  Gassett  were 
born  three  children  : Alma  J.,  wife  of  our  sub- 

ject; Almina,  unmarried;  and  Julius  L.,  of 
Belleville,  Wis.  In  1880  Lucius  Gassett  sold 
his  Exeter  township  farm  to  Julius',  his  son, 
and  moved  to  Belleville,  where  he  died  Tan.  28, 
1901,  in  his  ninety-first  year.  His  wife  died 
Feb.  14,  1893,  ag'ed  seventy-five  years. 

Six  children  were  born  to  Marion  F.  and 
Alma  (Gassett)  Ross,  four  sons  and  two 
daughters.  Of  these  (1)  Archie  F.  is  a trav- 
eling salesman,  living  at  Mt.  Horeb.  He  mar- 
ried Florence  Cate,  and  after  her  death  wedded 
for  his  second  wife  Mary  Gillett,  by  whom  he 
has  one  child  living,  Vernon  L.  (2)  Lucius 
A.  married  Mary  E.  Christler,  lives  in  Exeter 
township,  and  has  one  child  living,  Velma  M. 
(3)  Curtis  IT.  married  Ada  Kirkpatrick  and 
lives  at  Belleville,  where  he  owns  a livery 
stable.  He  has  one  child,  Mildred.  (4)  Mabel 
A.  married  Rodney  Judd,  and  lives  in  Dane 
county  near  Belleville.  (5)  Vernon  M.  and 
(6)  Winnifred  A.  are  at  home.  While  living 
at  Attica  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ross  were  members  of 
the  Methodist  Church  located  there,  but  are 
not  now  actively  identified  with  any  religious 
society.  While  at  Attica  Mr.  Ross  was  for  a 
number  of  years  justice  of  the  peace.  He  has 
served  as  town  clerk  and  as  school  clerk  for 
many  years  in  both  Brooklyn  and  Exeter  town- 
ships. In  politics  he  is  a Republican.  In  the 
political  and  social  life  of  Exeter  township  he 
is  recognized  as  a leader,  and  one  whose  judg- 
ments are  clean-cut  and  based  upon  right  think- 


ing, and  one  who  in  active  life  is  ever  ready 
to  maintain  and  defend  those  policies  and  prin- 
ciples which  work  for  the  public  welfare. 

REV.  JOHN  T.  ETTER,  after  a long  life 
of  usefulness,  devoted  to  the  ministry  of  the 
German  Reformed  Church,  now  lives  retired 
in  Monroe,  Green  county,  Wis.  He  was  born 
in  Buehler,  Canton  Appenzell,  Switzerland, 
Dec.  28,  1832,  of  a family  that  for  several  gen- 
erations was  represented  in  the  ministry. 

Rev.  John  Jacob  Etter,  his  grandfather, 
was  a minister  of  the  German  Reformed 
Church,  and  passed  his  life  in  Switzerland. 
His  death  occurred  at  the  age  of  eighty-eight 
years,  after  he  had  preached  for  forty  years  to 
one  congregation. 

Rev.  John  Ulrich  Etter,  son  of  Rev.  John 
Jacob,  followed  in  his  father’s  footsteps,  and 
for  thirty  years  was  in  charge  of  one  parish. 
He  married  Mary  Magdalene  Rehsteiner,  who 
died  in  1833,  at  the  age  of  nineteen,  leaving 
one  child,  Rev.  John  T.  After  the  death  of 
his  first  wife,  Rev.  John  Ulrich  Etter  wedded 
Barbara  Steiger,  and  four  of  their  five  children 
are  yet  living:  Gottfried,  of  Monroe,  Mich. ; 

Lydia,  of  St.  Gallen,  Switzerland ; Ulrich,  an 
artist  of  Detroit,  Mich. ; and  Paulina,  wife  of 
Jacob  Halter,  a dentist  of  St.  Gallen,  Switzer- 
land. Rev.  John  Ulrich  Etter  died  suddenly 
of  apoplexy  in  1870,  at  the  age  of  sixty-one. 

Rev.  John  T.  Etter  was  reared  in  his  na- 
tive land  and  educated  in  the  theological  schools 
in  that  country.  He  began  preaching  about 
1852,  and  the  next  year  emigrated  to  America. 
In  1854  he  returned  to  Switzerland  and  was 
married,  returning  to  America  the  following 
year.  Llis  first  charge  was  in  Tennessee, 
where  he  remained  for  two  years,  and  then  was 
transferred  to  Indiana,  where  the  Synod  as- 
signed to  his  charge  the  three  counties  of  Clay, 
Greene  and  Owen.  He  was  meeting  with 
much  success  in  his  work,  but  owing  to  the 
chills  and  fever,  was  obliged  to  leave  and  seek 
a different  climate.  He  preached  one  year  in 
Sauk  City,  AVis.,  when  he  was  called  to  New 
Glarus,  and  there  for  thirty-seven  years  he 
was  the  spiritual  adviser  of  the  German  Re- 
formed Church.  His  long  pastorate  there  at- 
tests to  his  popularity,  and  it  was'  with  genuine 
regret  that  his  parishioners  allowed  him  to  re- 
tire, which  he  did  Nov.  8,  1896  purchasing 
his  present  home  in  Monroe,  and  locating 
there. 


472 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


On  Feb.  26,  1855,  Rev.  Etter  was  married 
in  Switzerland  to  Miss  Eliza  Zelmer,  daugh- 
ter of  John  and  Katrina  (Gross)  Ze'hner, 'and 
seven  children  were  horn  to  them:  John  Hul- 

dreich,  horn  in  Tennessee;  Robert,  born  in  Clay 
county,  Ind. ; Bertha  Rosalia;  John  Theodore; 
Johanna  Lydia;  Bertha  Lydia;  and  one  that 
died  in  infancy.  John  Huldreich  and  Bertha 
Rosalia  both  died  at  the  ag'e  of  six  months. 
Robert  married  Adelia  Campbell,  and  has  two 
children,  Nellie  and  Inez;  he  is  at  present  post- 
master at  Monroe.  John  Theodore,  Jr.,  a dry 
goods  merchant  in  Monroe,  married  Mary 
Wittwer,  and  has  four  children,  Minnie  Lou- 
isa, John  Theodore,  Arthur,  and  Reuben  Rob- 
ert Roland. 

John  Zelmer,  father  of  Mrs.  Etter,  was  a 
manufacturer  and  dealer  in  muslins  and  em- 
broideries in  Switzerland,  where  he  died  in 
1870,  aged  seventy-three  years.  His  wife, 
Katrina  Gross,  died  in  1865,  aged  sixty-nine 
years.  Of  their  nine  children,  two  are  yet 
living:  John,  of  Heiden,  Switzerland;  Hein- 

rich, of  the  same  place.  Both  are  widowers. 

On  Feb.  26,  1901,  Rev.  Etter  was  called 
upon  to  mourn  the  death  of  his  faithful  wife, 
who  that  day  entered  into  rest.  The  funeral 
was  held  on  March  1,  1901. 

HENRY  SCFIEEL,  a retired  farmer  of 
Platteville,  Grant  county,  is  the  possessor  of 
a handsome  property,  and  is  enabled  to  spend 
his  declining  years  in  the  pleasurable  enjoy- 
ment of  his  accumulations.  The  record  of  his 
early  life  is  that  of  an  active,  enterprising, 
methodical  and  sagacious  business  man,  who 
bent  his  energies  to  the  honorable  acquirement 
of  a comfortable  competence  for  himself  and 
family. 

Mr.  Scheel  was  born  in  Holstein,  Germany, 
May  1.  1818,  a son  of  Hans  and  Catharine 
(AVolfe)  Scheel,  also  natives  of  Flolstein,  who 
in  1846  emigrated  to  America.  The  family 
sailed  from  Hamburg,  Germany,  to  England; 
from  Hull  to  Quebec,  Canada ; and  by  the 
chain  of  lakes  to  Chicago,  whence  they  pro- 
ceeded across  the  country  to  Galena,  111.,  where 
the  mother  died  the  same  year.  The  father 
made  his  home  with  his  son  Henry  after  com- 
ing to  this  State,  in  1847,  and  died  in  Elk 
Grove,  Lafayette  county.  In  early  life  he  was 
a sailor  and  fisherman  on  the  Baltic  sea,  and 
also  followed  farming,  owning  and  operating 
a tract  of  land  in  Germany.  Fie  had  only  two 


children,  Henry  being  the  only  son.  Anna  was 
married  in  Germany  to  Peter  Schroeder,  who 
died  in  California,  and  her  death  occurred  in 
Platteville,  in  1896.  To  their  union  were 
born  five  children:  Henry,  a resident  of 

Platteville;  Mary,  of  Platteville;  Frederick, 
of  Elk  Grove;  Christopher,  deceased;  and 
Catherine,  of  St.  Paul,  Minnesota. 

Henry  Scheel  was  reared  and  educated  in 
his  native  land,  and  was  there  married,  in  1841, 
to  Miss  Catherine  Kay,  also  a native  of  Ger- 
many, and  a daughter  of  Joseph  Kay,  who 
spent  his  entire  life  in  that  country.  On  the 
emigration  of  the  family  to  America,  in  1846, 
they  stopped  first  in  Galena,  111.,  where  they 
spent  one  winter,  and  the  following  year  took 
up  their  residence  in  Elk  Grove,  Lafayette 
Co.,  Wis.,  where  Mr.  Scheel  opened  up  and 
improved  a farm.  For  about  thirty-five  years 
he  was  successfully  engaged  in  general  farm- 
ing and  stock  raising,  and  is  now  the  owner 
of  a large  amount  of  land  at  Elk  Grove,  hav- 
ing several  good  farms.  This  property  has  all 
been  acquired  through  his  own  industry,  per- 
severance and  good  management,  and  he  well 
deserves  the  prosperity  that  has  come  to  him. 
In  1881  he  moved  to  Platteville,  and  has  since 
lived  a retired  life. 

Mr.  Scheel  has  been  called  upon  to  mourn 
the  loss  of  his  estimable  wife,  who  died  in 
Platteville  in  1897.  To  them  were  born  five 
children,  namely:  Anna,  deceased1;  William, 

who  died  at  the  age  of  tweny-two  years;  John, 
deceased;  Jane,  Mrs.  Niehaus;  and  Mary,  at 
home. 

As  a Democrat  Mr.  Scheel  has  taken  quite 
an  active  interest  in  political  affairs,  and  served 
on  the  town  board  in  Elk  Grove  seven  years, 
and  in  the  town  council  of  Platteville  two 
years.  Religiously  he  holds  membership  in  the 
Lutheran  Church.  He  has  been  identified  with 
the  interests  of  Wisconsin  since  Territorial 
days',  and  has  witnessed  almost  its  entire  de- 
velopment and  progress.  He  is  one  of  the 
prominent  men  of  Platteville,  honored  and  re- 
spected by  all  who  know  him. 

REV.  SAMUEL  WHITNEY  TROUS- 
DALE, A.  M.,  Ph.  D.,  D.  D.,  one  of  the  most 
highly  esteemed  and  prominent  residents  of 
Platteville,  Grant  county,  presiding  elder  of 
the  Platteville  district  of  the  M.  E.  Church, 
was  born  at  Fayette,  Lafayette  Co.,  Wis.,  Nov. 
12,  1853,  the  worthy  son — the  only  one — of 


I 


' 

I 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHIC AL  RECORD. 


473 


William  P.  and  Mary  Ann  (McKee)  Trous- 
dale. Seven  half  brothers  and  sisters  of  our 
subject  are  living  at  this  writing:  W.  W. 

Parkinson;  Jane,  Mrs.  Ellison;  William  J. 
Trousdale;  Polly  Ann,  Mrs.  Perrigo;  Robert 
M. ; John  W. ; and  James  W.  Bashford. 

Samuel  Whitney  Trousdale  is  of  Scotch- 
Irish  parentage  on  both  sides,  and  the  record 
of  his  ancestors  is'  very  interesting.  Before 
the  Revolutionary  war  his  paternal  ancestors 
settled  in  North  Carolina,  and  took  such  vali- 
ant part  in  that  struggle  that  the  government 
presented  them  with  a tract  of  land  in  Ten- 
nessee (the  city  of  Gallatin  now  occupying 
that  tract),  and  the  family  name  has  been  per- 
petuated in  one  of  the  counties  of  that  State. 
The  grandfather  of  our  subject  moved  from 
Tennessee  to  Kentucky,  and  in  that  State  Will- 
iam P.  Trousdale  was  born.  In  course  of 
time  he  moved  to  Madison  county,  111.,  and 
thence  to  Lafayette  county,  Wis.,  while  the 
State  was  still  a Territory.  He  settled  on  a 
farm  near  Fayette,  and  in  that  town  he  died. 
Sept.  1 8,  1889,  at  the  rine  old  age  of  eighty- 
six. 

Not  less  interesting  is  the  record  of  the 
early  maternal  ancestors  of  our  subject.  His 
mother  was  born  in  Mason  county,  Ky.,  Dec. 
11,  1817,  eldest  child  of  Robert  and  Letitia 
McKee,  the  former  a grandson  of  that  well- 
known  old  pioneer,  John  McKee,  and  the  lat- 
ter a great-granddaughter  of  pioneer  Robert 
McKee,  both  of  whom  came  to  America  from 
the  North  of  Ireland  with  the  Scotch-Irish 
emigration  of  1738.  They  had  settled,  with 
their  other  brothers,  first  at  Lancaster,  Penn., 
removing  in  1757  to  Virginia,  and  locating 
permanently  in  Rockbridge  county.  There 
Robert  died  June  11,  1774.  His  son,  William 
McKee,  was  a man  of  great  prominence.  He 
served  his  country  as  a captain  in  the  Revo- 
lution, was  made  high  sheriff  of  Rockbridge 
county,  and  was  its  representative  in  the  Vir- 
ginia Constitutional  Convention  of  1788,  to 
consider  the  plan  of  Federal  government  for 
the  United  States',  as  recommended  by  the  Fed- 
eral Convention  that  met  at  Philadelphia. 

William  McKee  married  his  cousin,  Mir- 
iam McKee,  a daughter  of  the  old  pio- 
neer John  McKee,  and  about  the  vear 
tyQO  removed  with  his  family  to  Ken- 
tucky, settling  in  Garrard  county,  where 
later  he  was  joined  by  other  members 
of  his  family  connection.  However,  the 


branches  became  numerous,  and  are  now 
to  be  found  in  Kentucky,  Missouri.  Illinois  and 
Indiana,  always  representing  the  best  element 
in  the  community,  manv  of  them  having  occu- 
pied very  prominent  positions^  in  the  various 
walks  of  life.  John  McKee,  the  eldest  son  of 
William  McKee,  and  the  father  of  Letitia  Mc- 
Kee, was  appointed  register  of  the  land  office 
at  Edwardsville,  111,,  in  1816,  and  he  and  his 
son,  William  P.,  continued  in  the  office  for  the 
succeeding  twenty  years.  Robert  McKee  and 
his  young  wife  and  infant  daughter  removed 
to  that  place  in  1818,  and  settled  on  the  farm 
where  they  spent  the  remainder  of  their  lives. 

Mary  Ann  McKee,  the  mother  of  our  sub- 
ject, when  eighteen  years  old  was  (first)  mar- 
ried to  Carroll  Parkinson,  and  soon  after,  with 
her  husband,  removed  to  Wisconsin,  traveling- 
overland  with  teams,  and  settling  in  Fayette, 
Lafayette  county,  this  being  then  known  as 
Parkinson’s  settlement;  this  was  in  the  spring 
of  1839.  Here  this  lady  made  her  home  until 
her  death,  on  Jan.  31,  1896.  She  had  lived  a 
good  and  busy  life,  and  had  fully  done  her 
part  in  the  pioneer  work  of  building  a firm 
foundation  for  the  great  State  which  came  out 
of  the  wilderness  of  the  Northwest. 

Samuel  Whitney  Trousdale,  the  subject  of 
the  present  sketch,  spent  his  boyhood  days  on 
the  farm  at  Fayette,  attending  both  public  and 
private  schools  until  the  fall  of  1871,  when  he 
took  up  the  preparatory  course  of  the  State 
University  of  Wisconsin.  From  this  institu- 
tion he  graduated,  from  the  Ancient  Classical 
course,  in  1877.  Mr.  Trousdale  seems  to 
have  thoroughly  understood  the  reason  why 
he  was  sent  to  college,  for  his  average  in  his 
studies  was  uniformly  high,  while  he  also 
found  time  and  opportunity  to  take  charge,  for 
a time,  of  the  editorial  columns  of  the-  “Uni- 
versity Press,’’  the  college  paper:  was  presi- 
dent of  the  Athemean  Literaity  Society ; and  for 
a year  was  president  of  the  college  Y.  M.  "C.  A. 
In  his  Senior  year  Mr.  Trousdale  won  in  the 
college  oratorical  contest,  and  also  represented 
the  State  University  in  the  inter-collegiate  con- 
test. After  his  graduation  he  was  offered  a 
position  as  tutor  of  Greek  and  Elocution  in 
the  State  University,  which  position  he  occu- 
pied for  one  year,  and  then  entered  the  School 
for  Theology  in  Boston  '"University,  from 
which  he  graduated  in  1881.  Since  that  time 
Mr.  Trousdale  has  received  the  degrees  of 
A.  M.,  from  the  State  University;  Ph.  D., 


474 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


from  the  Ohio  Wesleyan  University;  as  well 
as  D.  D.  from  Lawrence  University. 

While  in  the  Theological  Seminary  Mr. 
Trousdale  spent  two  years  at  West  Quincy  and 
Newton  Lower  Falls,  Mass.,  and  in  the  fall  of 
1882  joined  the  West  Wisconsin  M.  E.  Con- 
ference, of  which  he  is  a member  at  the  pres- 
ent time.  His  Conference  has  honored  him  by 
appointing-  him  to  some  of  the  strongest 
churches,  he  having  served  as  pastor  at  Hud- 
son; First  Church,  Eau  Claire;  First  Church, 
La  Crosse;  and  Platteville.  For  a number  of 
years  Mr.  Trousdale  was  chairman  of  the 
board  of  examiners  of  his  Conference,  and 
during  this  time  great  advancement  was  made 
in  the  method  of  conducting  such  bodies,  a 
change  being  made  in  the  examination  of  can- 
didates from  oral  to  written  examinations. 
Twice  has  Mr.  Trousdale  been  honored  by 
being  elected  the  head  of  the  delegation  to 
represent  his  Conference  in  the  General  Con- 
ference. 

Rev.  Trouscjale  was  first  married,  in  the 
fall  of  1882,  to  Miss  Alma  L.  Baker,  a daughter 
of  John  U.  and  Elizabeth  Baker,  both  of  whom 
were  English  born.  Mrs.  Trousdale  was  born 
near  Linden,  in  Iowa  county,  on  May  17,  1861, 
and  died  at  La  Crosse,  Wis.,  on  Oct.  9,  1895. 
She  was  a woman  of  superior  character,  am- 
bitious, but  discreet,  and  of  such  a natural 
strength  of  character  that  she  impressed  her- 
self upon  all  who  had  even  a passing  acquaint- 
ance with  her.  Of  this  marriage  two  children 
were  born : Elizabeth  Dale  and  Paul  Whit- 

ney. Mr.  Trousdale,  for  his  second  wife,  wed- 
ded Miss  Minne  E.  Taylor,  a Pennsylvanian 
by  birth,  of  English-French  descent,  and  an 
accomplished  and  estimable  lady.  Before  her 
marriage  to  Mr.  Trousdale  she  had  charge  of 
the  Oral  Deaf  School  at  La  Crosse,  Wis.,  of 
which  she  had  been  principal  for  five  years. 
Of  this  second  marriage  of  our  subject  two 
sons'  have  been  born  : Theodore  and  James 

Bashford.  Samuel  Whitney  Trousdale’s  ideals 
have,  from  childhood,  been  high  ones,' and  he 
has  never  fallen  into  the  vices  and  follies  of 
the  world,  hence  his  look  backward  over  his 
life  contains  nothing  which  may  not  appear 
upon  record.  He  is  respected  and  esteemed, 
both  in  church  and  in  the  community,  and 
worthily  represents  the  great  religious  denomi- 
nation which  the  immortal  John  Wesley 
founded. 


MRS.  CATHERINE  BOWELL.  A rec- 
ord of  Green  county  would  not  be  complete 
without  mention  of  this  highly  esteemed  lady, 
who  resides  on  her  well-improved  farm  of  100 
acres,  located  about  five  miles  northeast  of 
Monroe. 

Mrs.  Bowell  was  born  in  Fayette  county, 
Penn.,  Oct.  1,  1817,  a daughter  of  Isaac  and 
Sarah  (Stowe)  Smith,  natives  of  the  same 
county,  whose  parents  were  among  the  early 
English  settlers  there.  She  was  one  of  a fam- 
ily of  eleven  children : Samuel  Smith,  Cath- 

erine (our  subject),  Sabina,  Margaret,  Eliza- 
beth, Moses,  Eliza  Ann,  John,  Sarah,  Rachel, 
and  Isaac,  of  whom  four  survive,  Catherine, 
John,  Rachel,  and  Sarah.  Growing  to*  woman- 
hood in  her  native  State,  Catherine  Smith  mar- 
ried a neighbor,  William  Bell,  who  survived 
but  a few  years,  and  died,  leaving  her  with  a 
son,  John  S.  Bell,  now  a citizen  of  Fort  Scott, 
Kans.  Mrs.  Bell  then  became  the  wife  of 
Thomas  A.  Bowell,  who  was  born  in  Fayette 
county,  Penn.,  Jan.  ?i,  1815,  and  about  1845 
they  came  to  the  State  of  Wisconsin,  locating 
in  Sylvester  township.  Green  county.  Allur- 
ing tales  of  the  fertility  of  the  land,  of  the 
beauty  and  convenience  of  its  many  waterways, 
and  its  speedy  settlement,  had  attracted  the 
young  couple,  and  tempted  them  to  found  their 
homes  in  what  was  then  almost  a wilderness. 
During  the  long  life  which  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bow- 
ell were  permitted  to  spend  in  association,  she 
worthily  did  her  part  in  accumulating  the 
large  fortune  which  he  left  at  his  decease,  Dec. 
25,  1890,  for  he  was  at  that  time  the  owner  of 
300  acres  of  the  best  land  in  the  township. 
The  following  named  children  were  born  to 
Mr.  and1  Mrs.  Bowell : Frances  A.,  who  mar- 

ried William  Treastus,  of  Roswell,  S.  Dak.; 
Isaac  J.,  in  Shenandoah,  Iowa;  Sarah  E.,  who 
married  Lewis'  Roub,  of  Clarno  township ; 
Basil  B.,  a farmer  of  Madison,  S.  Dak.;  Will- 
iam, a farmer  on  the  old  homestead ; Err  Kyle, 
of  the  Black  FT  ills,  S.  Dak. ; and  Henry  J.,  who 
lives  in  Merrill,  Wis.  Mrs.  Bowell  has  twenty- 
eight  grandchildren  and  twenty-five  great- 
grandchildren. No  terms  are  too  high  in 
which  to  speak  of  Mr.  Bowell,  for  he  was  an 
example  in  every  relation  in  life. 

As  a type  of  the  brave,  cheerful  and  de- 
voted woman  of  pioneer  days  Mrs.  Bowell  is 
well  remembered,  and  in  her  own  family  her 
record  as  a faithful,  helpful  and  devoted  wife 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


475 


and  mother  has  won  the  devotion  and  esteem 
of  every  one  who  has  come  under  her  kind  in- 
fluence. For  sixty-five  years'  she  has  been  a 
consistent  member  of  the  Baptist  Church,  with 
all  that  the  name  implies,  living  a life  full  of 
Christian  deeds,  and  setting  an  example  worthy 
of  emulation. 

THOMAS  TIGHE,  an  old  and  venerable 
agriculturist  of  Grant  county,  was  born  in  Ros- 
common, Ireland,  Dec.  3,  1820.  a son  of  Hugh 
and1  Margaret  (Ratekin)  Tighe,  born,  reared 
and  died  in  Ireland.  The  father  died  in  Aug- 
ust, 1836,  and  his  widow  a few  years  later. 
Seven  children  were  born  to  them.  Thomas, 
Bridget  (who  died  in  New  Orleans),  and  Bar- 
tholomew (who  returned  to  Sheffield,  Eng., 
where  he  still  resides)  were  all  of  the  family 
who  came  to  this  country. 

In  Ireland,  in  1842,  Thomas  Tighe  mar- 
ried Miss  Bridget  Carrell,  whom  he  left  in  the 
old  country  with  three  children,  while  he  was 
seeking  a home  for  them  in  America.  After 
leaving  them  a year  and  a half  he  sent  for 
them,  and  they  settled  in  Trumbull  county, 
Ohio,  where  they  lived  some  six  years.  In 
1852  he  came  to  Wisconsin  and  purchased  170 
acres  of  wild  land,  two  miles  north  of  the  vil- 
lage of  Ellenboro.  Here  he  put  up  a log  cabin 
and  began  life  in  the  wilderness,  seeing  many 
hardships  in  the  early  days.  Mr.  Tighe  later 
purchased  eighty  adjoining  acres,  and  cleared 
up  a fine  farm,  which  he  devoted  to  farming 
and  stock  raising.  A few  years  ago  he  retired 
from'  active  life,  having  accumulated  an  ample 
competence.  Many  friends  have  come  to  prize 
his  plain  and  rugged  character,  kindly  dispo- 
sition and  downright  honesty.  A few  years 
ago  he  lost  his  home  by  fire,  but  now  he  has 
a fine  modern  home.  Mrs.  Tighe  died  in  Aug- 
ust, 1865,  leaving  him  a family  of  seven  chil- 
dren: Michael  died  in  St.  Louis;  John  died 

in  Oklahoma,  where  he  had  married  and  set- 
tled ; Thomas  is  a resident  of  Lebanon,  Kans. ; 
Herbert  lives  in  the  gold  and  silver  mining 
region  of  Arizona ; Mary  is  the  wife  of  An- 
drew Omsted,  of  Oketo,  Kans. ; Maggie  is 
the  widow  of  Mack  Regan,  of  Lebanon,  Kans., 
and  the  mother  of  seven  children ; and  Susan, 
wife  of  John  Head,  of  Prescott,  is  the  mother 
of  one  daughter. 

In  1865  Mr.  Tighe  married  his  second  wife, 
Mrs.  Freeman  Vaughn,  nco  Phillips,  daughter 
of  David  and  Plarriet  (McKee)  Phillips,  who 


came  West  from  Connecticut  to  Ohio,  and  from 
there  to  Wisconsin.  Here  he  became  wealthy, 
and  was  noted  as  one  of  the  leading  men  of 
this  county.  Mrs.  Tighe,  his  daughter,  was' 
born  in  Trumbull  county,  Ohio,  in  1838,  and 
is  a lady  of  culture  and  education,  and  for  some 
years  was  one  of  the  most  successful  teachers 
m Grant  county.  There  was  one  son,  Dorns 
\ aughn,  who  owns  a fine  farm  in  Kansas,  by 
her  first  union,  and  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tighe 
was  born  one  daughter,  Amy,  in  1880.  She 
is  the  wife  of  John  Berregan,  and  the}^  reside 
with  her  father,  and  are  the  parents  of  one 
child,  Ivy.  Mr.  Tighe  has  always  been  a 
Democrat,  but  has  never  aspired  to  office. 
Brought  up  a Catholic,  he  lias  never  been  able 
to  take  part  in  the  church  work  on  account  of 
the  remoteness  of  any  organized  body  of  his 
fellow  believers. 

EDA  IN  TREVITT,  a well-known  farmer, 
fruit  grower  and  dairyman  of  Monroe,  Green 
county,  was  born  in  Erie  county,  N.  Y.,  Nov. 
26,  1833,  son  of  Constant  and  grandson  of 
Benjamin  Trevitt. 

Benjamin  Trevitt  was  a native  of  Vermont, 
of  French  and  English  descent.  His  mother 
was  a granddaughter  of  Capt.  Ben  Churches, 
the  New  England  Indian  fighter.  By  occu- 
pation Mr.  Trevitt  was  a mechanic,  although 
in  early  life  he  was  a salt-water  sailor.  His 
death  occurred  in  V ermont,  when  he  was  well 
advanced  in  years.  His  wife  was  a member 
of  the  Carter  family,  of  which  the  first  repre- 
sentative in  this  country  came  over  in  the 
“Mayflower.” 

Constant  Trevitt  uTas  born  in  Vermont,  and 
was  a blacksmith  by  trade,  following  it  all  his 
life.  He  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1880.  locating 
in  Monroe,  where  he  remained  until  his  death, 
which  occurred  in  1885,  when  he  was  aged 
ninety-eight  years.  He  was  a soldier  in  the 
war  of  1812,  in  the  Maryland  line,  and  took 
part  in  the  defense  of  Baltimore  against  the 
British  after  the  burning  of  the  public  build- 
ings at  A'ashington.  In  religious  faith  he  was 
a Universalist.  He  married  Louisa  Stewart, 
who  was  born  in  New  York,  daughter  of  Ben- 
jamin Stewart,  a farmer  of  English  descent. 
To  Constant  Trevitt  and  wife  were  born  eight 
children,  six  of  whom  are  yet  living,  as  fol- 
lows: Constant;  Franklin;  Diana,  widow  of 

Harlow  Ferry,  of  Madison,  Ohio;  Edwin,  our 
subject;  George,  of  Sonoma,  Cal.;  and  Ellen, 


476 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


wife  of  Albert  Winters,  of  Madison,  Ohio. 
1 lie  mother  of  these  died  in  the  faith  of  the 
Baptist  Church,  in  1865,  when  she  was'  aged 
sixty-five  years. 

Edwin  Trevitt  passed  his  early  days  and 
grew  to  manhood  in  his  native  county,  re- 
ceiving such  literary  training  as  the  common 
schools  afforded.  He  learned  all  the  details  of 
farming  in  boyhood,  but  also  learned  the  car- 
penter's trade,  which  he  followed  in  Pennsyl- 
vania. In  1867  he  located  in  Lake  county, 
Ohio,  engaging  in  farming  in  Madison  town- 
ship, where  he  met  with  great  success,  but  in 
1874  he  determined  to  make  his  future  home 
in  Wisconsin,  and  accordingly  moved  his  fam- 
ily westward,  making  his  home  in  Monroe,  and 
purchased  his  present  home  in  the  south  part 
of  the  city.  He  has  fifteen  acres  of  highly  im- 
proved land,  and  raises’  a fine  grade  of  fruit 
and  vegetables,  and  has  engaged  to  some  ex- 
tent in  dairying.  His  good  business  methods 
and  his  prompt  fulfilling  of  every  obligation 
have  won,  him  a high  place  in  the  business 
world. 

On  June  20,  1864,  Mr.  Trevitt  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Harriet  Darling,  daugh- 
ter of  James  and  Maria  (Hogle)  Darling,  and 
to  this  union  have  come  two  children,  namely: 
Charley  L.,  a carpenter  of  Citronelle,  Ala.,  mar- 
ried Cora  White,  and  has  one  daughter,  May; 
Edith  D.,  a graduate  nurse  from  Sherman  Hos- 
pital, in  Elgin,  111.,  where  she  is  now  located. 
Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Trevitt  are  active  in  the 
work  of  the  Methodist  Church,  Mr.  Trevitt 
at  present  serving  as  steward.  Socially  he  is 
a member  of  the  Royal  Arcanum,  and  politi- 
cally is  a stanch  Republican,  and  active  in  the 
work  of  the  party,  and  also  for  all  move- 
ments he  thinks  calculated  to  aid  the  temper- 
ance cause.  He  and  his  wife  are  popular 
among  their  friends,  and  are  highly  respected 
citizens. 

James  Darling,  father  of  Mrs.  Trevitt,  was 
a native  of  New  York,  as  was  also  his  wife. 
His  occupation  was  that  of  a mechanic,  and 
his  death  occurred  in  1861,  when  he  was  aged 
sixty-five  vears.  His  wife  lived  to  the  ad- 
vanced age  of  seventy-eight.  Both  were  faith- 
ful adherents  of  the  Congregational  faith.  In 
their  family  were  eleven  children,  nine  of 
whom  m-e  now  living:  Marv,  wife  of  Alex- 

ander Marvin,  of  Pierpont,  Ohio;  James,  of 
Missouri:  Oliver,  of  Conneaut,  Ohio;  Susan, 
wife  of  O.  C.  Peters,  of  Winslow,  111. ; Jennie, 


wife  of  Jonas  Scramling,  of  Climax,  Mich.; 
Eliza,  wife  of  George  De  Wolf,  of  Genoa,  111.; 
Caroline,  wife  of  Albert  Hildum,  of  Garland, 
Penn.;  Harriet,  Mrs.  Trevitt;  and  Esther,  wife 
of  Richard  Marvin,  of  Columbus,  Pennsyl- 
vania. 

SIMON  SMITH,  junior  member  of  the 
firm  of  Johnson  & Smith,  painting  contractors, 
of  Beloit,  Rock  county,  is  a man  of  character 
and  standing,  and  takes  the  common-sense 
business  view  of  any  subject  proposed  to  his 
attention.  He  is  a level-headed,  practical  man 
of  affairs,  and  his  administrative  ability  has 
been  recognized  by  his  election  to  the  chief 
position  in  the  city,  he  having  served  as  ma)w. 
of  Beloit  in  1899,  1900  and  1901. 

Mr.  Smith  was  born  Nov.  14,  1839,  and 
is  a son  of  Samuel  and  Mary  Ann  Smith,  who 
had  four  sons,  all  of  whom  are  living:  Sam- 

uel, Simon,  Sidney,  and  Sandy.  In  1856  the 
parents  came  to  Beloit,  where  the  father  en- 
gaged in  painting.  He  died  in  1881,  at  the 
age  of  sixty-nine,  and  the  mother  survived  him 
several,  years,  reaching  the  age  of  seventy-five. 
Both  were  members  of  the  Episcopal  church. 
He  was  treasurer  of  the  city  at  the  time  of  his 
death.  Both  the  maternal  and  paternal  grand- 
fathers of  Simon  Smith  died  in  England. 

Simon  Smith  grew  to  manhood  in  Beloit, 
where  he  attended  the  city  schools,  and  made 
fair  progress  in  the  acquisition  of  an  educa- 
tion. When  the  Civil  war  broke  out  the  young 
man  enlisted  in  Company  D,  15th  111.  V.  I., 
and  served  as  a private  from  May,  1861,  to 
October,  1865.  He  participated  in  the  battles 
of  Shiloh,  Vicksburg,  and  all  the  engagements 
on  the  “march  to  the  sea,”  closing  with  the 
battle  at  Bentonville,  N.  C.  Aftei  the  war  had 
ended  Mr.  Smith  returned  to  Beloit,  and  took 
up  the  painter’s  trade,  which  has  been  his  life 
calling.  For  the  last  twenty  years  he  and  J.  T. 
Johnson  have  been  in  partnership,  and  their 
business  has  been  large  and  important. 

Simon  Smith  and  Miss  Sarah  A.  Bright, 
daughter  of  Henry  and  Sarah  Bright,  were 
married  Nov.  2,  1865,  and  they  have  a hand- 
some home  at  No.  838  Fourth  street.  Their 
union  has  been  blessed  by  the  birth  of  five 
children,  Edith,  Stella,  Louis.  Sidney  and  Fred. 
Mr.  Smith  is  a member  of  Morning  Star 
Lodge,  No.  10  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  Beloit  Chapter, 
No.  9,  R.  A.  M.,  and  Beloit  Commandery,  No. 
6,  Iv.  T. ; is  also  a member  of  the  Lhiited  Work- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


477 


men  of  America,  and  of  the  Home  Forum. 
He  has  been  a member  of  the  county  board 
for  fourteen  years,  and  in  1898-99  was  chair- 
man of  the  board,  of  which  he  is  still  a 
member. 

GEORGE  LEE,  prominent  in  agricultural 
circles,  and  widely  known  as  one  of  the  lead- 
ing farmers  and  stockmen  of  the  town  of 
Lima,  Grant  county,  was  born  at  Allens 
Heads,  in  Northumberland,  England,  April 
18,  1842. 

John  and  Ann  Lee,  his  parents,  were  both 
also  natives  of  Northumberland,  the  father 
born  in  1811,  and  the  mother  in  1816.  In 
1849  they  came  to  Jo  Daviess  county,  111.,  by 
way  of  New  York,  Buffalo  and  Chicago.  Mr. 
Lee  was  engaged  in  mining  for  some  seven 
years,  and  then  moved  into  the  town  of  High- 
land, Iowa  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he  bought  a farm 
of  eighty  acres,  and  had  his  first  experiences 
in  the  cultivation  of  the  soil.  On  this  place 
they  lived  until  1863,  when  Mr.  Lee  sold  it, 
and  moved  into  the  town  of  Lima,  two  and 
a half  miles  northwest  of  Platteville,  where 
he  died  the  following  year.  Mr.  Lee  was  well 
known,  and  very  popular  among  the  early  set- 
tlers, w'ho  knew  him  not  onlv  as  a kind  and 
courteous  man,  but  as  a good'  neighbor  and  a 
trusty  friend.  Mr.  and  Airs.  Lee  were  mem- 
bers of  the  Methodist  Church,  and  sincerely 
lived  the  faith  they  loved.  After  his  death 
the  widow  moved  into  Platteville,  where  she 
lived  some  years,  dying  in  1 874.  They  reared 
a family  of  seven  children  : ( 1 ) John,  born 

in  1838  in  England,  where  he  was  educated, 
married  Miss  Ann  Leese,  of  Iowa  county, 
Wis.,  and  settled  in  Dodgeville.  Moving  to 
the  Lake  Superior  country,  he  followed  mining 
until  1856,  in  which  year  he  went  to  Pike’s 
Peak,  Colo.,  working  in  the  gold  mines  there 
until  the  breaking  out  of  the  Civil  war,  when 
he  enlisted  to  fight  the  hostile  Indians.  After 
some  time  he  moved  his  family  into  Kansas, 
where  they  still  reside.  Returning  to  the 
Colorado  gold  mines,  he  died  in  1897.  (2) 

Mary  Ann,  born  in  England,  died  when  a 
young  woman,  in  Illinois.  (3)  George  is  the 
third  in  the  family.  (4)  Jane,  born  in  1844 
in  England,  married  Robert  Graham,  of  Grant 
countv,  and  they  now  reside  in  Platteville, 
where  Mr.  Graham  is  living  retired.  John 
Graham,  their  son.  is  a resident  of  that  city. 
(5)  Hannah  F.,  born  in  Jo  Daviess  county, 


111.,  is  the  wife  of  James  Butson,  of  Marshall, 
Minn.,  where  he  is  known  as  one  of  the  wealthy 
farmers  of  that  section.  Four  children  have 
been  born  to  their  union,  Annie,  Harry,  Min- 
nie, and  John.  (6)  Matthew  H.,  born  in  Jo 
Daviess  county,  111.,  married  a Miss  Egan,  of 
Highland,  for  his  first  wife.  She  died  soon 
afterward,  leaving  him  one  daughter,  Nellie, 
who  now  resides  with  her  father  in  the  State 
of  Iowa.  Mr.  Lee  married  for  his  second 
wife  a Miss  Newman,  of  Iowa.  (7)  Thom- 
son, born  in  England,  died  in  childhood  in 
Illinois. 

George  Lee  accpiired  his  early  education  in 
the  district  schools  in  Jo  Daviess  county,  111., 
and1  Iowa  county,  Wis.  While  still  a bov  he 
worked  in  the  lead  mines  in  Illinois,  and  in 
Wisconsin  did  the  same  work  until  fully  grown. 
When  his  parents  moved  to  Lima  he  became 
the  manager  of  the  farm,  and  after  his  fa- 
ther’s death  rented  the  place  until  1872,  in 
which  year  he  pre-empted  a quarter  section  of 
land  in  Lyon  county,  Minn.,  moving  his  fam- 
ily from  Platteville  by  wagon.  The  grass- 
hoppers destroyed  all  farm  products,  and  he 
came  back  to  Wisconsin  in  the  winter  of  1873, 
after  proving  up  his  Minnesota  land.  Buying 
the  old  home  farm  in  the  town  of  Lima,  which 
contained  160  acres,  he  has  added  eighty  acres 
of  timber  land  thereto.  The  quarter  section 
of  land  in  Minnesota  he  has  retained,  and  it 
is  now  a valuable  and  well  improved  farm. 

In  1865  Mr.  Lee  married  Miss  Susan  J. 
Butson,  of  Lima,  daughter  of  Thomas  and 
Susan  Butson,  old  pioneers  of  Grant  county, 
who  came  from  Cornwall,  England,  among  the 
very  early  settlers  of  Grant  county.  Our  sub- 
ject and  wife  are  now  living  in  the  old  Lee 
homestead,  where  they  have  reared  a family 
of  nine  children  : ( 1 ) John,  their  eldest  son, 

was  born  in  Grant  county  in  1867,  married 
Miss  Ida  Eastman,  and  is  now  living  on  his 
farm  in  the  town  of  Lima.  They  have  had 
two  children,  Gretta  and  the  baby.  (2) 
Susan,  born  in  1869,  married  Thomas  Edge, 
and  lives  in  the  town  of  Ellenboro,  on  his 
uncle’s  farm ; they  have  two  children,  Emma 
and  Harry.  (3)  George  William,  born  in 
Grant  county  in  1872,  attained  manhood  under 
the  parental  roof,  and  is  now  the  manager  of 
his  father’s  farm  in  Minnesota.  (4)  Henry, 
born  in  Grant  county  in  1877,  is  unmarried. 
(5)  Charles  was  born  in  1881;  (6)  Minnie, 
in  1S84;  (7)  Ernest,  in  1886;  (8)  Frank,  in 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


478 


1889;  and  (9)  Elsie,  in  1891.  The  younger 
children  are  at  home. 

In  politics  Mr.  Lee  is  a Republican,  and  in 
religion  he  and  his  family  are  intimately  asso- 
ciated with  the  Methodist  Church.  His  career 
affords  a conspicuous  illustration  of  the  value 
of  pluck  and  energy,  when  backed  up  by  a dis- 
position to  make  the  most  of  all  passing  op- 
portunities, and  do  the  best  thing  possible 
every  day.  He  began  with  nothing,  and  has 
gradually  accumulated  a very  handsome  prop- 
erty. Some  years  ago  Mr.  Lee  met  with  an 
accident,  receiving  a severe  injury  on  the  spine, 
which  left  him  a cripple  for  life. 

ALPHEUS  HAROLD  WOODLE,  whose 
venerable  figure  has'  for  years  been  a familiar 
sight  in  Monroe,  is  one  of  the  oldest  settlers 
ot  Green  county,  and  he  has  a personal  knowl- 
edge of  early  scenes  and  events  that  covers 
more  than  sixty  years  in  this  county.  He  has 
seen  the  transformation  of  a wilderness,  and 
has  rendered  no  trifling  contribution  to  the 
making  of  the  great  commonwealth  where 
once  prevailed  the  wilderness  and  the  unbroken 
forest.  In  his  advanced  age  he  commands  the 
respect  of  a host  of  friends,  and  many  there 
are  who  will  sadly  learn  some  day  of  the  break- 
ing of  the  golden  thread  that  keeps  such  men. 
as  he  alive  to  recall  the  courage  and  loyalty 
of  a vanished  generation. 

Mr.  Woodle  was  born  in  Fayette  county, 
Penn.,  Oct.  10,  1823,  a son  of  Joseph  and  Han- 
nah ( Batton)  Woodle,  both  natives  of  that 
State,  F hey  had  six  children,  only  two  of 
whom  are  now  living:  Alpheus  Id.;  and 

Sarah,  wife  of  Stephen  Mackey,  of  Monroe. 
The  father  was  a farmer,  and  came  to  Wiscon- 
sin in  1836,  selecting  a farm  in  Sylvester  town- 
ship, Green  county,  and  the  next  year  he 
brought  his  family  to  it,  and  opened  a new 
home  in  the  West.  In  1856  Mr.  Woodle  sold 
this  farm,  and  went  to  Fillmore  county,  Minn., 
where  he  remained  but  a few  years.  He  was 
then  established  in  Clayton  county,  Iowa,  and 
later  in  Jasper  county,  Mo.,  where  he  died 
when  over  seventy  years  of  age.  His  wife 
died  in  1 8 s S - at  the  age  of  sixty-five  years. 
Fie  was  a man  of  prominence  in  those  early 
days,  and  served  as  sheriff  of  Green  county 
under  the  territorial  laws.  His  father,  Thomas 
Woodle,  was  a native  of  Delaware,  and  a life- 
long farmer,  and  came  West  with  his  son  in 
1836,  and  entered  land.  He  lived  to  be  about 


seventy  years  of  age,  and  was  the  father  of  five 
sons  and  four  daughters.  Thomas  Batton,  the 
father  of  Hannah  Batton,  lived  in  Fayette 
county,  Penn.,  and  died  there  at  an  advanced 
age.  He  was  a farmer,  and  had  a small  fam- 
fly. 

Alpheus  H.  Woodle  was  thirteen  years  old 
when  he  came  with  his  parents  into  Green 
county,  and  here  he  has  continuously  resided 
since  1837.  He  grew  to  manhood  in  Sylvester 
township,  and  lived  there  until  the  fall  of  1899, 
when  he  moved  into  the  city  of  Monroe — a 
brief  summary  of  so  long  and  useful  a life,  a 
life  of  singular  modesty  and  of  genuine  worth. 
When  a boy  Mr.  Woodle  attended  the  district 
school,  and  lived  with  his  parents  until  he 
reached  man’s  estate.  When  he  became  of 
age,  or  a little  before,  he  made  a claim  of  160 
acres,  which  he  partly  improved.  He  then 
sold  that,  and  bought  his  father’s  farm,  which 
consists  of  126  acres.  This  he  made  his  home, 
and  still  owns,  although  he  has  now  settled  in 
the  city  to  enjoy  whatever  comfort  there  may 
be  in  the  life  of  the  town,  as  contrasted  with 
the  pleasures  that  belong  to  the  country. 

On  Nov.  7,  1844,  occurred  the  marriage  of 
Alpheus  H.  Woodle  and  Miss  Hannah  Fincher, 
a union  that  has  proved  singularly  fortunate, 
and  which  has  been  blessed  by  the  birth  of  six 
sons  and  six  daughters,  Mahala  Jane,  Susanna 
Eslie.  Sarah  Delilah,  Mary  Elmira,  Joseph 
William,  Joel  Allen,  John  Alpheus,  Thomas 
Emsley,  Hannah  Cornelia,  Ellsworth  Sherman 
Grant,  Harvey  Lyon,  and  Theo  May.  Sus- 
anna Eslie  married  William  Coldren,  and  lives 
in  Spring  Grove  township,  Green  county;  they 
have  two  children  living,  Frederick  and  Chaun- 
cey.  Sarah  Delilah  married  Seth  Austin,  of 
Monroe,  and  has  two  children,  Rolland  and 
Alice.  Mary  Elmira  died  when  nine  years 
old.  Joseph  William  married  Matildla  Crow, 
who  bore  him  three  children,  Grace,  Levern 
and  Lucy  Fay,  and  is  now  dead ; he  married  for 
his  second  wife  Rose  Reen.  Joel  Allen  died 
when  four  years  old.  John  Alpheus  married 
Miss  Elizabeth  Cato,  and  lives  in  Page  county, 
Iowa;  they  have  five  children,  Alice.  Gay, 
Vesta,  Effie  and  Chauncey.  Thomas  Emsley 
married  Lelah  Stevenson,  and  lives'  in  Mon- 
roe. Hannah  Cornelia  died  when  two  years 
old.  Ellsworth  Sherman  Grant  lives  on  the  old 
homestead,  with  his  wife,  who  was  Etta  Hill; 
they  have  one  child,  Cassius.  Harvey  Lyon 
married  Carrie  Bowen  Nold,  and  is  the  father 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


479 


of  three  children,  Reginald  Emsley,  Mildred 
Lola,  and  Dorothy  Catharine.  Theo  May  died 
when  seven  years  old. 

Politically  Mr.  Woodle  is  a pronounced 
Republican.  He  cast  his  first'  vote  for  Bu- 
chanan, but  when  the  division  of  the  parties' 
became  more  defined  on  the  question  of  slavery 
he  ranged  himself  with  the  Republicans,  and 
votes  that  ticket  to-day.  He  was  road  super- 
visor one  term,  and  pathmaster  several  terms. 
Mrs.  Woodle’s  father  was  a native  of  England, 
where  his  father  worked  in  the  Queen’s  Ward, 
and  her  mother  was  born  in  South  Carolina. 
Mr.  Fincher  was  the  father  of  four  sons  and 
seven  daughters,  and  three  of  his  children  are 
now  living,  John,  of  Colfax,  Wash.;  Hannah, 
wife  of  Mr.  Woodle;  and  Emsley,  of  Pena- 
wawa,  W ashington. 

Mr.  Woodle  and  his  noble  wife  have  lived 
together  fifty-six  years,  and  she  has  faithfully 
and  bravely  done  her  part  in  the  great  work  of 
life.  A large  family  has  grown  to  manhood 
and  womanhood  under  her  motherly  care,  and 
now  they  rise  up  and  call  her  blessed.  She 
has  been  a member  of  the  Christian  church 
since  childhood. 

CAPT.  ORRIN  E.  MINOR,  a popular  and 
successful  druggist  at  Belmont,  has  been  inti- 
mately identified  with  the  business  and  com- 
mercial. interests  of  Lafayette  county  for  many 
years,  and  has  largely  contributed,  by  his  pub- 
lic spirit  and  enterprising  character  to  the  gen- 
eral prosperity  of  this  region.  Integrity  and 
industry  are  essential  to  success,  and  he  pos- 
sesses these  to  a marked  degree. 

Mr.  Minor  was  born  at  Michigan  City, 
Ind.,  April  27,  1842,  and  is  a son  of  Orrin  and 
Louisa  M.  (Geer)  Minor,  born  in  1810  and 
1818,  respectively.  They  were  reared  and 
married  in  New  York,  and  very  soon  afterward 
came  West  to  Michigan  City,  Ind.,  where  they 
lived  until  1844.  That  year  the  worthy  couple 
made  their  appearance  in  Mineral  Point,  Wis., 
where  Mr.  Minor  at  once  engaged1  in  business 
as  a grocer.  Five  years  later  he  fell,  a victim 
to  cholera,  which  was'  then  epidemic  in  the 
Northwest.  His  widow  is  still  living,  and 
makes  her  home  in  Chicago,  with  her  grand- 
daughter, Mrs.  Hattie  L.  Post,  the  widow  of 
Loring  Post,  once  an  eminent  lawyer  of  that 
city.  Three  children  were  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Minor,  two  sons  and  one  daughter.  The 
daughter,  Celeste,  married  D.  N.  Gates,  who 


lived  in  Mineral  Point,  Wis.,  where  he  ac- 
quired a handsome  property;  he  is  now  dead, 
and  his  widow  has  her  home  in  Denver,  Colo., 
with  her  two  sons,  Minor  and  Maurice.  Her 
only  daughter  is  Mrs.  Post,  of  Chicago. 
Maurice  J.  Minor,  the  only  brother  of  Orrin 
E.,  was  born  in  Mineral  Point,  married  Miss 
Kate  Sterling,  and  has  a family  of  six  children. 
He  is  one  of  the  leading  business  men  of  his 
native  town. 

Or  rin  E.  Minor  acquired  his  education  very 
largely  in  the  public  school  of  Mineral  Point, 
where  his  childhood  and  youth  were  spent,  and 
where  he  became  a clerk  in  a store  while  still 
a boy.  He  held  this  position  for  five  years, 
and  then  secured  a position  with  the  Ameri- 
can Express  Company,  on  the  Mineral  Point 
railroad,  and  was  in  the  employment  of  the 
express  company  when  the  Civil  war  broke  out. 
He  soon  enlisted,  and  became  a gallant  soldier 
of  the  Union.  In  1862  lie  was  mustered  in  as 
regimental  commissary  of  the  30th  Wis.  V.  I., 
a regiment  recruited  from  Mineral  Point  and 
the  northern  part  of  the  State,  and  remained 
in  the  army  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He 
was  on  duty  with  his  regiment  wherever  it  was 
sent,  and  participated  in  some  of  the  bloodiest 
scenes  of  that  great  strife.  In  1864  he  was 
sent  with  his  regiment  to  join  General  Sully, 
and  take  part  in  the  campaign  against  the  In- 
dians on  the  northwestern  frontier,  and  in  this 
expedition  he  acted  as  commissary  sergeant, 
and  helped  to  build  Fort  Wadsworth,  on  the 
Missouri  river.  They  went  to  the  Black  Hills 
to  protect  settlers  against  marauding  Indians, 
and  when  the  West  seemed  quiet  they  went 
to  Louisville,  Ivy.,  where  they  were  mustered 
out  in  1865.  Mr.  Minor  has  a record  as  a 
soldier  that  is  an  enviable  one,  and  when  he 
was  no  longer  a soldier  he  hastened  to  resume 
the  occupations  of  peaceful  life  with  an  ardor 
that  was  shared  by  thousands  of  his  comrades. 
That  great  army  of  veteran  soldiers,  trained 
and  disciplined  to  a degree  unsurpassed  any- 
where in  the  world,  broke  up,  and  disappeared 
in  the  great  industrial  world,  with  a passion  for 
civil  life  that  astounded  old-world  critics. 
Like  Mr.  Minor,  however,  they  had  gone  to 
fight  for  the  Union,  and  when  that  was  secure 
they  could  not  get  home  to  friends  and  neigh- 
bors and  business  cares  any  too  soon. 

Mr.  Minor  came  back  to  Mineral  Point, 
Wis.,  and  engaged  in  the  lumber  business  as 
a member  of  the  firm  of  Geo.  W.  Cobb  & Co., 


480 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


acting  as  general  manager.  Mr.  Cobb  was' 
superintendent  of  the  Mineral  Point  railroad, 
and  a man  of  extensive  personal  associations, 
which  brought  a large  patronage  to  the  new 
firm.  In  1669  Mr.  Minor  and  Miss  Nina  D. 
Garden,  of  Mineral  Point,  were  united  in  mar- 
riage. Mrs.  Minor  is  the  daughter  of  William 
and  Eliza  J.  Garden,  one  of  the  old  Mineral 
Point  families.  Her  father  was  born  in  Phil- 
adelphia, Penn.,  in  1826,  and  her  mother  in 
Ireland.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Garden  lived  for  some 
years  in  Pittsburg,  where  he  was  a civil  engi- 
neer, attached  to  the  Pennsylvania  railroad, 
with  Thomas  Scott  as  superintendent.  In 
1865  Mr.  Garden  came  to  Mineral  Point  and 
surveyed  the  Milwaukee  railroad  from  Cala- 
mine to  Platteville.  In  1868  he  located  a sur- 
vey for  the  new  corporation  of  Belmont,  and 
engaged  in  general  business  in  the  new  and 
growing  town  for  many  years.  In  1898  he 
went  out  of  all  business  associations,  and  is 
now  leading  a retired  life.  Mrs.  Minor  was 
born  in  Blairsville,  Penn.,  in  1850,  and  ob- 
tained her  education  very  largely  in  a female 
seminary  in  Pittsburg. 

Mr.  Minor  spent  one  year  at  Mineral  Point 
after  his  marriage,  and  then  moved  to  Bel- 
mont, and  in  1870  started  a general  store.  He 
studied  pharmacy  after  his  arrival  in  Belmont, 
and  very  soon  after  his  establishment  as  a gen- 
eral merchant  he  added  a stock  of  drugs  to  his 
other  lines,  and  has  carried  on  the  drug  store 
with  his  other  interests'  very  successfully.  Mr. 
Minor  manufactures  and  ships  to  all  parts  of 
the  country  a liniment  which  is  known  as 
“That”  Liniment,  one  of  the  most  popular  pro- 
prietary medicines  of  the  day. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Minor  have  a family  of  four 
children:  (1)  William  E.  was  born  in  Bel- 

mont in  1871.  was  a student  in  the  military 
academy  at  Delafield,  Wis.,  for  seven  years, 
and  graduated  from  that  school  with  honor. 
For  a time  he  was  editor  and  publisher  of  a 
paper  at  Clinton,  Ilk,  and  is  now  baggagemas- 
ter  on  the  Illinois  Central,  and  is  a young  man 
of  more  than  ordinary  ability.  (2)  Charles  S. 
was  born  in  1S84.  and  is  now  a student  in  the 
Belmont  high  school ; he  is  interested  in  the 
photographic  business  in  this  town,  and  seems 
to  have  a certain  future  before  him  already  in- 
dicated. (3)  Amy  S.,  who  was  born  in  June, 
1887.  is  a student  in  the  local  high  school. 
(4)  Loring  J.,  born  March  15,  1889,  is  a stu- 
dent in  the  Belmont  grammar  school.  Mr. 


Minor  is  a Republican,  and  has  filled  various 
local  offices,  but  has  never  been  an  aspirant  for 
political  honors.  Mr.  Minor  and  his  wife  are 
members  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  and  he  be- 
longs to  George  A.  Legate  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  at 
Mineral  Point,  and  is  one  of  the  leading  Ma- 
sons of  his  town.  He  is'  one  of  the  charter 
members  of  the  local  lodge  of  the  Knights  of 
Pythias,  is  also  a charter  member  of  the  Mod- 
ern Woodmen,  and  belongs  to  the  Royal  Neigh- 
bors. He  is  counted  one  of  the  best  citizens 
of  the  town,  and  is  known  all  over  the  county 
as  a man  of  wide  business  experience  and  up- 
right character. 

JEFFERSON  J.  NEWMAN,  prominent 
among  the  prosperous  and  honorable  farmers 
of  Green  county,  is  a son  of  William  and  Eliza- 
beth (Kendall)  Newman,  of  Springhill,  Fay- 
ette Co.,  Penn.,  and  comes  of  English  ancestry. 

William  Newman  was  born  March  20, 
1798,  and  died  in  1864.  Elizabeth  Kendali 
became  his  wife  in  1821.  To  this  union  were 
bom  the  following  children:  (1)  Hannah 

married  John  Batty,  and  died  in  1873.  (2) 

Samuel  died  in  1876.  He  married  Mary  Rod- 
erick. (3)  Jefferson  Jackson  is  the  subject  of 
this  writing.  (4)  Ephraim  K.  died  while  serv- 
ing in  the  Civil  war,  at  Nicholasville,  Ky., 
where  he  was  serving  as  second  lieutenant  of 
Company  K,  22d  Wis.  V.  I.  (5)  Elizabeth 
married  Jacob  Roderick.  (6)  Nancy  resides 
in  the  town  of  Decatur.  (7)  William  S.  is  a 
prominent  farmer  of  the  town  of  Jefferson. 
William  Newman,  the  father  of  these  children, 
lost  his  first  wife  in  1846,  and  in  1847  married, 
for  his  second  wife,  Vastia  De  Bolt.  That 
year  he  came  to  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin 
with  his  family,  and  here  he  died  in  the  fulness 
of  years. 

Jefferson  J.  Newman  was  born  Nov.  2, 
1827,  and  was  about  twenty  years  of  age  when 
the  family  removed  to  Wisconsin  from  his  na- 
tive State,  Pennsylvania.  Coming  with  them, 
lie  has  made  his  home  here  to  the  present  time. 
On  Jan.  27,  1853,  Mr.  Newman  married  Miss 
Lydia  Shadwick,  of  Green  county,  Wis.,  daugh- 
ter of  J.  Hugh  and  Polly  (Scudder)  Shad- 
wick. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Newman  have  had  chil- 
dren as  follows : (1)  James  born  Jan.  25, 

1854,  is  now  in  Cheyenne,  Wyo.  (2)  Mary, 
born  Oct.  28,  1855,  is  fine  wife  of  Charles  Ed- 
wards, of  Albany  township,  Green  county. 
(3)  Gilbert,  born  Sept.  14,  1857,  is  a farmer 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


48 1 


of  the  town  of  Jefferson.  (4)  Ira.  born  May 
9.  i860,  is  a farmer  of  Shenandoah,  Iowa. 
(5)  William,  born  Aug.  21,  1862,  is  a farmer 
m Spring  Grove,  Green  county.  (6)  John,  born 
Sept.  10,  1864,  died  in  childhood.  (7)  Eliza- 
beth, born  March  7,  1867,  is  the  wife  of  Henry 
Schnader,  of  Spring  Grove.  (8)  Frank,  born 
Sept.  3,  1869,  is  a farmer  in  the  town  of  Spring- 
Grove.  (9)  J.  Parker,  born  March  28,  1872, 
resides  on  the  old  home  farm  in  the  town  of 
Spring  Grove.  (10)  Thornton  LeRoy,  born 
Ian.  25,  1876,  and  (11)  Ross,  born  June. 13, 
1878,  died  in  childhood. 

Mr.  Newman  was  reared  on  the  farm,  and 
received  his  education  in  the  common  schools. 
Starting  out  in  moderate  circumstances,  he  be- 
gan farming,  and  by  hard  work,  good  judg- 
ment and  a fortunate  combination  of  circum- 
stances, lie  has  come  to  own  900  acres  of 
choice  farm  land  in  Green  county,  and  a number 
of  houses  and  lots  in  Juda.  He  is  considered 
one  of  the  leading  farmers  of  the  county.  He  is 
a stanch  Democrat,  and  a faithful  member  of 
the  Baptist  Church.  His  reputation  is  of  the 
highest  character,  both  as  a man  and  as  a 
citizen. 

CHARLES  W.  KEMMERER.  Few  if 
any  better  examples'  of  agricultural  success  in 
Rock  county  could  be  found  than  that  presented 
by  the  life  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  who 
has  scarcely  more  than  passed  the  half  cen- 
tury mark.  He  is  a native  of  Rock  county, 
began  life  for  himself  by  renting  land,  and  now 
owns  480  well-tilled  acres  in  La  Prairie  and 
Turtle  townships,  Rock  county.  His  father 
was  a pioneer  of  Rock  county,  and  one  of  its 
successful  farmers. 

Our  subject  was  born  in  Rock  township, 
Rock  county,  Nov.  12,  1850,  son  of  S.  H.  and 
Elizabeth  (Gish)  Kemmerer,  natives  of  Penn- 
sylvania. Both  grandfathers  of  Mr.  Kem- 
merer died  in  Pennsylvania.  The  paternal 
grandfather,  Conrad  Kemmerer,  lived  to  the 
age  of  ninety,  and  had  a family  of  thirteen 
children.  He  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  of 
German  extraction,  and  was  a lifelong  farmer. 
The  maternal  grandfather  was  a sailor  early  in 
life,  and  after  his  marriage  became  a miller. 
He  lived  to  the  age  of  about  sixty  years,  and 
had  six  children. 

It  was  in  1848  that  S.  H.  Kemmerer,  the 
'father,  migrated  from  Pennsylvania  to  Wis- 
consin. He  was  a farmer,  and  settled  on  a 

si 


small  tract  of  forty  acres  which  he  purchased 
in  La  Prairie  township.  To  this  little  home- 
stead he  afterward  added  212  acres  of  adjoin- 
ing property  in  La  Prairie  and  Turtle  town- 
ships. This  he  improved,  and  upon  his  land  in 
Section  32,  La  Prairie  township,  he  reared  his 
family.  In  1885  he  sold  his  farm  and  removed 
to  Janesville,  where  he  lived  retired  until  his 
death,  March  6,  1901,  at  his  home  in  that  city. 
He  was  a member  'of  the  Methodist  Church, 
to  which  his  widow  also  belongs.  Six  children 
have  been  born  to  them,  four  sons  and  two 
daughters  : Abram,  of  Spink  county,  S.  Dak. ; 

Charles  W.,  our  subject;  Miss  Blandena,  of 
Janesville;  John  F.,  of  Clinton,  Rock  county; 
Louis,  of  Janesville;  and  Ida,  wife  of  W.  Van 
Valen,  of  Atlanta,  Georgia. 

Charles  W.  Kemmerer  was  reared  on  the 
farm,  and  has  passed  all  his  life  in  Rock  county. 
He  attended  the  district  schools,  adopted  farm- 
ing as  his  vocation,  and  by  his  industry,  thrift 
and  good  business  judgment  'has  had  a most 
successful,  career.  He  began  for  himself  by 
renting  land,  and  the  second  year  after  he  be- 
came of  age  purchased  forty  acres.  This  he 
sold  later,  and  bought  other  land.  Mr.  Kem- 
merer has  dealt  cpiite  successfully  in  farming 
lands,  and  now  owns  480  acres,  including  the 
place  of  240  acres  in  Section  32,  La  Prairie 
township,  where  he  resided  until  recently,  a 
tract  of  eighty  acres  in  the  same  township,  and 
160  acres  in  Turtle  township.  In  the  Spring 
of  1901  he  retired  from  farming,  and  moved 
to  Janesville  to  reside. 

Mr.  Kemmerer  married,  Sept.  5,  1877,  Miss 
Jennie  E.  Loucks,  daughter  of  Adam  H.  and 
Magdalene  Ann  (Van  Wie)  Loucks,  natives  of 
New  York  State.  Mr.  Loucks  in  1854  came 
West,  and  located  at  Shopiere,  in  Turtle  town- 
ship, Rock  county.  Two  of  the  great-grand- 
fathers of  Mrs.  Kemmerer,  both  of  Holland- 
Dutch  ancestry,  were  Revolutionary  soldiers — - 
Henry  Loucks  and  Andrew  Van  Wie;  the  lat- 
ter married  the  sister  of  Gen.  Philip  Schuyler, 
of  the  Revolutionary  war,  and  a resident  of 
Albany,  N.  Y.  The  paternal  grandfather  of 
Mrs.  Kemmerer,  Adam  Loucks,  was  a shoe 
merchant  in  New  York  State,  and  died  com- 
paratively early  in  life.  Her  maternal  grand- 
father, Philip  Schuyler  Van  Wie.  a farmer  of 
New  York  State,  migrated  to  Rock  county, 
Wis.,  in  1857.  He  died  the  year  following, 
aged  fifty-seven  years.  Adam  H.  Loucks,  the 
father  of  Mrs.  Kemmerer,  was  a shoemaker  in 


482 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHIC AE  RECORD. 


his  earlier  years,  and  later  a farmer.  After  his 
migration  to  Wisconsin,  in  1854,  he  was  a resi- 
dent of  turtle  township  for  many  years,  be- 
coming a prominent  citizen.  He  served  as  a 
member  ot  the  school  board  and  as  supervisor 
for  a number  of  years.  In  1885  he  removed 
to  Janesville,  for  two  years  conducted  a shoe 
business,  and  then  retired  from  the  active  duties 
of  life.  In  1896  he  moved  with  his  wife  to 
California,  and  engaged  at  Burbank  in  fruit 
growing.  He  died  in  December,  1897,  aged 
sixty-nine  years.  Seven  children  were  born 
to  Adam  H.  and  Magdalene  Ann  Loucks : 
Mary  Catherine;  Charles  N. ; Annette,  wife  of 
George  C.  Hield,  of  Chicago;  Jennie  E.,  wife 
of  our  subject;  Clark  N.,  of  Chicago;  George 
C.,  of  Chicago;  and  Olive  Belle,  wife  of  George 
B.  Mier,  of  Daggett,  California. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kemmerer  have  been  born 
five  children,  three  sons  and  two  daughters : 
Herbert  C,  who  died,  aged  four  years;  Lee  C., 
who  died  at  the  age  of  two  years;  Eugene  M., 
who  died,  aged  six  years;  Ina  Belle;  and  Olive 
May.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kemmerer  are  prominent 
members  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  and  Mr.  Kem- 
merer is  a member  of  the  board  of  stewards. 
He  is  affiliated  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of 
America,  and  himself  and  wife  are  members 
of  the  Royal  Neighbors.  Politically  Mr.  Kem- 
merer is  a Republican.  He  is  now  serving  as 
school  clerk,  and  has  held  various  local  offices. 
He  is  highly  respected  and  esteemed  by  his 
wide  circle  of  friends  and  acquaintances  for  his 
sterling  traits  of  character,  for  the  admirable 
business  results  of  his  career,  and  for  his  in- 
terest and  devotion  to  the  many  affairs  of  local 
welfare,  which  for  their  success  depend  upon 
the  encouragement  and  support  of  prominent 
and  influential  citizens. 

JOHN  W.  INGERSOLL.  Among  the 
fine  stock  farms  of  Lafayette  county,  Wis.,  that 
owned  by  John  W.  Ingersoll,  in  Elk  Grove 
township,  would  attract  the  admirer  of  fertile, 
well  cultivated  fields,  productive  herds,  and 
stock  of  the  best  breeds.  Mr.  Ingersoll  owns 
a large  estate,  and  is  considered  one  of  the  best 
farmers  and  stockraisers  of  his  locality.  He 
was  born  in  Jo  Daviess  county,  111.,  in  August. 
1845,  and  was  a son  of  Risley  and  Mary 
(Metz)  Ingersoll,  the  former  of  whom  was  a 
native  of  New  Tersey,  the  latter  of  Missouri, 
she  being  the  daughter  of  Elias'  and  Lydia 
(Patterson)  Metz,  of  Kentucky.  John  Inger- 


soll, the  grandfather  of  our  subject,  moved 
from  New  Jersey  to  Missouri,  and  was  a local 
preacher  in  the  M.  E.  Church  for  a number  of 
years,  and  later  became  a preacher  at  Mt.  Car- 
mel, 111.,  preaching  on  the  same  circuit  with 
that  celebrated  apostle  of  Methodism,  Peter 
Cartwright. 

Risley  Ingersoll  removed  to  Apple  River, 

111.,  where  he  lived  a few  years  before  remov- 

ing to  Jo  Daviess  county,  one  year  later  mi- 
grating to  Wayne  township,  Lafayette  Co., 
Wis.,  where  he  purchased  160  acres,  and  died 
at  that  place  in  1849,  leaving  his  wife  with 
three  children,  our  subject  being  four  years 
old.  The  other  two  children  were:  Flora, 

born  in  Calhoun  county,  111.,  married  Albert 
Richardson,  now  of  Spokane,  Wash.,  and  has 
a family  of  nine  children,  Claribel,  Minerva, 
Flora,  Charles.  Marvin,  Carrie,  Adelia,  and 
Roy  and  Rex,  twins;  and  Lydia,  the  youngest 
of  the  family  of  three,  born  in  Lafayette  coun- 
ty, received  an  excellent  education  and:  was  one 
of  the  early  teachers  in  Lafayette  county,  later 
marrying  Charles  Neff,  now  of  Monticei.lo,  and 
has  two  children,  Clara  and  Albert.  Mrs.  In- 
gersoll married,  for  her  second  husband,  Joseph 
Yaw,  and  remained  in  Lafayette  county,  where 
she  died  in  1871,  leaving  by  her  second  mar- 
riage one  son,  Joseph  Yaw,  who  resides  in  the 
State  of  Iowa. 

John  W.  Ingersoll,  being  so  early  deprived 
of  a father’s  care,  was  brought  up  under  ma- 
ternal supervision,  and  of  his  good  mother 
learned  lessons  of  industry  and  honesty  which 
he  has  never  forgotten.  His  education  was  ac- 
quired in  the  district  schools  of  Lafayette 
county  and  one  year  in  the  old  Platteville 
Academy.  His  place  seemed  to  be  on  the  old. 
family  homestead,  in  Wayne,  and  there  he  re- 
mained, taking  an  active  part  in  agricultural 
activities  until  he  enlisted  for  service  in  the 
Civil  war,  entering  Company  E,  43d  Wis.  V. 

1.,  and  was  under  Gen.  Thomas,  in  the  Army 
of  the  Cumberland.  Mr.  Ingersoll  saw  some, 
hard  fighting  during  the  progress’  of  the  war. 
being  at  the  second  battle  of  Nashville,  and 
then  being'  sent  to  perform  provost  duty,  guard- 
ing railroads  and  other  property,  returning 
home  without  injury.  He  settled  down  to 
farm  work,  and  in  1895 'purchased  his  present 
home  in  Elk  Grove.  In  February,  1871,  he  was 
married  to  Miss  Sarah  Teasdale,  who  was  born 
in  Cumberland,  England,  Dec.  24,  1848.  a 
daughter  of  Thomas  and  Annie  Teasdale,  who 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


483 


came  from  England  to  Grant  county  in  1850, 
locating  at  Vinegar  Hill,  where  Mr.  Teasdale 
followed  mining  some  four  years  and  then  pur- 
chased a farm  in  Elk  Grove,  now  Seymour 
township,  where  he  remained  the  balance  of 
his  life,  dying  in  1870,  his  wife  in  1869,  and 
they  left  a family  of  twelve  children,  nine  of 
whom  are  still  living.  Mrs.  Ingersoll  received 
a district  school  education  in  Lafayette  county. 

After  his  marriage  Mr.  Ingersoll  settled  on 
the  old  home  farm,  which  he  purchased  from 
his  mother,  and  remained  there  until  1895, 
when  he  purchased  the  Justine  Reicher  farm 
of  300  acres  of  finely  cultivated  land.  Six 
children  have  been  born  to  him  and  his  wife : 
( 1 ) Mary  A.,  born  in  Wayne  township  in  1872, 
was  well  educated  in  the  schools  of  Warren, 
was  a highly  accomplished  musician,  becoming 
a successful  teacher  of  music,  and  is  now  the 
wife  of  E.  A.  Chapman,  of  the  village  of  South 
Wayne,  Lafayette  county,  where  they  are  rear- 
ing their  three  children,  Wesley  A.,  S.  Elarold, 
and  Alita  B.  (2)  John,  born  in  1874,  received 
a common  school  education,  attended  Warren 
high  school  and  Warren  Academy  several  win- 
ter terms,  and  now  resides  on  a part  of  his 
father's  farm,  which  he  purchased,  and  where 
he  has  erected  a fine  new  home  since  his  mar- 
riage, in  1898.  He  married  Kate  Miller,  of 
Elk  Grove,  Lafayette  county,  and  has  one 
daughter.  (3)  Hannah  F.,  born  in  1875,  was 
a student  at  the  Warren  Academy  for  two 
3^ears,  and  was  also  a student  in  the  Platteville 
- Normal  School,  and  has  taught  for  twelve 
terms  in  Lafayette  county.  (4)  Lydia  J.,  born 
in  1877.  was  educated  in  the  Warren  Acad- 
emy, and  married  Charles  Dawson,  of  Gratiot, 
Lafayette  county.  They  reside  on  a farm,  and 
have  two  sons,  James  Lyman  and  Orval  I. 
(5)  Bay,  born  in  1880,  graduated  from  the 
schools  of  Elk  Grove,  and  later  became  a stu- 
dent at  the  Platteville  Normal,  since  then  being 
a teacher  in  the  county.  (6)  Roxv,  born  in 
1887. 

Religiously  Mr.  Ingersoll  and  wife  are 
members  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  and  as  a token 
of  the  esteem  in  which  out  subject  is  held  in 
his  church  connection,  he  has  been  made  a mem- 
ber of  the  Quarterly  Conference,  is  a steward, 
and  a member  of  the  church  board,  and  has 
long  taken  an  active  interest  in  the  Sunday 
school  work,  for  many  years  being  superintend- 
ent. In  public  and  political  life  Mr.  Ingersoll 
has  done  his  duty,  being  ever  ready  to  assist 


worthy  objects  of  civic  importance,  and  as  a 
Republican  has  always  done  a voter’s  duty. 
As  a member  of  the  town  board  he  has  given 
efficient  service,  and  is  socially  connected  with 
Warren  Post  of  Lafayette  county,  and  with 
the  United  Workmen,  of  Warren. 

GEORGE  H.  HORTON,  of  the  town  of 
Fennimore,  Grant  county,  an  old  settler  of  the 
county,  is  a veteran  of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion. 
Lie  came  to  Grant  county  in  the  early  part  of 
1857,  and  has  been  identified  with  all  its  sub- 
sequent history. 

Mr.  Horton  was  born  Feb.  16,  1835,  at 
Grafton,  N.  H.,  to  which  State  his  father, 
Elisha  P.  Horton,  removed  from  Connecticut 
after  his  marriage  there  to  Avis  Wheaton,  a 
native  of  the  latter  State.  Elisha  P.  Horton 
was  a farmer  by  occupation.  He  died  in  New 
Hampshire  when  our  subject  was  a mere  child, 
and  left  his  widow  with  ten  children.  Mrs. 
Horton  also  died  in  New  Hampshire  about 
twenty-five  years  after  her  husband.  George 
H.  Horton  was  reared  in  New  Hampshire, 
worked  at  various  occupations  when  a young 
man,  and  in  1857,  at  the  age  of  twenty-two, 
came  to  Wisconsin.  He  was  at  Prairie  du 
Chien  for  a time,  and  then  came  to  Fennimore, 
where  he  was  employed  on  the  farm  of  John 
Switzer,  a well-known  citizen  of  the  com- 
munity, working  for  him  a year.  He  then  en- 
gaged in  breaking  land  by  the  acre,  his  first 
contract  being  for  one  hundred  acres  for 
Michael  Bower — the  place  now  owned  by  Will- 
iam Rogers.  He  bought  and  sold  several 
pieces  of  land,  continued  breaking  land,  and 
gradually  accumulated  considerable  money.  In 
1861  he  and  Miss  Mary  Switzer  were  married. 
Mrs.  Horton  was  born  in  the  town  of  Fen- 
nimore Sept.  17.  1844. 

Mr.  Horton  became  a member  of  Company 
Iv,  of  the  famous  47th  Wis.  V.  I.,  the  company 
being  under  the  command  of  Charles  Baxter, 
and  the  greater  part  of  our  subject’s  military 
service  was  rendered  in  Tennessee.  The  prin- 
cipal duty  of  the  command  was  to  keep  watch 
of  wandering  bands  of  guerrillas  that  infested 
that  part  of  Tennessee.  Mr.  Horton  was 
taken  sick  on  his  way  to  the  front,  at  Louis- 
ville, and  was  detained  at  the  hospital  at  that 
city.  He  was  anxious  to  be  with  his  com- 
mand, and  rejoined  the  regiment  at  Nashville, 
only  to  be  rendered  worse  by  the  exposure,  and 
at  Tullahoma,  Tenn.,  he  had  to  succumb,  being 


484 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


taken  to  the  hospital,  where  he  was  still  under 
treatment  when  the  war  was  ended.  He  was 
honorably  discharged  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  in 
1865.  Mr.  Horton  never  fully  recovered  from 
the  effects  of  his  army  life,  although  a quiet 
farm  life  has  greatly  modified  his  troubles. 

Soon  after  his  return  from  the  army  Mr. 
Horton  was  appointed  administrator  for  the 
estate  of  his  father-in-law,  who  died  Jan.  11, 
1863.  He  made  his  home  for  some  time  on 
the  Switzer  homestead  farm,  in  the  meantime 
investing  his  own  money  in  a fine  farm  of  280 
acres  near  the  village  of  Fennimore.  He  also 
owned  a quarter  section  elsewhere,  and  has  de- 
voted his  life  to  farming  and  stock  raising. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Horton  have  had  four  chil- 
dren : George  G.,  who  married  Mary  Dun- 

can, now  resides  in  Patch  Grove,  Grant  county, 
engaged  in  farming;  they  have  three  children, 
Clarence,  Lessen,  and  Hazel.  Charles  G.  mar- 
ried Maggie  Smith,  and  they  have  three  chil- 
dren, Hattie,  Grade  and  Mabel ; he  is  a farmer 
in  Fennimore  township.  Frank  is  engaged  at 
present  in  railroading.  Clyde  S.  graduated 
from  the  Platteville  Normal,  in  the  class  of 
1900.  Air.  Horton  is  a well-known  and  highly 
respected  citizen  of  the  county.  He  is  a Re- 
publican, and  he  and  his  wife  are  members  of 
the  United  Brethren  Church.  Socially  he  be- 
longs to  Sam  Monteith  Post,  No.  173,  G.  A.  R. 

JAMES  S.  ALEXANDER  occupies  a con- 
spicuous place  among  the  honorable  and  useful 
citizens  of  the  town  of  Spring  Grove,  Green 
county,  where  his  honest  character  and  indus- 
trious habits  command  general  respect.  He  is 
a son  of  Hugh  and  Elizabeth  (Stewart)  Alex- 
ander. who  came  to  Green  county  in  1857,  and 
settled  on  the  place  now  owned  and  occupied 
by  their  son,  James  S.  Hugh  Alexander  was 
born  July  3.  1813,  and  died  Nov.  5,  1896,  and 
within  these  limits  led  an  earnest  and  useful 
career.  Elizabeth  Stewart,  his  wife,  was  born 
Dec.  20,  1820,  and  died  May  3,  1887.  They 
were  married  Nov.  5,  1840,  and  became  the 
parents  of  nine  children : Marion,  born  July 

18,  1841,  is  the  wife  of  William  Bussey,  of 
Durham,  111.;  Josephine,  born  July  23,  1843, 
died  in  1850;  James  Stewart,  born  Nov.  12, 
1845;  Calvin  B.,  born  Feb.  8,  1848.  resides  in 
Spring  Grove ; Annie,  who  died  in  childhood ; 
Robert  F.,  born  Aug.  12,  1831,  married  Olive 
Taylor;  John,  born  Feb.  9,  1854,  lives  in  Oak- 
ley; Reed,  born  Sept.  17.  1856,  lives  in  Vir- 


ginia; and  Alfred,  born  May  22,  1866,  lives  at 
Oakley. 

James'  S.  Alexander  was  married  to  Miss 
Oriiia  J.  Clark,  of  Ohio,  Nov.  24,  1866.  She 
was  the  daughter  of  James  and  Mary  Ann 
(Stowe)  Clark,  of  Sandusky,  Ohio,  and  her 
marriage  has  been  blessed  with  the  following 
children:  Mary,  born  June  2,  1875,  married 

Frank  Montville,  of  Spring  Grove;  Maud,  born 
in  1879,  married  Ray  Ties,  of  Spring  Grove; 
Jay  treat,  who  is  the  youngest  of  the  family. 

Air.  Alexander  was  reared  on  the  family 
homestead,  and  received  Ins  education  in  the 
common  schools.  He  has  made  farming  his 
life  work,  and  brings  to  the  cultivation  of  his 
fine  farm  of  155  acres  a natural  enthusiasm  for 
his  work,  and  a profound  conviction  that  it  is 
the  noblest  occupation  for  a strong  and  honest 
man  at  the  present  time.  This  farm  has  been 
materially  improved  since  it  came  to  his  hands, 
and  it  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  more  desirable 
farms  of  the  county.  In  1863  Mr.  Alexander 
enlisted  in  Company  B,  18th  Wis.  V.  I.  He 
was  with  his  regiment  when  it  was  attached  to 
the  Army  of  the  Tennessee,  and  accompanied 
General  Sherman  to  the  sea.  Honorably  dis- 
charged in  1865,  he  counts  his  army  experi- 
ences among  the  most  sacred  of  his  life.  Mr. 
Alexander  is  among  the  most  respected  citizens 
of  Spring  Grove.  Never  uniting  with  any 
church,  he  holds  honesty  and  square  dealing 
as  the  fundamental  characteristics  of  all,  true 
living. 

WILLIAM  J.  ROBINSON,  a stock  and 
grain  farmer  of  the  town  of  Platteville,  Grant 
county,  has  all  his  life  been  associated  with 
the  agricultural  interests  of  the  southwestern 
part  of  the  State,  and  is  a man  whose  years  and 
character  alike  command  respect. 

Mr.  Robinson  was  born  March  30.  1847,  011 
the  farm  on  which  he  is'  now  living,  son  of 
William  and  Alary  S.  (McBride)  Robinson, 
and  grandson  of  Mark  Robinson,  who  came 
to  America,  and  is  buried  in  Grant  county. 
The  maternal  grandparents  were  John  (Sr.) 
and  Rosa  McBride,  natives  of  Ireland,  where 
they  were  married  in  1818;  she  was  born  in 
1798,  and  died  at  Elk  Grove,  Wis.,  Aug.  26, 
1883.  Our  subject’s  father  was  born  in  York- 
shire. England,  Sept.  22,  1811,  and  the  mother 
was  born  in  New  York  in  1824.  In  1837  Will- 
iam Robinson  came  to  Grant  county,  Wis., 
where  he  rented  a farm  for  a few  years,  and, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


485 


when  warranted  by  his  financial  condition,  he 
bought  the  present  homestead.  It  consisted  at 
that  time  of  about  two  'hundred  acres,  to  which 
he  added  150  acres  by  subsequent  purchases. 
In  1851  he  erected  a brick  house,  and  put  up 
fine  barns  and  other  buildings,  his  propern- 
being now  one  of  the  finest  and  most  attractive 
farms  in  Grant  count)7.  In  1866  he  moved  to 
Platteviile,  and  lived  retired,  having  accumu- 
lated a very  handsome  competence,  and  he  was 
regarded  as  a man  of  means  in  the  community. 
In  1840  he  married  Miss  Mary  S.  McBride, 
who  died  in  May,  1867,  and  he  survived  until 
June,  1886.  They  were  the  parents  of  eleven 
children,  of  whom  seven  are  living.  In  1868 
Mr.  Robinson  married  Nancy  Blalock,  of 
Platteviile,  who  is  still  living ; she  is  the  mother 
of  four  children,  three  now  living.  Mr.  and 
Nlrs.  Robinson  were  members  of  the  Episcopal 
Church,  and  were  regarded  as  among  the  best 
people  of  the  community.  A brief  mention  of 
the  children  is  herewith  given : 

(1)  Sarah  A.,  born  in  May,  1841,  married 
Peter  J.  Walker,  and  lives  at  Algona,  Iowa. 
(2)  Eliza  J.,  born  in  March,  1843,  is  the  wife 
of  John  Huntington,  of  Luverne,  Minn.  (3) 
Mary  E.,  born  in  May,  1845,  was  the  wife  of 
A.  W.  Bell,  now  deceased,  a prominent  lawyer 
of  Milwaukee;  they  were  living  at  Platteviile 
at  the  time  of  her  death,  Oct.  3,  1886.  They 
were  the  parents  of  three  children,  Jennie  B., 
Ora  (wife  of  Jesse  S.  Jones,  Jr.,  of  Platteviile), 
and  Robert  C.  (4)  William  J.  is  the  subject 
of  this  article.  (5)  Rosanna  died  in  1869, 
when  a young  woman.  (6)  James,  born  in 
July,  1851,  died  in  childhood.  (7)  Richard 
H.,  born  in  July,  1854,  married  Etta  Robinson, 
and  they  live  at  Richland  Center,  Wis.  (8) 
Robert  S.,  born  Oct.  18,  1856,  died  in  child- 
hood. (9)  Helena  L.,  born  in  February,  1861, 
is  the  wife  of  James  Jones,  and  has  four  chil- 
dren, Clyde,  Willie,  Ina  E.  and  Raymond. 
They  live  at  Atchison,  Ivans.  (10)  Emma  E., 
born  in  October.  1864,  is  the  wife  of  Fred 
Pausch,  of  Atchison,  an  engineer  on  the  rail- 
road, and  has  one  son,  Frederick.  ( 1 1 ) Mar- 
garet L.,  born  Feb.  12,  1867,  lost  her  mother 
soon  after  she  was  born,  and  was  reared  in 
the  home  of  her  sister,  Mrs.  Eliza  J.  Hunting- 
ton;  she  is  now  the  wife  of  William  Wright, 
a merchant  of  Luverne,  Minn.,  and  has  one 
son,  Stewart.  Of  the  children  born  to  the  sec- 
ond marriage.  Benjamin  S..  the  eldest,  was 
born  in  January,  1870,  and  died  when  a young 


man;  he  was  a student  of  the  Platteviile  Nor- 
mal, and  had  a bright  future  before  him.  Nora 
A.,  born  in  April,  1876,  is  a graduate  of  the 
Normal.  Ida  R.,  born  in  May,  1878,  is  a 
student  at  the  same  school,  as  is  also  Lillie  A., 
born  in  October,  1882. 

William  J.  Robinson  obtained  his  education 
in  the  Platteviile  public  school,  and  when  he  be- 
came a young  man  rented  his  father's  farm, 
which  he  cultivated  for  nineteen  years.  After 
the  death  of  his  father  he  purchased  the  interest 
of  the  other  heirs  in  the  family  homestead,  and 
now  owns  a handsome  and  well-appointed  farm 
of  350  acres.  On  March  29,  1877,  Mr.  Rob- 
inson married  Mrs.  Elizabeth  (Atkinson) 
Johnson,  daughter  of  Archibald  and  Phyllis 
(Adams)  Atkinson,  and  widow  of  William  E. 
Johnson.  Her  parents  were  born  in  England, 
in  1807  and  1808,  respectively,  came  to  Amer- 
ica in  1S34,  locating  in  Dubuque,  Iowa,  then 
removed  to  Illinois,  and  in  1843  came  to  Wis- 
consin, settling  at  Hazel  Green.  Archibald 
Atkinson  died  April  12,  1880,  at  Hazel  Green, 
and  Phyllis  Atkinson  on  Nov.  3,  1895,  at 
Minneapolis.  They  reared  a family  of  eight 
children:  (1)  John,  born  in  England  April 

29,  1832,  married*  Miss  Annie  Roberts  April 
29,  1869,  at  Hazel  Green;  they  are  now  living 
at  Hampton,  Iowa,  and  are  the  parents  of  five 
children.  (2)  Mary,  born  in  New  York  Tulv 
7,  1834,  is  the  wife  of  Rev.  John  Hooper,  of 
Minneapolis.  (3)  Joseph,  born  in  Iowa  Feb. 
18,  1837,  is  now  a resident  of  Hampton,  that 
State.  He  married  Miss  Annie  Lukey,  of 
Hazel  Green,  and  they  have  five  children.  (4) 
Isabel,  born  Nov.  1,  1839.  near  Chicago,  mar- 
ried E.  M.  Sandford,  of  East  Dubuque,  and 
has  three  children.  ( 5 ) Catherine,  born  near 
Chicago  Nov.  20,  1842,  married  Robert  Gale, 
of  Colorado  Springs,  Colo.,  where  he  is  a con- 
tractor and  builder.  They  have  three  sons. 
(6)  Archie,  born  at  Hazel  Green  Feb.  20,  1844, 
married  Miss  Hester  Lory,  of  Platteviile',  and 
has  five  children.  Thev  now  have  their  home 
in  Minneapolis.  (7)  Elizabeth,  wife  of  our 
subject,  was  born  at  Hazel  Green  May  6,  1846, 
and  was  educated  in  the  Platteviile  Academy. 
(8)  Phyllis  A.,  born  on  the  old  homestead  at 
Hazel  Green  Dec.  12.  1848.  is  the  wife  of  Ed- 
ward Beard,  of  Britt,  Iowa,  and  has  seven  chil- 
dren. 

William  Atkinson.  Mrs.  Robinson’s  pater- 
nal grandfather,  was  a native  of  England, 
where  he  died.  His  wife's  name  was  Cath- 


486 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


erine.  Their  children  were : Elizabeth,  born 

May  27,  1792;  Ralph,  April  13,  1794;  Will- 
iam, June  24,  1796;  Mary,  Dec.  9,  1798;  Elea- 
nor, May  26,  1801  ; John,  Dec.  8,  1804;  Archi- 
bald, Feb.  8,  1807;  Thomas,  March  8,  1809; 
Henry,  June  1,  1812. 

After  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Robin- 
son came  to  the  old  homestead,  where  they  have 
lived  to  the  present  time.  This  is'  one  of  the 
most  desirable  properties  of  Grant  county. 
They  have  two  children,  a son  and  a daughter : 
Ernest  E.,  born  Dec.  19,  1877,  resides  with  his 
parents;  he  has  had  a good  education,  and  is 
a young  man  of  character  and  enterprise.  M. 
Estella,  born  Nov.  29,  1879,  was  educated  at 
the  Platteville  Normal  School,  graduated  with 
the  class  of  1900,  and  is  now  teaching  at  Fen- 
nimore.  By  her  first  marriage  Mrs.  Robinson 
had  one  son,  William  E.,  who  died  Oct.  25, 
1898,  while  serving  in  the  Spanish-- American 
war.  Mr.  Robinson  is  a Republican,  and  has 
been  supervisor  for  twelve  years.  The  fam- 
ily are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church. 

MILES  DIXON  COTTINGHAM,  a re- 
tired farmer  of  Benton,  Lafayette  county,  and 
one  of  the  well-to-do  citizens  of  that  village, 
was  born  in  Swale  Dale,  Yorkshire,  England, 
Dec.  5,  18  36,  son  of  Anthony  and  Jane  (Hunt) 
Cottingham,  the  former  of  whom  passed  away 
in  1838,  the  father  of  eight  children,  four  of 
whom  died  young.  In  1854  the  widowed 
mother  and  her  four  children  came  to  America, 
and  located  in  Benton,  Lafayette  county,  where 
her  death  occurred  four  years  later.  The  chil- 
dren were:  Timothy,  mentioned  elsewhere  in 

this  work;  Anthony  married  Miss  Maggie  Har- 
ker,  who  died,  leaving  him  with  three  daugh- 
ters, Mary  J.,  Margaret  E.  and  Emma  A.,  all 
of  whom  reside  with  their  father  in  Cherokee 
county,  Iowa;  John  married  Maggie  Metcalf, 
and  has  three  sons, — John,  Miles  D.  and  Tim- 
othy— and  they  make  their  home  in  Fennimore, 
Grant  Co.,  Wis. ; and  Miles  Dixon,  the  young- 
est in  the  family. 

Miles  Dixon  Cottingham  received  a fair 
education  in  the  private  schools  in  England, 
and,  after  coming  to  this  country,  found  em- 
ployment as  a miner,  which  vocation  he  fol- 
lowed until  1866,  when  he  purchased  a farm 
in  New  Diggings  township.  He  had  always 
hacl  a desire  to  own  a farm  and  engage  in  agri- 
cultural pursuits,  and  during  his  career  as  a 


miner  practiced  rigid  economy  that  he  might 
at  some  time  in  his  life  gratify  that  desire. 
Lie  commenced  on  wild  land,  which  he  has 
carefully  improved  by  systematic  cultivation 
and  the  erection  of  good  buildings.  His  suc- 
cess has1  been  entirely  due  to  his  own  efforts, 
as  he  began  life  a very  poor  man.  He  has  ever 
displayed  remarkable  judgment  in  business  af- 
fairs, and  he  now  ranks  as  one  of  the  substan- 
tial farmers  of  the  county  and,  with  it  all,  has 
ever  been  progressive  and  public-spirited  in  his 
efforts  to  improve  the  condition  of  the  com- 
munity m which  lie  lives',  by  the  building  of 
churches  and  schools.  In  1894  he  retired  from 
business,  and  purchased  his  present  comfort- 
able home  in  Benton. 

In  1858  Mr.  Cottingham  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Miss  Ellen  Alton,  daughter  of 
William  and  Esther  Alton,  natives  of  England, 
who  came  to  this  country  in  i860.  Mrs.  Ellen 
(Alton)  Cottingham  was  born  in  England  in 
1838,  and  came  to  America  in  1853,  making 
her  home  with  her  sister,  Mrs.  William  Cal- 
vert, until  her  marriage.A  large  family  of  chil- 
dren have  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cotting- 
ham, all  of  whom  were  brought  up  by  their 
estimable  parents  to  be  worthy  members  of  so- 
ciety. They  are  as  follows:  Esther  J.,  born 

in  June,  1859,  died  in  1875,  at  the  age  of  six- 
teen; William,  born  in  February,  1861,  now 
engaged  in  farming  and  mining  in  Benton, 
married  Hulda  Looney,  daughter  of  James  and 
Jane  Looney,  prominent  citizens  of  Benton, 
and  eight  children  have  been  born  of  this  union, 
Charles  L.,  Virl,  Orville  (deceased),  Glenard, 
Benjamin,  Archie  L.,  Letha  M.  and  Gabriella; 
Mary  E.,  born  in  February,  1863,  married 
James  Ayer,  a farmer  of  New  Diggings  town- 
ship, this  county,  and  has  two  children,  Elea- 
nor and  George;  Henrietta,  born  in  1865,  died 
in  January,  1887;  Timothy,  born  in  January, 
1867,  died  the  same  year ; Timothy  (2),  born 
on  March  4,  1868,  is  now  a traveling  salesman 
for  Rider  Wallis  & Co.,  a dry  goods  house  of 
Dubuque,  Iowa;  Margaret  I.,  born  May  4, 
1869,  married  Sherman  Dodge,  of  Benton,  and 
has  three  children,  Henrietta,  Catherine  and 
Ellen;  John  R.,  born  in  December,  1870,  now 
a clerk  in  Buchan  & Allen’s  store  in  Benton, 
married  Miss  Minnie  Stephens;  Sarah  E.,  born 
in  February,  1872,  died  in  childhood;  Joseph 
A.,  born  in  June,  1873,  died  in  November, 
1874;  Joseph  (2),  born  in  May,  1877.  is  a 
traveling  salesman  for  a boot  and  shoe  firm 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


487 


of  Dubuque,  Iowa;  Sarah  (2),  born  in  March, 
1879,  died  in  1880;  and  Miles  D.,  born  Jan. 
25,  1882,  is  a bright  student  in  the  Benton  high 
school.  For  forty  years'  Mr.  Cottingham  and 
his  wife  have  been  members  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  in  which  he  has  held  the 
offices  of  trustee  and  steward  for  many  years. 
Politically  he  has  been  a voter  of  the  Repub- 
lican party  since  its  organization,  but  has  never 
aspired  to  office.  Socially  he  is  identified  with 
the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  being  a charter  member  of 
Lead  Mine  Lodge,  No.  168. 

E.  FRANK  NEWTON,  superintendent  of 
Laflin  & Rand's  Powder  Mills,  at  Platteville, 
Wis.,  was  born  in  Dubuque,  Iowa,  June  1 1 , 
1840,  son  of  Edward  and  Mary  Newton,  both 
of  whom  were  born  in  England,  and,  m the 
early  days,  came  westward  to  Dubuque,  where 
the  former  died  in  1842  and  the  latter  in  1876. 

The  death  of  the  father  while  his  son  Frank 
was  yet  in  infancy  made  it  necessary  that  as 
soon  as  the  latter  was  large  enough  to  do  any- 
thing, he  should  work  to  assist  in  the  support 
of  his  mother.  He  returned  to  Maryland,  and 
there  clerked  in  a Baltimore  hardware  store 
until  he  was  twenty-one  years  of  age.  In  1862 
he  returned  to  the  West,  and  entered  the  em- 
ploy of  the  Powder  Manufacturing  Company, 
in  the  capacity  of.  clerk,  and  later  as  traveling 
salesman,  remaining  nine  years.  In  1869  he 
was  appointed  to  his  present  fine  position, 
which  he  has  efficiently  filled  for  over  a quar- 
ter of  a century.  His  ability  to  look  after  his 
employer’s  interests,  as  well  as  his  thorough 
knowledge  of  the  business,  made  his  services 
invaluable. 

In  1863  Mr.  Newton  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Miss  Susan  Shaffer,  daughter  of 
A\  illiam  Shaffer,  of  Illinois,  who  later  located 
in  Platteville,  where  he  died.  Mrs.  Newton 
was  an  invalid  for  many  years,  and  died  in 
September,  1882.  To  the  marriage  of  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Newton  was  born  one  son.  Charles 
A.,  who  is  now  sales  agent  for  the  Laflin  & 
Rand  Powder  Co,  Charles  A.  Newton  mar- 
ried Miss  Alice  A.  Yehmeyer.  of  Chicago,  in 
which  city  they  make  their  home. 

Mr.  E.  Frank  Newton  is  a thirtv-second- 
deg  ree  Mason,  and  a member  of  the  Wisconsin 
Consistory,  and  of  the  Mystic  Shrine.  In  pol- 
itics lie  is  an  ardent  Republican,  and  takes  an 
active  interest  in  party  work,  and  he  is  the 
present  mayor  of  his  home  city.  In  religion. 


while  not  identified  with  any  denomination,, 
he  gives  liberally  to  church  work,  and  takes  a 
deep  interest  in  all  religious,  work. 

JOHN  SWITZER,  one  of  the  earliest  set- 
tlers of  Grant  county,  Wis.,  was  born  in  Vir- 
ginia Feb.  20,  1803,  and  when  he  was  but 
three  years  of  age. his  parents  removed  to 
Ohio,  and  later  to  Indiana.  In  1840  John 
Switzer  came  to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  settling 
in  Sec.  8,  in  the  town  of  Fennimore,  and  two 
years  later  he  was  married  to  Mary-  A.  C. 
Dillon,  who  was  born  in  Missouri.  Of  this 
marriage  the  following  children  were  born : 
Mary  A.,  born  Sept.  17,  1844  (Mrs.  George 
H.  Horton)  ; I.  W.,  born  Dec.  5,  1846;  Sarah 
E.,  born  Aug.  11,  1849;  Eliza,  born  July  30, 
1853;  Stella,  born  Oct.  8,  1858;  and  Ada, 
born  April  7,  1861.  Mr.  Switzer  became  one 
of  the  well-known  and  successful  farmers  of 
Fennimore,  and  resided  in  that  town  until  the 
day  of  his  death,  Jan.  11,  1863.  Mrs,  Switzer, 
at  this  writing,  in  1901,  resides  with  one  of 
her  daughters,  in  Fennimore,  and  is  now  one 
of  the  oldest  residents  of  the  town  where  she 
has  lived  such  a useful,  busy  life. 

THOMAS  WISEMAN,  a prominent  and 
highly  respected  farmer  of  New  Diggings 
township,  Lafayette  county,  where  he  has 
made  his  home  J’or  half  a century,  was  born 
in  Yorkshire,  England,  Jan.  1,  1843. 

Christopher  V iseman,  his  father,  was  born 
in  1813,  and  his  wife,  Elizabeth  Slack,  was 
born  in  1816.  They  came  to  America  in  the 
year  1845,  making  the  voyage  in  a sailing 
vessel  to  New  Orleans,  thence  by  boat  up  the 
Mississippi  to  Galena,  111.  Mr.  Wiseman  en- 
gaged in  mining  in  New  Diggings  for  many 
years,  and  then  purchased  a farm  two  miles 
west  of  the  village,  where  he  made  many  im- 
provements in  the  way  of  buildings,  and  in 
clearing  the  land.  Out  of  this  he  made  a good 
farm  in  which  he  took  great  pride.  His  death 
occurred  in  1887.  His  only  brother.  Henry, 
came  from  England  to  work  in  the  mines  at 
New  Diggings,  and  there  met  his  death.  To 
Christopher  Wiseman  and  wife  were  born 
twelve  children,  of  whom  three  were  born  in 
New  Diggings  and  died  in  infancv:  Thomas; 
Ann  is  the  widow  of  Christopher  Hagelet.  and 
lives  in  Benton.  Lafavette  Co. : Mary,  born  in 
1840.  is  the  wife  of  William  Page,  of  South 
Wayne;  Elizabeth,  born  in  1847.  is  the  wife 


488 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


of  C.  Turnbull,  of  Benton;  Sarah,  born  in 
Lafayette  county,  married  George  Clark, 
of  Clinton  Co./  111.;  James,  a farmer 
of  Benton,  married  Lizzie  Beadee;  Christo- 
pher, engaged  as  a merchant  and  stock  buyer 
in  Benton,  married  Nellie  Marker;  Henry,  a 
farmer  residing  with  his  brother  Thomas,  is 
unmarried;  and  Tamer  married  Mark  Rich- 
ardson, of  New  Diggings.  The  mother  is  still 
living,  being  now  at  the  advanced  age  of 
eighty-five.  She  makes  her  home  with  her 
son  1 homas,  who  tenderly  cared  for  both  fa- 
ther and  mother  until  the  death  of  the  former, 
and  now  is  lovingly  guarding  the  latter  from 
all  care  and  responsibility. 

Thomas  Wiseman  grew  to  manhood  in 
New  Diggings  township,  and,  as  he  was  the 
eldest  in  a large  family  of  children,  his  op- 
portunities for  attending  school  were  most 
meager,  as  at  a very  tender  age  he  was  obliged 
to  assist  in  the  support  of  the  family  by  work 
in  the  mines.  He  studied  and  read  by  him- 
self until  he  has  become  well  posted  on  gen- 
eral topics,  and  has,  in  a large  measure,  over- 
come his  lack  of  school  training.  He  contin- 
ued to  work  in  the  mines  until  the  breaking- 
out  of  the  Civil  war,  when  he  enlisted  in  Com- 
pany G,  46th  Wis.  V.  L,  under  Capt.  Hughes, 
of  Darlington,  and  participated'  in  the  work 
under  Gen.  Thomas,  in  Alabama  and  Ten- 
nessee. He  was  discharged  at  Nashville,  Tenn., 
and  returned  to  his  Wisconsin  home.  He  pur- 
chased his  father’s  farm,  and1  since  then  has 
had  the  care  of  his  parents. 

Mr.  Wiseman  has  ever  been  a stanch  advo- 
cate of  the  principles  of  the  Republican  party, 
and  has  always  taken  an  interest  in  party  af- 
fairs. The  family  were  communicants  of  the 
Church  of  England  before  coming  to  Amer- 
ica, and  have  continued  in  that  faith.  Mr. 
Wiseman  has  been  faithful  in  the  discharge  of 
his  duty  to  his  country  and  to  his  home,  and 
is  highly  respected  in  the  community  in  which 
he  has  lived  so  long. 

MATTHEW  PRESTON,  a retired  far- 
mer. now  residing  in  Plattevill.e,  Grant  county, 
is  one  of  the  leading  representatives  of  the 
sturdy  pioneers  who  made  the  wilderness 
‘‘blossom  as  the  rose,”  and  to  whom  so  much 
is  due  as  a recompense  for  their  hardships  and 
privations. 

Matthew  Preston  was  born  in  the  North 
of  England  March  29,  1829,  a son  of  William 


and  Jane  (Woodard)  Preston,  who  were  na- 
tives of  England,  and  died  there,  leaving  our 
subject  an  orphan  at  the  age  of  four  years. 
Growing  to  manhood  in  his  native  land,  he  in 
1851  came  to  this  country,  settling  first  at 
Hazel  Green,  Wis.,  where  he  worked  at  team- 
ing for  two  years.  At  that  time  he  purchased 
a farm  near  what  is  now  Preston  Station,  im- 
proved it,  built  substantial  buildings,  and  there 
resided  for  twenty-four  years.  In  1884  he 
sold  this  property,  removed  to  Platteville,  and 
purchased  his  present  pleasant  residence,  a 
brick  structure,  on  Main  street. 

Prior  to  embarking  for  the  New  World 
Mr.  Preston  married  Miss  Elizabeth  Little,  a 
native  of  England,  who  died  at  Preston  in 
1865,  leaving  six  children:  Jane,  born  at 

Hazel  Green,  is  now  the  wife  of  Ezra  C.  Hazel- 
tine,  a farmer  near  Preston;  James,  born  at 
Preston,  is  now  a business  man  of  Duluth, 
Minn.;  Thomas  S.,  born  at  Preston,  in  1857, 
died  in  1893,  leaving  a wife  and- four  children, 
who  now  reside  in  Grant  county;  John  F., 
born  in  October,  1859,  is  now  a resident  of 
Minnesota ; Margaret,  born  in  September, 
1861,  is  the  wife  of  John  McMurray,  of  South 
Dakota,  and  has  a family ; Matthew  Moreland, 
born  in  Preston  in  1863,  is  married  and  has 
three  children,  and  resides  on  a farm  near 
Rewey,  in  Iowa  county,  Wis.  All  are  pros- 
perous. 

In  1868  Mr.  Preston  was  married  to  Miss 
A.  J.  Hazeltine,  of  Yorkshire,  England,  who 
died  in  March,  1888,  leaving  seven  children: 
Elizabeth,  born  in  May,  1869,  now  wife  of 
Edward  Tiffany,  of  Iowa;  Charles  E.,  born  at 
Preston  in  1870,  commercial  salesman  for  a 
Chicago  house  (he  is  married  and  resides  in 
Highwood,  111.)  ; Albert  E.,  born  at  Preston 
in  1871,  a salesman  now  residing  in  Platte- 
ville; Wesley,  born  in  Preston  in  1873. 
now  a banker  and  commission  merchant 
of  Chicago ; Tirza  May,  born  at  Preston 
in  1874,  wife  of  Dr.  Anner,  of  Potosi,  Grant 
county  (they  have  one  child)  ; FrecI  Chapman, 
born  in  Preston  in  1876,  graduate  of  a Chicago 
business  college,  now  teaching  at  Wausau;  and 
Eli  E.,  born  in  1878,  a clerk  in  Burg’s  clothing 
house,  Platteville. 

In  1895  Mr.  Preston  married  Miss  Fanny 
E.  Perry,  daughter  of  Homer  Perry,  one  of 
the  pioneers  of  Grant  county,  where  Mrs.  Pres- 
ton was  born  and  reared.  They  have  one 
daughter,  Delia  M.,  born  March  31,  1900. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


489 


Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Preston  are  members  of 
the  M.  E.  Church.  For  many  years  Mr.  Pres- 
ton  voted  the  Republican  ticket,  but  his  prin- 
ciples now  require  him  to  support  the  candi- 
dates of  the  Prohibition  party,  their  platform 
meeting  with  his  views  more  nearly  than  that 
of  any  other  party.  While  residing  in  Pres- 
ton Mr.  Preston  held  a number  of  local  offices 
most  acceptably. 

JOHN  MYERS,  a prosperous  farmer  of 
Green  county,  Wis.,  comes  of  German  an- 
cestry, and  was  among  the  earliest  settlers  of 
this  county.  Born  March  22,  1S39,  he  was 
the  first  white  child  born  in  the  town  of  Spring 
Grove,  and  is  the  son  of  Samuel  and  Sarah 
(Kline)  Myers.  Henry  Myers,  his  grandfa- 
ther, came  from  Germany  when  a boy  and  set- 
tled in  Pennsylvania  about  1775. 

Samuel  Myers  was  born  111  Bucks  Co., 
Penn.,  in  1806,  and  died  in  town  of  Spring 
Grove,  Green  Co.,  Wis.,  May  2,  1863.  He 
was  taken  by  his  parents  to  Ohio  when  about 
a year  and  a half  old.  His  marriage  with 
Sarah  Kline  occurred  about  1830.  Isaac  Kline, 
her  father,  was  one  of  the  early  settlers  of 
Ohio,  and  came  of  Dutch  lineage.  This  mar- 
riage was  blessed  with  a numerous'  family : 
Isaac  and  George,  both  dead;  John;  Jane;  who 
is  widow  of  Frank  Barnum,  and  lives  in  the 
village  of  Twin  Grove  (a  sketch  of  Mr.  Bar- 
num may  be  found  elsewhere)  ; Eli,  who  is  a 
farmer  of  Fayette  county,  Iowa;  William,  de- 
ceased; James,  a farmer  in  Iowa;  Miles,  a 
resident  and  a farmer  of  Jefferson  township; 
Samuel,  living  in  Twin  Grove,  where  he  is  in 
the  sawmill  business;  and  Frank,  a farmer  of 
the  town  of  Jefferson. 

John  Myers  was  born  March  22,  1839,  and 
was  married  to  Miss  Fannie  H.  Bussey,  Spring- 
Grove,  March  19,  1863.  Mrs.  Myers  was  born 
of  English  ancestry,  April  26,  1844,  a daugh- 
ter of  G.  W.  Bussey,  of  Juda,  Green  county, 
who  stood  high  among  the  early  settlers  of  the 
county.  She  was  reared  on  a farm,  and  educat- 
ed in  the  common  schools.  To  the  marriage  of 
Mr.  and  Mrs1.  Myers  the  following  children 
were  born:  Laura  J.,  born  Aug.  28,  1864, 

married  Samuel  Holmes,  of  the  town  of  Jef- 
ferson, Nov.  2,  1887,  and  is  the  mother  of  two 
sons  Ransom  and  Grover;  Elmer  W.,  born 
April  17,  1867,  married  Miss  Anna  Wiggins, 
of  Green  county,  Oct.  3,  1887,  and  is  the  fa- 
ther of  two  sons,  Floyd  D.  and  Alvin  R. ; John 


D.,  born  May  1,  1871,  is  a farmer,  and  mar- 
ried Miss  Ida  Douglas,  by  whom  he  has  two 
sons,  Herbert  and  Glenn ; Emily,  born  Aug. 
17,  1872,  married  Frederick  Adkinson,  of  De- 
catur, and  is  the  mother  of  one  daughter, 
V era. 

Mr.  Myers  was  educated  in  the  public 
schools,  which  were  very  poor  at  that  time, 
and  began  life  with  no  resources  except  his 
own  strength  and  courage,  but  has  been  great- 
ly blessed  in  the  years  that  have  come  and 
gone  since  he  began  the  battle  of  life.  For 
eight  years,  when  a young  man,  he  taught 
school  in  his  native  county.  The  farm  of  214 
acres  on  which  he  lives  is  one  of  the  fine  coun- 
try homes  of  the  county,  and  he  has  a fine 
residence  property  in  Brodhead,  where  he  lived 
about  four  years,  and  where  he  is  a stockholder 
in  the  Green  County  Bank.  Mr.  Myers  is  a 
stanch  Republican,  and  cast  his  first  vote  for 
Lincoln  in  i860,  and  while  living  in  Spring- 
Grove  township  he  served  as  town  clerk. 
Successful  in  all  his  undertakings,  he  attributes' 
his  success  largely  to  hard  work  and  good  man- 
agement. Never  uniting  with  any  church,  he 
holds  to  honesty  and  right  living  as  funda- 
mental to  any  true  character.  In  every  rela- 
tion of  life  he  is  highly  spoken  of  by  those 
who  know  him  best. 

HENRY  ADAMS,  late  of  Patch  Grove. 
Grant  county  there  lived  'a  retired  life  in 
the  enjoyment  of  a rest,  which  by  reason  of 
his  industrious  efforts  of  former  years,  he  truly 
earned  and  richly  deserved.  Accomplishment 
and  progress'  ever  imply  labor,  energy  and  dili- 
gence, and  it  was  those  qualities  that  enabled 
Mr.  Adams  to  rise  from  the  ranks  of  the  many 
and  stand  among  the  successful  few.  He  was 
one  of  the  highly  respected  citizens  of  Patch 
Grove,  and  his  long  residence  in  Grant  county 
and  the  active  part  he  had  taken  in  its  develop- 
ment, well  entitled  him  to  representation  in  its 
history. 

A native  of  New  York,  Mr.  Adams'  was 
born  in  Montgomery  county,  in  1820,  a son  of 
Samuel  and  Jemima  (Judd)  Adams,  and  was 
the  first  of  the  familv  to  come  West.  Arriv- 
ing in  Grant  county,  Yds.,  in  the  fall  of  1841. 
the  following  vear  he  made  a claim  of  govern- 
ment land  in  Patch  Grove  township,  which  be- 
came his  homestead.  To  the  arduous  task  of 
clearing  and  improving  his  farm  he  at  once 
turned  his  attention,  and  in  due  time  the  tract 


49° 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


became  one  of  the  best  cultivated  farms  in  the 
locality. 

In  1845  Mr.  Adams  married  Miss  Han- 
nah Ashly,  since  deceased,  and  of  the  nine 
children  born  of  that  union  six  are  living  at 
the  present  writing  in  1901.  Mr.  Adams  was 
again  married,  Aug.  6,  1865,  his  second  wife 
being  Mrs.  Emma  J.  Hitchcock,  a native  of 
Illinois,' born  Aug.  15,  1840,  and  a daughter 
of  Arnos  and  Rebecca  (Fonce)  Barrows.  Her 
first  husband  was  Eli  Hitchcock,  by  whom  she 
had  three  children,  but  only  one  is  now  living. 
Six  children  have  been  born  of  the  second 
marriage  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Adams,  all  of  whom 
are  living,  while  Daisy  and  Henry  are  still 
under  the  parental  roof. 

Mr.  Adams  continued  to  reside  upon  the 
farm  until  March,  1900,  when  he  removed  to 
the  village  of  Patch  Grove  to  spend  his  re- 
maining years  in  ease  and  quiet,  free  from 
the  cares  and  responsibilities  of  business  life. 
Notwithstanding  he  was  well  advanced  in 
years,  he  enjoyed  good  health,  though  rheu- 
matism made  it  difficult  for  him  to  go  around 
much,  until  his  death  Jan.  1,  1901,  from  heart 
disease.  For  the  long  period  of  sixty  years 
he  was  identified  with  the  interests  of  Grant 
county,  and  in  early  days  when  engaged  in 
the  work  of  improving  his  farm  he  endured 
all  the  hardships  and  privations  incident  to 
frontier  life.  He  watched  with  interest  the  mar- 
velous transformation  that  had  taken  place  dur- 
ing his  residence  here,  and  as  a generous, 
liberal-minded  and  progressive  citizen  aided  in 
the  development  of  his  town  and  county.  Mr. 
Adams’  led  a life  of  honest  toil,  and  his  death 
caused  genuine  sorrow  among  his  friends. 

WILLIAM  BURROWS,  whose  residence 
on  the  farm  he  now  occupies  dates  from 
March  1,  1854,  is  one  of  the  highly  esteemed 
pioneer  settlers  of  Lafayette  county.  Lie  was 
born  in  Albany  county,  N.  Y.,  July  7,  1823, 
son  of  Alexander  and  Rose  Burrows,  of 
Scotch-Irish  parentage. 

Mr.  Burrows’  parents  were  both  born  and 
reared  in  Ireland,  where  their  marriage  was 
consummated.  The  young  couple  at  once 
started  for  America,  and  made  their  first  home 
in  Albany  county,  N.  Y.,  where  two  of  their 
children  were  born.  From  Albany  county  they 
removed  to  Oneida  county,  N.  Y.,  and  there 
passed  the  rest  of  their  lives,  engaged  in  farm- 
ing. Seven  children  were  born  to  them  : John, 


of  Oneida  county,  N.  Y.,  who  married  Ade- 
line Ferguson,  daughter  of  Jacob  Ferguson,  of 
Booneville,  N.  Y. ; William;  Andrew,  of  Lewis 
county,  N.  Y.,  who  married  Lavinia  Stimpson; 
Margaret  Jane,  widow  of  John  Anderson,  of 
Monticello  township,  Lafayette  county;  Sarah, 
wife  of  Edward  Wetherstine;  Miss  Mary,  of 
Booneville,  N.  Y. ; and  Nancy,  wife  of  Joseph 
Carmichael,  of  Booneville,  N.  Y.  All  are  yet 
living,  their  ages  now  ranging  from  sixty  to 
eighty  years.  William  Burrows  has  in  his 
possession  a picture  of  the  entire  family,  fa- 
ther and  mother  included,  which  was  taken 
many,  many  years  ago,  and  is  now  very  high- 
ly prized.  The  father  passed  away  at  the  age 
of  ninety  years,  and  the  mother  when  she  was 
aged  eighty-five. 

William  Burrows  was  reared  on  his  fa- 
ther’s farm  in  Oneida  county,  and  there  mar- 
ried Mary  Jane  Carmichael,  daughter  of  Jo- 
seph and  Elizabeth  Carmichael,  owners  of  the 
farm  adoining  the  Burrows  home.  Playmates 
in  early  childhood,  schoolmates  as  boy  and 
girl,  lovers  in  youth,  and  wedded  in  early  man- 
hood and  womanhood!  Well  may  it  be  said 
that  they  have  traveled  life's  pathway  hand  in 
hand ! 

Joseph  and  Elizabeth  (McCulloch)  Car- 
michael were  born  in  Ireland,  of  Scotch-Irish 
parentage,  and  came  to  America  in  their  youth, 
their  marriage  occurring  in  Albany  county,  N. 
Y.  For  a time  Mr.  Carmichael  worked  on 
the  construction  of  the  Erie  canal,  and  after 
its  completion  served  as  lock  tender.  From 
Albany  county  he  moved  to  Oneida  county, 
when  Mrs.  Burrows  was  but  two  years  of  age, 
and  settled  on  the  farm  adjoining  that  owned 
by  Mr.  Burrows.  Four  children  were  born  to 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Carmichael : Mary  Jane,  born 

Nov.  15,  1830,  became  Mrs'.  Burrows;  Mar- 
garet is  the  wife  of  Robert  Fillmore,  of  War- 
ren, 111. ; Susan  is  the  widow  of  Robert  Glihd fil- 
ing, of  Shullsburg,  Wis. ; and  Joseph  occupies 
the  old  home  in  Oneida  county.  The  father 
died  in  1863,  aged  seventy  years,  and  the 
mother  passed  away  at  the  age  of  eighty-four, 

Four  daughters  and  one  son  have  bright- 
ened the  home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Burrows: 
William  married  Ida  Haffele,  daughter  of 
Jacob  Haffele,  of  Monticello;  Jennie  married 
Oscar  Haffele,  son  of  Jacob  Haffele;  Josephine 
is  at  home;  Anna  wedded  George  Haffele.  and 
lives  at  Apple  River,  111. ; Addie  married  Webb 
Glindining,  of  Shullsburg.  Three  daughters 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


491 


also  came  who  have  preceded  them  to  the 
“great  unknown Susan,  who  died  at  the 
age  of  fourteen  years ; Elizabeth,  whose  earth- 
ly career  ended  when  she  was  but  one  year  old ; 
and  Rosetta,  who  died  in  early  infancy. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Burrows  has  al- 
ways been  a Democrat,  and  in  religious  faith 
he  has  for  thirty-four  years  been  identified  with 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  while  Mrs.  Burrows 
has  for  forty-five  years  been  a member  of  the 
Methodist  denomination.  Their  pleasant  home 
has  been  the  scene  of  much  happiness,  and  is 
i open  at  all  times  to  their  many  friends.  They 
are  very  hospitable,  and  stranger  and  friend 
always  find  them  bright  and  genial  companions. 

HON.  FRANKLIN  MITCHELL,  promi- 
nent in  the  agricultural  circles  of  Green  county, 
Wis'.,  is  an  old  and  honored  resident,  and  is 
a son  of  Abner  and  Hannah  (Leonard) 
Mitchell.  The  father  was  a native  of  Somerset 
county,  Pennsylvania,  and  came  to  Wisconsin 
in  1857,'  and  bought  the  land  now  owned 
by  his  son  Franklin.  It  cost  him  two  dollars 
an  acre  from  the  government,  and  is  now  worth 
at  a modest  computation  at  least  eighty  dol- 
lars an  acre.  He  was  born  in  1790,  and  died 
in  1874.  James  and  Elsie  (Jennings)  Mitchell, 
his  parents,  were  residents  of  Pennsylvania, 
and  were  of  English  origin.  Six  children  were 
born  to  them:  Benjamin,  James,  Abner,  John, 
Ralph,  and  Elsie.  Abner  Mitchell  was  a prom- 
inent man  in  his  time,  a member  of  the  State 
Legislature,  in  1853,  and  a member  of  the 
committee  which  founded  the  State  Agricult- 
ural Society.  He  was  long  a deacon  in  the 
Baptist  Church.  In  1812  he  was  married,  and 
became  the  father  of  the  following  children : 
Jesse,  Benjamin,  Owen,  Cynthia,  Julia,  Joseph, 
all  of  whom  are  dead;  Washington,  of  Brod- 
head;  Franklin;  Louisa,  of  Janesville,  Wis.; 
Naomi,  deceased;  Ralph,  of  Juda;  Alexander, 
deceased  in  infancy;  Elizabeth,  who  died  in 
childhood;  Martha  and  Judson,  both  of  whom 
are  dead. 

Franklin  Mitchell  was  born  Oct.  21,  1824, 
and  married  Miss  Jane  McVean,  of  Rock  coun- 
ty, Wis’.,  Oct.  6,  1857.  Mrs.  Mitchell  was  a 
daughter  of  Peter  and  Elizabeth  (Moore)  Mc- 
Vean, who  came  from  New  York  in  1842,  and 
were  among  the  very  earliest  settlers  of  this 
region.  They  were  of  Scotch  origin  and 
had  all  the  virtues  of  that  sturdy  race. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mitchell  were  born  four 


children:  (1)  Edward  P.,  born  Sept.  12, 

1858,  resides  in  Monroe,  Wis.,  where  he  is  en- 
gaged in  the  lumber  business.  His  wife,  Meta 
Gittord,  was , born  in  Green  county.  (2)  Ab- 
ner, born  Nov.  28,  i860,  married  Miss  Sylvia 
Raymond,  of  Green  county,  Wis.  (3)  Eliza- 
betn,  born  Sept.  23,  1863,  married  E.  W. 
Clinton,  of  Brodhead.  (4)  Katie  L.,  born  May 
23,  1868,  married  James  Lyman,  at  the  pres- 
ent time  clerk  of  Green  county,  and  now  re- 
siding at  Monroe,  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  Mitchell  is  a self-made  man,  whose  ad- 
vent in  southwestern  Wisconsin  was  made  while 
it  was  still  largely  a wilderness,  and  he  has 
made  his  way  to  a comfortable  position  chiefly 
by  his  own  thrift  and  industry.  A fine  farm 
owned  by  him  in  Spring  Grove  township  con- 
sists of  273  acres,  and  he  owns  another  of  120 
acres,  in  Decatur  township.  In  addition  to 
this  he  also  owns  considerable  other  property. 
Mr.  Mitchell  has  served  his  country  in  various 
ways.  In  1877,  '78  and  ’79  he  was  a member 
of  the  Wisconsin  Assembly,  and  he  served  on 
the  Agricultural  Committee  at  each  of  those 
sessions,  being  chairman  of  that  committee  in 
1879.  He  secured  some  valuable  legislation  in 
the  interests  of  the  farmers  of  the  State,  and 
he  also  introduced  and  secured  the  passage  of 
a bill  increasing  the  fee  of  witnesses  in  Courts 
of  Record  from  one  dollar  to  one  dollar  and 
fifty  cents  per  day,  although  the  measure  met 
with  strong  opposition  in  both  houses  of  the 
Legislature.  He  has  been  school  director,  and 
has  filled  other  local  positions.  Mr.  Mitchell 
has  always  been  a stanch  Republican.  For 
forty-five  years  he  was  a deacon  and  trustee 
of  the  Baptist  Church  of  Juda.  A great 
worker  in  the  church,  he  is  known  as  a solid 
and  substantial  citizen.  In  February,  1901, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  (Mitchell  removed  to  Monroe, 
where  he  is  erecting  a fine  modern  residence 
and  where  he  expects  to  finish  his  days  on 
earth. 

CONRAD  K.  ELMER,  in  his  life  time 
one  of  the  most  prominent  and  most  extensive 
farmers  of  Monroe,  Green  county,  was  a na- 
tive of  Canton  Glarus,  Switzerland,  born 
March  6,  1842,  and  was  brought  by  his  parents 
to  America  when  a little  child. 

J.  Ulrich  Elmer,  his  father,  was  a native 
of  Switzerland,  where  he  was'  engaged  as  a 
trader  and  stock  dealer.  He  brought  his  fam- 
ily to  this  country  in  1850,  and  setttled  in 


492 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Green  county,  W is. , where  he  followed  farm- 
ing until  his  death  in  1S93.  lie  had  married 
Ferina  Marty,  in  his  native  land,  and  by  her 
had  a family  of  fourteen  children,  nine  of 
whom  are  now  living:  John;  Ulrich;  Henry; 
Jacob;  Adam;  Barbara,  wife  of  Abraham 
Kubli;  Lenke,  wife  of  Isaac  Stauffacher;  Mary, 
wife  of  Peter  Stauffacher;  and  Ferina,  wife 
of  Peter  Elmer.  All  but  the  last  named  make 
their  homes  in  Green  county,  and  she  resides 
in  Austin,  Minn.  Mrs.  Ferina  (Marty)  Elmer 
was  a daughter  of  a Mr.  Marty,  a native  of 
Switzerland,  who  came  to  America  and  joined 
the  early  settlers  of  Green  county,  Wisconsin. 

Conrad  K.  Elmer  was  early  educated  to 
the  life  of  a farmer,  and  continued  to  follow 
it  as  an  occupation  throughout  his  entire  life. 
FLis  literary  training  was  all  acquired  by  an 
attendance  at  the  district  schools,  although  by 
careful  observation  and  intelligent  reading  in 
later  life,  he  became  a well-informed  man. 
Y\  hen  he  first  started  out  in  life  for  himself,  he 
rented  land,  and  his  first  purchase  consisted  of 
120  acres,  which  he  afterward  disposed  of, 
and  in  company  with  two  of  his  brothers,  pur- 
chased 300  acres  in  Sylvester  township.  This 
partnership  continued  for  two  years,  at  the 
end  of  which  time  Mr.  Elmer,  purchased  the 
interests  of  his  two  brothers,  and  conducted 
this  large  farm  alone  for  three  years,  and  then 
sold  it,  purchasing  in  its  stead  200  acres  in 
the  township  of  Monroe,  where  he  made  his 
home  the  remainder  of  his  life.  In  all  this 
time  he  continued  to  add  to  his  original  pur- 
chase, at  one  time  being  the  owner  of,  520  acres 
of  well  improved  real  estate,  but  at  his  death 
his  farm  consisted  of  but  156  acres,  the  re- 
mainder having  been  sold  off  or  divided  with 
his  children.  He  was  honest,  industrious  and 
a highly  esteemed  citizen.  He  was  loyal  to 
his  adopted  country,  and  when,  in  1861,  the 
Civil  war  threatened  the  dissolution  of  the 
Union  he  became  a member  of  the  31st  Wis. 
V.  I.,  becoming  a private  in  Company  B.  and 
served  three  years.  He  took  part  in  Sher- 
man's famous  march  to  the  sea,  and  was  at 
Washington,  D.  C.  When  the  war  was  over, 
he  returned  to  his  farm,  and  busied  himself 
again  with  the  pursuits  of  peace. 

On  Nov.  23,  1866,  Mr.  Elmer  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Lisetta  Wenger,  a 
daughter  of  John  Wenger,  who  came  to  Amer- 
ica in  1854,  with  his  ten  motherless  'chil- 
dren, his  wife  having  passed  away  in  1847. 


Four  children  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  El- 
mer, one  of  whom  died  in  infancy.  The  others 
are:  John  A.,  mentioned  below;  Freny  E., 

who  married  John  Babler,  and  lives  in  New 
Giants  township ; and  Henry,  who  died  at  the 
age  of  two  years.  In  their  religious  belief  both 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Elmer  were  faithful  and  con- 
sistent members  of  the  German  Evangelical 
Church.  I11  politics  he  was  a Republican,  and 
acceptably  filled  the  office  of  supervisor  for  one 
term.  Though  in  feeble  health  for  two  years 
previous,  Mr.  Elmer’s  last  illness  was  in 
reality  but  a week  in  duration,  and  the  end 
came  peacefully  Feb.  2,  1901,  when  he  was 
aged  58  years,  10  months  and  27  days.  Besides 
his  widow  and  two  children,  he  left  four  sis- 
ters’ and  five  brothers  to  mourn  his  loss.  His 
eldest  brother,  Mathias,  preceded  him  to  the 
better  land  by  but  a few  days. 

John  A.  Elmer,  who  inherited  the  old 
homestead  and  200  acres  of  fine  land,  is  an  in- 
dustrious young  farmer,  a worthy  successor 
of  his  highly  respected  father.  He  was  mar- 
ried Feb.  11,  1897,  to  Miss  Alice  Discher, 
daughter  of  John  and  Louisa  (Bruni)  Discher, 
and  they  have  two  interesting  children:  Fred- 
die Roy  and  John  Conrad.  John  Discher  was 
a native  of  Switzerland,  as  was  also  his  wife, 
and!  his  death  occurred  there  in  1883,  at  the 
early  age  of  forty  years.  His  widow  bravely 
sought  to  make  a home  for  her  little  ones,  and 
with  four  of  the  six  children  came  to  Amer- 
ica in  1887,  and  her  other  two  children,  Lou- 
isa and  Alice,  followed  two  years  later.  The 
four  accompanying  their  mother  were:  John, 
Fred,  Rosa  and  David.  Mrs.  Discher  married 
again,  her  second  husband  being  Martin  Han- 
selmann,  who  has  since  departed  this  life.  They 
had  three  children,  only  one  of  whom  survives, 
Andrew,  now  a resident  of  Clarno  township, 
Green  county. 

AUGUST  C.  PRIOR,  the  well-known 
manager  of  the  general  store  of  Mrs.  G.  Prior, 
at  Cassville,  Grant  county,  is  a native  of  Wis- 
consin, his  birth  having  occurred  March  5, 
1850,  in  Racine. 

Gottfried  Prior,  his  father,  was  born  in 
Prussia,  Germany,  and  in  early  life  came  to 
America,  locating  first  in  Milwaukee.  Sub- 
sequently he  was  married,  in  Racine,  to  Miss 
Margretha  Theiss,  a native  of  Bavaria,  Ger- 
many, and  a daughter  of  Theobold  Theiss. 

' She  became  a resident  of  Racine  in  the  early 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


493 


’forties.  In  1856  the  family  came  to  Cassville, 
where  Gottfried  Prior  engaged  in  the  hotel 
business,  continuing  same  until  the  spring  of 
1862.  In  1861  he  was  proprietor  of  the  “Den- 
niston  House.-’  In  the  spring  of  1862  he,  with 
i his  son  August' C.,  went  to  Woodman,  YVis., 
where  he  had  a building  erected  during  the 
summer,  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year  commenc- 
ing the  business  of  general  merchandising,  his 
wiie  and  the  other  children  moving  there  in 
the  summer  of  1863.  Mr.  Prior  continued  busi- 
ness in  Woodman  until  the  summer  of  1866, 
when  he  removed  back  to  Cassville,  where  he 
conducted  his  successful  business  until  his 
death,  in  1891.  His  widow  continues  the  busi- 
ness, her  son  August  C.  acting  as  general  man- 
ager. He  is  the  eldest  of  four  living  children, 
the  others  being  Mrs.  Mary  Holst,  a resident  of 
Cedar  Bluffs,  i\Teb. ; Mrs.  Christena  Losch,  of 
Elkader,  Iowa ; and  Mrs.  Gertie  Peterson,  of 
Pilger,  Nebraska. 

Coming  to  Cassville  with  his  parents  at  the 
age  of  six  years,  August  C.  Prior  was  reared 
at  that  place,  and  attended  the  public  schools 
until  the  spring  of  1862,  when  he  had  just 
reached  the  age  of  twelve  years.  This  was  all 
the  schooling  he  received,  though  through  ex- 
perience in  business  he  has  acquired  a good  edu- 
cation. Throughout  his  active  career  he  has 
been  interested  in  business  pursuits.  From 
1871  to  1875  was  the  junior  member  of 
the  firm  of  G.  Prior  & Son,  also  from  1876 
to  1879.  In  1875  he  traveled  as  a salesman  for 
a Milwaukee  dry-goods  house.  In  1879  he  en- 
gaged in  business  in  Glen  Haven,  which  ter- 
minated m 1881.  He  now  has  full  charge  of 
the  business  established  by  his  father  in  1866, 
and  in  its  management  is  meeting  with  excel- 
lent success. 

August  C.  Prior  was  married,  at  Glen 
Haven,  to  Miss  Martha  Stewart,  a native  of 
Beet-own,  Grant  county,  and  a daughter  of 
David  and  Emeline  (Hudson)  Stewart,  who 
came  to  this  State  at  a very  early  day  in  its  de- 
velopment. As  a merchant  the  father  engaged 
in  business  first  at  Beetown,  and  later  at  Glen 
Haven,  where  his  death  occurred;  her  mother 
is  still  living".  Mr.  and  Airs.  Prior  have  two 
children : Mamie,  a teacher  in  the  public 

schools  of  Cassville ; and  Gertie,  who  is  also  a 
teacher,  but  now  assists  her  father  in  the  store. 
Mr.  Prior  is  connected  with  Cassville  Lodge, 
1|0-  335'  F-  & A.  M.  I11  business  circles  he 
occupies  an  enviable  position. 


FRANKLIN  PATTERSON,  whose  fer- 
tile farm  at  every  point  shows  the  most  thor- 
ough cultivation  and  careful  management,  has 
had  his  residence  for  many  years  on  Section 
28,  in  the  town  of  Brooklyn,  Green  county, 
where  he  is  numbered  among  the  oldest  and 
most  respected  farmers  and  citizens  of  the 
community. 

Mr.  Patterson  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Oak  Hill,  Allegany  Co.,  N.  Y.,  April  17,  1823, 
and  is  a son  of  James  and  Sarah  (Crawford) 
Patterson,  the  father  was  a native  of  Mas- 
sachusetts, ■ and  the  mother  of  the  town  of 
Madison,  Madison  Co.,  N.  Y.  They  had  eight 
children,  only  two  of  whom  are  now  living: 
Franklin,  whose  name  appears  above,  and  his 
sister,  Nancy,  who  is  Mrs.  James  Kearney,  of 
St.  Paul,  Mmn.  James  Patterson  was  a farm- 
er and  moved  from  Ins  native  State  to  New 
Tork,  where  he  lived  for  a number  of  years. 
Y\  bile  there  he  served  as  captain  in  the  State 
militia.  From  New  York  he  journeyed  west 
into  Lorain  county,  Ohio,  where  he  died  in 
1840,  while  still  in  middle  life.  His  widow 
survived  him  until  February,  1892,  when  she 
passed  away  in  her  ninetieth  year,  at  the  home 
of  her  son  Franklin,  with  whom  she  had  lived 
for  many  years.  Both  father  and  mother  were 
reared  in  the  Presbyterian  fa.th,  but  in  their 
later  years  were  associated  with  the  Congrega- 
tional bod}*. 

James  Patterson,  the  father  of  James  Pat- 
terson, and  the  grandfather  of  Franklin,  was 
born  in  Massachusetts,  and  was  a descendant 
of  one  of  three  brothers,  who  came  into  New 
England  from  Belfast,  Ireland,  and  were 
thought  to  be  of  Scotch-Irish  descent.  They 
followed  close  after  the  Mayflower,  and  their 
posterity  has  been  prominent  in  New  England 
for  many  generations.  Air.  Patterson  was  al- 
ways a farmer,  and  died  when  quite  old  in 
New  York.  He  had  been  married  three  times. 
His  first  wife  bore  him  four  children;  liis  sec- 
ond, one;  and  his  third,  two.  The  father  of 
Sarah  Crawford,  noted  above  as  the  mother  of 
Franklin  Patterson,  lived  in  New  York  many 
years,  and  then  removed  to  Michigan,  where 
he  died  when  upwards  of  ninety  years  of  age. 
He  was  a farmer,  and  was  father  to  three  sons 
and  two  daughters. 

Franklin  Patterson  was  about  six  years  old 
when  his  parents  made  a new  home  for  them- 
selves and  family  in  Ohio,  and  he  remained 
in  their  home  until  he  was'  of  age.  In  1844 


! 


494 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


he  made  his  first  appearance  in  Wisconsin,  and 
for  two  years  traveled  extensively  through  the 
\\  est  and  South.  He  went  to  New  Orleans, 
hut  returned  to  Milwaukee,  busying  himself 
about  various  things.  In  184b  he  began 
farming  in  the  town  of  Brooklyn,  where  he 
and  his  brother,  James  N.,  preempted  a quar- 
ter-section from  the  government.  A year  later 
they  took  separate  deeds  for  eighty  acres  each, 
paying  the  government  price  for  it.  Franklin 
Patterson  deeded  his  eighty  to  his  brother, 
James  N.,  and  then  in  company  with  his 
brother,  Emerson,  bought  200  acres  of  land 
at  four  dollars  an  acre.  At  the  present  time  he 
owns  260  acres,  and  has  lived  here  since  1846. 
His  first  home  was  a log  cabin,  but  it  was  re- 
placed in  1868  by  a brick  and  frame  building. 
Since  his  settlement  in  1846,  Mr.  Patterson 
has  moved  but  once,  and  that  was  from  the  old 
log  house  to  the  new  home. 

On  Sept.  10,  1847,  Franklin  Patterson  was 
married  to  Maria  McCredy,  a daughter  of 
Thomas  and  Catherine  (Holt)  McCredy. 
Four  children  were  born  to  that  union,  three 
of  whom  are  now  living:  Sarah  Ann  died 

in  infancy;  Hiram  H.  married  Emma  Winter, 
and  lives  on  the  old  farm  in  a house  adjoin- 
ing the  homestead  (he  has  one  child,  Nellie)  ; 
William  R.,  of  Union  township.  Rock  county, 
married  Rosa  Lay,  and  has  two  children,  Dora 
E.  and  Elsie  Maud ; Lawrence  A.  married  El- 
11  ora  A eaver,  and  lives  on  the  old  home  farm. 
Mrs.  Franklin  Patterson  died  Jan.  20,  1897, 
at  the  age  of  seventy-two  years  and  twelve 
days.  She  is  remembered  as  a true-hearted 
and  devoted  wife  and  mother,  a good  neighbor 
and  a kind  friend.  Franklin  Patterson  is 
quite  independent  in  politics,  although  during 
the  life  of  the  old  Greenback  party  he  was 
one  of  its  most  active  workers.  In  religious 
belief,  he  is  equally  independent,  and  is  identi- 
fied with  no  denomination. 

JAMES  EDWARDS,  a hardware  mer- 
chant and  postmaster  of  Hazel  Green,  Grant 
county,  was  born  in  that  town  Nov.  30,  1847, 
and  is  a son  of  Thomas  and  Elizabeth  (In- 
gram) Edwards,  both  natives  of  England,  who 
came  to  this  country  when  young  people,  and 
here  were  married.  In  1837  they  both  reached 
the  L nited  States,  and  after  their  marriage 
they  lived  at  Hazel  Green,  Wis.,  until  1831, 
when  he  crossed  the  Plains  to  New  Mexico 
on  his  way  to  the  gold  fields  of  California. 


In  the  spring  of  1852  he  was  killed  by  the 
Mexicans  on  the  latter  part  ol  his  journey  from 
New  Mexico  to  California.  Mrs.  Elizabeth 
Edwards  was  left  with  a family  of  three  chil- 
dren: (1)  Thomas  PL,  born  in  Lafayette 

county,  Wis.,  in  April,  1846',  grew  to  man- 
hood, and  acquired  his  education  in  Hazel 
Green,  where  he  learned  the  trade  of  wagon 
making,  which  has  been  his  occupation  there 
for  many  years.  He  married  Miss  Agnes 
Thompson,  who  was  killed  in  the  tornado 
which  passed  over  this  town  in  March,  1876. 
Mr.  Edwards  also  lost  a son  in  the  same  great 
calamity.  Some  time  afterward  he  contracted 
a second  marriage  with  Miss  Annie  Carter, 
and  is  now  living  in  Madison,  Wis.,  where  he 
holds  a clerkship  in  the  office  of  the  Secretary 
of  State.  They  have  one  daughter,  Annie  E. 
(2)  James,  mentioned  below.  (3)  Eliza  J., 
born  in  March,  1850,  is  now  the  widow  of 
Thomas  Major,  of  Hazel  Green.  After  their 
marriage  they  moved  to  Wyoming,  where  he 
died  leaving  her  with  eight  children,  and  she 
now  has  her  home  in  Baggs,  Wyoming. 

James  Edwards,  whose  career  forms  the 
subject  of  this  article,  began  life  in  the  town 
of  Hazel  Green,  where  he  received  the  benefits 
of  a common  school  education,  and  when  a 
young  man  learned  the  tinner’s  trade.  In 
1863  he  started  a hardware  store  in  his  native 
village,  which  he  has  conducted  ever  since  with 
the  exception  of  one  year,  when  he  was  a resi- 
dent of  Utah. 

In  1871  Mr.  Edwards  wedded  Miss  Mary 
A.  Metters,  who  ’was  born  in  January,  1848, 
in  Devonshire,  England,  a daughter  of  Thomas 
Metters,  now  of  Hazel  Green,  who  came  from 
England  to  the  United  States  when  Mrs.  Ed- 
wards was  a young  girl.  After  their  marriage 
Mr.  Edwards  settled  in  the  village  where  he 
was  born,  and  there  he  has  continued  in  the 
hardware  business  to  the  present  time.  Mrs. 
Edwards  died  in  May,  1900,  leaving  eight 
living  children:  (1)  Ada  L.,  born  in  1875, 

had  her  schooling  in  her  native  village,  and 
is  now  Mrs.  John  Oats,  of  Flazel  Green.  (2) 
Elizabeth  A.,  a graduate  of  the  Hazel.  Green 
high  school,  was  born  in  1876,  is  now  one 
of  Grant  county’s  most  successful  teachers, 
having  taug'ht  for  six  years  in  her  native  vil- 
lage. (3)  George  M.,  born  in  1878,  is  en- 
gaged in  a printing  office  in  Platteville.  (4) 
Thomas  P.  and  (5)  John  I.,  twins,  were  born 
in  August,  1879.  John  married  Miss  Stone- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


495 


braker,  and  lives  in  Hazel  Green.  (6)  Alice, 
born  in  1883,  is  a graduate  of  the  Hazel  Green 
high  school,  and  lives  at  home  with  her  father. 
(7)  Clinton  L.,  born  in  1886,  and  (8)  James, 
born  in  April,  1891,  are  both  in  the  village 
schools.  (9)  Eva  died  in  May,  1897,  at  the 
age  of  ten  years. 

Mrs.  Edwards  was  a member  of  the  Meth- 
odist Church,  where  she  was  regarded  as  a 
devoted  Christian  woman.  Mr.  Edwards  has 
always  been  identified  with  the  Republican 
party,  and  has  been  postmaster  twelve  years, 
receiving  his  first  appointment  from  President 
Arthur,  his  second  from  President  Harrison, 
and  his  third  from  the  present  administration. 
In  local  affairs  Mr.  Edwards  has  taken  a 
prominent  part,  having  been  president  of  the 
village  board  for  six  years,  and  for  the  same 
time  has  been  clerk  of  the  school.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  town  board,  and  is  secretary  of 
the  creamery  company  of  the  village.  Mr. 
Edwards  belongs  to  No.  43,  F.  & A.  M.,  Hazel 
Green,  one  of  the  oldest  lodges  in  the  State. 

Mrs.  Elizabeth  Ed  wards  was  married  a sec- 
ond time,  becoming  the  wife  of  Thomas  Rich- 
ards. They  lived  in  Hazel  Green,  and -here 
she  was  killed  in  the  tornado  of  1876.  She  had 
three  children  by  Mr.  Richards:  Ada  E.,  now 
the  wife  of  William  Oates,  of  California ; John- 
son died  as  the  result  of  injuries  received  in 
the  same  tornado  in  which  his  mother  lost  her 
life;  and  Elizabeth  A.  was  killed  in  the  same 
tornado.  Mrs.  Edwards,  after  the  death  of 
her  husband  in  the  far  West,  started  a small 
store,  and  her  business  so  increased  under  her 
careful  management  that  she  became  very  suc- 
cessful. 

GEORGE  AY  . 1 URNER,  a citizen  of  Dar- 
lington and  a blacksmith  by  occupation,  was 
born  in  England  July  26,  1856.  He  came  with 
his  parents  to  the  United  States  when  a young 
boy,  in  1869,  micl  located  in  New  Diggings, 
Lafayette  Co.,  AAfis.  In  the  year  1877  the  fam- 
ily removed  to  Darlington,  where  with  his 
father,  he  engaged  in  the  work  of  blacksmith- 
ing.  and  continued  in  that  business  for  more 
than  twenty-one  years. 

In  1898  Mr.  Turner  was  elected  on  the 
Republican  ticket  to  the  office  of  sheriff  of  La- 
fayette county,  and  held  the  position  for  two 
years,  conducting  the  same  in  an  efficient  and 
satisfactory  manner. 

Mr.  Turner  was  united  in  marriage  Octo- 


ber 17,  1882,  to  Miss  Belle  Huntington,  daugh- 
ter oi  James  and  Sarah  Huntington,  of  the 
town  ot  Seymour  in  this  county ; tliey  have  one 
daughter,  Jeanette,  now  in  her  seventeenth 
year. 

FREDERICK  A.  WASHBURN,  residing 
in  Section  15,  Clifton  township,  Grant  county, 
bears  an  honorable  record  for  brave  service  in 
the  war  between  the  North  and  South.  Re- 
sponding to  his  country’s  call  for  aid,  he  en- 
listed Dec.  17,  1861,  in  Company  F,  2d  Wis- 
consin Cavalry,  and  when  discharged,  on  Dec. 
6,  1863,  at  Red  Bone,  Miss.,  he  re-enlisted, 
the  following  day,  in  the  same  company  and 
regiment,  being  finally  mustered  out  at  Madi- 
son, Wis.,  Dec.  16,  1865,  after  four  long  years 
of  arduous  service  on  Southern  battlefields. 
He  was  on  active  duty  with  his  regiment  nearly 
the  whole  of  this  time,  being  for  a brief  period 
confined  in  hospital  during  his  first  enlistment, 
and  a few  days  in  the  hospital  at  Galveston, 
Texas,  during  his  .second  term. 

This  gallant  soldier  was  born  in  Lake  coun- 
ty, 111.,  in  1844,  and  is  a son  of  B.  F.  Wash- 
burn, a native  of  New  York  State,  who  also 
served  in  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  as  a mem- 
ber of  the  20th  Wis.  V.  I.  At  the  time  of  his 
enlistment  the  father  owned  the  farm  where 
his  son  Frederick  now  resides.  He  never  re- 
turned to  his  family  and  friends,  being  one  of 
the  large  number  in  every  army  who  are  re- 
ported missing.  His  fate  was  never  known, 
though  it  is  supposed  that  he  was  a victim  of 
some  marauding  band  of  guerrillas.  Of  his 
family  four  sons  and  two  daughters  reached 
adult  age.  One  son,  George  W.  was  a member 
of  the  same  company  as  our  subject,  and  was 
with  him  until  his  death,  in  Memphis,  Tenn., 
while  another  son,  Benjamin  F.,  Jr.,  served 
throughout  the  latter  part  of  the  war  in  the 
• 17th  Wis.  Vr  I.,  and  is  now  a resident  of  Ex- 
celsior, Richland  Co..  AA’is.  It  will  thus  be  seen 
that  the  family  furnished  four  defenders  of  the 
Union,  two  of  whom,  father  and  son,  never 
came  back. 

Frederick  A.  Washburn  has  passed  nearly 
all  of  his  mature  years  on  the  homestead  farm 
where  he  new  lives.  He  has  been  twice  mar- 
ried, his  first  wife  being  Miss  Senena  Taylor, 
bv  whom  lie  had  two  children : Albert  E..  now 
in  the.  Klondike;  and  Ida  D.,  wife  of  Henry 
Franklin.  His  present  wife  was  in  her  maiden- 
hood Miss  Clara  May  Fields,  and  to  them 


496 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


have  been  born  five  children,  namely:  Dora 

hi  ay,  Arthur  E.,  lea  L.,  Roxy  M.  and  Adal- 
bert L. 

Mr.  Washburn's  health  was  greatly  im- 
paired by  Ins  long  service  in  the  army,  and  as 
the  years  pass  by  his  infirmities  caused  thereby 
increase  in  intensity.  He  is  a good  citizen,  and 
is  highly  respected  and  esteemed  by  all  who 
know  him. 

WILLIAM  H.  DICK,  who  is  the  very  effi- 
cient and  popular  postmaster  at  Dayton,  Green 
county,  was  born  here  May  I,  1844,  and  is  a 
son  of  John  and  Sarah  (Lawler)  Dick.  The 
father  was  born  in  Scotland,  and  the  mother  in 
Ireland.  They  were  the  parents  of  a family 
of  eight  children,  of  whom  the  following  still 
survive : William  H. ; Marion,  who  is  the  wife 
of  Byron  Babbitt,  of  Evansville,  Wis. ; and 
Sarah,  who  is  the  wife  of  Norman  Hook,  of 
McFarland,  Wis.  John  Dick  was  a shoemaker, 
and  came  to  America  in  1842,  locating  on  a 
farm  in  the  town  of  Exeter,  Green  county, 
where  he  took  up  a tract  of  eighty  acres  from 
the  government.  This  he  afterward  sold,  and 
established  himself  as  a shoemaker  in  the  vil- 
lage of  Exeter.  In  1854  he  removed  to  the 
village  of  Dayton,  where  he  followed  the  busi- 
ness of  shoemaking  until  1862.  In  the  month 
of  August,  that  year,  he  enlisted  in  Company 
F,  31st  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  was  honorably  dis- 
charged in  June,  1865,  with  a record  of  which 
his  family  and  friends  are  justly  proud.  When 
the  war  was  over,  Mr.  Dick  returned  to  Day- 
ton,  where  he  resumed  his  work  as  a shoe- 
maker. In  1867  he  removed  to  a farm  which 
he  had  bougJht  near  Mt.  Vernon,  Dane  county, 
where  he  made  his  home  for  fifteen  years.  At 
the  end  of  that  time  he  sold  his  farm  and  re- 
moved to  Brooklyn,  Green  county.  There  he 
died  in  the  fall  of  1897,  being  at  the  time  of  his 
death  in  his  eighty-fifth  year.  His  first  wife, 
the  mother  of  Postmaster  Dick,  died  in  1881, 
at  the  age  of  sixty  years,  and  lie  married  for 
his  second  wife,  a Miss  Post,  who  is  still  liv- 
ing. Mr.  Dick  in  his  faith  was  a Presby- 
terian, though  not  connected  with  any  church. 
The  first  Mrs.  Dick  was  a Catholic. 

The  paternal  grandfather  of  William  H. 
Dick  was  James  Dick.  He  was  a coppersmith, 
and  also  a tinsmith,  and  was  the  father  of 
five  sons.  He  died  in  middle  life  from  the  ef- 
fect of  a paralytic  stroke.  Mrs.  Sarah  (Law- 
ler) Dick  was  a daughter  of  Patrick  Lawler, 


who  died  in  Ireland  before  his  daughter  came 
to  America,  which  she  did  when  a young  girl. 
He  was  a farmer,  and  had  seven  children. 

William  H.  Dick  spent  the  first  ten  years 
of  his  life  in  the  town  of  Exeter,  and  has  since 
that  age  lived  in  the  village  of  Dayton,  ex- 
cept the  time  he  spent  in  the  army.  In  1864 
he  enlisted  in  Company  F,  42nd  Wis.  V.  I., 
and  served  at  the  front  until  the  close  of  the 
war,  making  about  one  year  of  active  duty. 
When  the  war  ended,  Mr.  Dick  returned  to 
Dayton,  and  spent  another  year  in  school,  and 
then  became  an  apprentice  at  the  tinner’s  trade, 
and  that  trade  has  been  his  occupation  to  the 
present  time. 

On  March  16,  1870,  Mr.  Dick  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Mary  Francisco, .a  daughter  of 
Francis  and  Elizabeth  Francisco.  Four  chil- 
dren were  born  of  this  marriage  : John,  Edith, 
Grace  and  Bessie.  Edith  married  Perry  Wisch, 
of  Janesville,  and  they  have  one  daughter. 
T he  other  three  children  are  all  living  at  home. 
Mrs.  Dick  is  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Church.  Mr.  Dick  belongs  to  Belleville 
Lodge,  No.  74,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  to  Joseph  Mower 
Post,  No.  12 1,  G.  A.  R.,  and  to  the  M.  W. 
A.  He  is  a Republican,  and  cast  his  first  vote 
for  Abraham  Lincoln.  For  one  year  he  has 
been  town  clerk  and  also  clerk  of  the  school 
district.  Mr.  Dick  was  appointed  postmaster 
of  Dayton,  June  17,  1898,  and  is  still  satis- 
factorily performing  the  duties  of  that  posi- 
tion. He  owns  a good  home  in  the  village, 
and  is  president  of  the  board  of  health  for  the 
town  of  Exeter. 

f 

JOHN  A.  YOUNG,  of  Brodhead,  Green 
county,  is  a dealer  in  fresh-water  pearls,  raw 
furs  and  ginseng,  and  in  these  rather  uncom- 
mon lines  of  trade  and  barter  has  succeeded 
in  amassing  a very  comfortable  competence. 
He  has  had  little  help  from  friends  or  fortune 
in  his  life. work,  and  may  be  written  down  as 
a thoroughly  self-made  man,  the  architect  of 
his  own  fortune.  He  is  a man  of  good  heart, 
generous  disposition  and  kindly  feeling,  who 
has  combined  keen  business  sense  with  the  ut- 
most integrity  of  purpose,  and  is  known  as  a 
thoroughly  honorable  and  reliable  gentleman. 

Mr.  Young  was  born  in  Bern,  Albany  Co., 
N.  Y.,  Aug.  5,  1832,  a son  of  Peter  and  Re- 
becca (Austin)  Young,  natives  of  New  York. 
They  had  eleven  children,  nine  of  whom  are 
now  living:  John  A.;  Charles  W.,  of  White- 


JOHH  A.  YOUBG 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


A97 


water,  Wis. ; William,  of  Voorheesville,  N.  Y. ; 
Henry,  of  Albany,  N.  Y;  Govnier,  of  White- 
water,  Wis.;  Sarah  Van  Patten,  of  Centralia, 
Ivans. ; Louis  V an  Patten,  of  the  same  place ; 
Maggie  Gemlick,  of  Albany,  N.'  Y. ; and  Eliza 
Severson,  of  Guilderland  Center,  N.  Y.  The 
father  was  a carpenter  and  joiner,  and  in  the 
latter  part  of  his  life  a farmer  in  New  York, 
where  he  died  at  the  age  of  seventy-eight.  His 
wife  survived  him,  dying  when  about  seventy- 
seven.  They  were  Methodists.  -He  belonged 
to  the  State  militia.  The  paternal  and  ma- 
ternal grandfathers  of  John  A.  Young  were  of 
Dutch  descent,  followed  farming,  and  lived 
to  advanced  ages.  Both  reared  large  families. 
The  latter,  John  Austin,  came  to  Wisconsin 
in  1844,  and  located  in  Rock  county.  He 
owned  a tract  of  1,100  acres. 

John  A.  Young  was  reared  in  Albany 
county,  N.  Y.,  where  he  obtained  his  early 
education.  His  father,  though  a man  of  lim- 
ited means,  gave  him  his  time  from  the  age  of 
ten.  John  A.  learned  the  carpenter  business 
with  his  father,  but  spent  his  time  principally 
in  farming,  beginning  work  as  a farm  hand 
in  New  York  State  at  the  age  of  fifteen,  for 
a man  by  the  name  of  Thomas  Tygart,  with 
whom  he  remained  something  over  two  years. 
His  wages  were  $4  per  month  the  first  year; 
the  second  year  he  received  S8  per  month,  with 
the  understanding  that  he  should  deliver  farm 
produce  at  Albany,  twelve  miles  distant,  by 
•early  daylight,  on  account  of  the  cholera 
scourge  in  the  city.  In  the  third  year  he  was 
taken  sick,  and  had  to  return  to  his  father’s 
home  for  recuperation.  In  1858  Mr.  Young 
came  to  Wisconsin  and  located  on  a farm  in 
the  town  of  Lima,  Rock  county.  In  1861  he 
began  the  business  of  keeping  hotel  at  Johns- 
town Center,  Wis.,  where  he  spent  the  next 
two  and  one-half  years,  and  in  1S63  he  went 
to  Brodhead  and  engaged  in  the  hotel  business. 
Here  he  has  since  remained,  continuing  the  ho- 
tel business  until  1895,  since  which  time  he 
has  given  his  entire  attention  to  the  business 
of  buying  and  selling  fresh-water  pearls  and 
raw  furs.  He  is  considered  an  expert  in  the 
business,  and  has  made  it  very  profitable.  He 
built  the  “Young  House-’  at  Brodhead  in  1868- 
69,  a fine  building  in  its  day,  which  still  at- 
tracts admiration ; it  is  a three-story  brick 
structure,  52x62  feet,  its  entire  cost  being  about 
$16,000,  and*  in  it  Mr.  Young  did  a large  and 
profitable  business. 

32 


Mr.  Young  and  Miss  Maria  Groat,  daugh- 
ter of  Abraham  and  Julia  Ann  (Ostrander) 
Groat,  were  married  June  28,  1S52,  and  they 
have  had  nine  children,  Julia  A.  A.,  Rebecca, 
John  F.,  Teressa,  Alice,  Manley,  Mary  J., 
Maud,  and  Florence.  Julia  A.  A.  died  June 
11,  1854,  when  a child;  Teressa  died  Oct.  20, 
1859;  John  F.,  May  4,  1864;  Rebecca,  July 
18,  1864;  Mary  J.,  Feb.  1,  1867;  and  Manley, 
May  18,  1900.  The  last  named  married  Miss 
Anna  Snyder,  who  survives  him,  and  they  had 
one  son,  Loyal,  who  is  now  five  years  old. 
Alice  married  E.  M.  Lyons,  of  Brodhead,  and 
is  the  mother  of  five  children,  Maud,  Eddie, 
Ray,  Alice  and  Genevieve.  Maud  married  F. 
K.  Vance,  of  Brodhead.  Florence  is  at  home. 
Mr.  and  Airs.  Young  belong  to  the  Dutch  Re- 
formed Church,  and  he  is  a member  of  the  In- 
dependent Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  in  which  fra- 
ternity he  has  taken  high  rank.  He  has  filled 
all  the  chairs  of  the  subordinate  lodge,  is  a 
member  of  the  Patriarchs  Militant,  and  has 
been  .a  member  of  the  grand  lodge  for  many 
years.  Mr.  Young  is  a Republican,  has  served 
on  the  county  central  committee  of  the  party 
for  several  years,  and  has  been  a delegate  011 
several  occasions  to  the  Republican  State  Con- 
vention. He  was  mayor  of  Brodhead  two 
successive  terms.  Air.  Young  is  a member  of 
the  State  Municipal  League,  and  believes  in 
public  ownership  of  public  utilities. 

Mr.  Young  owns  one  of  the  finest  resi- 
dences in  the  village  of  Brodhead,  built  in 
1895,  and  thoroughly  modern  and  up-to-date 
in  every  respect.  He  also  owns  considerable 
residence  and  business  property  in  the  place. 
There  was  not  a foot  of  sidewalk  in  Brodhead 
when  Air.  Young  settled  there,  and  he  has  the 
honor  of  having  taken  the  initiative  in  this  im- 
provement of  the  city,  having  laid  the  first  side- 
walk in  the  place  in  the  spring  of  1864. 

Airs.  Young’s  parents  were  born  in  the 
town  of  Guilderland,  N.  Y.,  where  she.  was 
born  in  1S33.  Her  father  always  followed  the 
life  of  a farmer,  though  he  became  noted 
throughout  New  England  as  the  owner  of 
two  superior  race  horses,  “Sorrel  Pony”  and 
“Black  Alaria."  In  their  old  age  Air.  and  Mrs. 
Groat  moved  to  a new  home  in  Guilderland 
Center,  where  he  died  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
eight  years.  His  widow  went  to  Albany, 
N.  Y.,  to  live-  with  a daughter,  and  passed 
away  at  the  age  of  eighty-six.  They  belonged 
to  the  Dutch  Reformed  Church.  His  father, 


498 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Simon  Groat,  a soldier  of  the  war  of  the  Rev- 
olution, died  when  seventy-five.  He  was  the 
father  of  nine  children.  Mrs.  Young’s  ma- 
ternal grandfather,  John  Ostrander,  was  a 
shoemaker  by  trade,  but  was  keeping  hotel  at 
the  time  of  his  death.  He  had  eight  children. 
He  enlisted  in  the  Rensselaer  war.  Both  her 
grandparents  were  of  Holland-Dutch  descent, 
natives  of  Albany  county,  N.  Y.,  and  followed 
farming. 

PRESCOTT  W.  PUFFER,  the  present 
able  and  courteous  local  representative  of  the 
Chicago,  Milwaukee  & St.  Paul  railroad  at 
Monroe,  Green  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he  is  station 
agent,  was  born  in  Andover,  Windsor  Co., 
Vt.,  Aug.  29,  1833.  His  parents,  Ephraim 
and  Rosamer  (Chandler)  Puffer,  were  also  na- 
tives of  Vermont,  and  of  their  family  of  chil- 
dren two  are  now  living:  ( 1 ) Rosamer  married 
Ur.  Putnam  Burton,  and  both  are  deceased. 
(2)  Chandler  died  in  Ohio  in  1844.  (3)  Lu- 

cinda is  deceased.  (4)  Ryland  is  deceased. 
(5)  Elizabeth  married  Isaiah  Lovejoy,  and  is 
deceased.  (6)  Prescott  W.  is  our  subject. 
(7)  Augusta  is  the  wife  of  A.  W.  Wells,  of 
Shelburn  Falls,  Mass.  Ephraim  Puffer  was  a 
carpenter,  later  in  life  becoming  a farmer,  and 
died  on  the  old  homestead  in  Vermont  in  1848, 
at  the  age  of  sixty-two.  His  widow  survived 
to  the  age  of  ninety-five  years.  They  were  Bap- 
tists in  early  life  but  in  after  years  she  became 
a Universalist.  He  was  a man  of  considerable 
local  importance,  and  held  various  offices.  His 
father  died  over  fifty  years  ago,  when  he  was 
past  eighty  years.  He  was  a farmer,  and  had 
reared  a family  of  five  children. 

Prescott  W.  Puffer  was  reared  in  Vermont, 
and  received  an  excellent  common-school  edu- 
cation. He  attended  Black  River  Academy, 
a local  institution  of  more  than  local  reputa- 
tion, and  was  well  prepared  for  the  world 
when  he  left  home,  at  eighteen  years  of  age, 
to  work  in  a woodenware  factory.  In  1851 
he  went  to  Troy,  N.  Y..  where  he  was  employed 
in  the  post  office  some  three  years.  In  1855 
the  young  man  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  en- 
gaged in  the  furniture  business  at  Janesville 
for  two  years.  About  that  time  he  secured 
an  appointment  as  clerk  in  the  office  of  the 
Northwestern  Railway  Co.,  at  Janesville,  and 
was  with  that  company  six  years',  at  the  ex- 
piration of  which  time  the  St.  Paul  Company 
offered  him  a better  position,  in  their  Janes- 


ville freight  office.  He  accepted  it,  and  entered 
the  services  of  that  corporation,  with  which  he 
has  remained  to  the  present  time.  The  fol- 
lowing year  he  came  to  Monroe  as  station 
agent,  and  has  been  here  since  January  15, 
1S66. 

Prescott  W.  Puffer  (and  Miss  Helen  R. 
Noggle,  a daughter  of  the  late  Judge  David 
and  Anna  (Lewis)  Noggle,  were  married  Dec. 
23,  1856,  in  Janesville,  Wis.  They  have  one 
daughter,  May  Louise,  who  became  the  wife 
of  J.  C.  Hood,  of  Monroe,  and  is  the  mother 
of  one  daughter,  Marguerite.  Mr.  and  Mrs'. 
Puffer  are  members  of  the  Episcopal  Church, 
and  are  very  popular  in  church  and  society. 
He  belongs  to  Western  Star  Lodge,  No.  14, 
A.  F.  & A.  VI.,  Janesville,  Wis.,  and  to  Pales- 
tine Chapter,  No.  21,  R.  A.  VI.,  Monroe,  Wis. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Puffer  and  daughter  are  charter 
members  of  St.  Omar  Chapter,  Order  of  the 
Eastern  Star,  Monroe,  Wis.  He  is  a stanch 
Republican,  and  a man  of  fine  record  and  un- 
blemished character.  Mr.  Puffer  has  a com- 
modious and  attractive  home  on  the  corner  of 
Market  and  Emerson  streets',  and  has  lived  in 
Monroe  thirty-five  years. 

JOHN  ANDERSON  was  one  of  the  early 
settlers  of  VIonticello  township,  Lafayette 
county.  He  was  a native  of  Lancashire,  Scot- 
land, born  March  15,  1822,  and  died  of  a can- 
cer at  his  home  in  Monticello  township,  March 
12,  1900,  aged  seventy-eight  years  lacking 
three  days.  He  came  of  sturdy  Scotch  an- 
cestry, and  his  mother  died  in  her  native  land, 
but  his  father,  William  Anderson,  emigrated 
to  America  in  1830,  with  his  two  sons,  John 
and  George  (the  latter  died  in  1863),  and  set- 
tled' in  Oneida  county.  New  York. 

John  Anderson  grew  to  manhood  in  Oneida 
county,  and  on  March  6,  1854,  was  married  to 
Miss  Margaret  Jane  Burrows,  daughter  of 
Alexander  and  Rose  Burrows,  and  a sister  of 
William  Burrows,  now  of  Monticello  town- 
ship. She  was  born  May  17,  1830,  and  now 
resides  at  her  pleasant  home  where  she  and  her 
husband  passed  the  many  happy  years  of  their 
married  life.  Soon  after  his  marriage  in  1854, 
Mr.  Anderson  came  to  Lafayette  county,  and 
became  one  of  the  early  pioneers  of  Monticello 
township.  He  improved  the  farm  that  was  his 
home  during  the  remainder  of  his  life,  and  be- 
came a prominent  and  highly  esteemed  citi- 
zen, identified  with  the  growth  and  develop- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


499 


ment  of  his  town  and  county.  In  his  political 
views  he  was  a Democrat,  and  was  always 
active  in  the  work  of  his  party,  serving  for  a 
number  of  years  as  chairman  of- his  town,  and 
in  1875  as  a member  of  the  State  Legislature. 
All  his  relations  with  his  fellow  men  were  char- 
acterized by  the  strictest  integrity,  and  his 
word  was  ever  accepted  unquestioningly.  He 
was  an  honored  member  of  the  Masonic  fra- 
ternity, having  joined  the  Order  at  Shullsburg, 
in  1863,  but  later,  as  a matter  of  greater  con- 
venience, affiliated  with  the  lodge  at  Apple 
River,  111.  Eight  children  were  born  to  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Anderson,  seven  of  whom  yet  sur- 
vive: Alexander  died  in  New  Mexico  Nov. 

22,  1884;  Sadie  is  the  wife  of  Robert  Charl- 
ton, of  Cherokee,  Iowa;  Ray  resides'  at  Holly, 
Colo. ; Cora  is  the  wife  of  George  Pillmore, 
of  Geddes,  S.  Dak. ; John  is  at  home;  Charles  is 
a telegraph  operator  at  Dickens,  Iowa ; Libbie 
and  George  are  at  home. 

JAMES  W.  HARMS,  one  of  the  energetic 
and  progressive  business  men  of  Platteville, 
Grant  county,  who  has  for  many  years  been 
prominently  identified  with  the  mining  inter- 
ests of  that  place,  is  a native  of  Grant  county, 
born  in  Smelser  township  Feb.  20,  1852. 

Mr.  Harms  is  a son  of  Dedrick  and  Maria 
M.  (Melvin)  Harms.  The  father  was  born 
March  30,  1805,  in  Hanover,  Germany,  where 
he  was  reared  and  educated,  and  in  1834  set 
sail  from  Bremen,  and  after  a long  and  tedi- 
ous voyage  landed  in  New  Orleans.  By  fiat- 
boat  he  came  up  the  Mississippi  river  to  Du- 
buque, Iowa,  where  lie  at  first  worked  at  day 
labor,  and  later  found  employment  in  the 
mines.  The  same  year,  however,  he  came  to 
Grant  countv,  Wis.,  and  commenced  working; 
m the  mines  here.  He  was  at  that  time  unmar- 
ried, and  in  very  limited  circumstances.  In 
1839  he  was  joined  by  his  brother  John,  and 
together  they  invested  their  money  in  land, 
I always  doing-  business  under  the  firm  name  of 
D.  & J.  Harms.  Their  first  purchase  was  the 
claim  of  a Mr.  Hazard,  who  had  commenced 
to  break  the  land,  and  to  it  they  added  from 
time  to  time,  as  their  financial  resources  in- 
creased, until  they  owned  a large  amount  of 
property.  The  partnership  between  the  two 
jorothers  continued  until  the  death  of  Dedrick, 
Sept.  3,  1882.  He  was  married  in  Galena.  111.. 
Aug.  6,  1843,  to  Miss  Maria  M.  Melvin,  a 
native  of  Bloomington,  Inch,  and  a daughter  of 


Janies  A.  and  Sarah  S.  (Roberts)  Melvin. 
Her  mother  was  born  in  Virginia,  of  Holland 
ancestry,  while  her  father  was  born  near  the 
city  of  Baltimore,  Md.  He  brought  his  fam- 
ily to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  about  1831,  becom- 
ing a farmer  of  Belmont  township.  He  was 
a soldier  in  the  Black  Hawk  war,  and  during 
those  troublesome  times  his  family  stayed  at 
the  block-house  at  Mineral  Point.  Both  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Melvin  died  in  Nebraska.  After  his 
marriage  Dedrick  Harms  located  on  the  old 
homestead  in  Smelser  township,  where  he  en- 
gaged in  farming  and  stock  raising  through- 
out the  remainder  of  his  life.  Although  he 
came  to  the  New  World  empty-handed,  by  in- 
dustry and  good  management  he  became  one 
of  the  most  successful  and  substantial  citizens 
of  his  community.  Politically  he  was  a Demo- 
crat, and  religiously  both  he  and  his  wife  were 
members  of  the  Lutheran  Church.  She  de- 
parted this  life  March  10,  1898. 

To  this  worthy  couple  were  born  the  fol- 
lowing children:  (1)  John  C.,  born  June  6, 
1844,  followed  farming  until  his  death,  March 
13,  1871.  He  was  married,  Oct.  8,  1866, 
to  Elizabeth  Speth,  who  survives  him,  and  to 
them  were  born  three  children : Emma  M., 
Mary  C.,  and  Johanna,  all  deceased.  (2) 
Mary  I.,  born  Oct.  23,  1845,  is  the  widow  of 
Christopher  Schroeder,  and  a resident  of 
Platteville.  To  them  were  born  four  children, 
George,  Anna  and  James,  all  living;  and 
Ellen,  who  died  in  infancy.  (3)  Henry  H., 
born  Feb.  16,  1848,  also  a farmer,  died  Nov. 
9,  1898.  He  was  married  March  16,  1880, 
to  Dora  Werfellmann,  and  to  them  were  born 
four  children,  one  of  whom  died  in  infancy. 
Those  living  are  Mary,  John  and  Emma.  (4) 
Dedrick  William,  born  Jan.  30,  1850,  died 
April  23,  1856.  (5)  James  W.  is  mentioned 

below.  (6)  Louis  L.,  born  Oct.  7,  1853.  was 
married.  Sept.  16,  1880,  to  Mary  Anna  Riege, 
by  whom  lie  had  four  children,  Benjamin  JJ., 
Lily  A.  (deceased).  Purl  L.,  and  Edith  J. 
(deceased).  (7)  Martha  Jane,  born  April 
15,  1853,  died  June  25,  1886.  (8)  Sarah  E., 

born  May  8,  1857,  was  married  in  1884  to 
Dr.  Law,  of  Madison,  Wis.,  and  the  children 
born  to  them  were  Blossom,  Maria  (deceased), 
Robert  and  John.  (9)  Emma  M.,  born  April 
9.  i860,  lives  on  the  old  homestead.  (10) 
George  L.,  born  April  25,  1862,  is  also  living 
on  the  old  homestead.  ( 1 1 ) The  youngest, 
born  Nov.  3,  1864,  died  in  infancy. 

On  the  home  farm  James  W.  Harms  grew 


i 


500 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


to  manhood,  obtaining-  his  education  in  the  dis- 
trict schools  of  Smelser  township,  and  on  start- 
ing out  in  life  for  himself  he  engaged  in  farm- 
ing and  mining.  Since  coming  to  Platteville, 
in  1886,  he  has  been  interested  in  mining,  and 
has  met  with  excellent  success  in  business 
affairs. 

In  Platteville,  March  1,  1883,  Mr.  Harms 
was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Sophia  M. 
Logemann,  a native  of  Hanover,  Germany,  who 
in  1866  came  to  the  United  States  with  her 
parents,  Cord  H.  and  Gesche  A.  (Bruning) 
Logemann,  also  natives  of  the  same  place.  The 
family  sailed  from  Bremen,  and  landed  in  New 
York,  whence  they  came  to  Platteville,  Wis. 
In  1866  they  located  on  a farm  in  Platteville 
township,  but  Mr.  Logemann  is  now  living  in 
Elk  Grove,  Lafayette  Co.,  Wis.  Mrs.  Loge- 
mann died  Feb.  1,  1900.  They  had  six  chil- 
dren: (1)  Albert  H.,  also  a resident  of  Elk 
Grove,  married  Mary  Warfellman,  and  to 
them  were  born  five  children,  Sophia,  Henry, 
one  who  died  in  infancy,  Dora  S.  and  Will- 
iam. (2)  Henry  J.  died  in  Grant  county  Oct. 
2,  1878.  (3)  Dora  died  Oct.  30,  1878.  (4) 

Mrs.  Harms  is  next  in  the  order  of  birth. 
(5)  Mary  D.,  Mrs.  Henry  Albers,  of  Platte- 
ville, is  the  mother  of  five  children,  Laura, 
Inez,  Alta  and  Herbert,  all  living,  and  Clar- 
ence, deceased.  (6)  Herman  H.  married 
Fredericka  Speth,  who  died  in  1894,  and  they 
had  two  children,  James,  and  one  who  died 
in  infancy. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Harms  is  a stanch 
Democrat,  and  in  religious  belief  both  he  and 
his  wife  are  Lutherans.  He  is  a worthy  rep- 
resentative of  one  of  the  honored  pioneer  fam- 
ilies of  Grant  county,  whose  identification  with 
the  county  dates  back  to  territorial  days,  his 
father  having  located  here  in  1834,  when  this 
region  was  all  wild  and  unimproved.  In  the 
work  of  development  and  progress  the  family 
have  always  borne  their  part,  and  are  justly 
numbered  among  the  valued  and  useful  citi- 
zens of  the  community. 

CHARLES  F.  DODGE,  mine  owner  and 
speculator  of  Shullsburg,  Lafayette  county, 
was  born  in  New  Diggings  township  Dec. 
28,  1850. 

Ammi  Dodge,  his  father,  was  born  in  New 
Hampshire  in  1809,  son  of  Alpheus  Dodge, 
of  good  old  New  England  stock.  In  1848 
he  married,  in  New  Diggings,  Ann  E.  Dering, 


who  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  in  1S28,  daugh- 
ter of  John  Dering,  who  located  in  New  Dig- 
gings m 1840.  For  the  three  years  following 
his  marriage  Mr.  Dodge  engaged  in  mining. 
A typical  pioneer,  popular  with  all  who  knew 
him,  he  played  an  important  part  in  pubic 
affairs,  and  in  1855  was  elected  sheriff  of  La- 
fayette county  by  the  old-line  Whigs.  When 
j his  term  of  office  expired  he  retired  to  a farm 
in  New  Diggings,  determining  to  engage  in 
agricultural  pursuits  for  the  remainder  of  his 
life.  His  wife  died  in  1889,  and  after  her 
death  he  made  his  home  with  his  daughter, 
Mrs.  Harry  C.  Martin,  of  Darlington,  who 
cared  for  him  until  he  entered  into  rest,  in 
1894.  He  was  the  father  of  the  following- 
children:  (1)  John,  born  in  1848,  now  makes 
his  home  in  South  Dakota.  He  married  Jen- 
nie Chamley,  and  has  four  daughters.  (2) 
Charles  F.  (3)  William  died  in  boyhood. 
(4)  Thomas,  born  in  December,  1854,  settled 
on  the  old  home  farm,  which  he  managed  for 
a number  of  years,  and  then  moved  to  Cripple 
Creek,  Colo.,  where  he  is  now  engaged  in 
.mining.  He  married  Miss  A.  Vickers,  and  has 
six  children,  Ammi,  Thomas,  Jessie,  Mary, 
Kittle  Helen  and  Charles.  (5)  Frank,  born 
in  1856,  moved  to  South  Dakota,  where  he 
died  in  1885,  leaving  five  children,  who  now 
reside  in  Shullsburg,  William,  Katie,  Frank, 
Annie  and  Harry.  The  mother  died  on  re- 
turning to  Wisconsin,  and  left  her  children 
under  the  guardianship  of  their  uncle.  Charles 
F.  Dodge.  (6)  Kittie  E.,  born  in  1858,  was 
educated  in  the  Platteville  Normal,  and  is  now 
the  wife  of  Senator  Martin,  of  Darlington. 
She  has  one  daughter,  Anne  Dodge.  (7) 
Abby  died  in  childhood.  (8)  Sherman,  born- 
in  1864,  now  lives  in  Madison,  where  he  holds 
a political  position.  He  married  Maggie  Cot- 
tingham,  daughter  of  Miles  Cottingham,  of 
Benton,  Lafayette  county,  and  has  three  chil- 
dren. 

• Charles  F.  Dodge  received  a good  educa- 
tion in  the  district  schools  and  in  the  Platte- 
ville Normal,  remaining  in  the  latter  institu- 
tion as  a student  for  a number  of  years.  In 
early  life  he  worked  with  his  father  on  the 
home  farm,  but  after  the  death  of  his  mother, 
when  his  father  gave  up  active  work,  he  be- 
came interested  in  mining  and  speculating  in 
ore.  In  1896  he  discovered  and  opened  the  La- 
fayette Mine  in  Shullsburg,  which  has  proven 
a most  valuable  acquisition.  He  received 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


501 


$8,000  for  a part  interest,  and  it  continues  to 
be  a good  paying  investment.  In  politics  Mr. 
Dodge  is  identified  with  the  Republican  party, 
and  in  religious  faith,  like  all  his  family,  is  a 
member  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  in  which 
his  mother  was  so  well  known  for  many  years 
as  a most  earnest  worker  in  the  cause  of  re- 
ligion. Socially  Mr.  Dodge  belongs  to  the 
Lead  Mine  Lodge,  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  He  is 
highly  esteemed  in  the  business  world,  his 
wisdom  and  prudence  making  him  a much  de- 
sired adviser.  He  has  also  acquired  exten- 
sive mining  interests  in  Leadville,  at  present 
being  a stockholder  in  one  of  the  good  pro- 
ducing mines  there. 

JAMES  T.  SHERMAN  is  a noble  repre- 
sentative of  the  last  business  generation  of 
Wisconsin,  and  is  one  of  the  few  survivors  of 
that  period  of  stress  and  strain  that  made  Wis- 
consin great  and  rich.  He  is  now  spending 
the  late  afternoon  of  his  long  and  useful  life 
in  a richly-earned  peace  and  retirement  in 
Brodhead,  Green  county. 

Mr.  Sherman  was  born  in  New  Haven. 
Conn.,  April  17,  1819,  and  is  a son  of  Charles 
and  Jennet  (Taylor)  Sherman,  natives  of 
Connecticut  and  New  York,  respectively. 
They  were  the  parents  of  thirteen  children, 
and  of  this  large  and  interesting  family  only 
three  remain:  James  T.;  John  T.,  of  Brook- 
lyn, N.  Y. ; and  Jennet  T.,  of  Elizabeth,  N. 
J.  Andrew  T.,  of  Wilmette,  111.,  was  the  last 
to  pass  to  the  unseen  world.  The  father  was 
a merchant  tailor  in  New  Haven,  but  late  in 
life  retired  to  a farm  near  Suffield,  in  the  same 
State,  where  he  passed  a number  of  years  as 
a gentleman  of  leisure.  He  was  known  as 
Colonel  Sherman,  having  been  at  the  head  of 
a regiment  during  the  war  of  1812.  He  died 
in  1844,  at  the  age  of  sixty-two;  his  wife  died 
Aug.  6,  1843,  at  the  age  of  forty-nine.  They 
were  members  of  the  Congregational  Church, 
in  which  he  was  a deacon.  He  was  nomi- 
nated for  the  position  of  State  Senator  in  his 
State  the  year  he  died. 

John  Sherman,  father  of  Charles  Sherman, 
was  the  oldest  son  of  Roger  Sherman,  a na- 
tive of  Connecticut,  born  in  1750,  of  English 
lineage.  He  was  a colonel  in  the  Revolution- 
ary war,  and  died  at  Canton,  Mass.,  in  1801. 
His  wife  was  Rebecca,  the  daughter  of  David 
Austin,  of  New  Haven,  Conn.  They  had  seven 
children.  Roger  Sherman  was  a signer  of  the 
Declaration  of  Independence,  and  at  different 


times  held  prominent  official  positions.  He 
was  mayor  of  New  Haven  for  a number  of 
years,  and  received  the  degree  of  M.  A.  from 
iale  College  in  1786.  He  moved  to  New 
Haven  in  1761.  and  was  a member  of  the 
Continental  Congress  in  1774.  He  was  one 
of  a committee  of  five,  and  was  associated 
with  Franklin,  Jefferson,  Livingston  and 
Adams,  in  the  preparation  of  the  Declaration  of 
Independence.  He  was  United  States  Senator 
from  Connecticut  from  1791  until  his  death, 
July  23,  1793,  and  by  John  Randolph  was 
termed  the  “Siccius  Dentalus”  of  the  United 
States  Senate.  The  maternal  grandfather  of 
James  T.  Sherman  was  John  Taylor,  of  Edin- 
burgh, Scotland.  He  was  a merchant  in  the 
city  of  New  York,  where  he  died  at  the  age 
of  eighty.  He  was  the  father  of  seven  chil- 
dren. 

James  T.  Sherman  was  reared  from  early 
childhood  in  Suffield,  Conn.,  where  he  received 
his  common-school  education.  He  attended 
the  academy  at  Greenwich,  and  finished  his 
schooling  at  Westfield,  Mass.  He  began  life 
for  himself  as  a farmer  on  the  old  homestead, 
and  engaged  in  that  occupation  until  he  came 
West.  In  1856  Mr.  Sherman  came  to  Brod- 
head, Wis.,  where  he  and  his  brother  Henry 
opened  the  first  dry  goods  store  at  that  place. 
They  did  not  remain  in  the  store  very  long, 
and  Mr.  Sherman  went  to  farming  in  the  town 
of  Decatur,  a mile  from  Brodhead,  where  he 
bought  two  tracts  of  land,  an  eighty-acre  and 
a fifty-acre  piece.  He  farmed  for  several 
years,  and  then  disposed  of  the  larger  piece, 
keeping  the  homestead  and  fifty  acres. 

Mr.  Sherman  and  Miss  Abigail  Talcott 
Morgan  were  married  Feb.  9,  1842.  She  was 
the  daughter  of  Deacon  Joseph  and  Abigail 
( Talcott)  Morgan,  of  Windsor,  Conn.  Ten 
children  were  born  to  this  union,  James  Mor- 
gan, Abbie  T.,  Eliza  Morgan,  Anna  Maria, 
Charles  Jasper,  John  Taylor  and  Jessie  Taylor 
'(twins),  Helen  Mabel,  Edwin  D.  Morgan, 
and  Fannie  Boyington.  James  Morgan  mar- 
ried Miss  Mary  E.  French,  and  lives  in  Chi- 
cago. where  he  is  a commission  merchant  on 
the  Board  of  Trade;  they  have  four  children, 
Edwin  M.,  Roger,  Martha  E.,  and  Mary  F. 
Abbie  T.  married  Normal  Hall,  and  lives  in 
Chicago : they  have  two  children.  Edwin  M. 
and  James.  Eliza  M..  at  home,  is  a writer 
of  marked  ability,  and  is  a contributor  to  sev- 
eral of  the  leading  papers  and  magazines ; 
she  has  quite  a reputation  as  a writer  of  hymns. 


502 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


of  which  she  has  composed  over  three  hun- 
dred. Anna  Maria  married  A.  S.  Moore,  the 
cashier  of  the  Green  County  Bank  at  Brod- 
head,  and  has  four  children,  Sherman,  Charles 
A.,  Roger  Sherman  and  Eunice.  Charles  Jas- 
per is  a farmer,  and  lives  in  Brodhead;  he 
married  Miss  Kate  Rockwood,  and  has  one 
son,  John  R.  John  Taylor  died  unmarried  at 
the  age  of  thirty  years.  Jessie  Taylor  lives  at 
home.  Helen  married  Charles  S.  French,  of 
Chicago,  and  had  two  children,  one  of  whom 
is  now  living,  Helen;  both  father  and  mother 
died  of  scarlet  fever  only  about  twenty  days 
apart.  Edwin  U.  Morgan  died  when  four 
weeks  old.  Fannie  B.  married  George  A.  Met- 
calf, of  Janesville,  and  is  the  mother  of  three 
sons,  Earl  S.,  Charles  Winthrop  and  George 
Stanley.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  James  T.  Sherman 
are  members  of  the  Congregational  Church, 
where  he  has  officiated  as  deacon  for  many 
years.  Mr.  Sherman  was  a Whig  in  early  life, 
but  on  the  organization  of  the  Republican 
party,  united  with  it,  and  has  voted  its  ticket 
to  the  present  time. 

The  parents  of  Mrs.  Sherman  had  six  chil- 
dren, and  two  of  these  are  now  living.  Cath- 
erine A.,  the  widow  of  Charles  A.  Dressback, 
of  Greenwich,  Conn.,  and  Mrs.  James  T.  Sher- 
man. The  father  was  a farmer,  and  died  at 
Windsor,  Conn.,  in  1862,  at  the  ripe  old  age 
of  eighty-seven.  His  wife  died  in  1832,  at 
the  age  of  forty-eight.  The  paternal  grand- 
father of  Mrs.  Sherman  was  William  Avery 
Morgan,  a native  of  Georgetown,  Conn.,  and 
a soldier  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  partici- 
pating in  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill  when  he 
was  twenty-one  years  old.  He  was  the  father 
of  seventeen  children.  The  maternal  grandfa- 
ther was  Daniel  Talcott,  of  Windsor,  Conn, 
a descendant  of  that  Governor  Talcott  who 
presided  over  the  destinies  of  Connecticut  in 
the  old  Colonial  days.  At  the  golden  wedding 
of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sherman,  celebrated  in  1892, 
there  were  seventeen  relatives  present.  They 
have  a beautiful  home  in  Brodhead,  and  a win- 
ter home  in  Florida.  She  is  a sister  of  Gov- 
ernor Morgan,  who  was  governor  of  New 
York  during  the  Rebellion. 

WILLIAM  BATCHELOR,  a prominent 
brick  and  stone  mason  and  one  of  the  leading- 
contractors  of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  was 
born  in  Pittsburg,  Penn.,  in  1844,  a son  of 
Frederick  and  Elizabeth  (Lendon)  Batchelor. 


The  mother  died  in  that  city  in  1848,  and  in 
1854  the  father  came  to  Wisconsin.  He  lived 
for  some  time  in  Platteville,  but  now  makes  his 
home  in  Ellenboro,  Grant  county.  By  trade 
he  is  also  a stone  mason. 

William  Batchelor  was  only  four  years  old 
when  brought  to  Platteville,  and  is  indebted  to 
its  public  schools  for  his  educational  privileges. 
In  early  life  he  learned  the  brick  and  stone 
mason's  trade,  which  he  has  since  followed, 
and  as  a contractor  has  met  with  good  suc- 
cess, receiving  a liberal  share  of  the  public 
patronage. 

Mr.  Batchelor  was  among  those  who  went 
to  the  defense  of  his  country  during  the  dark 
days  of  the  Rebellion,  enlisting  at  Platteville 
Aug.  8,  1862,  in  Company  E,  25th  Wis.  V.  I., 
for  three  years  or  during  the  war.  He  was 
mustered  in  at  La  Crosse,  Wis.,  and  joined 
the  Army  of  the  Tennessee,  taking  part  in  the 
sieges  of  Vicksburg  and  Atlanta,  and  in  Sher- 
man’s march-  to  the  sea.  He  was  also  in  the 
Carolina  campaign,  and  participated  in  the 
grand  review  at  Washington,  D.  C.  In  June, 
1865,  he  was  honorably  discharged  at  Madi- 
son, Wis.,  and  returned  to  his  home  in  Platte- 
ville. 

Later  in  that  year  Mr.  Batchelor  married 
Miss  Mary  Atkinson,  a native  of  England, 
and  a daughter  of  George  and  Mary  Atkinson, 
who  were  also  born  in  England,  and  came  to 
Grant  county,  Wis.,  in  1850.  Mr.  Atkinson 
died  in  Ellenboro  in  1888.  The  children  born 
to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Batchelor  are  Fred  W.,  Frank, 
Lillian  and  Clyde.  Fraternally  Mr.  Batchelor 
is  a prominent  member  of  W.  T.  Sherman 
Post,  No.  66,  G.  A.  R.,  in  which  he  has  held 
office.  He  is  identified  with  the  Republican 
party,  and  takes  an  active  interest  in  politics. 

JOHN  ALFRED  TROW.  Among  the 
prominent  and  influential  farmers  who  have 
done  much  toward  the  improvement  of  Green 
county,  Wis.,  is  John  Alfred  Trow,  the  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch,  who  is  located  on  a fine 
farm  of  300  acres  in  Albany  township,  where 
he  makes  a specialty  of  the  raising  of  cattle 
and  sheep. 

Mr.  Trow  was  born  in  Albany  township, 
on  Dec.  16,  1852,  one  of  the  family  of  children 
born  to  John  and  Ann  (Griffiths)  Trow,  both 
of  whom  were  natives  of  England.  Other  chil- 
dren of  the  family  who  yet  survive  are:  Mi- 
chael, who  lives  in  Albany  township;  Susanna, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


5°3 


who  married  Hugh  Mason,  of  Kingsley,  la.  ; 
Mary,  who  lives  in  Kingsley,  la.;  Sarah,  who 
married  Albert  Richardson,  of  Plymouth  coun- 
ty, la. ; and  Evangeline,  who  married  George 
Evans,  of  Kingsley,  Iowa. 

John  Trow  was  born  in  Beguildy  Parish, 
Radnorshire,  Wales,  in  1805,  and  grew  to 
manhood  on  the  farm  there  known  as  Llan- 
reese.  About  1839  John  Trow  married  Ann 
Griffiths,  a daughter  of  John  and  Sarah 
Griffiths,  of  Lower  House  farm,  in  Radnor- 
shire, and  from  there  came  to  the  United  States 
in  1846,  locating  first  at  Burlington,  Wis., 
where  they  lived  until  the  winter  of  1846. 
I11  the  spring  of  1847  John  Trow  and  his  fam- 
ily removed  to  Albany,  Wis.,  where  they 
bought  220  acres,  and  there  lived  until  the 
death  of  the  father,  in  1880,  aged  seventy-five. 
The  mother  died  in  1875,  aged  about  sixty- 
seven.  Both  were  consistent  members  of  the 
M.  E.  Church.  The  paternal  grandfather  was 
named  Horatio  Trow,  and  was  a native  of 
England.  A farmer  by  occupation,  he  pur- 
sued this  calling  all  his  life;  had  four  sons 
and  two  daughters,  and  died  in  England  when 
about  seventy.  The  maternal  grandfather, 
John  Griffiths,  was  also  a native  of  England, 
where  he  died  aged  about  seventy  years,  hav- 
ing been  a farmer  all  his  life.  His  family  con- 
sisted of  six  children. 

John  A.  Trow  was  reared  in  Albany  town- 
ship, attending  the  district  schools,  and  living 
with  his  father  until  he  reached  the  years  of 
maturity.  His  first  venture  on  his  own  respon- 
sibility was  the  purchase  of  eighty  acres  of 
fine  land  in  Plymouth  county,  la.,  where  he 
remained  two  years.  At  that  time,  having  re- 
ceived a good  offer  for  his  property,  he  sold 
out  and  returned  to  Wisconsin,  there  buying 
230  acres  in  Albany  township.  Green  county, 
which  now  forms  his  present  home,  although 
he  has  since  purchased  additional  land  until 
he  now  has  300  acres.  On  his  well-cultivated 
fields  Mr.  Trow  carries  on  general  farming 
and  stock  raising,  making  a specialty  of  breed- 
ing fine  cattle  and  sheep,  which  always  com- 
mand excellent  prices. 

On  Nov.  21,  1880,  Mr.  Trow  married  Miss 
Almira  Tilley,  daughter  of  William  and  Mary 
Ann  (Griffith)  Tilley,  natives  of  England,  who 
had  four  sons  and  two  daughters,  five  now 
living:  William,  John,  Mortimer,  Mrs.  Trow, 
and  Wallace,  all  of  Albany.  Mrs.  Trow’s 
father  died  when  about  thirty-eight  years  of 
age,  but  her  mother  is  still  living.  Sampson 


Tilley,  the  grandfather  of  Mrs.  Trow,  came 
to  America,  was  a carpenter  by  trade,  and  died 
in  Albany  township,  well  advanced  in  years. 
In  his  family  there  were  four  sons  and  three 
daughters.  Airs.  Trow’s  maternal  grandfa- 
ther, James  Griffith,  came  to  America,  residing 
for  some  years  in  Green  county,  Wis.,  and 
died  in  Denver,  Colo.,  aged  about  sixty-nine. 
Before  coming  to  America  he  was  a prosperous 
merchant,  but  after  locating  here  he  engaged 
in  farming.  Six  children  were  born  to  Mr. 
and  Airs.  Trow:  Wallace,  Vira,  Horatio,  Don, 
Delle,  and  Tressie.  Fraternally  Air.  Trow 
is  a member  of  F.  & A.  AT,  Albany,  No.  36; 
politically  he  is  a Republican,  and  has  served 
his  party  as  supervisor  for  five  years,  and  as 
school  clerk  a number  of  years.  He  and  his 
family  are  among-  the  most  highly  esteemed 
residents  of  Green  county,  where  they  are  well 
known. 

CHARLES  WAAISLEY,  one  of  the  well- 
known  and  prosperous  citizens  of  Waterloo 
township,  Grant  county,  justice  of  the  peace, 
clerk  of  the  school  board,  and  an  ex-soldier 
of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  was  born  in  Staf- 
fordshire, England,  in  1837,  a son  of  Charles 
and  Sarah  (Alalah)  Wamsley,  also  natives  of 
England. 

In  1842  the  mother  and  four  children  came 
to  America,  the  father  following  two  years 
later,  and  they  were  among  the  first  settlers 
in  Cassville,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  where  both  par- 
ents died  many  years  ago.  The  father  was  a 
silk  weaver  by  trade.  To  Air.  and  Airs.  Wams- 
ley four  children  were  born : Ellen,  who  died 
in  Nebraska;  Alary,  now  Airs.  Wells,  of  Ozark, 
Mo.;  Charles;  and  Jeremiah,  who  enlisted  in 
the  25th  Wis.  V.  I.,  was  mustered  out  after 
the  siege  of  Vicksburg,  re-enlisted  in  the  42d 
Wis.  V.  I.,  and  died  at  Cairo,  Illinois. 

Our  subject  was  reared  and  educated  in 
Grant  county,  and  has  followed  the  occupation 
of  farming.  In  1844  he  returned  to  England, 
but  again  crossed  the  ocean,  and  has  since  re- 
sided in  America.  Air.  Wamsley  enlisted  in 
Waterloo  township,  in  1865,  in  Company  D, 
42d  Wis.  V.  I.,  for  one  year  or  until  the  close 
of  the  war,  being  assigned  to  the  Army  of  the 
West,  was  mustered  in  at  Aladison.  Wis.,  in 
February,  and  joined  the  regiment  at  Cairo, 
111.  On  account  of  his  ability  in  that  direc- 
tion Air.  Wamsley  was  detailed  at  Cairo  to 
look  after  the  sick  and  wounded,  and  was 
honorably  discharged  in  June,  1865.  returning 


504 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


to  Cassville  township.  In  1871  he  removed 
to  Waterloo. 

In  i860  Mr.  Wamsley  was  married  to  Mary 
Brady,  who  was  born  in  Ireland,  daughter  of 
Patrick  Brady,  an  early  settler  of  Waterloo, 
Wis.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wamsley  four  chil- 
dren have  been  born : Mary  Ann,  now  wife 
of  Thomas  Eversoll,  of  Waterloo  township; 
Charley,  of  Waterloo  township;  Rosa,  now 
Mrs.  Welch,  of  Glen  Haven  township;  and 
Jeremiah,  of  Waterloo  township.  In  politics 
Mr.  Wamsley  is  a Democrat,  and  he  takes  an 
active  part  in  political  matters.  By  his  judi- 
cial discharge  of  the  duties  of  his  office  of 
justice  of  the  peace  he  has  gained  the  respect 
of  his  fellow  townsmen,  and  he  enjoys  the  con- 
fidence of  a large  circle  of  friends  and  ac- 
quaintances. 

MRS.  MARGARET  A.  GRINDELL, 
widow  of  William  Grindell,  late  a leading  fur- 
niture dealer  in  Platteville.  Grant  countv,  was 
born  in  Quincy,  111.,  in  1830,  a daughter  of 
John  and  Mary  McMurray. 

John  McMurray  was  a native  of  Ken- 
tucky, born  in  Washington  county  in  1801. 
He  was  a young  man  when  he  migrated  to  Illi- 
nois, was  there  married,  and  located  near 
Springfield,  later  moving  to  Quincy,  where  he 
purchased  several  hundred  acres  of  land,  and 
followed  farming  and  stock  raising  until  1847. 
He  then  brought  his  family  to  Lafayette  coun- 
ty, Wis.,  where  he  purchased  another  farm,  on 
which  he  resided  until  his  death,  in  1858. 
His  widow  was  left  with  six  children:  Val- 

entine, who  migrated  to  California,  engaged  in 
mining  a few  years,  then  embarked  in  mercan- 
tile trade,  and  was  so  engaged  when  he  died, 
in  1897,  leaving  a widow  and  three  children, 
who  still  reside  in  the  Golden  State;  Mary  is 
now  the  widow  of  Ephraim  Fletcher,  of  Gales- 
burg, 111.,  and  has  had  two  daughters,  Louisa 
(deceased)  and  Lizzie  (wife  of  F.  Turner,  of 
Quincy,  111.)  ; Margaret  A.  is  the  subject  of 
this  biographical  review ; Caroline  is  the  wife 
of  A.  Potter,  a leading  grocer  of  Platteville; 
George  is  in  business  at  Evansville,  Wis. ; and 
Peter  is  a stockman  of  Parker,  Mo.  Mrs. 
Grindell  was  educated  in  the  higher  schools 
of  Platteville,  there  followed  teaching  for 
eight  years.  In  1857  she  was  married  to  Will- 
iam Grindell,  the  leading  furniture  dealer  of 
the  city. 

William  Grindell  was  born  in  Ireland  in 


1819,  came  to  Platteville  in  1845,  and  here 
at  once  engaged  in  cabinet-making  and  the 
manufacture  of  household  furniture  in  gen- 
eral, using  the  material  cut  by  the  local  saw- 
mills. In  this  business  he  continued  until  his 
death,  which  occurred  in  1895.  Mr.  Grindell 
was  twice  married,  and  by  his  first  wife  had 
three  sons : Wesley,  now  a business  man  in 

Platteville;  William,  who  was  killed  by  the 
cars  when  a young  man ; and  Samuel,  now  a 
resident  of  St.  Louis,  Mo.  To  his  marriage 
with  Miss  Margaret  A.  McMurray  were  bom 
six  children,  in  the  following  order : Lydia 

J.,  born  in  1858,  was  a teacher  in  the  Platteville 
schools  for  about  six  years,  and  later  a teacher 
in  Nebraska;  she  is  now  the  wife  of  William 
Kepner,  of  Osceola,  Neb.,  and  the  mother  of 
one  daughter.  Marguerite,  and  one  son,  Will- 
iam R.  J.  Fred,  born  in  i860,  married  Mar- 
garet Eastman,  in  Montfort,  moved  to  Arkan- 
sas, where  he  followed  lumbering  until  his 
health  failed,  and  then  returned  to  Platteville, 
and  here  died  in  1897,  leaving  a wife,  but  no 
family.  Clara  L.,  born  in  1863,  was  educated 
in  the  State  Normal  School  at  Platteville,  and 
has  been  a teacher  in  the  Milwaukee  schools 
for  the  past  eleven  years.  Mary,  born  in  1866, 
was  also  educated  in  the  State  Normal,  taught 
school  one  term,  later  graduated  in  music  at 
the  Dixon  (111.)  College,  and  for  ten  years  has 
been  a successful  music  teacher.  Thomas, 
born  in  1869,  was  graduated  from  the  Platte- 
ville State  Normal  in  1890,  later  attended  the 
University  of  Wisconsin,  at  Madison,  and  was 
a professor  of  mathematics  in  the  Territorial 
Normal  School,  at  Tempe,  Ariz.,  which  posi- 
tion he  resigned  to  become  one  of  Roosevelt’s 
“rough  riders”  in  the  war  with  Spain;  after 
being  mustered  out  he  was  appointed  deputy 
United  States  marshal  of  Arizona,  and  he  is 
now  clerk  of  the  supreme  court  of  that  Terri- 
tory ; he  is  unmarried.  Edward,  the  youngest  of 
this  family  of  six,  born  in  1873,  was  also  edu- 
cated at  the  State  Normal,  but  on  account  of 
failing  health  went  to  Arizona  in  1897,  and  is 
there  living  on  a ranch  ; he  is  unmarried. 

William  Grindell,  the  father  of  the  above 
named  family,  was  a man  of  sincerely  relig- 
ious convictions,  and  in  early  manhood  united 
with  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  in  which 
he  was  class-leader  and  Sunday-school  super- 
intendent, to  which  he  was  a liberal  contrib- 
utor, and  in  which  his  work  was  ever  zealous, 
faithful  and  active;  he  was  charitable  in 


WILLIAM  GRIHDELL 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


505 


thought  and  act,  and  no  needy  or  suffering  one 
sought  his  aid  in  vain.  In  1848  he  became  an 
Odd  Fellow,  and  in  1856  was  made  a Mason, 
was  ardent  in  his  work  in  both  brotherhoods, 
and  constantly  filled  some  office  in  each,  hav- 
ing served  seven  years  as  Worshipful  Master 
in , the  latter,  and  many  times  as  Noble  Grand 
in  the  former.  In  politics  Mr.  Grindell  was  a 
stanch  Republican,  and,  although  he  never  had 
ambition  for  public  office,  served  on  the  school 
board  thirty  years  as  a matter  of  public  duty. 
He  left  behind  him  a pure  and  spotless  name — 
a legacy  to  his  estimable  widow  and  her  chil- 
dren more  precious  than  his  wealth,  and  one 
which  will  be  honored  as  it  endures  in  the 
memory  of  the  residents  of  Platteville. 

WILLIAM  W.  CUR  WEN  is  a well-known 
miner  and  farmer  of  Shullsburg,  Lafayette 
county,  whose  undertakings  have  proved  emi- 
nently successful.  He  was  born  May  27,  1852, 
a son  of  John  and  Ann  (Smith)  Curwen,  who 
were  both  born  in  Manchester,  England,  the 
former  on  May  1,  1826,  and  the  latter  on  May 
12,  1822. 

Our  subject’s  parents  were  married  in  their 
native  country,  and  came  to  America  shortly 
after,  reaching  Wisconsin  in  April,  1852.  They 
made  the  voyage  in  a sailing  vessel,  the  "For- 
est King,”  and  were  thirteen  weeks  on  the 
water,  landing  at  New  Orleans,  whence  they 
came  by  boat  up  the  Mississippi  to  Galena, 
111.  The  trip  from  Galena  to  New  Diggings, 
Wis.,  was  made  overland,  and  in  the  latter 
town  the  father  secured  work  as  a miner.  He 
was  successfully  engaged  in  that  pursuit  until 
1865,  when  he  purchased  what  was  known  as 
the  Harker  farm,  of  200  acres.  He  greatly 
improved  that  place,  and  made  of  it  a beautiful 
home,  on  which  he  and  his  family  passed  many 
happy,  prosperous  years.  Of  late  years  he  has 
lived  retired  in  Benton,  in  a modern  home 
which  he  owns.  He  and  his  wife  have  cele- 
brated their  Golden  Wedding,  and  were  the 
recipients  of  many  hearty  congratulations. 
They  were  the  parents  of  eleven  children,  of  [ 
whom  James,  John  and  Ellen  are  deceased. 
William  W.  is  the  eldest.  Margaret,  born  in  j 
New  Diggings  March  10,  1859,  married  Ro- 
land Chamley,  of  Egan,  S.  Dak.,  and  has  eight 
children,  William,  Charles,  Roland,  Frank, 
Joseph,  Emma,  John  'and  Cora.  Mary,  born 
Aug.  6,  1856,  married  Joseph  Godfrey,  a drug- 
gist of  Benton,  and  died  Nov.  3,  1893,  leaving 


four  children,  Edith  S..  John  R.,  Joseph  Oaks 
and  Ann  F. ; Mr.  Godfrey  died  in  1888.  Em- 
ma M.,  born  Aug.  31,  1861.  is  the  deceased 
wife  of  John  Harker,  who  died  in  1887,  and 
had  one  son,  John  C.  Elizabeth,  born  March 
3,  1864,  married  William  Richardson,  of 
Mitchell,  S.  Dak.,  and  died  Jan.  18,  1892, 
leaving  three  children,  Maud,  Joseph  and  Mary. 
Sarah  J.,  born  April  5,  1867,  resides  on  the 
old  home.  John  H.,  born  Ncv.  2,  1871.  mar- 
ried Mary  Wilkinson,  of  Galena,  111.,  and  re- 
sides 011  his  farm  in  New  Diggings ; they  have 
three  children,  William  J.,  Howard  and  Emma 
O.  Benjamin  F.,  born  in  December,  1874, 
resides  on  the  old  home  farm.  John- Curwen, 
the  father,  was  a charter  member  of  Lead 
Mine  Ledge,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  was  a prominent 
man  among  the  early  settlers,  and  held  a num- 
ber of  local  offices.  At  present  he  is  taking- 
life  easy,  full  of  years  and  honors. 

Y\  illiam  Curwen,  brother  of  John  Curwen. 
and  uncle  of  William  W.,  came  to  America  and 
became  an  engineer  011  a railroad,  working 
for  the  Columbus,  Cleveland  & Cincinnati  Rail- 
road Co.  for  over  thirty  years.  Later  in  life 
'he  made  his  home  in  Little  Rock,  Ark.,  where 
he  died  in  1889,  leaving  a widow,  but  no  chil- 
dren. 

A illiam  W.  Curwen  received  his  education 
in  the  district  schools  of  New  Diggings,  and 
early  in  life  learned  all  the  details  of  farm 
work  through  a course  of  practical  instruc- 
tion on  his  father's  farm.  When  he  started 
out  in  life  for  himself  he  made  his  first  loca- 
tion in  New  Diggings,  where  he  was  quite 
successful  as  a miner,  discovering  the  Crystal 
Cave  Mine  and  also  the  Lead  Mine  Mine. 
He  was  the  owner  of  half  of  the  Sally  Waters 
Mine,  and  made  a substantial  fortune  from  his 
work  in  that  line,  all  of  his  mines  yielding  him 
large  returns.  In  1892  he  purchased  his  pres- 
ent fine  farm,  known  as  the  De  Rocher  farm, 
three  miles  west  of  Shullsburg,  which  he  has 
developed  into  one  of  the  beautiful  country 
homes  of  the  county. 

On  Oct.  30,  1875,  Mr.  Curwen  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Mary  Coulthard,  who 
was  born  Aug.  26,  1856.  in  the  town  of  New 
Diggings,  a daughter  of  John  and  Ann  Coul- 
thard, a pioneer  couple  of  Lafayette  county, 
who  came  from  Durham,  England,  in  the  early 
days.  Eight  children  blessed  this  union,  two 
of  whom,  Ann  and  Emma,  died  in  infancy. 
Maggie  I.,  born  Jan.  18.  1880,  was  educated 


506 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


at  the  Lead  Mine  and  Shullsburg  schools, 
and  was  left  at  her  mother’s  death  the  eldest 
of  six  children;  although  but  fifteen  at  that 
time,  she  proved  herself  a capable  little  woman, 
and  holds  with  dignity  and  grace  her  position 
as  manager  of  her  father's  household.  Charles, 
born  June  4,  1882,  a student  in  the  Shullsburg 
high  school,  has  much  natural  mechanical  abil- 
ity. Eva  M.  was  born  Aug.  6,  1887.  Will- 
iam Harry,  Jan.  17,  1889.  Ella  N.,  July  27, 
1891.  John  Fred,  born  Jan.  10,  1893.  The 
mother,  a conscientious  Christian  woman,  died 
at  her  home  April  28,  1895.  She  was  a con- 
sistent member  of  the  Primitive  Methodist 
Church,  and  ever  active  in  the  work  of  her  cho- 
sen faith.  Politically  Mr.  Curwen  has  always 
been  identified  with  the  Republican  party,  but 
has  never  indulged  in  official  aspirations.  So- 
cially he  belongs  to  the  Knights  of  the  Globe. 
He  is  a man  of  prominence  in  the  town  and 
county,  highly  respected  among  his  business 
associates,  and  greatly  esteemed  as  a friend. 

WILLIAM  LOY,  M.  D.  Prominent 
among  the  citizens  of  Grant  county  who  have 
witnessed  the  marvelous  development  of  this 
section  of  the  State  in  the  past  half  century, 
and  who  have,  by  their  own  well-directed 
efforts,  succeeded  in  acquiring  a handsome 
competence,  and  are  now  able  to  spend  the 
sunset  of  life  in  quiet  and  retirement,  is  the 
gentleman  whose  name  introduces  this  sketch. 

Dr.  Loy  was  born  in  Trumbull  county, 
Ohio,  Sept.  9,  1825,  a son  of  John  and  Mary 
Ann  (Wesley)  Loy,  natives  of  Pennsylvania 
who  at  an  early  day  emigrated  to  the  Buckeye 
State,  and  spent  the  remainder  of  their  lives 
in  Trumbull  county.  They  were  the  parents 
of  the  following  named  children:  George; 

Catherine;  Esther;  John,  a physician  of  Trum- 
bull county,  Ohio;  Mildred;  Mary;  William; 
Jacob,  a physician  of  Cedar  Rapids,  la.,  for- 
merly of  Platteville,  Wis. ; and  Elizabeth,  a 
resident  of  Shenandoah,  Iowa. 

In  his  native  State  Dr.  William  Loy  was 
reared  and  educated,  and  after  completing  his 
literary  training  entered  the  Ohio  Medical  Col- 
lege, at  Cleveland,  where  he  prepared  for  his 
chosen  profession.  On  Oct.  16,  1849,  f>e  came 
to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  first  located  in  Liberty 
township,  afterward  practiced  several  )^ears  in 
the  village  of  Platteville,  and  in  1854  settled 
at  Annaton,  Wis.,  where  he  pm  chased  a farm, 
in  connection  with  its  operation  successfully 
engaging  in  the  practice  of  medicine  through- 


out that  section  of  the  county  for  forty  years. 
He  was  also  largely  engaged  in  stock  raising, 
and,  being  a man  of  good  business  ability, 
sound  judgment  and  strict  integrity,  he  pros- 
pered in  his  undertakings,  becoming  one  of 
the  most  substantial  citizens  of  his  community. 
In  1890  he  moved  to  Platteville,  and  has  since 
lived  a practically  retired  life,  enjoying  the 
fruits  of  former  toil. 

In  Liberty  township  Dr.  Loy  was  married, 
in  1852,  to  Miss  Susannah  E.  Wanamaker,  a 
native  of  Liberty  township,  Trumbull  Co., 
Ohio.  Her  parents,  Jonas  and  Esther  (Ever- 
ett) Wanamaker,  were  born  in  Pennsylvania, 
at  a very  early  day  moved  to  Ohio,  and  in 
1838  or  1839  came  to  Grant  county,  Wis., 
locating  in  Liberty  township.  This  was  dur- 
ing Territorial  days,  when  this  section  of  the 
State  was  still  in  its  primitive  condition,  being 
all  wild  and  unimproved.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Wanamaker  died  in  Crawford  county,  Wis. 
The  Doctor  has  been  called  upon  to  mourn 
the  loss  of  his  wife,  who  departed  this  life’ 
July  1,  1899.  Of  the  seven  children  born  to 
them,  William  and  Arthur,  the  fourth  and  fifth 
in  order  of  birth,  are  now  deceased.  Those 
living  are  as  follows:  (1)  Viola  F.  is  now 

Mrs.  Dennis,  of  New  California,  Grant  coun- 
ty. (2)  Sarah  Ellen  is  Mrs.  Mellor,  of  Clif- 
ton, and  has  seven  children,  Anna,  Frank,  Will- 
iam, Clara  Bell,  John,  Flossie  and  Everett. 
(3)  Clara  Estella  is  Mrs.  Rosemeir,  of  Anna- 
ton, Wis.,  and  has  two  children,  Leon  and 
Archibald.  (4)  L.  W.  married  Frances  Swee- 
ney, and  has  three  children,  William,  Donald 
and  Susannah  E.  (5)  A.  W.,  a graduate  in 
law  at  the  State  University  of  Madison,  mar- 
ried Frances  A.  Burris;  he  is  now  serving  as 
city  clerk  of  Platteville. 

During  the  latter  part  of  the  Civil  war  Dr. 
Loy  enlisted,  in  Clifton  township,  and  was 
mustered  into  service  at  City  Point,  Va.,  March 
3,  1865,  as  surgeon  of  the  6th  Wis.  V.  I. ; 
while  in  camp,  however,  he  was  transferred 
to  the  7th  Regiment,  which  formed  a part  ot 
the  famous  Iron  Brigade.  He  was  stationed 
in  Virginia  during  his  entire  service  of  four 
months  and  twenty-four  days,  and  was  honora- 
bly discharged  at  Madison,  Wis.,  in  July,  1865. 
He  now  holds  membership  in  W.  T.  Sherman 
Post.  No.  66,  G.  A.  R.  In  politics  the  Doc- 
tor is  a Democrat.  During  the  long-  years  of 
his  residence  in  Grant  county  he  has  cham- 
pioned every  movement  designed  to  promote 
the  general  welfare,  has  supported  every  enter- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


507 


prise  for  the  public  good,  and  has  materially 
aided  in  the  advancement  of  all  social  and  moral 
interests.  After  a useful  and  honorable  career 
he  can  well  afford  to  lay  aside  all  business 
cares  and  live  in  ease  and  retirement. 

JOHN  F.  HEBERLEIN,"  a worthy  and 
honored  citizen  of  Fennimore,  Grant  county, 
was  a member  of  an  Ohio  regiment  in  the  war 
for  the  Union.  He  was  born  in  Prussia,  Ger- 
many, Sept.  27,  1843,  and  in  1852  emigrated 
to  America  with  his  parents,  Philip  and  Mar- 
garet (Hoffman)  Heberlein.  The  family  lo- 
cated first  in  Pennsylvania,  but  in  1857  moved 
to  Lawrence  county,  Ohio,  where  the  father 
died  in  1861,  leaving  a widow  and  nine  chil- 
dren, all  of  whom  had  attained  maturity,  John 
F.  being  the  youngest  of  the  family. 

On  Aug.  3,  1862,  Mr.  Heberlein  enlisted 
in  Company  K,  50th  O.  V.  I.,  for  three  years, 
and  was  discharged  July  21,  1865.  His  first 
(service  was  in  Kentucky,  under  Gen.  Buell, 
and  then  under  Gen.  Rosecrans,  and  he  was 
later  transferred  to  the  Army  of  East  Tennes- 
see, under  Gen.  Burnside.  In  the  spring  of 
1864  he  was  placed  in  Gen.  Schofield’s  com- 
mand, and  finished  his  service  under  that  leader. 
He  took  part  in  the  famous  battle  of  Perry- 
ville,  Oct.  8,  1862;  in  Sherman’s  Atlanta  cam- 
paign ; the  battle  of  Dallas ; and  the  fight  in 
front  of  Atlanta,  where  Gen.  McPherson  was 
killed.  He  was  also  in  the  battles  of  Kenesaw 
Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek  and  Jonesboro. 
After  Sherman  started  on  his  memorable  march 
through  Georgia  to  the  sea,  Mr.  Heberlein, 
with  his  regiment,  in  the  23d  Army  Corps, 
proceeded  to  Franklin,  Tenn.,  and  they  were 
under  the  command  of  Gen.  Thomas  in  the 
battle  of  Nashville,  where  the  Confederate 
army  met  with  signal  defeat.  The  Union 
troops  then  went  in  pursuit  of  Hood  to  Wil- 
mington, N.  C.,  and  thence  to  Goldsboro,  where 
they  rejoined  Sherman's  army,  remaining  in 
North  Carolina  until  the  war  ended.  Mr. 
Heberlein’s  regiment  was  stationed  at  Salis- 
bury when  mustered  out. 

Our  subject  then  returned  to  his  home  in 
Lawrence  county.  Ohio,  where  he  was  mar- 
ried Oct.  15,  1866,  to  Miss  Mary  C.  Arnold, 
and  started  immediately  for  Grant  county, 
Wis.,  being  accompanied  by  his  bride  and  moth- 
er, who  made  her  home  with  him  until  her 
death,  in  1871.  He  located  on  a farm  near 
Lancaster,  and  in  connection  with  its  opera- 


tion also  followed  the  trade  of  a mason  for  a 
number  of  years.  Since  August,  1894,  he  has 
made  his  home  in  the  village  of  Fennimore. 
Airs.  Heberlein  died  at  Patch  Grove,  Grant 
county,  in  September,  1890,  leaving  nine  chil- 
dren, five  sons  and  four  daughters,  namely : 
Margaret,  Wilhelmina,  Frederick  C.,  Jacob, 
Edward  A.,  Sarah  L.,  Frank.  Joseph  and  Mary 
C.  Edward  A.  was  a member  of  Company 
C,  4th  Wis.  V.  L,  in  the  late  Spanish-Ameri- 
can  war. 

Air.  Pleberlein  is  a worthy  member  of  Sam 
Monteith  Post,  No*.  173,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Fenni- 
more. He  served  faithfully  as  a soldier  for 
the  Union,  and  during  his  long  service  was 
only  absent  from  his  regiment  from  April  5, 
1865,  to  June  1,  same  year.  During  this  short 
period  he  was  confined  in  hospital  by  sickness, 
brought  on  by  long  and  arduous  service  and 
the  malaria  of  North  Carolina  swamps.  He 
is  a patriotic  and  loyal  citizen  of  his  adopted 
country,  and  ever  stands  ready  to  discharge 
any  duty  devolving  upon  him. 

WILLIAM  H.  ROSS,  a retired  farmer  in 
the  village  of  Dayton,  Green  county,  was  born 
in  the  town  of  Exeter,  that  county.  Sept.  8, 
1840,  and  his  entire  life  has  substantially  been 
passed  in  his  native  environments. 

Air.  Ross  is  a son  of  Leonard  and  Sarah 
(Burritte)  Ross,  the  former  a native  of  Ver- 
mont,  and  the  latter  of  Indiana.  They  had 
eight  sons,  three  of  whom  are  now  living: 
Milton  and  Leonard,  of  Belleville,  Wis.,  and 
William  H.,  of  Dayton.  The  father  was  a 
cabinet  maker  in  the  East,  and  in  his  early 
life  conducted  a hotel.  He  left  home  when 
quite  young,  and  came  to  Wisconsin,  working 
in  the  lead  mines  at  Wiota  for  a number  of 
years,  and  marrying  there.  After  a period  of 
several  years  he  came  to  the  town  of  Exeter, 
and  there  bought  a farm,  gradually  increasing 
his  real  estate  holdings  until  he  became  the 
proprietor  of  about  900  acres  of  land.  In  1856 
he  died  at  the  comparatively  early  age  of  fifty 
years.  Flis  widow  still  survives  him,  and 
makes  her  home  with  their  son,  Alilton.  in 
Belleville.  Air.  Ross  was  a Universalist,  while 
his  widow  is  a Presbyterian.  Air.  Ross  came 
to  Wisconsin  as  early  as  1836,  and  was  known 
as  Capt.  Ross.  His  widow  remarried,  and  her 
second  husband,  a Air.  Turner,  is  also  de- 
ceased. 

The  paternal  grandfather  of  William  H. 


5oS 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Ross  also  bore  the  name  of  Leonard  Ross, 
was  a native  of  Vermont,  where  he  died  when 
he  was  an  old  man,  after  having  reared  a large 
family.  Mr.  Ross's  maternal  grandfather  bore 
the  name  of  William  Burritte,  and  was  a long- 
time resident  of  Indiana.  In  1828  he  came 
to  Wisconsin,  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Wiota. 
Lafayette  county,  where  he  became  a well- 
known  farmer.  He  took  an  active  part  in  re- 
storing confidence  against  the  attacks  of  the 
Indians,  and  became  a prosperous  farmer,  dy- 
ing in  Wiota  at  an  advanced  age.  He  was 
much  interested  in  public  affairs. 

William  H.  Ross  has  lived  all  his  life  in 
the  town  of  Exeter,  with  the  exception  of  three 
years  which  he  spent  in  the  army  during  the 
Civil  war.  Llis  education  was  secured  in  the 
district  school,  ajid  in  the  spring  of  1899  he 
moved  into  Belleville,  where  he  spent  a year, 
but,  not  liking  the  condition  of  things  there, 
moved  to  Dayton  at  the  expiration  of  that  time, 
where  he  is  now  found  exceedingly  pleasantly 
situated.  The  farm  is  rented  to  his  oldest  son. 

In  the  fall  of  1861,  on  his  twenty-first  birth- 
day, Mr.  Ross  ran  away  from  home  and  en- 
listed in  Company  LI,  8th  Wis.  V.  I.,  serving 
three  years  in  the  ranks.  He  was  a participant 
in  both  battles  at  Corinth,  the  siege  of  Vicks- 
burg, and,  in  all,  fought  in  twenty-seven  heavv 
engagements.  After  the  war  in  which  he  made 
a creditable  record  both  as  a soldier  and  as  a 
companion  and  friend  on  “the  tented  field,” 
he  returned  home  and  resumed  the  peaceful 
occupation  of  farming,  to  which  he  had  been 
trained. 

On  Dec.  12,  1871,  Mr.  Ross  was  married 
to  Miss  Margaret  Greidenwise,  a daughter  of 
Nicholas  and  Catherine  (Dausch)  Greidenwise, 
and  by  this  union  became  the  father  of  four 
children : Duane,  Eldora,  Bertha  and  Theron. 
Duane  married  Miss  Stella  Parks,  and  lives  on 
the  home  farm.  Eldora  died  at  the  age  of 
seven  years.  Bertha  was  killed  when  four 
years  old  by  being  run  over  by  a wagon.  The- 
ron is  a student  at  a business  college  in  Monroe. 
Mr.  Ross  is  a member  of  the  Joseph  Morrow 
Post.  No.  121,  G.  A.  R.,  and  in  politics  is  a 
Republican.  His  farm  contains  174  acres,  and 
all  the  improvements  found  on  it  represent  his 
own  hard  and  honest  labor. 

Mrs.  Ross’s  parents  were  natives  of  Ba- 
varia. ( lermany,  and  had  three  sons  and  two 
daughters,  of  whom  Margaret,  the  wife  of 
Mr.  Ross,  and  Joseph,  of  Jennings,  La.,  are 


now  the  only  survivors.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Grei- 
denwise came  to  America,  and  found  a home 
in  the  town  of  Johnstown,  Rock  county,  where 
they  remained  three  years.  They  moved  after 
that  time  into  Green  county,  and  settled  in  the 
town  of  Exeter,  where  he  owned  at  his  death 
170  acres  of  land.  He  was  a blacksmith,  and 
always  followed  his  trade.  He  died  July  21, 
1856,  at  the  age  of  thirty -seven  years.  His 
widow  survived  him  until  June  2,  1857,  when 
she  died  at  the  age  of  thirty-six  years.  They 
were  both  Catholic  in  their  faith. 

WILLIAM  R.  SPEARS,  an  honored  sol- 
dier of  the  Civil  war,  was  born  near  Cleveland, 
Ohio,  in  1838,  son  of  William  and  Eunice 
Spears.  In  1842  the  family  migrated  from 
Ohio  to  Wisconsin,  and  made  their  home  in 
the  town  of  York,  later  removing  to  Moscow, 
Iowa  county,  where  the  parents  passed  the 
rest  of  their  lives.  Of  their  children,  four 
sons  offered  their  services  to  their  country  in 
the  days  of  the  Rebellion,  Earl  becoming  a 
member  of  the  famous  8th  (or  Eagle)  Regi- 
ment of  Wisconsin  Infantry  (he  now  lives  at 
Eagle  Grove,  Iowa) ; Dexter,  who  resides  at 
Valley,  Vernon  Co.,  Wis.;  James;  and  our 
subject,  William  R.  These  four  met  at  Chi- 
cago in  August,  1900,  during  the  Grand  Army 
Encampment  held  in  that  city,  it  being  the 
first  meeting  with  Earl  in  thirty  years. 

William  R.  Spears  bears  on  his  body  hon- 
orable scars  obtained  in  battles  for  his  country. 
In  the  spring  of  1864  he  became  a member  of 
Company  C,  37th  Wis.  V.  I.,  enlisting  in  the 
town  of  Moscow,  and  joining  the  regiment  at 
Madison.  They  were  ordered'  to  Arlington 
Heights,  and  a few  days  later  were  in  the  front 
in  the  vicinity  of  Cold  Harbor,  participating 
in  one  of  the  bloodiest  battles  of  the  war. 
Mr.  Spears  remained  with  his  regiment  dur- 
ing Gen.  Grant’s  Virginia  campaign,  and  took 
part  in  the  many  sharp  encounters  of  that  part 
of  the  war,  including  the  siege  of  Petersburg. 
On  June  17,  1864,  he  was  badly  wounded 
by  a fragment  of  a shell,  and  on  the  6th  of 
July,  following,  was  present  when  the  noted 
mine  explosion  occurred,  taking  part  with  his 
regiment  in  the  charge  and  battle  following 
the  explosion.  In  this  battle  his  left  hand  was 
badly  shattered  by  the  explosion  of  his  own 
gun.  He  was  sent  to  the  hospital  at  Alexan- 
dria, Va.,  and  thence  transferred  to  Fairfax 
Court  House,  where  he  was  discharged  at  the 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


509 


close  of  the  war.  He  was  practically  an  in- 
| valid  for  a long-  time  after  his  return  home, 
in  fact  has  never  been  able  to  do  any  manual 
labor.  He  returned  to  his  farm,  and  made  his 
home  there  until  March,  1897,  when  he  re- 
moved with  his  family  to  Blanchardville. 

Mr.  Spears  has  been  twice  married.  His 
first  wife,  Harriet  Yanhorman,  whom  he  wed- 
ded before  the  war,  died  in  1875.  She,  too, 
came  of  a patriotic  family,  and  had  three 
brothers  who  served  in  the  Union  army.  Fcr 
his  second  wife  Mr.  Spears  married  Miss  Caro- 
line Nancy  Corbin,  who  was  born  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, daughter  of  Lewis  and  Jane  Corbin, 
natives  of  Pennsylvania,  who  removed  to  Wis- 
consin, where  they  both  died,  their  remains 
lying  at  rest  in  the  town  of  Moscow.  Mrs. 
Spears  has  three  brothers  who  participated  in 
the  Civil  war,  two  of  them  in  the  Union  army, 
and  one,  most  unwillingly,  in  the  Confederate. 
Benjamin  served  in  an  Illinois  regiment,  Ash- 
ael  in  a Wisconsin  reeiment-  Granville,  the 
eldest,  was  living  in  Texas  at  the  opening  of 
the  war,  and  his  wife  was  a daughter  of  the 
famous  Confederate  Gen.  Morgan.  By  his 
first  marriage  Mr.  Spears  has  three  children, 
Jacob,  Polly  and  George;  to  the  second  nine 
children  have  been  born.  Ida,  Winnie,  Char- 
lotte, Florence,  Warner,  Charles,  John,  Bertie 
and  Richard,  all  of  whom  are  living  except 
Richard.  T he  family  are  highly  esteemed  by 
those  who  know  them  best,  and  very  popular 
in  a social  way. 

THOMAS  JEFFERSON  BRAGG.  The 
Green  county  pioneers  of  sixty  years  ago  are 
rapidly  being  numbered  among  the  countless 
thousands  who  have  lived  and  suffered,  played 
well  their  part  in  life’s  battle,  and  been  called 
from  the  field  of  action  to  the  rest  of  the  quiet 
churchyard.  Their  memory  is  cherished  and 
revered,  and  their  lives  of  self-denial  will  be 
long  remembered;  and  it  is  no  cause  for  won- 
der that  the  few  who  yet  remain  are  held  in 
affectionate  reverence.  Of  such  is  the  distin- 
guished citizen  of  Monroe  whose  career  forms 
the  subject  of  this  biographical  sketch. 

Thomas  J.  Bragg  comes  of  Virginia  stock. 
His  parents  were  Doshur  and  Hannah  (Mof- 
fatt)  Bragg,  and  at  the  time  of  his  birth  his 
father  was  serving  as  a soldier  in  the  war  of 
1812.  His  parents  were  poor,  and  the  father 
found  it  necessary  to  take  the  first  employ- 
ment that  offered  in  order  to  secure  a support 


for  his  rapidly  increasing  family.  He  was 
born  and  reared  in  a section  where  slavery  was 
regarded  as  a divinely  appointed  institution, 
and  for  fifteen  years  he  was  a slave  overseer. 
The  position  was  one  repugnant  alike  to  his 
convictions  and  his  inclinations,  and  both  he 
and  his  wife  resolved,  as  soon  as  circumstances 
and  their  slender  means  would  permit,  to  seek 
a new  home  in  a latitude  where  the  legal  equal- 
ity of  all  men  was  recognized.  In  1822  they 
removed  with  their  eight  children  to  Kentucky, 
and  in  that  State  a ninth  was  born.  Their 
earnest  wish,  as  has  been  said,  was  to  remove 
to  a free  State;  and  to  aid  her  husband  in  the 
accomplishment  of  this  project  Mrs.  Bragg 
weaved  and  did  other  work  suited  to  her  sex 
and  strength.  In  1829  they  found  that  by 
patient  industry  and  strict  economy  they  had 
accumulated  sufficient  means  to  enable  them 
to  cross  the  Ohio  from  Kentucky  to  Illinois. 
The  husband  and  father  settled  upon  public 
lands  first  in  Clark  and  then  in  Edgar  county, 
in  that  State,  and  subdued  the  unbroken  prairie 
soil  to  subjection.  The  following  year  death 
called  from  his  side  the  helpmeet  of  his  life, 
and  in  1841  he  followed  her  to  the  grave,  dy- 
ing on  the  farm  which  he  had  earned  and  cul- 
tivated through  so  much  industry  and  manly 
self-denial.  Of  the  nine  children  born  to 
Doshur  and  Hannah  Bragg  only  two  sons  and 
a daughter  survive,  although  the  family  may 
be  said  to  have  been  noteworthy  for  its  longev- 
ity. Those  who  have  died  were : Louisa,  who 
married  Absalom  Pitcher,  survived  her  hus- 
band for  many  years  and  died,  comparatively 
recently,  at  the  age  of  ninety;  William;  Mary, 
who  became  the  wife  of  Rev.  Stephen  R.  Goll ; 
Lucy,  who  was  married  to  Rev.  Pettigrew ; 
Elizabeth  (Mrs.  Samuel  Milburn)  ; and  Cath- 
erine, the  wife  of  Frederick  Shuey.  Of  the 
surviving  members  of  the  family — Strother, 
Thomas  Jefferson  and  Hannah — the  first 
named  is  the  eldest.  He  was  the  second  child 
and  first  son,  and  was  born  in  1807,  and  is 
yet  living,  in  Edgar  county,  111.,  at  the  age 
of  ninety-three.  Thomas  J.  was  fifth  in  the 
order  of  birth.  Hannah,  the  youngest  daugh- 
ter, is  the  widow  of  George  Brown,  and  also 
lives  in  Edgar  county,  in  the  Prairie  State. 

Thomas  Jefferson  Bragg  was  born  Jan.  15, 
1813,  in  Fauquier  county,  Virginia.  He  left 
the  home  farm  when  a young  man  of  twenty- 
three  years,  going  from  Illinois  to  Wisconsin 
in  May,  1836,  making  his  migration  in  the 


5i° 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


capacity  of  a teamster  for  one  Jonathan  Corey, 
for  whom  he  drove  six  yoke  of  oxen,  attached 
to  a wagon  bearing  the  family  and  all  the 
household  goods  of  his  employer.  The  desti- 
nation of  the  party  was  southern  Wisconsin, 
and  the  journey,  while  long  and  tedious,  was 
by  no  means  uneventful.  There  were  no 
roads,  and  the  cumbersome  vehicle,  with  its 
clumsy,  heavy  method  of  draught,  had  to  make 
its  way  across  unbroken  prairies,  through  track- 
less swamps,  and  across  streams  which  were 
at  times  so  swollen  as  to  be  scarcely  fordable. 
A rider  on  horseback  was  employed  as  a sort 
of  advance  scout,  whose  movements  were  close- 
ly watched,  and  whose  tracks  were  as  closely 
followed.  The  laborious  (and  often  painful) 
toil  attendant  upon  such  an  expedition  can 
scarcely  be  appreciated  by  the  luxuriously  ac- 
commodated traveler  of  to-day,  but  to  the 
pioneers  of  sixty  years  ago  it  counted  for 
little  in  comparison  with  their  abiding  courage 
and  deep-seated  hope.  Mr.  Corey  intended  to 
locate  just  south  of  the  Illinois  State  line,  and 
nearly  three  weeks  were  spent  in  reaching 
that  point  from  Grand  View,  Illinois. 

Air.  Bragg  remained  with  his  fellow  trav- 
elers long  enough  to  aid  in  the  erection  of  a 
cabin  for  the  shelter  of  the  family;  and1  then 
set  out — with  others  of  the  party  which  had 
accompanied  them — for  the  locality  which  is 
the  present  site  of  the  city  of  Monroe.  Among 
these  more  adventurous  explorers  was  Daniel 
S.  Sutherland,  with  whom  young  Bragg  made 
his  home  for  many  months.  For  some  two 
years  he  worked  as  an  assistant  to  the  early 
farmers,  with  their  primitive  methods  of  cul- 
tivation, and  in  1838  bought  four  yoke  of 
steers,  a wagon  and  a breaking  plow  for  him- 
self. I hese  he  used  with  industry  and  good 
judgment  during  the  summer  months,  although 
the  winter  found  him  at  work  in  the  lead  mines. 
Ide  carried  on  this  mode  of  life  for  about  five 
years,  and  in  1841  he  felt  that  he  might  take 
to  himself  a wife.  In  October  of  that  vear 
he  married  Emily  Jane  Nobles,  whose  father, 
Peter  Nobles,  had  shortly  before  settled  in 
what  is  now7  Green  county.  At  the  time  of  his 
wedding  the  hardy  young  pioneer  was  making 
his  home  with  his  prospective  father-in-law, 
but  immediately  after  his  marriage  he  entered 
a claim  to  government  land,  in  the  present 
township  of  Monroe.  His  industry  was  un- 
flagging,  his  energy  inexhaustible.  His  suc- 
cess exceeded  his  anticipation,  and  as  time  went 


by  he  found  himself  the  owner  of  700  acres  of 
well-improved  land.  On  this  farm  he  resided 
for  more  than  forty  years,  and  there  were 
born  his  five  children,  one  of  whom,  Alice, 
has  died.  Those  who  yet  live  are : William 
I .,  an  influential  citizen  of  Monroe;  Emma, 
wife  of  R.  D.  Gorham,  of  that  city;  and 
Thomas  J.  and  Charles,  whose  homes  are  in 
Nebraska.  Some  two  decades  ago,  his  hard 
work,  good  judgment  and  unwavering  probity 
having  brought  their  merited  reward,  in  the 
shape  of  a comfortable  competence,  he  aban- 
doned active  toil,  and  he  and  his  wife  took  up 
their  home  in  Monroe.  In  that  pleasant  city 
they  are  passing  their  declining  years,  sur- 
rounded by  every  comfort,  happy  in  the  mutual 
love  which  has  weathered  many  a storm,  and 
serenely  awaiting  life’s  termination  in  the 
hope  of  a glorious  immortality.  Despite  his 
eighty-seven  years  Mr.  Bragg  is  vigorous  in 
both  mind  and  body.  His  memory  recalls  the 
new  country  as  he  first  beheld  it;  and  as  he 
views  the  great  advance  made  by  modern  civ- 
ilization, with  its  handmaids — steam  and  elec- 
tricity— he  sometimes  wonders  whether  the 
glories  of  nature  are  not  more  enduring  than 
those  of  art,  and  the  handiwork  of  God  grander 
than  that  of  man. 

HERMAN  J.  STEVENS  is  a well-known 
citizen  of  the  town  of  Monticello,  Lafayette 
county,  and  a representative  of  one  of  the 
pioneer  German  families  of  the  county. 

Casper  Stevens,  his  father,  was  born  in 
Hessen-Cassel,  Germany,  in  April,  1819,  and 
was  early  bereft  of  both  of  his  parents,  his 
mother  dying  by  the  time  he  had  reached  his 
sixth  year,  and  his  father  when  he  was  thir- 
teen. He  was  one  of  four  children  thus  early 
thrust  out  to  shift  for  themselves.  He  grew 
to  manhood  in  his  native  land,  and  in  1847 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Theresa  Gos- 
man.  A year  later  they  sailed  for  America, 
hoping  to  better  their  condition  in  the  newer 
country.  They  had  an  infant  daughter, 
Anna,  but  left  her  in  Germany  until  they  had 
made  a home  here,  when  she  followed.  Like 
many  other  emigrants  of  that  day,  they  were 
not  possessed  of  any  means,  but  found  it  neces- 
sary immediately  upon  their  arrival  to  go  to 
work  to  earn  the  veriest  necessities'  of  life. 
Their  ambition  was  to  own  a farm,  and  with 
that  object  in  view  they  rented  some  land  in 
Monticello  township,  Lafayette  Co.,  V is., 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


which  they  tilled  for  a time.  They  then  pur- 
chased eighty  acres,  which  they  continued  to 
occupy  until  1866,  when  Mr.  Stevens  found 
himself  able  to  purchase  the  farm  upon  which 
their  son  Herman  J.  now  resides.  On  this 
farm  Mr.  Stevens  made  a comfortable  home, 
and  finally  retired  from  active  work,  purchas- 
ing a home  in  the  city  of  Shullsburg,  where 
he  and  his  wife  spent  their  declining  years. 
Mrs.  Stevens  passed  away  April  5,  1882,  and 
Mr.  Stevens  died  suddenly  Feb.  15,  1892,  at 
the  'home  of  his  son  Herman,  aged  nearly  sev- 
enty-three years.  He  had  been  gifted  by  na- 
ture with  a powerful  frame,  and  his  indus- 
trious habits  had  given  him  greater  physical 
strength  than  was  ordinarily  allotted  to  one 
man.  When  in  his  prime,  it  was  said  of  him 
that  he  was  capable  of  doing  the  work  of  two 
men  of  ordinary  strength.  He  was  prudent' 
in  his  investments,  and  frugal  in  his  habits, 
and  with  the  faithful  assistance  of  his  wife, 
and  also  of  his  children,  as  each  one  became 
old  enough  to  work,  was  enabled  to  secure 
sufficient  means'  to  make  himself  and  his  wife 
comfortable.  In  politics  he  was  a Democrat, 
and  in  religion  he  and  his  entire  family  were 
members  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Church. 
The  family  consisted  of  one  son  and  three 
daughters:  Anna,  the  eldest,  and  the  only 

one  born  in  Germany,  is  now  the  , wife  of 
Amand  Hillenburnt,  of  Newton,  Ivans. ; Liz- 
zie became  the  wife  of  Joseph  Aurit,  and  died 
in  ShullsDurg  June  7,  1875  ; Herman  I.  is  the 
third  in  order  of  birth;  and  Mary  is  the  wife 
of  John  Hebenstreit,  of  Shullsburg. 

Herman  J.  Stevens  was  born  in  the  town 
of  Monticello,  within  a half  mile  of  his  pres- 
ent home,  March  7,  1854.  He  was  but  twelve 
years  old  when  his  parents  removed  to  his 
present  farm,  and  there  he  grew  to  manhood, 
assisting  in  the  work  on  the  farm,  and  at- 
tending the  district  schools,  where  all  of  his 
literary  'training  was  received.  His  father 
was  a careful  and  systematic  farmer,  and, 
being  the  only  son,  young  Herman  was  quite 
well  acquainted  with  all  _ the  details  of  farm 
work  at  an  age  when  most  boys  are  still  at 
play. 

On  May  2 2,  1877,  Mr.  Stevens  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Cecelia  Hebenstreit, 
who  was  born  in  Prussia,  Germany,  Feb.  3, 
t856,  daughter  of  Vincent  and  Rosa  Heben- 
stieit,  who  came  to  America  in  the  early  ’six- 
ties', and  now  live  in  Shullsburg.  To  Mr. 


5ii 


and  Mrs.  Stevens  have  come  two  sons : Her- 

man, born  Jan.  27,  1879,  and  John,  born  Jan. 
5,  1881.  Mr.  Stevens  takes  much  pride  in  his 
fine  farm,  and  has  greatly  improved  it  with 
good  buildings,  modern  in  every  particular. 
He  is  highly  respected  for  his  fair  business 
dealings  and  his  unswerving  integrity. 

ALFRED  H.  HAWTHORN.  Among 
the  prosperous  and  substantial  farmer  citizens 
of  Clarno  township,  Green  county,  none  is 
better  or  more  highly  esteemed  than  Alfred  H. 
Hawthorn.  The  large  farm  of  322  acres 
which  constitutes  the  home  of  Mr.  Hawthorn, 
is  located  two  miles  southwest  of  Monroe, 
Wis.,  where  fine  dwellings,  commodious  barns 
and  outbuildings  of  modern  stvle,  proclaim 
it  to  be  one  of  the  most  desirable  in  the  neigh- 
borhood. 

Mr.  Hawthorn  is  a son  of  James  and 
Mercy  (Boyles)  Hawthorn,  the  former  of 
whom  was  born  Oct.  22,  1797,  in  Orange 
county,  N.  Y.,  of  Irish  ancestry.  In  1817  he 
decided  to  visit  other  states,  and  with  his  knap- 
sack in  hand  started  from  his  home,  in  time 
reaching  Pittsburg,  Penn.,  where  he  tpok  pas- 
sage on  an  Ohio  river  boat  and  made  his  way 
to  New  Orleans,  returning  to  New  York  by 
means  of  a sailing  vessel.  Soon  after  this  he 
made  his  way  West,  and  for  a time  engaged 
in  mining  in  Wisconsin,  but  finally  purchased 
the  home  where  our  subject  now  resides,  and  in 
1833  built  thereon  a small  log  cabin.  Mr. 
Hawthorn  was  of  the  stuff  of  which  real  pio- 
neers are  made,  possessing  the  perseverance,  in- 
dustry and  courage  which  have  been  the  means 
of  founding  the  cities  of  the  world.  Amid 
the  rush  and  strife  of  modern  environment,  we 
too  seldom  pause  to  remember  the  debt  we 
owe  to  those  who  have  blazed  through  the 
wilderness,  the  path  which  we  so  easily  follow. 
Three  years  later  Mr.  Hawthorn  married  Miss 
Mercy  Boyles,  who  was  born  in  Pennsylvania 
in  1812,  a daughter  of  William  Boyles,  one 
of  the  early  settlers  of  Green  county.  She 
proved  a valuable  helpmate  to  the  sturdy  young 
pioneer,  and  her  death  occurred  ten  years 
prior  to  his,  in  1881.  Thirteen  children  were 
born  of  this  union:  Andrew,  of  Monroe; 

Mary,  who  married  Hickman  Bryant,  now  de- 
ceased ; Phebe,  who  married  Aaron  Eely.  re- 
sides in  Monroe;  Ellen,  who  married  Thomas 
Millmon,  resides  in  Monroe:  William,  of  Mon- 
roe; Matilda,  who  married  Edward  Trickel,  of 


512 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Clarno,  and  is  deceased ; Maria,  who  married 
Joseph  Bender,  deceased;  James,  deceased; 
.Lucinda,  deceased;  French,  a resident  of  Colo- 
rado; Alfred  H.,  our  subject;  John  E.,  men- 
tioned elsewhere  in  this  work;  and  Charles,  a 
resident  of  Monroe. 

Alfred  H.  Hawthorn  was  born  on  Jan.  iS, 
1851,  and  was  reared  on  the  home  farm,  re- 
ceiving his  education  in  the  public  schools.  His 
tastes  were  different  from  those  of  his  father, 
his  life  having  been  passed  in  industry  on  the 
old  homestead,  which  he  has  improved  and 
added  to  until  he  owns  a very  large  tract,  little 
resembling  the  place  upon  which  his  parents 
settled  nearly  seventy  years  ago.  He  is  ex- 
tensively engaged  in  stock  raising  and  feeds’  a 
considerable  number  of  animals  for  market 
annually.  He  raises  Durham  cattle,  Cotswold 
and  Shropshire  sheep  and  Shire  and  Norman 
horses. 

Mr.  Hawthorn  was  married  Sept.  14,  1884, 
to  Miss  Nettie  A.  Connet,  who  was  born  June 
ps,  1851,  a daughter  of  Daniel  and  Hester 
Connet,  of  Green  county,  and  four  children 
have  been  born  of  this  union:  Ida  Ellen;  Al- 
fred Roy ; Wallace  C. ; and  John  N.  An  active 
member  of  the  Republican  party,  Mr.  Haw- 
thorn has  served  as  school  director,  and  for 
some  time  was  the  efficient  road  supervisor. 
He  is  one  of  the  leading  and  highly  respected 
citizens  of  Clarno  township. 

HON.  JOHN  MONTGOMERY  SMITH 
is  one  of  the  leading  members  of  the  Bar  in 
southwestern  Wisconsin,  and  for  nearly  half  a 
century  has  taken  an  active  part  in  the  devel-' 
opment  of  its  business,  political  and  social  in- 
terests. 

Mr.  Smith  represents  a family  which,  for 
at  least  three  generations,  has  been  identified 
with  important  affairs  of  the  State  and  nation. 
His  grandfather,  William  Moore  Smith,  was 
a prominent  citizen  of  Philadelphia,  and  in 
1803  was  appointed,  by  the  government,  one 
of  the  commissioners  to-  England  to  adjust 
and  settle  the  demands  of  British  claimants 
under  the  sixth  article  of  Jay’s  Treaty.  His 
father,  William  Rudolph  Smith,  son  of  the  last 
named,  was  born  at  Trappe,  Montgomery 
Co.,  Penn.,  Aug.  31,  1787,  five  years  later 
removed  with  his  father  to  Philadelphia,  and 
at  the  age  of  sixteen  went  as  his  private  sec- 
retary to  England.  While  there  he  began  a 
course  of  legal  study  which  was  continued 


upon  his  return  to  Philadelphia,  and  in  1809 
he  began  practice  at  Huntington,  in  the  same 
State.  Pie  served  six  years  as  deputy  attor- 
ney general  for  Cambria  county,  and  was  a 
member  of  both  houses  of  the  Pennsylvania 
Legislature.  During  the  war  of  1812  he  did 
active  duty  as  colonel  of  the  6acl  Regiment 
of  Pennsylvania  Reserves,  and  in  1836  or 
1837  he  and  Henry  Dodge  (afterward  gov- 
ernor of  Wisconsin)  were  appointed  commis- 
sioners to  treat  with  the  Chippewa  Indians 
for  the  purchase  of  their  Wisconsin  lands. 
After  concluding  this  treaty,  which  was  made 
at  Fort  Snelling,  Mr.  Smith  settled  at  Min- 
eral Point,  in  1838.  The  next  year  he  was 
appointed  by  Gov.  Dodge  as  adjutant  general, 
a position  which  he  filled  about  twelve  years. 
He  afterward  held  various  positions  of  trust 
and  responsibility  in  the  county  and  State,  in- 
cluding those  of  chief  clerk- of  the  State  Sen- 
ate and  attorney  general.  In  1852  he  was  au- 
thorized by  the  Legislature  to  prepare  a doc- 
umentary History  of  Wisconsin,  to  which  he 
devoted  much  diligent  labor  for  the  next  two 
years,  when  the  first  and  third  volumes  were 
published  by  the  State,  the  manuscript  of  the 
second  volume  having  been  lost  in  some  unac- 
countable manner.  He  presided  over  the  first 
Democratic  convention  held  at  the  seat  of  gov- 
ernment, in  1840,  and  was  a member  of  the 
Constitutional  convention  of  1846.  His  death 
occurred  while  on  a visit  to  a daughter,  in 
Quincy,  111.,  Aug.  22,  1868.  Mr.  Smith  was 
a man  of  wide  experience  and  noteworthy  at- 
tainments, commanding  the  respect  of  all  with 
whom  he  came  in  contact.  It  had  been  his  good 
fortune  to  become  acquainted  with  many  of 
the  most  distinguished  men  of  the  nation,  and 
to  participate  in  many  historical  events.  He 
had  seen  every  President  from  Washington  to 
Lincoln,  and  related  many  impressive  remin- 
iscences of  the  former,  and  other  statesmen 
who  participated  in  the  formation  of  our  gov- 
ernment. His  wife,  whose  maiden  name  was 
Alary  Van  Dyke,  was  born  in  Alabama. 

John  Montgomery  Smith,  whose  name 
heads  this  article,  was  born  at  Bedford  Springs, 
Penn.,  Feb.  26,  1834,  and  has  been  a resident 
of  Mineral  Point  almost  continuously  from  the 
age  of  four  years.  In  1852  he  went  by  the 
overland  route  to  California,  and  spent  four 
vears  in  that  famous  Eldorado.  Upon  his  re- 
turn to  Mineral  Point  he  studied  law  in  his 
father’s  office,  and  with  J.  H.  Clary  and  Judge 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


5i3 


Crawford.  In  1862  lie  was  formally  admit- 
ted to  practice,  and  for  a time  was  a partner 
of  the  last  named  jurist,  'but  for  many  years 
has  carried  on  an  independent  business.  He 
has  been  retained  on  many  of  the  most  impor- 
tant cases  in  his  portion  of  the  State,  and 
holds  an  enviable  position  among  the  mem- 
bers of  his  profession.  A stanch  Democrat 
in  political  principle,  he  has  always  taken  a 
leading  part  in  the  councils  of  the  party;  was 
twice  a delegate  to  national  conventions,  in 
1880  and  again  in  1888;  in  1892  was  a Presi- 
dential elector,  and  cast  his  vote  for  Grover 
Cleveland.  In  1879  he  was  nominated  for  at- 
torney general  of  the  State,  on  the  same  ticket 
which  was  headed  by  Judge  Jenkins,  of  Mil- 
waukee, for  governor,  but  shared  the  disaster 
which  befell  his  party  throughout  the  State 
in  that  campaign.  The  regard  in  which  he 
is  held  by  the  community  in  which  most  of 
his  life  has  been  spent  is  attested  by  the  numer- 
ous positions  of  trust  and  responsibility  which 
he  has  filled  in  the  city  and  county — mayor 
three  terms,  superintendent  of  schools  two 
terms,  district  attorney  two  terms,  member  of 
the  board  of  supervisors,  court  commissioner, 
and  other  local  offices.  In  1892  he  represented 
the  district  in  the  State  Assembly.  During 
President  Cleveland's  first  administration  he 
was  appointed  a member  of  the  Southern  Ute 
Indian  Commission,  and  during  the  second 
term  of  the  same  President  he  served  on  the 
Chippewa  Indian  Commission,  a position  filled 
by  his  father  near  sixty  years  earlier.  Besides 
attending  to  all  these  interests,  Mr.  Smith  has 
been  a promoter  of  numerous  business  enter- 
prises calculated  to  advance  the  welfare  of  the 
city  of  Mineral  Point  and  adjacent  country. 

Mr.  Smith  was  married,  in  1862,  to  An- 
tonia Hildebrand,  who  died  six  years  later, 
leaving  one  son,  Richard  M.  In  1870  he  mar- 
ried Jennie  hi.  Crawford,  widow  of  his  former 
preceptor  and  partner,  Judge  Crawford,  of 
the  Supreme  Court  of  Wisconsin.  His  only 
daughter,  Etta  M.,  is  the  wife  of  H.  N.  Laflin, 
of  Milwaukee.  In  1893  he  was  again  be- 
reaved by  the  death  of  his  wife,  whose  health 
was  impaired  by  her  arduous  duties  while  act- 
ing as  a member  of  the  World's  Fair  Com- 
mission. 

I.  N.  BAS  YE,  a retired  business  man,  now 
living  in  the  village  of  Arthur.  Grant  county, 
was  born  in  Jacksonville,  Ilk,  June  8,  1832, 


son  of  Dr.  J.  J.  and  Annie  (Watson)  Basye. 
Dr.  Basye  was  born  in  St.  Louis  county,  Mo., 
Sept.  24,  1799,  and  his  wife  in  South  Carolina, 
Dec.  28,  of  the  same  year;  they  were  married 
in  Missouri. 

Dr.  Basye  started  life  as  a merchant  in  a 
modest  way.  He  practiced  medicine  for  over 
fifty  years,  and  was  a local  preacher  in  the 
Methodist  Church  for  more  than 'sixty  years. 
In  1836  he  came  to  Grant  county,  Vv  is.,  and 
purchased  200  acres  of  land  in  the  town  of 
Clifton,  which  is  now  known  as  the  “Wells. 
Farm.”  There  he  opened  a general  store,  and 
wffiile  he  improved  his  farm  he  also  dealt  in 
goods'  which  he  shipped  from  St.  Louis  and 
hauled  over  country  from  Galena,  111.  Mr. 
Basye  had  men  employed  in  prospecting  for 
Galena  ore  during  the  remainder  of  his  life,  in 
Illinois,  Iowa,  Missouri  and  Wisconsin,  but 
was  unsuccessful  in  locating  any  lodes.  In 
1840  he  sold  his  farm  to  Francis  Merrit,  and 
located  in  Platteville,  where  he  opened  a gen- 
eral store  with  his  son-in-law,  J.  F.  Kirkpat- 
rick. They  continued  same  a few  years',  when 
he  sold  out  to  his  son-in-law,  and  confined  him- 
self to  his  medical  practice,  which  had  become 
extended,  and  occupied  his  whole  time.  The 
Doctor  was  tendered  many  political  positions 
of  honor  and  trust,  all  of  which  he  declined, 
contending  that  business  and  politics  would  not 
assimilate.  In  his  later  years  he  was  an  inmate 
of  the  home  of  his  daughter,  in  the  town  of 
Lima.  Mrs.  Basye,  who  had  shared  with  him 
all  his  early  hardships,  died  in  Platteville,  in 
October,  1873,  and  he  followed  her  to  the 
unknown  land  Jan.  8,  1877.  She  was  a Chris- 
tian woman,  and  reared  her  family  in  the 
church  to  which  her  life  had  been  devoted. 
Twelve  children  were  born  to  them: 

(1)  Eliza  J..  born  in  Illinois  in  December, 
1820,  married  J.  F.  Kirkpatrick,  who  was  a 
merchant  in  Platteville  for  some  years,  and 
then  in  Cassville.  While  living  in  Cassville 
his  wife  died,  leaving  two  children,  Julia  and 
Benjamin.  Julia  grew  to  noble  young  woman- 
hood, and  died,  greatly  regretted  by  a host  of 
friends.  Benjamin  died  when  a child.  (2) 
N.  M.,  a farmer,  born  July  24,  1822,  married 
and  settled  in  Grant  county.  In  1871  he  moved 
to  North  Dakota,  where  he  purchased  lands, 
and  died,  in  1889.  leaving  a son  and  a daughter 
in  that  State.  (3)  J.  W.,  born  in  Illinois  in 
October,  1823,  died  when  a young  man.  He 
was  an  earnest  Christian,  and  very  prominent 


SH 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


as  an  Odd  Fellow,  and  was  the  first  noble 
grand  of  Platteville  Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F.  (4) 
Frances  A.,  born  June  9,  1825,  was  the  wife 
of  William  Clifton,  of  Grant  county,  a farmer 
and  popular  citizen  and  official.  They  lived  in 
Lima  for  some  years,  and  then  moved  to  the 
village  of  Arthur,  where  he  died  in  1885.  Mrs. 
Clifton  died  in  January,  1900,  in  Lancaster, 
and  is  remembered  as  a woman  of  unusual 
ability  and  strength  of  character.  Four  chil- 
dren are  left  of  this  union — Rev.  Theodore,  of 
Chicago;  Rev.  J.  J.,  in  the  ministry  at  Omaha; 

I.  N.,  living  in  Platteville,  a retired  farmer  and 
veteran  pensioner ; and  Carrie,  Mrs.  Arnett, 
of  Fairfield,  Iowa.  (5)  S.  T.,  born  Oct.  24, 
1826,  began  life  as  a farmer  in  Grant  county, 
and  afterward  was  a merchant  in  the  village 
of  Arthur.  He  owned  two  or  three  farms  in 
the  county,  and  has  been  a prominent  man  in 
public  affairs  and  church  work,  occupying  vari- 
ous offices  of  trust  in  his  town.  He  is  now  liv- 
ing retired  with  his  daughter,  at  Grinnell, 
Iowa.  Two  daughters  were  born  to  him — Mrs. 
Anson  Brown,  of  Grinned,  Iowa;  and  Mrs. 
Frank  Cushman,  of  Evansville,  Wis.  (6)  J. 

J. ,  born  in  August,  1828,  was  educated  in  the 

old  academy  at  Platteville,  and  studied  medi- 
cine with  his  father.  In  1850  he  moved  to 
California,  where  he  was  engaged  in  gold 
mining  for  six  years.  Coming  back  to  Grant 
county,  he  there  married  Miss  Hannah  E. 
Williams  in  1857,  and  they  settled  on  a farm 
in  the  town  of  Lima,  where  they  remained  un- 
til 1863,  after  which  he  was  a merchant  and 
postmaster  in  the  village  of  Arthur  for  about  a 
year.  In  the  fad  of  1864  he  died  very  sud- 
denly of  dysentery,  leaving  a wife  and  two 
daughters — Annie,  wife  of  Mr.  Jewet,  cashier 
in  a bank  at  Fergus  Fads,  Minn.-;  and  Bessie, 
who  is  the  wife  of  a Congregational  minister 
in  Massachusetts,  and  with  whom  Mrs.  Basye 
lives.  (7)  Eleanor  S.,  born  in  Illinois  April 
28,  1830.  died  in  1846,  in  the  bloom  of  her 
early  womanhood,  greatly  beloved.  (8)  I.  N. 
is  the  eighth  in  the  family.  (9)  Mary  M. 
and  (10)  Martha  L.,  twins',  were  born  in  May, 
1835.  Mary  was  the  wife  of  John  Hamilton, 
a merchant,  who  lived  in  Platteville,  where  she 
died  in  1864.  Martha  died  in  1843.  (11) 

Maria  T.,  born  in  1837,  died  when  six  years  old. 
(12)  Sarah  C.,  born  in  June,  1839,  died  in 
184},  the  three  last  named  dying  of  small  pox. 

I.  N.  Basye  began  his  early  education  in 
1837,  in  a little  log  school  house,  practically 


erected  by  his  father,  in  the  town  of  Clifton, 
and  attended  the  old  Platteville  Academy,  un- 
der Profs.  Carier,  Magoon,  and  Pickard,  who 
in  1852  erected  the  old  stone  academy  at 
Platteville,  now  the  State  Normal.  He  finished 
his  schooling  at  the  M.  E.  Collegiate  Institute, 
under  Prof.  John  Nolan.  One  of  a Latin  class 
of  four  students,  consisting  of  J.  M.  Round- 
tree,  Lois  Atwood,  and  J.  M.  Harlan,  of 
Kentucky,  besides  himself,  Mr.  Bayse  feels 
that  in  Ins  early  life  he  had  good  company. 

Mr.  Basye’  left  home  after  his  graduation, 
and  went  into  southwestern  Missouri,  seeking 
for  Galena  ore,  and  discovered  what  are  known 
as  the  “Granby  mines,”  in  that  State.  Re- 
maining there  a year,  he  came  back  to  Platte- 
ville, studied  law  with  George  W.  Lakin,  and 
then  taught  in  the  public  schools  of  Grant  coun- 
ty. In  1853  he  became  a photographer,  under 
the  instruction  of  Idesler  & Johnson,  of  Ga- 
lena and  Chicago,  111.,  and  established  the  first 
gallery  in  Platteville,  which  is  still  continued 
there,  by  J.  L.  Nye. 

In  September,  1857,  Mr.  Basye  married 
Miss  Susan  Slater,  of  Platteville,  daughter  of 
Rev.  Isaac  Slater,  of  Duquoin,  111.  After  his 
marriage  he  taught  school  in  Lafayette  county, 
Wis.,  for  two  years,  and  in  i860  came  back 
to  Platteville,  engaging  with  G.  Hexter  & 
Co.  as  a'  salesman  and  bookkeeper,  jand 
later  with  Petti john  & Rewey,  in  the  same 
capacity.  In  1863  he  took  charge  of  the 
general  store  of  H.  Hoyt,  with  whom 
he  remained  seven  months.  In  1864  he 
bought  out  J.  R.  Stevens  of  Platteville, 
and  engaged  in  the  grocery  trade,  which  he 
continued  for  some  time.  At  the  death  of  his 
brother,  J.  J.,  who  was  postmaster  and  gen- 
eral merchant  in  the  village  of  Arthur,  he 
administered  his  estate,  and  combined  his 
business,  continuing  at  Arthur  some  two  years. 
Selling  out,  he  became  again  an  employe  of 
G.  Hexter  & Co.,  at  Platteville,  and  continued 
with  them  until  1870.  That  year  he  became 
manager  for  Laughton  & Sons,  general  mer- 
chants, and  was  with  them  some  four  years. 
At  the  end  of  that  time  the  firm  was  changed 
to  Laughton  Brothers,  and  a year  later  Mr. 
Basye  entered  again  into  the  grocery  business, 
owning  one  of  the  finest  stores  in  the  city, 
and  doing  a fine  trade  for  some  three  years. 
Since  1884  Mr.  Basye  has  lived1  for  the  most 
part  retired  in  the  village  of  Arthur,  where 
he  is  interested  in  the  poultry  business.  He 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


5i5 


has  been  commissioner  of  highways  for  some 
six  years,  and  notary  public. 

Of  the  seven  children  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Basye,  four  are  now  living:  (1)  Katie, 

born  in  1858,  was  a student  of  the  State  Nor- 
mal at  Platteville,  and  was  one  of  the  success- 
ful teachers  of  Grant  county  for  several  years. 
Going  to  California  in  1881,  she  was  for  some 
years  a teacher,  and  contributor  to  the  local 
press,  and  then  married  Oscar  De  Witte,  a 
fellow  teacher.  Mrs.  De  Witte  died  in  1886, 
leaving  one  son  and  one  daughter,  Eugene  and 
Susie,  who  are  now  with  their  grandmother  in 
Platteville,  attending  the  Normal  School.  (2) 
Cora  E.,  born  in  Grant  county  in  i860,  ob- 
tained her  education  in  the  State  Normal,  and 
was  for  some  years  one  of  the  successful  teach- 
ers who  have  gone  out  from  that  institution. 
She  is  now  the  wife  of  J.  H.  Cushman,  o'f 
Platteville,  and  the  mother  of  four  children, 
Nettie,  Dora,  Katie,  and  Leon,  all  students  of 
the  Platteville  Normal.  (3)  George  T.,  born 
in  November,  1864,  lives  at  Pipestone,  Minn., 
where  he  is  engaged  in  the  sale  of  Indian 
curiosities  and  jewelry;  lie  is  known  as 
“Pipestone  George”  all  over  the  country.  (4) 
William  R.,  born  in  Platteville,  received  his 
education  there.  When  fifteen  years  of  age  he 
became  foreman  of  the  Platteville  Democrat, 
and  was  manager  of  that  paper  for  a year. 
Becoming  a fine  musician,  and  a composer  of 
music,  he  was  a professor  in  the  musical  de- 
partment of  a ladies’  college  at  Galesburg,  111. 
Moving  to  Milwaukee,  he  studied  under  a Ger- 
man teacher  some  two  years,  and  taught  for  a 
time  at  La  Crosse,  Wis.  At  Winona,  Minn., 
he  established  a Conservatory  of  Music.  After 
some  four  years  of  work  in  Winona  he  found 
his  health  shattered,  and  went  to  an  infirmary 
in  Chicago.  There  he  remained  for  a year 
and  a half,  and  was  about  to  return  to  Platte- 
ville when  he  took  a sudden  relapse,  and  died 
June  29,  1900.  His  remains  were  interred  at 
Platteville.  As  a composer  and  publisher  of 
music  he  had  attained  considerable  prominence, 
and  from  his  pen  had  come  a popular  book  of 
instruction  in  music  which  is  quite  generally 
used  in  schools  and  by  private  instructors.  ( 5 ) 
Helen  V.,  born  in  Platteville  in  1872,  had  a 
normal  training,  and  a fine  musical  schooling, 
appearing  frequently  before  the  public  as  a 
prominent  soprano.  She  married  George 
Hughes,  and  they  live  in  Omaha,  where  Mr. 
Hughes  is  a motor  conductor.  They  have  two 


children,  Lenice  and  a little  son.  (6)  J.  Virgil, 
born  in  Platteville,  in  1873,  the  youngest  of 
the  family,  lives  at  Owatonna,  Minn.,  where 
he  conducts  a temperance  billiard  hall,  tobacco 
business  and  news  depot.  He  is  married,  and 
has  one  child. 

Mr.  Basye  has  been  an  independent  Re- 
publican, and  has  been  active  in  local  affairs. 
In  religion  he  was  reared  in  the  Methodist 
Church.  Mr.  Basye  studied  medicine  with  his 
father,  and  was  his  prescription  and  financial 
clerk  for  a number  of  years.  He  has  instructed 
private  and  public  classes  in  vocal  music  for 
over  forty  years,  and  is  still  active  in  training 
children  in  the  Sunday-school  and  in  the 
church.  He  established  the  first  choir  in  the 
Methodist  Church  in  Platteville,  and  trained 
same  for  eighteen  years;  he  introduced  the 
first  organ  into  a Platteville  Church,  and  or- 
ganized the  first  choir  in  the  Episcopal  Church. 

PETER  S.  PEDLEY,  a successful  stock 
farmer  of  New  Diggings  township,  Lafayette 
county,  was  born  in  that  township  Aug.  11, 
1853,  son  of  William  and  Alice  (Spensley) 
Pedley.  He  grew  to  manhood  on  his  father’s 
farm,  and  received  such  education  as  the  dis- 
trict schools  of  the  day  and  neighborhood  af- 
forded. Early  trained  to  work  on  the  farm, 
he  has  made  agriculture  his  life  work,  and  re- 
sides on  a farm  his  father  had  purchased  previ- 
ous to  his  death.  He  has  made  general  im- 
provements on  his  place,  and  now  finds  himself 
the  proud  possessor  of  one  of  the  best  farms  in 
the  township. 

On  March  20,  1878,  Mr.  Pedley  wedded 
Miss  Elizabeth  A.  Garth,  who  was  born  in 
1858,  and  by  this  union  has  become  the  father 
of  five  children,  viz. : Walter  L.,  born  Jan.  10, 
1879,  was  educated  in  the  home  school,  called 
the  Leadmine  Graded  School;  Ralph  W.,  born 
in  December,  1880,  was  graduated  from  the 
Shullsburg  high  school ; Alice,  born  in  De- 
cember, 1882,  graduated  from  the  Leadmine 
Graded  School  in  1898;  Chester  A.,  born  in 
May,  1885.  is  a graduate  of  the  home  school; 
and  George  Garth,  born  in  January,  1889,  is 
at  home.  The  family  are  all  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and!  are  highly 
respected  residents  of  the  community  in  which 
they  live.  In  his  political  connections  Mr. 
Pedley  has  always  been  a Republican,  and  he 
has  been  honored  by  his  townsmen  with  elec- 
tion to  a number  of  offices,  among  them  be- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


5 16 


in o-  those  of  school  treasurer  and  clerk;  he 
is  treasurer  at  the  present  writing. 

William  Pedley,  father  of  Peter  S.,  was 
born  m Yorkshire,  England,  April  24,  1817; 
his  wife,  Alice  Spensley,  was  born  in  the  same 
county  111  1819,  and  came  with  her  husband  to 
America  in  1848.  Mr.  Pedley  purchased  a 
farm  111  New  Diggings  about  a quarter  of  a 
mile  north  of  Leadmine,  which  he  cleared  and 
improved,  this  being  the  first  farm  cleared  up 
m that  section  of  the  town.  Mr.  Pedley’s 
industry  won  for  him  prosperity  and  comfort 
for  the  last  days  of  his  life.  Pie  and  his  wife 
were  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  and  in  company  with  Mr.  Looney  and 
Mr.  Johnston  Mr.  Pedley  founded  the  church 
in  that  district.  They  were  all  liberal  support- 
ers of  the  cause  of  religion,  and  became  prom- 
inent members  of  the  community,  universally 
respected.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pedley  were  born 
four  children,  three  sons  and  one  daughter: 
( 1 ) John  S.,  born  in  1842,  was  a farmer  011  the 
old  homestead  until  his  death,  Dec.  20,  1896, 
the  result  of  an  accident  with  a corn  shredder. 
He  married  Miss  Mary  A.  Harker,  daughter 
of  Thomas  Harker,  and  by  her  had  three  chil- 
dren, Alice  L.,  William  and'  Eva.  (2)  Han- 
nah, born  in  1844,  married  Joseph  Alderson, 
who  died  at  his  home  in  Mineral  Point  in 
September,  1895,  leaving  a son,  John  W.,  of 
Mineral  Point.  Joseph  Alderson  was  born  in 
England  in  1833,  and  in  1839  came  to  Amer- 
ica, where  he  engaged  in  mining  and  shoe- 
making. (3)  James,  born  in  1846,  now  farms 
the  Warren  Johnson  homestead  in  New  Dig- 
gings. He  married  Miss  Maggie  Alderson, 
daughter  of  Joseph  Alderson,  of  Leadmine, 
and  has  three  children,  Wesley,  Edward  and 
Nina,  (a)  Peter  S.  is  the  subject  proper  of 
these  lines. 

ROBERT  W.  DENNIS  was'  born  in  Mis- 
souri April  28,  1S43,  son  °f  William  and 
Sarah  (Sparks)  Dennis.  The  father  was  born 
in  1814,  in  Kentucky,  and  the  mother  in  1819 
in  Missouri.  They  were  married  in  Missouri, 
and  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1841,  at  that  time 
making  a stay  of  one  year  only  in  this  State, 
then  a Territory.  They  returned  to  Missouri, 
making  the  trip  homeward  by  wagon.  In 
1S47  they  came  back  to  Wisconsin,  and  bought 
a farm  in  the  town  of  Clifton,  making  some 
improvements,  and  later  Mr.  Dennis  purchased 
his  present  home  in  the  same  town,  where  he 


and  his  wife  are  passing  their  last  days  in 
peace  and  comfort.  To  them  were  born  five 
children,  of  whom  four  are  still  living.  (1) 
Robert  W.  is  the  eldest.  (2)  Stephen  was  born 
m Missouri  in  March,  1846,  married  Miss  Al- 
mira Hake,  and  is  now  living  in  Clifton.  Mr. 
Dennis  was  a prosperous  and  well-to-do  citi- 
zen of  the  town  of  Lima.  Ora,  their  daugh- 
ter, lives  in  Platteville,  and  is  a stenographer 
for  Sawyer  Ellis.  (3)  Mary  J.,  born  m Mis- 
souri in  1847,  is  now  the  wife  of  William 
Kies,  of  Clear  Lake,  Iowa,  and  is  the  mother 
of  three  children,  Ethel,  Albert  and  Ray.  (4) 
John  J.,  born  in  Grant  county  in  September, 
1850,  married  Miss  Viola  Loy,  a daughter  of 
Dr.  Loy,  of  Platteville,  and  is  the  father  of 
four  children,  Eugena,  Sarah,  William  and 
Stella. 

. Robert  W.  Dennis  obtained  his  education  in 
the  district  schools.  In  1865,  in  company  with 
an  expedition  for  the  gold  fields  of  Colorado, 
he  left  Omaha,  and  crossed  the  Plains.  He 
was  a teamster  in  the  West  until  December, 
1867,  when  he  came  back  to  Grant  county  and 
bought  a farm,  and  of  late  years  he  has  been, 
very  successful  as  a general  farmer  and  a 
stock  raiser.  In  October,  1869,  he  married 
Miss  Emma  Wannamaker,  of  Grant  county, 
daughter  of  Jonas  and  Esther  (Everett)  Wan- 
namaker, who  came  to  this  State  from  Penn- 
sylvania by  way  of  Trumbull  county,  Ohio, 
where  Mrs.  Dennis  was  born  in  1844.  Two 
years  later  her  parents  moved  to  Liberty,  Grant 
county,  where  they  settled  on  a farm.  They 
had  a family  of  twelve  children,  eight  of  whom 
are  now  living. 

Mr.  Dennis  and  his  wife  settled  on  a farm 
in  Clifton,  which  was  purchased  at  their  mar- 
riage, and  there  they  made  substantial  improve- 
ments. In  1881  Mr.  Dennis  bought  the 
“Sparks  Farm,”  of  280  acres',  to  which  he  has 
added  100  acres,  which  makes  it  one  of  the 
large  farms  of  the  town.  Mr.  Dennis  is  a 
capable  farmer,  and  his  land  shows  in  every 
part  the  ownership  of  a practical  man.  He 
has  at  this  time  one  hundred  head  of  cattle  and 
eighty  hogs. 

To  our  subject  and  his  wife  have  been  born 
children  as  follows : ( 1 ) Alta  May,  born  in 
1871,  is  at  home.  (2)  Lee  W.,  born  in  1873 
.married  Miss  Agnes  Bayley,  of  Lima,  and 
lives  on  one  of  his  father’s  farms.  (3)  Cary 
J.  was  born  in  1874.  (4)  John  Everett  died 

when  sixteen  years  old.  -(5)  Robert  P.  was 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


5i7 


born  in  1878.  (6)  Jay,  in  1880.  (7)  Roy, 

in  1882.  (8)  Clyde,  in  1883.  (9)  Harley 

died  when  seven  years  old.  (10)  Fern  was 
born  in  September,  18S9.  These  children  have 
all  been  students  of  the  Lima-  schools.  In 
politics  Mr.  Dennis  is  a Democrat,  and  he  has 
held  the  position  of  school  director  for  twenty 
years. 

JOSEPH  WITZIG,  one  of  the  prosperous 
representatives  of  the  agricultural  interests  of 
Grant  county,  residing  in  Section  6,  Clifton 
township,  was  born  in  Prussia,  Germany,  May 
15,  1844,  a son  of  Martin  and  Annie  Witzig, 
both  natives  of  Prussia. 

In  August,  1854,  the  parents  left  their  na- 
tive land,  and  after  a voyage  of  five  weeks 
landed  in  New  York.  By  various  means  they 
reached  Milwaukee,  and  thence  made  their 
way  with  ox-teams,  the  children  walking,  to 
Clifton  township.  Here  the  father  took  up 
160  acres  of  government  land  in  Section  13, 
Liberty  township,  on  which  he  settled  in  1855. 
Here  he  resided,  improving  his  property,  until 
his  death,  which  occurred  July  30,  1862.  The 
mother  survived  until  May  27,  1900,  when  she, 
too,  passed  away,  aged  ninety.  To  these 
worthy  people  the  following  children  were 
born:.  Adam,  who  resides  in  Minnesota; 
Josephine,  now  Mrs.  Whitish,  of  Fenni- 
more;  Peter,  who  died  in  Fennimore  in 
1874;  Mary,  Mrs.  Stich,  who  died  in  Clifton 
in  1897;  John,  who  died  in  1862.  on  the  battle- 
field, having  enlisted  in  an  Illinois  regiment ; 
Frank,  who  resides  in  Mt.  Ida  township.  Grant 
county;  Joseph;  Johana,  Mrs.  Bunsell,  who 
died  in  Iowa  county,  W is. , in  1875  : Rose.  Mrs'. 
Hufal,  who  died  in  Chicago ; and  Catherine, 
Mrs.  Abram,  of  Chicago. 

Our  subject  was  ten  years  of  age  when  the 
family  came  to  Wisconsin,  and,  small  as  he 
was,  he  bore  his  part  in  clearing  the  land,  at- 
tending school  as  chance  offered.  As  soon  as 
he  was  able  to  begin  life  on  his  own  account 
he  purchased  eighty  acres',  in  1869.  in  Section 
13,  town  of  Liberty,  to  which  he  added  eighty 
acres  in  Section  7.  Clifton  township.  To  his 
first  purchase  in  Clifton  township,  in  Sect'on 
6,  Mr.  Witzig  has  added  forty  acres.  All  of 
the  property  was  heavily  timbered,  and  the 
work  of  clearing  difficult,  but  he  has  accom- 
plished this  feat,  and  has  built  a good  story  and 
a half  residence  34  bv  26  feet,  and  a good  barn 
29  by  29  feet  with  16-foot  posts,  upon  his  last 


purchase.  Upon  his  first  farm  he  also  erected 
a story  and  a half  house.  16  by  26  feet,  with 
an  "ell”  14  by  16  feet,  as  well  as  a barn  30  by 
48,  with  16-foot  posts  and  a good  basement. 
The  farm  is  supplied  with  a windmill,  and  is 
all  fenced.  The  land  is  devoted  to  grain  and 
stock  raising,  and  the  horses,  cattle  and  hogs 
are  bred  from  excellent  strains,  therefore  com- 
manding good  prices. 

In  1867  Mr.  Witzig  married  Miss  Ruth 
Bacon,  a native  of  Ohio,  a daughter  of  John 
and  Sally  (Kenyon)  Bacon,  who  were  natives 
of  Connecticut  and  Rhode  Island,  respectively. 
They  came  to  Clifton  township  in  1850,  and 
opened  up  a farm.  Here  the  father  died  about 
June,  1880,  aged  ninety-four ; the  mother  died 
some  years  later,  in  1889,  aged  eighty-six.  To 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Bacon  were  born  ten  chil- 
dren : Mrs.  Mary  Wanamaker,  of  Lan- 

caster; Thomas;  Mrs.  Aurora  McLimans,  of 
Fennimore;  Joseph,  who  died  in  1884;  Janette, 
Mrs.  Kirkpatrick,  now  of  Rewey;  Mrs.  Sarah 
Mann,  of  Dubuque:  Mrs.  Oral  Frye,  of  Bos- 
cobel ; Austin,  who  died  in  1842;  Mrs.  Ruth 
Witzig;  and  Miss  Ellen,  who  died  in  1894. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Witzig  have  been  born  ten 
children:  Bertha,  now  Mrs.  Scheel,  of  Clifton; 
John,  of  Minnesota;  Ben,  who  is  married  and 
on  the  old  homestead;  Minnie,  now  Mrs.  Ellis, 
of  Iowa  county,  Wis. : and  Joseph,  Cora, 
Willie,  Sallie,  Beatrice  and  Emma. 

Having  attained  his  present  comfortable 
circumstances  through  his  own  unaided  efforts, 
Mr.  Witzig  deserves  high  praise  for  his  in- 
dustry and  thrift,  and  enjoys  the  confidence  of 
a large  circle  of  friends,  who  appreciate  his 
many  admirable  qualities  of  heart  and  mind. 

JACOB  REGEZ.  The  dairy  interests  of 
Wisconsin  have  redeemed  the  agriculture  of 
the  State,  and  brought  a vast  flood  of  wealth 
into  pockets  that  would  otherwise  have  been 
empty.  Within  the  lifetime  of  this  generation 
the  advocates  of  a bold  and  progressive  system 
of  dairying,  in  harmony  with  the  times,  have 
wrought  incalculable  good  to  the  people  of  the 
State.  Particularly  is  this  true  of  the  south- 
western portions.  Here  the  results  of  the  old 
methods  of  farming  had  become  doubtful  and 
uncertain.  The  farmer  was  threatened  with 
ruin.  Conditions  were  becoming  altogether 
hostile  and  unfriendly,  but  the  vast  and  rapid 
development  of  the  dairy  was  his  salvation. 
He  is  rich,  and  faces  a golden  future.  But- 


5i8 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ter  and  cheese,  and  especially  cheese,  have  done 
it.  In  this  work  the  gentleman  whose  name 
begins  this  article,  and  whose  home  is  in  the 
city  of  Monroe,  Green  county,  has  been  very 
efficient.  He  has  helped  the  farmer,  and  the 
farmer  has  helped  him,  and  both  have  become 
wealthy. 

Jacob  Regez  was  born  in  Canton  Berne, 
Switzerland,  Sept.  18,  1849,  and  is  a son  of 
Jacob  and  Belle  (Lehnherr)  Regez,  both  also 
natives  of  Switzerland,  and  lifelong  residents 
of  that  country.  They  had  a family  of  six 
sons  and  six  daughters,  and  nine  of  their  chil- 
dren are  now  living:  Jacob;  Rudolph,  of 

Monroe ; Ernest,  of  Blanchardville,  Wis. ; 
Eliza,  wife  of  Fred  Meier,  of  Darlington,  Wis. ; 
Belle,  wife  of  Jacob  Roth,  of  Mineral  Point, 
Wis. ; Amelia,  wife  of  Rudolph  Lehnherr,  of 
Blanchardville,  Wris. ; Emma,  a widow,  who 
first  married  Charley  Regez,  and  later  Fred 
Rueggseger;  August,  of  Blanchardville;  and 
Emil,  of  Wimmis,  Switzerland,  where  he  is 
engaged  in  the  cultivation  of  the  old  home 
farm.  The  father  was  a notary  and  a public 
man  in  the  home  country,  was  mayor  of  Wim- 
mis for  a period  of  twenty-one  years,  and  was 
very  highly  thought  of  by  those  who  knew  him 
best.  He  became  a farmer  in  his  later  life. 
He  died  in  1880,  when  fifty  years  old,  and  his 
widow  in  1888,  at  the  age  of  fifty-eight.  They 
were  Lutherans'.  Mr.  Regez  served'  his  time 
in  the  army,  as  captain.  His  father,  Rudolph 
Regez,  was  a farmer,  and  met  an  early  death, 
by  drowning,  in  middle  life.  He  had  only 
two  children.  Peter  Lehnherr,  the  father  of 
Mrs.  Belle  Regez,  was  a farmer,  and  died  in 
advanced  age.  He  had  a family  of  two  daugh- 
ters and  one  son. 

Jacob  Regez,  our  subject,  came  to  the 
United  States  in  1867,  but  not  long  afterward 
went  back  to  France.  In  1871  he  again  came 
to  this  country,  with  the  intention  of  making 
a permanent  home  here,  and  on  this  occasion 
one  brother  came  with  him ; later  four  brothers 
and  four  sisters  came.  They  spent  a year  in 
Iowa,  and  in  1873  made  their  first  appearance 
in  Monroe.  Here  they  found  satisfactory 
conditions',  and  here  Mr.  Regez  at  once  en- 
gaged in  the  manufacture  of  cheese.  He  struck 
the  chord  of  success,  knew  his  business  thor- 
oughly, and  it  rapidly  assumed  large  propor- 
tions. At  one  time  he  was  running  twenty  fac- 
tories, and  had  on  his  regular  payrolls  the 
names  of  more  than  fifty  employes.  He  now 


has  factories  in  many  parts’  of  Wisconsin,  and 
his  patronage  and  business  reach  into  Iowa. 

On  Jan.  20,  1876,  Air.  Regez  and  Miss 
Louisa  Wittwer,  daughter  of  Gottlieb  and 
Kristina  (Itten)  Wittwer,  were  married.  They 
have  become  the  parents  of  six  children,  Edith, 
John  Jacob,  Louisa,  Edward,  Robert  and 
George  Herman.  Edith  married  John  Strahm, 
and  lives  in  Monroe.  John  Jacob  married 
Ottilie  Durst,  and  is  in  the  employ  of  his  fa- 
ther. Louisa  died  at  the  age  of  one  year,  Ed- 
ward when  seven  years'  old,  and  Robert  at  the 
age  of  five.  Mr.  and  Airs.  Regez  are  members 
of  the  St.  John  Evangelical  Association,  and 
he  is  a member  of  the  Deutsche  Gesellschaft. 
Politically  he  is  a Democrat,  but  has  never 
been  an  office  seeker,  having  given  his  time  and 
thought  to  his  business.  He  lives  in  a beauti- 
ful home,  and  owns  several  fine  residences  in 
Monroe. 

ALBERT  G.  HAWLEY,  a well  known 
citizen  and  prominent  business  man  of  Argyle, 
Lafayette  county,  is  a representative  of  one  of 
the  pioneer  families  of  southwestern  Wis- 
consin. 

Rev.  Aaron  Hawley,  his  grandfather,  was 
a missionary  of  the  Alethodist  Church,  and 
was  sent  westward  from  Vermont  in  1826. 
He  was'  in  charge  of  the  district  in  north- 
western Illinois,  and  his  earnest  efforts  were 
being  crowned  with  success  when  the  Black 
Hawk  war  broke  out  and  turned  the  Indian 
from  every  white  man,  regardless  of  any  pre- 
vious friendship.  In  1832  Rev.  Hawley  acted 
in  the  capacity  of  mediator  between  the  white 
men  and  the  Indians.  Black  Hawk  and  his 
band  of  bloodthirsty  savages  were  raiding 
northward  through  Illinois  and  Wisconsin. 
Rev.  Hawley  approached  a camp  of  warriors 
at  Wadham’s  Grove,  near  Warren,  111.,  on  a 
mission  of  peace,  when  he  was  shot  and  killed 
by  the  savages.  A full  account  of  this  tragedy 
is  found  in  the  history  of  the  Black  Hawk 
war. 

Daniel  S.  Hawley,  son  of  Rev.  Aaron  Haw- 
ley, was  nine  years  of  age  when  brought  by  his 
father  to  Illinois  from  the  New  England  home. 
He  married  for  his  first  wife  Heleann  Read, 
of  Brattleboro,  V t.,  and  then  settled  at  Orange- 
ville, 111.  In  1850  he  removed  to  Argyle, 
Wis.,  where  he  was  long  one  of  the  rromi- 
nent  business  men  of  the  town.  In  1856  he 
erected  what  is  known  as  the  Rock  hotel,  and 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


5i9 


owned  a half  interest  in  the  flourmill.  His 
wife  died  in  1871,  leaving-  five  children,  as 
follows:  Albert  G.,  our  subject;  Henry  J.,  who 
has  resided  in  Colorado  since  1859;  Charles 

A. ,  who  died  at  Worcester,  Mass.,  in  1897; 
Louisa,  who  became  Mrs.  Campbell,  and  died 
at  Arg-yle;  and  Theodore  A.,  the  youngest, 
who  was  accidentally  drowned  in  Colorado, 
in  1894.  After  the  death  of  the  mother  of 
this  family,  Daniel  S.  Hawley  was  twice  mar- 
ried. Mr.  Hawley  passed  the  last  years  of  his 
life  in  Evansville,  Wis.,  dying  May  18,  1893. 
His  third  wife  still  survives. 

Albert  G.  Hawley  was  born  in  Orangeville, 
Stephenson  Co.,  111.,  in  1845,  but  has  been  a 
resident  of  Lafayette  county,  Wis.,  since  child- 
hood. In  August.  1862,  he  enlisted  in  Com- 
pany E,  31st  Wis.  V.  I.,  “for  three  years  or 
during  the  war,”  and  was  mustered  out  with 
his  regiment  at  St.  Louis',  Mo.,  June  20,  1865. 
Company  E was  composed  principally  of  volun- 
teers from  the  towns  of  Argyle,  Darlington, 
Fayette  and  Wiota.  Its  officers  were  as  fol- 
lows : Captain,  James  B.  Mason,  who  died  Oc- 
tober 17,  1863,  and  was  succeeded  by  Daniel 

B.  Dipple;  First  Lieutenant,  Daniel  B.  Dipple, 
promoted  to  captain,  and  succeeded  by  Hiram 
Stevens;  Second  Lieutenant,  Hiram  Stevens, 
promoted,  and  succeeded  by  Charles  R.  Bridg- 
man. The  company  rendezvoused  at  Prairie 
du  Chien,  and  thence  went  to  Madison.  On 
leaving  the  State,  the  regiment  went  down  the 
Mississippi  to  Columbus,  Ky.,  and  was  as- 
signed to  the  6th  Division,  16th  Army  Corps, 
and  was  ordered  into  camp  at  Fort  Halleck. 
While  there  it  was  engaged  on  picket  and 
guard  duty  (passing  twenty  days  on  guard 
on  the  line  of  the  Nashville  and  Chattanooga 
railroad),  and  in  reconnoitering  the  surround- 
ing country.  From  Fort  Halleck  they  marched 
to  Murfreesboro.  On  July  3.  1864,  the  31st 
was  transferred  to  the  3d  Brigade,  1st  Divi- 
sion of  the  20th  Army  Corps,  and  was  active- 
ly engaged  during  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  and 
took  part  in  the  famous  march  to  the  sea,  par- 
ticipating in  the  battles  of  Averysboro  and 
Bentonville.  After  the  surrender  of  the  Con- 
federate General  Johnson,  they  marched  to 
Washington,  and  there  took  part  in  the  Grand 
Review.  On  June  23,  1865,  the  regiment  ar- 
rived at  Madison.  Wis.,  and  on  July  8,  fol- 
lowing, the  men  departed  for  their  respective 
homes,  veterans  of  many  of  the  important  en- 


gagements of  the  greatest  struggle  the  world 
has  ever  known. 

After  Mr.  Hawley  returned  from  the  war, 
he  served  an  apprenticeship  to  the  miller’s 
trade,  and  then  for  eighteen  years  operated 
the  mill  at  Argyle,  being  part  owner  of  the 
same  after  1875.  His  chief  occupation  for 
many  years  has  been  the  rearing,  purchasing 
and  selling  of  live  stock.  His  sons  now  as- 
sist him  in  the  stock  business,  in  which  they 
have  been  very  successful.  Mr.  Hawley  in  all 
his  dealings  has  sustained  a high  reputation 
for  integrity,  and  holds  the  respect  of  the  entire 
community. 

’On  March  25,  1866,  Mr.  Hawley  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Mary  L.  Osgood, 
daughter  of  Warren  and  Lydia  Osgood.  Four 
children  have  come  to  bless  their  union : Dan 
S.,  born  in  1869;  Elbert  E.,  born  in  1872; 
Ellen  M.,  born  1876;  and  Homer  F.,  born 
in  1878.  While  Mr.  Hawley  escaped  the  bul- 
lets of  Confederates,  he  contracted  asthma 
from  the  exposure,  and  is  still  at  times  a great 
sufferer.  Fraternally  he  is  a 12th  Degree 
Mason,  and  a Knight  of  Pythias. 

Warren  Osgood  was  born  in  Ontario  coun- 
ty, N.  Y.  He,  too,  was  a soldier  in  the  Union 
Army,  enlisting  at  West  Union,  Iowa,  where 
the  family  then  resided,  in  Company  G.  38th 
Iowa  V.  I.,  and  died  in  the  service  at  New 
Orleans,  La.,  in  January,  1864.  The  follow- 
ing year  Mrs.  Lydia  Osgood  (who  was  a na- 
tive of  Virginia)  came  with  her  children  to 
Green  county,  Wis.,  and  her  death  occurred 
at  Argyle.  in  1878.  She  was  the  mother  of 
six  children,  three  of  whom  survive,  namely: 
Lemuel  K.,  of  Sac  City,  Iowa;  John  A.,  of 
Monroe : and  Mrs.  Hawley,  who  was  born  in 
1848  in  Green  county,  Wis.,  subsequently  re- 
moving with  her  parents  to  Iowa.  The  family 
is  one  of  the  oldest  in  the  State,  and  has  played 
an  important  part  in  the  development  of  the 
country. 

JOHN  YARWOOD.  who  has  held  a con- 
spicuous position  among  the  successful  agri- 
culturists of  Green  county,  is  now  living  re- 
tired from  active  labors  in  the  village  of 
Brooklyn,  Wis.  He  was  born  in  Manchester, 
England.  Tan.  31,  1835,  an<^  is  a son  of  Will- 
iam and  Maria  (Barker)  Yarwood,  both  na- 
tives of  England.  Thev  had  four  children, 
two  sons  and  two  daughters,  and  John, 


520 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


whose  name  appears  above,  is  the  only  one  of 
the  family  now  living. 

William  Yarwood  was  a weaver  and  a 
spinner  in  his  early  manhood  in  England,  but 
in  middle  life  he  left  the  mill,  and  secured  em- 
ployment in  locomotive  works.  In  1894  he 
died  at  the  age  of  eighty  years.  Mrs.  Maria 
Yarwood  died  some  six  years  prior  to  that 
time.  They  were  both  members  of  the  Episco- 
pal Church. 

Hugh  Yarwood,  the  paternal  grandfather 
of  our  subject,  was  a gardener  by  trade,  and 
the  father  of  four  children.  His  widow  sur- 
vived him  many  years,  making  her  home  with 
her  son,  and  was'  over  eighty  at  the  time  of  her 
demise.  The  father  of  Maria  (Barker)  Yar- 
wood, noted  above,  was  an  Englishman,  and 
died  in  his  native  country. 

John  Yarwood  passed  his  early  life  in  his 
English  home,  where  he  grew  to  manhood,  and 
was  educated  in  the  local  schools.  For  a num- 
ber of  years  lie  worked  in  a warehouse,  and  in 
1856  made  his  way  to  the  United  States,  seek- 
ing the  larger  opportunities  that  waited  on 
thrift  and  industry.  The  first  work  which  came 
to  him  was  that  of  a farm  hand,  in  the  employ- 
ment of  his  father-in-law,  on  the  farm  which 
he  subsequently  purchased.  It  contained  240 
acres,  and1  here  he  lived  until  1898.  Another 
farm  of  fortv  acres  was  also  purchased  by  him, 
and  he  is  still  the  owner  of  both  tracts  of  land. 

Mr.  Yarwood  was  married  Jan.  24,  1859, 
to  Miss  Anna,  a daughter  of  Moses  and  Alice 
(Potter)  Briggs,  and  by  that  marriage  he  be- 
came the  father  of  a large  family  of  children : 
Mary  Ann,  William  Henry  (deceased),  fames 
Edward,  Alice  Maud,  Moses  (deceased) , Moses 
(2),  Walter  Frederick,  Charles  Stewart,  John, 
Frank,  and  Thomas  Richard.  William  Henry 
married'  Roxie  Greatsinger,  and  had  twin  chil- 
dren, Claude  William,  who  died  at  the  age  of 
three  months,  and  Maud  Wilda.  James  Ed- 
ward died  when  about  sixteen  years  old.  Alice 
Maud  married  Rupert  Lewis,  and  has  two  chil- 
dren, Mabel  Maud  and  Prentice.  The  two  Mo- 
seses died  in  infancy,  as  did  Walter  Frederick. 
Charles  Stewart  married  Lillian  West,  and  they 
make  their  home  on  the  old  farm,  where  they 
are  rearing  a family  of  three  children,  Stanley, 
Hazel  and  Archie.  John,  who  married  Mary 
Nelson,  also  lives  on  the  old  farm,  where  they 
have  one  child,  Mildred.  Frank  married  Katie 
Norton  and  is  living  on  a farm  in  the  town  of 
Brooklyn.  1 homas  Richard  is  still  single.  The 


wife  of  Mr.  Yarwood,-  and  the  mother  of  this 
family,  died  Jan.  22,  1899,  at  the  age  of  fifty- 
seven  years.  She  was  a Methodist  in  faith,  and 
her  noble  and  unselfish  life  gave  a meaning  and 
reality  to  her  religious  life.  Mr.  Yarwood  is  a 
believer  in  Christianity,  but  has  never  identified 
himself  with  any  religious  organization. 

In  politics  Mr.  Yarwood  has  been  a Repub- 
lican since  i860,  and  cast  his  first  vote  for 
Abraham  Lincoln.  For  two  terms  he  has  served 
as  a member  of  the  board  of  supervisors,  and 
he  has  filled  the  office  of  school  director  and 
also  that  of  road  commissioner  for  many  years. 
Since  the  death  of  his  wife  he  has  made  his 
home  with  his  children,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lewis,  of 
Brooklyn.  For  forty-five  years  he  has  been  a 
resident  of  Brooklyn. 

CHESTER  STEPHENS  (deceased) 
long  sustained  the  reputation  of  a capable 
farmer  and  upright  man  in  the  town  of  Jor- 
dan, Green  county,  where  he  had  his  home  at 
the  time  of  his  death.  Born  in  Missouri,  Sept. 
15,  1841,  he  was  a son  of  John  and  Elizabeth 
Stephens,  who  were  among  the  early  settlers 
in  Green  county. 

John  Stephens,  the  father  of  Chester,  was 
born  in  New  York,  and  made  his  way  to  Mis- 
souri in  the  early  days.  In  1849  he  came  to 
Green  county  and  settled  on  section  6,  in  the 
northwestern  part  of  Jordan  township.  He 
and  his  wife  had  a family  of  six  children, 
four  of  whom  are  now  living:  Mary  is  the 
wife  of  Louis  Robb,  of  Nebraska;  Chester  is 
our  subject;  Nancy  is  deceased;  Lamira,  of 
Illinois,  is  the  wife  of  George  Brass;  Helen 
is  the  wife  of  Delavin  Pickett,  of  Iowa;  Ma- 
randa  is  the  wife  of  Sanford  Cluxton,  of  Oma- 
ha, Nebraska. 

Chester  Stephens  was  married  Nov.  6, 
1869,  to  Miss  Rosa  E.  Hobbs,  of  Green  county, 
Wis.,  a daughter  of  John  and  Eliza  (Proctor) 
Hobbs,  her  parents  both  born  and  bred  near 
Gloucester,  England.  They  came  to  America 
in  1846,  and  very  soon  made  a location  in 
Lafayette  county,  Wis.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Chester  Stephens  came  children  as  follows : 
(1)  Ralph,  born  Oct.  30,  1873,  remains  at 
home,  and  is  unmarried;  (2)  Lettie  May,  born 
May  24,  1877,  is  the  wife' of  Henry  Wieman, 
of  Woodford,  Lafayette  county;  (3)  Marble 
C,  born  Dec.  30,  1880,  is  at  home,  unmarried, 
as  is  his  younger  brother,  (4)  Clay  Irving, 
who  was  born  May  23,  1882. 


MRS.  CHESTER  STEPHENS  CHESTER  STEPHENS 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


521 


Chester  Stephens  was  one  of  the  pioneer 
settlers  in  Jordan  township,  had  made  his  way 
to  a comfortable  and  independent  position, 
and  owned  at  the  time  of  his  death  a splendid 
farm,  comprising  360  acres,  well  improved ; 
he  also  had  considerable  personal  property. 
He  passed  away  May  12,  1896,  and  is  remem- 
bered as  a man  who  more  than  met  the  ex- 
pectation of  his  neighbors  in  many  important 
particulars. 

Mrs.  Stephens  was  born  in  England  Aug. 
20,  1842,  and  is  now  spending  her  days  on 
the  old  home  place.  A woman  of  more  than 
ordinary  character,  she  has  a good  memory, 
is  a wide  reader,  and  is  well  informed  on  items 
of  current  interest.  She  is  a kind  neighbor, 
and  enjoys  the  esteem  of  a host  of  friends. 
For  many  years  in  her  younger  days  she  was 
a teacher  in  Green  county,  and  she  has  never 
allowed  her  intellectual  faculties  to  dull  for 
want  of  use.  Her  judgment  is  good,  her  man- 
ners genial  and  hospitable,  Mrs.  Stephens 
knowing  full  well  liow  to  entertain  those  whom 
she  receives  in  her  hospitable  home. 

JOHN  F.  TAFMADGE.  Among  the 
many  prosperous  farmer  citizens  of  Albany, 
Green  county,  who-  have  retired  to  that  flour- 
ishing town  to  spend  at  ease  their  declining- 
years,  is  John  F.  Talm'adge,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  who  is  also  a veteran  of  the  Civil  war. 

Our  subject  was  born  in  Morris  county, 
N.  J.,  July  23,  1837,  a son  of  Rudolph  and 
Anna  (Ayers)  Talmadge,  both  of  whom  were 
natives  of  New  Jersey.  Of  a family  of  five 
children,  but  three  now  survive:  John  F.,  our 
subject;  Virginia,  who  is  the  wife  of  George 
W.  Winter,  of  Durand,  111. ; and  Samuel  V., 
of  Beloit,  Wis.  Mr.  Talmadge’s  paternal 
grandfather  was  of  Holland  descent,  and  was 
a farmer  in  the  State  of  New  Jersey,  where  he 
died  in  1856,  well  advanced  in  years,  leaving 
a family  who  have  all  since  passed  away.  The 
maternal  grandfather  was  a well-known  phy- 
sician in  New  Jersey,  and  died  in  that  State. 
He  reared  a large  family,  and  had  a son  in  j 
the  Mexican  war. 

Rudolph  Talmadge,  the  father  of  our  sub- 
ject, was  a Jiattejyby.  trade,  following  that  line 
for  many  years  in  New  Jersey.  But  when  he 
saw  a family  growing  up  about  him  he  de- 
cided to  move  to  the  great  West,  and  secure 
lands  on  which  to  rear  them  'and  provide  for 
their  future  comfort.  In  1856  he  came  to 
Wisconsin,  locating  at  a small  place  called  Jug- 


Prairie,  in  Union  township,  Rock  county, 
where  he  bought  sixty  acres  of  land,  which  he 
farmed  for  seven  years.  Selling  this  farm, 
which  he  had  improved,  he  bought  120  acres 
in  Brooklyn  township,  Green  county,  which 
he  later  sold  to  his  son,  our  subject,  and  bought 
the  adjoining  100  acres,  in  1866,  living  on  that 
place  for  a number  of  years;  his  wife  died  there, 
at  the  age  of  seventy-two.  A number  of  years 
later  his  son  Samuel  became  the  owner  of  the 
place,  Mr.  Talmadge  moving  into  Belleville, 
where  his  death  occurred  in  1889,  when  he 
was  aged  seventy-six.  Although  not  identified 
with  any  church,  he  was  a good  and  worthy 
man;  his  wife  belonged  to  the  M,  E.  Church 
for  many  years. 

John  F.  Talmadge,  our  subject,  was  reared 
in  Morris  county,  N.  J.,  and  attended  the  dis- 
trict schools,  remaining  there  until  the  family 
removed  to  Wisconsin.  He  has  been  a resi- 
dent of  Green  county  since  1862.  Beginning 
to  make  his  own  way  in  life,  he  worked  by  the 
month  at  first,  then  farmed  land  on  shares  for 
several  years,  meeting  with  encouraging-  suc- 
cess. On  Jan.  1,  1864,  he  enlisted  in  the  Union 
army,  for  service  in  the  Civil  war,  entering 
Company  K,  3d  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  faithfully  per- 
formed the  duties  of  a private  soldier  until  the 
close  of  the  struggle.  Returning  to  his  home 
after  the  end  of  the  strife,  Mr.  Talmadge  ex- 
changed his  musket  for  a plow,  and  settled 
down  to  agricultural  life  upon  the  120-acre 
farm  which  he  purchased  from  his  father. 
This  he  rented  in  1891,  and  in  1892  sold  it, 
having-  bought  a comfortable  home  in  Albany, 
where  he  now  resides  at  his  ease,  enjoying  the 
reward  of  his  early  life  of  toil. 

Our  subject  was  married,  Sept.  24,  1865, 
to  Miss  Sarah  J.  Carle,  a daughter  of  B.  F. 
and  Mary  Carle,  and  five  daughters  were  born 
to  this  union:  Francena,  who  married  George 
S.  Smout,  lives  on  a farm  in  Albany  township ; 
she  has  two  children,  Roscoe  and  Merl.  Hattie, 
who  married  Sherman  Butts,  lives  in  Green 
county,  and  has  one  child,  Wesley.  Mary,  who 
married  Henry  Montgomery,  lives  in  Swea, 
Iowa,  and  has  two  children,  William  and 
Blanch.  Fota  keeps  house  for  her  father. 
Gertrude  died  in  her  fourth  year.  Mr.  Tal- 
madge was  bereaved  by  the  death  of  his  wife, 
in  1894,  when  she  was  aged  forty-eight;  she 
was  a devout  member  of  the  M.  E.  Church. 

Politically  our  subject  belongs  in  the  ranks 
of  the  Republican  party,  and  has  been  called 
upon  to  fill  the  position  of  district  clerk  a 


522 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


number  of  times.  Socially  be  is  connected  with 
Erastus  Hoyt  Post,  No.  69,  G.  A.  R.,  and  is 
highly  esteemed  by  his  comrades.  His  posi- 
tion in  Albany  is  considered  to  be  that  of  a 
representative  citizen,  who  well  typifies  the 
best  element  of  substantial,  honest  citizenship. 

WILLIAM  TENNANT,  one  of  the  well- 
known  veterans  of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion, 
who  gladly  offered  his  life  for  the  Union,  and 
fought  bravely  to  maintain  the  government  he 
loved  so  dearly,  was  born  in  Yorkshire,  Eng- 
land, May  25,  1844,  a son  of  William  and  Mar- 
garet Tennant,  also  natives  of  England  I11 
1852  the  family  immigrated  to  America  and 
located  at  New  Diggings,  \\ris. , in  Lafayette 
county.  In  1857  the  father  and  children  moved 
to  Mount  Ida,  the  mother  having  died  some 
time  previously,  and  settled  in  Section  33. 
There  the  father  died  in  1872.  After  the  death 
of  his  first  wife  he  was  married  again,  to  a 
widow  with  two  sons,  David  and  William  May, 
the  former  of  whom  is  deceased.  Our  subject 
was  one  of  a family  of  seven,  three  sons  and 
four  daughters. 

The  war  record  of  William  Tennant  is  very 
interesting.  He  enlisted  Oct.  19,  1864,  in  Com- 
pany C,  25th  Wis.  V.  I.,  commanded  by  Col. 
Rusk.  The  regiment  had  already  been  in  the 
field,  and  our  subject  joined  it  at  Atlanta,  par- 
ticipating in  the  famous  march  to  the  sea,  and 
also  up  through  the  Carolinas;  he  was  then 
taken  sick  with  the  terrible  Southern  fever,  and 
sent  to  hospital.  Later  he  was  taken  to  conva- 
lescent camp,  and  finally  rejoined  his  regiment 
and  marched  to  Washington,  where  the  25th 
was  mustered  out.  Mr.  Tennant,  however,  was 
transferred  to  Company  B,  12th  Wis.  V.  I.. 
and  sent  to  Louisville,  Ivy.,  where  he  was  hon- 
orably discharged  on  July  16,  1865,  participat- 
ing- in  the  exercises  at  that  city  when  Gen. 
Grant  reviewed  the  troops.  After  the  close  of 
the  war  he  returned  to  Grant  county,  where  he 
has  made  his’  home  ever  since. 

William  Tennant  was  married,  in  Grant 
county,  to  Miss  Mary  Frances  Trapp,  daughter 
of  James  V.  Trapp,  a native  of  Pennsylvania, 
who  removed  to  New  York,  where  he  married 
Abby  Willis,  and  thence  migrated  to  Wiscon- 
sin, locating  at  Mount  Ida.  Mr.  Trapp  en- 
listed in  Company  C,  20th  Wis.  V.  I.,  in  Capt. 
McDermott's  company,  serving  three  years  and 
thirteen  days.  His  death  occurred  Feb.  19, 
1892,  at  his  home  in  Mount  Ida  township;  his 


wife  died  some  years  before.  Air.  and  Mrs. 
Trapp  had  three  children;  George,  who  died  at 
the  age  of  twenty-two;  Alphonso;  and  Mrs. 
Tennant.  Air;  and  Airs.  Tennant  have  two 
children,  James  William  and  Cora. 

In  politics  Mr.  Tennant  is  a Republican,  and 
ardently  supports  the  candidates  of  that  ticket. 
Upright  in  all  his  dealings,  he  has  gained  a 
name  for  himself  throughout  the  community 
as  a man  whose  word  is  never  to  be  doubted, 
and  has  many  friends. 

JAMES  EDMUND  McKINNY,  for  many 
years  a resident  of  Lancaster,  Grant  county, 
represents  one  of  the  oldest  pioneer  families  of 
the  county  of  which  he  was  long  one  of  the 
most  respected  and  opulent  citizens. 

Joseph  McKinny,  father  of  James  E.,  was 
born  near  Nashville,  Tenn.,  in  1802,  a son  of 
John  McKinny.  He  first  married,  in  his  native 
county,  Miss  Susan  Overby,  and  then  moved  to 
Kentucky,  thence  to  Sangamon  county,  111.,  liv- 
ing in  the  latter  county  about  seven  years. 
Thence,  in  April,  1835,  he  came  overland1  with 
an  ox-team  and  an  old-fashioned  wagon  to 
Grant  county,  Wis.,  and  purchased  government 
land  in  Boyce  Prairie,  Lancaster  township, 
Andrew  Jackson  being  at  that  time  President 
of  the  United  States ; the  land  office  was  at  Min- 
eral Point.  Air.  McKinny  improved  his  tract, 
and  resided  upon  it  until  1875.  when  he  sold 
out  and  moved  with  his  wife  to  Texas,  for  cli- 
matic reasons.  They  became  homesick,  and 
returned  north,  but  as  their  youngest  daughter 
had  married  in  Texas  and  remained  there  they 
eventually  returned  South.  Mr.  McKinny 
died  in  Kaufman,  Texas,  Jan.  12.  1892,  and 
there  his  second  wife,  Mrs.  Anna  (Robbins) 
McKinny,  whom  he  married  in  1857,  is  still 
living,  at  the  age  of  eighty-one  years.  Joseph 
McKinny  was  a strong  man  physically,  and 
exceedingly  industrious.  He  joined  the  Meth- 
odist Church  at  the  age  of  twenty-four  years, 
was  faithful  to  his  belief  to  the  last,  and  his 
doors  were  always  open  to  the  clergy.  By  his 
first  marriage  he  became  the  father  of  twelve 
children,  only  four  of  whom  survive ; Richard, 
who  lives  in  Pottawattamie  county,  Iowa: 
James  E.,  whose  name  opens  this  biographical 
review;  Charles  Wesley,  in  Montana;  and  Jo- 
seph Henry,  in  Pottawattamie  county,  Iowa. 
Those  who  passed  away  were  Nicholas  LI.,  the 
eldest  son,  who  entered  the  Union  service  in 
1861,  and  died  at  the  close  of  the  war  in  hospi- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


523 


tal  at  Nashville,  Term. ; Mrs.  Sarah  Jane 
Borah;  Mrs.  Mary  Jones,  who  died  in  Califor- 
nia ; Mrs.  Susan  Ann  Richards  and  Mrs.  Emily 
Utt,  in  the  same  state  ; and  three  who  died  in 
childhood.  By  the  second  marriage  there  were 
born  four  children  : George  is  in  Pennsylvania  ; 
Luther  died  at  the  age  of  twelve  years;  Albert 
is  in  Oklahoma ; and  Mrs.  Luella  Lyde  lives 
in  Texas. 

James  E.  McKinny  was  born  on  the  home- 
stead in  Lancaster  township,  Aug.  13,  1838, 
and  was  the  only  one  of  the  family  to  cling 
to  the  place  of  his  nativity,  where  he  lived 
continuously  from  his  birth  until  1900, 
with  the  exception  of  three  years,  when  he 
was  first  married,  during  which  time  he 
had  his  residence  in  Potosi  township.  Plis 
marriage  took  place  in  1861,  to  Miss  Eliza 
Ellen  Reed,  daughter  of  John  and  Sarah 
(Foraker)  Reed,  who  came  from  Ohio  to 
Grant  county,  Wis.,  in  1858.  To  this"  happy 
union  have  been  born  five  children  : Laura,  Mrs. 
Fahay,  of  Lancaster;  Ellsworth;  Nellie,  wife 
of  Mr.  Arnes,  a teacher  at  River  Falls,  Wis.; 
Cora,  Mrs.  Hoover,  of  Illinois;  and  Marie,  who 
is  still  under  the  parental  roof. 

Mr.  McKinny  was  one  of  the  most  success- 
ful farmers  and  stock  growers  in  Grant  county, 
owning  a splendid  tract  of  land  in  Sections  No. 
22  and  23,  with  a beautiful  modern  dwelling. 
On  Feb.  28,  1900,  he  left  Grant  county  and  set- 
tled in  Barron,  Barron  county,  Wis.,  where  he 
built  a nice  modern  dwelling.  He  and  his  son 
Ellsworth  bought  out  the  lumberyard  in  that 
place,  and  are  now  conducting  a retail  lumber 
business.  The  son  has  also  erected  a nice  res- 
idence in  Barron.  For  twenty-four  years  Mr. 
McKinny  voted  the  Democratic  ticket,  then  be- 
came a Republican,  and  is  now  a strong  Prohi- 
bitionist. In  religion  he  is  a Methodist,  and 
there  lives  no  more  highly  respected  man  in  his 
community,  his  wife  fully  sharing  in  the  esteem 
in  which  he  is  held. 

JACOB  MILLER,  one  of  the  veterans  of 
the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  and  ex-sheriff  of 
Grant  county,  is  one  of  the  influential  factors 
in  the  political  and  social  life  of  Boscobel, 
Wisconsin. 

Mr.  Miller  was  born  in  Des  Moines  coun- 
ty, Iowa,  in  1845,  son  °f  William  and  Lucinda 
(Duke)  Miller.  William  Miller  was  a na- 
tive of  Kentucky,  and  was  married  there,  his 
wife  also  have  been  born  in  that  State.  After 


their  marriage  they  migrated  to  Des  Moines 
county,  Iowa,  in  1843,  while  it  was  still  a Ter- 
ritory. About  1849  the  family  removed  to 
Iowa  county,  Iowa,  where  they  resided  at  first 
on  a farm,  but  later  William  Miller  purchased 
and  operated  a sawmill.  During  the  war  of 
the  Rebellion  he  not  only  served  himself,  but 
gladly  contributed  all  of  his  sons  who  were 
old  enough  to  shoulder  a musket,  David  Duke 
and  Solomon  J.,  both  of  whom  were  mem- 
bers of  Company  I,  28th  I.  V.  I.,  with  their 
father.  The  latter  served  about  sixteen  months, 
and  then  was  honorably  discharged  for  dis- 
ability. David  D.  Miller  entered  the  regiment 
at  its  organization,  and  served  faithfully  until 
the  close  of  the  war;  while  Solomon  J.  Miller, 
who  was  too  young  at  the  time  of  organiza- 
tion, enlisted  as  soon  as  old  enough.  David 
D.  Miller  now  resides  near  Mt.  Pleasant,  Iowa, 
and  Solomon  J.  Miller  is  a resident  of  South 
Dakota.  Another  son,  a noted  blind  musician, 
resides  at  Millersburg.  Henry  Ward  Miller, 
another  son,  died  at  the  age  of  fourteen.  A 
daughter,  Elizabeth,  married  George  Dedmore, 
who  also  served  in  Company  I,  28th  1.  V.  I., 
and  died  in  the  service;  she  is  now  the  wife 
of  Peter  Cardy,  who  served  in  the  same  regi- 
ment and  is  now  a resident  of  Millersburg. 
Another  daughter,  Mary  Ellen,  married  Alfred 
Redmond,  a lumber  dealer  at  Missouri  Valley 
Junction.  William  Miller,  the  father,  died  in 
1878,  and  the  mother  passed  away  in  1872. 

Jacob  Miller  passed  his  boyhood  days  with 
his  parents.  Upon  the  breaking  out  of  the 
Civil  war  he  was  fired  with  the  same  spirit 
of  patriotism  which  animated  his  father  and 
brothers.  Twice  he  enlisted,  only  to  be  re- 
jected on  account  of  his  youth,  but  undaunt- 
ed, the  brave  boy  enlisted  for  the  third  time, 
and  was  successful,  this  last  enlistment  being 
at  Washington,  Iowa.  The  captain  of  the 
company  wrote  his  mother,  and  she.  realizing 
that  he  was  determined  to  go,  gave  her  con- 
sent, especially  as  this  officer  was  a friend  of 
the  family  and  an  excellent  man.  Thus,  after 
many  struggles,  Jacob  Miller  became  a sol- 
dier, and  a member  of  Company  I.  18th  I.  Y. 
I.  The  regiment  went  direct  from  Iowa  to 
St.  Louis,  thence  to  Sedalia,  and  from  there 
to  Springfield,  Mo.,  where  they  did  garrison 
duty  for  a year.  When  Gen.  Marmaduke  at- 
tacked Springfield  the  18th  took  a prominent 
part  in  the  conflict,  in  which  the  Confederates 
were  defeated  and  pursued  to  the  Ozark  moun- 


524 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


tains,  in  Arkansas,  where  they  were  overtaken 
at  the  toot  of  Boston  Mountain.  The  18th  then 
went  to  Clarksville,  Ark.,  remaining  there  for 
a short  time ; proceeded  to  Pea  Ridge,  and 
then  to  Van  Buren,  Ark.,  doing  garrison  duty 
for  several  months.  They  were  then  ordered 
to  Fort  Smith;  thence  to  Darden,  on  the  Ar- 
kansas river,  where  they  again  did  garrison 
duty  until  Gen.  Banks’  Red  River  expedition, 
when  they  were  sent  to  Prairie  d’  Ann.  There 
the  Union  forces  repulsed  an  attack  of  Gen. 
Price’s  troops,  and  proceeded  to  Camden,  in 
the  same  State,  with  the  expectation  of  re- 
enforcing Gen.  Steel’s  command  at  Shreveport, 
La.,  but,  Gen.  Banks  suffering  defeat,  that 
part  of  the  programme  was  not  carried1  out. 
However,  the  18th  participated  in  a battle  at 
Poison  Springs,  about  sixteen  miles  from  Cam- 
den, with  three  companies  of  the  2d  Kansas' 
Colored  Regiment,  against  a large  force  of 
Confederates.  The  Union  troops  were  guard- 
ing a wagon  train  which  was  engaged  in  forag- 
ing. Owing  to  the  superior  numbers  of  the 
Confederate  force  the  train  was  captured,  but 
the  Union  troops  escaped,  and  started  for 
Little  Rock.  The  enemy  pursued  them,  and 
a battle  ensued  at  Saline  river,  in  which  the 
Confederates  were  defeated.  Crossing  the 
river,  the  Union  troops  encountered  another 
force  of  Confederates,  and  were  thus  between 
two  fires,  but  finally  reached  Little  Rock,  and 
from  there  proceeded  to  Van  Buren.  From 
this  point  they  marched  through  the  Indian 
Territory  to  a place  near  Fort  Scott,  Ivans., 
for  the  purpose  of  intercepting  Gen.  Marma- 
duke.  Returning  to  Van  Buren,  the  regiment 
remained  at  that  point  until  the  close  of  the 
war.  going  thence  to  Little  Rock,  where  it  was 
honorably  mustered  out  July  19,  1865. 

After  the  war  Jacob  Miller  engaged  in 
teaching  school  in  Iowa  for  some  time ; then 
worked  at  the  carpenter’s  trade,  which  he  had 
learned  before  the  war,  and  also  farmed.  In 
1877  he  became  a resident  of  the  town  of  Lan- 
caster, Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he  worked  at 
his  trade,  removing  to  Fennimore  in  1884. 
In  1892  Mr.  Miller  was  elected  sheriff  of 
Grant  county,  and  proved  himself  a very  con- 
scientious and  efficient  official.  In  addition  to 
this  office  he  has'  served  as  justice  of  the  peace, 
town  clerk,  and  trustee  in  Fennimore,  giving 
unbounded  satisfaction. 

In  1878  Jacob  Miller  was  married  to  Mrs. 
Mary  Ellen  Lickel,  a native  of  Pennsylvania, 


and  four  children,  grace  their  home : Garfield, 
born  Jan.  24,  1880,  who,  following  the  ex- 
ample set  by  his  brave  father  so  many  years 
before,  enlisted  in  the  4th  Wisconsin  Regi- 
ment; Vesta,  born  in  1884;  Carrie  Anna,  born 
in  1888;  and  Josephine,  born  in  1893. 

Mr.  Miller  is  a member  of  John  McDer- 
mott Post,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Boscobel ; is  also  a 
member  of  the  Masonic,  Odd  Fellows  and  K. 
of  P.  fraternities,  and  is  a Republican  in  pol- 
itics. Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Miller  are  very 
popular,  and  justly  so,  possessing  as  they  do 
so  many  admirable  qualities,  and  may  be  re- 
garded as  true  representatives  of  ‘the  best  in- 
terests of  the  community  in  which  they  live. 

ALONZO  B.  TEASDALE,  a prominent 
citizen  of  Cassville,  now  retired  from  active 
business  cares,  is  a native  of  Grant  county, 
born  in  Beetown  Jan.  21,  1849,  a son  °f  Wil- 
son and!  Maria  S.  (Smith)  Teasdale,  the 
former  a native  of  New  York,  the  latter  of 
Indiana,  where  their  marriage  was  celebrated. 
The  father  was  born  in  1810,  and  in  early 
life  came  West.  In  1844  he  moved  to  Mus- 
catine, Iowa,  and  a year  later  came  to  Cass- 
ville, Wis.  I11  1847  he  located  in  Beetown, 
where  he  worked  at  his  trade,  that  of  a black- 
smith, for  two  years.  Going  overland  to  Cali- 
fornia in  1849,  he  was  engaged  in  blacksmith- 
ing  in  Sacramento  for  a time,  and  in  1850  re- 
turned to  Beetown,  Wis.,  by  way  of  the  Isth- 
mus and  New  York  City.  In  1853  he  moved  to 
Cassville,  where  he  continued  to  follow;  his 
chosen  occupation  throughout  the  remainder 
of  his  life,  dying  there  in  1879.  He  was  a 
Democrat  in  politics,  and  was  widely  and  fa- 
vorably known  throughout  Grant  county.  His 
wife  also  died  in  Cassville,  Jan.  2,  1895.  To 
this  worthy  couple  were  born  five  sons,  name- 
ly: James  L.,  a resident  of  Cassville;  Theo- 

dore, who  was  killed  on  the  railroad  at  Cass- 
ville, in  1898;  Alonzo  B. ; Frank  W.,  who  died 
in  1898  in  Cassville;  and  Clark,  a resident  of 
that  place. 

The  boyhood  and  youth  of  Alonzo  B.  Teas- 
dale were  spent  in  Beetown  and  Cassville,  and 
in  the  schools  of  the  latter  place  he  acquired 
his  literary  education.  On  starting  out  in  life 
for  himself  he  entered  the  government  em- 
ploy, being  connected  with  surveys  and  harbor 
work,  and  for  twenty-three  years  he  was  en- 
gaged in  similar  operations  on  both  the  upper 
and  lower  Mississippi.  A man  of  good  busi- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


525 


ness  and  executive  ability,  industrious,  ener- 
getic and  persevering,  he  accumulated  a hand- 
some competence,  and  in  1895  was  able  to  lay 
aside  all  business  cares.  He  is  now  living  a 
retired  life,  enjoying  the  fruits*  of  his  former 
toil.  He  is,  however,  interested  in  mining. 
He  owns  a fine  brick  residence  in  Cassville, 
where  he  makes  Ins  home,  and  also  has  a good 
brick  business  block  at  that  place. 

Mr.  Teasdale  was  married  at  Cassville,  in 
1895,  t0  Miss'  Clara  Voigt,  a native  of  that 
place,  and  a daughter  of  Peter  Voigt,  whose 
sketch  appears  on  another  page  of  this  volume. 
To  this  union  have  been  born  two  children, 
Charles  William  and  Harold  T.  In  his  po- 
litical views  Mr.  Teasdale  is  a Democrat,  but 
has  never  cared  for  the  honors  or  emoluments 
of  public  office,  preferring  to  devote  his  entire 
time  and  attention  to  his  business  interests, 
and  he  is  one  of  the  prominent  and  influential 
citizens  of  his  town.  His  has  been  an  active 
and  useful  life,  and  he  well  deserves  the  pros- 
perity that  has  come  to  him.  Socially  lie  is 
a member  of  Cassville  Lodge,  No.  235,  F. 
& A.  M. 

ARCHIBALD  McKELLAR,  M.  D.,  who 
since  1888  has  been  engaged  in  the  successful 
practice  of  his  profession  in  Blanchardville, 
Lafayette  county,  is  a young  man  of  fine  per- 
sona] address  and  high  attainments.  He  was 
born  in  the  Province  of  Ontario,  Canada,  in 
1862,  son  of  Archibald  McKellar,  Sr.,  who 
\ still  resides  in  Canada,  his  family  consisting  of 
three  children,  Archibald  and  two  daughters. 

Dr.  McKellar  was  educated  at  the  Western 
University  and  Collegiate  Institute,  in  Lon- 
don, Canada,  and  was  graduated  in  his  medical 
course  in  1888,  after  which  he  went  immedi- 
ately to  New  York  City,  where  for  six  months 
he  pursued  a post-graduate  course  in  poly- 
clinics. He  then  located  in  Belleville,  Wis., 
but  the  removal  of  Dr.  K.  T.  Rostad,  who 
for  eleven  years  had  been  Blanchardville’s  pop- 
ular physician,  to  a new  field  of  labor  at  Spring 
Valley,  Wis.,  caused  him  to  relinquish  his' 
office  at  Belleville,  and  remove  to  Blanchard- 
ville. Th  rough  his  Scottish  ancestry  he  in- 
herits careful  business  qualifications,  and  has 
opened  a drug  store  in  connection  with  his 
I practice,  which  has  proven  a most  successful 
venture.  He  has  built  up  a large  and  lucrative 
practice  in  his  profession,  and  is  one  of  the 
most  popular  physicians  in  the  county.  Out- 


side of  his  profession,  Dr.  McKellar  is  highly 
educated,  and  is  a great  student,  spending  near- 
ly all  the  time  not  actually  demanded  by  his 
business'  and  profession  111  close  study  and 
reading.  ‘For  five  years  before  entering  upon 
his  medical  course  he  engaged  in  teaching. 

Dr.  McKellar  wedded  Miss  Jessie  Mon- 
teith,  daughter  of  William  Monteith,  who  with 
several  brothers  settled  early  in  southwestern 
Wisconsin  and  became  prominent  in  public 
affairs.  The  Doctor’s  happy  home  has  been 
brightened  by  one  daughter,  Jessie  May,  and 
the  entire  family  are  very  popular. 

C.  D.  BLANCHARD,  one  of  the  prosper- 
ous farmers  and  enterprising  citizens'  of  Ma- 
rion township,  Grant  county,  is  one  of  the 
native  sons  of  that  settlement,  having  been 
born  there  April  15,  1831,  a son  of  David  L. 
and  Clarissa  (Walker)  Blanchard,  both  na- 
tives of  New  York. 

The  father  of  our  subject  was  a single  man 
when  he  came  to  Grant  county,  entering  land 
from  the  government,  and  settling  in  Section 
36.  Here  he  married,  his  wife  being  a daugh- 
ter of  Robert  and  Lydia  Walker,  who  were 
also  born  in  New  York.  The  newly-married 
couple  settled  down  to  farm  life  upon  the  place 
our  subject  now  occupies,  but  in  1862  the  fa- 
ther removed  to  Boscobel,  and  died  the  fol- 
lowing year.  His  wife  survived  until  1865. 
In  politics  he  was  an  ardent  Republican,  and 
he  left  an  untarnished  name  to  his  four  chil- 
dren: C.  D. ; George,  a resident  of  Fenni- 

more;  Lydia,  now  Mrs.  Clark,  of  Fennimore 
township;  and  R.  D.,  who  enlisted  in  the  Span- 
ish- American  war,  was  located  at  Anniston,  ‘ 
Ala.,  and  is  now  collector  at  one  of  the  ports 
in  the  Philippines. 

Our  subject  was  reared  and  educated  in 
Boscobel,  after  which  he  worked  until  he  ac- 
cumulated sufficient  money  to  purchase  the  old 
homestead.  After  coming  into  possession  of 
same  Mr.  Blanchard  made  many  improve- 
ments, erected  new  buildings,  and  now  has  one 
of  the  finest  farms  in  the  county. 

In  1877  Mr.  Blanchard  married,  in  Marion 
township,  Mary  Ann  Reeve,  daughter  of  Will- 
iam and  Ann  (Feer)  Reeve,  natives  of  Eng- 
land, who  came  to  Marion  township  in  the 
early  days  of  Grant  county.  Mr.  Reeve  died  in 
Marion  township  in  1891,  but  his  wife  still 
survives,  living  at  Elroy,  Wis.  Six  children 
have  been  born  to  our  subject  and  his  wife; 


526 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD . 


Leon  Manuel  (a  resident  of  Hickory  Grove 
township),  Burton,  David,  Paul,  Mattie  and 
Gladys. 

Mr.  Blanchard  is  a member  of  the  school 
board,  and  has  served  as  school  clerk.  He  is 
an  active  Republican  in  politics.  He  is  high- 
ly respected  throughout  the  community,  and  is 
justly  regarded  as  one  of  the  representative 
men  of  Grant  county. 

REUBEN  T.  HOLCOMB,  the  present 
popular  and  efficient  clerk  of  the  circuit  court 
of  Green  county,  has  been  a resident  of  Mon- 
roe, M is.,  for  a number  of  years,  and  is  re- 
garded as  one  of  the  brightest  and  most  pro- 
gressive representatives  that  the  younger  gen- 
eration of  the  State  presents.  Mr.  Holcomb 
was  born  in  the  town  of  Adams,  Green  county, 
Feb.  12,  1864,  and  is  a son  of  Reuben  and 
Sarah  (Wilderman)  Holcomb,  the  father 
being  a native  of  New  York  and  the 
mother  of  Illinois.  They  were  the  par- 
ents of  three  sons  and  two  daughters, 
and  four  of  their  children  are  now  living: 
James  A.,  of  Woonsocket,  S.  Dak.;  Ernest  H., 
of  Adams  township;  Reuben  T. ; and  Jennie, 
the  wife  of  Henry  Knowlton,  of  Canton,  S. 
Dak.  The  paternal  Holcomb  was  born  in  Mon- 
roe county,  New  York,  May  16,  1816,  and  was 
brought  by  his  parents  to  the  town  of  Hart- 
land,  in  that  State,  when  a year  old.  Five 
years  later  his  father  died,  and  his  childhood 
and  youth  were  passed  in  the  homes  of  vari- 
ous kinsmen.  When  he  was'  twenty-five  he 
went  west  into  Michigan,  and  had  homes  first 
in  Lapeer  county,  and  afterwards  in  Oakland 
county.  In  1844  he  made  a brief  visit  to  what 
was  then  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin.  He  re- 
turned to  Michigan  to  spend  the  summer,  and 
late  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year  he  returned  to 
what  was  then  Iowa  county,  and  entered  land 
near  the  town  of  Fayette.  He  spent  several 
years  working  at  his  trade  of  carpenter  and 
joiner,  and  in  1849  became  the  owner  of  eighty 
acres  of  land  in  the  town  of  Adams,  Green 
county.  This  was  in  Section  13,  and  he  soon 
■after  entered  adjoining  land,  and  was  the 
owner  of  a very  considerable  farm.  In  1855 
Mr.  Holcomb  and  Sarah  E.  Wilderman  were 
married,  and  began  their  domestic  life  in  a 
small  log  house  that  was  standing  on  the  farm 
in  Section  13.  In  1866  they  put  up  a large 
and  attractive  frame  house  which  was  their 
home  until  they  left  the  farm  to  live  in  Mon- 


roe, in  October,  1897.  When  Mr.  Holcomb 
retired  from  active  farming  he  was  the  owner 
of  three  hundred  acres  of  land,  and  for  sojne 
years  had  been  actively  engaged  in  cattle  breed- 
ing. He  died  May  12,  1899.  His  father, 
Apolas  Holcomb,  died  when  a young  man, 
leaving  three  sons  and  one  daughter.  James 
Wilderman,  the  father  of  Sarah,  whose  name 
appears  above,  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  of 
Dutch  descent,  and  all  his  life  was  a farmer. 
He  moved  to  Illinois  in  the  early  days,  and 
settled  in  St.  Clair  county,  near  East  St.  Louis, 
where  he  died  well  advanced  in  years.  He  had 
a numerous  family. 

Reuben  T.  Holcomb,  the  present  clerk  of 
the  circuit  court  of  Green  county,  grew  to 
manhood  on  the  farm  in  Adams  township, 
and  received  a very  fair  schooling  in  the  local 
schools.  He  became  especially  proficient  in  all 
matters  relating  to  a business  and  commercial 
life,  and  early  turned1  his  attention  to  trade 
as  an  appropriate  field  for  his  energies.  He 
was  clerk  in  a store  at  Monticello  two  years, 
and  in  the  fall  of  1896  was  elected  clerk  of 
the  circuit  court,  again  in  1898,  and  again  in 
the  fall  of  1900,  and  is  serving  the  county  in 
that  position  to  the  general  satisfaction  of  all 
with  whom  he  comes  in  contact. 

Mr.  Holcomb  was  married  Nov.  6,  1890, 
to  Miss  Amber  Fessenden,  a daughter  of  El- 
liott and  Aurilla  (Loveland)  Fessenden,  and 
two  children  have  been  born  of  this  union : 
Trella  May  and  Ralph  Elliott.  Mr.  Holcomb 
belongs  to  the  Masonic  order,  and  is  a member 
of  Smith  Lodge,  No.  31,  A.  F.  & A.  M.  He 
also  holds  membership  in  the  Knights  of  the 
Globe.  He  is  a Republican,  and  lives  at  No. 
830  East  Russell  street.  He  owns  a quarter 
section  of  land  in  Roberts  county,  South  Da- 
kota, and,  with  his  two  brothers,  holds  an  un- 
divided interest  in  the  old  homestead  in  the 
town  of  Adams. 

SAMUEL  IT  HAMAN  is  one  of  the  pros- 
perous farmers  of  Sylvester  township,  Green 
county,  owning  a finely  improved  farm  of  200 
acres-  located  within  five  miles  of  the  pleasant 
little  city  of  Monroe. 

Frederick  W.  Hainan,  his  father,  was  born 
in  Saxony,  Germany,  June  20,  1808,  and  came 
to  America  in  his'  youth,  settling  at  Reading, 
Penn.  In  1834,  in  Berks  county,  that  State, 
he  married  Mary  Edelman,  a daughter  of 
Peter  Edelman,  the  latter  one  of  the  early 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


527 


German  settlers  of  the  county.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Hainan  removed  to  Green  county,  Wis.,  in 
1852,  their  family  consisting  of  two  children: 
Margaret  C.,  Mrs.  C.  Meythaler,  died  in  April, 
1899,  in  her  fifty-ninth  year;  Samuel  H.  is 
the  only  survivor.  The  death  of  the  father 
took  place  in  Monroe  in  1884,  and  Mrs.  Mary 
Hainan  died  in  July,  1885,  aged  seventy-five 
years. 

Our  subject  was  born  in  Berks  county, 
Penn.,  Aug.  6,  1844,  and  was  reared  to  man- 
hood on  the  farm  in  Green  county,  where  he 
attended  the  district  schools,  and  where  he  has1 
been  engaged  almost  all  his  life.  During  the 
war  of  the  Rebellion  he  was  among  those  who 
volunteered  to  preserve  the  Union,  on  Aug. 
10,  1862,  entering  Company  H,  3d  Wisconsin 
Cavalry,  under  Capt.  Stout;  he  was  principally 
connected  with  the  Army  of  the  West  as  a 
scout,  being  honorably  discharged  on  June  10, 
1865,  at  Lhtle  Rock,  Arkansas. 

Returning  to  his  home  in  Sylvester  town- 
ship, Mr.  Hainan  resumed  farming,  and  has 
attained  great  success,  liis  fertile  land,  brought 
to  a perfect  state  of  cultivation,  his  fine  house, 
and  excellent  barns  and  buildings,  testifying 
to  the  success  which  has  rewarded  his  efforts. 
He  is  quite  extensively  engaged  in  dairying, 
and  in  1894  built  a cheese  factory  on  his  farm, 
which  is  still  in  successful  operation,  being 
liberally  patronized  by  many  of  his  neighbors. 
Although  he  started  in  life  a poor  man,  he 
has  by  his  own  efforts  accumulated  possessions, 
and  at  the  same  time  has  retained  the  esteem 
of  the  neighbors  among  whom  his  life  has  been 
passed. 

Mr.  Haman’s  first  marriage,  to  Miss  An- 
geline  Stauffacher,  of  Green  county,  took 
place  on  Jan.  6,  1870.  She  was  a daughter  of 
Jacob  and  Elizabeth  (Speich)  Stauffacher,  of 
Sylvester,  who  were  born  in  Canton  Glarus, 
Switzerland,  and  were  among  the  old  settlers 
of  Green  county.  Seven  children  were  born  to 
this  union:  Jacob  F.,  born  in  1870,  is  sta- 

tion agent  of  the  Illinois  Central  railroad  at 
McConnell,  111.;  Mary  E.,  born  in  1872,  is 
the  wife  of  Edward  Kundert,  a hardware  mer- 
chant of  Monroe;  John  W.,  born  in  1873,  is 
studying  theology  in  the  Evangelical  College 
at  Naperville,  111.;  Samuel  W.  was  born  in 
1876;  Levi  H.  was  born  in  1878;  Lydia  A., 
born  in  1880,  is  a teacher  in  the  common 
schools  of  Green  county ; and  George  L.  was 
born  in  1883.  Mrs'.  Hainan  died  Oct.  24, 


1885,  and  our  subject  was  married  (second) 
to  Miss  Minnie  C.  Schaffer,  of  Monroe,  Wis., 
on  Feb.  16,  1887.  Mrs.  Hainan  is  the  daugh- 
ter of  Karl  G.  and  Augustina  L.  (Giese) 
Schaffer,  who  were  natives  of  Germany,  and 
came  to  America  about  a half  century  ago, 
settling  in  Monroe,  where  Mr.  Schaffer  fol- 
lowed the  trade  of  blacksmith  for  many  years. 
Of  this  union  have  been  born  four  children: 
Karl  H.,  in  1888;  Howard  M.,  in  1890;  E. 
Eugene,  in  1893;  and  Theodora  L.,  in  1897. 

Mr.  Hainan  is  a stanch  and  ardent  Repub- 
lican, and  has  been  called  to  serve  in  many 
of  the  local  offices  of  the  town,  efficiently  per- 
forming the  duties  of  school  director,  treas- 
urer and  member  of  the  township  board.  For 
thirty-seven  years  he  has  been  a member  ,of 
the  Evangelical  Church  of  Juda,  giving  freely 
to  every  good  cause,  and  by  precept  and  ex- 
ample testifying  to  the  honesty  of  his  pro- 
fessions. His  aim  has  been  to  thoroughly  equip 
his  children  with  good  educations,  and  he  has 
taken  a deep  interest  in  the  progress  of  every- 
thing looking  to  the  advancement  of  his  sec- 
tion, being  justly  regarded  as  one  of  the  best 
citizens  of  Sylvester  township. 

WILLIAM  HENRY  JACQUES.  Promi- 
nent among  the  soldier  citizens  of  Fayette, 
Lafayette  county,  whose  gallant  deeds  con- 
tributed toward  the  making  of  history  during 
the  stirring  days  of  the  Civil  war,  is  the  well- 
known  subject  of  this  sketch. 

William  Henry  Jacques  was  born  in  Lu- 
zerne county,  Penn.,  in  1846,  a son  of  Lewis 
V.  Jacques,  who  had  a family  of  four  sons 
and  five  daughters.  One  of  the  brothers  of 
our  subject,  Isaac  Jacques,  is  well  known 
throughout  Lafayette  county. 

The  war  record  of  our  subject  commenced 
with  his  enlistment,  in  February,  1864,  and 
closed  with  his  honorable  discharge,  on  June 
17,  1865.  Prior  to  his  enlistment  he  had 
gained  valuable  experience  in  the  Pennsylvania 
State  militia,  and  he  was  actively  engaged  in 
the  field  at  the  battle  of  Gettysburg.  He  took 
part  in  the  siege  of  Petersburg,  as  well  as 
Richmond,  at  which  latter  city  he  remained1  on 
duty  until  his  discharge,  on  account  of  a severe 
injury  received  at  Petersburg,  from  which  he 
has  never  fully  recovered.  While  our  subject 
was  engaged  in  defending  his  country  his  par- 
ents removed  to  Wisconsin,  settling  in  La- 
fayette county,  and  upon  the  young  man's  re- 


528 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


turn  from  the  scene  of  battle  he  also  located  in 
Lafayette  county. 

Air.  Jacques  was  married  to  Miss  Sarah 
Elizabeth  Ethridge,  and  their  home  has  been 
made  happy  by  the  birth  of  three  sons  and  two 
daughters.  Mr.  Jacques  is  a member  of  Har- 
vey Post,  No.  45,  G.  A.  R.,  and  is  very  pop- 
ular in  the  organization,  as  well  as  among  the 
people  in  the  community,  where  he  bears  an 
honored  name. 

WILLIAM  C.  MEYER,  retired  harness 
merchant  of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  is  a na- 
tive of  Wurtemberg,  Germany,  born  Sept.  22, 
1828,  and  in  that  country  his  parents,  Carl 
and  Regina  Meyer,  passed  their  entire  lives. 

Mr.  Meyer  was  quite  well  educated  in  his 
native  city,  where  he  also1  learned  harness- 
making, upholstering  and  paper-hanging.  He 
was  a soldier  in  the  German  army  in  1849, 
at  the  time  of  the  Italian  revolution  under  the 
leadership  of  Garibaldi,  and  in  1852  came  to 
America  in  a sailing-vessel,  landing  at  New 
Orleans  during  a yellow  fever  epidemic.  He 
started  by  steamboat  up  the  Mississippi  river, 
and  was  quarantined  two  weeks  at  St.  Louis. 
Eventually,  in  company  with  a friend,  he 
reached  Galena,  111.,  before  the  expiration  of 
the  year,  found  work  as  a day  laborer,  and 
later  at  his  trade,  for  a Mr.  Miller.  At  Ga- 
lena, the  same  year,  he  (first)  married  Miss 
Fredericka  Kohler,  who  was  born  in  Germany 
in  1831,  and  came  to  America  in  the  same 
vessel  with  himself.  In  the  same  year,  1852, 
Mr.  Meyer  brought  his  bride  to  Platteville, 
which  city  has  ever  since  been  his  home.  In 
Platteville  Mr.  Meyer  worked  at  his  trade  of 
harness-maker  for  a Mr.  Lambert,  and  then 
purchased  a farm  near  the  city,  cleared  off 
the  superfluous  timber,  erected  a dwelling  and 
other  necessary  buildings,  and  in  1861  placed 
his  father-in-law  in  charge,  while  he  returned 
to  the  city  and  resumed  work  at  his  trade.  He 
is  interested  in  the  Platteville  Canning  Factory, 
and  is  a member  of  the  board  of  directors  of 
that  concern. 

In  1869  our  subject  had  the  misfortune 
of  losing  his  wife,  who  left  him  five  children, 
viz. : William,  who  was  born  in  Platteville, 
married  a Miss  Kopp,  who  has  borne  him  six 
children,  Charles,  Paulina,  Samuel,  Laura,  El- 
sie and  Emma;  the  father  now  carries  on  a 
harness  trade  in  partnership  with  a brother- 
in-law,  Peter -Pitts.  Rosie,  the  wife  of  Peter 


Pitts,  is  the  mother  of  seven  children,  Leora, 
Mabel,  Albert,  Edward,  Ella,  Herbert  and 
W ilbur.  John,  also  a harness-maker,  lives  in 
\\  hittemore,  Iowa ; he  has  one  child,  Edna. 
Samuel,  a carriage  trimmer  at  Dodgeville, 
Iowa  Go.,  Wis.,  is  a married  man,  and  the 
father  of  .two  children,  Reuben  and  Lanette. 
Martha  was  educated  in  the  State  Normal 
School  in  her  native  city  of  Platteville,  where 
she  is  at  present  a teacher  in  the  graded  schools. 

In  1871  William  C.  Meyer  married  for  his 
second  wife  Miss  Paulina  Geyer,  a resident  of 
Platteville,  but  a native  of  Potosi,  born  in  1851, 
and  a daughter  of  George  G.  Geyer,  who  came 
from  Germany,  settled  on  a farm  in  Grant 
county,  and  here  passed  the  remainder  of  his 
life.  To  this  second  union  was  born,  in  Au- 
gust, 1872,  George  F.  Meyer,  who  was  edu- 
cated at  the  State  Normal  of  Platteville,  and 
is  at  present  engaged  in  the  lumber  business 
with  Thomas  Metcalf;  he  married  Miss  Ida 
Frederick,  daughter  of  A.  B.  Frederick,  a 
graduate  from  the  State  Normal  and  a school 
teacher. 

In  politics  Mr.  Meyer  is  a Republican,  and 
served  as  alderman  from  1880  until  1887  ; was 
one  of  the  committee  appointed  to-  superintend 
the  erection  of  the  city  hall ; has  also  served 
on  the  school  board  twelve  years,  and  for  eleven 
years  was  treasurer  of  that  board,  of  which  re- 
sponsible position  he  is  the  present  incumbent. 
In  religion  Mr.  Meyer  and  family  are  devout 
Presbyterians,  Mr.  Meyer  having  been  an  ar- 
dent worker  in  his  congregation  for  upward 
of  forty-five  years. 

Mr.  Meyer  has  seen  Platteville  grow  from 
a small  village  to  a thriving  city  of  magnificent 
homes  and  prosperous  business  industries,  and 
has  been  no  small  factor  in  promoting  that 
progress.  In  1861  he  purchased  a lot  on  which 
he  erected  his  pleasant  home,  and  drew  to  his 
neighborhood  many  others  who  made  similar 
improvements.  Although  comparatively  poor 
when  he  first  came  to  the  city,  his  integrity 
and  excellent  management  have  brought  him 
to  the  front,  and  he  and  his  family  now  stand 
among  the  most  substantial  and  most  highly 
esteemed  residents  of  Platteville  and  Grant 
county. 

REV.  H.  H.  BROCKHAUS.  Few  his- 
torical topics  are  more  replete  with  interest 
than  the  story  of  the  development  and  growth 
of  the  church  upon  the'  frontier,  when  the 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


529 


minds  and  energies  of  men  and  women  alike 
were  concentrated  chiefly  upon  material 
growth,  and  brawn  usurped  the  place  of  piety. 
It  was  in  such  soil  (far  from  fertile)  that  the 
Evangelical  Association  first  dropped  its  seed, 
prayerfully,  perhaps  fearfully.  The  primal 
gatherings  of  the  denomination  were  held  in 
one  of  the  early  school  houses,  Rev.  J.  Sill  be- 
ing the  first  preacher.  He  was  stationed  at 
New  Glarus,  Green  county,  but  found  time  to 
minister,  as  occasion  required,  to  the  spiritual 
needs  of  the  mission  at  Monroe.  He  was  suc- 
ceeded by  the  Rev.  L.  Buehler,  under  whose 
direction  a Sunday  school  was  organized  in 
1858,  the  first  church  edifice  being  erected’  two 
years  later.  His  structure  was  primitive,  alike 
in  its  exterior  and  in  its  furnishings ; its  cost 
exceeding  $160.  The  sum  seems  ridiculously 
small,  yet  it  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  the 
amount  named  covered  only  the  cost  of  ma- 
terial, the  labor  of  erection  being  cheerfully  and 
gratuitously  rendered  by  willing  hands.  It 
was  the  first  church  to  be  erected  in  Monroe 
where  the  truths  of  the  Gospel  were  proclaimed 
to  the  people  in  the  German  tongue.  The 
members  of  the  church  were  liberal  in  their 
conception  of  the  niceties  of  creed,  and  broad 
in  their  treatment  of  their  fellow  Christians. 
They  esteemed  their  brethren  of  the  Lutheran 
Church,  and  for  a time  all  dwelt  in  spiritual 
harmony,  the  comparatively  small  number  of 
German  families  virtually  necessitating  a com- 
munity of  religious  effort,  and  a homogeneity 
of  worship.  Little  by  little,  however,  the  nu- 
merical strength  of  the  Lutherans  increased, 
and  the  members  of  this  sect  erected  their  own 
house  of  worship,  thus  virtually  separating 
themselves  from  their  former  colaborers'  in  the 
religious  field.  The  history  of  the  denomina- 
tion in  Green  county  is,  however,  full  of  in- 
terest. After  Mr.  Sill’s  time  services  were 
conducted  at  the  mission  by  Rev.  L.  Buehler, 
and  the  first  resident  pastor  was  the  Rev.  T. 
Von  Wald.  who  remained  for  two  years,  fol- 
lowed by  the  Rev.  Andrew  Taruntzer,  and 
after  one  year  Rev..J.  G.  Esslinger  succeeded 
him,  and  he  in  turn  was  followed  by  Rev.  W. 
F.  Schneider,  whose  pastorate  extended  over 
one  vear.  He  was  a man  of  ripe  learning,  and 
subsequently  became  connected  with  the  pub- 
lishing house  of  the  denomination,  and  con- 
tinued to  sustain  that  relation  until  his  death. 
During  his  term  of  service  here  a new  church 
34 


building,  costing  $1,800,  was  erected,  which 
was  dedicated  by  the  presiding  elder,  Rev.  C. 
A.  Schake.  After  Mr.  Schneider’s  departure 
in  1864,  Rev.  J.  G.  Esslinger  returned.  Suc- 
ceeding pastors  were  Revs.  C.  F.  Finger,  Will- 
iam Huelster,  and  J.  M.  Hammetter.  The  last 
named  was  succeeded  by  Rev.  L.  Buehler,  in 
1871,  and  he  was  followed  by  Rev.  J.  C. 
Brendel,  in  1876.  In  the  spring  of  that  year 
the  first  Conference  of  the  Association  was  held 
in  Monroe.  Rev.  H.  Uphoff  followed,  remain- 
ing three  years,  when  he  gave  way  to  Rev. 
Peter  Held,  and  he  in  turn  to  Rev.  C.  Gruen, 
who  remained  for  only  one  year,  being  sent  by 
the  Conference  as  a home  missionary  to  Cali- 
fornia. He  was  followed  by  Rev.  C.  Lahr,  who 
is  now  living  in  retirement  at  Judd,  Monroe 
county.  Then  came  Rev.  P.  Speich,  at  present 
pastor  of  a church  at  Milwaukee,  and  he  was 
succeeded1  by  Rev.  N.  H.  Messerschmidt,  the 
present  Presiding  Elder  of  the  Illinois  Confer- 
ence. His  pastorate  began  in  1891,  and  dur- 
ing its  continuance  the  present  church  (the 
third  built  by  the  congregation  at  Monroe)  was 
erected,  the  membership  having  increased  to 
232.  Rev.  C.  C.  Wellso  came  after  Mr.  Mes- 
serschmidt. Rev.  M.  Gaurke  followed  him, 
and  both  these  gentlemen  are  now  stationed  at 
Milwaukee.  Mr.  Gaurke  was  succeeded  by  the 
present  pastor,  the  Rev.  H.  H.  Brockhaus. 
The  present  church  membership  numbers  270, 
and  the  church  itself,  under  the  devoted  zeal 
and  piety  of  the  eloquent  clergyman  who  is  its 
spiritual  head,  is  in  a most  flourishing  condi- 
tion, and  a potent  element  for  good  in  the 
community.  The  congregation  owns  a com- 
modious house  of  worship  and  a good’  par- 
sonage. 

Frederick  Brockhaus,  the  father  of  Mr. 
Brockhaus,  emigrated  from  Germany,  and  set- 
tled in  Brown  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1845,  and  there  the 
reverend  gentleman  himself  was  born,  in  i860. 
Both  parents  are  yet  living,  the  father  at  the 
age  of  eighty  and  the  mother,  Mary  Brock- 
haus, ten  years  her  husband’s  junior.  Mr. 
Brockhaus  received  his  early  educational  train- 
ing in  the  schools  of  Brown  county,  and  was 
educated  for  the  ministry  at  the  Northwestern 
College.  His  first  pastoral  charge  was  at 
Forest  Junction  in  Calumet  county,  Wiscon- 
sin, where  he  remained  for  two  years.  The  fol- 
lowing year  he  was  pastor  at  Arlington,  in  this 
State,  and  afterwards  spent  two  years  at  Ar- 


530 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


cadia,  three  at  Alma  and  four  at  Mauston. 
From  the  last  named  place  he  came  to  Monroe, 
in  May,  1899. 

O11  Jan.  6,  1886,  Mr.  Brockhaus  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Augusta  Barnetzke,  daughter  of 
William  and  Johanna  Barnetzke,  and  seven 
children  have  blessed  their  union — three  sons 
and  four  daughters. 

THOMAS  KINSMAN  is'  one  of  the  high- 
ly respected  citizens  of  Platteville,  Grant  coun- 
ty, whose  useful  and  well-spent  life  has  not 
only  gained  for  him  the  confidence  of  his  fel- 
low men,  but  has  also  secured  for  him  a com- 
fortable competence,  which  enables  him  to 
spend  his  declining  days  in  ease  and  retire- 
ment. 

A native  of  Wisconsin,  Mr.  Kinsman  was 
born  at  Mineral  Point  Feb.  17,  1843,  a son 
of  Thomas'  and  Mary  (Wasley)  Kinsman, 
natives  of  Cornwall,  England,  who  at  an  early 
day  crossed  the  Atlantic,  taking  up  their  resi- 
dence in  Iowa  county,  Wis.,  in  1841.  There 
the  father  followed  mining,  but  after  his  re- 
moval to  Lafayette  county,  in  1849,  he  pur- 
chased land  in  Fayette  township,  and  turned 
his  attention  to  agricultural  pursuits.  There  he 
died  in  1871.  He  was  one  of  the  first  settlers 
of  Iowa  county,  and  was  prominently  identi- 
fied with  the  early  development  and  upbuilding 
of  the  State.  Mrs.  Kinsman  also  died  in  La- 
fayette county,  in  1873.  To  them  were  born 
three  children:  Nicholas,  now  a resident  of 

Dubuque,  Iowa ; Joanna,  who  died  in  Lafayette 
county,  Wis.,  in  1869;  and  Thomas,  Jr.,  our 
subject. 

The  boyhood  and  youth  of  Thomas  Kins- 
man, Jr.,  were  passed  in  Lafayette  county,  and 
after  reaching  mail’s  estate  he  engaged  in  farm- 
ing there,  still  owning  a good  farm,  which  he 
himself  improved  and  placed  under  cultiva- 
tion. I11  March,  1893,  he  laid  aside  all  busi- 
ness cares,  and  is  now  living  retired  in  Platte- 
ville. He  was  one  of  the  gallant  soldiers  of 
the  Civil  war,  having  enlisted  in  Fayette  town- 
ship, Lafayette  county,  Aug.  14,  1862,  in  Com- 
pany L.  31st  Wis.  V.  I.,  for  three  years  or 
during  the  war.  After  being-  mustered  in,  at 
Prairie  du  Chien,  the  regiment  was  assigned  to 
the  20th  Corps,  Army  of  the  Cumberland,  and 
with  that  command  participated  in  the  battles 
of  Peach  Tree  Creek,  Atlanta,  Averysboro  and 
Bentonville.  Mr.  Kinsman  was  all  through 
the  Carolina  campaign,  was  in  the  grand  re- 


view at  Washington,  D.  C.,  and  was  honorably 
discharged  at  Madison,  Wis.,  July  7, 1865,  after 
three  years  of  faithful  and  arduous  service  on 
Southern  battlefields. 

In  Lafayette  county  Mr.  Kinsman  was  mar- 
ried, in  1S05,  to  Miss  Emma  Jerusha  Harris, 
who  was  born  in  Cornwall,  England,  and  came 
to  the  United  States  in  1853,  with  her  parents, 
John  and  Jerusha  (Francis)  Harris,  also  na- 
tives of  Cornwall.  The  family  located  in  La- 
fayette county,  Wis.,  where  the  father  was  first 
engaged  in  mining,  but  he  later  turned  his  at- 
tention to  farming,  and  improved  a good  farm 
in  Fayette  township,  where  he  died  in  1888. 
His  widow  now  makes  her  home  in  Mineral 
Point.  Their  family  numbered  eight  children, 
namely:  Mrs.  Emma  Jerusha  Kinsman; 

Mrs.  Celia  Fared,  of  Iowa  county,  Wis.;  Mrs. 
Eliza  Reynolds,  of  Mineral  Point;  John  H., 
of  Fayette  township,  Lafayette  county;  Mrs. 
Jane  Cookings,  of  the  same  township;  Mrs. 
Anna  Dawe,  of  Mineral  Point ; George,  of  Des 
Moines,  Iowa ; and  Melvina,  of  Mineral  Point. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kinsman  have  six  children : De- 
los, Marietta,  Mabel,  John,  Llora  and  Thomas. 
Delos  is  a graduate  of  the  Platteville  Normal 
School,  was  at  one  time  an  instructor  in  the 
University  of  Chicago,  and  is  now  a teacher  in 
the  Wisconsin  State  University  at  Madison. 
He  married  Nellie  Williams,  of  Cuba  City, 
Grant  county,  and  has  one  child,  Georgia. 

Fraternally  Mr.  Kinsman  is  a member  of 
W.  T.  Sherman  Post,  No.  66,  G.  A.  R.,  and 
religiously  both  lie  and  his  wife  are  active 
members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church. 
Flis  political  support  is  always  given  to  the 
men  and  measures  of  the  Republican  party, 
and  he  takes  quite  an  active  interest  in  politics, 
having  served  as  town  treasurer  six  years,  as- 
sessor one  year,  and  chairman  of  the  town 
board  one  year  while  a resident  of  Fayette 
township,  Lafayette  county.  As  a citizen  he 
ever  stands1  ready  to  discharge  any  duty  de- 
volving upon  him,  and  has  manifested  the 
same  loyalty  in  days  of  peace  as  when  he  fol- 
lowed' the  old  flag  to  victory  in  the  Union 
cause. 

JACOB  HUFFMAN,  a thrifty  and  weal- 
thy farmer,  resides  on  his  well  improved  land, 
located  three  and  one-half  miles  west  of  Mon- 
roe, Green  county. 

Our  subject  is  a s'on  of  Jacob  and  Eliza- 
beth (Jones)  Huffman,  who  were  among  the 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


53i 


pioneer  settlers  of  Green  county,  coming  here 
about  1845.  By  trade  Mr.  Huffman  was  a 
carder,  and1  he  built  a carding  mill  in  Jordan 
township  in  the  early  days,  and  -also  engaged 
in  farming.  He  died  in  1853.  To  him  and  his 
first  wife  were  born  eight  children  who  reached 
mature  years:  Absalom,  deceased;  Solomon, 

deceased;  William,  deceased;  James,  a thrifty 
farmer  of  Clarno  township;  Ellen,  who  mar- 
ried Isaac  Miller,  and  died  in  1862,  while  on 
the  overland  trip  to  California,  to  join  her  hus- 
band in  that  State ; Christina,  who  married 
John  B.  Starr,  and  now  reside*  in  Hardin 
county,  Iowa ; Elizabeth,  who  married  Andrew 
Hiserote,  of  Nebraska;  and  Jacob.  The  sec- 
ond wife  of  Jacob  Huffman,  Sr.,  was  Barbara 
Day,  by  whom  he  had  two  children : Daniel, 
who  lives  in  Nebraska;  and  Mary,  who  married 
Herbert  Barnes,  of  the  same  State.  Mrs.  Bar- 
bara Huffman,  now  Mi's.  Block,  lives  near 
Oakdale,  Nebraska. 

When  only  one  day  old  our  subject  lost 
his  mother,  but  her  place  was  supplied  as  near- 
ly as  possible  by  Abner  and  Anna  Drake,  close 
friends  and  schoolmates  of  Mrs.  Huffman, 
who  took  him  when  a babe  and  gave  him  the 
love  and  tender  care  of  parents.  They  were 
among  the  estimable  and  honored  citizens  of  the 
community.  Our  subject  was  born  in  the  town 
of  Cadiz,  April  8,  1847,  reared  on  the  farm  now 
known  as  the  John  E.  Hawthorn  farm,  and 
received  his  education  in  the  district  schools. 
Choosing  an  agricultural  life,  he  is  now  one 
of  the  wealthy  farmers  of  Clamo,  his  estate 
aggregating  about  400  acres,  well  improved, 
with  comfortable  dwellings'  and  a fine  barn — 
the  latter  just  completed — on  the  home  place. 
Since  1877  Mr.  Huffman  has  given  considera- 
ble attention  to  bee  culture,  his  apiary  at  one 
time  comprising  225  swarms.  He  gathered  15,- 
000  pounds  of  honey  one  season.  On  several  oc- 
casions he  has  been  called  upon  to  prepare  and 
read  articles  on  bee  culture  at  Farmers  Insti- 
tutes held  at  different  points  in  the  State.  In 
recent  years  he  has  devoted  much  of  his  at- 
tention to  dairying  and  the  breeding  of  Poland 
China  swine  and  Durham  cattle. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Huffman  to  Adelaide 
Day.  a native  of  Jordan  township.  Green  Co., 
Wis.,  was  celebrated  on  April  7,  1871.  She  is 
a daughter  of  John  and  Maria  (Tree)  Day, 
of  German  origin,  who  were  among  the  early 
settlers  of  Green  county.  A family  of  six 
children  has  been  born  of  this  union : Everett 


A.,  born  in  1872,  resides  at  home,  on  the  farm; 
John  L.,  born  in  1873,  died  in  1890;  Annie 
May  was  born  1875;  William  E.,  in  1877; 
Cora  Ellen,  in  1881  (died  in  1883)  ; and 
Florence,  in  1884  (died  in  1889). 

Although  his  ancestors  and  brothers  are 
Democrats,  our  subject  is  a stanch  Republican, 
and  has  been  active  in  that  party,  upholding  its 
principles.  For  the  past  twenty-five  years  he 
has  held  the  office  of  school  director,  has  served 
on  the  township  board,  and  has  been  both 
agent  and  president  of  the  Clarno  Fire  In- 
surance Co.  Both  he  and  his  wife  have  long 
been  consistent  members  of  the  U-.  B.  Church, 
in  which  Mr.  Huffman  has  held  many  of  the 
offices,  and  has  done  much  for  the  interests 
of  the  Sunday-school.  Mr.  Eluffman  has  lived 
a life  above  reproach,  and  takes  a just  pride 
in  the  fact  that  he  has  neither  sued  a neigh- 
bor nor  been  sued,  all  differences  of  opinion 
having  been  amicably  settled.  A kind  and  in- 
dulgent man  in  domestic  life,  he  is  known  as  an 
honest  citizen,  and  no  man  has  lived  for  fifty- 
four  years  in  Green  county  who  enjoys  higher 
regard  than  does  our  subject,  Jacob  Huffman. 

ADOLPH  LOEWI,  the  proprietor  of  a 
fine  clothing  and  furnishing  store  in  Beloit, 
Rock  county,  illustrates  in  his  own  career  the 
possibilities  of  life  in  this  country.  He  began 
life  with  little  or  nothing  save  a brave  spirit, 
good  natural  abilities,  and  a profound  de- 
termination to  win  out ; and  to-day,  while  he 
is  by  no  means  an  old  man,  he  has  already 
achieved  a success  that  many  men  fail  to 
reach  in  a long  life. 

Mr.  Loewi  was  born  in  Germany,  near 
Nurnberg,  Bavaria,  June  2.  1854,  and  is  a 
son  of  Jacob  and  Minnie  (Scherer)  Loewi, 
both  German  born  and  bred.  They  were  the 
parents  of  six  sons  and  six  daughters,  and  six 
of  their  children  are  now  living:  Louise,  wife 
of  Abraham  Strauss,  of  Brooklyn,  N.  Y. ; 
Herman,  of  Philadelphia ; Joseph,  of  Balti- 
more; Sigmund,  of  Adelsdorf,  Germany; 
Adolph;  and  Fannie,  wife  of  Simon  Strauss, 
of  Adelsdorf.  The  senior  Loewi  was  a dealer 
in  leather,  shoemakers’  supplies,  and  crock- 
eries, and  afterward  in  grains  and  hops,  in  ad- 
dition to  the  other  lines.  He  died  in  1878,  at  the 
age  of  seventy-six.  His  wife  died  in  1870, 
when  fifty-seven.  They  were  Hebrews,  and 
always  held  loyally  to  their  ancestral  faith. 
His  father  lived  to  be  ninety  years  old,  and 


532 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


reared  a family  of  three  sons  and  five  daugh- 
ters. Mrs.  Loewi’s  father  died  in  Germany 
after  reaching  the  age  of  ninety. 

Adolph  Loewi  received  his  early  schooling 
in  Germany,  attended  business  college  at  Bam- 
berg for  a year  or  more,  and  was  well  fitted 
for  a commercial  life.  In  1868,  when  he  was 
fourteen,  he  left  home,  and  emigrated  to  the 
United  States.  He  landed  in  Brooklyn,  and 
secured  an  engagement  as  clerk  in  a clothing 
store  the  day  after  his  arrival.  He  was  stead- 
ily employed  as  a clerk  until  1881,  in  March 
of  which  year  he  came  to  Beloit,  and  opened 
his  present  establishment,  which  under  his 
efficient  management  has  become  a pronounced 
success.  For  twelve  years  Mr.  Loewi  was  a 
partner  with  Moses  Reitler,  under  the  firm 
name  of  M.  Reitler  & Co.  At  the  end  of  that 
time  Mr.  Loewi  bought  out  his  partner,  and 
the  style  of  the  firm  since  the  purchase  has  been 
A.  Loewi  & Co.  His  store  is  known  as  the 
Golden  Eagle  Clothing  Blouse,  and  he  requires 
the  help  of  four  clerks  and  a lady  cashier.  Our 
subject  was  a director  in  the  Second  National 
Bank  of  Beloit  for  three  years. 

On  Oct.  8,  1884,  Adolph  Loewi  and  Miss' 
Sarah  Cohen  were  united  in  matrimony,  and 
they  have  one  son,  J.  Victor.  Mrs.  Loewi’s 
mother  is  Mrs.  Rosina  Cohen.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Loewi  are  of  the  Hebrew  faith,  and  are  true 
to  their  faith  and  blood.  He  belongs  to  the 
Odd1  Fellows  and  the  Modern  Woodmen,  and 
is  much  esteemed  as  a devoted  and  reliable 
member  of  these  fraternities.  He  is  a Repub- 
lican, and  prides  himself  upon  the  fact  that  he 
votes  a straight  ticket.  His  home  is  at  No.  623 
Park  avenue,  where  he  built  a fine  residence  in 
1898. 

Mr.  Loewi  is  a prosperous  and  successful 
merchant,  has  an  elegant  store,  and  does  a 
large  business,  which  he  has  very  largely  de- 
veloped by  his  own  capacities  and  business  en- 
ergies. He  is  a typical  self-made  man,  as  he 
began  a poor  boy,  and  has  conquered  fate  un- 
aided, and  is  a highly  respected  citizen  of  the 
community. 

AUGUST  KETTLER,  a retired  business 
man  of  Platteville,  Wis.,  came  from  the  Fa- 
therland. and  the  strongest  and  most  creditable 
characteristics  of  the  Teutonic  race  have  been 
marked  elements  in  his  life,  and  have  enabled 
him  to  win  success  in  the  face  of  opposing 
circumstances.  He  possesses  the  energy  and 


determination  which  mark  the  people  of  Ger- 
many, and  by  the  exercise  of  his  powers  he 
has  steadily  progressed,  and  has  not  only  won 
a comfortable  competence,  but  has  commanded 
universal  respect  by  his  straightforward  busi- 
ness methods. 

Mr.  Pettier  was  born  in  Hanover,  Ger- 
many, July  3,  1837,  a son  of  Henry  and  Louise 
(Kraus)  Ivettler,  also  natives  of  Hanover. 
The  father,  who  was  a farmer  by  occupation, 
came  to  the  New  World  in  1856,  taking  pas- 
sage at  Bremen  on  a sailing-  vessel,  and  land- 
ing in  New  .York  after  a voyage  of  six  weeks. 

He  came  at  once  to  Platteville,  Wis.,  and 
opened  up  a farm  in  Smelser  township,  Grant 
county,  to  the  improvement  and  cultivation  of 
which  he  devoted  his  energies  throughout  the 
remainder  of  his  life.  His  death  occurred  in 
1877,  and  his  wife  died  in  the  same  township 
in  1886.  They  had  four  sons:  Henry,  a resi- 
dent of  Platteville ; Conrad,  who  died  in  that 
city  in  December,  1899;  August,  of  this  re- 
view: and  Frederick,  a resident  of  Nebraska. 

August  Ivettler  passed  his  boyhood  and 
youth  in  his  native  land,  and  was  there  edu- 
cated. Coming  to  America  in  1856,  he  has, 
since  November  of  that  year,  made  his  home 
in  Grant  county,  Wis.  He  learned  the  trade 
of  a shoemaker,  which  he  followed  in  Platte- 
ville until  1863,  and  then  embarked  in  general 
merchandising  at  that  place,  successfully  con- 
ducting a store  there  until  1888.  The  first 
building  he  owned  on  Second  street  was  de- 
stroyed by  fire,  and  he  then  erected  a two- 
story  frame  building  on  the  same  street,  which 
he  occupied  until  purchasing  a building  on  the 
corner  of  Main  and  .Second  streets.  This  build- 
ing on  Second  street,  and  later  (in  1873),  his 
building  on  the  corner  of  Main  and  Second 
streets,  which  he  was  occupying  as  a dry-goods 
store,  were  also  destroyed  by  fire.  Since  then 
he  has  erected  a good  two-story  brick  block 
on  the  corner  of  Main  and  Second  streets, 
which  he  still  owns  and  which  is  now  occupied  j 
by  Plenry  Sanders  as  a general  store. 

In  i860,  in  Grant  county,  Mr.  Kettler  was  | 
married  to  Miss  Julia  Thompson,  a native  of 
Norway.  Her  father,  Thomas  Thompson, 
brought  his  family  to  America  in  1849,  ai1^ 
located  on  a farm  in  Green  county,  Wis.,  where 
he  continued  to  make  his  home  until  death. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kettler  have  two  children: 
Louise,  wife  of  Henry  Schambow.  of  Platte- 
ville, by  whom  she  has  one  child,  Clara;  and 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


533 


Carrie,  wife  of  Frank  Burg,  a clothing  mer- 
chant of  the  same  place,  by  whom  she  has  two 
children.  Frankie  and  Leo.  In  his  political 
views  Mr.  Kettler  is  a Republican,  and  has 
faithfully  served  his  fellow  citizens  as  a mem- 
ber of  the  city  council.  He  has  also  filled  the 
office  of  jury  commissioner  of  the  county  for 
the  past  three  years,  and  has  ever  taken  an 
active  and  commendable  interest  in  public  af- 
fairs. Religiously  he  and  his  wife  hold  mem- 
bership in  the  Lutheran  Church.  Pleasant  and 
genial  in  manner,  he  makes  friends  of  those 
with  whom  he  has  come  in  contact  either  in 
business  or  social  life,  and  is  one  of  the  pop- 
ular and  honored  citizens  of  Platteville. 

HENRY  RODERICK,  one  of  the  old  and 
honored  citizens  of  the  village  of  Juda,  Green 
county,  comes  from  German  ancestry,  and  was 
born  in  Pennsylvania  Nov.  I,  1816,  where  his 
parents,  David  and  Magdalena  (Landis)  Rod- 
erick, were  thrifty  farming  people  of  Fayette 
county,  Penn.  They  had  a family  of  seven 
sons  and  one  daughter,  John,  Daniel,  David, 
Tacob,  Andrew,  Samuel,  Henry  and  Elizabeth. 
All  except  Henry  are  now  deceased.  The 
daughter  married  Daniel  Smith.  The  Rod- 
erick family  came  from  Germany  some  gen- 
erations ago,  and  the  remote  ancestors  of  our 
subject  were  all  Dunkards. 

In  1842  Henry  Roderick  married  Miss 
Mary  Greenlee,  of  Fayette  county.  Penn., 
daughter  of  Jacob  Greenlee,  of  the  same  coun- 
ty. They  had  ten  children:  Thomas  J.,  de- 

ceased; William,  of  Green  county;  Samuel, 
who  died,  in  August,  1900  ; Jacob  L.,  a farmer 
in  the  town  of  Decatur;  Charles,  deceased; 
David,  a farmer  in  the  town  of  Spring  Grove; 
Lydia  Ann,  at  home;  Oliver,  who  died  in  child- 
hood ; Albert,  a farmer  in  Sylvester ; and 
Emma,  wife  of  George  Hemstreet,  of  Juda. 

Henry  Roderick  was  reared  in  the  coun- 
try, and  obtained  his  education  in  the  public 
schools.  He  grew  to  manhood  on  the  farm, 
and  removed  from  Fayette  county,  Penn.,  to 
Green  county,  Wis.,  in  1862.  He  began  life 
a poor  boy,  and  has  made  his  own  way  in  the 
world,  and  what  he  has  he  owes  to  his  own 
courage,  strength  and  persistence.  Success  has 
crowned  his  years  in  this  State,  and  he  owns 
a fine  farm,  consisting  of  425  acres  of  well- 
improved  land,  worth  at  a low  valuation  at  the 
present  time,  on  a depressed  market,  at  least 
sixty  dollars  an  acre,  together  with  much  per- 


sonal property.  Mr.  Roderick  is  now  living  in 
Juda,  where  he  is  retired  from  the  cares  of  an 
active  business  life.  He  is  a stanch  Repub- 
lican, and1  a consistent  member  and  deacon  of 
the  Baptist  Church.  Mrs.  Roderick  was  born 
in  1822,  and  died  Oct.  17,  1900.  She  was  a 
good  Christian  woman,  and  had  proved  her- 
self a faithful  wife  and  mother  through  fifty- 
eight  years  of  married  life.  Mr.  Roderick  has 
a retentive  memory,  and  is  well  posted  on  all 
the  topics  of  the  time.  An  honorable  and 
upright  life  has  been  his ; he  has  fashioned  a 
noble  character,  and  will  leave  behind  a name 
of  which  his  posterity  may  well  be  proud. 
Over  sixty  years  ago  he  signed  the  Washing- 
tonian pledge,  and  all  these  years  has  been  a 
total  abstainer  from  the  use  of  intoxicating 
liquors  and  tobacco.  His  children  have  wisely- 
followed  in  his  teachings,  and  he  earnestly  ad- 
vocates abstinence  from  the  use  of  intoxicating 
beverages  and  tobacco  for  all  young  people. 

ALLEN  KIES.  It  is  a well  proved  fact 
that  the  United1  States  has  shown  above  other 
countries  examples  of  men  rising  by  their  own 
efforts,  and  also  that  here  the  tillers  of  the 
soil  have  had  advantages  over  other  profes- 
sions. Every  neighborhood  has  its  worthy  ex- 
amples. and  our  subject,  Allen  Kies,  of  Bel- 
mont township,  Lafayette  county,  has  shown 
how  successful  a man  may  be  when  he  devotes 
proper  energy  and  industry  to  the  development 
of  a fertile  soil. 

Mr.  Ivies:  was  born  in  Chenango  county. 
New  York,  on  July  14.  1828.  and  was  a son 
of  Daniel  and1  Celia  (Cole)  Kies,  who  were 
both  born  in  Massachusetts,  the  grandfather 
having  been  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  a 
son  of  Harry  Kies,  who  bravely  bore  a musket 
in  the  Revolutionary  war.  Daniel  Kies  re- 
moved to  the  State  of  New  York  with  his  par- 
ents when  a boy,  developed  there  into  man- 
hood, married  and  remained  until  1836.  when 
he  moved  to  Coles  county.  111.,  where  he  fol- 
lowed farming  for  some  eight  y-ears.  In  June, 
1844,  he  removed  to  Smelser.  AVis.,  in  which 
township  he  bought  eighty  acres  of  land  and 
made  his  permanent  home  there,  his  death  tak- 
ing place  in  1863.  his  wife  surviving  for  three 
years.  The  family  consisted  of  six  members : 
Daniel,  a soldier  in  the  Civil  war,  married 
and  settled  at  Fennimore,  where  he  died; 
Ursula,  deceased,  married  Isaiah  Moody ; Lu- 
cinda, deceased,  married  James  Patterson; 


534 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Cynthia,  deceased,  married  Samuel  Vanatta; 
Louisa,  the  widow  of  James  Ashmore,  of  Fen- 
nimore;  our  subject  and  Mrs.  Ashmore  being 
the  only  survivors  of  the  family. 

The  educational  advantages  of  our  subject 
were  limited  to  a few  years  while  living  in 
the  State  of  New  York,  the  family  being  in 
straitened  circumstances,  when  removal  was 
made  to  the  West,  and  his  help  was  required 
to  assist  in  the  upbuilding  of  a new  home.  In 
1851  Mr.  Kies  married  Miss  Katherine  Ash- 
more, of  Belmont,  Lafayette  county,  who  be- 
longed to  one  of  the  old  pioneer  families  of 
Lafayette  county.  Samuel  Ashmore,  her  fa- 
ther, was  born  in  Tennessee  in  1800,  and  mar- 
ried Margaret  Loveless,  a native  of  Kentucky. 
The  young  couple  moved  to  Coles  county,  111., 
in  1828,  and  in  1846  located  on  a farm  near 
Platteville,  where  they  made  a permanent  home 
until  late  in  life,  his  death  occurring  at  the 
home  of  his  son,  in  Dakota.  Mrs.  Kies  was 
born  in  Coles  county,  111.,  attended  the  dis- 
trict schools  and  married  there.  Soon  after 
locating  in  Smelser  our  subject  entered  160 
acres  of  government  land,  paying  $1.25  per 
acre,  and  upon  this  he  made  many  improve- 
ments, and  in  the  fall  of  1865  was.  able  to  sell 
at  a very  good  price.  After  the  sale  of  his 
first  farm  so  advantageously,  Mr.  Kies  pur- 
chased 400  acres  near  the  Mound,  in  Lafay- 
ette county,  this  property  having. a few  im- 
provements, a small  house  and  stable  being 
included.  Here  our  subject  made  preparations 
to  carry  on  extensive  farming  and  stock- 
raising,  erecting  a barn  126  feet  in  length  for 
his  cattle,  and  also  put  up  other  barns,  and  out- 
buildings. This  property  remained  the  family 
home  until  1890,  when  he  bought  the  place  of 
Thomas  Bramley,  consisting  of  168  acres,  near 
the  line  of  Platteville  township,  and  here  be 
erected  a new  house  and  made  many  substan- 
tial improvements  which  have  given  him  com- 
fort for  the  declining  years  of  himself  and  be- 
loved helpmate,  to  whose  cheerful  companion- 
ship he  owes  so  much. 

The  children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kies 
were:  Albert,  born  in  1852,  married1  Alice 
Vanatta  and  they  reside  in  Belmont,  with  six 
children,  Cora,  Emily,  Walter,  Edwin,  Lewis 
and  Jennie;  Mary,  born  in  1854;  George,  born 
in  1856,  married  Mary  Ganame,  of  Belmont, 
and  has  one  daughter,  Mary;  Jamds,  born  in 
i860,  married  Etta  Trenary,  lives  on  a farm 
in  Belmont  township,  and  has  one  daughter, 


Gladys;  David,  born  in  1863,  married  Delia 
King,  of  South  Dakota,  and  resides  on  a farm 
in  Clark  county,  Wis.,  with  two  children, 
Katie  and  Frederick;  Daniel,  born  in.  1865, 
married'  Nellie  Bazinet  and  they  reside  near 
the  Mound,  with  six  children,  Allen,  Charles, 
Webster,  Gideon,  Helen  and  Frank;  Amos, 
born  in  1868,  married  Edith  Nicholas,  lives 
near  his  father’s  farm,  and  has  one  daughter, 
Ada;  Eliza,  born  in  1870,  was  educated  in  the 
Platteville  Normal  school ; Bertha,  born  in 
1874,  married  George  Ascott,  and  resides  in 
Clark  county,  Wis. ; Katie,  born  in  1878,  was 
educated  at  the  Platteville  Normal  school, 
where  she  was  also  thoroughly  educated  in 
music,  and  is  now  a successful  teacher  of  the 
same.  Politically  Mr.  Kies  in  his  earlier  years 
was  a Democrat,  but  for  the  past  twenty  years 
has  affiliated  with  the  Republican  party.  Both 
he  and  wife  are  valued  members  of  the  M.  E. 
Church  and  possess  the  esteem  of  every  one  in 
the  communitv.  Although  Mr.  Kies  began  life 
with  many  discouragements,  his  success  is  all 
the  more  creditable.  During  the  many  years 
he  has  lived  in  Wisconsin  he  has  seen  many 
changes  and  has  been  an  active  factor  in  the 
development  of  the  township  and  county,  ever 
ready  to  encourage  any  measure  for  the  benefit 
of  either. 

SAMPSON  UREN  TREGONING,  for 
the  past  fifty-five  years  a resident  of  Iowa 
county,  and  now  living  retired  in  the  village 
of  Cobb,  is  a native  of  Cornwall,  England, 
born  Feb.  21.  1830,  in  Redruth. 

Barnard  Tregoning,  father  of  our  subject, 
was  also  born  in  Cornwall,  coming  to  the 
United  States  in  1845,  and  settling  in  the  town 
of  Linden,  Iowa  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he  success- 
fully followed  mining  and  farming.  He  died 
there  in  1857,  aged  seventy-five  years,  a Whig 
in  politics,  and  member  of  the  M.  E.  Church, 
although  reared  in  the  Episcopal  faith.  In 
Cornwall  he  had  married  Frances  T.  Uren,  who 
died  in  Linden  township,  Iowa  Co.,  Wis.,  in 
i860,  aged  sixtv-eight  years.  This  honored 
couple  were  the  parents  of  four  children : Eliz- 
abeth (Mrs.  William  Harris),  who  died  in 
Michigan;  John,  who’  died  at  Mineral  Point, 
Wis.;  Frances  (Mrs.  T.  Jaffray),  who  died  in 
Australia;  and1  Sampson  U. 

Sampson  LT.  Trep-onmg  came  to  the  United 
States  in  1846,  and  joined  his  father  and 
brother  in  Iowa  county,  Wis.  At  the  age  of 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


535 


about  twenty-seven  years  he  bought  a 160-acre 
farm  in  Eden  township,  then  a part  of  High- 
land township,  which  he  still  owns,  and  which 
at  that  time  was  wild  land,  but  under  his  dili- 
gent care  became  one  of  the  finest  and  most 
productive  farms  in  the  township.  Since  1891 
Mr.  Tregoning  has  lived  in  the  village  of  Cobb. 

On  March  14.  1857,  our  subject  was  mar- 
ried to  Mary  Hallam,  who  was  born  in  Great- 
ham.  County  of  Rutland,  England,  a daughter 
of  William  and  Mary  (Clark)  Hallam,  both 
English  people.  Mrs.  Tregoning  came  to  the 
United  States  in  1855.  Three  children  came 
of  this  union:  William  B.,  living  in  Nobles 
county,  Minn. : and  John  C.  and  Mary  Frances 
(Mrs.  George  Billings),  both  residing  in  Cobb, 
Wis.  All  the  children  have  received  liberal 
education,  and  are  capable,  useful  citizens. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tregoning  have  nine  grandchil- 
dren. In  politics  he  is  a lifelong  Republican, 
and  in  religious  faith  he  and  his  wife  are  con- 
sistent members  of  the  M.  E.  Church  in  Cobb, 
which  they  helped  to  organize. 

WILLIAM  F.  JOHNSON  holds  an  en- 
viable position  among  the  prosperous  and  time- 
honored  citizens  of  the  town  of  Sylvester, 
Green  county,  in  which  town  he  owns  a fine 
farm,  on  which  he  makes  his  home.  He  has 
become  noted  for  his  industrious  habits  and 
neighborly  spirit. 

Mr.  Johnson  was  born  in  the  East,  a son 
of  John  and  Nancy  (Leeper)  Johnson,  both 
of  whom  were  natives  of  Lawrence  county, 
Penn.,  where  John  Johnson  was  born  Sept.  9, 
1797,  and  where  he  died  Jan.  21,  1837.  He 
was  a son  of  John  and  Margaret  Johnson,  both 
natives  of  Ireland,  from  which  country  they 
came  to  America  in  the  days  preceding  the 
American  Revolution.  John  Johnson  and 
Nancy  Leeper  were  married  about  1820,  and 
to  them  were  born  seven  children,  the  eldest 
of  whom.  ( 1 ) Margaret,  became  the  wife  of 
Harvey  Baldwin,  and  both  are  now  deceased. 
(2)  David  C.  was  married  to  Mary  Cale,  of 
Ohio,  and  is  now  living  at  Johnsonville,  in  that 
State.  (3)  Mary  married  Arney  Biddle,  and 
both  are  now  deceased.  (4)  Robert  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Delia  Dunn,  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
both  are  now  deceased.  (5)  William  F.  was 
born  Feb.  1,  1830.  (6)  John  is  living  in 

Ohio.  (7)  Martha,  the  widow  of  John  Hoy- 
ette.  lives  at  Newcastle,  Pennsylvania. 

William  F.  Johnson  wedded  Miss  Sarah 


Catherine  Gilson,  of  Illinois,  the  marriage  tak- 
ing place  at  Newcastle,  Penn.,  May  13,  1856. 
She  was  the  daughter  of  James  Gilson,  a tailor 
by  trade.  To  this  union  were  born  five  chil- 
dren: (1)  Annie  M.,  born  Feb.  24,  1857,  is 

now  the  wife  of  George  H.  Pengra,  a thrifty 
farmer  of  the  town  of  Svlvester.  (2)  Frank- 
lin R.,  born  Aug.  11,  1861,  married  Miss  Fan- 
nie Ostrander,  of  the  town  of  Jefferson,  and 
is  a prosperous  farmer  near  Brooking,  S.  Dak. 
(3)  Mary  L.,  born  March  25,  1864,  is  the 
wife  of  Charles  Coats,  of  Juda.  (4)  Ada  M., 
born  Nov.  30,  1867,  married  Frank  Mitchell, 
of  Rock  county,  Wis.  (5)  Ira  D.,  born  Aug. 
23,  1876,  is  unmarried,  and  is  living  at  home. 
Mrs.  Sarah  Catherine  Johnson  died  May  21, 
1899,  aged  sixty-four  years,  seven  months,  one 
day.  She  was  a consistent  Christian,  a devout 
member  of  the  Methodist  Church,  and  a loving 
wife  and  mother,  and  was  a great  help  to  her 
husband  during  the  forty-five  years  they  were 
together.  She  was  a good  woman,  a cheerful 
and  inspiring  companion,  and  much  of  the  suc- 
cess our  subject  has  attained  may  fairly  be  at- 
tributed to  her  co-operation. 

In  the  fall  of  1856  Mr.  Johnson  came  to 
the  town  of  Sylvester  and  effected  a settle- 
ment on  section  14,  and  here  he  has  followed 
farming  for  the  last  forty-five  years.  \\  hen 
he  entered  Wisconsin  he  was  a poor  man,  but 
in  the  intervening  years,  by  industry,  thrift  and 
wise  management:  he  has  become  the  owner 
of  a fine  farm  of  210  acres,  well  equipped  with 
everything  that  makes  modern  agriculture  .suc- 
cessful and  attractive.  He  occupies  a comfort- 
able and  cosy  residence,  and  has  erected  farm 
buildings  suited  to  all  the  needs  of  his  work. 
In  politics  he  is  a Republican,  and  in  religion 
a Methodist.  His  character  and  standing  in 
the  community  are  above  question,  and  his  long 
and  useful  life  merits  and  receives  the  good 
will  of  the  people  of  the  town. 

ALEXANDER  MORTON  is  one  of  the 
highly  esteemed  citizens  of  Green  county,  and 
enjoys  the  distinction  of  being  the  oldest  pio- 
neer settler  of  the  county,  having  located  there 
in  1836.  Mr.  Morton's  grandfather.  Thomas 
Morton,  was  a colonel  in  the  war  of  1812.  serv- 
ing at  the  battle  of  New  Orleans  with  Andrew 
Jackson,  in  1815.  The  father  of  our  subject. 
Tames  Morton,  was  a native  of  Tennessee,  and 
married  Mary  Montgomerv.  They  became 
the  parents  of  twelve  children : Elizabeth, 


536 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Mary,  Alexander  (our  subject),  Thomas, 
William,  Jane,  James,  Nancy,  Francis,  Sarah, 
Susan  and  Lottie. 

Alexander  Morton  was  born  Nov.  29,  1814, 
in  Spencer  county,  Ind.,  and  spent  the  early 
part  of  his  life  on  the  frontier,  in  early  life 
learning  to  swing  an  ax,  drive  a plow  and  fight 
both  Indians  and  the  wild  beasts  of  the  forests. 
Little  of  what  we  now  deem  an  education  was 
afforded  the  youth  of  that  time  in  the  frontier 
schools.  Mr.  Morton  possessed  an  active  mind, 
and  his  knowledge  is  that  of  experience,  which 
is  often  of  much  more  value  than  all  the  learn- 
ing of  books  to  a poor  man  struggling  to  con- 
quer the -hard  conditions  of  pioneer  life.  The 
present  home  farm,  consisting  of  200  acres  of 
fine  land,  worth  $100  per  acre,  has  been  won 
by  his  own  energy  and  honest  toil,  and  he  de- 
serves credit  for  it,  and  the  ease  of  life  it 
enables  him  to  enjoy. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Morton  took  place  in 
1848,  to  Amy  Kelley,  of  Green  county,  who 
was  born  May  3,  1829,  in  Vermilion  county, 
Ind.,  her  parents  being  among  the  first  settlers 
there.  The  family  came  to  Green  county, 
Wis.,  in  1836.  The  marriage  has  been  blessed 
with  children  as  follows:  Joseph,  born  in 

1850:  James,  in  1852;  Mary,  in  1854;  Olive, 
in  1859;  Elizabeth  C.,  in  1861;  Laura  Ellen, 
in  1863:  and  Charlie,  in  1867.  Mr.  and’  Mrs. 
Morton  have  twenty-seven  grandchildren,  and 
five  great-grandchildren.  During  his  early 
years  Mr.  Morton  was  a strong  Whig,  but 
ever  since  the  formation  of  the  Republican 
party  has  advocated  its  teachings.  Since  re- 
siding in  Green  county  he  has  been  a witness 
to  its  wonderful  development,  and  has  always 
taken  an  active  part  in  whatever  seemed  to 
promise  benefit  to  his  neighborhood.  With 
his  neighbors  he  has  lived  in  peace  and  amity, 
and  as  an  honorable  citizen  he  well  represents 
the  prosperous  township  of  Clarno. 

WILLIAM  MONROE,  M.  D.,  a member 
of  the  medical  firm  of  Monroe  & Monroe,  is 
an  old  settler  of  Monroe,  and  has  a host  of 
friends  throughout  Green  county  and  south- 
ern Wisconsin. 

Dr.  Monroe  was  born  July  30,  1818,  near 
Cincinnati,  Ohio,  son  of  William  and  Harriet 
( Thurston)  Monroe,  both  natives  of  New 
York.  They  had  two  children,  Lucy  Ann  and 
William,  the  former  of  whom  married  Major 
Robert  W.  Gray,  of  South  Carolina,  and  is 


now  deceased.  The  father  was  a student  from 
boyhood,  and  when  he  became  a man  took  up 
the  practice  of  medicine,  which  was  his  call- 
ing throughout  life.  He  prepared  for  his  pro- 
fessional career  in  New  York,  and  practiced 
in  Ohio,  dying  near  Cincinnati,  when  his  son 
William  was  an  infant  of  two  months.  His 
widow  married,  in  1831,  Dr.  John  Loofbou- 
row,  and  died  in  1835,  when  forty-six  years 
old.  She  and  her  first  husband  were  mem- 
bers of  the  Baptist  Church.  Lemuel  Monroe, 
the  grandfather  of  our  subject,  was  a veteran 
of  two  wars,  the  Revolution  and  the  war  of 
1812.  He  lived  to>  old  age,  was  twice  married, 
and  had  children  by  both  wives.  Daniel  Green 
Thurston,  the  Doctor's  maternal  grandfather, 
was  of  English  descent,  and  was  a relative  of 
Gen.  Green,  of  Revolutionary  fame.  By  oc- 
cupation he  was  a farmer.  He  reached  the  age 
of  eighty-two,  and  was  the  father  of  fourteen 
children. 

Dr.  William  Monroe,  whose  name  intro- 
duces this  article,  came  to  Mineral  Point,  Wis., 
in  1831,  with  his  mother,  sister  and  stepfather, 
and  grew  to  manhood  under  their  fostering 
care.  He  attended  the  Mineral  Point  school, 
and  when  he  had  completed  the  course  of  in- 
struction there  went  back  to  Blendon,  Ohio, 
that  he  might  attend  Washburn’s  College,  then 
a celebrated  Ohio  institution.  When  a young 
man  he  followed  lead  mining  near  Mineral 
Point  for  several  years,  in  the  meantime  read- 
ing for  the  medical  profession,  his  preceptor 
being  Dr.  O.  E.  Strong,  and  later  his  step- 
father, Dr.  Loofbourow.  He  began  the  prac- 
tice of  medicine  in  the  village  of  Fayette,  twelve 
miles  from  Mineral  Point,  having  an  office 
there  from  1844  to  1868,  in  which  latter  year 
he  came  to  Monroe,  where  he  has  since  re- 
mained, a diligent  student  of  the  more  ab- 
struse phases  of  his  profession,  and  a faithful 
practitioner  in  the  city  and  adjoining  country. 

Dr.  Monroe  and  Miss  Mary  Jane,  daugh- 
ter of  Zera  and  Caroline  Beebe,  were  united 
in  marriage  Nov.  28,  1841,  and  five  sons  and 
five  daughters  have  been  born  of  this  union. 
Six  died  in  infancy  and  early  childhood,  four 
living  to  maturity,  namely:  Harriet  L.,  Met- 
tie  Jane,  William  B.  and  Zera  W.  Harriet 
L.  married  Rev.  M.  B.  Balch,  a Methodist 
minister,  now  deceased,  and  she  is  living  at 
Minneapolis;  they  had  one  child,  William  B. 
Mettie  Jane  lives  at  home.  William  is  a phy- 
sician, associated  with  his  father;  he  is  a 


fjftUwM/'Jflia wuru  P&Q — 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


537 


graduate  of  Bellevue  Hospital  Medical  College. 
Zera  W.  is  also  a practicing  physician,  asso- 
ciated with  his  father  and  brother,  and  is  a 
graduate  of  Rush  Medical,  of  _ Chicago ; he 
married  Miss  Annie  Benson,  lives  at  Argyle, 
Wis.,  and  has  four  children,  Marie,  Helen, 
Frances  and  Catharine. 

Dr.  and  Mrs.  Monroe  are  members  of  the 
Christian  Church  at  Monroe,  and  he  is  one  of 
its  trustees.  He  is  a member  of  Smith  Lodge, 
No.  31,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  Palestine  Chapter, 
No.  2,  R.  A.  M.,  and  Janesville  Commandery, 
No.  2,  K.  T. ; also  belongs  to  the  I.  O.  O.  F., 
and  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  He  is  a valued 
member  of  the  State  Medical  Society,  and  at  an 
early  day  was  associated  with  the  physicians  in 
the  southern  part  of  Wisconsin  in  what  was 
known  as  the  Southwestern  Medical  Society. 
Politically  he  is  a Republican,  and  he  was  treas- 
urer of  Fayette  township,  Lafayette  county, 
two  terms.  In  1867  Dr.  Monroe  was  a mem- 
ber of  the  State  Assembly,  and  made  a good 
record  in  that  body.  He  was  a private  in  the 
Black  Hawk  war,  and  now  draws  a pension 
for  his  services  in  that  struggle.  He  has  made 
his  home  in  Monroe  thirty-two  years,  now 
living  on  West  Washington  street,  and  has 
been  a resident  of  Lafayette  and  Green  counties 
for  over  seventy  years. 

WILLIAM  BEEBE  MONROE,  M.  D„ 
a representative  of  a family  in  which  the  prac- 
tice of  the  healing  art  seems  a kind  of  hered- 
ity, is  now  associated  with  his  father  and 
brother  at  Monroe,  Green  county,  as  a partner 
in  the  medical  firm  of  Monroe  & Monroe,  and 
has  built  up  a wide  and  flattering  practice. 

Our  subject  was  born  at  Fayette,  Wis., 
Oct.  5,  1861,  a son  of  Dr.  William  and  Mary 
J.  (Beebe)  Monroe,  whose  biographical  his- 
tory appears  elsewhere.  Fie  was  about  nine 
years  old  when  his  parents  removed  to  Monroe, 
and  here  he  has  since  resided,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  his  school  days  abroad,  and  the  time 
he  was  engaged  in  practice  at  Brooklyn.  The 
elder  Monroe  believed  in  laying  broad  and  deep 
the  foundations  for  any  career,  and  young  Will- 
iam B.  was  kept  in  the  Monroe  schools  until 
he  had  completed  the  high-school  course,  in 
1877.  He  went  from  home  to  matriculate  at 
Madison  as  a student  of  the  ancient  classical 
course  in  the  State  University.  This  was  com- 
pleted with  honor  in  1884,  and  the  young  col- 
legian became  a student  of  medicine  at  Belle- 


vue Hospital  Medical  College,  New  York,  in 
the  same  year.  He  graduated  in  1887,  and  re- 
turned to  Monroe  to  open  an  office  and  prac- 
tice his  profession,  after  one  year  going  to 
Brooklyn,  Wis.,  and  building  up  a general 
practice  there,  remaining  eight  years.  At  the 
expiration  of  that  time  his  father  began  to  feel 
the  need  of  assistance,  and  Dr.  William  B. 
returned  to  Monroe  and  formed  a partnership 
with  his  father,  under  the  name  of  Dr.  Will- 
iam Monroe  & Son,  taking  the  brunt  of  the 
hard  work  off  his  father's  shoulders.  In  1901 
Dr.  Z.  W.  Monroe  moved  to  Monroe,  and 
formed  a partnership  with  his  father  and  elder 
brother  under  the  firm  name  of  Monroe  & 
Monroe. 

Fraternally  our  subject  is  a member  of 
Smith  Lodge,  No.  31,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  and  also 
of  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  and  he  was  a mem- 
ber of  the  Wisconsin  National  Guard  for  some 
five  years.  He  is  a member  of  the  State  Med- 
ical Society,  and  is  the  present  health  officer 
of  the  city  of  Monroe.  Politically  he  is  a Re- 
publican. 

THOMAS  BUTSON  (deceased)  during 
his  life  time  was  closely  identified  with  the 
agricultural  interests  of  Grant  county,  where 
he  was  known  as  a representative  stockman 
and  farmer;  and,  in  the  town  of  Lima,  where 
he  made  his  home,  he  had  a large  circle  of 
warm  friends,  who  admired  his  sterling  worth, 
and  appreciated  at  its  true  value  his  genuine 
character. 

Mr.  Butson  was  born  in  Cornwall,  Eng- 
land, Aug.  29,  1839,  and  was  the  son  of  Thom- 
as Butson,  Sr.,  and  Susan  (Richards)  Butson. 
both  English  born  and  bred.  The  marriage  of 
this  worthy  couple  occurred  in  their  native 
land,  and  they  came  to  this  country  as  early 
as  1840,  settling  on  a farm  in  the  town  of 
Platteville,  and  then  moving  to  a tract  of  wild 
land  in  the  town  of  Lima,  which  he  had  pur- 
chased from  the  government.  There  Mr.  But- 
son erected  a substantial  log  house,  and  made 
many  improvements,  making  his  home  on  this 
farm  until  his  death  in  1871.  Mrs.  Butsoif 
died  five  years  previously.  Eight  children 
constituted  their  family  circle : Thomas, 

whose  name  appears  above,  was  their  oldest 
son;  Mary  A.,  born  in  Grant  county,  married 
Thomas  Dobson,  of  the  town  of  Lima,  and  is 
now  deceased ; Isaac  is  a resident  of  Pomeroy, 
Iowa;  James,  born  in  Grant  county,  is  a resi- 


538 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


dent  of  Marshall,  Minn.,  where  he  has  a fam- 
ily: Susan  is  the  wife  of  George  Lee,  whose 
biography  appears  elsewhere;  John  married 
Miss  Jennie  Bratton,  of  this  county,  and  is 
now  a farmer  in  Franklin  county,  Iowa;  Eliz- 
abeth married  George  Smith,  and  lives  in  Col- 
orado ; Eliza  is  the  wife  of  Thomas  Smith',  of 
Colorado. 

Mr.  Butson  reached  his  manhood  on  the 
farm  of  his  parents,  and  had  the  benefits  of  a 
common-school  education.  On  March  30, 
1865,  he  married  Miss  Mary  M.  Gill,  the 
worthy  and  estimable  daughter  of  Isaiah  and 
Jane  (Bonson)  Gill,  long  settled  in  Lafayette 
county.  Wis.,  where  they  were  well  and  favor- 
ably known.  Mr.  Gill  and  his  wife  were  both 
born  in  England,  and  came  to  this  country 
where  they  were  married.  Mr.  Gill  found  a 
home  for  his  family  at  Elk  Grove,  Lafayette 
county,  and'  was  for  many  years  the  honored 
and  useful  local  minister  of  the  Plymouth 
Methodist  Church,  working  in  Grant  and  La- 
fayette counties,  where  he  was  much  esteemed 
for  his  sincere  convictions  and  fine  character. 
Mr.  Gill  died  at  his  home  Feb.  1,  1892,  and 
the  wife,  who  had  shared  with  him  the  priva- 
tion? of  their  early  life,  passed  away  Feb.  16, 
1894,  the  mother  of  twelve  children:  (1)  Abel 
married  Miss  Sarah  Chapel,  and  resides  at 
Corning,  Iowa,  where  he  has  a family  of  eight 
children.  (2)  Mary  M.,  born  in  December, 
1848,  had  her  education  in  the  public  schools, 
and  married  Thomas  Butson.  (3)  Robert  mar- 
ried Miss  Carrie  Pierce,  of  Elmo,  and  settled 
in  Iowa.  While  attending  his  mother’s  funeral 
he  was  taken,  sick,  and  died  in  a very  short 
time.  His  widow  and  their  three  children, 
Nettie,  Roy  and  Walter,  still  live  on  the  home 
farm  in  Iowa.  (4)  Thomas,  born  in  Lafay- 
ette count)',  married  Miss  Ollie  Mace,  and  lo- 
cated at  Lemars,  Iowa.  Both  husband  and  wife 
are  now  dead,  leaving  four  children,  Jessie, 
Hattie,  Roy  and  Mirtie,  and  the  two*  oldest 
are  now  adopted  in  the  family  of  John  Ivittoe, 
of  Benton.  (5)  Richard  married  Miss  Dun- 
bar, and  lives  in  Iowa,  where  they  have  a fam- 
ily. (6)  Jane  died  when  a young  lady.  (7) 
James  married  Miss  Mary  Bell,  of  this  county, 
and  lives  in  Platteville,  where  two  children 
were  born  to  him,  Percv  and  Donald.  (8) 
Isaiah  is  now  the  teller  in  the  First  National 
Bank  of  Platteville.  (9)  Rose  is  single,  and 
lives  in  Platteville.  ( 10)  Frank  lives  in  Iowa. 
( 1 1 ) Maggie  died  when  twenty-two  years  old. 


(12)  Sarah  is  the  wife  of  Ally  Chapel,  and 
lives'  in  Iowa,  where  they  have  four  children. 

After  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Thomas 
Butson  settled  on  a rented  farm  in  the  town 
of  Smelser,  and  then  moved  to  the  town  of 
Platteville,  where  they  lived  a year.  Here 
Mr.  Butson  rented  a farm  and  they  lived  on  it 
four  years,  when,  he  moved  to  Darlington, 
Iowa  county.  In  1872  Mr.  Butson  bought  a 
farm  of  140  acres  in  the  town  of  Lima,  and 
improved  it  with  a new  residence  and  many 
other  necessities  and1  conveniences,  and.  closely 
cultivating  it,  made  a fine  country  home,  in 
which  he  lived  until  his  death,  July  11,  1898. 
This  sad  event  cast  a gloom  on  the  commu- 
nity. which  had  come  to  highly  appreciate  his 
unaffected  manliness  and  genuine  goodness.  A 
good  Christian,  he  was  a member  and  worker 
in  the'  Methodist  Episcopal  Church.  In  pol- 
itics he  was  a Republican,  and  had  held  the 
office  of  school  treasurer  for  a number  of  years. 
Mr.  Butson  left  his  wife  with  seven  children: 
( 1)  Jennie,  born  in  Smelser  township  in  April, 
1866,  married  Henry  Manny,  of  the  town  of 
Lima,  and  is  the  mother  of  three  children, 
Arthur.  Marv  and  Clarence.  (2)  Susan,  born 
Feb.  10.  t868,  is  the  deceased  wife  of  Dewatie 
Hall,  of  Lima,  and  had  one  daughter,  Jessie, 
(3)  Isaiah,  born  Feb.  23,  1870,  married  Miss 
Fannie  Johnson,  resides  on  his  farm  in  the 
town  of  Lima,  and  has  three  children,  Susan, 
Warren  and  Ina.  (4)  Mary  A.,  born  Nov. 
8,  1872,  is  the  wife  of  Benjamin  Edge,  lives 
on  his  farm  in  the  town  of  Lima,  and  has  one 
son,  Raymond.  (5)  Thomas.  A.,  born  May 
27,  1875,  educated  in  the  district  school,  re- 
mained at  home  until  his  marriage,  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1897.  to  Miss  Emma  Edge,  a member 
of  a well-known  Grant  county  family,  and  is 
now  living  on  a rented  farm,  where  he  is  the 
father  of  two  children,  May  and  Jennie.  (6) 
Charles  W.,  born  Oct.  3;  1877,  married  Miss 
Annie  Edge,  daughter  of  William  and  Sarah 
Edge,  an  honored  couple  in  the  town  of  Lima, 
and  lives  at  home,  where  he  has  charge  of  its 
cultivation.  (7)  Sarah  L.,  born  Aug.  11, 
18S0.  married  J.  W.  Edge,  who  owns  and  lives 
on  a farm  in  Lima.  (8)  Harry  G.,  born  Sept. 
30,  1882,  is  the  youngest  son  of  his  parents, 
and  assists  his  brother  Charles  in  the  cultiva- 
tion of  the  home  farm.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Butson 
reared  a family  of  honorable  and  useful  men, 
who  have  a work  to  do  in  the  world,  and  are 
a comfort  to  the  mother  in  her  declining  years. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


539 


ALBERT  POOLE,  of  the  town  of  Dar- 
lington, Lafayette  county,  is  a son  of  John 
Poole,  Jr.,  who  was  born  in  Johnstown,  N. 
Y.,  Nov.  12,  1803,  and  a grandson  of  John 
and  Esther  (Van  Antwerp)  Poole,  both  of 
whom  were  native  to  New  York,  and  descend- 
ants of  old  Holland-Dutch  stock.  The  grand- 
father was  born  in  1783,  and  died  Dec.  23, 
1861.  The  grandmother  was  born  Oct.  18, 
1784,  and  died  March  1,  1836.  They  were 
married  Nov.  9,  1802.  At  its  introduction  to 
this  country  the  family  name  was  Vanderpool, 
but  in  time  became  shortened  to  its  present 
form. 

John  Poole,  Jr.,  was  one  of  a family  of 
seven  children,  and  was  the  eldest  child  of  his 
parents.  (2)  Maria,  born  Feb.  17,  1803.  be- 
came Mrs.  Knight,  and  died  in  her  native  State, 
New  York.  (3)  Eleanor,  who  became  Mrs. 
Grout,  was  born  Feb.  21,  1807,  moved  to  Wis- 
consin with  her  husband,  and  settled  at  Fall 
River,  where  she  died  in  1870.  (4)  Rachel, 

born  Dec.  23,  1808,  married  Daniel  Grems, 
and  they  located  with  their  family  in  the  town 
of  Wiota,  Lafayette  county.  In  1857  they 
moved  to  Minnesota,  and  settled  near  Man- 
torville,  Dodge  county,  where  she  died  in  1866. 
(5)  Abram,  born  July  25,  1819,  came  West, 
locating  in  Delaware  county,  Iowa,  and  after- 
ward moved  to  Kansas,  settling  near  Lovewell, 
where  he  died  Feb.  13,  1901.  (6)  David,  born 

March  7,  1821,  is  still  living  in  New  York. 
(7)  Catherine,  born  Aug.  5,  1823,  married 
Stephen  Cowan,  and  came  to  Wisconsin  with 
her  husband  and  family  in  1855.  They  lived 
in  Lafayette  county  until  the  spring  of  1857, 
when  they  moved  to  Minnesota,  living  near 
Mantorville  in  that  state  for  several  years.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Cowan  afterward  moved  to  Luverne, 
Rock  Co.,  Minn.,  where  she  died  in  1898. 
About  1820  John  Poole,  Sr.,  transferred  his 
family  from  Montgomery  county  to  Jefferson 
county,  New  York. 

John  Poole,  Jr.,  as  did  the  other  children 
of  the  family,  attained  adult  years  in  his  na- 
tive State,  where  he  was;  married,  March  2, 
1826,  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Coates.  This  union 
was  but  a brief  one,  as  it  was  broken  June  5, 
1826,  by  the  death  of  the  wife.  On  April  5, 
1828.  he  was  again  married,  to  Miss  Barbara 
Crowner,  who  was  the  mother  of  all  his  chil- 
dren. In  1854  they  made  their  first  appear- 
ance in  Lafayette  county,  and  for  a short  time 
were  located  in  Wiota  township,  later  in  the 


same  year  settling  in  the  town  of  Darlington, 
where  they  passed  their  remaining  years.  The 
wife  and  mother  w^as  the  first  to  go,  her  death 
occurring  Jan.  9,  1885.  The  husband  and  fa- 
ther died  June  29,  1890,  in  the  eighty-seventh 
year  of  his  age.  The  story  of  his  life  is  in- 
teresting, as  it  shows  the  power  of  energy  and 
industry,  when  united  with  a good  character 
and  laudable  ambition  to  carve  success  out  of 
most  unpromising  material.  Mr.  Poole  be- 
gan life  with  but  little  money,  and  reared  his 
family  well,  leaving  an  ample  competence  at 
his  death.  He  possessed  native  ability  of  a 
high  order.  In  early  life  he  was  a Democrat, 
but  later  became  a Republican,  and  at  one  time 
he  was  a member  of  the  New  YYrk  State  Leg- 
islature. Both  husband  and  wife  belonged  to 
the  Methodist  Church. 

Of  the  four  sons  born  to  this  estimable 
couple,  Albert  is  the  only  one  now  living.  John 
C.,  the  eldest  son,  born  Jan.  5.  1829.  was  a 
soldier  in  the  war  for  the  Union,  belonging 
to  Company  D,  21st  Iowa  Y.  I.,  and  died  July 
17,  1863,  when  coming  home  on  sick  leave. 
George,  the  second  son,  who  was  born  Aug. 
28,  1837,  also  wore  the  Union  blue  in  the  Civil 
war.  a?:  a member  of  Company  I,  16th  Wis. 
V.  I.;  his  death  occurred  May  14,  1862.  The 
similarity  attending  the  death  of  these  two 
brothers  is  noteworthy.  Both  started  for  home 
on  sick  furlough,  and  both  died  on  the  way, 
between  Cairo  and  St.  Louis,  while  ascending 
the  Mississippi  river  on  steamboats.  Ambrose, 
a third  son,  died  in  1839,  while  yet  a child. 

Albert  Poole,  the  only  surviving  member 
of  his  father’s  family,  was  born  at  the  paternal 
home  in  Jefferson  county,  N.  Y.,  June  23,  1823, 
and  was  about  eleven  years  of  age  when  he 
came  to  Wisconsin  with  his  father’s  family. 
His  Wisconsin  or  western  home  has  always 
been  where  he  is  now  living,  or  in  its  immediate 
vicinity.  His  education  was  obtained  in  the 
public  schools  of  Darlington,  and  in  his  youth 
he  gave  special  attention,  to  surveying.  In 
1876  he  was  elected  surveyor  of  Lafayette 
county,  and  re-elected  in  1878.  Mr.  Poole 
has-  given  his  attention  chiefly  to  farming  and 
dairying,  and  owned  and  operated  a creamery 
for  a number  of  years,  but  converted  it  into 
a cheese  factory  in  1899,  and  is  now  quite  ex- 
tensively engaged  in  the  cheese  business. 

Mr.  Poole  was  married,  Feb.  24,  1876,  to 
Miss  Sarah  Ann  Colebeck,  who  was  born  in 
the  town  of  Darlington  July  10,  1855,  a daugh- 


540 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ter  of  Henry  and  Jane  (Tyson)  Colebeck. 
Her  father  was:  a well-known  citizen  of  La- 
fayette county,  coming  here  from  England 
(where  he  was  born  May  3,  1821)  in  company 
with  several  of  his  friends,  in  1843.  For  a 
little  time  he  lived  in  New  York  State,  and  later 
near  Kirkland,  111.,  but  in  1846  he  located  in 
Darlington,  which  was  the  home  of  his  family 
until  death.  In  1850  he  went  to  California, 
where  he  spent  two  years  in  the  gold  fields, 
returning  to  Wisconsin  in  1852.  On  Jan.  1, 
1853,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Jane  Tyson. 
Mr.  Colebeck  became  in  later  years:  a promi- 
nent citizen.  He  carried  on  extensive  farming 
operations,  dealt  in  stock,  and  imported  fine 
sheep.  He  died  Dec.  3,  1891,  in  his  seventy- 
first  year.  His  first  wife  died  June  29,  1873, 
and  on  March  15,  1877,  he  was  married  to 
Mrs.  Jane  Davis.  By  the  first  union  he  was 
the  father  of  twelve  children,  of  whom  eight 
died  in  early  life.  Of  the  four  who  reached 
maturity,  Sarah  Ann  married  Albert  Poole; 
Emily  Jane  became  the  wife  of  Richard  Thom- 
as; George  married  Jane  Hanning  April  10, 
1890;  Julia  Ella  married  William  Chapman, 
of  Darlington,  Oct.  10,  1899. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Albert  Poole  have  three  chil- 
dren : Ambrose  C.,  born  July  3,  1878;  Arthur 
G.,  Aug.  14,  1880;  and  Beulah  B,  Aug.  27, 
1884.  Blanche,  who  was  born  Dec.  31,  1887, 
died  Nov.  23,  1895. 

GEORGE  JAMES  SMITH,  a well-known 
citizen  of  Linden,  Iowa  county,  is  with  one 
exception  the  oldest  living  native  of  that  place. 
He  was  born  May  28,  1836,  a son  of  Mark 
and  Mary  (Stephens)  Smith,  natives  of  Cam- 
borne, England. 

Mark  Smith  followed  tin  mining  in  Eng- 
land, and  in  1836  came  to  the  United  States, 
making  his  way  at  once  to  Wisconsin  and 
locating  in  what  is  now  the  village  of  Linden, 
but  which  then  consisted  of  a few  rude  log 
cabins.  His  own  first  home  was  in  a “dug- 
out.”  He  combined  mining  and  farming  until 
1850,  when  he  went  to  California,  by  way  of 
the  isthmus.  During  his  four  years’  sojourn 
in  the  gold  fields  of  the  Far  West  he  met  with 
fair  success,  and  at  the  end  of  that  time  re- 
turned to  Linden,  and  began  making  improve- 
ments on  the  land  he  had  secured  from  the 
United  States  government.  His  death  occurred 
May  14.  1876,  when  he  was  aged  sixty-eight 
years.  His  wife,  Mary  (Stephens),  passed 


away  in  February,  1887,  at  the  age  of  sev- 
enty-two years.  Pier  mother,  Mary  Stephens, 
came  from  England,  and  made  her  home  with 
her  daughter  for  some  time,  dying  at  the  ven- 
erable age  of  fourscore  years.  Of  the  children 
born  to  Mark  and  Mary  (Stephens:)  Smith, 
three  died  in  childhood.  The  others  were: 
George  J. ; Mark,  who  served  three  years  as  a 
member  of  Company  E,  7th  Wis.  V.  I.,  in  the 
Civil  war,  and  now  resides  in  Madison,  Wis. ; 
James  S.,  who  was  a member  of  the  30th  Wis. 
V.  I.  during  the  Rebellion,  and  died  at  Lin- 
den Dec.  24,  1889,  at  ^e  age  of  forty-nine, 
leaving  a widow  and  family ; Richard,  born 
June  22,  1842,  who  died  in  Linden  Nov.  18, 
1884;  Caroline  M.,  who  married  James  Smith, 
and  died  in  Dodgeville.  April  11,  1872,  aged 
twenty-eight  years;  Elizabeth  Jane,  married 
to  James  J.  Rule,  of  Linden;  Samuel,  born  in 
March,  1848,  who  resides,  in  Linden;  and  La- 
vinia,  born  in  September,  1850,  the  widow  of 
John  Ouillesh,  living  in  Sanborn,  Iowa. 

George  J.  Smith  had  but  little  opportunity 
for  schooling  in  his  boyhood,  but  after  he  was 
grown  took  advantage  of  night  instructions.  At 
the  age  of  twenty-one  he  began  mining,  and 
in  1865  went  to  Virginia  City,  Nev.,  thence  to 
Idaho,  and  Plelena,  Mont.,  passing  in  all  four 
years  in  gold  mining.  Upon  his  return  to  his 
native  county,  in  company  with  his  brother 
Richard,  he  engaged  in  general  merchandising 
for  a time.  His  next  venture  was  in  farming, 
in  which  lie  was  very  successful,  and  he  now 
lives  in  practical  retirement  in  a substantia] 
home  built  in  1892.  He  has  taken  a prominent 
part  in  public  affairs,  and  has  served  as  a mem- 
ber of  the  village  council.  In  politics  he  is  a 
lifelong  Republican. 

On  Jan.  8,  1863,  Mr.  Smith  was  married 
to  Miss  Mary  Ann  Lleathcock,  daughter  of 
William  and  Mary  (Thomas)  Heathcock.  She 
was  born  April  12,  1837,  and  died  Jan.  26, 
1901.  In  religious:  connection  she  was  a mem- 
ber of  the  Methodist  Church,  with  which  she 
had  been  united  for  forty-five  years.  To  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Smith  were  horn  seven  children,  of 
whom  five  survive : Minnie  Edith,  born  July 
6,  1867,  married  Eli  H.  Horsch,  of  Corwith, 
Iowa;  Mary  Jane,  born  June  9.  1868,  married 
John  W.  Batten,  of  Midway,  Kans. ; Ida  La- 
vinia,  born  Dec.  3,  1870,  married  H.  J.  Hicks, 
of  Linden;  George  Albert,  born  Nov.  10,  1875- 
resides  in  Linden ; and  Susie  Eva'lena,  born 
Dec.  18,  1877,  is  at  home.  All  of  the  children 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


541 


have  been  highly  educated,  and  are  cultured, 
refined  members  of  society.  Mr.  Smith  has 
been  a liberal  supporter  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal Church,  and  fraternally  is  a Mason, 
identified  with  the  local  lodge,  Iowa  Chapter, 
and  Mineral  Point  Commandery,  Knights 
Templar. 

William  and  Mary  Heathcock,  parents  of 
Mrs.  Smith,  were  the  first  couple  married  in 
Linden.  Mr.  Heathcock  came  to  Wisconsin 
from  Staffordshire,  England,  during  the  Black 
Hawk  war,  and  settled  at  Linden  in  1833.  He 
was  successfully  engaged  in  mining  for  the 
greater  part  of  his  life.  In  religious  work  he 
was1  most  enthusiastic,  and  was  a member  of 
the  Methodist  Church,  the  first  service  of  that 
church  in  this  place  having  been  held  in  his 
home.  He  died  March  4,  1891.  aged  seventy- 
one  years.  His  wife,  Mary  (Thomas),  was 
born  in  Cambridge,  South  Wales,  and  died 
Dec.  8,  1868,  aged  fifty-six  years. 

ENOCH  J.  BLACKFORD,  a retired 
farmer  and  business  man,  as.  well  as  the  for- 
mer postmaster  of  Juda,  has  been  for  many 
years  a prominent  figure  in  the  business  and 
commercial  activities  of  Green  county,  and  is 
now  one  of  the  time-honored  and  venerable 
residents  of  Juda. 

Mr.  Blackford  is  the  son  of  William  and 
Rachel  (Johns)  Blackford,  both  natives  of 
Fayette  county,  Penn.,  who  came  of  Welsh 
ancestry.  They  were  married  in  1822,  and  to 
their  union  were  born  seven  children,  of  whom 
Enoch  J.,  the  eldest,  was  born  May  12,  1824, 
in  Fayette  county,  Penn.  Thomas  died  in 
Nodaway  county,  Mo.  William  lives  in  Mon- 
roe, Wis.  Samuel  is  a resident  of  Louisiana. 
Rebecca  is  the  wife  of  Stephen  Mann,  and  has 
her  home  in  Page  county,  Iowa.  Lavina  was 
the  wife  of  Samuel  Hutzel,  of  Juda,  Wis. 
Rachel  married  Peter  Roub,  and  is  a resident 
of  Chickasaw  county,  Mississippi. 

Mr.  Blackford  was  married  to  Miss  Mar- 
garet Chryst  in  1848,  and'  to  this  union  were 
born  seven  children : John  W.,  of  Albany, 
Wis. ; Rebecca  R.,  wife  of  James  Stull,  a farm- 
er in  Missouri;  James  E.,  who  died  in  Hamp- 
ton, Iowa ; Martin,  who  died  in  childhood ; 
Franklin,  who  died  in  childhood;  Thomas  J., 
of  Juda ; and  Clella  May,  who  died  in  Page 
county,  Iowa.  Mr.  Blackford's  wife  died  while 
they  were  returning  from  Iowa  to  his  native 
State,  in  1869.  In  1870  he  married  Mrs.  Jane 


Clemmer,  of  Green  county,  Wis.,  who  died  in 
1891.  Mr.  Blackford  married  Miss  Harriet 
Mitchell,  of  Green  county,  Aug.  3,  1893.  She 
is  the  daughter  of  Washington  Mitchell,  and 
was  born  in  the  town  of  Decatur,  Green  coun- 
ty. where  her  father  was  one  of  the  pioneers. 

Mr.  Blackford  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1845, 
and  was  rich  only  in  courage  and  the  resources 
of  an  honorable  and  upright  manhood.  Hir- 
ing out  to  work  on  the  farm  of  Rev.  G.  R. 
Patton,  he  gained  a standing  for  himself. 
Afterward  he  taught  school  on  the  Sugar  river, 
and  began  farming  for  himself  in  Green  coun- 
ty while  yet  a young  man.  In  1867  he  moved 
to  Iowa,  and  in  1870  located1  at  Juda,  where 
he  engaged  in  carpentering,  and  where  his 
home  has  been  to  the  present  time.  Mr.  Black- 
ford has  been  justice  of  the  peace  for  ten  years, 
and  was  made  postmaster  at  Juda  under  the 
second  administration  of  President  Cleveland. 
He  was  the  first  town  clerk  in  the  town  of 
Jefferson,  in  which  he  has  also  served  as  chair- 
man, and  filled  all  the  principal  offices,  and  was 
several  times  nominated  by  his  party  for  the 
position  of  county  clerk.  Mr.  Blackford  is  a 
member  of  the  Baptist  Church,  and  is  a man 
highly  esteemed  by  the  community  in  which 
he  has  lived  for  so  many  years.  His  life  has 
been  honorable  and  upright,  and  he  is  a good 
neighbor  and  an  honorable  citizen. 

LION.  JOHN  HAWKINS  ROUNTREE, 
Platteville.  The  ancestral  record  of  this  emi- 
nent and  venerable  pioneer  settler  of  Grant 
county  is  as ‘follows:  Randall  Rountree,  his 

great-grandfather,  emigrated  from  Ireland  in 
1720,  settling  in  Virginia,  where  he  resided 
until  his  death.  His  grandfather,  Thomas 
Rountree,  in  1795,  moved  with  his  family  from 
Virginia  to  the  vicinity  of  the  Mammoth  Cave, 
Warren  Co.,  Ky.,  where  he  remained  until  he 
died.  John  Rountree,  his  father,  also  settled  in 
the  same  place,  and  there  resided  until  his  de- 
cease. In  the  same  locality  John  H.  Rountree 
was  born,  March  24,  1805.  The  education 
received  by  “the  Major”  at  this  period  he  him- 
self described  as  “very  common-school,”  the 
school  house  being  one  of  those  primitive  af- 
fairs so  common  in  earlier  times,  constructed1 
of  unhewn  logs,  with  holes  cut  for  windows, 
while  a broad  fireplace,  with  its  huge  open 
chimney,  furnished  the  heat  for  the  room  in 
frosty  weather.  Major  Rountree  moved  from 
Kentucky  to  Hillsboro,  (Montgomery  Co.,  111., 


542 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ip  February,  1824,  was  there  appointed  deputy 
sheriff,  and  served  as  such  until  he  reached  his 
twenty-first  year,  when  he  was  elected  sheriff, 
an  office  that  he  held  until  his  resignation,  upon 
his  return  trip  to  Wisconsin,  in  1827.  On 
May  24  of  that  year  he  reached  New  Diggings 
(now  a portion  of  Lafayette  county),  and  after- 
ward came  to  Platteville,  then  just  coming  into 
notice ; there  lie  ever  after  resided.  On  Aug. 
7.  1828,  Major  Rountree  was  married  to  Mary 
Grace  Mitchell,  of  Galena,  111.,  and  the  next 
day,  with  his  bride,  moved  to  his  log  cabin 
in  Wisconsin.  Mrs.  Rountree  died  in  1837. 
On  Sept.  3,  1839,  lie  was  again  married,  to 
Miss  Lydia  LI.  Southworth,  of  Platteville, 
who  after  a long  and  pleasant  companionship, 
extending  over  nearly  a half-century,  passed 
on  to  her  reward,  her  death  occurring  Tune 
16,  1881. 

The  numerous  positions  held  by  Major 
Rountree  are  the  best  evidence  of  his  high 
standing  among  his  neighbors  for  the  numerous 
decades  hidden  beneath  the  swiftly-revolving 
wheel  of  Time.  In  May,  1826,  he  was  com- 
missioned major  of  Illinois  militia,  and  the 
same  year  elected  sheriff  of  Montgomery  coun- 
ty. in  the  same  State.  In  1829  he  was  ap- 
pointed postmaster  at  Tlatteville,  and  was  sev- 
eral times  re-appointed;  also,  the  same  year, 
appointed  and  commissioned  justice  of  the 
peace  for  Iowa  county,  Michigan  Territory, 
of  which  Wisconsin  then  formed  a part.  In 
1832  lie  was  elected  captain  of  a company  of 
mounted  volunteers  enlisted  by  him  to  serve 
in  the  Black  Hawk  war.  In  1834  he  was  ap- 
pointed Chief  Justice  of  the  County  Court  of 
Iowa  County  by  the  governor  of  Michigan, 
which  position  he  held  until  the  Territory  of 
Wisconsin  was  organized,  in  1836.  In  1837 
lie  was  appointed  Judge  of  Probate  of  Grant 
county,  which  was  organized  that  year.  In 
1839  he  was  commissioned  as  aid  to  the  gov- 
ernor, with  the  rank  of  colonel.  In  1838  he 
was  elected  a member  of  the  Territorial  Coun- 
cil for  four  years,  with  the  rank  of  colonel, 
and  in  1842  was  re-elected  to  that  position. 
In  1847  lie  was  elected  a member  of  the  Con- 
stitutional Convention,  serving  in  that  body 
on  the  committee  on  General  Provisions  (which 
embraced  a large  number  of  the  most  import- 
ant articles  under  consideration),  as  well  as 
unon  several  select  committees.  In  1850 
Major  Rountree  was  elected1  to  the  State  Sen- 
ate, and  the  following  year  was  appointed  a 


Regent  of  the  State  University.  In  1853  he 
was  appointed  major-general  of  militia  of  the 
Second  District  of  Wisconsin.  In  1857  he  was 
appointed  postmaster  of  Platteville.  In  1863 
he  was  elected  member  of  Assembly,  and  in 
1866  was  again  elected  to  the  State  Senate — 
thus  serving  in  the  Territorial  and  State  Leg- 
islature longer  than  any  other  citizen. 

From  early  life  Major  Rountree  was  a 
leader  in  church  affairs,  and  his  judgment  and 
counsel  were  always  sought  and  trusted.  It 
is  recorded  that,  as  early  as  1832,  he  with  his 
wife  and  two  others  met  in  the  Rountree  log 
cabin  and  took  the  preliminary  steps  towards 
organizing  a Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
which  is  claimed  to  have  been,  the  first  organ- 
ized church  of  that  denomination  in  Wisconsin. 
Through  the  vicissitudes  of  church  life  he  was 
loyal  and  constant  in  his  affections  for  the 
church,  which  he  loved  and  revered  as  a dutiful 
son  would  his  mother.  Time  and  again,  as 
the  church  edifice  grew  old  and  became  too 
contracted  for  the  needs  of  the  growing  con- 
gregation, Major  Rountree  was  one  of  the 
chief  planners  and  most  liberal  contributors 
in  devising  for  the  new  and  greater  edifice. 

Major  Rountree  had  a notable  Masonic 
record,  covering  a period  of  sixty-two  years. 
He  received  the  Master’s  degree  in  Far  West 
Lodge,  Galena,  111.,  in  1828.  As  soon  as  there 
were  a sufficient  number  of  representatives  of 
the  order  in  Platteville  and  vicinity  he  took  an 
active  part  in  organizing  a lodge,  and  became 
a charter  member  of  Melody  Lodge,  No.  2, 
which  received  its  first  charter  from  the  Grand 
Lodge  of  Missouri.  In  1844,  there  being  three 
lodges  in  Wisconsin,  delegates  from  these  met, 
and  organized  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Wisconsin, 
in  which  organization  Major  Rountree  took 
an  active  and  prominent  part ; he  served  as 
Grand  Treasurer  in  1846,  and'  Grand  Junior 
Warden  in  1847.  He  was  one  of  the  founders 
of  the  Grand  Chanter  of  Royal  Arch  Masons 
of  Wisconsin,  which  was  organized  in  1850, 
and  at  this  organization  was  elected  Grand 
King,  serving  one  year;  the  next  five  years 
lie  was  Grand  Treasurer,  and  in  1861  was 
elected  Grand  High  Priest — the  highest  honor 
in  the  State  within  the  gift  of  his  brethren. 
Pie  became  a member  of  the  order  of  Knights 
Templars  at  Madison  in  1869.  For  over  sixty 
years  he  was  an  ardent  and  zealous  member  of 
the  different  orders  of  Masonry,  and  until  the 
infirmities  of  ag'e  weighed  down  upon  him  he 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


543 


took  an  active  part  in  the  work,  through  which 
he  could  see  an  avenue  of  dispensing  charity 
without  heralding  it  to  the  world.  He  was  a 
Knight  Templar,  and  Knight  .Templarism 
points  to  the  end.  The  cross  and  crown  con- 
stitute one  of  the  most  interesting  and  in- 
structive emblems — the  cross  of  trial  sur- 
mounted by  the  crown  of  victory;  the  cross 
of  struggle  and  the  crown  of  triumph;  the 
cross  of  earth  and  the  crown  of  heaven ; and  in 
the  golden  halo  which  surrounds  these  em- 
blems is  the  legend,  “Be  thou  faithful  unto 
death,  and  I will  give  thee  a crown  of  life.” 
This  lengthy  recital  of  honors  and  official 
positions  bears  upon  its  face  the  highest  testi- 
monial that  could  be  furnished  of  the  unbound- 
ed esteem  and  confidence  of  the  communities 
in  which  the  Major  lived  in  the  sterling  worth, 
integrity  and  ability  of  this  veteran  representa- 
tive of  pioneer  times.  When  he  first  entered 
the  present  State  it  was  divided  into  two  coun- 
ties, and  contained  but  a few  thousand  inhab- 
itants, scattered  over  the  vast  territory ; to-day 
it  numbers  its  inhabitants  by  hundreds  of  thou- 
sands. Major  Rountree  was  the  witness  of  the 
growth  of  a new  empire;  took  part  in  an  In- 
dian war  ; saw  the  aboriginal  inhabitants  pushed 
back,  foot  by  foot,  until  they  now  possess  hardly 
a rood  of  land  which  they  can  call  their  own. 
He  saw  the  commencement,  growth  and  pros- 
perity or  obliteration  of  every  city  and  village, 
with  the  exception  of  two  or  three  military 
posts,  in  the  State — all  the  improvements,  in- 
deed, that  in  fifty  years  have  converted  a great 
and  uncivilized  wilderness  into  a series  of 
powerful  States.  In  the  immediate  vicinity  of 
his  own  home  the  change  has  been  no  less 

! great;  in  place  of  the  rude  miner’s  cabin  is.  seen 
the  stately  mansion;  the  few  hundred  seekers 
after  mineral  have  been  swallowed  up  in  the 
many  thousands  whose  cozy  farm  houses  dot 
the  landscape  in  every  direction.  To  but  a 
few  has  such  an  experience  been  vouchsafed; 

BGen.  Rountree  may  well  have  been  regarded 
as  a landmark  between  the  past  and  the  pres- 
ent, one  who  lived  over  the  whole  term  of  our 
local  history,  and  served  as  a prominent  factor 
in  making  it. 

The  end  of  life  came  to  this  venerable  pio- 
neer June  30,  1890.  The  funeral  service  was 
held  under  the  auspices  of  the  Masonic  fra- 

Iternity,  of  which  hie  had  so  long  been  an  hon- 
01  ed  member.  Brethren  of  the  order  and  many 
friends  from  different  parts  of  the  State  as- 


sembled to  pay  tribute  to  his  memory,  the 
crowd  being  SO'  great  that  the  services  were 
held  in  the  beautiful  park  which  surrounds  the 
Rountree  home.  Six  of  his  children  survive 
him:  Mrs.  Ellen  R.  Jewett,  of  Chicago;  Mrs. 
Laura  R.  Smith,  who  with  her  two  daughters 
lives  in  the  old  homestead;  Mrs.  Cora  HathaT 
way,  of  New  York;  and  Miss  Lilly  T.  Roun- 
tree, Philip  S.  Rountree  and  Harrison  H. 
Rountree,  who'  all  live  in  Chicago. 

SAMUEL  R.  AUSTIN  is  one  of  the 
highly  respected  and  prominent  farmers  of  Bel- 
mont township,  Lafayette  county,  who  have 
retired  from  the  active  duties  of  an  agricult- 
ural life  to  enjoy  the  fruits  of  their  honest 
labor. 

Mr.  Austin  was  born  in  Sumner  county, 
Tenn.,  Jan.  31,  1825,  his  parents  being  Will- 
iam and  Edith  (Dickinson)  Austin,  both  of 
whom  were  natives  of  Maryland.  W illiam 
Austin  moved  to  Tennessee,  where  for  twenty 
years  he  followed  farming  and  conducted  a 
large  tobacco  plantation,  in  1828  removing  to 
Coles  county,  111.,  where  he  purchased  an  im- 
proved farm  and  passed  the  balance  of  his  life. 
The  mother  of  our  subject  dying  when  he  was 
a little  child,  his  father  later  married1  Rebecca 
Woodhall,  and  many  children  were  born  to 
this  union,  seven  daughters  and  five  sons.  Of 
this  large  family  only  our  subject  and  his 
brother  James  B.,  of  Oklahoma,  are  living. 

Our  subject  grew  up'  on  the  farm  in  Illi- 
nois, where  he  became  the  manager  of  a large 
estate  while  he  was  quite  young.  In  1845  he 
married  Maggie  M.  Ashmore,  who  was  born 
in  Illinois  in  1826,  a daughter  of  Samuel  and 
Margaret  Ashmore,  who  were  born  in  Ken- 
tucky, and  settled  in  Illinois.  In  1846  Mr. 
Austin,  with  his  wife  and  one  child,  came  to 
Wisconsin,  and  lived  for  a short  time  in  Lima, 
Grant  county,  but  in  1847  he  bought  a quar- 
ter-section of  land  from  the  government,  in 
Lafayette  county,  where  settlement  was  made, 
and  "the  home  in  the  new  country  instituted. 
The  early  days  of  his  pioneer  life  Were  full  of 
hardship,  but  toil  and  energy  accomplished 
wonders.  Mr.  Austin  has  been  one  of  the  men 
who  have  made  Wisconsin  what  it  is.  for  the 
tillers  of  the  soil  have  been  the  real  elements 
in  the  progress  of  this  great  State.  While 
there  was  much  that  was  picturesque  and  ex- 
citing in  the  new  life  to  those  who  had  come 
from  a thoroughly  civilized  community  there 


544 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


were  also  many  elements  of  danger,  and  the 
deprivations  which  only  heroic  spirits  can  en- 
dure. The  first  desire  of  Mr.  Austin  was  to 
complete  buildings  to*  make  his  family  and 
stock  and  cattle  comfortable,  and  these  in  time 
were  erected,  some  of  them  still  standing,  in 
good  repair.  When  the  Civil  war  broke  out 
our  subject  made  three  applications  for  enlist- 
ment before  he  was  accepted,  finally  joining 
Company  K,  44th  Wis.  V.  I.,  but  his  discharge 
followed,  on  account  of  disability,  and  he  re- 
turned to  his  farm,  where  lie  has  lived 'ever 
since. 

The  children  born  to  our  subject  and  wife 
are  among  the  esteemed  residents  of  this  lo- 
cality, and,  as  he  'has  always  taken  a deep  in- 
terest in  their  welfare,  it  is  with  pleasure  that 
he  can  see  their  worldly  prosperity,  many  of 
them  settled  around  him.  William  is  a resident 
of  Belmont;  Elizabeth  is  the  widow  of  Elijah 
Bushnell ; John  is  a resident  of  Platteville; 
Eliza,  who  married  Sidney  Stephens,  resides 
in  Lima,  Grant  county ; Margaret  is  deceased ; 
Samuel  is  a resident  of  Dubuque,  Iowa;  Frank 
resides  in  Platteville;  Ellen,  who  married  Will- 
iam Shepherd,  lives  in  Platteville;  Edith  (de- 
ceased) married  William  Thomas;  Emma  is 
the  widow  of  Eldrerl  Trenary,  and  lives  in 
Platteville;  James  resides  on  a part  of  his  fa- 
ther’s homestead.  The  grandchildren  which 
gather  around  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Austin  are  happy 
and  healthy,  and  give  fair  promise  that  the 
good  old  name  will  not  soon  die  out  in  Wis- 
consin. 

For  some  twelve  years  Mr.  Austin  has  been 
retained  on  the  school  board,  an  evidence  of 
the  confidence  and  esteem  in  which  this  worthy 
citizen  is  held  in  an  intelligent  community. 
His  connection  with  the  Republican  party  has 
been  long  and  active,  as  he  fully  believes  in 
the  principles  hie1  professes.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Austin  are  highly  valued  in  their  connection 
with  the  M.  E.  Church,  and  socially  he  is  con- 
nected with  Sherman  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Platte- 
ville. Mr.  Austin  has  always  been  a hard- 
working man,  and  thoroughly  believes  in  the 
value'  of  toil,  having  proven  its  worth,  as  by  it 
he  has  been  able  to  accomplish  so  much. 

RUFLTS  M.  DAY,  a leading  business 
man  of  Mount  Hope,  Grant  county,  ex-soldier, 
ex-legislator,  is  a native  of  the  State  of  Ken- 
tucky, having  been  born  near  West  Liberty, 
Morgan  Co.,  that  State,  Nov.  18,  1835,  a son 


of  John  and  Elizabeth  (McKinnie)  Day,  na- 
tives of  Virginia. 

About  1840  John  Day  and  his  family  mi- 
grated to  Wisconsin,  coming  directly  to  Grant 
county,  and  settling  on  land  near  Lancaster. 
Here  Mr.  Day  died  April  1,  1846.  Mrs.  Day 
survived  many  years,  dying  in  the  same  town- 
ship, but  not  upon  the  original  land  taken  by 
her  husband.  Of  the  three  children  in  this 
family,  Jemima,  the  eldest,  became  the  wife 
of  Antone  Bailey,  and  now  resides  in  Kansas; 
Theodore  enlisted,  at  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil 
war,  in  Company  C,  2d  Wis.  V.  I.,  took  part 
in  the  first  battle  of  Bull  Run,  in  July,  1861, 
and  after  his  three  months’  term  expired  re- 
enlisted,  and  served  through  the  war,  now  re- 
siding in  the  State  of  Oregon  ; Rufus  M.  is  our 
subject.  All  are  highly  respected. 

Rufus  M.  Day  enlisted,  Aug.  14,  1862,  in 
Company  1,  20th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  participated 
in  many  of  the  important  events  of  the  war, 
taking  part  in  the  battle  of  Prairie  Grove  and 
the  siege  of  Vicksburg.  Lie  was  subsequently 
on  detail  duty  at  Gen.  Herron’s  headquarters 
for  about  a year ; was  then  transferred  to  the 
corps  headquarters  of  Gen.  Granger,  where  he 
remained  until  the  end  of  the  war,  on  duty 
constantly  as  orderly ; and  was  mustered  out 
of  the  service  at  Galveston,  Texas,  when  the 
war  closed. 

Upon  his  return  from  the  army  Mr.  Day 
resumed  farming  in  Mount  Hope,  but  later 
retired  from  farm  life,  and  engaged  in  rfier- 
cantile  pursuits  in  the  same  town,  being  very 
successful.  In  political  matters  Mr.  Day  has 
always  been  a Republican,  and  he  was  honored 
by  election  to  the  State  Legislature  in  1885, 
1886,  1887  and  1888.  While  in  the  Legis- 
lature Mr.  Day  proved  himself  worthy  of. rep- 
resenting his  constituents,  and  may  well  be 
proud  of  his  record  in  that  body.  Taking  an 
active  interest  in  town  affairs,  he  is  an  im- 
portant factor  in  the  conduct  of  the  affairs  of 
the  municipality,  and  has  served  most  accept- 
ably as  chairman  of  the  town  for  eleven  years, 
and  was  a member  of  the  board  for  many 
years  prior  to  his  occupancy  of  the  head  po- 
sition. 

In  September,  1866,  Mr.  Day  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Almira  Whiteside,  daughter  of 
William  Whiteside,  and  two  daughters  have 
been  born  of  this  union : Jennie  E.,  widow  of 
Augustus  Milner ; and  Alta,  wife  of  W.  J. 
Lambert.  Socially  Mr.  Day  is  a member  of 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


545 


the  Odd  Fellows  and  Masonic  fraternities,  and 
is  very  popular  in  the  lodges.  Being  by  na- 
ture genial,  and  possessing  the  faculty  of  gain- 
ing friends,  he  may  well  be  regarded  as  one 
of  the  most  popular  as  well  as  representative 
men  of  Mount  Hope  and  the  surrounding 
country. 

EVAN  ARTHUR,  a well-known  and  es- 
teemed pioneer  of  Grant  county,  was  born  in 
Tredegar,  South  Wales,  England,  about  the 
year  1815.  At  an  early  age  he  was  apprenticed 
to  the  trade  of  tool  turner  in  a rolling  mill, 
and  before  his  term  of  service  was  over  his  fa- 
ther was  killed  in  the  mill,  leaving  a wife  and 
four  children,  of  whom  Evan  was  the  young- 
est. However,  the  family  was  left  in  fair  cir- 
cumstances, and  all  of  the  children  were  given 
a common-school  education,  in  Welsh. 

At  the  age  of  eighteen  Evan  Arthur  left 
his  native  land  for  America,  and  after  a voy- 
ag'e  of  nine  weeks  landed  in  New  York  City, 
where  he  secured  a position  as  master  work- 
man in  the  iron  works.  Attending  night 
school,  he  soon  perfected  himself  in  the  Eng- 
lish language.  Some  years  later  he  was  sent 
to  the  Pennsylvania  rolling  mills,  and  a year 
and  a half  later  to  the  rolling  mills  at  Rich- 
mond, Va.,  where  he  remained  about  two  years. 
His  next  removal  was  to  Nashville.  Tenn., 
where  he  took  charge  of  a rolling  mill,  and 
remained  until  the  gold  fever  broke  out  and 
he  migrated  to  Iowa,  settling  upon  a farm 
about  thirty  miles  below  Dubuque.  Later  Mr. 
Arthur  sold  this  farm  and  bought  another, 
about  four  and  one-half  miles  from  Dubuque, 
at  Table  Mound.  The  excitement  over  the 
discovery  of  lead  soon  induced  him  to  sell  his 
farm  and  engage  in  mining,  which1  pursuit  he 
followed  until  a few  years  before,  his  death, 
March  21,  1881,  at  the  old  homestead,  at 
Muscalonge,  Grant  county.  In  1850  Mr. 
Arthur  and1  his  eldest  son,  David,  bought  a 
mine  at  Cassville,  Wis.,  to  which  place  he  re- 
moved his  family  in  1851.  Later  they  removed 
to  Beetown,  and  then  to  Muscalonge,  where  a 
son.  Christmas  E.  Arthur,  still  resides. 

About  1833  Mr.  Arthur  married  Martha 
Bi  van,  who  bore  him  eleven  children,  seven  of 
whom  are  still  living.  Airs.  Arthur  died  at 
Cassville  with  her  infant  son,  in  1852.  Of  a 
happy,  jovial  disposition.  Mr.  Arthur  made 
many  friends,  and  was  a man  of  deeds  as  well 
as  words.  Earlv  in  life  he  became  a devoted 
35 


Christian,  and  his  first  thought  in  settling  in 
a new  home  was  to  organize  a church  and  Sun- 
day-school. When  he  came  to  Cassville  there 
were  four  stores  and  two  saloons,  but  no  school 
house  or  church,  in  the  town  of  350  souls. 
Soon  after  his  arrival  rooms  were  secured,  ,a 
Sunday-school  organized,  and  a minister  en- 
gaged to  come  occasionally  from  Beetown ; 
thus  a church  was  commenced.  When  it  was 
impossible  for  the  clergyman  to  be  present 
“Father"  Arthur,  as  he  was  usually  called, 
preached  in  his  stead,  and  he  was  afterward 
ordained  as  elder,  with  the  privilege  of  admin- 
istering the  sacraments,  burying  the  dead,  and 
performing  the  marriage  ceremony.  The  ill- 
ness of  this  good  man  was  very  short,  and  his 
last  words  were : “I  am  ready  .to  go.  My 
peace  was  made  with  God  many  years  ago.” 

GOTTLIEB  HARTWICH,  an  old  and 
highly  respected’  citizen  of  Green  county,  was 
born  in  Germany  March  23,  1831,  and  for 
many  years  has  been  a resident  of  the  village 
of  Juda.  Christian  and  Sophia  (Zimmer- 
mann)  Hartwich,  his  parents,  were  honorable 
and  industrious  people  of  Danzig.  Prussia, 
where  the  father  followed  cattle  herding  and 
farm  labor.  Soon  after  coming  to  this  coun- 
try, in  1870,  he  died  at  the  town  of  Sylvester, 
Green  Co.,  Wisconsin. 

Gottlieb  Hartwich  married  Miss  Frezeka 
Reasa  in  1835,  and  the  following  year  the 
newly-married  couple  came  to  this  country, 
where  they  have  had  a family  named  as  fol- 
lows: (1)  Wilhelmina,  born  Sept.  22,  1855, 

died  Feb.  15,  1865.  (2)  Herman,  born  May 

16,  1857,  is  now  a farmer  in  South  Dakota. 
(3)  Carl,  born  Oct.  22,  1858.  is  a farmer  in 
Lafayette  county,  Wis.  (4)  Julia,  born  July 
11,  i860,  is  the  wife  of  William  Bronco,  of 
Green  county,  Wis.  ( 5 ) Louisa,  born  Sept. 
23,  1861.  married  Ferdinand  Miller,  of  Green 
county,  Wis.  (6)  Elizabeth,  born  Oct.  1, 
1867,  married  John  Fox,  of  Nebraska.  (7) 
Henry,  born  Feb.  28,  1873.  is  a farmer  at  Brod- 
head.  (8)  Martha,  born  Oct.  24,  1871,  died 
in  1873.  Mr.  Hartwich  lost  his1  wife  June  16, 
1896.  She  was  born  Aug.  3,  1832,  and  through 
her  useful  life  proved  herself  a faithful  wife  and 
a true  Christian  woman.  Mr.  Hartwich  and  his 
devoted  wife  came  to  this  country  very  poor 
pe'ople.  but  before  she  died  their  circumstances 
had  greatly  changed,  and  their  last  years  to- 
gether were  very  comfortable.  Mr.  Hartwich 


546 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


recently  sold  a half-section  of  good  farming 
land  in  South  Dakota,  and  has  recently  dis- 
posed of  two  farms  in  Green  county.  He  is 
now  spending  his  last  years  in  a very  comfort- 
able home  in  Juda.  Mr.  Hartwich  has  always 
been  a stanch  Republican,  and  for  forty  years 
was  a consistent  member  of  the  Evangelical 
Church. 

ROBERT  McBRIDE,  late  of  Platteville, 
Grant  county,  a skillful  mechanic,  prosperous 
farmer  and  highly  respected  citizen,  was  a 
native  of  the  State,  born  Jan.  20,  1833. 

John  and  Rosa  McBride,  parents  of  Robert, 
were  born  and  married  in  Ireland,  and  early 
came  to  the  United  States,  landing  in  New 
York  City.  John  McBride  for  some  time 
worked  on  the  Erie  canal,  aiding  in  its  con- 
struction, and  later  went  to  Philadelphia,  Penn., 
where  he  worked  as  a linen  weaver.  After  a 
short  sojourn  there  he  came  to  Wisconsin, 
purchasing  a farm  in  Lafayette  county,  on 
which  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life.  He 
raised  a family  of  ten  children,  of  whom  two 
live  in  Platteville,  John  and  Mrs.  Robert 
Brown.  The  children  were  all  well  educated 
in  the  old  Academy  of  Platteville. 

When  a young  man  Robert  McBride 
purchased  a farm  near  Platteville.  In  Decem- 
ber, 1861,  he  married  Miss  Sabina  Robinson, 
of  Platteville,  a daughter  of  Joseph  and  Han- 
nah (Bratton)  Robinson,  natives' of  England, 
who  were  prominent  pioneers  of  Grant  county. 
On  coming  to  Wisconsin,  in  1841,  Mr.  Rob- 
inson settled  on  the  farm  near  Platteville  on 
which  he  died  in  1888.  He  was  three  times 
married,  and  Mrs.  McBride,  who  is  the  eldest 
child  of  the  first  wife,  was  born  in  1841,  and 
was  educated  in  the  schools  of  Platteville.  At 
his  marriage  Mr.  McBride  located  on  a farm, 
and  there  lived  until  1889,  when  he  removed 
to  Platteville,  where  he  had  purchased  a beau- 
tiful residence  and  other  real  estate.  Here  he 
died  May  20,  1890,  and  here  his  estimable 
widow  still  has  her  home. 

The  union  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McBride  was 
blessed  with  four  children,  viz. : Jesse,  who 
was  born  in  Lafayette  county,  Wis.,  in  1862, 
was  graduated  from  the  State  Normal  School 
of  Platteville,  and  married  Miss  Georgia  Mee- 
ley,  of  Kansas,  who  has  borne  him  three  chil- 
dren, Robert  B.,  Eunice  and  Douglas;  the  fam- 
ily now  reside  in  Minneapolis,  Minn.,  where 
Jesse  is  bookkeeper  for  a milling  firm.  Lucina, 


born  in  1865,  was  likewise  graduated  from 
the  State  Normal,  is  a stenographer,  and  has 
an  office  in  the  Bailey  block.  Robert  Lester, 
born  on  the  home  farm  in  September,  1869, 
also  graduated  from  the  State  Normal,  mar- 
ried Miss  Lillie  Eastman,  of  Platteville,  and 
is  at  present  stenographer  for  the  Minneapo- 
lis Implement  Machine  Co.  Lillian  R.,  born  in 
1872,  graduated  from  the  State  Normal  and 
the  State  University,  and  is  now  principal  of 
the  graded  schools  of  Plymouth,  Wisconsin. 

in  religion  Mr.  McBride  was  a devout 
Methodist,  and1  Mrs.  McBride,  a lady  of  strong 
religious  convictions,  has  always  taken  an  act- 
ive part  in  the  work  of  the  church,  in  the  faith 
of  which  she  has  carefully  reared  her  children. 
In  politics  Mr.  McBride  was  a stanch  Repub- 
lican, held  several  local  offices  when  living  on 
his  farm,  and  in  1880  was  census  enumerator 
of  his  district.  ITe  was  a loving  and  devoted 
husband,  a fond  and  indulgent  father,  a sin- 
cere friend,  and  his  death  was  truly  mourned 
by  all  who  knew  him.  His  widow,  than  whom 
no  more  estimable  lady  resides  in  Platteville, 
is  passing  her  days  in  ease  and  comfort,  es- 
teemed and  beloved  by  a large  circle  of  true 
friends. 

DANIEL  B.  BECHTOLT,  whose  resi- 
dence in  Jordan  township,  Green  county,  cov- 
ers half  a century,  is  a native  of  Ohio,  born 
Feb.  22,  1837,  in  Licking  county,  where  he 
passed  his  early  years. 

Mathias  Bechtolt,  Sr.,  his  grandfather, 
was  a native  of  Germany,  whence  he  emigrated 
to  America  before  the  Revolutionary  war,  set- 
tling in  Berks  county,  Penn.  His  family  con- 
sisted of  eleven  children,  namely : Isaac, 

George  (who  was  a minister),  Frederick,  Dan- 
iel, Mathias,  Jr.,  William,  Elizabeth,  Cather- 
ine, and  three  who  died  young.  Of  these, 
Mathias,  Jr.,  father  of  Daniel  B.  Bechtolt,  was 
born  July  6,  1788,  in  Berks  county.  Penn., 
and  in  1813  married  Miss  Christina  Epler, 
of  Berks  county,  born  June  10,  1 795 ’ who  bore 
him  eigffit  children:  Christina,  Catherine,  Ma- 
thias,  Lydia,  Peter,  Permelia,  Elizabeth  and 
Daniel  B.,  all  deceased  except  Mrs.  Permelia 
Dewit,  of  Iowa,  and  Daniel  B.  The  family 
came  to  Wisconsin  when  our  subject  was  four- 
teen years  of  age,  settling  in  Jordan  township, 
Green  county,  where  the  father  homesteaded 
forty  acres  of  government  land.  He  died  Nov. 
19,  1872,  the  mother  on  Sept.  21,  1856. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


547 


Daniel  B.  Bechtolt  received  his  education 
in  Ins  native  State,  and  was  trained  to  agricul- 
tural pursuits  on  his  present  farm,  which  he 
has  continued  to  carry  on  most  profitably,  hav- 
ing a well-improved  farm,  now  comprising 
i bo  acres,  equipped  with  good  barns,  etc. 
When  he  commenced  life  on  his  own  account 
he  had  not  a dollar  to  his  name,  but  he  has 
succeeded  by  dint  of  perseverance  in  acquiring 
a comfortable  competence,  and  at  the  same 
time  has  made  for  himself  an  honorable  name 
among  the  best  citizens  of  his  community.  As 
one  of  the  leading  farmers  of  the  township 
his  influence  in  local  affairs  is  strong,  and  al- 
ways exercised  in  the  cause  of  right.  His  po- 
litical support  is  given  to  principle  and  not  to 
party,  and  he  may  always  be  depended  upon 
to  aid  by  his  ballot  the  best  men  and  the  best 
measures,  regardless  of  their  political  spon- 
sors. In  religion  he  is  inclined  toward  the 
faith  of  the  United  Brethren. 

On  March  12,  1857,  Mr.  Bechtolt  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Matilda  Wagner, 
who  was  born  Feb.  19,  1839,  in  Pennsylvania, 
a daughter  of  Charles  and  Lydia  (Shultz) 
Wagner,  and  eight  children  blessed  this  union, 
namely:  Maria,  who  died  Feb.  3,  1861;  Al- 
bert B.,  who  is  a minister  and  farmer,  resid- 
ing in  Cadiz  township,  Green  county;  Lydia, 
wife  of  Charles  Blain,  of  Jordan;  Samuel,  of 
Iowa,  who  married  Ettie  Lafever;  George,  of 
Monroe  township,  Green  county,  who  married 
Ina  Wells;  Ervin,  who  remains  on  the  old 
home  place,  and  is  married  to  Isa  Wells;  Ida 
Elmedia,  wife  of  Walter  Kessler,  of  Jordan; 
and  Orpha  Lois,  who  died  in  infancy,  Feb. 
19,  1879.  Mrs.  Bechtolt  passed  away  June 
19,  1880.  She  was  a true  Christian  woman, 
sharing  in  the  high  esteem  in  which  her  hus- 
band has  always  been  held,  and  was  deeply 
mourned  by  her  neighbors  and  friends  through- 
out the  township. 

PHILLIP  GERHART,  a retired  farmer 
of  Harrison  township,  Grant  county,  richly 
deserves  the  rest  and  peace  that  have  come  to 
him  in  his  last  and  declining  years.  He  has 
been  all  his  life  an  industrious  and  hard-work- 
ing man,  has  kept  close  to  the  soil,  and  wrought 
a good  work  in  the  oft-recurring  sowing  and 
reaping.  Now  that  the  sun  is  casting  the  long 
shadows,  it  is  fitting  and  proper  that  he  should 
surround  himself  with  those  things  that  he 
has  accumulated  by  honest  toil,  to  comfort 
the  afternoon  of  his  day  on  earth. 


Mr.  Gerhart  was  born  on  the  river  Rhine, 
in  Germany,  in  1837,  and  is  a son  of  Valentine 
and  Mary  (Post)  Gerhart,  who  lived  and  died 
in  the  Fatherland.  His  father  followed  the 
work  of  a weaver,  and  in  his  time  served  as  a 
soldier  in  the  German  army.  Phillip  Gerhart, 
with  one  brother  and  one  sister,  came  to  this 
country  in  1855,  and  worked  in  the  coal  mines 
at  Pottsville,  Penn.,  for  a year.  He  then  came 
West  to  Grant  county,  Wis.  The  brother, 
V alentine,  settled  on  a farm  near  Platteville, 
and  married  Miss  Mary  J.  Lory,  who  was  born 
in  England.  They  have  had  six  children : 
Susan,  who  married  Rev.  Mr.  Farnsworth,  of 
Grant  county,  and  is  now  deceased;  Jane,  of 
Iowa ; Mary,  who  married  Rev.  Richard  Cams, 
of  Iowa;  Miss  Louisa;  and  Carrie  and  Jessie, 
also  unmarried.  Charlotte  Gerhart,  sister  of 
Phillip,  married  Lewis  Liable  in  Germany; 
they  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  settled  on  a farm 
in  Harrison  township,  where  he  died  in  May, 
1900,  leaving  a widow  and  six  children  : Mary, 
wife  of  Charles  Brunton,  of  Harrison  town- 
ship; Lewis;  Lizzie,  Mrs.  Eslip;  and  Carrie, 
Mrs.  Edward  Ivan — all  of  Harrison  township; 
Frank,  of  Platteville;  and  Nettie,  who  died 
at  the  dawn  of  womanhood. 

Phillip  Gerhart  was  eighteen  years  old 
when  he  came  to  America,  and  though  he  had 
been  thoroughly  educated  in  the  German 
schools  his  English  education  was  mostly  ac- 
quired after  coming  to  this  country.  Fie  did 
farm  work  by  the  month  in  Grant  county 
until  the  breaking  out  of  the  Civil  war,  when 
he  enlisted  in  Company  B,  43d  Wis.  V.  L, 
and  served  mainly  in  the  Army  of  the  Ten- 
nessee, under  Gen.  Thomas.  His  regiment 
was  badly  cut  up  at  Nashville,  and  through- 
out the  war  he  saw  many  hard-fought  battles, 
and  made  many  long  and  dreary  marches.  Fie 
was  mustered  out  in  November,  1865,  and, 
coming  back  to  Grant  county,  married  Miss 
Mary  Lawrence,  the  estimable  daughter  of 
Henry  and  Sophia  (Faacier)  Lawrence,  both 
of  whom  were  German  born  and  bred.  After 
coming  to  America  they  spent  some  years  in 
the  hard  coal  region  near  Pottsville,  Penn., 
where  they  were  married.  In  1845  they  came 
to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  and  settled  on  the  farm 
near  Platteville  which  was  their  home  until 
death.  Four  of  their  children  are  still  living: 
Charles,  of  Grant  county;  Maggie,  Mrs.  Peter 
Cabley,  of  Harrison  township ; Carrie,  Mrs. 
Tohn  Lory,  of  Crawford  county,  Wis.;  and 
Mary,  Mrs.  Phillip  Gerhart.  The  last  named 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


5 43 


was  born  in  Pennsylvania  in  March,  1845, 
and  came  to  Wisconsin  when  a child. 

After  their  marriage  Mr.  Gerhart  and  his 
wife  settled  at  Platteville,  where  he  went  into 
business  as  a general  merchant.  He  did  well, 
and  displayed  good  business  habits,  but  his 
health  so  failed  that  he  was  compelled  to  seek 
out-of-door  work,  and  he  rented  a farm  near 
Platteville,  which  he  continued  to  cultivate 
until  he  purchased  it,  in  1896.  He  has  erected 
a new  home,  and  made  extensive  improve- 
ments. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gerhart  have  reared  a 
family  of  seven  children:  Henry  was  born  in 
Platteville  in  1870,  married  Miss  Ida  Burk- 
holder, of  the  town  of  Harrison,  and  resides 
on  a part  of  the  present  homestead ; they  have 
two  sons,  Arche  and  Earle,  Edith,  (deceased), 
married  Edward  Morshead,  of  Grant  county, 
and  bore  him  two  sons,  John  and  Roy.  Han- 
nah, born  in  1875,  married  Jefferson  Rice,  and 
resides  in  the  town  of  Platteville,  on  a farm; 
they  have  six  sons,  Frank,  Alvin,  Charles,  Or- 
nie,  Samuel  and  Harry.  Carrie  died  when 
eleven  years  old.  Charles,  born  in  1878,  mar- 
ried Okie  Lauthain,  and  lives  in  the  town  of 
Harrison.  Frank,  born  in  1880,  married  Rena 
Burkholder.  Mabel,  born  in  1882,  is  now  the 
wife  of  Charles  Moses,  and  lives  on  a farm 
in  Grant  county. 

Mr.  Gerhart  has  always  been  a member  of 
the  Republican  party,  and  he  and  his  wife  were 
brought  up  in  the  Lutheran  Church.  They 
are  honorable  and  upright  people,  and  are 
highly  respected  by  all  who  know  them. 

EDWIN  L.  McNETT,  deceased.  Among 
the  sturdy  pioneer  families  of  Wisconsin,  who 
as  early  as  1836  located  on  what  was  then  the 
remote  northwest  frontier  of  civilization,  that 
of  McNett  was  well  known  as  one  of  the  most 
prominent ; and  during  the  succeeding  years, 
as  the  wild  country  has  been  subdued  and 
changed  into  one  of  the  best  cultivated  and 
most  desirable  regions  of  that  part  of  the 
Union,  the  same  family  is  known  as  honest 
and  energetic,  still  displaying  those  qualities 
which  assisted  in  the  founding  of  the  social  and 
commercial  life  of  those  early  days. 

A worthy  representative  of  the  McNett 
family  was  to  be  found  in  the  lamented  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch,  Edwin  L.  McNett,  who 
passed  out  of  life,  in  the  old  homestead  where 
he  was  born,  June  12,  1897.  His  birth  oc- 
curred Nov.  24,  1836,  in  Elk  Grove,  Lafay- 


ette Co.,  Wis.  The  parents  of  our  subject 
were  Lorenzo  and  Roxie  (McCumber)  Mc- 
Nett, the  former  of  whom  was  a son  of  Capt. 
Samuel  McNett,  a native  of  Massachusetts, 
who  located  in  Otsego  county,  N.  Y.,  early  in 
the  last  century,  for  we  learn  that  he  was  a 
soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  was  appointed 
light-keeper  on  Horse  Island,  near  his  home 
in  Smithfield.  Flis  official  position  was  con- 
ferred upon  him  by  Gen.  Brown,  for  gallant 
conduct  at  the  battle  of  Sackett’s  Harbor, 
where  his  last  days  were  spent,  his  death  oc- 
curring at  the  age  of  eighty-nine. 

Lorenzo  McNett  was  born  Aug.  11,  1807, 
and  in  1S33  married  Roxie  McCumber,  of  the 
State  of  New  York,  soon  after  migrating  to 
Lafayette  county,  Wis.,  and  locating  upon  gov- 
ernment land  near  the  line  of  Grant  county, 
in  Elk  Grove  township.  Here  Mr.  McNett 
made  his  home  in  a log  house,  where  his  fam- 
ily lived  and  thrived  until  1841,  when  lie  erect- 
ed one  of  the  first  frame  houses  built  in  the 
section.  He  added  to  his  purchase  of  land, 
which  he  cleared  and  improved  until  he  made 
it  one  of  the  best  farms  in  Elk  Grove.  Here 
his  wife  died  March  30,  1870,  he  surviving 
her  thirteen  years.  Two  sons  and  two  daugh- 
ters were  born  to  them,  the  eldest  being  Edwin 
L.,  our  subject;  Frank,  born  in  1838,  married 
Elizabeth  Curkeet,  of  Elk  Grove,  and  after  the 
death  of  his  wife,  in  Elk  Grove,  he  removed 
to  New  York;  Mary  married  John  McBride, 
of  Platteville;  Julia,  born  in  1842,  married 
Evan  Barnes,  of  Platteville. 

Our  subject  received  the  major  part  of  his 
education  in  the  little  district  school  house 
located  on  the  farm  which  he  owned  at  the 
time  of  his  death,  later  being  given  one  term 
in  the  Platteville  Academy.  The  usual  occupa- 
tion of  the  young  men  of  the  locality  was 
farming,  and  our  subject  entered  into  it  in  all 
its  branches,  making  an  innovation  in  the 
methods  of  some  of  the  laborious  work  by  the 
purchase  of  a thresher,  his  being  among  the 
first  in  the  neighborhood. 

The  marriage  of  our  subject  was  celebrated 
in  1863,  to  Miss  Amanda  Whitham,  a daugh- 
ter of  Emanuel  and  Isabel  (Cameron)  Whit- 
ham. Mr.  Whitham  was  born  in  Yorkshire, 
England,  March  22,  1797,  and  came  to  Amer- 
ica as  early  as  1819,  although  he  returned  to 
England,  coming  again  to  America  in  1829. 
Then  settling  in  Pennsylvania,  he  engaged  in 
business  there  until  1846,  when  he  moved  to 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


549 


Elk  Grove,  and  later  to  the  village  of  Elmo, 
where  he  afterward  resided,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  some  years  spent  in  Galena.  The  death 
of  Mr.  Whitnam  took  place  in  January,  1887. 
Ele  was  twice  married,  the  children  of  the  first 
union  being  Mrs.  Sophie  Wade,  of  England, 
and  Mrs.  Mary  Hilt,  of  Philadelphia,  in  the 
spring  of  1829  he  married  Isabel  Cameron,  a 
native  of  England,  the  children  of  this  union 
bemg:  Mrs.  Jane  Beebe,  of  Cherokee,  Iowa; 
Caroline,  of  Elmo,  Wis. ; William,  of  Elk 
Grove;  John,  of  St.  Joseph,  Mo. ; Emanuel, 
of  Platteville,  Wis. ; Wesley,  of  Webster  City, 
Iowa;  Mrs.  McNett;  Annie,  of  Platteville; 
and  Mrs.  Martha  Hahn,  of  Philadelphia.  Mrs. 
McNett  was  born  in  Doylestown,  Penn.,  in 
December,  1839,  and  was  educated  in  the 
schools  of  Grant  and  Lafayette  counties. 

After  marriage  our  subject  and  wife  set- 
tled on  the  farm  which  his  father  owned,  fol- 
lowing farming  there  some  four  years,  when 
he  purchased  the  old  Capt.  Leslie  homestead, 
where  the  old  fort  once  stood.  In  this  home  the 
family  lived  for  fifteen  years,  and  then  Mr. 
McNett  bought  the.  old  family  homestead, 
joining  the  two  farms.  Many  improvements 
were  being  continually  made  on  both  places, 
our  subject  being  a man  who  thoroughly  un- 
derstood farming,  and  the  value  of  substantial 
buildings,  good  implements  and  careful  culti- 
vation of  the  land. 

The  family  left  by  our  subject  is  well  known 
through  the  neighborhood : Mary,  born  in 

1864,  married  Lewis  Bunt,  resides  in  Elk  Grove 
and  has  children,  Hazel,  Edna  and  Lenys. 
Lewis,  born  in  1866,  married  Amy  Bunt,  and 
lives  near  Elmo;  he  has  two  children,  Ethel 
and  Velma.  Julia,  born  in  186S,  is  residing 
at  home.  Howard,  born  in  1870,  married  Bes- 
sie Webster,  and  resides  on  a farm  near  the 
old  home;  they  have  three  children,  Odessa, 
Lois  and  Dow.  Frank,  born  in  1872,  assists 
in  the  management  of  the  home  farm.  Cam- 
eron, born  in  1874,  married  Lizzie  Fox,  of 
Big  Patch,  and  resides  in  Kendall  township ; 
they  have  one  son,  George.  Caroline,  born 
in  1879,  is  a student.  George  was  born  in 
1876;  Elmer,  in  1882;  and  Harry,  m 1885. 

In  politics  Mr.  McNett  was  a Republican, 
and  efficiently  filled  the  greater  number  of  the 
local  offices  of  his  town.  The  whole  family 
has  been  reared  in  the  M.  E.  Church,  where 
they  are  held  in  high  esteem.  The  affection- 
ate name  of  "Grandmother”  is  given  Mrs.  Mc- 


Nett in  the  community,  her  kind  and  benevolent 
nature  making  her  beloved  by  all.  Many  in- 
teresting tales  are  told  by  her  of  the  early 
pioneer  days,  when  she  and  her  late  husband 
struggled  through  many  difficulties,  but  she 
is  now  surrounded  by  the  loving  care  of  chil- 
dren and  grandchildren,  with  every  comfort 
of  life. 

PFIILIP  KOLB,  a highly  respected  citi- 
zen of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  and  an  hon- 
ored veteran  of  the  Civil  war,  was  born  in 
Hessen-Darmstadt,  Germany,  in  1827,  and 
came  to  America  with  his  parents,  John  and 
Amelia  (Junge)  Kolb,  the  family  locating  in 
Mercer  county,  Penn.,  in  which  State  the  father 
died  in  1849.  The  mother's  death  occurred  in 
Platteville,  Wis.  In  their  family  were  six  sons 
and  three  daughters,  of  whom  are  named : 
Elizabeth;  Philip;  Henry,  who  died  en  route 
to  California,  in  1850;  Jacob,  a resident  of  St. 
Paul,  Minn.;  William,  of  Platteville;  John, 
also  a resident  of  Platteville,  who  was  in  the 
Union  army  during  the  Rebellion;  George,  of 
Vermilion,  S.  Dak.;  and  Mrs.  Frances  Elgar, 
of  Platteville. 

Philip  Kolb  began  his  education  in  the 
schools  of  his  native  land,  and  during  the  resi- 
dence of  the  family  in  Mercer  county,  Penn., 
he  attended  school  to  some  extent.  In  1850, 
at  the  age  of  twenty-three  years,  he  came  to 
Platteville,  Wis.,  where  he  at  first  worked  on 
a farm,  and  later  engaged  in  carpentering. 
In  that  city  he  was  married,  in  1853,  to  Miss 
Barbara  Leibert,  a native  of  Bavaria,  Germany, 
and  a daughter  of  Chrisman  and  Mary  (Sam- 
son) Leibert,  who  were  also  born  in  that  king- 
dom, and  on  coming  to  America,  in  1856, 
located  at  Galena,  111.  There  the  family  lived 
on  a farm  for  some  time,  and  then  moved  to 
Hazel  Green,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  where  Mr.  Lei- 
bert died  in  1869,  his  wife  in  1868.  Their 
children  were  Andrew,  a resident  of  Nebraska; 
Mary,  deceased  ; Amelia  ; Mary ; Margaret ; 
Nicholas;  Frederick;  Eva,  Mrs.  Oettiker ; and 
Barbara,  Mrs.  Kolb.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kolb  have 
six  children,  namely : ( 1 ) John  makes  his  home 
in  Chicago,  111.  (2)  Joseph,  a resident  of 

Lewistown.  111.,  married  a Miss  Hillyer,  and 
they  have  four  children,  Earl,  Flo.  Beulah 
and  Anna,  f 3 ) Flo.  also  of  Lewistown,  111., 
married  a Miss  Hoffman,  and  has  one  son, 
Percy.  (4)  Philip  is  a teacher  of  music  in 
the  Platteville  State  Normal.  (5)  Mary  is 


550 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


the  wife  of  Thomas  Brooking,  of  Macomb, 
ill.,  and  they  have  four  children,  Melvin, 
Philip,  Flo  and  Vivian.  (6)  Christine,  Mrs. 
Harris,  of  Platteville  township,  Grant  county, 
has  one  child,  Bertie. 

At  Platteville,  in  1865,  Mr.  Kolb  enlisted 
in  Company  K,  44th  Wis.  V.  I.,  for  one  year 
or  during  the  war,  and  was  mustered  into  the 
United  States  service  at  Madison,  Wis.  He 
was  on  regular  duty  at  Nashville,  and  later 
at  Paducah,  Ivy.,  where  he  was  honorably  dis- 
charged in  September,  1865,  the  war  having 
ended  and  his  services  being  no1  longer  needed. 
He  is  now  an  honored  member  of  W.  T.  Sher- 
man Post,  No.  66,  G.  A.  R.,  and  is  a stanch 
supporter  of  the  Republican  party,  in  the  wel- 
fare of  which  he  takes  an  active  interest.  Mr. 
Kolb  and  his  wife  both  hold  membership  in 
the  Congregational  Church,  and  are  among  the 
prominent  representative  citizens  of  Grant 
county. 

JOHN  M.  COTTIN  GIT  AM  is  a son  of 
Timothy  Cottingham  (deceased),  who  was 
born  in  Yorkshire,  England,  Feb.  18,  1829, 
and  for  some  years  before  his  death  lived  re- 
tired in  the  town  of  Benton,  Lafayette  coun- 
ty. He  had  been  an  active  miner  and  a miller, 
and  was  favorably  known  as  a good  workman 
and  an  honest  man.  His  parents  were  Anthony 
and  Jane  Cottingham,  the  former  of  whom 
died  in  England,  and  years  afterward  the 
widow  came  to  her  son  in  Wisconsin,  where 
she  died  Jan.  18,  1858. 

Timothy  Cottingham  was  reared  in  Eng- 
land, where  he  married  Miss  Jane  Metcalf, 
daughter  of  John  and  Sarah  Metcalf,  both  of 
whom  were  born  in  England,  where  they  lived 
and  died.  Of  their  children,  ten  in  number, 
Mrs.  Cottingham  is  the  only  one  in  this  coun- 
try. In  1853  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cottingham  came 
to  New  York  in  a sailing  vessel,  being  five 
weeks  on  the  way.  They  made  the  journey 
to  Buffalo  by  rail,  and  from  that  city  to  Big 
Patch,  Grant  county,  they  made  the  journey 
by  wagon.  There  they  lived  a short  time, 
and  then  moved  into  the  town  of  Benton, 
where  he  was  engaged  in  mining  for  several 
years  before  he  took  up  the  milling  business. 
For  many  years  he  was  an  extensive  shipper 
of  grain  and  flour,  investing  very  largely  in 
good  farm  lands  in  this  State  and  in  Iowa. 
Mr.  Cottingham  was  an  active  business  man 
almost  to  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred 


Aug.  6,  1898.  He  was  an  active  worker  in 
the  Methodist  Church,  frequently  filling  pul- 
pits in  Cuba,  Hazel  Green,  Benton,  and  other 
stations  for  many  years.  An  ardent  Republi- 
can, he  took  an  enlightened  interest  in  public 
affairs.  Previous  to  his  death  he  had  pur- 
chased a building  lot  and  begun  the  erection 
of  a beautiful  home,  which  has  been  carried 
on  to  completion.  Of  the  ten_ children  born  to 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cottingham,  seven  attained  ma- 
ture years  : ( 1 ) Anthony  H.  is  living  on  his 

father’s  old  farm  near  Lead  Mine;  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Lizzie  Caton,  and  is  the  father  of 
seven  children,  of  whom  are  named  Lona  M., 
Jay  T.,  Russell  A.,  Ethel  J.,  and  Irwin.  (2) 
Sarah  M.,  born  in  England,  married  William 
Nattrass,  and  settled  in  Aurelia,  Iowa,  where 
he  is  engaged  in  the  hardware  business.  She 
died  in  March,  1893,  leaving  the  following 
children — Zella  (who  is  the  wife  of  Bertram 
E.  Lloyd,  of  Aurelia,  the  editor  of  the  Sentinel 
of  that  place,  and  has  one  daughter,  Dorothy), 
Marietta,  Olliver,  Alma,  Josephine,  Sadie  E., 
and  Cedric.  (3)  Jane  E.,  born  in  Grant  coun- 
ty, became  the  wife  of  William  ITarker,  who 
settled  in  Aurelia,  Iowa,  where  Mrs.  Harker 
died  in  1885,  leaving  five  children,  \\  alter  (de- 
ceased), Willie  (of  Billings,  Mont.),  Joseph 
FI.,  Mamie  (with  her  father  at  Preston,  Wis.), 
and  Jennie  E.  The  last  named,  adopted  by  her 
grandparents,  lives  in  Benton,  where  she  at- 
tends the  high  school.  (4)  John  M.  is  men- 
tioned more  fully  below.  (5)  Joseph  H.,  who 
was  educated  in  the  State  Normal  at  Platteville, 
married  Miss  Josie  L.  Bratton,  and  they  are 
the  parents  of  three  children,  Aletha,  Claude 
and  Lucile.  They  are  living  in  Oklahoma. 
(6)  May  A.,  who  remains  at  the  family  home 
with  her  mother,  was  educated  in  the  State 
Normal  at  Platteville,  making  a good  reputa- 
tion as  a student  and  a musician  of  marked 
ability.  She  leads  the  church  choir.  (7)  Tim- 
othy J.  is  now  a traveling  salesman  for  the 
FI.  B.  Glover  Co.,  Dubuque,  Iowa.  He  mar- 
ried Miss  Minnie  Clarkson.  Mrs.  Cottingham 
and  the  family  are  members  of  the  Methodist 
Church,  in  which  all  are  known  as  devoted 
and  faithful  workers. 

John  M.  Cottingham  was  born  in  Benton, 
and  was  educated  in  the  Lead  Mine  schools. 
O11  reaching  manhood  he  engaged  in  farming, 
and  learned  the  miller’s  trade  with  his  father, 
and  for  a number  of  years  previous  to  the 
death  of  that  gentleman  the  milling  interests 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


55i 


of  the  family  were  in  his  hands.  He  married 
Miss  Mary  M.  Side,  who  was  born  in  1859, 
and  whose  parents,  John  and  Mary  Side,  were 
old  and  respected  citizens  of  Lafayette  county, 
locating  here  at  an  early  day.  Mrs.  Cottingham 
obtained  her  education  in  the  Lead  Aline 
schools.  Air.  and  Airs.  Cottingham  have  had 
the  following  named  children : Rupert  N. 

(born  in  June,  1880),  George,  Alary,  Alamie, 
and  Bessie  (born  in  1896). 

After  his  marriage  John  AI.  Cottingham 
moved  to  the  milling  property,  which  he  pur- 
chased in  company  with  Thomas  Miller,  under 
the  firm  name  of  Cottingham  & Miller,  and 
is  now  engaged  in  grain  dealing  and  milling. 
They  have  one  of  the  largest  roller  mills  in 
Lafayette  county,  and  are  doing  an  extensive 
business.  Politically  Air.  Cottingham  is  a Re- 
publican. His  wife  and  children  are  members 
of  the  Methodist  Church.  Socially  he  is  a 
member  of  Lodge  No.  268,  F.  & A.  AL,  of 
Benton;  Lodge  No.  134,  K.  of  P. ; Lodge  No. 
21,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  with  his  wife  belongs  to 
the  Order  of  Rebekahs. 

SAMUEL  JENK-IN  enjoys  the  distinction 
of  having  been  actively  engaged  in  mercantile 
life  in  Mineral  Point.  Iowa  county,  longer 
than  any  other  citizen  of  that  thriving  munici- 
pality. In  the  course  of  his  long  business  ca- 
reer he  has  acquired  an  enviable  reputation 
both  as  a man  and  as  a citizen. 

Air.  Jenkin  was  born  in  Redruth.  Cornwall, 
England.  Oct.  28,  1824,  a son  of  Samuel  and 
Jenny  (Repper)  Jenkin,  both  also  natives  of 
Cornwall,  where  the  ancestors  of  the  Jenkin 
family  have  lived  for  many  generations.  John 
Jenkin,  the  grandfather  of  our  subject,  was  an 
assayer  by  profession,  and  was  employed  in  tin. 
copper  and  lead  mines.  The  elder  Samuel 
Jenkin  was  born  in  Redruth,  where  he  learned 
the  stone-mason’s  trade.  I11  1841  he  came  to 
the  United  States,  reaching  Alineral  Point  in 
July  of  that  year,  and  immediately  entered  upon 
the  work  of  his  trade,  building  upon  an  exten- 
sive scale,  and  having  in  charge  the  construc- 
tion of  a number  of  the  most  important  busi- 
ness blocks  in  Mineral  Point ; he  became  wide- 
ly known  as  an  upright  and  thoroughlv  relia- 
ble contractor  and  builder.  He  died  in  1880, 
at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty  years.  Airs. 
Jenkin  passed  away  some  years  previously, 
and  she  was  about  seventy  when  called 
away.  She  was  born  near  St.  Austell,  Corn- 


wall, where  her  mother  lived  to  reach  a 
great  age.  Samuel  and  Jenny  Jenkin  were 
the  parents  of  three  sons  ana  eight  daugh- 
ters, of  whom  one  daughter,  Airs.  Catherine 
Collins  (a  widow,  and  now  a resident  of  Wau- 
kesha), and  Samuel  are  the  only  survivors. 
Only  one  of  these  eleven  children  died  before 
reaching  maturity. 

Samuel  Jenkin  attended  school  up  to  the 
age  of  twelve  years,  when  he  began  to  learn 
the  stone-mason’s  trade.  In  his  seventeenth 
year  he  came  to  Alineral  Point,  and  took  a 
place  in  the  lead  mines,  where  he  spent  the 
ensuing  five  years.  At  the  expiration  of  that, 
time  he  set  himself  to  the  learning  of  the 
tinner’s  trade,  which  to  a very  large  degree  has 
been  bis  occupation  up  to  the  present  time. 
In  1851  Air.  Jenkin  made  the  journey  to  the 
California  gold  fields,  overland,  being  six 
months  on  the  way,  and  spent  one  year  pros- 
pecting and  mining  in  that  distant  State.  He 
then  returned  to  his  home  by  way  of  the  Isth- 
mus and  tl^£  city  of  New  York.  Coming  back 
to  Alineral  Point,  he  was  for  a time  in  the 
grocery  and  dry  goods  line,  and  in  1861  went 
to  Leavenworth,  Kans.,  but  did  not  make  a 
prolonged  stay  in  that  frontier  town.  Com- 
ing back  to  Mineral  Point,  be  resumed  his 
trade,  and  since  1866  has  dealt  continuously  in 
hardware.  In  1876  he  took  up  several  new 
lines,  adding  agricultural  implements,  wagons, 
carriages  and  sleighs,  in  which  he  has  dealt  up 
to  the  present  time.  Air.  Jenkin  also  does  all 
kinds  of  plumbing  and  tinning  work,  and  has 
built  up  a very  extensive  trade. 

Our  subject  was  married,  in  Alarch,  1853, 
to  Aliss  Elizabeth  Waters,  of  New  York  City, 
and  of  the  children  born  to  this  union  nine 
are  living,  all  of  whom  have  enjoyed  excellent 
social  and1  educational  advantages.  ( 1 ) Alar- 
tha  died  when  fifteen  years'  old.  (2)  One 
child  died  in  infancy.  (3)  Nettie,  who  married 
Christian  Weiber.  lives  in  Chicago.  (4)- Sam- 
uel is  also  a resident  of  Chicago.  (5)  Agnes, 
who  married  Dr.  H.  P.  Alix,  lives  in  Highland, 
Wis.  (6)  Sally  is  in  Chicago.  (7)  John 
and  (8)  Edward  are  interested  in  business 
with  their  father.  (9)  Gertrude,  who  mar- 
ried Frank  De  Volt,  lives  in  Chicago,  as  does 
(10)  Anna,  who  married  James  Green,  ( 1 if 
Amy  is  at  home.  Air.  and  Airs.  Jenkin  have 
nine  grandchildren. 

Airs.  Jenkin  is  a member  of  the  Alethodist 
Church,  but  others  of  the  family  belong  to  the 


552 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD . 


Episcopal  Church.  Mr.  Jenkin  has  been  re- 
peatedly elected  city  treasurer,  and  for  a num- 
ber of  years  was  supervisor,  during  which 
time  he  supported  the  measure  to  erect  a county 
asylum.  As  alderman  of  Mineral  Point  he 
did  much  to  promote  the  general  interests  of 
the  city,  and  he  has  always  been  classed  among 
the  enlightened  and  progressive  residents  of 
that  place. 

DAYTON  D.  TYLER,  the  prosperous 
proprietor  of  a sawmill  in  Cadiz  township, 
Green  county,  and  one  of  the  foremost  citi- 
zens of  his  community,  was  born  in  Chenango 
county,  N.  Y.,  Dec.  5,  1843,  son  °f  Simeon 
and  Martha  Jane  (Card)  Tyler,  natives  of 
New  York  State,  who-  were  wedded  in  1830. 

Simeon  Tyler  was  a son  of  Broadstreet 
Tyler,  who  was'  born  in  Connecticut,  and  after 
the  close  of  the  Revolution  located  in  New 
York.  He  was  of  English  parentage,  and 
served  with  great  bravery  throughout  the  war 
for  independence,  enduring  the  hardships  of 
the  terrible  winter  at  Valley  Forge,  and  serv- 
ing under  George  Washington.  He  lost  an 
eye  at  the  battle  of  Brandywine.  Thrice  mar- 
ried, he  became  the  father  of  twenty-one  chil- 
dren. His  death  occurred  when  he  was  aged 
ninety-eight  years.  Simeon  Tyler,  father  of 
Dayton  D.,  was  the  father  of  six  children,  as 
follows:  Martha  J.,  deceased;  Dolphus',  who 

resides  in  Tennessee;  Aurelia,  wife  of  H.  B. 
Mack,  of  California;  Nathan  C.,  of  Martin, 
Wis. ; Lucian  D.,  who  died  at  the  age  of  twen- 
ty; and  Dayton  D. 

Dayton  D.  Tyler  came  with  his  parents 
from  New  York  to  Stephenson  county,  111., 
when  he  was  but  six  years  of  age,  and  two 
years  later  was  left  an  orphan  by  the  death  of 
both  his  parents,  and,  when  a little  past  seven- 
teen, was  thrown  out  in  the  world  to  depend 
entirely  upon  his  own  resources.  On1  Sept. 
10,  1861,  he  became  a member  of  Company  B, 
46th  111.  V.  I.,  and  served  four  years  and 
twelve  days.  He  participated  in  the  battles 
of  Fort  Donelson,  Shiloh,  Corinth,  siege  of 
Vicksburg,  Hatchie,  siege  of  Jackson,  Miss., 
and  was  taken  prisoner  while  moving  on  Mo- 
bile, Ala.,  in  March,  1865.  He  received  an  hon- 
orable discharge  Sept.  22,  1865.  His  brother 
Dolphus  served  in  the  92d  111.  V.  I.,  and  his 
brother  Nathan  was  a member  of  Company  A, 
92d  111.  Mounted  Infantry,  was  taken  prisoner, 
and  passed  eleven  and  one-half  months  in  An- 


dersonville.  Mr.  Tyler  now  conducts  his  saw- 
mill on  the  old  Saucerman  farm,  and  is  meet- 
ing with  well-deserved  success.  He  has  ever 
been  active  in  all  that  tended  toward  the  wel- 
fare of  his  town  and  county,  and  is  one  of 
its  most  influential  citizens.  In  politics  he  is 
a Democrat,  has  filled  the  office  of  justice 
of  the  peace  at  Browntown,  Winslow,  111.,  and 
Blanchardville,  Wis.,  and  was  deputy  sheriff 
of  Green  county  for  six  years  under  S.  Morse 
and  Edward  Reuger.  Fraternally  he  is'  iden- 
tified with  the  Masons,  becoming  a member  of 
that  great  order  in  1866,  and-  being  a charter 
member  of  Winslow  Lodge,  No.  564;  he  now 
belongs  to  Smith  Lodge,  No.  31,  Monroe,  Wis- 
consin. 

O11  Oct.  5,  1865,  Mr.  Tyler  was  married 
to  Miss  Mary  A.  Rodebaugh,  daughter  of 
Thomas  and  Luvina  (Ferguson)  Rodebaugh, 
early  settlers  of  Stephenson  county,  111.  Five 
children  have  come  to  bless  their  marriage, 
namely:  Jennie  L.,  wife  of  W.  P.  Steer,  of 
Winslow,  111.;  Mary  M.,  wife  of  Simon  P. 
Lynch,  a farmer  of  Cadiz  township;  Charles 
D.,  in  partnership  with  his  father  (he  married 
Kate  Kelley,  and  has  two  children,  Mary  and 
Retha)  ; Annie  V.,  wife  of  William  Clarno, 
of  South  Wayne,  Wis. ; and  Florence  E.,  a 
dress  maker  at  home.  The  family  are  highly 
esteemed  socially,  and  their  friend's-  are  all  as- 
sured of  a hearty  welcome  in  the  hospitable 
Tyler  home. 

BURR  SPRAGUE,  a lawyer  at  Brodhead, 
Green  county,  is  one  of  the  most  prominent 
and  influential  citizens  of  that  place.  His  thor- 
ough knowledge  of  the  principles  of  law,  and 
his'  wide  familiarity  with  business  forms  and 
proceedings,  give  his  counsel  high  value.  He 
is  an  excellent  pleader,  and  presents  a case  to 
the  court  and  jury  in  a calm  and  dispassionate 
manner,  which  carries  conviction  by  its  sincer- 
ity and  candor. 

Mr.  Sprague  was  born  in  Cattaraugus 
county,  N.  Y.,  April  30,  1836,  a son  of  Al- 
merin  and  Asenath  (Noyes')  Sprague,  both 
also  natives  of  New  York.  Seven  children 
were  born  to  our  subject’s  parents,  of  whom 
three  are  now  living:  Edwin  R.,  of  DeFuniak 
Springs,  Fla. ; Burr  ; and  Sylvia  A.,  wife  of  Dr. 
L.  B.  Beebe,  of  Evansville,  Wisconsin. 

Almerin  Sprague,  an  old  and  experienced 
school  teacher,  having  a record  of  thirty  terms 
in  the  school  room,  was  also  a cabinet  maker 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


553 


and  wood  worker.  He  was  town  school  su- 
perintendent and  justice  of  the  peace  in  New 
York,  and  also'  served  as  justice  of  the  peace 
several  years  in  Wisconsin.  In  an  early  day 
he  served  as  an  appraiser  of  Wisconsin  Uni- 
versity lands'.  Moving  to  Wisconsin  in  1846, 
he  located  in  the  township  of  Spring  Valley, 
Rock  county.  Here  he  took  up  a farm  of  160 
acres,  and  afterward  bought  more  land  from 
time  to  time.  He  was  one  of  the  first  Free 
Sobers,  a Republican  at  the  organization  of 
that  party,  a radical  opponent  of  the  Fugitive 
Slave  Law,  and  always  an  influential  and  leach- 
ing citizen.  In  October,  1868,  he  moved  to 
Brodhead,  where  he  died  in  1887,  in  his  eighty- 
sixth  year. 

Asenath  (Noyes)  Sprague  was  a daugh- 
ter of  John  B.  Noyes,  a descendant  of  one  of 
the  early  settlers  of  Massachusetts.  She  was 
a woman  of  rare  strength  of  character.  Ambi- 
tious and  hard-working,  amid  all  the  toil  and 
privations  of  pioneer  life  she  yet  kept  the 
strength  and  sweetness  of  a generous  and  lov- 
ing nature,  and  her  memory  still  lives  in  the 
hearts  of  all  who  knew  her.  She  died  in  No- 
vember, 1893,  in  her  ninetieth  year.  She  and 
her  husband  were  Unitarians. 

Burr  Sprague  was  ten  years  old  when  he 
came  with  his  parents  to  Rock  county,  Wis., 
and  he  lived  with  them  until  he  was  seventeen, 
attending  the  district  school  at  Spring  Valley 
Corners.  In  1853  he  began  teaching,  and 
followed  that  profession,  in  connection  with 
other  occupations,  for  nine  terms,  also  con- 
ducting an  evening  Writing  school  for 
several  terms.  In  1854  he  bought  out  the 
general  store  at  Spring  Valley  Corners', 
and  took  charge  of  the  post  office,  remain- 
ing there  from  1854  to  1861,  excepting 
one  year,  in  1857-58,  when  he  attended  a busi- 
ness college  in  Rockford,  111.  He  then  moved 
his  store  to  Orfordville,  in  the  same  township, 
where  he  sold  goods  for  six  years,  was  post- 
master five  years,  and  served  as  justice  of  the 
peace  and  assessor.  He  was  clerk  of  the  town 
of  Spring  Valley  ten  years.  It  was  during 
these  early  years  of  business  contact  and  asso- 
ciation with  the  people  of  Rock  county  that  he 
laid  the  foundations  of  the  confidence  and  es- 
teem in  which  he  is  held  in  that  county,  and 
which  are  so  marked  a feature  of  his  later 
years.  Mr.  Sprague  mpved  to  Brodhead,  Green 
county,  in  1868,  and  went  into  a general  store 
as  salesman.  In  1871  he  established  a book 


store,  and  was  appointed  postmaster  under 
President  Grant.  He  was  postmaster  eight 
years,  and  served  as  justice  of  the  peace  ten 
years.  For  six  years  he  also  held  the  position 
of  school  superintendent,  and  identified  him- 
self closely  with  the  educational  interests  of 
the  growing  town. 

On  Nov.  14,  1859,  Mr.  Sprague  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Vina  B.  Abbott,  of  Monroe,  Wis. 
Mrs.  Sprague  is  the  daughter  of  Luke  and 
Tamar  (Davis)  Lanphear,  who  were  natives 
of  Massachusetts,  and  early  settlers  near  Mil- 
ton,  Wis.  After  the  death  of  her  mother, 
Mrs.  Sprague  was  adopted  by  Dr.  and  Mrs. 
S.  W.  Abbott,  then  of  Spring  V alley  Corners'. 
To  her  excellent  womanly  qualities,  literary 
attainments,  love  of  home,  genuine  home-mak- 
ing and  cheerful  encouragement,  Mr.  Sprague 
is  largely  indebted  for  the  measure  of  success 
and  enjoyment  that  has  fallen  to  his  lot.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Sprague  are  the  parents  of  three 
children:  Louis  A.,  Jessie  E.  and  Wilson  Ab- 
bott. Louis  A.  Sprague  married  Miss'  Martha 
E.  Barber,  of  Brodhead,  and  lives  in  Elgin, 
111.,  where  for  eight  years  he  was  the  foreman 
of  the  printing  department  at  the  Elgin  Watch 
Factory,  and  is  now  with  the  Willson  Print- 
ing Co.,  of  that  city:  he  has  two  daughters, 
Leila  and  Gladys.  Wilson  A.  Sprague  mar- 
ried Miss  Marguerite  K.  Brice,  of  Brodhead, 
and  is  employed  in  his  father’s  office ; he  has 
two  children,  Jessie  Brice  and  Burr  Sprague, 
Junior. 

Mr.  Sprague  and  his  wife  are  Unitarians. 
He  is  a member  of  the  Ancient  Order  of  Uni- 
ted Workmen,  but  is  best  known  fraternally 
in  the  Masonic  order,  of  which  he  has  been  an 
active  member  for  over  thirty  years.  He  has 
been  six  times  elected  master  of  Bicknell  Lodge, 
No.  94,  A.  F.  & A.  M.  He  is  a Royal  Arch 
Mason,  having  joined  Evansville  Chapter,  No. 
35,  in  1867,  and  is  thoroughly  versed  in  the 
mystic  lore  of  the  craft.  Many  brother  Masons 
have  requested  him  to  conduct  the  ceremonies 
of  the  order  at  their  burial,  and  in  response  to 
such  requests  Mr.  Sprague  has  officiated  at 
nearly  forty  Masonic  funerals  in  Wisconsin 
and  Illinois. 

Mr.  Sprague  has  been  identified  with  the 
Republican  party  ever  since  its  organization, 
and  for  many  years  has'  been  a leader  in  local 
and  county  politics.  The  last  year  of  his  resi- 
dence in  Orfordville  he  represented  his  district 
in  the  State  Legislature,  being  the  youngest 


554 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


member,  but  one,  of  that  body.  In  1879  be 
was  again  chosen  to  represent  bis  district  in 
the  State  Legislature,  and  at  the  following 
election  he  was  a third  time  made  a member 
of  that  body.  During  these  winters  at  Madi- 
son he  formed  valuable  and  lasting  associa- 
tions with  men  of  prominence  throughout  the 
State,  and  has  always  remained  a well-known 
figure  at  the  Capitol.  In  the  winters  of  1880 
and  1881  he  served  on  the  Judiciary  committee, 
and  was  one  of  the  leaders  of  the  Capital  Pun- 
ishment debate,  which  was  the  most  hotly  con- 
tested matter  before  the  House  in  1880. 

Mr.  Sprague  began  the  study  of  law  in 
1867,  but  did  not  devote  his  entire  time  to  his 
profession  until  about  1879.  During  the  years 
1889  and  1890  he  served  as  district  attorney 
for  Green  county,  removing  temporarily  to 
Monroe  during  his  term  of  office.  In  1890  he 
returned  to  Brodhead.  During  nearly  the 
whole  of  Mr.  Sprague’s  active  business  life  he 
has  conducted  a real-estate  and  loan  business, 
which  has  been  carried  on  with  such  quiet  care 
and  uniform  reliability  that  few,  if  any,  of  his 
clients  realize  the  extent  of  his  operations  in 
this  line  alone.  For  many  years  his  annual 
loans  have  amounted  to  fifty  thousand  dollars, 
and  the  sums  safely  entrusted  to  his  direct 
care  by  non-resident  parties  have  aggregated 
hundreds  of  thousands  of  dollars.  Always 
taking  cheerfully  upon  himself  more  than  his 
full  share  of  the  duties  and  cares  of  good  citi- 
zenship, he  has  yet  given  to  these  multitudinous 
business  cares  such  unfailing  personal  atten- 
tion, such  keenness  of  judgment  and  strict  in- 
tegrity of  conduct,  as  to  establish  himself  un- 
assailablv  in  the  confidence  and  respect  of  all 
who*  know  him.  So  well  known  is  his  charac- 
ter that  never,  even  in  the  beat  of  political  cam- 
paigns, is  the  question  of  his  honor  raised. 

His  ancestry  reaches  back  through  succes- 
sive generations  of  American  citizens,  through 
the  Revolutionary  period,  to  the  early  Colonial 
history  of  our  country.  Bred  upon  American 
soil,  and  thoroughly  imbued  with  American 
principles,  stanch,  patriotic  and  reliable.  Burr 
Sprague  presents  an  example  of  good  citizen- 
ship which  the  rising  generation  may  well 
emulate. 

JOHN  STEPHENS,  one  of  the  organiz- 
ers and  most  prominent  men  of  Cuba  City, 
Grant  county,  is  the  well-known  and  popular 
station  agent  for  the  Chicago  & Northwestern 


Railroad  at  that  point,  which  position  he  has 
held  since  the  establishment  of  the  station, 
twenty-eight  years  ago. 

Mr.  Stephens  was  born  in  Cornwall,  Eng- 
land, in  June,  1843,  being  a son  of  William 
and  Catherine  (Dadow)  Stephens,  who  were 
born  and  married  in  England.  Later  these  two 
came  to  Wisconsin,  with  their  family,  settled 
at  Benton,  Lafayette  county,  and  engaged  in 
farming,  and  here  they  died,  the  father  in 
1888,  the  mother  in  1894.  They  had  a family 
of  five  boys  and  three  girls : Alexander,  born 
in  England,  is  now  married  and  a resident 
of  Bremer  county;  William,  born  in  England, 
married  Miss  Harriet  Pascoe,  of  Grant  county, 
and  settled  at  Cuba  City,  where  lie  died,  in 
1895,  leaving  a widow  and  four  children,  Fran- 
cis, Ada.  Everett  and  George;  Richard  M.,  born 
in  England,  married  Alary  Pascoe,  and  is  a 
prominent  clergyman  of  Perry,  Iowa;  Agnes, 
born  in  Wisconsin,  is  now  the  wife  of  Will- 
iam Goldsworthy,  of  Cuba  City,  and1  has  four 
children,  John,  Roscoe,  Kate  and  Eva;  Sam- 
uel, born  in  Wisconsin,  married  Mary  Hannah 
Rowe,  is  a resident  of  Lafayette  county,  and 
has  six  children,  Lillie  (now  Mrs’.  Buchan, 
of  Benton),  Minnie  (married1  to  a prominent 
merchant  of  Benton),  Nellie,  Annie,  Pearl  and 
Roy ; Mary  J.,  sixth  child  of  William  and  Cath- 
erine Stephens,  married  Rev.  James  Barnett, 
a prominent  divine  of  Wisconsin,  but  is  now 
deceased,  having  been  called  away  in  1889, 
leaving  no  family;  Martha,  born  in  Lafayette 
county,  married  William  Tarrell,  and  moved 
to  McCook  county,  S.  Dak.,  where  Mrs.  Tar- 
rell died  in  1896,  leaving  a family  of  five  chil- 
dren, who  still  reside  in  South  Dakota;  John 
is  our  subject. 

John  Stephens  grew  to  manhood  in  Ben- 
ton. Lafayette  county,  where  he  pursued  the 
ordinary  life  of  a country  boy,  attending  school 
during  the  winter  months',  and  working  on  the 
farm  in  the  summer.  When  the  war  broke  out 
Mr.  Stephens  was  fired  with  patriotism,  al- 
though still  a boy;  and  in  1863  he  enlisted  in 
Company  C,  2d  Wis.  Vol.  Cavalry,  joining 
his  regiment  at  Memphis,  Tenn.  He  was  in 
active  service  for  two  years,  until  the  close  of 
the  war,  participating  in  a number  of  engage- 
ments, including  Bentonville,  New  Madrid, 
the  noted  Grierson  raid  into''  Louisiana,  and 
siege  of  Vicksburg,  and  was  always  at  bis  post 
of  duty.  At  the  close  of  the  war  Mr.  Stephens 
was  honorably  discharged  at  St.  Louis  as  first 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


sergeant,  but  afterward  detailed  for  special 
duty.  The  climate  so  affected  Mr.  Stephens 
that  he  was  taken  sick,  was  sent  to  a hospital, 
where  he  remained  twO'  months,  and  it  was 
three  years  after  his  return  home  before  he  in 
any  way  recovered. 

After  the'  war  Mr.  Stephens  settled  in 
Smelser  township,  Grant  county,  Wis.,  where 
he  opened  a country  store,  and  was  appointed 
postmaster  of  the  Saint  Rose  postoftice.  In 
October,  1874,  the  Chicago  & Northwestern 
railroad  was  built,  established  a station,  call- 
ing it  Cuba  City,  and  appointed  Mr.  Stephens 
station  agent,  he  also  retaining  the  postoffice 
for  twelve  years  after.  The  position  of  sta- 
tion agent  he  still  holds,  to  the  entire  satisfac- 
tion of  the  railroad  company,  as  well  as  the 
patrons  of  the  road.  For  twenty-four  years 
Mr.  Stephens  served  most  acceptably  as  post- 
master, and  has  been  chairman  of  the  council 
board  since  the  town  was  incorporated,  for  six 
different  times,  has  been  justice  of  the  peace 
continuously  for  twenty-eight  years,  as  well 
as  holding  various  other  local  offices,  his  fel- 
low townsmen  feeling  that  Mr.  Stephens  is  the 
man  to  represent  them  in  almost  any  capacity 
which  requires  honesty,  ability  and  upright- 
ness of  purpose.  Upon  coming  to  Cuba  City 
Mr.  Stephens  invested  largely  in  real  estate, 
a portion  of  which  he  has  sold,  and  owns  two 
large  farms,  well  improved,  in  Lafayette 
county. 

In  1864  Mr.  Stephens  came  home  on  a 
furlough  and  married  Miss  Elizabeth  Read, 
of  Wisconsin,  daughter  of  Samuel  Read,  a 
native  of  Missouri,  whose  strong  Union  senti- 
ments forced  him  to  remove  to  Wisconsin. 
Mrs.  Stephens  was  born  in  Missouri  in  1844, 
and  was  well  educated  in  her  native  State. 
Three  children  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
.Stephens:  (1)  Samuel  W.,  born  in  Cuba  City 
in  1868,  entered  his  father’s  office  when  thir- 
teen years  old,  learned  to  be  a telegraph  ope- 
rator and  became  his  father's  assistant,  and 
now  has  charge  of  the  office,  on  account  of 
Mr.  Stephens’  health.  In  1889  Samuel  married 
Miss  Laura  Clemens,  of  Cuba  City,  her  father 
being  one  of  the  pioneers  and  a prominent 
merchant  of  the  town.  Samuel  and  his  wife 
have  two  children:  Fred  C,  born  in  Cuba 

City  in  1894,  and  Dwight,  born  in  September, 
1899.  (2)  Charles,  born  in  Cuba  City  in  1875, 
was  for  eight  years  station  agent  at  Layton 
Park,  Milwaukee,  for  the  Chicago  & North- 


555 


western,  and  is  now  holding  a very  lucrative 
and  responsible  position  in  the  cashier’s  office 
of  that  road  at  Chicago.  (3)  Frank  H.,  born 
in  Cuba  City  in  1878,  learned  railroad  work 
in  his  father’s  office,  and  is  now  one  of  the 
trusted  employes  of  the  Chicago  & Northwest- 
ern railroad,  serving  as  relief  agent  and  ope- 
rator of  the  Madison  division. 

Politically  Mr.  Stephens  has  for  many  years 
been  a Republican,  but  late  issues  have  made 
an  independent  of  him,  and  he  now  votes  as 
his  conscience  dictates.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Stephens  are  earnest  members  of  the  M.  E. 
Church,  and  Mr.  Stephens  is  a member  of  the 
G.  A.  R.  Post  of  Hazel  Green,  and  also  the 
one  at  Cuba  City.  The  home  of  these  estimable 
people  is  one  of  the  finest  residences  in  the 
town,  and  Mr.  Stephens  is  constantly  improv- 
ing it.  So1  closely  is  Mr.  Stephens  identified 
with  the  growth  of  Cuba  City  that  the  history 
of  one  is  but  the  account  of  the  progress  of 
the  other.  During  all  the  years  of  his  steady 
advancement  Mr.  Stephens  has  made  few,  if 
any,  enemies,  while  he  can  scarcely  count  all 
his  friends,  their  number  being  legion.  Kind, 
genial,  hospitable,  faithful  in  the  discharge  of 
his  duties,  both  as  a private  citizen  and  as  a 
public  official,  Mr.  Stephens  is  one  of  the  best 
types  of  the  veteran  in  private  life,  under  his 
own  “vine  and  fig  tree,”  surrounded  by  “ol.ve 
branches.” 

GEORGE  TL'FFLEY,  a retired  farmer 
living  at  Lancaster,  Grant  county,  and  an  ex- 
soldier of  the  United  States  volunteer  army, 
was  born  in  Warwickshire,  England,  April  10, 
1818.  His  parents,  John  and  Margaret  (Hop- 
kins) Tuffley,  removed  when  George  was  about 
six  years  old  to  Birmingham,  where  at  the 
age  of  eight  he  began  to  work  at  making  pearl 
buttons,  and  so  continued  two  years.  Dis- 
satisfied with  this  trade,  he  tried  several  others, 
and  at  the  age  of  fourteen  years  was  appren- 
ticed to  a gunmaker,  learned  the  trade  thor- 
oughly, and  followed  it  in  both  England  and 
America. 

When  twenty-three  years  of  age  Mr.  Tuf- 
fley married  Miss  Mary  Ann  Darby,  a native 
of  Birmingham.  Having  already  decided  to 
sail  for  America,  Mr.  Tuffley,  in  February, 
1850,  with  his  wife  and  three  children,  em- 
barked on  board  the  sailing  vessel  ‘‘Camillius” 
for  the  port  of  New  Orleans,  and  after  a voy- 
age lasting  seven  weeks  and  four  days  arrived 


55*5 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


in  safety.  He  had  early  formed  a high  opinion 
of  American  institutions,  and  longed  to  be- 
come a citizen  of  the  country  in  which  every 
voter  had  a voice  in  shaping  the  laws,  and 
within  thirty  minutes  after  landing  in  the  Cres- 
cent City  he  had  sought  out  a justice  of  the 
peace,  and  had  taken  the  oath  of  allegiance 
to  the  United  States  government. 

From  New  Orleans  Mr.  Tuffiey  and  his 
family  went  on  a large  steamer  to  St.  Louis, 
and  there  transferred  themselves  and  their  bag- 
gage to  a smaller  one,  bound  for  Galena,  111., 
at  which  place  Mr.  Tuffiey  worked  three  weeks 
at  his  trade.  He  then  came  to  Grant  county, 
Wis.,  April  io,  1850,  for  five  years  worked  at 
gunsmithing  in  Platteville,  then  abandoned  it 
for  farming,  buying  government  land  in  Ma- 
rion township  for  fifty  cents  an  acre.  Within 
two  years  from  the  time  of  his  first  purchase 
he  was  the  owner  of  400  acres  of  fine  woodland, 
and  although  he  had  no  experience  in  farm  life, 
or  as  a woodman,  he  acquired  the  necessary 
knowledge  quite  rapidly,  and  eventually  be- 
came one  of  the  best  and  most  prosperous 
farmers  of  the  county.  As  time  passed  on, 
however,  the  clouds  of  war  began  to  lower, 
and  soon  the  cry  of  secession  rang  through- 
out the  land.  Mr.  Tuffley,  as  a patriotic  Amer- 
ican citizen,  almost  at  once  responded  to  the 
call  to  arms,  although  the  day  was  fast  ap- 
proaching when  lie  would  be  exempt  from  mil- 
itary service.  But  a desire  to  preserve  the  in- 
tegrity of  the  flag  of  his  adopted  country  filled 
his  heart,  and  he  enlisted  in  October,  1861, 
in  Company  Iv,  12th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served 
three  years  and  twenty  days,  his  discharge  pa- 
pers being  dated  Oct.  30,  1864.  For  nearly 
a year  and  a half  Mr.  Tuffiey  was  with  his 
regiment  in  Kansas,  engaged  in  active  opera- 
tions, but  the  first  severe  fighting  in  which  he 
took  part  was  at  the  siege  of  Vicksburg,  Miss., 
in  which  the  gallant  12th  Wisconsin  held  a 
prominent  and1  conspicuous  position.  Mr. 
Tuffley  also  served  with  his  regiment  in  the 
Atlanta  campaign,  participating  in  its  most 
deadly  battles,  including  the  battle  of  Atlanta 
itself — the  deadliest  of  all — on  July  22,  1864. 
He  also  fought  at  Kenesaw  Mountain,  and 
in  many  other  important  engagements.  About 
the  time  that  Gen.  Sherman  was  prepared  to 
start  on  the  famous  march  to  the  sea  the  term 
of  enlistment  of  the  12th  Wisconsin  expired, 
and  it  was  honorably  discharged  and  mustered 
out.  Thomas  Tuffley,  eldest  son  of  George, 


enlisted  at  the  same  time  with  his  father,  served 
until  the  end  of  the  war,  and  is  now  a resident 
of  Boscobel,  Grant  county. 

Mr.  Tuffley,  although  he  resumed  farming 
on  his  return  from  the  war,  and  calls  the  old 
farm  his  home,  passed1  much  of  his  time,  to- 
gether with  his  son  Thomas,  in  the  city  of 
Lancaster.  To  the  marriage  of  George  and 
Mary  Ann  (Darby)  Tuffley  came  twelve  chil- 
dren, of  whom  seven  were  left  with  their  moth- 
er when  the  father  started  off  for  the  war, 
and  two  were  born  during  his  term  of  service. 
Five  are  still  living,  viz. : Thomas,  mentioned 
above  ; Margaret,  wife  of  Joseph  Frazier,  who 
resides  near  Mount  Flood,  Oregon ; Clara,  wife 
of  Matthew  Lambert,  of  Marion  township, 
Grant  county ; George,  the  present  recorder  of 
deeds  of  Grant  county  ; and  Lincoln,  the  young- 
est, who  resides  on  the  old  home  farm  in 
Marion.  Mr.  Tuffley  has  had  his  share  of 
family  afflictions.  While  in  the  service  of  his 
adopted  country  five  of  his  children  were  called 
away,  between  the  ages  of  eight  months  and 
seventeen  years.  His  lamented  and  estimable 
wife,  who  was  three  years  younger  than  him- 
self, died  in  April,  1886,  most  deeply  mourned 
by  her  husband  and  surviving  children. 

In  politics  Mr.  Tuffley  has  been  a Repub- 
lican from  the  time  he  became  entitled  to  a 
vote,  and  exercised  his  first  Presidential  fran- 
chise for  John  C.  Fremont,  in  1856.  He  has 
himself  been  honored  with  election  to  several 
offices,  having  served  as  chairman  of  the  Ma- 
rion town  board  two  years,  as  town  clerk  for 
five  years,  and  for  many  years  as  justice  of  the 
peace,  and  he  has  proven  himself  to  be  at  heart 
a true  and  patriotic  American.  His  record  is 
one  in  which  his  descendants  may  well  take 
pride  in  years  after  he  has,  in  due  course  of 
nature,  succumbed  to  the  inevitable.  His  re- 
ligion is  governed  by  the  Golden  Rule  of  the 
Master,  “Whatsoever  ye  would  that  men  should 
do  to  you,  do  ye  even  so  to  them,”  and  no 
man  in  need  ever  passed  unaided  from  his 
door. 

WALTER  LITTLE,  one  of  the  prominent, 
representative  farmers  of  Janesville  township, 
Rock  county,  residing  in  section  19,  was  born 
in  Roxburghshire,  Scotland,  Aug.  12,  1839.  a 
son  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Blythe)  Little,  also 
natives  of  Scotland.  His  paternal  grandfather 
died  in  Scotland.  The  father  of  our  subject 
wasi  an  only  son.  The  maternal  grandfather, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


557 


Thomas  Blythe,  who  also  died  in  Scotland, 
when  about  eighty-six,  was  by  occupation  a 
farmer.  His  had  two  children,  one  son  and 
one  daughter. 

John  Little,  father  of  Walter  Little,  was  a 
contractor,  and  also  operated  a limekiln  in 
Scotland.  Coming  to  America  in  1853,  and  lo- 
cating in  Janesville,  Wis.,  he  died  there  in  1865, 
aged  seventy-six.  John  Little  was  married 
twice,  and1  his  first  wife,  mother  of  our  sub- 
ject, died  in  Scotland  in  1841  ; both  were  stanch 
Presbyterians.  Nine  children  were  born  to 
them,  eight  sons  and  one  daughter,  five  now 
living:  Thomas,  John,  James  and  Walter,  all 
of  Janesville  township ; and  Andrew,  of  Blue 
Earth,  Minnesota. 

Coming  to  America  with  his  father  when 
fourteen  years  of  age.  Walter  Little  worked 
upon  the  home  farm  until  old  enough  to  start 
out  in  life  for  himself.  In  order  'to  gain  nec- 
essary funds  to  carry  out  his  plans,  he  hired 
himself  to  his  father  for  two  years ; then 
bought  a yoke  of  oxen  and  broke  ground.  In 
time  he  came  to  have  six  yoke  of  oxen,  and 
also  ran  a threshing  machine  for  a number  of 
years.  “All  things  come  to  him  who  waits,” 
as  the  saying  goes,  and,  after  some  years  of 
patient,  persistent  endeavor.  Walter  Little  had 
sufficient  money  to  purchase,  in  1864,  a fine 
farm  of  260  acres  in  Janesville  township,  in 
section  19,  where  he  has  since  resided,  and 
which  he  has  greatly  improved. 

On  Dec.  31,  1864,  Walter  Little  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Lizzie  Spence,  daughter  of  Bar- 
tholomew Walker  and  Elizabeth  (Dixon) 
Spence,  and  five  children  have  been  born  of 
this  union:  Joseph  W.,  George  Dixon,  Harvey 
Henry,  Ellen  Elizabeth  and  Walter  Blythe, 
all  of  whom  are  still  unmarried  and  residing 
at  home. 

Mr.  Little's  life  is  a good  example  of  what 
can  be  accomplished  by  hard  work  and  careful 
management,  and  his:  success  is  something  to 
be  justly  proud  of,  as  it  has  been  won  by  his 
own  efforts,  and  in  the  face  of  business  ad- 
versities which  would  have  overwhelmed  many 
a man.  In  the  early  part  of  his  business  career 
he  had  a partner  in  the  buying,  selling  and  ship- 
ping of  stock,  to  the  Eastern  markets,  and  when 
they  ceased  to  do  business  together,  unfor- 
tunately for  Mr.  Little,  no  settlement  was 
made.  Taking  advantage  of  this,  the  former 
partner  took  the  matter  to  the  courts,  and, 
after  many  years  of  litigation,  Mr.  Little  was 


left,  as  he  says,  "With  $25,000  less  than  noth- 
ing." However,  his  credit  was:  good,  and  he 
was  trusted  for  a few  Short  Horn  cattle  and 
Clydesdale  horses,  which  enabled  him  to  begin 
again,  with  what  success  his  present  position 
amply  testifies.  He  makes  a specialty  of  breed- 
ing blooded  stock,  of  the  best  strains'  only, 
among  which  are  Short  Horn  catrle,  Clydes- 
dale horses,  and  blooded  hogs  of  several 
varieties.  Although  he  had  but  little  time  to 
devote  to  educational  purposes  after  coming  to 
this  country,  he  had  been  thoroughly  grounded 
in  the  common  branches  in  Scotland,  and  his 
own  native  intelligence  supplied  the  rest.  Po- 
litically Mr.  Little  is  independent  in  his  ideas, 
with  a leaning  toward  the  Democratic  party, 
and  has:  served  most  acceptably  as  town  super- 
visor, township  assessor,  and  chairman  of  the 
school  board.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Little  have  a 
very  pleasant  home,  on  their  highly  cultivated 
farm,  and  are  highly  esteemed  by  a wide  circle 
of  friends. 

FORDYCE  R.  MELVIN,  who  is  spend- 
ing the  last  years  of  his  honorable  and  upright 
life  in  Brooklyn,  Green  county,  in  a well-earned 
freedom  from  the  cares!  of  active  life,  was  born 
in  Geauga  county,  Ohio,  July  23,  1832,  a son 
of  Alonzo  and  Roenna  (Lyman)  Melvin,  both 
natives  of  Massachusetts.  They  were  the  par- 
ents of  a family  of  thirteen  children,  six  of 
whom  are  now  living,  viz. : Fordyce  R. ; Sarah 
E.,  wife  of  J.  G.  Rowley;  Elihu  Oliver,  of 
Washington ; Austin  A.,  of  Sioux  Falls,  S. 
Dak. ; Crisilda  R. : and  Edward  P.,  of  San- 
born, Iowa.  The  father  was  always  a farmer, 
and  when  he  came  to  Coshocton  county,  Ohio, 
about  1817,  located  on  a farm.  A few  years 
later  he  went  to  near  Natchez,  Mis's.,  where  he 
stayed  five  years,  and  then  went  to  Massa- 
chusetts, soon  after  moving  with  his  father  to 
Geauga  couny,  Ohio,  as  early  as  1823,  and 
there  he  made  his  home  until  1848.  in  which 
year  he  went  to  Cattaraugus  county.  N.  Y.  In 
1851  ha  came  to  the  town  of  Brooklyn,  and  set- 
tled on  what  is  now  the  Alsop  place,  where  he 
owned  500  acres.  Here  he  died  in  1873,  at  the 
age  of  seventy-eight;  his  widow  survived  un- 
til the  spring  of  1880,  when  she  died  at  the 
age  of  seventy-five.  They  were  both  members 
of  the  Congregational  Church,  and  their  worthy 
lives  reflected  no  discredit  on  their  faith.  In 
Ohio  Mr.  Melvin  was  town  supervisor,  and 
there  he  also  filled  other  positions.  Reuben 


i 


553 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Melvin,  his  father,  was  a native  of  Massachu- 
setts, and  of  Scotcb-Irish  descent.  He  was 
the  only  son  of  an  only  son,  and  moved  from 
Massachusetts  to  Ohio,  where  he  settled,  and 
died  m Geauga  county  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
eight  years.  When  a boy  he  was  old  enough 
at  the  closing  of  the  Revolutionary  war  to 
bear  arms,  and  had  started  for  the  seat  of  war 
with  his  gun  on  his  shoulder  when  he  heard 
that  peace  had  been  concluded.  By  occupa- 
tion lie  was  a farmer.  The  maternal  grandfa- 
ther of  F.  R.  Melvin  was  Azariah  Lyman,  a 
farmer  and  a native  of  Massachusetts.  Fie  was 
of  English  descent,  and  could  trace  the  Lyman 
ancestry  back  to  the  time  of  William  the  Con- 
queror. The  Lymans  were  among  the  early 
settlers  of  New  England. 

Fordyce  R.  Melvin  lived,  until  he  was  six- 
teen years  of  age,  in  Ohio,  where  lie  was  reared 
on  a farm.  He  was  instructed  in  the  district 
schools,  and  in  Geauga  Seminary,  at  Chester, 
Ohio.  In  the  spring  of  1851  he  came  to  Wis- 
consin with  his  parents,  and  settled  on  a farm, 
which  is  now  a part  of  the  present  village  of 
Brooklyn.  Fie  remained  under  the  parental 
roof  until  he  reached  adult  years,  when  he 
went  to-  farming  011  rented  land.  In  May,  1861, 
he  enlisted  in  Company  D,  2d  Wis.  V.  I.,  serv- 
ing until  the  following  August,  when  he  was 
discharged  011  account  of  sickness.  Recover- 
ing his  health,  he  again  entered  the  service  as 
a member  of  Company  K,  24th  N.  Y.  V.  I., 
where  he  continued  until  October  of  the  fol- 
lowing year,  when  he  was  again  discharged 
for  disability,  on  account  of  being  shot  through 
both  arms  in  the  second  battle  of  Bull  Run. 
During  this  time  lie  had  been  promoted  to 
corporal.  While  in  the  2d  Wisconsin  he 
fought  in  the  first  battle  at  Bull  Run.  Mr. 
Melvin  was  under  fire  in  several  other  smaller 
engagements,  and  always  bore  himself  as  a 
gallant  soldier.  After  his  discharge  from  the 
service  he  spent  some  time  canvassing,  and  do- 
ing other  work,  such  as  his  wounded  arms 
would  permit. 

I11  politics  Mr.  Melvin  is  a stanch  Repub- 
lican. In  1868  hie  was  elected  county  commis- 
sioner, and  was  filling  that  office  in  1869.  when 
the  law  creating  it  was  declared  unconstitu- 
tional by  the  Supreme  Court.  Mr.  Melvin  was 
elected  cunty  treasurer  in  1870  and  filled  the 
office  six  years,  during  which  time  he  lived  at 
Monroe,  but  always  claimed  Brooklyn  as  his 
home.  When  Mr.  Melvin  retired  from  office 
at  Monroe  he  came  back  to  Brooklyn,  and  for 


two  years  carried  on  the  farm  belonging  to  his 
father’s  estate.  Fie  was  elected  to  the  General 
Assembly  in  1879,  and  served  one  term.  For 
ten  years  following  thisl  he  was  agent  for  the 
American  Express  Company,  at  the  same  time 
doing-  fire  insurance  and  public  conveyancing. 
He  is  still  a notary  public,  insurance  agent  and 
conveyancer. 

On  May  27,  1874,  Mr.  Melvin  married  Miss 
Emily  Bartlett,  a daughter  of  Joseph  and  Ann 
P.  (Willetts)  Bartlett.  Mrs.  Melvin  holds  to 
a faith  that  is  both  of  the  Quaker  and  Pres- 
byterian persuasion.  Mr.  Melvin  belongs  to 
Brooklyn1  Lodge,  No.  251,  F.  & A.  M.  As 
might  well  be  expected  from  his  devoted  and 
loyal  service,  he  is  a member  of  T.  L.  Sutphan 
Post,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Evansville,  Wis.  For  fifty 
years  Mr.  Melvin  has  been  a resident  of  this 
town,  and  here  he  erected  a fine  home  in  1881. 

E.  D.  PEAKE,  Eso.,  the  popular  and  genial 
postmaster  at  Jamestown,  Grant  county,  is  one 
of  the  representative  men  of  his  part  of  the 
county,  and  well  deserves  mention  in  a volume 
like  this,  devoted  as  it  is  to  the  earnest  and 
capable  men  who  have  brought  Southwestern 
Wisconsin  to  its  present  position. 

’Squire  Peake,  as  he  is  commonly  called, 
was'  born  in  Delaware  county,  N.  Y.,  in  July, 
1836,  son  of  Warern  L.  and  Amy  (Chase) 
Peake,  both  natives  of  Delaware  county,  where 
the  father  was  born  in  1814,  and  the  mother 
two  years  later.  Their  marriage  was  celebrated 
in  their  native  county,  and  there  they  settled. 
Mr.  Peake  was  a lumberman  and  farmer  dur- 
ing the  greater  part  of  his  life,  and  died1  in 
Delaware  county  in  1862.  .Mrs.  Peake  is  still 
living,  in  Greene  county,  N.  Y.,  and  has  a home 
near  the  Hudson  river.  Two  of  their  four 
children  are  still  living:  George,  born  in  1845, 
died  when  a young  man.  Adaline  was  drowned 
when  a child,  in  1862.  Matilda,  born  in  1837, 
is  the  wife  of  Donald  B.  Smith,  of  Greene 
county,  N.  Y.,  and  is  the  mother  of  three  chil- 
dren, Amy,  Edward  and  Jamesi  B. 

E.  D.  Peake  was  the  eldest  of  his  father’s 
children,  and  grew  up  under  the  parental  roof, 
receiving  unusually  good  educational  advant- 
ages, both  in  the  public  schools  and  in  Walton 
Academy,  a somewhat  celebrated  school  of 
Delaware  county.  When  he  was  eighteen 
years  of  age  he  engaged  in  school  teaching, 
which  he  followed  with  considerable  success 
until  1865.  During  the  Civil  war,  however, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


559 


he  was  a lumber  contractor  for  a time  at  Jack- 
sonville, Fla.,  dealing  with  the  Quartermaster’s 
Department,  and  acting  therefor. 

In  1865  Mr.  Peake  came  West  to  Illinois, 
and  settling  in  the  northwestern  part  of  the 
State  followed  mining  during  the  summer  and 
public-school  teaching  during  the  winter.  In 
April,  1866,  he  came  to  Grant  county,  Wis., 
and  opened  a school  at  Georgetown,  where  he 
spent  slome  months  teaching.  This  did  not 
seem  to  be  a satisfactory  location,  and  he  later 
came  to  Jamestown,  where  lie  followed  the 
same  lines,  mining  and  teaching. 

Mr.  Peake  and  Miss  Martha  E.  Judd  were 
married  in  1871,  in  Varysburg,  Wyoming  Co., 
N.  Y.  Mrs.  Peake  is  the  daughter  of  Jefferson 
and  xAmy  (Nichols)  Judd,  both  born  in  Ver- 
mont, and  both  died  when  Mrs.  Peake  was  a 
child.  They  located  in  Genesee  county,  N. 
Y.,  where  she  was  born  in  1844,  and  she  was 
well  educated,  being  for  a time  a teacher  in  the 
public  schools  of  her  native  State.  Airs.  Peake 
has  three  brothers  living  : ( 1 ) Harvey  C.  Judd, 
born  in  Genesee  county,  N.  Y.,  lives  at  De- 
troit City,  Minn.  (2)  Henry  C,  a resident  of 
Bloomington,  Wis.,  is 'a  prosperous'  farmer. 
(3)  Jefferson  D.  lives  at  Monticello,  Wis- 
consin. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Peake  settled  on  a farm  in 
Jamestown,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  where  they  have 
lived  to  the  present  time.  They  have  no  chil- 
dren, but  their  kindly  disposition  is  felt 
throughout  the  community.  In  politics  Air. 
Peake  hasi  always  been  a Republican,  and  he 
cast  his  first  vote  for  John  C.  Fremont.  For 
about  eight  years  he  has  been  justice  of  the 
peace,  and  for  a long  time  has  been  notary 
public.  He  has  been  comparing  clerk  for  the 
State  Senate.  Under  President  Harrison  he  was 
appointed  postmaster,  and  holds  the  position  to 
the  present  time.  In  religion  Air.  Peake  and 
his  wife  are  members  of  the  Afethodist  Church, 
and  they  are  among  the  best  people  of  the 
community. 

JOHN  BUNT,  deceased.  Ever  since  its 
settlement  Lafayette  county,  Wis.,  has  been 
noted  for  its  fertile  land  and  attractive  induce- 
ments! to  settlers,  but  for  many  years  the  farm- 
ing was  so  conducted  as  to  bring  no  great  meas- 
ure of  success  to  the  resident.  A change  was 
wrought  when  a number  of  English  agricult- 
urists settled  upon  this  beautiful  rolling  coun- 
fry, and1  began  to  practice  those  thrifty  and 


thorough  methods  of  cultivating  the  soil  which 
make  of  their  own  country  a garden  spot  the 
world  delights  to  see.  Among  those  who  made 
here  an  attractive  home  and  almost  revolu- 
tionized farming  method's  in  his  immediate  lo- 
cality was  John  Bunt,  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

John  Bunt  was  born  in  Cornwall,  England, 
Afay  8,  1825,  a son  of  Nicholas  and  Alary 
(Kay)  Bunt,  both  of  whom  died  in  England, 
where  John  grew  to  manhood.  In  1848  he 
there  married  Aims  Elizabeth  Sowden,  a na- 
tive of  Cornwall  also,  born  June  24.  1826, 
daughter  of  William  and  Elizabeth  Sowden, 
both  of  whom  lived  out  their  honorable  lives 
in  their  native  country.  Not  long  after  mar- 
riage Air.  and  Airs.  Bunt  came  to  America,  and 
soon  settled  in  the  locality  where  they  con- 
tinued to  make  their  home.  Attracted  to  Cali- 
fornia by  the  tales  of  the  riches  of  that  coun- 
try, Mr.  Bunt  went  there  in  1852,  and  re- 
mained until  1854,  when  he  returned  and 
bought  the  farm  which  he  afterward  converted 
into  one  of  the  finest  in  the  county.  Many  of 
those  who  came  to  Wisconsin  had  been  miners 
in  England,  but  Mr.  Bunt  had  been  a farmer, 
and  thoroughly  understood  the  business  in  a 
scientific  way,  which  was  soon  evidenced  in 
the  improvement  which  took  place  in  the  land 
he  owned  and  operated.  These  methods  of 
farming  have  since  been  adopted  by  many 
others  in  the  locality,  resulting  in  a state  of 
perfection  in  agricultural  activities  which  may 
well  call  forth  words  of  admiration.  This  is 
conceded  to  be  one  of  the  richest  agricultural 
districts  in  the  whole  State,  and  the  farmers 
live  as  do  the  landed  gentry  of  other  countries, 
with  their  blooded  cattle  and  s/tock,  their  hand- 
some, modern  residences,  and  all  the  culture 
and  refinements  of  life. 

Children  weriei  born  to  Mr.  and  Airs.  Bunt 
as  follows:  Alary  J.,  born  in  Elk  Grove,  La- 
fayette Co.,  Wis.,  married  John  Reed,  a farmer 
near  Galena,  111.,  and  has  two  children,  Charles 
W.  and  Alyrtle;  Anna  E.  married  James  Nich- 
olas, who  resides  at  Cuba  City,  and1  has  one 
son,  John  E. ; William  S.  married  a Mrs.  Slater, 
of  Pennsylvania,  and  resides  on  his  farm  in 
Ipswich,  Wis. : John  H.  married  Dorothy  Clay- 
ton, of  Elk  Grove,  and  they  reside  on  the  old 
homestead  at  Elk  Grove,  with  one  son,  John 
C. : Delia,  a cultured,  educated  lady,  has  de- 
voted filer  life  to  the  care  of  her  aged  mother; 
Lewis  AI.  married  Alary  AlcNett.  and  they  re- 
side on  a part  of  the  old  homestead,  it  being 


560 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


divided  into  two  farms  (they  have  three  daugh- 
ters, .Hazel,  Edna  and  Louise)  ; Amy  L.  mar- 
ried Lewis  McNett,  who  resides  on  a farm  near 
Elmo,  and  they  have  two  children,  Ethel  and 
Velma;  Richard,  after  finishing  a disitrict- 
school  education,  graduated  at  the  Platteville 
Business  College,  and  then  entered  the  North- 
western University,  at  Evanston,  111.,  but  on  ac- 
count of  ill  health  gave  this  up,  and  with  his 
brother  Charles  located  for  a time  on  a ranch 
in  Iowa ; Charles,  who  was  educated  in  the 
State  Normal  School,  conducts  the  Iowa 
farm. 

The  death  of  Mr.  Bunt  took  place  on  June 
8,  1888.  He  left  his  family  two  large  farms  at 
Elk  Grove!,  comprising  several  hundred  acres 
of  land  under  a,  high  state  of  cultivation.  As 
a stock  raiser  he  had  been  very  successful,  his 
products  in  this  line  being  always  the  best  in 
the  market.  The  home  of  Mr.  Bunt  had  been 
made  by  him  one  of  the  most  attractive  in  this 
part  of  the  State,  a beautiful  lawn  surrounding 
the  elegant  brick  mansion,  giving  it  an  air  of 
seclusion  and  refinement  seldom  observed  in 
the  ordinary  country  home. 

For  some  time  previous  to  his  death  Mr. 
Bunt  hadi  bear  troubled  by  a serious  affection 
of  the  kidneys,  but  a naturally  robust  constitu- 
tion prolonged  his  life.  When  the  time  of  his 
release  came  he  was  sincerely  mourned  by  the 
whole  community,  as  he  wasi  universally  re- 
spected and  esteemled'.  Many  in  his.  vicinity 
had  reason  to  know  of  his  generosity  and  lib- 
erality, and,  although  be  was  never  formally 
connected  with  any  religious  denomination,  he 
was  a liberal  supporter  of  the  M.  E.  Church, 
and  his  influence  was  always  in  the  direction 
of  morality.  In  1897  Mrs.  Bunt  and  her 
daughter  Delia  removed  to  Platteville,  where 
they  have  rented  a beautiful  home,  and  they  are 
among  the  most  highly  esteemed  residents  of 
that  city. 

EDWARD  MacDONALD,  M.  D;j  one  of 
the  leading  representatives  of  the  medical  pro- 
fession at  Cuba  City,  Grant  county,  has  been 
very  successful  and  built  ttp  a large  and  con- 
stantly increasing  practice.  Being  a native  of 
Grant  county,  the  people  of  Cuba  City  feel 
especially  proud  of  his  distinction,  recognizing 
in  him  a son  of  the  county  who  is  a credit  to 
his  birthplace. 

Edward  MacDonald  was  born  at  Rockville. 
Grant  county,  in  July,  1851,  a son  of  Plenry 


and  Mary  (Hall)  MacDonald,  of  Scottish 
parentage,  who  married  in  the  East  and  came 
to  Wisconsin  in  the  early  days  of  this  section 
of  the  country,  settling  in  Grant  county,  where 
the  mother  died  in  1878.  Later  Plenry  Mac- 
Donald married  again,  and  moved  to  Wausau, 
VVis.,  where  he  died  in  June,  1898,  deeply 
mourned  by  all  who  knew  him.  By  his  first 
marriage  he  had  two  sons,  Edward  (our  sub- 
ject) and  William,  the  latter  born  in  Harrison, 
Grant  county,  where  he  received  a good  com- 
mon-school education ; he  is  now  a railroad 
man,  residing  in  Tomahawk,  Wis.,  is  married 
to  a native  oi  the  State,  and  has  two  daughters. 

Our  subject  received  his  early  education  at 
the  Platteville  Normal,  attending  that  institu- 
tion of  learning  from  1869  to  1874,  after  which 
he  taught  school  in  Iowa  and  Lafayette  coun- 
ties for  several  terms.  Pie  then  entered  the 
Miami  Medical  College,  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  and 
later  Rush  Medical  College,  Chicago,  graduat- 
ing from  the  latter  in  the  class  of  1879,  with 
honors.  After  his  graduation  Dr.  MacDonald 
located  at  Plawkeye  and  New  Albin,  Iowa, 
where  he  followed  his  profession  until  his  re- 
moval, in  1891,  to  Cuba  City,  where  he  pur- 
chased a beautiful  home  on  Main  street;  he 
has  since  resided  in  the  city,  engaged  in  very 
successful  practice.  Keeping  fully  abreast  of 
all  the  new  discoveries  in  Ins  profession,  Dr. 
MacDonald  brings  to  bear  in  his  practice  not 
only  skill,  but  knowledge,  and  wisely  treats 
his  cases  according  to  the  latest  scientific 
methods. 

In  1881  Dr.  MacDonald  married  Miss  Mag- 
gie Gunand,  of  Belmont,  Lafayette  county, 
daughter  of  Justin  and  Margaret  Gunand,  old 
pioneers,  of  French  extraction,  of  Lafayette 
county.  Mrs.  MacDonald  was  born  in  Lafay- 
ette county,  where  she  grew  to  womanhood, 
and  received  her  education.  To  this  union  one 
daughter  has  been  born,  Emily,  a member  of  the 
class  of  1902,  Cuba  City  high  school. 

Politically  Dr.  MacDonald  is  a stanch  Re- 
publican, but  has  never  aspired  to  office.  Fra- 
ternally he  is  a member  of  the  F.  & A.  M'., 
Lodge  No.  185,  Georgetown,  Wis.;  of  the  or- 
der of  K.  of  P.,  Benton  Lodge,  No.  134;  and 
of  the  Modern  Woodmen,  of  Georgetown, 
Lodge  No.  6084.  Although  Dr.  MacDonald 
has  lieen  forced  to  rely  upon  his  own  efforts 
in  the  struggle  of  life,  he  has  already  succeed- 
ed wonderfully  well,  and  is  destined  to  secure 
still  greater  honors  in  his  profession,  as  well 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


561 


as  in  private  life,  for  he  enjoys  the  confidence 
and  esteem  of  his  fellow  townsmen,  and  the  re- 
gard of  a large  circle  of  friends. 

SAMUEL  ARTHUR  is  one  of  the  prom- 
inent stock  raisers  and  influential  farmer  citi- 
zens of  Elk  Grove  township,  Lafayette  county. 
He  was  born  in  Hazel  Green,  Grant  Co.,  Wis., 
Nov.  30,  1851,  and  his  parents  were  John  and 
Mary  A.  (Rolins)  Arthur,  both  of  whom  were 
born  in  England.  They  came  to  this  country 
and  settled  at  Hazel  Green  as  early  as  1845, 
later  moving  to.  Platteville,  where  Mr.  Ar- 
thur successfully  followed  mining  for  a num- 
ber of  years.  His  trade  was  that  of  a plasterer, 
which  occupation  he  followed  for  some  years 
prior  to  his  retirement  from  active  life,  and 
he  is  now  one  of  the  respected  residents  of 
Platteville.  The  mother  died  in  1853,  two 
sons  surviving  her,  James  and  our  subject. 

James  Arthur  was  born  in  Elk  Grove  town- 
ship, grew  to  manhood  in  that  locality,  and 
learned  the  trade  of  plasterer,  which  he  fol- 
lowed during  his  younger  years.  He  married 
Emma  Phillips,  of  Elk  Grove,  and  they  re- 
moved to  Sioux  City,  Iowa,  where  he  became 
a contractor,  and  then'  moved  to  Oto,  Iowa, 
where  he  still  resides,  and  is  one  of  the  promi- 
nent  citizens  of  that  town. 

Our  subject  was  educated 'in  the  Platteville 
schools  and  learned  the  trade  of  plasterer  with 
his  father,  following  same  for  some  years'. 
On  account  of  ill  health  he  was  obliged  to  give 
up  that  work,  and  commenced  to  farm.  In 
1873  'he  was  married  to  Miss  Lydia  Bennett, 
a daughter  of  Anson  and  Elvira  Bennett,  who 
was  a graduate  of  the  Platteville  Normal 
School,  and  taught  for  a number  of  years  in 
Lafayette  and  Grant  counties.  Our  subject  set- 
tled on  the  George  Huntingdon  farm,  and 
there  Mrs.  Arthur  died  in  June,  1876.  In  Jan- 
uary, 1878,  Mr.  Arthur  married  Miss  Sadie 
Robinson,  who  was  born  in  Grant  county  in 
July,  1853,  a daughter  of  Winthrop  and  Mary 
A.  (Umpstead)  Robinson,  and  received  a fair 
education  in  East  Dubuque  and  in  Grant  coun- 
ty. After  this  marriage  our  subject  settled  on 
his  father’s  farm  for  the  following  three  j^ears, 
and  then,  in  1881,  rented  the  Henry  Scheel 
farm,  near  the  Grant  county  line,  in  Elk  Grove, 
which  he  still  continues  to  occupy.  It  is  a 400- 
acre  farm,  and  Mr.  Arthur’s  case  in  this 
respect  is  probably  without  a parallel  in  his 
section,  he  having  paid  Mr.  Scheel  over  $26,- 

36 


000,  in  cash,  for  rental.  On  this  place  he  has’ 
erected  good,  substantial  buildings,  and  lie  has 
one  of  the  best  cultivated  farms  in  his  locality. 
He  owns  a farm  of  334  acres  near  Lancaster, 
which  he  rents. 

The  children  of  our  subject's  second 
union  are:  Samuel  Willie,  born  in  1880,  a 
bright  young  man,  now  taking  a course  in  the 
Platteville  Business  College;  Charles',  born  in 
1884;  Eva  May,  in  1886;  Jennie,  in  1889; 
John  Lester,  in  1890;  Nelson,  in  1892;  and 
Clarence,  in  1894.  All  of  them  are  students 
in  school. 

Politically  Mr.  Arthur  has  been  identified 
with  the  Republican  party,  and  for  a long  time 
has  held  the  office  of  road  commissioner.  He 
is  one  of  the  largest  and  most  successful  stock 
raisers  of  the  locality,  and  is  considered  an  au- 
thority on  many  agricultural  matters.  The 
esteem  in  which  he  and  his  refined  and  culti- 
vated wife  are  held  in  the  community  is  very 
genuine,  and  they  may  be  justly  regarded  in 
the  light  of  representative  people  of  Elk  Grove 
township. 

FRANKLIN  R.  DERRICK  is  engaged  in 
the  fire  insurance  business  in  Brodhead,  Green 
county,  and  is  one  of  the  leading  men  of  the 
place  in  regard  to  general  character,  standing 
and  personal  integrity.  He  is  a genial  and 
courteous  gentleman,  and  enjoys  a wide  circle 
of  personal  friends. 

Mr.  Derrick  was  born  in  Spring  Grove, 
Green  county,  Wis.,  May  25,  1850,  and  is  a son 
of  Franklin  PI.  and  Harriet  A.  (Boslow)  Der- 
rick. natives  of  New  York  and  Canada,  respect- 
ively. A sketch  of  his  father  appears  elsewhere 
in  this  work,  to  which  the  reader  is  referred  for 
fuller  information  as  to  family  history  and  an- 
cestral data.  It  is  said  that  the  grandfather  of 
Franklin  R.  walked  from  Illinois  to  New  York 
guided  by  his  compass.  His  maternal  grand- 
father was  John  Boslow,  was  a native  of  Can- 
ada, and  of  German  descent.  He  moved  into 
Ohio,  and  early  in  the  ’40s  came  to  Wisconsin, 
and  followed  farming  in  Green  county,  where 
he  died:  well  advanced  in  years.  He  was  the 
father  of  a numerous  family. 

Franklin  R.  Derrick  grew  to  manhood 
under  the  parental  roof  in  the  town  of  Spring 
Grove,  and  secured  his  education  at  the  district 
school,  and  at  the  high  school  in  Brodhead.  He 
studied:  dentistry  in  this  city,  and  was  engaged 
in  its  practice  about  fifteen  years.  Tiring  of 


562 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


office  practice  he  went  on  the  road,  and  sold 
specialties  for  five  years.  In  1898  he  bought 
the  lire  insurance  business  of  Joseph  Thompson, 
and  is  devoting  himself  to  its  expansion.  Mr. 
Derrick  was  married,  August  22,  1876.  to  Miss 
Arabella  N.  Moore,  daughter  of  William  H. 
and  Susan  (Moore)  Moore.  To  their  union  was 
born  one  daughter,  who  died  in  infancy.  Mr. 
Derrick  was  formerly  a Republican,  but  is  now 
a Prohibitionist,  and  is  a candidate  on  the  State 
ticket  of  that  party  for  the  office  of  railroad 
commissioner. 

BENJAMIN  SHINOE  (deceased)  was  a 
farmer  in  the  town  of  Paris,  Grant  county, 
where  he  long  sustained  an  enviable  reputation 
as  an  honorable  and  upright  man,  a good  citizen 
and  an  industrious  and  successful  farmer. 

Mr.  Shinoe  was  born  in  Virginia  Jan.  26, 
1817,  a son  of  Jeremiah  and  Deborah  (Reed) 
Shinoe.  The  father  was  born  in  Rouen, 
France,  and  came  to  this  country  in  1806,  set- 
tling first  in  Virginia,  and  then  moving  to  Ohio. 
In  1853  he  moved  to  Wisconsin,  and  made  this 
State  his  home  until  his  death.  With  his  wife 
he  is  buried  near  Platteville.  They  had  a large 
family,  all  of  whom  are  deceased  except  four : 
(1)  Oliver  resides  in  the  town  of  Waterloo, 
Grant  county.  (2)  Jane  is  the  wife  of  W.  H, 
Cooper,  of  Cuba  City.  (3)  Margaret  is  the 
widow  of  Joseph  Head,  of  Platteville.  (4)  An- 
nie is  the  wife  of  James  Crisop,  of  Ohio. 

Benjamin  Shinoe  reached  his  majority  in 
Ohio,  and  there  received  part  of  his  education 
in  the  public  schools;  he  was  also  for  a time  in 
attendance  upon  a school  in  Virginia.  When  a 
young  man,  in  Illinois,  he  married  Miss  Eliza- 
beth McClees,  daughter  of  William  and  Diana 
(Wells)  McClees.  William  McClees  was  a 
native  of  Edinburgh,  Scotland,  and  his  wife 
was  a native  of  Columbus,  Ivy.  They  mar- 
i ied  in  Kentucky,  but  very  soon  afterward 
removed  to  Tazewell  county,  111.,  where  he  fol- 
lowed farming  and  died  in  1841,  his  wife  sur- 
iving  him  many  years,  and  passing  away  in 
1875,  at  the  home  of  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Shinoe, 
who  is  the  only  one  of  the  family  now  living. 
She  obtained  her  education  in  the  public  schools 
of  Tazewell  county.  After  their  marriage  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Shinoe  found  a home  in  the  town  of 
Paris.  Grant  county,  in  1847,  while  it  was  still 
a part  of  the  territory.  Mr.  Shinoe  secured  a 
quarter  section  of  good  farm  land,  one  and  a 
half  miles  east  of  Dickeysville,  and  here  he 


cleared  up  a fine  farm,  making  his  home  thereon 
until  1S83.  'that  year  he  purchased  the  “Big 
Platte  Ferry  Farm,"  a magnificent  estate  of 
260  acres,  where  he  made  his  home  until  his 
death,  in  1899.  Mr.  Shinoe  was  a Republican, 
and  long  took  an  active  part  in  political  work. 

To  our  subject  and  wife  were  born  twelve 
children : ( 1 ) Lewis,  the  eldest  son,  born  in 
Grant  county,  grew  up  at  home,  married  Miss 
Nancy  Rister,  and  is  now  residing  on  his  farm 
in  the  town  of  Paris.  His  family  consists  of 
two  children,  William  Id.  and  Cora,  the  latter 
now  the  wife  of  Martin  Bolan,  of  Pans.  (2) 
Mary,  born  in  February,  1849,  is  now  the 
widow  of  Cyrus  A.  Hornbeck,  a veteran  of  the 
Civil  war : she  has  had  six  children,  Melvin  Id., 
Albert,  Orvil  L.,  George,  Minnie  E.,  and  Earl. 
(3)  Josephine,  born  in  Paris  in  1850,  married 
Henry  Harvey,  and  moved  to  Farley,  Iowa, 
where  he  died,  leaving  a wife  and  five 
children,  Alfred,  Mortimer,  Guy  E.,  Viola 
and  Walter.  (4)  Albert,  born  Oct.  24, 
1852,  has  had  an  extensive  and  varied  experi- 
ence. He  obtained  his  education  in  the 
public  schools.  When  a boy  of  seventeen  years 
lie  lost  his  right  hand  by  accident,  in  a threshing 
machine.  During  his  early  manhood  he  was 
engaged  in  railroading,  and  had  a situation  on 
the  barges  on  the  Mississippi  river.  As  a home- 
steader he  located  near  Lake  Superior,  in  Wis- 
consin, where  he  remained  three  years,  and  in 
1894  went  to  Montana,  spending  some  months 
as  a prospector  in  that  region.  On  the  death 
of  his  father  he  came  back  to  Wisconsin,  and 
has  remained  with  his  widowed  mother  to  the 
present  time,  never  having  married.  (5) 
Sophia,  born  in  January,  1855,  is  the  wife  of 
George  Rich,  of  Dubuque,  Iowa,  where  he  is 
engaged  as  a ship  carpenter.  They  have  a fam- 
ily of  four  children,  Florence,  Lottie,  Jessie  and 
Raymond.  (6)  Dianna  D.,  born  in  Paris  Feb. 
28,  1857,  is  the  wife  of  Henry  Miller,  a ma- 
chinist of  Minneapolis.  (7)  Viola,  born  Nov. 
18,  1859,  is  the  wife  of  Capt.  L.  Brenen,  of 
West  Superior,  Wis.-,  where  he  has  a good 
standing  as  one  of  the  leading  steamboat  cap- 
tains on  the  Lakes.  They  have  two  children, 
Olive  and  Ethel.  (8)  Margaret  J,,  born  in  No- 
vember, 1861,  married  William  Sheffield,  and  is 
now  living  in  Dubuque,  Iowa,  where  their  two 
sons,  Claude  and  Clarence,  are  attending  the 
city  schools.  (9)  Elizabeth,  born  in  April,  1864, 
married  Fred  Johns  and  lived  in  Cuba  City, 
where  he  died,  leaving  one  daughter,  ITuldah. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


563 


Mrs.  Johns  later  married  Benjamin  Magner, 
and  now  resides  in  Minneapolis.  To  this  union 
one  son  has  been  born.  (10)  Benjamin, 
born  in  September,  1866,  married  Miss  Cather- 
ine Jungles,  and  they  have  one  daughter,  Maud 
S.  He  is  now  a ship  builder  in  West  Superior, 
Wis.  ( 1 1 ) Charles  H.,  born  June  9,  1869, 
grew  up  on  the  homestead,  where  he  is  still 
living  with  his  mother.  (12)  Minnie  died  in 
childhood.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sliinoe  celebrated 
their  Golden  Wedding,  and  she  now  holds  her 
badge  as  one  of  the  members  of  the  Wisconsin 
State  Centennial. 

Mrs.  Elizabeth  Shinoe  is  a member  of  the 
Christian  Church,  with  which  she  united  when 
a young  girl.  She  is  a lady  of  character  and 
ability,  is  the  present  health  officer  of  the  town 
of  Paris,  and  is  now  vice-president  of  the  Union 
Church  Society.  She  was  elected  president  of 
the  Soldiers  Aid  Society,  serving  during  the 
Civil  war.  Mrs.  Shinoe  comes  of  old  patriotic 
stock,  and  her  grandfather  was  a soldier  in 
the  Revolutionary  war.  .She  is  wrell  versed  in 
national  affairs,  is  a strong  advocate  of  pro- 
hibition, and  is  a cultured  lady,  engaging  in  her 
manners,  and  of  charming  conversational  abil- 
ity. 

GEORGE  ZIMMERMANN,  one  of  the 
well-known  veterans  of  the  war  of  the  Rebel- 
lion located  in  Grant  county,  is  a native  of 
Bavaria,  Germany,  where  he  was  born,  May 
28,  1836,  a son  of  Joseph  and  Mary  Ann  Zim- 
mermann.  When  the  subject  of  this  sketch 
was  still  a boy  his  parents  decided  to  leave  their 
native  land  and  seek  a new  home  across  the 
ocean.  Severing  the  ties  of  a lifetime,  these 
worthy  people  made  the  long  and  dangerous 
journey,  and  after  landing  in  the  United  States 
located  at  Buffalo,  where  they  remained  until 
their  death. 

The  spirit  of  emigration  burned,  however, 
in  the  breast  of  their  son,  and  in  1854  George 
Zimmermann  left  the  parental  rooftree,  and 
setting  his  face  westward,  journeyed  through- 
out the  West,  and  finally,  in  1858,  settled  in 
Prairie  clu  Chien,  Wis.,  the  next  year  lo- 
cating in  Elgin,  Fayette  county,  Iowa.  In  his 
native  land  this  young  man  had  learned1  the 
trade  of  wagonmaker,  and  he  has  followed  it  all 
his  life.  When  the  Civil  war  broke  out,  like 
so  many  German-Americans,  George  Zimmer- 
mann entered  the  service  of  the  United  States’ 
army,  being  enrolled  in  1862  as  a member  of 


Company  H,  38th  Reg.,  I.  V.  I.,  for  three 
years.  Mr.  Zimmermann  was  mustered  in-  at 
Dubuque,  Iowa,  and  soon  after  left  for  the  seat 
of  war,  participating  in  many  important  en- 
gagements, including  the  siege  of  Vicksburg, 
under  Gen.  Grant;  capture  of  Forts  Morgan 
and  Blakely,  and  many  others.  At  Houston, 
Texas,  Mr.  Zimmermann  received  an  honor- 
able discharge,  in  1865,  and  obtained  his  final 
pay,  from  the  government,  at  Davenport, 
Iowa.  Shortly  after  the  war  Mr.  Zimmer- 
mann located  at  Prairie  clu  Chien,  Wis.,  where 
he  successfully  followed  his  trade,  and  re- 
mained until  1873,  removing  then  to  Mount 
Hope,  and  two  years  later  to  the  neighboring 
village  of  Patch  Grove,  where  he  lived  about 
eight  years,  and  then  returned  to  Mt.  Hope, 
where  he  has  since  made  his  home,  and  is  now 
engaged  in  the  repairing  and  making  of 
wagons. 

In  1859  Mr.  Zimmermann  was  married  to 
Miss  Henrietta  Koepp,  a native  of  Germany, 
and  seven  children  have  been  born  to  this 
worthy  couple:  A.  G.,  an  attorney  of  Madi- 

son, Wis.,  recently  elected  county  judge;  Mary, 
now  Mrs.  U.  T.  Schnever,  of  Mount  Hope; 
Oscar  S.,  who  displayed  the  same  patriotic 
spirit  that  so  many  years  ago  animated’  his 
good  father  by  enlisting  at  Tomah,  Wis.,  and 
going  to  Porto  Rico,  as  a member  of  Company 
Iv,  3d  Wis.  Regt.,  in  the  late  war  with  Spain, 
and  his  family  mourn  his  death,  which  oc- 
curred in  Porto  Rico  in  1898;  George  J.,  prin- 
cipal of  the  Mt.  Hope  high  schools;  Fred  J., 
cashier  and  stockholder  in  a mercantile  estab- 
lishment at  Fennimore,  Wis.;  Edwin  L.,  a 
journalist  at  Fargo,  N.  Dak.;  and  Miss'  Lou, 
a teacher. 

Few  men  have  better  demonstrated  their 
love  for  their  country  than  has  this  brave  old 
soldier,  who  not  only  risked  his  own  life,  but 
offered  up  his  young  son  on  the  altar  of  his 
country’s  honor ; and  during  the  long  years  of 
peaceful  citizenship  has  done  his  duty  as  a 
man,  a husband  and  a father,  and  therefore 
justly  enjoys  the  respect  and  confidence  of  his 
fellow  townsmen. 

JOHN  R.  MUFFLEY  is  one  of  the  earliest 
residents  of  Boscobel,  and  among  the  pioneers 
of  the  State,  having  emigrated  to  Wisconsin 
in  1846,  two  years  before  it  was  admitted  to 
the  Union. 

Mr.  Muffley  was  born  in  Westmoreland 


564 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


county,  about  thirty  miles  from  Pittsburg, 
Penn.,  Jan.  22,  1824,  son  of  Joseph  and  Eliza 
(Echols)  Aluffley,  both  natives  of  Pennsyl- 
vania. Joseph  Muffley  was  a son  of  John 
Mulfley,  a soldier  of  the  Revolution,  who 
fought  in  that  war  for  six  years,  was  a school 
teaciier,  and  when  the  subject  of  this  sketch 
was  ten  years  old,  removed  his  family  from 
the  old  homestead  of  the  grandfather  to  a new 
home,  a few  miles  from  Greensburg,  the  coun- 
ty seat,  where  he  continued  teaching,  both 
English  and  German.  When  he  died  he  was 
buried  in  the  old  cemetery  where  his  father 
was  interred,  not  far  from  the  old  homestead. 
The  mother  made  her  home  with  her  children 
after  his  death,  finally  passing  away  at  the  age 
of  eighty-nine,  in  1894,  while  residing  with 
her  daughter,  Mrs.  Barbara  JToughtatalling, 
in  Martin  county,  Minn.  There  were  eight 
sons  and  two  daughters  in  this  family,  and  six 
of  the  sons  and  one  daughter  are  still  living 
at  this  writing,  in  1900. 

John  R.  Muffley  grew  to  manhood  in  his 
native  State,  learning  the  trade  of  cabinet- 
maker, but  as  soon  as  lie  had  served  his  ap- 
prenticeship he  decided  to  come  West,  and 
started  with  a young  man  named  John  Fritz, 
who  had  been  a fellow  apprentice,  and  the  lat- 
ter's brother,  Conrad  Fritz.  These  three 
started  from  home  March  17,  1846,  and 

reached  Galena,  111.,  April  3 following,  making 
the  trip  from  Pittsburg  by  water,  down  the 
Ohio  to  St.  Louis,  and  thence  to  Galena,  on  a 
boat  named  "La  Clede.”  From  Galena  they 
went  directly  to  Fairplay,  town  of  Jamestown, 
Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  where  our  subject  made  his 
home,  has  worked  for  a short  time  at  his  trade, 
but  soon  engaged  in  carpenter  work,  and  fol- 
lowed that  occupation  for  many  years.  Among 
other  things,  John  R.  Muffley  also  tried  min- 
ing, meeting  with  considerable  success,  and  in 
1854  entered  a half  section  of  land  in  the  town 
of  Watterstown,  about  two  miles  east  of  Bos- 
cobel.  T wo  years  later,  a few  months  before 
the  completion  of  the  railroad  to  this  point, 
Air.  Aluffley  removed  to  Boscobel  and  pur- 
chased two  lots  in  anticipation  of  the  growth 
of  the  place,  erecting  a residence  on  his  lots. 
1 he  winter  following  was  so  severe  that  but 
little  work  of  any  kind  was  done,  but  the  fol- 
lowing spring  he  found  plenty  of  employment 
as  a carpenter  and  also  throughout  the  season. 
In  the  fall  of  the  same  year  Mr.  Muffley  pur- 
chased a carload  of  furniture  and  embarked  in 


the  furniture  business,  which  he  has  success- 
fully pursued  ever  since.  In  1858  Mr.  Muffley 
erected  the  building  he  has  since  occupied  as- 
a place  of  business. 

On  May  18,  1851,  John  Aluffley  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Mary  Jane  McCormic,  a native 
of  Ohio,  born  April  20,  1833,  a daughter  of 
Ezekiel  AlcCormic,  one  of  the  pioneers  of 
Grant  county.  Seven  children  have  been  born 
of  this  union,  four  sons  and  three  daughters, 
of  which  three  sons  and  two  daughters  are  liv- 
ing in  1901:  Eliza  J.,  born  April  11,  1852, 

on  Easter  Day,  married  Morris  Wells,  of 
Northfield,  Minn.;  William  A.,  born  July  17, 
1856,  a resident  of  Kansas  City,  Mo. ; Charles 
E.,  born  in  the  building  which  has  been  occu- 
pied so  many  years,  Aug.  12,  1863,  and  asso- 
ciated with  his  father  in  business;  John  R., 
born  Sept.  8,  1872,  a resident  of  Boscobel; 
Harriet  P.,  born  Jan.  11,  1854,  widow  of  H. 
P.  Hackney,  who  died  in  Nebraska  in  Decem- 
ber, 1809.  Those  deceased  are  : Franklin  J.,. 

born  Alay  17,  1S58,  died  July,  1891,  and  Lu- 
ella  May,  who  died  at  the  age  of  two. 

John  R.  Muffley  has  seen  Boscobel  grow 
from  a hamlet  to  its  present  size,  and  has  been 
an  important  factor  in  its  material  welfare. 
For  fifty-four  years  he  has  been  in  business 
here,  and  is  still  hearty  and  active,  notwith- 
standing his  age.  Although  reared  in  the  Dem- 
ocratic school,  Air.  Muffley  entered  the  ranks 
of  the  newly  formed  Republican  party,  voted 
for  John  C.  Fremont,  and  has  ever  since  sup- 
ported the  candidates  of  that  organization. 
For  thirty-six  years  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Muffley 
have  been  consistent  members  of  the  Congrega- 
tional Church,  and  both  are  worthy  and  highly 
esteemed  people. 

THOMAS  AIAHER.  Coming  from  his 
native  Ireland  to  America  when  a young  man, 
our  subject,  by  energy  and  economy,  combined 
with  the  honest  qualities  which  have  gained 
him  friends1  all  throup'h  life,  has  conquered 
the  disadvantages  which  limited  means  en- 
tailed, and  is  now  one  of  the  substantial  and 
esteemed  citizens  of  Sylvester  township,  Green 
county. 

Thomas  Maher  was  born  June  28,  1827,  in 
Kilkenny,  Ireland,  where  he  grew  to  manhood. 
He  became  anxious  to  make  a home  and  com- 
petency under  more  favorable  conditions  than 
were  offered  in  his  own  locality,  and,  leaving 
his  parents,  Dennis  and  Honor  (Whalen) 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


565 


Maher,  in  the  old  country,  he  set  sail  Feb.  25, 
1852,  and  reached  New  York  on  the  28th  of 
the  following  month.  He  remained  in  that 
State,  engaged  at  various  kinds  of  work,  until 
1857,  when  he  came  to  Milwaukee,  soon  after- 
ward1— about  1858 — locating  in  Green  county, 
and  settling  on  the  fine  farm  he  now  owns  in 
1890.  Mr.  Maher  has  been  one  of  the  most 
energetic  and  industrious  farmers  of  his  lo- 
cality. 

Our  subject  was  united  in  marriage  in 
1862  to  Miss  Julia  McDonall,  a native  of  Os- 
wego. 111.,  born  Sept.  27,  1846,  and  this  union 
has  been  blessed  with  a most  excellent  and  in- 
teresting family,  who  have  become  esteemed 
citizens  of  the  neighborhood,  viz. : Dennis, 

born  in  1863;  James,  in  1864;  Nora,  in  1866; 
Catherine,  in  1867;  Michael,  in  1869;  Mar- 
garet, in  1871;  John,  in  1873;  Charles,  in 
1875;  Thomas,  Jr.,  in  1876;  Julia  Ann,  in 
1878;  Ellen,  in  1882;  Mary,  in  1885;  Edmond, 
in  1887. 

Born  in  the  faith  of  the  Catholic  Church, 
Mr.  Maher  has-  continued  an  earnest  advocate 
of  its  principles.  The  views  of  the  Demo- 
cratic party  are  those  best  suited  to  his  own, 
and  he  has  voted  the  ticket  of  that  organiza- 
tion since  he  obtained  the  rights  of  a citizen  of 
this  country.  By  sheer  pluck  Mr.  Maher  has 
worked  his  way  to  his  present  position  among 
his  neighbors,  and  receives  from  them  well- 
deserved  esteem  for  his  many  excellent  traits 
of  character. 

JOHN  McCLAIN  is  a well-known  farm- 
er in  the  town  of  Paris,  Grant  county,  who 
has  lived  a long  and  useful  life,  devoted  to  hon- 
est industry  and  manly  purposes,  and  is  still 
alert  and  vigorous. 

Mr.  McClain  was  born  in  Warren  county, 
Tenn.,  Sept.  15,  1827,  and  is  a son  of  Matthew 
and  Mary  (Holland)  McClain.  The  father 
was  born  in  South  Carolina  in  1797,  and  the 
mother  came  from  North  Carolina.  They 
were  married  in  Tennessee,  and  lived  in  that 
State  until  1830,  the  time  of  her  death,  when 
father  and  son  journeyed  westward  to  Jeffer- 
son county,  111.,  where  they  found  a home  for 
some  two  years,  and  in  June,  1843,  came  into 
Wisconsin  to  work  in  the  lead  mines  near 
Potosi. 

In  the  spring  of  1830  John  McClain  crossed 
the  Plains  to  seek  a fortune  in  the  gold  fields 
of  California.  Four  months  were  required  to 


make  the  journey.  The  Indians  were  numer- 
ous and  dangerous,  and  the  little  company  in 
which  he  traveled  had  many  close  calls  for  their 
lives.  John  McClain  met  with  remarkable 
success  in  mining,  and  in  three  months  took 
thirteen  thousand  dollars  from  his  claim. 
With  this  he  returned  to  Wisconsin  and  pur- 
chased from  Nelson  Dowey  a tract  of  wild 
land  near  Potosi,  on  which  he  made  extensive 
improvements',  clearing  it  up,  and  making  a 
fine  farm,  on  which  he  lived  for  some  years. 
In  1852  he  married  Miss  Annie  Rupp,  the 
daughter  of  John  and  Margaret  (Houff) 
Rupp,  both  born  in  the  Rhine  country,  Ger- 
many. Mr.  Rupp  and  his  family  came  to 
Pennsylvania  in  1836,  where  he  worked  as  a 
mason  until  1842,  when  he  came  West  to  Wis- 
consin. Mrs.  Rupp  died  in  Pennsylvania  a 
short  time  before  the  removal  of  the  family 
to  the  West.  Mr.  Rupp  died  at  Potosi.  Mrs. 
McClain  was  born  in  Germany  in  1S34,  and 
spent  the  latter  part  of  her  girlhood  in  Wis- 
consin. 

After  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mc- 
Clain went  to  Kansas  in  1857,  with  the  inten- 
tion of  making  a permanent  home  in  that 
State.  After  a thorough  inspection  they  were 
satisfied  Grant  county  offered  more  attractions 
for  a farming  career,  and  they  came  back  to 
Wisconsin.  Mr.  McClain  purchased  an  ex- 
tensive tract  of  wild  land  in  Grant  county,  to 
which  he  has  added  from  time  to  time  until  he 
now  owns  a choice  farm  of  five  hundred  acres, 
over  half  of  which  is  under  cultivation.  In 
1868  he  put  up  fine  and  substantial  farm  build- 
ings', and  from  time  to  time  has  improved  and 
beautified  his  residence  until  this  has  become 
one  of  the  more  desirable  country  homes  in 
Southwestern  Wisconsin.  For  many  years,  in 
addition  to  his  ordinary  farming,  he  has  car- 
ried on  extensive  operations  in  raising  stock. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  McClain  have  had  a family 
of  twelve  children:  (1)  John,  born  in  Grant 

county  in  1853,  married  Miss  Grace  Thurtell, 
and  lives  on  his  farm  and  cattle  ranch  in  South 
Dakota.  They  have  five  children : John, 

Grace,  Bertha,  Glenn  and  Henry.  (2) 
George,  born  in  Grant  county  in  1855,  mar- 
ried Miss  Laura  Shadrick,  and  is  a farmer  in 
the  town  of  Paris.  They  have  three  sons, 
Charles,  Arthur,  and  Willard.  (3)  Mary, 
horn  in  1837,  is  the  wife  of  David  Wilson,  and 
lives  in  the  town  of  Paris.  They  have  three 
children:  George,  John  and  Alice.  (4)  Mar- 


566 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


garet,  born  in  1859,  married  S.  S.  Vannatta, 
who  is  a farmer  in  the  town  of  Harrison. 
'1  hey  have  four  children:  Albert,  Maggie/Hat- 
tie, and  Lillian.  (5)  Albert,  born  in  1861, 
married  Miss  Alice  Richards,  of  British  Hol- 
low, and  lives  in  South  Dakota,  where  he  does 
an  extensive  business  as  a horse  dealer,  buy- 
ing for  the  eastern  markets.  They  have  two 
children,  Bessie  and  Mabel.  (6)  Charles, 
born  in  April,  1864,  died  in  1879,  in  the  flower 
of  his  early  manhood.  (7)  Laura,  born  in 
May,  1866,  is  the  wife  of  Antone  Rupp,  a resi- 
dent farmer  in  the  town  of  Harrison.  They 
have  three  children : George,  Archie,  and 

Florence.  (8)  Edward,  born  July  8,  1868, 
had  a.  good  education  in  the  high  school  at 
Valparaiso,  was  for  some  eight  or  ten  years 
a miner  in  Colorado,  and  now  lives  at  Dead- 
wood,  S.  Dak.  (9)  Henry,  born  at  the  pres- 
ent family  home  in  September,  1870,  went  to 
the  Alaska  gold  fields  in  1895,  making  three 
journeys  to  that  region,  and  met  with  a rich 
reward  for  all  his  privations  and  perils.  The 
young  man  returned  in  1899,  and  is  now  a 
resident  of  his  father’s  home.  (10)  Thomas, 
born  in  1872,  died  when  fifteen  years  of  age. 

(11)  Annie,  born  in  July,  1875,  is  110W  the 
wife  of  George  Woodrome,  of  Jefferson  coun- 
ty, 111.,  and  the  mother  of  one  son,  George  H. 

(12)  Archie,  born  in  April,  1882,  was  a stu- 
dent in  the  Normal,  preparing  at  Platte ville 
for  a teacher’s  career,  and  is  now  at  home. 

Mr.  McClain  was  formerly  a Whig,  but 
later  supported  the  Democratic  party.  In 
1896  he  voted  the  Republican  ticket,  and  is 
now  strongly  in  favor  of  territorial  expansion. 
For  forty-one  years  without  a break  he  has 
held  the  office  of  school  district  treasurer  in 
the  town  of  Paris,  and  has  never  been  requested 
to  give  bonds.  Mr.  McClain  has  also  served 
on  the  town  board.  He  started  in  life  without 
a dollar,  and  by  his  own  industry  and  thrift 
has  come  to  be  one  of  the  most  prosperous 
and  extensive  farmers  and  stock  dealers  of  this 
part  of  the  State.  The  confidence  and  esteem 
of  the  community  are  extended'  to  him  with- 
out measure,  and  his  reputation  for  honesty 
and  integrity  is  not  questioned. 

ALPHEUS  N.  MCDONALD.  Among 
the  respected  citizens  of  Beetown  township, 
Grant  county,  is  the  subject  of  this  review.  A 
native  of  the  township,  he  was  born  March 
21,  1837,  a son  of  Joseph  and  Rebecca  McDon- 


ald, the  former  of  whom  came  to  Grant  county 
among  the  earliest  pioneers.  The  mother  of 
our  subject  came  to  the  county  some  time  later 
than  her  husband,  and  here  they  passed  the  re- 
mainder of  their  lives,  the  father  dying  in  1854, 
the  mother  surviving  until  1876.  The  surviv- 
ors of  their  family  are:  Alpheus  N.,  our  sub- 
ject; William;  Mrs.  Minerva  McElhaney;  and 
Mrs.  Margaret  McGahan.  William  served  in 
the  Civil  war  from  1861-65,  as  a member  of  the 
44th  Wis.  V.  I.,  valiantly  doing  his  duty  to  his 
country. 

Our  subject  became  a soldier  in  the  Union 
army  in  August,  1864,  entering  Company  H, 
43d  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  was  with  his  regiment  dur- 
ing the  whole  term  of  his  enlistment,  except  for 
about  two  months,  when  he  was  sent  to  a hos- 
pital at  Nashville,  later  to  Louisville,  Ky.,  and 
thence  to  Quincy,  111.,  the  surgeon  fearing  for 
his  life  unless  he  was  sent  into  northern  air. 
Mr.  McDonald  has  never  fully  recovered,  and 
he  has  just  cause  for  pride  in  his  record  as  a 
soldier. 

The  marriage  of  our  subject  to  Miss  Mary 
Jane  Hayden,  a sister  of  J.  M.  Hayden,  of  Bee- 
town,  was  celebrated  in  1S55,  and  a family  of 
nine  children  has  been  born  to  them,  two  sons 
and  three  daughters  living.  Mr.  McDonald  is 
one  of  the  respected  and  industrious  citizens  of 
Beetown,  where  he  and  his  family  have  resided 
so  long. 

WILLIAM  HARTWIG  in  his  life  filled  an 
honorable  place  among  the  industrious  and  use- 
ful citizens  of  Green  county,  who  were  con- 
tent to  return  an  honest  day  for  a day’s  wages, 
and  glad  to  deal  squarely  and  fairly  with  all 
they  met. 

Mr.  Hartwig  was  born  in  Germany  in  1825, 
and  married  Sophie  Haberman  in  his  native 
land,  the  young  couple  coining  to  the  United 
States  in  1849.  Here  Mr.  Flartwig  made  the 
beginning  of  an  industrious  and  highly  useful 
career  by  doing  day’s  work.  His  children  were  : 
(1)  Christian,  born  in  1850,  married  Elizabeth 
Flenn.  (2). William,  born  in  1852,  married 
Mary  Ansmeir,  and  died  in  1887.  (3)  Ferdi- 
mand,  born  in  1855,  died  thirty  years  later. 
(4)  Mary,  born  in  1S61,  married  Ferdimand 
Ausmus,  a farmer  in.  Green  county.  Mrs. 
Sophie  Hartwig,  born  in  1825,  survives  her 
husband,  who  died  in  1890. 

Mr.  Hartwig  was  in  very  desperate  circum- 
stances at  the  time  of  his  arrival  in  Wisconsin, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


567 


but  his  industry,  economy  and  unflinching 
integrity,  aided  by  the  efforts  of  his  faithful 
wife,  in  the  course  of  a few  years  greatly 
changed  conditions,  and  he  soon  became  one  of 
the  large  land  owners  of  the  county.  He  was  a 
Republican  politically,  and  a member  of  the 
Evangelical  Church  at  Juda,  Wis.  Mr.  Hartwig 
in  his  later  years  disposed  of  the  greater  part 
of  his  farming-  land,  and  was  about  to  move  to 
Juda,  where  he  had  bought  property  and 
planned  to  spend  his  old  age  with  his  cherished 
wife,  when  he  died.  Mrs.  Hartwig  lives  in 
Juda,  and  her  granddaughter.  Miss  Lydia 
Hartwig,  lives  with  her,  and  is  highly  cherished 
by  her  acquaintances.  Mrs.  Hartwig  has  been 
a member  of  the  Evangelical  Church  for  many 
years. 

NICHOLAS  FUNK,  deceased.  This  is 
the  name  of  an  honest  and  hard-working  son  of 
Germany,  who  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  gave  his 
life  to-  the  development  of  Grant  county.  He 
was  modest  and  unassuming  in  his  personal 
habits,  but  was  a man  of  genuine  worth,  and  he 
is  remembered  most  kindly  and  regretfully  by 
those  who  knew  him  best. 

Mr.  Funk  was  born  in  Prussia  in  1827, 
where  he  was  reared  to  manhood.  He  had  his 
education  in  the  Prussian  schools,  and  re- 
mained in  the  Old  World  until  he  was  a full- 
grown  man.  In  1856  he  emigrated  to  this 
country,  and  settled  in  Grant  county,  Wis., 
where  he  followed  the  ocupation  of  a lead  miner 
at  Potosi.  In  1859  he  married  Miss  Mary 
Schordt,  who  was  born  in  Germany  in  1841. 
She  was  the  daughter  of  John  and  Mary  (Pick) 
Schordt,  and  her  mother  died  in  the  old  coun- 
try in  1856.  Her  father  with  his  two  children, 
Mary  and  her  brother,  Frank,  now  of  Grant 
county,  came  to  this  country.  In  1866  Mr. 
Funk  bought  a farm  of  eighty-two  acres  on  the 
line  of  Harrison  and  Platteville  townships. 
There  he  erected  good  substantial  buildings, 
and  made  his  home  until  he  died,  in  May,  1891, 
leaving  a wife  and  ten  children.  ( 1 ) Katie,  the 
eldest,  is  now  the  wife  of  Frank  School;  they 
live  in  Rockville,  Iowa,  and  in  their  family  of 
children  are,  Peter,  Nicholas,  Albert,  Jennie, 
Nellie,  Arthur  and  Leo.  (2)  Mary  is  the  wife  of 
Herman  Lankamp,  of  the  town  of  Harrison, 
and  is  the  mother  of  two  children.  Mary  and 
I Susan.  (3)  Gertie  is  the  wife  of  Nicholas 
Heinze,  of  Grant  county,  Wis.,  and  is  the 
mother  of  Louisa,  Annie,  Herman,  William  and 


Tressie.  (4)  Annie,  born  on  the  present 
homestead,  in  Grant  county,  married  Joseph 
Reiter,  of  Bremer  county,  Iowa,  and  is 
the  mother  of  Mary,  Susan,  Frankie  and 
John.  (5)  Lizzie  is  the  wife  of  Nicholas 
Lipfred,  resides  at  Sherburne,  Martin  coun- 
ty, Minn.,  and  has  eight  children.  (6)  Su- 
san, now  the  wife  of  Peter  Linden,  lives  in 
the  town  of  Platteville,  and  is  the  mother  of 
four  children,  Katie,  Mary,  Laura,  and  Joseph. 

(7)  Maggie,  wife  of  John  Langkamp,  now  re- 
sides in  the  town  of  Harrison,  and  is  the  mother 
of  three  children,  Willie,  Leo  and  Josephine. 

(8)  Nicholas  H.  Funk,  the  only  son,  was 
born  on  the  old  homestead,  Feb.  17,  1877,  and 
was  educated  in  the  public  schools.  Since  the 
death  of  his  father  the  charge  of  the  homestead 
has  fallen  upon  his  shoulders,  and  he  has  ten- 
derly cared  for  his  aged  mother.  His  ability  as  a 
farmer,  and  his  honest  and  open-hearted  nature, 
have  brought  him  to  the  front.  O11  May  30, 
1900,  he  married  Mary  A.  Doyle,  of  Platteville, 
where  she  acquired  a fine  education  in  the  Nor- 
mal School,  attending  that  institution  in  1896 
and  1897.  Her  parents  are  highly  respected  cit- 
izens of  Platteville.  Through  his  careful  man- 
agement the  farm  has  constantly  improved  in 
value.  (9)  Josephine  is  now  the  wife  of  Robert 
Lyght,  of  Big  Patch,  Grant  county,  and  has  one 
son,  Lester.  (10)  Lena  was  born  at  the  old 
homestead,  and  lives  with  her  mother.  Mr. 
Funk  was  a Democrat,  and  Nicholas  H.,  his 
son,  votes  the  same  ticket.  The  Funk  family 
are  members  of  the  Catholic  Church  at  Platte- 
ville, and  are  counted  among  the  best  people  of 
the  county.  Its  various  members  have  led  clean 
and  careful  lives,  avoided  the  tongue  of  slander, 
and  have  developed  an  enviable  reputation  for 
charity  and  neighborly  deeds. 

ISAAC  G.  DeWITT,  ex-postmaster  of 
Wingville,  Grant  county,  is  a veteran  soldier  of 
the  Civil  war,  and  a man  of  prominence'  in  his 
locality.  He  was  born  in  Morrow  county,  Ohio, 
in  1843,  a son  °f  Peter  and  Lavina  (Bowles) 
DeWitt.  Peter  DeWitt  was  a native  of  New 
Jersey,  and  a prominent  physician  and  surgeon, 
who  came  with  his  family,  to  Grant  county, 
in  1853,  locating  later  at  Montfort,  Lafayette 
county,  where  he  remained  until  his  death,  on 
Nov.  21,  1882.  His  second  wife  did  not  long 
survive.  To  Peter  DeWitt  were  born  children 
as  follows : Mrs.  Elizabeth  Loy,  who  died  in 
1899,  the  widow  of  an  ex-soldier;  Martin,  resi- 


568 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


dent  of  Kansas;  Mary  A.,  married  and  residing 
in  Nebraska;  Thomas  B.,  of  Montfort;  John, 
who  enlisted  in  1861,  in  the  6th  Missouri;  and 
was  killed  in  April,  1866,  while  in  old  Mexico; 
and  Isaac  G. 

Isaac  G.  DeWitt  was  educated  in  Wiscon- 
sin. In  July,  1862,  he  enlisted  at  Montfort, 
in  Company  F,  20th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  for 
three  - years,  participating  in  the  battles  of 
Prairie  Grove,  Yazoo  City,  siege  of  Vicksburg; 
was  stationed  at  New  Orleans,  at  Spanish  Fort, 
and  at  Fort  Blakely,  and  other  points,  being 
honorably  discharged,  in  August,  1865,  at  Mad- 
ison, where  each  soldier  received  the  money  due 
him.  During  the  entire  war,  Mr.  DeWitt 
proved  himself  a brave  soldier,  and  his  record 
is  one  of  which  he  and  his  children  may  well 
be  proud.  After  the  war  he  engaged  in  news- 
paper work.  During  President  Harrison’s  ad- 
ministration, Mr.  DeWitt  was  honored  by  the 
appointment  of  postmaster,  which  office  he 
filled  with  credit. 

In  1884,  Mr.  DeWitt  married  Miss  A.  Tay- 
lor, a native  of  Hazel  Green,  Grant  county,  and 
a daughter  of  James  T.  and  Anna  Taylor, 
a sketch  of  whom  will  be  found  elsewhere  in 
this  work,  who  settled  in  Hazel  Green  in  1848. 
Mrs.  DeWitt’s  father  is  still  living,  residing  in 
Montfort,  but  her  mother  died  some  years  ago. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  DeWitt  were  born  three  in- 
teresting children:  Martin  Roy,  Jesse  Alfred 
and  Daisy  L. 

In  political  matters,  Mr.  DeWitt  has  always 
been  an  adherent  to  the  principles  of  the  Repub- 
lican party,  and  takes  an  important  part  in  local 
affairs.  Coming  of  one  of  the  old  pioneer  fam- 
ilies of  the  State,  being  himself  a man  of  educa- 
tion, well  read,  conversant  with  the  leading 
questions  of  the  day,  Mr.  DeWitt  is  a pleasant 
companion,  and  has  made  his  influence  felt  in 
the  community  in  which  he  resides,  and  where 
he  is  so  highly  respected. 

PETER  B.  LIPPOLT,  a popular  and  suc- 
cessful farmer  in  the  town  of  Paris,  Grant  coun- 
ty, is  a native  of  the  Grand  Duchy  of  Baden, 
Germany,  where  he  was  born  March  6,  1S31, 
and  there  his  parents,  Wende  and  Christina 
Lippolt,  were  also  born  and  died. 

Mr.  Lippolt  came  to  this  country  alone  in 
1857,  worked  a year  in  a factory  near  Free- 
port, Penn.,  and  then  removed  to  Philadelphia, 
where  he  had  factory  work  until  i860,  the  year 
of  his  coming  West.  While  in  Philadelphia  he 


married  Miss  Elizabeth  Harmon,  a German 
born  and  bred  young  lady.  Together  they  came 
to  Wisconsin  and  settled  at  Platteville,  where  he 
found  work  for  a time  among  the  neighboring 
farmers,  and  then  purchased  a small  farm  near 
the  line  of  the  towns  of  Platteville  and  Paris, 
settling  down  to  the  work  of  making  a home. 
The  breaking  out  of  the  Civil  war  stirred  the 
military  fever  of  his  race,  and  he  enlisted  in 
Company  B,  43d  Wis.  V.  I.,  serving  in  the 
Army  ot.  the  Tennessee,  and  receiving  his  hon- 
orable discharge  at  Nashville  in  June,  1865. 
As  a soldier  he  did  his  duty  well,  and  partici- 
pated in  several  serious  battles. 

After  the  war  Mr.  Lippolt  came  home  sick 
and  broken  in  health,  and  was  able  to  do  very 
little  work  for  several  years.  Mrs.  Lippolt  died 
in  March,  1875,  leaving  one  daughter,  Fredei 
icka,  who  is  now  the  wife  of  John  Shambo,  liv- 
ing near  Platteville.  Mr.  Lippolt  subsequently 
married  Miss  Louisa  Clare,  a daughter  of  John 
and  Magdaline  Clare,  old  pioneers  of  Grant 
county,  and  to  this  union  have  been  born  four 
children:  (1)  George,  born  in  1877,  is  unmar- 
ried, and  is  a resident  of  Grant  county.  (2) 
Louisa,  born  in  1879,  is  the  wife  of  Melvin 
Bowman,  who  resides  on  his  farm  in  Paris, 
Grant  county.  They  have  one  daughter,  Gladys. 
(3)  Miss  Lena,  born  in  June,  1882,  lives  at 
home.  (4)  William,  born  in  1885,  is  at  home. 

In  politics  Mr.  Lippolt  has  always  been  a 
stanch  Republican,  and  he  is  a member  of  Sher- 
man Post,  G.  A.  R.,  at  Platteville.  He  is  also  a 
member  of  the  German  Hutten  Lodge,  of  Phil- 
adelphia. In  religion  both  he  and  his  wife 
are  members  of  the  Platteville  Lutheran 
Church,  to  which  for  many  years  he  has  been 
a liberal  contributor,  and  while  it  was  building- 
lie  took  an  active  part  in  its  behalf.  He  is  still 
one  of  itsi  strongest  friends,  and  was  an  officer 
in  the  organization  for  a number  of  years.  As  a 
worthy  citizen  and  an  upright  man  his  standing 
is  beyond  reproach. 

THOMAS  LEWIS,  one  of  the  wealthy  re- 
tired farmers  of  Albany,  Green  county,  is  the 
subject  of  this  review,  and  his  life  history  be- 
gins away  across  the  ocean,  in  Radnorshire, 
Wales,  where  he  was  born  Oct.  19,  1829.  His 
paternal  and  maternal  grandfathers,  John 
Lewis  and  Robert  Lewis,  respectively,  were 
natives  of  Wales,  and  spent  their  whole  lives 
in  that  land,  where  they  were  agriculturists. 

David  Lewis,  the  father  of  our  subject, 


t 


; 

I 


» 

\ 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


569 


was  born  in  Wales,  and  there  married  Sarah 
Lewis,  to  which  union  came  a family  of  seven 
children:  Thomas  (our  subject),  John,  Emma, 
Martha,  Richard,  Sarah  and  Frances.  John, 
Emma,  Sarah  and  Frances  are  still  residing  in 
Wales;  the  others  are  deceased.  David  Lewis 
died  when  about  sixty  years  old,  and  his  wife 
has  also  passed  away.  She  was  one  of  thir- 
teen children. 

Thomas  Lewis  was  reared  on  a farm  in 
Wales,  and  came  to  America  in  1854.  His 
educational  advantages  were  meager  in  his  na- 
tive land,  but  since  his  location  in  the  United 
States  he  has  not  only  learned  the  language, 
but  has  become  a well-informed  man.  The 
first  nine  months  in  America  he  passed  in 
Waukesha  county,  Wis.,  and  later  came  to 
Green  county,  where  he  first  purchased  forty 
acres  of  fine  land  in  Albany  township,  subse- 
quently adding  160  acres  in  Brooklyn,  and 
another  149  acres  in  Albany.  Mr.  Lewis  lived 
in  Albany  until  1888,  at  which  time  he  rented 
cut  his  farms  and  moved  into  the  town,  where 
he  purchased  a very  comfortable  home. 

In  1855  our  subject  was  married  to  Mrs. 
Margaret  (Jones)  Swancott,  the  widow  of 
John  Swancott,  and  a daughter  of  John  and 
Mary  (Sheen)  Jones,  both  of  whom  were  na- 
tives of  Wales,  where  Mrs.  Lewis  was  born 
Nov.  7,  1823.  Her  father  died  in  Albany  town- 
ship, aged  sixty-eight  years;  his  father,  who 
bore  the  name  of  Edward  Jones,  died  in  Wales. 
The  mother  of  Mrs.  Lewis  died  March  31, 
1845,  aged  fifty-seven  years;  she  was  a worthy 
woman,  and  had  long  been  identified  with  the 
Episcopal  Church.  William  Sheen,  the  ma- 
ternal grandfather  of  Mrs.  Lewis,  was  a farmer 
in  Wales.  By  her  first  marriage  Mrs.  Lewis 
had  nine  children:  Philip,  John,  David,  Mary, 
Elizabeth,  David  (2),  Thomas,  David  -( 3 ) , 
and  John  (2),  all  now  deceased  except  Philip 
and  John  (2).  Philip  married  Kate  Flint, 
and  resides  in  South  Dakota ; he  has  two  chil- 
dren, Earl  and  Maggie.  John  married  Judie 
Butts,  and  has  one  daughter,  Luella;  they  re- 
side in  Brooklyn,  on  a farm.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Lewis  have  had  two  children : Hiram,  who 
died  when  five  years  old;  and  William  A.,  who 
married  Miss  Jane  Williams,  and  resides  on 
the  farm ; they  have  five  children,  Della,  Orrin, 
Ray,  Inez  and  Birdie. 

Mrs.  Lewis  ownl  a fine  farm  of  eighty 
acres  in  Albany  township,  Mr.  Lewis  also  re- 
taining a farm  of  189  acres,  having  sold  his 


tract  of  160  acres  in  the  fall  of  1900.  Since 
1888  our  subject  and  estimable  wife  have  re- 
sided in  comfort  in  the  pleasant  town  of  Al- 
bany, where  they  enjoy  the  comforts  suited 
to  their  age  and  circumstances.  Although  no 
politician,  and  opposed  to  joining  any  of  the 
political  parties,  Mr.  Lewis  exercises  his  right 
to  the  ballot,  but  reserves  to  his  own  judgment 
the  decision  as  to  which  is  the  best  man  for  the 
position.  Although  not  formally  connected 
with  any  religious  denomination,  both  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Lewis  are  Christian  people  in  their  daily 
living,  kind  to  the  needy,  generous  to  worthy 
objects,  and  they  are  among  the  most  respected 
citizens  of  Albany. 

GUSTAV  CANDLER,  an  honored  pio- 
neer settler  of  Cassville,  Grant  county,  and  one 
of  the  brave  defenders  of  the  Union  during 
the  Civil  war,  was  born  in  Brandenburg,  Ger- 
many, in  1822,  a son  of  John  and  Catharine 
(Schon)  Candler,  lifelong  residents  of  that 
country,  where  the  father  died  in  1865.  He 
served  as  a soldier  in  the  German  army  in 
1813.  Idis  wife  long  survived  him,  dying  in 
1885,  at  the  advanced  age  of  ninety-two  years. 
Only  two  of  their  family  came  to  America, 
these  being  Gustav  and  Adolph.  The  lat- 
ter located  in  Chicago  in  1851,  but  is  now  a 
resident  of  Colorado. 

The  boyhood  and  youth  of  Gustav  Cand- 
ler were  passed  in  his  native  land,  and  he 
served  in  the  German  army  from  1842  to  1844, 
and  again  during  part  of  the  years  1849,  I85° 
and  1851.  Bidding  good-by  to  home  and 
friends  in  1852,  he  sailed  from  Hamburg,  and 
after  a long  and  wearisome  voyage  of  sixty- 
three  days  landed  in  New  York.  After  stop- 
ping for  a short  time  in  Chicago,  he  went  to 
Minnesota,  and  in  1855  took  up  his  residence 
in  Cassville,  Wis.,  where  he  still  makes  his 
home.  He  is  now  interested  in  bee  culture, 
and  has  an  apiary  of  seventy  stands.  For 
many  years,  however,  he  followed  the  carpen- 
ter’s trade,  but  has  now  retired  from  that  busi- 
ness. 

His  loyalty  to  his  adopted  country  was' 
manifested  during  the  Civil  war  by  his  enlist- 
ment. in  1862,  in  Company  C,  25th  Wis.  V.  I., 
for  three  years  or  during  the  war.  Mr.  Cand- 
ler was  mustered  into  service  at  Cassville  as 
fourth  corporal,  and  was  promoted  to  sergeant 
in  July,  1864.  His  regiment  became  a part  of 
the  1 6th  and  later  the  17th  Army  Corps,  of  the 


5/0 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Western  Army,  under  command  of  Gen.  Sher- 
man, and  was  in  the  battles  of  Buzzards'  Roost, 
Atlanta  and  Dalton.  Mr.  Candler  was  on 
picket  duty  at  Dalton  for  a time,  later  was. in 
the  Carolina  campaign,  and  participated  in  the 
Grand  Review  at  Washington,  D.  C.  Before 
being  sent  to  the  actual  seat  of  war  the  25th 
Wisconsin  was  sent  to  Minnesota,  against  the 
Indians  at  New  Ulm.  From  there  they  went 
to  Vicksburg,  where  the  whole  regiment,  with 
the  exception  of  sixty  men,  became  sick.  They 
then  proceeded  to  Chattanooga  and  Atlanta. 
Being  laid  up  with  a bad  foot,  Mr.  Candler 
was  away  from  his  regiment  some  time,  but 
returned  in  the  spring  oi  1865.  This  regiment 
lost  365  men  from  sickness  alone,  and  fifty-six 
in  battle.  He  received  his  discharge  in  Wash- 
ington, D.  C.,  in  June,  1865,  and  was  paid  off 
and  mustered  out  of  service  at  Madison. 

In  1S66,  at  Galena,  111.,  Mr.  Candler  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Johanna 
Baensch,  also  a native  of  Germany,  and  to 
them  were  born  two  children : Matilda  and 

Adolph,  both  residents'  of  Chicago.  Socially 
Mr.  Candler  affiliates  with  Joseph  Mueller 
Post,  No.  218,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Cassville,  and 
politically  is  identified  with  the  Republican 
party.  He  was  a member  of  the  town  council 
of  Cassville  for  two  years,  and  is  one  of  its 
most  highly  respected  and  honored  citizens. 

IYER  JACOBSON,  the  proprietor  of  the 
well-known  Jacobson  homestead  farm  of  200 
acres  in  Sections  33  and  34,  in  the  town  of 
Clinton,  Rock  county,  is  in  possession  of  a 
magnificent  rural  estate,  which  has  long  been 
held  by  the  family,  and  which  became  his  in 
1890.  He  is  a good  type  of  the  American  far- 
mer, intelligent,  courteous  and  hospitable,  a 
man  of  steady  habits,  inured  to  hard  work,  and 
doing  his  business  with  his  mind  as  well  as 
with  his  hands. 

Mr.  Jacobson  was  born  in  Beloit,  Rock 
county.  May  22,  1855.  He  was  reared  to  man- 
hood under  the  parental  roof,  and  attended  the 
district  school  and  Clinton  Academy,  working 
for  his  father  until  1876.  That  year  he  began 
to  work  as  a carpenter  in  Clinton,  and  followed 
the  trade  for  two  years.  Then  he  went  to 
South  Dakota,  and  took  up  a homestead  of 
160  acres  in  Brookings  county.  In  1879  he 
constructed  the  first  building  in  Brookings, 
now  a city  of  considerable  importance.  In 
1880  Air.  Jacobson  returned  to  Rock  county, 


where  he  worked  at  his  trade  two  years.  He 
spent  about  the  same  time  in  North  Dakota, 
as  a foreman  of  an  elevator  building  company, 
and  was  grain  buyer  two  seasons.  In  1884 
he  came  back  once  more  to  Rock  county,  this 
time  to  stay,  and  took  charge  of  his  father’s 
farm,  which  he  managed  for  him  several  years, 
buying  it  in  1890. 

Mr.  Jacobson  and  Aliss  Bessie  Larson  were 
married  in  Clinton  May  29,  1890.  Mrs. 
Jacobson  is  a daughter  of  Nels  and  Martha 
Larson,  who  were  at  that  time  living  in  Clin- 
ton, Mr.  Larson  having  come  here  from  Chi- 
cago, where  he  was  a wagon  maker,  that  he 
might  spend  his  last  days  on  a farm.  He  died 
on  his  farm  in  the  town  of  Clinton  Nov.  20, 
1894,  at  the  age  of  seventy-two. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jacobson  have  four  children, 
Martha,  Nina,  Julius  and  Ella.  He  has  held 
the  office  of  supervisor  five  years  in  succession, 
and  was  on  the  county  board  for  two  years. 
He  is  a steadfast  member  of  the  Lutheran 
Church,  and  politically  a strong  adherent  of 
the  Republican  party. 

Jacob  Jacobson,  the  father  of  Iver,  was 
born  in  Norway  in  November,  1824,  a son  of 
Jacob  Jacobson,  a farmer.  Lie  was  married 
in  1850  to  Miss  Randie  Iverson,  at  Racine, 
Wis.,  having  come  to  Wisconsin  two  years  be- 
fore his  wedding,  and  worked  at  the  carpenter 
trade  two  years’  in  that  city.  He  spent  two 
years  each  at  Janesville  and  at  Beloit,  and  from' 
Beloit  came  to  Clinton,  where  he  bought  100 
acres,  the  nucleus  of  the  present  farm.  He 
and  his  wife  still  live  here,  in  the  home  of  their 
son  Iver.  They  have  had  ten  children,  of 
whom  six  are  now  living. 

NATHANIEL  PRESTON  (deceased) 
was 'long  and  favorably  known  in  Green  coun- 
ty. Born  June  13,  1822,  in  Portsmouth,  Eng- 
land, he  was  the  only  child  of  Nathaniel  and 
Mary  (Peters)  Preston,  both  of  London,  the 
former  of  whom  kept  a shoe  store  at  Ports- 
mouth. 

Nathaniel  Preston,  Jr.,  came  to  this  coun- 
try after  the  death  of  his  father,  bringing  his 
mother  with  him,  and  lived  for  a time  in  Cin- 
cinnati. Ohio.  From  that  city  they  removed 
to  Alonroe,  Wis.,  and  later  to  the  town  of  Jef- 
ferson. In  England  he  married  Alary  Dixon, 
who  died  there,  leaving  two  sons : William, 

now  a farmer  of  Brownsville,  Ore.,  who  mar- 
ried' Lizzie  South,  of  Monroe;  and  Nathaniel, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


57i 


a miner  of  Butte,  Montana.  Both  were  reared 
to  manhood  by  Mrs.  Charlotte  Preston,  whom 
they  still  regard  with  filial  affection.  On  June 
12,  1852,  Mr.  Preston  married  Miss  Charlotte 
Cook,  of  Rock  county,  Wis.,  who  was  the 
daughter  of  John  J.  and  Charlotte  E.  (Stop- 
forth)  Cook,  both  natives  of  England,  of  pure 
Saxon  origin.  Two  children  were  born  to 
them,  one  son  and  one  daughter : Mary  Ellen 

Preston,  born  Nov.  2,  1853,  is  now  the  wife 
of  W.  S.  Pengra,  a retired  farmer,  living  in 
Madison,  Wis. ; and  Arthur  T.  Preston,  born 
July  18,  1856,  married  Susan  Newman,  and 
owns  a fine  farm  in  the  town  of  Jefferson. 
Nathaniel  Preston  died  in  1857,  an  exemplary 
citizen,  a kind  neighbor,  and  a loving  husband 
and  father.  A strong  advocate  of  the  prin- 
ciples of  the  Republican  party,  he  gave  that 
party  his  adhesion  on  its  formation,  having- 
been  an  Abolitionist  previous  to  that  time. 

Mrs.  Preston,  when  left  a widow,  had  noth- 
ing but  their  farm  of  eighty  acres,  which  was 
partially  paid  for.  However,  by  hard  work 
and  good  judgment,  she  managed  to  remove 
the  encumbrance  from  it,  reared  her  children 
to  a useful  life,  and  is  now  prosperous'  and  well 
thought  of  in  the  community.  Coming  from 
a fine  old  English  family,  she  was  born  June 
21,  1831.  Having  come  with  her  father  and 
her  stepmother  into  Wisconsin  in  1843,  prac- 
tically her  entire  life  has  been  spent  in  this 
State.  John  J.  Cook,  her  father,  became  one 
of  the  leading  citizens  of  Rock  county,  and 
was  justice  of  the  peace  for  more  than  twenty 
years.  Farming  was  his  life  work.  Mrs. 
Preston  is  now  residing  with  her  son  on  the 
home  place,  where  they  have  a fine  home  and 
splendid  outbuildings.  As  honorable  people 
and  upright  members  of  the  community  their 
standing  is  without  question.  Mrs.  Preston  is 
a bright  and  interesting  lady.  With  a good 
education,  in  her  younger  days  she  taught 
school  in  Green  county  for  six  years,  contin- 
uing one  year  after  her  marriage.  Like  her 
husband,  she  has  been  associated  during  her 
entire  life  with  the  Episcopal  Church.  A good 
woman,  a Christian  spirit,  a loving  mother,  and 
a devoted  grandmother,  her  name  is  very  pre- 
cious to  those  who  know  her  best. 

MRS.  MARY  J.  SHINOE,  not  now  ac- 
tively interested  in  the  business  cares  which 
absorbed  her  attention  for  many  years,  and  liv- 
ing quietly  and  at  her  ease  in  the  town  of  Paris, 


Grant  county,  was  born  in  Allegheny  county, 
Penn.,  Aug.  18,  1838. 

Alexander  and  Jane  (Dalgril)  McPherson, 
her  parents,  were  both  natives  of  Scotland, 
where  they  were  reared.  While  they  were  still 
young  people  they  came  to  Allegheny  county, 
Penn.,  and  there  they  were  married  and  made 
their  home  some  five  or  six  years.  Mr.  Mc- 
Pherson was  a shoemaker,  and  followed  his 
trade  while  living  in  Pennsylvania.  In  1844 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  McPherson,  with  their  family, 
moved  West,  and  effected  a settlement  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Big  and  Little  Platte  rivers,  in 
Grant  county,  where  he  ran  a ferry  boat  for 
a number  of  years.  While  living  on  the  Platte 
he  purchased  a farm  of  160  acres  of  wild  land 
two  miles  west  of  Dickeysville.  This  place  he 
cleared  up,  erected  good  farm  buildings,  and 
made  a comfortable  home  for  his  family,  oc- 
cupying same  until  1881,  when  he  sold  out  and 
moved  to  Phillipsburg,  Ivans.  There  he  pur- 
chased a home  and  lived  until  his  death,  in 
1898.  Mrs.  McPherson  died  in  1882,  in 
Kansas.  Of  their  family  of  nine  children, 
three  died  while  children:  (1)  Mary  J.,  Mrs. 

Shinoe,  was  their  eldest  child,  and  received 
her  education  in  the  common  schools  of  Grant 
county.  (2)  James  McPherson,  the  eldest 
son  and  second  child,  was  born  in  Pennsyl- 
vania in  1840,  and  died  while  a soldier  in  the 
Civil  war.  He  was  a member  of  Company  I, 
25th  Wis.  V.  I.  (3)  Robert  McPherson,  born 
in  Pennsylvania  in  1844,  was  a soldier  in  the 
Civil  war,  serving  until  its  close  as  a member 
of  the  33d  Wis.  V.  I.  He  married  Miss  Mon- 
tie Dickey,  of  Dickeysville,  Grant  county,  and 
now  resides  on  a farm  near  Phillipsburg, 
Ivans.  They  have  three  children,  Frank, 
Estella  'and  Maggie.  (4)  Alex  McPherson, 
born  in  Grant  county,  enlisted  when  a boy  of 
sixteen  in  the  43d  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  until 
the  close  of  the  Rebellion.  Returning  from 
the  war,  he  married  Miss  Henrietta  Meighey, 
and  now  resides  on  his  farm  in  the  town  of 
Paris.  They  a family  of  nine  children,  Estella, 
Alex,  John,  Arthur,  Emaline,  Bessie,  Maggie, 
Gertrude,  and  Etta.  (5)  William  McPher- 
son, born  in  Grant  county,  is  married,  and  now 
lives  in  Ironton,  Iowa.  He  is  the  father  of  four 
children;  we  have  record  of  three.  Susan.  Jen- 
nie. and  William.  (6)  Julia  McPherson,  born 
in  Grant  county,  is  now  the  wife  of  John  Fer- 
guson. who  lives  near  Phillipsburg,  Kans. 
They  have  one  son.  James. 


572 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


In  March,  1856,  Mary  J.  McPherson  was 
married  to  Lewis  Shinoe,  a native  of  Virginia, 
then  living  in  Grant  county.  Jeremiah  Shinoe, 
his  father,  moved  into  Ohio  when  Lewis  was 
very  young,  and  after  a short  stay  in  that  State 
came  to  Wisconsin,  where  the  family  made  a 
permanent  location.  During  the  Civil  war,  in 
September,  1862,  Mr.  Shinoe  enlisted  in  Com- 
pany I,  25th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  with  his 
regiment  on  the  Minnesota  frontier,  in  Ken- 
tucky and  Missouri,  and  then  with  Gen.  Sher- 
man on  his  famous  March  to  the  Sea.  While 
in  the  campaign  around  Atlanta  Mr.  Shinoe 
was  taken  sick,  and  his  malady  proving  seri- 
ous, he  was  sent  home  on  a furlough.  He 
died  in  January,  1864,  after  having  faithfully 
performed  his  every  duty  as  a citizen  and  a 
soldier.  Mr.  Shinoe  was  greatly  honored  and 
esteemed  by  his  comrades,  as  well  as  by  the 
people  of  his  own  community.  Mrs.  Shinoe 
was  left  at  the  home  in  Dickeysville  with  four 
little  children.  After  her  husband’s  death  she 
bought  the  Allen  Taylor  farm,  and  there  lived 
until  recently,  now  making  her  home  with  her 
daughter,  Mrs.  Benjamin  Folts.  (1)  Martha 

J.  Shinoe,  the  eldest  child  of  this  estimable 
lady  and  her  honored  husband,  was  born  in 
the  town  of  Paris’  in  1857,  and  is  now  the  wife 
of  James  Idarvey,  of  Remsen,  Iowa.  They 
are  the  parents  of  six  children,  Orvil,  Maud, 
Bessie,  Benjamin,  Roy  and  Carl.  (2)  John 
L.  Shinoe,  born  in  Grant  county  in  1858,  mar- 
ried Miss  Othie  Rister,  and  is  now  living  in 
Bottineau  county,  N.  Dak.  They  have  six 
children,  Pearl,  Ernest,  Effie,  Nellie,  Burt  and 
Bertha  James.  (3)  Nora  Shinoe,  born  in 
February,  1861,  married  Benjamin  Folts,  now 
of  the  town  of  Paris,  a veteran  of  the  Civil 
war,  in  which  he  was  a member  of  Company 

K,  44th  Whs.  V.  I.,  serving  throughout  that 
desperate  struggle.  They  have  one  son,  Leslie 
B.  Mr.  Folts  was  born  in  Milwaukee  in  1846, 
a son  of  David  and  Mary  Folts,  who  came 
West  from  Pennsylvania,  and  settled  in  James- 
town, Grant  county,  where  the  father  is  still 
living  at  a ripe  old  age.  In  1891  Mr.  Folts 
purchased  his  present  home  in  the  town  of 
Paris,  and  here  he  has  since  followed  farming. 
(j!  Benjamin  F.  Shinoe,  born  in  1863,  is  un- 
married, and  resides  on  his  farm  in  North  Da- 
kota. 

Mr.  Shinoe  was  always  a Republican  in 
politics.  Mrs.  Shinoe  is  a member  of  the  Con- 
gregational Church  of  Mount  Zion.  She  de- 


serves more  than  passing  mention  in  a work 
like  this.  Left  a widow,  with  a family  of 
small  children,  and  smaller  resources,  she  has 
battled  successfully  with  the  difficulties  of  life, 
and  has’  reared  a family  of  children  in  whom 
she  takes  much  pride  and  comfort. 

MRS.  NANCY  E.  BAREMORE,  an  old 
and  honored  resident  of  Green  county,  has  the 
distinction  of  being  one  of  the  oldest  settlers 
of  this  part  of  the  State  in  point  of  continuous 
residence,  and  was  among  the  very  earliest  pio- 
neers of  this  region. 

Mrs.  Baremore  is  a daughter  of  Deacon 
David  and  Mary  (Ross)  Davis,  of  Fayette 
county,  Penn.,  who  were  married  in  1815, 
and  had  the  following  family:  (1)  Joshua 
P.,  who  was  born  Sept.  15,  1816,  and 
died  in  Green  county,  Wis.;  (2)  Nancy 
E.,  born  Oct.  7,  1818;  and  (3)  Kezia  S., 
born  July  18,  1820,  who  married  James  Kil- 
dough,  of  Fayette  county,  Penn.,  and  is  now  a 
widow,  living  in  the  town  of  Spring  Grove, 
Green  Co.,  Wis.  Deacon  Davis  was  born  in 
1793,  and  died  in  1882.  His  first  wife, 
“Pollie”  Poss,  was  born  in  1798,  and  died  in 
1821.  Mary  Woodle,  his  second  wife,  was  born 
Nov.  2,  1802,  and  they  had  the  following  chil- 
dren: Thomas  W. ; James  N.,  of  Green  county, 
Wis.;  David  M.,  born  Nov.  22,  1829,  a farmer 
of  Monroe,  Wis.;  Joel  P.,  Jr.,  born  Jan.  8, 
1832,  a farmer  in  Green  county,  wTho  died  Jan. 
2,  1890;  Samuel,  born  March  8,  1834,  now- 
living  in  Iowa;  Henry,  born  Nov.  20,  1836, 
died  Oct.  25,  1865;  Doctor  E.,  born  April  12, 
1839,  residing  at  Albany,  Wis.;  Zachariah  P., 
born  Jan.  2,  1841,  who  was  killed  in  the  bat- 
tle of  Resaca,  having  enlisted  in  Company  K, 
22d  Wis.  V.  I. ; Joseph  J.,  born  Nov.  18,  1843, 
who  died  June  13,  1871  (he  served  as  a soldier 
in  the  Civil  war,  in  the  same  regiment  as  his 
brother  Zachariah)  ; John  O.,  born  May  26, 
1848,  who  died  in  1876;  and  Nancy  E. 

On  Oct.  7,  1840,  Nancy  E.  Davis  married 
for  her  first  husband  James  Chadwick,  a son 
of  J.  Hugh  and  Mary  (Jameson)  Chadwick, 
and  to  this  union  came  the  following  children : 
( 1 ) James  was  born  April  2,  1841,  in  the  Ter- 
ritory of  Wisconsin;  (2)  Louisa  married  Will- 
iam Penn,  of  the  town  of  Jefferson;  (3)  Mary 
J..  born  Dec.  3,  1844,  was  the  wife  of  J.  M- 
South,  of  the  town  of  Jefferson,  and  died  in 
1896.  Mr.  Chadwick  died  Sept.  17,  1846,  and 
our  subject  was  married,  a second  time,  Feb. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


573 


21,  1850,  to  Alfred  Baremore,  of  Green  county, 
who  was  a thrifty  farmer.  He  was  born  June 
30,  1818,  and  died  Aug.  14,  1882,  leaving  a fine 
name.  He  was  a consistent  member  of  the 
Baptist  Church.  To  this  union  came:  (1) 
Harvey  D.,  born  Oct.  28,  1851,  is  a farmer  in 
the  town  of  Sylvester.  (2)  Thomas  J.,  born 
March  14,  1855,  is  a farmer  on  the  old  home 
place  in  the  town  of  Sylvester.  (3)  Kezia,  born 
July  2,  1859,  died  in  1862. 

Mrs.  Baremore  is  one  of  the  pioneer  set- 
tlers of  the  Northwest.  She  has  been  a mem- 
ber of  the  Juda  Baptist  Church  for  more  than 
sixty  years,  and  was  one  of  the  original  four- 
teen who  formed  this  church  when  it  was  or- 
ganized, by  Rev.  William  Stillwell,  in  1840. 
Mrs.  Baremore  and  her  sister  are  the  only  ones 
now  living  who  united  with  the  church  at  that 
time.  Mrs.  Baremore  has  a good  property, 
and  uses  it  to  the  advancement  of  the  church 
and  the  comfort  of  those  who  need  it.  She  is 
a worthy  Christian  woman,  with  a kind  heart 
and  a broad  spirit. 

ANTON  SCHMITT,  for  years  the  princi- 
pal horticulturist  of  Lancaster  township,  Grant 
county,  was  born  in  the  grand  duchy  of  Hessen- 
Darmstadt,  Germany,  Nov.  4,  1830,  a son  of 
Jacob  and  Marie  (Briel)  Schmitt. 

Jacob  Schmitt,  father  of  Anton,  was  a 
miller  and  farmer  by  occupation.  His  father 
was  also  named  Jacob.  Our  subject's  father 
died  when  Anton  was  sixteen  years  old,  and 
left  his  wife  with  three  sons  and  one  daughter, 
Anton  being  the  eldest.  The  latter  had  at- 
tended school  until  fourteen  years  of  age,  and 
had  assisted  his  father  in  the  mill  until  the 
latter’s  death,  when  he  took  charge  of  the  busi- 
ness. In  1852  he  married  Miss  Anna  Eliza- 
beth Weber,  a most  estimable  young  lady,  and 
in  April,  1854,  he  and  his  wife  and  child  sailed 
from  Bremen,  and  after  a voyage  of  thirty-six 
days  landing  in  New  York,  whence  they  came 
direct  to  Lancaster,  Wis.  They  arrived  June 
10,  of  the  same  year,  and  located  in  the  town- 
ship of  Beetown,  Grant  county.  Mr.  Schmitt, 
in  April,  1855,  moved  to  the  farm  of  Allen  Bar- 
ber, in  the  township  of  Lancaster,  which  he 
worked,  also  operating  his  mill  for  about  two 
years,  when  he  bought  the  property.  In  1869 
he  sold  the  mill  and  farm  and  settled  in  what 
is  now  the  city  of  Lancaster,  engaging  first  in 
merchandising,  and  later  entering  upon  the 
great  enterprise  of  his  life  in  horticulture.  He 


succeeded  wonderfully  in  fruit  culture,  and  not 
only  prospered  in  this  particular  fine  of  indus- 
try, but  by  his  example,  advice  and  teaching  led 
many  others  to  follow  in  his  footsteps,  and  to 
make  the  horticultural  region  of  Wisconsin 
what  it  is  to-day.  In  1895  lie  sold  his  orchards 
and  nurseries  and  built  a fine  residence,  one 
block  south  and  west  of  his  old  home.  In  1896 
he  laid  out  a tract  of  land  adjoining  his  present 
home,  into  blocks  and  streets,  platted  and  re- 
corded as  Schmitt’s  Addition  to  the  city  of 
Lancaster.  Since  then  a number  of  residences 
have  been  built  thereon,  and  in  a short  time 
this  will  become  the  continuation  of  one  of  the 
nicest  streets  in  Lancaster. 

In  1891  Mr.  Schmitt  began  building  ice- 
houses and  constructing  ice-ponds,  with  the 
intention  of  supplying  the  residents  of  Lancas- 
ter with  the  purest  possible  ice  during  the  sum- 
mer months.  These  he  still  owns,  but  he  has 
relinquished  all  active  participation  in  the  trade, 
and  leased  the  premises  and  industry  as  already 
established  to  others,  advancing  years  preclud- 
ing his  giving  them  further  attention.  Mr. 
Schmitt  began  life  as  a business  man  with  but 
little  of  this  world's  goods,  yet  during  his  for- 
ty-six years  in  Wisconsin  he  has  not  only  real- 
ized a competence,  but  has  himself  aided  in 
the  remarkable  development  of  Lancaster  and 
Grant  county,  and  is  to-day  recognized  as  an 
influential  and  substantial  citizen. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Schmitt  were  born  five 
daughters  and  two  sons,  of  whom  Carl  was 
called  away  in  1872,  when  fifteen  years  of  age. 
This  was  to  Mr.  Schmitt  one  of  the  saddest 
events  of  his  life,  although  his  second  son, 
Adolph,  met  with  a tragic  death  in  a railroad 
accident  in  California,  May  10,  1890,  when 
thirty-one  years  old.  The  eldest  daughter, 
Louise,  is  the  wife  of  James  Knott,  of  Oakland, 
Cal.;  Caroline  is  married  to  J.  W Graves,  of 
Lathrop,  in  the  same  State;  Amelia,  now  Mrs. 
Charles  Lischerness,  lives  in  Lancaster,  Grant 
Co.,  Wis. ; K.  Elizabeth  and  Veronica  are  still 
at  home.  On  Aug.  8,  1900,  Mrs.  Schmitt  met 
with  an  accident  which  resulted  in  her  death 
on  the  nth  of  the  same  month. 

In  politics  Mr.  Schmitt  was  first  a Republi- 
can. He  became  entitled  to  the  rights  of  cit- 
izenship as  soon  as  possible  after  his  arrival  in 
the  country  by  “declaring  his  intentions,”  and 
two  years  later  voted  for  John  C.  Fremont,  the 
first  nominee  of  the  Republican  party  for  the 
Presidency  of  the  Lhiited  States;  he  also  voted 


574 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


for  Abraham  Lincoln,  at  each  of  the  two  elec- 
tions which  seated  the  martyr  in  the  Presiden- 
tial chair,  and  continued  a Republican  until  the 
second  nomination  of  Stephen  Grover  Cleve- 
land for  the  Chief  Magistracy  of  the  Union, 
when,  being  a man  capable  of  thinking  for  him- 
self he  changed  his  politics,  and  has  since  voted*, 
the  Democratic  ticket,  especially  at  National 
elections. 

In  religion  Mrs.  Schmitt  was  reared  in  the 
Lutheran  Church,  but  the  younger  of  the  two 
daughters  at  home  is  a member  of  the  Congre- 
gational Church.  Socially  the  family  stand 
very  high,  and  deservedly  so.  Mr.  Schmitt, 
beginning  with  a home  in  a log  cabin  in  the 
township  of  Beetown,  Grant  county,  has 
reached  affluence,  and  occupies  as  fine  a dwell- 
ing as  there  is  in  Lancaster  city. 

JOHN  CLARE,  a miner  of  Platteville, 
Grant  county,  and  for  many  years  a tiller  of 
the  soil  in  that  county  in  connection  with  his 
mining,  was  born  in  Prussia  in  April,  1817.  He 
was  reared  to  manhood  in  his  native  country, 
and  was  given  a fair  education  in  the  schools 
there.  In  1842  he  came  to  Pennsylvania',  and 
found  employment  in  the  sawmills  and  coal 
mines  of  that  State  for  about  two  years.  In 
1844  the  young  man  made  his  first  appearance 
in  Wisconsin,  and  was  given  work  in  the  lead 
and  zinc  mines  near  Platteville.  Fired  by  the 
stories  of  the  golden  West,  he  crossed  the  Plains 
to  California  in  1850,  and  John  Harms,  of 
Grant  county,  is  the  only  one  now  living  of  all 
the  brave  and  goodly  company  who  made  that 
eventful  journey  with  him.  Mr.  Clare  was  one 
of  the  few  successful  prospectors  who  sought 
the  mines.  He  spent  two  years  in  the  far 
West,  and  then  returned  to  Platteville,  bringing 
with  him  fine  results  of  his  enterprise  and  judg- 
ment. Around  Platteville  he  was  a lead  miner 
some  years. 

Mr.  Clare  married  Miss  Magdaline  Kramer, 
who  was  also  of  German  birth,  born  in  1822,  in 
the  same  kingdom  as  her  husband.  They  set- 
tled in  Platteville,  and  lived  in  the  city  a short 
time  before  going  to  their  farm  of  eighty  acres. 
He  bought  it  as  wild  land,  and  presently  con- 
verted it  into  a home  for  his  wife  ancl  family, 
and  they  have  resided  there  to  the  present  time. 
Mrs.  Clare  died  in  1891,  leaving  him  eight  chil- 
dren : Louisa  is  the  wife  of  Peter  B.  Lippolt,  a 
farmer  of  the  town  of  Paris,  and  has  four  chil- 
dren, George,  William,  Lena  and  Louisa. 


Maggie  is  the  wife  of  William  Martin,  of 
Platteville.  John  married  Dora  Wickendoll, 
and  resides  in  Platteville;  they  have  two  chil- 
dren, Florence  and  Edward.  Mary  is  the  wife 
of  Jacob  Davis,  of  Pleasant  View,  and  has  a 
large  family.  Peter  is  unmarried,  and  lives  at 
home ; he  is  a member  of  the  Modern  Woodmen 
of  America.  Frances  married  Henry  Snyder, 
of  Grant  county,  Wis.,  and  has  a family.  Val- 
entine, born  in  February,  1861,  was  educated  in 
the  public  schools,  ancl  always  remained  with 
his  parents  on  the  farm;  he  has  charge  of  his 
father’s  business,  and  is  a young  man  of  many 
good  qualities.  Carrie,  the  youngest  of  the  fam- 
ily, is  now  the  wife  of  George  Carl,  and  resides 
near  the  blockhouse  in  the  town  of  Platteville; 
she  has  two  sons,  Robert  and  Harry. 

Mr.  Clare  has  always  been  a Republican. 
Mrs.  Clare  was  a member  of  the  Lutheran 
Church,  and  our  subject  was  reared  a Catholic. 
Since  coming  to  this  country  he  has  never  been 
actively  associated  with  any  denomination.  He 
is  one  of  the  old-time  pioneers  of  this  State, 
and  has  always  held  the  respect  of  his  fellow 
townsmen. 

GEORGE  M.  BROWN,  a pushing  and  en- 
ergetic business  man  of  Belmont,  Lafayette 
county,  knows  very  well  that  the  high  road  to 
permanent  success  lies  only  along  the  way  of  in- 
dustry, thrift,  and  the  wise  economy  that  counts 
real  generosity  and  appreciation  of  friends  its 
most  potent  weapons.  He  is  willing  to  work, 
willing  to  stand  by  his  friends,  and  willing  to 
accommodate  and  assist  his  patrons  to  the  best 
the  market  affords.  By  occupation  he  is  a 
lumberman  and  a farmer. 

Air.  Brown  was  born  in  the  town  of  Hazel 
Green,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  in  November,  1861, 
and  is  a son  of  William  and  Mary  Brown, 
natives  of  County  Wicklow,  Ireland,  where 
they  grew  up  and  were  married.  They 
came  from  Ireland  in  an  early  day,  and 
settled  at  Hazel  Green.  The  father  en- 
gaged in  mining  during  his  life,  and  died 
in  1898,  after  reaching  the  venerable  age 
of  eighty-reight  years.  The  mother  passed 
away  in  1869,  leaving  five  sons  and  one  daugh- 
ter. The  eldest  of  these  children,  ( 1 ) Thomas, 
was  born  in  Grant  county,  and  after  he  had  at- 
tained his  majority  went  to  Colorado,  where  he 
devoted  himself  to  gold  mining  near  Leadville. 
and  at  other  points.  He  bought  ground,  ancl 
became  very  successful  as  a mine  owner.  He 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


575 


died  at  Cripple  Creek,  Colo.,  and  his  remains 
are  interred  m the  cemetery  at  Platteville,  Wis. 
(2)  John  was  born  in  Grant  county,  obtained  a 
good  education,  and  when  he  reached  manhood 
followed  the  calling-  of  a civil  engineer  at 
Tower,  Minn.  One  extensive  firm  gave  him  all 
their  business  for  twenty-five  years.  He  has  a 
wife  and  three  children.  (3)  William,  born  in 
Grant  county,  is  also  located  at  Tower,  Minn., 
where  he  is  engaged  in  business.  He  has  a 
large  family.  (4)  Kate,  the  only  daughter,  was 
born  in  Grant  county,  where  she  grew  up  and 
received  a common-school  education.  She  is 
now  the  wife  of  Lewis  Hebe,  of  Dubuque, 
Iowa,  and  has  two  daughters,  Clara  and  Lulu. 
(5)  George  M.  is  fifth  in  the  order  of  birth.  (6) 
James,  born  in  Grant  county,  for  twenty  years 
has  been  clerk  of  the  “Park  House,”  at  Platte- 
ville. He  is  unmarried. 

George  M.  Brown  was  partly  educated  in 
the  schools  of  Hazel  Green,  and  largely  in  the 
Dominican  Sisters’  School  at  Benton,  where 
when  a boy  he  lived  in  the  home  of  Father  Pen- 
degrast  until  he  was  sixteen  years  old.  He 
was  well  instructed  in  the  requirements  for  a 
successful  business  life.  When  Mr.  Brown  be- 
came a young  man  he  secured  a position  with 
Bradley  Brothers,  of  Milwaukee,  as  general 
lumber  salesman  and  manager,  doing  business 
for  that  firm  at  Belmont.  In  1887  he  pur- 
chased their  interest  in  the  lumber  yard  and 
business  which  is  now  in  his  hands.  He  has 
done  well  for  himself,  and  manifests  the  same 
stirring  and  practical  methods  that  made  him 
successful  as  a salesman  for  the  Milwaukee 
firm.  He  handles  all  kinds  of  worked  and 
rough  lumber,  as  well  as  sash  and  doors,  and 
for  a number  of  years  has  done. a business  ex- 
ceeding $20,000  per  annum. 

Mr.  Brown  and  Miss  Mary  T.  McDermott 
were  married  in  1887.  Mrs.  Brown  is  a daugh- 
ter of  Bernard  and  Johanna  McDermott,  old 
and  prominent  pioneers  of  Lafayette  county. 
She  was  born  in  May,  1863,  was  well  educated 
in  the  county  schools,  and  for  a number  of 
terms  was  a successful  and  popular  public- 
school  teacher. 

After  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brown 
settled  in  the  home  in  Belmont,  which  he  had 
just  purchased  and  extensively  remodeled.  It 
is  one  of  the  most  desirable  residences  in  the 
city.  They  have  two  sons  and  one  daughter : 
Mary  Mabel,  born  on  St.  Patrick’s  Day,  188S; 
Henry  H.,  in  September,  1890;  and  George  E., 


in  August,  1892.  They  are  students  in  the 
Belmont  local  schools,  and  are  bright  and  prom- 
ising children. 

Mr.  Brown  has  always  been  a Democrat, 
and  has  served  as  a member  of  the  village 
board.  Socially  he  is  a member  of  the  Catholic 
Knights  of  Wisconsin,  and  of  the  Modern 
\\  oodmen,  and  with  his  wife  belongs  to  the 
Catholic  Church.  He  is  an  active  and  enter- 
prising young  business  man,  and  is  well  posted 
m the  various  industries  of  his  region ; his 
large  experience  in  the  lumber  business  has 
given  him  an  extensive  acquaintance  among  the 
prominent  men  of  the  State.  He  has  a ciear 
head  and  good  judgment,  and  is  often  con- 
sulted by  oider  men  regarding  business  enter- 
prises, his  opinions  having  great  weight.  He 
is  popular,  and  highly  esteemed  by  the  people  of 
Belmont. 

SAMPSON  H.  CALLAWAY,  a leading- 
dairy  farmer  and  prominent  citizen  of  the  town 
of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  is  now  in  the  prime 
of  life,  and  commands  the  respect  of  the  gen- 
eral public,  both  for  his  conspicuous  business 
ability  and  for  his  manly  and  attractive  per- 
sonal qualities. 

Mr.  Callaway  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Platteville  March  7,  1852,  and  is  a son  of  John 
and  Elizabeth  (Butson)  Callaway,  who  were 
both  born  in  Cornwall,  England,  the  former 
on  Aug.  3,  1807,  and  the  latter  on  June  23, 
1 S 1 1 . They  were  married  in  England  in 
1834,  and  some  six  years'  later  came  to  Wis- 
consin, and  settled  two  and  one-half  miles 
north  of  Platteville.  He  mined  in  the  winter 
and  farmed  in  the  summer.  In  1850  he  pur- 
chased one  hundred  acres  of  timber  land  two 
and  one-half  miles  west  of  Platteville,  from 
Major  Rountree.  Here  he  built  a log  house 
and  barn,  later  a frame  house,  and  made  it  his 
home  for  the  remainder  of  his  life.  Later  he 
purchased  eighty  acres  of  J.  Aultland,  in-  Lima 
township.  He  came  to  this  country  a poor 
man,  and  by  constant  and  unflagging  industry 
and  careful  management  became  fairly  pros- 
perous. He  died  June  26,  1878,  and  his 
widow  Nov.  29.  1884.  They  were  members 
of  the  Methodist  Church,  and  were  numbered 
among  the  Christian  people  of  the  town.  He 
was  a Republican,  and  his  sons  without  ex- 
ception follow  in  his  steps  in  this  respect.  Jo- 
seph, their  eldest  son,  was  born  in  England, 
and  died  unmarried;  he  had  a district-school 


5/6 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


education,  and  when  a young  man  of  twenty- 
one  crossed  the  Plains  for  California,  and  was 
a gold  miner  some  seventeen  years,  being  fairly 
successful;  in  1872  he  received  injuries  from 
a runaway,  which  proved  fatal.  Elizabeth, 
born  in  England,  is  now  the  widow  of  Francis 
Woodruff,  of  the  town  of  Lima,  and  has  two 
children, — A.  J.  and  Elsie  May  (who  is  the 
wife  of  George  Maiben)  ; all  this  family  re- 
side in  and  near  Lancaster.  Thomas,  born  in 
England,  married  Miss  Sarah  Hale,  and1  now 
resides  in  Jewell  county,  Kansas,  where  he  is 
a farmer;  they  have  the  following  children: 
John,  Charley,  Lester,  Belle,  Maria,  Tom, 
Archie  and  Jennie.  John  married  Lizzie 
Hale,  and  lives  on  the  farm  purchased  by  his 
father ; they  have  had  seven  children,  Leora 
(deceased),  Sampson  LI.,  Minnie,  Nellie, 
Ruby,  Nettie  and  Frank.  Martha  J.  is  the 
wife  of  I.  N.  Clifton,  and  lives  in  Platteville; 
she  has  two  children,  Welsey  and  Libbie  Rick- 
ard, by  her  hrst  husband,  Daniel  Rickard. 
Sampson  FI.  is  the  subject  of  this  article. 
George  A.  lives'  in  the  town  of  Plarrison,  and 
is  the  subject  of  a biographical  article  appear- 
ing elsewhere  in  this  volume.  Jesse,  when  a 
young  man,  went  with  Sampson  H.  to  Cali- 
fornia, and  drifted  to  Arizona,  where  he  be- 
came a railroad  engineer;  he  was  stricken  with 
paralysis,  and  brought  home,  dying  in  May, 
1892.  William,  born  at  the  old  home  near 
Fdatteville,  died  March  28,  1866,  aged  eighteen 
years  and  twelve  days. 

Sampson  H.  Callaway  was  educated  in  the 
schools  of  Platteville.  In  the  spring  of  1873 
he  went  to  California,  and  spent  nine  years  in 
that  State,  engaged  in  various'  labors.  In  1880 
he  came  back  to  Platteville,  and  married  Miss 
Emma  C.  Weittenhiller,  a lady  of  that  city. 
She  was  born  in  1858,  a daughter  of  Sebastian 
and  Annice  Weittenhiller,  old  and  respected 
residents  of  Grant  county,  and  was  educated 
in  the  Platteville  schools.  After  his  marriage 
Mr.  Callaway  purchased  a farm  in  Jewell 
county,  Kansas,  where  they  resided  two  years. 
Kansas  did  not  please  him  for  a permanent 
residence,  and  he  sold  out,  came  back  to  Wis- 
consin, and  purchased  his  father’s  old  home- 
stead. Lie  built  two  new  barns,  thoroughly 
remodeled  the  house,  and  now  owns  one  of  the 
choicest  farms  of  the  county.  He  owns  160 
acres  in  his  home  farm,  and  240  acres  in  Lima 
township.  Seven  children  have  brightened 
his  home : Arthur  L.  was  born  in  Jewell 


county,  Kansas.  Ethel  G.  was'  born  in  Grant 
county,  as  were  Myrtie  M.,  Jessie  H.,  Adel- 
bert  b.,  Clara  E.,  and  Hazel  E.  The  younger 
children  are  earnest  and  bright  students  of  the 
Platteville  schools.  The  family  attends  the 
Congregational  Church.  Mr.  Callaway  be- 
longs to  the  Masonic  order,  and  holds  his  mem- 
bership in  Melody  Lodge,  No.  2. 

HENR\  RUSH,  an  honored  veteran  of 
the  Mexican  war,  bears  on  his  body  the  scars 
won  in  active  service  of  his  adopted  country. 
He  was  born  near  Mannheim,  Rhenish  Bavaria, 
Germany,  Feb.  24,  1821,  a son  of  Adam  and 
Eve  (Beobel)  Rush,  who  came  to  America  in 
1830,  with  the  hope  of  making-  a new  home 
in  Seneca  county,  Ohio.  The  mother  died  in 
Massillon,  Ohio,  and  two  years  later  the  father 
followed  her  to  the  grave.  Of  their  ten  chil- 
dren, all  but  Henry  died  in  childhood. 

Llenry  Rush  grew  up  in  Ohio,  and,  as  might 
be  supposed,  received  but  little  schooling.  In 
May,  1846,  he  volunteered  for  service  in  the 
war  with  Mexico-,  becoming  a member  of  Com- 
pany F,  3d  Ohio  Volunteers,  and  served  with 
Col.  Samuel  R.  Curtis,  under  the  command  of 
Zachary  Taylor.  He  took  part  in  many  of  the 
hard-fought  battles  of  the  war,  and  was  wound- 
ed three  times  at  the  battle  of  Buena  Vista. 
He  was  honorably  discharged  from  the  serv- 
ice in  June,  1847,  and  then  went  to  Wisconsin, 
where  he  bought  200  acres  of  government 
land  in  Cadiz  township,  Green  county.  His 
energy  and  courage  under  all  difficulties  won 
him  a substantial  place  in  the  world,  and  he 
is  now  the  possessor  of  500  acres  of  valuable 
land,  and  is  the  heaviest  tax-payer  in  his  town- 
ship. For  forty  years  he  engaged  in  farming 
almost  exclusively,  and  then  went  into  the  saw- 
mill business,  but  after  six  years  he  sold  out 
and  engaged  in  the  hardware,  wood  and  lum- 
ber business  in  Martintown.  Of  late  he  has 
lived  retired,  making  his  home  in  Martintown, 
where  he  owns  a number  of  buildings,  and 
he  is  one  of  the  most  highly  esteemed  citizens. 

In  1847  Mr.  Rush  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Miss  Nancy  FI.  Warren,  who  died  in 
1857,  leaving  five  children  : Roderick  and  Mary 
J.,  who  died  young;  Lucetta  E.,  wife  of  Willis 
Breon,  of  Juneau  county,  Wis. ; Nancy,  wife 
of  J.  J.  Parker,  a farmer  of  Cadiz  township; 
and  Rufus,  who  married  Mary  A.  Robinson, 
and  lives  in  Boone  county,  Iowa.  In  October, 
1857,  Fir.  Rush  wedded  Maria  Shockley,  who 


HENRY  RUSH 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


5 77 


became  the  mother  of  two  children : Elgin, 
of  South  Wayne,  Wis. ; and  Flora  B.,  wife 
of  Franklin  Holoway,  of  Akron,  Ohio.  For 
his  third  wife  Mr.  Rush  married  Katie  Ann 
Frame,  of  Cadiz  township,  and  to  this  union 
was  born  one  child,  now  deceased.  His  pres- 
ent wife,  a native  of  Norway,  was  Mrs.  Mary 
Golaxson,  who  was  born  July  5,  1854,  and 
came  to  Green  county  with  her  parents  when 
six  years  of  age.  In  politics  Mr.  Rush  is  a 
stanch  Democrat,  and  he  has  served  in  a num- 
ber of  township  offices,  having  been  member 
of  the  town  board  (of  which  he  served  eight 
times  as  chairman),  member  of  the  county 
board,  and  also  school  director  and  road  su- 
pervisor for  many  years.  He  has  always  been 
an  active,  industrious  man,  and  during  his  life 
of  over  eighty  years  has  missed  very  few  days. 
Now  as  the  evening  of  his  day  gradually  passes 
into  night,  he  can  look  back  over  a well-spent 
life.  He  has  been  a member  of  the  Masonic 
fraternity  since  1856,  and  is  connected  with 
Palestine  Chapter,  No.  21,  R.  A.  M.,  at 
Monroe. 

CYRUS  A.  HORNBECIv,  deceased,  was, 
in  his  time,  a prosperous  and  successful  farmer 
in  the  town  of  Paris,  and  was  known  through- 
out this  part  of  Grant  county,  as  a thoroughly 
honorable  and  upright  man  of  good  intentions 
and  a fine  spirit. 

A native  of  Indiana,  Mr.  Hornbeck  was 
born  Feb.  28,  1842,  a son  of  Isaac  and  Eliza- 
beth (Mitts)  Hornbeck,  old  and  prominent 
settlers  in  this  part  of  Wisconsin,  who  were 
born  in  1812,  in  Pickaway  county,  Ohio.  They 
were  married  Feb.  14,  1832.  Moving  from 
Ohio  to  Indiana,  they  located  on  the  Tippecanoe 
river,  three  miles  from  the  historic  Tippecanoe 
battle  ground,  now  known  as  Fafayette,  where 
the  Old  Soldiers  Home  is  located.  This  was 
the  birthplace  of  our  subject.  In  1844  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Hornbeck  came  overland  to  Paris,  Wis., 
with  teams,  one  an  ox-team,  named  Polk  and 
Dallas,  after  the  1844  candidates  for  the  Pres- 
idency and  Vice-Presidency.  The  family  set- 
tled on  a farm  a half  mile  north  of  the  village  of 
Dickeysville,  where  their  home  was  maintained 
until  their  removal  to  the  village  in  1899.  Mr. 
Hornbeck  died  in  July,  1900,  and  his  aged  wife 
is  still  a resident  of  the  village.  Out  of  a fam- 
ily of  twelve  children  born  to  them  five  are  still 
living:  M.  V.,  born  in  Ohio,  is  now  a resident 

of  Butte,  Nebraska;  Sarah  is  the  widow  of 
37 


Lewis  Beckett,  of  Dickeysville;  Martha  J.  is 
Mrs.  Henry  Smith,  of  Centerville,  S.  Dak.; 
Cynthia  A.  is  Mrs.  W.  Williams,  of  Lancaster, 
\V  is. ; and  Mary  E.  is  unmarried  and  is  living 
at  home. 

Cyrus  A.  Hornbeck  was  the  sixth  child  born 
in  his  parents’  family,  was  reared  in  Grant 
county,  and  had  his  education  in  the  village 
schools.  At  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war  he  en- 
listed, when  but  nineteen  years  of  age,  in  Com- 
pany I,  25th  Wis.  V.  I.,  serving  under  Capt. 
Nash,  and  seeing  much  of  the  most  tremendous 
struggles  of  that  great  war.  One  of  the  magnifi- 
cent army  that  Gen.  Sherman  led  to  the  sea,  he 
had  part  in  the  grand  review  at  Washington, 
and  was  mustered  out  at  Madison.  Returning 
to  his  own  home,  he  bought  a farm  northwest 
of  Dickeysville,  and  when  he  was  married,  in 
1870,  this  became  his  home  during  the  first 
years  of  his  married  life.  Mrs.  Hornbeck  is 
the  estimable  daughter  of  Benjamin  and  Eliza- 
beth (McLees)  Shinoe,  an  old  and  prominent 
family  in  Grant  county.  She  was  born  in  the 
town  of  Paris,  Feb.  2,  1849,  and  had  h-er 
schooling  in  the  village  of  Dickeysville. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hornbeck  made  their  home 
on  the  place  mentioned  for  seven  years,  when 
they  sold  out  and  purchased  of  George  W. 
Griffin  the  property  known  as  the  Archer 
estate,  situated  on  the  Big  Platte  river,  on  the 
road  leading  from  Dickeysville  to  Potosi,  and 
where  the  Archer  ferry,  known  later  as  Hick- 
ory Dell  ferry,  was  operated.  At  this  home 
for  eight  years  every  opportunity  was  improved 
that  presented  itself,  and  their  labors  were 
crowned  with  success.  Mr.  Hornbeck  owned 
and  operated  the  ferry,  and  when  in  the  spring 
the  head  waters  of  the  Mississippi  backed  the 
waters  at  times  to  the  depth  of  sixteen  feet  over 
the  bottom  land  of  his  farm,  the  small  steamers 
from  Dubuque,  Iowa,  would  tow  wood  barges 
up  to  his  place.  Mr.  Hornbeck  would  load 
them  with  wood,  and  ship  to  Dubuque-  to  be 
sold.  He  also  made  several  rafts  from  the  large 
elms  which  grew  in  the  bottom,  and  floated 
them  to  the  sawmills  at  Dubuque  to  be  sawed 
for  paddles,  to  be  used  in  making  stern-wheels 
for  the  boats  that  plied  the  Mississippi. 

In  the  spring  of  1888,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Horn- 
beck bought  the  Piddington  Farm,  on  the  Lit- 
tle Platte,  three  miles  east  of  Dickeysville.  On 
this  farm  of  239  acres  new  and  valuable  build- 
ings were  erected,  and  the  place  improved  in 
every  possible  way  as  time,  money  and 


578 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


strength  permitted,  until  it  became  one  of 
the  most  desirable  country  homes  in  the 
town  of  Paris,  and  was  known  as  the  Iron 
Spring  farm.  1 here  Mr.  Rornceck  died 
in  December,  1898.  He  was  reared  in  the 
faith  of  the  Christian  Church,  and  lived 
the  life  of  a good  and  just  man,  with 
many  friends  and  few  enemies.  He  was  a Re- 
publican and  entertained  strong  political  views. 
For  many  years  he  was  assessor  of  the  town, 
and  during  hisi  long  incumbency  of  a trying 
position  he  was  held  in  high  esteem  by  the 
people  for  his  honest  and  upright  conduct  of  the 
office,  and  his  fair  and  accurate  judgment.  With 
the  Sherman  Post,  No.  66,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Platte- 
ville,  he  was  connected  for  many  years,  and  had 
a host  of  friends  among  the  old  veterans.  He 
was  also  a member  01  the  State  Centennial 
Veterans  of  Madison.  Mr.  Hornbeck  left  his 
wife  with  five  sons  and  one  daughter:  (1) 

Melvin  PI.,  born  in  Paris,  Dec.  12,  1870,  mar- 
ried Miss  Sophie  Reese,  of  Grant  county,  who 
died  some  s.x  years  after  marriage,  leaving 
three  children,  Huldah  L.,  Hettie  L.,  and  Virgil 
L.  (2)  Albert  O.,  born  Oct.  2,  1S72,  is  living  at 
home  with  his  mother.  (3)  Orvil  L.,  born  Nov. 
7,  1874,  graduated  from  the  State  Normal  at 
Platteville,  in  1897,  and  is  one  of  the  highly  ed- 
ucated young  men;  he  is  living  at  home.  (4) 
George  H.,  born  Jan.  15,  1877,  married  Miss 
Christina  Lange,  of  this  town,  and  now  lives  at 
Cuba  City.  (5)  Minnie  E.,  the  only  daughter, 
was  born  July  21,  1881,  and  educated  in  the 
State  Normal  at  Platteville.  She  is  a young- 
lady  of  much  culture  and  refinement.  (6)  Earl 
D.  V.,  born  Nov.  29,  1884,  is  at  home  with 
his  mother.  Mrs.  Hornbeck  is  a member  of 
the  Congregational  Church,  Cornelia,  Wis., 
and  is  known  as  one  of  the  Christian  women  of 
this  community.  She  is  a member  of  the 
Ladies’  Relief  Corps  of  Platteville.  She  is  still 
in  the  prime  of  life,  and  has  manifested  much 
business  ability  in  the  management  of  her  farm 
and  other  valuable  interests,  and  is  the  mother 
of  a family  which  is  a credit  to  any  mother- 
hood. Their  honorable  instincts,  refined  and 
cultured  manners,  and  sound  moral  qualities 
evidence  the  guiding  of  a gentle  hand  and  lov- 
ing heart. 

DANIEL  W.  VANCE  was  for  many  years 
one  of  the  most  respected  and  esteemed  citizens 
of  the  town  of  Sylvester,  Green  county.  Of 
late  he  lias  been  retired  from  active  farming, 


and  on  March  1,  1901,  moved  into  the  city  of 
Monroe  with  his  family,  to  spend  his  last  days 
m well-earned  rest  and  repose. 

Mr.  V ance  is  a son  of  Samuel  and  Lavina 
(Johns)  Vance,  both  natives  of  Fayette 
county,  Penn.,  who  came  to  Green  county, 
Wis.,  about  1845,  four  years  after  their  mar- 
riage. Samuel  Gance  was  the  son  of  Hugh 
and  Margaret  (Detrick)  Vance,  who  were 
among  the  early  settlers  of  Fayette  county, 
Penn.  Hugh  Vance  was  born  in  1784,  and 
died  Jan.  11,  1827.  About  1809  he  married 
Margaret  Detrick,  who  was  born  in  1790,  and 
to  them  came  the  following  children : Marie, 

born  Sept.  15,  1810;  Melinda,  May  9,  1812; 
Elia,  March  5,  1814  Samuel  (whose  name  ap- 
pears above),  Feb.  21,  1816;  Ezekiel,  Feb.  1, 
1818;  Keziah,  Feb.  26,  1820;  Robert  A.,  May 
30,  1823;  George,  March  27,  1825;  Hugh,  Jr., 
May  16,  1827.  All  are  deceased.  Samuel 
Vance  died  Oct.  11,  1898,  his  wife  on  April 
4,  1883,  at  the  age  of  sixty-nine  years.  They 
were  the  parents  of  seven  children : James  P., 

who  died  in  the  town  of  Sylvester  May  19, 
1871,  aged  twenty-eight  years,  four  months, 
nineteen  days;  George  D.,  of  Kansas;  John  B., 
a farmer  in  the  town  of  Sylvester;  Hugh  J., 
a miner  in  California;  Ezekiel  T.,  a retired  far- 
mer, in  Monroe,  Wis. ; Daniel  W. ; and  Re- 
becca R.,  the  wife  of  William  Roderick,  of  the 
town  of  Jefferson. 

Daniel  W.  Vance  was  born  Jan.  13,  1855, 
and  Sept.  19,  1888,  was  married  to  Miss  Eliza 
M.  Deal,  of  Green  county,  a daughter  of  Isaiah 
and  Veronica  (Hutzell)  Deal,  the  former  a 
thrifty  farmer  of  Green  county.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Vance  are  the  parents  of  one  daughter, 
Mae  Erma,  born  Dec.  11,  1889.  Mrs.  Vance 
was  one  of  a family  of  nine  children,  and  was 
born  July  4,  1865. 

Mr.  V ance  grew  to  manhood  under  the 
parental  roof  and  acquired  his  education  in  the 
district  school.  Bred  to  farming,  he  has  made 
that  business  his  life  work.  He  began  poor 
at  the  age  of  twenty-one,  but  by  hard  work, 
industry,  honesty  and  economy  he  has  come  to 
own  a half  section  of  land,  well  cultivated  and 
provided  with  all  modern  improvements,  which 
he  now  rents'.  He  is  comfortable  and  inde- 
pendent in  his  situation  beyond  the  general  run 
of  men.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat,  and  in 
religion  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church. 
Though  never  seeking  office,  he  has  from  time 
to  time  been  called  upon  to  fill  local  positions  as 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


579 


part  of  the  obligations  of  his  citizenship,  having 
served  as  judge  of  election,  school  director, 
and  in  other  minor  positions.  In  his  own  com- 
munity he  has  a good  standing,  and  is  spoken 
of  as  one  of  the  representative  farmers  of  his 
region. 

H.  L.  WIXSKELL,  who  by  business  fore- 
sight and  acumen  in  his  younger  days  is  now 
enabled  to  live  retired  from  active  work,  is  one 
of  the  citizens  of  whom  Benton  township, 
Lafayette  county,  is  most  justly  proud. 

Mr.  Winskell  is  a native  of  Lafayette  coun- 
ty, born  in  New  Diggings  township,  Jan.  17, 
1853,  son  of  Joseph  and  Eliza  A.  (Laforce) 
Winskell,  the  former  of  whom  was  born  near 
Carlisle,  Cumberland,  England,  Aug.  20,  1821, 
and  came  to  this  country  when  a young  man, 
arriving  in  New  Diggings,  Lafayette  Co.,  Whs., 
in  1846.  He  engaged  in  mining,  an  occupation 
he  had  also  followed  in  England.  On  Oct.  4, 
1849,  he  married  Mrs.  Eliza  A.  (Laforce) 
Bethel,  who  was  born  Oct.  11,  1823,  in  Clarks- 
ville, Mo.,  daughter  of  Randolph  and  Martha 
(McGee)  Laforce.  Her  father,  a native  of 
Virginia,  was  of  French  descent;  her  mother,  a 
native  of  Kentucky,  was  of  Scottish  descent. 
Our  subject's  mother  arrived  at  Galena  April 
29,  1844,  coming  by  steamboat,  and  immediate- 
ly proceeded  to  New  Diggings,  Whs.,  where  on 
Jan.  27,  1846,  she  married  Seaton  Bethel,  of 
that  township ; they  resided  there  until  his 
death,  Feb.  4,  1848.  One  son  was  born  of  this 
union,  James  W.,  who  grew  to  manhood  in 
Lafayette  county,  there  wedded  Annie  Gibson, 
and  then  removed  to  Wright  county,  Iowa, 
where  he  followed  farming  until  his  death,  in 
May,  1890.  He  left  a widow  and  four  children, 
Jennie,  Carrie  M.,  Robert  G.  and  Alice  all  res- 
idents of  Clarion,  Iowa.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Win- 
skell made  their  home  in  New  Diggings  town- 
ship until  his  death,  Feb.  21,  1856.  To  this 
marriage  were  born  two  children : H.  L.  is  our 
subject.  Octavia,  born  in  1855,  married  L. 
N.  Townsend,  of  Shullsburg,  Wis.,  where  he  is 
engaged  in  stock  buying ; they  have  three  chil- 
dren— Laurena,  a student  at  the  Platteville 
Normal;  Almeda,  wife  of  Fred  Hammond,  a 
banker  of  Stockton,  111. ; and  Clyde,  a student  at 
the  Wisconsin  State  University,  Madison. 
After  Mr.  Winskell’s  death  Mrs.  Winskell  mar- 
ried, Oct.  10,  1861,  Nimrod  Brown,  who  was 
born  near  Baltimore,  McL,  Oct.  8.  1808.  In 
1842  he  came  to  the  Wisconsin  mining  region. 


where  he  engaged  in  mining  until  1850.  when 
he  crossed  the  Plains,  and  later  was  one  of  the 
men  who  helped  to  cut  the  Sutro  mill  dam  away 
in  search  of  gold.  Not  having  much  success  in 
the  gold  region,  he  returned  to  Wisconsin,  by 
way  of  Panama,  and  after  a visit  to  his  old 
Maryland  home  reached  Benton,  Wis.,  in  1852. 
In  1861  he  opened  up  and  worked  what  is  still 
known  as  the  Brown  range  or  mine  of  lead,  one 
which  was  a large  producer.  He  died  March 
16,  1896,  at  .New  Diggings,  to  which  place  he 
removed  in  1873.  -i-hey  had  one  daughter, 
Antoinette,  who  died  at  the  age  of  two  years. 

H.  L.  \V  inskell  received  a good  education, 
attending  the  Shullsburg  high  school,  and  when 
still  quite  young  engaged  in  mining  in  New 
Diggings  township,  spending  six  years  at  that 
work.  In  1878  he  purchased  a farm  in  Wright 
county,  Iowa,  and  there  engaged  in  farming 
and  stock  raising.  For  a short  time  Mr. 
Winskell  resided  in  New  Diggings,  and  then 
purchased  real  estate  in  the  town  of  Benton, 
where  he  put  up  a fine  modern  home,  equipped 
with  all  the  improvements  and  conveniences, 
comfort  and  luxury  dictate.  This  home  was 
erected  in  1895,  and  has  since  been  one  of  the 
social  centers  of  the  county.  Mr.  Winskell  is 
largely  interested  in  real  estate  in  Iowa,  and  is  a 
stockholder  in  the  State  Bank  of  Benton.  He 
is  one  of  the  wide-awake  men  of  the  town,  in 
fact  has  been  a prominent  factor  in  the  business 
life  of  whatever  town  he  has  made  his  home. 

In  February,  1879,  Mr.  Winskell  was  uni- 
ted in  marriage  with  Miss  Sarah  Strowbridge, 
who  was  born  April  21,  1854,  daughter  of  John 
and  Sarah  Strowbridge,  old  pioneers  of  Lafay- 
ette county,  who  originally  came  from  Ireland. 
Mrs.  Winskell  died  at  her  home  in  Wall  Lake 
township,  Wright  Co.,  Iowa,  July  23,  1890. 
She  was  a devout  member  of  the  Protestant 
Methodist  Church,  and  was  a loving  wife  and 
mother.  To  this  union  were  born  three  chil- 
dren: J.  N.,  who  died  in  infancy;  Horace  E., 
who  died  one  month  after  his  mother;  and 
Maud,  born  in  August,  1880,  a bright  little 
girl,  who  died  June  9,  1892.  In  October,  1893, 
Mr.  Winskell  was  married  to  Miss  Elizabeth  A. 
Turnbull,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Ann  (Hewit- 
son)  Turnbull;  she  was  born  in  August,  1865, 
and  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  New  Dig- 
gings. Three  children  have  come  of  this  union  : 
Alma  A.,  born  Sept.  28,  1894;  Joseph  Alvin, 
April  3,  1896;  and  Horace  L.,  March  4,  1898. 
In  political  life  Mr.  Winskell  is  known  as  a firm 


580 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


believer  in  the  principles  of  the  Republican 
party,  and  has  always  taken  an  active  part  in 
politics.  During  his  residence  of  thirteen  years 
in  Iowa  he  was  a member  of  the  town  board  for 
seven  years,  also  holding  a number  of  other 
offices.  He  has  also  been  a member  of  the 
town  board  of  Benton,  and  for  three  years  was 
a member  of  the  village  board,  and  one  year 
president  of  the  same.  Socially  he  belongs  to 
the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  at  Lead  Mine,  Wis.,  and  to 
the  K.  of  P.,  Sylvan  Lodge,  No.  134,  of  Ben- 
ton, having  been  an  officer  since  the  lodge  was 
organized,  in  March,  1896.  Mr.  Winskell  is 
responsible  for  his  own  success,  which  may  be 
attributed  to  his  own  industry  and  attention  to 
business,  Ins  honesty  in  his  dealings  with  his 
fellow  men,  and  his  loyalty  to  his  friends. 

Joseph  Turnbull,  father  of  Mrs.  Winskell, 
was  born  in  Brough,  County  of  Durham,  Eng- 
land, as  was  also  his  wife,  and  came  to  this 
country  in  an  early  day,  locating  in  New  Dig- 
gings, where  he  followed  farming  and  mining, 
and  there  died  in  May,  1866.  His  wife,  who 
has  since  wedded  John  Vickers,  still  resides 
in  New  Diggings.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Turnbull 
had  two  children:  Elizabeth  A.,  Mrs.  Win- 
skell ; and  Joseph  H.,  who  married  Susan  Willy, 
of  Benton  township,  and  has  three  children, 
Francis  O.,  Edna  and  Willard. 

LYCURGUS  HAKE,  a prosperous  farmer 
in  the  town  of  Lima,  Grant  county,  was  born 
in  Clifton  township,  that  county,  Aug.  14, 
1859,  son  of  George  W.  and  Phoebe  ( Der- 
water)  Hake.  The  father  was  born  in  Penn- 
sylvania, and  the  mother  in  Ohio,  and  both 
came  to  Wisconsin  with  their  parents  when 
young  people.  George  Hake,  the  grandfather 
of  Lycurgus,  came  to  Wisconsin  from  Ohio  at 
a very  early  day,  and  settled  in  Liberty, 
Grant  county.  There  were  five  sons  and  one 
daughter  in  his'  family : Eh,  William,  Levi, 

George  W.,  Israel,  and  Caroline  (who  became 
the  wife  of  John  Sparks,  of  Iowa). 

George  W.  Hake  located  for  a time  in  the 
town  of  Clifton,  where  he  owned  a consider- 
able tract  of  land,  at  one  time  over  six  hun- 
dred acres.  The  farm  where  Lycurgus  Hake 
is  now  living  was  bought  by  him,  and  thor- 
oughly improved.  In  1889  he  retired  from 
active  life  and  settled  in  Platteville,  dying  at 
his  home  there  in  February,  1896.  Mrs. 
Phcebe  Hake  is  still  living  in  Platteville,  at  the 
age  of  seventy-four.  To  this  estimable  couple 


were  born  five  children  : ( 1 ) Laura,  born  in 

the  town  of  Clifton,  married  Riley  Dennis,  and 
settled  on  the  present  home  of  her  brother^ 
Lycurgus ; she  died  soon  afterward,  leaving  no 
family.  (2)  Almira,  born  in  Grant  county,  is 
now  the  wife  of  Stephen  Dennis,  and  lives  in 
Clifton.  To  this  marriage  was  born  ;one 
daughter,  Ora,  who  is  a graduate  of  the  Platte- 
ville Business  College.  (3)  Lycurgus  is  our 
subject.  (4)  Grant,  born  in  Clifton  township 
in  1874,  married  Miss'  Nora  Bushnell,  and  is- 
now  residing  on  his  farm  in  Clifton.  They 
have  three  cnildren,  Mabel,  Wesley,  and  Mel- 
vin. (5)  Mirtie,  born  in  Clifton,  married 
Cirtus  Craven,  a farmer  in  the  town  of  Lima. 

Lycurgus  Hake  grew  up  on  the  old  home 
farm  in  the  town  of  Clifton,  where  he  received 
a good  common-school  education.  He  re- 
mained with  his  parents  until  his  marriage,  in 
December,  1880,  to  Miss  Annie  Bushnell,  of 
the  town  of  Lima,  Grant  county.  Hiram  and 
Louisa  Bushnell,  her  parents,  came  from  Trum- 
bull county,  Ohio,  to  the  town  of  Harrison, 
Grant  county,  at  a very  early  day,  and  were 
numbered  among  the  most  honorable  and  high- 
ly respected  families  of  this’  part  of  the  State. 
Mrs.  Hake  was  born  in  1858,  and  obtained 
her  education  in  the  local  public  schools.  After 
their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hake  settled  on 
the  farm,  where  they  made  their  home  until 
1888,  that  year  moving  back  to  the  old  Hake 
farm  in  the  town  of  Clifton,  where  he  spent 
five  years  in  farming  and  stock  raising.  In 
1893  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hake  came  back  to  their 
present  home,  and  the  next  year  put  up  a large 
barn,  also  building  one  of  the  modern  com- 
modious homes  of  the  town.  The  house  is 
finished  in  hard  wood,  and  has  every  modern 
convenience  possible  to  obtain  in  a farm  home. 
In  this  fine  estate  there  are  180  acres  of  as 
choice  land  as  southwestern  Wisconsin  af- 
fords. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hake  have  had-  five  children  : 
(1)  Leslie,  born  in  1882,  in  the  town  of  Lima, 
has  studied  at  the  State  Normal  in  Platteville 
for  some  years,  and  is  a bright  and  charm- 
ing young  lady,  living  at  home.  (2)  Ira,  born 
in  1884,  (3)  Jessie,  born  in  1885,  (4)  Sadie, 
born  in  1891,  and  (5)  Donald,  born  in  1897, 
are  also  at  home.  In  politics  Mr.  Hake  has 
been  a Republican.  He  and  his  wife  are 
church-going  people.  They  are  courteous  and 
kindly,  possessed  of  high  character,  and  high- 
ly esteemed  by  all  who  know  them. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


581 


HERMAN  BERGHEGER  has  been  en- 
gaged in  the  mercantile  business  at  Stitzer, 
Grant  county,  since  1880,  and  is  one  of  the 
earlier  merchants  of  that  place.  He  came  to 
the  town  of  Liberty  in  1870,  engaged  in  farm- 
ing, and  still  owns  a handsome  farm  near  the 
village. 

Mr.  Bergheger  was  born  in  1845  *n  Ger- 
many, where  his  father  died  when  he  was  a 
small  child.  His  mother  married  A.  Wefel 
not  many  years'  afterward,  and  Mr.  Wefel 
brought  his  family  to  America  in  1859.  Her- 
man was  the  only  child  of  the  first  union,  and 
three  children  were  born  to  his  mother’s  second 
marriage.  She  died  in  the  fall  of  1899.  In 
1870  Mr.  Bergheger  returned  to  Germany  to 
settle  up  his  father’s  estate,  and  was  there  mar- 
ried to  xVfiss  Louise  Piper;  her  parents  are  now 
deceased.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bergheger  are  the 
parents  of  two  sons  and  one  daughter,  Adolph, 
Edward  and  Louise.  They  have  lost  one  daugh- 
ter, Lydia,  who  died  at  the  age  of  sixteen 
years.  Mr.  Bergheger  is  a Republican  politi- 
cally, and  a man  of  character  and  standing  in 
the  community. 

C.  PI.  RUSSELL,  M.  D.,  of  Darlington, 
Lafayette  county,  may  almost  be  said  to  be  a 
physician  by  heredity,  his  great-grandfather, 
Dr.  G.  W.  Russell,  having  been  a noted  physi- 
cian in  his  home  in  Wethersfield,  Conn.,  where 
he  was  born  in  1754,  and  he  left  his'  business 
and  reputation  to  his  son,  George  Washing- 
ton Russell,  grandfather  of  our  subject. 

Dr.  George  Washington  Russell  was  born 
at  Litchfield,  Conn.,  Sept.  21,  1800.  In  1801 
his  parents  removed  to  Bradford,  Penn.,  the 
following  year  going  to  the  State  of  New 
York,  and  in  1815  returning  to  Connecticut, 
where  'his  mother  died  the  following  year. 
After  various  experiences  he  studied  medicine 
at  Windham,  Penn.,  and  was  prominent  as  an 
officer  of  militia,  in  Bradford  county,  that 
State,  both  as  adjutant  and  as  major.  For 
some  time  he  acted  as  agent  for  the  obtain- 
ing of  land  bounty  for  the  soldiers  of  the  war 
of  1812,  and  finally  obtained  possession  of 
many  hundred  acres  of  land  in  Wisconsin  and 
Iowa.  In  1857  he  became  a resident  of  La- 
fayette county,  his  death  occurring  there  Nov. 
2,  1870.  His  wife  survived  him,  passing  away 
Oct.  1,  1879.  They  were  the  parents  of  eleven 
children,  one  of  whom,  Read  Russell,  is  the 
father  of  our  subject.  The  mother  of  Dr. 


Russell  was  formerly  Miss  Sarah  Schellenger, 
a daughter  of  Rev.  George  Schellenger,  who 
came  to  Lafayette  county  in  1828.  Later  Mr. 
Schellenger  married  Miss  Beulah  Lamb,  who 
111  the  summer  of  1828  opened  a private  school 
near  Gratiot’s  Grove — in  a log  building  erect- 
ed for  school  purposes,  clnetiy  through  the 
influence  of  Henry  Gratiot- — becoming  the  first 
school  teacher  in  Lafayette  county.  This  most 
estimable  lady  is  still  living,  at  the  advanced 
age  of  eighty-seven  years,  her  home  being  in 
the  town  of  Wiota. 

Dr.  C.  H.  Russell,  our  subject,  was  born 
in  1862,  in  the  town  of  Gratiot,  where  his 
parents  were  residing.  His  early  education 
was  obtained  at  the  common  schools.  Later 
he  attended  the  high  school  at  Warren,  ill., 
from  which  he  graduated  in  1885,  and  he  grad- 
uated from  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Sur- 
geons, at  Keokuk,  Iowa,  in  1888.  Dr.  Russell 
first  located  at  Shullsburg,  where  he  began  the 
practice  of  his  profession,  later  removing  to 
Darlington. 

The  marriage  of  Dr.  Russell  took  place 
Dec.  18,  1890,  to  Miss  Anna  Rose,  a daughter 
of  James  R.  and  Phoebe  A.  (Budlong)  Rose, 
the  former  long  a well-known  lawyer  of  Dar- 
lington ; he  was  the  father  of  the  present  mayor 
of  Milwaukee.  Two  children  have  been  born 
to  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Russell,  one  daughter  and  one 
son.  Phebe  R.  and  Charles  R.  Since  locating 
in  Darlington  Dr.  Russell  has  built  up  an  ex- 
tensive and  lucrative  practice,  and  thoroughly 
deserves  the  high  regard  and  esteem  in  which 
he  is  held  by  the  community. 

GEORGE  W.  THURMAN.  Within  the 
last  few  years  an  extensive  industry  has  been 
developed  in  southwestern  Wisconsin,  where 
it  is  found  that  the  fresh  water  clams  are  pe- 
culiarly rich  in  pearls'.  Many  very  valuable 
ones  have  been  discovered,  and  thousands  of 
dollars  paid  out  along  every  water  course  in 
this  part  of  the  State.  Their  proper  handling 
and  most  profitable  conversion  into  cash  re- 
quires considerable  capital  and  not  a little 
business  ingenuity.  Mr.  Thurman,  of  Albany, 
Green  county,  has  taken  it  up,  and  become 
widely  noted  as  an  extensive  dealer  in  fresh 
water  pearls.  For  many  years  back  he  has 
dealt  in  horses,  and  still  continues  in  this  line. 

Mr.  Thurman,  born  in  the  town  of  Mag- 
nolia, Rock  county,  Wis.,  April  10,  1848,  is 
a son  of  Richard  and  Minerva  P.  (Roberts) 


582 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Thurman,  natives  of  Troy  and  Plattsburg,  N. 
Y.,  respectively.  They  had  four  children,  Car- 
rie, George  YV.,  John  and  Mary,  of  whom  two 
are  now  living.  Mary  married  J.  G.  Babcock, 
and  lives  in  the  town  of  Magnolia.  George 
W.  is  at  Albany.  The  father  was  a nail  cutter 
in  the  city  of  Troy,  N.  Y.,  and  came  to  Wis- 
consin in  the  early  days.  He  bought  forty 
acres  in  the  town  of  Magnolia,  and  after  a time 
took  an  interest  in  a sawmill.  He  died  in  Mag- 
nolia in  i860,  at  the  comparatively  early  ag'e 
of  forty-seven.  His  widow  survived  him  un- 
til 1898,  and  reached  the  age  of  seventy-four. 
He  was  a Universalist  and  she  a Methodist. 
Richard  Thurman,  the  grandfather  of  George 
W.,  was  born  in  New  York,  of  English  line- 
age, and  was  a man  of  strong  character.  He 
followed  the  trade  of  a wiieelwrig'ht,  and 
died  in  the  South,  while  engaged  in  bridge 
building  near  Nashville.  He  had  four  sons 
and  several  daughters,  and  died  when  about 
eighty  years  of  age.  The  father  of  Minerva 
P.  Roberts,  referred  to  above,  was  also  a native 
of  the  State  of  New  York,  of  Holland-Dutch 
descent,  and  died  in  middle  life.  He  was  the 
father  of  one  son  and  two  daughters. 

George  W.  Thurman  was  reared  on  the 
farm,  and  attended  a district  school  for  one 
year  only.  He  began  life  for  himself  by  work- 
ing by  the  month,  and  presently  had  saved 
enough  to  buy  a horse.  He  had  something 
of  an  instinctive  sense  of  the  value  of  a horse, 
and  became  quite  a successful  dealer  in  horses, 
buying  and  selling  on  a large  scale.  Pie  bought 
a farm  of  eighty  acres  in  the  town  of  Mag- 
nolia, and  lived  there  a year,  and  then  sold, 
moving  into  the  town  of  Sylvester,  where  he 
lived  on  a rented  farm  a year.  In  1886  Mr. 
Thurman  became  a resident  of  the  village  of 
Albany,  and  here  he  has  since  had  his  home. 
Mr.  Thurman  donned  the  Union  blue  in  1864, 
when  lie  went  out  as  a member  of  Company 
H,  42b  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  until  the  close 
of  the  war. 

Mr.  Thurman  and  Miss  Helen  F.  Bump, 
daughter  of  W.  PI.  and  Fannie  (Briggs) 
Bump,  were  married  in  August,  1866.  To  this 
union  twelve  children  were  born,  Carrie,  Alice, 
Dell,  Fannie,  Richard,  Otis,  Hattie,  Helen, 
George,  John,  Grace  and  Allen  G.  Carrie 
married  Edward  P.ee,  of  the  town  of  Decatur, 
and  has  three  children,  Orrie,  Marvin  and 
Helen.  Alice  married  Allen  C.  Ballard,  and 
lives  one  mile  east  of  Evansville ; they  have 


two  sons,  Floyd  and  Lyle.  Hell  married  P. 
O.  Heide,  and  lives  in  Prairie  du  Chien ; they 
have  one  daughter,  Marie.  Fannie  married 
Frank  Barton,  of  Albany,  and  has  two  chil- 
dren, Morris  and  Alice.  Richard  is  a painter 
and  is  single.  Otis  married  Maud  Barney, 
and  lives  in  Albany.  Hattie  is  single.  Helen 
married  Elmer  Seeley,  and  lives  in  Albany. 
The  other  children  are  all  unmarried.  Allen 
G.  died  in  the  winter  of  1898,  at  the  age  of  six 
months. 

Mr.  Thurman  belongs  to  the  William 
Hoyt  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  and  also  the  Modern 
Woodmen  of  America.  Pie  is  a Republican, 
as  are  all  his  sons.  He  has  served  as  a trus- 
tee of  Albany  two  terms,  and  is  a highly  re- 
spected member  of  the  community.  He  owns 
a hue  home  in  Albany,  and  is  becoming 
wealthy.  As  mentioned  at  the  introduction  of 
this  article  he  is  a very  extensive  dealer  in 
fresh  water  pearls,  in  which  he  became  inter- 
ested as  early  as  1890.  In  these  ten  years  he 
has  built  up  a reputation  throughout  the 
United  States  as  an  expert  dealer.  Pie  buys 
and  sells  entirely  on  his  own  judgment,  and  is 
quick  in  his  decision.  He  sold  one  pearl  for 
eight  thousand  dollars  recently,  and  completes 
some  of  his  most  important  transactions,  in- 
volving many  hundred  dollars,  in  from  three 
to  five  minutes.  He  frequently  makes  long- 
journeys  to  buy  some  article  that  is  considered 
perfect  in  this  line. 

FREDRICPI  KROG,  the  well-known  pro- 
prietor of  the  creamery  in  Platteville,  Grant 
county,  is  a man  who  thoroughly  understands 
his  business. 

Mr.  Ivrog  was  born  June  4,  1856,  in  Meck- 
lenburg-Strelitz,  Germany,  and  is  a son  of 
John  and  Christine  Krog,  the  former  of  whom 
died  when  our  subject  was  but  seven  years  of 
age.  He  was  educated  in  the  public  schools 
of  his  native  land,  and  in  1873  he  came  with 
his  mother  to  the  United  States,  locating  at 
Chicago,  111.  For  four  years  he  worked  on  a 
farm-  in  the  vicinity  of  the  city,  and  there 
learned  the  business  which  he  now  follows. 
He  advanced  to  the  position  of  manager,  and 
later  became  the  owner  of  two  or  three  cream- 
eries near  Elgin,  111.,  from  which  he  realized 
fair  profits.  Afterward,  he  was  joined  by  his 
father-in-law,  Charles  F.  Schultz,  and  together 
they  carried  on  the  business  about  five  years, 
when  Mr.  Krog  sold  out  his  interest.  In  1894 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


533 


lie  came  to  Platteville  and  became  half-owner 
in  the  Platteville  Cheese  & Produce  Associa- 
tion, which  is  officered  as  follows : President, 
Thomas  Dyer,  of  Chicago;  secretary,  J.  C. 
Ivackle;  treasurer,  Fredrich  Krog,  who  is  also 
manager  of  the  company's  business  in  Grant 
county.  Before  locating  in  Platteville  Mr. 
Krog  was  interested  in  the  creamery  business 
at  Ontarioville,  111.  At  present  he  is  connected 
with  seventeen  different  creameries  in  Wiscon- 
sin, the  office  for  all  these  companies  being  at 
Platteville,  under  the  general  supervision  of  our 
subject.  He  is  secretary-treasurer  of  the  Bel- 
mont Creamery  Co.,  of  Belmont,  Wisconsin. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Krog  took  place  in 
1880,  to  Miss  Sophie  Schultz,  daughter  of 
Charles  F.  Schultz,  a native  of  Germany,  now 
residing  in  Bartlett,  Cook  Co.,  111.  Mrs.  Krog 
was'  born  and  educated  in  Illinois.  This  union 
has  been  blessed  with  seven  children : Edwin, 

who  was  born  July  1,  1881  (at  the  same  hour 
that  President  Garfield  was  assassinated ) , is  at 
present  -bookkeeper  for  the  firm  of  which  his 
father  is  a member;  Amelia,  born  in  1883, 
is  a student  in  the  Platteville  high  school ; Bern- 
hardt was  born  July  20,  1885;  Alfred,  Nov. 
I,.  1887;  Lucy,  in  1893;  Walter,  in  February, 
1897;  and  Gertrude,  in  February,  1899.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Krog  are  members  of  the  Lutheran 
Church.  In  politics  Mr.  Krog  has  always  been 
a Republican,  and  in  his  fraternal  relations  is 
a member  of  the  American  Order  of  Wood- 
men and  the  Equitable  Fraternity  Union  of 
Neenah,  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  Krog,  although  he  started  life  in  his 
adopted  country  a poor  young  man,  'has,  by  his 
keen  observation  of  the  details  of  the  business  in 
which  he  is  engaged,  his  industrious  habits, 
energy  and  perseverance,  in  the  pursuit  of  one 
main  end  or  object,  succeeded  in  acquiring  a 
fortune,  and  stands  among  the  respected-  and 
honored  men  of  the  community,  with  a name 
that  bears  not  a blemish. 

JOHN  E.  HAWTHORN  is  a prominent 
and  substantial  farmer,  who  resides  in  comfort 
on  his  farm  three  and  one-half  miles  southwest 
of  Monroe,  Green  county. 

Mr.  Hawthorn  is  a son  of  the  late  James 
and  Mercy  (Boyles)  Hawthorn,  the  former  of 
whom  was  born  in  Orange  county,  N.  Y.,  Oct. 
22,  1797,  and  died  Oct.  20,  1888,  being  buried 
on  his  birthday.  His  marriage  took  place  in 
1836,  and  children  were  born  to  this  union  as 


follows : Andrew,  a retired  farmer  of  Mon- 

roe, Wis. ; Mary,  who  married  Hickman 
Bryan,  now  deceased ; Phebe,  the  widow  of 
Aaron  Eely,  of  Monroe;  Ellen,  the  widow  of 
Thomas  Millmon,  of  Monroe;  William,  a re- 
tired farmer  of  Monroe ; Matilda,  who  mar- 
ried Edward  Trickel,  deceased;  Maria,  who 
married  Joseph  Bender,  deceased;  James  and 
Lucinda,  twins,  deceased;  French,  who  lives 
in  Colorado;  Alfred  H. ; John  E.,  our  subject; 
and  Charles,  a retired  farmer  living  in  Monroe. 

James  Hawthorn,  the  father  ot  our  subject, 
was  one  of  the  very  first  settlers  of  Green 
county.  During  the  war  of  1812  he  was  a 
soldier  in  active  service,  stationed  at  Brook- 
lyn, as  a substitute  tor  another  man.  At  the 
age  of  seventeen  he  walked  from  New  York 
to  Pittsburg,  and  from  there  to  Ohio ; thence 
taking  passage  on  a flat-boat,  he  went  down 
the  rivers  to  New  Orleans,  and  from  there 
on  a sailing  vessel  to  New  York,  being  of  an 
adventurous  and  investigating  spirit.  Soon 
after  he  reached  New  York  he  decided  to  re- 
turn to  Illinois,  going  West  with  a party  of 
miners,  and  again  returning  to  New  York. 
In  1833  he  decided  to  make  a home  in  Wis- 
consin, and  located  in  Green  county,  on  Sec- 
tions 8 and  9,  in  the  town  of  Clarno,  where 
he-  became  one  of  the  leading  citizens  and 
farmers,  and  also  one  of  the  wealthiest  land 
owners.  When  Mr.  Hawthorn  made  settle- 
ment in  Green  county  his  first  home  was  a log 
cabin,  with  but  one  room,  but  peace,  happiness 
and  industry  reigned  there,  and  when  the  fam- 
ily grew  larger  a more  commodious  home  was 
ready  to  accommodate  them.  His  long  life  was 
spent  in  the  development  of  his  Western  home, 
and  before  death  he  had  the  pleasure  of  see- 
ing his  chosen  State  become  one  of  the  best 
cultivated  in  the  Union,  and  fostering  some 
of  the  most  highly  intelligent  and  worthy  in- 
terests. 

John  E.  Hawthorn,  our  subject,  was  born 
April  10,  1854,  and  on  June  14,  1885,  married 
Clara  E.  Carson,  of  Monroe,  Wis.,  a daugh- 
ter of  Charles  and  Frances  IT.  (Davison) 
Carson,  who  were  among  the  early  settlers  of 
Green  county.  An  interesting  little  adopted 
daughter  Gladys  Ruth,  born  Sept.  5,  1897, 
is  the  only  child  in  the  home,  she  receiving  all 
the  love  and  care  of  our  subject  and  his  es- 
timable wife.  Mr.  Hawthorn  is  one  of  the 
reliable  and  substantial  citizens  of  Clarno 
township,  has  successfully  followed  farming 


584 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


all  his  life,  and  is  now  the  owner  of  a fine 
farm  of  327  acres  of  fertile  Wisconsin  soil. 
For  some  years  past  he  has  been  quite  exten- 
sively engaged  in  breeding  and  feeding  live 
stock,  and  has  quite  a village  of  first-class 
buildings  to  accommodate  this'  branch  of  his 
business.  In  politics  Mr.  Hawthorn  is  a Re- 
publican, and  although  not  a member  he  is 
an  attendant  of  the  Methodist  Church,  and  a 
cheerful  contributor  to  its  support.  An  hon- 
orable and  honest  citizen,  a man  of  exemplary 
life  and  character,  John  E.  Hawthorn  may  be 
justly  called  one  of  the  representative  citizens 
of  Green  county. 

JACOB  LOUIS  SPELLMAN,  a whole- 
sale and  retail  dealer  in  tobacco  and  manufac- 
turer of  cigars  in  Janesville,  Rock  county,  is 
a capable  business  man,  a thorough  workman, 
and  a man  of  pronounced  integrity.  Those 
who  know  him  best  speak  most  highly  of  his 
many  commendable  qualities,  and  at  home  and 
abroad  he  is  much  respected. 

Mr.  Spellman  was  born  in  Rotterdam,  Hol- 
land, July  24,  1844,  a son  of  Louis  and  Sophia 
(Harpman)  Spellman,  both  also  natives  of 
Holland.  To  them  were  born  six  sons  and 
two.  daughters,  seven  living,  viz. : Henrietta, 
the  widow  of  Mr.  Heilagas;  Annie;  Samuel, 
of  Columbus,  Ohio  ; Jacob  Louis,  whose  name 
appears  above;  Emanuel,  of  the  city  of  New 
.York;  and  Anthony  and  Andrew,  of  Rotter- 
dam, Holland.  The  father  was  a surgical  den- 
tist in  Holland,  and  was  a man  of  much  medi- 
cal erudition.  In  1852  he  came  to  this  coun- 
try and  located  at  Syracuse,  N.  Y.,  where  he 
did  not  remain  long,  however,  being  success- 
ively established  at  Cincinnati  and  Memphis, 
and  again  at  Cincinnati,  where  he  lived  until 
1865,  when  he  returned  to  Holland.  He  died 
in  1892,  at  the  age  of  eighty-three.  His  first 
wife  died  in  1850,  and  he  married  her  sister 
Florence,  by  whom  he  had  a family  of  six  chil- 
dren, Isaac,  Sophia,  Annie,  Mary,  Rachel  and 
Mitchell.  Louis  Spellman  was  a soldier  dur- 
ing the  Civil  war,  and  helped  to  drive  Morgan 
out  of  Ohio. 

Jacob  L.  Spellman  was  eight  years  old  when 
his  parents  came  to  this  country,  and  had  al- 
ready made  some  progress  in  school  in  Hol- 
land. He  attended  school  at  Syracuse,  and  in 
that  city  began  learning  the  trade  of  cigar  mak- 
ing with  an  uncle,  when  about  ten  years  old. 
Y hen  the  Rebellion  broke  out  he  was  resid- 


ing in  Jackson,  Miss.,  and,  yielding  to  the  war 
fever  that  overswept  the  country,  he  enlisted 
in  Company  C, . of  the  Jeff.  Davis  Legion, 
Hampton’s  Brigade,  and  served  the  lost  cause 
well  and  faithfully  for  four  long  years.  He 
was  a courier  on  Gen.  Hampton’s  staff,  and 
took  part  in  many  of  the  bloodiest  scenes  of  the 
great  war,  being  in  the  seven  days’  fight  before 
Richmond,  the  battles  of  the  Wilderness,  An- 
tietam,  Second  Bull  Run  and  many  other  fierce 
and  bloody  combats.  He  was  wounded  in  the 
nose  and  the  right  thigh  at  Antietam.  Dur- 
ing the  war  he  was  assigned  with  his  company 
from  the  Jeff.  Davis  Legion  to  the  10th  Ken- 
tucky, under  the  command  of  Gen.  Basil  Duke, 
together  with  nine  other  companies,  selected 
from  other  regiments,  to  join  Gen.  Morgan. 
The  day  before  the  death  of  that  distinguished 
officer  Mr.  Spellman  was  taken  prisoner  at 
Paris,  Tenn.,  and  sent  to  Camp  Douglas,  Chi- 
cago. In  April,  1865,  he  took  the  oath  of  alle- 
giance to  the  United  States,  in  company  with 
twenty-six  others,  and  was  at  once  set  at  lib- 
erty. He  resumed  his  trade  of  cigar  maker, 
and  was  engaged  in  various  cities.  In  1885 
he  came  to  Janesville,  and  opened  a cigar  man- 
ufactory and  a tobacco  jobbing  house  for  plug 
and  smoking  tobaccos,  which  he  still  owns  and 
operates. 

Mr.  Spellman  and  Miss  Melinda  Minney, 
a daughter  of  Peter  and  Susan  (Martin)  Min- 
ney, were  married  Nov.  27,  1873,  and  they 
have  two  daughters,  Jessie  and  Llorence.  Mrs. 
Spellman  belongs  to  the  Episcopal  Church, 
while  her  husband  is  welcomed  in  many  irater- 
nal  societies.  He  is  a Mason  of  high  degree, 
belonging  to  Janesville  Lodge,  No.  55,  A.  F. 
& A.  M. ; Janesville  Chapter,  No.  5;  Janes- 
ville Commandery,  No.  2,  K.  T. ; and  the  Ce- 
dar Rapids  (Iowa)  Consistory;  he  also  be- 
longs to  the  Janesville  Lodge,  No.  14,  I.  O. 
O.  F.,  and  the  Knights  of  the  Maccabees.  He 
is  a Republican,  though  never  a politician.  His 
home  is  at  No.  308  South  Jackson  street,  and 
he  has  been  a resident  of  Janesville  for  four- 
teen years.  Mr.  Spellman  has  had  an  event- 
ful and  varied  career,  and  is  an  interesting  con- 
versationalist. 

JOSEPH  UNOSPI,  one  of  the  representa- 
tive men  of  Muscoda,  Grant  county,  and  a 
veteran  soldier,  enjoys  the  distinction  of  hav- 
ing been  a member  of  the  famous  6th  \\  is. 
Y.  I.,  which  formed  a part  of  the  Iron  Brigade, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


585 


and  rendered  such  efficient  service  in  the  great 
civil  struggle  between  the  North  and  the  South. 

Mr.  Unosh  was  born  Jan.  6,  1844,  in  Bo- 
hemia, a son  of  Joseph  and  Catherine  Unosh, 
and  in  1856  was  brought  to  America  by  his 
parents.  The  family  had  originally  consisted 
of  six  children,  but  four  had  died  prior  to  the 
immigration  to  this  country,  so  that  Joseph 
and  his  sister  Ellen  were  the  only  survivors; 
the  latter,  after  attaining  womanhood  and  mar- 
rying, also  died.  Upon  coming  to  America 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Unosh  located  on  land  in  the 
town  of  Castle  Rock,  Grant  county,  and  re- 
mained there  for  years.  The  mother  died  in 
Castle  Rock;  the  father,  surviving  her,  passed 
his  last  days  at  Muscoda,  and  died  highly  re- 
spected by  all. 

Joseph  Unosh,  the  subject  of  this  sketch, 
enlisted  in  Company  B,  6th  Wis.  V.  I.,  in 
October,  1864,  and  participated  with  his  regi- 
ment in  Gen.  Grant’s  Richmond  and  Peters- 
burg campaign,  being  badly  wounded  in  the 
right  leg  at  the  battle  of  Hatcher’s  Run,  Feb. 
6,  1865.  T musket  ball  struck  his  right  ankle, 
shattering  the  limb,  and  Mr.  Unosh  lay  where 
he  fell  until  captured  by  the  enemy,  who  had 
obtained  possession  of  the  part  of  the  field  in 
which  he  had  fallen.  Owing  to  poor  facilities 
for  caring  for  the  wounded,  and  the  large 
number  of  both  Union  and  Confederate  sol- 
diers who  needed  attention,  Mr.  Unosh  suf- 
fered untold  pain,  and  has  never  fully  recov- 
ered from  the  effects  of  the  neglect  then  ex- 
perienced. Gangrene  ensued,  and  the  wound 
has  never  permanently  healed,  although  after 
the  close  of  the  war,  when  he  was  released 
from  captivity,  Mr.  Unosh  remained  in  a hos- 
pital at  Madison,  Wis.,  for  some  time,  and 
was  honorably  discharged  from  the  service  in 
that  city.  For  a number  of  years  succeeding 
the  war  Mr.  Unosh  resided  on  Blue  river,  and 
then  removed  to  Muscoda,  which  has  since 
been  his  home. 

On  Aug.  16,  1893,  Mr.  Unosh  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Mary  J.  Sedivy,  a native  of  Bo- 
hemia, who  was  born  Nov.  18,  1871,  daugh- 
ter of  Frank  and  Veronika  Sedivy.  and  came 
to  America  with  her  parents  in  1885.  Mr. 
--sa-nd  Mrs.  Sedivy  are  well  known  and  highly 
respected  residents  of  Orion,  Richland  Co., 
V is.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Unosh  have  three  living 
-c-hildren,  Jennie,  Freddie  and  Celie;  their 
youngest,  Frank  J.,  died  when  an  infant  of  a 
few  days. 


Mr.  Unosh  and  his  family  are  pleasantly 
located  at  their  comfortable  home  in  Mus- 
coda, and  enjoy  the  esteem  of  a large  circle 
of  friends.  In  the  G.  A.  R.  Post  of  Muscoda 
Mr.  Unosh  is  a prominent  member,  and  he 
is  justly  regarded  as  an  estimable  and  repre- 
sentative citizen. 

THOMAS  H.  PEACOCK.  Tourists  who 
come  from  foreign  countries  to  criticise  pause 
to  admire  when  they  reach  some  of  the  beau- 
tiful, cultivated  farms  of  Wisconsin.  Among 
these  there  is  none  more  attractive  than  that 
owned  by  Thomas  H.  Peacock,  the  subject 
of  this  sketch.  He  was'  born  in  Smelser,  Grant 
county,  in  January,  i860,  a son  of  William  and 
Alary  A.  (Thomas)  Peacock,  both  of  York- 
shire, England. 

\Y  illiam  Peacock  came  when  a young  man 
to  Grant  county,  where  he  married  and  settled 
on  a farm.  He  was  one  of  the  pioneers  of  the 
county,  rearing  his  family  here,  and  clearing 
up  the  land.  At  the  time  of  his  death  he  owned 
considerable  property  and  a comfortable  resi- 
dence in  Big  Patch,  where  he  died  in  1884, 
his  wife  passing  away  in  1878.  They  were 
members  of  the  Primitive  Methodist  Church 
of  Big  Patch.  They  left  a family  of  six  sons 
and  one  daughter,  of  whom  John  W.,  born 
in  1858,  married  Caroline  Fathers',  of  Dar- 
lington, Lafayette  county,  and  they  live  on  the 
old  home  farm  with  their  four  children, 
Eunice.  Clinton,  Wonda,  and  Lawrence.  Ab- 
raham Lincoln,  born  in  1862,  married  Ellen 
Hilton,  of  Platteville,  and  resides  on  his  farm 
near  Smelser;  they  have  three  children,  Sarah. 
Charles,  and  Flossie.  Isaiah,  born  in  Smelser 
in  1865,  married  Annie  Hilton,  and  they  first 
lived  on  a farm,  but  now  reside  in  Platteville ; 
they  have  one  daughter,  Mary.  Sarah,  born 
in  Smelser  township,  is  now  the  wife  of 
Thomas  G.  Harker,  who  lives  in  the  old 
Harker  home  in  Big  Patch ; they  have  two  chil- 
dren. William  and  Alvin.  Samuel,  born  in 
Smelser  in  1868,  married  Sarah  Hilton,  and 
resides  on  a farm  in  Smelser.  James',  born  in 
1870,  married  Jennette  Yanetta,  of  German- 
town, Grant  county,  and  resides  near  Big 
Patch ; they  have  one  daughter.  Fleta. 

Our  subject  received  a district-school  edu- 
cation in  the  township  of  Smelser,  grew  up 
on  his  father’s  farm,  and  was  taught  in  the 
home  circle  those  lessons  of  thrift,  honesty 
and  industry  which  have  been  of  value  to  him 


586 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


since.  Purchasing  a farm  in  that  township, 
after  marriage  he  settled  upon  it,  later  selling 
that  place  and  renting  land  for  six  years,  in 
March,  1900,  he  purchased  what  is  known  as 
the  Henry  Harbicutt  farm  in  Smelser,  cou- 
taining  240  acres,  all  in  a fine  state  of  culti- 
vation ; there  are  fine  barns,  and  a comfort- 
aide,  modern  house.  This  is.  considered  one 
of  the  finest  farms  in  Smelser  township.  Mr. 
Peacock  is  a progressive  man,  believing  in  up- 
to-date  machinery,  of  which  he  has  purchased 
considerable,  and  he  has  stocked  his  farm  with 
improved  and  reliable  breeds  of  cattle. 

The  marriage  of  our  subject  was  celebrated 
in  March,  1884,  the  bride  being  Miss  Anna 
Harker,  the  worthy  daughter  of  Simon  and 
Mary  A.  Harker,  old  and  prominent  residents 
of  Grant  county.  Mr.  Harker  was  a well- 
known  merchant  in  Cuba  City  for  a number 
of  years  before  his  death.  Mrs.  Peacock  was 
born  in  January,  i860,  and  grew  up  in  the 
township  of  Smelser.  Children  as  follows 
have  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Peacock: 
Mary  A.,  born  in  1884;  Roscoe,  in  May.  1 888 ; 
Alice,  in  June,  1893;  and  William,  in  Novem- 
ber, 1899. 

Since  early  manhood  our  subject  has  been 
a member  of  the  Republican  party.  He  and  his 
family  attend  religious  services,  and  are  cheer- 
ful supporters  of  church  work.  Mr.  Peacock 
takes  a pardonable  pride  in  his  fine  farm  and 
excellent  stock,  as  he  realizes  that  he  has 
earned  all  these  pleasant  rewards'  by  his  appli- 
cation, and  the  memory  of  the  lessons  learned 
at  his  mother’s  knee. 

D.  J.  GARDNER,  a native  of  Platteville, 
Grant  county,  and  a distinguished  lawyer  in 
the  prime  of  life,  was  born  Feb.  26,  1853,  son 
of  David  and  Mary  (Murphy)  Gardner,  both 
natives  of  Ireland. 

David  Gardner  was  born  in  County  Meath. 
Ireland,  March  4,  1818,  and  came  to  the  United 
States'  in  1836.  In  1844  he  married  Miss 
Mary  Murphy,  a native  of  County  Cork,  Ire- 
land, and  a daughter  of  Dennis  Murphy,  who 
seeded  in  New  Orleans,  La.,  in  1840,  and  died 
there  the  same  year.  David  Gardner  came  up 
the  Mississippi  river  from  Grand  Gulf,  Miss., 
to  Ottawa,  111.,  in  1S38,  and  to  Platteville, 
VV  is.,  in  April.  1842,  settled  on  a farm  one  and 
a half  miles  southwest  of  the  then  village,  and 
began  prospecting  for  lead.  He  first  discovered 
the  Boots  mine,  and  later  the  Gardner  and 


Hayden  mines,  both  the  latter  on  the  Gardner 
homestead,  and  successfully  operated  them  a 
number  of  years,  also  following  farming.  Mr. 
Gardner  was  a man  of  energy  and  of  splendid 
character.  He  died  on  his  homestead  in  1876, 
a devout  member  of  the  Catholic  Church,  and 
his  widow,  who  was  a lady  of  culture  and  re- 
finement, descended  from  a family  noted  for 
generations  back  as  highly  educated  people, 
survived  until  Dec.  12,  1893.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
David  Gardner  reared  a family  of  seven  chil- 
dren : John  M.,  a retired  farmer  and  surveyor, 
was  born  in  1845,  an(l  has  always  been  a use- 
ful citizen;  he  has  never  married,  and  resides 
with)  his  brother,  D.  J.  David  married  Miss 
Drusilla  Works,  who  has  borne  him  two  chil- 
dren, Dorothy  and  Helen,  and  lives  on  the  old 
homestead  at  Platteville.  James  V.,  who  was 
educated  in  the  Platteville  State  Normal 
School,  has  recently  retired  from  the  general 
merchandise  business;  he  married  Miss  Kate 
Martin,  of  Belmont,  and  they  have  had  five 
children,  David,  Jr.,  Mary,  Marguerite,  Cyril 
and  Claude.  Mary  E.  is  housekeeper  for  her 
brother  D.  J.  Our  subject  is  next  in  the  order 
of  birth.  Bee  A.,  a graduate  of  the  State  Nor- 
mal, is  the  librarian  of  that  institution.  Ce- 
celia, who  was  also  educated  at  the  State  Nor- 
mal School,  is  a successful  teacher  in  the  public 
schools  of  Platteville. 

D.  J.  Gardner,  after  graduating  from  The 
State  Normal  School,  in  his  native  city,  was 
engaged  as  principal  of  the  Cassville  school 
for  three  years.  In  1880  he  entered  the  law 
office  of  Carter  & Cleary,  as  a student,  was 
admitted  to  the  Bar  in  1882,  and  opened  his' 
office  for  practice  in  the  same  year;  in  De- 
cember, 1885,  he  was  admitted  to  practice  in 
the  Supreme  court  of  the  State,  and  to  the 
United  States  courts  in  April,  1888.  In  1887 
Mr.  Gardner  associated  with  J.  W.  Murphy 
in  practice,  and  until  the  dissolution  of  the 
firm,  in  1895  they  did  a velT  extensive  busi- 
ness. Mr.  Gardner  has  continued  practice  at  the 
old  office  until  the  present  time.  In  1891  he  was 
appointed  a member  of  the  Board  of  Regents 
of  Normal  Schools  of  Wisconsin,  on  which  he 
served  five  years',  being  vice-president  of  the 
Board  the  last  year.  During  his  membership 
the  Board  erected  two  Normal  School  edifices, 
one  at  Superior  and  one  at  Stevens  Point, 
and  Mr.  Gardner  was  present  at  the  dedica- 
tion of  both  buildings,  and  delivered  an  ad- 
dress at  the  dedication  of  the  Superior  build- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


53  7 


ing,  in  1896.  Through  his  efforts  the  Platte- 
ville  school  has  been  very  much  enlarged,  and 
it  is  now  furnished  with  every  modern  appli- 
ance, and  is  a credit  to  the  State.  In  Febru- 
ary, 1893,  Mr.  Gardner  greatly  aided  in  the 
organization  of  the  Platteville  State  Bank,  was 
elected  its  vice-president,  being  a man  of  busi- 
ness ability  as  well  as  a stockholder,  and1  held 
that  position  until  October,  1899,  when  'he  dis- 
posed of  his  stock. 

In  politics  Mr.  Gardner  is  a hard-working 
Democrat,  and  has  been  honored  by  his  party, 
having  been  elected  to  various  offices,  includ- 
ing those  of  town  clerk,  justice  of  the  peace 
and  city  attorney,  bolding  the  last  named  for 
five  years'.  He  has  always  been  one  of  the 
foremost  public-spirited  men  of  the  city,  ever 
keeping  in  view  and  aiding  its  progress.  In- 
dividually he  is  one  of  the  most  generous  and 
broad-minded  of  men,  and  to  aid  a friend  there 
is  no  task  too  arduous  for  him  to  undertake. 
As  a professional  man,  his  career,  as  even 
here  inadequately  recorded,  is  sufficient  to 
show  that  he  is  far  in  advance  of  the  average 
lawyer  who  has  had  the  same  educational  ad- 
vantages and  the  same  professional  opportu- 
nities. 

FRANK  I.  MOORE,  engaged  in  the  gro- 
cery business  at  Brodhead,  Green  county, 
where  he  carries  a full  line  of  everything  usual- 
ly found  in  a first-class  establishment  of  the 
kind,  including  provisions  and  queensware,  has, 
by  strict  attention  to  his  business,  and  a very 
clear  understanding  of  the  requirements  of 
his  trade,  built  up  a large  and  profitable  pat- 
ronage. 

Mr.  Moore  was  born  in  Danville,  Vt.. 
March  21,  1855,  and  is  a son  of  Isaac  and 
Amelia  (Snow)  Moore.  Plis  father  was  born 
in  New  Hampshire,  and  the  birthplace  of  his' 
mother  is  now  lost  to  memory.  Their  children 
were:  Amanda,  wife  of  A.  A.  Ten  Eyck,  of 
the  town  of  Decatur ; Adin  S.,  of  Brodhead ; 
Belle  C.,  the  widow  of  T.  H.  White,  of  Aurora, 
Hi.;  Ella  M„  of  the  same  city;  Frank  1.;  and 
Anna  J.,  wife  of  E.  L.  Whitney,,  of  Mendota, 
111.  The  father  was  a farmer,  and  came  to 
Wisconsin  in  i860,  locating  on  a farm  of  125 
acres,  to  which  he  subsequently  added  about 
sixty  acres.  After  the  death  of  his  wife,  in 
1894,  at  the  age  of  seventy-four,  he  made 
his  home  with  his  daughter,  until  his  own  death 
in  1898,  at  the  age  of  eighty-two.  They  were 


First-Day  Adventists.  He  was  justice  of  the 
peace  in  Vermont,  and  held  various  town  of- 
fices in  his  more  active  days.  His  father,  John 
Moore,  was  a native  of  Scotland,  who  came  to 
this  country,  and  settled  in  New  Hampshire. 
Fie  died  in  Vermont  when  old.  He  was  a 
farmer,  and  had  a large  family.  Adin  Snow, 
the  father  of  Amelia  (Snow)  Moore,  was  the 
father  of  five  children.  He  was  of  English 
descent,  and  was  engaged  in  milling  in  New 
Hampshire,  at  the  time  of  his  death  from  an 
accident  in  the  mill. 

Frank  I.  Moore  was  six  years  old  when  he 
came  to  Green  county,  Wis.,  with  his  parents. 
He  attended  the  district  school  and  was  a stu- 
dent in  the  State  Normal,  at  Whitewater.  Fie 
began  for  himself  as  a clerk  in  Brodhead,  and 
was  in  the  same  store  for  eight  years.  For 
the  last  twelve  years  he  has  been  engaged  in 
the  grocery  business  for  himself,  and  in  that 
time  has  come  to  the  front  as  a capable  business 
man. 

In  May,  1877,  Mr.  Moore  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Miss  Carrie  M.  Cortelyou,  a 
daughter  of  Timothy  T.  and  Ann  (Stillwell) 
Cortelyou.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Moore  have  two 
children,  F.  Stillwell  and  Carrie  Ella.  The 
family  are  members  of  the  Methodist  church, 
where  he  serves  as  trustee  and  treasurer.  So- 
cially he  belongs  to  the  Modern  Woodmen  of 
America,  and  politically  has  always  been  a 
Democrat.  The  family  reside  in  a pleasant 
home  on  South  Center  street. 

SAMUEL  BIRKBECK,  Ph.  G,  M.  D„ 
of  Gratiot,  Lafayette  county,  succeeded  Dr. 
A.  L.  Bushby  in  practice  in  April,  1898.  The 
latter  is  now  a resident  of  Primghar,  Iowa. 

Dr.  Birkbeck  is  a native  of  Illinois,  born 
in  1866  at  Council  Hill,  Jo  Daviess  county, 
where  his  father,  Thomas  T.  Birkbeck,  was' 
also  born.  Samuel  Birkbeck,  the  grandfather 
of  Dr.  Birkbeck,  was  born  in  England.  ' He 
went  into  the  lead  regions  of  northwestern 
Illinois,  where  in  company  with  his  brothers- 
in-law  he  owned  one  of  the  earliest  lead  smelt- 
ing works  established  in  that  part  of  the  West. 

Dr.  Birkbeck  received  his  early  education  at 
the  common  school,  and  for  a time  was  a stu- 
dent at  the  German-English  College  in  Galena, 
after  which  he  taught  in  the  common  schools 
for  three  years.  He  entered  Highland  Park 
College  of  Pharmacy,  and  graduated  from  that 
institution  in  1894.  Having  decided  to  enter 


588 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


the  medical  profession,  he  entered  upon  the 
study  of  the  healing  art  in  1895,  and  graduated 
from  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons, 
at  Keokuk,  Iowa,  in  1898.  Soon  after  leav- 
ing college  he  located  at  Gratiot,  and  here  he 
has  won  many  friends.  Dr.  Birkbeck  has  es- 
tablished an  extensive  practice,  and  both  as  a 
citizen  and  as  a physician  he  is  held  in  high 
esteem. 

Mrs'.  Birkbeck  was  formerly  Miss  Hattie 
Lauterbach,  and  is  a lady  of  many  charms  and 
attractions. 

PATRICK  J.  BRIDE,  a prosperous  and 
highly  respected  dairyman  farmer  in  the  town 
of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  was  born  in  To- 
ronto, Canada,  in  March,  1847. 

Patrick  and  Catherine  (Redmond)  Bride, 
his  parents,  were  natives  of  Dublin,  Ireland, and 
were  married  in  their  native  city.  In  1844 
they  came  to  Canada,  where  they  followed  an 
agricultural  life.  In  1852  they  entered  Wis- 
consin, and  settled  on  a farm  in  the  town  of 
Lima,  Grant  county.  Four  years  later  they 
moved  to  Platteville,  where  they  spent  the  rest 
of  their  days.  He  died  in  1880,  and  she  in 
1891.  They  were  both  members  of  the  Cath- 
olic Church,  and  he  was'  a Democrat.  They 
were  the  parents  of  eight  children,  of  whom 
James,  Patrick  and  Mary  A.  died  young.  Ed- 
ward, born  in  Ireland  in  1839,  served  in  the 
3d  Wisconsin  Cavalry  during  the  Civil  war; 
he  married  Miss  Catherine  Dongan,  of  Oma- 
ha, and  made  that  city  his  'home  until  his  death, 
in  1898;  he  left  a wife  and  four  children,  John, 
James,  Anna  and  Mary,  who  still  reside  in 
Omaha.  Michael,  born  in  Canada  in  April, 
1845,  was  a small  child  when  his  parents  came 
to  Wisconsin;  he  married1  Miss  Nettie  Mace, 
and  now  resides  in  Kingsley,  Iowa,  where  he 
is  engaged  in  farming;  they  have  had  a family 
of  fourteen  children,  twelve  living — John,  Ed- 
ward, Fannie,  Katie,  May,  Nellie,  James, 
Annie,  Walter,  Adaline,  Cecilia,  and  Clara. 
Patrick  J.  is  our  subject.  John,  born  in  Can- 
ada in  1849,  obtaining  his  education  in  the  Wis- 
consin schools;  he  married  Miss  Jane  Welch, 
of  Lima,  where  they  lived  until  her  death,  in 
1889;  she  left  four  children,  Thomas  (born 
in  1S70),  Mary  (1872),  Nellie  N.  (1874), 
and  Jane,  1880.  John  Bride  subsequently  mar- 
ried Miss  Katie  Holzer,  and  is  now  living  on 
his  farm  north  of  Platteville. 

Patrick  J.  Bride  was  reared  and  educated 


in  Grant  county,  and  here  he  has  been  engaged 
in  farming  during  the  greater  part  of  his  life. 

In  February,  1870,  he  married  Miss  Annie 
Connor,  daughter  of  Patrick  and  Annie 
Connor,  of  Ireland ; her  mother  belonged  to 
the  Doyle  family.  Her  parents  came  to  To- 
ronto, Canada,  while  still  young  people,  and 
lived  there  some  years.  In  1851  they  came  to 
Platteville,  where  the  father  died  nine  years 
later.  The  mother  later  married  Peter  Clark, 
and  died  in  1887.  Mrs.  Bride  was  born  in 
January,  1847,  and  is  the  only  surviving  mem- 
ber of  a family  of  eight  children.  She  received 
her  education  in  the  public  school.  After  their 
marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bride  took  up  their 
abode  in  the  town  of  Platteville,  where  he 
bought  what  was  known  as  the  old  Bass  farm. 
To  this  he  added  fifty  acres,  and  is'  now  the 
owner  of  100  acres  of  fine  farming  land,  two 
miles  north  of  Platteville.  He  has  comfortable 
buildings,  and  has  made  a choice  farm.  -Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Bride  were  blessed  with  no  children 
of  their  own,  but  are  rearing  two : Cordelia 

Holzer,  born  Aug.  5,  1884,  in  Platteville;  and 
Leo  Pitts,  born  in  July,  1882.  They  are  bring- 
ing up  these,  children  as  they  would  their  own, 
and  both  are  now  students  in  the  public  school. 
Mr.  and1  Mrs.  Bride  are  members  of  the  Cath- 
olic Church,  and  he  is  a member  of  the  Cath- 
olic Knights.  He  is  a Democrat,  and  though 
never  an  aspirant  for  public  office  was  clerk 
of  the  school  district  a number  of  years,  and  is 
a man  held  in  the  highest  esteem  by  all  who 
know  him. 

1 

J.  R.  WALKER,  one  of  the  leading  repre- 
sentatives of  the  agricultural  interests  of  Wat- 
terstown  township,  Grant  county,  owns  and 
occupies  a fine  farm,  which,  by  his  efforts, 
has  been  developed  into  a very  productive  piece 
of  property. 

Mr.  Walker  was  born  in  Hickory  Grove 
township,  Grant  county,  April  14,  1857,  a son 
of  Joseph  Newcomb  and  Isabella  (Ham) 
Walker.  The  paternal  grandfather  of  our  sub- 
ject came  to  Hickory  Grove  township  some  ten 
years  before  his  death,  which  occurred  in  Bos- 
cobel,  when  he  was  aged  eighty-one.  His 
wife  died  at  the  age  of  seventy-eight.  Both 
were  very  highly  respected.  J.  Newcomb 
Walker,  the  father  of  our  subject,  was  born  in 
Michigan  in  1823,  was  reared  in  that  State, 
and  came  with  his  parents  to  Grant  county, 
settling  in  Hickory  Grove  township.  Here 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


589 


he  took  up  government  land,  improved  it,  and 
is  now  one  of  the  leading  farmers  of  Ins  sec- 
tion as  well  as  a prosperous  banker,  being 
prominently  identified  with  one  of  the  bank- 
ing institutions  of  Boscobel.  His  marriage 
occurred  at  Fennimore,  and  to  himself  and 
wife  were  born  thirteen  children,  of  whom  are 
mentioned : Norah,  Mrs.  Murley,  of  Hickory 
Grove;  Justin,  of  Hickory  Grove;  Cornelius, 
of  Hickory  Grove;  Lizzie,  of  Rockton,  111.; 
Leona,  Mrs.  Richter,  of  Centerville,  Wis. ; 
Gertrude,  Mrs.  Sabins,  of  Hickory  Grove; 
Myrtie,  Mrs.  Botten,  of  Hickory  Grove; 
Leatea,  Mrs.  Updyke,  of  Hickory  Grove. 

J.  R.  Walker  was  reared  and  educated  in 
Hickory  Grove  township,  remaining  there  until 
he  attained  his  majority,  when  he  went  upon 
the  road  as  a traveling  salesman  for  machinery, 
in  Illinois.  Later  he  located  in  Boscobel,  hand- 
ling machinery  and  vehicles,  pianos,  organs 
and  sewing  machines,  until  1899,  when  he  pur- 
chased a fine  farm  of  173  acres  in  Watters- 
town  township,  from  C.  Olesen,  and  has  since 
devoted  his  attention  to  its  cultivation  and  im- 
provement. 

On  Feb.  18,  1893,  Mr.  Walker  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Helen  Botten,  a native  of  Nor- 
way, daughter  of  Martin  Botten,  of  Hickory 
Grove  township.  Four  children  have  been  born 
of  this  union:  Leonie  Isabel,  Jerome  New- 

comb, John  Fulten,  and  Stella  Annetta.  In 
politics  Mr.  Walker  is  a stanch  Republican, 
and  takes  an  active  part  in  the  work  of  that 
party.  Thoroughly  identified  in  all  move- 
ments having  for  their  object  the  advance- 
ment of  the  material  welfare  of  the  community, 
Mr.  Walker  is  well  known  throughout  the 
county,  and  is  highly  respected  for  'his  many 
excellent  qualities. 

ISAAC  LEWIS  WILLIAMS,  whose 
well-cultivated  farm  of  120  acres  in  Section 
19.  Monroe  township,  Green  county,  speaks 
well  for  the  thrift  and  industry  of  its  owner, 
was  born  July  13,  1851,  in  Punxsutawney,  Jef- 
ferson Co.,  Penn.,  where  his  father  still  re- 
sides. 

Stacy  B.  Williams,  his  father,  was  born 
in  New  York  State,  and  when  quite  small  was 
brought  by  his  father  to  Pennsylvania.  He  is 
I a merchant  and  lumberman,  and  has  engaged 
in  school  teaching  to  some  extent,  although  of 
late  years  he  has  given  the  major  portion  of 
his  attention  to  farming,  residing  within  a 


mile  of  his  father's  old  home.  He  married 
Caroline  Lewis,  daughter  of  Isaac  Lewis,  and 
of  this  union  ten  children  were  born,  four  of 
whom  survive : Thomas  M.,  of  Punxsutaw- 

ney; Isaac  Lewis;  George,  of  Jefferson  county, 
Penn.;  and  John  C.,  of  western  Virginia. 
The  mother  of  these  children  died  in  1864, 
and  Mr.  Williams  married  for  his  second  wife, 
Mrs.  Mary  Elizabeth  Law,  widow  of  Harri- 
son Law,  and  daughter  of  Theodore  and  Ma- 
tilda Morris.  To  this  second  union  came  six 
children,  but  Joseph  and  Martha  alone  survive. 
Stacy  B.  Williams  was  a son  of  Thomas  Will- 
iams, a native  of  New  York  State,  who  mi- 
grated with  his  family  to  Pennsylvania,  Stacy 
B.  being  the  youngest  of  fourteen  children. 
Isaac  Lewis,  the  maternal  grandfather  of  Mr. 
Isaac  Lewis  Williams,  was  a farmer  of  Penn- 
sylvania, where  he  raised  his  family  of  five  chil- 
dren. 

Isaac  Lewis  Williams  lived  on  his  father’s 
farm  until  he  had  attained  to  man’s  estate, 
and  received  his  education  in  the  common 
schools  of  Punxsutawney,  after  which  he 
worked  at  the  lumbering  business  in  the  em- 
ploy of  his  father  for  nine  years.  In  1877 
he  located  in  Green  county,  Wis.,  and  for  five 
years  worked  by  the  month.  In  1882  he  pur- 
chased his  present  farm  of  120  acres,  which  he 
has  since  improved  and  brought  to  a high  state 
of  cultivation.  He  has  seen  his  efforts  crowned 
I with  success,  and  can  now  look  over  his  broad 
fields,  and  see  the  wonders  his  systematic  labors 
have  wrought. 

On  Feb.  23,  1882,  Mr.  Williams  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Clara  Russell, 
who  was  born  in  Beloit.  Wis..  Jan.  31.  1850, 
a daughter  ofi  John  Milton  and  Teressa  J. 
(Morris)  Russell,  and  one  son,  Stacy  Hurley 
Williams,  born  July  29,  1883.  has  come  to  bless 
this  union  (he  is  a graduate  of  the  business  col- 
lege in  Monroe).  Socially  Mr.  Williams  be- 
longs to  the  Modern  Woodmen,  and  he  and  his 
wife  in  their  religious  belief  are  Methodists, 
but  not  identified  with  any  one  church. 

Mr.  John  Milton  Russell  was  born  in  I11- 
| diana,  and  when  quite  small  accompanied  his 
parents  to  California,  but  later  returned  East, 

| and  was  married  when  quite  young  in  Monroe, 
Wis.  A year  after  his  marriage  he  started 
back  to  California  across  the  Plains,  but  he  was 
not  heard  of  again ; it  is  believed  he  was  mur- 
dered while  on  the  way.  His  wife,  Teressa 
J.  (Morris)  Russell,  never  married  a second 


590 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


time,  but  makes  her  home  with  her  daughter. 
She  is  a Universalist  in  religious  belief.  John 
Russell,  father  of  John  Milton  Russell,  was  a 
native  of  Indiana,  and  after  his  removal  to 
California  engaged  in  farming  and  became  the 
owner  of  a large  ranch.  He  died  there  aged 
sixty-seven  years,  and  his  wife,  Margaret, 
died  Jan.  it,  1892,  at  the  residence  of  her 
daughter,  Mrs.  Muzzy,  in  her  ninetieth  year; 
she  was  a devout  member  of  the  Baptist 
Church,  having  been  converted  in  her  girlhood, 
and  her  love  of  prayer  and  deep  attachment 
to  the  Bil:ile  characterized  her  private  Christian 
life.  William  Morris,  father  of  Mrs.  Teressa 
J.  (Morris)  Russell,  and  grandfather  of  Mrs. 
Williams,  was  a native  of  Virginia,  of  English 
descent,  was  a farmer, by  occupation,  and  was 
a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812.  He  married 
Mary  Kilgore,  who  died  in  1884,  aged  eighty- 
one.  He  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1844,  and  lived 
in  Green  county  until  1877,  when  he  passed 
away. 

MARTIN  McNEIL,  the  manager  of  the 
McNeil  estate  in  Section  25,  Clinton  township, 
Rock  county,  is  a man  of  much  character  and 
energy.  He  is  not  afraid  of  hard  work,  and  is 
a student  of  modern  and  progressive  farming, 
joining  thrift  and  industry,  in  his  personal 
career,  and  is  getting  ahead  in  the  world. 

Mr.  McNeil  was  born  in  Beloit,  Rock  coun- 
ty, July  15,  1861,  and  obtained  his  education 
in  the  district  schools  of  the  town  of  Clinton. 
When  he  became  a young  man  he  worked  on 
the  farm  for  his  father,  and  in  1885  and  1886 
was  a train  hand  on  the  Burlington  & Missouri 
River  railroad  in  Nebraska.  In  1887  he  re- 
turned home,  and  since  that  time  has  had 
charge  of  the  paternal  homestead,  managing 
his  father’s  property  in  a most  satisfactory 
manner.  He  is  capable  and  pushing,  knows  his 
business,  and  is  popular  among  the  neighbor- 
ing farmers.  He  is  well  read,  and  takes'  much 
intelligent  interest  in  public  affairs.  He  is  a 
strong  Democrat,  and  religiously  a member  of 
the  Catholic  Church. 

Martin  McNeil,  the  father  of  the  gentleman 
whose  name  introduces  this  article,  was  born 
in  Ireland  Nov.  11,  1817,  and  came  to  this 
country  in  1842,  settling  first  in  Providence, 
R.  I.,  and  going  from  there  to  California  in 
] 8,50.  He  spent  two  successful  years  in  the 
gold  mines,  and  then  returned1  to  Providence. 
In  1857  Mr.  McNeil  came  to  Wisconsin,  and 


bought  the  present  McNeil  estate,  paying  for 
it  in  gold.  Here  he  resided  until  his  death, 
June  20,  1890.  In  November,  1S57,  he  was 
married  to  Miss  Eliza  Lannon,  a daughter  of 
Michael  and  Winifred  (McIntyre)  Lannon, 
of  Providence,  R.  I.,  who  came  to  Wisconsin 
in  1862,  and  remained  here  thirteen  years. 
They  then  returned  to  Providence,  where  they 
died  in  1880.  Mrs.  McNeil  is  still  living,  at 
the  age  of  sixty-one,  with  a daughter  who  is 
teaching  school  in  Sharon,  Wis.  She  is  the 
mother  of  eleven  children,  Martin,  John, 
Hugh,  Charles,  George,  Mary,  Ellen,  Mar- 
garet, Agnes,  Winifred  and  Frances.  Hugh 
died  at  the  age  of  sixteen.  Ellen  married  Ar- 
thur Friedendahl,  of  Clinton,  and  has  five  chil- 
dren, Martin,  Guy,  Howard,  Myrtle  and 
Marie. 

REV.  P.  J.  JONES,  pastor  of  St.  Charles 
Catholic  Church,  of  Cassville,  Grant  county, 
was  born  at  Holy  Cross,  Ozaukee  Co.,  Wis., 
Jan.  27,  1861,  a son  of  Peter  and  Margaret 
(Schumacher)  Jones.  The  father  was  born 
in  Brussels,  Belgium,  in  December,  1832,  and 
was  eleven  years  of  age  when  he  came  to  Wis- 
consin, locating  in  Ozaukee  county.  Peter 
Jones  attended  a college  in  Michigan,  and  for 
thirty-two  years  was  engaged  in  teaching  in 
the  schools  near  Port  Washington,  Ozaukee 
Co.,  Wis.  He  served  as  town  clerk  thirty- 
five  years,  and  also  filled  the  office  of  post- 
master. There  he  married  Margaret  Schu- 
macher, a native  of  Luxemburg,  Germany,  who 
came  to  Ozaukee  county  at  the  age  of  seven 
years.  To  this  union  were  born  six  children: 
Nicholas,  a resident  of  Appleton,  Wis.;  P.  J. ; 
Mary,  Mrs.  Clohisy,  of  Eagle,  Waukesha  Co., 
Wis. ; Michael  and  Maggie,  Mrs.  Corey,  both 
of  Milwaukee;  and  Anna,  at  home. 

Father  Jones  attended  the  public  schools 
of  his  native  place,  and  at  the  age  of  eleven 
years  entered  Calvary  College,  Fond  du  Lac, 
Wis.,  where  he  was  a student  for  five  years. 
For  two  years  he  attended  Grand  Seminary, 
Montreal,  Canada,  and  for  three  years  pursued  | 
’his  studies  at  St.  Francis  College,  where  he 
was  graduated  June  29,  1885.  After  his  or-  1 
dination  as  priest  he  became  pastor  of  the 
church  at  Eagle,  Wis.,  where  he  remained  six- 
teen months,  and  then  took  pastoral  charge  of 
the  Catholic  Church  at  Mazo  Manie,  Dane 
county,  where  he  was  located  for  twelve  and  a 
half  years,  at  the’  same  time  having  charge 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


59i 


of  two  missions,  at  Blue  Mounds  and  Mill 
Creek.  He  built  St.  Barnabas  Church,  at  Mazo 
Manie,  which  was  commenced  in  1890,  com- 
pleted in  1891,  and  cost  $18,000.  He  also 
erected  a frame  school  house,  and  opened  a 
parochial  school,  in  charge  of  the  Dominican 
Sisters,  in  1889.  From  Mazo  Manie  Father 
Jones  came  to  Cassville,  July  16,  1899,  and 
has  since  done  a great  work  in  building  up  the 
church  at  this  place.  He  is  a member  of  the 
Order  of  Catholic  Knights.  Broad  in  his  views 
and  sympathies,  a friend  of  the  poor  and  op- 
pressed, ever  ready  with  helpful  counsel  for  the 
perplexed  and  sorrowful,  he  has  a wide  field 
for  labor,  and  well  does  he  discharge  its  ardu- 
ous and  sacred  duties. 

St.  Charles  Catholic  Church.  Services 
were  first  held  in  Cassville  by  Rev.  Father  L. 
Galthier,  of  Prairie  du  Chien,  and  a father 
from  Sinsinawa  also  made  occasional  visits 
here.  Early  in  the  'fifties  Rev.  Hobbs,  then  sta- 
tioned at  Potosi,  said  mass  in  private  resi- 
dences near  Cassville,  there  being  five  or  six 
Catholic  families  in  the  neighborhood  at  that 
time.  In  1856  Rev.  Vivaldi,  of  Potosi,  held 
services  in  the  public  school  building  of  Cass- 
ville, and  this  became  a regular  mission  of 
Potosi,  with  Rev.  Gibson  for  the  English- 
speaking  people,  and  Rev.  Zuber  for  the  Ger- 
man. Before  the  close  of  1857  a brick  church 
was  erected  by  Rev.  Vincent  Verhof  and  J. 
M.  Albers,  both  of  Potosi.  In  August,  1865, 
Father  Thiele  took  charge  here,  becoming  the 
first  resident  pastor,  and  within  two  months 
had  built  a parsonage.  In  February,  1867,  he 
was  succeeded  by  Rev.  J.  A.  Moes,  who  built 
the  church  at  Glen  Haven,  and1  established  a 
mission  at  that  place.  He  was  followed  by 
Rev.  J.  M.  Albers,  who  was  stationed  here 
from  1868  to  1871,  and  was  succeeded  by  Rev. 
M.  DeBecke,  who  was  pastor  here  from  May, 
1871,  to  January,  1873  ; Rev.  T.  F.  Schrauden- 
bach  officiated  from  March,  1873,  to  January, 
1876.  The  latter  died  at  Boscobel,  Wis.  The 
next  in  charge  was  Rev.  J.  Gemeiner,  from 
February,  1876,  to  September,  1878.  During 
his  pastorate  a frame  school  house,  now  the 
parsonage,  was  built.  Father  Meurer  was 
pastor  of  St.  Charles  from  October,  1878,  to 
April.  1880,  and  was  followed  by  Rev.  J. 
Decker,  who  assumed  his  duties  in  Cassville 
the  following  May,  but  remained  here  only 
until  November,  during  which  time  the  parson- 
age was  sold,  and  the  former  school  building 


converted  into  a parsonage ; he  is  now  connect- 
ed with  the  Milwaukee  diocese.  From  April, 
1881,  to  March,  1882,  the  church  was  under 
the  pastorate  of  Rev.  A.  Gardthaus,  now  of 
Minneapolis,  and  of  Rev.  L.  C.  Drexel,  now  a 
professor  in  St.  Francis  Seminary,  Milwaukee, 
from  August,  1882,  to  April,  1888,  when  he 
was  succeeded  by  Rev.  A.  M.  Rossbach.  In 
the  spring  of  1889  the  latter  began  the  erec- 
tion of  the  present  church,  the  corner-stone 
being  laid  April  30,  that  year,  and  the  church 
dedicated  Nov.  20,  by  Rt.  Rev.  K.  Flasch,  of 
La  Crosse,  Wis.  It  is  a fine  brick  structure, 
50x100  feet,  in  the  Gothic  style  of  architecture, 
and  cost  $14,000,  not  including  the  inside  fur- 
nishings. In  June,  1893,  the  present  school 
building  was  commenced,  the  corner-stone  was 
laid  Feb.  1,  1S94,  and  the  building  was  dedi- 
cated March  7,  same  year,  by  the  Most  Rev. 
F.  X.  Kratzer,  Archbishop  ot  Milwaukee,  and 
the  Very  Rev.  A.  Salick,  of  the  same  place. 
The  building  contains  two  school  rooms  and 
an  apartment  for  the  Sisters  and  boarders,  the 
school  being  under  the  direct  control  of  the 
Franciscan  Sisters,  of  Alvarno,  Manitowoc 
Co.,  Wis.  It  was  opened  with  sixty-two  pu- 
pils in  attendance,  and  now  has'  ninety-five, 
while  the  church  now  has  a membership  of 
about  180  families.  Rev.  A.  Rossbach  was 
pastor  from  1888  to  1897,  and  was  succeeded 
by  Rev.  Francis  O.  Pichery,  who  in  turn  was 
succeeded  by  Rev.  P.  J.  Jones,  the  present 
pastor,  July  16,  1899.  During  the  pastorate 
of  Father  Jones  the  church  indebtedness  has 
been  raised,  and  there  is  now  money  in  the 
treasury,  while  a contract  has  been  made  with 
Henry  Gaertner,  of  Milwaukee,  for  inside 
decorations  to  cost  $1,200.  In  connection  with 
the  church  there  is  a society,  known  as  the 
Catholic  Order  of  Knights,  which  now  has 
about  sixty-five  members,  with  Patrick  Mc- 
Dermott, president;  G.  P.  Diedrich,  vice-presi- 
dent; J.  W.  Niemer.  treasurer;  Michael  Esser, 
trustee;  and  A.  J.  Diedrich,  sentinel. 

LEWIS  W.  TERRY,  a general  merchant 
of  Brodhead,  Green  county,  has  by  close  appli- 
cation to  his  business,  together  with  a readiness 
to  accommodate  and  please  his  customers,  and 
a uniform  integrity  and  fair  dealing  with  all, 
built  up  a large  and  flattering  trade,  and  is 
placed  among  the  representative  men  of  the 
county. 

Mr.  Terry  was  born  in  Durand.  111.,  Sept. 


592 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


1 7,  1855,  and  is  a son  of  Nine  and  Sarah 
(Quisley)  Terry,  natives  of  Norway.  They 
were  the  parents  of  seven  children : Thomas, 

of  Sweetwater,  Neb.;  Lewis  W.,  of  Brod- 
liead;  Bessie,  the  wife  of  Fred  Ivrogh,  of  Chi- 
cago; Ole  E.,  of  Stoughton,  Wis. ; Carrie,  the 
wife  of  W.  Lee,  of  Sweetwater,  Neb.;  Tillie, 
of  Chicago;  and  John,  of  Sweetwater,  Neb. 
The  father  was  a farmer  and  came  to  America 
about  1845,  locating  at  Durand,  Bl.  He 
worked  in  the  northern  pineries  for  several 
years  during  the  winter  season.  After  a time 
he  married,  and  bought  a farm  near  Durand, 
Bl.,  where  he  lived  some  twenty-five  years. 
At  the  expiration  of  that  period  this  land  had 
become  too  valuable  for  farming  purposes,  and 
the  senior  Terry  sold  it  and  moved  to  Brod- 
head,  Wis'.,  living  here  for  some  two  years. 
After  this  he  went  to  Nebraska,  and  settled  at 
Sweetwater,  which  is  his  present  home.  His 
wife  died  in  1873  at  the  a§‘e  °f  forty-eight. 
They  were  both  Lutherans  in  their  religious 
faith.  His  father  died  in  Norway.  Mrs.  Ter- 
ry’s father  bore  the  name  of  Lars  Quisley,  and 
was  a Norwegian  farmer,  dying  in  his  native 
country  at  an  advanced  age.  He  was  the  father 
of  a numerous  family. 

Lewis  Terry  was  reared  on  the  farm  at 
Durand,  attending  the  high  school  at  that 
place,  and  the  Rockford  business  college.  He 
was  a farmer  for  a time,  and  then  entered  a 
store  at  Lyle,  Minn.,  where  he  was  a clerk  for 
some  months,  and  then  for  a year  engaged  in 
similar  work  at  Clear  Lake,  Iowa.  After  this 
he  came  back  to  Brodhead,  where  Jan.  1,  1877, 
he  entered  the  store  of  B.  R.  Clawson,  and  was 
in  his  employ  three  years.  In  1880  he  formed 
a partnership  with  G.  C.  Aurand,  and  bought 
out  Mr.  Clawson.  The  firm  was  Aurand  & 
Terry  until  1885,  in  which  year  Mr.  Aurand 
sold  his  interest  to  Ole  E.  Terry,  and  the  firm 
was  changed  to  Terry  Brothers.  In  1897 
Lewis  W.  Terry  bought  his  brother’s  inter- 
est and  has  since  continued  the  business  alone. 
He  has  made  a large  success  of  it,  dealing  ex- 
tensively in  wool  and  tobacco,  and  is  one  of  the 
leading  country  merchants  in  the  southern  part 
of  the  State. 

On  Sept.  8,  1880,  Mr.  Terry  was  married 
to  Henrietta  M.  Bavliss,  a daughter  of  Henry 
M.  and  Angelette  (Batc'helder)  Bayliss.  Two 
children  were  born  to  this  union,  Mabel  E.  and 
Maude  L.  Mrs.  Terry  died  in  1890,  when  only 
twenty-nine  years  old,  and  her  loss  was  deeply 


felt  by  a large  circle  of  friends  and  relatives. 
She  was  a woman  of  much  character  and  a 
fine  spirit.  On  Oct.  5,  1895,  Mr.  Terry  wedded 
Miss  Anna  B.  Burtness,  the  daughter  of  H. 
T.  Burtness.  Socially  Mr.  Terry  belongs  to 
Bicknell  Lodge,  No.  94,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  the 
Knights  of  Pythias,  and  the  Modern  Wood- 
men of  America,  and  is  a valued  member  of 
these  various  organizations.  Politically  he  is 
a Republican.  'He  resides  in  a comfortable 
home  on  Main  street. 

SAMUEL  HUTZEL,  a wealthy  and  re- 
tired farmer  of  Green  county,  who  is  spending 
his  last  years  in  peace  and  comfort  at  Juda, 
was  born  Dec.  3,  1827,  and  is  a son  of  John 
G.  and  Elizabeth  (Shultz)  Hutzel,  of  Som- 
erset county,  Pennsylvania. 

The  Hutzel  family  is  of  German  origin, 
and  George  Hutzel,  the  grandfather  of  Sam- 
uel, was  a native  of  Germany,  coming  to  Amer- 
ica before  the  breaking  out  of  the  American 
Revolution.  John  G.  Hutzel  and  Elizabeth 
Shultz  were  married  in  1826,  and  to  this  union 
were  born  ten  children,  the  eldest  being  Samuel, 
whose  name  introduces  this  article;  Veronica, 
who  married  Isah  Deal,  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
died  in  Wisconsin;  Jeremiah;  George,  de- 
ceased; Abraham,  deceased;  Joel,  deceased; 
William,  deceased;  Peter,  deceased;  Eliza,  wife 
of  John  Geise,  of  Wyoming;  and  William. 
The  mother  of  these  died  in  1848,  and  Mr. 
Hutzel  married  for  his  second  wife  Miss  Han- 
nah Suder,  of  Pennsylvania.  To  this  union 
were  born  five  children,  all  of  whom  are  re- 
siding in  Nebraska. 

Samuel  Hutzel  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1852, 
and  the  following  year  married  Miss  Lavina 
Blackford,  daughter  of  William  Blackford,  of 
Green  county.  To  them  were  born  the  follow- 
ing children  : ( 1 ) Elizabeth  married  William 
Baird,  a Green  county  farmer;  (2)  Rebecca 
is  the  wife  of  Daniel  Stull,  of  Shenandoah, 
Iowa;  (3)  John  married  Miss  Alice  Gans,  and 
lives  in  Iowa;  (4)  Ida  is  the  wife  of  William 
Keefer,  of  Green  county;  (3)  James  married 
Miss  Edith  Bloom,  and  is  a farmer  in  Nebras- 
ka; (6)  Alice  married  Emry  Blackford,  and 
is  now  deceased;  (7)  Ada  married  Frank  Car- 
ter, of  the  town  of  Jefferson;  (8)  Nora  is  the 
wife  of  Edward  Hefty,  of  Iowa. 

Mr.  Hutzel  lost  his  first  wife  in  1881 ; she 
was  born  in  1835.  For  his  second  wife  he 
married  Miss  Mary  Berryman,  who  died  in 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


593 


1888,  after  four  years  of  wedded  life.  Mr. 
Hutzel’s  third  wife  was  Airs.  Minerva  Har- 
rington, the  widow  of  Abraham  Harrington. 
She  was  born  in  1834,  and  married  our  subject 
in  1893.  Mr.  Hutzel  was  reared  on  the  farm, 
where  he  received  a common-school  education 
and  invaluable  lessons  in  honor,  manliness 
and  self-reliance  from  the  teachings  and  exam- 
ple of  his  parents.  Mr.  Hutzel  began  life  for 
himself  with  an  axe  and  a grubbing  hoe,  and 
worked  in  Pennsylvania  at  grubbing  and  clean- 
ing up  forest  lands.  In  1852  he  came  to  Wis- 
consin, and  settled  in  Green  county,  and  up 
to  this  time  had  scarcely  made  any  headway. 
Here  he  has  worked  hard,  taken  advantage  of 
the  opportunities,  and,  by  industry,  economy 
and  perseverance,  is  now  counted  among  the 
wealthier  farmers  of  this  region.  Two  farms 
belong  to  him,  and  he  owns  over  500  acres  of 
land,  in  a high  state  of  cultivation.  Mr.  Hut- 
zel is  a Prohibitionist,  and' belongs  to  the  Bap- 
tist Church.  He  is  a man  of  strong  domestic 
virtues,  and  has  lived  a life  of  honor  and 
integrity. 

BENNETT  W.  NIEHAUS  is  one  of  the 
well-known  veteran  soldiers  of  the  war  of  the 
Rebellion  who  are  residents  of  Fennimore, 
Grant  county.  Mr.  Niehaus  was  born  in  Han- 
over, Germany,  Aug.  4,  1845,  a son  oi'  Her- 
man Niehaus,  and  eleven  years  later  the  fam- 
ily came  to  Wisconsin,  locating  in  Platteville, 
where  the  elder  Niehaus  found  work  at  his 
trade  as  a merchant  tailor.  He  died  in  Platte- 
ville in  1861.  Plis  wife  died  before  he  left 
Germany.  Four  of  the  children  accompanied 
him  to  the  United  States,  Bennett  W.,  Charles 
W.,  Minnie  and  Frederica  Alay,  all  of  whom 
are  yet  living  except  Minnie. 

Bennett  W.  Niehaus  learned  the  wagon- 
making trade  at  Platteville,  in  the  shop  of 
Alexander  Butler,  and  was  becoming  an  ex- 
cellent workman  when  he  determined  to  enlist, 
in  1864.  In  Alay  of  that  year  he  became  a 
member  of  Company  A,  41st  Wis.  Y.  I.,  which 
became  a part  of  the  Western  Army,  and  was 
engaged  most  of  the  time  in  guard  and  garrison 
duty.  His  first  term  of  enlistment  expiring, 
our  subject  re-enlisted,  in  January,  1865,  as  a 
member  of  Company  K,  47th  Wis.  V.  I.  Pie 
served  in  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee,  in  the  rear 
of  Gen.  Sherman.  Mr.  Niehaus  was  finally 
discharged  from  the  service  in  September, 
1865,  and  came  back  to  Wisconsin  much  broken 

38 


in  health,  but  proud  of  the  fact  that  he  had 
been  permitted  to  fight  for  the  nation  that  had 
welcomed  him  as  a son.  He  brought  out  of 
the  service  a severe  case  of  hernia,  the  result 
of  some  painful  injuries  received  while  on 
duty,  and  lie  has  never  fully  recovered. 

Mr.  Niehaus  came  back  to  Platteville,  and 
resumed  work  at  his  trade.  In  1866  he  re- 
moved to  Annaton,  Grant  county,  and  thence 
to  Danville,  111.,  only  remaining  fourteen 
months  at  that  point,  however,  and  returning 
to  Annaton.  There  he  made  his  home  until 
1S70,  when  he  became  a resident  of  Fennimore,, 
and  here  he  has  since  carried  on  wagon-mak- 
ing and  repairing,  with  a good  patronage  and 
many  friends  throughout  that  part  of  the 
county. 

Mr.  Niehaus  married  Aliss  Mary  Schmidt, 
and  they  have  one  son  and  one  daughter. 
Their  daughter,  Minnie,  is  the  wife  of  Albert 
Weber;  and  their  son,  Charles  J.,  is  a drug 
merchant  at  Fennimore.  Mr.  Niehaus  belongs 
to  Sam  Monteith  Post,  Grand  Army  of  the 
Republic,  at  Fennimore,  and  is  popular  among 
its  members.  He  was  a good  soldier  in  the 
war  for  the  Union,  and  is  a worthy  and  re- 
spected citizen  at  home. 

EDWIN  A.  LOVELAND,  a contractor 
and  builder  at  Monticello,  Green  county,  was 
born  in  the  town  of  Washington,  that  county, 
May  7,  1855,  and  is  a son  of  Argalus  and 
Jane  (Orwick)  Loveland,  the  former  a native 
of  New  York,  and  the  latter  of  Ohio.  They 
were  the  parents  of  nine  sons  and  four  daugh- 
ters, and  eight  of  their  children  are  now  liv- 
ing: Franklin,  of  the  town  of  Washington; 
Orrilla,  wife  of  E.  N.  Fessenden;  Emina,  wife 
of  Thomas  Lemon,  of  Iowa ; Temperance,  wife 
of  I.  W.  Wilson,  of  Albany,  Wis. ; William 
A.,  of  Coggon,  Iowa;  Edwin  A.;  Alfred  E.,. 
of  Coggon,  Iowa;  and  Silas  E.,  of  Corona, 
South  Dakota. 

Argalus  Loveland  'was  a farmer,  and  came 
to  AVisconsin  in  1S54,  locating  on  a farm  of 
160  acres  in  the  town  of  Washington,  where 
he  reared  his  family.  He  died  in  1896,  at  the 
age  of  eighty-three  years;  his  widow  died  in 
1898,  when  eighty-one  years  old.  In  religion 
he  was  a Seventh  Day  Adventist,  but  she  never 
identified  herself  with  any  church.  In  politics 
Mr.  Loveland  was  a Republican,  and  took  quite 
a leading  part  in  local  matters,  having  served 
on  the  board  of  supervisors  for  a number  of 


594 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


years,  and  also  as  treasurer  of  the  town  some 
ten  or  twelve  years.  Andrew  Loveland,  his 
father,  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  of  En- 
glish descent,  followed  farming  as  an  occu- 
pation, and  he  died  in  1869,  at  the  advanced 
age  of  ninety-six  years.  He  was  four  times 
married,  and  had  twenty-two  children  by  his 
first  two  wives.  The  maternal  grandfather  of 
Mr.  Loveland,  of  Monticello,  was  also  a na- 
tive of  Pennsylvania,  and  came  of  Dutch  de- 
scent. He  married  an  Irish  woman,  who  bore 
him  ten  children.  His  death  occurred  when 
he  was  about  fifty  years  of  age,  after  having 
devoted  his  life  to  farming. 

Edwin  A.  Loveland  was  reared  on  the 
farm  in  the  town  of  Washington,  and  acquired 
his  education  at  the  district  school.  After  his 
marriage  he  learned  the  carpenter’s  trade,  and 
this  has  been  his  main  occupation  through  life, 
although  for  several  years  he  was  a railroad 
man,  and  was  foreman  of  the  yards  at  Kearney, 
Neb.,  for  the  Black  Hills  & Kearney  railroad 
up  to  1891.  That  year  he  returned  to  Mon- 
ticello, where  he  has  remained  to  the  present 
time,  engaged  in  carpentering  and  contract- 
ing. 

On  June  27,  1875,  Mr.  Loveland  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Sarah  Hutchins,  a daughter  of 
Ward  and  Mary  (Parcell)  Hutchins.  To  them 
were  born  eight  children : Harry,  Thomas  Ben- 
jamin, Iva,  Edwin,  Virgil,  Frances,  Merle  and 
Joy.  Harry  died  at  the  age  of  fifteen  years; 
Thomas  B.  died  at  the  age  of  two  years,  and 
Edwin  at  the  same  age;  iva  is  a teacher;  and 
the  other  children  are  living  at  home.  Mr. 
Loveland,  his  wife  and  children  have  many 
friends  in  the  community.  He  is  a member 
of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  being  enrolled  in 
Riverton  Lodge,  No.  63,  F.  & A.  M.  Fie  also 
belongs  to  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  Monticello  Lodge, 
No.  83;  to  Garrison,  No.  6,  Knights  of  the 
Globe ; and  to  the  Pilgrim  Knights,  or  Oriental 
Order  of  the  Palm  and  Shell.  In  politics  he 
is  a Democrat,  and  has  been  village  clerk  for 
the  past  four  years.  His  home,  which  he  built 
in  1892,  is  in  the  eastern  part  of  the  village. 

HENRY  H.  FASSBENDER,  one  of  the 
successful  agriculturists  of  Wyalusing  town- 
ship, Grant  county,  is  numbered  among  those 
who  fought  for  the  Union  when  the  States  of 
the  South  threatened  its  dissolution.  He  was 
born  in  Germany,  in  1836,  a son  of  Adolph 
Fassbender,  and  was  about  nine  years  of  age 


when  the  family  emigrated  to  the  United 
States,  locating  m Dane  county,  Wis.,  where 
the  parents  spent  the  remainder  of  their  lives. 
Of  their  nine  children  Henry  H.  was  the  only 
one  in  the  war. 

Our  subject  entered  the  service  as  a mem- 
ber of  Company  F,  1st  Wisconsin  Cavalry, 
being  enrolled  Nov.  19,  1863,  as  a private, 
but  when  discharged,  July  19,  1865,  he  was 
holding  the  rank  of  corporal.  He  was  in  act- 
ive service  during  the  whole  time,  either  with 
his  regiment  or  on  detached  duty,  and  took  part 
in  the  Chattanooga  and  Atlanta  campaign, 
and  also  in  Wilson’s  famous  raid,  near  the 
close  of  the  war. 

Mr.  Fassbender  has  resided  on  the  farm 
in  Wyalusing  township,  Grant  county,  which 
he  now  occupies,  since  1862,  and  has  success- 
fully engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits.  Plis 
wife,  who  bore  the  maiden  name  of  Miss  Me- 
linda Sutton,  came  to  the  county  with  her  par- 
ents when  but  two  years  old,  and  here  made 
her  home  until  called  to  her  final  rest,  March 
18,  1896,  at  the  age  of  fifty-three.  By  her 
marriage  to  Mr.  FTssbender  she  became  the 
mother  of  ten  children,  four  sons  and  six 
daughters,  of  whom  all  the  sons  and  three 
daughters  are  living  at  the  present  writing 
(1900).  The  family  have  quite  a comforta- 
ble home,  and  its  members  are  people  of  prom- 
inence in  the  community  where  they  reside. 
Notwithstanding  his  arduous  service,  Mr.  Fass- 
bender still  enjoys  fairly  good  health.  He  was 
a faithful  soldier,  is  a good  citizen,  and  is  an 
honored  member  of  Grand  Army  Post,  No.  23. 

RANSOM  B.  FOLTS,  a well-known  farm- 
er of  Jamestown,  Grant  county,  was  born  in 
Onondaga  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1843,  a son 
David  and  Mary  (Hoag)  Folts. 

The  parents  of  our  subject  were  born  in 
New  York,  the  father  in  1813,  and  the  mother 
in  1811.  They  received  a limited  education, 
were  married  in  1836,  and  lived  in  New  York 
until  1843,  in  which  year  they  came  West  to 
Milwaukee,  which  was  their  home  for  a time. 
They  moved  into  Kansas,  and  then  came  back 
to  Wisconsin.  Here  Mr.  Folts  had  one  or 
two  locations,  and  then  settled  at  Louisburg, 
where  he  has  lived  for  over  forty  years,  now 
aged  eighty-seven.  Mrs.  Folts  died*  in  James- 
town in  June,  1875.  Mr.  Folts  has  been  a 
Whig  and  a Republican.  In  religion  he  and 
his  wife  were  connected  with  the  Methodist 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


595 


Church.  Of  their  seven  children,  three  are 
now  living : ( I ) Albert  died  in  Milwaukee 

when  a boy.  (2)  Richard,  born  in  New  York 
in  1840,  enlisted  in  Company  I,  3d  Wis.  V.  I., 
was  taken  sick,  and  died  in  hospital  at  Fred- 
ericksburg in  the  fall  of  1861.  (3)  William 

died  when  a young  man  while  his  parents  lived 
• at  Fair  Play,  Wis.  (4)  Fred  C.,  born  in  New 
York,  enlisted  in  Company  I,  3d  Wis.  V.  L, 
served  three  years  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac, 
and  saw  much  hard  fighting.  Fie  manned 
Miss  Jennie  Wilson,  of  Grant  county,  settled 
in  Iowa,  and  engaged  in  milling.  He  died  in 
1889,  leaving  a widow  and  six  children,  who 
settled  in  Wisconsin.  (5)  Ransom  B.  is  our 
subject.  (6)  Mary  M.  is  the  wife  of  Edward 
Cummins,  lives  in  Platteville,  and  has  five  chil- 
dren. (7)  David  B.  when  a boy  enlisted  in 
Company  K,  44th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  in 
the  Army  of  the  Tennessee.  He  married  Miss 
Nora  Shinoe,  and  is  living  on  his  farm  near 
Dickeysville ; they  have  one  son,  Lisle. 

Ransom  B.  Folts  obtained  a limited  edu- 
cation in  the  common  schools  of  Wisconsin. 
When  nineteen  years  of  age  he  enlisted  in  Com- 
pany I,  25th  Wis.  V.  L,  and  served  in  the 
Army  of  the  Cumberland,  Gen.  Grant  com- 
manding. In  1863  Mr.  Folts  re-enlisted,  in 
Company  D,  43d  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  until 
the  close  of  the  war  under  Gen.  Thomas. 

In  1869  Mr.  Folts  married  Miss  Annie 
Thurtell,  daughter  of  Edward  B.  and  Amy 
(Burns)  Thurtell,  old  pioneers  of  Grant  coun- 
ty. Mr.  Thurtell  was  born  in  England,  and 
his  wife  in  North  Carolina  in  1820.  They  set- 
tled on  a farm  one  mile  north  of  Louisburg, 
where  they  lived  until  his  death,  in  1876.  Mrs. 
Thurtell  still  survives,  at  the  age  of  eighty. 
There  were  nine  children  in  their  family : ( 1 ) 
Edward  died  in  the  Civil  war.  (2)  Walter 
is  a resident  of  Honolulu.  (3)  Mary  is  the 
wife  of  George  Withrow,  of  Chicago,  and  is 
now  in  the  Klondike.  (4)  Frank  is  a farmer 
in  Iowa.  (5)  Frederick  is  a resident  of  the 
State  of  Washington.  (6)  Harriet  is  the  wife 
of  Hugh  Cattnach,  of  Minnesota.  (7)  Grace 
is  the  wife  of  John  McKann,  of  South  Da- 
kota. (8)  Belle  is  the  widow  of  Henry  Trav- 
ers. (9)  Annie  is  the  wife  of  Mr.  Folts,  was 
born  in  1844,  and  received  a district-school 
education  in  Jamestown. 

Soon  after  his  marriage  Mr.  Folts  pur- 
chased the  present  home  near  Louisburg,  wtiere 
he  and  his  family  are  living.  Children  have 


come  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Folts  as  follows:  (1) 

Edward  R.,  born  in  March,  1870,  obtained 
his  education  in  the  Louisburg  schools,  and 
for  six  years  was  one  of  the  successful  teach- 
ers of  Grant  county.  He  married  Miss  Julia 
Howard,  and  is  now  living  on  his  farm  in 
Dickeyville.  (2)  Eva  May,  born  in  James- 
town, in  October,  1874,  was  a student  of  the 
State  Normal  at  Platteville  for  two  years,  and 
was  then  a teacher  for  four  years.  She  is 
now  the  wife  of  Harry  Howard,  a young  busi- 
ness man  of  Platteville.  (3)  Mary  A.  died 
in  childhood. 

Mr.  Folts  has  always  voted  with  the  Re- 
publican party.  Fie  and  his  wife  both  belong 
to  old  and  honored  pioneer  families  of  the 
county,  and  for  many  years  have  been  asso- 
ciated with  all  forward  movements  in  the  com- 
munity. Both  families  were  noted  for  their 
loyalty  in  the  war,  and  were  largely  repre- 
sented on  the  “firing  line.” 

REV.  THOMAS  DEMPSEY.  The  face 
and  figure  of  the  Rev.  Father  Dempsey,  pastor 
of  St.  Victor's  Catholic  Church  at  Monroe, 
Green  county,  are  familiar,  he  having  been 
in  charge  of  that  parish  for  more  than  eight 
years.  Nor  is  it  too  much  to  add  that  by  his 
gentle  manners,  kindly  sympathy  and  consist- 
ent Christian  life  he  has  endeared  himself,  not 
only  to  his  flock,  but  to  the  community  at  large, 
without  distinction  of  creed. 

St.  Victor's  was  originally  a mission  sta- 
tion, established  about  1850,  and  the  first  mass 
was  celebrated  by  Rev.  J.  Colton,  of  Shulls- 
burg.  Masses  were  said  from  time  to  time, 
and  the  sacraments  administered,  as  occasion 
permitted,  by  clergymen  from  that  point  and 
from  Janesville  until  i860,  when  the  number 
of  the  Catholics  in  the  locality  appeared  to 
the  Bishop  of  the  diocese  to  be  sufficient  to 
justify  the  establishment  of  a parish,  and  the 
appointment  of  a resident  pastor.  Rev.  T. 
Sullivan  was  the  first  to  fill  the  position.  Dur- 
ing his  pastorate,  which  extended  over  a period 
of  six  years,  the  first  church  edifice  was  erect- 
ed. Father  Sullivan  was  transferred  to  Be- 
loit, July  1,  1866,  where  he  died,  many  years 
ago.  He  was  succeeded  by  Father  William 
O’Connell  (until  May,  1867),  John  Murphy 
(until  June  18,  1868)  and  John  Casey.  Fa- 
ther Casey  was  a believer  in  the  efficacy  of  a 
well-conducted  religious  paper,  and  in  asso- 
ciation with  Dr.  Nolan  he  founded  the  “Catho- 


596 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


lie  Vindicator,’’  the  office  of  publication  being 
subsequently  removed  to  Milwaukee,  and  the 
name  of  the  journal  being  changed  to  the 
“Catholic  Citizen,"  under  which  caption  it  has 
attained  a widespread  influence  and  a large 
circulation.  Father  Casey  was  assigned  to 
another  parish  in  July,  1871,  and  finally  closed 
his  long'  life  of  active  service  and  good  works 
at  Milwaukee,  in  the  spring  of  1900.  His 
successor  at  St.  Victor’s  was  Rev.  Michael 
Wenker,  who  was  followed  by  Rev.  E.  Mc- 
Ginty.  The  latter,  in  1880,  was  transferred 
to  a parish  at  Janesville,  where  he  still  re- 
mains. The  next  pastor  of  the  church  at  Mon- 
roe was  the  Rev.  Father  Wrynn,  who  gave 
way,  in  1883,  to  the  Rev.  H.  O’Brien.  He 
remained  until  1892,  in  which  year  began  the 
pastorate  of  the  devoted  and  zealous  clergy- 
man whose  life  is  briefly  sketched  in  the  suc- 
ceeding paragraphs. 

In  1891  fire  destroyed  the  sacred  edifice 
around  which  centered,  for  thirty  years,  the 
pious  aspirations  of  St.  Victor’s  parishioners, 
and  which  was  the  focus  of  so  many  tender 
and  sacred  memories.  It  may  be  perceived, 
therefore,  that  the  task  confronting  the  new 
rector  was  no  easy  one.  A weaker  man,  or 
one  who  had  less  faith,  might  have  been  ap- 
palled. But  Father  Dempsey’s  courage  never 
faltered  nor  did  his  confidence  in  the  sustain- 
ing grace  and  power  of  God  for  a moment 
desert  him.  He  at  once  set  about  the  task  of 
rebuilding,  in  which  he  found  the  self-sacri- 
ficing piety  of  his  people  a cause  for  thanks- 
giving. In  September,  1893,  a new  building 
was  dedicated,  in  which  the  congregation  still 
worship.  It  is  a handsome  structure  of  brick, 
and  stands  surrounded  by  large,  well-kept 
grounds,  on  which  has  been  built  a neat,  yet 
commodious  parochial  residence,  flhe  church 
and  rectory  are  a monument — silent  yet  speak- 
ing— to  the  piety,  self-denial  and  earnest  zeal 
of  the  Roman  Catholics  of  Monroe.  The  con- 
gregation comprises  some  125  families,  and  in 
1899  a new  altar  was  built  in  the  church,  at 
a cost  of  eleven  hundred  dollars. 

The  Rev.  Thomas  Dempsey  is  a native  of 
the  State  which  he  well  loves,  having  been 
born  in  Dodge  county,  of  which  his  father, 
Cornelius,  was  one  of  the  pioneers.  The  fa- 
ther is  deceased,  but  his  widow  (Father  Demp- 
sey's mother)  is  yet  living,  her  home  being  at 
Spokane  Falls.  To  them  were  born  fourteen 
children,  three  of  their  sons  having  served  with 


gallantry  through  the  war  for  the  preservation 
of  the  national  integrity,  one  of  whom  laid 
down  his  life  in  the  service  of  his  country. 
Michael  was  a member  of  the  14th  Wis.  Inf.; 
James,  who  was  killed  in  the  battle  of  Corinth, 
was  in  the  17th  Inf.;  and  Edward  belonged 
to  the  First  Heavy  Artillery;  another  son,  Dr. 
Peter  Dempsey,  was  for  several  years  a suc- 
cessful physician  at  Milwaukee,  but  failing 
health  enforced  his  retirement  from  practice; 
he  sought  health  in  Mexico,  and  died  in  that 
country.  The  only  surviving  daughter  of  the 
family  is  in  the  convent  of  Notre  Dame,  and 
is  known  as  Sister  Edgar. 

Father  Dempsey  received  his  early  educa- 
tion in  the  public  schools,  and  studied  theology 
at  St.  Francis  Seminary,  near  Milwaukee, 
where  he  was  ordained  to  the  priesthood  in 
June,  1876.  For  six  months  after  ordination 
he  was  assistant  to  Rev.  George  Willard,  of 
St.  Joseph’s,  Fond  du  Lac,  where  he  was  given 
pastoral  charge  of  the  congregations  at  Eden 
and  Byron,  in  Fond  du  Lac  county.  His  next 
charge  was  at  Highland,  Iowa  county,  from 
which  post  he  was  transferred  to  Monroe. 

DAVID  B.  WALKER,  a worthy  repre- 
sentative of  an  old  and  prominent  pioneer  fam- 
ily of  Grant  county,  was  born  there  April  2, 
r847- 

Our  subject  is  a son  of  John  and  Jane 
(Bradbury)  Walker,  both  of  whom  were  born 
in  Yorkshire,  England,  in  1814,  and  came  to 
Wisconsin  in  1840.  Both  at  that  time  were 
unmarried.  Mr.  Walker  came  immediately  to 
this  State,  feeling  confident  that  plenty  of  work 
awaited  him.  Mrs.  Walker,  then  Jane  Brad- 
bury, went  to  visit  with  friends  in  Meadville, 
Penn.,  remaining  there  several  years.  After 
she  came  to  Grant  county  the  old  friends  met 
and  were  married  in  Potosi,  where  they  lived 
until  1846,  Mr.  Walker  in  that  year  buying 
eighty  acres  of  land  in  Smelser  township,  Grant 
county.  This  farm  was  purchased  from  Henry 
Snowden,  who  bought  the  eighty  acres  adjoin- 
ing, paying  $25  per  acre.  On  this  place  Mr. 
Walker  erected  a house,  and  the  young  people 
settled  down  to  pioneer  life  in  the  great  North- 
west, as  it  was  then  regarded.  Until  1873 
the  family  resided  there,  and  Mr.  Walker  then 
purchased  a small  farm  near  Big  Patch,  on 
which  place  they  remained  until  their  deaths, 
which  occurred  in  1892  and  1895,  respective- 
ly. Always  to  be  found  at  the  post  of  duty, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


597 


it  is  no  wonder  that  these  good  people  were 
sincerely  mourned,  not  only  in  the  P.  M. 
Church,  where  they  had  long  been  members, 
but  in  the  community  at  large.  In  politics 
Mr.  Walker  was  a Whig,  then  a Republican, 
and  for  many  years  his  services  were  in  de- 
mand on  the  school  board  of  the  township. 
The  family  born  to  the  parents  of  our  subject 
numbered  six:  David  B. ; Margaret  A.,  who 
died  in  childhood  ; Mary  E. ; Harriet  A. ; Sarah 
E.,  born  in  Grant  county  in  1849,  who  married 
James  D.  Bell,  of  Seymour,  Wis.,  and  has  six 
children,  Margaret,  John  W.,  Nellie,  Jennie, 
Edward  and  Woodward;  and  Hannah  A.,  born 
in  1852,  who  married  James  Kay,  and  now 
lives  in  Platteville,  Wis.  (she  has  one  son, 
Albert) . 

Our  subject  was  reared  in  the  present  home 
and  was  educated  in  the  district  schools  of 
Smelser  township.  Being  his  father's  only 
son,  he  remained  on  the  farm,  where  his  serv- 
ices were  needed,  and  became  the  efficient  man- 
ager of  the  farm  some  years  before  his  father’s 
demise.  On  Jan.  16,  1873,  he  was  married 
to  Miss  Mary  J.  Douglass,  of  Hazel  Green, 
the  estimable  daughter  of  John  and  Jane  (Brad- 
ley) Douglass,  both  of  whom  were  born  in 
Scotland,  and  on  coming  to  America  located 
in  Michigan,  later  moving  to  Hazel  Green, 
Wis.,  where  Mr.  Douglass  engaged  in  mining. 
Mr.  Douglass  became  interested  in  the  mines 
of  California,  and  crossed  the  plains  to  that 
State,  but  accident  must  have  terminated  his 
life,  as  he  has  never  returned ; Mrs.  Douglass 
is  still  a resident  of  Big  Patch,  Wis.  Five 
children  were  born  to  them : John  resides  in 
California;  James  resides  in  California;  Weal- 
thy married  John  Jones,  of  Smelser;  Abner 
resides  in  California;  Mary  J.  is  the  wife  of 
Mr.  Walker. 

After  his  marriage  our  subject  made  a 
great  many  improvements  about  the  farm, 
making  it  one  of  the  finest  homes  in  the  town- 
ship. He  owns  500  acres  of  fertile  land,  and 
has  been  for  some  time  one  of  the  largest  cat- 
tle dealers  in  the  county.  To  him  and  his 
wife  have  come  four  children:  John  D.,  born 
in  November,  1873,  was  graduated  from  the 
Platteville  Normal  School  in  the  class  of  1895, 
engaged  in  teaching  in  the  public  schools  for 
one  year,  and  followed  that  with  a year  in  the 
great  University  of  Chicago,  where  he  took 
up  the  study  of  vocal  music,  now  occupying 
that  chair  in  one  of  the  institutes  at  Fort 


Worth,  Texas;  Nellie  J.,  born  in  1S77,  was 
educated  in  the  Platteville  Normal  School; 
James  E.  was  born  in  October,  1883;  and 
George  W.,  in  August,  1887. 

Mr.  Walker  has  been  identified  with  the 
Republican  party,  has  served  as  chairman  on 
the  town  board,  and  has  been  school  director. 
Both  he  and  wife  are  valued  members  of  the 
M.  E.  Church,  to  which  he  liberally  contrib- 
utes. He  has  taken  a great  pride  in  the  adorn- 
ment of  his  farm,  and  has  made  his  property 
a beautiful  and  ideal  spot.  The  family  has  the 
respect  of  the  neighborhood,  where  all  are  per- 
sonally popular. 

CHARLES  P.  SCHNEIDER  is  one  of 
the  honored  veterans  of  the  Civil  war  and  one 
of  the  highly  esteemed  citizens  of  Lancaster 
township,  Grant  county.  He  was  born  May 
25,  1843,  near  Sinsinawa  Mound,  Grant  coun- 
ty, a son  of  Frederick  and  Mary  (Fager) 
Schneider. 

Frederick  Schneider,  his  father,  emigrated 
from  Germany  with  his  family  in  1839.  In 
the  Fatherland  he  was  a comb  maker,  but  after 
coming  to  this  country  he  was  employed  in 
lead  mining,  and  later  followed  the  life  -of  a 
farmer.  His  home  was  near  Hurricane,  Grant 
county,  where  he  died  in  1S99,  after  reaching 
the  age  of  eighty-five  years,  having  buried  his 
wife  many  years  before.  Of  his  thirteen  chil- 
dren, nine — five  sons  and  four  daughters — are 
yet  living:  Charles  P.,  Lewis,  Joseph,  Mary 
(Mrs.  Hoffman),  Frederick,  Samuel,  Louisa, 
Emma  (Mrs.  Schaub),  and  Carrie  (Mrs. 
Pollock). 

Charles  P.  Schneider,  together  with  a 
younger  brother,  Lewis,  enlisted  in  Company 
Iv,  47th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  with  that  or- 
ganization, with  marked  gallantry,  until  the 
regiment  was  mustered  out,  at  the  close  of  the 
conflict.  At  the  outset  he  was  chosen  corporal, 
and  was  later  made  color-bearer,  and  as  such 
bore  the  regiment’s  standard  safely  and  tri- 
umphantly home  at  the  end  of  the  war.  He 
keeps  his  memory  of  these  stirring  experiences 
green,  and  at  the  same  time  perpetuates  old 
comradeship  by  membership  in  Tom  Cox  Post, 
No.  132,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Lancaster.  Mr.  Schnei- 
der’s health  was  badly  shattered  through  ex- 
posure and  privation  while  in  the  service,  and 
it  is  unlikely  that  he  will  ever  regain  his  former 
strength  and  vitality. 

On  March  24,  1874,  our  subject  married 


598 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Mary  Magdalena  Schneider,  who  was  born  at 
Platteville,  Grant  county.  The  issue  of  the 
marriage  has  been  ten  children,  three  sons  and 
Seven  daughters,  namely : Lydia  A.,  Minnie 
M.,  William  C.,  Elsie  E.,  Martha  M.,  Lillian 
LI.,  Estelle  LI.,  Alberta  J.,  Edgar  P.  and  El- 
gar LL 

JOHN  A.  BOSSI,  an  honored  and  highly 
respected  citizen  of  Grant  county,  whose  home 
is  on  section  34,  Wyalusing  township,  is  a 
veteran  of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  having 
served  his  adopted  country  faithfully  and  well 
as  a member  of  Company  I,  43d  Wis.  V.  I. 
A native  of  Switzerland,  lie  was  born  in  Can- 
ton Graubunden  Sept.  1,  1844,  a son  of  John 
Francis  and  Barbara  Bossi.  He  lost  his  mother 
when  he  was  a small  child,  and  his  father  died 
about  1861. 

In  1863,  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years,  Mr. 
Bossi  came  to  America,  leaving  Switzerland 
June  15,  and  arriving  in  Grant  county,  Wis., 
July  15.  Lie  is  the  only  one  of  his  father’s 
family  who  ever  came  to  the  New  World. 
On  reaching  the  shores  of  this  country  he 
could  not  speak  a word  of  English,  but  after 
working-  on  a farm  one  summer  he  entered 
school  at  Bradtville,  Wyalusing  township,  and 
made  such  rapid  advancement  in  his  studies 
during  the  winter  that  he  was  soon  able  to 
speak  English  with  very  little  foreign  accent. 

On  Aug.  29,  1864,  Mr.  Bossi  entered  the 
service  in  defense  of  his  adopted  country,  as 
a member  of  Company  I,  43d  Wis.  V.  I.,  and 
with  his  regiment  went  directly  to  Nashville, 
and  thence  to  Johnsonville.  He  fought  under 
Gen.  Schofield,  in  the  23d  Army  Corps,  in  the 
engagement  at  the  latter  place,  and  was  with 
Gen.  Thomas  in  the  famous  battle  of  Nashville. 
After  that  engagement  the  command  to  which 
he  belonged,  like  a large  part  of  Thomas’  army, 
did  guard  duty  most  of  the  time  until  the  close 
of  the  war.  Mr.  Bossi  had  many  narrow  es- 
capes from  the  bullets  of  the  enemy,  but  was 
never  seriously  injured.  He  was  honorably  dis- 
charged at  Nashville  June  24,  1865,  and  is  to- 
day the  youngest  but  one  of  those  belonging 
to  Grand  Army  Post  No.  23. 

After  receiving  his  discharge  Mr.  Bossi  re- 
turned to  Wyalusing  township,  Grant  Co., 
Wis.,  where  he  has  always  made  his  home 
since  coming  to  the  Lhiited  States.  On  Sept. 
30,  1869,  he  married  Mrs.  Martha  G.  Gulick, 
widow  of  Edward  D.  Gulick,  who:  was  also  a 
soldier  in  the  war  for  the  Union,  being  a mem- 


ber of  Company  C,  2d  Wisconsin  Cavalry; 
he  died  in  the  service,  at  Helena,  Ark.,  Oct. 
2,  1862.  Mrs.  Bossi  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Sherman,  Chautauqua  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1840,  and 
bore  the  maiden  name  of  Martha  Goodrich 
Barnes,  being  a daughter  of  Charles  D.  and 
Sophia  Barnes.  Her  family  came  to  Grant 
county,  Wis.,  in  1853,  and  the  parents  made 
their  home  in  Wyalusing  township  until  death. 
Of  their  nine  children,  Mrs.  Bossi  is  now  the 
only  survivor.  Her  brother,  Allen  J.  Barnes, 
enlisted  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years  in  the 
33d  Wis.  V.  L,  and  died  at  Memphis,  Tenn., 
in  March,  1863.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bossi  have  one 
daughter  living,  Mrs.  Catherine  Isadore  Glass, 
of  Wyalusing  township.  They  have  lost  two 
children : Barbara  Sophia,  the  eldest,  who  was 
married  March  19,  1890,  to  Clarence  E.  Patch, 
of  Patch  Grove,  and  died  Jan.  1,  1900,  at  the 
age  of  twenty-nine  years;  and  Charles  Francis, 
who  died  at  the  age  of  twenty  months.  Mrs. 
Bossi  has  two  daughters  by  her  first  marriage : 
Ann,  now  the  wife  of  Charles  Schuyler,  living 
near  Sioux  City,  Iowa;  and  Rosa,  wife  of 
Llenry  Day,  of  Wyalusing  township.  Her 
stepdaughter,  Nancy  Jane  Gulick,  born  Aug, 
5,  1855,  married  Christopher  Eggleston,  a sol- 
dier, who  died  three  years  ago;  Mrs.  Eggles- 
ton now  resides  at  her  old  home  in  the  town  of 
Wyalusing. 

Mr.  Bossi’s  army  life  broke  down  his  health 
and  from  the  effects  of  the  same  he  has  never 
recovered.  To  add  to  his  misfortunes  he  has 
become  almost  entirely  deprived  of  his  eye- 
sight, being  practically  blind.  In  many  re- 
spects he  is  quite  a remarkable  man.  As  stated, 
he  came  to  this  country  when  but  a youth, 
and  found  himself  a stranger  in  a strange 
land,  ignorant  of  the  habits  and  language  of 
the  people;  but  applying  himself  to  study  he 
soon  mastered  the  language,,  and  adapted  him- 
self to  the  conditions  of  his  new  surroundings. 
Scarcely  had  he  been  in  the  country  a year 
when  he  volunteered  to  fight  in  defense  of  the 
flag  of  his  adoption,  and  his  war  record  was 
an  honorable  one,  being  that  of  a good  and 
faithful  soldier. 

To  the  general  public,  perhaps,  Mr.  Bossi 
is  best  known  for  his  skill  as  a musician.  He 
organized  the  Wyalusing  Cornet  Band,  of 
which  he  was  long  the  popular  leader.  He  is 
a natural  musician,  playing  with  equal  facili- 
ty all  musical  instruments.  His  daughter 
seems  to  have  inherited  much  of  her  father’s 
talent  in  this  direction,  while  the  little  son, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


559 


though  not  two  years  old  at  the  time  of  his 
death,  displayed  a remarkably  musical  ear  and 
discernment  of  harmony  in  musical  sounds. 
Mr.  Bossi's  first  vote  was  cast,  in  1864,  while 
at  the  front,  and  he  is  pardonably  proud  of 
the  fact  that  he  supported  Abraham  Lincoln 
for  the  Presidency. 

Mrs.  Bossi,  the  only  living  representative 
of  one  of  Grant  county’s  early  families,  de- 
serves more  than  a mere  passing  mention  in 
this  article.  I11  early  life,  only  a short  time 
before  the  inauguration  of  the  Civil  war,  she 
married  Mr.  Gulick,  and  when  the  struggle 
began  her  young  husband  departed  for  the  field 
of  strife,  never  to  return.  She  was  thus  left 
with  two  small  children,  one  two  years  old, 
the  other  but  two  months.  However,  she  bore 
her  troubles  with  patience  and  resolution,  as 
became  the  widow  of  a soldier.  Like  her  hus- 
band, Airs.  Bossi  is  held  in  high  esteem. 

JOHN  B.  VANCE.  Among  the  many  ex- 
cellent citizens  and  honest  and  prosperous  resi- 
dents of  Sylvester  township,  Green  county, 
none  is  more  esteemed  by  his  neighbors,  or 
holds  a higher  degree  of  respect  in  every  re- 
lation of  life,  than  does  our  subject,  who  oc- 
cupies a fine  farm  about  four  miles  east  of 
Monroe,  Wisconsin. 

The  grandfather  of  our  subject,  Hugh 
Vance,  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  June  13, 
1784,  and  died  in  1827.  In  1809  he  married 
Margaret  Deitrick,  who  was  born  Oct.  20, 
1790,  and  they  reared  a family  of  nine  chil- 
dren : Alary,  Alalinda,  Eliza,  Samuel,  Ezekiel, 
Keziah,  Robert,  George  and  Hugh,  all  of  whom 
are  deceased. 

Samuel  Vance,  the  father  of  our  subject, 
was  a native  of  Fayette  county,  Penn.  In 
1841  he  married  Lavina  Johns,  who  was  born 
Nov.  12,  1814,  and  died  April  4,  1883.  They 
came  to  Green  county,  Wis.,  about  1845,  set" 
tling  in  Sylvester  township.  Air.  and  Airs. 
Vance  reared  seven  children:  James  P.,  de- 
ceased; George  D.,  who  resides  in  Kansas; 
John  B.,  our  subject;  Hugh  J.,  who  resides  in 
California;  Ezekiel  T.,  a retired  farmer,  of 
Alonroe;  Daniel  W.,  a retired  farmer,  of  Afon- 
roe ; and  Rebecca  R.,  the  wife  of  William 
Roderick,  a farmer  of  Jefferson.  Samuel 
Vance  died  Oct.  11,  1898.  He  was  a well- 
known  citizen,  and  one  of  the  first  settlers  in 
the  township,  where  throughout  life  he  fol- 
lowed agriculture.  He  was  a consistent  mem- 


ber of  the  Democratic  party,  and  religiously 
one  of  the  supporters  of  the  First  Baptist 
Church  of  Juda,  Wisconsin. 

John  B.  Vance,  the  subject  proper  of  this 
sketch,  \Vas  born  Nov.  26,  1846,  and  grew  to 
manhood,  on  the  farm,  receiving  his  education 
in  the  district  schools.  As  an  agriculturist 
he  has  worked  industriously  all  his  life,  and 
although  he  began  as  a poor  boy  his  success 
has  been  as  gratifying  as  that  of  many  others 
who  also  began  on  a farm  and  later  entered 
other  professions.  Air.  Vance  is  now  the  owner 
of  one  of  the  fine  farms  of  Green  county,  com- 
prising 120  acres  of  well-improved  land,  with 
excellent  buildings  and  fences,  and  a com- 
fortable and  substantial  dwelling.  All  the 
buildings  are  new,  both  house  and  barn  hav- 
ing been  destroyed  by  fire  and  rebuilt  since 
1894. 

The  marriage  of  our  subject  was  celebrated 
on  Nov.  26,  1871,  to  Alary  E.  West,  who  was 
born  April  24,  1852,  the  daughter  of  George 
W.  West,  a retired  farmer  of  Brodhead,  Whs., 
and  eleven  children  have  been  born  of  this 
union:  Allie  R.,  born  in  1873,  is  now  Mrs. 
W.  J.  Harper;  Jessie  AL,  born  in  1874,  is  the 
wife  of  Patrick  H.  Ward;  Nettie  L.,  born  in 
1875,  is  the  wife  of  James  L.  Stevenson; 
George  N.  was  born  in  1876;  Clara  Zoe,  in 
1880;  Samuel  J.,  in  1882';  Susan  Zell,  in  1884; 
Kate  W.,  in  1886;  John  G.,  in  1891;  James 
B.,  in  1893  (died  in  1894)  ; and  Alary  G.,  in 
1897.  Both  father  and  mother  are  still  spared 
to  this  happy  family. 

In  politics  Air.  Vance  has  inherited  his 
Democratic  belief,  all  his  family  having  been 
adherents  of  that  party  in  the  past.  Although 
he  does  not  belong  to  any  particular  religious 
denomination,  our  subject  has  always  given 
his  influence  in  the  interests  of  morality,  and 
lives  up  to  the  doctrine  that  honesty  and  fair 
dealing  are  necessary  requisites  in  a man, 
whether  he  is  bound  by  church  discipline  or 
not.  Lie  has  reared  a large  family,  and  has 
been  blessed  with  prosperity,  and  he  possesses 
the  esteem  not  only  of  his  relatives,  but  of 
the  whole  neighborhood  in  which  he  has 
founded  his  home. 

JOHN  WARRICK,  a well-to-do  farmer 
in  the  town  of  Paris,  Grant  county,  was  born 
in  his  present  home  Alarch  8,  1857.  and  is  a 
son  of  Joseph  and  Annie  (Esterbrook)  War- 
rick, natives  of  Cornwall,  England.  They 


6oo 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


came  to  Pennsylvania  in  1854,  where  he  worked 
a year  in  the  coal  mines,  then  coming  West  to 
work  in  the  mines  at  Jamestown,  Grant  coun- 
ty. In  1856  he  purchased  a large  tract  of 
farm  land,  one  mile  south  of  Dickeysville,  and 
erected  good  buildings  thereon,  and  has  con- 
verted the  land  into  a fine  farm.  The  build- 
ings which  he  put  up  almost  half  a century 
ago  are  still  in  a good  state  of  preservation. 
The  worthy  wife,  who  shared  with  him  the 
hardships  and  trials  of  a pioneer  life,  died  in 
1882,  and  he  passed  away  in  1897.  Both  be- 
longed to  the  Methodist  Church,  and  were  lib- 
eral supporters  of  its  work.  Mr.  Warrick  was 
in  early  life  a strong  opponent  of  human  slav- 
er}-. and  always  acted  with  the  Republican 
party.  To  this  marriage  only  one  son  was 
born,  John,  whose  name  introduces  this  article. 

John  Warrick  had  his  early  education  in 
the  home  schools,  and  finished  his  school  days 
in  the  State  Normal  at  Platteville.  Always 
remaining  at  home  with  his  parents,  the  care 
and  management  of  affairs  naturally  fell  into 
his  hands  as  his  father  grew  old  and  feeble. 
In  March,  1883,  he  married  Miss  Elizabeth 
Tracy,  a daughter  of  William  and  Ellen  (Carr) 
Tracy,  natives  of  Ireland,  and  settlers  of  Grant 
county  at  an  early  day.  William  Tracy  crossed 
the  plains  and  spent  some  time  in  the  Cali- 
fornia gold  fields,  but  came  back  and  died  in 
3869,  his  wife  following  him  in  the  same 
year.  Mrs.  Warrick  is  one  of  twelve  children, 
and  she  was  born  at  Council  Hill,  Lafayette 
county,  in  1856. 

After  their  marriage  John  Warrick  and 
his  wife  settled  on  the  old  homestead,  where 
they  have  lived  to  the  present  time,  becoming 
prosperous  and  universally  respected.  Their 
family  consists  of  five  children : Annie,  the 
oldest,  was  born  in  1884,  and  is  now  a stu- 
dent at  the  State  Normal  at  Platteville;  Will- 
iam J.,  born  in  1886;  Lillie,  born  in  1887; 
Cora,  born  in  1891  ; and  Bessie,  born  in  1897. 
Mr.  Warrick  has  followed  his  father's  foot- 
steps in  politics,  and  has  always  been  identified 
with  the  Republican  party.  For  fourteen  years 
he  has  been  school  treasurer.  Mr.  Warrick 
is  one  of  the  leading  farmers  of  this  section 
of  the  county,  and  is  respected  alike  for  his 
industrious  habits  and  upright  character. 

CHARLES  C.  DICKINSON,  sheriff  of 
Grant  county,  and  an  extensive  stockman, 
cheese  maker  and  farmer  of  the  town  of  Lima, 


that  county,  was  born  at  his  present  home  Aug. 
29,  1861,  a son  of  Ensign  P.  and  Fannie  S. 
(Whitcher)  Dickinson,  old  and  much  respect- 
ed pioneers  of  the  county. 

The  father  of  our  subject  was  born  in 
Trumbull  county,  Ohio,  in  May,  1819,  son  of 
Samuel  and  Elizabeth  Dickinson,  who  moved 
from  Massachusetts  to  Ohio,  where  they  found 
a home  in  the  wilderness  at  a very  early  day, 
and  reared  their  children.  Ensign  P.  Dickinson 
grew  up  in  Ohio,  where  he  was  married.  Fan- 
nie Whitcher,  his  wife,  was  born  Jan.  23,  1823, 
daughter  of  John  and  Anna  (Culver)  Whitch- 
er, who  migrated  from  Ohio  to  Wisconsin  as 
early  as  1844,  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Lima, 
where  they  lived  until  their  death.  Mr.  Dick- 
inson and  his  wife  came  to  the  town  of  Lima, 
Grant  county,  as  early  as  1843,  made  their  first 
location  on  the  property  in  the  town  of  Platte- 
ville which  A.  Rewey  now  owns,  and  there  put 
up  a hewed  log  house  on  ground  purchased 
from  the  government,  making  it  their  home 
for  about  three  years.  At  the  end  of  this  pe- 
riod Mr.  Dickinson  bought  eighty  acres  of 
good  land  in  the  town  of  Lima,  and  increased 
his  real  estate  holdings  from  time  to  time  until 
he  owned  nearly  300  acres  of  choice  land.  In 
politics  he  was  a Republican,  and  for  eighteen 
years  served  as  treasurer  of  the  town  of  Lima, 
also  serving  the  people  very  efficiently  as  a 
member  of  the  county  board.  In  1883  he  was 
elected  a member  of  the  General  Assembly, 
and  served  with  distinction.  During  1881  he 
made  a journey  to  California,  and  returned 
with  freshened  devotion  to  his  home  in  Wis- 
consin. Lie  was  a farmer,  and  by  general  con- 
sent a representative  of  the  best  farming  in- 
terests of  his  generation.  Mr.  Dickinson  was 
more  or  less  intimately  identified  with  the 
Methodist  Church.  He  died  Oct.  10,  1897, 
and  his  aged  widow  still  survives,  at  the  age 
of  seventy-eight  years.  Eight  children  are 
living  out  of  the  family  of  eleven  born  to 
them:  (1)  Elizabeth,  born  in  Ohio  in  Octo- 
ber, 1842,  married  Eli  McKee,  who  died  March 
10,  1901,  of  heart  failure.  Mrs.  McKee  lives 
in  California  with  her  family  of  seven  chil- 
dren, Ida,  John,  Frank,  Charles,  Lilia,  Flora 
and  Anna.  (2)  John,  born  in  September, 
1844,  was  a soldier  of  the  43d  Wis.  V.  I.,  in 
the  Civil  war.  He  married  Clara  Hiding,  of 
Grant  county,  and  they  have  three  children. 
Ensign,  Fannie  and  Inez.  He  now  resides  at 
Lincoln,  Neb.,  where  he  has  become  very  prom- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


601 


inent,  and  has  been  sent  to  the  State  Legisla- 
ture. (3)  Lorain,  born  in  Grant  county  in 
September,  1846,  is  now  the  wife  of  Wright 
Cowell,  of  Stockton,  Cal.,  who  is  an  extensive 
ranchman.  They  have  two  children,  Ensign 
and  Francis.  (4)  Samuel,  born  in  August, 
1848,  married  Miss  Luna  Barstow,  of  Grant 
county,  and  lives  in  Stockton,  Cal. ; they  have 
had  threfi  children,  Frances  (now  married  to 
JC Jones,  of  that  State),  Rosa,  and  Bert  (who 
was  accidentally  shot  while  on  an  outing,  in 
1897).  (5)  Lhoebe,  born  in  June,  1850,  is 

the  wife  of  Warren  Johnson,  of  Lima,  Grant 
county.  (6)  William,  born  in  1852,  is  a miner 
in  Arizona.  (7)  Everett  C.,  born  Nov.  18, 
1854,  was  married  May  14,  1882,  to  Miss 
Nellie  L.  Yaple,  of  Ripon,  Cal.,  and  they  have 
had  two  sons — Clarence,  born  March  30,  1883, 
and  Perry  Yaple,  Aug*.  14,  1889.  E.  C.  Dick- 
inson graduated  from  the  State  Normal  at 
Platteville.  In  1878  he  went  to  California, 
where  he  still  resides.  He  followed  school 
teaching  there  for  some  years,  and  is  now  a 
member  of  the  firm  of  Wright  & Dickinson, 
wholesale  and  retail  dealers  in  grain  and  hay, 
warehousemen,  and  manufacturers  of  steam- 
boats. At  present  they  have  a steam  barge 
of  600  tons  burden  running  on  the  San  Joa- 
quin and  Sacramento  rivers  and  San  Francisco 
bay.  At  one  time  Mr.  Dickinson  had  three 
general  stores  and  three  large  warehouses  in 
the  State,  located,  respectively,  at  Whitton, 
LeGrand  and  Dickinson.  The  latter  place  was 
named  in  his  honor.  (8)  Ida  died  in  infancy, 
in  Wisconsin.  (9)  Ina,  born  in  October,  1859, 
married  Allie  Grindell,  of  Platteville,  now  liv- 
ing in  California,  and  died  in  1884,  leaving 
one  daughter,  Ina.  (10)  Charles  C.  is  our 
subject. 

Charles  C.  Dickinson  Was  reared  to  man- 
hood on  the  home  farm,  and  had  the  benefit  of 
the  excellent  schools  to  be  found  in  Grant 
county,  including  attendance  at  the  State  Nor- 
mal, at  Platteville.  For  several  years  previous 
to  his  marriage  he  was  manager  of  his  father’s 
farm  and  business.  In  1881  he  married  Miss 
Eva  Stevens,  of  the  town  of  Harrison,  daugh- 
ter of  Leonard  and  Martha  Stevens,  old  pio- 
heffsAsWGfSnF county,  originally  from  Penn- 
sylvania. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dickinson  settled  on 
the  old  homestead,  which  had  come  into  his 
possession  some  years  previously.  In  1897 
Mr.  Dickinson  erected  a large  modern  dwell- 
ing, finished  in  hard  wood,  with  every  modern 


improvement,  and  this  is  counted  one  of  the 
choice  homes  in  the  county.  He  has  also  erect- 
ed 011  his  farm  a large  cheese  factory,  and  is 
doing  a very  extensive  business  in  that  line. 
To  the  old  farm  he  has  added  120  acres  ad- 
joining, and  it  is  now  one  of  the  fine  places 
111  the  town. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dickinson  have  been  born 
seven  children:  Mabel,  in  May,  1882;  Walter 
C.,  in  December,  1883;  Guy  E.,  in  October, 
1885;  Flora  P.,  in  November,  1887;  Eliza- 
beth, in  August,  1889;  Edward  P.,  in  April, 
1894;  and  Susie  W.,  in  October,  1897. 

Mr.  Dickinson  is  a member  of  the  Repub- 
lican party,  has  been  a member  of  the  town 
board  for  several  years,  and  on  Nov.  6,  1900, 
was  honored  with  election  to  the  office  of  sheriff 
of  Grant  county,  receiving  a majority  of  2,302, 
the  largest  ever  given  any  candidate  for  the 
office  in  Grant  county.  Mr.  Dickinson  is  a 
member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  and  is  a 
leading  spirit  in  the  Knights  of  the  Maccabees. 
The  Dickinson  family  has  long  been  held  in 
high  esteem,  and  our  subject  is  one  of  the  lead- 
ing men  of  his  town. 

JACOB  D.  SCPIINDLER.  Canton  Glams, 
Switzerland,  has  contributed  a number  of 
the  most  highly  respected  citizens  of  Green 
county,  prominent  among  whom  is  Jacob  D. 
Schindler,  now  a retired  merchant  living  at 
No.  221  West  George  street,  Monroe.  He 
was  born  April  4,  1852.  son  of  Andreas  Schind- 
ler, who  was  born  in  Schwandi,  Canton  Glarus, 
Switzerland,  Feb.  14,  1821. 

Andreas  Schindler  was  a carpenter  in 
Switzerland,  where  his  father.  Andreas  Schind- 
ler, and  his  mother,  Anna  Zimmerman,  both 
lived  and  died,  the  former  at  the  age  of  seventy 
years,  and  the  latter  when  she  was  aged  sixty- 
nine  years.  Andreas  Schindler,  father  of  Ja- 
cob D.,  came  to  America  with  his  family  in 
February,  1855,  and  passed  the  first  year  in 
Monroe,  Wis.,  and  then  removed  to  New 
Glarus,  a settlement  largely  composed  of  peo- 
ple from  his  native  canton,  where  he  remained 
for  eleven  years,  when  he  again  located  in  Mon- 
roe, where  his  death  Occurred  in  the  spring 
of  1897,  at  the  age  of  seventy-six  years.  He 
married  Katharina  Knobel  Oct.  3,  1844,  who 
was  born  March  24,  1824,  daughter  of  Adam 
and  Anna  (Schiesser)  Knobel.  Adam  Knobel 
was  an  employe  in  a cloth  factory  in  Switz- 
erland, and  lived  until  he  had  attained  the  a°:e 

o 


602 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


of  seventy-three;  his  wife  entered  into  rest 
when  she  was  aged  forty-seven  years.  Twelve 
children,  of  whom  seven  are  yet  living,  were 
born  to  Andreas  Schindler  and'  wife : Anna, 
widow  of  Paschal  Monti,  of  Denver,  Colo. ; 
Andrew,  of  Monroe ; Katharina,  wife  of  A.  T. 
Thayer,  of  Denver,  Colo.;  Emma,  of  Monroe; 
Rose,  of  Monroe;  Jacob  D.,  our  subject;  and 
Fridolin,  also  of  Monroe.  Mrs.  Katharina 
Schindler  died  April  23,  1900.  Both  she  and 
her  husband  originally  belonged  to  the  Swiss 
Reformed  Church,  but  later  united  with  the 
German  Evangelical.  Mr.  Schindler  had  been 
a soldier  in  the  Sonderbund  war  in  Switzer- 
land in  1847,  and  for  nine  months  he  was  a 
member  of  the  46th  Wis.  V.  I.  during  the  Civil 
war. 

Brought  to  this  country  when  but  three 
years  of  age,  Mr.  Jacob  D,  Schindler  has  passed 
the  greater  part  of  his  life  in  Green  county, 
acquiring  his  education  in  the  public  schools. 
In  his  youth  he  learned  the  blacksmith’s  trade, 
working  at  it  some  three  years,  and  now  is  a 
general  mechanic.  In  1879  he  formed  a part- 
nership with  Baltzer  Heitz,  and  engaged  in 
the  grocery  business  in  Monroe.  A few  months 
later  Mr.  Heitz  sold  his  interest  in  the  estab- 
lishment to  Mr.  Schindler’s  brother  Andrew, 
the  firm  then  becoming  known  as  Schindler 
Brothers,  which  continued  with  uninterrupted 
success  for  several  years,  when  Andrew  sold 
his  interest  to  his  brother,  shortly  after  repur- 
chasing it,  and  in  1888  Mr.  Jacob  D.  Schind- 
ler sold  out  to  Andrew,  who  then  assumed 
entire  charge  of  the  store.  In  1883  our  sub- 
ject purchased  a beautiful  home  which  he  still 
occupies,  and  which  originally  had  eight  acres 
of  ground.  This  ground,  with  the  exception 
of  some  five  or  six  lots,  has  since  been  sold. 
When  Mr.  Schindler  retired  from  business  it 
was  to  leave  behind  him  an  untarnished  repu- 
tation for  business  integrity.  His  genial  man- 
ners won  him  many  personal  friends  who  have 
heartily  rejoiced  with  him  in  his  prosperity. 

On  Oct.  26,  1879,  Mr.  Schindler  was  uni- 
ted in  marriage  with  Miss  Rosina  Burgi, 
daughter  of  Jacob  and  Barbara  (Luchsinger) 
Burgi,  and  to  brighten  their  home  have  come 
seven  children : Frank  S.,  a photographer  at 
Monroe;  Arthur  J.,  a dental  student  in  Chi- 
cago ; Herman  L. ; Edna  R. ; Charles  A. ; Alice 
E. ; and  Olive  E.  Mrs.  Schindler  is  an  active 
worker  in  the.  Evangelical  Church.  Socially 
Mr.  Schindler  is  a member  of  the  Royal  Arca- 


num, and  politically  is  a strong  Republican, 
although  in  no  sense  can  he  be  called  a politi- 
cian. 

Jacob  Burgi,  father  of  Mrs.  Schindler,  was 
born  in  Switzerland  Jan.  23,  1837,  and  was  a 
farmer  by  occupation.  He  came  to  America 
when  twelve  years  of  age,  and  located  in  Green 
county,  Wis.,  about  1851,  where  he  purchased 
land  in  New  Glarus  township.  Abbut  1893 
he  removed  to  Monroe,  where  he  lived  retired 
until  his  death  in  1895.  O11  July  1,  1858,  he 
married  Barbara  Luchsinger,  who  bore  him 
eleven  children,  one  of  whom  died  in  infancy. 
Mrs.  Burgi  was  born  in  Philadelphia  Jan.  16, 
1842,  a daughter  of  John  Luchsinger,  and  a 
sister  of  John  Luchsinger,  now  a prominent 
attorney  at  Monroe,  Wisconsin. 

Jacob  Burgi  was  a son  of  Jacob  Burgi, 
Sr.,  who  was  a Swiss  soldier  in  the  French 
service,  and  participated  in  the  wars  of  the 
restoration  after  Napoleon’s  downfall,  later 
coming  to  this  country.  Fie  died  in  Washing- 
ton township,  Green  county,  aged  eighty-one 
years. 

GEORGE  W.  BARROWS,  of  Cassville, 
Grant  county,  is  carrying  on  an  extensive  busi- 
ness as  a manufacturer  of  brick,  and,  being  a 
man  of  superior  executive  ability  and  sound 
judgment,  he  occupies  a good  position  in  the 
commercial  world. 

A native  of  Grant  county,  Mr.  Barrows 
was  born  in  Cassville  in  1858,  a son  of  Joseph 
and  Adelle  (Lovely)  Barrows,  who  were  born 
in  Canada,  and  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1857, 
in  company  with  the  grandfather,  John  Bar- 
rows.  After  working  for  a time  in  the  village 
of  Cassville  Joseph  Barrows  engaged  in  farm- 
ing in  Cassville  township  for  some  years,  and 
also  in  the  manufacture  of  brick.  Returning 
to  Cassville  in  1867,  he  established  a yard  at 
that  place,  which  he  successfully  conducted 
up  to  the  time  of  his  death,  dying  at  his  post 
of  duty  in  the  yard,  May  24,  1899.  In  re- 
ligious belief  he  was  first  a Baptist,  but  later 
in  life  united  with  the  Methodist  Church,  of 
which  he  remained  an  active  and  consistent 
member.  Politically  he  was  a stanch  supporter 
of  the  Republican  party.  His  widow  still  sur- 
vives, and  continues  to  reside  in  Cassville. 
In  their  family  were  six  children,  two  sons 
and  four  daughters.  The  latter,  Mrs.  Jane 
Totman,  Mrs.  Lilly  Groom,  Mrs.  Olive  Bry- 
ant and  Mrs.  Alice  Wright,  are  all  living  in 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


603 


Storm  Lake,  Iowa;  while  William  is  engaged 
in  the  manufacture  of  brick  at  Lancaster,  Wis.  ; 
and  George  W.  follows  the  same  business  at 
Cassville. 

George  W.  Barrows  was  reared  and  edu- 
cated at  Cassville,  and  at  the  age  of  eighteen 
years  went  West,  making  Denver,  Colo.,  his 
headquarters  while  he  traveled  all  through  the 
Western  country.  In  1888  he  returned  to  Cass- 
ville, where  he  has  since  engaged  in  the  manu- 
facture of  brick,  having  charge  of  the  yard 
established  by  his  father  in  1867.  He  is  also 
a member  of  the  firm  of  Barrows,  Knapp  & 
Millard,  who  are  extensively  engaged  in  the 
manufacture  of  all  kinds  of  building  brick  at 
Oelwein,  Iowa.  He  is  thoroughly  familiar 
with  every  department  of  the  business,  and  in 
his  operations  is  meeting  with  well-deserved 
success. 

At  Cassville,  in  1889,  Mr.  Barrows  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Fannie  Law- 
rence, a native  of  that  place,  and  a daughter 
of  Thomas  and  Deborah  (Smith)  Lawrence. 
Her  father  was  born  in  Ireland,  and  was  mar- 
ried in  New  York,  where  he  made  his  home 
for  a time,  but  in  the  early  'fifties  came  to 
Grant  county,  Wis.,  and  took  up  his  residence 
in  Cassville.  During  the  war  he  entered  the 
Union  army,  and  died  in  the  service.  His 
widow  is  still  a resident  of  Cassville. 

Fraternally  Mr.  Barrows  is  a member  of 
the  Knights  of  Pythias,  and  as  one  of  the  pop- 
ular and  influential  citizens  of  Cassville  he  has 
been  called  upon  to  serve  as  a member  of  the 
town  council. 

FREDERICK  W.  BYERS,  M.  D,  physi- 
cian and  surgeon,  whose  home  and  office  are 
in  Monroe,  Green  county,  has  a reputation  ex- 
tending throughout  the  Northwest  for  both 
professional  and  personal  qualities.  He  is  an 
eminent  physician,  a skillful  surgeon,  and  a 
genial  and  accomplished  gentleman,  with  a 
legion  of  friends.  His  career  has  been  in  every 
way  honorable  and  successful,  and  its  record 
is  a pleasing  task  for  the  historian’s  pen. 

Dr.  Byers  was  born  in  Shippensville,  Penn., 
Feb.  10,  1837,  a son  of  Jacob  and  Mary 
(Shakeley)  Byers,  natives  of  Maryland  and 
Pennsylvania.  They  were  the  parents  of  six 
sons  and  four  daughters,  and  six  of  their  chil- 
dren are  now  living:  Samuel  W.,  of  Nashua, 
Iowa;  Elizabeth,  wife  of  Daniel  Kepple,  of 
Ionia,  Iowa;  Jacob  L.,  of  Queenstown,  Penn.; 


Dr.  Frederick  W. ; Maria,  wife  of  Jacob  W. 
Kahl,  of  Shippensville,  Penn.;  and  Albert  L., 
who  lives  on  the  old  home  farm  at  Venus, 
Venango  Co.,  Pennsylvania. 

Jacob  Byers  began  life  as  an  apprentice 
and  mechanic,  but  after  some  years  he  turned 
to  keeping  tavern,  became  a*  farmer  in  middle 
life,  and  spent  many  years  on  a farm  near 
Venus,  in  Venango  county,  where  he  died  in 
1876,  at  the  age  of  seventy-eight.  His  widow 
survived  him  three  years,  and  died  at  the  age 
of  sixty-seven.  They  were  members  of  the 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  and  he  was  a 
very  active  worker  in  that  denomination.  He 
was  a Democrat  up  to  near  the  breaking  out. 
of  the  Civil  war,  when  he  joined  the  Repub- 
lican party,  as  did  his  sons.  His  father,  Fred- 
erick Byers,  was  killed  in  1800  while  engaged 
in  felling  trees.  He  was  of  Irish  descent,  and 
two  of  his  ancestors  participated  in  the  siege 
of  Londonderry.  There  were  four  brothers 
of  this  name  who  came  to  America,  settling 
in  Virginia  and  Maryland,  and  from  them  the 
family  under  consideration  has  sprung.  Henry 
Shakeley,  the  maternal  grandfather  of  Dr.  By- 
ers, was  of  German  descent,  and  a native  of 
Pennsylvania.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of 
1812,  and  survived  the  dangers  of  the  battle- 
field to  be  killed  long  afterward  by  accident 
at  a house  raising.  He  left  a large  family. 
Dr.  Byers’  maternal  great-grandmother,  who 
was  in  her  maidenhood  a Miss  Snyder,  was 
scalped  by  the  Indians,  when  a girl,  and  left 
for  dead.  She  recovered,  and  afterward  mar- 
ried Nikolas  Allimonge,  who  spoke  both  French 
and  German,  and  is  supposed  to  have  come 
from  Alsace  or  Lorraine. 

Frederick  W.  Byers  was  reared  to  man- 
hood on  his  father’s  farm  in  Pennsylvania, 
and  spent  his  youth  in  hard  work  and  study. 
He  attended  the  public  schools,  and  Coopers- 
town  Academy,  and  then  taught  school  for 
seven  years,  partly  in  the  East  and  partly  in  Illi- 
nois, to  which  State  he  had  come  in  1857,  seek- 
ing the  opportunities  that  are  said  to  abound  in 
a new  country.  The  young  man  taught  school 
in  that  State  four  years,  and  in  the  meantime 
kept  up  his  medical  studies,  with  a view  to 
adopting  the  healing  art  as  a life  calling.  Early 
in  1862  he  obtained  appointment  as  nurse  and 
hospital  assistant  in  Camp  Douglas,  Chicago, 
and  in  February,  1863,  was  graduated  from 
Rush  Medical  College.  The  young  physic:an 
was  appointed  assistant  surgeon  of  the  96th  Illi- 


604 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


nois  Infantry,  and  served  with  much  credit 
throughout  the  war.  His  career  was  a com- 
mendable one,  and  he  was  promoted  to  chief 
surgeon  of  the  artillery  brigade  of  the  4th 
Army  Corps,  and  later,  while  at  Atlanta,  was 
detailed  to  the  field  hospital  of  the  corps.  He 
was  on  continual  duty  with  that  hospital  in  the 
field  until  mustered  out  at  Chicago  July  7, 
1865. 

With  a professional  reputation  thoroughly 
established,  and  an  experience  in  the  common 
ills  and  pains  of  mankind,  as  well  as  a fine 
knowledge  of  operative  surgery,  Dr.  Byers  es- 
tablished himself  at  Lena,  111.,  and  for  twelve 
years  was  engaged  in  professional  work  in  that 
part  of  the  West.  In  1877  he  came  to  Monroe, 
and  at  once  entered  upon  a lucrative  practice. 
Dr.  Byers  received  the  appointment  of  United 
States  examining  surgeon  for  pensions  in  1880, 
and  is  still  serving  in  that  position. 

Frederick  W.  Byers  and  Miss  Olive  De- 
Haven  were  united  in  marriage  July  5,  1865. 
The  DeFIavens  were  Huguenots  driven  from 
France.  They  went  to  Holland,  but  before  the 
American  Revolution,  emigrated  to  Pennsyl- 
vania. Mrs.  Byers  is  a daughter  of  Alpheus  and 
Eliza  (Hawley)  DeHaven,  and  is  of  an  unas- 
suming and  womanly  character,  devoted  to 
home  and  church.  To  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Byers  have 
been  born  ten  children  : Morna,  Winifred,  Stan- 
ley, Harry.  Mary,  Joe  Rodney,  Grace,  Amy, 
Fred  and  Ben  B.  Morna  lives  with  her  par- 
ents. Winifred  married  E.  C.  Cornelius,  and 
died  Sept.  20,  1899,  leaving  one  child,  Alice, 
now  ( 1901 ).  eleven  years  old.  Stanley  died 
Nov.  5,  1872,  when  three  years  of  age.  Harry 
lives  in  San  Francisco,  Cal.,  where  he  is  in  the 
service  of  a telephone  company;  he  is  married 
and  has  one  daughter  named  Olive.  Mary, 
Amy  and  Fred  died  in  infancy.  Joe  Rodney 
was  teller  in  a bank  at  Monroe  six  years, 
and  now  holds  a similar  position  in  a bank 
at  Minneapolis.  Grace  is  a teacher  in  the 
Monroe  schools.  Ben  B.  is  a pharmacist 
at  Janesville,  Wis.  Joe  Rodney  and  Ben 
B.  both  enlisted  in  the  Spanish-American 
war  in  1898,  the  former  being  a first  ser- 
geant and  the  latter  a bugler  in  the  1st  Wis- 
consin Infantry.  The  family  home  at  Monroe 
is  quite  a social  center. 

Dr.  Byers  had  three  brothers,  Samuel  W., 
Jacob  L.,  and  Joseph  K.,  who  were  soldiers  in 
the  Union  army  during  the  war  of  the  Rebel- 
lion, and  served  until  its  close.  Joseph  Iv.  en- 


tered the  service  as  a lieutenant  in  the  volunteer 
service,  was  transferred  to  the  regular  army, 
and  retired  a major.  He  lost  an  arm  at  Freder- 
icksburg, and  was  a prisoner  of  war  five  months 
in  Libby  prison.  He  is  buried  in  the  National 
Cemetery  at  St.  Louis. 

Mrs.  Byers  is  a member  of  the  Episcopal- 
Church,  while  her  husband  is  of  the  Lutheran 
persuasion.  He  is  well  versed  in  Masonic  lore, 
and  his  name  appears  on  the  membership  rolls 
of  Lena  Lodge,  No.  174,  A.  F.  & A.  M. ; 
Lena  Chapter,  No.  105,  R.  A.  M.  ; Free- 
port Commandery,  No.  7,  K.  T. ; and  the  Ma- 
sonic Veteran  Association  of  Illinois.  This  last 
body  meets  once  a year,  and  lie  is  its  assistant 
chief.  Gen.  Byers  has  been  an  active  worker  in 
the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  since  its  or- 
ganization and  is  past  post  commander  and 
past  medical  director  of  the  Department  of 
Wisconsin.  He  is  a member  of  the  Wis- 
consin Commandery  of  the  Loyal  Legion, 
has  been  vice-commander,  and  is  also  a member 
of  the  commandery-in-chief  of  the  United 
States. 

The  Doctor  has  received  political  honors  of 
no  slight  importance  from  his  fellow  citizens. 
I11  1885  and  1886  he  represented  his  district  in 
the  State  Legislature,  was  chairman  of  and. 
rendered  important  service  on  the  military  com- 
mittee, introducing  and  securing  the  passage 
of  the  bill  that  effected  the  reorganization  of 
the  National  Guard  of  Wisconsin.  He  was  sur- 
geon in  the  National  Guard  of  the  State  from 
1882  to  1895,  with  the  rank  of  major.  In  1895 
he  was  made  surgeon  general  of  the  State  of 
Wisconsin  with  the  grade  of  brig'adier  general, 
which  position  he  held  until  Jan.  7,  1899,  when 
he  was  retired  from  active  service  with  that 
rank.  General  Byers  assisted  in  the  organiza- 
tion and  equipment  of  Wisconsin’s  Spanish- 
American  volunteers,  and  officially  inspected 
the  camps  and  hospitals  at  Chickamauga  Jack- 
sonville, Fla.,  and  Charleston,  S.  C.  He  is  a 
Republican. 

Dr.  Byers  belongs  to  the  Wisconsin  State 
Medical  Association,  and  the  Southern  Wiscon- 
sin Medical  Association,  and  is  an  honorary 
member  of  the  Association  of  Military  Sur- 
geons of  the  United  States.  In  addition  to  his 
course  at  Rush  Medical,  he  attended  lectures  in 
the  Medical  Department  of  the  University  of 
Nashville;  also  the  Missouri  Medical  College, 
St.  Louis;  completed  the  Sophomore  year  in 
Wittenberg  College,  Springfield,  Ohio;  and  all 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


605 


his  life  has  been  a close  student,  a thorough 
reader  and  a hard  worker. 

Our  subject's  commander,  Gen.  John  C. 
Smith,  once  wrote  of  Dr.  Byers,  and  with  his 
words  this  biographical  sketch  concludes : 

So  it  is  of  the  surgeon,  to  whom  the  writer  once 
owed  his  life,  who,  in  disobedience  of  his  commander's 
orders,  remained  on  the  battlefield,  up  in  what  our  com- 
rades of  the  bpanish-American  war  would  call  the  firing 
line,  and  in  that  dread  night  assault  on  Kenesaw  Mount- 
ain, was  beside  his  commander  when  he  tell,  stricken  by 
a bullet,  assisted  him  from  the  field,  and  carefully  aided 
in  dressing  his  wounds.  There  are  three  who  will  not 
forget  that  wild  night  in  Georgia,  Corporal  Barnum,  Sur- 
geon Fred.  VV.  Byers,  and  their  commander.  Brother 
and  Sir  Knight  Dr.  Byers,  now  surgeon  general  of  the 
State  of  Wisconsin,  is  also  . a great  sufferer  from  expo- 
sure and  hardship  endured  in  that  famed  Atlanta  cam- 
paign' and  other  marches  and  battles  of  the  war  of 
1861-65. 

Lying  upon  a rudely  constructed  table,  with  surgeons 
probing  my  wounds  to  extract  the  bits  of  flannel  shirt, 
vest,  uniform  and  over-coat,  which  had  been  driven  by 
the  bullet  into  the  wound,  i well  remember  one  of  the 
surgeons  forcing  a finger  from  opposite  directions  into 
my  wound  to  find  it  clean,  saying  to  Dr.  Byers,  “ Keach 
hither  thy  hand,  and  put  thy  finger  into  the  wound  in  his 
side,”  but  the  Doctor,  who  had  been  on  the  firing  fine, 
needed  no  such  proof,  and  promptly  answered,  “ f was 
with  my  colonel  when  he  received  the  shot,  and  assisted 
him  here  that  you  may  dress  his  wound.” 

Surgeon  General  and  Sir  Knight  Fred.  W.  Byers 
was  a member  of  my  military  family  all  through  that 
long  and  dreadful  struggle  for  our  National  existence; 
he  is  still  of  my  family,  and  loved  by  every  member  ot 
it  as  he  is  by  myself. 

JOSEPH  GUNDRY,  whose  death  oc- 
curred at  Mineral  Point  July  17,  1899,  was 
one  of  the  most  successful  business  men  of 
that  city,  and  was  recognized  by  his  associates 
as  one  of  the  most  worthy  and  progressive 
citizens  of  Iowa  county.  During  Ins  residence 
of  more  than  a half  century  there  he  advanced 
to  a position  of  independence  and  influence 
in  the  community,  and  it  was  no  fault  of  his 
if  the  material,  moral  and  intellectual  develop- 
ment of  that  community  failed  to  keep  pace 
with  his  individual  progress,  or  if  any  of  his 
fellow  citizens  did  not  attain  the  ideals  which 
lie  sought  to  encourage  by  precept  and  ex- 
ample. 

Mr.  Gundry  was  born  at  Porkellis,  parish 
of  Wendron,  Cornwall,  England,  May  11, 
1822,  a son  of  Richard  and  Jane  (Murton) 
Gundry.  The  original  home  of  his  ancestors 
was  in  the  south  of  Ireland,  where,  being 
Protestants,  members  of  the  family  suffered 
more  or  less  persecution  in  the  time  of  Oliver 
Cromwell,  and  emigrating  to  Cornwall  were 
numbered  among  the  sturdy  yeomen  of  the 
parish  of  Wendron  for  a number  of  genera- 


tions. Richard  Gundry  passed  his  life  there 
in  peace  and  comfort.  Having  received  such 
intellectual  training  as  was  afforded  by  the 
parish  school,  Joseph  Gundry  came  to  the 
United  States  in  1845.  Following  the  example 
of  many  of  his  countrymen,  he  located  at  Min- 
eral Point,  Wis.,  where  he  purchased  land  and 
set  about  the  improvement  of  his  condition 
with  a will  and  determination,  while,  by  the 
exercise  of  good  judgment  and  integrity,  he 
established  a reputation  which  secured  the  con- 
fidence and  good  will  of  those  with  whom  he 
came  in  contact.  For  the  next  few  years  he 
gave  most  of  his  attention  to  lead  mining,  but 
in  1849  engaged  in  mercantile  business. 
Next  year  was  virtually  formed  the  firm  of 
Gundry  & Gray,  which  has  ever  since  been 
one  of  the  leading  business  houses  of  Mineral 
Point,  being  now  entirely  in  the  hands  of  the 
second  generation  of  both  branches  of  the  part- 
nership. Mr.  Gundry  retained  an  interest  in 
the  establishment  until  his  death,  though,  on 
account  of  his  health,  he  retired  from  active 
participation  in  the  business  in  1866.  He  also 
became  interested  in  other  important  enter- 
prises, among  which  may  be  mentioned  a zinc 
smelting  plant  at  La  Salle,  111.,  the  ore  being 
shipped  from  Mineral  Point  to  that  place  on 
account  of  the  advantages  in  the  way  of  cheap 
fuel,  etc.,  to  be  obtained  there.  He  was  also 
a stockholder  in  the  First  National  Bank  of 
Mineral  Point,  and  a member  of  its  board  of 
directors  for  some  years.  He  continued  to  be 
interested  to  some  extent  in  agriculture  and 
mining,  and  was  always  ready  to  assist  in  pro- 
moting any  undertaking  calculated  to  serve  the 
best  interests  of  the  town.  The  large  stone 
mansion  which  he  built,  upon  an  eminence  over- 
looking the  town,  and  the  double  stone  store 
erected  by  the  firm  of  Gundry  & Gray  in  1869, 
are  still  among  the  most  conspicuous  buildings 
in  the  city.  A Republican  in  sentiment,  Mr. 
Gundry  never  sought  official  position,  but 
served  his  constituents  well  when  chosen,  in 
the  capacities  of  alderman  and  member  of  the 
county  board  of  supervisors. 

In  1847  Mr.  Gundry  made  a trip  to  his 
native  land,  where  he  was  married,  and  re- 
turned the  next  year  to  the  home  of  his  adop- 
tion. The  now  venerable  lady  who  became  the 
partner  of  his  joys  and  sorrows,  and  who  sur- 
vives him,  was  Miss  Sarah  Perrv,  daughter 
of  William  and  Sarah  Botterell  (Reed)  Perry, 
and  was  born  in  Carthew,  parish  of  Wendron, 


6o6 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Her  ancestors  having  also  been  among  the 
Protestant  emigrants  from  Ireland  who  settled 
m Cornwall  during  the  wars  of  Cromwell.  Of 
the  ten  children  born  to  Joseph  and  Sarah 
Gundry,  seven  reached  mature  years,  as  fol- 
lows: Joseph  H.,  who  died  at  Mineral  Point 
in  1893;  Richard,  who  died  at  El  Reno,  Okla., 
in  1900;  William  P.,  who  succeeds  his  father 
in  business  ; Jane,  deceased  wife  of  G.  M.  Lam- 
bertson,  of  Lincoln,  Neb.;  Mary  R.,  of  Min- 
eral Point;  John  M.,  a banker  of  Cleveland, 
Ohio;  and  Margery,  Mrs.  H.  W.  King,  of  the 
same  city. 

William  Perry  Gundry,  of  the  present 
firm  of  Gundry  & Gray,  and  a well-known  citi- 
zen of  Mineral  Point,  was  born  in  that  place, 
receiving  his  early  education  in  its  public 
schools.  Thence  he  went  to  the  University  of 
Wisconsin,  but,  his  health  failing,  he  aban- 
doned the  course  in  the  Senior  year,  and  went 
abroad,  spending  one  winter  in  a French  school 
in  Paris.  Having  recuperated  his  health,  he 
returned  to  the  United  States,  and  in  1876  be- 
came bookkeeper  for  the  La  Salle  Zinc  Co., 
of  La  Salle,  111.,  in  which  concern  his  father 
was  interested.  In  1879  he  went  abroad  and 
accepted  a similar  position  with  the  London 
branch  of  the  famous  stationery  house  of  Cam- 
eron, Amberg  & Co.,  of  Chicago,  the  junior 
member  of  which  firm  had  once  been  a clerk 
in  his  father’s  store  at  Mineral  Point.  Since 
1893  he  has  been  a member  of  the  firm  founded 
by  his  father  more  than  fifty  years  ago,  and 
which  is  now  the  oldest  customer  of  the  whole- 
sale house  of  Marshall  Field  & Co.,  Chicago, 
and  one  of  the  oldest  mercantile  houses  in  the 
State  of  Wisconsin.  Socially  Mr.  Gundry  is 
identified  with  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  the 
Knights  of  Pythias,  and  is  a member  of  the 
Beta  Theta  Pi  fraternity  at  Madison.  He  is  a 
liberal  Republican,  though  in  no  sense  a poli- 
tician, and  enjoys  the  confidence  and  esteem 
of  the  people  among  whom  most  of  his  life 
has  been  spent. 

PETER  LESER,  of  Fennimore,  Grant 
county,  is  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  this 
region,  and  a veteran  soldier,  who  fought 
bravely  to  uphold  the  Union,  when  it  had  need 
of  just  such  men  as  he. 

Peter  Leser  is  a native  of  Saxony,  Ger- 
many, where  he  was  born  Feb.  18,  1835,  a son 
of  William  Leser.  In  1843,  William  Leser, 
his  wife  and  five  children,  came  to  the  United 


States,  and  settled  in  Albany,  N.  Y.,  where  the 
mother  died  shortly  after.  William  Leser  died 
at  the  home  of  his  son,  Peter  Leser,  in  Grant 
county,  in  March,  1887.  Of  the  three  sons 
and  two  daughters  who  came  with  the  parents 
to  America,  four  are  living,  in  1901  : Adolph, 
a resident  of  Upper  Sandusky,  Ohio;  Rachel, 
a resident  of  Albany,  N.  Y. ; Peter;  Regine’ 
also  in  Albany.  The  other  son,  Albert,  went  to 
California,  in  i860,  and,  as  he  has  not  been 
heard  from  for  a good  many  years,  his  rela- 
tives are  convinced  that  he  is  no  longer  living. 

In  1855  Peter  Leser  came  to  Grant  county, 
where  he  engaged  in  farming.  On  May  10, 
i860,  in  company  with  Mike  Conkel,  and 
others,  Mr.  Leser  started  for  Denver  “across 
the  Plains” — a most  dangerous  journey  at  that 
time,  owing  to  the  state  of  war  existing  be- 
tween the  Sioux  and  Cheyenne  Indiansi  and 
the  wild  animals  that  then  infested  the  unset- 
tled country.  The  Indians  were  so  afraid  of 
one  another  that  both  tribes  had  forsaken  their 
respective  hunting  grounds.  Antelope  and 
buffalo  were  frequently  seen,  and  Mr.  Leser 
was  fortunate  in  killing  several  of  the  latter.. 
He  met  Beckwith,  the  Crow  Indian  and  old 
mountaineer,  who  raised  the  noted  Kit  Carson, 
and  who,  though  over  seventy  years  of  age, 
was  very  influential  with  the  Indians.  Mr. 
Leser  arrived  in  Denver  about  July  4,  and 
then  went  about  120  miles  back  into  the  moun- 
tains. Three  of  the  party  engaged  in  digging 
a trench  to  drain  a branch  of  the  Platte  river, 
for  the  purpose  of  finding  gold  in  the  old  river 
bed.  They  found  an  abundance  in  the  quartz, 
but  as  there  were  no  crushers  that  was  value- 
less to  them.  They  were  within  the  snow  line, 
and  water  froze  every  night  during  July  and 
August,  but  the  days  were  quite  warm.  They 
left  that  region  the  latter  part  of  August,  at 
which  time  there  was  a four-inch  snow  on  the 
ground.  In  Denver  Mr.  Leser  hired  out  at 
$1.25  per  day  to  make  hay,  and  in  September, 
in  company  with  Bert  Marshal,  started  home, 
with  a pair  of  cows  and  a span  of  mules.  They 
forded  the  Platte  near  Fort  Kearney,  and  ar- 
rived home  on  election  day — the  day  Abraham 
Lincoln  was  elected.  Neither  voted,  as  they 
had  “paired  off.” 

When  the  war  broke  out  Mr.  Leser  de- 
cided to  defend  the  Union  at  any  cost,  and  en- 
rolled, Aug.  11,  1862,  in  Company  C,  25th 
Wis.  V.  I.,  and  was  honorably  discharged  June 
7,  1865,  after  serving  two  years,  nine  months 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


607 


and  twenty-six  days.  The  company  was  organ- 
ized at  Lancaster  under  Capt.  Farquharson ; the 
regiment  rendezvoused  at  Camp  Solomon,  La 
Crosse,  and  was  mustered  into  the  United 
States  service  Sept.  14,  1862.  On  Oct.  19, 
1862,  the  regiment  left  for  St.  Paul,  to  assist  in 
quelling  the  noted  Indian  uprising  of  that  year, 
after  which  the  regiment  was  divided,  part 
being  sent  to  New  Ulm  and  the  remainder  to 
Sauk  Center.  The  insurrection  was  about  sub- 
dued when  they  arrived,  and  in  the  latter  part 
of  November  the  regiment  returned  to  La 
Crosse,  and  thence  to  Camp  Randall.  On 
Feb.  17,  1863,  the  regiment  left  for  the  South, 
reporting  first  at  Cairo,  and  proceeded  to  Co- 
lumbus, Ky.  Here  it  was  attached  to  Gen. 
Hulbert’s  command,  and  engaged  in  picket 
duty.  In  May,  1863,  the  25th  Wisconsin 
moved  down  the  Mississippi  to  Young's  Point, 
and  thence  to  Satartia,  on  the  Yazoo  river. 
Their  next  stopping  place  was  Snyder’s  Bluff, 
where  they  formed  part  of  the  force  assailing 
Vicksburg.  During  this  time  the  ranks  were 
thinned  by  sickness  as  well  as  by  the  enemies’ 
bullets.  On  July  26th  the  regiment  left  Sny- 
der’s Bluff,  moved  up  the  Mississippi  to 
Helena  where  it  was  detached  from  the  brigade 
and  assigned  to  provost  guard  duty.  The  rapid 
marching,  climate  and  excessive  heat  told  upon 
the  men  and  at  one  time  scarcely  any  of  them 
were  fit  for  duty,  but  the  regiment  remained  at 
Helena  until  Feb.,  1864,  when  it  moved  down 
to  Vicksburg,  and  joined  Gen.  Sherman’s 
Meridian  expedition,  in  which  it  did  good 
service.  From  this  time  on,  until  May,  1864, 
the  regiment  did  good  service  in  Tennessee 
and  Alabama,  and  at  that  date  proceeded  to 
Chattanooga  to  join  the  forces  under  Gen. 
Sherman,  where,  as  part  of  the  1 6th  Army 
Corps,  they  formed  a part  of  the  Army  of  the 
Tennessee,  under  Gen.  McPherson.  They 
took  part  in  both  advances  on  Resaca,  and  on 
the  14th  joined  the  17th  Corps  for  an  attack 
on  the  enemy’s  works  on  the  left,  and  on  that 
day  distinguished  themselves  by  charging 
across  an  open  plain  to  relieve  the  30th  Iowa, 
which  had  run  out  of  ammunition,  and  holding 
the  crest  of  the  hill  in  the  face  of  three  charges, 
in  which  the  enemy  sustained  heavy  losses. 
All  the  way  to  Atlanta  the  regiment  took  part 
in  the  various  engagements,  participating  in 
the  siege  of  that  city,  and  also  in  the  pursuit 
of  Flood  after  the  evacuation.  Afterwards  it 
returned  to  Atlanta  and  began  to  prepare  for 


the  march  to  the  sea.  All  through  Georgia  to 
Savannah,  the  gallant  25th  Wisconsin  bore  its 
part  bravely;  thence  it  moved  to  Beaufort,  en- 
camping there  in  January,  1865.  The  next  move 
was  through  the  Carolinas  to  Washington, 
where  the  brave  soldiers'  of  this  noted  regiment 
took  part  in  the  Grand  Review,  and  returned 
to  their  homes,  private  citizens  once  more. 
Peter  Leser  was  with  his  regiment  during  the 
whole  term  of  its  service,  except  a short  period 
after  the  surrender  of  Vicksburg,  when,  being- 
taken  sick,  he  was  sent  to  a hospital  at  Mem- 
phis, and  remained  about  six  weeks,  rejoining 
his  regiment  at  Helena,  Ark.,  in  time  to  par- 
ticipate in  the  Meridian  raid ; and  thirty  days 
after  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  when  he  procured 
a furlough  and  returned  home.  At  the  expira- 
tion of  this  time,  upon  its  return  from  the  pur- 
suit of  Hood  to  Atlanta,  Peter  Leser  rejoined 
his  regiment.  Here  Mr.  Leser  was  taken  very 
sick,  and  had  to  be  cared  for  by  the  surgeon  as 
though  in  a hospital.  Finally  he  was  sent, 
in  an  ambulance,  to  Nashville,  where  with 
other  convalescents  he  assisted  in  the  defense 
in  that  place  under  Gen.  Thomas',  when  it  was 
attacked  by  Flood,  and  in  the  pursuit,  after 
the  battle.  During  the  engagement  Mr.  Leser 
was  so  situated  that  he  had  a fine  view  of  the 
conflict,  and  remembers  it  was  a grand  and 
thrilling  sight.  The  regiment  was  then  on  its 
way  to  the  coast,  and  Mr.  Leser,  with  others, 
joined  the  command,  traveling  via  Baltimore 
and  Newbern.  N.  C.  At  Goldsboro  Mr.  Leser 
met  his  regiment,  and  took  part  in  all  the  suc- 
ceeding engagements  in  which  it  was  a partici- 
pant, including  the  Grand  Review. 

After  his  return  from  the  army  Mr.  Leser 
resumed  farming  in  the  town  of  Liberty.  In 
March,  1888,  Mr.  Leser  with  his  family  moved 
to  Palo  Alto  Co.,  Iowa,  where  he  resided  five 
years,  engaged  in  farming.  In  March,  1893, 
he  returned  to  Fennimore,  where  he  has  since 
resided.  Having  acquired  a competence,'  Mr. 
Leser  retired,  feeling  he  had  worked  hard  long 
enough. 

Peter  Leser  was  married,  in  1859,  to  Miss 
Sarah  Short,  a native  of  Missouri,  who  died 
May  1,  1884.  Later  Mr.  Leser  married  Mrs. 
Flulda  A.  Doolittle,  whose  first  husband  was 
also  a soldier  in  the  war  of  the  Rebellion. 
Four  children  were  born  of  the  first  marriage: 
Carrie,  Mary,  Rena  (who  died  in  February, 
1887),  and  Adolph.  Fennimore  has  no  better 
citizen  than  Mr.  Leser,  and  he  is  prominent 


6o8 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


in  the  G.  A.  R.,  being  a charter  member  of 
bam  Aionteith  Rost,  No.  173.  In  political 
opinions  he  is  a Republican,  and  takes  an  in- 
terest in  the  various  campaigns.  Genial,  kind- 
hearted,  beloved  at  home,  -and  with  many 
friends  throughout  the  county,  Mr.  Leser  is 
now  enjoying  the  results  of  his  years  of  labor, 
and  taking  comfort  in  Ins  surroundings. 

WILLIAM  LAN  YON  represents  a family 
which  has  been  prominent  in  Mineral  Point, 
Iowa  county,  for  over  sixty  years.  He  was 
born  in  Henver,  Parish  of  bt.  Allen,  England, 
111  1833,  son  of  William,  Sr.,  and  Mary  Ann 
(Bennett)  Lanyon. 

Plis  grandparents,  John  and  Peggy  Lan- 
yon, were  prominent  members  of  St.  Allen’s 
Church,  where  a beautiful  window  has  been 
placed  to  their  memory.  Other  members  of 
the  Lanyon  family  were  well  known  in  Eng- 
land, five  generations  having  resided  111  the  one 
parish.  Henry  Lanyon,  brother  of  John,  won 
no  little  renown  as  an  officer  in  the  British 
Navy  under  Lord  Nelson,  by  whom  his  skill 
and  gallantry  were  frequently  recognized. 
Another  member  of  the  family,  Llenry  Searle 
Lanyon,  of  the  Cornish  Yeomanry  Cavalry, 
was  distinguished  for  athletic  feats. 

W illiam  Lanyon  came  to  Wisconsin  with 
his  parents  about  1837,  and  made  his  home  in 
Mineral  Point,  where  the  father,  William,  Sr., 
followed  blacksmithing  many  years,  and  died 
Feb.  7,  1898,  aged  eighty-six  years.  He  was 
a thorough  business  man,  and  taught  his  son 
habits  of  industry  and  economy,  and  early  in- 
structed him  in  the  blacksmith’s  trade,  which 
he  successfully  carried  on  for  a number  of 
years,  after  which  he  opened  a tinshop,  later 
dealing  in  merchandise  and  grain.  Since  1887 
Mr.  Lanyon  has'  been  interested  in  a large  zinc 
works  at  Pittsburg  and  Iola,  Kansas,  where 
he  spends  much  time,  although  he  retains  his 
residence  at  Mineral  Point. 

On  Aug.  2,  1855,  Air.  Lanyon  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Maria  Thomas,  daugh- 
ter of  Samuel  Thomas,  Esq.,  and  born  in  Alin-' 
eral  Point,  Oct.  20,  1836.  Five  children  have 
brightened  their  home — William,'  of  Pittsburg, 
Ivans'. ; Ella,  now  Airs.  Vaughan,  of  Kansas 
City,  AIo. ; Colonel,  of  Iola,  Ivans. ; Alyrtle, 
now  Airs.  Aleserole,  of  Alineral  Point ; and 
Daisy.  Airs.  Posev,  of  Chicago.  The  family 
are  active  in  the  work  of  the  Methodist  Church, 
and  Air.  Lanyon  is  affiliated  with  the  Masonic 


Order  and  the  Eastern  Star.  The  success  Air. 
Lanyon  has  attained  has  been  largely  the  result 
of  Jus  own  sagacity  and  intelligence,  and  he 
has  conducted  his  business  affairs  both  wisely 
and  honorably. 

THOMAS  WILEY  was  one  of  the  well- 
known  pioneers  of  Lafayette  county,  where  he 
arrived  in  April,  1827.  His  birth  occurred  in 
Maury  county,  Tenn.,  Feb.  3,  1808,  and  some 
time  afterward  the  family  removed  to  the 
State  of  Missouri,  where  the  parents  died, 
leaving  four  sons  and  two  daughters.  Air. 
Wiley  came  to  Wisconsin  from  Missouri,  and 
made  his  first  stop  at  Gratiot’s  Grove,  soon 
after  settling  on  land  in  Monticello  township 
which  lie  secured  from  the  government,  and 
upon  which  his  sons  now  live.  For  a con- 
siderable length  of  time  he  was  engaged  in 
mining,  being  among  the  first  to  follow  that 
occupation  in  the  newly  opened  lead  mines  of 
southwestern  Wisconsin.  In  1850  soon  after 
the  discovery  of  gold  in  California,  Mr.  Wiley 
went  overland  to  the  Pacific  coast,  where  he 
worked  for  some  time  in  the  gold  mines,  but 
eventually  returned  to  his  possessions  in  Wis- 
consin. Lie  took  an  active  part  in  the  events 
of  those  early  days,  being  a soldier  in  the 
Black  Hawk  war  in  1832,  and  for  his  services 
received  a pension  during  the  latter  part  of 
his  life.  One  of  the  several  forts  erected  for 
the  protection  of  the  settlers  against  the  In- 
dians was  located  on  his  land,  near  the  site 
of  the  present  residence.  Honest  and  indus- 
trious, he  accumulated  an  estate  of  about  900 
acres  of  the  most  valuable  land  in  the  town- 
ship. 

On  May  28,  1839,  Mr.  Wiley  married  Miss 
Esther  J.  Houghton,  who  was  born  in  Sun- 
bury,  Union  Co.,  Penn.,  Oct.  31,  1820,  and 
came  to  Wisconsin  with  a married  sister,  Airs. 
Carpenter  Miller,  in  June,  1827.  After  their 
marriage  they  settled  on  the  land  obtained  by 
Mr.  Wiley  from  the  government  in  1828,  and 
there  they  passed  away.  Mr.  Wiley’s  death  oc- 
curred June  9,  1895,  and  Airs.  Wiley’s  Feb. 
6,  1900.  This  aged  couple  now  rest  side  by 
side  on  the  home  farm  near  the  family  resi- 
dence, on  land  selected  by  Mr.  Wiley  as  a last 
resting  place  for  himself  and  wife  when  their 
long  earthly  pilgrimage  was  over.  Four  sons 
survive  them,  John  S.,  Albert,  Benjamin  and 
Wesley.  One  son,  Silas,  offered  his  life  a 
willing  sacrifice  to  his  country  in  the  war  of 


MRS.  ESTHER  H.  WILEY 


,v.-  - ;-,.  ■ ;:" . M ' - 


THOMAS  WILHY 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


609 


the  Rebellion,  and  was  killed  at  the  battle  of 
Shiloh  in  1862.  The  sons  occupy  the  old 
homestead  where  they  were  born,  and  are  num- 
bered among  the  prominent  and  wealthy  citi- 
zens of  the  county. 

GEORGE  FARWELL.  Prominent  among 
the  veteran  soldiers  of  the  Civil  war 
residing  in  Ridgeway,  Iowa  county,  is  George 
Farweli,  a worthy  representative  of  one  of  the 
early  families  of  this  part  of  the  county.  Mr. 
Farweli  was  born  in  Stephenson  county,  ill., 
Oct.  3,  1838,  a son  of  Russell  and  Patience 
(Vanvalkenburg)  Farweli,  both  of  whom  were 
natives  of  the  State  of  New  York. 

The  genealogy  of  the  Farweli  family  shows 
that  two  Farweli  brothers  came  to  America 
from  England,  previous  to  the  Revolutionary 
war,  one  of  whom,  John  Farweli,  was  the  head 
of  the  branch  in  America  to  which  George 
Farweli,  of  this  biography,  belongs.  Russell 
Farweli  grew  to  manhood  in  his  native  State, 
and  there  married,  but  in  1836  or  1837  emi- 
grated to  Stephenson  county,  111.,  and  there 
opened  up  a new  farm.  In  1842  he  removed 
to  Shullsburg,  Eafayette  county,  this  State, 
where  he  engaged  in  mining,  later  removing 
to  Darlington,  and  continuing  there  until  the 
fall  of  1851,  when  he  removed  to  Blue 
Mounds,  Wis.  In  this  new  home  he  carried 
on  farming  and  also  did  some  mining,  until 
1859,  when  he  located  on  a farm  in  Ridgeway, 
Iowa  county,  and  here  passed  the  remainder 
of  his  life.  The  death  of  Russell  Farweli  oc- 
curred in  April,  1895,  at  the  age  of  eighty- 
three,  and  his  wife  passed  away  in  1890.  'They 
were  the  parents  of  three  sons  and  two  daugh- 
ters', all  of  whom  are  still  surviving,  these 
being:  Mrs.  Minerva  Ward,  of  Black  Garth, 

Wis.;  George;  Frank,  a resident  of  Dodge- 
ville,  who  served  in  the  42c!  Wis.  V.  I.  during 
the  Civil  war;  Frederick,  a resident  of  the  town 
of  Ridgeway;  Ella,  the  widow  of  Daniel  Jarvis, 
of  Madison,  Wisconsin. 

George  Farweli,  the  immediate  subject  of 
this  sketch,  resided  under  the  parental  roof 
until  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war,  when  he 
determined  to  enter  the  army,  enlisting  on 
Aug.  15,  1861,  in  Company  G,  nth  Wis.  V.  I., 
which  rendezvoused  at  Madison,  going  thence 
to  Missouri.  The  following  winter  was'  spent 
by  this  regiment  in  guarding  the  railroad  be- 
tween St.  Louis  and  Pilot_Knob,  but  in  the 
spring  of  1862  it  marched  South,  through 


Missouri  and  Arkansas.  The  summer  of  1862 
was  spent  at  Helena,  Ark.,  and  in  the  following 
September  it  moved  up  the  river  to  the  State 
of  Missouri,  and  engaged  in  the  campaign 
against  the  Confederate  General  Price,  in 
the  opening  of  the  spring  of  1863  the  regiment 
returned  to  Sainte  Genevieve,  Mo.,  where  it 
joined1  the  army  under  Gen.  Grant,  in  the  cam- 
paign against  Vicksburg,  and  took  part  in  the 
battle  ot  Port  Gibson  and  other  important 
events  immediately  preceding  the  siege  of 
Vicksburg,  including  Raymond,  Champion 
Hills  and  Black  River  Bridge.  With  his  regi- 
ment Air.  Farweli  took  part  in  the  famous 
charge  on  the  Confederate  works  at  Vicksburg, 
May  22,  1S63,  where  he  was  severely  wounded 
by  a gunshot,  which  resulted  in  his  confinement 
in  the  Union  Hospital,  at  Memphis,  Tenn.,  for 
a period  of  three  months,  when  he  rejoined  his- 
regiment,  then  at  Brazier  City,  La.,  west  of 
New  Orleans,  marching  thence  to  Opeloosas',. 
a distance  of  200  miles,  to  near  the  Texas  line. 
Upon  the  return  of  the  regiment  to  New  Or- 
leans it  joined  the  army  under  Gen.  Banks  and 
crossed  the  Gulf  to  Texas.  In  the  spring  of 
1864  Mr.  Farweli  re-enlisted,  and  upon  his  re- 
turn to  New  Orleans  he  was  given  a furlough 
of  thirty  days,  by  virtue  of  his  re-enlistment. 
The  second  rendezvous'  was  at  Milwaukee,  in 
the  last  of  April,  and  from  there  Mr.  Farweli 
went  with  the  regiment  to  Alemphis,  where  it 
became  a part  of  an  expedition  to  Central  Ten- 
nessee, thence  to  New  Orleans,  and  a second 
time  to  Brazier  City,  in  which  locality  the  regi- 
ment was  put  on  garrison  duty  for  ten  months. 
In  March,  1865,  the  regiment  returned  to  New 
Orleans,  and  joining  Gen.  Canby,  took  part  in 
the  Mobile  expedition,  and  the  last  battle  of 
the  regiment  was  in  April,  1865,  in  which 
Company  G lost  a number  of  men.  The  com- 
mand marched  then  to  Montgomery,  Ala., 
where  it  remained  until  August,  when  it  went 
to  Mobile,  and  here  was  placed  on  police  duty 
until  in  September  of  the  same  year,  when  it 
was  mustered  out,  and  soon  after  departed  for 
Madison,  where  it  was  duly  discharged,  on 
Sept.  29,  1865,  and  these  brave  and  loyal 
soldiers  dispersed  to  the  homes  they  had  so 
valiaUtly  fought  to  preserve. 

As  soon  as  Mr.  Farweli  could  again  ac- 
custom himself  to  the  ways  of  peace,  he  en- 
tered upon  farming,  and  continued  in  agricul- 
tural pursuits  for  seven  years,  and  then  opened 
up  a mercantile  business,  in  which  he  was  en- 


i 


6io 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


gaged  for  the  succeeding  fourteen  years,  but 
again  returned  to  a farming  life  for  a time. 
This  he  found  laborious,  and  again  became  in- 
terested in  merchandising,  but  four  years  later 
retired  from  active  duties,  the  wound  in  his 
arm,  received  in  his  country’s  defense,  causing 
him  much  inconvenience  and  continual  suffer- 
ing. 

In  March,  1866,  George  Farwell  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Flora  Meigs,  a daughter  of 
Brownson  and  Rebecca  (Tuller  ) Meigs,  early 
settlers  who  came  to  this  county  in  1857.  Mrs. 
Farwell  passed  away  in  June,  1884.  By  this 
marriage  Mr.  Fanvell  has  one  daughter,  Car- 
rie M.,  who  married  Joseph  Roberts,  of  Bara- 
boo,  Wis.  The  second  marriage  of  Mr.  Far- 
well  was  in  September,  1885,  when  Miss'  Car- 
rie Chamberlain,  a niece  of  Mr.  Farwell’s  first 
wife,  and  a daughter  of  Henry  and  Celia 
( Meigs ) Chamberlain,  became  his  bride.  Mrs. 
Farwell  was  born  in  St.  Johnsbury,  Ft.,  and 
when  a child  of  two  years  she  removed  to  the 
State  of  Xew  York  with  her  parents.  After  the 
marriage  of  their  daughter  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Chamberlain  resided  at  the  home  of  their  son- 
in-law,  kindly  cared  for  until  the  death  of  the 
mother  in  1889,  and  the  father,  in  1895.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Farwell  have  one  son,  Byron  Cham- 
berlain, a bright  and  intelligent  boy,  born  in 
1893. 

At  the  time  of  the  breaking  out  of  the  war 
Mr.  Farwell  had  in  view  a professional  career, 
and  for  some  time  had  been  a student  in  the 
high  school  in  Madison,  expecting  to  pursue  a 
course  of  study  in  that  city,  but  he  yielded  to 
his  duty,  and  for  four  long  vears,  or  as  long 
as  his  aid  was  needed,  he  stood  at  his  post,  with 
other  wishes  subdued.  Entering  the  service  as 
a private,  he  was  promoted  to  sergeant,  and 
finally,  in  March,  1865,  for  faithfulness,  to 
lieutenant,  and  was  mustered  out  as  such. 
Returning  with  shattered  constitution,  he  re- 
nounced, with  little  repining,  his  hope  of  a pro- 
fessional career,  and  pursued,  as  he  was'  able, 
the  occupations  of  farmer  and  merchant.  Of 
such  stuff  our  heroes  are  made.  Although  for 
many  years  he  faithfully  performed  his  duties 
as  a civilian,  it  was  under  difficulties,  as  the 
wound  in  his  arm  has  annoyed  him  greatly,  and 
rheumatism,  also,  which  afflicts  many  a brave 
veteran,  has  given  him  much  trouble,  and  has 
been  a leading  cause  of  his  retirement  from  ac- 
tive business  life.  In  politics  Mr.  Farwell  is  a 
stanch  Republican,  and  has  ever  been  deemed 


a worthy  and  honorable  citizen.  Mrs.  Far- 
well  is  a member  of  the  Christian  Advent 
Church,  and  also  of  the  Woman’s  Relief  Corps, 
while  Mr.  Farwell,  is  socially  connected  with 

Williamson  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Dodgeville. 

EDWARD  E.  BURNS,  member  of  the 
State  Senate  from  the  16th  District,  is  one  of 
the  leading  representatives  of  the  Bar  in  Grant 
county,  is  a gentleman  of  unusual  attainments, 
successful  in  the  practice  of  his  profession, 
and  highly  respected  by  his  colleagues  as  well 
as  his  fellow  citizens. 

Mr.  Burns  was  born  at  East  Dubuque,  111., 
Jan.  20,  1858,  a son  of  Edward  and  Clara 
(Fairbanks)  Burns,  the  former  a native  of 
Ottawa,  Canada,  the  latter  born  near  Water- 
town,  N.  Y.  The  father  was  born  in  1828, 
of  Scottish  parents.  The  mother  was  born  in 
1832,  and  was  the  daughter  of  Silas  and  Caro- 
line Fairbanks,  descendants  of  prominent  New 
England  families',  who  were  well  known  dur- 
ing the  early  days  of  the  country.  Edward 
Burns  settled  in  Chicago,  and  for  some  time 
was  in  the  employ  of  the  Illinois  Central  Rail- 
way Co.,  later  conducting  a lumber  yard  at 
East  Dubuque,  111.,  where  his  first  marriage — 
with  the  mother  of  our  subject — occurred. 
After  some  years’  residence  there  Mr.  Burns 
removed  to  Jamestown,  Wis.,  where  he  pur- 
chased the  farm  on  which  he  still  resides.  In 
1863  Mrs.  Clara  Burns  passed  away,  leaving 
him  with  two  children : Edward  E.  is  our  sub- 
ject; Carrie  L.,  a native  of  Jamestown,  where 
she  grew  to  womanhood,  married  Frank  Neat, 
of  Ypsilanti,  Mich.,  and  died  in  November, 
1891,  leaving  no  family.  For  his  second  wife 
Edward  Burns  married  Miss  Mary  Tupper,  and 
to  this  union  two  sons  were  born : Frank  L., 

a graduate  of  the  State  Normal  School  at 
Platteville,  of  the  class  of  1896;  and  Clifford, 
now  fourteen  years  old. 

Our  subject  received  an  academic  educa- 
tion in  the  State  Normal  School  at  Platteville, 
after  which  he  entered  the  University  of  Wis- 
consin law  school,  at  Madison,  graduating  in 
the  class  of  1887.  The  following,  year  'he 
opened  an  office  for  the  practice  of  his  pro- 
fession at  Sioux  Falls,  S.  Dak.,  but  after  a 
short  residence  there  returned  and  formed  a 
partnership  with  W.  G.  Palmer,  of  Boscobel, 
Grant  county.  At  the  close  of  one  year  Mr. 
Burns  removed  to  Platteville,  forming  a part- 
nership with  W.  E.  Carter  on  Dec.  1,  1890. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


61 1 


Five  years  later  this  partnership  was  dissolved, 
Mr.  Carter  locating  in  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  and 
Mr.  Burns  continuing  in  Platteville. 

When  the  war  with  Spain  broke  out  Mr. 
Burns  offered  himself  as  a private,  but  was 
rejected  on  account  of  a defect  in  his  left  eye. 
Determined  to  serve  his  country,  he  returned 
to  Platteville,  and  raised  a company,  of  which 
he  was  elected  captain,  and  which  was  mustered 
into  the  service  as  Company  C,  4th  Wisconsin 
Volunteers,  at  Camp  Douglas,  Wis.  Later 
they  were  forwarded  to  Anniston,  Ala.,  where 
they  remained  until  Feb.  28,  1899,  when  the 
regiment  was  mustered  out. 

After  the  muster-out  of  the  regiment  Mr. 
Burns  returned  to  Platteville  and  the  peaceful 
practice  of  law.  Fie  is  notably  successful  in 
his  cases.  In  recognition  of  his  ability,  the 
common  council  of  Platteville  in  1897  elected 
him  to  the  position  of  city  attorney,  and  he  has 
since  been  honored  with  election  to  the  State 
Senate  from  the  16th  District,  in  which  body 
he  is  now  serving,  discharging  the  arduous 
duties  of  this  incumbency  with  marked  dis- 
tinction. In  addition  to  this  honor  Mr.  Burns 
has  also  served  as  member  of  the  county  board, 
and  brought  to  the  deliberation  of  that  body 
not<  only  his  legal  knowledge,  but  also  a calm, 
impartial  judgment.  In  politics  lie  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Republican  party,  whose  principles 
he  upholds  upon  all  occasions.  Mr.  Burns  is 
not  connected  with  any  religious  body,  but  ac- 
cords to  every  man  the  right  to  worship  as  his 
conscience  dictates.  In  April,  1899,  Mr. 
Burns  purchased  a fine  building  site  on  Round- 
tree  avenue,  erected  a very  comfortable  home, 
and  now  resides  there.  Public-spirited,  genial, 
thoroughly  conversant  with  his  profession,  the 
future  before  this  young  man  is  a very  brilliant 
one.  Judging  the  future  by  the  light  of  the 
past,  his  name  is  destined  to  become  one  of  the 
b-est  known  in  the  State,  even  if  lie  is  not  called 
to  fill  higher  positions.  Socially  he  is  a very 
prominent  member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity, 
and  also  of  the  K.  of  P.  lodge  of  Platteville. 

HON.  JOEL  WHITMAN.  The  early 
settlers  of  Wisconsin  are  rapidly  yielding  their 
places  to  the  generations  who  have  succeeded 
them.  With  silvered  hair,  and  sometimes  with 
faltering  steps,  they  are  silently  marching 
toward  a land  where  faith  is  succeeded  by 
vision,  and  hope  gives  place  to  realization.  To 
chronicle  their  achievements  and  tell  the  story 


of  their  lives  is,  with  the  historian,  a task  at 
once  of  duty  and  of  love ; and  among  those 
who  for  more  than  half  a century  have  been 
prominently  identified  with  the  material,  eco- 
nomic and  political  development  of  the  south- 
western portion  of  the  State,  the  names  of  few 
are  better  known  or  more  widely  respected 
than  that  of  Joel  Whitman. 

Mr.  Whitman  comes  of  English  lineage,  as 
well  as  of  “fighting  stock.”  His  American  an- 
cestors were  among  the  early  settlers'  of  Long 
Island,  when  New  York  was  a colony  of  the 
Crown,  and  his  grandfather,  Isaiah  Whitman, 
a tailor  by  trade,  was  one  of  the  intrepid  army 
which,  under  the  leadership  of  Washington, 
freed  the  new  republic  from  the  yoke  of  Brit- 
ish domination.  Isaiah  Whitman,  the  elder, 
some  years  after  the  conclusion  of  the  war  for 
independence  settled  in  Fulton  county,  N.  Y., 
where  he  died  in  1799,  at  the  age  of  eighty- 
eight  years.  He  was  twice  married.  His  first 
wife  bore  him  one  son  and  one  daughter,  Jesse 
and  Phoebe.  A few  years  after  her  death  he 
was  united  to  a Miss  Platt,  a member  of  the 
distinguished  and  historic  family  in  whose 
honor  Plattsburg,  N.  Y.,  was  named.  The 
issue  of  that  union  was  three  sons  and  five 
daughters,  the  youngest  of  the  family,  whose 
Christian  name  was  also  Isaiah,  being  the 
father  of  the  eminent  pioneer,  public  servant 
and  man  of  affairs  whose  career  constitutes 
the  subject  of  this  narrative. 

Isaiah  Whitman,  Jr.,  spent  his  entire  life 
chiefly  in  farming.  He  married  Hannah  Tur- 
ner, and  became  the  father  of  ten  children,  all 
of  whom  grew  to  maturity,  and  of  whom  five 
are  yet  living.  Nelson,  Joel,  Phoebe,  Clarissa 
and  Louisa.  Phoebe  and  Clarissa  are  widows, 
and  make  their  homes  in  New  York.  Louisa 
is  the  wife  of  Judge  W.  H.  Fry,  of  that  State. 
Nelson  is  an  ordained  clergyman  in  the  .Meth- 
odist Church,  and  is  now  a resident  of  Fulton 
county,  N.  Y.,  where  he  was  born.  For  four 
years  he  carried  a captain’s  commission  and 
did  service  in  the  army  of  the  Union  during 
the  war  of  the  Rebellion  ; about  1858  he  came 
West,  and  was  for  a time  connected  with  the 
Wisconsin  Conference,  having  previously  been 
attached  to  the  Troy  Conference  for  a number 
of  years.  Henry  Whitman,  a son  cf  Rose 
Whitman  (deceased),  the  eldest  of  the  family, 
was  also  a soldier,  and  lost  his  life  in  the  serv- 
ice of  his  country  in  the  second  battle  of  Bull 
Run.  in  1862. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


6 1 2 


From  the  narrative  given  above  it  may  be 
seen  that  Joel  Whitman  is  the  only  member 
of  his  father’s  family  to  become  a permanent 
resident  of  Wisconsin.  Fie  was  born  Feb.  2, 
1823,  in  the  town  of  Wells,  N.  Y.,  which  was 
then  a part  of  Fulton  county,  but  is  now,  owing 
to  a readjustment  of  county  lines,  within  the 
limits  of  Hamilton  county.  His  early  educa- 
tional advantages  were  of  the  sort  enjoyed  by 
the  sons  of  well-to-do  farmers  of  his  time  and 
locality,  and  he  learned  the  trade  of  a carpenter 
in  his  early  youth.  In  1856  he  settled  in  the 
town  of  Ridgeway,  Iowa  Co.,  Wis.,  entering 
a claim  to  government  land.  His  natural  abil- 
ity soon  won  recognition,  and,  together  with 
his  innate  energy,  early  brought  him  to  the 
front  in  public  affairs.  Quick  of  comprehen- 
sion, facile  of  speech,  broad  in  conception,  and 
resolute  of  purpose,  the  people  found  in  him 
a most  intelligent  servant ; while  at  the  same 
time  his  high  moral  sense,  which  appeared  in- 
born, insured  his  fidelity  to  every  public  trust. 
In  i860  he  was  first  elected  clerk  of  the  circuit 
court  of  Iowa  county.  At  that  time  the  coun- 
ty seat  was  at  Mineral  Point,  and  there  he  re- 
sided until,  in  July,  1861,  the  seat  of  county 
government  was  changed  to  Dodgeville,  when 
he  removed  to  that  town.  With  such  ability 
and  fidelity  did  he  discharge  every  official  duty 
that  he  was  twice  re-elected  to  the  same  im- 
portant position,  with  its  grave  and  sometimes 
perplexing  responsibilities,  filling  the  office  for 
six  years.  So  great  has  been  the  public  con- 
fidence in  him,  however,  and  so  deep-seated 
has  been  the  faith  of  the  people  in  his  intelli- 
gence and  integrity,  that  other  offices  have  been 
thrust  upon  him.  In  1866  he  was  chosen  to 
represent  his  district  in  the  State  Senate,  in 
which  body  he  occupied  a seat  for  two  years. 
Of  minor  and  local  honors  he  has  been  a fre- 
quent recipient,  having  filled  the  offices  of  mem- 
ber of  the  board  of  town  trustees,  president  of 
the  village,  and  president  of  the  Iowa  County 
Agricultural  Society.  Between  1875  and 
1879  he  was  postmaster  at  Dodgeville,  filling 
the  position  for  over  four  years. 

Mr.  Whitman’s  marriage  took  place  in 
t866,  when  be  was  united  to  Anna  Belle  Mc- 
Clure. Her  father,  Donald  McClure,  was  a 
native  of  Prince  Edward  Island,  where  she, 
too,  was  born.  The  family  seat  was  in  Scot- 
land, whence  Mrs.  Whitman’s  grandparents 
emigrated  before  her  father’s  birth.  In  1849 
the  family  removed  to  Wisconsin,  their  home 


being  in  Dane  and  Iowa  counties.  Donald 
McClure  long  since  entered  into  eternal  rest, 
but  his  widow  is  yet  living,  at  the  age  of 
eighty-two,  and  has  her  home  with  a daugh- 
ter, in  Omaha,  Neb.  Mrs.  Whitman  i_s  the 
second  of  a family  of  four  children.  Her  elder 
sister,  Christina,  is  the  widow  of  Willard 
Fisher,  and  lives  near  Omaha.  Her  two 
brothers  are  named  George  and  Chester  A. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Whitman  have  come  three 
sons,  George  R.,  Platt  and  Ross.  Geo  rge  R. 
Whitman  was  born  in  Dodgeville,  Dec.  18, 
1867,  and,  after  graduating  from  the  high 
school,  he  studied  two  years  in  the  academic 
department  of  the  State  University,  graduating 
from  the  law  department  in  1892;  he  was  at 
once  elected  district  attorney  for  Iowa  county, 
re-elected  in  1894,  and  subsequently  he  was 
chosen  a member  of  the  board  of  supervisors, 
an  office  which  he  held  until  his  death,  on  Aug. 
19,  1898.  He  also  served  with  distinction  as 
agent  for  the  State  Board  of  Immigration,  and 
just  before  his  death  had  been  notified  of  his 
appointment  as  United  States  inspector  of 
flour  at  Chicago.  In  January,  1896,  he  was 
married  to  Miss  Nellie  S.  Bennett,  of  Mineral 
Point.  He  belonged  to  the  Masonic  fraternity, 
to  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  and  to  the  Rgyal 
Arcanum,  and  as  a Pythian  was  Grand  Master- 
at-Arms  of  the  Grand1  Lodge  of  the  Domain 
of  Wisconsin  at  the  time  of  his  death.  Platt 
Whitman,  the  second  son  of  our  subject,  was 
born  Feb.  6,  1871,  and  he,  too,  is  a member  of 
the  Bar,  having  received  the  degree  of  A.  B. 
from  the  State  University  in  1893,  and  grad- 
uating from  the  law  department  in  1895;  he 
began  the  practice  of  his  profession  at  High- 
land, Iowa  county,  but  not  long  afterward  re- 
moved to  Boscobel,  where  his  success  has  been 
commensurate  with  his'  recognized  ability. 
Ross  Whitman,  the  youngest  son,  was  born 
June  5,  1881,  and  is  a student  at  the  Wisconsin 
University. 

JOFIN  WALSH,  a popular  dealer  in  fur- 
niture, and  undertaker,  at  Benton,  Lafayette 
county,  was  born  in  Walshford,  Ireland,  Nov. 
24,  1850,  a son  of  John  and  Johanna  (Day) 
Walsh.  They  were  born  and  married  in  Ire- 
land, and  came  to  America  in  1851,  settling 
near  Galena,  where  he  engaged  in  the  work 
of  mining.  In  the  early  days  of  gold  mining 
he  crossed  the  Plains,  and  for  four  years  was 
engaged  in  the  mines  in  California.  He  did 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


613 


well  in  that  distant  land,  where  he  remained 
four  years.  Coming-  back  to  Wisconsin  with 
considerable  wealth,  he  bought  a farm  on  the 
pike  in  Jo  Daviess  county,  where  he  lived  until 
his  death,  in  1885.  His  widow  and  'her  son, 
John,  whose  name  appears  above,  moved  to 
Hazel  Green,  where  she  died  in  1886.  They 
were  both  devout  Catholics,  and  were  highly 
regarded  by  those  who  knew  them  best.  Of 
their  family  of  six  children,  (1)  Thomas,  the 
oldest,  was  born  in  Ireland.  When  a young 
man  he  enlisted  in  the  Navy  under  Admiral 
Farragut,  and  was  with  him  when  he  de- 
stroyed the  rebel  fleets  in  the  Mississippi  river. 
Later  he  enlisted  in  Company  B,  45th  111.  Y.  I., 
serving  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  is  a 
single  man,  and  lives  at  Dubuque.  (2)  Rob- 
ert, born  in  Ireland,  grew  up  in  Jo  Daviess 
county,  enlisted  in  the  13th  Ind.  V.  I.,  which 
became  a part  of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac, 
and,  with  his  regiment,  participated  in  many 
battles.  Fie  was  wounded  by  a bursting  shell 
at  Lookout  Mountain.  He  is  now  living  in 
Indianapolis,  where  he  was  married.  (3) 
James,  born  in  Ireland,  is  a saddler  by  trade, 
and  lives  in  Hazel  Green.  (4)  Johanna,  born 
in  Ireland,  is  the  wife  of  Christopher  McCane, 
a merchant  in  Hazel  Green.  ( 5 ) Mary,  born 
in  Jo  Daviess  county.  111.,  is  the  wife  of  J.  E. 
Kenney,  of  Cuba  City,  who  is  an  undertaker 
and  a furniture  dealer.  (6)  John. 

John  Walsh  had  his  early  education  in  the 
district  schools  of  Jo  Daviess  county,  111. 
When  a young  man  he  learned  the  trade  of  a 
carpenter  and  builder,  and  this  was  his  occu- 
pation for  many  years.  Many  public  build- 
ings and  private  residences  through  this  part 
of  the  State  attest  his  ability  as  a workman. 
The  large  school  building  at  Cuba  City  was 
put  up  under  his  contract,  as  well  as  mairy 
other  notable  buildings  in  this  section.  In 
1878  he  went  to  the  Black  Hills,  where  he 
worked  for  four  dollars  a day  framing  timber 
for  the  mines.  He  was  in  that  country  when 
Deadwood  City  was  destroyed  by  fire.  For 
four  years  he  remained  in  the  Hills,  and  then 
came  back  to  Wisconsin  to  take  up  the  work 
of  farming,  which  he  followed  until  1888. 
when  he  purchased  ground  and  erected  a fur- 
niture and  undertaking  establishment  at  Cuba 
City.  In  this  business  he  continued  for  six 
years,  and  in  1803  disposed  of  his  business  in 
Cuba  City  to  J.  E.  Kenney,  and  started  a simi- 
lar business  in  the  town  of  Benton,  which  'has 


proved  highly  remunerative,  and  where  he  is 
now  engaged  in  business. 

In  July,  1889,  Mr.  Walsh  was  married  to 
Miss  Minnie,  the  daughter  of  Frank  and  Marv 
(Griffith)  Brock,  a pioneering  and  prominent 
family  in  Grant  county.  Mrs.  Walsh  was 
born  at  Big  Patch  in  1865,  and  her  father  was 
born  near  East  Dubuque.  111.,  and  her  mother 
in  Delaware.  They  lived  at  Big  Patch  for  a 
number  of  years,  and  then  moved  to  Cuba 
City,  where  Mr.  Brock  died  in  1892.  Then 
family  of  children  is  as  follows : Emma,  now 

Mrs.  Amos  Cook,  of  South  Dakota ; Mary,  who 
lives  with  her  mother  in  Cuba  City;  Minnie, 
who  married  John  Walsh;  and  Ira,  a traveling 
salesman. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Walsh  were  born  the  fol- 
lowing children:  (1)  Mary  A.,  born  in  Cuba 

City  in  July,  1890;  (2)  John  F.,  born  in  the 
same  place  in  1802  ; (3)  Lynn  S.,  born  in  1895  ; 
(4)  Georgie  O.,  born  in  1897;  (5)  Clifford, 
born  in  September,  1900.  The  entire  family 
are  devoted  adherents  of  the  Catholic  Church. 
Mr.  Walsh  has  always  voted  with  the  Demo- 
cratic party. 

Mr.  Walsh  belongs  to  the  order  of  Catholic 
Knights,  where  his  loyalty  and  enthusiasm  are 
much  esteemed.  As  a man  he  has  many 
friends,  who  know  and  admire  his  good  qual- 
ities. 

OLE  JEREMIASON  holds  an  enviable 
place  among  the  farming  people,  as  well  as  the 
citizens  of  the  town  of  York,  Green  county, 
where  he  has  his  pleasant  and  inviting  home  on 
a farm  of  some  400  acres  on  Section  16.  Born 
in  Norway  June  16.  1830.  he  is  a son  of  Jere- 
mias  Oleson,  and  accompanied  his  parents'  to 
\\  isconsin  in  1853,  and  here  they  made  their 
home  in  Green  county. 

Jeremias  Oleson  was  the  father  of  the  fol- 
lowing children : Ole,  Lena,  and  four  that 

are  now  deceased.  Lena  married  Elliott  Han- 
son, and  is  living  in  Iowa.  Ole  Jeremiason, 
following  the  Norwegian  habit,  took  his  fa- 
ther’s given  name,  and  added  to  it  “son.” 
Jeremias  Oleson  was  born  in  Norway  Feb.  6, 
1706,  and  died  in  the  town  of  York  Nov.  16, 
1881.  His  wife  was  born  Jan.  1.  1800.  in 
Norway,  and  died  in  York  June  30.  1886. 
Both  were  buried  in  the  Norwegian  Cemetery 
in  that  town. 

Ole  Jeremiason  and  Miss  Margaret  Ever- 
son were  married  Nov.  26,  1876,  and  to  them 


614 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


were  born  the  following  children : Ida,  born 

Oct.  6,  1877;  Julia,  born  Dec.  18,  1880;  Nettie, 
born  Dec.  21,  1882;  Sophia,  born  June  14, 
1884;  Martin,  born  Feb.  2,  1887;  and  Milla, 
born  Feb.  12,  1892.  Mrs.  Jeremiason  was 
burn  March  19,  1854,  near  Brod'head,  and  was 
one  of  a family  of  six  children : Sveino,  of 

Rock  county;  Peter,  of  Brodhead1 ; Even,  of 
Dane  county;  Helena,  the  'wife  of  Mangus 
Freeman,  of  Rock  county;  Margaret;  and 
Amon,  of  Rock  county. 

Air.  Jeremiason  was  in  very  poor  circum- 
stances when  he  arrived  in  this  country,  and 
made  the  journey  from  Janesville  to  York 
township  on  foot.  There  he  and  his  father 
took  up  a small  tract  of  government  land,  and 
by  hard  work,  economy  and  industry  he  has 
come  to  own  one  of  the  largest  farms'  of  Green 
county,  which  is  entirely  free  from  encum- 
brance. Mr.  Jeremiason  is  a stanch  Repub- 
lican and  a devoted  member  of  the  Lutheran 
Church,  and  is  honest  and  square  in  all  his 
dealings.  At  the  present  time  he  is  engaged 
in  farming  and  the  dairy  business.  He  milks 
some  forty  cows,  and  belongs  to  the  Co-opera- 
tive Cheese  Manufacturing  Company. 

In  the  spring  of  1865  Mr.  Jeremiason  en- 
listed in  the  46th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  until 
the  following  fall.  Fie  made  a g_ood  record, 
though  late  in  entering,  and  his  children  may 
well  be  proud  of  their  father’s  good  name  in 
every  walk  of  life. 

JAMES  P.  COX  enjoys  the  double  dis- 
tinction of  being  a son  of  one  of  Wisconsin’s 
pioneers,  and  a gallant  veteran  of  the  war  for 
the  preservation  of  the  Union.  He  was  born 
in  the  town  of  Potosi,  Grant  county,  Jan.  11, 
I836,  his  father  being  Judge  James  P.  Cox, 
one  of  the  foremost  pioneers  of  this  section  of 
the  State,  whose  name  is  held  in  reverential 
esteem. 

Judge  Cox  was  born  in  Philadelphia  in 
1802,  and,  being  left  an  orphan  at  the  age  of 
eight  years,  was  reared  in  a Quaker  family, 
who  gave  him  the  ordinary  advantages  of 
rudimentary  education  and  apprenticed  him  to 
learn  the  trade  of  a tanner.  The  occupation 
did  not  prove  to  his  liking,  and  on  reaching 
the  age  of  twenty-two  years,  his  mind  was 
made  up  to  seek  fresh  fields  and  pastures  new 
in  what  was  then  regarded  as  the  extreme 
West.  Accordingly,  in  1S24  he  came  to  Wis- 
consin, settling  in  that  portion  of  the  (then) 


territory  which  is  now  Grant  county.  By  vir- 
tue of  intelligence  and  industry,  perception  and 
probity,  he  soon  forged  to  the  front.  During 
those  early  days  when  Wisconsin  was  yet  a 
Territory,  he  held  the  office  of  sheriff,  his 
official  jurisdiction  extending  over  the  region 
which  now  embraces  the  counties  . of  Grant, 
Iowa  and  Crawford.  He  was  at  Prairie  du 
Chien,  when  the  grizzled  old  veteran,  Zachary 
Taylor,  commanded  the  garrison  and  when 
Jefferson  Davis,  afterward  the  president  of  the 
extinct  Southern  Confederacy,  was  a success- 
ful, suitor  for  the  hand  of  Taylor’s  daughter. 
Judge  Cox  was  a soldier  in  the  Black  Hawk 
war,  and  his  widow  yet  draws  a pension  for 
his  services  in  that  conflict.  Mrs.  ( Judge 
James  P. ) Cox  was  Miss  Caroline  Dawson 
before  marriage,  and  her  birthplace  was  Shaw- 
neetown,  in  Southern  Illinois.  Judge  Cox 
finally  settled  on  a farm  near  Potosi,  Grant 
county,  giving  the  place  the  name  of  Osceola, 
by  which  it  is  still  known.  Fie  served  in  the 
territorial  legislature,  and  was  a man  of  wide 
influence,  and  was  made  one  of  the  judges  of 
the  Territory.  He  was  a man  of  broad  mind 
and  deep  convictions,  to  which  he  was  inflex- 
ibly loyal.  A Whig  before  the  formation  of 
the  Republican  party,  he  acted  with  the  latter 
from  the  outset  of  its  existence,  and  was  one 
of  its  chief  organizers  in  Wisconsin.  An  ar- 
dent patriot,  he  warmly  supported  the  war 
policy  of  President  Lincoln,  and  lived  to  see 
the  triumph  of  the  old  flag  and  the  restoration 
of  the  Union.  He  pre-empted  400  acres  of 
government  land  in  the  township  of  Lancaster, 
Grant  county,  and  passed  his  later  years  in 
farming.  He  passed  from  earth  in  1866.  leav- 
ing an  unblemished  record  in  every  relation  of 
life,  both  public  and  private,  and  his  demise 
was  widely  and  deeply  mourned.  He  was  the 
father  of  nine  children,  all  of  whom  attained 
maturity,  although  only  four  are  yet  living. 
Two  of  his  sons,  James  P.,  Jr.,  and  Thomas 
D.,  served  in  the  Union  army  during  the  war 
of  the  Rebellion.  Thomas  D.  was  a member 
of  Company  C (Captain  McKee’s  command), 
of  the  2d  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  was  killed  in  the 
first  battle  of  Bull  Run.  July  21,  1861,  two 
days  before  completing  his  twenty-first  year; 
he  was  the  first  soldierHrom  Grant  county  to 
lay  down  his  life  as  a sacrifice  upon  his  coun- 
try's altar,  and  his  memory  is  honored  and 
preserved  in  the  naming  of  the  Grand  Army 
Post  at  Lancaster  “Tom  Cox.” 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


615 


A brief  mention  of  the  other  members  of 
the  family  cannot  fail  to  prove  of  interest. 
Those  who  have  died  were  Mrs.  Harriet  R. 
Clise,  the  eldest  child,  Mrs.  Ann  M.  Clise, 
Henrietta  and  Rufus'  W.  Besides  Mr.  James 
P.  Cox  there  are  yet  living  Charles,  whose 
home  is  near  his  brother  James  P.,  on  the  old 
homestead;  John  T.,  a resident  of  the  town- 
ship of  Paris,  Grant  county;  and  Mrs.  Eliza- 
beth Language,  on  an  adjoining  farm.  Mrs. 
James  P.  Cox,  Sr., 'the  mother  of  this  family, 
is  still  living,  at  the  age  of  ninety  years. 

James  P.  Cox,  the  subject  of  this  narrative, 
remained  upon  his  father’s  farm  until  the  out- 
break of  the  Civil  war.  On  Aug.  11,  1862, 
he  enlisted  as  a private  in  Company  H,  25th 
Wis.  V.  I.  The  regiment  was  mustered  into 
service  at  La  Crosse,  and  after  taking  part  in 
the  suppression  of  an  Indian  outbreak  was  dis- 
patched to  Columbus,  Ky.,  proceeding  thence 
to  Vicksburg,  Miss.,  where  it  participated  in 
the  celebrated  siege  of  that  city.  After  the 
surrender  of  the  Southern  stronghold,  the 
young  volunteer  became  ill,  and  was  sent  home 
on  furlough.  He  rejoined  his  regiment,  how- 
ever, at  Helena,  Ark.,  in  time  to  take  part  in 
the  famous  raid  on  Meridian,  Miss.  His  health 
giving  way  a second  time,  he  was  sent  to  the 
hospital  at  Vicksburg,  whence  he  was  trans- 
ferred to  Jefferson  Barracks,  in  Missouri,  and 
from  that  point  to  Prairie  du  Chien,  Wis., 
where  he  remained  until  honorably  discharged, 
at  the  close  of  his  term  of  enlistment.  His 
service  as  a soldier  left  him  physically  en- 
feebled, and  he  is  yet  a victim  to  those  twin 
maladies  of  the  old  veterans — rheumatism  and 
chronic  diarrhoea.  In  1866  he  was  elected 
sheriff  of  Grant  county,  and  filled  that  respon- 
sible office  for  two  years.  In  1868  he  retired 
to  his1  farm,  where  he  yet  resides,  broken  in 
health,  but  with  mental  faculties  undimmed, 
and  happy  in  the  recollection  of  a life  well 
spent. 

He  was  married  in  1874  to  Miss  Margaret 
H.  McKenzie,  a daughter  of  the  late  James 
McKenzie,  one  of  Grant  county’s  honored  pio- 
neers, who  was  born  in  Philadelphia  in  1794, 
a son  of  Alexander  McKenzie,  a native  of  Glas- 
gow, Scotland,  the  story  of  whose  life  reads 
like  a romance.  While  walking  along  the 
beach  near  his  home,  a mere  youth,  he  was 
seized  by  the  hated  and  dreaded  “press  gang,” 
and  forced  aboard  a British  man-of-war,  where 
he  did  compulsory  service  for  three  "years. 


During  the  war  of  the  Revolution  the  vessel 
on  which  he  was  virtually  a prisoner  was 
cruising  in  American  waters,  and  young  Mc- 
Kenzie, with  eleven  companions,  resolved  to 
make  an  effort  to  escape.  The  coast  was  seven 
miles  distant,  yet  they  jumped  overboard  and 
swam  for  shore.  Of  the  party  that  made  this 
daring  plunge  for  freedom,  only  five  regained 
their  liberty,  the  others  sinking  beneath  the 
waves  through  exhaustion,  or  being  struck  by 
shot  from  the  vessel’s  guns,  which,  after  the 
fact  of  the  escape  was  ascertained,  kept  up  a 
perpetual  firing.  After  landing  upon  Ameri- 
can soil  Alexander  McKenzie  lost  no  time  in 
joining  the  patriotic  army,  and  after  a service 
of  four  years,  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  the 
independence  of  the  colonies  recognized  by  the 
Crown.  The  remainder  of  his  life  was  passed 
near  Philadelphia,  and  there  he  died  while  his 
son  James  (the  father  of  Mrs.  Cox)  was  yet 
a child.  He  was  the  son  of  a royal  house  in 
Scotland,  but  unfortunately  Mrs.  Cox  does  not 
know  its  history  well  enough  to  relate  it. 
James  McKenzie  was  one  of  a family  of  five 
children,  three  of  whom  were  sons.  The 
eldest  child  is  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Ellison,  of  Phila- 
delphia ; the  second,  Mrs.  Margaret  Hanley, 
resided  with  her  husband  on  a large  plantation 
in  Kentucky,  and  died  there  many  years  ago ; 
Thomas  (also  deceased)  was  an  esteemed  citi- 
zen of  Terre  Haute,  Ind. ; Alexander,  a twin 
brother  of  James,  lived  and  died  on  a Ken- 
tucky plantation,  adjoining  that  of  his  sister. 

James  was  apprenticed  to  the  trade  of  cab- 
inet maker  while  a youth,  but  before  the  close 
of  his  apprenticeship  had  expired  he  enlisted 
in  the  army  to  take  part  in  the  war  of  1812. 
He  served  as  second  lieutenant  in  the  regiment 
commanded  by  Col.  Cadwallader,  and  at  the 
close  of  the  struggle  was  given  the  honorary 
title  of  Colonel,  by  which  he  was  known  dur- 
ing- the  remainder  of  his  life,  and  his  figure 
and  martial  bearing  well  substantiated  his  claim 
to  the  distinction.  The  name  was  long  known 
and  honored  in  both  Kentucky  and  Wisconsin. 
It  was  in  Kentucky  that  he  married  Lucintha 
Roundtree,  and  it  was  in  the  early  days  of  their 
married  life  (in  1836)  that  the  young  couple 
removed  to  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin,  be- 
coming the  first  settlers  in  what  is  now  the 
township  of  Ellenboro.  He  erected  a saw- 
mill and  a flouring  mill  there,  and  “McKen- 
zie’s mill”  soon  became  famous  far  and  near. 
He  was  a man  of  cpiick  intelligence,  kindly 


6 i6 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


disposition  and  absolutely  unflagging  energy. 
He  was  eminently  social,  a genial  host,  and 
while  remarkably  successful  in  business,  his 
native  generosity  was  a constant  bar  to  his  ac- 
cumulation of  wealth.  He  was  a Mason  of 
high  degree,  and  in  no  relation  of  life  was  he 
ever  found  derelict.  In  1850  he  made  a trip 
to  California,  returning  after  an  absence  of 
two  years.  In  early  life  he  was  a Whig,  but 
later  affiliated  with  the  Democratic  party.  He 
died  upon  his  farm  in  Ellenboro  Aug.  21,  1881, 
having  rounded  out  a life  of  earnest  persever- 
ance and  good  work,  honored  by  the  com- 
munity whose  best  interests  he  had  labored  to 
advance,  and  sincerely  mourned  by  the  many 
friends  who  had  learned  to  love  him  for  his 
many  virtues,  not  the  least  of  which  was  his 
quick,  tender  sympathy  for  all  who  were  in 
distress. 

To  James  McKenzie  and  his  wife  were 
born  seven  children,  three  of  whom  are  de- 
ceased. Henry,  the  eldest  son,  died  at  Ellen- 
boro in  1885.  The  youngest  son,  Harrison 
McKenzie,  enlisted  in  May,  1861,  in  Company 
C,  2d  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  lost  his  life  on  the  field 
of  Antietam  Sept.  17,  1862.  John,  whose 
home  was  near  Stockton,  Cal.,  died  there  at 
6 o’clock  on  the  morning  of  Jan.  4,  1901. 
I hose  of  the  family  who  yet  survive,  besides 
Mrs.  Cox  are  Mrs.  Barnett,  of  Milwaukee, 
Mrs.  Nancy  Clise.  of  Seattle,  Wash.,  and  Mrs. 
Belle  Spencer,  of  Minneapolis. 

^ MYRON  A.  BISHOP,  proprietor  of  the 
“Gates  House”  at  Platteville,  Grant  county, 
was  born  in  Huron  county,  Ohio,  Dec.  19, 
1845,  a son  of  Alonzo  and  Louisa  (Rey- 
nolds) Bishop,  the  former  of  whom  was  born 
Dec.  28,  1809,  in  New  York  State,  the  latter 
Sept.  28,  1 81  3,  in  Connecticut. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Alonzo  Bishop  lived  in  the 
Empire  State  for  six  years  after  their  mar- 
riage,  then  removed  to  Huron  county,  Ohio, 
and  in  1854  came  to  Wisconsin,  locating  in 
Beloit,  where  the  father  was  engaged  in  farm- 
ing. The  latter  days  of  the  parents  were 
passed,  however,  at  the  home  of  their  son 
Myron  A.,  in  Platteville,  where  they  passed 
away  in  1881,  the  mother  on  Nov.  13,  and  the 
father  on  Nov.  18.  They  had  born  to  them 
thirteen  children,  eight  of  whom  reached  ma- 
ture years,  the  seven  besides  Myron  A.  being 
(1)  George  W.,  who  was  born  in  New  Yhork 
State  in  1836,  was  educated  in  Ohio,  and  when 


a young  man  came  to  Wisconsin  and  engaged 
in  the  lumber  business  in  the  pineries.  At  the 
breaking  out  of  the  Civil  war  he  enlisted  in 
the  10th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  through  the 
entire  struggle.  After  the  war  was  over  he 
purchased  a farm  in  Perry,  Dallas  Co.,  Iowa, 
and  married  Miss  Esther  Arthur,  of  Wiscon- 
sin, who  bore  him  three  sons,  George,  Dr. 
Earnest  and  Ora,  all  residents  of  Iowa.  George 
W.  Bishop  died  in  1898.  (2)  Thomas,  born 

March  25,  1844,  was  also  a soldier  in  the  Civil 
war,  and  was  killed  before  Petersburg,  Va., 
June  17,  1864.  (3)  W.  H.,  born  in  1847, 

came  with  his  parents  to  Wisconsin,  where  he 
worked  on  his  father's  farm  until  enlisting,  in 
the  fall  of  1864,  in  the  12th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and 
served  until  the  close  of  the  war;  he  was  with 
Sherman  on  the  march  to  the  sea,  and  while 
in  the  service  sustained  a sunstroke  that  left 
him  in  poor  health  for  some  time.  He  mar- 
ried Miss  Sarah  A.  James,  of  Wyoming,  Iowa 
Co.,  Wis.,  was  for  many  years  employed  as 
United  States  mail  carrier  between  Mineral 
Point,  Dodgeville  and  Arena,  and  in  1877  set- 
tled in  Platteville,  where  he  carried  on  a livery 
business  until  his'  death,  in  1893;  he  left  his 
wife  with  one  son.  Dr.  T.  W.  Bishop,  of  Platte- 
ville. Of  the  surviving  daughters  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Alonzo  Bishop,  (4)  Amanda,  born  in 
New  York  in  1834,  became  the  wife  of  A.  W. 
Greene,  of  Beloit,  Wis.,  who  in  1857  settled 
in  Arena,  Iowa  county,  where  Mr.  Greene 
farmed  until  his  death,  in  1863.  He  left  his 
widow  with  two  children,  Della  and  Lydia, 
the  former  of  whom  is  the  wife  of  D.  C.  Mun- 
yon,  of  South  Dakota,  and  the  latter  the  widow 
of  George  Burrow,  and  a resident  of  Minne- 
sota. Mrs.  Greene  was  married  after  her  first 
husband’s'  death  to  Frederick  Beaumont,  and 
resided  at  Lone  Rock,  Wis.,  until  her  death, 
Dec.  17,  1900.  By  her  second  marriage  she 
became  the  mother  of  two  children,  Alonzo 
and  Frances.  (5)  Mary  J.,  born  in  Ohio  in 
1838,  is  the  wife  of  J.  N.  Dodge,  a farmer 
of  Round  Lake,  Minn.,  and  has  three  children, 
George,  Minnie  and  William;  the  latter  was 
educated  at  the  Platteville  State  Normal 
School  and  the  Chicago  Dental  College..  (6) 
Sarah  Louisa,  born  in  Ohio  in  1842,  is  the 
widow  of  George  W.  Billington,  of  Arena, 
Wis.,  who  died  Jan.  5,  1900.  She  now  resides 
in  Wyoming  Valley  and  has  six  children  liv- 
ing-, Cora  (wife  of  Robert  Edwards,  of  Sib- 
ley, Iowa),  Frankie  (married  to  Dana  Hickox, 


i 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


6 1 7 


of  Clarion,  Iowa),  Minnie  (wife  of  Louis 
Billington,  of  South  Dakota),  Iva  (wife  of 
Allen  Olson,  of  Iowa  county,  Wis.),  and  Will- 
iam and  Roy,  at  home.  (7)  Eva,  born  in 
Ohio  in  1852,  was1  married  to  Albert  Green, 
who  died  in  Brandon,  Wis.,  leaving  his  widow 
with  four  daughters,  Carrie,  Sylvia,  Anna  and 
Minnie.  Mrs.  Green  was  later  married  to 
Hiram  Dodge,  and  died  in  July,  1899,  leaving 
two  sons  and  one  daughter  by  Mr.  Dodge. 

Myron  A.  Bishop  was  educated  in  the  com- 
mon and 'high  schools  of  Beloit,  Wis.  At  the 
early  age  of  sixteen  he  enlisted  in  Company 
B,  34th  Wis.  V.  I.,  under  Capt.  James  M. 
Ruby,  took  part  in  several  skirmishes,  and  was' 
honorably  discharged  at  the  close  of  his  one 
year’s  term  of  enlistment.  After  his  return 
he  again  attended  school  six  years,  and  then 
engaged  in  teaching,  a vocation  he  followed 
about  seven  years. 

On  Aug.  19,  1868,  Mr.  Bishop  married 
Miss  Carrie  Ward,  daughter  of  William  A.  and 
Elizabeth  Ward,  of  Arena,  Wis.  Mrs.  Bishop 
was  born  in  Nova  Scotia  Dec.  9,  1845,  but 
early  came  to  the  Wolverine  State,  and  here 
engaged  in  school  teaching.  After  marriage 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bishop  taught  school  a year  in 
Perry,  Dallas  Co.,  Iowa,  and  then  returned 
to  Wisconsin.  For  three  years  Mr.  Bishop  was 
engaged  in  mercantile  trade,  then  for  two  years 
ran  a stage  between  Platteville  and  Boscobel, 
and  next  conducted  the  “Park  House,”  at 
Platteville,  for  about  six  years,  at  the  end  of 
which  time  he  sold  out  and  engaged  in  mer- 
chandising  at  Mount  Hope  for  two  years.  He 
then  disposed  of  his  mercantile  business  and 
kept  a hotel  in  Cassville  for  about  five  years,  in 
1893  purchasing  the  “Gates  House,”  in  Platte- 
ville, of  which  he  has  since  continued  to  be 
the  genial  and  popular  proprietor.  He  and 
his  wife  are  both  well  fitted  for  this  business', 
and  the  kindly  and  hospitable  faces  of  both 
are  familiar  to  all  travelers  in  the  habit  of 
visiting  the  town.  The  hotel  is  conducted  on 
the  temperance  plan,  and  in  the  most  orderly 
and  homelike  manner;  the  table  is  supplied 
with  the  best  viands  afforded1  by  the  local  and 
city  markets,  and  the  sleeping-  apartments  are 
clean,  neatly  furnished  and  comfortable  in 
every  respect.  Mrs.  Bishop  is  a lady  of  culture 
and  refinement,  and,  she  possesses  the  happy 
faculty  of  making  her  numerous  guests  feel 
at  home.  For  the  past  fifteen  years,  also,  Mr. 
Bishop  has  acted  as  an  auctioneer  throughout 


Grant  and  adjoining  counties,  and  has  gained 
for  himself  the  reputation  of  being  one  of  the 
best  salesmen  in  this  section. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bishop  have  been  born 
three  sons:  Bert  M.,  now  the  only  survivor, 

born  Jan.  15,  1875,  is  a graduate  of  the  Platte- 
ville Business  College,  1894,  and  of  the  State 
Normal  School,  Platteville,  class  of  1898,  is 
well  advanced  in  literature  and  music,  and 
socially  is  one  of  the  leading  young  men  of 
the  town;  Willet  J.,  born  April  10,  1877,  died 
the  same  month;  and  Harold,  born  Sept.  3, 
1881,  died  April  22,  1886. 

In  politics  Mr.  Bishop  has  always  identi- 
fied himself  with  the  Republican  party,  and  has 
been  very  active  in  party  work,  especially  in 
local  matters.  He  is  a member  of  Sherman 
Post,  No.  62.  G.  A.  R.,  of  Platteville;  of  Platte- 
ville Lodge,  No.  125,  K.  of  P. ; of  the  Knights 
of  the  Globe;  and  of  the  M.  W.  A. 

During  the  drought  in  Nebraska,  in  1894, 
when  the  farmers  and  others  of  that  State  had 
suffered  heavy  losses,  an  agent  was  sent  to 
Platteville  to  solicit  money  for  the  relief  of 
the  more  pressing  immediate  wants,  and  oats 
for  the  coming  spring  season.  Through  the 
efforts  of  Mr.  Bishop  and  his  influence  with 
the  G.  A.  R.  1,100  bushels  of  oats  were  con- 
tributed, and  these,  with  a neat  sum  in  cash, 
were  freely  divided  among  the  veterans  and 
Nebraskans  in  want.  In  1899  Mr.  Bishop  pur- 
chased a farm  of  160  acres  in  Petersburg, 
Neb.,  which  he  rents. 

T.  W.  Bishop,  M.  D.,  a nephew  of  our 
subject,  was  graduated  from  the  Platteville 
Normal  in  1890.  and  from  Bellevue  Medical 
College,  New  York,  in  1894,  and  is  now  a 
physician  of  Platteville.  In  1896  he  married 
Miss  Floy  Wheeler,  of  Baraboo,  Wis.,  daugh- 
ter of  Rev.  Bert  Wheeler.  D.  D.,  of  the  M.  E. 
j Church. 

William  A.  Ward,  Mrs.  Bishop’s  father, 
was  born  in  Nova  Scotia  in  1804,  son  of  Rob- 
ert Ward,  and  was  of  English  extraction.  In 
1827  he  married  Elizabeth  Reid,  a native  of 
Nova  Scotia,  born  in  1802,  and  they  came  with 
their  family  to  Wisconsin  in  1846,  locating 
at  Ridgeway,  where  he  engaged  in  farming. 
He  died  in  April,  1883.  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Ward 
died  in  July,  1854.  and  in  1857  he  married 
for  his  second  wife  Margaret  McKenzie,  of 
Ridgeway.  By  the  first  wife  he  had  the  fol- 
lowing children  who  grew  to  maturity:  G. 

S.,  born  in  November,  1828,  now  of  Iowa; 


6 1 8 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Kate  E.,  born  in  1830,  who  married  Alexander 
McKenzie;  Sarah  A.,  born  in  1832,  who  mar- 
ried William  J.  Laughlin,  and  is  deceased; 
John  W.,  born  Jan.  27,  1835,  who  died  in 
1900;  James  E.,  born  in  November,  1836,  of 
Hollandale,  Wis. ; Nancy  V.,  born  June  28, 
1838,  who  married  William  A.  McKenzie;  and 
Carrie,  Mrs.  Bishop.  By  the  second  marriage 
there  were  three  children:  ' Etta,  born  in  1858, 
wife  of  Robert  Clark,  of  Chicago;  William 
A.,  born  in  1861,  of  Chicago;  and  Zella  B., 
born  in  1864,  who  is  unmarried. 

MATHEW  BAINBRIDGE.  Among  the 
wealthy  and  leading  farmers  of  Lafayette  coun- 
ty, is  Mathew  Bainbridge,  of  Blanchard  town- 
ship, his  finely  improved  farm  lying  two  and 
one-half  miles  south-west  of  Blanchardville. 
This  comprises  436  acres  of  fertile  and  well 
cultivated  land,  and  its  location  on  Sections  26, 
27,  34,  and  35,  comprises  some  of  the  most  val- 
uable land  in  this  part  of  Wisconsin. 

Mathew  Bainbridge  was  born  in  Durham 
county,  England,  July  13,  1846,  a son  of  Henry 
and  Jane  (Hutchinson)  Bainbridge,  both  of 
whom  were  natives  of  England,  although  the 
Hutchinson  family  originated  in  Scotland. 
These  parents  had  a family  of  twelve  children, 
nine  of  whom  grew  to  maturity:  John,  Eliza- 
beth and  Henry,  deceased;  Thomas,  a retired 
farmer  of  Lafayette  county;  Anthony,  a resi- 
dent of  Benton,  in  this  county;  Dinah,  de- 
ceased ; George,  who  remains  on  the  old  Eng- 
lish homestead;  Mathew,  of  this  biography; 
and  Isabella,  deceased. 

Previous  to  coming  to  the  United  States, 
Mathew  Bainbridge  married  Miss  Hannah 
Bainbridge,  in  1868,  a daughter, of  Joseph  Bain- 
bridge, and  her  birth  was  in  1848.  Eleven  chil- 
dren have  blessed  this  union:  Joseph,  at  home; 
Jane  died  at  the  age  of  twenty-two  ; John  IT.,  at  - 
home ; Margaret  E.  married  Columbus  Johns, 
of  North  Dakota;  Charlotte  married  Clyde 
Robinson,  of  Ohio;  Etta,  at  home;  Mathew  W., 
at  home;  Annie,  at  home,  as  are  also  Thomas- 
S.,  Archie  and  Bessie  B.  In  1S70,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Bainbridge  came  to  America  and  first  set- 
tled near  Benton,  in  Lafayette  county,  where 
the  former  engaged  in  mining  and  successfully 
pursued  this  for  the  succeeding  five  years,  and 
then  began  farming,  renting  land  for  the  next 
five  years,  at  the  expiration  of  which  he  bought 
his  present  most  desirable  estate.  In  ad- 
dition to  this  valuable  property,  he  also  owns  a 


fine  farm  of  220  acres  in  the  township  of  Ben- 
ton, which  may  be  of  still  greater  value,  as  it 
has  every  indication  of  mineral  wealth.  . 

Mr.  Bainbridge  is  a man  of  ideas,  and  not 
only  successfully  conducts  extensive  farming- 
operations,  but  is  also  engaged  in  the  dairy  and 
cheese  business  on  a large  scale,  and  much  of 
his  time  is  occupied  in  the  breeding  of  fine 
horses  from  imported  stock.  In  politics,  he  is 
a Republican,  and  has  taken  an  active  interest 
in  township  affairs,  efficiently  filling  the  office 
of  school  director  and  has  been  chairman  of  the 
township  board.  The  family  is  connected  with 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  to  which  Mr. 
Bainbridge  gives  liberal  support.  Remember- 
ing that  Mr.  Bainbridge  came  to  this  country  a 
poor  man,  there  is  something  admirable  in  the 
success  which  he  has  won  by  his  energy  and 
business  ability.  His  standing  in  the  commu- 
nity is  very  high,  and  no  one  in  Lafayette  coun- 
ty can  be  named  as  a better  husband,  father, 
friend  or  citizen,-  than  he. 

LEWIS  WHITEHEAD  (deceased)  was 
among  the  honorable  and  useful  citizens  of  his 
time.  As  a neighbor  and  a citizen  he  was 
highly  esteemed  for  his  kind  heart,  his  sympa- 
thetic disposition,  and  his  manly  and  upright 
character. 

Mr.  Whitehead  was  a native  of  Berne, 
England,  born  June  15,  1815,  spent  his  boy- 
hood and  youth  in  the  community  where  he 
was  born,  and  there  obtained  his  schooling. 
He  descended  from  a family  of  the  purest 
Anglo-Saxon  lineage,  which  far  away  was 
mingled  with  a royal  strain.  William  and  An- 
nie (Tone)  Whitehead,  his  parents,  were  born 
in  Berne,  England,  where  the  father  followed 
the  double  occupation  of  farming  and  fishing, 
and  they  were  known  as  honorable  and  indus- 
trious people.  They  were  the  parents  of  thir- 
teen children,  those  who  came  to  this  country 
being  William,  Lewis  and  John. 

Lewis  Whitehead,  after  coming  to  this 
country,  in  June,  1850,  settled  in  Wisconsin, 
and  became  well  established  here.  He  was 
married  in  Green  county  June  3,  1866,  to  Miss 
Olive  L.  Minor,  a daughter  of  Hiram  and 
Parmelia  (Grant)  Minor.  Mrs.  Parmelia 
(Grant)  Minor  was  a distant  relative  of  Presi- 
dent Grant.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Whitehead  became 
the  parents  of  the  following  children:  (1) 

John  W.,  born  April  10,  1867,  married  Miss 
Statire  Foote,  of  Medina,  Ohio,  and  is  now  a 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


6 1 9 


farmer  in  that  locality.  (2)  George  Henry, 
born  Aug.  21,  1868,  married  Miss  Nettie  Lich- 
tenwaller,  of  Monroe,  Wis.,  and  is  a farmer  in 
the  town  of  Jefferson.  (3)  Alvin  R.,  born 
March  28,  1870,  is  a farmer  in  Iowa,  and  on 
Feb.  13,  1901,  he  married  Elizabeth  Greves. 
(4)  Annie  Maria,  born  Nov.  3,  1871.  (5) 

Wakeman  D.,  born  March  25,  1873.  resides 
with  his  mother  on  the  home  farm,  and  is  en- 
gaged in  its  cultivation.  (6)  Parker  M.,  born 
■ Sept.  24,  1874,  is  a merchant  at  Elgin,  Neb. 
(7)  Frank  B.,  the  youngest  in  the  family,  was 
born  March  14,  1876,  and  is  now  engaged  in 
farming  in  Indiana. 

Mrs.  Olive  L.  Whitehead  was  born  Dec. 
3,  1841,  the  eldest  child  in  a family  of  nine, 
the  others  being  Ruby  J.,  William  1VL,  Cyrus 
T.,  Truman  J.,  Perry,  Franklin,  Belinda,  and 
Serepta  (who  died  in  childhood).  Hiram 
Minor  was  born  in  1812,  and  died  in  1886,  and 
was  totally  deprived  of  sight  for  twelve  years 
previous  to  his  death.  Mbs.  Hiram  Minor 
was  born  in  1818,  and  died  in  1855. 

Lewis  Whitehead  began  life  in  this  coun- 
try as  a day  laborer,  but  soon  became  a farmer, 
and  at  the  time  of  his  death,  in  1884,  owned  a 
fine  estate  of  180  acres  of  very  desirable  farm- 
ing land  in  the  town  of  Jefferson.  Mrs.  Olive 
L.  Whitehead  is  now  making  her  home  on  the 
old  place.  Mr.  Whitehead  was  a Republican, 
and  thoroughly  posted  on  the  topics  of  his  time. 
Honest  and  true  to  his  convictions,  he  was 
well  liked  by  his  neighbors,  and  acted  the  part 
of  a man  wherever  placed.  To  his  family  he 
left  a good  property,  and  his  widow  is  passing 
her  last  years  in  peace  and  comfort.  She  is  a 
woman  of  more  than  the  usual  force  of  char- 
acter, and  is  highly  spoken  of  by  those  who 
know  her  best  as  a sincere  Christian,  of  kindly 
spirit  and  generous  impulses. 

HON.  ARCHIBALD  CAMPBELL,  a 
resident  of  the  town  of  Brigham,  Iowa  county, 
since  July,  1850,  is  one  of  the  representative 
men  of  Southwestern  Wisconsin,  and  his  hon- 
1 orable  and  useful  career  since  his  arrival  here 
deserves  high  commendation  in  this  record. 

Mr.  Campbell  comes  of  Scotch  ancestry, 
and  was  himself  born  on  Prince  Edward  Island 
April  28,  1828, 1 3eing  a son  of  James  and  Eliza- 
: bet'h  (Montgomery)  Campbell.  The  first 
Montgomery  of  this  family  to  come  to  America 
bore  the  name  of  Donald,  and  was  a thorough- 
bred Scotchman.  Both  the  Campbells  and 


Montgomerys  were  among  the  very  early  set- 
tiers  of  Prince  Edward  Island. 

Archibald  Campbell  attained  his  majority 
in  bis  native  island.  When  he  had  reached 
man’s  estate  he  came,  in  company  with  a half 
brother,  to  Wisconsin,  where  another  brother 
had  already  come,  and  established  a home. 
James  I . Campbell,  who  came  with  him,  is  in 
South  Dakota ; Alexander  Campbell,  who  was 
already  established  here,  is  in  Washington. 
Donald  Campbell,  a full  brother  of  Archibald, 
is  now  living  in  Boston,  Mass.  For  a time 
after  his  arrival  in  Wisconsin,  Archibald 
Campbell  was  an  inmate  of  the  home  of  ’Squire 
Brigham,  a well-known  pioneer,  whose  name 
the  township  in  which  he  settled  bears. 

Mr.  Campbell  was  one  of  the  early  teach- 
ers in  Wisconsin,  teaching  in  the  townships  of 
Blue  Mounds  and  Vermont,  in  Dane  county. 
A farm  was  improved  by  him  near  Blue 
Mounds,  where  he  made  his  home  until  Feb- 
ruary, 1865,  when  he  settled  on  bis  present 
beautiful  home  farm  in  Section  3,  in  the  town 
of  Brigham.  Early  in  1865  I'd!-.  Campbell  en- 
listed in  Company  A,  49th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  was 
made  a sergeant  of  the  company  at  its  organi- 
zation. Actively  engaged  with  his  regiment, 
he  saw  many  of  the  stirring  scenes  of  the  clos- 
ing months  of  the  Great  Rebellion,  and  though 
his  military  experience  was  brief,  it  was  in 
every  way  creditable.  Since  the  close  of  the 
war  Mr.  Campbell  has  resided  on  his  present 
farm,  and  has  passed  his  years  in.  the  quiet 
pursuit  of  his  useful  calling.  His  character 
is  above  and  beyond  all  possible  serious  criti- 
cism. 

Mrs.  Campbell  was  formerly  Miss  Frede- 
rika  Helmenstine,  and  she  is  a -daughter  of 
John  A.  Helmenstine,  a well-known  pioneer 
settler.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Campbell  were  born 
three  daughters  and  six  sons.  A sad  affliction 
befell  them  in  the  death  of  their  oldest  daugh- 
ter, Elizabeth,  who  was  killed  by  a cyclone  in 
1879,  due  town  of  Moscow,  Iowa  county, 
where  she  was  teaching  school  at  the  time.  At 
the  approach  of  the  storm,  which  seemed  to 
threaten  the  school  house,  she  tried  to  escape 
with  the  children,  but  was  killed,  while  the 
house  was  left  uninjured. 

Mr.  Campbell  was  prominently  identified 
with  the  early  political  history  of  Wisconsin, 
and  enjoyed  the  acquaintance  of  many  of  the 
leading  men  of  the  State  who  have  since 
passed  from  the  stage  of  action.  Fie  voted 


620 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


for  Gen.  Scott  in  1852,  and  was  a delegate  to 
the  first  Republican  convention  held  in  Madi- 
son in  1854,  and  since  that  event  has  been  a 
steadfast  Republican.  In  1878  he  was  sent  to 
the  State  Senate,  where  he  made  a creditable 
record.  Before  the  adoption  of  the  present 
system  he  was'  a county  commissioner,  and  has 
since  served  on  the  county  board  a number 
of  terms.  Mr.  Campbell  has  taken  an  active 
interest  in  educational  affairs,  and  long  served 
as  school  director,  being  treasurer  for  eighteen 
years.  There  are  few  men  who  have  a wider 
acquaintance  in  this  part  of  the  State,  or  are 
more  highly  regarded  than  the  gentleman 
whose  name  introduces  this  sketch.  Keeping 
in  touch  with  the  best  thought  of  the  time,  he 
is  universally  recognized  as  a progressive  and 
valuable  citizen. 

JAMES  H.  EARNEST,  for  over  three 
score  years  identified  with  the  farming  and 
mining  interests  of  Lafayette  county,  Wis., 
died  at  his  old  home  June  12,  1900.  His  birth 
occurred  in  Franklin  county,  Ivy.,  Jam  11, 
1818,  and  in  that  State  his  parents  died1  while 
he  was  still  quite  young,  and  he  was  early 
thrown  upon  his  own  resources. 

In  1836  Mr.  Earnest  came  alone  to  Wiscon- 
sin, and  found  work  in  the  mines  in  New  Dig- 
gings township,  where  he  remained  for  four- 
teen years.  About  1850  he  purchased  his  farm, 
which  was  then  unimproved,  and  erected  good 
buildings  for  his  family,  with  spacious  barns 
and  outbuildings  for  animals,  of  which  he 
kept  many.  In  politics  Mr.  Earnest  belonged 
to  the  old  Democratic  party,  and  for  sixteen 
3rears  represented  his  county  in  the  State  Legis- 
lature. He  was  very  prominent  as  a member, 
and  was  active  in  the  promotion  of  many  a 
law  having  for  its  object  the  welfare  of  the 
State.  In  the  political  work  of  his  own  coun- 
ty he  was  always  in  the  front  rank  of  workers' 
and  was  looked  upon  as  one  of  the  most  suc- 
cessful leaders. 

In  1S46  Mr.  Earnest  wedded  Miss  Mary 
E.  McCoun  who  was  born  in  Kentucky  in 
February,  1824.  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Esther 
(Eccles)  McCoun,  who  were  both  born  and 
raised  near  Harrodsburg,  Ky.,  in  which  State 
they  both  died,  the  former  when  Mrs.  Earnest 
was  quite  small,  and  the  latter  when  eighty 
years  of  age.  There  were  four  children  in  the 
family  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McCoun,  namely : 
Arethusa  is  the  deceased  wife  of  Merritt  Cun- 


ningham ; William,  born  in  1822,  married 
Miss  Vienna  Peters,  and  settled  in  Missouri, 
where  he  was  engaged  as  a merchant,  later  go- 
ing to  Arizona,  where  he  was  killed  by  the 
Indians,  leaving  his  widow  with  three  chil- 
dren, the  latter  now  residing  in  Missouri;  Jo- 
seph, born  in  1826,  married  Miss  Louisa 
Pepper,  and  engaged  in  farming  and  distilling 
in  Kentucky,  later  removing  to  Fort  Worth, 
Texas,  where  his  wife  died,  after  which  event 
he  returned  to  Kentucky  and  there  died  in 
1897,  the  father  of  three  sons  and  three  daugh- 
ters— Perla,  Hetty,  Lueta,  Robert,  Samuel,  and 
Joseph;  and  Mrs.  Mary  E.  Earnest  completes 
the  family.  Mrs.  Earnest  was  educated  in  the 
Springfield  Convent  in  Kentucky,  and  received 
a musical  and  literary  education.  She  has, 
notwithstanding  her  life  on  the  frontier,  man- 
aged to  keep  up  her  education  and  is  to-day 
a highly  cultured  woman  and  a fluent  conver- 
sationalist. Her  long  years  in  home  making 
in  the  early  days  are  intensely  interesting,  and 
it  is  difficult  to  believe  that  one  is  listening  to 
her  own  experiences.  She  proved  herself  a 
true  helpmeet  of  her  husband,  ably  seconding 
him  in  all  his  efforts,  and  taking  an  interest 
in  the  things  about  her.  Eight  children  blessed 
their  union:  (1)  Laura,  born  in  New  Dig- 

gings' in  May,  1847,  was  educated  partly  by 
the  Sisters  of  Sinsinawa,  Wis.,  and  later  in 
Miss  Edwards  Seminary  in  New  Haven, 
Conn.,  where  she  acquired  a good  classical  and 
musical  education.  She  married  William  H. 
Hughes,  an  employe  in  the  post  office  at  Mil- 
waukee. She  has  no  children  of  her  own,  but 
has  adopted  the  daughter,  Marie,  of  'her  de- 
ceased sister.  (2)  Kate,  born  in  August,  1849, 
was  educated  in  the  Sinsinawa  Mound  Sisters 
School,  whence  she  was  graduated.  She  mar- 
ried John  Dunlop,  a railroad  man,  and  has 
three  children,  Laura,  Earnest  and  John.  (3) 
Arethusa,  born  April  15,  1851,  was  gradu- 
ated from  the  Sisters  School  at  Sinsinawa 
Mound,  and  married  Walter  Le  Clerc,  of 
Prairie  du  Chien,  Wis.,  now  of  Milwaukee, 
and  has  one  daughter,  Genevieve.  (4)  James 
E.,  born  April  4,  1853,  was  educated  in  the  high 
school  of  Shullsburg,  and  is  now  engaged  in 
farming  in  Lafayette  county.  He  married  Miss 
May  Patton,  and  has  four  children,  Edna, 
Clara,  William  and  Bertha.  (5)  Ida  B.,  born 
April  1,  1855,  was  educated  at  the  Sisters 
School  at  Sinsinawa  Mound,  and  married 
Frank  A.  Porter,  a farmer,  and  died  June  29, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


621 


1892,  leaving  two  children,  Eugene  and  Marie. 
(6)  Grattan,  born  in  May,  1857,  received  a 
high-school  education,  and  now  superintends 
his  mother’s  farm.  He  married  Jennie  Frank- 
lin, and  has  one  son,  Roswell.  (7)  Walter, 
born  Feb.  22,  1859,  received  a good  education, 
and  is  now  chief  clerk  of  the  mail,  service  at 
Helena,  Mont.  He  married  Miss  Bertha  Cun- 
ningham, of  St.  Paul,  Minn,  (although  a na- 
tive of  Toledo,  Ohio),  and  became  the  father 
of  three  children,  all  of  whom  died  young. 
(8). Charles  D.,  born  Nov.  8,  1861,  was  edu- 
cated in  the  home  schools,  and  married  Miss 
Eva  Willcox,  of  Milwaukee,  where  he  is  em- 
ployed by  the  St.  Paul  R.  R.  They  have  three 
children,  Chester,  Earling  and  Viola.  This 
family  is  Roman  Catholic"  in  religion. 

JOHN  H.  COOK,  an  energetic  and  pro- 
gressive farmer  residing  on  section  3,  Water- 
loo township.  Grant  county,  was  born  July 
5,  1839,  in  Lewisburg,  Greenbrier  Co.,  W. 
Va.,  a son  of  Richard  and  Mary  Ann  (Smith) 
Cook,  also  natives  of  that  State.  The  family 
have  been  residents  of  Virginia  for  several 
generations.  In  1849  Richard  Cook,  his  wife 
and  eight  children  emigrated  to  Ohio.  He 
died  in  Kentucky,  while  visiting  a brother, 
after  which  his  widow  came  to  Grant  county, 
Wis.,  but  spent  her  last  days  at  the  home  of 
a daughter  in  Minnesota,  where  her  death  oc- 
curred. Of  their  eight  children,  only  three 
are  now  (1901)  living:  Addison,  a resident 
of  Little  Grant,  Grant  county;  Airs.  Elizabeth 
Mooney,  of  Cassville;  and  John  H.,  of  this 
sketch.  All  but  one  of  the  five  who  have  passed 
away  grew  to  mature  years,  Thomas  dying  at 
the  age  of  fourteen.  The  others  were  Davis, 
William,  James  and  Francis. 

John  H.  Cook,  the  immediate  subject  of 
this  biography,  came  to  Grant  county  from 
Ohio  in  1861,  and  was  engaged  in  mining  for 
a time.  In  1862  he  was  married  to  Miss  Le- 
titia  Tindell,  a daughter  of  James  Tindell,  and 
to  them  were  born  nine  children,  four  sons  and 
five  daughters,  namely:  Nettie,  wife  of  Arthur 
Shanilley;  Thomas,  a resident  of  Lancaster 
township.  Grant  county ; Mary,  wife  of  John 
Wilson;  Alaria,  wife  of  William  Good,  of  Bar- 
ron county,  Wis. ; Davis,  a student  at  the  Keo- 
kuk Afedical  College,  where  he  was  graduated 
in  the  class  of  1901  ; William;  Olive,  wife  of 
James  Kendall;  Everett,  a student  of  dental 
surgery;  and  Theresa. 


After  his  marriage  Air.  Cook  continued 
mining  until,  he  entered  the  service  of  his  coun- 
try during  the  Civil  war.  On  Sept.  1,  1864,. 
he  enlisted  in  Company  H,  43d  Wis.  V.  I.,  and 
remained  at  the  front  until  hostilities  ceased, 
being  honorably  discharged  at  Nashville, 
Tenn.,  June  24,  1865.  He  was  in  active  service 
with  his  regiment  all  of  the  time  with  the  ex- 
ception of  about  two  months,  when  confined  in 
the  hospital  by  illness,  being  taken  sick  at 
Johnsonville  by  drinking  foul  water.  Since  the 
war  Mr.  Cook  has  engaged  in  farming,  and 
now  has  a pleasant  home  in  Waterloo  township, 
where  the  family  reside.  His  health  was  great- 
ly impaired  by  his  army  service,  and  he  has 
since  suffered  from  heart  trouble.  He  is  one 
of  the  well-known  citizens  of  his  township  and 
is  justly  deserving  of  honorable  mention  in  the 
history  of  his  adopted  county. 

THOAIAS  BUNBURY,  who  resides  on 
Section  20,  Town  6,  Range  5,  East,  town  of 
Brigham,  Iowa  county,  is  a veteran  of  the 
Civil  war,  in  which  he  served  as  a member  of 
Company  A,  49th  Wis.  Vol.  Infantry. 

Mr.  Bunbury  was  born  in  County  Wick- 
low, Ireland,  Jan.  4,  1827,  and  is  a son  of 
Patrick  and  Alary  Bunbury.  When  he  was  a 
small  boy  he  lost  his  mother,  and  his  father 
came  to  this  country  to  make  a home  for  his 
children,  stopping  for  a time  in  Pennsylvania, 
and  then  making  his  way  to  Michigan,  where 
he  secured  a large  tract  of  government  land, 
where  he  was  presently  joined  by  his  children 
Thomas,  Henry,  and  a daughter  who  has 
been  dead  these  many  years.  Henry  Bunbury 
lives  in  St.  Joseph,  Alich.,  where  he  is  greatly 
respected. 

Thomas  Bunbury  came  to  the  United 
States  when  a lad  of  ten  years,  in  the  company 
of  his  uncle,  John  Bunbury,  and  two  sisters 
of  that  gentleman,  and  for  a number  of  years 
lived1  with  his  father  in  Michigan.  In  the  fall 
of  1846  he  made  his  first  appearance  in  Wis- 
consin, locating  first  in  Alineral  Point,  and  has 
made  his  home  in  Iowa  county  to  the  present 
time.  For  a time  he  was  engaged  in  farming 
and  mining,  and  then  located  on  the  farm  noted 
above.  This  was  in  Alarch,  1853,  and  under 
his  industrious  cultivation  it  has  become  one 
of  the  choice  and  desirable  farms  of  the  county. 

Air.  Bunbury  was  married  in  November, 
1852,  to  Aliss  Bridget  AIcCann.  by  whom  he 
had  the  following  children : William  Henry, 


622 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


John  Edward,  Thomas,  Mary,  Jane,  Amelia, 
Anna,  Jane,  Bertha,  and  Agnes.  Mrs.  Bridget 
Bunbury  died  in  1870,  and  the  following  year 
Mr.  Bunbury  was  married  to  Miss  Ann  Will- 
iams', by  whom  he  has  had  one  son,  Thomas  P. 

Thomas  Bunbury  enlisted  in  the  Union 
Army  in  February,  1865,  and  did  faithful 
work  in  camp  and  held  with  his  regiment  until 
he  received  an  honorable  discharge  at  the  close 
of  the  war.  Returning  fo  his  farm  when  he 
laid  aside  his  soldier  blue,  he  has  proved  him- 
self a thorough  farmer,  an  honest  and  hard- 
working man,  and  is  regarded  as  an  upright 
and  honorable  man  in  every  respect.  His 
health  was  quite  impaired  by  his  military  life, 
and  he  has  never  been  perfectly  well  since  his 
return  to  civil  life.  He  was  a good  soldier, 
and  is  an  honorable  and  conscientious  citizen 
of  the  community  in  which  he  lives. 

FREDERICK  FREDRICKSEN,  a ven- 
erable member  of  the  farming  community  of 
Bergen,  Clinton  township,  Rock  county,  has  a 
personal  character  which  intensifies  the  re- 
spect his  years  command. 

Mr.  Fredricksen  was  born  June  25,  1829, 
near  Stavanger,  Norway,  and  he  was  brought 
up  under  the  most  unfriendly  conditions.  His 
father  died  when  he  was  only  three  years  old, 
and  his  mother  seven  years  later,  and  the 
young  lad  was  left  to  push  his  way  unaided 
among  strangers.  Fie  had  practically  no 
school  education,  having  spent  but  three  weeks 
in  a school  in  all.  his  youthful  years ; but  he 
was  attentive  and  observant,  and  has  learned 
much  as  he  has  journeyed  through  life.  At 
twenty-one  Mr.  Fredricksen  came  to  the 
United  States,  and  straightway  made  his  way 
to  Wisconsin,  where  he  at  once  found  farm 
work.  He  was  a farm  laborer  for  four  years, 
saved  his  money,  and  was  fore-handed  enough 
at  the  end  of  that  time  to  buy  the  farm  that  is 
now  known  as  “Oak  Hill”  and  consists  of 
1 13  acres  located  near  the  town  of  Bergen, 
in  Clinton  township. 

Mr.  Fredricksen  and  Mrs.  Martha  Lar- 
sen. daughter  of  a farmer  in  Norway,  and  the 
widow  of  Sven  Larsen,  we're  married  in  1852. 
Mrs.  Fredricksen  came  to  this  country  in 
1846,  when  a girl,  in  company  with  her 
brother.  By  her  first  marriage  she  had  one 
son,  Louis  Larsen,  who  is  now  a resident  of 
Chicago,  and  she  has  borne  Mr.  Fredricksen 
one  daughter,  Betsv,  now  the  wife  of  A.  V. 


Peters,  the  manager  of  a coal  and  lumber  com- 
pany in  Clinton.  Mir.  and  Mrs.  Peters  have 
had  five  children,  three  living:  Martha  Eliza- 
beth, Mary  Frances  and  Luella ; two  sons  died 
in  infancy.  Fir.  Fredricksen’ s father,  also 
named  Frederick,  was  a sailor.  Fie  died  in 
about  1832,  at  the  age  of  forty-five.  He  mar- 
ried Carrie  Johnnason,  who  died  in  1839,  at 
the  same  age  as  her  husband. 

Mr.  Fredricksen  is  a member  of  the  Lu- 
theran Church,  and  a man  of  sterling  char- 
acter. Fie  is  a Republican,  and  has  been  active 
in  promoting  the  advancement  of  that  party 
since  its  organization.  He  is  a highly  respected 
citizen  of  the  community. 

A.  W.  MOORE,  proprietor  of  the  “Park 
Hotel"  in  Platteville,  Grant  county,  was  bom 
in  Lafayette  county,  same  State,  in  March, 
1830,  and  was  the  first  white  child  born  there. 
His  father,  Col.  John  Moore,  was  born  in  1784 
in  North  Carolina,  and  his  mother,  Nancy 
(Stalcup)  Moore,  was  born  in  Tennessee  in 
1800.  They  came  to  Wisconsin  after  marriage, 
in  1827. 

John  Moore  was  a colonel  of  Reserves  in 
the  war  of  1812,  and  fought  under  Gen.  Jack- 
son  at  the  battle  of  New  Orleans,  and  in  1832, 
during  the  Black  Hawk  war,  had  command  of 
the  fort  at  Mineral  Point,  Wis.  In  1833  he 
settled  on  a farm  near  Belmont,  Iowa  county, 
Wis.,  on  which  he  lived  until  1849,  when  he 
passed  away,  his  wife  surviving  until  1864. 
Both  were  members  of  the  Methodist  Episco- 
pal Church,  and  in  politics  Col.  Moore  was  a 
Jackson  Democrat,  and  a leader  in  the  early 
politics  of  the  state.  He  was  a lifelong  and 
close  personal  friend  of  Gen.  Jackson.  To 
Col.  Moore  and  his  wife  came  six  children, 
in  the  following  order:  (1)  Elvira  J.,  born  in 
Tennessee,  in  1820,  married  Moses  Whiteside 
in  1836,  lived  for  a few  years  in  Galena,  111., 
and  then  moved  to  Belmont,  Lafayette  Co., 
Wis.,  where  Mr.  Whiteside  died,  leaving  no 
children ; Mrs.  Whiteside  then  came  to  Platte- 
ville, where  she  died  in  1899  at  the  home  of 
her  brother,  A.  W.  Moore.  (2)  Emily  P. 
Moore  was  born  in  Missouri  in  1827.  was  prin- 
cipally educated  in  the  schools  of  Lafayette 
county,  Wis.,  and  in  1845  was  married  to  Dr. 
Edward  Cronin,  a native  of  Philadelphia, 
Penn.,  and  a son  of  Edward  Cronin,  who  was 
born  in  Ireland.  Dr.  Cronin  was  graduated 
from  the  Jefferson  Medical  College,  of  Phila- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


623 


delphia,  began  practice  in  Platteville  in  1844, 
and  died  1893,  leaving-  his  widow  with  one 
son,  Dr.  Frank  M.  Cronin,  at  present  practic- 
ing in  Lancaster,  Wis.  Edward  Cronin  was 
the  leading  physician  of  Platteville  in  his  day, 
was  a profound  scholar,  having  a knowledge 
of  several  languages,  and  was  prominent  in 
the  better  circles  of  society ; his  widow  assisted 
in  the  management  of  the  Park  Hotel,  in  con- 
junction with  her  brother,  A.  W.,  until  her 
death  in  April,  1900.  (3)  A.  W.  Moore  is 

mentioned  below.  (4)  Mary  T.  Moore,  born 
in  Lafayette  county  in  1832  was  educated  at 
the  convent  at  Galena,  111.,  and  was  married 
to  E.  B.  Eastman,  of  the  State  of  Maine,  and  a 
prominent  merchant  of  Decorah,  Iowa,  who  at 
his  death  left  his  widow  with  one  son — 
Chaunce)'-  B.  Eastman,  now  proprietor  of  the 
De  Soto  House  at  Galena,  111.  Mrs.  Eastman 
subsequently  married  Thomas  Plugin,  but  is 
again  a widow  and  lives  at  the  Park  Llotel  in 
Platteville,  of  which  she  is  part  owner.  (5) 
Sarah  A.  Moore,  born  on  the  old  .homestead 
at  Belmont,  Lafayette  county,  was  married 
to  Peter  Parkinson,  a prominent  and  wealthy 
citizen  of  the  county.  This  lady  died  at  the 
home  of  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Dr.  W.  Peck,  in- 
Darlington,  Wis.,  April  7,  1899,  leaving  three- 
children:  Nancy  M.,  wife  of  Dr.  Peck,  the 

leading  physician  of  Darlington;  Philip  A., 
on  the  old  homestead  in  Lafayette  township; 
Mrs.  Elizabeth  E.  Parkinson,  a graduate  from 
the  State  University  at  Madison,  and  now  re- 
| siding  in  Darlington  with  her  brother-in-law, 
Dr.  Peck.  (6)  Capt.  John  P.  Moore,  the  young- 
est of  the  family,  was  born  in  Lafayette  county, 
and  when  the  Civil  war  broke  out,  raised  a 
company  of  volunteers,  of  which  he  was  com- 
missioned captain,  served  over  four  years,  was 
wounded  in  battle  and  still  carries  a rebel  bul- 
let in  his  leg.  He  is  now  employed  at  Fort 
Worth,  Tex.,  as  live  stock  agent  for  the  Frisco 
Railroad  Company. 

A.  W.  Moore  was  educated  in  an  academical 

1 course  under  J.  L.  Packard  in  Lafayette 
county.  In  1850  he  went  to  California,  and 
for  nine  years  was  engaged  in  merchandising 

I and  in  freighting  his  goods  to  the  mines.  In 
1859  he  returned  to  Lafayette  county,  lived  on 
the  family  farm  until  1878,  when  he  married 
Mrs.  Helen  Ruble,  of  North  McGregor,  Iowa, 
widow  of  Henry  Ruble,  and  then  removed  to 
Cassville,  Grant  county.  In  1883  he  came  from 
Cassville  to  Platteville  and  has  ever  since  had 


charge  of  the  Park  Hotel.  Politically  he  is  a 
Democrat.  Mr.  Moore  is'  a genial,  whole- 
souled  man  and  one  of  the  most  popular  land- 
lords in  Grant  county.  His  hotel  is  equipped 
with  every  modern  convenience,  and  his  table 
is  unsurpassed  by  any  in  a city  of  the  size 
of  Platteville,  East,  West,  North  or  South. 

RHEINHARD  EVERSOLL.  Among 
the  honored  pioneers  of  Grant  county  must 
be  numbered  Rheinhard  Eversoll,  a well-known 
farmer  of  Waterloo  township,  and  one  of  the 
gallant  defenders  of  the  Union  during  the  Civil 
war.  He  was  born  May  7,  1827,  a son  of 
Christopher  and  Elizabeth  Eversoll,  both  na- 
tives of  Switzerland,  where  they  were  reared 
and  married.  On  their  emigration  to  America 
they  proceeded  to  Lord  Selkirk’s  settlement 
in  British  America,  and  from  there  went  to 
St.  Louis.  In  the  latter  part  of  the  year  1826, 
the  family  came  to  Grant  county,  and  located 
at  what  is  now  Hazel  Green,  but  was  then 
known  as  Hard  Scrabble.  There  the  father 
engaged  in  mining  for  a time,  and  then  re- 
moved with  his  family  to  Beetown,  where  the 
mother  died..  Subsequently  he  returned  to 
Hazel  Green,  where  he  passed  the  last  years 
of  his  life  at  the  home  of  a daughter.  Dur- 
ing the  greater  part  of  his  business  career  he 
followed  the  occupation  of  mining,  and  was  al- 
ways esteemed  as  a good  citizen.  His  death 
occurred  May  18,  1872,  a few  days  after  hav- 
ing celebrated  the  seventy-eighth  anniversary 
of  his  birth.  He  and  his  wife  became  the  par- 
ents of  eight  children,  but  only  two,  Rhein- 
hard and  Mrs'.  Elizabeth  Dudley,  of  Lancaster, 
are  now  living,  in  1900.  All  but  three  reached 
adult  age.  One  son  died  on  the  ocean  when 
the  family  were  coming  to  the  New  World. 
The  youngest  son,  Ferdinand,  was  a member 
of  the  6th  Wis.  V.  I.,  during  the  Civil  war, 
which  was  a part  of  the  Iron  Brigade,  and 
was  killed  in  the  battle  of  Gettysburg. 

Rheinhard  Eversoll  has  made  his  'home  in 
Grant  county,  of  which  his  parents  were  early 
settlers.  He  was  reared  to  the  occupation  of 
mining,  but  since  the  war  of  the  Rebellion  has 
engaged  in  farming.  On  Aug.  6,  1862,  he 
donned  the  blue,  becoming  a member  of  Com- 
pany G,  33d  Wis.  V.  I.,  which  was  a part  of 
the  Army  of  the  Cumberland.  He  participated 
in  many  important  engagements',  including  the 
battle  of  Coldwater,  Miss.,  April  19,  1863; 
the  siege  of  Vicksburg;  and  Banks’  Red  river 


624 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


expedition.  He  was  also  in  the  battles  of 
Yellow  Bayou,  May  18,  1864;  Tupelo,  July  14, 
1864;  and  Old  Town  Creek,  the  following-  day. 
He  was  at  Nashville  under  the  command  of 
General  Thomas,  and  then  went  to  Mobile, 
taking-  part  in  the  siege  of  Spanish  Fort.  The 
war  having  ended,  and  his  services  being  no 
longer  needed,  Mr.  Eversoll  was  honorably  dis- 
charged at  Vicksburg,  Aug.  9,  1865,  and 

reached  home  just  three  years  from  the  time 
he  entered  the  service. 

In  1848  Mr.  Eversoll  married  Miss  Sarah 
Bryant,  and  nine  children  were  born  of  this 
union,  but  only  three  are  now  living,  namely : 
Thomas,  Adeline  and  Lincoln.  Ihe  others 
had  nearly  all  attained  to  mature  years  when 
they  passed  away.  The  eldest  daughter,  Mar- 
tha jane,  was  her  father's  housekeeper  for  a 
number  of  years.  For  a short  time  Mr.  Ever- 
soll lived  in  Cassville  township,  but  has  made 
his  home  in  Waterloo  township  for  many 
years.  He  has  witnessed  amost  the  entire 
growth  and  development  of  this  region,  and 
has  been  actively  interested  in  its  progress. 
In  his  political  relations  he  is  a Republican, 
having  supported  every  presidential  candidate 
of  that  party  since  voting  for  Fremont  in 
1856.  Religiously  he  is  an  earnest  and'  con- 
sistent member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church.  As  has  been  seen  from  the  above 
record,  Mr.  Eversoll  was  actively  engaged  dur- 
ing the  whole  of  his  military  service,  and  took 
part  in  many  of  the  most  important  engage- 
ments of  the  war.  Considering  the  weary 
marches,  the  arduous  campaigns  and  severe 
battles  in  which  he  participated  he  is  still  well 
preserved,  though  as  he  grows  older  he  feels 
the  effects  of  his  army  service  more.  As  an 
honored  veteran  of  the  Rebellion,  a prominent 
pioneer  of  the  county,  and  a representative  man 
of  his  community,  he  is  worthy  of  the  high 
regard  in  which  he  is  uniformly  held1. 

JOSEPH  J.  HEATHCOCK,  one  of  the 
most  influential  and  patriotic  citizens  of  the  vil-  . 
lage  of  Linden,  Iowa  county,  Wis.,  was  born 
there  September  23,  1841,  a son  of  John  and 
Ann  (Jones)  Heathcock,  who  were  among  the 
earliest  pioneers  of  that  place. 

John  Heathcock  was  born  in  Staffordshire, 
England,  where  his  father  lived  and  died,  al- 
though he  once  paid  a visit  to  the  United  States. 
About  1830,  John  Heathcock  came  to  the  New 
World,  and  found  employment  in  the  Pennsyl- 


vania cold  fields,  and  then,  in  company  with  his 
bi  other  \\  illiam,  came  to  Wisconsin,  reaching 
Mineral  Point  during  the  Black  Hawk  war. 
I hey  helped  to  build  and  garrison  the  fort  at 
that  place,  and  when  the  excitement  subsided, 
they  located  at  Linden.  Mr.  Heathcock  took 
up  government  land  in  Grant  and  Iowa  coun- 
ties, and  speculated  to  some  extent  in  real 
estate.  He  engaged  in  mining  quite  extensive- 
ly, the  ore  being  smelted  at  Linden,  and  then 
drawn  by  ox  teams  to  Galena,  111.  He  was 
very  enterprising  and  assisted  in  the  building  of 
the  first  church  and  school  house  in  the  place, 
both  buildings  being  of  logs,  and  was,  in  all 
ways,  a most  useful  and  exemplary  citizen.  In 
politics  he  was  first  a Whig,  and  later  a Repub- 
lican, and  was  the  first  to  hold  the  office  of  town 
treasurer.  He  died  Sept.  18,  1887,  at  the  age 
of  seventy-nine  years.  His  wife,  Ann  Jones, 
who  was  also  born  in  Staffordshire,  where  her 
marriage  was  consummated,  died  in  April, 
1881,  aged  sixty-seven  years.  They  were  the 
parents  of  ten  children,  of  whom  nine  are  liv- 
ing; Catherine  Ann,  now  Mrs.  W.  H.  Phillips, 
of  Linden;  John  W.,  of  Butte  City,  Montana; 
Joseph  J.,  of  this  sketch;  Sarah,  now  Mrs. 
Christopher  Dolphin,  of  the  town  of  Mifflin; 
Thomas  J.,  of  Linden;  Martha  Jane,  now  Mrs. 
John  T.  Wicks,  of  Bessemer,  Mich. ; Mary  Jo- 
sephine, now  Mrs.  William  Passmore,  of  Pick- 
ford,  Mich.;  Daniel  Clark,  of  Leadville,  Colo.; 
Charles  W.,  who  died  in  1887;  and  Samuel,  of 
Linden,  Wisconsin. 

Joseph  J.  Heathcock  grew  up  on  his  father’s 
farm  and  received  a common  school  education. 
In  August,  1861,  he  enlisted  in  Co.  H.,  7th 
Wis.  V.  I.,  and  was  discharged  in  July,  1865. 
He  took  part  in  the  second  battle  of  Bull  Run, 
Chancellorsville,  Gettysburg,  and  thirteen  or 
fourteen  minor  engagements.  At  South  Moun- 
tain, Maryland,  he  was  wounded  in  the  right 
side  and  disabled  for  six  weeks,  and  at  the  bat- 
tle of  the  Wilderness  was  captured  and  passed 
ten  months  in  Andersonville,  Florence  and 
other  prisons,  and  when  finally  exchanged,  was 
sent  home  on  veteran  furlough,  just  before  the 
assassination  of  President  Lincoln.  After  the 
war  was  over  Mr.  Pleathcock  went  to  Tennes- 
see, where  he  located  coal  mines  and  passed 
four  years  in  their  operation,  and  then  returned 
to  Linden,  where  he  owns  a fine  farm  of  170 
acres  with  good  improvements,  and  operates 
valuable  mines  of  lead  and  zinc  on  his  own  land. 
These  mines  produce  about  600  tons  per  annum, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


625 


the  greater  part  of  which  is  marketed  at  Min- 
eral .Point. 

On  Oct.  19,  1887,  Mr.  Heathcock  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Louise  .Humbert,  daughter  of 
David  and  Mary  Elizabeth  (Spencer)  Hum- 
bert, who  located  in  Mineral  Point  about  i855- 
David  Humbert  was  born  in  Bradford  Co., 
Penn.,  and  died  in  the  town  of  Waldwick,  Iowa 
county,  Aug.  11,  1885,  aged  seventy-nine 

years ; he  was  a carpenter  by  trade.  Mrs. 
Humbert  was  born  in  Jersey  Shore,  Lycoming 
Co.,  Penn.,  of  English  descent  in  paternal  lines, 
and  Scotch-Irish  m maternal,  and  died  March 
9,  1861,  at  the  age  of  thirty-three.  Mrs.  Louise 
(Humbert)  Heathcock  was  educated  at  the 
Platteville  Normal  School,  and  for  four  years 
thereafter  was  a successful  teacher.  By  her 
marriage  with  Mr.  Heathcock  she  has  become 
the  mother  of  one  son,  Ernest  Harrison.  The 
family  is  connected  with  the  Methodist  Episco- 
pal Church,  in  which  Mr.  Heathcock  is  a trus- 
tee. In  politics  he  is  a stanch  Republican,  and 
for  eleven  years  served  as  town  clerk,  and  for 
three  years  as  chairman  of  the  town  and  a mem- 
ber of  the  county  board.  Socially  he  belongs 
to  a number  of  local  societies,  and  is  a charter 
member  and  past  master  of  Linden  Lodge,  No. 
206,  F.  & A.  M.,  Iowa  Chapter  No.  6,  and  Min- 
eral Point  Council,  and  is  a most  active  worker 
in  Geo.  H.  Legate  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  at  Mineral 
Point. 

LEWIS  McKAHAN.  Among  the  well- 
known  and  highly  esteemed  farmer-citizens,  of 
Albany,  Green  county,  is  Lewis  McKahan, 
who  has  been  a resident  of  the  village  since 
1886,  where  he  owns  a comfortable  home.  Mr. 
McKahan  was  born  in  Washington  county, 
Penn.,  thirty  miles'  south  of  Pittsburg,  March 
18,  1821,  a son  of  Daniel  and  Esther  (Irwin) 
McKahan,  the  former  a native  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, the  latter  of  Ireland.  The  grandparents 
of  our  subject  were  all  natives  of  Ireland,  who 
settled  in  Pennsylvania,  where  they  died,  leav- 
ing large  families.  The  children  born  to  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  McKahan  were : Lewis,  our  sub- 

ject; Mary,  the  widow  of  Alexander  Cun- 
ningham, lives  in  Middletown,  Penn. ; Esther 
M.,  the  widow  of  Berry  Mellick,  of  Knox 
county,  Ohio;  and  Robert,  who  lives  in  Wash- 
ington county,  Penn.  The  father  of  our  sub- 
ject was  a farmer  and  stock  raiser,  who  moved 
to  Knox  county,  Ohio,  where  he  remained  for 
some  time,  but  returned  to  Pennsylvania,  where 


he  died  about  1879,  aged  seventy-seven  years. 
His  first  wife  died  in  1857;  she  was  a mem- 
ber of  the  United  Presbyterian  Church.  His 
second  wife  was  Mary  Moffit,  who  survived 
him  several  years. 

Lewis  McKahan  was  reared  on  the  farm 
in  Washington  county,  Penn.,  receiving  his  ed- 
ucation at  the  district  schools,  and  becoming 
proficient  enough  to  engage  in  teaching  while 
quite  a young  man.  After  the  family’s  re- 
moval to  Ohio,  Mr.  McKahan  gave  some  time 
to  teaching,  but  subsequently  made  arrange- 
ments to  enter  the  business  of  sheepraising, 
in  connection  with  farming,  and  was  immedi- 
ately successful.  In  October,  1861,  he  left 
Ohio,  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  settled  on  a farm 
of  140  acres  three  miles  northeast  of  Monroe, 
and  there  the  family  lived  until  1881,  when 
he  rented  his  farm  and  removed  to  Monroe, 
where  he  was  pleasantly  located  for  five  and 
one-half  years.  In  the  spring  of  1886,  our 
subject  and  family  moved  to  Albany  and  have 
now  one  of  the  most  comfortable  homes  in  the 
village,  where  he  lives  retired  from  active  life, 
although  local  matters  engage  his  leisurely  at- 
tention. 

In  1846  Mr.  McKahan  was  married  to 
Ziporah  Ealy,  a daughter  of  Peter  and  Mary 
(Horn)  Ealy,  and  three  children  were  born 
of  this  union:  George  W.,  Mary  Ellen,  and 

James  H.  Mary  Ellen,  the  only  survivor, 
married  Rev.  N.  A.  Sunderlin,  a Methodist 
minister,  stationed  at  Woodstock,  111.,  and 
has  three  children : Lulu  B.,  wife  of  Willard 

Chilcote ; Gertrude,  and  Harold.  Mrs.  Mc- 
Kahan died  in  Feb.,  1854,  aged  twenty-eight 
years,  having  been  a consistent  member  of  the 
Christian  Church.  The  second  marriage  of 
Mr.  McKahan  was  celebrated  on  Sept.  5,  1856, 
when  Miss  Keziah  Parks,  who  was  born  April 
23,  1836,  a daughter  of  James  and  Christianna 
(Ealy)  Parks,  became  his  wife.  Mr.  and. Mrs. 
Parks  were  born  and  reared  in  Pennsylvania, 
and  of  their  family  of  thirteen  children  the 
following  are  now  living:  William;  Keziah; 

James,  of  Sutherland,  Iowa;  John,  of  Chica- 
go; Mary,  wife  of  Fletcher  Busick,  of  Topeka, 
Ivans.;  Isaiah,  of  Oskaloosa,  Iowa;  Florence 
Jeanette,  wife  of  Corwin  Johnson,  of  Huron, 
S.  Dak. ; and  Leonard,  of  Marshalltown,  Iowa. 
Mr.  Parks  came  from  Ohio  to  Wisconsin  and 
entered  300  acres  of  land,  seven  miles  north  of 
Monroe,  in  1849.  there  reared  his  family  and 
died  in  1897,  aged  eighty-six,  his  wife  dying 


<526 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


in  the  spring  of  1899,  at  the  same  age.  Both 
they  and  family  have  always'  been  connected 
with  the  Christian  Church.  The  grandparents 
of  Mrs.  McKahan  were  John  Ealy  and  James 
Parks.  For  more  than  forty  years  Mr.  Mc- 
Kahan and  his  estimable  wife  have  been  mem- 
bers of  the  Christian  Church,  where  they  are 
highly  esteemed.  Formerly  our  subject  was  a 
Democrat,  but  since  the  organization  of  the 
Republican  party,  has  espoused  its  principles. 
Both  he  and1  his  wife  possess  the  respect  of  the 
community  where  they  have  lived  upright  lives 
and  been  worthy  descendants  of  fine  old  fam- 
ilies. 

CYRUS  W.  PATTERSON,  a prosperous 
and  prominent  representative  of  the  farming 
population  of  Grant  county,  was  born  July  18, 
1858,  a son  of  Parious  P.  and  Elizabeth  (Deb- 
son)  Patterson. 

The  father  of  our  subject  was  born  in  the 
town  of  Potsdam,  N.  Y.,  in  July,  1812,  of 
Scottish  parentage,  and  at  the  time  of  his  birth, 
his  father,  who  took  an  active  part  in  the  war 
of  1812,  was  a prisoner  of  war.  His  mother 
was  a cousin  of  Ethan  Allen,  of  Revolutionary 
fame.  Parious  P.  Patterson  married  Elizabeth 
Dobson,  who  was  born  in  1826,  in  Yorkshire, 
England.  When  a young  man  he  moved  from 
New  York  into  Illinois,  where  he  lived  a year 
before  coming  to  Hazel  Green,  in  1833.  tie 
went  to  work  in  the  lead  mines,  and  for  a 
number  of  years  this  was  his'  employment.  In 
1837  he  “took  up”  a quarter  section  of  gov- 
ernment land,  and,  clearing  it,  made  his  home 
there  during  his  remaining  years.  The  first 
house  in  which  he  lived  was  a small  log  shanty, 
which  gave  way  to  a large  brick  house  in  1865, 
and  there  he  lived  until  his  death,  in  Septem- 
ber, 1899.  Mrs.  Patterson  died  in  December, 
1894.  They  were  members  of  the  first  Meth- 
odist Church  organized  in  this  community,  and 
Mr.  Patterson  contributed  liberally  to  the  first 
building.  In  the  building  of  the  first  school 
house  in  Hazel  Green  he  also  took  a prominent 
part.  He  was  a Whig  and  a Republican  in 
politics,  holding  a number  of  local  offices  in 
his  lifetime. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Patterson  were  the  parents 
of  eight  children,  and  four  of  their  sons  lived 
to  maturity : ( 1 ) Enoch  R.  was  born  at  the 
present  home  June  26,  1851,  attended  the  State 
Normal  at  Platteville,  where  he  received  a 
good  education,  and  for  several  terms  taught 


school  in  Hazel  Green  township.  At  one  time 
he  was  a merchant  in  Fair  View.  He  is'  now 
a teacher,  being  principal  of  the  school  at 
Gratiot,  Wis.  Mr.  Patterson  married  Miss 
Alice  Straw,  of  Grant  county,  and  they  have 
five  living  children — Laura  (graduate  of  the 
State  Normal  at  Platteville),  Percival,  Jessie, 
Roy,  and  Delbert.  (2)  Charles,  born  Nov. 
23,  1853,  engaged  in  stock  farming  in  Oregon. 
He  married  Miss  Almyra  Eastman,  a lady  of 
Canada,  and  is  the  father  of  seven  children, 
Frank,  Ethel,  Asenath,  Mabel,  Cyrus,  Bertha, 
and  Albert.  (3)  Parious,  born  in  July,  1856, 
was  an  invalid  throughout  his  life,  and  died  in 
July,  1895.  (4)  Cyrus'  W.  is  the  subject  of 

this  article. 

Cyrus  W.  Patterson  obtained  his  early  ed- 
ucation in  the  local  schools  of  Hazel  Green, 
and  for  three  years  was  a pupil  in  the  State 
Normal  at  Platteville.  After  leaving  school 
he  taught  a term  in  the  town  of  Hazel  Green, 
and  then  became  manager  of  the  home  farm, 
an  arrangement  which  continued  during  the 
later  years  of  his  father’s  life. 

In  1886  Mr.  Patterson  married  Miss  Mary 
E.  Gray,  of  Lafayette  county,  daughter  of 
Samuel  and  Mary  Gray,  very  prominent  Eng- 
lish people  of  Platteville;  Mrs.  Patterson  was 
a student  of  the  high  school  of  Galena  before 
her  marriage.  They  came  to  the  old  home- 
stead, here  making  a permanent  home,  and  Mrs. 
Patterson  died  in  1898,  leaving  one  son,  Cyril 
O.,  born  in  1889.  Mrs.  Patterson  was  a mem- 
ber of  the  Methodist  Church,  and  a woman  of 
a fine  character  and  sweet  spirit.  Our  sub- 
ject has  been  for  many  years  one  of  the  lead- 
ing Republicans  of  the  town,  serving  on  the 
town  board,  and  holding  other  positions  of 
honor  and  trust,  and  is  a man  of  sterling 
worth  and  genuine  character.  He  belongs'  to 
the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America. 

F.  A.  ELWELL,  a prominent  retired  farm- 
er and  wealthy  citizen  of  Cassville,  has  been  a 
resident  of  Grant  county  for  almost  sixty 
years',  and  has  not  only  watched  with  interest 
its  growth  and  development,  but  has  borne 
an  active  part  in  the  work  of  improvement.  It 
was  in  1S42  that  he  came  from  Lee  county, 
Iowa,  to  Hazel  Green,  Wis.,  and  he  has  since 
been  identified  with  the  interests  of  this  section 
of  the  State. 

Mr.  Elwell  was  born  in  Preble  county, 
Ohio,  in  1831.  a son  of  James  Elwell,  a soldier 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


627 


of  the  war  of  1812,  who  enlisted  at  Philadel- 
phia and  was  in  active  service.  The  father 
was  born  in  New  Jersey  Jan.  4,  1789,  and  at 
an  early  day  left  his  native  State,  moving  to 
Preble  county,  Ohio,  where  he  was'  united  in 
marriage  with  Miss  Frances  Kellow,  a native 
of  Virginia,  and  a daughter  of  John  and  Fran- 
ces Aminza  (Atkins)  Kellow.  Her  father  was 
one  of  the  heroes  of  the  Revolutionary  war, 
and  an  early  settler  of  Ohio,  where  both  he 
and  his  wife  died.  About  1834  or  1835  James 
Elwell  moved  to  Lee  county,  Iowa,  and  made 
'his  home  there  until  coming  to  Hazel  Green, 
Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1842.  There  he  was  first 
engaged  in  mining,  but  having  received  a land 
warrant  for  his  services  in  the  war  of  1812 
he  in  1852  secured  a tract  of  land  in  Waterloo 
township,  and  in  the  midst  of  the  wilderness 
developed  and  improved  a farm,  making  his 
home  thereon  until  his  death,  which  occurred 
March  23,  1877.  His  wife  died  on  the  home 
farm  in  Waterloo  township  about  1861.  In 
their  family  were  nine  children,  namely:  Joel, 
who  died  in  Lee  county,  Iowa,  at  the  age  of 
twenty-seven  years ; Mary  Ann,  Mrs.  Robin- 
son, who  died  near  Topeka,  Ivans.,  in  1893; 
John,  who  was  drowned  in  the  Mississippi 
river  in  1855;  Sarah,  Mrs.  Hall,  who  died  in 
Hazel  Green,  Grant  county,  in  1846;  James,  a 
retired  farmer  of  Waterloo  township,  who  died 
in  Cassville  in  January,  1897;  Theodore,  who 
died  on  the  old  homestead  in  Waterloo  town- 
ship in  August,  1898,  in  his  seventy-second 
year;  William,  who  died  in  the  same  town- 
ship in  1872,  aged  forty-three;  F.  A.,  the  only 
one  now  living;  and  Eliza,  Mrs.  Droulard, 
who  died  in  Lincoln,  Neb.,  in  1885. 

At  the  age  of  eleven  years  F.  A.  Elwell  ac- 
companied his  parents  on  their  removal  to 
Grant  county,  and  after  completing  his  edu- 
cation in  the  public  schools  here  followed  min- 
ing at  Hazel  Green  for  a time.  In  1852  he 
purchased  an  eighty-acre  tract  of  land  in  Wa- 
terloo township,  and  immediately  turned  his 
attention  to  its  improvement  and  cultivation. 
Meeting  with  success  in  his  farming  operations, 
he  added  to  his  landed  possessions  from  time  to 
time,  until  he  owned  500  acres  of  valuable 
land,  in  one  body.  This  place  he  improved  in 
an  excellent  manner,  and  continued  to  success- 
fully engage  in  general  farming  and  stock  rais- 
ing for  many  years,  but  is  now  living  a retired 
life,  in  Cassville. 

In  Waterloo  township  Mr.  Tidwell  was  mar- 


ried, in  1859,  to  Miss  Harriet  Zimmerman,  a 
native  of  Wayne  county,  Ohio,,  and  a daugh- 
ter of  Daniel  and  Sarah  (Kaley)  Zimmerman 
natives  of  Pennsylvania  and  Ohio,  respective- 
ly. At  an  early  day  her  father  moved  to 
Potosi,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  and  his  last  days  were 
spent  in  Beetown.  By  occupation  he  was  a 
farmer.  His  first  wife,  the  mother  of  Mrs. 
Elwell,  died  in  Wayne  county,  Ohio.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Elwell  have  five  children : Minnie, 
Mrs.  Doll,  of  Waterloo  township,  who  has 
four  children,  Mary,  Otho,  Frank  and  Hobart 
Elwell ; Alma,  who  married  May  Smith,  and 
lives  on  the  home  farm;  Frank  S.,  who  mar- 
ried Ella  Smith,  and  is  also  on  the  farm;  Will- 
iam, who  is  now  residing  in  Colorado;  and 
Ida,  Mrs.  Alcorn,  a resident  of  Boulder,  Col- 
orado. 

In  1891  Mr.  Elwell  and  his  wife  left  the 
farm  and  moved  to  Cassville,  where  they  have 
a pleasant  home,  and  are  surrounded  by  all 
the  comforts  of  life.  They  are  earnest  and 
consistent  members  of  the  Seventh-day  Advent 
Church,  and  are  highly  respected  and  es- 
teemed by  all  who  know  them.  Socially  Mr. 
Elwell.  is  a member  of  Cassville  Lodge,  No. 
235,  F.  & A.  M.,  of  which  he  is  senior  deacon, 
and  politically  he  is  a stanch  supporter  of  the 
Republican  party.  He  formerly  took  quite  an 
active  and  prominent  part  in  public  affairs,  as- 
sisted in  organizing  the  school  districts'  of  his 
township,  was  a member  of  the  town  board, 
and  efficiently  served  as  justice  of  the  peace 
for  several  years. 

JOSEPH  DELLER.  The  story  of  Mr. 
Deller's  life  reads  almost  like  a romance.  Born 
in  Bavaria  Jan.  12,  1829,  he  has  been  the  archi- 
tect of  his  own  fortune.  Beginning  life  in  a 
strange  land  at  an  early  age  as  a peddler,  car- 
rying a pack  on  his  back,  he  has  blazed  out  his 
own  path  to  success  through  shrewd  common 
sense,  unflagging  industry  and  unvarying  in- 
tegrity. But  the  narrative  speaks  for  itself, 
and  had  best  be  told  in  plain,  invariable  de- 
tail. In  reciting  the  events  of  such  a life  as  his 
brevity  is  better  than  buncombe,  and  facts  are 
to  be  preferred  to  adulation. 

Joseph  Deller  was  one  of  a family  of  three 
sons  and  five  daughters  born  to  his  father, 
Isaac  Deller.  His  parents  were  satisfied  with 
their  life  and  position  in  the  country  in  which 
they  had  grown  to  maturity,  married  and  raised 
their  children,  and  they  died  in  their  native 


628 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


land,  respected  for  their  upright  life  no  less 
than  for  fidelity  to  their  faith.  But  the  young- 
are  fond  of  change  and  adventure,  and  quick 
to  perceive  and  grasp  an  opportunity  to  im- 
prove their  condition  in  life,  and  the  children 
of  this  worthy  couple  turned  their  eyes  toward 
the  New  World,  with  its  broader  freedom  and 
its  wider  possibilities.  The  first  to  cross  the 
water  was  a sister  of  Joseph  Deller,  Janet, 
who  accompanied  her  husband,  Abraham 
Michaelbacher,  about  1840.  They  settled  in 
the  city  of  New  York,  where  they  died  in 
February,  1900,  leaving  a family.  In  1846 
Joseph  and  his  brother  Abraham  also  came  to 
this  country.  Mrs.  Sarah  Hirsch,  of  New 
York  City,  and  Joseph,  our  subject,  are  now 
the  only  survivors  of  the  family. 

For  a time  Mr.  Deller  carried  a peddler’s 
pack  through  New  Jersey,  but,  believing  that 
he  would  meet  with  better  success  in  a territory 
where  stores  were  less  numerous,  he  made  'his' 
way  to  Michigan.  There  he  carried  around 
a stock  of  miscellaneous  merchandise  weigh- 
ing seventy-five  or  eighty  pounds,  selling  his 
wares  at  a remunerative  profit  to  the  dwellers 
in  sparsely  settled  districts.  At  that  period  of 
Michigan's  history,  however,  malaria  was  al- 
most universally  prevalent,  and  the  young 
Bavarian  fell  an  easy  victim  to  the  scourge. 
Upon  recovering  his  health,  in  a measure,  he 
turned  his  back  upon  the  Northwest,  return- 
ing to  New  York  City,  where  he  found  em- 
ployment from  1847  t°  I§51  as  a tailor.  Yet 
his  quick  comprehension  had  perceived  the  pos- 
sibilities of  the  Northwest,  and  in  the  latter 
year,  together  with  a friend,  A.  Boscowitz, 
he  went  from  New  York  to  Mineral  Point, 
Wis.,  where  they  engaged  in  business  as  pro- 
prietors of  a general  store.  After  a partnership 
extending  over  several,  years  Mr.  Boscowitz 
withdrew  from  the  firm  to  engage  in  business 
as  a wholesale  furrier,  elsewhere.  Mr.  Deller 
continued'  to  carry  on  the  establishment  alone, 
and  became  one  of  the  most  prosperous  mer- 
chants at  Mineral  Point.  After  1865  he  con- 
fined his  energies  solely  to  the  sale  of  dry 
goods  and  clothing,  opening  a merchant  tail- 
oring establishment  which  proved  highly  suc- 
cessful. For  thirty  years  Mr.  Deller  engaged 
in  trade  at  Mineral  Point,  and  in  1891,  having 
acquired  a handsome  competence  through  the 
exercise  of  sound  business  judgment  and  fair 
dealing,  he  retired'  to  enjoy  a richly  earned 
rest. 


Not  long  after  settling  in  his  new  home: 
Mr.  Deller  married  the  widow  of  his  brother 
Abraham,  who,  as  has  been  said,  emigrated 
from  Bavaria  with  him,  in  1846.  The  maiden 
name  of  this  lady  was  Regine  Gundelfinger.. 
She  was  born  April  12,  1825,  and  married  Mr. 
Deller  Dec.  31,  1855,  lier  first  husband  having 
died  two  years  previously.  Two  children  were 
born  to  her  first  marriage,  and  six  to  her  sec- 
ond. Fannie,  the  eldest,  is  the  wife  of  Henry 
Gunzy,  who  is  in  the  employ  of  the  United 
States  Government  at  Caibarien,  Cuba,  where 
they  reside.  Emma  married  William  Strouse,. 
of  La  Crosse,  Wis.  Abraham  married  Tillie 
Guttenstein,  and  has  his  home  in  Mineral  Point. 
Lillie  is  now  Mrs.  M.  Iskowich,  of  Streator, 
111.  Minna  is  the  wife  of  Leopold  Freuden- 
feld,  of  Milwaukee.  Nettie  married  Henry 
Zimmer,  of  that  city.  Clara  is  Mrs.  Adolph 
Iskowich.  Isaac,  the  youngest  of  the  family, 
married  Nettie,  daughter  of  John  j.  Oswald, 
of  Lancaster,  Grant  county.  There  are  twenty 
grandchildren.  Mrs.  Deller  died  in  1891,  and 
our  subject  was  married  a second  time,  to  Eva 
Baer,  who  was  born  at  West  Bend,  Wis.,. 
daughter  of  Lazer  and  Dina  (Kahn)  Baer, 
natives  of  Alsace,  France,  who  came  to  Wis- 
consin about  1854.  Mr.  Baer  engaged  in  mer- 
cantile business  at  West  Bend,  where  he  died 
about  1866.  His  wife  died  in  Milwaukee, 
Sept.  26,  1889. 

Mr.  Deller  is  a prominent  member  of  the 
Masonic  fraternity,  having  joined  the  same  in 
1853,  and  took  the  Royal  Arch  degree  in  1855. 
For  over  half  a century  he  has  been  a resident 
of  Mineral  Point,  taking  a deep  and  active  in- 
terest in  all  that  'has  tended  toward  its  up- 
building, and,  at  the  age  of  seventy-two  years,, 
enjoys  the  undisguised  and  universal  esteem 
of  his  fellow  citizens.  His  palatial  residence,, 
built  in  1883,  is  considered  the  finest  home  in 
the  city. 

JOHN  PHILLIPS  WILLIAMS,  a suc- 
cessful business  man  of  Linden,  Iowa  county, 
was  born  in  Machen,  Monmouth,  Wales,  March 
3,  1854,  a son  of  John  and  Ann  (Branch) 
Williams',  natives,  respectively,  of  Withe],  and 
Guennap,  Cornwall,  England. 

John  Williams,  the  father,  was  the  son  of 
an  inn-keeper  at  Withel,  Cornwall.  He  had 
in  his  possession  a seal  used  by  his  ancestors 
for  many  generations,  which  is  now  in  the 
possession  of  our  subject.  John  Williams'  en- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


629 


gaged  in  mining  in  Wales  and  elsewhere,  in 
1858  came  to  the  United  States,  and  is  sup- 
posed to  have  been  killed  in  a mine  soon  after 
his  arrival.  He  married  Ann  Branch,  daugh- 
ter of  John  and  Ann  Branch,  the  former  of 
whom  was  a chain  maker,  and  lived  and  died 
in  Cornwall ; the  latter  passed  away  at  the  ad- 
vanced age  of  eighty  years.  Mrs.  Ann 
(Branch)  Williams  became  the  wife  of  a Mr. 
Harper,  of  Bodmin,  Cornwall,  and  is  still  liv- 
ing. By  her  first  marriage,  besides  John  Phil- 
lips, there  were  a son  George,  who  now  re- 
sides in  northern  Minnesota ; and  two  daugh- 
ters, Mrs.  Ellen  S.  Oke,  of  Nanstallon,  Corn- 
wall ; and  Mrs.  Celia  Simpson,  of  Paington, 
Devonshire. 

John  Phillips  Williams  passed  the  greater 
part  of  his  boyhood  in  Devonshire,  and  when 
fifteen  years  of  age  he  joined  the  English  Navy, 
passing  three  years  in  the  service  of  his  coun- 
try ; he  also  had  a taste  of  land  service  during 
the  Ashantee  war.  After  leaving  the  govern- 
ment service  he  engaged  in  lead  mining  in 
Scotland,  and  in  gypsum  mining  in  Sussex. 
In  1876  he  came  to  the  United  States,  locat- 
ing in  Colorado,  and  spending  two  years  in 
gold  and  silver  mining  there.  He  then  came 
to  Linden,  Wis.,  but  after  two  months  went  to 
Quinnesec,  Mich.,  and  there  engaged  in  iron 
mining  until  1884,  in  the  meantime  passing 
six  months  in  Iowa,  in  the  coal  mines  of  that 
State.  In  1884  Mr.  Williams  went  to  Tower, 
Minn.,  but  after  spending  two  years  in  the 
iron  mines  engaged  in  the  flour  and  feed  busi- 
ness, until  1891,  in  that  year  locating  in  Lin- 
den, where  he  has  since  been  engaged  in  zinc 
mining,  meeting  with  great  success  in  his 
work,  as  indeed  he  has'  wherever  he  has  made 
his  home.  He  now  employs  some  dozen  or 
more  men,  and  his  mine  produces  from  twenty 
to  thirty  tons  per  month,  the  ore  being  drawn 
by  teams  to  Mineral  Point.  Besides  his  min- 
ing interests  in  Wisconsin  he  is  the  owner  of 
considerable  real  estate  in  Minnesota,  and  also 
owns  a charming  cottage  in  Linden,  where  he 
resides. 

Since  becoming  a citizen  of  the  United 
States  Mr.  Williams  has  ever  found  himself 
in  accord  with  the  principles  of  the  Republican 
party,  and  has  taken  an  active  interest  in  the 
political  questions  of  the  day.  He  has  served 
three  times  as  president  of  Linden  village,  and 
was  a delegate  to  the  Senatorial  Convention 
held  at  Darlington  in  1892.  He  has  also  served 


most  acceptably  as  delegate  to  the  State  Con- 
vention, going  to  Milwaukee  in  1896,  and  also 
in  1898,  and  declined  to  accept  the  office  again 
in  1900,  although  an  active  supporter  of  the 
candidacy  of  Robert  La  Follette  in  both  1898 
and  1900;  he  did  considerable  campaign  work 
in  northern  Wisconsin  in  1900.  He  has  been 
a public-spirited  man  wherever  his  lot  has  been 
cast,  and  he  served  as  city  recorder  of  Tower, 
Minn.,  and  as  deputy  coroner  of  Vermilion 
Iron  Range.  Mr.  Williams  became  a member 
of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  in  1886,  and  is  a 
charter  member  of  Achilles  Lodge  at  Linden, 
of  which  he  has  served  as  secretary  the  greater 
part  of  the  time,  and  has  passed  all  the  chairs ; 
lie  is  also  a member  and  secretary  of  High- 
land Lodge,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  Duluth  Encamp- 
ment, having  joined  the  order  in  Perry,  Iowa, 
in  1880. 

On  March  10,  1880,  Mr.  Williams  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Mary  Ann  Poad, 
who  was  born  in  Linden,  daughter  of  Sam- 
uel and  Ann  (Bice)  Poad,  who  came  from 
Cornwall  in  the  early  days,  and  made  their 
home  on  the  frontier. 

GEORGE  WASHINGTON  RYLAND, 
ex-lieutenant-governor  of  the  State  of  Wis- 
consin, and  retired  banker  of  Lancaster,  Grant 
county,  was  born  Dec.  19,  1827,  near  Selbys- 
port,  Garrett  Co.,  Md.,  a son  of  Sylvester 
Ryland. 

Our  subject’s  father  was  born  in  1796  on 
a farm,  on  which  'place  he  died  at  the  age  of 
seventy-eight  years.  His  ancestor,  Paul  Ry- 
land, came  from  England  to  America  in  1750, 
when  twenty  years  old,  settled  in  Berks  county, 
Penn.,  was  there  married,  and  became  the  fa- 
ther of  three  sons,  John,  Andrew  and  James, 
the  eldest  of  whom,  with  the  father,  served 
in  the  Continental  army  with  Washington. 
John  settled  in  Maryland  after  peace  was  de- 
clared, and  from  him  is  descended  the  gentle- 
man whose  name  opens  this  biographical 
sketch ; "Andrew  settled  in  Kentucky,  and  a 
number  of  his  descendants  went  to  Missouri, 
where  they  attained  prominence — one  as  a 
judge  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  State, 
and  others  as  judges  of  lesser  courts;  James 
died  young.  The  mother  of  George  W.  Ry- 
land bore  the  maiden  name  of  Hannah  Collier, 
was  born  in  Somerset  county,  Penn.,  in  1803, 
and  died  at  the  age  of  sixty-two  years.  Her 
father,  who  was  born  in  1766,  was  of  English 


630 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


and  Dutch  parentage.  Her  mother  was  born 
in  1764,  and  was  of  German  extraction. 

George  W.  Ryland  had  but  limited  opportu- 
nities for  an  education  in  early  youth,  and  af- 
ter he  left  home,  at  the  age  of  twenty-one 
years,  he  attended  a graded  school  five  months, 
working  mornings,  noons  and  evenings  for  his 
board.  Subsequently  he  worked  on  a farm 
at  $12  per  month,  taught  a district  school  in 
the  winter  season,  and  in  April,  1853,  settled 
permanently  in  Lancaster.  His  first  employ- 
ment here  was  in  the  hay  field  for  Gov.  Dewey.1 
The  same  season  he  engaged  as  a clerk  in  the 
store  of  John  Alcorn,  where  he  was  emp.oyed 
for  fourteen  months.  In  the  fall  of  1854  the 
mercantile  firm  of  G.  W.  Ryland  & Co.,  of 
which  Simon  E.  and  John  P.  Lewis  were  mem- 
bers, was  organized.  The  Alcorn  store  was  at 
the  present  Ivey  & Webb  stand.  I he  new 
firm  was  in  the  building  across  the  alley,  the 
first  one  to  burn  in  the  big  fire  of  1888.  lhe 
firm  continued  in  business  until  May,  1S60, 
when  it  was  dissolved.  In  i860  a low  two- 
story  building,  with  gables  to  the  nort'u  and 
south,  stood  on  the  ground  now  occupied  by 
the  Baxter  block.  George  Cox  kept  a grocery 
store  there.  Mr.  Ryland  bought  out  his  busi- 
ness, and  in  September  of  that  year  J.  C.  Hol- 
loway became  associated  with  him,  the  firm 
establishing  a new  general  merchandise  busi- 
ness, including  dry  goods.  T he  old  building  was 
pulled  down,  and  they  built  the  Milwaukee 
brick  block  which  now  stands  there,  and  which 
was  the  first  three-story  house  erected  in  Lan- 
caster. 

Here  the  firm  began,  in  the  fall  of  i860, 
to  buy  and  sell  exchange,  for  this  purpose 
keeping  an  account  with  a New  York  house. 
They  purchased  drafts  on  New  York  and  on 
London.  This  business  in  exchange  was  con- 
ducted by  the  firm  until  1865,  in  which  year 
they  put  up  a sign  across  the  west  end  of  the 
building  inscribed,  “Ryland  & Holloway, 
Bankers.”  A room  in  the  southwest  corner 
of  the  building,  with  glass  partitions,  was  set 
off  from  the  store  as  the  banking  apartment. 
This  was  continued  in  connection  with  their 
mercantile  business  until  the  year  1869,  when 
the  latter  branch  was  sold  to  Anton  Schmitt, 
and  Ryland  & Holloway  continued  exclusively 
in  the  banking  business  until  1874.  For  this 
purpose  they  built  and  removed  into  the  two- 
storv  block  adjoining,  east  of  the  original 
block.  In  this  there  was  a secure  vault,  the 


first  in  the  place  constructed  for  banking  pur- 
poses. In  1874  Mr.  Ryland  bought  out  Mr. 
Holloway  and  became  sole  owner  of  the  bank, 
continuing  alone  in  the  business  until  Oct.  1, 
1880.  At  this  date  Richard  Meyer,  who  had 
been  the  bank  bookkeeper  for  a number  of 
years,  and  his  son,  Richard  Meyer,  Jr.,  be- 
came partners,  and  the  firm  constituted  of  these 
three  was  organized  under  the  name  of  “G. 
W.  Ryland  & Co.”  The  existence  of  this  firm 
lasted  six  and  a half  years.  It  was  dissolved 
May  1,  1887,  when  Mr.  Ryland  retired,  dis- 
posing of  his  interest  to  his  partners. 

At  this  time  Mr.  Ryland  took  a rest.  He 
was  out  of  business  until  the  1st  of  October, 
1888,  when,  with  others,  he  established  the 
“State  Bank  of  Grant  County.”  Its  officers 
were  John  Schreiner,  president;  G.  VV.  Ry- 
land, vice-president;  Joseph  Bock,  cashier. 
The  firm,  with  the  same  officers,  continued 
in  business  for  ten  and  a half  years.  Mr. 
Ryland  resigned  and  withdrew  April  1,  1899. 
This  date  marks  the  end  of  a business  career 
running  from  1853  to  1899,  all  but  a few.  years 
in  the  banking  business,  and  with  no  cessation 
except  the  short  period  above  mentioned  be- 
fore the  opening  of  the  State  Bank. 

In  politics  Mr.  Ryland  is  a Republican, 
was  chairman  of  the. town  of  Lancaster,  for 
twenty  years,  and  for  seventeen  years  chair- 
man of  the  county  board.  He  was  for  two 
terms  State  Senator  from  Grant  county,  and 
for  two  terms  was  lieutenant-governor.  He 
was  postmaster  at  Lancaster  when  Pierce  was 
President,  and  again  when  Lincoln  was  Presi- 
dent. In  1872  he  was  a delegate  from  his. 
district  to  the  National  Republican  Conven- 
tion at  Philadelphia  that  renominated  Grant.. 

CALVIN  MORSE,  now  living  a retired  life 
in  Monroe,  Green  county,  was  born  in  Erie' 
county,  N.  Y.,  Aug.  10,  1832,  a son  of  Milton 
M.  and  Marie  R.  (Pierce)  Morse.  The  fa- 
ther was  born  in  New  Hampshire,  and  the- 
mother  in  Connecticut.  They  had  five  chil- 
dren, three  of  whom  are  now  living:  Calvin; 
Elias  C.,  of  Belleville,  Wis. ; and  Mrs.  Orrin 
Byington,  of  Wonewoc,  Wis.  The  father  was 
a shoemaker,  and  a school  teacher  for  a num- 
ber of  years  in  the  East,  and  in  1854  he  came 
West,  and  bought  land  in  Exeter  township, 
Green  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he  spent  the  balance 
of  his  days,  dying  in  December,  1891,  at  the 
age  of  eighty-five  years  and  five  months.  His' 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


631 


wife  died  in  1890,  when  eighty-three  years  and 
six  months  old.  They  were  liberal  in  their 
religious  faith ; he  held  various  town  offices 
when  in  his  prime,  being  supervisor  a number 
of  terms. 

Josia'h  Morse,  the  father  of  Milton  M., 
and  the  grandfather  of  Calvin,  was  a native  of 
New  Hampshire,  and  had  an  English  parent- 
age. He  died  in  the  East  when  about  sev- 
enty-five years  old.  Calvin  Pierce,  the  father 
of  Marie  R.,  was  a native  of  Connecticut.  A 
farmer,  and  the  father  of  several  sons  and 
daughters,  he  died  in  Erie  county,  N.  Y.,  at 
the  advanced  age  of  eighty-five  years. 

Calvin  Morse  spent  the  first  twenty-two 
years  of  his  life  in  Erie  county,  N.  Y.,  where 
he  was  reared  on  the  farm,  and  given  an  edu- 
cation in  the  district  school.  He  was  a stead- 
fast farmer  until  1878,  when  he  was  elected 
sheriff  of  Green  county.  In  1884  Mr.  Morse 
was  again  elected  sheriff  of  the  county, 
and  in  1890  was  appointed  game  war- 
den of  southwestern  Wisconsin,  and  served 
about  two  years.  Mr.  Morse  came  West 
in  1854,  and  landed  in  Green  county  on 
the  first  day  of  May.  In  company  with 
his  father  he  bought  the  farm  in  the  town  of 
Exeter,  noted  above,  and  here  he  made  his 
home  until  his  first  election  to  the  position  of 
sheriff.  When  he  had  served  his  term-'he  re- 
turned to  the  farm,  moving  to  Monroe  per- 
manently in  1881.  The  farm,  which  had  been 
increased  to  200  acres,  was  rented  until  1898, 
when  it  was  sold.  Mr.  Morse  owned  a half 
interest  in  it. 

Calvin  Morse  enlisted  in  August,  1862,  in 
Company  F,  31st  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  three 
years  at  the  front.  He  was  in  the  battles  of 
Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  was 
with  Sherman  in  his  march  to  the  sea,  par- 
ticipated in  many  battles  and1  skirmishes,  and 
bore  himself  as  a gallant  and  loyal  soldier 
throughout  that  terrible  strife.  Entering  the 
service  as  a private,  he  was  discharged  a non- 
commissioned officer.  The  regiment  was  in 
the  Grand  Review  at  Washington,  and  was 
mustered  out  at  Louisville,  Ivy.  Mr.  Morse 
returned  to  the  home  farm  in  Exeter  when  the 
war  was  over,  and  resumed  the  occupations 
of  peaceful  life  as  assiduously  as  if  he  had  only 
been  away  over  night. 

On  April  18,  1872,  Mr.  Morse  was  married 
to  Mrs.  Martha  A.  Dunham,  daughter  of  Asa 
and  Caroline  (Norton)  Wilson.  Mr.  Morse 


is  a Mason,  and  is  enrolled  in  Belleville  Lodge, 
No.  74,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  where  he  has  been  active 
for  forty-six  years.  He  also  belongs  to  O.  F. 
Pinney  Post,  No.  102,  G.  A.  R.  He  is  a Re- 
publican, and  takes  pride  in  the  fact  that  he 
cast  his  first  vote  for  John  C.  Fremont.  Mr. 
Morse  owns  a good  home  in  Monroe,  where 
he  has  lived  about  twenty  years,  and  is  very 
highly  respected.  The  parents  of  Mrs. 
Morse  were  both  born  in  New  York.  Her 
father  was  born  near  Albany,  in  Schoharie 
county,  and  the  mother  in  Yates  county.  They 
had  two  daughters  and  one  son,  and  Mrs. 
Morse  is  now  their  only  living  child.  They 
came  to  the  town  of  Exeter  in  1854,  and  en- 
gaged in  farming,  buying  a tract  of  fifty-eight 
acres.  In  1864  he  died,  at  the  age  of  fifty-four 
years.  His  widow  survived  until.  1S85,  when 
she  died  at  the  age  of  seventy  years.  He  was 
a member  of  the  Christian  Church,  and  his 
widow  united  with  the  Methodist  Church. 
William  Wilson,  the  father  of  Asa,  followed 
farming,  reared  a large  family,  and  died  when 
about  seventy  years  old.  Mrs.  Morse's  ma- 
ternal grandfather  was  William  Norton,  a 
New  York  farmer,  of  Scottish  descent.  In 
1846  he  came  into  Green  county,  Wis.,  and 
took  up  land  from  the  government  in  the  town 
of  Exeter,  where  he  died  in  1852. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Calvin  Morse  are  well  known 
throughout  the  county,  and  are  highly  es- 
teemed by  a wide  circle  of  warm  friends. 
Their  long  residence  in  the  county,  their  genial 
disposition,  and  their  warm-hearted  hospitality, 
make  them  deservedly  popular. 

JUDGE  JOSEPH  T.  MILLS  was  one  of 
the  men  prominent  in  the  early  history  of 
Southwestern  Wisconsin.  He  fought  the  great 
battle  of  the  anti-slavery  party  in  the  Federal 
court,  and  by  both  word  and  pen  helped  to 
form  that  public  opinion  which  made  the  cre- 
ation of  the  Republican  party  a necessity.  He 
was  an  abolitionist  from  conviction,  when  it 
was  considered  disgraceful  to  be  one.  His 
childhood  was  spent  in  Kentucky,  where  he 
had  seen  the  evil  of  slavery  with  his  own  eyes. 
He  was  always  ready  to  battle  for  the  right,, 
at  any  cost  to  himself,  as  this  incident  shows :: 
At  one  time  an  Abolitionist  lecturer  came  to 
Lancaster.  He  was  mobbed,  and  took  refuge 
with  Mr.  Mills.  The  mob  followed  him  to 
the  home,  and,  planting  an  old  cannon  near  the 
house,  threatened  to  blow  the  house  and  its 


632 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


occupants  into  eternity  if  the  lecturer  were  not 
delivered  into  their  hands.  Mr.  Mills  was  in 
no  wise  dismayed.  Taking  his  rifle,  he  warned 
them  that  the  first  man  who  moved  near  that 
cannon  or  entered  that  yard  would  be  shot. 
His  wife  stood  by  him,  also  armed,  and,  like 
many  frontier  women,  she  was  known  to  be 
a sure  shot.  Gradually  one  after  another  of  the 
scowling,  howling  mob  withdrew,  until  the 
intrepid  couple  were  left  in  quiet  possession 
of  their  home  and  of  the  cannon.  Meanwhile 
the  lecturer  had  escaped  by  a back  window, 
into  the  woods  which  surrounded  the  house. 
He  was  not  of  the  heroic  mold. 

One  other  time  Mr.  Mills  faced  a mob,  and 
nearly  unaided  cowed  it.  It  was  when  a young 
recruit  deserted  from  the  garrison  at  Prairie 
du  Chien.  Pie  was  followed  by  a detail  from 
the  garrison,  and  was  overtaken  near  Lancaster. 
As  he  did  not  halt  at  the  command  he  was 
shot  and  killed  by  the  officer  commanding  the 
party.  This  officer  was  quickly  arrested  by 
the  civil  authorities.  The  youth  of  his  victim, 
the  feeling  that  the  act,  in  a time  of  peace, 
was  unwarrantedly  brutal,  possessed  the  peo- 
ple, and  lynch  law  was  threatened.  The  mob 
was  led  by  “some  of  our  best  citizens,”  and 
they  dangled  the  rope  before  the  eyes  of  the 
guilty  man.  Then  Mr.  Mills  put  himself  be- 
tween them  and  the  murderer.  Pie  appealed 
to  their  sense  of  honor,  their  civic  pride.  He 
showed  them  the  evil  consequences  which  al- 
ways follow  a community  when  the  law  is  out- 
raged, and  gradually  their  better  sense  pre- 
vailed. The  writer  has  heard  men  character- 
ize this  protest  of  Judge  Mills  as  the  most 
eloquent  defense  of  law  and  the  most  wither- 
ing denunciation  of  lynch  law  which  were  ever 
made  in  that  section  of  the  country.  In  either 
of  the  above  instance’s  one  can  discern  the 
splendid  courage  of  the  man,  for  it  has  been 
often  said  that  a man  who  would  face  a pack 
of  wolves  may  well  run  from  a mob  of  angry 
men. 

Judge  Mills  was  apparently  a timid  man, 
but  sometimes  he  dared  fate  to  the  extreme. 
He  never  sought  a fight.  In  ordinary  matters 
he  was  pacific  to  the  extreme,  but  once  roused 
he  would  not  be  downed.  He  was  repeatedly 
told  that  he  would  never  present  his  bill  of  ex- 
ceptions in  the  Sherman  Booth  case  to  Judge 
Miller.  He  never  said  he  would,  but  the  bill 
was  prepared,  and  when  the  time  came  he 
walked  into  the  court  and  presented  it.  Miller 


1 ■ .ii  1 

refused  to  sign.  Mr.  Mills  said:  “I  present 
you  this  bill  of  exceptions  for  your  signature.” 
Miller  again  refused.  Mr.  Mills  said,  “That 
bill  will  be  signed  before  you  leave  the  bench,” 
and  Miller  signed  it  then  and  there. 

There  was  a moral  force  in  Mr.  Mills  which 
no  coward  or  evil  doer  could  withstand.  He 
was  incorruptible.  He  was  a member  of  the 
Legislature  at  the  time  of  the  “forty  thieves.” 
In  the  investigation  which  followed  the  expo- 
sure of  that  session  the  agent  was  asked  if  he 
approached  J.  T.  Mills.  “No,”  he  replied, 
"there  isn't  money  enough  in  the  whole  United 
States  to  buy  him.”  To  his  profession  he  has 
bequeathed  the  code.  Of  the  Wisconsin  code, 
copied  closely  from  the  New  Yorx  code,  he 
was  the  father  and  defender.  As  a writer  re- 
cently said  of  him,  “he  was  ever  the  advo- 
cate of  reforms  that  reformed.” 

Judge  Mills  was  born  in  Kentucky  in  i8ii. 
He  died  in  Denver,  Colo.,  in  1897.  During 
his  whole  life  he  was  a great  student,  not  only 
of  the  law,  but  of  mathematics,  sciences  and 
literature.  He  was  a man  of  extreme  modesty, 
and  his  sense  of  innate  worth  would  not  allow 
him  to  push  himself.  If  his  merit  was  not 
recognized  he  would  not  vaunt  it,  and  many 
times  he  was  supplanted  by  those  who  were 
much  his  inferiors.  His  neighbors  and  friends 
thought  nothing  too  good  for  him.  He  was 
judge  of  the  5th  circuit  from  1864  to  1872, 
an  office  he  filled  with  honor  to  himself  and 
the  circuit,  but  probably  no  title  ever  gave  him 
greater  pleasure  than  the  one  by  which  he  was 
universally  known  in  Grant  county,  “Honest 
Joe  Mills.” 

RUFUS  CLARK  WHITCOMB  has  for 
the  past  twenty-two  years  been  the  efficient  and 
highly  esteemed  superintendent  of  the  Poor 
Fann  and  County  Insane  Asylum  of  Green 
county,  having  assumed  the  responsible  and  dif- 
ficult position  at  the  age  of  thirty  years.  His 
long  continuance  in  the  office  is  the  best  testi- 
monial to  his  eminent  fitness  in  caring  for  the 
wards  of  the  county,  where  he  has  resided  since 
he  was  a year  old,  or  more  than  'half  a century. 
He  is  a native  of  the  Badger  State,  having 
been  born  in  Rock  county  July  6,  1848. 

James  Whitcomb,  his  father,  one  of  the 
pioneers  of  Wisconsin,  was  born  May  17,  1812, 
in  New  York  State,  and  there  married  Nancy 
Goltry,  a native  of  the  same  State,  born  Aug. 
7,  1814.  A farmer  by  occupation,  James 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD . 


633 


Whitcomb  early  in  his1  married  life  moved 
West,  and  lived  for  four  or  five  years  in  In- 
diana. He  then  purchased  eighty  acres  of  land 
in  Rock  county,  VVis.,  which  he  occupied  until 
1849,  in  that  year  trading  it  for  a farm  of  120 
acres  in  Mt.  Pleasant  township,  Green  county, 
to  which  he  moved,  and  where  he  lived  until 
•his  death,  in  1854,  at  the  age  of  forty-two. 
His  wife  survived  him  until  May  22,  1883, 
and  was  sixty-nine  years  of  age  at  her  death. 
They  were  devout  members  of  the  Baptist 
Church,  in  which  he  was  for  many  years  a 
deacon.  Of  the  seven  children  of  James  and 
Nancy  Whitcomb,  three  sons  and  four  daugh- 
ters, four  survive:  Rhoda  M.,  wife  of  John 

A.  Clemmer,  of  Monroe;  Roxana,  wife  of  E. 
L.  Neal,  of  Clarksville,  Iowa;  Rufus  C. ; and 
James  M.,  of  Albany,  Wisconsin. 

Isaac  Whitcomb,  father  of  James,  was 
born  in  Maine  May  25,  1769,  and  died  Feb. 
26,  1816.  His  wife,  Susanna  Gregory,  was 
born  Sept.  1,  1784,  and  died  July  7,  1839. 
Paul  Goltry,  the  maternal  grandfather  of  our 
subject,  was  born  in  New  Jersey  May  24, 
1767,  and  died  Sept.  28,  1845.  His  wife  was 
Rachel  Moffett.  He  was  a fine  musician,  a 
talented  violinist. 

Rufus  C.  Whitcomb  was  reared  in  Green 
county,  on  a farm.  He  received  his  education 
in  the  district  schools,  and,  possessing  musical 
talent,  he  taught  singing  school  for  some 
time  in  his  younger  years.  He  was  only  six 
years  old  when  his  father  died,  and  by  the 
efforts  of  his  boyhood  and  youth  assisted  in 
the  support  of  his  widowed1  mother  and  her 
family.  He  worked  on  the  home  farm,  and 
also  rented  other  lands  which  he  farmed,  re- 
maining with  his  mother  until  his  marriage, 
June  8,  1874,  to  Miss  Margaretta  Fitch, 
daughter  of  Benjamin  and  Sarah  J.  (Smith) 
Fitch,  natives,  respectively,  of  Ohio  and  Ire- 
land. James  Fitch,  the  grandfather  of  Mrs. 
Whitcomb,  served  in  the  war  of  1812.  He  was 
a farmer  of  Washington  county,  Penn.,  and 
moved  to  Ohio,  where  he  died  at  an  advanced 
age,  leaving  a large  family.  His  father.  James 
Fitch,  was  killed  in  the  Revolutionary  war. 
Robert  Smith,  the  maternal  grandfather  of 
Airs.  Whitcomb,  was  a native  of  Ireland,  of 
Scottish  lineage.  About  1822  he  emigrated 
with  his  family  to  America,  and  settled  in 
Ohio,  where  he  engaged  in  farming,  reared 
a large  family,  and  lived  to  the  age  of  eighty- 
four  years.  Benjamin  Fitch,  the  father  of 


Mrs.  Whitcomb,  moved  from  Ohio  to  Wis- 
consin in  1854,  settling  in  Sylvester  township, 
Green  county,  where  he  remained  until  1869. 
In  that  year  he  moved  to  Oskaloosa,  Iowa, 
and  died  in  1897,  aged  seventy-seven  years. 
His  widow  survives,  a resident  of  that  city. 
Of  their  six  children  five  survive : Margaretta, 
wife  of  Mr.  Whitcomb ; Mary,  wife  of  L.  P. 
Stanton,  of  Oskaloosa,  Iowa;  Dr.  Edwin  L.. 
of  Oskaloosa;  and  R.  F.  and  Walter  P.,  both 
of  Oskaloosa. 

Mrs.  Whitcomb  was  educated  in  the  pub- 
lic schools  of  Wisconsin  and  at  Oskaloosa 
(Iowa)  College,  and  taught  in  Iowa  and  Wis- 
consin for  several  years  prior  to  her  marriage. 
She  was  for  some  time  the  president  of  the 
local  AVoman’s  Relief  Corps',  is  now  serving 
her  eighth  year  as  treasurer  of  same,  and  has 
held  the  office  of  secretary.  She  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Woman's  Club. 

To  Rufus  C.  and  Margaretta  AAdritcomb 
have  been  born  two  children,  Eva  Grace  and 
Walter  J.,  both  living  at  home.  In  religious 
faith  Mr.  and  Mrs.  AAdiitcomb  are  members 
of  the  Baptist  Church.  Among  the  fraternal 
orders  Mr.  Whitcomb  holds  membership  in 
the  Knights  of  Pythias,  in  which  he  is  past 
chancellor,  and  was'  deputy  grand  chancellor 
for  five  years : the  Royal  Arcanum,  in  which 
he  has  been  representative  to  the  Grand  Lodge, 
and  was  also  vice-grand  regent ; and  the 
Knights  of  the  Globe.  Politically  he  is  a 
stanch  Republican,  and  he  is  recognized  as 
one  of  the  political  leaders  of  Green  county. 
He  has  been  twice  elected  county  coroner, 
now  serving  his  second  term  in  that  office,  and 
has  also  served  twice  as  chairman  of  the  town 
board.  He  has  been  one  of  the  most  prominent 
members  of  the  Green  County  Agricultural 
Society  and  Mechanics  Institute,  and  has 
served  that  organization  one  year  as  treas- 
urer, one  year  as  president,  and  three  years 
as  corresponding  secretary.  Mr.  \\nfitcomb 
possesses  great  force  of  character  and  a win- 
ning personalitv,  and  his  wide  acquaintance- 
ship among  influential  people  extends  beyond 
the  limits  of  his  own  county. 

HON.  GEORGE  G.  COX.  a well-known 
citizen  of  Iowa  county,  has  passed  the  greater 
part  of  his  life  on  the  farm  in  Waldwick  town- 
ship which  he  now  occupies,  having  been  a 
resident  thereof  since  1849. 

Mr.  Cox  was  born  on  Long  Island,  in  Suf- 


634 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


folk  county,  N.  Y.,  Nov.  24,  1842,  son  of 
Stephen  and  Mary  A.  (Halleck)  Cox,  and 
is  descended  from  old  New  York  families. 
His  mother  was  a distant  relative  of  Gen.  Hal- 
leck, who  rendered  distinguished  service  to 
his  country  in  the  war  of  the  Rebellion.  There 
were  six  children  in  the  family,  four  daughters 
and  two  sons,  our  subject  and  two  of  his  sisters 
now  surviving — Phebe,  wife  of  William  Comp- 
ton, and  Betsy,  wife  of  Thomas  Van  Matre. 
The  first  of  the  family  to  come  West  was  our 
subject’s  brother  Charles,  who  settled  in  Wis- 
consin in  1846,  and  became  a prominent  mer- 
chant at  Mineral  Point.  He  entered  the  serv- 
ice of  the  Union  during  the  Civil  war,  in  the 
capacity  of  quartermaster  of  the  2d  Wisconsin 
Cavalry.  Resigning  this  position,  he  came 
home  and  raised  a company  of  the  50th  Wis. 
V.  I.  He  was  killed  while  in  the  service,  by 
an  insane  soldier.  Our  subject's  parents  came 
to  Wisconsin  in  1849,  settling  on  the  farm 
where  he  now  lives,  in  Waldwick  township, 
Iowa  county,  and  the  father  died  three  years 
later.  The  mother  survived  him  many  years. 

George  G.  Cox  passed  the  first  few  years 
of  his  life  in  his  native  State,  and  was  but 
seven  years  old  when  the  family  settled  in  Wis- 
consin. He  grew  to  manhood  on  the  home 
farm,  and  attended  the  local  public  schools, 
receiving  a good  practical  education.  When 
the  Civil  war  broke  out  he  decided  to  enter 
the  service,  and  in  February,  1862,  v,  as  en- 
rolled as  a member  of  Company  D,  2d  Wiscon- 
sin Cavalry,  in  which  he  served  his  full  term, 
receiving  an  honorable  discharge  in  March, 
1865.  This  regiment  entered  the  service  in 
command  of  Gen.  C.  C.  Washburne,  and  after 
his  promotion  was  given  to  Lieut. -Col.  Ste- 
phens. They  took  part  in  many  important 
battles  and  campaigns,  including  the  engage- 
ments at  Prairie  Grove,  Hall’s  Plantation, 
Woodville,  Yazoo  City,  and  Egypt  Station, 
and  various  raids  through  the  States  of  Mis- 
souri, Arkansas,  Mississippi,  etc.  The  2d  was 
one  of  the  most  efficient  cavalry  regiments  of 
the  Civil  war. 

Since  his  return  from  the  army  Mr.  Cox 
has  devoted  the  greater  part  of  his  time  and 
attention  to  agricultural  pursuits.  He  has  a 
fine  farm,  and  a beautiful  home,  and  he  at- 
tends systematically  to  all  the  details  of  the 
management  of  his  estate,  with  what  results 
the  appearance  of  the  place  best  testifies.  How- 
ever, though  he  has  looked  after  his  business 


affairs  so  carefully,  he  has  found  time  to  de- 
vote to  public  matters  also,  and  takes  the  in- 
terest which  every  public-spirited  citizen  should 
feel  in  the  general  welfare.  His  fellow  citizens, 
recognizing  this,  have  chosen  him  for  some 
of  the  most  responsible  positions  in  their  gift, 
and  he  has  four  times  represented  his  district 
in  the  State  Legislature,  being  first  elected  in 
1879.  His  re-elections  are  sufficient  praise 
for  the  acceptability  of  his  services.  He  is  the 
present  chairman  of  the  town  of  Waldwick. 
Mr.  Cox’s  political  affiliations  are  with  the 
Republican  party,  and  he  has  been  chairman 
of  the  town  committee  of  that  party  for  many 
years. 

Mr.  Cox  has  been  for  years  connected  with 
the  Southwestern  Wisconsin  Fair,  which  he 
helped  to  reorganize  as  a stock  company  in 
1883.  For  a number  of  years  past  he  has  been 
president  of  the  association,  which  annually 
holds  one  of  the  best  fairs  in  the  State  at  Min- 
eral Point,  and  the  success  of  the  enterpr  se  can 
be  attributed  to  a great  degree  to  his  disinter- 
ested efforts.  Since  1898  he  has  been  a mem- 
ber of  the  State  Board  of  Agriculture,  and  has 
devoted  much  of  his  time  to  the  interests  of 
that  position.  In  1901  he  was  elected  general 
superintendent  of  the  State  Fair  Gi\  unds  at 
Milwaukee.  He  is  a man  of  much  native  abil- 
ity and  force  of  character,  and  his  honorable 
and  useful  life  has  commanded  universal  es- 
teem. Socially  he  is  a member  of  George  Le- 
gate Post,  No.  125,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Mineral  Point, 
and  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America. 

Mr.  Cox  was  married  Sept.  22,  1865,  to 
Miss  Sarah  Whitford,  daughter  of  Christopher 
Whitford,  an  early  settler  of  Mineral  Point, 
where  Mrs.  Cox  was  born,  and  six  children 
have  blessed  their  union,  viz. : Amelia,  Charles, 
George,  Fannie,  Dwight  and  Joseph  D.  Charles 
was  in  Chicago  when  the  Spanish-American 
war  broke  out,  and  he  enlisted  in  the  1st  Illi- 
nois Volunteers,  accompanying  the  regiment 
CO'  Cuba,  where  he  saw  active  service. 

BOTOLF  TOLLEFSON  was  one  of  the 
early  settlers  of  Jordan  township,  Green  coun- 
ty. He  was  born  in  Gorsvig,  Flo-Anex,  Hal- 
lingdal,  Norway,  Aug.  5,  1828  (Hallingdal 
is  at  some  distance  west  from  Christiana), 
and  came  to  America  with  his  mother,  brother 
and  sister  in  1846.  He  settled  first  in  Rock 
county,  Wis.,  near  the  present  town  of  Orford- 
ville.  In  1850  he  came  to  Jordan  township 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


635 


and  settled  on  the  farm  which  was  ever  after 
his  home,  engaging  in  agricultural  pursuits. 
Though  he  was  in  very  limited  circumstances 
at  the  time  of  his  emigration,  Mr.  Tollefson 
succeeded  in  acquiring  a handsome  property, 
and  at  the  time  of  his  death,  Sept.  29,  1900, 
was  the  owner  of  324  acres  of  valuable  land, 
well  improved  and  stocked,  and  without  in- 
cumbrance of  any  kind.  He  was  considered 
one  of  the  best  farmers  in  his  section,  and  was 
highly  respected  by  his  neighbors  and  friends 
for  his  honorable,  upright  life  and  his  many 
sterling  qualities  of  head  and  heart,  which  won 
their  srood  will  as  well  as  their  esteem.  He 

o . .... 

was  a stanch  Republican  in  political  faith,  and 
a Lutheran  in  religious  connection. 

Mr.  Tollefson  was  thrice  married.  In  1853 
he  wedded  Anna  Reiersdater,  who  was  born 
in  Sigdal,  Norway.  Two  children  were  born 
to  them:  Gunhil,  who  is  the  w.fe  of  Hans  H. 
Haug,  of  Willow  Lake,  S.  Dak. ; and  Currie, 
wife  of  Elling  Ellingson,  of  Sicux  City,  Iowa. 
Mrs.  Tollefson  died  in  1858,  and  her  remains 
were  buried  in  the  Norwegian  Lutheran  ceme- 
tery of  Wiota  township,  Lafayette  Co.,  Wis. 
In  i860  Mr.  Tollefson  married  Anna  Erick- 
son, who  was  born  in  Fosse,  Yttre-Sogn,  Nor- 
way, Sept.  5,  1822,  and  four  children  came  of 
this  union : Thomas,  who  now  owns  the  farm ; 
Anna,  wife  of  Golick  Golickson,  a farmer  of 
Jordan  township;  Lena,  wife  of  Lewis  Boyn- 
ton, a farmer  of  Jordan  township;  and  Erick, 
who  married  Clara  Olson,  and  resides  at  Wil- 
low Lake,  S.  Dak.  The  mother  of  these  chil- 
dren died  March  25,  1880,  and  her  remains 
were  laid  to  rest  in  the  Norwegian  Lutheran 
cemetery  of  Jordan  township.  In  1882  Mr. 
Tollefson  was  united  in  marriage  with  Marit 
Aslesen,  who  was  born  in  Krodsherad,  Nor- 
way, in  1845,  and  now  lives  on  the  old  Tollef- 
son homestead.  On  Sept.  29,  1900,  after  more 
than  five  years  of  sickness,  Mr.  Tollefson  died, 
and  his  remains  rest  in  the  Norwegian  Lu- 
theran cemetery,  beside  those  of  his  second 
wife. 

Thomas  Tollefson  was  born  in  Jordan 
township  June  7,  1861,  and  has  passed  his  en- 
tire life  on  the  farm  which  is  now  his.  His 
education  was  acquired  in  the  local  public 
schools,  and  he  received  a good  practical  train- 
ing, which,  aided  by  a retentive  memory,  has 
been  of  much  use  to  him  in  his  business  life. 
He  has  given  all  his  attention  to  farming, 
finding  ample  scope  for  his  ability  and  energy 


in  the  management  of  his  large  property,  which 
is  under  a fine  state  of  cultivation,  and  has 
yielded  good  returns.  However,  he  has  found 
time  for  public  affairs,  and  has  served  accepta- 
bly as  school  director,  judge  of  election,  justice 
of  the  peace  and  notary  public,  and  member 
of  the  township  board,  in  all  these  positions 
displaying  clear  judgment  and  an  appreciation 
of  all  that  is  best  for  the  advancement  and 
welfare  of  his  community.  His  high  standards 
of  citizenship  and  useful  career  have  won  him 
the  unqualified  respect  of  his  neighbors  and 
friends,  and  deservedly,  for  he  is  a man  true 
to  his  convictions  of  right  and  sincere  in  his 
approval  of  every  movement  which  promises 
to  benefit  the  moral  or  material  condition  of 
mankind  in  general.  He  is  a member  of  the 
Lutheran  Church,  and  an  ardent  Republican 
in  politics. 

JAMES  J.  DODDS,  of  the  town  of  Mt. 
Hope,  Grant  county,  is  one  of  the  veteran  sol- 
diers of  the  Civil  war,  in  which  he  played 
the  part  of  a man,  and  made  a record  of  which 
his  friends  are  justly  proud.  He  was  one  of 
the  first  to  enlist  from  the  town  of  Woodman, 
which  was  then  a part  of  the  town  of  Millville. 

Mr.  Dodds  was  born  in  Yorkshire,  Eng- 
land, May  18,  1832,  son  of  William  and  Ann 
(Jackson)  Dodds,  who  never  came  to  this 
country,  and  he  was  but  six  years  old  when 
his  mother  died.  He  was  the  eldest  of  several 
children,  and  is  the  only  member  of  his  fam- 
ily who  ever  set  foot  on  American  soil.  Hav- 
ing read  of  this  country,  and  learned  some- 
thing of  its  institutions,  he  had  resolved  when 
a mere  boy  that  he  would  come  to  “the  land 
of  the  free”  at  some  future  time.  In  1849, 
when  seventeen  years  old,  he  came  to  this  coun- 
try with  a paternal  aunt,  Mrs.  Ann  Solitt,  and 
her  family.  They  landed  in  New  York  Feb. 
22,  1850,  and,  Chicago  being  their  destination, 
they  were  soon  on  the  way  westward.  They 
reached  that  city  in  about  two  weeks  after 
leaving  the  ocean,  and  from  Chicago  went  to 
Rockford,  111.  His  friends  went  from  there 
to  Will  county,  that  State,  but  young  Dodds 
remained  in  Rockford  some  two  years,  and  then 
went  East  to  Meriden,  Conn.,  where  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Harriet  Pearson,  a native  of  his  na- 
tive town.  A year  and  a half  later  the  young 
married  couple  went  back  to  Rockford,  and 
in  1858  they  came  to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  to 
enter  government  land,  within  two  miles  of 


'636 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


our  subject's  present  residence.  He  improved 
his  land,  and  after  his  return  from  the  war 
sold  it,  buying  the  farm  which  is  his  present 
home. 

Mr.  Dodds  enlisted,  Aug.  24,  1864,  in  Com- 
pany D,  42d  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  was  honorably 
discharged  May  29,  1865.  He  was  wiih  his 
regiment  during  his  entire  term  of  service, 
though  a portion  of  the  time  he  was  detailed 
for  special  duty.  His  health  was  somewhat 
broken  by  his  military  service,  and  as  he  grows 
older  he  feels  more  keenly  that  his  vitality 
was  weakened  on  account  of  his  experience 
in  the  Union  army. 

After  the  war  Mr.  Dodds  followed  the 
trade  of  stone  cutting,  which  he  had  learned 
at  Rockford.  He  also  gave  his  attention  to 
farming,  but  he  lately  sold  his  farm,  and  in- 
tends changing  his  location  to  Mt.  Hope.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Dodds  have  four  children:  William 
H.,  of  Nebraska;  Jane  Elizabeth,  wife  of  James 
Crubaugh,  of  Mt.  Hope;  Clara  H.,  wife  of 
■John  Crubaugh ; and  Lillie,  at  home.  Clara 
Augusta  died  when  ten  years  old.  Mr.  Dodds 
is  a Republican  politically.  With  his  family 
he  belongs  to  the  Methodist  Church. 

ORVILLE  STRONG.  The  name  of 
’Strong  is  indissolubly  associated  with  the 
early  settlement  and  subsequent  development 
of  Iowa  county.  The  successful  banker  and 
financier  whose  life  story  forms  the  subject  of 
this  brief  biographical  sketch  is  the  son  of 
Judge  Luman  Mastin  Strong,  pioneer  and 
jurist,  who  was  born  in  Orange  county,  Vt., 
Oct.  24,  1803.  The  sons  of  the  Green  Mountain 
State  have  left  their  impress  and  their  influence 
in  every  nook  and  corner  of  the  West,  yet 
among  them  all  there  are  few  whose  names 
deserve  to  be  cherished  with  more  respectful 
veneration  than  that  of  Luman  Mastin  Strong. 
The  story  of  the  life  of  such  a man  is  at  once 
an  incentive  and  an  inspiration,  a harbinger 
and  a benediction. 

Judge  Strong,  as  has  been  said,  was  born 
Oct.  24,  1803.  When  about  two  years  of  age 
his  father  died,  and  a few  years  later  he  was 
adopted  by  a Mr.  Mastin,  who1  soon  afterward 
migrated  to  Ohio,  settling  on  the  Tuscarawas 
river.  There  he  grew  to  manhood,  working 
on  the  farm  during  the  farming  season,  and 
attending  the  district  school  during  the  winter, 
acquiring  a common-school  education  as  taught 
in  those  times.  At  nineteen  years  of  age  he 


taught  the  district  school  himself.  On  March 
7,  1824,  he  married  Nancy  Griswold.  At  the 
age  of  twenty-five  he  visited  his  own  mother, 
walking  the  whole  distance  from  Ohio  to  Ver- 
mont and  return.  His  wife  died  March  25, 
1835,  and  he  found  himself  left  alone  with  six 
small  children.  Leaving  them  in  the  care  of 
friends,  he  pushed  out  for  Iowa,  then  called 
the  “Ear  West.”  He  was  one  of  the  pioneers 
of  Linn  county,  that  State,  and  erected  the 
first  house  in  what  is  now  the  beautiful  little 
city  of  Marion,  the  county  seat  of  Linn  county. 
On  Oct.  30,  1837,  he  married,  for  his  second 
wife,  Mary  Gabbert,  who  was  born  at  Abing- 
don, within  the  limits  of  the  present  State  of 
West  Virginia.  He  then  returned  to  Ohio, 
and  brought  his  little  family  to  Iowa.  For 
many  years  he  was  prominently  identified  with 
the  material  and  political  development  of  Linn 
county,  being  elected  to  many  minor  offices, 
although  always  against  his  inclination. 
Among  these  were  those  of  justice  of  the  peace 
and  county  commissioner.  He  was  also  a dele- 
gate to  the  convention  which  framed  the  con- 
stitution for  the  State  of  Iowa,  and  was  the 
first  postmaster  at  Marion,  being  appointed  by 
Van  Buren. 

The  admission  of  Wisconsin  to  the  Fed- 
eral Union  as  a State  in  1848  attracted  many 
settlers  to  its  borders.  Among  them  was  Judge 
Strong,  who  with  his  family  settled  in  the 
town  of  Highland,  Iowa  county,  in  the  midst 
of  the  lead  mine  region.  His  first  location  was 
near  the  present  village  of  that  name.  Few 
of  the  early  pioneers  worked  harder  than  he. 
He  felled  the  timber  and  cleared  and  plowed 
the  soil,  and  also  found  time  to  carry  loads 
of  lead  to  Galena,  returning  with  loads  of  mer- 
chandise. Later  he  removed  his  residence  to 
the  village  of  Highland.  In  1852  he  was  elect- 
ed a representative  to  the  Legislature  from  the 
northern  district  of  Iowa  county.  His  capacity 
for  public  affairs  was  too  manifest  to  be  over- 
looked, and  his  fellow  citizens  soon  thrust  other 
offices  upon  him,  making  him  justice  of  the 
peace  and  town  clerk.  President  Pierce  ap- 
pointed him  postmaster  at  Highland  in  1853, 
and  he  held  the  position  until  1856.  Mean- 
while, despite  his  numerous  and  exacting  du- 
ties, tO‘  the  discharge  of  each  of  which  he 
brought  the  power  of  his  strong,  clear  mind, 
he  had  found  leisure  time  to  devote  to  the 
study  of  law,  and  had  been  admitted  to  the 
Bar  in  1852.  He  continued  in  the  active  prac- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


tice  of  that  profession  until  his  death.  In  1854 
he  was  chosen  county  judge,  and  re-elected  in 
1857,  holding  his  seat  upon  the  bench  for  eight 
years.  During  this  time  he  had  removed  to 
Dodgeville.  in  1865  he  was  once  more  re- 
elected judge,  continuing  to  discharge  the  du- 
ties of  the  office  until  his  demise,  on  Dec.  4, 
1867,  at  the  age  of  sixty-four  years.  Judge 
Strong  may  be  said  to  have  been  a self-made 
man,  in  the  truest  and  best  sense  of  that  fre- 
quently misused  term.  His  early  educational 
advantages  were  but  meager,  but  on  this  foun- 
dation he  reared  a solid  structure.  Of  strong 
physique,  robust  mentality,  and  incorruptible 
integrity,  he  attained  success  by  virtue  of  his 
intense  personality  as  well  as  his  unwearying 
energy.  His  death  was  considered  a public 
calamity,  and  was  felt  by  scores  of  his  per- 
sonal friends  as  an  individual  loss.  He  was 
a sincere  member  of  the  Methodist  Church, 
and  in  politics  a Democrat.  Fraternally  he 
was  a prominent  Mason,  being  a member  of  the 
Blue  Lodge  at  Dodgeville,  and  of  the  Chapter, 
R.  A.  M.,  at  Mineral  Point. 

Judge  Strong  was  the  father  of  ten  chil- 
dren, the  issue  of  his  first  marriage  having 
been  seven,  and  of  his  second  three.  Three 
of  the  children  by  the  first  wife  are  yet  living: 
Eliza,  Mrs.  Ringo,  at  St.  Louis,  Mo. ; and 
Amanzer  and  Henry,  who  are  both  residents 
of  Iowa,  the  home  of  the  former  being  at  Lake 
City,  and  that  of  the  latter  at  Kenwood  Park. 
Amanzer  served  with  distinguished  gallantry 
in  the  Civil  war,  carrying  a lieutenant's  com- 
mission in  the  27th  Wis.  V.  I.  for  three  years. 
Of  the  three  children  born  to  Judge  Strong  by 
his  second  wife,  the  two  eldest  died  in  child- 
hood, Orville  Strong  being  the  sole  survivor 
of  the  family. 

Orville  Strong  was  born  at  Marion,  Linn 
Co.,  Iowa,  March  25,  1843,  and  accompanied 
his  parents  to  Iowa  county,  Wis.,  when  a child 
of  five  years.  Highland  and  Dodgeville  have 
since  been  his  places  of  abode,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  three  years  spent  at  the  front  during 
the  war  of  the  Rebellion.  He  received  a good 
English  education  at  the  public  schools  and  at 
Platteville  Academy,  his  preceptor  at  that  in- 
stitution being  Prof.  Pickard,  long  justly  famed 
as  one  of  the  most  eminent  educators  within  the 
State.  In  August,  1862,  Mr.  Strong — then  a 
youth  of  nineteen  years — enlisted,  becoming  a 
private  in  Company  C,  31st  Wis.  V.  I.  His 
intelligence,  correct  habits  and  soldierly  bear- 


637. 


ing  soon  won  him  the  stripes  of  a sergeant 
major,  and  not  long  afterward  he  wore  the 
uniform  and  shoulder  straps  of  a second  lieu- 
tenant. His  regiment  left  the  State  in  March, 
1863,  proceeding  first  to  Columbus,  Ky.,  and 
thence  to  Nashville,  Tenn.  While  at  Columbus 
it  was  assigned  to  the  6th  Army  Corps.  From 
Nashville  it  was  ordered  to  LaVergne,  and 
thence  to  Murfreesboro,  where  it  was  trans- 
ferred to  the  2d  Corps.  Up  to  this  time  the 
regiment  had  been  chiefly  engaged  in  doing 
guard  and  provost  duty,  although  making  oc- 
casional raids  into  the  enemy's  country.  From 
Nashville  it  was  ordered,  July  1,  1864,  to  join 
the  forces  of  Gen.  Sherman,  before  Atlanta. 
They  reached  the  trenches  before  that  city  on 
July  21,  and  were  then  once  more  transferred, 
this  time  to  the  20th  Corps.  The  command 
took  a prominent  part  in  the  siege,  and  after- 
ward followed  Sherman  on  the  march  to  the 
sea,  proceeding  North  through  the  Carolinas 
and  Virginia,  and  taking  part  in  the  grand  re- 
view at  Washington  May  20,  1865. 

On  his  return  home,  after  leaving  the  serv- 
ice, Mr.  Strong-  entered  the  office  of  his  father, 
who  was  then  serving  his  third  term  as  county 
judge.  In  1868  he  was  chosen  village  clerk, 
an  office  which  he  held  for  eleven  years.  The 
same  year  he  was  elected  county  clerk,  and 
served  Iowa  county  in  that  capacity  for  three 
terms  of  two  years'  each;  in  1878  he  was  ap- 
pointed deputy  county  treasurer,  discharging 
the  duties  of  that  position  during  one  term. 
It  was  in  1874  that  Mr.  Strong  first  embarked 
in  business  for  himself,  as  a real-estate  agent 
and  loaner  of  money  on  mortgages.  He  has 
done  business  along  these  lines  for  a quarter 
of  a century,  gradually  increasing  his  capital, 
and  each  year  gaining  fresh  and  stronger  hold 
upon  the  respect  and  confidence  of  his  fellow 
townsmen.  In  1881,  in  partnership  with  A. 
McArthur,  he  engaged  in  banking,  the  style 
of  the  firm  being  Orville  Strong  & Co.-  This 
copartnership  was  formed  Jan.  8,  of  the  year 
mentioned,  and  continued  until  1883.  Since 
its  dissolution  Mr.  Strong  has  carried  on  busi- 
ness alone,  his  establishment  being  popularly, 
designated  “Strong’s  Bank.”  Mr.  Strong  has 
shown  his  faith  in  the  little  city  where  he  makes 
his  home  by.  the  erection  of  two  buildings, 
which  are  a credit  to  the  place — a business 
block,  comprising  a bank,  stores  and  offices, 
with  G.  A.  R.  post  room,  and  a beautiful  resi- 
dence, built  in  the  latest  style  of  architecture, 


638 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


and  equipped  with  all  the  modern  conveni- 
ences. 

That  the  son  of  so  eminent  a father  should 
have  made  life  a success  is  no  cause  for  sur- 
prise, yet  in  reviewing  Mr.  Strong’s  career 
the  impartial  reader  will  not  fail  to  perceive 
that  his  own  resolute  spirit,  sound  judgment 
and  tried  honesty  have  been  the  corner  stones 
upon  which  he  has  built  his  fortune.  He  is  a 
Freemason  of  high  degree,  being  a member 
of  the  Blue  Lodge  and  a Royal  Arch  Mason. 
The  memories  of  his  army  life  he  keeps  per- 
petually green  through  membership  in  William- 
son Post,  No.  109,  G.  A.  R. 

Mr.  Strong  has  been  twice  married.  His 
first  wife,  Louisa  Sims,  to  whom  he  was  united 
Jan.  9,  1869,  became  the  mother  of  two  sons 
and  one  daughter,  and  died  in  1874.  The 
daughter  survived  the  mother  but  a short  time, 
dying  in  infancy.  The  elder  of  the  sons, 
George,  resides  at  Prineville,  Oregon,  and  is 
foreman  of  the  Crook  County  Journal.  The 
younger,  Luman  M.,  is  at  Chicago,  in  the  West- 
ern Union  building.  Mr.  Strong’s  second  mar- 
riage took  place  in  January,  1877,  when  he  was 
united  to  Miss  Minnie  Carkeek.  Her  father, 
Thomas  Carkeek,  was  born  in  Cornwall,  Eng- 
land, came  to  America  while  a young  man, 
and  was  for  many  years  a prominent  and  in- 
fluential citizen  of  Dodgeville,  where  he  died 
in  1881,  leaving  five  children.  His  eldest  son, 
also  named  Thomas,  is  one  of  Dubuque’s  most 
distinguished  architects.  To  Mr.  Strong’s  sec- 
ond marriage  six  children  have  been  born : 
Molly  L.,  Throop  M.,  Harry  C.,  Arthur,  Emily 
C.,  and  Marjorie.  The  eldest  daughter  is  a 
graduate  of  the  State  University  at  Madison, 
and  Throop  M.,  the  eldest  son,  holds  the  po- 
sition of  cashier  in  his  father’s  bank.  Harry 
C.  is  with  Marshall  Field  & Co.,  Chicago. 

ISAAC  CHARNNESS,  a retired  farmer 
of  Monroe,  Green  county,  was  born  in  Wayne 
county,  Ind.,  April  5,  1820,  a son  of  William 
and  Margaret  (Hinshaw)  Charnness. 

Our  subject’s  parents  were  both  natives 
of  North  Carolina.  To  them  were  born  nine 
children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living:  Isaac, 
of  Monroe ; Joshua,  of  Indiana ; Ruth,  the  wife 
of  Lindsay  Love,  of  Kansas;  and  William,  of 
Valton,  Sauk  Co.,  Wis.  The  father  was  a 
farmer  all  his  life.  He  moved  from  North 
Carolina  to  Indiana  in  1819,  and  in  1846  came 
to  Wisconsin,  for  three  years  making  his  home 


in  Green  county,  and  then  returning  to  his  old 
Indiana  home,  where  he  died  when  over  ninety- 
six  years  of  age.  Fie  was  born  June  17,  1793. 
His  wife,  born  Oct.  17,  1800,  died  in  1846. 
Reared  a Quaker,  he  was  married  outside  of 
the  faith,  and  he  and  his  wife  united  with  the 
Methodist  Church.  In  his  more  active  years 
he  held  several  local  positions,  and  he  was  a 
man  highly  esteemed  in  his  community. 

Joshua  Charnness,  the  father  of  William, 
and  the  grandfather  of  Isaac,  was  born  in 
North  Carolina,  where  he  lived  and  died.  Bred 
to  agricultural  pursuits,  he  was  also  a miller, 
and  operated  a mill  on  Deep  river.  A Quaker 
in  his  religious  convictions,  he  was  much  op- 
posed to  war,  and  was  a man  of  strong  per- 
sonality. He  reared  a large  family,  and  died 
when  well  advanced  in  years.  Isaac  Hinshaw, 
the  father  of  Mrs.  Margaret  Charnness,  was 
also  a Quaker,  a native  of  North  Carolina, 
and  a life-long  farmer.  A goodly  family  re- 
mained to  perpetuate  his  name. 

Isaac  Charnness,  whose  name  introduces 
this  article,  was  reared  on  the  farm  in  Indiana 
where  his  parents  resided,  and  obtained  his  edu- 
cation in  the  public  and  subscription  schools 
of  the  day.  When  a small  boy  he  walked  five 
miles  to  school  and  home  again  every  day,  such 
was  the  price  the  pioneer  lads  had  to  pay  for 
their  schooling.  Mr.  Charnness  was  married 
Oct.  5,  1837,  to  Miss  Mary  Millman,  daugh- 
ter of  Robert  and  Abigail  (Adamson)  Mill- 
man.  Both  parties  were  very  young,  the  hus- 
band but  seventeen,  and  the  bride  just  past 
sixteen.  To  this  union  were  born  four  chil- 
dren : Louisa,  Abigail,  William  Martin  and 
Evangeline.  ( 1 ) Louisa  Charnness  married 
Cyrus  Dye,  and  lives  in  Monroe.  They  are  the 
parents  of  two  children,  Mary  Idell  and  Ida, 
the  former  of  whom  married  Robert  Crow,  of 
the  town  of  Monroe,  and  is  the  mother  of  six 
children,  John,  William,  Ida,  Elsie.  Bertha 
and  the  baby.  Ida  married  Gary  Wells,  and 
lives  in  Monroe.  She  has  a family  of  three 
children,  Vernie,  Plorace  and  the  baby.  (2) 
Abigail  Charnness  married  Andrew  J.  Haw- 
thorne, and  has  her  home  in  Monroe.  They 
have  one  living  child,  Isaac  William,  who  was 
married  to  Jennie  Shank,  and  is  the  father  of 
four  children,  Josie,  Vernie,  and  the  twins, 
Everest  and  Arthur.  (3)  William  'Martin 
Charnness  was  born  in  1846,  and  died  at  the 
age  of  nine  years.  (4)  Evangeline  Charnness 
married  Stephen  Potter,  and  lives  at  Chippewa 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


639 


Falls,  Wis. ; they  have  a family  of  three  chil- 
dren, Fred,  Cora  and  Ray,  of  whom  Fred 
married  Emma  Baker. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Charnness  are  both  Method- 
ists, and  attend  church  whenever  their  strength 
permits,  which  is  now  not  so  often  as  they 
might  wish.  Mr.  Charnness  is  a strong  Re- 
publican. For  more  than  twenty  years  he  was 
district  school  treasurer,  and  was  also  road 
commissioner  for  many  years.  Fie  is  a total 
abstainer,  and  takes  a justifiable  pride  m the 
fact  that  during  a long  and  busy  life,  in  times 
and  scenes  where  it  \\40uld  not  have  been  at  all 
incongruous,  he  has  never  drunk  a glass  of  liq- 
uor; he  never  smoked  a cigar  or  pipe  in  his  life. 

Mr.  Charnness  and  his  wife  came  from 
Indiana  to  Green  county,  Wis.,  in  1843,  ma-k- 
ing  the  journey  in  a lumber  wagon  drawn  by 
two  horses,  and  were  seventeen  days  on  the 
way.  They  brought  along  a cow  and  a calf, 
and  a dozen  sheep.  They  had  two  children, 
and  three  dollars  in  money.  During  the  first 
winter  Mr.  Charnness  got  out  rails  to  fence 
forty  acres  of  what  is  at  present  the  county 
farm.  When  he  arrived  in  Wisconsin  he  had 
one  good  horse  and  one  poor  animal.  The 
better  horse,  the  wagon,  and  a hundred  dollars 
he  traded  for  eighty  acres  of  farm  land,  which 
had  been  entered  and  contained  some  improve- 
ments, and  on  this  place  the  family  lived  for 
twelve  years.  In  1855  this  farm  was  sold, 
and  another  of  108  acres  purchased,  the  fam- 
ily remaining  there  until  1892.  That  year  the 
farm  was  rented,  and  a house  and  six  acres 
of  land  in  Monroe  were  bought,  where  Mr. 
Charnness  and  his  good  wife  now  live,  in  the 
enjoyment  of  many  comforts — the  result  of 
long  and  honorable  industry. 

The  father  of  Mrs.  Charnness,  Robert  Mill- 
man,  was  born  in  Delaware,  and  he  married 
a native  of  Tennessee.  They  were  pioneer  set- 
r tiers  of  Indiana  before  that  region  of  the  West 
was  freed  of  the  Indians.  They  were  the  par- 
ents of  eleven  children,  eight  sons  and  three 
daughters,  of  whom  at  the  present  writing 
only  three  'are  living:  William  Millman,  of 
Winston,  Daviess  Co.,  Mo. ; Mary,  who  is  the 
honored  wife  of  Isaac  Charnness;  and  John 
H.,  of  Oakland,  Cal.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Millman 
came  to  Wisconsin  in  1845,  and  located  in 
Green  county,  where  be  died  in  1877,  at  the 
age  of  seventy-nine  years  and  eight  months. 
His  wife  died  some  years  prior  to  this  date, 


when  she  was  aged  sixty-four  years.  They 
were  both  devout  Methodists,  and  were  buried 
in  the  Hawthorne  cemetery. 

JOEL  W.  WALKER  (deceased)  was  one 
of  the  pioneer  settlers  of  the  town  of  York, 
and  in  his  active  days  one  of  its  representative 
farmers  and  influential  citizens.  He  was  born 
in  New  York,  June  29,  1838,  and  died  Dec. 
7,  1894.  Ira  and  Lucina  (Miller)  Walker,  his 
parents,  were  both  natives  of  New  York,  of 
English  origin,  and  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1842. 
making  a home  on  section  26,  of  the  town  of 
York,  Green  county.  Ira  Walker  was  the  fa- 
ther of  six  children,  all  of  whom  are  dead, 
with  the  exception  of  Minerva,  who  is  living  on 
the  home  place  in  the  town  of  York,  with  her 
mother;  and  Clarinda,  who  is  the  wife  of  Nel- 
son Robb,  of  the  town  of  York. 

Joel  W.  Walker  was  married  Oct.  13, 
1867,  to  Miss  Anna  R.  Everett,  of  Monroe, 
a daughter  of  Lawrence  and  Matilda  (Jen- 
nings) Everett,  of  New  Jersey.  Her  parents 
were  among  the  early  settlers  of  Green  county, 
where  Mrs.  Walker  was  born  Sept.  29,  1846, 
one  of  a family  of  seven  children,  of  whom 
Byron  is  in  Michigan ; Clayton  is  in  Minne- 
apolis; Jane  is  the  deceased  wife  of  William 
Campbell,  of  Green  county ; Anna  is  the  wife 
of  Joel  W.  Walker;  Helen  is  the  wife  of 
James  Green,  of  Beloit,  Wis.;  Lydia  is  dead; 
and  Charles  lives  in  Monroe.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Joel  Walker  became  the  parents  of  the  follow- 
ing family:  Minnie,  born  June  10,  1870,  died 
in  infancy;  Lucina,  born  Jan.  22,  1872,  is  the 
wife  of  Clarence  Devoe,  of  the  town  of  Adams, 
and  has  two  children,  Roy  and  Helen;  Charles, 
born  Jan.  5,  1874,  has  charge  of  his  mother’s 
farm  in  the  town  of  York,  where  he  married 
Mary  Soper,  of  the  same  town,  who  has  borne 
him  two  children,  Raymond  and  Hazel;  Flor- 
ence, born  Jan.  5,  1874,  was  a twin  to  Charles, 
and  died  in  infancy;  Helen,  born  Aug.  22, 
1875,  is  the  wife  of  George  Soper,  of  Blanch- 
ardville,  Wis.,  and  has  three  children,  Minnie, 
Earl  and  Everett;  Harry  M.,  born  Sept.  15, 
1877,  died  young;  B.  W.,  born  Oct.  14,  1880, 
is  the  youngest  of  the  family,  and  remains  at 
home,  unmarried. 

Joel  Walker  was  four  years  of  age  when 
brought  by  his  parents  to  Wisconsin,  and  was 
reared  in  the  town  of  York,  where  he  had  his 
education  in  the  public  schools.  In  his  politics 


640 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


lie  was  a stanch  Republican,  and  in  his 
belief  a Baptist.  Beginning  life  a poor  man, 
by  industry,  economy  and  a wise  appreciation 
of  the  opportunity  for  progressive  and  intelli- 
gent farming  in  southwestern  Wisconsin,  he 
had  become  the  owner  of  a fine  farm  of  230 
acres,  which  was  well  cultivated,  and  equipped 
with  all  the  modern  conveniences  for  success- 
ful farming.  During  the  war  of  the  Rebellion 
he  bore  an  honored  part,  as  a loyal  and  intel- 
ligent soldier  from  his  native  State.  In  1861 
he  enlisted  in  Company  E,  8th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and 
did  a soldier's  duty  until  he  was  discharged 
in  1864,  on  account  of  disability.  The  com- 
mand to  which  he  belonged  was  attached  to 
the  Army  of  the  West,  and  Mr.  Walker  par- 
ticipated in  many  bloody  battles  along  with  his 
regiment,  the  most  important  being  the  battles 
of  Corinth,  Vicksburg,  Iuka  and  Iron  Mount- 
ain. He  survived  these  and  many  other  hard- 
fought  fields,  and  returned  home  in  safety. 

Mr.  Walker  attained  a prominent  position 
in  his  community,  where  he  served  as  school 
director  and  town  assessor  for  years.  As  a 
citizen  and  a neighbor  he  was  beyond  reasona- 
ble criticism,  and  as  a husband  and  a father 
he  was  all  that  love  could  desire.  Mrs.  Walker, 
his  widow,  is  still  living  on  the  old  homestead, 
which  she  rents.  A devoted  Christian  woman, 
and  an  educated  lady,  in  early  life  she  was  a 
successful  teacher,  and  in  her  later  years  has 
been  all  that  a devoted  wife  and  a faithful 
mother  should  be. 

ISAAC  CLENDENING  COMFORT,  one 
of  the  most  successful  and  public-spirited  cit- 
izens of  the  village  of  Cobb,  Iowa  county,  was 
born  in  Tioga  county,  N.  Y.,  April  6,  1823,  son 
of  Thomas  and  Abigail  (Deved)  Comfort.  The 
Comfort  family  came  from  England  in  Colo- 
nial times,  and  Richard  Comfort,  father  of 
Thomas,  and  grandfather  of  Isaac  C.,  served  in 
the  Continental  army  from  New  York  all 
through  the  war  of  the  Revolution. 

Thomas  Comfort  was  born  in  Orange  coun- 
ty, N.  Y.,  and  served  in  the  New  York  militia 
during  the  war  of  1812.  His  company  was 
called  out  at  the  time  Buffalo-  was  burned,  but 
did  not  arrive  in  time  to  assist  in  the  defense  of 
the  town.  In  1833  he  removed  to  Oakland 
county,  Mich.,  living  there  until  about  i860, 
when  he  came  to  Wisconsin,  locating  in  Iowa 
county.  His  death  occurred  in  the  town  of 


Eden,  that  county,  July  4,  1880,  when  he  was 
in  his  eighty-seventh  year.  He  was  a member 
of  the  Congregational  Church  in  New  York, 
but  after  his  removal  to  Michigan,  united  with 
the  Methodist.  He  was  a man  of  good  educa- 
tion, and  for  a number  of  years  taught  school 
in  New  York,  and  also  in  Michigan.  He  mar- 
ried Abigail  Deved,  who  died  early,  and  he  af- 
terward wedded  Sarah  Odell,  who  died  in  Iowa 
county.  Six  children  were  born  to  the  first 
union,  and  eight  to  the  second.  Of  the  chil- 
dren of  the  first  marriage  there  are  living,  be- 
sides Isaac  C.,  Atnasa,  novv  eighty-seven  years 
of  age,  residing  at  his  home  in  Stillwater, 
Minn. ; and  Elam  T.,  living  in  Cobb,  Wiscon- 
sin. 

Isaac  C.  Comfort  attended  the  district 
schools  in  Michigan,  and  for  a short  time  was 
a student  in  a private  school  in  Birmingham, 
Mich.  At  the  age  of  twenty-one  he  began 
teaching,  and  continued  in  that  profession  with 
much  success  for  five  years.  In  1848  he  came 
to  Wisconsin,  taught  one  winter  in  the  town 
of  Waldwick,  Iowa  county,  and  the  following 
year  purchased  wild  land  in  the  town  of  Lin- 
den, upon  which  he  located  two  years  later,  and 
began  making  Improvements.  He  had  230 
acres,  and  this  occupied  his  time  and  attention 
for  some  time,  when  he  sold  it,  and  purchased 
160  acres  near  the  village  of  Cobb,  as  well  as 
forty  acres  of  timber.  He  was  quite  success- 
ful in  his  farming  ventures,  and  for  the  last  fif- 
teen years  of  his  residence  on  his  farm,  devoted 
himself  to  the  breeding  of  Shorthorn  cattle.  He 
bred  from  the  best  stock  obtainable,  and  his 
example  and  influence  greatly  improved  the 
stock  of  the  community;  his  herd,  of  sixty  full- 
bred  and  high-grade  cattle,  all  ages,  sold  finally 
for  $6,000.  In  this  we  have  one  example  of 
our  subject’s  most  distinguished  characteristic 
— the  thoroughness  with  which  he  carries  out 
all  his  undertakings.  Since  December,  1883, 
Mr.  Comfort  has  lived  in  the  village  of  Cobb, 
where  he  erected  a fine  residence,  the  best  in  the 
town,  with  all  modern  improvements,  sur- 
rounded by  a spacious  lawn,  to  tlie  care  of 
which  he  devotes  much  of  his  time.  He  has 
many  choice  fruit  and  ornamental  trees,  and, 
taken  all  together,  his  home  is  one  of  the  most 
picturesque  in  the  county. 

Mr.  Comfort  has  always  been  a student  of 
public  questions,  and  has  spent  considerable 
time  in  endeavoring  to  advance  the  moral  and 


• COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


641 


intellectual  standing  of  the  community.  He 
was  one  of  the  prime  movers  in  organizing  tile 
Grange  of  Cobb,  and  for  two  years  acted  as  its 
master;  this  branch  has  since  disbanded.  For 
a number  of  years  he  was  a member  of  the  vil- 
lage board  of  education,  and  the  development  of 
the  present  excellent  high  school,  which  is  prob- 
ably the  best  to  be  found  in  a town  of  the  size, 
is  due  more  to  his  efforts  than  to  those  of  any 
other  one  citizen.  .About  1870,  with  other 
farmers  of  Linden,  Mr.  Comfort  organized  a 
Farmers’  Fire  Insurance  Company,  of  which  he 
was  vice-president  for  years,  and  did  a great 
deal  of  the  business,  making  surveys,  etc.  This 
company  is  still  prospering,  has  a surplus  to 
meet  all  demands,  and  is  a great  benefit  to  the 
farmers.  The  general  confidence  in  his  integ- 
rity has  been  shown  by  his  neighbors  and 
friends  in  his  selection  as  administrator  of  a 
number  of  estates,  and  in  several  instances  he 
has  served  without  pay.  He  has  rendered 
financial  assistance  to  many  of  his  fellow  citi- 
zens, which  in  some  cases  has  been  but  slightly 
appreciated. 

Our  subject’s  first  vote  was  cast  in  1844, 
for  James  K.  Polk,  and  he  has  been  a consistent 
Democrat,  upholding  the  principles  of  tariff  for 
revenue  only  and  anti-imperialism.  For  one 
year  he  served  on  the  county  board  of  trustees 
of  the  Insane  Asylum  and  Poor  Farm,  and  for  a 
number  of  years  on  the  board  of  supervisors 
from  both  Linden  and  Eden  townships.  He 
assisted  in  organizing  the  Adventist  Church  in 
Cobb,  and  is  one  of  the  elders  and  trustees  of 
same.  Mr.  Comfort  is  also  identified  with  the 
Masonic  fraternity,  being  a member  of  the 
lodge  at  Montfort,  Mineral  Point  Chapter  No. 
6,  and  Mineral  Point  Commandery,  No.  12, 
Knights  Templar. 

Mr.  Comfort  has  been  twice  married,  his 
first  union  taking  place  on  Oct.  16,  1850,  to 
Miss  Maria  Martin,  daughter  of  Ebenezer  Mar- 
tin; she  was  born  in  New  York,  and  died  in 
Cobb  in  1889,  aged  sixty-'one  years.  On  Aug. 
20,  1890,  Mr.  Comfort  married  Miss  Rebecca 
Meigs,  who  was  born  in  Iowa  county,  daughter 
of  Gardner  C.  and  Lovisa  (Barnard)  Meigs, 
and  one  daughter,  Lovisa  Ruth,  has  been  born- 
to  this  union.  Mr.  Comfort  also1  reared  and  ed- 
ucated two  children,  of  whom  he  was  appointed 
guardian,  Henry  and  Irene  Robinson.  He  and 
his  family  are  highly  respected  residents  of  the 
county  in  which  so  many  years  of  their  lives 
have  been  passed,  and  their  beautiful  home 
is  ever  open  to  their  friends  and  neighbors. 


WILLIAM  NOBLE  BILLINGS,  a pro- 
gressive and  public-spirited  business  man  of 
Cobb,  represents  one  of  the  leading  pioneer 
families  of  Iowa  county.  He  was  born  in  the 
town  of  Eden  (then  a part  of  Highland  town- 
ship) Jan.  1,  1852. 

Henry  Mortimer  Billings,  his  father,  was 
born  in  Vermont,  a son  of  John  Billings,  who 
was  born  in  Massachusetts,  of  Scottish  descent, 
and  served  in  the  Revolutionary  war,  after 
which  he  removed  to  Vermont,  where  his  death 
occurred  at  a ripe  old  age.  Henry  M.  Billings 
came  West  in  1836,  and  for  a few  years  was 
engaged  in  mining  at  Galena,  111.,  whence  he 
came  to  Mineral  Point,  Wis.,  to  engage  in  mer- 
cantile business.  In  1845  he  went  to  Center- 
ville, where  he  was  one  of  the  first  to  discover 
the  existence  of  lead  ore.  He  rvorked  in  the 
newly  discovered  mining  fields  until  1849  or 
1850,  when  he  purchased  land  in  the  present 
township  of  Eden,  and  passed  the  rest  of  his 
life  in  agricultural  pursuits.  He  was  acci- 
dentally killed  in  1862,  by  the  kick  of  a horse, 
when  he  was  aged  fifty- two  years  He  was 
a very  prominent  man  in  public  affairs,  repre- 
sented his  district  in  the  Territorial  and  State 
Legislatures,  and  also  in  the  State  Senate. 
In  political  principles  he  wras  a Democrat,  and 
in  his  fraternal  relations  he  was  a well-known 
Mason,  having  been  grand  master  of  the  Grand 
Lodge  in  Wisconsin.  Mr.  Billings  married 
Ann  Bray,  who  was  born  in  Kentucky,  a 
daughter  of  John  Bray,  who  died  in  Missouri 
during  her  childhood.  John  Bray  was  a son 
of  a Revolutionary  soldier.  Mrs.  Ann  (Bray) 
Billings  is  a lady  of  many  virtues  and  admira- 
ble executive  ability ; she  now  makes  her  home 
in  Madison.  Children  were  born  to  Henry 
Mortimer  and  Ann  (Bray)  Billings  as  fol- 
lows: John  Henry,  of  Cobb,  Wis.;  Douglas 
Mortimer,  of  Nevada,  Mo. ; William  N.,  our 
subject;  Frank,  a prominent  physician  of  Chi- 
cago ; Charles  Lewis,  an  attorney  of  Chicago ; 
George  A.,  a farmer  near  Cobb,  AVis. ; and 
Mary  E.,  now  Mrs.  William  Ferguson,  of 
Madison,  Wisconsin. 

William  Noble  Billings  received  his  educa- 
tion in  the  public  schools  and  in  the  Platteville 
Normal,  which  latter  institution  he  attended 
for  a short  time.  He  made  his  home  on  his 
father’s  farm  until  1881.  when  he  entered  the 
employ  of  the  Chicago  & Northwestern  Rail- 
road Co.,  as  station  agent  at  Cobb,  remaining 
there  seventeen  years,  and  giving  good  satis- 
faction to  his  company  and  its  patrons.  In 


642 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


1898  he  purchased  a stock  of  goods,  and  has 
since  dealt  in  general  merchandise,  including 
dry  goods,  clothing,  groceries,  etc.  The  firm 
is  now  Billings  & Spencer,  and  as  the  trade 
has  increased  the  stock  has  increased,  the  es- 
tablishment being  now  a credit  to  a town  the 
size  of  Cobb.  In  politics  Mr.  Billings  is  inde- 
pendent, casting  his  ballot  for  the  men  and 
measures  he  thinks  best  calculated  to  contrib- 
ute to  the  general  welfare  of  his  town,  State 
or  country.  In  religious  belief  he  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Adventist  Church,  in  which  lie  holds 
the  office  of  deacon.  His  name  appears  on 
the  rolls  of  Ferrin  Lodge,  F.  & A.  M.,  of  Mont- 
fort,  as  a member  in  good  standing. 

On  Aug.  15,  1884,  Mr.  Billings  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Florence  Eiger,  daugh- 
ter of  Stephen  and  Mary  Eiger,  of  Piatteville, 
and  three  children  have  been  born  of  this  union  : 
Roxena,  Eugene  and  Leonard. 

JOHN  P.  WILLIAMS,  miner  and  farmer 
in  the  town  of  Hazel  Green,  Grant  county,  was 
born  in  Devon,  England,  March  30,  1821,  a 
son  of  Thomas  and  Ann  Williams,  both  of 
whom  lived  and  died  in  their  native  land. 
John  P.  and  his  brother  Thomas,  who  settled 
and  died  in  Pennsylvania,  were  the  only  mem- 
bers of  the  family  who  came  to  this  country. 

John  P.  Williams  came  through  New  York 
on  his  way  to  Wisconsin  in  1848,  and  follow- 
ing his  arrival  in  Grant  county  was  engaged 
in  lead  mining  for  a number  of  years.  While 
in  England  he  married  Miss  Jane  Thomas, 
who  died  in  Hazel  Green  in  1879,  leaving  him 
with  two  children:  (1)  John,  the  eldest,  was 
born  in  England  in  1845,  and  acquired  his  edu- 
cation in  the  academy  at  Piatteville.  Miss 
Alice  Cooper  became  his  wife,  and  they  live 
in  Plainfield,  Wis.,  where  he  is  a hotel-keeper. 
They  have  a family  of  eleven  children,  Ida, 
Emil,  John,  Frank,  Lute,  Alice,  Antes,  Thom- 
as, Robert,  Una,  and  Florence.  (2)  Thomas, 
born  in  Grant  county  in  1851,  married,  and 
is  now  a hardware  merchant  in  Necedah,  Wis. 
He  has  three  children,  Irene,  John  M.,  and 
Jennie. 

In  1850  John  P.  Williams  made  the  jour- 
ney to  California  by  way  of  the  Isthmus  of 
Panama.  His  labors  in  the  gold  fields  were 
attended  with  very  good  results,  and  he  spent 
three  years  there,  at  the  end  of  that  time  re- 
turning to  Wisconsin,  and  working  in  the  lead 
mines  of  this  State  until  1856.  That  year  he 


went  back  to  California,  and  was  gone  some 
ten  years,  engaged  in  business  in  that  State. 
In  1864  Thomas  Stephens  sold  him  a fine  farm 
in  Hazel  Green  township,  on  which  he  made 
many  improvements,  and  thereon  made  his 
home.  In  1880  he  married  Miss  Hannah  Ped- 
elty,  of  Hazel  Green,  a daughter  of  John  and 
Hannah  Pedelty,  natives  of  Yorkshire,  Eng- 
land, who  came  to  this  country  in  1849,  and 
settled  in  the  town  of  Hazel  Green,  where  Mr. 
Pedelty  followed  smelting  on  his  homestead 
in  that  town.  In  the  spring  of  1864  he  and 
his  family  moved  to  Piatteville.  In  the  fall 
his  wife  died,  and  in  the  spring  of  1865  Mr. 
Pedelty  moved  back  to  Hazel  Green;  he  died 
in  1879.  Mrs.  Williams  was  born  in  England 
in  1849,  and  received  her  education  in  the 
Grant  county  schools.  She  is  one  of  four 
daughters:  Mary  A.,  wife  of  Anthony  Shep- 
erd;  Hannah,  Mrs.  Williams;  Jane,  wife  of 
Simon  Nicholas,  of  South  Dakota;  and  Ruth, 
widow  of  Henry  Ingraham,  of  Lafayette 
county. 

After  his  second  marriage  Mr.  Williams 
settled  on  his  farm,  where  he  is  now  living 
retired.  To  this  union  came  one  child,  Avis, 
who  was  born  in  1882,  and  is  now  a student 
in  the  Hazel  Green  school.  In  politics  Mr. 
Williams  is  a Republican,  and  in  religion  he 
and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church.  They  are  highly  respected 
people,  and  he  has  been  very  successful  in  his 
life  work. 

NELSON  ROBB  is  an  old  settler  of  the 
town  of  York,  Green  county,  where  he  has 
won  more  than  a local  reputation  as  a success- 
ful farmer  and  an  honorable  and  upright  man. 
Mr.  Robb  was  born  in  Stephenson  county,  111., 
a son  of  Davis  and  Lucinda  (Makepiece)  Robb, 
of  English  and  German  parentage,  who  came 
to  Green  county  when  young  Nelson  was  only 
five  years  of  age,  and  were  among  the  very 
earliest  settlers  of  York. 

Davis  Robb  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  July 
4,  1814,  and  died  Jan.  11,  1895,  and  his  wife, 
Lucinda  Makepiece,  was  born  in  Ohio  May  5, 
1822.  They  were  married  in  1840  and  to 
them  were  born  the  following  children : Nel- 
son, whose  name  appears  above;  Mary,  the 
wife  of  John  Hollister;  Hiram,  of  Monroe; 
Louisa,  the  wife  of  F.  Ivnorr,  of  Blanchard- 
ville;  Frank,  of  the  town  of  York;  Joseph, 
of  the  town  of  Moscow,  Iowa  county;  and 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


643 


Josephine,  the  wife  of  George  Rickey,  of  the 
town  of  York. 

Nelson  Robb  was  married  March  18,  1866, 
to  Miss  Clarinda  Walker,  a daughter  of  Ira 
Walker,  one  of  the  first  settlers  of  Green  coun- 
ty. To  this  union  were  born:  Esther,  born 
Dec.  19,  1866,  married  Charles  Altemus,  of 
Chase  county,  Ivans.,  and  has  had  three  chil- 
dren, Emma,  Ray  and  Phyllis,  but  Ray  is  de- 
ceased; Jesse,  born  June  26,  1869,  died  March 
11,  1874;  Myrtle,  born  June  7,  1875,  is  the 
wife  of  Edgar  Altemus,  of  Chase  county, 
Ivans.,  and  has  two  children,  Nicholas  and 
Hazel;  Alta  L.,  born  April  20,  1879;  Ralph, 
born  April  25,  1884;  Ella,  born  June  29,  1886, 
are  all  three  at  home.  Mrs,  Robb  was  born 
July  26,  1845,  and  is  the  daughter  of  Ira 
and  Lucina  (Miller)  Walker,  and  was  reared 
in  a family  of  the  following  children : Esther, 
Joel  and  Edwin,  all  deceased ; Minerva  is  at 
home,  unmarried ; Clarinda,  whose  marriage 
to  Nelson  Robb  is  noted  above;  and  Rosetta, 
deceased.  Ira  Walker  was  born  Oct  1,  1811, 
and  died  Nov.  17,  1889.  His  widow  is  still 
living  on  the  old  home  place  with  her  daugh- 
ter, Mrs.  Robb.  She  was  born  March  3,  1816, 
and  notwithstanding  her  advanced  age  bears 
herself  surprisingly  well. 

Nelson  Robb  is  a stanch  Republican,  and 
is  a man  of  moral  character  and  high  princi- 
ples. Beginning  in  life  with  nothing  but  him- 
self to  depend  upon,  he  now  owns  a good  farm 
which  consists  of  some  200  acres,  with  a good 
dwelling  and  substantial  farm  buildings.  Dur- 
ing the  Civil  war  Mr.  Robb  enlisted  in  Com- 
pany A,  46th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  in  the  fall  of 
1865  received  an  honorable  discharge.  Per- 
sonally he  is  a good  citizen,  a kind  neighbor, 
a devoted  husband,  an  indulgent  father,  and 
his  many  good  qualities  have  won  him  a host 
of  friends. 

SAMUEL  RUNDELL.  Perhaps  no  por- 
tion of  the  United  States,  of  equal  extent,  can 
boast  of  a.  larger  number  of  pioneers  who  hail 
from  that  famous  mining  region  of  England 
known  as  Cornwall  than  can  Iowa  county, 
Wis.  They  were  a strong,  hardy,  honest  class, 
drawn,  naturally  as  by  a magnet,  to  the  rich 
mining  country  of  southwestern  Wisconsin, 
and  their  strong  arms  and  willing  industry 
have  aided  no  less  in  developing  the  agricul- 
tural than  the  mining  industries  of  the  State. 
Among  these  should  be  mentioned  prominent- 


ly the  name  of  Samuel  Rundell,  now  living 
retired,  who  was  long  an  active  and  successful 
resident  of  that  section. 

Mr.  Rundell  was  born  in  Cornwall,  Dec. 
14,  1822,  grew  to  manhood  there,  and  on 
March  31,  1848,  married  Kezia  Biddick,  who 
was  born  in  the  same  county  April  28,  1826. 
Not  long  after  their  marriage  the  young  cou- 
ple came  to  America,  and  their  first  settlement 
was  made  at  Platteville,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  where 
Mr.  Rundell  engaged  in  farming.  Six  years 
later  they  removed  to  the  town  of  Mifflin,  in 
Iowa  county,  where  Mr.  Rundell  purchased  a 
farm,  and  he  continued  to  occupy  that  place 
until  December,  1900,  when  he  retired,  taking 
up  his  home  in  the  village  of  Livingston,  Grant 
county.  By  industry  and  good  management 
he  was  enabled  to  add  to  his  original  purchase 
from  time  to  time,  eventually  becoming  one 
of  the  prosperous  and  substantial  farmers  of 
the  town,  as  well  as  one  of  its  most  respected 
citizens.  His  faithful  wife,  who  assisted  him 
so  bravely  in  their  early  struggles,  passed 
away  Jan.  10,  1891.  They  were  the  parents 
of  fourteen  children,  twelve  of  whom  attained 
mature  years,  and  ten — four  sons  and  six 
daughters — are  still  living,  all  residing  in  the 
neighborhood  of  the  homestead  but  one,  Eli 
C.,  who  resides  in  Hurley,  South  Dakota. 

The  generation  of  his  family  to  which 
Samuel  Rundell  belongs  is  cpiite  remarkable, 
for  both  numbers  and  longevity.  At  one  time 
there  were  eleven  living  whose  ages  averaged 
sixty-five  years,  six  months.  Eight  are  liv- 
ing at  this  writing  (1901),  five  brothers  and 
three  sisters,  all  residents  of  southwestern 
Wisconsin  but  Mrs.  Eliza  Carhart,  whose  home 
is  in  Mapleton,  Iowa ; she  is  now  ninety  years 
of  age.  Four  have  celebrated  their  Golden 
Weddings. 

John  S.  Rundell,  eldest  living  member  of 
the  family  of  Samuel  Rundell,  was  born  Jan. 
5,  1851,  in  Platteville,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  and 
was  about  four  years  old  when  the  family  set- 
tled in  the  town  of  Mifflin,  Iowa  county,  which 
has  ever  since  been  his  home.  He  was  edu- 
cated in  the  common  schools,  and  has  engaged 
in  farming,  with  what  success  is  attested  by 
the  size  and  condition  of  his  beautiful  farm, 
which  contains  200  acres,  and  is  one  of  the 
most  desirable  places  in  the  locality.  On  March 
21,  1872,  Mr.  Rundell  was  married  to  Hannah 
Livingston,  daughter  of  Joseph  Livingston,  a 
pioneer  of  the  county,  and  five  children  have 


644 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


blessed  their  union : Lillie,  the  eldest,  is  the 
wife  of  Dr.  C.  W.  Bushnell,  a practicing  dent- 
ist in  Chicago;  Nellie  was  educated  at  the 
Platteville  State  Normal  School,  and  is  a suc- 
cessful teacher;  Charles  L.,  Ada  E.  and  Edgar 
are  at  home.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rundell  have  one 
grandchild,  Florence  Bushnell,  a representa- 
tive of  the  fourth  generation  now  living. 

Joseph  Livingston,  father  of  Mrs.  Rundell, 
was  a native  of  County  Wicklow,  Ireland,  and 
came  to  America  in  1846.  In  1852  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Jane  Mates,  and  six  children  were 
born  to  them,  four  of  whom  grew  to  mature 
years  and  are  still  living : Mary  A.,  wife  of 
Hiram  A.  Rundell;  Hannah,  wife  of  John  S. 
Rundell;  Robert  F. ; and  Lizzie,  wife  of  Her- 
cules Rundell.  Mrs.  Livingston  passed  away 
Feb.  14,  1865,  and  Mr.  Livingston  survived  her 
many  years,  his  death  occurring  March  18, 
1897.  Air.  Livingston  was  an  honest  and  use- 
ful citizen,  and  possessed  many  noble  traits 
of  character,  his  benevolence  and  readiness  to 
assist  the  needy  being  proverbial  among  those 
who  knew  him  best.  By  untiring  industry  and 
economy  he  acquired  a competence,  which  he 
devoted  to  the  good  of  his  fellow  men  as  well 
as  to  his  own  comfort,  and  he  was  highly  hon- 
ored in  the  locality  where  so  many  years  of 
his  life  were  passed.  His  integrity  was  above 
question,  and  in  his  death  the  community  lost 
one  of  its  most  highly  esteemed  members,  a 
man  whose  many  sterling  qualities  of  head 
and  heart  commended  him  to  the  affectionate 
regard  of  all  who  knew  him. 

JODERICH  KUBLI,  whose  death  June 
11,  1901,  removed  one  of  the  retired  farmers 
of  Jordan  township,  Green  county,  held  high 
rank  as  a successful  farmer,  a wealthy  and 
honorable  citizen,  and  wen  sustained  the  honor 
and  good  name  of  the  Swiss  in  America.  Born 
in  Canton  Glarus,  Switzerland,  Jan.  4,  1838, 
he  was  a son  of  Peter  and  Barbara  (Marta) 
Ivubli,  both  of  whom  lived  and  died  in  their 
native  Switzerland.  Joderich  Kubli,  the  father 
of  Peter,  had  three  sons,  Peter,  Jacob  and  John. 
Peter  Kubli  was  the  father  of  the  following 
children:  Annie,  the  wife  of  Jakob  Freikag, 
died  in  California;  John  remained  in  Switzer- 
land; Joderich,  whose  name  appears  above; 
Peter  remained  in  Switzerland;  and  Jacob 
made  his  home  in  Jordan  township. 

Joderich  Kubli  was  married  in  1868  to 
Miss  Alary  Hafty,  who  was  born  in  Switzer- 


land Nov.  22,  1844.  To'  this  union  were 
born  eleven  children,  as  follows : Barbara, 

born  Nov.  8,  1868,  married  John  Kundert,  of 
the  town  of  Jordan;  John  P.,  born  Jan.  18, 
1870,  now  resides  in  Minnesota;  Mary,  born 
Nov.  18,  1873,  is  at  home;  Annie,  born  Nov. 
13,  1875,  is  the  wife  of  Otto  Blum,  of  the 
town  of  Jordan;  Minnie,  born  June  4,  1884, 
is  unmarried  and  at  home;  John  Henry,  born 
Oct.  22,  1886;  William,  born  April  12,  1891; 
and  four  others,  now  deceased. 

The  career  of  Air.  Kubli  illustrates  the 
power  of  pluck  and  push  when  combined  with 
good  character  and  a high  degree  of  health. 
Air.  Kubli  came  to  this  country  without  money 
or  friends  to  help  him  on  his  way,  and  by  the 
most  industrious  and  saving  habits  became  the 
owner  of  a fine  farm  of  210  acres,  on  which 
he  made  his  home,  and  a second  farm  of 
eighty  acres,  for  which  he  had  a cash  rental. 
Mr.  Kubli’s  broad  acres  showed  the  work  of 
a faithful  and  intelligent  farmer. 

In  politics  Air.  Kubli  was  a Republican,  and 
both  himself  and  his  wife  belonged  to  the 
Methodist  Church.  A hard-working  man  all 
his  life,  he  never  had  any  trouble  with  his 
neighbors,  and  was  never  involved  in  any  kind 
of  a law  suit.  During  his  last  years  he  retired 
from  active  farming,  and  enjoyed  that  peace 
and  comfort  to  which  he  was  so  well  entitled. 
Throughout  his  life  he  was  guided  by  honesty 
and  neighborly  kindness,  and  lived  to  enjoy  the 
rich  results  of  these  great  principles  in  the  re- 
spect of  the  community  and  in  the  warm  affec- 
tion of  a host  of  friends. 

JABEZ  CLARK.  The  beautiful  little 
town  of  Monticello,  Green  county,  is'  fortunate 
in  having  located  within  its  limits,  a number 
of  solid,  substantial  farmer-citizens,  w'ho  by 
industry  and  energy  have  accumulated  a com- 
petency which  enables  them  to  pass  their  ad- 
vancing years  in  comfort.  Among  those  so 
located  may  be  mentioned  Jabez  Clark,  whose 
birth  took  place  March  8,  1828,  near  Lincoln, 
Lincolnshire,  England.  He  was  the  son  of 
John  and  Mary  (Sims)  Clark,  both  natives 
■of  England.  The  paternal  and  maternal  grand- 
parents were  of  English  birth  and  rearing,  the 
former  being  John  and  Mary  Clark,  who  be- 
came the  parents  of  six  children.  The  maternal 
grandfather  was  William  Sims,  who  lived  to 
the  unusual  age  of  101  years,  leaving  six  chil- 
dren. The  ancestors  in  both  lines  led  agn- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


645 


cultural  lives,  and  were  much  esteemed  in  their 
respective  neighborhoods. 

John  Clark,  the  father  of  our  . subject,  was 
a farmer,  stockman  and  shepherd  in  England, 
but  died  about  1828,  his  wife  surviving  until 
1856,  when  she  was  sixty-six  years  old.  Both 
had  been  consistent  members  of  the  Methodist 
Church. 

Jabez  Clark  was  reared  on  a farm  in  Eng- 
land,' and  had  few  educational  advantages, 
attending  no  school  after  his  seventh  year,  and 
receiving  no  instruction  except  that  obtained 
in  the  Sunday  school,  where  he  was  religiously 
sent  by  his  parents.  In  1857  our  subject  came 
to  America,  making  his  way  finally  to  Mt. 
Pleasant  township,  Wis.,  where  he  bought 
forty  acres  of  land  two  miles  south  of  Monti- 
oello.  Being  possessed  of  limited  means, 
great  industry  and  perseverance,  combined 
with  self-denial,  were  required  to  enable  him 
to  keep  adding  to  this  first  purchase  until  he 
had  accumulated  240  acres,  which  he  owned 
when  he  decided  that  his  toilsome  days  were 
past  and  that  he  could  enjoy  the  fruits  of  his 
labor.  In  the  spring  of  1900  Mr.  Clark  sold 
120  acres  of  his  estate  to  his  son,  rented  120 
and  removed  to  this  town,  where  he  and  wife 
live  in  quiet,  with  comfortable  surroundings. 

Mr.  Clark  was'  married  Jan.  1,  1858,  to 
Miss  Julia  Dyson,  a daughter  of  John  and 
Esther  (Royson)  Dyson,  and  a family  of  six 
children  were  born  of  this  union:  Mary  E., 

who  married  Anson  Wood,  of  Decatur  town- 
ship, and  has  three  children,  Walter,  Calista, 
and  Burnett;  William  S.,  who  married  Genevra 
Button,  and  resides  in  Kansas,  near  S’horey, 
with  three  children,  Lloyd  S.,  Julian  J.,  and 
Vita;  George  H.,  who  married  Emma  Hick- 
man, resides  in  Mt.  Pleasant  township ; Eliza- 
beth J.  and  Linda  B.,  living  on  the  old  home 
farm ; and  Burnett  L.  is’  a veterinary  surgeon, 
located  in  Monticello.  The  mother  of  these 
children  died  in  1897,  aged  seventy-four  years, 
having  been  a member  of  the  Christian  Advent 
Church.  The  second. marriage  of  our  subject 
took  place  on  April  18,  1897,  to  Mrs.  Emma 
(Wood)  Knight,  widow  of  Ralsey  Knight,  a 
soldier  in  the  Civil  war,  and  a daughter  of 
Samuel  and  Paulina  (Upham)  Wood.  Mrs. 
Clark  had  two  children  by  her  first  marriage, 
Ralsey  Adelbert  and  George  E.  Ralsey  Adel- 
bert  married  (first)  Imogene  Taft,  and  had 
one  child,  Carrie;  he  married  (second)  Nellie 
Rice,  and  they  live  in  Sibley,  Iowa.  George 


E.  Knight  married  Clara  Hilliard,  and  resides 
in  Coggon,  Iowa,  with  one  child.  Charles. 
The  parents  of  Mrs.  Clark  were  natives'  of 
New  York,  and  reared  four  children:  Sarah, 

who  married  a Mr.  Wakefield,  of  Durand, 
Wis.;  John  Albert,  who  resides  in  Orleans 
county,  N.  Y. ; Emma,  who  is  Mrs.  Clark ; and 
Artemus,  who  lives  in  San  Francisco,  Cali- 
fornia. 

Although  Mr.  Clark  is  a stanch  Prohibition- 
ist, and  always  ready  to  uphold  his  views,  he 
has  never  aspired  to  any  office.  In  religion 
he  is  a consistent  member  of  the  Christian  Ad- 
vent Church,  while  Mrs.  Clark  is  identified 
with  the  Free-Will  Baptist  Church.  Both  are 
highly  esteemed. 

ISAAC  W.  NEWTON,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch,  is  an  honored  citizen  and  substantial 
farmer  of  Lamont  township,  Lafayette  county. 

Our  subject’s  father,  John  Newton,  was  a 
well-known  citizen.  He  was  born  in  Lanca- 
shire, England,  March  9,  1823,  his  boy- 

hood and  early  youth  being  spent  in  his  native 
place.  In  1845  be  married  Elizabeth  Wilde, 
and  with  ’his  young  wife  came  to  America, 
locating  in  the  State  of  Pennsylvania  until,  the 
spring  of  1853,  when  the  family  migrated  to 
Darlington  township,  Lafayette  Co.,  Wis. 
About  two  years  later  Mr.  Newton  removed 
to  that  part  of  Fayette  township  which  has 
since  become  a part  of  Lamont.  In  the  spring 
of  1866  he  removed  to  the  farm  now  owned 
and  occupied  by  his  son  Isaac,  and  this  was 
his  home  until  his  death,  although  he  passed 
away  at  La  Plata,  Mo.,  while  on  a visit  to  a 
sister  residing  there,  on  April  25,  1893,  when 
a little  over  seventy  years  of  age.  His  wife 
died  in  1885.  The  surviving  members  of  the 
family  are:  Mrs'.  A.  R.  Mumford,  of  Free- 

man, Neb.;  Isaac  W.,  our  subject;  and  John 
T.,  who  lives  near  Newell,  Iowa. 

During  life  Mr.  Newton  was  a rejx'esenta- 
tive  citizen  and  was  'held  in  high  esteem.  His 
progressive  methods  and  industrious  habits 
were  commended  by  the  community,  he  im- 
proved considerable  land  and  held  many  official 
positions,  and  for  a number  of  years  was  the 
efficient  chairman  of  the  town  of  Fayette. 

Isaac  W.  Newton,  the  only  representative 
of  the  family  now  residing  in  Lafayette  county, 
was  born  in  Pennsylvania  in  1852,  and  was 
about  one  year  old  when  he  came  with  his 
parents  to  Lafayette  county,  where  he  has  al- 


646 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ways  made  his  home,  his  residence  being  the 
old  family  homestead.  Our  subject  married 
Mary  A.  Dixon,  a daughter  of  Alvin  M.  and 
Mary  E.  Dixon,  the  former  of  whom  was  born 
at  Platteville  March  18,  1843,  his  father,  who 
still  survives,  being  one  of  the  pioneers  of 
Grant  county,  Wis.  The  death  of  Mr.  Dixon 
occurred  in  Lamont  township  Dec.  27,  1900. 
For  two  years  he  served  in  the  army  in  the  war 
of  the  Rebellion,  and  although  thirty-five  years 
had  elapsed  since  the  close  of  the  war  his  death 
was  doubtless  hastened  by  the  hardships,  pri- 
vations and  exposures  incident  to  his  army 
service.  Mr.  Dixon  was  an  honored  member 
of  Harvey  Post,  No.  45,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Darling- 
ton. Mr.  Dixon  was  twice  married,  and  to  the 
first  union  was  born  one  daughter,  Nellie,  now 
Mrs.  Brooks,  of  Freeport,  111.  The  second 
marriage  was  to  Mary  Elizabeth  Wood,  who 
survives,  and  is  the  mother  of  Mrs.  Newton, 
the  latter  having  been  born  in  Lafayette  county 
in  1872.  Two  children  have  been  born  to  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Isaac  W.  Newton,  Harland  V.  and 
Alice  R.  In  his  neighborhood  Mr.  Newton 
is  highly  esteemed,  and  is  justly  regarded  as 
one  of  the  substantial  citizens. 

THOMAS  WATSON,  one  of  the  pioneer 
settlers  of  Green  county,  now  living  retired 
from  active  work  in  Browntown,  is  a native  of 
Ohio,  born  Feb.  4,  1824,  son  of  John  and  Eliza- 
beth (Binger)  Watson,  who  were  of  Irish  de- 
scent. William  Watson,  the  grandfather,  was 
born  in  Virginia,  and  took  part  in  the  Revolu- 
tionary war,  being  with  the  army  during  the 
terrible  suffering  of  the  winter  of  1777  in  Val- 
ley Forge.  He  married  a lady  named  Boyd, 
who  was  from  Ireland. 

John  Watson,  father  of  Thomas,  was  mar- 
ried in  1823,  to  Elizabeth  Binger,  daughter  of 
John  Binger,  a native  of  Maryland.  John  Wat- 
son and  his  wife  Elizabeth  reared  ten  children 
to  maturity  : Thomas,  Emily,  Elaira  (widow  of 
Enoch  Patterson),  Sarah,  Nancy  (wife  of 
Henry  Host,  of  Ohio),  Eliza  (wife  of  William 
V hite,  of  Ohio),  Jane  (wife  of  James  Wesley, 
of  Ohio),  John  William,  Joseph  and  Maria 
(wife  of  Daniel  White,  of  Ohio). 

I homas  Watson  has  received  his  education 
in  the  school  of  experience,  as  the  public  schools 
in  his  boyhood  days  were  very  limited  in  num- 
bers and  the  scope  of  their  work.  In  the  early 
thirties  he  attended  a little  log  cabin  school. 
So  far  as  farm  work  was  concerned  his  educa- 


tion was  not  by  any  means  neglected.  In  1850 
he  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  settled  in  Cadiz 
township,  which  has  been  his  home  for  the  past 
fifty  years.  He  began  life  without  any  capital 
whatever,  but  his  indomitable  will  and  natural 
energy,  and  by  good  management  and  untiring 
industry  he  has  accumulated  a competence, 
owning  a good  farm  of  nearly  two  hundred 
acres  in  Cadiz  township,  and  a good  home  in 
Browntown,  where  he  is  now  living  at  rest. 
Strictly  honest  in  all  his  dealings,  he  has  an 
untarnished  reputation  in  the  business  world, 
and  is  a most  highly  esteemed  citizen.  In  pol- 
itics he  is  an  ardent  Republican,  and,  while  a 
member  of  no  church,  is  very  charitable,  and  is 
a liberal  contributor  to  worthy  causes. 

On  March  29,  1846,  Mr.  Watson  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Mary  Lynch, 
daughter  of  William  Lynch,  of  Ohio.  She  was 
born  in  Ohio  Dec.  24,  1828,  one  of  a family 
of  nine  children,  the  others  being  John,  Simon, 
Hueh,  Absalom,  Cornelius,  Hattie,  Susan  and 
Katie.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Watson  became  the  par- 
ents of  ten  children,  of  whom  five  are  now  liv- 
ing: Jane  is  the  wife  of  Wallace  Skinner,  of 
Winslow,  111.;  Luvina  married  Elias  Martin,  of 
Green  county ; Catherine  is  a teacher  in  the 
Green  county  schools;  Viola  is  the  wife  of 
William  Smith,  of  Wisconsin;  and  Aurora  is 
the  wife  of  James  Robb,  of  Illinois.  The  others 
died  in  childhood.  Mr.  Watson  was  called 
upon  to  mourn  the  loss  of  his  wife  Feb.  19, 
1896.  She  was  a devoted  mother  and  loving 
wife,  and  passed  to  her  rest  in  the  faith  of  the 
Methodist  Church,  of  which  she  had  long  been 
a faithful  member. 

JOHN  CORRELL,  a successful  farmer 
now  living  in  retirement  at  Mineral  Point, 
Iowa  county,  Wis.,  was  born  in  Avoca,  County 
Wicklow,  Ireland,  Aug.  27,  1837,  son  of 
Richard  and  Ann  Correll,  natives  of  the  same 
locality. 

Richard  Correll  was  a farmer,  as  had  been 
his  father  and  grandfather  before  him.  He 
died  at  the  age  of  sixty-two  years,  and  his  wife, 
Ann,  passed  away  at  the  age  of  sixty.  They 
were  the  parents  of  thirteen  children,  of  whom 
four  still  live  in  Ireland,  and  Mary,  now  Mrs. 
Green,  in  Scranton,  Penn.,  and  cur  subject, 
are  the  only  ones  in  America. 

John  Correll  received  fair  educational  ad- 
vantages, and  at  the  age  of  fifteen  began  to 
learn  the  grocery  business,  which  he  followed 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD . 


647 


until  May,  1861,  when  he  embarked  for  Aus- 
tralia, passing  four  years  there  as  clerk  in  a 
cattle  station  at  Rockhampton.  Upon  his  return 
to  Europe,  he  passed  one  year  in  London  and 
his  native  town,  and  in  1868  came  to  the  United 
States,’  making  his  first  home  on  a farm  in  the 
township  of  Clifton,  Grant  county,  Wis.  In 
1882,  he  purchased  a fine  farm  of  170  acres 
near  Cobb,  Iowa  county,  which  he  still  owns. 
For  some  years  he  has  devoted  his  attention  to 
the  breeding  of  short-horn  cattle,  having  bred 
some  of  the  best  stock  in  the  county.  Among 
the  animals  he  has  owned  was  the  2-year-old 
bull  ‘‘Chancellor”  (106,791)  which  took  the 
second  premium  at  the  World’s  Columbian  Ex- 
position in  1893.  and  the  cow  “Lovely  Pride,” 
which  took  fourth  premium  at  the  same  place, 
and  first  at  the  Wisconsin  State  Fair  in  1894. 
Stock  owned  by  him  has  also  taken  many 
other  premiums  at  fairs  and  exhibitions.  Since 
1898  Mr,  Correll  has  lived  in  practical  retire- 
ment at  Mineral  Point,  where  he  has  built  a 
substantial  modern  residence  on  an  eminence 
overlooking  the  greater  part  of  the  city,  as  well 
as  of  the  beautiful  surrounding  country. 

In  September,  1869,  Mr.  Correll  was  mar- 
ried to  Isabella  Jane  Greville,  who  was  born  at 
Shank  Hill  Castle,  County  Dublin,  Ireland,  a 
daughter  of  Henry  and  Mary  (Robinson)  Gre- 
ville, who  came  to  America  in  1855,  and 
reached  Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  on  May  19,  of  that 
year.  Mr.  Greville  purchased  a farm  in  Clif- 
ton township,  near  the  Crow  Branch  mines, 
and  in  1882  moved  to  Montfort.  His  death  oc- 
curred at  the  home  of  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Cor- 
rell, Feb.  21,  1895,  when  he  had  attained  the 
venerable  age  of  eighty-three  years.  His  wife, 
Mary  Robinson,  died  111  Grant  county.  Dec.  27, 
1880,  at  the  age  of  sixty-six  years.  George 
Washington  Greville,  grandfather  of  Mrs.  Cor- 
rell, was  a printer  in  Dublin,  and  passed  away 
in  his  eighty-fourth  year,  and  his  brother,  who 
also  attained  an  advanced  age,  operated  the  only 
coach  factory  in  Dublin  at  that  time.  Mrs. 
Mary  (Robinson)  Greville  was  a daughter  of 
Henry  and  Mary  (Tuke)  Robinson,  the  former 
being  a damask  weaver  in  County  Roscommon, 
Ireland. 

Five  children  blessed  the  union  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Correll : Washington,  a druggist  at 
Prairie  du  Sac,  Wis. ; Richard  Joseph,  on  the 
home  farm ; Henry  Robinson,  born  Oct.  22, 
1874,  died  Sept.  15,  1897;  William  Horace,  a 
grocery  salesman  at  Mineral  Point;  and  James 


Archibald,  who  died  Sept.  25,  1897,  at  the  age 
of  twelve  years  and  eight  days.  The  parents 
have  taken  care  in  the  education  of  their  chil- 
dren, who  bid  fair  to  add  laurels  to  the  honored 
name  they  bear — Washington  being  a graduate 
of  the  State  University  of  Wisconsin,  and 
William  H.,  of  the  Platteville  Business  College. 
In  religious  views  Mr.  Correll  is  a member  of 
the  Methodist  Church,  and  Mrs.  Correll  is  a 
communicant  of  the  Episcopal  Church.  So- 
cially he  is  a member  of  Washburn  Lodge,  I. 
O.  O.  F.,  and  politically  has  always  affiliated 
with  the  Republican  party,  but  has  never  yet 
consented  to  accept  the  honors  of  public  office 
as  well  as  the  duties  of  citizenship. 

DUDLEY  C.  BRIDGES,  a venerable 
farmer  of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  has  led  a 
long  and  useful  life,  influenced  by  noble  mo- 
tives, and  is  now  passing  his  last  years  sur- 
rounded by  a circle  of  kind  and  sympathetic 
friends. 

Mr.  Bridges  was  born  in  Vermont  in  Sep- 
tember, 1816,  a son  of  Chase  and  Cornelia 
Bridges,  both  of  whom  were  born  and  reared 
in  that  State.  When  Dudley  C.  was  a child 
his  father  moved  to  Columbus,  Ohio,  where  he 
engaged  in  farming  some  twelve  or  thirteen 
years,  and  then  moved  to  Clinton  county.  111. 
While  living  in  Ohio  Mrs.  Bridges  died.  Of  the 
children  who  survived  her  ( 1 ) Densey  married 
Lorenzo  Dow,  and  settled  in  Bond  county,  111., 
where  she  died,  leaving  three  children,  Mary, 
lames  and  Milan;  the  sons  reside  in  Kansas, 
and  Mary,  the  wife  of  William  Alexander,  lives 
in  Illinois.  (2)  Edward  married  and  settled  in 
Clinton  county.  111.,  where  he  died.  (3) 
Omeerie  died,  a bachelor,  in  Clinton.  ( 4)  Mary, 
born  in  Ohio,  married  Henry  Harmon,  who 
died,  leaving  one  daughter,  now  also  deceased. 
Mrs.  Harmon  later  married  John  Hull,  and  set- 
tled on  a farm  in  Clinton  county,  111.,  where 
they  both  died,  leaving  one  daughter. 'who  did 
not  long  survive  her  parents.  Chase  Bridges 
later  in  life  married  Miss  Nancy  Hull,  and  to 
this  union  were  born  four  children,  all  of  whom 
are  deceased  but  Lucretia,  the  wife  of  William 
A.  Abbott,  of  California. 

Dudlev  C.  Bridges  received  the  major  part 
of  his  education  in  Ohio,  at  the  winter  sessions 
of  the  district  school.  In  1844  he  married  Miss 
Martha  Crucey,  of  South  Carolina,  and  settled 
in  Bond  county,  111.,  where  his  wife  died  four 
years  afterward,  leaving  no  children.  In  1848 


648 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


he  married  his  present  wife,  Miss  Nancy  Casey, 
of  Georgia,  a daughter  of  William  and  Ange- 
line  Casey,  who  were  born  in  the  South,  though 
of  old  Puritan  stock.  When  she  was  a child 
her  father  was  killed  by  the  Indians,  and  her 
mother  taken  a captive  into  Arkansas.  The 
young  orphan  was  received  as  a member  of  the 
family  of  Dr.  Wood,  who  moved  into  Illinois. 
When  she  was  sixteen  she  took  upon  herself  the 
burden  of  her  own  support.  After  marriage 
she  and  Mr.  Bridges  came  by  wagon  to  Grant 
county,  Wis.,  where  they  rented  what  is  now 
known  as  the  Long  farm,  making  their  home 
there  for  three  years,  and  then  Mr.  Bridges 
purchased  eighty  acres  from  Mr.  Snowdon. 
There  they  made  their  home,  and  here  they  still 
reside.  They  began  housekeeping  in  a small 
leg  house,  and  soon  erected  their  present  dwell- 
ing, where  they  reared  a large  and  prosperous 
family,  and  have  lived  to  see  their  children 
grow  up  and  take  honorable  places  in  life.  In 
1898  they  celebrated  their  Golden  Wedding. 
Mrs.  Bridges  united  with  the  Presbyterian 
Church  when  a young  woman  and  has  led  a con- 
sistent Christian  life. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bridges  have  had  twelve  chil- 
dren, all  of  whom  were  born  in  Grant  county. 
(1)  Flora,  born  in  1850,  married  Thomas 
Nixon,  resides  in  Iowa  on  a farm,  and  is  the 
mother  of  nine  children,  John,  Flora,  Irene,- 
George,  William-,  Joseph,  Thomas,  Theodore 
and  Martha.  (2)  Alice,  born  in  1852,  married 
Joseph  Nixon,  resides  on  his  farm  near  Rock- 
ville, and  is  the  mother  of  six  children,  Edwin, 
Nellie,  Mamie,  Ivippie,  Ernest,  and  Delbert  H. 
(3)  Filena,  born  in  1854,  married  William 
Long,  who  resided  in  Platteville,  both  are  now 
deceased;  they  left  two  children,  James  and 
Elvina.  (4)  Nora,  born  in  1856,  is  Mrs.  George 
Womack,  of  the  town  of  Platteville,  and  is  the 
mother  of  five  children,  George,  Thomas,  Dora, 
Adolph  and  Dudley.  (5)  William  Judd  married 
Miss  Lou  McKinney,  and  resides  in  Mineral 
Point.  He  is  the  father  of  four  children, 
Thomas,  Walter,  Daniel  and  Chase.  (6)  Alvin, 
born  in  1862,  married  Miss  Laura  Stanover, 
and  is  a farmer  in  the  town  of  Platteville;  they 
have  three  daughters,  Mamie,  Jemima,  and 
Sylvia.  (7)  Thomas,  born  in  1861,  was  killed 
while  engaged  in  seeding  grain,  by  a run-away 
team,  when  a boy  of  seventeen  years;  he  was  a 
bright  young  man  and  the  pride  of  his  parents. 
(8)  Irena,  born  in  1863,  was  educated  in  the 
public  schools,  and  in  1880  married  Samuel 


Clifton,  who  was  born  and  reared  in  England; 
they  are  living  on  a farm  in  the  town  of  Platte- 
ville, and  are  the  parents  of  six  children — 
Nancy  E.,  born  in  1880;  Gertrude,  June  24, 
1885;  Charles  C.,  in  1889;  Alice  and  Ada  A. 
(twins),  in  1894;  and  John  Dewey  Clinton,  in 
1898.  (9)  Harry  M.,  born  in  1866,  married 
Miss  Emma  Quarles,  and  settled  on  a farm  in 
the  town  of  Lima.  He  has  two  daughters, 
Ella  and  Ruby  Quarles.  (10)  Mary  Esther 
married  James  Appleby,  resides  in  Minneapolis, 
and  has  one  son,  Willis.  ( 1 1 ) Dudley  C.  is  mar- 
ried, and  when  last  heard  from  was  in  Iowa; 
he  has  no  children.  *(12)  John  is  mentioned  be- 
low. There  are  thirty-eight  grandchildren,  and 
seven  great-grandchildren. 

John  Bridges,  born  in  June,  1872,  is  now 
manager  of  the  old  home  farm.  He  received  a 
fair  education  in  the  home  schools,  and  was  well 
prepared  for  the  duties  of  an  active  life.  In 
October,  1896,  he  married  Miss  Emma  Doelz,  a 
daughter  of  G.  C.  and  Philopenie  Doelz,  an  old 
and  prominent  family  in  Dubuque,  Iowa,  and 
they  live  on  the  farm,  caring  for  his  parents  in 
their  old  age.  They  have  two  daughters,  Freda 
Viola  and  Irene  May.  John  Bridges  has  been 
long  identified  with  the  Republican  party,  fol- 
lowing in  his  father's  footsteps  in  this  respect, 
and  is  a leading  man  of  the  community.  Frater- 
nally he  is  a member  of  the  United  Workmen. 

GEORGE  H.  CRAM,  of  Beloit,  Rock 
county,  is  a well-known  shoe  dealer  in  the  col- 
lege city,  and  his  store  is  the  center  of  trade 
for  those  who  demand  good  values  for  their 
money  and  are  sensitive  to  fair  dealing  and 
courteous  treatment. 

Mr.  Cram  was  born  in  Missouri  City,  Mo., 
June  4,  1 861,  and  is  a son  of  George  H.  and 
Hattie  (Brittan)  Cram,  of  Vermont  and  New 
York,  respectively.  They  were  the  parents  of 
two  children,  Arthur  and  George  FI.,  the  for- 
mer of  whom  died  at  the  age  of  two  years. 
The  father  came  West  to  Chicago  in  the  'fif- 
ties, and  later  spent  a few  months  in  Missouri 
City,  Mo.,  but  kept  his  home  in  Chicago,  in 
which  city  he  died  in  1861,  at  the  early  age  of 
twenty-eight.  The  mother  still  survives.  She 
is  a Congregationalist,  as  was  also  Mr.  Cram. 
He  joined  the  Lhiion  army  for  service  in  the 
Civil  war,  and  was  a first  lieutenant  in  the 
14th  111.  V.  I.,  was  wounded  in  the  battle  of 
Fort  Donelson,  and  died  a week  later.  Mrs. 
Cram  subsequently  married  E.  B.  McClure, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


649 


■ and  now  lives  in  Visalia,  Cal.  They  have 
four  children,  Hattie,  Frank,  Harry  and  Fred. 
The  paternal  grandfather  of  our  subject  came 
from  England,  and  died  in  middle  life,  soon 
after  his  arrival  in  this  country.  He  was  the 
father  of  four  children.  Francis  Brittan,  the 
father  of  Hattie,  mentioned  above,  was  a na- 
tive of  England,  and  was  the  first  silk  and  em- 
broidery merchant  in  the  United  States.  He 
was  a prominent  merchant  in  Brooklyn,  and 
also  had  a store  in  New  York.  Late  in  life  he 
came  to  Wisconsin,  settling  at  Mineral  Point, 
at  that  time  a more  important  city  than  Chi- 
cago, and  he  spent  some  portion  of  his  later 
years  in  Beloit,  with  his  son  Arthur.  He  was 
the  father  of  a large  family. 

The  early  childhood  days  of  George  H. 
Cram  were  spent  in  Monmouth  and  Galesburg, 
111.,  and  at  Mt.  Pleasant,  Iowa.  He  attended 
the  public  schools  and  college  at  Galesburg, 
and  later  a public  school  at  Springfield,  Ohio. 
In  1876  he  came  to  Beloit,  and  has  since  made 
that  city  his  home.  Mr.  Cram  began  clerking 
in  the  shoe  store  of  his  uncle,  Arthur  Brittan, 
soon  after  his  arrival,  and  continued  in  his 
employ  until  1886.  That  year  he  entered  busi- 
ness on  his  own  account,  and  opened  a shoe 
store  in  partnership  with  George  A.  Lowns- 
bury,  who  retired  from  the  enterprise  after  one 
year.  Mr.  Cram  has  since  carried  on  the  busi- 
ness alone,  and  has  won  a good  patronage, 
being  now  among  the  solid  and  prosperous 
men  of  the  city.  In  1896  he  opened  a shoe 
store  in  Janesville,  and  later  associated  him- 
self with  C.  C.  Bennett,  who  presently  became 
the  owner  of  the  Janesville  enterprise.  Since 
that  time  Mr.  Cram  has  confined  his  business 
to  Beloit.  He  has  carried  through  several  im- 
portant deals  in  real  estate,  and  is'  agent  for  the 
business  of  Arthur  Brittan. 

George  H.  Cram  and  Miss  Cora  A.  Will- 
iams, daughter  of  George  and  Harriet  Will- 
iams, were  united  in  marriage  Aug.  3,  1883. 
To  this  union  two  children  have  been  born : 
Mildred  and  Arthur.  The  pleasant  home  in 
which  they  live,  at  No.  431  Park  avenue,  was 
erected  by  our  subject  in  1892.  Mrs.  Cram 
and  children  are  members  of  the  Episcopal 
Church,  which  Mr.  Cram  also  attends.  He 
is  a member  of  Morning  Star  Lodge,  No.  10, 
A.  F.  & A.  M.,  Beloit  Chapter,  No.  9,  R.  A. 
M.,  and  Beloit  Commandery,  No.  6,  and  with 
his  wife  belongs'  to  the  Order  of  the  Eastern 
Star.  He  is  a Modern  Woodman  and  LLiited 


Workman,  and  has  risen  to  a high  standing 
in  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  having  taken  the 
uniform  degree,  was  elected  a major  on  the 
staff  of  Gen.  Halsey,  and  served  under  him  a 
full  term.  Politically  he  is  a Republican,  and 
has  represented  the  Second  ward  one  term  in 
the  common  council.  Mr.  Cram  has  been  on 
the  county  board  several  terms,  and  is  a gen- 
tleman of  prominence  in  local  affairs. 

WILLIAM  LEWIS,  of  Lancaster,  dates 
his  coming  to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  from  half 
a century  ago,  having  arrived  here  in  1850. 
He  is  a native  of  Delaware  county,  N.  Y.,  born 
Dec.  21.  1829,  and  was  reared  to  agricultural 
pursuits. 

William  Lewis,  Sr.,  father  of  William 
Lewis,  named  above,  was  a native  of  Scotland, 
and  came  to  the  United  States  when  a young 
man.  About  the  first  employment  he  found 
here  was  in  assisting  in  the  construction  of  the 
Erie  canal  in  the  State  of  New  York — the  most 
important  artificial  waterway  used  for  passen- 
ger and  freight  traffic  in  the  United  States. 
It  was  completed  in  1825,  and  has  since  con- 
veyed, besides  merchandise,  thousands  of  pio- 
neers from  Albany  to  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  on  their 
way  to  the  far  West.  Mr.  Lewis  married,  in 
the  Empire  State,  Nancy  Burns,  a native  there- 
of, but  whose  father  was  from  the  north  of 
Ireland.  Soon  after  his  marriage  Mr.  Lewis 
settled  on  a tract  of  heavily-timbered  land, 
cleared  up  a farm,  on  which  he  resided  until 
1858,  and  then,  eight  years  after  his'  son  had 
arrived  here,  came  to  Grant  county,  Wis., 
where  he  purchased  what  was  known  as  the 
Luther  Brown  farm,  where  he  passed  the  re- 
mainder of  his  life,  his  widow  surviving  him 
for  a number  of  years.  They  were  the  par- 
ents of  eleven  children,  of  whom  one  only  was 
a daughter,  and  she  is  now  Mrs.  Catherine 
Ryan,  of  North  Anderson,  Grant  county.  One 
son,  James,  died  in  early  life,  but  the  others  all 
attained  mature  years'.  Four  of  the  sons 
served  in  the  Union  army  during  the  Civil  war, 
viz. : Moses,  Walter,  James  and  Andrew. 
The  last  named  died  in  the  service  just  before 
the  cessation  of  hostilities,  and  James  died  at 
I home  soon  after  the  close  of  the  war.  of  disease 
! contracted  in  the  army.  The  surviving  broth- 
ers are  John,  Thomas.  William,  Walter  and 
Wilson. 

William  Lewis,  whose  name  opens'  this 
sketch,  for  a number  of  years  after  his  arrival 


650 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


in  Grant  county,  in  1850,  worked  out  as  a 
farm  hand,  but  in  1865  he  purchased  the  Pre- 
serve Albee  farm  in  Patch  Grove  township,  on 
which  he  made  his  home  for  thirty  years,  be- 
fore retiring  from  active  life.  Pie  was  united 
in  marriage  Nov.  11,  1854,  with  Miss  Cath- 
erine Ryan,  who  was  born  in  Albany,  N.  Y., 
Aug.  7,  1835,  a daughter  of  John  and  Debora 
(Shedv)  Ryan,  and  this  union  has  been  blessed 
with  eleven  children,  of  whom  further  mention 
will  later  he  made.  In  1836  or  1837  the  Ryan 
family  came  from  New  York  to  Grant  county, 
Wis.,  and  after  residing  for  some  time  in  Cass- 
ville,  the  parents  removed  across  the  Missis- 
sippi river  to  Clayton  county,  Iowa,  where  the 
father  died,  after  which  occurrence  Mrs.  Ryan 
returned  with  her  children  to  Cassville,  and 
was  married  to  James  Carey.  By  her  first 
marriage  she  was  the  mother  of  five  children, 
and  by  her  second  became  the  mother  of  'two. 

Of  the  eleven  children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Lewis,  Dr.  James  Monroe  resides  in  Blooming- 
ton, Grant  county;  Nancy  Debora  is  the  wife 
of  Joseph  Donnellv,  also  of  Bloomington;  Mil- 
lie is  married  to  Mr.  Foley,  proprietor  and  edi- 
tor of  the  Cassville  Index ; William  Elmer  lives 
in  Patch  Grove;  Dr.  Walter  Haines  is  in  prac- 
tice at  Alden,  Iowa ; Andrew  E.  lives  in  Lan- 
caster, Wis. ; Dr.  Ulysses  Simpson  resides  in 
East  Dubuque,  111. ; John  Forrest  is  the  next 
in  order  of  birth;  Luther  L.  and  Frank  Clar- 
ence went  to  Alaska  in  1898;  and  Lela  is  the 
wife  of  Ray  D.  Walker,  of  Lancaster,  Wis. 
These  eleven  children  have  all  been  well  edu- 
cated. and  all  save  one  have  been  school  teach- 
ers. The  three  sons  who  are  practicing  medi- 
cine were  graduated  from  Rush  Medical  Col- 
lege, Chicago,  and  are  useful  and  greatly 
respected  citizens.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lewis  have 
a delightful  home,  and  are  possessed  of  all  the 
comforts'  of  life,  the  fruit  of  their  well  directed 
industry  and  intelligent  management  of  their 
affairs.  They  mingle  with  the  most  worthy 
and  reputable  residents  of  Lancaster,  and  then- 
friends  are  countless. 

JAMES  COCPIRAN  KIRKPATRICK  is 
one  of  the  oldest  surviving  pioneers  of  the  Wis- 
consin lead  region,  having  lived  there  for  nearly 
three  quarters  of  a century.  He  has  witnessed 
the  remarkable  development  of  that  locality 
from  a frontier  wilderness,  inhabited  chiefly 
by  Indians,  and  has  always  been  ready  to  assist 
in  promoting  the  cause  of  progress  and  im- 


provement, while  he  deplores  the  moral  degen- 
eracy and  other  follies  of  the  present  age. 

Mr.  Kirkpatrick  was  born  in  Mina  Bur- 
ton, Washington  Co.,  Mo.,  Dec.  4,  1823,  the 
second  son  of  Francis  Creswell  and  Frances 
(Sparks)  Kirkpatrick,  natives  of  Georgia  and 
Tennessee,  respectively,  w'ho  were  married  in 
Illinois.  The  grandfather  of  Francis  C.  Kirk- 
patrick sprang  of  a Scottish  Jacobite  family, 
which  was  exiled  from  Great  Britain  after  the 
war  of  1745,  when  the  Duke  of  Cumberland 
was  obliged  to  abandon  the  hanging  of  the  so- 
called  “rebels.”  This  gentleman  came  to 
America  with  six  of  his  brothers,  all  of  whom 
were  over  six  feet  in  height.  They  settled  in 
Georgia,  where  they  became  distinguished  for 
bravery  and  patriotism,  as  well  as  for  physical 
prowess.  All  of  them  did  valuable  service 
under  Gens.  Washington  and  Marion,  and 
after  the  Revolution  they  scattered  to  different 
States,  some  of  them  settling  in  Ohio.  The 
grandfather  of  Francis  C.  Kirkpatrick  was  be- 
trayed while  at  home  on  a furlough,  by  a Tory 
neighbor  whom  he  had  befriended,  and  the 
Tories'  gathered  and  shot  him  in  his  own 
house.  His  wife,  formerly  a Miss  Gilliam, ■ 
of  Scottish  descent,  bore  him  four  sons.  Her 
brother,  Isaac  Gilliam,  also  served  in  the  Con- 
tinental army,  and  was  once  left  for  dead  upon 
the  field ; he  always  bore  the  saber  scars  upon 
his  head,  though  he  attained  a vigorous  old 
age  in  Illinois.  The  subject  of  this  sketch 
well  remembers  a visit  which  he  paid  to  Iowa 
county  in  1836,  at  which  time  he  was  over  one 
hundred  years  of  age.  During  the  Revolution 
some  children  of  the  Gilham  family  were  cap- 
tured by  Indians  and  taken  to  the  “Illinois 
Country.”  Afterward  members  of  the  family 
heard  of  them  through  some  traders,  and  went 
from  Georgia  to  bring  them  home.  From 
Illinois  they  were  traced  to  Kentucky  and  res- 
cued. This  party  was  so  much  pleased  with 
the  country  that  they  formed  a colony  of  over 
two  hundred  people  among  their  relatives  and 
neighbors,  and  migrated  to  what  is  now  Bond 
county.  111.  James  Kirkpatrick,  fathei  of 
Francis  C.,  joined  this  colony  early  in  the  nine- 
teenth century.  In  1834  he  came  to  Wiscon- 
sin. and  his  death  occurred  in  the  town  of  Mif- 
flin, Iowa  county,  when  he  was  aged  seventy- 
seven  years.  His  wife,  Sarah  Pettijohn  Kirk- 
patrick. died  in  the  same  place,  at  the  age  of 
seventy-four  years. 

In  1827  Francis  C.  Kirkpatrick  father  of 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


651 


the  subject  of  this  sketch,  with  his  family  lo- 
cated at  Galena,  111.  The  Indian  title  to  south- 
western Wisconsin  then  a part  of  Michigan 
Territory,  having  been  extinguished,  the  fol- 
lowing year  he  came  to  Iowa  county,  and  en- 
gaged in  smelting  in  whr/c  is  now  the  town  of 
Lima,  Grant  county.  With  a wooden  plow 
'he  broke  up  the  first  ground  ever  cultivated  in 
the  county,  though  he  gave  but  little  attention 
to  agriculture  for  some  years ; this  plow  was 
made  from  a crotched  tree,  combined  with  a 
miner’s  pick.  As  most  of  the  provisions  for 
the  lead  region  were  brought  to  Galena  by 
steamer,  supplies'  sometimes  became  very 
scarce  before  the  opening  of  spring  navigation, 
and  at  one  time  he  and  his  family  were  without 
food  for  three  days.  He  took  part  in  the  Win- 
nebago war,  and  with  his  brother  William 
served  under  Capt.  Strode  through  the  Black 
Hawk  war  during  which  time  he  sent  his  fam- 
ily to  Galena  for  protection.  He  was  one  of 
the  commissioners  appointed  to  locate  the  seat 
of  Grant  county,  and  also  one  of  the  first  com- 
missioners of  Iowa  county.  He  departed  this 
life  in  Lima,  Grant  Co.,  at  the  age  of  sev- 
enty-six years,  most  of  which  had  been  spent 
upon  the  frontier.  Llis  wife  was  born  in  1804, 
near  Nashville.  Tenn.,  and  died  at  Lima,  Grant 
Co.,  Jan.  15,  1881.  Her  father,  Abel  Sparks, 
came,  in  1838  to  Iowa  county,  where  he  at- 
tained the  age  of  nearly  one  hundred  years. 
Her  mother,  whose  maiden  name  was  Sarah 
Cochran,  was  born  in  New  Jersey.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Kirkpatrick  were  the  parents  of  seven 
sons  and  four  daughters.  The  eldest,  George 
A.,- died  in  infancy.  George  W.,  and  Sarah 
J.,  are  also  deceased.  The  names  and  locations 
of  the  others,  besides  James  C.,  are  as  follows: 
William  D.,  lives  in  Mifflin  township,  Iowa  Co., 
Wis. ; Elizabeth  A.  (Mrs.  Jesse  Jones),  of 
Platteville,  Wis.;  Vance  L.,  at  Livingston, 
Wis.;  Martha  E.  (Mrs.  D.  Bull),  in  Califor- 
nia; Elvira  (Mrs.  H.  Pauley),  in  Grant  coun- 
ty, Wis.;  Francis  M..  at  Edmund,  same  State; 
and  Frederick  C.,  in  Colorado. 

James  C.  Kirkpatrick  spent  most  of  his 
boyhood  in  Iowa  county.  In  March,  1850,  he 
started  for  California,  and  drove  a team  across 
the  Plains,  reaching  his  destination  on  the  last 
day  of  July,  a quicker  trip  than  was  made  by 
most  of  the  overlanders.  After  spending  two 
years  there  he  returned  by  way  of  the  Isthmus, 
where  he  took  a boat  to  Havana,  reaching  that 
city  a few  days  after  the  execution  of  the  notor- 


ious filibuster,  Lopez.  Considerable  excitement 
prevailed  there,  but  he  and  his  companions  were 
allowed  to  continue  their  journey  without 
serious  interruption.  Since  his  return  he  has 
been  extensively  engaged  in  mining  and  farm- 
ing in  Mifflin  township.  For  some  years  he 
gave  considerable  attention  to  standard  bred 
horses  and  Galloway  cattle.  Among  his  horses 
were  some  of  the  progeny  of  "Selim,”  the  fa- 
mous stallion  captured  from  the  British  by  Mc- 
Donald, an  officer  under  Gen.  Marion's  com- 
mand. The  stock  was  brought  to  Illinois  by 
relatives  of  Mr.  Kirkpatrick.  Live  stock  bred 
by  him  have  been  exhibited  at  many  fairs,  and 
have  captured  many  premiums.  In  the  fall 
of  1887  he  took  sixty  head  of  Galloways  to  the 
State  fair  at  Denver,  Colo.,  finding  a ready 
sale  for  the  entire  number  in  that  State.  Since 
1894  he  has  kept  a hotel,  "The  Kirk  House,” 
at  Rewey. 

Though  his  early  educational  advantages  ■ 
were  quite  limited,  Mr.  Kirkpatrick  has  been 
an  extensive  reader  and  a close  observer.  For 
many  years  past  he  has  been  collecting  histori- 
cal relics,  geological  specimens,  and  other  curi- 
osities, and  now  has  quite  a museum,  gathered 
from  all  parts  of  the  world,  but  no  objects  more 
curious  than  some  which  he  has  exhibited  near 
his  home.  These  include  the  gigantic  tooth  of 
a mastodon  and  a piece  of  the  tusk  of  another, 
found  near  Anderson’s  Mill,  Grant  county,  the 
skeleton  of  which  is  preserved  in  the  Historical 
Museum  at  Madison.  Lie  also  has  sharks’ 
teeth  taken  from  a mound  near  Avoca,  and 
several  hundred  specimens  of  ore  and  minerals. 
He  has  become  familiar  with  several  Indian 
dialects,  and  understands  much  of  the  lore  and 
legends  of  the  aborigines.  Soon  after  the 
Black  Hawk  war  the  neighborhood  of  Mifflin 
was  visited  by  a party  of  peaceable  Indians. 
Most  of  the  men  were  away  at  work,  and, 
though  a small  boy,  he  felt  himself  called  to 
defend  the  home,  and  would  have  shot  at  them 
had  he  not  been  restrained  by  the  ladies  of  the 
house.  His  hostility  disappeared,  however,  as 
he  became  more  acquainted  with  the  race,  and 
he  never  had  any  serious  trouble  with  them, 
though  spending  much  of  his  time  in  their 
midst. 

In  political  sentiment  our  subject,  is  a Dem- 
ocrat. He  was  made  a member  of  the  Masonic 
fraternity  Sept.  6,  1858,  at  Melody  Lodge,  No. 

2.  Platteville,  and  in  1865  became  a charter 
member  of  Mifflin  Lodge,  No.  153,  which  has 


652 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


since  removed  to  Rewey.  In  1893  he  was 
initiated  in  the  Oriental  Order  of  the  Palm 
and  Shell,  at  Dodgeville,  by  H.  R.  Coleman, 
of  Louisville,  Kentucky. 

On  Feb.  25,  1846,  Mr.  Kirkpatrick  was 
married  to  Mary  Mundon,  who  was  born  in 
Jackson  county,  111.,  Oct.  18,  1827,  and  died 
at  Mifflin,  Wis.,  Jan.  25,  1895.  Of  their  six 
sons,  three  are  living.  Frederick  is  one  of  the 
most  extensive  farmers  of  southwestern  Wis- 
consin, operating  over  700  acres  in  Iowa,  and 
Grant  counties;  James  lives  in  Kossuth  county, 
Iowa;  and  Frank  Leslie  is'  connected  with  the 
hotel  at  Rewey. 

WILLIAM  JOHNSON  is  a leading  and 
representative  citizen  of  the  town  of  Spring 
Grove,  Green  county,  residing  on  his  farm  one 
mile  south  of  Oakley. 

Mr.  Johnson  is  a son  of  Jacob  and  Eliza- 
beth (Morey)  Johnson,  of  Northampton 
county,  Penn.,  who  were  of  German  origin. 
Jacob  Johnson  was  born  in  1782,  son  of  Henry 
Johnson,  was  among  the  early  settlers  of 
Easton,  Penn.,  and  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of 
1812,  and  died  in  1867.  About  1812  he  mar- 
ried Elizabeth  Morey,  and  they  became  the 
parents  of  eight  children : Sally,  who  married 

Benjamin  Barto;  John,  deceased;  Rebecca, 
who  married  Amos  Gumm,  and  is  now  de- 
ceased; Jacob,  who  died  in  Pennsylvania; 
Philip,  who  resides  in  Northampton  county, 
Penn. ; William,  born  May  7,  1825  ; Jesse,  who 
died  in  Pennsylvania;  and  Wilson,  who  lives 
in  Rochester,  Michigan. 

William  Johnson,  the  subject  proper  of  this 
article,  came  West  to  Lee  county,  111.,  in  1855. 
and  four  years  later  removing  to  Green  county. 
Wis.,  settled  on  the  place  he  now  owns,  and 
where  he  is  found  to-day,  a good  type  of  the 
prosperous  and  contented  farmer.  On  Oct.  7, 
1854,  William  Johnson  was  married  to  Kath- 
erine Long,  who  was  born  Aug.  31,  1829,  the 
eldest  of  the  six  children  of  John  and  Elizabeth 
(Eyer)  Long,  good  farming  people,  of  Eng- 
lish descent,  who  ranked  among  the  foremost 
residents  of  Northampton  county  at  that  time. 
This  marriage  has  been  blessed  with  five  chil- 
dren: (1)  Elizabeth,  born  in  Illinois  in  1857, 

married  John  Straley,  and  died  in  Houston, 
Tex.,  in  1899.  (2)  Hebron,  born  Aug.  26, 

i860,  died  Sept.  13,  1895,  leaving  a widow 
and  two  children.  (3)  John  E.,  born  March 
22,  1863,  died  in  infancy.  (4)  Mary,  born 


Feb.  7,  1866,  is  the  wife  of  Frank  Zimmerman, 
a farmer  of  Stephenson  county,  111.  (5)  Ella, 

the  youngest  of  the  family  is  the  wife  of  Rev. 
J.  W.  Zimmerman,  of  Green  county,  Wiscon- 
sin. 

William  Johnson  was  reared  on  the  farm, 
and  acquired  his  education  in  the  district 
school.  When  he  came  West  he  was  a poor 
man,  but  by  the  exercise  of  industry,  economy 
and  wise  judgment  he  has  come  into  the  pos- 
session of  a good  farm,  with  all  modern  im- 
provements', and  in  his  old  age  is  released  from 
the  necessity  of  care  and  worry.  Ide  owns  400 
acres  of  good  land,  in  good  condition.  In  poli- 
tics he  is  a Democrat.  He  has  been  a consist- 
ent member  of  the  United  Brethren  Church  for 
many  years,  and  is  a respected  citizen  of  his 
community.  He  is  a good  man,  a devoted  hus- 
band, a kind  and  faithful  father,  and  an  oblig- 
ing and  generous  friend  and  neighbor. 

GEORGE  WINTER,  whose  standing 
among  the  older  and  more  prominent  farmers 
of  Green  county  is  secure,  has  a fine  farm  in 
the  town  of  Brooklyn.  He  was  born  in  County 
Suffolk,  England,  Jan.  12,  1827,  a son  of  John 
and  Sarah  (Peck)  Winter,  both  natives  of 
England.  Twelve  children  were  born  to  them, 
of  whom  four  are  now  living;  George;  James, 
of  Evansville;  Catherine,  the  wife  of-  John 
Webb,  of  Australia,  and  Emma,  wife  of 
Thomas  Moore,  of  London,  Eng.  The  father 
was  a farmer  and  died  in  England  at  the  age  of 
eighty-three  years';  the  mother  died  when 
she  was  seventy-nine  years  old.  He  was  a 
member  of  the  Established  Church,  but  she  was 
allied  with  the  Dissenters.  The  paternal  grand- 
father died  at  an  advanced  age  in  England, 
having  reared  a small  family.  The  maternal 
grandfather  of  George  Winter  was  James 
Peck;  he  was  a farmer  and  died  in  England 
when  quite  advanced  in  years,  leaving  a family 
of  several  children. 

George  Winter  was  reared  on  a farm,  and 
had  his  education  in  the  English  schools.  In 
1854  he  came  to  America  and  made  his  location 
on  trackless  prairie  in  Rock  county,  Wis.  The 
next  year  he  came  to  Green  county,  and  bought 
160  acres  of  land  in  both  the  towns  of  Union 
and  Brooklyn,  with  his  residence  in  the  last 
town. 

Mr.  Winter  was  married  Nov.  12,  1855,  to 
Elizabeth,  daughter  of  William  and  Elizabeth 
(Wood)  Winter.  To  them  were  born  the  fol- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


653 


lowing  children:  Fred  William,  who  died 

when  he  was  six  months  old;  Albert  George, 
who  married  Sophia  Keepins,  and  is  the  father 
of  two  daughters,  Ethel  and  Ava  Fern;  Walter 
William,  unmarried,  and  lives  at  home;  Ellen 
Mary,  who  married  j.  C.  Ellis,  and  lives  in 
Union  township,  where  they  are  rearing  a 
family  of  four  children,  Verne,  Eddie,  Arthur 
and  Clifford;  Ernest  Edward,  who  wedded 
Mary  Pope,  and  lives  in  Union  township,  and 
has  one  son,  Merlin.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Winter  be- 
long to  the  Methodist  Church,  where  he  was 
elected  honorary  class  leader,  having  acted  in 
that  position  many  years.  He  was  also  trustee 
and  Sunday  school  superintendent  for  many 
years.  In  his  politics  Mr.  Winters  is  strictly 
independent,  although  he  cast  his  last  vote  for 
William  J.  Bryan. 

Mrs.  Winter’s  parents  were  both  natives  of 
England.  They  came  to  America  in  1856, 
and  located  in  Brooklyn  township,  Green  coun- 
ty, where  he  died  in  1858,  at  the  age  of  fifty- 
four  years.  His  widow  lived  to  be  seventy- 
two  years,  and  died  in  1889.  They  were  the 
parents  of  seven  children,  of  whom  four  are 
now  living:  George  W.,  of  Durand,  111.; 
Charles,  a resident  of  Wisconsin;  Elizabeth, 
Mrs.  Winter,  and  Louisa  Sarah,  widow  of 
Thomas  Dorman,  lives  in  Footville.  The 
father  and  mother  were  Episcopal  com- 
municants of  the  church  in  England.  Af- 
ter the  death  of  her  father,  her  mother 
married  for  her  second  husband,  Jacob 
Kersher,  who  died  in  1884.  Her  paternal 
grandfather  was  John  Winter,  a farmer,  who 
died  in  England  when  eighty  years  old,  the  fa- 
ther of  five  children.  Her  maternal  grandfa- 
ther was  John  Wood,  a hotel  keeper  of  Eng- 
land, and  a prominent  man,  and  at  one  time 
quite  wealthy.  He  had  six  children. 

Frederick  Winter,  the  brother  of  George, 
was  at  one  time  mayor  of  Stratford-on-Avon. 
He  was  a Sunday  School  teacher  in  the  Congre- 
gational Church,  and  a prominent  man.  At  his 
death  a monument  was  erected  by  the  Sunday 
School  and  the  citizens  generally  in  attestation 
of  his  good  life. 

LEMUEL  H.  WARREN,  one  of  the 
founders  of  the  town  of  Albany,  Green  county, 
is  a representative  of  one  of  the  early  Colonial 
families. 

Lovewell  Warren,  his  grandfather,  was  a 
native  of  Marlboro,  Mass.,  where  his  father 


followed  his  trade,  that  of  blacksmith,  and 
whence  he  had  gone  to  participate  in  the  French 
war  near  Quebec.  Being  deprived  of  his  fa- 
ther by  death  at  the  opening  of  the  Revolu- 
tionary war,  Lovewell  Warren  early  left  his  na- 
tive home  at  Marlboro,  the  home  also  of  the 
Howe  family,  to  whom  he  was  related  on  his 
mother’s  side,  and  located  near  the  village  of 
Montpelier,  where  he  cleared  up  a farm,  and 
passed  the  rest  of  his  life,  his  death  occurring 
in  1834,  when  he  was  nearly  seventy  years  of 
age.  He  was  twice  married,  his  first  marriage, 
to  Emma  Holden,  taking  place  Dec.  23,  1790; 
her  death  occurred  Jan.  • 20,  1813.  On  her 
mother's  side  she  was  related  to  the  Adams 
family  of  Leominster,  Mass.  On  Jan.  2,  1814, 
Mr.  Warren  married  Olive  Bohonon.  To  the 
first  union  five  sons  and  two  daughters  were 
born,  and  to  the  second  came  one  son. 

Lemuel  Warren,  son  of  Lovewell,  was  born 
in  Washington  county,  Vt.,  and  in  early  man- 
hood engaged  in  teaching  school,  later  becom- 
ing a mechanic.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  war 
of  1812,  and  was  present  dt  the  battle  of  Platts- 
burg.  In  1838,  ten  years  before  Wisconsin 
became  a State,  he  left  his  New  York  home 
and  located  on  a 160-acre  farm  in  Rock  town- 
ship, Rock  county,  two  and  one-half  miles  from 
Janesville.  This  was  his  place  of  residence 
for  three  years,  when  he  sold  out  and  moved 
to  Center  township,  purchasing  320  acres  of 
land,  on  which  he  lived  until  his  death,  in  1846, 
at  the  age  of  fifty-five  years.  He  was  well 
educated  for  the  times,  and  held  many  im- 
portant positions  in  the  town,  being  justice  of 
the  peace  for  many  years,  doing  much  clerical 
work  for  his  neighbors,  and  marrying  many 
of  the  pioneer  couples.  He  was  also  super- 
visor, and  numbering  among  his  accomplish- 
ments a knowledge  of  surveying,  his  services 
in  that  line  were  much  in  demand.  He  mar- 
ried Betsey  Richardson,  who  was  born  in  New 
York  State,  daughter  of  William  Richardson, 
a blacksmith,  who  died  at  Granville,  N.  Y., 
aged  eighty-five.  Three  of  the  eight  children 
born  to  Lemuel  and  Betsey  (Richardson) 
Warren  are  yet  living:  John  H.,  of  Cincin- 

nati, Ohio ; Lemuel  H. ; and  Eugene,  of  Al- 
bany. After  the  death  of  the  father  the 
mother  removed  to  Albany,  and  made  her  home 
in  a comfortable  cottage  built  for  her  by  her 
sons  Lemuel  and  Eugene.  She  died  in  1870. 
In  early  life  she  was  a Presbyterian,  but  after 
her  marriage  united  with  the  Universalist 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


654 


Church,  of  which  her  husband  was  a mem- 
ber. 

Lemuel  H.  Warren  was  born  in  Franklin 
county,  N.  Y.,  Sept.  30,  1830,  and  was  but 
eight  years  of  age  when  brought  by  his  par- 
ents to  Wisconsin.  He  was  reared  to  man- 
hood on  the  farm  in  Center  township,  Rock 
county,  and  received  such  education  as  the  dis- 
trict schools  of  the  day  afforded.  In  1854  he 
gave  up  farming,  and  joined  his  brothers  John 
H.  and  Eugene  in  the  mercantile  and  milling 
business  in  Albany.  They  were  always  spoken 
of  as  the  “Warren  boys,"  and  had  their  sign 
painted  “The  Warren  Boys.”  For  many 
years  they  continued  together  with  great  suc- 
cess, but  on  account  of  failing  health  Lemuel 
was  obliged  to  sell,  his  interest,  which  his 
brothers  took,  and  engage  in  other  work.  He 
moved  to  Juda,  Wis.,  and  there  engaged  in  the 
lumber  business  for  five  years,  and  then,  in 
partnership  with  his  brothers,  took  mail  con- 
tracts for  several  thousand  miles  of  routes, 
some  of  which  they  sub-let.  This  kept  Mr. 
Warren  out  a great  deal,  and1  the  traveling 
proved  very  beneficial.  His  next  work  was  on 
a farm  which  he  bought,  near  Madison,  but  in 
1883  lie  returned  to  Albany  to  make  his  per- 
manent home  there,  where  he  has  since  lived 
retired,  in  his  charming  home.  Besides  his 
other  property  in  Wisconsin,  he  owns  160 
acres  of  good  farm  land  in  Jackson  county, 
Minn.  In  his  political  affiliations  he  has  al- 
ways been  a stanch  Republican,  and  while  in 
no  sense  of  the  word  an  office  seeker,  he  has 
served  in  several  official  positions,  being  ap- 
pointed postmaster  under  President  Harrison, 
and  continuing  in  office  through  half  of  the 
term  of  Grover  Cleveland.  For  three  terms 
he  proved  a most  acceptable  president  of  the 
village  board. 

On  March  26,  1854,  Mr.  Warren  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Martha  Stanley, 
daughter  of  Archy  and  Arlutia  (Cox)  Stan- 
ley, and  to  this  marriage  came  four  children : 
Frank  S.,  of  Escanaba,  Mich.,  married  Clara 
I rousdale,  and'  has  four  children,  Bessie  and 
Jessie  ( twins),  Lona  and  Harriet;  Carrie  mar- 
ried Charles  Morgan,  of  Mt.  Pleasant,  and  has 
one  daughter,  Flossie;  Fred  L.,  of  Albany, 
married  Ella  Lemmel,  and  has  two  children, 
I essie  and  Catharine ; and  Eva  L.  passed  away 
Feb.  18,  1900.  aged  twenty-nine  years.  In 
their  religious  faith,  the  family  find  hope  and 
comfort  in  the  doctrine  of  the  Spiritualists. 


Archy  Stanley,  father  of  Mrs.  W arren,  was 
an  early  resident  of  Susquehanna  county, 
Penn.,  and  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1850,  locating 
in  Sylvester  township,  Green  county.  Two 
years  later  he  lost  his  life  while  at  work  in  the 
timber,  when  he  was  aged  fifty-four  years, 
four  months.  He  was  twice  married,  and  his 
first  wife,  Arlutia  Cox,  died  in  1837,  the 
mother  of  seven  children,  all  now  deceased  ex- 
cept Mrs.  Warren.  Two  of  the  sons,  Edward 
and  James,  were  soldiers  in  the  Civil,  war,  the 
latter  dying  in  a hospital  in  Memphis,  Term. 
In  1839  Mr.  Stanley  married,  for  his  second 
wife,  Miss  Olive  Glidden,  of  Friendsville, 
Penn.,  and  to  their  union  came  eight  children, 
of  whom  six  are  living:  Benjamin,  of  Ross- 

ville,  Iowa;  Susan,  of  the  Odd  Fellows  Home, 
Green  Bay,  the  widow  of  J.  B.  Perry;  Jeffer- 
son, of  Lyon  county,  Minn. ; Archy,  of  Cham- 
berlain, S.  Dak.;  Major,  of  Juda,  Wis.;  and 
Ellen,  wife  of  Thomas  Summeril,  of  Monroe. 

Matthew  Stanley,  grandfather  of  Mrs. 
We  irren,  was  a native  of  England,  and  on  emi- 
grating to  this  country  located  in  Orange 
county,  Vt.,  thence  to  Friendsville,  Penn., 
where  he  died  at  a good  old  age.  He  was  a 
typical  gentleman  of  the  old  school,  always 
very  particular  about  his  dress,  and  wore  his' 
hair  braided  in  a queue. 

OSCAR  L.  BLACKMAN,  a typical  farmer 
and  stockman  of  the  town  of  Platteville,  Grant 
county,  has  by  strict  attention  to  business  be- 
fore him,  and  an  unswerving  integrity,  made  a 
name  for  himself,  and  won  a place  in  the  world 
that  entitles  him  to  be  classed  among  the  rep- 
resentative men  of  Grant  county. 

Mr.  Blackman  was  born  in  Oneida  county, 
New  York,  in  the  month  of  December,  1839, 
and  is  a son  of  Elisha  and  Lavina  (Henderson) 
Blackman.  They  were  born  in  Chenango  coun- 
ty, New  York,  and  spent  their  early  lives  in 
their  native  county.  There  they  were  mar- 
ried, and  there  Mr.  Blackman  followed 
the  shoemaker’s  trade  until  1853.  That 
year  they  came  West  to  Wisconsin,  mak- 
ing the  long  and  tedious  journey  in  a 
moving  wagon.  Mr.  Blackman  brought 
along  a peddler's  stock,  and  sold  it  on  the 
way.  Thev  settled  at  Platteville,  on  a tract  of 
land  consisting  of  160  acres,  which  he  bought, 
not  far  from  the  village.  They  made  this  farm 
their  home  during  their  lives,  and  it  is  now 
owned  by  Oscar  L.  Mr.  Blackman  died  in 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


655 


1893,  surviving  his  wife  eight  years.  They 
were  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  and  were  widely  known  as  good  Chris- 
tian people.  He  was  a Republican,  and  held  a 
number  of  local  offices  during  life.  Of  their 
children, 

Almanzo  Blackman  was  the  eldest,  and  was 
born  in  Oneida  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1836.  He  ob- 
tained his  education  in  his  native  county,  and 
when  he  was  sixteen  years  old  came  West  with 
his  parents.  He  married  Miss  Ursula  Hender- 
son, who  was  born  in  Ashtabula  county,  Ohio, 
and  reared  in  Grant  county.  They  went  West 
but  came  back  in  1893,  and  he  was  killed  by 
the  kick  of  a horse,  in  1896,  leaving  a wife,  but 
no  children.  Zelora  Blackman  was  born  in 
New  York  in  1838,  and  remained  single  all  his 
life;  he  has  had  poor  health  for  many  years, 
and  makes  his  home  with  his  brother,  Oscar  L., 
on  the  farm. 

Oscar  L.  Blackman  received  his  early  educa- 
tion in  the  schools  of  his  native  State,  and  at- 
tended school  during-  the  winter  for  a time  after 
his  arrival  in  Wisconsin.  In  1861  he  left  his 
home  in  Belmont,  and  started  with  teams  for 
California,  with  a man  by  the  name  of  Basit. 
They  camped  along  the  Missouri  River  for  two 
or  three  weeks,  and  then  went  on  as  far  as 
Fort  Bridger,  where  our  subject  left  Mr.  Basit, 
and  began  to  work  for  the  overland  stage  com- 
pany, remaining;  one  month.  He  then  contin- 
ued his  journey  as  far  as  Salt  Lake  City,  where 
he  hired  out  to  drive  team  to  Denver,  Colo., 
making  two  trips.  That  winter  he  remained 
in  Council  Bluffs,  Iowa,  and  in  the  spring  went 
through  to  the  Powder  river,  in  Oregon,  spend- 
ing one  year  there  mining.  The  following 
spring  he  went  to  Idaho,  and  remained  till  fall, 
working  in  the  mines.  From  there  he  went  to 
Fort  Walla  Walla,  Wash.,  and  staid  until  the 
next  spring,  when,  with  others,  he  started  with 
pack  trains  to  the  Kootenay  mines,  British 
Columbia ; thence  again  with  pack  trains  they 
came  to  Helena,  Mont.,  where  Mr  Blackman 
worked  until  late  in  the  fall,  when  he  went  to 
Baker  City,  Oregon,  and  worked  for  the  over- 
land stage  company,  continuing  in  their  employ 
for  two  years  at  that  place,  and  a like  period  of 
time  for  the  same  company  in  Boise  City, 
Idaho.  In  the  spring  of  1870  he  left  there  for 
Wisconsin,  taking  the  train  at  Ogden,  and  upon 
his  arrival  resumed  the  occupation  of  farming, 
which  has  since  been  his  life  work. 

Mr.  Blackman  was  united  in  marriage  with 


Miss  Hulda'h  J.  Hackett,  who  was  born  in  1845, 
a daughter  of  John  K.  and  Orilla  Hackett,  of 
Trumbull  county,  Ohio,  the  former  a native  of 
New  Hampshire,  born  in  1804,  and  the  latter 
born  in  Vermont  in  181 1.  They  came  to  Platte- 
ville  in  1855,  and  lived  in  this  town  until  they 
died  in  1865  and  1899,  respectively,  Mrs.  Hack- 
ett at  the  venerable  age  of  nearly  eighty-nine. 
Mrs.  Blackman  was  mainly  educated  in  the 
Platteville  schools.  After  their  marriage  they 
spent  three  years  in  Fayette  county,  Iowa,  Mr. 
Blackman  engaging  in  farming.  He  sold  out 
and  repurchased  in  Cherokee  county,  in  the 
same  State,  spending  seven  years  in  that  splen- 
did agricultural  region.  After  the  expiration 
of  that  time  they  returned  to  Wisconsin,  and 
took  charge  of  the  old  homestead.  They  are 
the  parents  of  four  children.  Charles,  the  eld- 
est, born  in  Iowa  in  1880,  was  a student  at  the 
Platteville  schools ; Zelora,  born  in  Iowa  in 
1882,  Helen,  born  in  Cherokee  county,  in  1884, 
and  George,  born  in  Platteville  in  1889,  are 
all  bright  young  people,  and  are  students  at  the 
Normal.  Mr.  Blackman  is  a Republican,  and 
was  brought  up  in  the  faith  of  the  Methodist 
Church. 

JOB  SLACK,  one  of  the  leading  represent- 
atives of  the  agricultural  interests  of  Grant 
county,  was  borne  in  Devonshire,  England,  on 
March  1,  1832,  a son  of  Job  and  Anna  Slack, 
both  natives  of  Yorkshire,  England,  the  father 
having  been  born  in  1803  and  the  mother  in 
1805.  They  came  to  Lafayette  county  in  1848, 
where  the  father  worked  in  the  lead  mines  of 
New  Diggings,  for  one  year,  then  moved  back 
to  Grant  county,  and  settled  on  wild  land,  one 
mile  south  of  Big  Patch,  there  dying  in  March, 
1851,  leaving  a wife  and  four  children:  Job, 
our  subject,  is  the  eldest;  Elizabeth,  born  in 
England,  is  now  wife  of  John  Green,  and  has 
two  children,  Frederick  and  Herbert,  both 
teachers  in  the  high  schools  of  Chicago;-  Ruth, 
born  in  England,  is  the  wife  of  John  Harker, 
and  has  three  children,  George,  James  and 
Lydia;  Annie,  born  in  England,  is  now  the  wife 
of  Thomas  Wilkinson,  and  has  the  following- 
children,  Albert,  Edward,  Nellie,  Annie, 
Thomas,  Emma,  James,  Hall,  Milford  and 
Yetta.  The  mother  of  our  subject  remained 
on  the  old  homestead  until  her  death  in  1869. 
Both  she  and  her  husband  were  stanch  members 
of  the  Church  of  England  and  good  Christian 
people. 


656 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


When  about  seventeen  years  old,  Mr.  Slack 
came  to  America  where  he  worked  in  the  lead 
mines  of  southwestern  Wisconsin  for  several 
years,  afterward  going  to  Montana,  where  he 
worked  in  the  gold  mines  for  two  years.  Upon 
returning  from  Montana,  he  purchased  more 
land  in  Grant  county,  and  engaged  in  farming. 
In  1871  Mr.  Slack  married  Miss  Annie  F.  Fox, 
who  was  born  in  Lincolnshire,  England,  in 
1848,  and  who  came  with  her  brothers,  George, 
Charles  and  Thomas,  to  Grant  county,  where 
she  met  and  married  our  subject.  She  was 
a very  worthy  lady,  kind  in  her  home  and 
charitable  to  the  poor,  and  her  death,  in  1876, 
was  the  cause  of  great  sorrow,  not  only  to  her 
bereaved  husband,  but  to  her  many  friends. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Slack  were  the  parents  of 
three  children : Elizabeth,  born  at  the  old  home, 
on  July  8,  1872,  a student  of  the  Platteville 
Normal,  was  graduated  from  the  Platteville 
Normal,  class  of  1896,  and  became  a successful 
teacher  in  Smelser,  later  entering  the  State  Uni- 
versity, where  she  pursued  classical  studies ; 
George,  born  in  1874,  married  Etta  Newton, 
and  resides  at  Big  Patch,  where  he  has  a family 
of  four  children,  Luverne,  Virgil,  Albert  and 
Nellie;  and  Job,  who  died  in  infancy. 

Politically  Mr.  Slack  has  always  identified 
himself  with  the  Republican  party,  and  given 
his  services  to  it  and  to  the  community  as  treas- 
urer of  the  school  board  for  thirteen  years,  was 
a member  of  the  town  board,  and  has  been  over- 
seer of  the  many  excellent  roads  for  seven  years. 
In  religion  he  is  a member  of  the  Primitive 
Methodist  Church,  as  was  his  wife,  and  when- 
ever any  good  deed  is  proposed,  Mr.  Slack  s 
contribution  and  influence  are  confidently  ex- 
pected, and  always  given. 

FRANCIS  BAKER  (deceased)  was'  one 
of  the  worthy  pioneers  of  the  town  of  Linden, 
and  represented  one  of  the  most  prosperous 
and  influential  families  of  Iowa  county. 
Though  his  early  opportunities  were  rather 
limited,  he  possessed  natural  business  qualifi- 
cations, and  besides  being  a successful  farmer 
was  distinguished  for  his  public  spirit  and  be- 
nevolent contributions  to  religious  and  philan- 
thropic enterprises. 

Mr.  Baker  was  born  in  the  Parish  of  Week 
St.  Mary,  Cornwall,  England,  Dec.  24,  1817, 
and  died  at  Dodgeville,  Wis.,  Dec.  16,  1897. 
thereby  lacking  but  eight  days  of  completing 
the  age  of  fourscore  years.  His  father,  Digory 


Baker,  was  the  son  of  one  of  the  most  pros- 
perous tenant  farmers  of  Cornwall,  and  him- 
self accumulated  a small  fortune.  He  wisely 
sought  to  install  his  posterity  in  the  New 
World,  which  afforded  better  advantages  for 
material  and  intellectual  development  than 
could  be  had  for  them  in  his  native  land.  He 
became  a citizen  of  Iowa  county,  Wis.,  and 
died  in  the  town  of  Linden  in  1847,  at  the  age 
of  seventy-one  years.  His  wife,  whose  maiden 
name  was  Thomasine  Uglow,  died  in  Eng- 
land. The  members  of  the  Uglow  family  were 
the  rightful  heirs  of  a large  estate,  the  settle- 
ment of  which  has  been  pending  in  the  English 
chancery  courts  for  more  than  one  hundred 
years.  This  venerable  couple  were  the  parents 
of  seven  sons  and  two  daughters,  of  whom  the 
following  is  a brief  record:  William  died  in 

England;  Thomas  died  at  Edmund,  Wis.,  Feb. 
5,  1888,  aged  eighty-three  years;  Edmund 
died  at  the  same  place,  after  donating  ground 
for  a station,  which  has  since  been  known  by 
his  given  name;  John  U.  resides  in  Madison, 
at  the  age  of  eighty-six  years;  Francis  was 
next  in  order  of  birth ; Henry,  whose  biography 
will  be  found  upon  another  page  of  this  vol- 
ume, resides  in  Lancaster,  Wis.;  Digory  was 
for  some  years  a resident  of  Iowa  county,  but 
died  in  England,  at  the  age  of  seventy  years; 
Elizabeth  (Mrs.  Henry  Sampson)  died  at  Ed- 
mund; and  Joanna  (Mrs.  John  Pierce)  died  in 
Mineral  Point. 

At  the  age  of  twenty  years  Francis  Baker 
left  home  and  joined  his  brother  Thomas  and 
other  members  of  the  family,  who  had  pre- 
ceded him  to  this  country  and  located  at  Hones- 
dale,  Penn.,  in  1833.  At  that  place  he  fol- 
lowed the  trade  of  stone  mason,  in  connection 
with  farming,  until  1844,  when  he  came  to 
Wisconsin  and  took  up  government  land  in 
the  town  of  Linden,  Iowa  county.  The  lo- 
cality was  then  a comparative  wilderness,  and 
but  little  attention  had  been  given  to  its  agri- 
cultural development.  Being  a man  of  varied 
resources,  he  spent  a portion  of  his  time  at  the 
carpenter’s  trade,  and,  discovering  lead  ore 
upon  the  premises,  he  extracted  sufficient  min- 
eral to  pay  for  his  land,  and  gave  most  of  his 
time  to  mining  for  several  winters.  From 
time  to  time  he  made  additions  to  his  original 
purchase,  and  ultimately  became  the  owner  of 
several  hundred  acres  of  the  best  lands  in  Iowa 
county.  In  1887  he  retired  from  active  pur- 
suits, and  spent  the  balance  of  his  life  in  the 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


°57 


city  of  Dodgeville.  He  took  an  active  inter- 
est in  the  affairs'  of  the  town  and  county,  serv- 
ing as  a member  of  the  board  of  supervisors 
and  in  other  official  capacities.  In  early  life 
he  was  a Whig,  and  after  the  formation  of  the 
Republican  party  became  one  of  its  stanch  and 
consistent  supporters. 

On  Oct.  13,  1842,  Mr.  Baker  was  united 
in  marriage  to  Mary  Dony,  who  still  survives 
him.  She  was  born  at  Penryn,  Cornwall, 
England,  daughter  of  Henry  and  Jennifer 
Dony,  who  came  to  the  United  States  about 
1832,  settling  at  Honesdale,  Penn.,  where  both 
attained  old  age;  Mr.  Dony  passed  away  at 
Greenfield,  in  the  same  State.  Mrs.  Baker  has 
reached  the  age  of  seventy-seven  years,  and  is 
still  in  the  enjoyment  of  fair  health.  She  is 
the  mother  of  six  sons'  and  six  daughters,  as 
follows : William  H.  died  at  Britt,  Iowa,  at 

the  age  of  fifty-five  years ; John  Wesley  is  a 
well-known  farmer  near  Cobb,  Iowa  county ; 
Francis  Asbury  lives  at  Bruning,  Thayer  Co., 
Neb. ; Edwin  Alonzo  is  a citizen  of  Dodge- 
ville; Mary  Emmaline  (Mrs.  P.  Sangwin) 
died  at  the  age  of  thirty  years,  near  Bruning, 
Neb.;  Julia  Ann  (Mrs.  Tames  Dony)  lives  in 
Washington,  D.  C. ; Thomas  James,  at  Oto, 
Iowa;  Eva  Jane  (Mrs.  Jonathan  Jones),  at 
Dodgeville;  Sophia  Ellen  (Mrs.  Jabez  B. 
Webb),  at  Spencer,  Iowa;  Oscar  Louis,  at 
Minneapolis,  Minn.;  Florence  Irene  (Mrs. 
Charles  R.  Fox),  at  Cobb,  Wis’. ; and  Eliza 
Melissa  (Mrs.  Joseph  W.  Parmley),  at  Ips- 
wich. S.  Dak.  The  living  posterity  of  Mrs. 
Baker  includes  twenty-nine  grandchildren  and 
five  great-grandchildren.  Though  they  live  in 
many  different  places,  she  has  visited  most 
of  them,  and  has  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  all 
but  one  of  her  descendants.  For  nearly  thirty 
years1  she  has  been  an  earnest  member  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  with  which  her 
husband  united  while  living  at  Honesdale, 
Penn.  Mr.  Baker  was  a class-leader  of  dif- 
ferent societies  in  Iowa  county  for  more  than 
a quarter  of  a century,  and  always  ranked 
among  the  most  liberal  supporters  of  the 
church. 

J.  A.  TODD.  Among  those  people  who 
have  devoted  long  and  useful  lives  to  the  till- 
age of  the  soil,  who  have  been  honorable  and 
upright  in  their  every  transaction,  and  have 
now  come  to  a serene  old  age,  holding  the  re- 
spect and  confidence  of  all  who  know  them, 

42 


and  passing  their  declining  years  with  a richly 
deserved  competence  111  southwestern  \\  iscon- 
sin,  especially  in  Grant  county,  the  venerable 
man  whose  name  introduces  this  article  is  con- 
spicuous. He  is  a retired  farmer  of  Harrison 
township,  and  with  his  years  reaching  beyond 
the  Psalmist’s  limit  of  three  score  and  ten,  he 
is'  strong  and  active,  and  affords  in  his  own 
person  a beautiful,  illustration  of  the  results  of 
clean  and  wholesome  living  on  the  farm. 

Mr.  Todd  was  born  in  Chautauqua  county, 
N.  Y.,  Oct.  28,  1825,  and  is  a son  of  Elam  and 
Betsy  (Gilmore)  Todd,  natives  of  Vermont 
and  New  York,  respectively.  Elam  Todd  was 
the  son  of  Jerred  Todd,  a Revolutionary 
soldier,  and  the  grandson  of  Benager  Todd, 
who  was  born  in  Maine.  He  in  turn  was  the 
son  of  Jobe  Todd,  who  was  born  on  the  river 
Rhine,  in  Germany.  Jerred  Todd  came  to 
Michigan  at  a very  early  day  and  settled  at 
Litchfield,  where  he  died  at  the  advanced  age 
of  one  hundred  and  three  years.  He  had  a 
large  family,  all  of  whom  remained  in  Michi- 
gan, except  Elam.  He  married,  returned  to 
New  York,  and  was  a Methodist  Episcopal 
minister  in  Chautauqua  county  for  many  years. 
He  and  his  wife  both  lived  to  be  very  old. 
They  had  five  children:  (1)  Sidney  B.,  born 

in  New  York  in  1817,  was  a stock  dealer,  and 
died  in  that  State,  leaving  a wife  and  one 
daughter,  who  is  now  a resident  of  Michigan. 
(2)  Benager  W.,  now  deceased,  born  in  Chau- 
tauqua county,  N.  Y.,  in  1821,  married  Eliza- 
beth Burchard,  of  the  same  county,  and  set- 
tled in  Buffalo  ; he  had  two  children,  Frank,  an 
artist  in  Buffalo,  and  a daughter,  the  wife  of 
Dr.  Sprague,  of  Jamestown,  N.  Y.  (3)  Mor- 
ris, born  in  Chautauqua  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1835, 
married,  came  West,  and  settled  in  George- 
town. Grant  county,  Wis.,  where  he  followed 
the  trade  of  a carpenter  some  years,  and  then 
moved  to  Des  Moines,  Iowa,  where  he  was  a 
merchant  the  rest  of  his  life;  five  of  his  chil- 
dren are  living:  Frank  (a  Des  Monies  mer- 

chant). Lillian  (Mrs.  Joseph  Deamer,  of  Des 
Moines),  a daughter  residing  in  Iowa,  Nettie 
(of  Des  Moines),  and  Jack  (a  bookkeeper  in 
a bank  at  Pittsburg).  (4)  Clarissa,  born  in 
Chautauqua  county,  N.  Y.,  is  Mrs'.  Martin 
Delaney,  of  Erie,  Penn.,  and  has  one  child, 
Harriet,  now  Mrs.  George  Jackson,  of  Chau- 
tauqua county. 

J.  A.  Todd,  who  completes  the  family,  grew 
to  manhood  in  his  native  county,  and  received 


658 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPEIICAL  RECORD. 


a very  fair  education  in  the  common  schools. 
When  he  reached  the  age  of  eighteen  he  en- 
tered a blacksmith  shop  to  learn  the  trade,  and 
finished  his  apprenticeship  in  Warren,  Penn. 
For  some  years  he  led  a roving  life,  working 
at  Pittsburg,  and  then  at  Montreal,  Canada, 
and  later  at  Litchfield,  Mich.  From  Litchfield 
he  returned  to  his  old  home  in  Chautauqua 
county,  and  engaged  in  business'.  There  in 
1847  he  married  Miss  Huldah  A.  Francis,  who 
was  born  .April  12,  1828,  daughter  of  Amos 
and  Isabel  (Dowd)  Francis,  an  old  and  prom- 
inent pioneer  couple  in  Genesee  county,  N.  Y. 
The  young  couple  came  to  Grant  county,  Wis., 
the  year  of  their  marriage,  and  lived  some  six 
months  at  Big  Patch,  then  a mining  village, 
lie  worked  at  his  trade  two  years  in  the  town 
of  Elk  Grove,  and  three  years  in  Mineral  Point. 
He  bought  property,  and  put  up  the  second 
house  and  the  first  blacksmith  shop  in  George- 
town, and  was  located  there  nine  years,  when 
he  bought  a farm  near  Flazel  Green,  and  en- 
gaged in  farming  in  connection  with  black- 
smithing.  After  a time  he  sold  out  at  Hazel 
Green,  and  moved  to  Jamestown,  where  he 
followed  shop  work  seven  years.  In  1872  he 
gave  up  his  trade,  and  bought  the  farm  on 
which  he  is  now  living,  and  which  has  been 
his  home  for  nearly  thirty  years.  lie  has 
made  many  extensive  improvements,  clearing 
up  the  land,  erecting  suitable  and  commodious 
buildings,  and  bringing  the  End  to  a high 
state  of  cultivation. 

Mr.  Todd  experienced  a heavy  blow,  Sept. 
6,  1895,  in  the  death  of  his  worthy  wife,  the 
dear  and  faithful  companion  of  almost  a half 
century  of  toil  and  struggle.  She  was  the 
mother  of  three  children  who  attained  mature 
years : ( 1 ) Mortimer  died  in  childhood. 

(2)  Melvina,  born  in  Georgetown,  Wis.,  in 
February,  1850,  married  Henry  Harbican,  now 
a wealthy  and  retired  farmer  of  East  Dubuque, 
111.,  and  has  had  ten  children,  Frank,  Walter, 
Anne,  John  (deceased).  Morton,  Jerred,  Hi- 
ram, Burton,  Logan  and  Henry.  (3)  Walter, 
born  Dec.  15,  1852,  married  Lillie  A.  Stephens, 
of  Platteville,  daughter  of  John  and  Emily 
Stephens,  pioneers  in  Grant  county.  Mrs.  Lillie 
( Stephens)  Todd  was  born  in  Platteville  in 
1856,  and  was  educated  in  the  old  academy  at 
Platteville,  and  her  death  occurred  at  their 
home  in  the  town  of  Ellenboro  Oct.  28,  1884, 
leaving  three  children:  Flora  M.,  a very 

charming  young  woman,  born  Nov.  14,  1876, 


and  educated  in  the  Normal,  has  had  charge 
of  her  grandfather’s  home  for  some  five  years; 
Ira,  born  in  October,  1879;  and  Mabel,  born 
April,  8,  1882,  are  at  home.  Walter  Todd 
married  for  his  second  wife  Sophia  Cooper, 
of  Grant  county,  and  she  died  Aug.  20,  1894, 
leaving  one  son,  Gernal  G.,  born  in  October, 
1886.  Walter  Todd  is  manager  for  the  Cli- 
max Feed1  Mill  Company  for  Grant,  Iowa,  La- 
fayette and  other  Wisconsin  counties,  and  also 
has  charge  of  his  father’s  home  farm.  He  is 
a member  of  the  Masonic  order  and  the  Knights 
of  the  Maccabees.  (4)  Helen,  born  in  Grant 
county  in  July,  1857,  is  now  the  wife  of  A.  H. 
Fuller,  of  the  town  of  Platteville,  where  they 
now  reside ; they  have  three  children,  Plulda 
F.,  Alma  F.,  and  Isabel  D. 

Mr.  Todd  has  been  identified  with  the 
Republican  party  since  its  organization,  and 
has  held  a number  of  local  offices  in  the  towns 
in  which  he  has  resided.  He  and  his  wife 
were  formerly  members  of  the  Christian 
Church,  and  were  active  workers  in  its  behalf. 

HON.  JAMES  SPENSLEY,  of  the  city  of 
Mineral  Point,  Iowa  county,  is  one  of  the  old 
settlers  of  that  locality,  and  a man  well  known 
in  the  early  history  of  Wisconsin. 

Janies  Spensley  was  born  April  17,  1833, 
in  Yorkshire,  England,  a son  of  Richard  and 
Alice  (Bonson)  Spensley.  Richard  Spensley 
was  also  born  in  England,  a son  of  James  and 
Rosamond  (Mason)  Spensley,  natives  of  York- 
shire, of  Scottish  descent.  James  Spensley,  Sr., 
grandfather  of  our  subject,  after  the  death  of 
his  wife  came  to  Dubuque,  Iowa,  where  he  died. 
To  him  and  his  wife  were  born  five  sons  and 
one  daughter : John,  who-  lived  and  died  in 
England;  James,  who  died  in  England; 
Richard,  father  of  our  subject;  Mason 
(deceased),  who  came  to  Dubuque,  Iowa, 
then  to  Platteville,  Wis.,  opened  up  a farm 
in  Grant  county,  and  died  there  in  1870; 
William,  a resident  of  South  Dakota;  and 
Margaret,  now  Mrs.  Richards,  of  California. 

Richard  Spensley,  the  father  of  our  subject, 
was  reared  and  married  in  England.  In  1839 
lie  left  his  native  land  on  the  sailing  vessel 
“Rocious,”  and  after  a voyage-  of  seven  weeks 
landed  in  New  York,  whence  he  went  to  Chi- 
cago via  the  Erie  canal  to  Buffalo,  and  thence 
on  the  lakes.  From  Chicago  he  traveled  by 
team  to  Dubuque.  Later  he  removed  to  Galena, 
I where  he  mined  and  operated  a smelter,  dying 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIO  GRAPH  ICAE  RECORD. 


659 


in  Galena  in  1892.  His  wife  passed  away  in 
1886,  aged  eighty-three.  In  politics  he  was  a 
Republican,  and  he  was  a worthy  man,  highly 
esteemed.  To-  himself  and  wife  were  born  six 
sons  and  six  daughters : Robert,  who  died  in 
Yorkshire;  Rosamond,  now  Mrs.  Spensley,  of 
Dubuque,  Iowa;  Mary,  Mrs.  Mather,  who  died 
at  Fort  Dodge,  Iowa ; Elizabeth,  Mrs.  Ferris, 
who  died  in  Dubuque,  Iowa;  James,  our  sub- 
ject; Bonson,  who  died  at  Shullsburg,  Wis. ; 
William,  a resident  of  Galena,  111.,  probate 
judge  and  attorney-at-law;  Margaret,  Mrs.  Al- 
lison; Alice  Ann,  Mrs.  Bailey,  of  Colorado; 
Richard,  a resident  of  Galena,  111.,  and  county 
clerk;  Ellen,  Mrs.  Gray,  of  Galena,  111.;  and 
John  Robert,  who  enlisted  at  Madison  in  1861, 
in  the  16th  Wis.  V.  I.,  was  in  the  battle  of  Shi- 
loh, serving  through  the  war,  was  honorably 
discharged  at  Washington,  and  died  at  Galena 
in  1868. 

Our  subject  was  reared  and  educated  at  Gal- 
ena, 111.,  and  in  1850  crossed  the  Plains  to  Cal- 
ifornia, driving  an  ox-team,  and  remaining  in 
that  State  three  years.  In  1853  he  returned  to 
Galena,  and  in  1856  migrated  to  Mineral  Point, 
engaging  in  .mining,  smelting  and  farming. 
Later  he  began  to  raise  stock,  built  a creamery, 
and  in  1893  embarked  in  the  creamery  business. 
At  present  he  owns  and  operates  creameries  at 
Mineral  Point,  Linden  and  Bloomfield,  Wis., 
and  at  Stacyville,  Mitchell  Co.,  Iowa — all  well 
equipped  with  the  modern  appliances. 

In  Galena  Mr.  Spensley  married  Miss  Eliza- 
beth Todd,  who  died  at  Mineral  Point  in  1873, 
leaving  him  with  a family  of  eight  children : 
Francis,  a merchant  in  Iowa;  Shirley,  now  Mrs. 
Phillips  of  Chicago;  Jennie,  now  Mrs.  Skewis, 
of  Inwood,  Lyon  Co.,  Iowa;  James  Eddy,  of 
Montana;  Richard  Todd,  of  Montana;  Nellie 
Vesta,  at  home;  John  Bismarck,  in  charge  of 
creamery  at  Linden,  and  a partner  of  his  fa- 
ther; and  George,  in  charge  of  the  Stacyville 
creamery.  In  1874  Mr.  Spensley  went  to  Eng- 
land, and  while  there  married  Miss  Elizabeth 
Ann  Spensley,  born  in  Yorkshire,  England,  re- 
turning with  his  wife  to  Mineral  Point.  Here 
Mrs.  Spensley  died  in  1875,  leaving  one  son, 
Montford  B.,  who  has  just  returned  from  the 
Philippines,  having  enlisted  at  Drake  College, 
Des  Moines,  Iowa,  under  Col.  Loper;  he  was  in 
the  Signal  Service.  In  1880  Mr.  Spensley  was 
married  to  Miss  Annie  Osborne,  born  in  La- 
fayette county,  a daughter  of  Henry  and  Nan- 
nie (Skewis)  Osborne,  natives  of  Cornwall, 


England,  and  early  pioneers  of  Lafayette  coun- 
ty. Mr.  Osborne  was  a merchant  of  Shulls- 
burg,  and  later  of  Mineral  Point,  where  he  died 
in  1897,  his  wife  passing  away  some  years  pre- 
viously. To  the  union  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Spens- 
ley one  child,  Alice  Aneta,  has  been  born. 

In  politics  Mr.  Spensley  is  a Republican, 
and  has  always  been  very  actively  identified 
with  the  party.  In  1866  he  was  a member  of 
the  State  Legislature;  has  been  chairman  of  the 
county  board  for  ten  years ; was  instrumental 
in  the  erection  of  the  county  asylum  building  in 
1885;  was  chairman  of  the  town  board  of  Min- 
eral Point  township  for  twenty  years;  and  in 
1899  was  elected  mayor  of  the  city.  In  all  the 
positions  of  trust  he  has  held  Mr.  Spensley  has 
made  an  enviable  record,  has  proven  himself  a 
man  of  honor  and  ability,  and  enjoys  the  re- 
spect and  esteem  of  a wide  circle  of  friends. 
Our  subject  is  very  active  in  church  work,  being 
a consistent  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
Church,  and  has  been  Sunday-school  superin- 
tendent for  thirty-three  years.  Fraternally  he 
is  a member  of  Mineral  Point  Lodge  No.  1, 
F.  & A.  M. 

HENRY  MUESSE,  of  Lancaster,  Grant 
county,  Wis.,  was  for  many  years  the  leading 
contractor  and  builder  of  this  city,  but  is  now 
living  in  retirement.  He  was  born  in  Prussia 
June  22,  1836,  a son  of  Philip  and  Eliza  (Rick) 
Muesse,  the  former  of  whom  was  born  in  1806, 
and  the  latter  two  years  later.  In  1848  the 
Muesse  family,  then  consisting  of  the  parents 
and  four  children,  embarked  in  a sailing-vessel 
at  Bremen  (steam  navigation  at  that  time  being 
little  known  on  the  ocean),  and  after  a voyage 
of  eight  weeks  landed  at  Baltimore,  Md., 
whence  they  went  to  Philadelphia,  Penn.,  where 
the  father,  who  was  a weaver,  found  employ- 
ment in  a cotton-mill,  and  where  the  parents 
passed  the  remainder  of  their  lives,  the  mother 
dying  in  1864,  at  the  age  of  fifty-five  years,  and 
the  father  in  1878,  in  his  seventy-third  year. 
Of  the  five  children  born  to  them  they  brought 
four  to  America  and  these  all  reached  mature 
years,  and  were  named  Elizabeth,  now  Mrs. 
Kramer,  of  Lancaster  township,  Grant  county, 
Wis. ; Henry  and  George,  of  the  same  city;  and 
Wilhelmina,  who  was  married  to  Albert  Weber, 
and  died  in  Philadelphia.  A twin  of  George 
died  in  Germany  in  infancy. 

Henry  Muesse  learned  the  trade  of  carpen- 
ter in  Philadelphia,  and  upon  his  arrival  in  Lan- 


66o 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


caster,  YVis.,  in  1855,  actively  engaged  as  a 
builder  and  contractor  until  1895,  when  he  re- 
tired. He  erected  by  contract  many  of  the 
better  class  of  buildings  in  Lancaster,  including 
the  Congregational  and  the  Methodist 
churches;  Mr.  Baxter's  store  building;  both 
bank  buildings;  besides  numerous  other  edifices 
of  more  or  less  pretentions ; and  in  addition  to 
his  contracting  business  conducted  an  exten- 
sive lumber  yard. 

In  politics  Mr.  Muesse  has  always  been  a 
stanch  Republican,  but  in  local  politics  he  looks 
upon  the  best  man  as  the  person  to  vote  for,  and 
is  never  so  set  but  that  lie  can  see  right  from 
wrong.  He  has  been  an  alderman  of  the  city 
of  Lancaster  a great  many  times  since  he  re- 
sided there,  and  is  now  an  alderman  from  his 
ward,  having  been  re-elected  three  times  to  suc- 
ceed himself,  the  office  always  seeking  him. 
The  citizens  of  the  city  have  many  times  re- 
quested him  to  run  for  mayor,  but  he  has  al- 
ways declined.  Mr.  Muesse  is  a model  citi- 
zen, paying  strict  attention  to  his  own  busi- 
ness, leaving  others  to  attend  to  their  own — - 
a quality  that  can  not  be  too  highly  commended, 
especially  in  a small  city  like  Lancaster. 

Mr.  Muesse  was  joined  in  marriage,  in 
Lancaster,  with  Miss  Eliza  Reynolds,  daugh- 
ter of  Thomas  Reynolds,  a native  of  England, 
but  who  came  from  Cleveland,  Ohio,  to  Lan- 
caster, Wis.,  in  1852.  To  this  marriage  have 
been  born  children  as  follows:  Olive,  the  wife 
of  Prof.  Emery  M.  Wood,  of  Baldwin,  Ivans., 
where  he  occupies  the  chair  of  mathematics 
in  the  University;  John  H.,  who  is  now  and 
for  some  years  past  has  been  a bookkeeper  and 
cashier  in  the  Lumber  Exchange  building  in 
Minneapolis,  Minn. ; Harriet,  wife  of  Frank 
Nathan,  a clothing  merchant  of  West  Supe- 
rior, Wis. ; Harry,  who  studied  law  with  Col. 
Clark,  of  Lancaster,  Wis.,  afterward  gradu- 
ated from  the  law  department  at  Baldwin  Uni- 
versity,  Kansas,  and  is  now  practicing  law  in 
Ottawa,  in  the  same  State;  Frank  P.,  who  is 
now  a traveling  lumber  salesman,  and  makes 
his  home  with  his  father;  and  Susan  and  Ralph 
are  still  at  home.  Mr.  Muesse  has  been  a mem- 
ber of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  since  i860,  and  he  and 
his  family  are  members  of  the  Episcopal 
Church. 

Thomas  Reynolds,  the  father  of  Mrs. 
Muesse,  was  a soldier  in  the  Union  army  dur- 
ing the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  and  died  in  Cleve- 
land soon  after  its  close.  His  widow  remained 


in  Lancaster,  Wis.,  and  for  thirty  years  prior 
to  her  death  lived  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Muesse. 

George  Muesse,  youngest  brother  of  Henry 
Muesse,  whose  life  sketch  is  given  in  the  fore- 
going paragraph,  was  born  .in  Germany  April 
5,  1839,  and  was  about  nine  years  old  when 
brought  by  his  parents  to  America.  He  was 
reared  to  manhood  in  Philadelphia,  and  there 
learned  carpentering.  In  1859  he  came  to 
Lancaster,  Wis.,  and  remained  one  year  only, 
then  returning  to  Philadelphia.  In  1870  he 
came  back  to  Lancaster,  Wis.,  to  reside  perma- 
nently, and,  like  his  brother,  engaged  in  con- 
tracting and  building,  and  also  entered  the 
lumber  trade.  He  made  a thorough  success 
of  both  lines  of  business,  realizing  a compe- 
tence, and  is  now  enjoying  the  fruits  of  his 
early  industry  and  enterprise  in  the  quiet  re- 
tirement of  private  life.  He  was  also  city 
weighmaster  for  many  years,  but  was  never 
what  is  known  as  an  office-seeker. 

In  Tuly,  1863,  George  Muesse  was  married 
in  Philadelphia  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Humric- 
house,  a native  of  Germany,  who  came  to 
America  with  friends  of  the  family  in  1858, 
her  parents  being  then  deceased.  To  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Muesse  eight  children  have  been  born  in 
the  following  order:  Anna  E.,  wife  of  Leo 
Baumgarter,  of  South  Dakota;  George  H.,  a 
lumberman  of  Clinton,  Iowa;  Elizabeth,  wife 
of  Adolph  Grimm,  of  Dubuque,  Iowa;  Carrie 
M.,  wife  of  Walter  Ivlempell,  of  Cassville, 
Wis.;  Fred,  a druggist  of  Clear  Lake,  Iowa; 
Charles  L.,  a lumberman  living  in  Erie,  111.; 
Edward  (a  twin  of  Charles)  and  Cornelia, 
still  at  home.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Muesse  and  the 
members  of  the  family  at  home  belong  to  the 
Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  and  socially 
they  mingle  with  the  best  circles  in  Lancaster, 
by  whom  they  are  held  in  the  highest  esteem. 

WILLIAM  G.  RODERICK,  one  of  the 
wealthy  farmers  and  honorable  citizens  of 
Clarno  township,  Green  county,  where  he  re- 
sides on  his  fine  farm  of  320  acres,  six  miles 
southwest  of  Monroe,  was  born  in  Fayette 
county,  Penn.,  Sept.  11,  1845,  son  of  Henry 
and  Mary  (Greenlee)  Roderick. 

Henry  Roderick  was  born  in  Fayette  coun- 
ty, Nov.  1,  1817,  son  of  David  Roderick,  a na- 
tive of  Maryland,  who  in  early  life  moved  to 
Pennsylvania,  and  became  one  of  the  early  set- 
tlers of  Fayette  county,  where  he  raised  the  fol- 
lowing named  children : John,  Daniel,  Andrew, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


66 1 


.Jacob,  Samuel,  Henry,  David  and  Elizabeth,  all 
now  deceased,  except  Henry.  Henry  Roderick 
was  married  June  20,  1842,  to  Miss  Mary 
Greenlee,  who  was  born  March  21,  1822,  and 
died  October  17,  1900.  Their  union  was 

blessed  with  ten  children,  a record  of  whom  fol- 
lows : Thomas  J.,  deceased;  William  G. ; Sam- 
uel married  Clara  Humphrey,  and  died  August 
10,  1900;  Jacob  L.,  a thrifty  farmer  of  Decatur 
township,  married  Allie  Fleek;  Charles,  de- 
ceased; David  married  Susan  West,  of  Sylves- 
ter township;  Oliver,  deceased;  Lydia  A.,  un- 
married, resides  with  her  father  in  Juda,  Wis.; 
Albert  married  Lucy  Miles;  and  Emma  married 
George  Hemstreet,  a farmer  of  Jefferson  town- 
ship. 

William  G.  Roderick  was  brought  by  his 
parents  from  his  Pennsylvania  home  to  Green 
county,  Wis.,  in  1862,  and  has  continued  in 
farming  all  his  life,  having  been  trained  from 
childhood  to  that  occupation.  He  is  very  in- 
dustrious and  equally  progressive  and  his 
broad  acres  give  evidence  of  his  careful  at- 
tention. The  substantial  nature  of  the  build- 
ings he  has  erected  has  added  much  to  the 
beauty  of  the  place,  and,  taken  altogether,  he 
has  one  of  the  finest  and  most  highly  culti- 
vated and  improved  farms  in  Clarno  township. 

On  Feb.  23,  1871,  Mr.  Roderick  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Mary  Mitchell,  daughter 
of  Washington  and  Pamela  (Newman)  Mit- 
-chell,  early  settlers  of  Green  county.  Six  chil- 
dren blessed  this  union,  namely : Charles,  a 
farmer  of  Sylvester,  married  Adeline  Elmer, 
and  has  four  children,  Mary,  Elmer,  Pearl  and 
Alvin;  Frank  married  Addie  Trumpy,  of 
Clarno,  and  has  one  child,  Edith ; Addie  mar- 
ried Charles  Stair,  a farmer  of  Clarno,  and  has 
two  children,  Henry  and  Joseph  ; George  C., 
Harry  and  Henry,  are  at  home.  Mrs.  Roder- 
ick was  born  July  19,  1851,  and  was  the  eldest 
in  a family  of  five  children,  the  others  being ; 
Isaac,  who  wedded  Sophia  Row,  and  now  lives 
in  Iowa;  Harriet,  who  married  Enoch  J. 
Blackford,  of  Juda,  Wis. ; Hannah,  who  mar- 
ried John  Merris,  of  Iowa ; and  Addaline,  wife 
■of  George  Gracy,  of  Iowa.  The  mother  of  these 
children  Mrs.  Mitchell,  died  Oct.  7,  1864,  and 
the  father,  Washiiigton  Mitchell,  son  of  Abner 
Mitchell,  an  early  settler  of  Green  county,  mar- 
ried for  his  second  wife,  Alary  McVane,  who 
bore  him  three  children : Cora,  wife  of  Walter 
Parke,  of  Milwaukee ; Bertha,  of  Chicago,  and 
Charles,  of  Brodhead,  Wis.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 


Mitchell  live  in  Brodhead,  the  former  having 
retired  from  active  labor  on  his  farm. 

In  his  political  faith  Air.  William  G.  Roder- 
ick is  a stanch  Republican,  and  has  held  a num- 
ber of  town  offices  in  the  gift  of  the  people. 
His  own  education  was  acquired  in  the  district 
schools  of  Green  county,  and  the  interest  then 
engendered  has  never  been  lost,  and  he  still 
takes  an  active  part  in  everything  pertaining 
to  educational  matters,  and  has  served  most 
efficiently  as  school  director.  For  forty  years 
he  has  been  a consistent  member  of  the  Juda 
Baptist  Church.  In  every  walk  of  life  he  has 
been  found  steadfastly  endeavoring  to  be  frank, 
honest  and  upright,  and  is  one  of  the  most 
highly  respected  citizens  of  Clarno  township. 

DAVID  FAWCETT,  pioneer  farmer  and 
miner  of  New  Diggings,  Lafayette  county,  is 
one  of  the  few  living  representatives  of  those 
early  days  of  Wisconsin  Territory  when  the 
inhabitants  were  chiefly  red  men. 

Mr.  Fawcett  was  born  in  Yorkshire,  Eng- 
land, Aug.  22,  1819,  son  of  Ralph  and  Isabella 
Fawcett,  both  of  whom  died  in  England.  He 
grew  to  manhood  in  his  native  country,  and 
in  1844  located  in  New  Diggings  township, 
Lafayette  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he  engaged  in 
mining  until  his  marriage,  and  for  some  time 
after.  In  1870  he  purchased  the  James  Har- 
ker  farm,  one  mile  west  of  the  village  of  New 
DiEeinsrs,  and  has  since  made  that  his  home. 
He  married  Airs.  Elizabeth  Hutchinson, 
daughter  of  Frank  and  Elizabeth  Raw,  the 
former  for  many  years  manager  of  the  York- 
shire mines,  where  he  had  the  confidence  and 
respect  of  all  who  came  in  contact  with  him. 
Mrs.  Fawcett  was  born  in  Yorkshire,  England, 
Sept.  2,  1825,  and  was  one  of  eight  children, 
four  of  whom  came  to  Wisconsin.  In  England 
she  wedded  James  Hutchinson,  who  came  to 
Hazel  Green.  Grant  Co.,  V is.,  in  1845,  and 
died  two  weeks  after  their  arrival,  leaving  two 
little  daughters ; Isabella,  now  the  wife  of 
John  Eastwood,  of  Nebraska;  and  Mary,  who 
married  Henry  Coulthard,  and  died  at  their 
home  in  Taylor  county,  Iowa,  in  June,  1900, 
leaving  her  husband  with  ten  children.  To 
Mr.  and  Airs.  Fawcett  have  been  born  a large 
family  of  children,  as  follows  : ( 1 ) Ralph, 

born  in  November,  1846.  married  Miss  Betsy 
Eastwood,  and  is  a retired  miner,  living  at 
South  Wayne,  Wis.  (2)  Elizabeth,  born  in 
October.  1849.  married  Ralph  Spencely.  of 


662 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Dubuque,  Iowa,  and  has  six  children,  Mary, 
Minnie,  Frank,  Annie,  Dave  and  George.  (3) 
Alice,  born  June  13,  1852,  died  April  13,  1854. 
(4)  Frank,  born  in  February,  1855,  married 
Miss  Lizzie  Pedley,  of  Cobb,  and  with  their 
family  of  seven  children,  Mary,  David,  Lillie, 
Pedelty,  Harrison,  George  and  Birdie,  they 
make  their  home  in  Taylor  county,  Iowa.  (5) 
Thomas,  born  in  May,  1858,  now  a farmer  of 
Nebraska,  married  (first)  Jennie  Hird,  of 
Dubuque,  Iowa,  who  died  in  June,  1898,  leav- 
ing one  daughter,  Alice,  who  died:  June  9, 
1900.  He  married  (second)  Lizzie  Brown,  of 
New  Diggings,  and  has  one  daughter,  Eva. 
(6)  James  A.,  born  in  October,  i860,  resides 
on  the  homestead  with  his  parents.  (7) 
Sarah  Alice,  born  Dec.  31,  1862,  married  Jofin 
Calvert,  of  Dubuque,  and  has  three  children, 
Roy,  Grace  and  David.  (8)  George,  born  Dec. 
11,  1865,  married  Katie  Horsley,  of  Benton, 
and  has  one  daughter,  Mary  E. ; he  lives  on  a 
part  of  his  father’s  farm,  acting  as  manager 
of  the  estate.  (9)  William,  born  March  17, 
1869,  now  of  Lead  Mine,  Wis.,  married  Annie 
Howe,  and  has  one  son,  David  W.  In  re- 
ligious belief  this  entire  family  has  long  been 
connected  with  the  Primitive  Methodist 
Church,  Mrs.  Fawcett  having  joined  over 
forty  years  ago.  In  political  sentiment 
Mr.  Fawcett  coincides  with  the  princi- 
ples of  the  Republican  party,  and  he  keeps 
well  in  touch  with  public  events.  Fie  has  been 
eminently  successful  in  his  work,  and  has  ac- 
quired a competence  to  keep  him  and  his  wife 
in  comfort  and  ease  during  the  evening  of 
their  lives,  and,  while  too  much  could  not  be 
said  regarding  his  own  good  management,  Mr. 
Fawcett  attributes  this  success  largely  to  his 
good  wife’s  noble  example,  good  counsel,  and 
loving  help. 

J.  C.  ULA  was,  in  his  life  time,  one  of  the 
leading  citizens  of  York  township,  Green  coun- 
ty, and  his  memory  survives  in  the  hearts  of 
many  warm  and  admiring  friends.  He  was 
born  in  Norway  Aug.  31,  184.0,  and  was  a son 
of  Christen  and  Olaug  (Olson)  Ula,  both  na- 
tives of  Norway.  His  parents  came  to  this 
country  in  1852,  and  for  a time  were  settled 
in  Albany,  Wis.  They  removed  to  Section 
17,  of  the  town  of  York,  where  they  took  up 
government  land,  and  made  their  home  the 
remainder  of  their  lives. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Christen  Ula  were  the  par- 


ents' of  five  children:  John  C.,  born  as  stated 

above,  and  brought  to  this  country  when  a lad 
of  twelve  years;  Julia,  born  Oct.  16,  1841,  is 
the  wife  of  E.  L.  Soaper,  of  the  town  of  York; 
Hans,  born  July  12,  1843;  Ole,  born  Aug.  15, 
1845,  ’s  a farmer  in  Buffalo  county,  Wis. ; and 
Inger,  born  in  1847,  is  now  dead.  Christen 
Cla  was  born  in  1808,  and  died  in  the  town 
of  York,  in  1888.  His  wife  was  born  in  1804, 
and  died  in  1891.  Both  were  buried  in  the 
Ula  Cemetery,  on  the  Ula  homestead.  They 
are  well  remembered  among  the  early  settlers 
of  Green  county,  and  were  faithful  and  de- 
voted members  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

John  C.  Lda  was  married  to  Miss  Thora 
Anderson,  of  the  town  of  York,  June  27,  1864, 
and  to  this  union  were  born  the  following  chil- 
dren: (1)  A.  C.,  born  May  12,  186s,  is  a 

thrifty  farmer  of  the  town  of  York,  and  his 
sketch  appears  in  another  place;  (2)  Andrew, 
born  July  17,  1866,  was  a merchant  in  Argyle, 
Wis.,  where  he  died  Sept.  25,  1889;  (3)  Lena, 
born  Dec.  7,  1867,  is  the  wife  of  Edwin  Iver- 
son, of  Emmet  county,  Iowa;  (4)  Gertie,  born 
April  6,  1869,  is  the  wife  of  Melren  Eidsmore,, 
of  Moscow,  Iowa  county;  (5)  Nettie,  born 
Dec.  17,  1870,  died  at  the  age  of  fifteen  years;, 
(6)  Olie,  born  May  2,  1872,  married  John 
Ellestad,  and  was  left  a widow,  with  one 
child,  Norman  J. ; both  have  returned  to  the 
home  of  her  mother  on  the  old  farm;  (7) 
Hannah,  born  March  19,  1874,  is  the  wife  of 
A.  O.  Brager,  of  North  Dakota;  (8)  Peter  O., 
born  Feb.  5,  1876,  remains  on  the  old1  home- 
stead, and  is  now  engaged  in  its  cultivation  for 
his  mother;  (9)  John,  born  Feb.  1,  1878,  is 
also  at  home;  (10)  Tena,  born  Dec.  25,  1879, 
has  charge  of  the  post  office  at  Ula;  (11)' 
Anna,  born  Nov.  29,  1879,  died  at  the  age  of 
three  years;  (12)  Clara,  born  Jan.  30,  1884,. 
is  at  home;  (13)  Anton,  born  Feb.  27,  1886; 
(14)  Oscar  F.,  born  Dec.  9,  1888;  ( 15)  a child, 
born  May  2,  1892,  died  when  three  years 
old;  (16)  Alma,  born  Feb.  17,  1893,  is  the 
youngest  of  this  interesting  family  of  sixteen 
children.  Mrs.  Ula  was  born  Aug.  11,  1847, 
a daughter  of  Andrew  and  Gertrude  (Paul- 
son) Anderson,  of  Adams  township.  When 
her  parents  came  to  this  country  in  1857  she 
accompanied  them,  and  was  educated  in  the 
local  schools. 

John  C.  Ula  was  reared  on  the  home  farm, 
and  had  his  education  in  the  public  school! 
Choosing  farming  as  his  life  work,  he  made 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


663 


himself  prominent  in  the  community  in  which 
he  lived  by  his  character,  industry  and  in- 
tegrity. For  many  years  he  was  justice  of 
the  peace,  and  at  different  times  was  con- 
stable, notary  public,  and  for  eleven  years  con- 
tinuously was  chairman  of  the  town  board. 
In  the  spring  of  1865  Mr.  Ula  enlisted  in  the 
46th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  until  the  close  of 
the  war.  The  Ula  post  office  was  established 
by  him,  and  he  was  its  first  postmaster.  He 
was  a good  neighbor,  and  one  of  the  leading- 
men,  filling  a marked  place  in  local  affairs,  and 
dying  Jan.  24,  1898.  Mr.  Ula  began  life  a 
poor  man,  and  before  his  death  was  the  owner 
of  200  acres  of  choice  farm  land,  on  which 
he  made  his  home,  and  where  he  reared  a large 
family,  the  surviving  members  of  which  are 
all  filling  honorable  and  useful  places  in  the 
world.  Well  does  he  deserve  a conspicuous 
place  in  these  pages,  devoted  to  the  men  who 
accomplished  much  in  Green  county,  the  effect 
of  which  is  to  make  it  one  of  the  banner  coun- 
ties of  the  State. 

SAMUEL  THOMAS,  Eso.,  one  of  the 
most  worthy  citizens  of  Iowa  county,  was  a 
resident  of  Mineral  Point  for  nearly  a half- 
century,  and  well-known  to  the  pioneers  of  that 
city  and  adjacent  places.  For  over  thirty 
years  he  upheld  the  dignity  of  the  law,  and 
his  conscientious  efforts  to  balance  the  scales 
of  justice  with  wisdom  and  impartiality  won 
the  unanimous  approbation  of  his  associates, 
and  the  courteous  and  affable  manner  in  which 
he  discharged  the  minor  duties  of  his  position 
added  much  to  his  personal  popularity. 

Mr.  Thomas  was  born  in  Cambourn,  Corn- 
wall, England.  Nov.  24,  1806,  and  his  death 
occurred  at  Mineral  Point,  Aug.  3,  1879.  But 
little  is  known  of  his  ancestry  or  early  life, 
but  he  evidently  enioyed  excellent  moral  and 
religious  training,  while  his  secular  education 
was  supplemented  by  a discerning  mind  and 
ample  business  experience.  His  father,  after 
whom  he  was  named,  spent  most  of  his  life 
mining  at  Cambourn,  but  came  to  this  country 
in  old  age  and  died  in  Mineral  Point.  About 
3:833,  the  subject  of  this  notice  arrived  in 
Mineral  Point,  which  he  found  to  be  a frontier 
village  comprising  a few  miners’  cabins,  and 
the  log  fort  which  had  been  erected  a year  or 
two  previous,  near  the  present  intersection  of 
Commerce  and  Fountain  streets,  to  defend 
the  settlement  from  the  notorious  Black  Hawk  1 


and  hig  followers.  Peace  had  been  restored, 
however,  and  he  secured  some  of  the  richest 
diggings  in  the  vicinity,  to  the  operation  of 
which  he  gave  his  attention  for  some  years. 
His  first  home  was  near  the  present  location 
of  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  & St.  Paul  Rail- 
way station,  but  as  no  such  route  of  trans- 
portation had  even  been  thought  of  at  that 
time,  'he  was  obliged  to  drive  to  Galena  for 
most  of  his  provisions  and  supplies,  two  days 
being  required  to  make  the  trip.  Wild  deer 
often  came  to  drink  at  the  spring  near  his 
cabin,  wolves  prowled  within  the  present  city 
limits,  and  the  Indians  were  frequent  callers, 
though  their  greatest  offense  consisted  in 
begging  for  food  and  clothing. 

Having  met  with  success  in  mining,  Mr. 
Thomas  devoted  most  of  his  time  in  later  life 
to  the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace,  which  he 
filled  for  more  than  three  decades  previous  to 
his  death.  This  position  gave  him  a wide  ac- 
quaintance, and  in  his  day  there  was  probably 
no  man  in  southwestern  Wisconsin  who  was 
more  widely  known  or  more  deservedly  popu- 
lar than  he.  There  was  a great  demand  for 
his  services  at  weddings,  and  he  often  drove 
long  distances  into  the  surrounding  country 
to  perform  that  ceremony,  or  other  official  du- 
ties. He  was  a man  of  decided  views  on  most 
public  questions,  but  did  not  seek  to  make  his 
convictions  offensive  to  those  who  might  enter- 
tain different  principles. 

Mr.  Thomas  was  identified  with  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church,  and  in  political  senti- 
ment was  a Democrat,  exercising  no  incon- 
siderable influence  in  the  local  councils  of  the 
party.  He  had  long  been  identified  with  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  filled 
numerous  positions  in  that  fraternity.  His 
name  appears  among  the  applicants  for  a re- 
newal, of  the  charter  of  Miner’s  Lodge,  No.  1, 
in  1873.  The  last  named  lodge,  which,  is  now 
in  a very  flourishing  condition,  is  the  oldest  in 
the  Northwest,  having  first  been  instituted  in 
1835  by  Special  Deputy  Grand  Sire  Stephen 
Taylor,  who  came  from  Pottsville,  Pennsyl- 
vania, expressly  for  that  purpose. 

On  Aug.  13,  1832,  Mr.  Thomas  was  mar- 
ried to  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Bennett,  widow  of  James 
Bennett,  who  was  killed  by  accident  in  a mine 
in  Cornwall.  Mrs.  Thomas  was  born  in  Cam- 
bourn, England,  Nov.  18,  1800,  and  died  at 
Mineral  Point,  Jan.  14,  1888.  Her  maiden 
name  was  Rule,  and  her  parents  both  lived  and 


! 


66\ 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


died  in  Cornwall.  By  her  first  marriage  she 
had  one  daughter,  Elizabeth  Bennett,  now  the 
wife  of  Edward  Prideaux,  of  Mineral  Point. 
Air.  and  Airs.  Thomas  were  the  parents  of 
two  daughters:  Alary  Ann,  now  Airs.  AI.  A. 
Jenkins,  of  Fall  City,  Neb. ; and  Maria,  now 
Airs.  William  Lanyon,  of  Mineral  Point. 

NICHOLAS  SHERWIN,  a retired  farm- 
er of  the  town  of  Lima,  Grant  county,  was 
born  in  County  Dublin,  Ireland,  Aug.  6,  1819, 
and  is  a son  of  Christopher  and  Jane  Sherwin, 
who  were  born,  reared  and  died  in  that  county. 
Four  of  their  children  came  to  the  United 
States.  William  Sherwin,  the  oldest  son,  came 
to  Wisconsin  in  1846,  and  worked  in  the  lead 
mines  of  Grant  county  some  years,  and  then 
crossed  the  Plains  to  California,  meeting  with 
good  success  in  the  gold  mines.  In  1853 
returned  to  Grant  county,  and  bought  the  farm 
adjoining  that  on  which  Nicholas  has  lived 
for  years,  and  died  in  1896,  leaving  a widow, 
but  no  children.  Ellen  and>  Mary  Sherwin 
came  to  Philadelphia  where  they  lived  some 
years,  and  then  came  on  to  Benton,  Grant 
county,  where  they  lived  until  their  death. 
Ellen  married  Thomas  Hines,  and  left  four 
children,  who  now  live  in  the  West. 

Nicholas  Sherwin  grew  to  manhood  in  Ire- 
land, and  in  1850  crossed  the  ocean  to  New 
York,  worked  there  a year,  and  then  went  to 
Philadelphia,  where  for  two  years  he  found  em- 
ployment with  a Catholic  priest.  In  1855  he 
came  West  to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  with  his 
brother  William,  then  returning  by  way  of 
Philadelphia  from  California.  Before  leaving 
Philadelphia  for  a home  on  the  western  fron- 
tier Nicholas  Sherwin  was  that  year  married 
to  Miss  Margaret  Archibald,  who  was  born 
in  Ireland  in  1837,  where  she  had  her  educa- 
tion in  one  of  the  Sisters’  schools,  and  came  to 
this  country  in  1855.  Reaching  his  destina- 
tion in  Grant  county,  Mr.  Sherwin,  in  company 
with  his  brother  William,  purchased  his  pres- 
ent home,  and  together  they  cleared  it  up  and 
put  it  in  order;  after  this  was  done  they  divided 
the  land,  each  building  separate  homes.  Here 
Air.  Sherwin  and  his  wife  reared  their  family, 
and  here  Airs.  Sherwin  died  in  December, 
1894.  She  was  a loyal  daughter  of  the  Roman 
Catholic  Church,  and  lived  the  life  of  a de- 
voted Christian  woman.  She  reared  a large 
family,  of  whom  Annie  and  Elizabeth,  who 
passed  away  in  their  young  womanhood,  were 


bright  and  promising  girls.  Christopher,  the 
oldest  living  child,  was  born  in  1856,  and  is 
still  living  in  the  home,  unmarried;  Nicholas, 
born  in  1859,  married  Afiss  Eugenia  Freshette, 
of  Potosi,  and  lives'  on  his  farm  in  the  town 
of  Lima,  where  they  are  rearing  a family  of 
three  daughters,  Eulalia,  Annie  M.,  and  Mary 
T. ; Jennie,  born  at  the  old  homestead  in  1862, 
had  a good  common-school  education,  and  has 
been  in  charge  of  the  home  since  her  mother’s 
death,  and  takes  an  active  part  in  the  work  of 
the  Catholic  Church,  of  which  she  is  a devout 
member;  William,  born  in  1865,  married  Miss 
Alaria  J.  Henry,  of  Grant  county,  and  settled 
on  his  farm  in  the  town  of  Lima,  where  she 
died  in  1894,  leaving  no  family;  Alary  E.,  born 
in  July,  1871,  was  educated  in  the  home 
schools,  and  lives  at  home;  John  T.,  born  in 
1874,  is  living  unmarried  at  the  home;  James 
P.,  born  in  1877,  Joseph  R.,  are  both  living  at 
home,  and  assisting  in  the  care  of  the  farm. 

Nicholas  Sherwin  came  to  this  country 
without  a dollar  when  a young  man,  and  has 
made  his  way  in  the  world  to  an  enviable  po- 
sition against  many  serious  difficulties.  He  is 
frugal  and  industrious  and  with  the  help  of 
his  children,  has  made  one  of  the  choice  homes 
of  the  county.  His  children  are  a credit  to 
any  parentage,  and  his  third  son,  William,  has 
become  a prominent  man  in  his  community, 
having  been  elected  district  school  clerk  at  the 
age  of  twenty-one  years,  filling  that  office  for 
twelve  successive  years,  when  he  resigned 
feeling  that  some  one  else  ought  to  serve  for 
a time,  and  he  has  also  filled  the  office  of  as- 
sessor. 

DEDRICK  HARMS  (deceased)  was  num- 
bered among  the  early  pioneers  of  Wisconsin, 
who,  braving  the  dangers  from  savages  and 
wild  beasts,  pushed  on  into  the  wilderness, 
breaking  the  virgin  soil,  felling  the  mighty 
trees  of  the  forest,  and  bringing  well  cultivated 
farms  and  populous  cities  from  a seeming 
chaos.  Those  who  enjoy  the  advantages  now 
offered  by  the  civilization  of  the  mighty  Com- 
monwealth of  Wisconsin  should  never  forget 
to  whom  all  this  luxury  is  due,  nor  fail  to  ren- 
der just  tribute  to  the  memory  of  those  who 
went  before  to  “prepare  a way”  for  following 
generations. 

Dedrick  Harms  was  born  in  Ottimania, 
Hanover,  Germany,  March  5,  1805,  a son  of 
Cord  and  Catharine  Harms,  who  lived  and  died 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


665 


in  their  native  land,  Germany.  Our  subject 
received  a fair  education  in  Germany,  in  1834 
crossed  the  ocean,  and  landing  at  New  Orleans, 
was  engaged  in  a sugar  factory  for  two  or  three 
years.  Later  he  removed  to  Dubuque,  Iowa, 
worked  there  for  a short  season,  and  then  went 
to  Platteville,  Wis.,  following  mining.  In 
1843  Mr.  Harms  purchased  forty  acres  of  land 
in  Smelser  township,  near  Platteville,  to  which 
he  added,  from  time  to  time,  until  he  finally 
owned  an  entire  section,  and  improved  all  of  it. 
The  first  home  was  a tiny  log  house,  built  by 
himself,  in  which  he  and  his  wife  began  their 
married  life,  but  as  time  progressed,  and  he 
prospered,  Mr.  Harms  erected  a comfortable, 
substantial  brick  residence,  in  which  he  lived 
until  his  death.  Sept.  4,  1882.  The  loving  help- 
mate of  his  life  survived  until  March  10,  1898. 
Both  of  these  worthy  people  were  consistent 
members  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  were 
instrumental  in  founding  the  first  church  of 
that  denomination  in  Platteville.  In  political 
matters  Mr.  Harms  was  a Democrat,  but  never 
aspired  to  office,  and  in  this,  as  in  all  things,  he 
was  conscientious,  always  voting  as  he  deemed 
right.  The  marriage  of  Dedrick  Harms  oc- 
curred Aug.  6,  1843,  to  Miss  Mariah  M.  Mel- 
vin, daughter  of  James  A.  and  Sarah  S.  (Rob- 
erts) Melvin,  natives  of  Maryland  and  Vir- 
ginia, respectively.  Mrs.  Harms  was  born  in 
Bloomington.  Ind.,  Jan,  25,  1823,  and  was 
brought  to  Wisconsin  in  1841,  by  her  parents. 
The  mother  of  Mrs.  Harms  was  very  highly 
educated  in  Virginia,  and  taught  school  for  a 
number  of  years  after  locating  in  Wisconsin. 
Eleven  children  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Dedrick  Harms:  John  C.,  Mary  E.,  Henry  H., 
Dedrick  W.,  James  W.,  Louis  L.,  Martha  J., 
Sarah  E.,  Emily  M.,  George  L.,  and  one  that 
died  in  infancy.  ( 1 ) John  C.  Harms,  the  eld- 
est, was  born  in  Grant  county,  in  June,  1844, 
and  grew  to  manhood  on  the  farm,  receiving 
his  education  in  the  district  school  and 
in  the  Platteville  high  school.  In  Octo- 
ber, 1866,  he  was  married  to  Elizabeth  Spet’n, 
and  took  up  his  home  on  a portion  of  the  old 
homestead,  but  died  in  Platteville,  leaving  a 
wife  and  three,  children,  Emma  M.,  Mary  C. 
ancP]nlr$tina,  aff'how  deceased ; the  mother  is 
living,  and  resides  in  Platteville.  (2)  Mary  E. 
Harms  was  born  in  October,  1845,  received  her 
education  in  the  district  schools  and  the  Platte- 
ville Acadenly,  and  in  January,  1868,  married 
Christopher  F.  Schroeder,  of  Platteville,  who 


died  March  17,  1894,  leaving  three  children, 
George;  James,  now  residing  on  the  old  home- 
stead ; and  Annie,  now  Mrs.  Brugger,  of  Platte- 
ville, for  sketches  of  whom  see  elsewhere;  Airs. 
Schroeder  now  resides  in  Platteville,  and  is  a 
very  agreeable  lady.  (3)  Henry  H.  Harms  was 
born  Feb.  16,  1848,  grew  to  manhood  on  the 
old  homestead,  and  on  March  16,  1880,  married 
Miss  Dora  L.  Walferman,  of  Elmo,  Wis.,  for- 
merly of  Germany;  they  resided  on  one  of  the 
farms  of  Dedrick  Harms,  in  Lafayette  county, 
where  Henry  H.  died  Nov.  11,  1898,  leaving  a 
wife  and  three  children,  John,  Alamie  and 
Emma,  all  of  whom  are  still  living  on  the  farm. 
(4)  Dedrick  William  Harms,  born  Jan.  30, 
1850,  died  April  23,  1856.  (5)  James  W. 
Harms,  born  Feb.  20,  1852,  married  in  March, 
1883,  Sophia  Logemann,  of  Germany,  and 
they  reside  in  Platteville ; they  have  no  fam- 
ily. James  W.  Harms  wras  educated  at 
the  Platteville  Normal,  and  is  one  of  the 
prominent  men  of  that  city.  (6)  Louis 
L.  Plarms,  born  in  October,  1853,  married 
Annie  M.  Riege,  in  September,  1880;  they 
reside  in  Platteville,  on  Pine  street,  and 
have  two  children,  Benjamin  D.  (who  is 
the  proprietor  of  one  of  the  leading  hotels  of 
Dubuque)  and  Pearl  L.  (7)  Martha  J.  Harms, 
born  in  April,  1855,  died  while  a young  lady, 
•mourned  by  all,  in  June,  1886.  (8)  Sarah  E. 
Harms,  born  in  May,  1859,  educated  in  the 
Platteville  Normal,  was  married  to  Dr.  A.  R. 
Law,  of  Belmont,  now  a resident  of  Madison, 
Wis.,  and  one  of  its  leading  physicians.  Three 
children  have  been  born  to  them,  Blossom  C., 
Robert  A.  and  John.  (9)  Emily  Al.  Harms, 
the  youngest  daughter,  was  born  in  April, 
i86o;  educated  at  the  State  Normal  and  at  St. 
Clair  Academy  of  Wisconsin,  and  is  a lady  of 
refinement  and  culture;  at  present  she  manages 
the  old  homestead,  and  also  owns  a fine  farm  in 
the  vicinity,  which  was  bequeathed  to  her  by 
her  father.  (10)  George  L.  Harms,  born  April 
25,  1862,  received  his  education  at  the  State 
Normal,  and  now  resides  at  the  old  homestead, 
managing  the  large  property  left  by  his  father, 
in  addition  to  a well-cultivated  farm  of  his  own, 
adjacent;  at  the  present  writing  he  occupies  the 
office  of  school  treasurer,  and  is  very  popular 
in  the  community,  being  well-known  for  his 
honesty,  integrity  and  uprightness  of  principles. 
( 1 1 ) The  youngest,  born  Nov.  3,  1864,  died  in 
infancy.  All  the  members  of  this  old  pioneer 
family  have  adhered  steadfastly  to  the  princi- 


666 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


pies  of  the  Democratic  party,  and  in  religious 
matters  to  the  Lutheran  Church. 

John  Harms,  or  “Uncle  John  Harms,”  as 
he  is  affectionately  called  by  his  neighbors,  as 
well  as  family,  the  brother  of  Dedrick  Harms, 
is  a venerable  old  gentleman  of  some  eighty- 
nine  years,  and  is  as  hale  and  hearty  as  many 
who  have  scarcely  passed  the  fourscore  mile- 
stone. The  birth  of  this  good  old  man  oc- 
curred at  Ottimania,  Hanover,  Germany,  Feb. 
26,  1812.  In  1838,  after  he  had  given  the  com- 
pulsory military  service,  John  Harms  decided 
to  join  his  brother  Dedrick,  in  America,  and 
upon  arrival  in  this  country  proceeded  direct  to 
Dubuque,  Iowa;  his  first  work  was  fencing  the 
lot  on  which  the  “Kansas  City  House”  now 
stands.  Later  he  removed  to  Platteville,  and 
followed  mining  with  his  brother  on  what  was 
then  known  as  “Dutch  Range.”  In  time  he 
purchased  land,  added  to  it,  and  became  the 
owner  of  one  of  the  finest  farms  in  Grant 
county. 

When  the  gold  fever  broke  out  John 
Harms,  with  a party  of  others,  crossed!  the 
Plains  to  the  gold  fields  of  California,  remain- 
ing two  years.  The  trip  across  the  Plains 
consumed  three  months,  and  while  journeying 
Mr.  Harms  learned  to  read  English.  After  re- 
turning from  California  he  resumed  farming, 
continuing  this  occupation  until  1872,  when 
he  visited  his  native  land.  As  a citizen,  John 
Harms  is  distinguished  as  a type  of  the  Chris- 
tian gentleman,  honest,  upright  in  his  dealings, 
and  considerate  of  the  unfortunate.  Having 
amassed  a large  property,  by  his  own  unaided 
labors,  he  is  deserving  of  much  respect  and 
esteem.  Taking  a deep  interest  in  political 
matters,  Mr.  Harms  soon  made  himself  felt 
as  a factor  in  the  workings  of  the  Democratic 
party,  and  was  finally  chosen,  in  1863,  to  rep- 
resent his  district  in  the  .State  Assembly,  where 
he  made  a record  of  which  he  may  well  be 
proud.  In  addition  to  this  office  Mr.  Harms 
has  also  acceptably  filled  many  local  positions, 
and  has  always  discharged  the  trusts  reposed 
in  him  honorably  and  satisfactorily.  In  relig- 
ious convictions,  like  the  other  members  of  the 
family,  he  has  always  been  a steadfast  Lu- 
theran, and  an  active  worker  in  that  church. 
Too  much  respect  cannot  be  paid  this  true, 
loyal,  upright  old  man,  who,  after  a lifetime 
of  hard  labor,  is  still  a recognized  factor  in 
the  life  of  his  family  and  neighborhood,  and 


a living  example  of  all  that  is  best  and  noblest 
m human  nature. 

When  the  two  brothers,  Dedrick  and  John 
Harms,  came  to  . Platteville,  it  was  a small 
village,  and  Wisconsin  was  but  a territory. 
Year  by  year  they  saw  civilization  advance, 
the  inhabitants  increase,  until  now  Wiscon- 
sin stands  among  the  largest  and  most  import- 
ant States  of  the  Union,  and  Platteville  is 
a flourishing  city.  The  part  borne  by  these 
brothers  in  the  development  of  Grant  county 
was  an  important  one,  and  their  names  will 
always  be  remembered  among  the  sturdy  and 
successful  pioneers  of  the  locality. 

HOMER  P.  MIX,  M.  D.,  homeopathic 
physician  and'  surgeon,  Highland,  Iowa  coun- 
ty, is  well  known,  both  professionally  and  so- 
cially, in  southwestern  Wisconsin.  Since  1881, 
a period  of  twenty  years — with  the  exception 
of  an  interval  during  1886-87,  when  he  was 
sojourning  at  Mineral  Point — he  has  practiced 
his  profession  at  Highland. 

Dr.  Mix  is  a native  of  Wisconsin,  born  in 
1851,  in  Orion,  Richland  county,  and  comes 
of  good  old  New  England  stock,  his  father, 
E.  N.  Mix,  having  been  born  in  Connecticut, 
of  an  early  Newr  Haven  family.  When  a young 
man  he  came  West  to  Illinois,  and  there  mar- 
ried Lucinda  Pease,  afterward,  about  the  year 
1850,  removing  to  Wisconsin,  and  settling  in 
Richland  county.  Later  they  made  their  home 
in  Green  county,  where  they  both  died  several 
years  ago,  the  mother  surviving  the  father 
about  a couple  of  years.  By  occupation  E.  N. 
Mix  was  a carpenter  and!  builder.  In  all 
things  he  was  a typical  New  Englander,  and 
was  an  Abolitionist  in  slavery  days.  In  early 
life  he  was  identified  with  the  Lhiited  Brethren 
Church,  but  in  later  years  united  with  the  M. 
E.  Church,  of  which  he  and  his  wife  were 
communicants  till  their  death.  They  had  a 
family  of  four  children,  three  of  whom  are 
living  at  this  writing:  Homer  P.,  our  sub- 

ject; Bessie,  wife  of  J.  Pile,  of  the  town  of 
Clyde.  Iowa  Co.,  Wis. ; and  Ethiel  N..  a Con- 
gregational minister  in  the  town  of  Clyde. 

Homer  P.  Mix  received  his  earlier  edu- 
cation at  the  common  schools  of  his  native 
place,  and,  having  decided  on  taking  up  the 
study  of  medicine  in  the  homeopathic  school, 
entered  Hahnemann  Medical  College,  Chicago, 
graduating  therefrom  in  the  class  of  ’80.  Dur- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


667 


ing  his  college  course  he  was  a member  of  the 
private  class  that  received  clinical  and  didactic 
lectures  on  the  eye  and  ear.  For  a short  time 
after  graduation  he  practiced  in  Chicago,  a'nd 
then  returned  to  Wisconsin,  locating  in  High- 
land. 

In  1883  Dr.  Mix  married  Agnes  Jenkin, 
daughter  of  Samuel  Jenkin,  an  early  settler 
of  Mineral  Point,  Wis.,  a sketch  of  whom  ap- 
pears elsewhere.  Four  children  have  graced 
this  union : Agnes,  Homer,  Amy  and  Bessie. 
The  entire  family  are  members  of  the  M.  E. 
Church,  toward  which  the  Doctor  contributes 
liberally  in  a material  way,  and  in  which  he  is 
an  active  and  earnest  worker.  Dr.  Mix  is 
possessed  of  high  literary  attainments,  and  has 
written  many  short  stories  and  poems  which 
have  appeared  in  the  Chicago  Inter  Ocean  and 
other  publications.  Among  the  poems  that 
possess  special  merit  may  be  mentioned  the 
following:  “Only  a Sunbeam,”  “A  Sea-Shell’s 
Story,”  “After  the  Rain,”  “The  Sunset  Sky” 
and  “The  Silent  City.”  In  the  cause  of  tem- 
perance and  education  he  takes  earnest  inter- 
est, in  fact,  in  whatever  tends  to  promote  the 
moral  and  religious  growth  of  the  community 
in  which  he  lives,  and  where  he  is  held  in  the 
highest  esteem. 

HUBERT  SCHUELTER,  a well-known 
shoemaker,  who  has  efficiently  served  as  mar- 
shal in  Cassville,  Grant  county,  for  the  past 
eight  years,'  and  deputy  sheriff  and  constable 
for  twenty-three  years,  was  born  in  Prussia, 
Germany,  in  1847.  He  came  to  the  New 
World  in  1854  with  his  parents,  Mathias  and 
Gertrude  (Fux)  Schuelter,  also  natives  of 
Prussia.  Coming  directly  West,  the  family 
located  in  Potosi,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  in  Oc- 
tober of  that  year,  and  there  made  their  home 
for  some  time.  In  1867,  however,  the  father 
moved  to  Harrison  township,  same  county, 
where  he  continued  to  reside  until  called  from 
this  life,  in  1879.  The  mother  died  in  the 
same  township  in  1874.  To  them  were  born 
six  children,  of  whom  four  are  still  living, 
namely : Hubert ; Mrs.  Kate  Brockert,  of 

AVaterloo  township,  Grant  county;  Mrs.  Mar- 
garet Grooms,  of  Cassville ; Mrs.  Barbara  Den- 
ney; and  Gertrude  and  Francis,  deceased. 

Since  the  age  of  seven  years  Hubert 
Schuelter  has  been  a resident  of  Grant  county, 
and  in  Potosi  he  was  educated  and  learned 
the  shoemaker’s  trade,  which  he  has  followed 


during  his  business  career.  In  1885  he  came 
to  Cassville,  and  has  since  been  identified  with 
its  business  affairs.  At  Platteville,  Wis.,  Dec. 
31,  1869,  Mr.  Schuelter  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Miss  Florence  Chapman,  a native 
of  Harrison  township,  Grant  county,  and  a 
daughter  of  Ammyson  and  Mary  (Drulard) 
Chapman,  pioneers  of  this  section  of  the  State, 
who  are  mentioned  more  fully  in  the  sketch 
of  A.  B.  Chapman,  elsewhere.  Both  are  now 
deceased.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Schuelter  have  seven 
children : Lena,  Anna,  Henry,  Minnie,  Wes- 
ley, Freddie  and  Burdean. 

During  the  war  . of  the  Rebellion  Air. 
Schuelter  enlisted  at  Potosi,  in  1864,  in  the 
1st  Wisconsin  Cavalry,  for  one  year  or  dur- 
ing the  war,  and  was  mustered  into  the 
United  States  service  at  Madison,  AVis.,  the 
regiment  being  assigned  to  the  Western  De- 
partment of  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  He 
took  part  in  many  scouting  expeditions  in  Ten- 
nessee, Georgia  and  Alabama,  and  as  a mem- 
ber of  Wilson’s  cavalry  was  in  many  skirmishes 
with  Gen.  Forrest’s  command.  Mr.  Schuelter 
was  personally  connected  with  the  capture  of 
Jefferson  Davis.  He  was  honorably  discharged 
at  Edgeville.  Term.,  Aug.  27,  1865,  and  re- 
turned to  his  home  in  Potosi.  He  became  one 
of  the  charter  members  of  Beetown  Post.  G. 
A.  R.,  but  is  now  connected  with  Joseph  Muel- 
ler Post,  No.  218,  of  Cassville,  which  has 
eighteen  members  in  good  standing,  and  a 
strong  Ladies  Relief  Corps.  Air.  Schuelter  is 
quite  prominent  in  Grand  Army  circles,  and  is 
now  serving  as  commander  of  his  post.  A 
stanch  supporter  of  the  Republican  party,  he 
takes  an  active  interest  in  political  affairs,  and 
never  withholds  his  aid  from  any  enterprise 
which  he  believes  will  prove  of  public  benefit. 

THOMAS  SIMMONS,  now  a retired 
farmer  of  Belmont,  Lafayette  county,  has  led 
a long  and  useful  life  from  the  highest  motives, 
and  well  deserves  the  universal  respect  and  con- 
fidence which  come  to  him  from  all  who  know 
him. 

Mr.  Simmons  was  born  in  Richland  coun- 
ty, Ohio.  Oct.  16,  1833,  son  of  Jacob  and  Re- 
becca (Keifer)  Simmons,  who  came  from  the 
East  and  settled  in  Richland  at  a day  when  it 
was  still,  frontier  territory.  After  some  years 
they  came  still  further  \\rest,  and  secured  a 
home  in  Richland  county.  111.,  where  Mr.  Sim- 
mons bought  a farm.  I11  1846  they  came  to 


‘668 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Wisconsin,  and  bought  and  preempted  govern- 
ment land  in  Elk  Grove,  Lafayette  county, 
after  a stay  of  two  years  in  Big  Patch,  Grant 
county.  Here  they  spent  their  remaining 
years.  Mr.  Simmons  died  in  1868,  and  his 
widow  survived  several  years,  dying  in  1878, 
at  the  age  of  eighty-two.  They  were  old-time 
Methodists,  good  religious  people,  and  their 
simple  and  unassuming  virtues  well  deserve 
commemoration.  Pie  helped  to  erect  the  first 
church  building  in  this  section,  and  served  as 
one  of  the  trustees  for  many  years.  Mrs.  Sim- 
mons was  widely  known  for  her  kindly  and 
helpful  visits  whenever  sickness  appeared  among 
her  neighbors.  They  had  a family  of  eight 
children,  of  whom  (1)  Julia  A.,  born  in  Ohio, 
is  now  the  widow  of  George  Wymen,  and  lives 
in  Iowa,  with  her  son  Charles ; her  daughter, 
Virginia,  is'  Mrs.  John  Hills,  of  Dubuque, 
Iowa.  (2)  Rebecca,  born  in  Ohio,  married 
Alfred  Bray,  and  moved  to  Iowa,  where  he 
died  leaving  her  with  two  sons — Alonzo,  of 
Missouri;  and  Thomas,  who  died  at  Madison 
a few  years  ago.  Mrs.  Bray  is  now  living  on 
her  father’s  farm  in  Elk  Grove  township.  (3) 
Plettie  died  when  a young  woman,  at  her  par- 
ents’ home.  (4.)  Emily,  born  in  Ohio,  mar- 
ried Robert  Ray,  of  that  State,  and  lived  some 
years  in  Lafayette  county.  They  moved  to 
Sparta.  Wis.,  where  she  died,  leaving  a family. 
(5)  Jane,  born  in  Ohio,  married  Samuel 
Miles,  and  died,  leaving  four  children,  all  of 
whom  are  residents  of  Omaha,  ‘Neb.  (6) 
Lydia,  born  in  Ohio,  married  William  An- 
drews', of  Lafayette  county,  Wis.,  and  now 
lives  in  Benton,  Iowa.  (7)  John  Simmons 
married  Miss  Ellen  Huntington,  of  Lafayette 
county,  and  his  one  son,  Eli.  He  lives  on  a 
farm  in  the  town  of  Elk  Grove. 

Thomas  Simmons  received  but  a scanty 
education  in  the  public  schools  during  his  boy- 
hood, the  schools  of  that  day  being  very  far 
from  what  they  have  since  become.  He  grew 
up  under  the  parental  roof,  and  in  1856  mar- 
ried Miss  Kate  Smith,  of  Lafayette  county, 
Wis.,  the  estimable  and  worthy  daughter  of 
William  and  Mary  (Howie)  Smith,  both  of 
whom  were  born  and  reared  in  Scotland 
where  they  married.  They  emigrated  to  this 
country  early  in  life,  and  made  their  home  for 
a few  years  in  the  State  of  New  York,  mov- 
ing thence  to  Maryland,  where  Mr.  Smith  en- 
gaged in  business  as  a contractor  and  builder 
of  masonry  and  wood  work,  doing  a large 


amount  of  work  on  public  enterprises  in  that 
State.  In  the  early  ’forties  they  moved  to 
Galena,  111.,  Mr.  Smith  continuing  contracting 
work  for  some,  two  years,  at  the  expiration  of 
which  time  he  bought  a farm  in  Lafayette 
county,  settled  his  family  thereon,  and  en- 
gaged in  its  cultivation  as  long  as  he  lived. 
Pie  died  in  1888,  and  his  widow  survived  until 
April,  1897,  making  her  home  with  her  daugh- 
ter Mary,  in  Iowa.  They  had  five  children : 
Mary  E.,  who  is  the  wife  of  Harvey  Yaw, 
of  Franklin  county,  Iowa ; Lizzie,  Mrs.  Joseph 
Sheirbon,  of  Iowa ; George,  a prosperous  farm- 
er of  Nebraska ; Robert,  of  Iowa ; and  Kate, 
Mrs.  Thomas  Simmons. 

After  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sim- 
mons purchased  the  old  home  farm  of  his  fa- 
ther, and  also  that  of  her  father,  consolidated 
them,  and  now  own  a magnificent  rural  es- 
tate of  260  acres.  Mr.  Simmons  put  up  a new 
house  on  the  farm,  and  thoroughly  remodeled 
all  the  old  buildings,  making  his  property  one 
of  the  choicest  farms  to  be  found  in  the  south- 
western part  of  the  State.  They  made  this 
their  home  until  1894,  when  they  moved  into 
a fine  house  on  Main  street,  Belmont,  which 
Mr.  Simmons  had  purchased,  and  he  is  now 
retired  from  the  labor  of  active  life.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Simmons  have  'reared  a family  of  nine 
children:  (1)  William  J.,  born  in  1857,  mar- 

ried Mollie  Prichiard,  and  resides  in  Belmont, 
where  he  is  a contractor  and  builder.  They 
have  four  children,  Willie,  Myrtle,  Matte  and 
Even.  (2)  Jennie  Simmons  was  born  on  the 
farm  in  1859,  was  given  a good  education  at 
the  Platteville  Normal,  became  a teacher,  and 
taught  several  terms  in  Illinois.  She  is  now 
Mrs.  W.  T.  Owens',  of  Loup  City,  Neb.,  where 
her  husband  is  a successful  contractor  and 
builder.  They  have  four  children,  Pearl,  Wil- 
ber, Bessie  and  Roscoe.  (3)  John  E.,  born 
in  1864,  married  Miss  Susan  Riter,  resides  in 
Belmont,  and  has  two  children,  Charles  and 
Orval,  He  is  one  of  the  large  cattle  dealers 
of  this  section,  and  owns  the  “Warr  House.” 
and  other  real  estate  and  building  property  in 
the  city.  (4)  Arthur,  born  in  1866,  married 
Miss  Elizabeth  Teasclle,  of  Warren,  111.,  and 
they  reside  on  the  old  home  farm  of  his  fa- 
ther. (5)  Etta,  born  in  1868,  is  Mrs.  Joseph 
Metcalf,  and  lives  near  Shullsburg.  (6)  Edith, 
born  in  1871.  is  Mrs'.  Joseph  Riter,  of  Bel- 
mont. (7)  Charles  L.,  born  in  1873,  gradu- 
ated from  the  Normal  at  Platteville,  and  is 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHIC AE  RECORD. 


069 


now  principal  of  the  high  school.  He  married 
Miss  Alberta  Chapman,  of  Colorado,  a grad- 
uate of  the  University  at  Denver,  and  a lady 
of  culture.  (8)  Howard  R.,  born  in  1875, 
is  unmarried,  and  is  in  the  employ  of  his 
brother  John.  He  is  a graduate  of  Platteville 
Business  College.  (9)  Durward,  born  in 
1879,  has  just  graduated  from  a business  col- 
lege at  Rockford,  111. ; he  is  unmarried. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Simmons  have  belonged  to 
the  local  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  for  many 
years,  have  worked  hard  to  build  up  its  inter- 
ests, and  have  generously  contributed  to  its 
coffers.  Politically  he  has  always  been  a Re- 
publican but  has  never  aspired  to  official 
honors. 

KNUDT  THORSON,  who  at  the  time  of 
his  death  ranked  among  the  well-to-do  farmers 
of  Jordan  township,  Green  county,  had  won  his 
substantial  position  by  well-directed  industry 
and  a life  of  persevering  energy,  and  was  held 
in  the  highest  esteem  by  his  numerous  friends 
in  that  section. 

Mr.  Thorson  was  born  Sept.  13,  1825,  in 
Norway,  of  which  country  his  parents,  Thors- 
ten  and  Mary  (Knudtson)  Thorson,  were  also 
natives,  the  family  coming  thence  to  America 
in  1846,  and  settling  in  Green  county,  Wis. 
They  were  among  the  early  settlers  of  Jordan 
township.  Of  the  six  children  in  this  family, 
Knudt,  the  eldest,  is  our  subject.  Ole  is  de- 
ceased. Aslag  is  a farmer  in  Iowa.  Carrie 
is  the  wife  of  Lars  Dustrand,  of  Dane  county, 
Wis.  Mary  is  the  wife  of  Kittil  Klabo,  of 
Iowa.  Carrie  is  the  wife  of  Harold  Stone,  of 
Iowa.  The  parents  are  buried  in  the  Nor- 
wegian cemetery  in  Jordan  township. 

Knudt  Thorson  adopted  farming  as  his  life 
vocation,  and  by  good  management  and  thrift 
acquired  a handsome  property,  owning  at  the 
time  of  his  death  a fine  tract  of  340  acres,  high- 
ly improved,  on  which  his  family  still  reside. 
It  is  located  in  Sections  33  and  34,  Jordan 
township,  one  mile  north  of  Browntown.  A 
fine  barn  and  handsome  two-story  dwelling 
are  among  the  improvements  on  this  place, 
which  takes  rank  with  the  best  in  the  locality. 
Mr.  Thorson  commenced  his  business  career 
under  adverse  circumstances.  He  was  obliged 
to  work  hard  from  boyhood,  thus  being  denied 
the  advantage  of  a good  education,  but  his  hon- 
orable and  industrious  life  had  its'  reward  in 
spite  of  all  the  discouragements  occasioned  by 


a lack  of  early  opportunities.  Mr.  Thorson 
died  in  1890,  deeply  mourned  throughout  the 
community  where  his  active  life  had  been 
passed.  He  was  a consistent  member  of  the 
Lutheran  Church,  and  his  political,  affiliations 
were  with  the  Republican  party. 

On  June  10,  i860,  Mr.  Thorson  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Sarah  Everson,  of  Jor- 
dan township,  daughter  of  Ever  and  Julia 
(Christopher)  Everson,  who  came  to  this 
country  and  to  Green  county,  Wis.,  in  1852,, 
from  Norway,  where  Mrs.  Thorson  was  born 
in  1830.  She  was  one  of  six  children:  Rachel, 
who  died  unmarried ; Christopher,  of  Kansas ; 
Gora,  wife  of  Ole  Ellingson ; Ingebor,  wife 
of  Ole  Tollefson,  of  Iowa;  Sarah,  Mrs.  Thor- 
son; and  John,  who  died  in  Norway.  Eight 
children  were  born  to  our  subject  and  wife,, 
five  of  whom  grew  to  maturity:  Mary  is  the 
wife  of  Ever  Gordy,  of  Jordan  township; 
Rachel  is  the  wife  of  Sever  O.  Severson,  a 
thrifty  farmer  of  Jordan  township;  Carrie  is 
at  home;  Thomas  is  at  home,  and  now  has 
charge  of  the  farm;  Nellie  died  at  the  age  of 
nineteen  years.  All  the  members  of  this  fam- 
ily command  the  respect  and  esteem  of  their 
neighbors,  and  they  take  a high  place  among 
the  best  citizens  of  the  township. 

ORRIN  J.  BENNETT,  a bright  and  pro- 
gressive young  man,  is  making  a place  for 
himself  and  accumulating  a competence  for  his 
old  age  as  a stock  dealer  and  farmer  in  the. 
town  of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  and  is  be- 
coming widely  known  as  a thoroughly  hon- 
orable and  trustworthy  business  man. 

Mr.  Bennett  was  born  in  the  home  in  which 
he  is  now  living,  in  February,  1865,  and  is  a 
son  of  Anson  and  Elvira  J.  ( Jones)  Bennett, 
who  were  born  and  reared  in  the  East.  His 
father  was  born  in  Vermont  in  1812,  and  his 
mother  in  Oswego,  N.  \ .,  in  August,  1824. 
The  father  came  to  Grant  county  in  1836,  and 
was  in  the  employ  of  Major  Rountree.  On 
April  23,  1830,  he  married  Miss  Elvira  J. 
Jones  of  Platteville,  daughter  of  Lyman  and 
Abigail  Jones,  who  were  among  the  earliest 
setters  of  the  county.  Mr.  Bennett  had  pur- 
chased from  Major  Rountree  a quarter  sec- 
tion of  land  two  and  a half  miles  northeast  of' 
Platteville.  in  1843.  Upon  this  valuable  tract 
he  made  many  important  improvements,  and 
converted  the  wild  land  into  a choice  farm, 
which  was  his  home  during  life.  Airs.  Ben- 


670 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


nett  died  in  1882,  and  he  in  1897.  They  were 
both  members  of  the  Free  Methodist  Church, 
of  Platteville,  qf  which  he  was  a founder.  Po- 
litically he  was  a Republican,  and  held  town 
and  school  offices.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bennett  had 
eight  children : Martha  E.  is  the  wife  of  W. 
W.  Davis,  and  is  the  mother  of  four  children, 
Benjamin  A.,  William  A.,  Jennie  M.  (Mrs. 
Warren  Vanetta),  and  Nellie  B.  Lydia  mar- 
ried Samuel  Arthur,  of  Lafayette  county,  and 
is  now  deceased.  Susan  E.  is  the  wife  of  W. 
H.  Lory,  of  the  town  of  Lima;  she  has  no 
family.  Charles  L.  married  Miss  Mary  E. 
Aiken,  who  died  leaving  no  children;  he  mar- 
ried again,  Miss  Alice  Merry  becoming  his 
wife;  he  is  now  deceased.  Nelson  married 
Miss  Rosa  Nasmith,  and  is  a resident  of  Platte- 
ville, engaged  as  a stock  buyer ; they  have  one 
child,  Elva.  Anson  was  killed  by  a falling  rock, 
while  engaged  in  mining  sand,  at  the  age  of 
sixteen.  Orrin  J.  is  the  subject  of  this  article. 
Annie  M.  married  Joseph  Barrett,  and  lives 
on  a farm  in  the  town  of  Lima;  they  have  one 
daughter,  Ruby  E. 

Orrin  J.  Bennett  was  educated  in  the  Platte- 
ville Normal,  and  was  thoroughly  prepared  for 
all,  the  practical  duties  of  life.  In  1888  he 
married  Miss  Ella  M.  Adamson,  of  Le  Mars, 
Iowa,  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Mary  E. 
Adamson,  old  and  prominent  residents  of  Le 
Mars,  where  they  are  still  living.  Mrs.  Ben- 
nett was  born  in  1865,  and  was  well  educated 
in  the  high  school  of  her  native  place.  Mr. 
Bennett  and  wife  settled  on  the  Bennett  home- 
stead, where  they  are  now  living.  He  owns  a 
farm  in  the  town  of  Platteville,  and  is  counted 
one  of  the  most  prosperous  farmers  of  Grant 
county.  He  and  his  wife  have  three  children : 
Cora  M.,  born  in  18S8;  Anson  J.,  in  1890;  and 
Clarence  V.,  in  1893.  Our  subject  has  al- 
ways been  a Democrat,  and  fraternally  is  a 
member  of  the  Masonic  order,  belonging  to 
the  Blue  Lodge,  Chapter,  and  Commandery; 
of  the  Modern  Woodmen;  and  of  the  Knights 
of  the  Globe.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bennett  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Order  of  the  Eastern  Star. 

GEORGE  A.  CALLAWAY,  an  energetic 
and  hustling  farmer  of  the  town  of  Harrison, 
Grant  county,  has  won  a very  commendable 
position  in  the  world  by  industry,  honesty  and 
a general  spirit  of  fair  play.  He  works  hard, 
and  gives  good  measure,  and  he  expects  as 
much  in  return.  He  is  well  spoken  of  by 


those  who  know  him  best,  and  may  fairly  be 
said  to  be  far  advanced  on  the  highway  to 
success. 

Mr.  Callaway  was  born  in  Platteville,  Wis., 
m January,  1854,  son  of  John  and  Elizabeth 
Callaway,  both  natives  of  England,  being  the 
sixth  son  of  their  family.  He  grew  up  under 
the  fostering  care  of  his  parents  in  their  Wis- 
consin home.  He  is  a farmer  not  only  by 
heredity,  but  more  largely  by  choice,  as  he  feels 
it  is  the  noblest  and  freest  of  all  occupations. 
Mr.  Callaway  and  Miss  Lucy  Poland,  daugh- 
ter of  H.  and  Lorinda  (Philips)  Poland,  were 
married  March  17,  1875.  Her  parents  were 
old-time  pioneers  in  Grant  county.  Mrs.  Cal- 
laway was  born  June  19,  1855,  and  grew  to 
womanhood  in  the  town  of  Lima,  where  she 
had  the  advantage  of  good  schooling,  and  be- 
came a very  scholarly  and  accomplished  young 
lady.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Callaway  moved  to  the 
old  farm  after  their  marriage,  and  devoted 
themselves  to  its  management  and  the  tender 
care  of  Mr.  Callaway’s'  parents.  In  1883  he 
purchased  the  Obed  Jones  farm,  in  the  town 
of  Harrison,  and  has  either  erected  or  remod- 
eled all  the  farm  buildings,  so  that  they  conform 
to  modern  notions  as  to  what  is  needed  on 
the  farm  for  comfort  and  welfare  of  the  farmer 
and  the  rapid  performance  of  farm  labor.  Mr. 
Callaway  owns  a well-appointed  rural  estate 
of  173  acres.  He  and  his  wife  have  had  nine 
children : Willie,  born  in  Platteville,  in  1876, 
is  unmarried,  and  living  at  home.  Mabel  L., 
born  in  Platteville  in  1879,  married  Fred 
Schroder,  and  lives  on  a farm  in  the  town  of 
Ellenboro.  Georgie  Viola  was  born  in  the  town 
of  Harrison  in  1885.  Archie  C.,  born  in  1889, 
died  when  four  years'  old.  Clement  W.  was 
born  in  1890.  Edna  G.  was  born  in  1892. 
Della  and  Stella,  twins',  died  in  infancy. 
Clarence  died  in  infancy.  Mr.  Callaway  is 
a Republican,  has  held  the  office  of  supervisor 
two  terms,  and  is  a member  of  the  board  at 
this  writing.  His  wife  and  family  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  he 
takes  an  active  part  with  them  in  church  work. 
He  belongs  to  the  Order  of  Foresters  in  Platte- 
ville, and  is  a genial  and  companionable  good 
fellow  wherever  met. 

JAMES  W.  LAUGHLIN  occupies,  as  ed- 
itor and  proprietor  of  the  Hollandale  Review, 
an  influential  position  in  Iowa  county,  of 
which  he  has  been  a resident  for  several  years. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Mr.  Laughlin  comes  of  Huguenot  ances- 
try. His  grandfather  was  a native  of  South 
Carolina,  but  being  a strong  opponent  of  slav- 
ery he  left  that  State  when  a comparatively 
young  man,  and  lived  for  a time  in  Kentucky. 
Later  he  moved  to  Illinois,  and  in  1836  to  the 
then  Territory  of  Wisconsin,  locating  in  Grant 
county,  where  the  remainder  of  his  active  life 
was  passed.  After  the  death  of  his  wife  he 
lived  with  his  children,  his  death  occurring 
in  1866  in  Missouri,  when  he  was  well  ad- 
vanced in  years. 

William  J.  Laughlin  was’  born  in  1819,  in 
Washington  county,  III,  moved  with  his  fa- 
ther to  Wisconsin  in  1836,  and  in  1865  went 
to  Caldwell  county,  Mo.,  where  he  resided  for 
thirteen  years.  He  then  removed  to  Kansas, 
in  which  State  he  spent  the  balance  of  his  life, 
dying  Feb.  10,  1883.  On  Feb.  27,  1856,  in 
Dodgeville,  Iowa  Co.,  Wis.,  he  married  Sarah 
Ward,  who  survived  him,  passing  away  April 
15,  1899.  They  became  the  parents  of  six  chil- 
dren, but  only  three  reached  maturity,  namely : 
James  W.,  whose  name  introduces  these  lines'; 
William  J.,  now  a resident  of  Waunakee,  Wis. ; 
and  Elizabeth,  Mrs.  Skinner,  of  Hollandale, 
Iowa  Co.,  Wisconsin. 

James  W.  Laughlin  was  born  March  1, 
1859,  in  the  town  of  Mazomanie,  Dane  Co., 
Wis.,  and  accompanied  his  parents  on  their 
various  removals,  remaining  at  home  until  the 
death  of  his  father,  in  1883.  He  then  returned 
to  Wisconsin,  residing  in  Dane  county  for  five 
years,  after  which  he  came  to  Hollandale. 
This  was  not  long  after  the  extension  of  the 
Illinois,  Central  railroad  to  Hollandale.  Mr. 
Laughlin  was  for  several  years  connected  with 
the  mill  and  warehouse  here,  but  after  his 
marriage  he  removed  with  his  wife  to  Ten- 
nessee, where,  in  Deer  Lodge,  Morgan  county, 
he  made  his  first  newspaper  venture,  buying 
an  interest  in  a paper.  After  sixteen^  months’ 
experience  at  that  point  he  returned  to  Hol- 
landale, and  established  the  Review,  which  he 
has  since  conducted  with  constantly  increas- 
ing success.  The  subscription  list  now  num- 
bers about  six  hundred.  Though  small  in 
size,  the  paper  is  well  conducted,  complete  in 
matters  of  local  interest,  and  a valuable  medi- 
um of  advertising  for  local  business  men,  who 
have  given  it  their  hearty  support.  Mr.  Laugh- 
lin has,  since,  entering  into  business  on  his  own 
account,  maintained  an  enviable  reputation  for 
integrity  and  honor  in  his  dealings,  and  he 


67 1 


has  the  good-will  of  his  fellow  citizens  gen- 
erally. 

On  May  2,  1892,  Mr.  Laughlin  married 
Miss  Addie  L.  Skinner,  daughter  of  William 
Skinner,  an  early  settler  of  this  locality,  and  a 
veteran  of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion.  Mrs. 
Laughlin  renders  her  husband  able  assistance 
in  the  conduct  of  the  Review. 

EDWARD  M.  WILMOTT,  justice  of  the 
peace  and  town  clerk  of  Potosi,  Grant  county, 
is  one  of  the  leading  business  men  and  promi- 
nent citizens  of  that  town,  where  he  was  born 
in  1848,  a son  of  Isaac  and  Mary  (Auberla) 
Wilmott,  early  settlers  of  Wisconsin. 

Isaac  Wilmott  was  a native  of  Canada,  but 
came  to  Potosi  in  1833,  was  a miner  by  occu- 
pation, and  followed  that  calling  all  his  life. 
His  death  occurred  in  Potosi,  in  1871.  The 
mother  of  our  subject  was  a native  of  Switzer- 
land, whence  she  came,  in  1826,  to  Galena,  111., 
and  then  to  Wisconsin,  locating  in  Lafayette 
county,  then  in  Grant  county,  finally  locating 
in  Potosi,  where  she  met  and  married  Isaac 
Wilmott.  Prior  to  her  marriage  to  Mr.  Wil- 
mott, the  mother  had  been  married  to  Francis 
Nichols,  and  bore  him  the  following  family: 
Sophia;  Mary;  Theodore;  Edward;  John; 
Adelle,  wife  of  Joseph  Millet,  of  Minneapolis; 
Peter,  of  Minneapolis,  who  enlisted  in  1862, 
in  Co.  H,  25th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  until 
the  close  of  the  war;  Frank  enlisted  in  1861  in 
the  2d  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  three  years  and 
four  months,  dying  at  Potosi,  May  14,  1891; 
and  by  her  second  marriage  there  were  : Eliza- 
beth, deceased ; Edward  M. ; Samuel,  de- 
ceased; and  Henry,  who  died  in  Colorado  in 
1878. 

Edward  M.  Wilmott  was  reared  and  edu- 
cated at  Potosi,  and  has  always  been  a resi- 
dent of  the  town.  He  is  bookkeeper  for  the 
Potosi  Brewing  Co.,  and  is  interested  in  the 
insurance  business.  In  1882  he  was  .elected 
justice  of  the  peace,  and  has  held  that  office 
ever  since,  and  is  also  a notary  public. 

Mr.  Wilmott  was  married  in  Potosi,  in 
1876,  to  Miss  Kate  Lingscheid,  who  was  born 
in  that  town,  a daughter  of  Anton  and  Eliza- 
beth Lingscheid,  natives  of  Germany,  who 
came  to  Milwaukee  in  1848,  thence  to  Potosi 
in  1850.  The  father  was  a shoemaker  by 
trade,  and  died  in  August,  1880,  his  wife  sur- 
viving him  until  January,  1885.  Five  chil- 
dren have  been  added  to  the  family  of  our 


6/2 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


subject  and  wife:  Mary  Florence,  county 

teacher;  Henry,  Samuel,  Eva  and  James  Ed- 
ward. The  Wilmotts  have  their  own  band, 
as  each  one  plays  some  instrument,  and  the 
Wilmott  Family  Band  is  well  known  in  this 
section.  In  sentiment  Mr.  Wilmott  is  a Dem- 
ocrat, and  takes  an  active  interest  in  politics. 
Fraternally  he  is  a member  of  the  order  of 
Modern  Woodmen  and  of  the  A.  O.  U.  W.,  of 
Lancaster,  and  the  Knights  of  the  Globe. 
Throughout  the  county,  Mr.  Wilmott  and  his 
family  are  known  and  highly  esteemed  for 
their  many  excellent  qualities,  and  their  friends 
are  many. 

AMO  C.  STEPHENS,  a successful  stock 
farmer  of  the  town  of  Platteville,  Grant  county, 
is  now  in  the  prime  of  life,  and  holds  an  en- 
viable position  in  the  agricultural  circles  of  this 
part  of  the  State. 

Mr.  Stephens  was  born  in  Platteville  in 
January,  1857,  and  is  a son  of  William  C. 
and  Ann  (Mitchell)  Stephens,  who  were  born 
in  Cornwall,  England,  he  in  1820,  and  she  in 
1822,  and1  were  married  in  their  native  land. 
Coming  to  Platteville,  they  made  this  their 
permanent  home,  Mr.  Stephens  dying  Feb.  27, 
1897.  Mrs.  Stephens  died  in  1885.  Her  par- 
ents died  in  England.  Mr.  Stephens  was  a 
great  traveler,  and  conversant  with  the  W estern 
part  of  the  United  States,  having  been  one  of 
the  gold  seekers  in  California.  He  was  also 
a boatman  on  the  Mississippi,  working  with 
Capt.  Langton  for  a number  of  years.  Mr. 
Stephens  made  many  improvements  after  set- 
tling on  the  family  home,  and  put  up  the  stone 
house  which  his  son  Amo  now  occupies.  For 
the  last  twenty-eight  years  of  his  life  he  was 
not  engaged  in  active  labor.  To  him  and  his 
wife  were  born  six  children,  of  whom  Thomas 
and  Harlan  died  when  young.  Mary  M.  is 
now  Mrs.  Smith,  of  Platteville.  Allie  A., 
born  in  1850,  married  Miss  Martha  Jenkins, 
and  lives  in  Platteville,  where  he  is  engaged 
in  the  dray  business';  to  them  were  born  two 
children,  Percival  and  Edna.  George  H.,  born 
in  i860,  was  educated  in  Platteville.  He  mar- 
ried Miss  Carrie  Wrape,  of  Iowa,  and  they 
live  in  Fairfield,  that  State;  they  have  one 
daughter,  Hilda,  living,  and  have  lost  one  son. 

Amo  C.  Stephens  was  educated  in  the 
Platteville  schools,  and  grew  to  manhood  on 
the  old  home  farm.  In  1873  he  married  Miss 
Margaret  Nicholas,  of  Mifflin,  Iowa  county, 


daughter  of  William  and  Sarah  Nicholas,  na- 
tives of  England,  who  came  to  Grant  county 
in  1848.  Returning  to  England,  they  lived 
there  sixteen  years.  Coming  a second  time  to 
Wisconsin,  they  settled  in  Iowa  county,  where 
Mr.  Nicholas  lived  until  a short  time  previous 
to  his  death,  when  he  came  to  live  with  Mrs'. 
Stephens,  in  Platteville,  dying  in  1891.  The 
widow  is  still  living  with  this  daughter.  Mrs. 
Stephens  was  born  May  20,  1856,  and  her  ed- 
ucation, begun  in  England,  was  completed  in 
the  public  schools  of  Wisconsin. 

After  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ste- 
phens moved  to  the  old  home  of  his  father, 
which  in  after  years  came  into  his  possession. 
Here  he  has  erected  new  barns  and  made  many 
improvements.  Three  children  have  been  born 
to  them:  (1)  Walter  E.,  born  in  1876,  grew 

up  at  home.  He  learned  the  printing  trade  with 
Mr.  Rindlaub,  and  is  publishing  a paper  in 
Oshkosh,  Wis.  (2)  Leslie  M.,  born  in  1880, 
is  living  at  home.  (3)  Ada  L.,  born  in  1883, 
obtained  her  education  in  the  Platteville  high 
school,  where  she  was  counted  one  of  the 
brightest  students.  She  died  in  1900,  and  will 
be  sorely  missed  from  the  home  from  which 
she  has  been  so  early  taken  away. 

Mr.  Stephens  is  a Republican,  and  has  been 
a member  of  the  town  board  for  some  years. 
In  the  field  of  local  politics  he  is  a prominent 
figure.  He  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the 
Primitive  Methodist  Church. 

ROBERT  WESLEY  TRICKLE,  who  in 
his  lifetime  was  connected  with  all  the  promi- 
nent business  enterprises  of  Browntown,  Green, 
county,  passed  to  his  last  rest  June  23,  1894, 
when  he  was  aged  fifty  years,  three  months,, 
five  days.  He  was  born  in  Clarno  township, 
Green  county,  March  18,  1844,  and  had  passed 
his  life  in  Wisconsin.  Successful  in  his  busi- 
ness ventures,  his  good  management  had  ac- 
quired for  him  a considerable  fortune,  and  at 
his  death  he  left  two  large  farms  and  five- 
houses  and  lots.  During  the  Civil  war  he  en- 
listed in  Company  A,  3d  Colorado  Cavalry, 
and  served  until,  the  close  of  the  struggle,  his 
discharge  bearing  the  date  1865.  By  virtue  of 
his  army  service  he  was  a member  of  the  G. 
A.  R.,  and  active  in  its  work  in  emulating  the 
illustrious  dead. 

On  Sept.  26,  1866,  Mr.  Trickle  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Mary  St.  Clair,  who 
was  born  July  13,  1850,  daughter  of  Samuel 


ROBERT  WESLEY  TRICKLE 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


673 


and  Eliza  (Rulow)  St.  Clair,  the  former  a na- 
tive of  Virginia,  and  the  latter  a native  of 
Canada.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  St.  Clair  had  five  chil- 
dren: Lucinda,  deceased;  Virginia  Boid,  of 

Browntown;  Robert  L.,  deceased;  Joseph,  de- 
ceased ; and  Mary  E.  Mr.  St.  Clair  was  a 
machinist  by  trade,  and  worked  for  some  time 
in  Detroit,  Mich.,  where  Mrs.  Trickle  was 
born,  but  in  1855  located  in  Green  county, 
Wis.,  later  going  to  California,  where  he  died. 
Mrs.  St.  Clair  died  in  Freeport,  111.,  at  the  age 
of  seventy  years.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Trickle 
were  born  two  children:  Emma  E.,  who  mar- 

ried Ellis  Stover,  and  died,  leaving  two  sons, 
Wesley  and  Eddie;  and  Charles  W.,  born  Oct. 
28,  1870,  who  married  (first)  Edith  McGill, 
and  (second)  Emma  Keehl,  the  latter  of 
whom  has  borne  him  two  children,  Robert  and 
Eva.  Mrs.  Trickle  has  proven  herself  a most 
competent  business  woman  in  her  wise  man- 
agement of  her  husband’s  estate,  and  is  now 
living  in  one  of  the  handsomest  dwellings  in 
Browntown,  with  her  sister  Virginia  as  a 
companion.  These  ladies  are  highly  cultured, 
and  greatly  liked  by  their  numerous  friends. 

Robert  Wesley  Trickle  was  a son  of  Ash- 
ford and  Eliza  J.  (Morton)  Trickle,  of  Clarno 
township,  where  the  latter  is  yet  living,  now 
over  eighty-one  years  of  age.  They  were  the 
parents  of  children  as  follows:  INIary,  Rob- 

ert, Julia,  Lydia.  Joshua,  John,  Jane,  George, 
James,  Sarah  and  Ellen. 

JOHN  LUCHSINGER,  a widely  known 
attorney  at  law  and  justice  of  the  peace,  at 
Monroe,  Green  county,  is  a scholarly  man,  with 
a good  knowledge  of  his  profession,  its  prin- 
ciples. and  its  rules  of  procedure,  and  an  ex- 
tended reputation  as  a historical  and  political 
writer  of  thorough  information  and  incisive 
style. 

John  Luchsinger  was  born  in  Schwanden, 
Canton  Glarus,  Switzerland,  June  29,  1839, 
a son  of  John  and  Barbara  (Wild)  Luchsinger, 
both  also  natives'  of  Switzerland.  They  had 
four  sons  and  four  daughters,  and  six  of  their 
children  are  now  living:  Nicholas,  of  Vine- 

land,  N.  J. ; Julia,  widow  of  George  Ditt- 
man,  of  Philadelphia;  Sybilla,  widow  of  John 
Ritter,  of  Philadelphia  ; John  ; Barbara,  widow 
of  Jacob  Burgy,  of  Monroe;  and  Frederick, 
of  Belleville,  Wis.  The  father,  who  was  a 
mason,  stone-cutter,  and  builder,  came  to  the 
United  States  in  1845,  lived  for  a few  months 


at  Syracuse,  N.  Y.,  and  then  moved  to  Phila- 
delphia. In  1852  he  went  to  California,  and 
followed  mining  there  for  four  years,  being 
fairly  prosperous.  In  1856  he  came  back  to 
Philadelphia,  gathered  up  his  household  goods 
and  possessions,  and  brought  his  family  to 
New  Glarus,  Wis.,  then  the  center  of  an  ex- 
tremely interesting  Swiss  settlement.  There 
he  bought  a farm,  and  engaged  in  its  cultiva- 
tion until  1862.  when  he  died,  at  the  com- 
paratively early  age  of  fifty-one.  His  widow 
survived  until  1868,  and  was  fifty-eight  years 
old  at  the  time  of  her  death.  They  were  mem- 
bers of  the  Swiss  Reformed  Church.  His  fa- 
ther, Nicholas  Luchsinger,  also  followed  the 
trade  of  stone-cutter  and  mason,  and  lived  to 
the  age  of  eighty-six.  He  reared  a family  of 
eight  children.  Samuel  Wild,  father  of  Bar- 
bara \\  ild,  mentioned  above,  was  a dairyman, 
and  died  in  Switzerland  when  eighty-five  years 
old. 

John  Luchsinger  received  his  schooling 
principally  in  the  city  of  Philadelphia.  He 
was  seventeen  years  old  when  he  accompanied 
his  parents  to  their  new  home  in  New  Glarus, 
Wis.,  and,  though  the  city-bred  lad  found 
many  things  strange  to  him,  he  took  hold  read- 
ily of  the  farm  work.  When  his  father's  death 
threw  the  burden  of  the  family  support  upon 
himself  and  his'  younger  brother,,  he  did  not 
hesitate,  but  bravely  “buckled  to,”  and  carried 
on  the  home  farm  as  long  as  the  mother  lived. 
When  she  died  John  sold  his  interest  in  the 
family  estate,  and  bought  a farm  of  184  acres, 
in  the  same  town,  continuing  an  agricultural 
career  until  1878.  That  year  he  disposed  of 
his  farming  property  and  interests,  and  moved 
to  Monroe,  where  he  has  lived  to  the  present 
time.  He  bought  a thirty-acre  farm  at  that 
time  within  the  city  limits.  In  1880  and  1881 
he  had  a lumber  yard  at  Albany,  but  since  his 
first  removal  to  the  city,  his  home  has  always 
been  in  Monroe. 

Mr.  Luchsinger  has  been  a resident  of 
Green  county  forty-six  years,  and  of  Monroe 
twenty-three  years.  In  1882  he  was  elected 
county  treasurer,  was  re-elected  in  1884,  and 
proved  a popular  and  capable  official.  During 
this  time  he  took  up  the  study  of  the  law, 
and  was  admitted  to  the  Bar  in  1885,  since 
which  time  he  has  been  a practicing  attorney 
in  Green  county.  He  is  eminently  fair  and 
judicial  in  his'  thought  and  temper.  In  1872 
Mr.  Luchsinger  was  elected  to  the  General 


6/4 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Assembly.  He  was  elected  again  in  1875, 
1876  and  1877,  and  a fifth  time  in  1886.  He 
has  been  a member  of  the  board  of  education 
m Monroe  for  twelve  years,  and  of  the  county 
board  a number  of  times,  one  term  serving  as 
its  chairman.  He  was  mayor  of  the  city  of 
Monroe  from  1894  to  1896,  and  it  was  during 
his  administration  that  the  sewerage  system 
now  in  use  was  introduced.  While  living  in 
New  Glarus  lie  was  chairman  of  the  town  board 
several  years.  He  is  vice-president  of  the  Citi- 
zens Bank  of  Monroe.  Mr.  Luchsinger  is  a 
Republican,  and  cast  his  first  vote  for  Abra- 
ham Lincoln.  He  has  been  delegate  to  nu- 
merous State  and  Congressional  conventions, 
and  was  alternate  delegate  to  the  National  con- 
vention of  1900. 

John  Luchsinger  and  Miss  Elsbeth  Kun- 
dert,  daughter  of  Henry  and  Elsbeth  (Kun- 
dert)  Kundert,  were  married  Aug.  8,  1868. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Luchsinger  are  the  parents  of 
seven  sons  and  three  daughters  : John,  Henry, 
Samuel,  William,  Frank,  George,  Elsbeth, 
Barbara,  Edna,  and  one  who  died  in  infancy. 
Seven  are  still  living.  John  married  Ellen 
O'Donnell,  and  they  have  four  children;  they, 
live  in  Fargo,  N.  Dak.,  lie  being  in  the  employ 
of  the  Northern  Pacific  Railway  Co.  Henry 
married  Maude  Cunningham,  and  is  a farmer 
near  Dix,  111. ; they  have  two  children,  Ray  and 
Louisa.  Samuel,  who  was  a physician,  died 
June  23,  1900,  from  an  operation  for  appendi- 
citis; he  married  Julia  Me'hring,  and  left  two 
sons.  William,  who  was  a machinist,  died 
from  an  accident  April  7,  1896,  when  lie  was 
twenty-two.  Frank  is  a p Limber.  George 

lives'  at  home.  Elsbeth  married  Edward  Stauf- 
facher,  lives  at  St.  Paul,  and  has  one  child. 
Barbara  and  Edna  are  at  -home.  John  Luch- 
singer belongs  to  .the  Swiss  Reformed  Church, 
and  his  wife  to  the  Evangelical  Association. 
He  is  a member  of  Monroe  Lodge,  No.  72, 
I.  O.  O.  F. 

While  on  the  farm  Mr.  Luchsinger  made 
cheese,  and  as  he  has  given  a great  amount  of 
study  to  the  problems  the  cheese  business 
presents',  he  may  be  regarded  as  authority  on 
the  subject.  After  abandoning  the  lumber 
business  he  bought  and  sold  cheese  for  several 
years,  and  was  instrumental,  with  others,  in 
establishing  cheese  factories  in  the  county ; this 
business  has  grained  great  importance  in  the 
southern  part  of  the  State,  and  there  are  now 
over  two  hundred  cheese  factories  and  thirty- 


five  creameries  in  Green  county.  Our  subject 
has  been  unceasing  in  Ins  efforts  to  make 
known  the  good  qualities  of  the  cheese  made, 
and  the  vast  growth  of  its  production,  and  is 
president  of  the  Green  County  Cheese  Makers 
Association.  He  has  contributed  numerous 
and  valuable  articles  to  the  public  press  on  the 
cheese  making  industry  of  the  county.  A val- 
uable historical  monogram  on  the  history  of 
the  cheese  making  business  in  southern  Wis- 
consin, under  the  head  of  “The  History  of  a 
Great  Industry,”  was'  read  by  him  before  the 
State  Historical  Society  in  1898,  and  printed 
by  them  in  1899.  It  has  been  very  widely  read, 
and  has  elicited  words  of  strong  commendation 
from  those  most  familiar  with  the  subject. 
His  address  to  the  Wisconsin  State  Dairy- 
men’s Association,  in  1891,  “Cheese  as  an 
Army  Ration,”  has  been  widely  copied  and  pub- 
lished throughout  the  country. 

Mr.  Luchsinger  is  historian  of  the  Swiss 
Colony  of  New  Glarus,  and  has  translated  from 
the  original  some  of  the  diaries  and  papers  of 
the  first  colonists,  bearing  upon  the  settlement 
of  this  remarkable  colony.  I11  1895,  at  the 
great  semi-centennial  celebration  of  its  found- 
ing, he  delivered  the  English  anniversary  ad- 
dress. He  has  been  engaged  in  nearly  all  of 
the  political  campaigns  during  the  last  twenty 
years,  speaking  and  writing  in  both  English 
and  German  in  the  interests  of  the  Republican 
party. 

NICHOLAS  CORNELIUS  enjoys  the 
reputation  of  being  the  oldest  living  settler  of 
the  city  of  Monroe,  Green  county,  and  certainly 
the  changes  that  have  taken  place  in  southern 
Wisconsin  under  his  personal  observation,  if 
fully  told  would  far  transcend  the  limits  of 
a volume  like  this.  He  has  lived  a long  and 
useful  life,  and  is  spending  the  evening  of  his 
days  surrounded  by  warm  friends  and  a ven- 
erating public. 

Mr.  Cornelius  was  born  in  St.  Clair  county, 
Illinois,  March  3,  1815,  and  is  a son  of  Jo- 
seph and  Mary  (Rutter)  Cornelius.  Eight 
children  were  born  to  them,  and  their  son, 
whose  name  appears  above,  is  the  only  one 
now  alive.  The  father  was  a farmer,  and 
moved  to  St.  Clair  county,  Illinois,  in  1804, 
making  the  overland  journey  with  a four- 
horse  team  and  settling  near  the  city  of  St. 
Louis,  though  the  nearest  postoffice  was  at 
Ivaskaskia,  forty  miles  distant.  He  bought 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


675 


Spanish  claims'  to  five  hundred  acres  nine  miles 
east  of  what  was  then  the  metropolis  of  the 
West,  and  engaged  in  farming  the  rest  of  his 
life.  When  he  came  from  Maryland  to  Illi- 
nois he  brought  with  him  a family  of  six 
slaves,  whom  he  subsequently  freed.  They 
went  to  St.  Louis,  where  one  of  them  was 
kidnapped  and  sold  into  slavery  in  New  Or- 
leans. Upon  learning  this  fact,  Mr.  Cornelius 
made  a journey  to  that  city  on  purpose  to  se- 
cure her  release,  although  the  trip  cost  him 
■over  $400.  He  died  in  1825,  while  still  in 
middle  life.  His  wife  died  in  1819.  They 
were  both  Baptists  in  faith.  It  is  said  the  Cor- 
nelius family  descended  from  three  brothers 
who  came  from  Scotland  early  in  the  seven- 
teenth century.  The  given  name  of  the  fa- 
ther of  Mary  Rutter  is  not  now  known,  but 
he  was  of  German  descent,  and  died  in  Mary- 
land. 

Nicholas  Cornelius  grew  to  manhood  in 
St.  Clair  county,  Illinois,  attended'  an  old- 
fashioned  subscription  school,  held  in  a log 
cabin  with  no  floor  but  the  ground,  and  was 
reared  on  the  farm.  In  1834  he  came  to  Wis- 
consin, and  took  up  a claim  of  160  acres  in 
what  is  now  Clarno  township,  in  the  county  of 
Green.  He  failed  to  perfect  his  title,  and  two 
years  later  secured  a quarter-section  in  Monroe 
township,  the  name  of  President  V an  Buren  ap- 
pearing on  the  patent.  This  farm  he  presently 
exchanged  for  another,  consisting  of  150  acres, 
a half  mile  nearer  the  present  city  of  Monroe, 
and  now  adjoining  the  western  limits  of  the 
corporation,  which  he  has  owned  for  over  sixty 
years,  and  was  actively  engaged  in  its  culti- 
vation until  1885.  That  year  he  moved  into 
Monroe,  where  he  has  lived  since,  his  son 
Erwin  now  taking  charge  of  the  farm,  and  he  is 
making  a fine  farmer,  although  engaged  as 
principal  of  schools  at  Wauwatosa,  Wis.,  for 
several  years  past. 

On  June  10,  1849.  Mr.  Cornelius  married 
Miss  Phillippa  Trizetter,  who  was  born  in  1832 
in  England,  daughter  of  Andrew  and  Susanna 
(Bulin)  Trizetter.  who  came  to  America  the 
same  year,  locating,  a few  years  later,  near 
Columbus,  Ohio.  Th  ree  children  have  been 
born  to  their  union,  Erwin  C.,  Alice,  and  one 
who  died  in  infancy.  ( 1 ) Erwin  C.  married 
Miss  Winnie  Byers,  a daughter  of  Dr.  Byers, 
of  Monroe,  and  they  had  one  daughter.  Alice ; 
Mrs.  Cornelius  died,  and  he  married  a second 
time  Mrs.  Bertha  Perkins,  and  has  one  child 


by  that  union.  (2)  Alice  Cornelius  married 
Charles  Goddard,  of  Monroe,  and  they  have 
four  children,  Harry,  Wilbur,  Grace  and  Phil- 
lippa. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cornelius  have  been  mar- 
ried fifty-two  years.  He  voted  for  William 
Henry  Harrison  in  1840,  and  cast  his  lot  with 
the  Republican  party  when  it  was  formed,  and 
acted  with  it  until  1900.  He  says  he  believes 
in  Americanism,  but  not  in  plutocracy.  Mr. 
Cornelius  has  been  on  the  grand  jury  twenty 
years. 

Nicholas  Cornelius  came  to  this  locality 
when  the  country  was  wild  and  full  of  In- 
dians, and  helped  to  ferry  three  hundred  In- 
dians across  the  Pecatonica  on  their  way  to 
Chicago  in  1S34.  There  was  no  Milwaukee, 
Janesville  or  Monroe  then.  He  is  the  oldest  set- 
tler here,  not  in  age,  but  in  point  of  length  of 
residence,  only  three  families  having  settled  in 
Green  county  before  his  arrival.  He  remem- 
bers visiting  St.  Louis  when  it  was  a town  of 
less  importance  than  the  present  city  of 
Monroe.  When  he  first  came  up  the  Missis- 
sippi, there  was  no  settlement  on  the  river  north 
of  Narvoo  except  Ft.  Snelling.  Steamboats  ran 
to  Galena,  the  lower  river  then  being  navigable. 
After  coming  to  Wisconsin,  Mr.  Cornelius 
spent  about  fifteen  years  in  the  lead  mines, 
and  while  there  he  made  the  acquaintance  of 
Gov.  Dodge,  William  S.  Hamilton,  and  other 
prominent  pioneer  citizens  of  the  State.  His 
father’s  farm  of  500  acres  was  sold  after  his 
death  to  satisfy  a mortgage  of  $300  which, 
owing  to  the  depreciation  of  the  currency  was 
paid  with  $80  in  specie.  This  circumstance 
made  a deep  impression  upon  the  mind  of  our 
subject,  and  he  has  never  mortgaged  any  prop- 
erty during  his  life.  His  strict  business  prin- 
ciples and  unswerving  honesty  have  given  him 
an  enviable  reputation  in  the  business'  world. 

JOHN  HENRY  OSTRANDER  is  one  of 
the  leading  representatives  of  the  farming  in- 
terests of  Green  county,  and  is  living  on  his  fine 
place  four  miles  south  of  Juda.  He  is  the 
son  of  James  and  Maria  (Loring)  Ostrander, 
who  were  born  and  reared  near  Schenectady, 
N.  Y.,  the  former  the  son  of  Samuel  Ostran- 
der, who  came  to  New  York  from  Holland 
about  1774. 

James  Ostrander  was  born  Aug.  15,  1810, 
and  died  in  Green  county  March  30,  1892. 
He  was  a paper-hanger  by  trade,  and  followed 
that  as  a means  of  livelihood  in  New  York  in 


6/6 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


the  winter,  and  engaged  in  farming  in  the 
summer,  in  1851  lie  moved  from  tnat  State 
to  Walworth  county,  Wis.,  where  he  bought 
a farm  and  cultivated  it  for  four  years,  and 
then  moved  into  Green  county.  After  his  re- 
moval to  the  West  he  followed  farming  exclu- 
sively. A stanch  Democrat,  he  was  a man  of 
some  influence  in  the  world  of  politics.  As 
a member  of  the  United  Brethren  Church,  he 
lived  an  honorable  and  upright  life.  Maria 
Loring  became  his  wife  in  New  York  in  1831, 
and  died  in  1865,  aged  fifty-five  years.  She 
was  the  mother  of  six  children:  William, 
born  in  1832,  was  living  in  Kansas  when  last 
heard  from;  Jeremiah,  born  Aug.  8,  1834, 
lives  in  Wilson  county,  Ivans. ; John  H. ; Thom- 
as L.,  born  in  1838,  died  while  a member  of 
the  1 st  Wis.  Heavy  Artillery,  at  Berwick, 
La.,  Sept.  8,  1864;  Mary,  born  in  1840,  mar- 
ried Charles  M.  Ball,  a veteran  of  the  1st  Wis. 
Heavy  Artillery,  now  living  in  Kansas;  and 
Susan,  born  in  1842,  married  Baird  Stephen- 
son, of  Benton  county,  Iowa,  where  they  still 
live. 

John  H.  Ostrander  was  born  Aug.  28, 

1836,  and  married  Miss  Sarah  C.  Davis,  June 
15,  1856.  Mrs.  Ostrander  was  born  Oct.  6. 

1837,  a daughter  of  Archibald  and  Elizabeth 
(Dever)  Davis,  pioneer  settlers  of  the  county. 
To  this  union  were  born  the  following  chil- 
dren: Viola  H.,  born  Sept.  11,  1858,  is  the 
wife  of  John  Zimmerman,  a farmer  near  Oak- 
ley, Wis.;  Cynthia  M.,  born  Sept.  3,  i860, 
married  William  IT.  Zimmerman,  a farmer  in 
the  towm  of  Spring  Grove;  Clarence  D.,  born 
Aug.  9,  1862,  died  Aug.  14,  1862;  John  W., 
born  June  23,  1863,  died  May  4,  1864;  Archie 
J.,  born  April  17,  1866,  married  Lillie  Bennage 
and  is  a farmer  in  the  town  of  Jefferson;  An- 
nie E.,  born  Jan.  26,  1868,  married  Jesse  Rowe, 
a farmer  of  Spirit  Lake,  Iowa;  Walter  L., 
born  Dec.  30,  1869,  married  Carrie  Tracy, 
and  is  a farmer  in  the  town  of  Jefferson;  Ed- 
gar O.,  born  Oct.  18,  1871,  resides  at  home 
with  his  parents;  Dora  M.,  born  Jan.  9,  1874, 
died  April  1,  1876;  General  O.,  born  Feb.  7, 
1876,  married  Miss  Kate  Zimmerman;  Blanche, 
born  Oct.  25,  1877,  married  Burt  G.  Wonchell, 
of  Jefferson. 

Mr.  Ostrander  was  reared  on  the  farm, 
and  had  his  education  in  the  public  schools. 
All  his  life  he  has  been  a farmer,  and  every- 
thing he  has  or  is  he  has  accumulated  with 
the  help  of  his  faithful  wife.  A fine  farm  of 


430  acres  is  their  home,  and  here  they  occupy 
a roomy  and  commodious  house,  and  have  all 
the  equipments  such  a place  demands.  Mr. 
vMrancLer  was  a member  of  the  1st  Wis. 
Heavy  Artillery  (in  which  all  his  brothers 
served),  entering  the  service  in  July,  1863, 
as  a member  of  Company  D,  and  was  honora- 
bly discharged  in  July,  1865.  The  greater 
part  of  his  time  in  the  army  was  spent  at  Fort 
Jackson,  Brazier  City,  and  New  Orleans.  Mr. 
Ostrander  has  been  school  director  for  many 
years,  and  was  on  the  town  board  a number  of 
years.  For  fifteen  years. he  has  been  justice  of 
the  peace,  and  is  a Republican.  The  first  vote 
which  he  cast  for  President  was  given  to  John 
C.  Fremont.  Mr.  Ostrander  has  never  united 
with  any  church,  but  holds  to  the  Golden  Rule 
as  the  fundamental  law  of  all  right  living. 
He  is  a man  of  high  character  and  fine  repute, 
and  has  lived  a creditable  life. 

CONRAD  J.  WEITTENHILLER,  a 
prosperous  and  successful  stock  farmer  of  the 
town  of  Lima,  Grant  county,  was  born  in 
Platteville  Sept.  27,  1855. 

Sebastian  and  Annie  (Scheel)  Weitten- 
hiller,  his  parents,  were  both  natives  of  Ba- 
varia, the  father  born  April  27,  1824,  and  the 
mother  in  January,  1822.  They  reached  ma- 
turity in  their  native  country,  where  they  were 
married  in  1843.  Seven  years  later  Mr.  Weit- 
tenhiller  came  to  this  country,  leaving  his  fam- 
ily in  their  German  home.  Landing  at  New 
York,  he  made  his  way  to  Buffalo,  where  he 
followed  his  trade  of  glazier.  In  1853  he  came 
to  Platteville,  Wis.,  where  he  met  his  wife 
and  family,  just  arrived  from  Germany.  Here 
he  worked  at  the  cooper’s  trade  until  1862, 
when  he  purchased  a farm  in  the  town  o! 
Platteville,  upon  which  he  erected  substantial 
buildings  and  made  many  improvements.  On 
this  farm  he  passed  his  remaining  days,  dying 
in  1898.  Mr.  Weittenhiller  was  a member  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church,  and  a Republican  in 
politics.  To  him  and  his  wife  came  a family 
of  fourteen  children,  of  whom  nine  are  living, 
viz.:  (1)  Charles,  born  in  Germany  in  1844, 
married  Miss  Jennie  Marshall,  of  Platteville, 
and  is  the  father  of  five  children.  They  sti.I 
reside  in  Platteville,  where  he  is  a merchant. 
(2)  Mary,  born  in  Germany  in  1848,  resides 
with  her  mother  in  Platteville.  (3)  Annie, 
born  in  Germany  in  1850,  unmarried.  (4) 
Conrad  J.  is  our  subject.  (5)  Emma,  born  in 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


677 


Platteville  in  '1858,  is  the  wife  of  Sampson 
Callaway.  (6)  Phillip,  born  in  1859,  mar- 
ried Miss  Nellie  Jones,  daughter  of  O.  K. 
Jones,  of  the  town  of  Harrison,  and  lives  in 
Pocahontas  county,  Iowa.  (7)  Lena,  born  111 
Grant  county  in  i860,  is  the  wife  of  Charles 
Secord,  of  Spokane,  Wash.,  where  he  is  em- 
ployed as  a railroad  engineer.  (8)  Jennie, 
born  in  Grant  county  in  1862,  is  the  wife  of 
John  Miller,  a railroad  man  at  Spokane.  Wash. 
(9)  Esther  M.,  born  in  1866,  married  Fred- 
erick May,  a resident  of  Helix,  Oregon. 

Conrad  J.  Weittenhiller  received  his  edu- 
cation in  the  public  schools  and  at  the  State 
Normal  at  Platteville,  and  grew  up  on  the  old 
homestead.  In  1874,  when  a young  man,  he 
went  to  California,  where  he  worked  on  a 
fruit  farm  for  one  year,  and  then  returned 
home.  Here  he  learned  the  cooper’s  trade,  at 
which  he  engaged  for  some  years  during  the 
winter,  working  on  the  farm  during  the  sum- 
mer. In  1881  he  bought  what  was  known  as 
the  F.  Johns  farm,  in  the  town  of  Platteville. 

On  March  5,  1882,  Mr.  Weittenhiller  mar- 
ried Miss  Mary  Jones,  of  Platteville,  daugh- 
ter of  Obed  C.  and  Ursula  A.  Jones.  Her 
parents  were  old  pioneers  of  Grant  county, 
coming  from  Trumbull  county,  Ohio,  at  a very 
early  day,  and  he  was  well  known  as  a local 
minister  in  the  Christian  Church.  Mr.  Weit- 
tenhiller made  many  handsome  improvements 
on  his  farm-,  and  brought  it  into  fine  condition. 
After  selling  the  farm  to  Mr.  Reddy  he  lived 
on  the  old  homestead  a year,  and  then  bought 
a half  section  of  August  Kamm,  in  the  town 
of  Lima,  where  he  now  owns  as  fine  a prop- 
erty as  is  to  be  found  in  Grant  county.  For 
the  last  few  months  he  has  been  largely  en- 
gaged in  shipping  stock  to  the  Chicago  mar- 
kets. 

Nine  children  have  been  born  to  our  sub- 
ject and  his  wife:  (1)  Byron,  born  in  1884, 

in  the  town  of  Platteville,  who  has  graduated 
from  the  Platteville  Business  College;  (2) 
Merton  F.,  born  July  29,  1886;  (3)  Blanche, 
born  Feb.  29,  1888,  who  died  aged  twelve 
days;  (4)  Willie,  born  May  22,  1889;  (5) 
May,  May  6,  1891;  (6)  Alma,  March  16, 
1893;  (?)  Clarence,  in  July,  1895;  (8)  Albert, 
Sept.  11,  1897;  and  (9)  Victor  Walter,  July 
4,  1900. 

In  politics  Mr.  Weittenhiller  has  always 
been  a Republican,  and  is  a prominent  worker 
in  the  party.  For  eight  years  he  has  been  a 


delegate  to  the  county  convention,  and  one  year 
was  a delegate  to  the  State  convention,  when 
it  was  held  at  Milwaukee.  The  family  belong 
to  the  Methodist  Church,  and  Mr.  Weitten- 
hiller takes  an  active  interest  in  church  work. 
He  has  been  associated  for  some  years  with 
the  order  of  K.  P.,  and  also  with  the  M.  W. 
of  A.  Mr.  Weittenhiller  began  with  nothing 
to  help  him  except  his  own  courage  and  will- 
ingness to  take  hold,  and  since  his  advent  here 
has  achieved  substantial  results. 

BENJAMIN  F.  NEELY,  a dairyman 
farmer  of  the  town  of  Platteville,  Grant  coun- 
ty, is  a young  man  of  energy  and  enterprise, 
and  has  already  attained  an  enviable  standing 
among  the  younger  farmers  of  this  portion 
of  the  State.  He  is  known  as  a man  of  his 
word,  and  his  farm  reflects  his  industry. 

Mr.  Neely  was  born  in  the  house  in  which 
he  is  now  living,  in  November,  1868,  and  is 
a son  of  Robert  and  Helen  (Chase)  Neely. 
Robert  Neely  was  born  in  Westmoreland  coun- 
ty, Penn.,  July  15,  1815,  and  Helen  Chase  in 
Royalton,  N.  Y.,  in  March,  1828.  Mr.  Neely 
grew  to  manhood  in  Pennsylvania,  and  was 
educated  for  the  ministry  at  Oberlin  College. 
On  account  of  confirmed  ill  health,  he  gave 
up  the  work  of  the  ministry,  and  came  to  Wis- 
consin as  early  as  1839.  Here  he  took  up  a 
government  claim  and  devoted  himself  to  min- 
ing and  farming  as  long  as  lie  lived.  He  died 
April  15,  1895.  When  he  had  been  but  ten 
years  in  this  State  he  went  back  to  Pennsyl- 
vania, and  married.  The  young  couple  re- 
turned to  Wisconsin  and  lived  a life  of  close 
companionship  until  his  death.  His  widow 
only  survived  his  loss  five  months.  They  were 
consistent  and  devoted  members  of  the  Con- 
gregational Church,  in  which  he  was  a dea- 
con  for  twenty-five  years.  They  assisted  m 
the  establishment  of  the  Congregational  Church 
at  Platteville,  and  were  always  identified  with 
good  movements  and  measures  at  home  and 
abroad.  They  left  a family  of  seven  children : 

( 1 ) Henry  D.,  born  Dec.  23,  1851,  was  a grad- 
uate from  the  State  Normal  at  Platteville, 
and  studied  law,  was  admitted  to  the  Bar, 
and  practiced  law,  but  he  now  resides  in  Oma- 
ha, where  he  is  State  manager  for  the  Equita- 
ble Life  Assurance  Co.  He  married  Miss. 
Emma  Johns,  of  Winona,  Minn.,  and  they  have 
two  sons,  Henry  Fay  and  Robert  Donald. 

(2)  Mary  F.,  born  Oct.  9,  1853,  was  a gradu- 


678 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ate  of  the  State  Normal,  and  a successful 
teacher  in  Grant  county  for  some  years.  She 
is  now  the  wife  of  George  C.  Thompson,  chief 
clerk  of  the  U.  P.  freight  office  at  Omaha,  and 
has  three  children,  Ruth,  Mayone  and  Robert. 
(3)  Katie  M.,  born  in  January,  1858,  is  the 
wife  of  Lester  C.  Hine,  of  Trumbull  county, 
Ohio,  where  they  live  on  a farm.  In  their 
family  of  children  are  Frank,  Helen,  Neely, 
Mary,  Bessie,  Ronald  and  Fay  R.  (4)  Nell.e 
5.,  born  in  March,  i860,  is  the  wife  of  R.  P. 
Perry,  one  of  the  leading  lawyers  and  bankers 
of  Reedsburg,  Wis.,  and  they  have  three  chil- 
dren, Edna,  Mildred  and  Catherine.  (5) 
Fannie,  born  in  March,  1862,  a bright  and 
scholarly  young  lady,  is  one  of  the  successful 
teachers  of  the  Reedsburg  high  school,  in  which 
position  she  has  been  for  ten  consecutive  years. 
(6)  Robert  S.,  born  in  July,  1864,  married 
Miss  Josephine  Cook,  and  resides  in  Omaha, 
where  he  is  employed  in  the  yards  of  the  Union 
Pacific  railroad. 

Benjamin  F.  Neely,  who  completes  this 
family,  was  educated  in  the  Platteville  Normal, 
and  he  has  remained  on  the  old  homestead, 
having  had  charge  of  the  farm  previous  to  the 
death  of  his  father.  In  1893  he  married  Miss 
Fannie  Bell,  the  daughter  of  Edward  and  Annie 
(Rawson)  Bell,  an  old  and  prominent  family 
of  Grant  county.  Mrs.  Neely  was  born  in 
Platteville,  in  June,  1872,  and  was  educated 
in  the  local  high  school.  She  is  a lady  of  cul- 
ture and  refinement.  They  settled  on  the  old 
Neely  farm,  and  devoted  themselves  to  farm- 
ing. They  have  two  sons,  Robert  C.,  born 
in  August,  1896,  and  Edward,  in  July,  1899. 
Fir.  Neely  and  his  father  were  prominent  Re- 
publicans, and  were  both  brought  up  in  the 
Congregational  Church.  Fie  is  a member  of 
the  Foresters  at  Platteville,  the  Maccabees, 
the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America,  and  the 
Equitable  Fraternal  Union.  The  senior  Neely 
was  a Mason,  and  was  an  industrious  and 
highly  respected  man,  and  was  an  affectionate 
husband,  and  was  greatly  loved  in  the  com- 
munity where  he  lived.  Benjamin  F.  Neely  is 
one  of  the  leading  and  prosperous  farmers  of 
the  town,  and  is  well  known. 

JOHN  ROBINSON,  an  enterprising  farm- 
er of  Platteville  township.  Grant  county,  and 
one  of  its  most  respected  citizens,  was  born  in 
Fennimore,  in  the  same  county,  in  December, 
1845.  His  parents  were  John  and  Catherine 


(Coy)  Robinson,  the  former  of  whom  was 
born  in  Manchester,  England,  and  on  coming 
to  the  United  States  found  his  way  to  Galena, 
111.,  in  1836,  and  later  to  Fennimore,  Wis., 
near  which  village  he  purchased  a farm.  He 
served  in  the  7th  Wis.  V.  I.  about  a year,  hav- 
ing enlisted  in  1861,  and  being  discharged  on 
account  of  disability,  some  time  in  1862.  He 
had  lost  his  wife  in  1852,  and  his  own  death, 
in  1872,  resulted  from  the  bite  of  a rattlesnake 
while  he  was  loading  hay  in  his  meadow. 
There  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Robinson 
four  children  besides  the  gentleman  whose 
name  opens  this  biographical  review,  and  of 
whom  a brief  notice  of  each  is  made  as  fol- 
lows : George,  the  eldest  of  the  family,  was 

born  in  Iowa  county,  Wis.,  in  1839,  enlisted 
in  the  20th  Wis.  V.  I.,  was  promoted  from  pri- 
vate to  orderly  sergeant,  then  to  first  lieuten- 
ant, and  died  on  a march  near  Springfield, 
Mo.;  Mary  D.,  born  in  Grant  county,  is  now 
Mrs.  Evan  Johnson,  resides  on  the  old  Rob- 
inson homestead,  and  is  the  mother  of  five  chil- 
dren, all  living  in  the  vicinity;  Frank  is  at 
present  in  Colorado  ; Agnes,  born  in  Fennimore, 
is  the  wife  of  Peter  Finnegan,  a wealthy 
farmer  at  Fennimore,  and  has  a family  of 
seven  children,  Emma,  Mary,  George,  Albert, 
Robert,  Mabel  and  Clements. 

John  Robinson,  the  subject  proper  of  this 
sketch,  was  reared  to  farming  on  the  homestead 
and  educated  in  the  district  schools.  In  1871 
he  married  Miss  Marietta  Byerly,  of  Feani- 
more,  daughter  of  George  and  Mary  A.  (Ma- 
son) Byerly,  who  were  born  in  Westmore- 
land and  Crawford  counties,  Penn.,  respect- 
ively, but  for  some  years  lived  on  a farm  in 
Mercer  county,  whence  they  came  in  1867  to 
Wisconsin,  and  located  at  Fennimore,  where 
Mr.  Byerly  bought  a farm,  and  also  established 
a hotel,  prospering  in  the  conduct  of  both. 
Mrs.  Byerly  died  the  same  year  in  which  she 
arrived  in  Wisconsin,  leaving  nine  children, 
viz.:  Sylvester,  now  in  Omaha,  Neb.;  Lavinia 
(deceased),  wife  of  John  Parker,  of  Missouri; 
Joseph,  of  Spencer,  Iowa ; Mrs.  Robinson,  who 
was  born  in  Mercer  county,  Penn.,  in  1852,  and 
there  educated;  George,  of  Fennimore,  Wis.; 
James  and  Leonard,  deceased;  Theressa,  wife 
of  Walter  Bradley,  of  Iowa;  and  Linda,  wife 
of  Lewis  Patterson,  of  Dexter,  also  in  the 
Hawkeye  State. 

After  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rob- 
inson resided  on  the  Robinson  homestead  until 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


6 79 


1872,  when,  his  father  dying,  Mr.  Robinson 
purchased  a farm  in  Fennimore,  on  which  they 
resided  until  the  fall  of  1892,  when  he  moved 
to  and  bought  a home  in  Platteville,  in  order 
to  educate  his  children,  Annetta,  Bertha  L., 
Pearl  M.  and  Linda  C.  Annetta,  born  in  Fen- 
nimore in  1873,  is  a graduate  of  the  State 
Normal  School  of  this  State,  and  a graduate 
and  post-graduate  of  the  Emerson  School  of 
Oratory,  and  was  married  in  June,  1891.  to 
G.  W.  Moody,  a leading  business  man  of  Bos- 
ton, Mass.,  where  she  now  resides.  Bertha 
L.  was  born  in  Fennimore  in  1875,  was  also 
graduated  from  the  State  Normal,  as  well  as 
the  State  University  at  Madison,  and  is  at 
present  a teacher  in  the  high  school  at  Neills- 
ville,  Wis.  Pearl  .M.,  born  in  1878,  in  Fenni- 
more, likewise  was  graduated  from  the  State 
Normal,  and  is  now  a student  in  vocal  and  in- 
strumental music  in  Platteville.  Linda  C.,  born 
in  Fennimore  in  1886,  is  a student  in  the  State 
Normal,  and  is  being  prepared  for  the  profes- 
sion of  teaching.  In  religion  Mr.  Robin -on 
is  a devout  Catholic,  while  his  wife  and  daugh- 
ters are  members  of  the  Congregational  Church. 
Mr.  Robinson  and  his  wife,  while  not  among 
the  very  wealthy  people  of  Platteville,  are  quite 
well-to-do,  owning  a large  farm  and  a com- 
fortable city  home,  and  have  many  warm 
friends,  in  whose  esteem  they  stand  very  high. 
They  have  given  their  children  excellent  edu- 
cational training,  the  result  of  which  is  that 
all  four  are  ornaments  to  the  society  in  which 
they  respectively  live. 

WILLIAM  BLOUNT  PARKISON,  an 
influential  farmer  of  the  town  of  Mineral 
Point,  Iowa  county,  represents  one  of  the  ear- 
liest pioneer  families  of  A isconsin.  Lie  was 
born  near  Highland,  Madison  Co.,  111.,  Oct. 
24,  1820,  a son  of  Col.  Daniel  Morgan  Parki- 
son  and  his  wife,  Mary  Elizabeth  (Hyder). 

Peter  Parkison,  father  of  Col.  Daniel  Mor- 
gan Parkison,  came  to  America  from  England 
about  1770,  and  settled  in  Virginia.  He  be- 
came a soldier  in  the  Continental  army,  hold- 
ing the  rank  of  captain.  After  the  close  of 
that  memorable  struggle  he  located  in  Carter 
county,  Tenn.,  where  he  married  Miss  Mary 
Mars,  a native  of  that  county,  but  of  German 
extraction.  Capt.  Peter  Parkison  died  in  Ten- 
nessee, and  his  widow  with  her  six  sons  moved 
to  Madison  county,  Ilk,  in  1818,  and  there 
her  death  occurred.  Of  the  six  children,  Wash- 


ington died  in  Madison  county,  111. ; George, 
in  La  Fayette  county,  Mo. ; Emanuel,  in  Knox 
county,  Tenn.;  John,  in  Mississippi;  William, 
in  Lafayette  county,  Wis. ; and  Daniel  Morgan, 
in  Wisconsin. 

Daniel  Morgan  Parkison  passed  a number 
of  years  of  his  life  in  Sangamon  county,  111., 
and  in  1827  moved  to  Wisconsin,  passing  a 
year  or  two  near  Shullsburg.  He  then  went 
to  Mineral  Point  and  erected  a row  of  log  cab- 
ins near  the  present  corner  of  High  and  Com- 
merce streets,  in  which  he  kept  a hotel,  the 
first  in  the  place.  His  next  location  was  Wil- 
low Springs,  Lafayette  county,  where  he  en- 
tered about  one  section  of  land,  on  which  he 
passed  the  remainder  of  his  life,  dying  during 
the  Civil  war,  at  the  age  of  seventy-seven. 
He  attained  great  prominence  in  the  affairs 
of  his  town,  county  and  State.  During  the 
Black  Hawk  war  he  recruited  a company  and 
commanded  it  throughout  that  conflict.  He 
became  a member  of  the  first  Territorial  Legis- 
lature, which  convened  at  Old  Belmont,  and 
was  also  a member  of  the  second,  which  was 
held  in  Burlington,  Iowa,  then  a part  of  Wis- 
consin. This  did  not  end  his  service  in  the 
Legislature,  however,  as  he  continued  to  rep- 
resent his  district  for  some  time  after  the  cap- 
ital was  located  at  Madison,  and  was  a mem- 
ber of  the  first  Constitutional  Convention  of 
the  State.  As  may  be  inferred,  he  was  a man 
of  great  influence  in  those  early  days,  and, 
when  he  passed  away  full  of  years  and  hon- 
ors, it  was  to  leave  behind  him  the  priceless 
heritage  of  an  untarnished  reputation.  His 
wife,  Mary  Elizabeth  Hyder,  was  born  in  Car- 
ter county,  Tenn.,  and  died  in  Sangamon 
county,  111.,  about  1826.  She  was  the  mother 
of  eight  children,  as  follows : Jonathan,  who 
died  in  Madison  county,  111. ; Rosanna,  who. 
became  Mrs.  Thomas  Connor,  and  died  in 
Bond  county,  111.;  Peter,  who  died  in. Lafay- 
ette county,  Wis. ; Mary,  who  became  Mrs. 
William  McAdams,  and  died  in  Bond  county, 
111. ; Nathaniel,  who  passed  away  in  Lafayette 
county,  Wis. ; William  Blount,  Our  subject; 
Jane,  who  died  in  childhood  in  Lafayette  coun- 
ty, Wis. ; and  Ann,  whose  death  occurred  in 
the  same  place. 

After  the  death  of  his  mother  in  Illinois, 
William  Blount  Parkison  made  his  home  with 
an  uncle  until  he  reached  the  age  of  fifteen, 
when  he  joined  his  father  in  Wisconsin.  In 
1S54  he  purchased  wild  land  in  the  town  of 


68o 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Mineral  Point,  where  he  has  since  made  his 
home,  now  owning  270  acres  of  arable  land, 
all  in  a high  state  of  cultivation,  well  improved 
with  good  buildings,  etc. 

In  1847  Mr.  Parkison  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Miss  Nancy  Padon,  born  in  Leban- 
on, St.  Clair  Co.,  111.,  daughter  of  James  and 
Melinda  Padon,  and  died  March  20,  1897, 
aged  seventy-two  years.  Five  children  blessed 
this  union:  James  Daniel,  of  Washta,  Cher- 
okee Co.,  Iowa;  Adaline  Melinda,  at  home; 
Charles  Barton,  of  Kirkham,  Shelby  Co., 
Iowa;  Virginia  C.,  now  Mrs.  O.  L.  Parkison, 
of  Mineral  Point;  and  William  V.,  of  Iowa. 
Mr.  Parkison  has  seven  grandchildren  and  two 
great-grandchildren.  In  religious  belief  the 
family  are  all  Methodists,  in  which  faith  the 
mother  died. 

In  his  political  affiliations  Mr.  Parkison 
is  a Democrat,  and  has  led  a strictly  temper- 
ate life,  for  a time  supporting  the  Prohibition- 
ists in  local  elections.  He  has  been  prominent 
in  the  affairs  of  his  locality  for  many  years, 
and  has  held  a number  of  local  offices,  among 
them  being  chairman  of  the  town  board,  an 
office  held  for  eight  years,  for  three  years  was 
one  of  the  superintendents  of  the  County 
House,  justice  of  the  peace,  etc.  In  1845  ^ie 
went  overland  to  Oregon,  driving  an  ox-team. 
His  party,  which  consisted  of  120  wagons, 
started  from  Independence,  Mo.,  and  was  the 
first  to  cross  the  plains  to  that  now  prosperous 
State.  They  were  six  months  on  the  road, 
and  Mr.  Parkison  returned  on  horseback  the 
following  season.  They  suffered  the  usual 
hardships  incident  to  such  a journey,  had  two 
or  three  encounters  with  hostile  Indians,  but 
suffered  no  serious  damage.  In  1850  he  went 
to  California  with  a horse-team,  and  returned 
by  water  to  Acapulco,  Mexico,  thence  over- 
land to  V era  Cruz,  where  he  took  the  steamer 
to  New  Orleans. 

ALVIN  BLANCHARD,  of  Blanchard- 
ville,  Lafayette  county,  in  honor  of  whom 
the  village  and  township  were  named,  is  a well- 
known  pioneer  citizen,  and  one  of  the  leading 
business  men  and  large  land  owners  in  the 
county.  He  was  born  in  Cortland  Co.,  New 
York,  Jan.  12,  1830,  son  of  Asahel  and  Eliza- 
beth Blanchard,  the  former  of  whom  was  a 
native  of  the  State  of  New  York,  and  the  lat- 
ter of  Massachusetts.  In  1840  the  family  em- 
igrated to  Wisconsin  and  located  in  Dodge- 


ville,  Iowa  county,  where  the  father  engaged 
in  mining  a short  distance  east  of  that  town. 
He  afterward  purchased  a farm  and  passed 
the  rest  of  life  at  that  place.  His  death  ocr 
curred  in  July,  1852,  the  result  of  an  acci- 
dent in  a runaway.  He  left  the  reputation  of 
a just  and  upright  man,  a progressive  citizen 
and  a man  of  much  natural  ability.  He  had 
held  prominent  places  in  the  county,  having 
at  one  time  served  as  county  commissioner. 
During  his  early  life  he  had  been  employed 
on  the  construction  of  the  New  York  and  Erie 
Canal.  His  wife  survived  her  husband  many 
years,  passing  away  at  Blanchardville  Aug. 
26,  1872.  Besides  the  subject  of  this  sketch, 
they  had  a daughter,  Eliza,  who  became  the 
wife  of  John  Adams,  of  Dodgeville. 

John  Adams  was  a prominent  pioneer  cit- 
izen, and  laid  out  the  village  of  Adamsville, 
Iowa  county.  He  was  for  many  years  a suc- 
cessful merchant  in  Black  Earth,  Wis.,  and 
now  resides  in  Pasadena,  Cal.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Adams  had  a family  of  children,  several  of 
whom  have  become  known  in  national  affairs : 
Alva  is  an  ex-Governor  of  the  State  of  Col- 
orado, and  was  a candidate  for  United  States 
Senator  in  1900  (he  makes  his  home  in  Pu- 
eblo, that  State)  ; Frank,  William  H.  and  John 
are  all  prominent  in  business  and  politics  in 
Colorado. 

For  several  years  after  his  father’s  death, 
Mr.  Alvin  Blanchard  worked  the  homestead 
farm,  and  during  the  time  he  managed  the 
home  farm  purchased  one  of  his  own.  But 
it  is  in  Blanchardville  that  nearly  his  entire 
business  life  has  been  passed.  While  still  a 
very  young  man  he  engaged  in  the  milling 
business,  and  purchased  the  mills  at  what  was 
afterward  called  Blanchardville,  where  he  was 
extensively  engaged  in  milling  for  many  years. 
In  1856  he  entered  upon  a mercantile  career, 
erecting  the  first  store  in  the  town  and  passed 
many  years  in  general  merchandising.  About 
1880  he  opened  a hardware  business,  which  he 
still  continues.  He  has  erected  and  still  owns 
many  of  the  principal  buildings  in  the  village, 
and  besides  owns  a large  amount  of  land.  For 
years  he  has  been  the  leading  business  man  in 
this  part  of  the  county,  and,  now,  although 
passed  the  allotted  three  score  years  and  ten, 
is  still  actively  engaged  in  conducting  his  va- 
rious interests. 

In  October,  1851,  Mr.  Blanchard  w-as  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Mary  Skinner,  and  their  children, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


three  in  number,  are:  Clarence  A.,  who  makes 
his  home  in  Blanchardville,  but  who  has  for 
many  years  been  a commercial  traveler ; Kate, 
wife  of  Samuel  Corbin,  of  South  Dakota; 
and  William,  of  Blanchardville.  For  his  sec- 
ond wife  Mr.  Blanchard  wedded  Miss  Ara- 
bella Stoneburner,  who  died  in  June,  1897. 
Nine  children  were  born  of  the  second  mar- 
riage, those  living-  being : Daniel,  born  in 
11558;  Charles,  in  1863;  James,  in  1869  : and 
Lulu,  in  1877,  now  the  wife  of  C.  R.  Chandler, 
editor  and  lawyer  of  Blanchardville.  Those 
deceased  were:  May,  born  in  i860,  married 
John  Munson;  Elizabeth,  born  in  1859,  died 
m infancy;  Samuel,  born  in  1861,  died  in  1866; 
Alvin,  born  in  1865,  died  in  1866;  and  Mazie, 
born  in  1875,  died  in  1880.  Mr.  Blanchard 
has  a wide  acquaintance,  and  is  held  in  high 
esteem.  He  comes  of  good  Revolutionary 
stock,  his  great-grandfather  having  held  the 
rank  of  Colonel  in  the  Continental  army.  In 
politics  he  is  a Democrat,  and  has  held  a num- 
ber of  important  positions,  being  postmaster 
from  1857  to  1888;  school  director,  chairman 
of  the  town  board,  etc.  Although  not  a mem- 
ber of  any  church,  Mr.  Blanchard  was  the  first 
Sunday  school  teacher  in  the  town,  and  has 
always  contributed  liberally  to  the  support  of 
the  Church,  and  other  worthy  causes.  He 
was  the  prime  mover  in  securing  the  incorpora- 
tion of  the  village  of  Blanchardville  and  de- 
voted considerable  time  and  money  to  that  end. 
The  village  has  one  of  the  finest  systems  of 
water  works  to  be  found  anywhere  in  a town 
of  its  size. 

Mr.  Blanchard  was  one  of  the  leading  men 
of  the  county  in  securing  the  Illinois  Central 
Railroad  through  the  east  side  of  Lafayette 
county,  and  was  one  of  the  first  directors  of 
the  above  named  road  from  Freeport,  111.,  to 
Dodgeville,  Wis.  About  1872  he  gave  con- 
siderable time  and  money  in  an  effort  to  secure 
a narrow  gauge  railroad.  He  has  been  very 
energetic  in  the  improvement  and  development 
of  the  town  and  country.  His  many  business 
enterprises  furnished  a great  deal  of  labor, 
thereby  starting  many  on  the  road  to  inde- 
pendent fortunes,  and  afforded  for  all  a mar- 
ket for  produce  of  the  surrounding  rural  dis- 
tricts. Many  of  the  old  settlers  relate  that 
they  would  have  suffered  in  an  early  day  had 
it  not  been  for  Mr.  Blanchard.  He  established 
the  first  mail  route  into  Blanchardville,  paying 
for  the  services  himself.  He  drove  cattle  io 


681 


Chicago,  Milwaukee  and  Madison,  when  those 
cities  were  our  nearest  markets ; and  it  is  con- 
ceded by  all  that  he  has  been  a great  and  good 
man  for  this  locality. 

BRLNGEL  SEVERSON,  who  resides  in 
York  township,  Green  county,  four  and  a half 
miles  east  of  Blanchardville,  holds  a credita- 
ble position  in  the  confidence  and  respect  of  his 
neighbors,  among  whom  he  has  been  settled 
many  years. 

Mr.  Severson  was  born  in  Vas,  Bergen 
Stitt,  Norway,  Feb.  10,  1844,  a son  of  Sever 
and  Martha  Severson,  both  now  deceased. 
They  came  to  America  and  settled  in  Wal- 
worth county,  Wis.,  in  1844,  when  young 
Bryngel  was  an  infant  of  only  five  months. 
Eleven  years  later  they  removed  to  Green 
county,  to  make  their  home  on  the  farm  in  sec- 
tion 5,  town  of  York,  which  is  now  owned 
by  the  gentleman  whose  career  is  the  subject 
of  this  writing.  In  1856  Sever  Severson  died, 
and  his  widow  survived  until  1898.  They  had 
only  one  child,  Bryngel. 

Bryngel  Severson  has  spent  almost  his  en- 
tire life  m Wisconsin,  where  he  received  his 
education  in  the  public  schools,  and  has  led  a 
useful  life.  In  1868  he  married  Miss  Eliza 
Sandmark,  of  the  town  of  Moscow,  who  died 
two  years  later,  leaving  one  son,  Sever  Sever- 
son, now  a farmer  and  engineer.  In  1873 
Bryngel  Severson  married  for  his  second  wife 
Miss  Ellen  Hanson,  of  Trempealeau  county, 
Wis.,  and  to  this  union  were  born  the  follow- 
ing children : Henry,  at  home,  who  is  working 
the  farm;  Minnie;  Alary;  Melvin;  Albert; 
Ida : Benjamin ; Josephine ; William ; Dora ; and 
Raymond. 

Air.  Severson  was  reared  on  the  farm  in 
the  town  of  York,  and  obtained  his  education 
in  the  public  schools.  At  the  present  time  he 
owns  a fine  farm  of  some  200  acres,  on  which 
he  lives,  in  a comfortable  and  attractive  home, 
and  where  he  has  built  large  and  convenient 
modern  farm  barns.  In  his  political  views  Air. 
Severson  is  a Republican,  and  in  religion  a 
consistent  and  devout  member  of  the  Lutheran 
Church.  In  York  he  has  long  since  won  rec- 
ognition as  one  of  the  leading  citizens  of  the 
community,  and  has  served  the  town  as  mem- 
ber of  the  board  of  supervisors,  and  as  school 
director,  as  well  as  in  other  positions. 

In  1861  Air.  Severson  hastened  to  respond 
to  the  call  of  his  imperiled  country,  and  en- 


682 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


listed  in  Company  E,  15th  Wis.  V.  I.  This 
command  was  attached  to  the  Army  of  the 
Tennessee,  and  our  subject  participated  in  the 
bloody  battles  of  Stone  River,  Island  No.  10, 
Union  City,  Tenn.,  and  Perryville,  after  which 
he  was  discharged  from  service  on  account  of 
disability.  Recovering-  somewhat  from  his  in- 
juries, he  re-enlisted,  in  the  46th  Wis.  V.  I., 
being-  a member  of  Company  A.  This  was  in 
the  spring  of  1865,  and  he  served  until  the 
close  of  the  war.  On  his  return  to  Wisconsin 
he  resumed  the  occupation  of  farming,  though 
he  has  had  poor  health  for  many  years  on  ac- 
count of  the  exposures  lie  endured  while  a sol- 
dier in  the  army.  Mr.  Severson  belongs  to 
the  G.  A.  R.,  and  is  commander  of  John  E. 
Gurley  Post,  No.  224,  at  Blanchardville.  Per- 
sonally he  is  well  liked,  and  has  the  confidence 
and  respect  of  the  community.  One  of  the 
earlier  settlers  of  the  town  of  York,  there  are 
few  remaining  who  were  living-  here  when  he 
came.  Popular  among  his  neighbors,  he  is  a 
man  well  liked  by  all  who  know  him,  and  his 
upright  and  manly  character  well  deserves  the 
warm  friendship,  it  has  won. 

KNUDT  THOMPSON  in  his  life  time 
took  a prominent  place  among  the  thoroughly 
honorable  and  influential  citizens  of  the  town 
of  York.  Born  at  ITallingdal,  Norway,  Aug. 
28,  1839,  he  was  a son  of  Thor  Truo,  and 
came  to  this  country  in  1861.  It- was  in  Dane 
county,  Wis.,  that  his  first  home  was  estab- 
lished on  American  soil.  At  the  end  of  a year 
he  sold  out  at  that  place  and  came  to  the  town 
of  York,  where  he  bought  a farm  on  section 
6,  which  is  still  a part  of  the  extensive  Knudt 
Thompson  estate.  His  death  occurred  in  the 
town  of  York  Jan.  26,  1899,  and  he  was  buried 
in  the  old  Norwegian  cemetery  in  that  town. 
Thor  Truo  was  the  father  of  the  following- 
children  : Knudt,  whose  name  appears  at  the 
opening  of  this  article ; Paul,  of  I rempealeau 
county,  Wis.;  and  Guri,  who  is  the  wife  of 
Kittle  Jeglum. 

Knudt  Thompson  married  Miss  Birgit 
Bjornson,  of  Norway,  in  1861.  and  to  this 
marriage  were  born  the  following  children : 
Ole  K.,  born  Oct.  6,  1862,  is  still  unmarried, 
and  is  engaged  in  farming  the  old  homestead 
in  York;  he  is  a Republican,  and  has  made 
himself  a name  as  one  of  the  leading  men  of 
the  community;  (2)  Thury,  born  May  16, 
1863,  is  the  wife  of  O.  M.  Peterson,  of  Dane 


county;  (3)  Julia,  born  May  20,  1865,  is  the 
wife  of  G.  O.  Paulson,  of  Dane  county;  (4) 
Gurine,  born  May  20,  1867,  is  the  wife  of  C. 
E.  Paulson,  of  Dane  county;  (5)  Thor  was 
born  Oct.  10,  1869,  and  is  a minister  of  the 
Lutheran  Church  at  Estherville,  Iowa;  (6) 
Mollie,  born  Jan.  13,  1872,  is  the  wife  of  Rev. 
Edward  Plegland,  a minister  of  the  Lutheran 
Church;  (7)  George  and  (8)  James  are  twins, 
and  were  born  Oct.  19,  1875;  both  were  grad- 
uated at  the  University  of  Wisconsin,  from 
which  institution  they  received  the  degree  of 
B.  L. ; James  is  a graduate  from  the  School 
of  Law,  University  of  Michigan,  in  the  class 
of  1901,  receiving  the  degree  of  LL.  B.,  while 
George  graduated  from  the  law  department 
of  the  University  of  Wisconsin  with  the  class 
of  1901,  with  the  degree  of  LL.  B.;  they  are 
bright  young  men,  and  have  a promising  fu- 
ture; (9)  Gena,  born  Sept.  29,  1883,  is  attend- 
ing the  high  school  at  Menominee,  Michigan. 
Mrs.  Thompson  remains  on  the  home  place. 
She  was  born  Jan.  16,  1837,  and  is  a woman 
of  fine  Christian  character,  very  proud  of  her 
children,  and  much  respected  and  beloved  in 
the  community. 

Knudt  Thompson  made  a name  for  himself 
as  one  of  the  most  successful  farmers  of  Green 
county.  Coming  to  this  country  a poor  man, 
by  his  unremitting  industry,  wise  economy 
and  business  acumen,  he  became  the  owner  of 
an  extensive  estate  of  305  acres  before  his 
death,  not  mentioning-  much  valuable  personal 
property,  as  well  as  financial  investments  of  a 
high  character.  Politically  he  was  a Repub- 
lican, and  in  religion  a faithful  and  zealous 
member  of  the  Lutheran  Church.  In  the  com- 
munity he  was  regarded  as  a man  of  strong 
character,  and  was  known  to  be  a good  neigh- 
bor, and  a devoted  husband  and  father,  taking 
much  pride  in  the  higher  education  of  his  chil- 
dren. Plis  is  a name  that  is  worthy  of  long- 
remembrance. 

JOHN  DAVIS,  deceased,  was  a farmer 
and  stock  raiser  of  the  town  of  Lima,  Grant 
county,  and  was  born  in  North  Wales,  Eng- 
land, in  1807,  where  he  grew  up,  and  married 
Miss  Sarah  A.  Kent,  born  in  the  same  country 
in  1817.  In  1845  they  came  to  this  country, 
by  way  of  New  Orleans  and  the  Mississippi 
river  to  Galena,  settling  at  Smelser,  Grant 
county,  where  he  was  engaged  in  mining  for 
some  time.  In  1848  he  bought  a tract  of  wild 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


683 


land  consisting  of  360  acres,  in  the  town  of 
Lima,  where  his  daughter  now  resides.  A 
good  log  house  was  the  family  abode  during 
his  life.  In  1849  Mr.  Davis  crossed  the  plains 
to  the  gold  fields  of  California,  where  he  met 
with  rather  good  success.  Coming  back  to 
his  wife  and  family  in  their  Wisconsin  home, 
he  remained  here  the  rest  of  his  life,  dying  in 
April,  1875,  while  (?n  a visit  to  his  sisters 
near  Holywell,  England.  Mrs.  Sarah  A.  Da- 
vis survived  her  husband’s  loss  some  twelve 
years,  and  died  Nov.  22,  1887,  at  her  home 
in  Lima. 

( 1 ) Emma  Davis,  the  oldest  child  of  this 
worthy  couple,  was  born  in  Wales  in  July, 
1844,  an(l  married  Thomas  Day,  of  Grant 
county.  Mrs.  Day  is  now  a widow,  and  lives 
in  Lancaster,  with  a family  of  eight  children : 
Etta,  Nettie,  John,  Delia,  Bertha,  Oscar,  Fred, 
and  Flossie. 

(2)  Catherine  M.  Davis,  born  in  Wisconsin 
in  1845,  married  Pleasant  Prichett,  a farmer 
in  the  town  of  Lima,  where  she  died  on  Christ- 
mas Day,  1875,  leaving  three  children:  Hugh 
is  married  and  living  in  Lima;  John,  deceased 
in  young  manhood ; and  Curtis,  who  died  in 
childhood. 

(3)  Mrs.  Sevan,  the  youngest  of  the  Da- 
vis family,,  was  born  in  Smelser.  Sept.  30, 
1846,  and  had  her  education  in  the  public 
schools  of  Grant  county.  In  September,  1870, 
she  married  Johnson  Bevan,  who  was  born  in 
Clinton  county,  Ohio,  Feb.  16,  1845.  His 
parents  died  when  he  was  a mere  child,  and 
he  grew  up  in  the  home  of  his  uncle,  Joshua 
Fawcett,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the  fall 
of  1859.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bevan  settled  at  Lit- 
tle Platte,  where  he  owned  a farm  which  he 
sold  in  1876,  and  moved  to  the  Davis  home- 
stead, the  childhood  home  of  his  wife,  and 
here  they  have  lived  to  the  present  time.  Soon 
after  settling  on  the  place  he  built  a new  and 
modern  house,  and  in  1888  put  up  barns  and 
other  farm  buildings,  and  by  his  assiduous 
labors  he  has  made  it  one  of  the  fine  farms  of 
the  county.  It  consisted  at  the  time  of  his 
purchase  of  140  acres. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bevan  are  the  parents  of 
five  children  who  are  now  living:  Luella, 
born  May  23,  1872,  had  her  education  in  the 
public  schools  and  in  the  State  Normal  at 
Platteville,  and  for  ten  years  has  been  a popular 
and  successful  .school  teacher;  Sartoris,  born 
June  27,  1875,  lives  at  home,  and  assists  in  the 


farm  work;  Georgie,  born  Nov.  2,  1877,  died 
in  childhood;  Virgil,  born  Sept.  4.  1879,  is  at 
home;  Celia,  born  March  27,  1883,  is  now 
attending  the  State  Normal  at  Platteville,  and 
is  preparing  herself  for  teaching;  and  Hums, 
born  June  4,  1887,  is  the  youngest  of  this 
family. 

During  the  Civil  war  Mr.  Bevan  enlisted 
in  Company  A,  33d  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  in 
the  V estern  Army,  under  Gen.  Banks,  and 
then  under  Gen.  Thomas,  participating  in  a 
number  of  fiercely  contested  battles  on  the  Mis- 
sissippi, and  in  front  of  Nashville.  From  that 
city  the  33d  Y\  isconsin  went  to  Mobile,  and 
assisted  in  the  capture  of  that  city  and  its  pro- 
tecting- forts.  It  remained  in  the  service  until 
September,  1865,  and  had  many  difficult  ex- 
periences. After  the  war  Mr.  Bevan  went  back 
to  his  old  home  in  Ohio,  where  he  remained 
for  a time.  His  political  views  coincide  with 
the  principles  of  the  Republican  party,  and  he 
has  held  the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace  some 
eight  years.  As  one  might  expect  from  his 
military  record,  he  takes  an  interest  in  his  old 
comrades  of  the  tented  camp  and  battle-field, 
and  belongs  to  Sherman  Post,  No.  66.  G.  A. 
R.,  at  Platteville.  In  religion  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Bevan  are  associated  with  the  Baptist  Church, 
though  his  own  people  are  Quakers.  Mr. 
Bevan  is  a man  highly  respected  for  his  many 
good  qualities,  and  is  esteemed  for  his  sterling 
worth  and  genuine  character.  Mrs.  Bevan  is  a 
worthy  companion  of  her  honorable  and  up- 
right husband,  and  is  highly  regarded  for  her 
womanly  character  and  estimable  spirit. 

The  parents  of  Mr.  Bevan  were  John  and 
Nancy  (Fawcett)  Bevan,  natives  of  Virginia, 
and  settlers  in  Ohio  at  an  early  day,  where 
they  both  died.  There  are  three  sisters  and 
one  brother  living.  Lydia  is  the  wife  of  James 
Ellis,  of  Clinton  county,  Ohio ; Lucinda  is  the 
wife  of  Hugh  Johnson,  of  the  same  county; 
Sarah  J.  is  the  wife  of  Joseph  Arnold,  of  the 
same  county;  and  Samuel  married  and  settled 
at  Bloomington,  Illinois. 

THOMAS  STEWART.  Among  the  well- 
known  citizens  of  Ridgeway,  Iowa  county,  is 
Thomas  Stewart,  a worthy  representative  of 
an  old  and  prominent  pioneer  family  of  the 
State  of  Wisconsin,  and  one  who  bears  a record 
for  faithful  .service  during  the  Civil  war.  The 
family  distinguished  itself  during  the  early 
struggles  against  the  Indians,  and  was  iden- 


684 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


tified  with  much  of  the  advancement,  along 
every  line,  which  has  placed  Wisconsin  in  its 
proud  position  in  the  sisterhood  of  States. 

Hie  founder  of  the  Stewart  family  in  Amer- 
ica was  Thomas  Stewart,  a native  of  Tipper- 
ary, Ireland,  who  came  to  the  United  States 
when  a young  man  and  settled  in  the  city  of 
Philadelphia,  but  later  in  life  came  to  Wis- 
consin, where  he  died ; he  was  buried  in  Prairie 
du  Chien.  His  family  numbered  five  sons: 
William,  Thomas,  Robert,  John  and  James, 
of  whom  William,  Robert  and  Thomas  served 
in  the  Black  Hawk  war,  under  the  distinguished 
Gen.  Henry  Dodge. 

Robert  Stewart,  the  third  son  of  Thomas, 
was  born  in  Philadelphia,  Penn.,  about  1814, 
came  with  his  father  to  Wisconsin,  and  dur- 
ing his  long  life  took  an  active  part  in  public 
affairs,  being  for  many  years  a leading  man 
in  his  locality.  With  his  brothers  he  engaged 
in  the  Black  Hawk  war,  and  in  later  years, 
when  only  peaceful  scenes  surrounded  the  com- 
fortable home,  would  relate  many,  exciting 
events  of  those  stirring  times.  In  several  of  the 
noted  battles  of  that  war  he  took  a leading- 
part,  and  in  the  celebrated  engagement  at 
Broadaxe  he  was  able  to  take  three  shots  at 
the  old  chief,  Black  Hawk,  as  he  was  urging 
his  warriors  to  action.  After  the  close  of  the 
war  Mr.  Stewart  settled  on  land  near  Potosi, 
w here  he  carried  on  farming,  but  subsequently 
removed  to  Dodgeville  and  engaged  in  lead 
mining,  and  there  his  death  took  place  in  1877. 
His  associations  were  with  men  whose  names 
are  known  all  over  the  Union,  among  these 
being  Gen.  Dodge,  Jefferson  Davis  and  Zach- 
ary Taylor. 

The  marriage  of  Robert  Stewart  took  place 
in  1842,  to  Charlotte  Billings,  who  belonged 
to  another  pioneer  family  of  the  Northwest, 
and  to  them  were  born  three  sons  and  four 
daughters,  all  of  whom  still  survive : Thomas, 
subject  of  this  biography;  Abby  Ann,  a resi- 
dent of  Chicago;  William,  of  Dodgeville;  Es- 
ther, wife  of  Simon  Davie,  of  Dodgeville; 
Eliza,  wife  of  Louis  Steinhagen,  of  Oelwein, 
Iowa;  Nellie,  the  wife  of  Louis  Hartstein,  of 
Chicago ; the  youngest  being  Henderson,  a 
resident  of  Dodgeville.  The  beloved  mother 
ol  the  family  died  in  Dodgeville  in  February, 
T901.  Robert  Stewart  was  a typical  pioneer, 
honest,  upright  and  progressive,  one  of  those 
to  whom  \\  isconsin  owes  a debt  she  can  never 
repay.  The  family  has  been  noted  for  its 


patriotism,  the  fathers  having  proved  their 
love  of  country  in  the  early  days,  and  four  of- 
the  sons  displaying  the  same  spirit  during  the 
progress  of  the  Civil  war — Thomas  and  his 
three  cousins,  Oliver,  a son  of  William,  who 
served  in  the  31st  Wisconsin  Regiment;  James, 
a son  of  John,  who  was  a member  of  Com- 
pany C,  of  the  6th  Wisconsin;  and  John,  a 
son  of  John,  who  served  ifi  an  Illinois  regiment, 
all  of  them  gallantly  upholding  the  family 
prestige.  Owing  to  the  death  of  their  parents, 
these  cousins  of  Thomas,  our  subject,  were 
reared  in  the  family  of  their  uncle  Robert. 

Thomas  Stewart  was  born  at  Potosi,  Grant 
Co.,  Wis.,  May  9,  1844,  and  his  boyhood  and 
youth  were  spent  at  that  place  and  at  Dodge- 
ville, where  he  was  educated.  When  the  Civil 
war  broke  out  his  patriotic  enthusiasm  carried 
him  into  the  army,  his  enlistment  in  Company 
C,  31st  Wis.  V.  L,  taking  place  Aug.  13,  1862, 
and  his  discharge  dating  June  20,  1863.  Dur- 
ing the  whole  term  of  his  service  he  remained 
with  his  regiment,  which  took  part  in  many 
of  the  severest  engagements  of  the  war.  This 
regiment  was  organized  at  Fort  Crawford, 
then  went  to  Madison,  and  from  there  to  Ra- 
cine, going  south  to  Columbus,  Ky.,  where  it 
was  placed  on  provost  duty  for  several  months. 
The  next  move  of  the  regiment  was  to  Mur- 
freesboro, where  it  was  required  to  guard  the 
Nashville  & Chattanooga  railroad,  and  three 
months  later  was  sent  as  a part  of  Sherman’s 
army  to  Chattanooga,  in  time  to  take  part  in 
the  battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek.  From  this 
time  on  the  regiment  took  up  its  burden  of 
work  in  the  Atlanta  campaign,  marching  with 
Sherman  to  the  sea,  and  was  engaged  in  the 
battles  of  the  siege  of  Savannah,  of  Averys- 
boro,  and  of  Bentonville,  following  which  came 
the  surrender  of  Johnston,  and  the  final  grand 
review  in  Washington.  The  regiment  was 
mustered  out  in  Louisville,  and  soon  after- 
ward came  to  Madison,  where  it  was  dis- 
banded. 

After  the  close  of  the  war,  and  the  final 
establishment  of  peace,  Mr.  Stewart  engaged 
in  mining,  and  in  this  industry  met  with  great 
success.  For  a number  of  years  he  has  lived 
retired.  He  married  Miss  Ann  Jones,  a na- 
tive of  South  Wales,  who  came  to  America 
with  her  parents  when  but  sixteen  years  of 
age,  and  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stewart  have  been 
born  a family  of  nine  children,  six  of  whom 
still  survive,  namely : Thomas,  a resident  of 


! 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


689 


Mr.  Owen  married,  Oct.  26,  1887,  Miss 
Margaret  E.  Paul,  daughter  of  Alexander  and 
Mary  (Black)  Paul,  of  Milton  Junction.  To 
our  subject  and  wife  have  been  born  four  chil- 
dren, Jessie  L.,  Alexander  Paul,  George  B., 
and  Margaret.  Mr.  Owen  is  a prominent 
member  of  the  Methodist  Church,  now  serving 
as  trustee  and  steward.  Fraternally  he  is  a 
prominent  Mason,  and  a member  of  Milton 
Lodge,  No.  161,  F.  & A.  M. ; Janesville  Chap- 
ter, No.  5,  R.  A.  M. ; and  Janesville  Command- 
ery,  No.  2,  K.  T.  Politically  Mr.  Owen  is  a 
Republican.  He  served  four  years  as  post- 
master, and  for  two  years  was  a member  and 
president  of  the  school  board. 

JOHN  W.  STEWART  came  of  an  old 
pioneer  family  in  Green  county,  where  he  was 
born  in  the  town  of  York,  Sept.  4,  1844.  His 
death  occurred  Dec.  21,  1894,  and  within  these 
somewhat  brief  limits  were  compassed  the 
activities  of  an  honorable  and  upright  life. 

John  and  Adaline  (Robinson)  Stewart 
the  parents  of  John  W.,  were  born  in  Ohio, 
and  came  of  English  origin.  In  1837  they 
entered  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin  and  set- 
tled in  Wiota  township,  Lafayette  county,  and 
in  1838  he  made  the  first  settlement  in  the 
town  of  York,  Green  county,  on  Section  27. 
The  husband  and  father  was  born  in  1806,  and 
died  at  the  age  of  sixty-one  years;  the  wife 
and  mother  was  born  in  1804,  and  died  in 
1844.  They  were  married  in  1830,  and  be- 
came the  parents  of  the  following  children : 
Decatur,  now  living  in  Parker,  Turner  Co., 
S.  Dak.;  Jerusha,  deceased;  Ellen,  wife  of 
Charles  Green,  Meadow  Grove,  Neb. ; George, 
deceased  in  California;  J.  W.,  killed  in  child- 
hood by  falling  upon  a horn  with  which  he 
was  playing;  Adeline,  who  died  when  a child; 
and  John  W.  John  Stewart  was  twice  mar- 
ried, his  second  wife  being  Hulda  Brown,  who 
bore  him  two  children : Banks,  who  lives  in 

Nebraska,  and  Grant,  in  Colorado. 

John  W.  Stewart  was  married  Oct.  30, 
1870,  to  Miss  Carrie  Lunda,  daughter  of  Nels 
Erickson  Lunda.  one  of  the  very  earl)-  settlers 
of  the  town  of  York.  Tier  birth  occurred  May 
20,  1852,  on  the  Atlantic  Ocean,  while  her  par- 
ents were  on  the  voyage  to  the  United  States, 
and  she  was  one  of  the  following  family : 
Carrie:  Erick,  who  is  now  dead;  Helge;  Ed- 
ward ; Emma ; Betsy,  deceased,  and  Anton. 
Mr.  Stewart  and  his  wife  became  the  parents 


of  three  children:  (1)  John  W.,  Jr.,  born  May 
1 1,  1872,  resides  on  the  old  home  farm  with  his 
mother  and  sisters.  He  is  a Republican,  and 
takes  a prominent  part  in  local  affairs,  at  the 
present  time  being  town  clerk,  and  enjoys  a 
good  reputation  as  a capable  farmer  and  re- 
liable man.  (2)  Adaline  I.,  born  Aug.  25, 
1874,  and  (3)  Nellie  M.,  born  July  7,  1883, 
both  live  at  home. 

John  W.  Stewart  was  a thrifty  and  ener- 
getic farmer,  ambitious  of  success,  and  willing 
to  pay  the  price  of  hard  work.  Never  unit- 
ing with  any  church,  he  held  to  the  principles' 
ot  the  Christian  religion,  and  exemplified  in 
his  daily  life  its  high  teachings.  In  politics 
he  held  to  the  Republican  party,  and  was  one 
of  the  influential  men  of  his  day,  serving  on 
the  town  board,  and  filling  other  town  offices. 
Mr.  Stewart  enlisted  in  the  31st  Wis.  V.  I.  in 
1862,  serving  in  Company  G,  of  that  command, 
and  participating  in  many  of  the  most  hotly 
contested  battles  of  the  war,  and  being  in  Gen. 
Sherman’s  army  when  he  made  his  celebrated 
march  to  the  sea.  Before  the  end  of  his  en- 
listment he  became  a corporal,  and  was  regard- 
ed as  a brave  and  reliable  soldier.  Air.  Stew- 
art was  popular  among  his  neighbors,  and  was 
well  liked  by  all,  who  knew  him.  His  was  a 
genuine  and  reliable  manhood,  and  on  every 
occasion  the  real  man  rang  true  to  the  touch  of 
trial  and  testing.  In  the  business  world  and  at 
home,  he  was  a good  and  faithful  man  and 
citizen,  doing  his  duty  modestly  but  well,  and 
meeting  all  the  responsibilities  placed  upon  him 
to  the  satisfaction  of  all  concerned. 

Mrs.  Stewart  and  her  children  remain  on 
the  home  place,  and  hold  an  enviable  place  in 
the  good  opinion  of  the  community.  They 
have  a good  home,  and  cultivate  the  farm  ac- 
cording to  modern  and  up-to-date  ideas.  The 
mother  is  regarded  as  a person  of  good  char- 
acter, and  the  young  people  have  many  friends, 
and  rank  well  in  the  community. 

GEORGE  HAWK,  one  of  the  solid,  sub- 
stantial citizens  of  Platteville,  Grant  county, 
a veteran  of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  and  a man 
who  has  few,  if  any,  enemies,  was  born  in  Corn- 
wall, England,,  in  October.  1833,  a son  of 
George  and  Johanna  Hawk,  natives  of  Eng- 
land. George  Hawk,  Sr.,  started  with  his  family 
to  America,  in  1846.  but  the  good  mother  died 
during  the  passage,  and  he  landed  with  his 
children  at  Potosi,  Wis.,  where  he  engaged  in 


690 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


lead  mining  for  seven  years,  later  removing  to 
Harrison,  111.,  and  dying.  To  himself  and 
wife  were  born  (all  in  England)  the  following 
family:  Johanna,  wife  of  William  Gilbert,  of 

Missouri;  our  subject;  Elizabeth,  wife  of 
Philip  Knapp,  of  Oregon;  Alice,  widow  of 
William  Chester,  of  Missouri;  Mary  A.,  widow 
of  John  Forsythe,  of  Illinois;  and  William,  a 
resident  of  Platteville. 

George  Hawk  was  reared  and  educated  in 
Grant  county,  commencing  work  in  the  lead 
mines  while  still  a boy,  which  occupation  he 
followed  successfully  for  a number  of  years, 
but  later  engaged  in  farming  in  Harrison  town- 
ship, and  then  removed  to  Platteville,  where,  in 
1884,  he  was  honored  with  appointment  as 
road  commissioner,  having  jurisdiction  over 
eight  townships,  and  still  holds  the  office. 
During  this  time  Mr.  Hawk  has  also  served  one 
year  as  city  commissioner  of  roads. 

In  1856  Mr.  Hawk  married  Miss  Sarah 
Ashworth,  who  was  born  in  England  in  1839, 
a daughter  of  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Ashworth,  whose 
second  husband  was  Edmund  Grindrod,  and 
died  in  Platteville.  Seven  living  children  are 
in  the  family  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hawk  : Martha, 
born  in  1857,  wife  of  William  R.  Wallace,  a 
resident  of  Platteville,  and  has  one  son, 
George;  Carrie,  born  in  1859,  widow  of  Rob- 
ert Trenary  a resident  of  Pocahontas,  Iowa, 
has  two  children,  Flossie  and  Earl  L. ; George 
E.,  born  in  1862,  married  Mary  Dean,  and  re- 
sides at  'Pocahontas,  Iowa,  and  has  two  chil- 
dren, Arthur  and  Frank;  Mary  I.,  born  in 
1865,  wife  of  John  Morman,  of  Iowa,  has  one 
son,  Bertie;  Robert  E.,  born  in  1869,  married, 
is  a farmer  in  Charles  Mix  county,  S.  Dak., 
and  has  two  children,  Rufus  and  Basel;  Lizzie 
A.,  born  in  1870,  educated  in  the  Platteville 
school,  and  is  now  the  wife  of  James  Hayden, 
a farmer  of  Platteville  township,  has  two  chil- 
dren, Robert  and  Estella;  Estella  died  in  child- 
hood; Arthur,  born  in  1879,  was  a student  of 
the  Platteville  school  and  now  is  farming  in 
South  Dakota. 

When  the  war  between  the  States  broke 
out,  one  of  the  first  to  offer  his  services  was 
our  subject,  who  entered  Company  F,  21st 
Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  with  the  Western  Army 
until  the  close  of  the  struggle,  when  he  was 
honorably  discharged,  having  made  for  him- 
self a record  for  bravery,  of  which  he  may  well 
be  proud.  In  memory  of  those  days  Mr. 
Hawk  is  an  active  member  of  Sherman  Post, 


G.  A.  R.,  of  Platteville.  Politically  Mr.  Hawk 
is  a consistent  member  of  the  Democratic  party. 
Both  as  a private  citizen  and  as  a public  official 
Mr.  Hawk  has  proven  himself  worthy  of  the 
confidence  of  his  fellow  townsmen,  and  enjoys 
a widespread  popularity,  which  is  richly  de- 
served. 

AMOS  S.  SMITH  is  a live  stock  dealer 
of  Green  county,  and  makes  Juda  his  head- 
cpiarters  for  a very  considerable  business. 
John  and  Ann  (Sanders)  Smith,  his  parents, 
were  of  English  and  Welsh  descent,  and  were 
from  the  East,  the  mother  a native  of  Dela- 
ware and  the  father  of  Pennsylvania,  where 
he  died.  The  mother  came  to  Wisconsin  at  a 
very  early  day,  and  made  her  home  in  this 
State  until  her  death.  They  were  the  parents 
of  the  following  children:  Sarah  Ann  mar- 

ried Newton  Wickersham,  of  Pennsylvania; 
Caleb  P.  left  home  many  years  ago,  went  to 
sea,  and  has  not  been  heard  from  for  several 
years ; Ellis  H.  was  a carpenter,  and  died  in 
this  State ; Mary  J.  married  N.  H.  Hanson, 
deceased ; Charlotte  W.  and  Hannah  B.  reside 
in  Monroe,  Wis.,  unmarried;  Elizabeth  mar- 
ried James  Quick,  of  Kansas;  Amos  S. 

Amos  S.  Smith  was  born  Feb.  1,  1845,  and 
came  to  Wisconsin  in  1867,  making  a home  in 
Green  county.  O11  Oct.  28,  1869,  Mr.  Smith 
wedded  Miss  Emma  L.  Wickersham,  of  Penn- 
sylvania, a daughter  of  E.  P.  and  Phebe 
(Gatchell)  Wickersham,  who  came  to  Wiscon- 
sin in  1868,  and  were  Quakers  in  their  relig- 
ion. To  this  marriage  have  been  born  two 
children,  Martha  Gertrude,  who  was  born  in 
1871,  and  died  Aug.  24,  1895;  and  Phebe 
Maud,  who  was  born  in  1876,  was  a very  suc- 
cessful. teacher  in  the  schools  of  Green  county 
for  a number  of  years,  and  is  now  attending 
the  University  of  Wisconsin  at  Madison. 

Amos  S.  Smith  enlisted  in  the  war  of  the 
Rebellion  as  a member  of  the  101st  Penn.  V.  I., 
and  did  acceptable  service  for  the  government 
and  the  nation.  An  honorable  discharge  was 
given  him  in  the  summer  of  1865.  Mr.  Smith 
served  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  and  par- 
ticipated in  some  of  the  hardest-fought  battles 
of  the  war.  Taken  prisoner  April  20,  1864, 
he  was  detained  for  some  time  at  Anderson- 
ville. 

Mr.  Smith  came  West  after  his  return 
from  the  war,  and  located  in  Illinois  in  1866. 
The  next  year  lie  entered  Wisconsin,  and  set- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


691 


tling  in  Green  county,  made  this  his  permanent 
home.  For  twenty-five  years  he  was  a farmer, 
and  in  1883  made  his  home  at  Juda,  Wis. 
Here  he  began  buying  live  stock  for  John  Leg- 
lor  in  1893,  and  is  still  engaged  in  this  busi- 
ness. Mr.  Smith  has  a fine  residence  in  Juda, 
and  is  a careful  and  fore-handed  man.  From 
the  United  States  he  receives  a pension  of  $8 
a month.  Mr.  Smith  has  never  identified  him- 
self with  any  church,  but  believes  that  honesty 
and  fidelity  are  the  fundamental  principles.  In 
politics  he  is  a Republican.  He  began  life 
without  a dollar,  but  by  hard  work,  economy 
and  industry  he  has  been  able  not  only  to  live 
in  comfort  but  to  get  ahead  in  the  world.  Mr. 
Smith  is  a member  of  Ben  Davis  Post,  G.  A.  R. 

HON.  JOSEPH  BENNETT.  Among  its 
most  highly  honored  pioneers,  Iowa  county 
reckons  those  stalwart  settlers  of  English 
stock,  whose  courage,  hardihood  and  persever- 
ance have  done  so  much  toward  the  develop- 
ment of  its  mineral  resources,  as  well  as  to- 
ward the  upbuilding  of  its  moral  and  educa- 
tional forces.  To  this  class  belongs  Joseph 
Bennett,  the  mention  of  whose  name  always 
challenges  respect.  Born  in  Cornwall  county, 
England,  on  July  6,  1S22,  he  has  been  a resi- 
dent of  Wisconsin  for  fifty-six  years.  The 
story  of  his  life  is  replete  with  interest  and 
instruction,  and  it  is  from  the  careers  of  such 
men  that  the  youth  of  the  present  generation 
can  find  enlightenment  and  encouragement. 
His  life  has  been  an  eventful  one.  His  father, 
Joseph,  married  Eleanor  Berryman.  He  was  a 
miner  and  died  in  1832,  the  father  of  a family 
of  two  sons  and  three  daughters.  The  eldest 
son,  Henry,  settled  in  Wisconsin  in  1847.  Six 
years  later  he  emigrated  from  America  to  Aus- 
tralia, dying  there  after  meeting  with  moderate 
success.  A sister,  Elizabeth,  was  married  to 
Thomas  S incock  before  leaving  the  old  coun- 
try in  1847,  and  is  now  deceased.  Another 
sister,  Sarah,  is  living  in  Australia,  and  the 
youngest  member  of  the  family,  jane,  died  in 
Cornwall. 

It  is  with  the  career  of  Joseph  Bennett, 
the  younger,  however. — the  eminent  citizen  of 
Dodgeville, — that  this  narrative  is  especially 
concerned.  He  grew  to  manhood  in  his  na- 
tive shire,  and  in  1845  married  Mary  Berry- 
man, who  has  shared  his  joys  and  griefs  for 
more  than  half  a century.  Her  father  was 
Richard  Berryman  and  her  mother,  before 


marriage,  was  Martha  Williams.  She  was  her 
parents’  only  daughter,  although  she  had 
eight  brothers.  In  1848  the  elder  Berryman, 
accompanied  by  his  third  son,  William,  crossed 
the  Atlantic  on  what  may  be  said  to  have  been 
a tour  of  inspection.  1 he  outlook  appearing 
satisfactory,  the  other  members  of  the  family 
followed  the  succeeding  year.  Their  new  home, 
in  which  they  must  have  found  a reversal  of 
all  previous  experiences,  was  at  Hazel  Green, 
Grant  county,  and  here  Mrs.  Bennett’s  mother 
died  in  1851.  After  the  death  of  his  first  wife 
Mr.  Berryman  married  Christian  Williams. 
His  declining  years  were  passed  at  the  home 
of  his  son,  William,  in  Dodgeville  township, 
where  he  died  on  Aug.  24,  1868,  at  the  age  of 
sixty-nine  years.  He  was  a man  of  deep  relig- 
ious conviction  and  earnest  piety,  a class  leader 
in  the  Methodist  Church,  and  a liberal  contrib- 
utor to  the  cause  of  religion.  A brief  mention 
of  his  children  will  prove  of  interest.  Richard, 
the  eldest,  died  April  15,  1893,  at  the  age  of 
seventy  years,  at  the  home  of  his  son,  William. 
John,  the  second  son  of  the  first  marriage  of 
Richard  Berryman,  died  on  his  farm  in  Jo 
Daviess  Co.,  III.,  Feb.  4,  1880,  in  his  fifty-third 
year.  The.  third  son  is  William  Berryman,  of 
Dodgeville.  Henry  lives  at  Bridgewater,  S. 
Dak.  James  is  a resident  of  the  State  of 
Washington.  George  has  his  home  in  To 
Daviess  Co.,  111.,  while  the  residence  of  Charles 
is  at  Blackfort,  Idaho. 

Joseph  Bennett  came  from  Cornwall  to 
America  not  long  after  his  marriage,  in  1845, 
leaving  his  wife  in  their  English  home,  until 
he  had  found  another  shelter  in  what  was  then, 
to  both  of  them,  a strange  land.  She  joined 
him  the  following  year,  settling  in  Dodgeville, 
which  has  been  their  home  for  fifty-five  years. 
To  a native  of  Cornwall,  the  most  natural  vo- 
cation was  mining,  and  this  he  followed  until 
1858,  when,  in  company  with  James  Perkins, 
Joseph  George  and  a Mr.  Arthur,  he  erected 
a smelting  furnace.  Arthur  withdrew  in  1861, 
and  was  succeeded  by  James  Roberts,  who 
continued  in  the  firm  until  1864;  Mr.  Perkins 
retired  in  1869,  and  in  that  year  the  business 
of  Mr.  Bennett  was  consolidated  with  that  of 
the  old  firm  of  Hoskins,  Cholvin  & Co.,  and  the 
style  of  the  amalgamated  concern  became  Ben- 
nett, George  & Co.  Later  Messrs.  Cholvin  & 
George  withdrew,  and  the  firm  of  Bennett  & 
Hoskins  came  into  existence.  Mr.  Hoskins 
died  in  1889,  and  for  seven  years  Mr.  Bennett 


692 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


carried  on  the  business  alone,  retiring  in  1896. 
The  business  was  for  many  years  an  extensive 
one  and  proved  exceedingly  profitable,  our 
subject's  keen  sense  and  sound  judgment  prov- 
ing prominent  factors  in  its  success. 

It  is  not  only  in  the  business  affairs  of 
Dodgeville  and  Iowa  county  that  Mr.  Bennett 
has  played  an  important  part.  His  fellow  citi- 
zens have  alike  honored  him  and  demonstrated 
their  own  political  wisdom  by  electing  him  to 
numerous  posts  of  honor  and  responsibility, 
among  them  being  the  presidency  of  the  vil- 
lage, the  chairmanship  of  the  town  and  county 
boards,  the  county  superintendence  of  the  poor 
and  (in  1876)  a seat  in  the  State  Legislature. 
He  was  also  chosen  as  one  of  a board  of  three 
commissioners  to  adjust  the  railroad  debt  of 
Iowa  county,  his  associates  being  Dr.  Vivian 
and  Hon.  W.  L.  Joiner.  This  committee  suc- 
ceeded one  previously  appointed  for  the  same 
purpose  composed  of  Mr.  Bennett,  Dr.  Van 
Dusen,  of  Mineral  Point,  and  G.  Meigs,  of 
Arena.  Mr.  Bennett  is  a Republican  in 
politics,  and,  in  religious  views,  both  he 
and  his  estimable  wife  are  active  and  con- 
sistent members'  of  the  Methodist  Church,  Mr. 
Bennett  having  been,  for  many  years,  the  effi- 
cient superintendent  of  its  Sunday-school. 

The  union  of  Joseph  and  Mary  (Berry- 
man) Bennett  has  been  blessed  by  the  birth  of 
four  daughters  and  a son:  Ellen,  born  July 

26,  1847,  died  May  30,  1877';  Martha  married 
Reuben  Lanyon,  of  Mineral  Point,  and  now 
resides  with  her  husband,  at  Joplin,  Mo. ; Edith 
is  the  wife  of  the  Rev.  VV.  H.  Otjen,  pastor 
of  the  Methodist  Church  at  Oregon,  111.;  Jo- 
seph T.,  the  only  son,  is'  a druggist  at  Lan- 
caster, in  Grant  county;  and  Flora  M.  is  Mrs. 
F.  A.  Carr,  of  Dodgeville.  Their  home  is  one 
of  the  most  delightful  in  Dodgeville,  religion, 
with  love  its  handmaid,  presiding  over  its 
economy.  And  here  this  venerable  couple, 
whose  lives  have  been  without  reproach  and 
whose  life  work  is  well  nigh  done,  await  the 
summons  which  shall  call  them  to  a glorious 
immortality. 

JOHN- BLOTZ.  Time,  in  its  unfaltering 
march,  leaves  little  unchanged,  and  the  begin- 
ning of  a new  century  finds  living  compara- 
tively few  of  the  early  settlers  of  southwestern 
Wisconsin,  who  came  to  the  State  in  the 
forties,  and  have  left  their  impress  upon  its 
material,  economic  and  political  development. 


Among  those  who  are  left,  however,  few  can 
more  justly  claim  a title  to  honor  and  respect 
than  Mr.  John  Blotz,  of  Dodgeville,  Iowa  coun- 
ty, Lie  was  born  Aug.  29,  1826,  in  Nassau,  then 
an  independent  duchy,  but  now  an  integral  part 
of  the  German  empire.  His  grandfather  was 
named  Jacob,  and  his  parents,  Martin  and  Mary 
Blotz,  emigrated  to  America  in  1846.  Of  their 
seven  children  two,  Martin  and  Josephine,  re- 
mained in  Germany,  where  they  passed  their 
lives.  The  five  who  crossed  the  ocean  in  com- 
pany with  their  parents  were  named  Andrew, 
Margaret,  John,  Barbara  and  Catherine.  The 
family  was  obliged  to  wait  six  weeks  at  Ant- 
werp before  being  able  to  secure  passage,  so 
great  was  the  tide  of  emigration  and  so  inad- 
cjuate  the  provision  for  caring  for  it.  Finally,  in 
March,  1846,  the  party  embarked  on  a sailing 
vessel  bound  for  New  York,  and  after  a 
voyage,  lasting  sixty-five  days  landed  at 
their  port  of  destination.  Thence  they  pro- 
ceeded without  delay  to1  Milwaukee  Co., 
Wis.,  where  the  father  settled  upon  land  which 
he  began  to  clear.  Within  a short  time  lie  met 
an  untimely  death  through  an  accident,  which 
occurred  while  he  was  felling  trees  in  the  for- 
est. After  this  sad  bereavement  the  family  re- 
solved to  leave  the  new  home  which  had  thus 
become  the  scene  of  such  painful  associations, 
and  accordingly  in  the  summer  of  1847  re" 
moved  to  Mineral  Point,  Iowa  county.  There 
the  loving  care  of  her  children  provided  a home 
for  the  widowed  mother,  where  she  continued 
to  reside  until  in  1884,  after  she  had  reached  the 
ripe  old  age  of  eighty-three,  the  angel  of  death 
summoned  her  to  join  the  husband  of  her 
youth. 

A brief  mention  of  other  members  of  the 
family  cannot  fail  to  be  of  interest.  Andrew 
and  Margaret  were  both  married  before  leav- 
ing Nassau.  Andrew  lived  for  many  years  in 
Wisconsin  but  finally  removed  to-  Nebraska, 
where  he  died  several  years  ago,  leaving  four 
children.  Margaret  was  the  wife  of  Philip 
Branger,  who  is  also  deceased.  Barbara,  after 
coming  to  America,  married  Theodore  Engles, 
and  lives  at  Mineral  Point.  Catherine  is  Mrs. 
Christopher  Schlosser,  of  Chicago. 

Mr.  John  Blotz,  who  is  the  only  surviving 
son  of  his  father,  was  a sturdy  youth  of  twenty 
years  when  he  accompanied  his  parents  to  the 
New  World.  For  three  years  he  was  employed 
in  work  upon  a farm,  but  in  1849  became  in- 
fected with  the  “gold  fever”  which  drew  so 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


693 


many  brave,  hardy  adventurers  to  a nameless 
grave  upon  the  western  plains.  He  set  forth  for 
the  California  gold  fields  in  March  of  that  year, 
being  one  of  a party  of  five,  formed  of  deni- 
zens of  Dodgeville  and  Mineral  Point.  The 
tedious  journey  was  made  in  a wagon  drawn 
by  an  ox-team,  and  the  time  consumed  was  six 
months.  As  far  as  is  known  Mr.  Blotz  is  the 
only  member  of  the  little  band  of  gold  seekers 
yet  living.  He  followed  placer  mining  for  fif- 
teen months  when  he  turned  his  face  home- 
ward, his  return  being  hastened  by  a serious 
accident  sustained  while  at  work.  He  came 
home  by  way  of  the  Nicaragua  route,  and  the 
crossing  of  Central  America  was  a perilous 
undertaking,  which  occupied  some  two  months. 
Soon  after  his  return  in  the  spring  of  1851  he 
purchased  a farm,  which  he  began  at  once  to 
improve.  Having  reached  the  age  of  twenty- 
five,  and  his  thirst  for  adventure  being  satiated, 
he  determined  to  settle  down  in  a home  of  his 
own,  and  to  take  to  himself  a wife.  He  chose 
Avisely  and,  fortunately  for  himself,  his  pro- 
posal met  with  favor.  It  Avas  in  the  autumn 
of  1851  that  he  Avas  married,  his  wife  being 
Lena  Berg,  Avho  Avas  born  in  Nassau  in  1834, 
and  Avas  brought  to  America  by  her  parents 
Avhen  a child  of  nine  years.  Not  many  years 
afterward  Mr.  Blotz  disposed  of  his  farm,  and 
purchased  the  flouring  mill  of  Peter  Theno. 
The  plant  had  been  in  operation  for  several 
years,  but  the  neAV  proprietor,  with  characteris- 
tic foresight  and  energy,  remodeled  it,  putting 
in  neAV  and  modern  machinery  and  for  a long 
time  conducted  it  with  decided  success.  He  is 
also  the  owner  of  an  undivided  tract  of  470 
acres  of  choice  land,  lying  partly  in  Dodgeville 
and  partly  in  Mineral  Point  township. 

To  Mr.  Blotz  and  his  Avife  seven  children 
have  been  born,  six  of  whom  are  yet  living. 
Theresa,  the  sixth,  in  order  of  birth,  died 
shortly  after  her  marriage  to  Joseph  Phillips. 
The  eldest  son,  Joseph,  is  a farmer.  John  re- 
sides on  the  homestead  farm.  Elizabeth  is  the 
Avife  of  George  Phillips.  Kate  is  unmarried  and 
makes  her  home  with  her  parents.  Leonard  is  a 
harness  maker  of  Dodgeville.  Frederick  resides 
in  Nebraska.  Nineteen  grandchildren  also  ap- 
peal to  the  lo\re  of  this  elderly  couple,  Avho  are 
descending  the  hill  of  life  together,  Avith  ther 
spiritual  Ausion  uplifted  tOAvard  a better  land. 
Their  home  is  one  of  the  happiest  in  Dodge- 
Adlle,  and  no  family  can  claim  more  universal 
respect.  As  practical  Catholics  they  haAre 


passed  their  long  and  useful  lives,  and  they  look 
forward  to  death's  summons  Avith  serene  and 
abiding  hope. 

JOSEPLI  HINN,  Sr.,  is  one  of  the  Avell 
knoAvn  early  settlers  of  Marion  township,  Grant 
county,  and  Avas  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  near 
the  famous  Black  Forest,  March  19,  1827,  a son 
of  Sebastian  Hinn,  and  a grandson  of  Michael 
Hinn.  The  latter  A\Tas  what  Avould  be  called  a 
farmer  and  stock  dealer,  in  this  country.  He 
had  three  sons  and  one  daughter.  The  name 
of  the  eldest  son  is  unknoAvn;  the  second  son 
was  Lindoline,  and  the  third,  Sebastian. 
Michael  Hinn  Avas  the  only  male  member  of 
his  father’s  family. 

Sebastian  Hinn  Avas  tAvice  married,  and  by 
his  first  union  became  the  father  of  six  children, 
three  sons  and  three  daughters : Andreas ; Lin- 
doline; John;  Maria;  Catherine  and  Francisca. 
By  his  second  marriage,  Sebastian  Hinn  had 
tAvo  sons  and  tAvo  daughters ; Mathias,  Joseph, 
Barbara  and  Theresa.  Joseph  Hinn,  Sr.,  is  the 
only  member  of  his  father’s  family  who  came 
to  America,  and  he  immigrated  on  account  of 
participation  in  the  famous  revolution  of  1848. 

Having  lost  his  parents  in  early  boyhood, 
Joseph  Hinn  \A-as  thrown  upon  his  own  re- 
sources Avhile  yet  a child,  and  Avas  still  a young 
man  Avhen  he  crossed  the  ocean.  In  1849,  J°~ 
seph  Hinn  located  at  Kingston,  N.  Y.,  Avhere 
he  remained  five  years,  employed  in  the  stone 
quarries  and  on  the  canal  there ; then  emigrated, 
Avith  his  family  to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  settling 
on  land  in  Marion  tOAvnship,  that  he  had  en- 
tered from  the  government  the  previous  year. 
This  land,  Avhich  is  a part  of  Sec.  22,  became 
the  homestead  of  the  family,  and  here  nine  of 
their  ten  children  Avere  born,  and  all  reared. 
The  farm  contained  200  acres,  which  Joseph 
Hinn  improved,  until  he  became  one  of  the 
most  prosperous  farmers  of  the  community.  As 
he  advanced  in  years,  Mr.  Hinn  retired  from 
active  life,  and  norv  he  and  his  Avife  reside  with 
their  children,  some  of  Avhom  still  reside  in 
Grant  county,  Wis.,  and  others  in  Iorva. 

In  1850,  Joseph  Hinn  married  Miss  Cather- 
ine Brechlar,  a native  of  Baden,  Germany, 
Avhose  father  died  in  his  native  land,  Avhen  she 
Avas  young,  and  she  came  to  America  Avith  her 
mother.  There  Avere  born  to  these  good  people 
five  sons  and  five  daughters  : Charles  P.  (born  in 
the  State  of  New  York.  Aug.  15  1853).  Chris- 
topher (born  June  6,  1855,  the  first  born  in 


694 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Grant  county),  Joseph  (born  March  6,  1857), 
all  three  prominent  business  men  of  Fennimore, 
\Yis.;  Magdalena  (born  Feb.  11,  1859),  Cath- 
erine (born  Nov.  4,  1862),  Mary  (born  Sept. 
30,  1864),  William  (born  Aug.  19,  1867), 
George  (born  Nov.  19,  1869),  Theresa  (born 
Dec.  25,  1872),  and  Emma  (born  Feb.  7, 
1875).  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hinn,  by  hard  work  and 
good  management,  accumulated  a large  prop- 
erty, reared  their  children  carefully,  and  now 
enjoy  well-earned  peace  and  comfort,  sur- 
rounded by  the  love  of  their  children. 

JOSHUA  H.  BERKEY,  the  eloquent  and 
popular  pastor  of  the  Christian  Church  of  Mon- 
roe, Green  county,  is  in  the  prime  of  life,  and 
full  of  the  ardor  of  great  convictions.  He  is  an 
ardent  churchman,  a profound  believer  in  the 
saving  and  uplifting  power  of  the  Christ  gos- 
pel, and  an  unhesitating  advocate  of  its  applica- 
tion to  the  problems  of  the  modern  world.  He 
is  a forcible  and  popular  speaker,  and  a lecturer 
and  orator  of  more  than  State  reputation. 

Mr.  Berkey  was  born  at  Post  Oak  Springs, 
Roane  county,  East  Tennessee,  March  11, 
1852,  and  is  a son  of  Jacob  W.  and  Mary  R. 
(Moore)  Berkey,  natives  of  Indiana  and  Ten- 
nessee, respectively.  They  were  the  parents  of 
two  children : Joshua  H. ; and  John  L.,  of  Mon- 
ticello,  Wisconsin,  who  was  in  the  employment 
of  the  United  States  government  some  years  at 
Fort  Hauchuca,  Arizona.  He  is  a master 
painter.  The  father  was  a showman,  and  had 
traveled  over  a large  part  of  the  United  States. 
ITe  died  at  Merom,  Ind.,  March  21,  1871,  at 
the  age  of  forty-seven  years,  seven  months  and 
three  days.  His  widow  still  survives  and  lives 
with  her  son,  the  Monroe  clergyman.  Henry 
Berkey,  the  paternal  grandfather  of  Joshua  FI. 
Berkey,  was  a native  of  Somerset  county, 
Penn.,  and  of  Dutch  descent;  he  had  two  sons 
and  several  daughters,  and  died  in  middle  life. 
Joshua  Moore,  the  father  of  Mary  Moore,  was 
a native  of  North  Carolina,  of  English  and 
Welsh  descent,  and  began  life  as  a tanner,  in 
later  life  becoming  a farmer;  he  moved  to  Wis- 
consin, and  there  made  his  home  until  some- 
what advanced  in  years,  when  he  moved  to 
Sumner  county,  Kansas,  where  he  died  at  the 
age  of  eighty-eight.  In  religious  views  he  was  a 
Quaker.  His  widow  survived  him,  and 
reached  her  ninetieth  year. 

Joshua  Id.  Berkey  has  made  his  home  prin- 
cipally in  Wisconsin  since  i860.  In  his  younger 


days  he  passed  about  nineteen  years  on  the 
road  with  his  father.  On  Sept.  30,  1875,  he 
married  Miss  Sarah  M.  Sears,  a daughter  of 
Thomas  and  Adaline  Sears,  and  six  children 
were  born  of  this  union : Ada  Almeda,  Iva  Ida- 
lia,  Ena  Elvina,  Ola  Olivia,  Ura  Uretta  and 
Carol  Beatrice.  Mr.  Berkey  had  studied  phar- 
macy in  Monroe,  and  aider  his  marriage  opened 
a drug  store  in  Monticello,  Wis.,  continuing  in 
that  business  several  years,  during  which  time 
his  attention  was  arrested  by  the  pressing  char- 
acter of  the  temperance  reform.  He  sold  out 
his  drug  store  and  went  to  Denver,  Colo., 
where  in  1880  he  became  the  secretary  of  a 
mining  company,  and  a little  later  was  chosen 
as  the  business  manager  of  Pomeroy’s  Great 
West,  a weekly  newspaper.  During  this  time 
in  company  with  Col. Will  L.  Visscher,  Mr. 
Berkey  started  and  ran  a humorous,  dramatic 
and  literary  weekly  newspaper,  under  the  title 
of  Hello.  In  1883  Mr.  Berkey  disposed  of  his 
interests  in  Colorado,  and  went  to  Kansas, 
where  he  bought  a farm  in  Sumner  county,  de- 
voting eig'ht  years  to  its  development.  During 
this  time  he  founded  and  conducted  a paper  at 
Geuda  Springs,  Kan.,  to  which  he  gave  the 
name  of  The  Crank.  It  was  a strong  temper- 
ance paper,  and  had  a wide  circulation.  While 
Mr.  Berkey  lived  in  Kansas,  he  was  called  into 
the  lecture  field  as  a speaker  on  temperance, 
and  other  timely  themes.  For  several  years  he 
was  a member  of  the  First  Day  Adventist 
Church,  but  was  never  in  pastoral  charge  of  any 
church  until  he  was  called  in  1898  to  the  pulpit 
of  the  Christian  Church  at  Monroe,  and  this- 
charge  he  still  holds.  Monroe  has  been  his  home 
for  the  past  six  years. 

In  1896  Mr.  Berkey  was  nominated  on  the 
Prohibition  ticket  for  Governor  of  Wisconsin, 
and  made  a campaign  of  four  months  in  the 
proper  presentation  of  his  candidacy.  He  re- 
ceived several  hundred  more  votes  than  Joshua 
Levering,  the  candidate  for  president  of  the 
United  States.  He  carries  the  flag  of  his  coun- 
try and  his  Bible  wherever  he  lectures, 
and  never  resorts  to  personal  abuse.  His  suc- 
cess in  making  converts  has  been  almost  phe- 
nomenal. From  those  who  know  him  best,  and 
have  known  him  longest  and  most  intimately, 
he  has  received  the  warmest  encomiums.  He 
is  a broad-minded  and  eloquent  advocate  of 
great  reforms  from  the  standpoint  of  the  needs 
of  the  world,  and  is  full  of  sympathy  and  love 
for  those  who  suffer  the  ills  of  the  present  order 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


695 


Of  him  the  Northwestern  Mail , of  Madison, 
Wis.,  in  issue  of  Aug.  23,  1900,  says: 

“Few  men  have  ever  been  in  the  State  who 
commanded  better  audiences  or  have  given  bet- 
ter satisfaction  to  earnest,  thinking  men  than 
Mr.  Berkey.  We  believe  he  has  been  called  of 
God  to  this  peculiar  work,  and  we  know  that 
God  has  placed  his  seal  of  approval  upon  his 
labors.  He  is  not  partisan  or  sectarian  in 
spirit,  but  seems  to  be  thoroughly  consecrated  to 
the  great  work  of  human  redemption." 

WILLIAM  H.  NEHLS,  hardware  mer- 
chant of  Benton,  Lafayette  county,  is  one  of 
the  young  business  men  of  German  descent 
who  are  playing  an  important  part  in  the  com- 
mercial circles  of  the  county.  He  was  born 
in  Platteville  June  25,  1867,  a son  of  Hen- 
ning and  Bertha  (Richter)  Nehls,  and  grand- 
son of  Jacob  and  Anne  Nehls,  all  natives  of 
the  Fatherland. 

Jacob  Nehls  was  born  in  Germany,  and 
made  that  country  his  home  throughout  life. 
He  was  a sea  captain  and  perished  in  a storm 
at  sea  when  his  son  Henning  was  yet  a child. 
His  widow  and  her  three  children  came  to  this 
country  in  1852,  and  lived  in  New  York  City 
for  some  three  years,  and  then  located  in 
Platteville,  Wis.,  where  the  children  grew  to 
maturity.  Her  death  occurred  in  1894,  at  the 
home  of  her  son  Henning,  with  whom  she  had 
lived  for  twenty-six  years.  The  three  chil- 
dren were : Helen,  who  married  Richard 

Boldt,  and  died,  leaving  a family  of  five  chil- 
dren, Etta  (wife  of  William  Thomas,  of 
Platteville),  John,  George,  Louisa  and  Mat- 
tie;  Frederick,  who  is  engaged  in  fruit  grow- 
ing in  Platteville,  and  Henning,  mentioned 
below. 

Henning  Nehls  was  born  in  Hanover, 
Germany,  Oct.  13,  1835.  After  the  family 
had  located  in  Platteville  he  engaged  in  smelt- 
ing, and  for  thirteen  years  was  in  the  employ 
of  Leonard  Cates.  He  also  followed  lead 
mining  to  some  extent  for  a number  of  years, 
meeting  with  much  success  in  whatever  he  un- 
dertook. After  his  marriage,  in  i860,  to  Miss' 
Bertha  Richter,  he  located  in  Platteville,  where 
he  has  since  made  his  home,  with  the  exception 
of  three  months  passed  in  Louisville,  Ivy., 
whither  they  had  gone  for  Air.  Nehls’  health. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Nehls  were  born  six  children  : 
Mattie,  born  in  March,  1861.  married  the  late 
Frederick  Wirth,  and  has  four  children,  Ber- 


tha, Lydia,  Julia,  and  William;  Lydia,  born 
in  1865,  married  Charles  Doran,  of  Galena, 
111.,  and  has  two  sons,  Edwin  and  Walter; 
William,  born  in  1867,  now  a hardware  mer- 
chant of  Benton,  married  Nettie  Bonson,  of 
Platteville,  and  has  two  daughters,  Nettie  and 
Helen;  Edward,  born  in  1873,  a highly  re- 
spected young  man,  met  an  untimely  death  by 
being  caught  in  an  elevator  in  Dubuque,  Iowa ; 
Arthur,  born  in  August,  1880,  was  educated 
in  the  Rock  school,  and  is  now  engaged 
in  the  stationery  business;  Frank  L.,  born 
in  1884,  died  in  childhood.  Both  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Nehls  are  members  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  and  Mrs.  Nehls  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Woman’s  Christian  Temperance 
Union,  which  she  joined  twenty-four  years 
ago,  and  for  twelve  years  served  as  its  presi- 
dent. In  politics  Mr.  Nehl.s  is  a Republican, 
and  takes  an  intelligent  interest  in  public  af- 
fairs, and  is  well  posted  on  the  topics  of  the 
day. 

Mrs.  Bertha  (Richter)  Nehls  was  born  in 
Berlin,  Prussia,  April  18,  1843,  daughter  of 
Rev.  Herman  and  Amelia  Richter,  of  that 
city.  She  was  brought  by  her  parents  to  this 
country  in  1844,  and  her  first  home  was  in 
New  York  City,  whence  the  family  removed 
to  Bridgeport,  Conn.,  where  her  father  stud- 
ied for  the  ministry.  Rev.  Richter  later  came 
to  Michigan  City,  Ind.,  where  he  built  the 
German  Methodist  Church,  and  for  twenty- 
two  years  was  a member  of  the  Northwestern 
German  Conference,  and  the  Rock  River  Con- 
ference. He  died  in  the  triumph  of  faith  at 
the  home  of  his  daughter.  Mrs.  John  P.  Samp- 
son, in  1885,  leaving  seven  children,  Helen,  a 
widow,  now  residing  in  Chicago,  111. ; Emma, 
Mrs.  William  Grover,  of  La  Crosse,  Wis. ; 
Mrs.  John  P.  Sampson,  of  Greeley,  Neb.  ; 
Mattie,  Mrs.  C.  H.  Morse,  of  Greeley,  Neb. ; 
Lydia,  Mrs.  George  Simpson,  of  Oklahoma ; 
William,  of  Illinois;  and  Bertha,  Mrs.  Nehls, 
who  was  highly  educated,  and  for  some  years 
a most  successful,  teacher  near  Dubuque, 
Iowa. 

William  H.  Nehls,  son  of  Henning  Nehls, 
received  his  education  in  the  old  Rock  School 
at  Platteville,  and  later  became  a student  in 
the  State  Normal  School  of  that  place.  In 
1882  he  became  a journeymlan  with  H.  S. 
Bailey  & Co.,  in  the  hardware  and  tinning 
business,  and  remained  with  them  until  1886, 
when,  in  company  with  William  Raisbeck,  he 


696 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


started  in  the  hardware  business  in  the  town 
of  Benton,  under  the  firm  name  of  Raisbeck 
& Nehls.  At  the  end  of  a year  Mr.  Nehls 
purchased  his  partner's  interest,  and  has  suc- 
cessfully continued  the  business  alone  up  to 
the  present  time.  He  has'  since  purchased  the 
store  building,  and  the  dwelling  in  which  he 
resides,  and  is  rapidly  progressing  on  the  road 
to  fortune. 

in  November,  1888,  Mr.  Nehls  was  wed- 
ded to  Miss  Nettie  Bonson,  daughter  of  John 
and  Fannie  Bonson,  and  of  this  union  two 
daughters  have  been  born : Nettie,  in  Ben- 

ton, in  1890;  and  Flelen,  in  May,  1895.  The 
Republicans  of  the  county  know  Mr.  Nehls  to 
be  one  of  their  unfaltering  adherents,  and  he 
takes  an  active  part  in  the  political,  work  in 
his  town.  He  has  held  membership  in  the  vil- 
lage board  and  the  county  board.  Socially  he 
is  a member  of  the  K.  of  P.,  Sylvan  Lodge, 
No.  134,  Modern  Woodmen,  and  is  also  a 
member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  being  iden- 
tified with  Benton  Lodge,  No.  268.  For  five 
years,  in  addition  to  his  own  affairs,  he  has 
been  inspector  for  the  Standard  Oil  Company. 
In  his  religious  faith  he  is  a Methodist.  Mr. 
Nehls  and  his  charming  wife  are  very  popular 
in  the  social  life  of  the  town,  and  are  highly 
respected  by  all  who  know  them. 

CHARLES  D.  STEVENS,  proprietor  of 
a leading  grocery  house  of  Janesville,  Rock 
county,  holds  an  enviable  position  in  that  city, 
both  as  a keen  and  pushing  business  man  and 
a genial  and  popular  gentleman.  He  is  still 
a young  man,  and  what  he  has  already  accom- 
plished is  suggestive  of  a yet  more  brilliant 
future. 

Mr.  Stevens  was  born  in  Evansville,  Rock 
Co.,  Wis.,  March  28,  1857.  His  parents, 

Samuel  and  Fannie  M.  (Burt)  Stevens,  both 
native  to  the  soil  of  V ermont,  had  fourteen 
children,  several  of  whom  are  now  living : 
Jack  L.,  of  Greenwood,  Wis.;  Kate,  widow  of 
John  MclVIartin,  of  Helena,  Mont.;  Lorinda 
F.,  wife  of  E.  S.  Williams,  of  Janesville;  Ca- 
lista  A.,  widow  of  H.  Kelsey,  of  Janesville; 
John  D.,  of  Janesville;  Perry  M.,  of  Green- 
wood ; and  Charles  D.  Samuel  Stevens  was 
devoted  to  the  cultivation  of  the  soil.  Fie 
came  to  Wisconsin  in  1848,  and  made  a loca- 
tion near  Evansville,  where  he  lived  ten  years. 
In  1858  he  retired  from  active  labor,  and 
made  his  home  in  Janesville  until  1869;  he 


died  in  1871,  in  South  Wayne,  Wis.,  at  the 
age  of  sixty-two.  His  wife  died  in  1881,  aged 
sixty-five  years.  Both  were  members  of  the 
Congregational  Church,  and  he  was  a lifelong 
Democrat.  His  father,  James  Stevens,  died 
in  Vermont,  well  advanced  in  years. 

Charles  D.  Stevens  was  reared  in  Rock 
county,  and  until  he  was  sixteen  years  old  lived 
on  the  farm,  located  in  what  is  now  the  north- 
western part  of  the  city;  it  was  devoted  to 
dairy  interests.  He  attended  the  Janesville 
schools,  receiving  a very  fair  education,  which 
has  stood  him  well  in  hand  throughout  his 
career.  When  he  was  sixteen  he  left  his  boy- 
hood home,  and  became  a clerk  in  the  drug 
store  of  S.  Heimstreet  & Son,  remaining  with 
them  seven  years,  and  was  counted  very  effi- 
cient in  every  department  of  the  business. 
Leaving  Janesville  he  went  to  Aurora,  111., 
where  he  spent  a year  as  clerk  in  a drug  store. 
He  returned  to  Janesville  to  take  a similar  po- 
sition with  Croft  & Whiton,  which  he  held  for 
two  years,  at  the  expiration  of  that  time  form- 
ing a partnership  with  W.  G.  Palmer,  and  buy- 
ing out  the  business  of  A.  J.  Roberts.  This 
firm  existed  twelve  years,  when  it  was  ended 
by  the  sale  of  Mr.  Palmer’s  entire  interest  to 
Mr.  Stevens,  who  conducted  it  alone  for  three 
years'.  The  business  had  assumed  such  exten- 
sive proportions  by  that  time  that  Mr.  Stevens 
had  no  trouble  in  forming  a stock  company  to 
continue  its  management.  He  became  presi- 
dent of  the  new  corporation,  and  retired  from 
active  connection  with  what  was  known  as 
the  People’s  Drug  Co. 

Mr.  Stevens  is  not  of  a disposition  to-  re- 
main idle  or  take  life  easily,  and  he  purchased 
a half  interest  in  the  “Hotel  Myers”  in  com- 
pany with  E.  C.  Johnson,  the  firm  being  known 
as  Johnson  & Stevens.  “Hotel  Myers”  is  the 
largest  in  the  city,  and  under  their  manage- 
ment it  has  become  one  of  the  popular  resorts 
of  the  traveling  public.  Commercial  men 
largely  make  it  a Sunday  stopping-place.  In 
-May,  1899,  Air.  Stevens  formed  a partnership 
with  W.  J.  Bates,  and  purchased  the  grocery 
business  of  Ball  & Bates,  entering  into  busi- 
ness under  the  firm  name  of  Stevens  & Bates ; 
this  partnership  was  dissolved  Sept.  20,  1900, 
Air.  Stevens  now  conducting  the  business 
alone  and  he  commands  the  confidence  of  the 
public,  and  has  secured  a large  and  profitable 
patronage.  In  all  these  enterprises  our  sub- 
ject has  displayed  the  same  admirable  busi- 


697 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ness  qualities  which  command  success  any- 
where, and  throughout  has  shown  himself  an 
upright  man  and  a genial  gentleman. 

On  Nov.  12,  1889,  Mr.  Stevens  married 
Miss  Clara  Judd,  who  was  born  Oct.  1,  1858, 
in  Janesville,  daughter  of  Dr.  S.  S.  and  Juli- 
ette Judd ; the  former  was  a physician  of  Janes- 
ville, and  a son  of  Samuel  and  Ann  (Barnum) 
Judd,  of  Bethel,  Conn.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stevens 
have  had  two  children,  Edwin  and  Arthur  B. 
Judd,  the  former  of  whom  died  in  infancy. 
They  are  members  of  the  Episcopal  Church,  in 
which  Mr.  Stevens  is  a vestryman.  He  is  a 
Republican  in  political  sentiment.  Fraternal- 
ly he  holds  membership  in  the  Knights  of 
Pythias. 

JAMES  BARRON  is  an  example  of  what 
may  be  accomplished  by  steady  perseverance 
and  honest  industry,  as  he  came  to  America  a 
poor  boy,  among  strangers,  and  now  is  the 
owner  of  one  of  the  finest  farms  in  Wisconsin, 
with  much  other  property,  and  every  man  is 
his  friend. 

Mr.  Barron  was  born  in  Cornwall,  Eng.,  on 
Jan.  27,  1844,  a son  of  John  and  Susannah 
(Ennor)  Barron,  who  were  born,  reared  and 
died  in  England.  They  reared  a family  of  five 
children,  of  whom  four  left  the  old  home  in 
1863  and  came  to  America,  landing  in  Cali- 
fornia, where  our  subject,  with  two  brothers 
and  one  sister,  located,  and  where  the  brothers 
worked  in  the  mines  for  seven  years  prior  to 
coming  to  Wisconsin.  John  and  Thomas  Bar- 
ron both  died  in  California,  and  Catherine,  now 
Mrs.  Tremaine,  still  resides  in  that  State.  Of 
the  children  of  John  and  Susannah  (Ennor) 
Barron,  one  daughter,  Mrs.  Nettle,  remained 
in  England. 

In  1871  Mr.  Barron,  our  subject,  came  to 
Grant  county,  where  he  purchased  his  present 
farm,  which  is  located  three  miles  west  of 
Georgetown.  In  1871  he  was  married  to  Miss 
Mary  J.  Kemp,  of  Grant  county,  a daughter  of 
Joseph  and  Sarah  (Chambers)  Kemp,  old  pio- 
neers of  Grant  county,  coming  here  previous  to 
the  Black  Hawk  war.  Joseph  Kemp,  the  grand- 
father of  Mrs.  Barron,  fought  the  Indians  in 
this  war.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kemp  were  na- 
tives of  England,  and  their  marriage  occurred 
in  Grant  county,  Wis.,,.  in  1847.  They  lived 
there  until  1849,  when  Mr.  Kemp  crossed  the 
Plains  to  California,  and  worked  there  in  the 
mines  some  fifteen  years.  Removing  his  family 


to  the  West  in  1851,  he  came  back  to  Smelser 
township  in  1867,  and  remained  until  the  time 
of  death,  which  occurred  in  1877.  His  wife 
died  in  1896,  leaving  three  children:  John  W., 
born  in  1849,  died  at  McPherson,  some  years 
ago,  his  children  now  living  in  Iowa;  Joseph  J., 
born  in  1859,  married  in  Smesler,  and  now' 
lives  on  the  old  Kemp  home  in  this  township. 
Mrs.  Barron  v?as  born  in  California  in  Octo- 
ber, 1853,  and  was  partly  educated  in  that 
State,  although  she  attended  school  after  the 
return  of  the  family  to  Wisconsin. 

James  Barron  received  a good  education  in 
the  schools  of  his  country,  and  after  his  mar- 
riage and  return  from  the  West  settled  on  his 
present  farm,  in  1871,  where  he  has  made  many 
improvements  which  have  enhanced  the  value 
of  the  property,  and  made  it  one  of  the  attrac- 
tive places  of  the  county.  To  his  first  pur- 
chase of  eighty  acres,  he,  with  the  noble  assist- 
ance of  his  wife,  has  added,  until  now  he  is  the 
owner  of  250  acres  of  well  cultivated  land,  and 
also  a farm  near  Ipswich,  Lafayette  county, 
and  still  another  farm  in  Smelser.  A family 
of  eight  children  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Barron,  the  survivors  being:  Sarah  J., 
born  in  March,  1872,  educated  in  the  Platteville 
Normal  school,  for  six  years  one  of  the  suc- 
cessful and  acceptable  teachers  in  the  public 
schols,  in  1898  married  Everett  Louthain,  of 
Grant  county,  and  they  reside  on  his  farm; 
Mary  K.  born  Dec.  1,  1876,  educated  in  the 
Platteville  Normal,  a successful  teacher  for  two 
years  in  the  public  schools,  married  James  Shep- 
hard, of  Smelser,  and  resides  on  a farm  of 
our  subject  in  Lafayette  county  (she  has  one 
daughter,  Retta,  born  in  August,  1900)  ; 
Richard,  born  in  September,  1878;  Edith, 
born  in  October,  1880,  is  a student  at  the  Nor- 
mal; Bessie  F.,  born  July  23,  1887.  and  James 
E.,  born  in  June,  1893,  are. students  at  school. 

This  family  has  been  brought  up  in  the  M. 
E.  Church,  to  which  Mr.  Barron  cheerfully  con- 
tributes. Politically  he  has  always  been  a Re- 
publican, and  although  he  has  a natural  love 
for  his  own  land,  he  is  an  American  now  and 
proud  of  her  government  and  institutions.  For 
some  twelve  years  he  has  field  the  position  of 
clerk  of  the  school  board,  and  at  present  is  a 
member  of  the  town  board.  I11  1898  Mr.  Bar- 
ron made  a visit  to  his  old  home  to  gratify  a 
lono-insf  to  recall  old  associations,  but  came  back 
with  no1  desire  to  remain.  The  success  which 
has  attended  him  on  this  side  of  the  ocean,  the 


698 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


home  he  has  earned,  and  the  friends  he  has 
made,  all  tend  to  make  him  more  American 
than  English. 

BENJAMIN  J.  DAVIS.  One  of  the  few  re- 
maining pioneers  of  Iowa  county,  whose  com- 
ing dates  from  the  time  when  Wisconsin  was  a 
territory,  is  Benjamin  J.  Davis,  of  the  village  of 
Barneveld,  who  located  here  in  October,  1846. 

Benjamin  J.  Davis  was  born  in  Wales,  a 
land  which  has  contributed  to  America,  not 
only  many  sweet  singers,  but  also  men  of  brain 
and  brawn,  who  have  become  leaders  in  those 
lines  which  require  industry,  activity  and  pa- 
tience, combined  with  high  morality.  The 
birth  of  Mr.  Davis  was  in  July,  1814,  and  in 
1842  he  landed  in  the  city  of  New  York.  After 
a trip  through  Ohio,  Mr.  Davis  made  his  way  to 
Milwaukee  and  there  engaged  in  his  trade,  that 
of  blacksmith,  but  as  a few  Welsh  families  had 
already  settled  in  Iowa  county,  Wis.,  he  deter- 
mined to  join  them  and  become  the  owner  of 
some  of  the  Government  land  which,  about  this 
time,  was  opened  up  for  settlement.  Leaving 
his  family  in  Milwaukee,  he  started  on  foot  for 
Iowa  county,  in  order  to  make  his  selection  and 
entry  of  land,  and  upon  reaching  there,  located 
a quarter  section  on  Section  4,  Town  6,  Range 
5,  East,  and  then  continued  his  journey  to  the 
land  office  which  was  situated  at  Mineral  Point, 
where  he  made  his  entry  an’d  then  returned  to 
his  family  in  Milwaukee,  as  he  had  come,  on 
foot.  To  Mineral  Point  and  return  by  the 
route  he  pursued  involved  a travel  of  at  least 
250  miles,  through  almost  a wilderness,  as  in 
the  whole  distance  he  found  only  an  occasional 
settler's  lonely  cabin  keeping  guard  in  the  great 
woods.  That  he  was  expeditious  may  be  im- 
agined, when  it  is  recorded  that  the  trip  con- 
sumed but  a week.  When  the  food  which  he 
had  taken  with  him  gave  out  he  would,  as  far 
as  possible,  appease  his  hunger  with  the  small 
fruit  he  found  on  the  way,  although  much  of  it 
was  not  very  sustaining. 

In  October,  1846,  Mr.  Davis  arrived  with- 
his  family  from  Milwaukee,  and  settled  on  the 
land  that  he  had  entered.  He  set  to  work  im- 
mediately to  erect  a small  cabin  as  a shelter  for 
the  family,  and  also  to  build  one  in  which  to 
carry  on  his  trade.  As  the  first,  and,  for  a long 
period,  the  only  blacksmith  in  this  locality,  he 
found  plenty  of  work,  and  very  soon  was  rec- 
ognized as  a thorough  workman,  trade  coming 
to  “Blacksmith  Davis’’  from  long  distances. 


As  time  went  on,  Mr.  Davis  added  to  his  land 
and  became  the  owner  of  500  acres,  and  cleared 
it  as  he  could,  still  following  his  trade,  while 
the  country  progressed  and  built  up  about  him. 
At  length  advancing  years  admonished  him  that 
he  had  earned  an  easier  life,  but  it  was  not  until 
in  March,  1883,  when  he  was  bereft  of  his 
faithful  wife,  that  he  consented  to  retire,  and 
then  removed  to  the  village  of  Barneveld,  a 
hamlet  which  had  grown  into  being  since  his 
settlement  in  Wisconsin. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Davis  were  born  twelve 
children : ten  noble  sons  and  two  beautiful 
daughters,  all  but  one  of  whom  survive  to  do 
honor  to  their  venerable  father  and  the  name 
they  bear.  The  father’s  namesake,  Benjamin 
J.,  died  at  the  age  of  twenty-seven  years.  The 
daughters  are:  Mary,  born  on  Jan.  12,  1854, 
maried  O.  C.  Evans,  and  resides  in  the  town  of 
Brigham;  and  Nellie  J.,  born  March  15,  1875, 
married  Leyellan  Jones,  of  Chatsworth,  Iowa. 
The  family  of  sons  which  Mr.  Davis  has  reared 
into  honorable  citizenship  deserves  more  than 
passing  notice.  The  nine  survivors  are  stal- 
wart men  of  fine  presence,  averaging  200 
pounds  in  weight  and  standing  six  feet  in 
height.  A most  effective  photograph  taken  of 
this  justly  proud  father,  and  equally  proud  fam- 
ily of  sons,  recalls  the  tales  of  Welsh  folk-lore, 
when  giants  held  the  fastnesses  of  the  mountain 
heights,  and  the  world  knew  naught  of  their 
struggles  in  the  clouds.  It  is  an  inspiring  pic- 
ture, telling  of  physical  perfection,  and  mental 
endowment.  In  order  of  their  birth,  these  sons 
are:  John  J.,  born  Nov.  15,  1845;  Daniel  J., 
born  Feb.  1,  1848;  Thomas  J.,  born  Jan.  1, 
1852;  George  W.,  born  Dec.  24,  1S56;  William 
I .,  born  May  25,1858 ; Stephen  J.,  born  Dec.  1 1, 
i860;  Joseph  j.,  born  April  1,  1863;  Albert  J., 
born  March  7,  1866;  and  Alfred  J.,  born  March 
10,  1871.  The  city  of  Chicago  is  fortunately 
the  home  of  all  of  these  sons  of  Mr.  Davis,  with 
the  exception  of  one,  where  they  increase  the 
city’s  prosperity  by  their  business  ability  and 
progressive  methods.  Mr.  George  W.  Davis 
formerly  lived  in  Chicago,  but  now  resides  on 
a fine  farm  which  he  owns  in  Arena  township, 
in  Iowa  county,  Wis.  Joseph  J.  Davis  is  a well- 
known  physician  of  Chicago,  a graduate  of 
Rush  Medical  College,  a man  of  skill  and  med- 
ical prominence:  and  Alfred  J.,  is  a lawyer  who 
has  been  prominently  identified  with  public 
affairs  in  Chicago,  and  in  1896,  was  the  candi- 
date of  his  party  for  Congress.  These  brothers, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


699 


in  union,  comprise  the  Davis  Cream  Separator 
Company,  with  offices  located  at  88-90-92, 
West  Jackson  street,  Chicago,  111.,  the  product 
of  this  company  receiving  medals  at  the 
World's  Fair,  in  1893.  The  father  of  this  re- 
markable family,  stills  owns  the  homestead 
farm,  in  the  town  of  Brigham.  Few  men  are 
better  known  throughout  Iowa  and  adjoining 
counties  than  Mr.  Davis.  By  nature  he  pos- 
sesses a social  and  genial  disposition,  and  has 
always  won  friends  in  every  community.  Na- 
ture, also,  gave  him  a fine  constitution  and  an 
exemplary  life  has  preserved  it  to  a wonderful 
degree.  His  memory  of  the  early  days  makes 
of  him  a delightful  companion,  as  he  can  relate 
so  many  thrilling  experiences  of  his  own  pio- 
neer life.  When  Mr.  Davis  came  to  Iowa  coun- 
ty, the  Indians  still  roamed  the  country  which 
they  still  claimed  as  their  hunting  grounds. 
With  these  natives  he  often  came  into  contact, 
and  this  gave  him  an  admirable  chance  to  learn 
the  Indian  character.  Mr.  Davis  places  a high 
estimate  on  the  honor  of  the  Red  man  as  he 
knew  him  more  than  a half  century  ago.  The 
Indian  was  almost  sure  to  return  any  kindness, 
and  as  an  instance,  he  relates  that  upon  one  oc- 
casion, havinp'  divided  his  scanty  supply  of 
bread  with  an  Indian  who  had  asked  for  food, 
he  found,  on  rising  the  next  morning,  a quarter 
of  venison  hanging  at  his  door.  Many  times 
Mr.  Davis  has  been  heard  to  remark  that  he 
would  much  rather  meet  an  Indian  when  alone 
than  a white  man  whom  he  did  not  know.  All 
his  life  Mr.  Davis  has  enjoyed  most  robust 
health,  and  his  children  inherit  his  excellent 
constitution.  The  skill  of  a physician  has  sel- 
dom been  needed  in  his  household.  His  prom- 
inence as  an  intelligent  man  and  old  settler  as 
well  as  his  substantial  condition,  long  gave  him 
somewhat  of  a leadership  in  township  affairs, 
and  he  was  called  upon  to  serve  in  many  local 
offices  and  for  many  years  was  a justice  of  the 
peace. 

REV.  ARTHUR  C.  KEMPTON,  who 
died  Dec.  4,  1900,  was  the  capable  and  eloquent 
pastor  of  the  First  Baptist  Church  of  Janes- 
ville, and  achieved  a reputation  that  reaches  far 
beyond  the  limits  ol  Wisconsin  for  piety  and 
devotion  to  his  sacred  calling.  Fie  was  born  in 
Nova  Scotia,  May  6,  1870,  a son  of  the  Rev. 
Joseph  F.  Ivempton,  a well  known  Baptist  min- 
ister. He  was  graduated  from  Acadia  College 
with  honors  in  1890,  and  from  Rochester  The- 


ological Seminary  four  years  later.  Because  of 
special  work  he  also  won  the  degree  of  M.  A. 
in  1893. 

Mr.  Kempton’s  first  pastorate  was  with  the 
First  Baptist  Church  of  Eau  Claire,  Wisconsin, 
where  in  three  years  he  made  the  remarkable 
record  of  nearly  three  hunred  additions  to  the 
membership  of  the  church,  building  a new  house 
of  worship,  and  making  this  the  largest  Baptist 
Church  in  Wisconsin.  During  this  period  he 
also  served  two  years  as  president  of  the  Bap- 
tist Young  People’s  Union,  of  Wisconsin. 

In  1897  Mr.  Ivempton  made  an  extended 
tour  of  Egypt,  Palestine,  Turkey  and  Europe, 
after  which  he  was  called  to  the  First  Baptist 
Church  of  Janesville.  The  success  attending 
his  work  here  equaled  that  which  crowned  his 
labors  at  Eau  Claire.  In  October,  1899,  he 
was  unanimously  elected  president  of  the  twen- 
ty-five thousand  Christian  Endeavorers  of  Wis- 
consin, and  with  the  hearts  of  the  young  peo- 
ple of  the  State  beating  responsively  to  his  ap- 
peals he  hoped  great  things  for  the  church  in 
the  immediate  future.  His  death  cut  short  a 
most  useful  career,  and  caused  universal  sor- 
row wherever  he  was  known,  but  while 
“He  died  young,  there  are  silvered  heads, 

Whose  race  of  duty  is  less  nobly  won.” 

JONATPIAN  SMITH,  one  of  the  older 
and  more  prominent  representatives  of  the 
farming  interests  of  the  town  of  Brooklyn, 
Green  county,  is  a man  whose  high  character 
and  conceded  integrity  add  to  the  reverence 
his  eighty  years  command.  He  owns  a farm 
situated  in  Section  11,  of  the  town  of  Brook- 
lyn, where  he  has  long  identified  himself 
with  the  best  interests  of  the  community.  He 
was  born  at  Dover,  Cuyahoga  Co.,  Ohio, 
March  7,  1820,  and  is  a son  of  Stephen  and 
Filura  (Love)  Smith,  the  former  born  in 
Massachusetts,  and  the  latter  in  New  York. 
They  were  the  parents  of  four  sons  and  five 
daughters,  four  of  whom  are  now  living: 
Jonathan;  Emorilla,  the  wife  of  C.  S.  Gray, 
of  Brooklyn;  Euphrasia,  wife  of  Hans  Chris- 
tianson, of  the  town  of  Brooklyn ; and  Emory, 
of  Brooklyn.  Stephen  Smith  was  a farmer, 
and  came  West  to  Wisconsin  in  1843,  and  in 
July  of  that  year  bought  a farm  of  eighty  acres 
in  Walworth  countv,  five  miles  north  of  Lake 
Geneva,  which  he  very  soon  sold,  and  the  fol- 
lowing year  came  to  Green  county,  and  in  May 
located  on  the  farm  in  the  town  of  Brooklyn, 


700 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


on  which  his  son  Jonathan  may  now  be  found. 
There  he  lived  with  this  son  until  his  death, 
in  1852,  at  the  age  of  fifty-eight.  His  widow 
died  in  1877,  when  seventy-five  years  old. 
They  were  both  members  of  the  Congrega- 
tional Church. 

Jonathan  Smith,  the  father  of  Stephen 
Smith,  and  the  grandfather  of  Jonathan 
Smith,  whose  name  appears  above,  was  a na- 
tive of  Massachusetts  and  one  of  the  early  set- 
tlers of  Ohio.  For  six  years  he  was'  in  the 
Revolutionary  war.  He  was  a farmer,  and 
was  seventy  years  old  at  the  time  of  his  death, 
in  Cuyahoga  county,  Ohio.  He  was  the  fa- 
ther of  three  sons  and  four  daughters.  The 
maternal  grandfather  of  Mr.  Smith  was  a na- 
tive of  one  of  the  eastern  States  and  he  was 
married  in  New  York.  There  was  only  one 
child  born  to  his  marriage,  she  who  afterward 
became  the  mother  of  Jonathan  Smith. 

Jonathan  Smith  lived  in  Ohio  until  he 
reached  the  age  of  twenty-three  years,  where 
he  was  bred  a farmer,  which  has  been  his  oc- 
cupation through  life.  He  learned  the  plas- 
tering trade,  and  followed  it  for  thirty  years, 
although  at  the  same  time  he  was  engaged  in 
farming.  When  his  father  came  to  Wiscon- 
sin he  accompanied  him,  making  the  journey 
from  Ohio  by  team,  and  he  remained  with  his 
parents  as  long  as  they  lived.  Since  their 
death  he  has  continued  on  the  home  they  made. 

Jonathan  Smith  was  married  Jan.  28,  1877, 
to  Mary  A.  Thompson,  who  was  a daughter  of 
Otis  and  Polly  (Hunt)  Thompson.  They 
have  one  son.  Forest  A.,  who  is  now  twenty- 
one  years  of  age,  to  whom  the  active  manage- 
ment of  the  farm  is  committed.  It  contains 
eighty  acres,  and  is  cultivated  according  to  the 
latest  and  most  progressive  agricultural  meth- 
ods. Mr.  Smith  was  formerly  a Whig,  but 
he  became  a Republican  at  the  organization 
of  that  party.  He  has  never  held  an  office, 
and  has  never  had  the  least  desire  for  one,  as 
his  own  business  was  all  he  felt  he  could  ade- 
quately manage. 

Otis  Thompson  was  a native  of  Vermont, 
and  his  wife  Polly  (Hunt)  of  New  Hamp- 
shire. They  were  the  parents  of  six  sons  and 
two  daughters,  and  three  of  their  children  are 
now  living:  Rufus,  of  Belgrade,  Mont.; 

Mary  A.  is  the  wife  of  Mr.  Smith;  David  S. 
r\  hompson,  of  the  town  of  Brooklyn.  Mr. 
I hompson  was  a farmer,  and  brought  his  fam- 
ily AVest  to  Wisconsin  in  1848,  locating  them 


on  an  eighty-acre  farm  in  the  town  of  Brook- 
lyn, Green  county.  Mr.  Thompson  was  a 
soldier  in  the  Civil  war,  and  belonged  to  the 
8th  Wis.  V.  I.,  in  which  he  enlisted  in  1861. 
He  participated  in  the  battles  of  Fredericks- 
town,  New  Madrid,  Island  No.  10,  Farming- 
ton,  Iuka  and  Corinth,  Jackson  and  Vicksburg, 
and  it  is  recorded  of  him  that  lie  was  always  a 
brave  soldier,  and  would  be  found  in  the  very 
forefront  of  danger.  Fie  was  a member  of 
T.  L.  Sutphen  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  at  Evansville. 
Mr.  Thompson  was  born  July  28,  1807,  at 
Richmond,  AY.,  and  was  married  June  17. 
1829.  In  1836  he  removed  with  his  family 
to  Portage,  N.  Y.,  where  he  lived  twelve  years'. 
He  died  in  September,  1899,  at  the  age  of 
ninety-two  years  and  two  months.  His  wife 
died  in  1888,  at  the  age  of  seventy-five  years. 
Timothy  Thompson,  his  father,  was  a native 
of  A^ ermont,  and  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of 
1812.  He  was  a carpenter  in  his  younger 
days,  and  reared  a family  of  eight  children. 
In  the  early  forties  he  came  from  Pennsylvania 
into  Wisconsin,  where  he  lived  a number  of 
years,  and  died  at  his  home  in  Oreg'on,  Dane 
county,  aged  about  seventy-eight  years. 
Mrs.  Smith’s  maternal  grandfather  was  James 
Hunt,  who  was  born  in  New  Hampshire.  He 
was  a farmer  and  had  a large  family.  He 
reached  the  age  of  eightv-eight  years,  and  died 
in  his  native  State. 

Mrs.  Jonathan  Smith,  born  in  Erie  county, 
Penn.,  Dec.  14,  1834,  married  for  her  first 
husband  Amos  C.  Anderson,  an  early  settler 
in  the  town  of  Brooklyn.  They  had  one 
daughter,  Sarah  E.,  who  married  Judson  E. 
James,  and  is  the  mother  of  four  children: 
Floyd  C.,  Layle  A.,  Paul,  and  Jessie  M.  Mr. 
Anderson  died  in  1866,  while  engaged  in  pros- 
pecting in  California.  He  and  his  wife  crossed 
the  Plains  in  i860,  requiring  about  four  and 
a half  months  to  make  the  journey. 

JESSE  RAYMER,  a retired  farmer  of 
Browntown,  Green  county,  whose  death  on  July 
1,  1897,  removed  one  of  the  most  public  spirited 
and  respected  citizens,  was  born  in  Greene 
county,  Penn.,  Dec.  5,  1843. 

His  parents,  Jesse  Sr.,  and  Mariah  (Kelly) 
Raymer,  were  of  German  descent,  and  brought 
their  family  from  Pennsylvania  to  Wisconsin 
about  1843.  They  made  their  home  in  Cadiz 
township,  and  there  reared  their  family  of  seven 
children:  AVilliam,  deceased;  John,  a retired 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


701 


farmer  of  Monroe;  Jesse;  Freeman,  of  Monroe; 
Jane,  wife  of  Luke  Bradley,  of  Adams  Co., 
VVis. ; Harriet  and  Mary,  deceased.  The  mother 
is  yet  living  and  makes  her  home  in  Cadiz 
township. 

Jesse  Raymer  received  such  education  as 
the  common  schools  of  the  neighborhood 
afforded,  and  continued  to  work  at  farm  work, 
to  which  he  had  been  trained  from  childhood, 
until  1893,  when  he  removed  to  Browntown, 
and  there  erected  for  himself  a modern  eight- 
room  dwelling,  in  which  he  passed  his  last  days. 
He  began  life  as  a very  poor  boy,  but  his  untir- 
ing industry  and  natural  business  ability  won 
for  him  a place  among  the  substantial  men  of 
the  county.  At  his  death  he  possessed  a com- 
fortable home,  and  about  one  thousand  dollars 
in  personal  property.  During  the  Civil  war  he 
enlisted  in  Co.  B,  31st  Wis.  V.  I.,  under  Capt. 
Nat  Treat,  of  Monroe, and  took  part  in  some  of 
the  hard  fought  battles  of  that  terrible  strug- 
gle. He  received  an  honorable  discharge  in 
1865,  and  while  never  wounded,  his  health  was 
so  shattered  by  his  hard  service  that  he  was 
granted  a pension,  which  his  widow  continues 
to  receive.  In  politics  he  was  a Democrat,  and 
in  religious  connection  a Methodist.  The  build- 
ing of  the  new  Methodist  Church  at  Brown- 
town  aroused  in  him  the  deepest  interest,  and  it 
was  while  working  there  that  he  was  taken  ill. 
He  was  a splendid  citizen  and  a good,  kind 
neighbor,  and  his  genial  smile  will  be  missed 
for  many  years  by  those  who,  by  knowing  him 
best,  learned  to  love  him. 

In  Cadiz  township,  Green  county,  on  March 
18,  1866,  Mr.  Raymer  was  married  to  Miss 
Amelia  Loomis,  who  was  born  Nov.  16,  1851, 
daughter  of  Cornelius  and  Jane  (Van  Harne) 
Loomis,  the  former  of  whom  came  to  Wiscon- 
sin from  Ohio  about  1843,  and  took  up  gov- 
ernment land  in  Cadiz.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Loomis  were  born  nine  children,  of  whom  five 
lived  to  reach  maturity:  Mary,  now  deceased; 
Fidelia,  wife  of  Isaac  Michaels,  a farmer  of 
Cadiz;  Amelia,  Mrs.  Raymer;  Hattie,  wife  of 
Charles  Phillips,  of  Browntown;  and  Cyrus, 
who  married  Eliza  Michaels,  of  Cadiz.  Will- 
iam Loomis,  father  of  Cornelius,  and  grand- 
father of  Mrs.  Raymer,  was  an  early  settler  of 
Ohio.  To  Jesse  Raymer  and  wife  were  born 
nine  children,  as  follows  : Alfred,  of  Picket  Sta- 
tion, Wis.,  married  Mary  Denny,  of  Cadiz 
township;  Ephraim  married  Ida  Divan  of 
Browntown;  Hattie  is  the  wife  of  James  Land, 


of  Browntown;  George,  of  Winslow,  111.,  mar- 
ried Lois  Beldon,  of  Minnesota;  Ansel  married 
a Miss  Forsythe,  of  Lafayette  county,  Wis.; 
Oney  resides  at  home  with  his  mother,  as  do 
Belle  and  Roy.  The  ninth  child,  Cyrus  H. 
died  in  infancy. 

Mrs.  Raymer  is  a noble  Christian  woman, 
and  takes  great  interest  in  the  work  of  the 
Methodist  Church  and  its  Sunday  school,  serv- 
ing as  teacher  and  class  leader. 

MARSHALL  PEASE  RICHARDSON  is 
one  of  the  young  and  successful  professional 
men  of  Janesville,  and  is  himself  one  of  the 
products  of  that  beautiful  and  growing  city 
of  the  Northwest. 

Mr.  Richardson  was  born  in  Janesville. 
After  passing  through  the  common  schools, 
he  entered  Beloit  College,  later  becoming  a 
student  in  the  State  University  at  Madison, 
from  which  he  was  graduated  in  1889.  His 
mind  was  of  that  perceptive  and  analytic  cast 
which  naturally  inclined  him  to  the  study  of 
law,  and  in  1893  he  was  admitted  to  the  Bar. 
He  has  risen  steadily  in  his  profession,  and  has 
identified  himself  with  the  best  interests  of  his 
native  city;  has  served  three  terms  as  justice  of 
the  peace;  and  in  the  spring  of  1900  was  the 
Republican  nominee  for  the  office  of  city  attor- 
ney. Socially  he  is  a member  of  the  Knights  of 
Pythias.  He  is  a member  of  the  Christian 
Science  Church  known  as  “The  First  Church  of 
Christ,  Scientist,  in  Boston,  Massachusetts.  ’ 

ROLLA  M.  STRONG  is  a product  of 
Grant  county,  and  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Platteville,  Jan.  14,  1848.  Thomas  and  Martha 
M.  (Bond)  Strong,  his  parents,  were  both  born 
in  North  Carolina,  and  in  that  State  were 
reared  and  married.  Thomas  Strong  was  the 
son  of  Thomas  Strong,  Sr.,  who  died  in  Platte- 
ville, in  the  home  of  his  son.  Thomas  Strong, 
Sr.,  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  the 
ancestry  of  the  family  antedates  the  American 
Revolution  in  New  England. 

After  their  marriage  our  subject’s  parents 
spent  some  three  years  in  Tennessee,  and  in 
1838  came  to  Platteville,  W is.,  where  Mr. 
Strong  followed  mining  very  successfully 
throughout  life.  He  purchased  a farm  of  160 
acres  near  Platteville,  and  lived  thereon  until 
1850,  when  he  disposed  of  it  and  moved  into 
Platteville,  making  his  home  there  during  the 
brief  remainder  of  his  life.  Mr.  and  Airs.  Strong 


702 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


both  died  previous  to  the  breaking  out  of  the 
Civil  war. 

The  Strongs  were  Whigs  in  political  senti- 
ment. Our  subject’s  father  was  a supporter  of 
the  Methodist  Church,  of  which  the  mother  was 
a member.  They  reared  a family  of  eight  chil- 
dren : ( i ) Henry  was  born  in  Tennessee,  and 
came  with  his  parents  to  Wisconsin.  During 
the  gold  excitement  he  and  his  brother  John, 
each  with  a wagon  and  four  yoke  of  oxen, 
crossed  the  Plains  to  that  distant  land  of  gold, 
and  were  quite  successful  in  their  mining  ven- 
tures, Henry  spending  some  years  in  the  mines 
in  Colorado  and  Nevada  before  returning  to 
Platteville,  where  he  died  in  June,  1898.  (2) 
John  made  his  homeward  journey  from  the  far 
West  successfully,  and  is  now  living  in  Platte- 
ville, where  he  is  married  and  has  a family.  (3) 
Martha,  born  in  Platteville,  is  the  widow  of 
Christopher  Williams,  and  lives  in  Vernon 
county,  Wis.,  where  she  has  reared  a large  fam- 
ily. (4)  Mary,  born  in  Grant  county,  is  the 
widow  of  George  Fry,  of  Highland,  Wis., 
where  she  is  living  with  her  family.  (5) 
Jane,  born  in  Platteville,  is  the  widow 
of  Wesley  Williams,  and  lives  in  Indiana.  (6) 
Thomas,  born  in  Platteville,  married  Miss  Lucy 
Shafer,  of  Grant  county,  and  they  are  now 
residents  of  Iowa.  They  have  one  daughter, 
Nellie.  (7)  Samuel,  born  in  Platteville,  is  now  a 
resident  of  the  State  of  Washington,  and  is 
engaged  in  mining  in  British  Columbia.  (8) 
Rolla  M.,  the  youngest  member  of  the  family, 
is  the  subject  of  this  article. 

Rolla  M.  Strong  was  born  in  Grant  coun- 
ty, and  educated  in  the  common  schools  of  the 
State,  attending  for  the  most  part  what  was 
known  as  the  old  Rock  school  of  Platteville, 
where  he  was  very  well  fitted  for  an  active 
life.  When  a young  man  he  followed  mining 
in  the  lead  regions  of  Grant  county,  and  when 
the  Civil  war  broke  out  was  ready  to  go  to 
the  front.  Pie  enlisted  in  Company  B,  43d 
Wis.  V.  I.,  and  faithfully  did  his  duty  as  a 
soldier  until  the  close  of  the  war.  The  regi- 
ment was  a part  of  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee, 
and  Mr.  Strong  witnessed  some  of  the  most 
tremendous  struggles  of  the  great  war.  At 
Nashville,  Tenn.,  he  was  honorably  discharged 
from  the  service,  and,  making  his  way  back 
to  his  old  home  in  Wisconsin,  he  resumed 
work  as  a lead  miner,  which  has  been  his  oc- 
cupation more  or  less  to  the  present  time. 

Mr.  Strong  and  Miss  Martha  Himan  were 


married  in  1875.  Mrs.  Strong  is  a daughter 
of  Perry  and  Jane  Himan,  old  pioneers  in 
Grant  county,  and  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Harrison,  May  11,  1851.  Mr.  Strong  and 
his’  wife  lived  some  years  on  a rented  farm 
in  the  town  of  Harrison,  when  he  purchased 
his  present  farm  in  the  town  of  Paris.  That 
was  some  fifteen  years  ago,  and  under  his  en- 
ergetic management  the  farm  has  been  greatly 
improved,  and  is  to-day  one  of  the  most  at- 
tractive places  in  this  portion  of  the  county. 
They  have  four  children:  (1)  Alta,  born  in 
1876,  was  educated  at  the  State  Normal  School 
at  Platteville,  and  for  several  years  was  a 
teacher  in  Grant  and  Vernon  counties.  She 
married  James  Conley,  a printer  of  Oconomo- 
woc,  Wis.  (2)  Harry,  born  in  1878,  is  un- 
married and  at  home;  he  is  a worker  in  the 
lead  mines.  (3)  Lennice,  born  in  1881,  is 
now  a student  at  the  Normal  in  Platteville. 

■ (4)  Roy,  born  in  1884,  is  at  home,  and  under 
his  father’s  supervision  is  managing  the  home 
farm. 

Rolla  M.  Strong  is  a steadfast  Republi- 
can, and  cast  his  first  vote  for  Abraham  Lin- 
coln. Before  he  was  eighteen  years  of  age 
he  donned  the  Union  blue,  and  all  through 
his  life  has  given  evidence  of  patriotism  ade- 
quate to  any  demand  that  might  be  made  upon 
it.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Strong  both  belong  to  the 
Congregational  Church  of  Mt.  Zion,  where  he 
has  always  taken  an  active  part  in  church  work, 
and  is  a liberal  supporter  of  his  denomina- 
tion. Mr.  Strong  is  a member  of  Sherman 
Post,  No.  66,  G.  A.  R.,  at  Platteville. 

Mr.  Strong  comes  from  one  of  the  good 
old  Southern  families  whose  ancestry  dates 
back  to  a period  long  antedating  the  Revolu- 
tion, and  he  is  worthy  of  the  name  he  bears. 

W.  R.  SNOWDEN.  Prominent  among 
the  business  men  of  Platteville,  Grant  county, 
is  numbered  the  subject  of  this  review.  No 
one  in  the  vicinity  is  better  known,  for  here 
almost  his  entire  life  has  been  passed,  and  all 
his  interests  from  boyhood  have  been  closely 
associated  with  those  of  the  locality.  In  his 
special  line  of  business  he  has  met  with  excel- 
lent success,  and  by  the  energy  and  zeal  which 
he  has  manifested  has  won  the  confidence  and 
esteem  of  the  public. 

Mr.  Snowden  was  born  in  New  York  City 
in  1845,  and  is  of  English  descent.  His  fa- 
ther, Randolph  Snowden,  was  born  in  England 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


7 03 


Jan.  5,  1820,  and  in  1828  came  to  the  United 
States  with  his  parents,  Randolph  and  Emaline 
Snowden,  locating  in  New  York  City,  where 
the  grandfather  followed  the  machinist’s  trade, 
though  in  England  he  had  engaged  in  weav- 
ing". Both  he  and  his  wife  died  in  New  York. 
In  their  family  were  five  children,  namely: 
Randolph,  Jr.;  Edward,  who  died  in  Nerv 
York;  George,  a resident  of  Jersey  City;  John 
W.,  who.  died  in  that  city;  and  Emaline,  who 
died  in  New  York. 

Randolph  Snowden,  Jr.,  was  reared  in 
New  York  City  from  the  age  of  eight  years, 
and  in  Paterson,  N.  J.,  he  learned  the  machin- 
ist’s trade.  On  coming  to  Platteville,  Wis., 
in  1849,  he  built  a foundry,  the  first  west  of 
Chicago,  which  he  and  his  brother  George 
owned  and  operated  together  for  some  time, 
but  later  the  latter  sold  his  interest  to  Randolph 
and  went  to  California,  remaining  there  two 
years.  He  then  returned  to  Platteville,  where 
he  followed  farming  for  some  time,  but  is  now 
a resident  of  Jersey  City,  N.  J.  Randolph 
Snowden  continued  in  active  business  in  Platte- 
ville for  many  years,  and  was  one  of  the  lead- 
ing men  of  the  place.  In  New  York  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Elizabeth  J.  Price,  a native  of  that 
city,  and  to  them  were  born  three  sons  and 
one  daughter,  namely:  W.  R. ; Edward  H., 

who  went  West;  Robert  L.,  a resident  of  Mil- 
waukee; and  Mary  E.,  Mrs.  Pollock,  of  San 
Francisco,  Cal.  The  father  died  in  Platteville 
Jan.  13,  1883,  the  mother  Feb.  5>  l8/7- 

At  the  age  of  four  years  W.  R.  Snowden 
was  brought  by  his  parents  to  Platteville,  and 
in  its  public  schools  he  obtained  his  education. 
After  reaching  manhood  he  engaged  in  general 
farming  and  stock  raising  for  ten  years,  and 
since  that  time  has  devoted  his  attention  to 
fruit  farming  and  dairying,  in  which  business 
he  has  met  with  marked  success,  being  ener- 
getic, progressive  and  enterprising.  He  owns 
a fine  fruit  farm  adjoining  Platteville.  Mr. 
Snowden  was  interested  in  the  building  of  the 
Chicago,  Milwaukee  & St.  Paul  and  the  Chi- 
cago & Northwestern  railroads  into  Platte- 
ville, and  has  been  actively  identified  with  all 
enterprises  which  have  for  their  object  the 
upbuilding  and  development  of  his  adopted 
town  and  county.  He  is  superintendent  of 
the  Platteville  Canning  Co.,  whose  plant  was 
built  in  1893. 

At  Platteville,  in  1870,  Mr.  Snowden  wed- 
ded Miss  Mary  E.  Bondurant,  a native  of 


Hazel  Green,  Grant  county,  and  a daughter 
of  Edward  and  Henrietta  Bondurant,  natives 
of  Kentucky.  On  coming  to  Grant  county,  in 
1833,  her  father  was  unmarried,  and  here  he 
was  married  in  1842.  His  wife  died  in  1895, 
but  he  is  still  living,  and  now  makes  his  home 
in  Platteville.  By  occupation  he  was  a miner 
and  farmer.  His  children  were  Mary  E.,  Mrs. 
Snowden;  Julia,  Mrs.  Shrigley,  of  Platteville; 
Jefferson,  also  of  that  place;  and  Sarah,  Airs. 
Berry,  who  died  Oct.  1,  1898.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Snowden  have  six  children:  George  B..  pro- 

prietor of  the  Platteville  Laundry  ; Anna  L., 
at  home;  Frederick,  who  is  a partner  of  his 
brother  in  the  laundry  business;  and  Nellie  E., 
William  J.  and  Bessie,  all  at  home. 

During  the  Civil  war  Mr.  Snowden  en- 
listed at  Platteville  in  Company  K,  47th  Wis. 
V.  I.,  for  one  year,  and  was  mustered  into  the 
United  States  service  at  Madison,  the  regi- 
ment being  attached  to  the  Army  of  the  Ten- 
nessee. He  did  garrison  duty  at  Tullahoma 
and  Nashville,  and  received  an  honorable  dis- 
charge at  Madison  in  September,  1865.  He 
is  now  a prominent  member  of  W.  T.  Sherman 
Post,  No.  66,  G.  A.  R.,  in  which  he  is  now 
filling  the  office  of  senior  vice-commander,  and 
also  belongs  to  Melody  Lodge,  No.  2,  F.  & A. 
M. ; Washington  Chapter,  No.  2,  R.  A.  M. ; 
and  Miriam  Chapter,  No.  15,  O.  E.  S.  Relig- 
iously both  he  and  his  wife  hold  membership 
in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  and  politi- 
cally he  is  identified  with  the  Republican 
party.  His  genial,  pleasant  manner  has  made 
him  quite  popular  in  business  and  social  circles, 
and  as  a public-spirited,  enterprising  man  he 
is  recognized  as  a valuable  citizen  of  the  com- 
munity. 

WILLIAM  SMILEY.  Perhaps  in  these 
days'  of  rapid  progress,  we  find  too  little  time 
to  remember  those  who  bravely  endured  hard- 
ship and  privation,  in  the  great  States  of  the 
Northwest,  in  order  to  extend  the  domain  of 
civilization,  and  to  secure  for  their  descendants 
the  comforts  and  resources  which  it  brings. 
A true  history  of  pioneer  days  would  be  as 
full  of  adventure  as  the  most  thrilling  romance 
produced  by  one  who  draws  from  an  unbridled 
imagination. 

A worthy  son  of  one  of  the  early  pioneers 
of  Green  county,  Wis.,  who  has  passed  his  life 
here,  and  with  wonder  has  seen  its  mighty  de- 
velopment, is  William  Smiley,  the  subject  of 


704 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


this  sketch,  who  is  one  of  the  most  substantial 
and  influential  citizens  of  Albany  township. 
He  was  born  on  his  present  farm,  on  Sept.  6, 
1854,  a son  of  Daniel  and  Eleanor  (Bemus) 
Smiley,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  New 
York.  A family  of  six  children  were  born  to 
them:  Lorinda,  who  married  John  Hulburt ; 

Sarah,  who  is  the  widow  of  William  Gould, 
of  Minneapolis,  Minn.;  Charles  B. ; Julia,  who 
married  Dr.  Broughton,  of  Dwight,  111. ; Flor- 
ence E.,  who  married  Lorraine  Hulburt,  of 
Albany;  and  William,  our  subject. 

The  paternal  grandfather  was  Joseph 
Smiley,  a native  of  New  York,  of  Scotch-Irish 
descent,  who  was  a farmer  by  occupation ; 
was  a minute  man  in  the  war  of  1812;  was 
present  at  the  burning  of  Buffalo;  and  died 
at  an  advanced  age.  The  maternal  grandfa- 
ther of  our  subject  was  Charles  Bemus,  who 
was  a farmer  and  drover  in  New  York;  was 
a lieutenant  of  minute  men,  in  the  war  of  1812  ; 
reared  a large  family  and  died1  when  full  of 
years. 

Daniel  Smiley,  the  father  of  our  subject, 
engaged  in  milling  before  he  removed  to  Wis- 
consin, in  the  early  days  of  the  State,  settling 
near  what  is  now  the  city  of  Janesville  for  a 
few  years,  then  moving  into  Exeter  township, 
where  he  engaged  in  mining  and  boarding  for 
about  three  years,  then  came  to  Albany,  Green 
county,  where  he  bought  280  acres  of  land, 
living  upon  that  property  until  his  death,  when 
about  seventy-four  years  old.  His  wife  sur- 
vived for  some  years,  dying  at  the  age  of 
eighty-four.  Both  of  them  had  been  consist- 
ent members  of  the  Baptist  Church,  and  Mr. 
Smiley  had  been  a member  of  the  Wisconsin 
legislature. 

William  Smiley  has  had  the  advantage  of 
residing  in  his  boyhood  home  all  his  life,  his 
youthful  associations  clustering  around  this 
place.  His  landed  possessions  are  large,  con- 
sisting of  the  home  farm,  containing  340  acres' 
(this  being  generally  conceded  to  be  one  of  the 
very  finest  in  this  part  of  the  State),  also  an 
interest  in  eighty  acres  on  Section  28,  a one- 
third  interest  in  a section  in  Lamoure  county, 
N.  Dak.,  near  the  town  of  Edgely,  and  a half 
section  in  Lyon  county,  Minnesota. 

Mr.  Smiley  was  married  on  Oct.  8,  1876, 
to  Miss  Ida  May  Flint,  a daughter  of  Capt. 
Thomas  and  Mary  (Simmons)  Flint,  and 
eight  children  have  resulted  from  this  union : 
Arnold  B.,  who  married  Miss  Daisy  Cartelyou, 


and  resides  in  Lyon  county,  Minn.;  Sarah 
Edna;  James  Bemus;  Lorraine;  Robert  F. ; 
Harry  L. ; Florence  Ida;  and  Mary.  Both  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Smiley  are  valued  members  of  the 
Baptist  Church  in  Albany,  in  which  Mr.  Smiley 
is  a deacon,  and  to  which  he  gladly  and  cheer- 
fully gives  a generous  support.  In  politics  he 
belongs  to  the  Prohibition  party,  and  is  so- 
cially connected  with  the  Modern  Woodmen 
of  America.  In  public  affairs  in  county  and 
township,  our  subject  has  taken  an  active  in- 
terest, acting  as  supervisor  for  several  terms, 
also  as  town  assessor,  and  has  given  his 
services  as  school  director  for  many  years. 
Mr.  Smiley  has  taken  the  intelligent  po- 
sition that  life  on  a farm  may  be  just 
as  pleasant  and  comfortable  as  in  any 
other  place,  if  properly  provided  for,  and  has 
made  improvements  which  render  his  home  a 
model.  Possessing  the  esteem  of  neighbors 
and  associates  in  a business  way,  looking  back 
upon  a well-spent  life,  he  can  estimate  the 
value  of  a quiet,  temperate  existence  as  an  ag- 
riculturist of  Green  county. 

DR.  GEORGE  IT.  WEBSTER  has  at- 
tained a wide  reputation  as  a clairvoyant  phy- 
sician and  healer  in  the  city  of  Janesville,  Rock 
county.  He  has  his  office  at  the  corner  of 
North  Jackson  and  West  Milwaukee  streets, 
and  is  now,  at  the  very  prime  of  his  manly 
powers,  commanding  a good  practice,  and  ac- 
complishing many  strange  and  remarkable 
cures. 

Dr.  Webster  was  born  at  Spring  Lake, 
Mich.,  Feb.  28,  i860.  His  parents,  John  and 
Mary  (Pedley)  Webster,  were  born  in  Had- 
denham,  Cambridgeshire,  England,  and  had 
a family  of  six  sons  and  one  daughter,  three 
now  living.  Alice  is  the  wife  of  C.  H.  Pierce, 
of  Grand  Rapids,  Mich.;  and  Tom  and  George 
H.  have  their  home  in  Janesville.  John  Web- 
ster, who  was  a farmer  in  England,  emigrated 
to  this  country  in  1849,  finding  a home  in 
Spring  Lake,  Mich.,  where  he  engaged  in  the 
lumber  business.  He  was  expert  with  ma- 
chinery, fond  of  the  railroad,  and  after  he  had 
been  selling  lumber  for  some  fifteen  years 
secured  a place  as  engineer  on  the  Detroit, 
Grand  Haven  & Milwaukee  railroad,  which 
he  held  for  many  years.  Fie  was  a man  of 
good  character,  and  a devout  Christian,  was' 
always  in  his  place  at  church,  and  loved  the 
sanctuary.  He  was  a deacon  in  the  Baptist 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


70S 


Church,  of  which  he  and  his  wife  were  mem- 
bers. He  died  at  Spring  Lake  Jan.  17,  1895. 
at  the  age  of  sixty-nine  years,  eight  months  and 
fourteen  days.  His  wife  died  August  2,  1890, 
aged  sixty-four  years,  three  months  and 
twenty-six  days.  His  father  lived  and  died 
in  England,  reaching  a ripe  old  age,  and 
had  a large  family.  His  wife’s  father  was  also 
English  born  and  bred,  reached  a great  age, 
and  was  the  father  of  some  sixteen  or  seven- 
teen children. 

Dr.  Webster  spent  the  first  ten  years  of 
his  life  at  Spring  Lake,  Mich.,  where  he  made 
a fair  start  in  the  local  school.  Then  he  left 
home  and  came  to  Oregon,  Wis.,  to  live.  He 
made  the  most  of  the  advantages  afforded  bv 
the  Oregon  schools,  and  then  attended  the 
Northwestern  Business  College,  at  Madison. 
When  he  had  completed  his  schooling  he  made 
his  way -to  Chetek,  Barron  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he 
took  up  a homestead  claim  of  sixty- two  acres 
of  exceptionally  valuable  land,  making  his 
home  there  for  ten  years,  and  finally  disposing 
of  his  real  estate.  He  returned  to  Oregon  to 
become  a clairvoyant  physician,  having  devel- 
oped strange  powers  in  that  direction,  and  a 
multitude  of  people  have  implicit  faith  in  his 
abilities.  He  had  an  office  in  Madison  for  a 
year,  and  then  moved  to  Albany,  this  State, 
where  he  spent  six  years.  There  he  was'  mar- 
ried, Nov.  23,  1892,  to  Miss  Mary  Alverson, 
who  was  born  June  21,  1876,  and  is  a daughter 
of  Thomas  and  Susan  (Carle)  Alverson.  Dr. 
Webster  is  a Mason,  and  belongs  to  Albany 
Lodge,  No.  36,  A.  F.  & A.  M.  He  is  also  a 
member  of  the  Order  of  the  Eastern  Star, 
with  which  his  wife  is  associated.  He  has 
united  with  the  fraternal  insurance  orders  of 
the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America  and  the 
Knights  of  the  Maccabees.  The  Webster 
family  has  a record  of  unusual  vitality,  and 
many  of  its  representatives  have  attained  great 
age.  A great-uncle  of  the  Doctor,  Tom  Web- 
ster, lived  to  be  one  hundred  and  six  years  old, 
and  was  able  to  read  without  glasses  at  that 
age. 

DANIEL  STANTON  is  a well-known 
stock  and  dairy  farmer  of  the  town  of  Harri- 
son, Grant  county,  and  is  far  along  the  high- 
way of  success.  He  is  an  earnest  and  ambi- 
tious' man,  and  is  willing  to  be  industrious  and 
prudent,  that  he  may  win  an  honorable  posi- 
tion in  the  world,  and  gain  a competence  that 


will  make  life  easy  in  the  years  when  work 
shall  be  forbidden  him. 

Mr.  Stanton  was  born  in  the  town  of  Har- 
rison, Grant  county,  May  24,  1857,  a son  of 
S.  W.  and  Catherine  (McKemmy)  Stanton,  the 
former  born  in  New  York  in  1820,  and  the 
latter  in  Scotland.  The  parents  came  to  Wis- 
consin, when  they  were  young  people,  and  here 
they  were  married  and  settled  on  the  farm 
where  their  son  Daniel  now  resides,  and  made 
it  their  home  until  1892,  when  Mrs.  Catherine 
Stanton  died.  After  her  death  the  bereaved 
husband  moved  into  Platteville  where  he  is 
still  living.  Five  children  were  born  to  them. 
Janette,  the  eldest,  was  born  in  1855,  in 
Grant  county,  was  educated  in  the  Platteville 
schools,  and  became  a successful  teacher,  but 
is  now  married  and  lives  in  Wood  county, 
Wis.,  the  mother  of  six  children;  Daniel;  Mar- 
tha, born  in  1861,  is  now  the  wife  of  Peter 
Hatfield,  of  Platteville;  Phineas,  born  in  1863, 
now  a farmer  of  Harrison,  married  Miss  Adda 
Willis,  and  has  one  daughter,  Dora;  Grace, 
born  in  1872,  attended  the  Platteville  Normal, 
and  was  a teacher  for  several  years,  and  mar- 
ried Frank  Yerke,  a dentist  in  Iowa. 

Daniel  Stanton  spent  his  boyhood  and 
youth  on  the  parental  farm,  and  received  his 
education  from  the  district  school.  He  has 
always  followed  farming,  and  regards  it  as  the 
noblest  occupation  a man  can  follow.  In  May, 
1879,  Mr.  Stanton  wedded  Miss  Edith  With- 
row, the  estimable  daughter  of  William  and 
Martha  Withrow,  an  old  pioneer  family  of 
Grant  county.  Her  father  was  a native  of  Penn- 
sylvania and  her  mother,  Martha  (Cooper),  of 
Delaware.  They  came  West  at  a very  early 
day,  and  were  married  in  1840  at  Potosi,  Grant 
county,  where  they  lived  some  years.  Later 
in  life  they  settled  in  the  town  of  Paris,  where 
he  died  in  1879,  and  she  in  1885.  They  had 
eight  children,  of  whom  Mrs.  Edith  Stanton, 
the  youngest,  was  born  in  December,'  1859. 
and  attained  womanhood  on  the  farm  in  the 
town  of  Paris.  Mr.  Stanton  bought  120  acres 
adjoining  his  father’s  farm  after  his  marriage, 
put  up  a comfortable  home,  and  lived  there 
until  1892,  when  he  purchased  the  old  home- 
stead of  230  acres.  He  has  recently  erected  a 
fine  house,  ample  and  commodious,  with  all  the 
modern  improvements,  finished  throughout 
with  hard  wood,  and  every  convenience  a mod- 
ern farm  house  can  demand.  It  is  one  of  the 
most  valuable  and  handsome  residences  in  the 


706 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


entire  town.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stanton  are  the 
parents  of  six  children:  Ernest,  born  in  Feb- 

ruary, 1880;  Eldridge,  in  February,  1882; 
Warner, 'in  December,  1884;  Norman,  in  Au- 
gust, 1886;  and  Virgil,  in  February,  1895. 
Nellie,  their  only  daughter,  was  born  in  May, 
1888;  when  she  was  eight  years  old  she  was 
accidentally  shot  through  the  spine  by  a neigh- 
bor boy,  and  for  over  three  years  she  has  been 
a great  sufferer,  having  no  use  of  her  lower 
limbs,  but  is  a bright  and  lovely  young  girl, 
and  her  misfortune  is  a constant  grief  to  her 
friends  and  loving  parents.  The  family  are 
associated  with  the  Congregational  Church,  and 
Mrs.  Stanton  and  her  children  are  members 
of  that  fold.  The  Stantons,  both  father  and 
son,  are  Republicans.  They  are  prominent 
people  and  all  their  representatives  are  highly 
respected  by  all  who  know  them. 

William  and  Martha  Withrow  had  eight 
children:  (1)  John  was  born  in  Potosi,  Wis., 
in  1841.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  Union  army, 
enlisting  in  Company  H,  25th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and 
.served  throughout  the  Civil  war.  He  married 
.Miss  Margaret  Wilson,  and  settled  on  the  old 
homestead  in  the  town  of  Paris,  where  he  died 
Jan.  6,  1890,  leaving  a wife  and  seven  children. 
(2)  Jane,  deceased.  (3)  Rebecca,  deceased  wife 
of  Payton  Vaughn,  of  Femars,  Iowa.  (4) 
George,  now  a miner  of  the  Klondike,  while 
his  wife  and  four  children  live  in  Chicago. 
(5)  James,  a conductor  on  the  street  cars  in 
Omaha.  (6)  Wesley,  married  and  is  a farmer 
at  Waukon,  Iowa.  (7)  Lavinia.  now  the  wife 
of  Silas  Vanetta,  of  Harrison.  (8)  Edith, 
the  wife  of  Daniel  Stanton.  Mr.  Withrow 
and  his  wife  were  among  the  old  pioneers, 
and  were  religious  people,  both  being  members 
of  the  Congregational  Church. 

JOHN  S.  BELF,  the  popular  and  efficient 
postmaster  at  Brooklyn,  Green  county,  was 
born  near  Stanhope,  N.  J.,  Feb.  9,  1842.  son 
of  Almon  and  Mary  (Shampnor)  Bell,  both 
natives  of  New  Jersey,  and  the  parents  of  eight' 
sons'  and  four  daughters.  Ten  of  these  are 
now  living:  John  S. ; Winfield  Scott,  of  Hand 
county,  S.  Dak. ; Anson,  deceased ; Theodore 
F.,  of  Buffalo,  Mo.;  Aaron,  .of  Madison, 
Wis.;  William  H.,  of  Elgin,  111.;  Mary  Ade- 
line, the  deceased  wife  of  Alonzo  Devine,  who 
is  also  dead;  Laura  E.,  wife  of  John  Parish, 
of  Stoughton,  Wis. ; Almon  PI.,  of  Verona, 
Wis. ; Orson  H.,  of  Chetk,  Wis. ; Eva  L., 


wife  of  Charles  Devine,  of  Oregon  township; 
and  Hattie,  wife  of  William  Hautby,  now  re- 
siding on  the  homestead. 

Almon  Bell  was  a farmer,  and  settled  in 
Dane  county,  Wis.,  as  early  as  1848.  In  1852 
he  made  the  journey  overland  to  the  California 
gold  mines,  driving  through  with  oxen  and 
cows.  On  the  way  the  hoofs  of  the  oxen  were 
burned  off  in  the  sands  of  the  desert- — so  they 
yoked  up  the  cows  and  completed  the  jour- 
ney. Mr.  Bell  worked  in  the  mines  for  three 
years,  six  months  of  the  time  in  the  Frazier 
river  up  to  his  arm  pits  in  water.  In  1855  he 
returned  to  his  Wisconsin  home,  to  remain 
until,  his  death,  which  occurred  April  28,  1900, 
at  the  age  of  eighty-two.  His  widow  is  still 
living,  and  is  over  seventy-nine  years  of  age. 
Both  were  Baptists  in  religion,  and  in  politics 
he  was  a Republican  until  the  organization 
of  the  Greenback  party.  He  ran  for  the  State 
Legislature  on  that  ticket,  having  previously 
filled  various  town  offices  such  as  supervisor, 
treasurer,  and  assessor. 

Joseph  Bell,  the  father  of  Almon  and  the 
grandfather  of  John  S.,  was  a native  of  New 
Jersey,  of  Scotch-Irish  descent,  and  proved 
himself  of  the  most  devoted  patriotism  in  the 
Continental  army.  Pie  crossed  the  Delaware 
river  on  the  ice  bare-footed,  leaving  the  blood 
of  his  feet  on  the  ice  as  he  walked.  He  was 
a farmer  by  occupation,  and  lived  to  be  ninety- 
eight  years  old,  but  was  blind  for  some  years 
before  his  death.  He  was  the  father  of  a nu- 
merous family. 

The  maternal  grandfather  of  Mr.  Bell  was 
Thomas  Shampnor,  who  was  born  in  New  Jer- 
sey, of  Dutch  descent,  and  followed  shoemak- 
ing all  his  life.  In  1850  he  came  to  Dane  coun- 
ty, Wis.,  and  here  died  in  1868,  the  father  of 
eight  children. 

John  S.  Bell  was  six  years  old  when  his 
parents  removed  from  their  eastern  home  and 
settled  in  Wisconsin,  and  he  was  reared  to 
manhood  on  the  Dane  county  farm.  Pie  was 
attending  the  district  school  at  the  time  the 
Civil  war  broke  out,  and  at  once  enlisted  in  the 
Randall  Guards,  Company  H,  2nd  Wis.  V.  I., 
but  was  rejected  on  account  of  his  size.  At 
Janesville  he  enlisted  again  in  Company  D, 
of  the  same  regiment,  and  was  accepted.  -His 
long  and  honorable  career  in  the  army  was 
abundant  justification  for  his  acceptance  the 
second  time.  He  enlisted  a private,  and  was 
mustered  out  as  a captain  by  brevet.  He  had 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


707 


charge  of  his  company  from  May  5,  1864,  un- 
til. it  was  disbanded.  Captain  Bell  was  in  the 
army  exactly  four  years,  two  months  and  nine 
days.  Enlisting  May  19,  he  was  sworn  June 
16,  1861,  and  was  mustered  out  at  Jefferson- 
ville, Ind.,  July  25,  1865.  The  first  battle  in 
which  he  participated  was  at  Bull  Run,  where 
he  was  shot  in  the  head,  and  left  on  the  field, 
as  it  was  supposed,  all  but  dead.  He  rallied, 
andl  was  taken  prisoner  by  the  rebels,  being 
kept  at  Manassas  Junction  twelve  days  with- 
out so  much  as  having  his  wound  washed  with 
cold  water.  Taken  to  Libby  prison  he  was 
transferred  to  the  hospital,  where  his  skull  was 
trepanned  with  silver,  and  on  his  recovering 
he  was  sent  to  Tuscaloosa,  Ala.,  where  he  was 
kept  four  months.  Salisbury,  N.  C.,  was  his 
next  place  of  detention,  and  there  he  was 
paroled,  and  came  home  by  way.  of  New  York 
City.  After  being  home  a few  days  he  was 
sent  with  fractions  of  companies  to  Benton 
Barracks,  St.  Louis.  When  the  Indian  troubles 
broke  out  in  Minnesota  he  was  sent  to  Byfield, 
near  Ashland,  to  protect  the  settlers.  In  the 
spring  these  soldiers  were  exchanged,  and  or- 
dered to  report  to  their  respective  regiments. 
They  had  made  their  way  as  far  as  Philadel- 
phia, when  they  were  held  there  to  protect 
the  city  against  the  advancing  rebels  under 
Lee.  While  there  the  battle  of  Gettysburg  was 
fought,  and  then  the  troops  who  had  been 
halted  at  Philadelphia  found  their  regiments. 
The  Second  Wisconsin  was  actively  engaged 
in  the  service,  and  Mr.  Bell  participated  in 
every  battle  in  which  it  was  engaged  during 
its  organization,  except  those  that  occurred 
while  he  was  in  the  southern  prison  pens  and 
on  the  northwestern  frontier.  Finally  the 
regiment,  greatly  reduced,  was  united  with  the 
6th  Wisconsin.  Mr.  Bell  was  all  through  the 
battles  of  the  Wilderness,  and  at  the  second 
battle  of  Hatcher’s  Run  he  was  again  wounded 
in  the  head,  and  was  in  the  field  hospital  for  a 
short  time.  During  the  final  movements  of 
the  war  that  forced  the  surrender  of  Gen. 
Lee,  Mr.  Bell’s  regiment  was  continually  on 
the  march,  not  stopping  more  than  two  hours 
at  a time.  After  the  surrender,  April  9,  he 
with  others,  divided  their  rations  with  the 
hungry  rebels. 

When  peace  smiled  over  the  land  again  Mr. 
Bell  worked  on  his  farm  for  a year,  and  then 
sold  it,  and  rented  another  for  a year.  For  a 
few  months  he  was  in  a flouring  mill  at  Steb- 


binsville,  and  for  about  a half  year  he  was  at 
Dunkirk  Mills.  After  this  he  began  farming 
in  the  town  of  Rutland,  which  was  his  occupa- 
tion until  1881,  when  he  opened  a depot  of 
agricultural,  implements  at  Brooklyn,  and  for 
twelve  years  met  with  marked  success ; during 
three  of  these  years  he  also  managed  a hotel. 
In  1882  Mr.  Bell  bought  and  platted1  land,  and 
sold  it  in  lots,  since  which  time  the  village  has 
grown  continuously.  There  have  been  several 
very  destructive  fires  in  the  village,  in  which 
Mr.  Bell  has'  suffered  a considerable  loss. 
Since  June  15,  1897,  Mr.  Bell  has  officiated  as 
postmaster  at  Brooklyn,  and  at  the  same  time 
has  been  engaged  in  farming. 

On  Nov.  4,  1873,  Mr.  Bell  was  married  to 
Miss  Elenora  Colburn,  daughter  of  Hobart 
and  Catherine  (Proutty)  Colburn.  They  be- 
came parents  of  five  children:  Bertha  N., 

Hugh  R.,  Harvey  H.,  Leslie  H.,  and  Legrand 
L.  Bertha  married  Frank  Winkler,  and1  has 
one  child,  and  is  living  near  Sac  City,  Iowa. 
Mr.  Bell  belongs  to  Brooklyn  Lodge,  No.  251, 
F.  & A.  M.,  of  which  he  is  a charter  member, 
and  he  also'  sustains  the  same  relation  in  the 
local  lodge  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  the  Modern 
Woodmen  of  America,  and  the  T.  L.  Sutphen 
Post,  No.  41,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Evansville.  In 
politics  he  is  a Republican,  and  was  treasurer 
of  the  town  of  Rutland  several  years.  Mr. 
Bell  was  the  first  Master  of  the  Masonic  Lodge 
at  Brooklyn,  being  master  for  five  years  con- 
tinuously. Mr.  Bell  was  made  a Mason  in 
1871,  at  Cookville,  Wis.,  in  Waucoma  Lodge, 
No.  90. 

JOHN  A.  JOHNSON,  hardware  mer- 
chant of  Hollandale,  Iowa  county,  and  the 
present  clerk  of  Moscow  township,  which  office 
he  has  held  continuously  since  1893,  has,  in  his 
long  service  in  that  incumbency,  come  prom- 
inently and  favorably  before  his  fellow  towns- 
men, among  whom  he  has  grown  in  regard  as 
the  years  have  passed,  both  on  account  of  his 
ability  and  of  his  integrity. 

Mr.  Johnson  was  born  Dec.  5,  1856,  in 
Moscow  township,  son  of  John  and  Johanna 
Anderson,  natives  of- Norway,  who  were  reared 
and  married  in  their  native  country.  Coming 
to  America,  they  settled  on  a farm  of  160  acres 
in  Moscow  township,  Iowa  Co.,  Wis.,  in  which 
locality  they  were  among  the  early  settlers. 
Mr.  Anderson  had  come  to  America  in  the 
hope  of  bettering  his  financial  condition  and 


708 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


making  a comfortable  home  for  his  family, 
and  he  began  bravely,  but  he  did  not  survive 
many  years  after  his  emigration,  his  death  oc- 
curring May  15,  1856,  several  months  before 
our  subject  was  born.  The  family  consisted 
of  four  children,  two  sons  and  two  daughters. 
The  mother  still  survives,  and  resides  on  the 
old  homestead. 

John  A.  Johnson,  whose  name  introduces 
these  lines,  lias  passed  his  entire  life  in  the  town 
of  Moscow.  He  attended  the  district  schools 
in  the  locality  of  the  home  place  during  his 
boyhood,  acquiring  a practical  foundation  for 
the  commercial  training  which  he  received  later. 
It  was  his  ambition  to  enter  mercantile  life, 
and  in  order  to  prepare  himself  for  the  proper 
conduct  of  such  affairs  as  should  confront  him 
in  that  line,  he  studied  at  the  Mt.  Morris  (111.) 
Business  College  for  a time,  and  later  at  the 
Northwestern  Business  College,  at  Madison, 
Wis.  His  studious  habits  and  quick  compre- 
hension attracted  the  favorable  notice  of  his 
instructors,  and  when  he  left  the  last-named 
institution  he  received  a very  high  testimonial, 
in  the  form  of  a recommendation,  from  Prof. 
R.  G.  Deming,  of  that  college.  Not  long'  after- 
ward, desiring  to  see  something  of  the  world, 
he  went  to  St.  Paul,  Minn.,  where  he  was  en- 
gaged as  clerk  in  a store  for  a time,  and  thence 
went  to  Minneapolis,  Minn.,  where  he  was 
similarly  engaged  by  another  business  house. 
In  1888,  after  about  one  year’s  stay  in  Minne- 
apolis, he  returned  to  Wisconsin,  and  for  two 
and  a half  years  carried  on  a hardware  busi- 
ness in  Blanchardville,  Lafayette  county,  on 
his  own  account.  Pie  has  since  been  engaged 
in  that  line  in  Hollandale,  Iowa  county,  with 
constantly  increasing  success,  and  he  has  won 
a high  standing  among  the  substantial,  mer- 
chants of  that  place.  Fair  dealing  and  good 
values  have  been  the  special  characteristics  of 
his  establishment,  which  now  does  a thriving 
trade. 

Mr.  Johnson’s  fellow  citizens,  believing 
that  his  business  ability  would  be  as  valuable 
in  the  public  service  as  in  the  management  of 
his  private  interests,  and  knowing  well  his  up- 
right character,  elected  him  in  1893  to  the  office 
of  clerk  of  the  town,  and  he  has  served  in  that 
office  ever  since,  a record  probably  unparalleled 
in  the  records  of  Iowa  county.  His'  last  nom- 
ination— the  ninth — was  bv  acclamation,  the 
highest  recommendation  of  his  faithful  dis- 
charge of  the  duties  of  his  office  which  a public 


official  of  any  kind  could  ask.  Mr.  Johnson’s 
enterprise  and  spirit  of  progress  are  in  keep- 
ing with  his  energetic  disposition,  and  he  has 
done  his  full  share  in  advancing  every  project, 
looking  toward  improvement  in  his  locality. 
He  is  a Republican  in  political  sentiment. 

On  Aug.  30,  1889,  Mr.  Johnson  married 
Miss'  Gusta  Winden,  and  three  children  have 
blessed  their  union,  Blanche  J.,  Ulysses  A.  and 
Herlaug  G.  Mrs.  Johnson  is  well  educated, 
having  graduated  from  the  high  school  at 
Monroe,  Wis.  Her  father,  Andrew  G.  Win- 
den, a native  of  Norway,  is  now  a resident  of 
Monroe,  Green  Co.,  Wis.  His  family  consisted 
of  four  children,  two  sons  and  two  daughters, 
of  whom  Julius  Winden,  a graduate  from 
three  different  institutions,  Monroe  high  school 
in  1893,  Milwaukee  Normal  School  in  1898, 
and1  the  University  of  Wisconsin  in  1900,  is 
at  present  principal  of  the  high  school  at  Mon- 
tello,  Wisconsin. 

ALBURTUS  C.  BEAN,  one  of  the  repre- 
sentative citizens  of  Wyalusing  township. 
Grant  county,  enlisted  on  Sept.  9,  1864,  in 
Company  I,  3d  Wis.  V.  I.,  being  credited  to 
Watterstown  township.  He  joined  his  regi- 
ment at  Atlanta,  Ga.,  and  went  with  Gen.  Sher- 
man’s army  on  the  famous  March  to  the  Sea, 
and  thence  to  Washington,  D.  C.  He  took  part 
in  the  severe  engagements  at  Bentonville  and 
Averysboro,  which  were  the  last  battles  of  im- 
portance between  the  armies  of  Sherman  and 
Johnston.  With  his  regiment,  Mr.  Bean  was 
honorably  discharged  at  Madison,  Wis.,  but 
his  service  in  the  war  for  the  Union  does  not 
constitute  all  of  his  military  career,  as'  he  re- 
enlisted Sept.  11,  1868,  as  a member  of  the 
5th  United  States  Cavalry.  In  the  regular 
army  he  served  chiefly  in  Kansas  andi  Ne- 
braska, and  with  his  regiment  had  several  en- 
counters of  more  or  less  importance  with  die 
Indians,  perhaps  the  severest  of  which  was 
what  is  known  as  the  Tall  Bull  fight.  In  this 
battle  Mr.  Bean  received  a severe  gunshot 
wound  in  his  left  knee,  which  resulted  in  his 
discharge  Nov.  10,  1869,  and  from  the  effects 
of  which  he  has  never  fully  recovered. 

Mr.  Bean  is  a native  of  New  York,  hav- 
ing been  born  at  Saratoga  Springs,  on  June 
1,  1847.  His  father  is  John  C.  E.  Bean,  who 
now,  at  an  advanced  age,  resides  with,  and 
is  cared  for  by,  his  son.  The  wife  and  mother, 
died  many  years  ago.  The  family  came  West 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


7 09 


in  1859.  Alburtus  C.  is  the  only  one  of  his 
father’s  children  who  entered  the  army.  He 
was  married  in  1872  to  Miss  Cynthia'  Parker, 
and  they  have  become  the  parents  of  three  chil- 
dren, namely:  Jane,  Nina  and  Charlotte.  Mr. 
Bean  did  his  duty  well  as  a soldier,  and  as  a 
citizen  is  highly  esteemed.  Fraternally  he  is' 
an  honored  member  of  the  Grand  Army  Post 
at  Bloomington,  and  politically  is'  a stanch  sup- 
porter of  the  Republican  party. 

REV.  ALBERT  B.  BECHTOLT,  who 
owns  and  conducts  a fine  farm  one  mile  north 
of  Browntown,  in  Cadiz  township,  Green 
county,  is  well  known  in  that  locality  both  as 
an  earnest  preacher  of  the  LTnited  Brethren 
persuasion  and  as  a thrifty  farmer,  active  in 
all  good  works  for  the  moral  and  material 
growth  of  the  community  in  which  he  has 
taken  up  his  residence. 

Mr.  Bechtolt  is  a native  of  Green  county, 
born  March  24,  1861,  in  Jordan  township, 
where  his  father,  Daniel  B.  Bechtolt,  has  re- 
sided for  half  a century.  The  family  is  of 
German  origin,  our  subject’s  great-grandfa- 
ther, Mathias  Bechtolt,  Sr.,  having  been  born 
in  Germany,  whence  he  emigrated  to  America 
before  the  Revolutionary  war,  settling  in  Berks 
county,  Penn.  His  family  consisted  of  eleven 
children,  namely:  Isaac,  George,  Frederick, 

Daniel,  Mathias,  Jr.,  William.  Elizabeth,  Cath- 
erine, and  three  who  died  young.  Of  these 
Mathias,  Jr.,  grandfather  of  Rev.  Albert  B. 
Bechtolt,  was  born  in  1788  in  Berks  county, 
Penn.,  and  in  1813  married  Miss  Christina 
Epler,  of  Berks  county,  who  bore  him  eight 
children : Christina,  Catherine,  Mathias,  Lydia, 
Peter,  Permel.ia,  Elizabeth  and  Daniel  B.,  all 
deceased  except  Permelia  and  Daniel  B.  The 
family  came  to  Wisconsin  in  about  1851,  set- 
tling in  Jordan  township,  Green  county,  where 
the  father  homesteaded  forty  acres  of  govern- 
ment land.  There  the  parents  passed  the  re- 
mainder of  their  days,  and  they  lie  buried  in 
the  old  Kelly  graveyard  in  Cadiz  township. 

Daniel  B.  Bechtolt  was  born  Feb.  22,  1837, 
in  Licking  county,  Ohio,  received  his  education 
in  his  native  State,  and  was  trained  to  agri- 
cultural pursuits  on  his  present  farm,  which 
he  has  continued  to  carry  on  most  profitably, 
having  a well-improved  place,  now  compris- 
ing 160  acres,  equipped  with  good  barns,  etc. 
When  he  commenced  life  on  his  own  account 
he  had  not  a dollar  to  his  name,  but  he  has 


succeeded  by  dint  of  perseverance  in  acquir- 
ing a comfortable  competence,  and  at  the  same 
time  has  made  for  himself  an  honorable  name 
among  the  best  citizens  of  his  community.  As 
one  of  the  leading-  farmers  of  the  township 
his  influence  in  local  affairs  is  strong,  and  al- 
ways exercised  in  the  cause  of  right.  His  po- 
litical support  is  given  to  principle  and  not  to 
party,  and  he  may  always  be  dpeended  upon  to 
aid  by  his  ballot,  the  best  men  and  the  best 
measures,  regardless  of  their  political  sponsors. 
In  religion  he  is  inclined  to  the  faith  of  the 
United  Brethren. 

On  March  12,  1857,  Mr.  Bechtolt  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Matilda  Wag- 
ner, who  was  born  Feb.  19,  1839,  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, a daughter  of  Charles  and  Lydia 
(Shultz)  Wagner,  and  eight  children  blessed 
this  union,  namely : Maria,  now  deceased ; 

Albert  B.,  our  subject;  Lydia,  wife  of  Charles 
Blain,  of  Jordan;  Samuel,  of  Iowa,  who  mar- 
ried Ettie  Lafever ; George,  of  Monroe  town- 
ship, Green  county,  who  married  Ina  Wells' ; 
Ervin,  who  remains  on  the  old  home  place, 
and  is  married  to  Isa  Wells;  Ida  Elmedia,  wife 
of  Walter  Kessler,  of  Jordan;  and  Orpha,  who 
died  when  an  infant.  Mrs.  Bechtolt  passed 
away  June  19,  1880.  She  was  a true  Chris- 
tian woman,  sharing  in  the  high  esteem  in 
which  her  husband  has  always  been  held,  and 
was  deeply  mourned  by  her  neighbors  and 
friends  throughout  the  township. 

Albert  B.  Bechtolt  was  reared  on  the  old 
home  place  in  Jordan,  and  received  his  early 
education  in  the  public  schools  of  that  neigh- 
borhood. later  taking  a special  three-vears 
course  for  the  ministry,  while  in  Nebraska  and 
Iowa.  Having  been  reared  to  farm  work,  he 
came  to  Cadiz  township  at  the  age  of  twenty- 
one  years,  and  hired  out  on  the  farm  to  Thomas 
Watson  for  a time.  His  next  move  was  to 
Hampton.  Iowa,  where  he  remained  five  vears, 
thence  removing  to  Litchfield.  Neb., ‘of  which 
place  he  was  a resident  eleven  years,  until  his 
return,  in  1900,  to  Green  county..  Here  he 
purchased,  from  Joseph  Woodle,  of  Monroe, 
a large  farm  of  230  acres,  in  Cadiz  township, 
in  the  cultivation  of  which  he  is  now  engaged. 
Mr.  Bechtolt  was  in  Nebraska  during  the  ter- 
rible drought  of  1894,  when  the  farmers  were 
obliged  to  depend  upon  the  charity  of  the  East 
for  support  and  grain  for  the  next  year’s 
crops. 

While  at  Hampton,  Iowa.  Mr.  Bechtolt 


7io 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


was  converted,  uniting  with  the  United  Breth- 
ren Church,  and  he  has  been  a preacher 
of  that  denomination  since  1888,  during  which 
time — with  the  exception  of  three  years — he 
has  also  engaged  continuously  in  agricultural 
pursuits,  his  work  as  a minister  of  the  Gospel 
being  conducted  solely  with  the  aim  of  doing- 
all  in  his  power  for  the  betterment  of  his  fel- 
low men,  by  the  advancement  of  the  cause  of 
Christ.  While  in  Nebraska  he  was  the  leader 
in  the  building  of  two  churches.  Mr.  Bechtolt 
is  a man  whose  high  moral  worth  and  strength 
of  character  are  no  small  factors  in  his  suc- 
cess as  a religious  worker,  and  his'  intelligence, 
thorough  knowledge  of  the  Scriptures,  and 
fluency  as  a speaker  are  naturally  valuable  aids 
to  him  in  this  respect  also.  However,  it  is 
his  earnestness,  kindliness  and  real,  desire  to  do 
good,  traits  which  are  shown  forth  strongly  in 
his  consistent  Christian  life,  which  win  most 
readily,  and  his  efforts  have  met  with  rich  re- 
ward. That  he  has  executive  ability  of  a high 
order  is  apparent  from  the  fact  of  his  active 
continuance  of  agricultural  pursuits,  in  which, 
he  has  succeeded  so  well,  even  though  they 
have  not  received  his  entire  attention.  Rev. 

• Mr.  Bechtolt  is  a prominent  citizen  of  his 
township  in  more  ways  than  one,  and  his  influ- 
ence is  directed  into  those  channels  where,  in 
his  opinion,  it  will  do  the  greatest  good  to  the 
greatest  number.  His  political  support  is  given 
to  the  man,  not  to  the  party.  Fraternally  he 
is  a member  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  and  the 
M.  W.  A. 

On  Sept.  23,  1886,  in  Hampton,  Iowa.  Mr. 
Bechtolt  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Mary  Trindle,  of  that  place,  who  was  born 
Dec.  25,  1865,  daughter  of  James  and  Mar- 
garet (Baird)  Trindle,  of  Hampton,  and  is  of 
Scotch-Irish  origin.  Six  children  have  been 
born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bechtolt,  as  follows : 
James  D.,  June  12,  1887;  Ervin,  May  10, 
1889;  George,  July  7,  1892;  J.  Earl,  July  7, 
1894;  Blanch,  Dec.  20,  1897;  Viola,  Dec.  15, 
1899.  All  are  living  except  Earl,  who  died 
Nov.  15,  1895. 

Mrs.  Bechtol.t’s  parents  had  children  as  fol- 
lows: William,  who  is  deceased;  George  W., 
of  Kearney,  Neb. ; Jane,  wife  of  D.  J.  Sweeley, 
of  Kearney,  Neb. : Martha,  deceased,  who  mar- 
ried V illiam  Hall;  John,  a resident  of  Kear- 
ney, Neb.;  Julia  S.,  wife  of  J.  S.  Silvius,  of 
Browntown,  Wis. ; Orphia,  deceased  wife  of 
B.  E.  Claypoole : and  Mary,  Mrs.  Bechtolt. 


Mrs.  Bechtolt's  grandfather  Baird  was  a prom- 
inent resident  of  Bairdstown.  Penn.,  which 
place  was  named  in  honor  of  the  Bairds. 

A.  W.  WELLERS,  engineer  and  miller  of 
Platteville,  Grant  county,  and  a representative 
of  one  of  the  old  pioneer  families  of  this  part 
of  Wisconsin,  is  a prosperous  clerk  of  the  city 
in  which  he  resides,  and  highly  esteemed. 

A.  W.  Wellers  was.  born  in  Germany,  in 
April,  1845,  a son  of  A.  W.  and  Wilhelmina 
(Myer)  Wellers,  natives  of  Germany,  who 
came  from  that  country  to  America,  in  1846, 
when  our  subject  was  but  one  year  old.  A. 
W.  Wellers,  Sr.,  was  a cabinetmaker  by  trade, 
and  was  the  first  of  that  trade  to  locate  in  this 
portion  of  the  State,  settling  as  he  did  in  Platte- 
ville, where  he  resided  until  1865,  when  he  re- 
moved to  Hurricane  Grove,  and  died  one  year 
later.  The  mother  survived  until  1888,  when 
she,  too,  passed  away  in  Grant  county.  Four 
children  are  still  living,  of  the  family  born  to 
these  worthy  people  : ( 1 ) Elizabeth,  born  in 

Germany,  in  1838,  grew  to  womanhood  in 
Platteville,  married  John  Tobler,  who  died  in 
the  Civil  war,  leaving  one  son,  John,  now  of 
Chicago ; Elizabeth  then  wedded  Andrew 
Govier,  of  Fennimore,  and  they  have  four 
children,  Edward,  Burton,  Grant  and  Ida. 
(2)  Meta,  second'  child  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  A.  W. 
Wellers,  Sr.,  was  born  in  Germany,  in  1842, 
was  educated  in  the  public  schools'  of  this  city 
and  Lancaster,  and  is  now  a successful  teacher 
and  palmist  in  Chicago,  being  a great  linguist, 
and  speaking  fluently,  German,  Latin,  Greek, 
and  French.  (3)  A.  W.,  our  subject.  (4) 
Mary,  born  in  Platteville,  in  1849,  married, 
is  now  a resident  of  Oakland.  Cal.,  with  one 
daughter,  Laura,  who  is  also  married,  and  a 
resident  of  Buffalo,  New  York. 

A.  W.  Wellers,  Jr.,  grew  to  manhood  in 
Grant  county,  where  he  received  a common- 
school  education,  later  removing,  with  his  par- 
ents, to  Hurricane  Grove,  and  at  the  time  of 
his'  father’s  death,  the  entire  support  of  the 
family  fell  upon  his  shoulders.  For  twelve  or 
fourteen  years  thereafter  the  family  continued 
to  reside  upon  the  farm,  but  at  the  expiration 
of  that  time  Mr.  A.  W.  Wellers  removed 
with  his  mother  to  Platteville,  where  he  en- 
gaged with  his  uncle,  John  Kemler,  as  a clerk, 
and  where  he  learned  the  trade  of  miller.  This 
trade  Mr.  Wellers  has  followed  continuously 
ever  since,  in  various  parts  of  the  county, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


7 ii 


and  for  eighteen  years  was  employed  by  Noah 
Virgin,  one  of  Platteville's  pioneer  business 
men,  but  is  now  a clerk  in  Platteville. 

In  1877  Mr.  Wellers  married  Miss  Maria 
Seitz,  of  Grant  county,  a native  of  Germany, 
daughter  of  Henry  Seitz,  now  deceased.  After 
their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wellers  pur- 
chased property  on  Furnace  street,  where  they 
resided  until  1895,  when  they  sold  this  resi- 
dence, and  purchased  another  in  the  Home- 
stead Addition  to  Platteville.  Here  they  erect- 
ed a substantial  home,  and  are  surrounded  by 
all  modern  comforts'.  To  them  were  born  six 
children : Margaret,  born  in  Platteville,  a grad- 
uate of  the  State  Normal,  and  a young  lady  of 
culture  and  refinement;  Georgia  C.,  a student 
in  the  Normal  School  of  Platteville;  Emma 
A.,  student  in  Platteville  Normal  School ; Al- 
bert W.,  a student  in  the  high  school ; Charles 
H.,  a student  in  the  Norma],  School ; and  Marie, 
in  the  Platteville  schools.  Politically  Mr. 
Wellers  has  always  been  identified  with  the 
Republican  party;  is'  a member  of  the  Modern 
Woodmen,  and  of  the  Knights  of  the  Globe, 
as  well  as  of  the  Platteville  fire  company.  The 
entire  family  are  members  of  the  Lutheran 
Church,  in  which  they  are  deservedly  promi- 
nent. The  Wellers  family  is  well  known 
throughout  Grant  county,  and  Mr.  and  Mrs:. 
Wellers  are  good  representatives  of  the  solid 
people  of  Platteville. 

CHARLES  WEITTENHILLER,  For  a 
third  of  a century  this  gentleman  has  been 
prominently  identified  with  the  industrial  and 
business  interests  of  Platteville,  Grant  county, 
and  is  to-day  one  of  the  leading  merchants  of 
that  place.  His  early  home  was  on  the  other 
side  of  the  Atlantic,  as  he  was  born  in  Bavaria, 
Germany,  in  1844.  His  father,  Sebastian 
Weittenhiller,  was  a native  of  the  same  prov- 
ince, born  in  Eichstadt,  Bavaria,  April  27, 
1824,  and  there  married  Annie  Schiell,  whose 
birth  occurred  in  that  village  in  1822.  In 
1849  be  crossed  the  ocean  to  America,  and 
after  spending  eighteen  months  in  New  York, 
came  West  to  Galena,  111.,  and  in  May,  1853, 
took  up  his  residence  in  Platteville,  Wis., 
where  he  was  joined  by  his  wife  and  children 
the  following  November,  they  having  remained 
in  the  Fatherland  until  that  time.  In  Roches- 
ter, N.  Y.,  he  learned  the  cooper’s  trade,  which 
he  followed  in  Platteville  for  eleven  years,  and 
then,  in  1864,  purchased  a farm  of  164  acres. 


and  turned  his  attention  to  agricultural  pur- 
suits. He  died  in  Platteville  in  1898,  but  his 
wife  is  still  living,  and  continues  to  reside  at 
that  place.  Of  their  children  Charles  is  the 
eldest;  Conrad,  the  second  son,  is  a farmer 
of  Platteville  township ; Mrs.  Emma  Callaway 
is  the  next  of  the  family;  Philip  is'  a farmer  of 
Laurens,  Iowa ; Mrs.  Lena  Secord  resides  in 
Washington,  as  does  also  Jennie;  Mary  makes 
her  home  in  Platteville,  and  Mrs.  Etta  May 
is  a resident  of  Washington.  In  religious  be- 
lief the  family  ,are  Presbyterians. 

Since  the  age  of  nine  years  Charles  Weit- 
tenhiller has  made  his  home  in  Platteville,  and 
in  early  life  he  learned  the  cooper’s  trade  with 
his  father.  He  began  business  for  himself  in 
1867  as  a manufacturer  of  cooperage,  and  con- 
tinued to  carry  on  operations  along  that  line 
until  1890,  when  he  embarked  in  merchandis- 
ing-. He  carries  a large  and  well-selected  stock, 
and  by  fair  and  honorable  dealing  has  built 
up  an  excellent  trade. 

During  the  war  for  the  Union,  Mr.  Weit- 
tenhiller enlisted  at  Platteville,  Jan.  24,  1864, 
in  Company  E,  25th  Wis.  V.  1.,  under  Capt. 
J.  M.  Scott,  for  three  years  or  during  the  war. 
His  command  was  assigned  to  the  1st  Brigade, 
2nd  Division,  16th,  and  later  the  17th,  Corps, 
Army  of  the  Tennessee,  and  participated  in  the 
engagements  at  Snake  Creek  Gan,  Ga.,  Resaca, 
Dallas,  Big  Shanty,  Kenesaw  Mountain, 
Nickajack  and  Atlanta.  With  four  comrades 
Mr.  Weittenhiller  was  captured  at  Decatur, 
July  22,  1864,  and  sent  to  Andersonville  prison, 
where  he  was  incarcerated  two  months,  being- 
exchanged  Sept.  23,  1864.  After  rejoining 
his  regiment  at  East  Point,  Ga.,  he  was  sent 
to  the  convalescent  camp,  and  after  four  weeks 
spent  at  Marietta,  Ga.,  again  joined  his  regi- 
ment in  time  to  take  part  in  the  March  to  the 
Sea.  He  was  all  through  Georgia,  and  the 
Carolina  campaign,  in  the  battle  of  Salka- 
hatchie  River,  in  January,  1865,  and  later  took 
part  in  the  engagements  at  River  Bridge,  South 
Edisto,  Bentonville  and  Goldsboro.  He  was 
transferred  to  Company  K,  12th  Wis.  V.  I., 
and  with  that  command  was  honorably  dis- 
charged at  Louisville,  Ivy.,  July  16,  1865. 

In  1867,  at  Platteville,  Mr.  Weittenhiller 
married  Miss  Jennie  Marshall,  a daughter  of 
E.  H.  Marshall  and  his  wife,  Johanna.  Her 
father,  who  was  a native  of  New  Hampshire 
and  a farmer  by  occupation,  came  to  Grant 
county,  Wis.,  as  early  as  1836,  but  spent  his 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


712 


last  days  in  Iowa,  where  his  death  occurred  in 
1898.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Weittenhiller  have  a fam- 
ily of  five  children,  namely : Cora,  Addie, 

Marenus,  Charles  and  Jennie.  Mr.  Weitten- 
hiller uses  his  right  of  franchise  in  support  of 
the  men  and  measures  of  the  Republican 
party,  and  has  taken  quite  an  active  in- 
terest in  local  politics,  being  elected'  a mem- 
ber of  the  city  council  and  justice  of  the 
peace,  both  of  which  offices  he  most  capably 
and  satisfactorily  filled.  Fraternally  he  is  a 
member  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  Amer- 
ica; Melody  Lodge,  No.  2,  F.  & A.  M. ; and 
Washington  Chapter,  No.  2,  R.  A.  M.  Fie  is 
one  of  the  most  prominent  and  influential  busi- 
ness men  of  his  adopted  city. 

BERNT  WILLIAM  QUALLEY.  Among 
the  many  monuments  which  throughout  Wis- 
consin have  been  erected  to  unflagging  indus- 
try and  sound  business  judgment,  there  are 
few  superior  to  the  highly  improved  farm  of 
160  acres  in  Exeter  township,  Green  county, 
owned  and,  until  lately,  operated  by  the  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch.  Migrating  when  a lad  of 
seventeen  years  from  Norway,  his  native  land, 
to  Wisconsin,  Air.  Oualley  worked  for  a time 
as  farm  laborer,  then  at  a trade  until  he  could 
save  the  purchase  payment  for  a little  home  of 
forty-eight  acres.  To  this  he  has  added  from 
time  to  time  until  the  valuable  and  well  tilled 
farm  he  now  owns  became  the  merited  fruit 
of  his  persevering  efforts. 

He  was  born  near  Bergen,  Norway,  Feb. 
13,  1848,  son  of  Ryer  and  Helga  Oualley,  and 
grandson  of  Bartle  Oualley,  a life-long  resi- 
dent of  Norway,  who  had  a family  of  six  or 
seven  children.  Helga  Oualley  was  a daughter 
of  Tron  Oualley,  a Norwegian  farmer  who 
had  two  sons  and  three  daughters.  Ryer  Oual- 
ley, the  father,  was  a tailor  by  occupation. 
He  came  to  America  about  1867  and  located  in 
Dane  county,  Wis.,  where  he  farmed  for  sev- 
eral years,  then  moved  to  Brooklyn  township, 
Green  county.  Fie  died  in  Exeter  township 
in  1877,  aged  fifty-six,  and  his  wife  in  1885, 
aged  seventy-four  years.  They  were  devout 
members  of  the  Lutheran  Church.  To  Ryer 
and  Helga  Oualley  were  born  six  children,  four 
sons  and  two  daughters,  of  whom  four  are  now 
living,  namely:  Thomas,  of  Brookings,  S. 

Dak. ; Bernt  William,  our  subject;  Bertha, 
wife  of  Stark  Himle,  of  Ivasson,  Minn.;  and 
James,  of  Brookings,  South  Dakota. 


In  his  native  land  Bernt  William  Qualley 
received  a good  common-school  education,  and, 
as  a boy,  found  occupation  in  a match  factory. 
In  1865,  when  about  seventeen  years  of  age 
he  came  to  America,  landing  at  Stoughton, 
Wis.,  where  he  began  work  by  the  month  on 
a farm.  Later,  at  Whitewater,  he  acquired  the 
shoemaker’s  trade,  which  he  followed  for  about 
ten  years.  Possessing  a fondness  for  the  in- 
dependence and  activity  of  farm  life,  Aljr. 
Oualley  then  purchased1  forty-eight  acres,  a 
portion  of  his  present  farm  of  160  acres  in 
Exeter  township.  Here  he  made  a homestead 
that  ranks  high  among  those  of  the  township. 
In  February,  1901,  Air.  Oualley  bought  a stock 
of  dry  goods  and  groceries  from  J.  E.  Lite!., 
and  renting  his  farm  to  his  son-in-law,  Stan- 
ley Dietz,  he,  on  March  1,  1901,  moved  to 
Attica,  Wis.,  to  enter  upon  a mercantile  career. 

Mr.  Oualley  was'  married,  July  3,  1875, 
to  Aliss  Elizabeth  Alelvina  Bartlett,  daughter 
of  Joseph  and  Eliza  (Price)  Bartlett.  Six 
children,  two  sons  and  four  daughters,  have 
been  born  to  them,  namely : Derwin,  who  died 
aged  two  months  and  twenty-five  days ; Har- 
riet, a teacher  in  Exeter ; Sarah,  who  married 
Stanley  Dietz,  of  Monroe,  Wis.,  and  has  one 
child,  Wesley;  and  Verna,  William  and  Grace, 
at  home.  Mr.  Qualley,  in  religious  faith,  is 
a Lutheran,  and  his  wife  is  a member  of  the 
Methodist  Church.  Politically  he  is  a Repub- 
lican, and  is  now  serving  as  one  of  the  super- 
visors of  Exeter  township.  Among  the  social 
orders  he  is  a member  of  Dayton  Lodge,  F. 
& A.  M.,  and  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  of 
America.  He  is  one  of  the  most  industrious, 
progressive  and!  successful  men  of  Exeter 
township. 

MRS.  CHRISTOPHER  F.  SCPIROE- 
DER,  a well-1  mown  resident  of  Platteville, 
and  a representative  of  a prominent  pioneer 
family  of  Grant  county,  was  born  in  Smelser 
township  Oct.  23,  1845,  and  is  a daughter  of 
Dedrick  and  Maria  M.  (Melvin)  Harms. 

The  father  was  born  March  30,  1805,  in 
Hanover,  Germany,  where  he  was  reared  and 
educated,  and  in  1834  sailed  from  Bremen,  and 
arrived  in  New  Orleans  after  a long  and  tedi- 
ous voyage.  By  flat-boat  he  came  up  the  Mis- 
sissippi river  to  Dubuque,  Iowa,  where  lie 
worked  at  day  labor,  and  later  found  employ- 
ment in  the  mines.  The  same  year,  however, 
he  came  to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  and  com- 


MRS.  CHRISTOPHER  F.  SCHROEDER  CHRISTOPHER  F.  SCHROEDER 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


7i3 


menced  working  in  the  mines  here.  At  that 
time  he  was  unmarried,  and  in  very  limited 
circumstances.  In  1839  he  was  joined  by  his 
brother  John,  and  together  they  invested  their 
money  in  land,  always  doing  business  under 
the  firm  name  of  D.  & J.  Harms.  Their  first 
purchase  was  the  claim  of  a Mr.  Hazard,  who 
had  commenced  to  break  the  land,  and  to  it 
they  added  from  time  to  time,  as  their  finan- 
cial resources  increased,  until  they  owned  a 
large  amount  of  property.  The  partnership 
between  the  two  brothers  continued  until  the 
death  of  Dedrick,  Sept.  3,  1882.  He  was  mar- 
ried in  Galena,  111.,  Aug.  6,  1843,  to  Miss 
Maria  M.  Melvin,  a native  of  Bloomington, 
Ind.,  and  a daughter  of  James  A.  and  Sarah  S. 
(Roberts)  Melvin.  Her  mother  was  born  in 
Virginia,  of  Holland  ancestry,  while  her  fa- 
ther was  born  near  the  city  of  Baltimore,  Md. 
He  brought  his  family  to  Grant  county,  Wis., 
about  1831,  becoming  a farmer  of  Belmont 
township.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  Black 
Hawk  war,  and  during  those  troublesome 
times  his  family  twice  went  to  the  fort  at  Min- 
eral Point  for  protection.  Both  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Melvin  died  in  Nebraska.  After  his 
marriage  Dedrick  Harms  located  on  the  old 
homestead  in  Smelser  township,  where  he  en- 
gaged in  farming  and  stock  raising  through- 
out the  remainder  of  his  life.  Although  he 
came  to  the  New  World  empty-handed,  by  in- 
dustry and  good  management  he  became  one 
of  the  most  successful  and  substantial  citizens 
of  his  community.  Politically  he  was  a Demo- 
crat, and  he  and  his  wife  were  members  of  the 
Lutheran  Church.  She  departed  this  life  March 
10,  1898.  Their  children  were  as  follows: 
John  C.,  born  June  6,  1844,  died  March  13, 
1871 ; Mary  I.,  born  Oct.  23,  1845,  is  the  next 
in  order  of  birth;  Henry  H.,  born  Feb.  16, 
1848,  died  Nov.  9,  1898;  Dedrick  W.,  born 
Jan.  30,  1850,  died  April  23,  1856;  James  W., 
born  Feb.  20,  1852,  and  Louis  L.,  born  Oct. 
7,  1853,  are  both  represented  elsewhere  in  this 
volume;  Martha  J.,  born  April  15,  1855,  died 
June  25,  1886;  Sarah  E.,  born  May  8,  1857, 
is  the  wife  of  Dr.  A.  R.  Law,  of  Madison, 
Wis.;  Emily  M.,  born  April  9,  i860,  and 
George  L.,  born  April  25,  1862,  live  on  the  old 
home  farm;  and  the  youngest,  born  Nov.  3, 
1864,  died  in  infancy. 

Mary  I.  Harms  grew  to  womanhood  on 
her  father’s  farm  in  Smelser  township,  and 
there  she  was  married,  Jan.  16,  1868,  to  Chris- 


topher F.  Schroeder,  a native  of  Holstein,  Ger- 
many, and  a son  of  Peter  and  Anna  (Scheel) 
Schroeder,  who  were  also  born  in  Germany, 
and  on  coming  to  this  country  first  settled  in 
Galena,  111.  In  1847  they  became  residents  of 
Grant  county,  Wis.,  and  later  made  their  home 
in  Lafayette  county,  this  State,  where  the  fa- 
ther improved  a farm.  He  died  in  California, 
but  the  mother’s  death  occurred  in  Wisconsin. 
Their  children  were  Henry ; Catharine,  Mrs. 
Niehaus,  of  St.  Paul,  Minn.;  Christopher  F. ; 
Frederick,  of  Lafayette  county,  Wis.;  and 
Mary,  of  Platteville. 

After  his  marriage  Mr.  Schroeder  pur- 
chased a farm  in  Iowa  county,  Wis.,  where  he 
made  his  home  for  fifteen  years,  at  the  end  of 
which  time  he  sold  that  place  and  bought  a 
farm  in  Platteville  township,  Grant  county, 
known  as  the  "Block  House  farm.’Tt  is  the  old- 
est farm  in  the  county,  and  was  first  owned  by 
Mr.  Krusen,  then  by  John  Stiles,  later  by  Mr. 
Huntington,  and  then  by  Mr.  Schroeder. 
This  well  improved  and  valuable  tract  of  360 
acres  is  still  owned  by  Mrs.  Schroeder.  Her 
husband  died  March  17,  1894.  He  was  a 
Democrat  in  politics,  and  had  served  on  the 
jury.  With  his  wife  he  held  membership  in  the 
Lutheran  Church  at  Platteville.  He  was  a 
man  of  exemplary  habits,  commendable  pur- 
pose, and  unbending  integrity,  and  in  all  life’s 
relations  merited  the  confidence  which  was  so 
freely  accorded  him.  Mrs.  Schroeder  is  a 
most  estimable  lady,  and  like  her  husband 
makes  many  friends.  In  their  family  were 
four  children : ( 1 ) Anna  Maria  is  now  the 
wife  of  Jacob  Brugger,  Jr.,  of  Platteville  town- 
ship, and  they  have  four  children,  Clarence 
Elmer,  Fernie  Isabelle.  Hazel  May,  and  Her- 
bert D.  (2)  George  William,  a resident  of 
Plymouth  county,  Iowa,  married  Anna  Scheel, 
and  they  have  three  children,  Mabel  Gert- 
rude, Ethel  Isabelle  and  Bessie  Helen.  (3) 
Tames  F.  married  Etta  Johnson,  and  resides 
at  home.  (4)  Ellen  Jane  died  at  the  age  of 
ten  months. 

JOHN  ANTHONY,  a leading  stock  and 
grain  farmer  of  the  town  of  Lima,  Grant  coun- 
ty, widely  known  as  a capable  and  progressive 
man,  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  in  January, 
1857,  and  is  a son  of  John  and  Louisa  (Case) 
Anthony,  both  natives  of  Cornwall.  Eng., 
where  they  were  married.  In  1856  they  came 
to  Wisconsin,  and  settled  in  Lafayette  county, 


7 1 4 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


where  Mr.  Anthony  followed  the  tailoring 
trade  for  a time,  and  then  engaged  in  mining. 
The  celebrated  Raisbeck  mines  at  Meeker’s' 
Grove  in  Lafayette  county,  were  discovered  by 
him,  and  these  mine's  he  worked  by  lease  for 
fifteen  years,  and  met  with  large  success  in  his 
mining  operations,  clearing  up  a considerable 
sum  of  money.  In  1888  he  purchased  the  farm 
where  his  son  John  now  resides,  and  there  died 
in  1889,  leaving  his  wife  with  one  son,  John. 
I11  politics  he  was  a Republican,  and  in  re- 
ligion he  and  his  wife  were  members  of  the 
Methodist  Church.  Mrs.  Anthony  still  resides 
at  her  home  in  Meeker’s  Grove. 

John  Anthony  had  his  early  education  in 
the  district  schools  of  Lafayette  county,  and 
when  a young  man  he  learned  the  blacksmith 
trade,  which  has  been  his  occupation  for  twelve 
years.  In  1884  he  married  Miss  Eva  McRey- 
nolds,  the  daughter  of  Wilson  and  Jane  Mc- 
Reynolds,  an  old  and  respected  pioneer  couple 
of  Grant  county.  After  marriage  he  settled  on 
his  present  home  property,  which  has  been  his 
home  since  that  time,  with  the  exception  of  two 
years  which  lie  spent  in  the  Raisbeck  mines. 
Mr.  Anthony  has  given  up  the  trade  of  black- 
smithing,  and  confines  himself  to  the  operation 
of  his  farm.  To  him  and  his  wife  were  born 
three  children,  all  in  the  town  of  Lima:  Frank 
W.,  born  in  1885;  Louisa  J.,  born  in  1887; 
and  John,  born  in  1889,  all  of  whom  are  stu- 
dents in  the  home  school. 

In  politics  Mr.  Anthony  has  always  been 
a Republican,  and  has  been  constable  for  eight 
years,  andhas  been  a delegate  to  the  county  con- 
vention several  terms.  Mr.  Anthony  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Washburn  Lodge  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F., 
and  in  religion  he  has  been  reared  in  the  Meth- 
odist Church.  Lie  is  a young  man  of  excellent 
business  qualifications,  and  for  a number  of 
years  has  bought  horses  largely  for  the  Chi- 
cago and  eastern  markets.  Known  through- 
out the  community  for  his  integrity  and  fair 
dealing,  he  has  many  friends  and  is  highly  es- 
teemed. 

J.  E.  KENNEY  is  numbered  among  the 
prominent  business  men  of  Cuba  City,  Grant 
county,  where  he  conducts  a large  furniture 
and  undertaking  establishment. 

Mr.  Kenney  was'  born  in  Jo  Daviess  coun- 
ty, 111.,  Sept.  26,  1851,  a son  of  Edward  and 
Catherine  (Fitzpatrick)  Kenney.  Edward 
Kenney  was  born  in  County  Kilkenny,  Ire- 


land, in  1800,  and  his  wife  in  Tipperary,  Ire- 
land, in  1811.  They  were  married  in  Ireland 
in  1833,  and  four  years  later  the  father  came 
to  America,  settling  in  Illinois,  where  lie  was 
joined  by  his  wife  and  one  daughter  in  1844. 
The  family  located  at  the  lead  mines  in  Jo 
Daviess  county.  111.  Here  the  father  followed 
mining  until  1855,  when  he  purchased  a farm 
in  the  southwestern  part  of  Lafayette  county, 
Wis.,  and  remained  thereon  until  his  death,  in 
November,  1884.  His  wife  passed  away  in 
1873.  Both  of  these  good  people  were  earnest 
members  of  the  Catholic  Church,  and  the  fa- 
ther was  a Jacksonian  Democrat,  although  he 
never  took  an  active  part  in  politics.  Their 
family  consisted  of  six  children  : ( 1 ) Mary, 

born  in  Ireland  in  October,  1834,  came  to 
America  when  ten  years  of  age.  She  married 
William  Nagle,  of  Jo  Daviess  county,  a soldier 
of  the  Mexican  war  and  one  of  the  “’49”  Cal- 
ifornians', who  purchased  land  in  Wisconsin. 
Mr.  Nagle  died  in  i860  in  the  West,  where 
he  had  gone  to  look  after  some  of  his  inter- 
ests. He  left  his  wife  and  one  daughter,  Mary 
C.,  the  wife  of  Allen  Vandiver,  of  Missouri, 
later  of  Illinois,  where  she  died,  leaving  three 
children,  John  E.,  Anice  and  William  J.  (2) 
Bridget  T.,  born  Oct.  17,  1845,  died  in  1867. 
(3)  Ellen  A.,  born  Feb.  1,  1847,  married  Will- 
iam O'Rourke,  of  Lafayette  county,  who  served 
three  years  in  the  Civil  war,  after  which  he 
moved  to  Lawler,  Towa.  There  Mrs.  Ellen 
O’Rourke  died,  leaving  ten  children,  John  E., 
Mary  C.,  Theressa,  Lewis',  Rose,  William, 
Cyrillus,  Thomas,  Alice,  and  Maggie.  (4) 
Michael  J.,  born  Sept.  14,  1848,  who  was  edu- 
cated in  common  schools  of  Wisconsin,  mar- 
ried Bridget  Brannon,  of  Missouri,  and  set- 
tled near  St.  Jo,  that  State,  where  the  family 
still  reside.  In  1883  he  went  to  Mexico  for 
his  health,  later  to  Idaho,  where  he  died  in  Jan- 
uary, 1898,  leaving  a wife  and  four  children, 
Mary  C.,  Theressa,  John  and  Thomas.  (5) 
Catherine,  born  in  February,  1850,  died  in 
•April,  1869.  (6)  J.  E.  is  our  subject 

1.  E.  Kenney  was'  educated  in  the  public 
schools  of  Lafayette  county.  In  1879  he  went 
to  Salt  Lake  City,  Utah,  and  successfully  fol- 
lowed silver  and  lead  mining  for  two  years; 
then  moved  to  the  Wood  river  country,  Idaho, 
and  following  mining  for  six  years,  part  of 
which  time  he  was  manager  for  a Salt  Lake 
City  company.  In  1886  he  came  back  to  Jo 
Daviess  county,  married,  and  returned  with 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


7i5 


his  young  wife  to  Idaho.  In  1888,  coming 
to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  he  settled  in  Cuba 
City,  where  he  formed  a partnership  with 
John  Walsh  in  a furniture  and  undertaking 
business,  buying  the  latter  out  in  1894,  since 
which  time  he  has  continued  the  establishment 
alone.  In  addition  to  their  furniture  and  un- 
dertaking business  Mr.  Kenney  and  his  part- 
ner were  contractors  and  builders,  and  among 
their  best  contracts  is  the  fine  graded  school 
building  in  Cuba  City,  as  well  as  a number  of 
business'  blocks  and  private  residences.  Mr. 
Kenney  is  a graduate  of  the  embalming  school 
of  Illinois,  and  thoroughly  understands  every 
detail  of  his  business.  His  undertaking  estab- 
lishment is  furnished  with  all  appliances;  a full 
line  of  caskets  is  carried,  and  all  the  appoint- 
ments are  in  excellent  taste.  In  the  furniture 
department  purchasers  find  a full  stock  of  the 
finest,  as  well  as  most  substantially  constructed, 
furniture,  while  prices  are  uniformly  the  low- 
est, taking  into  consideration  the  excellence 
of  the  articles. 

In  1886  Mr.  Kenney  was  married  to  Miss 
Mary  M.  Walsh,  of  Jo  Daviess  county,  111., 
daughter  of  John  and  Johanna  (Day)  Walsh, 
pioneers  of  that  county.  Mrs.  Kenney  was 
born  and  reared  in  Jo  Daviess  county,  growing 
to  womanhood  upon  a farm.  To  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Kenney  have  come  three  children : Mary 
Calista,  born  in  Cuba  City  in  August,  1889, 
who  is  now  attending  school;  and  Oscar  and 
Oswald,  twins,  who  died  when  seven  months 
old. 

Politically  Mr.  Kenney  has  always  been 
identified  with  the  Democratic  party,  has 
served  most  acceptably  as  alderman  for  four 
terms,  treasurer  two  years,  assessor  two  years, 
and  was  one  of  those  who  had  the  village  in- 
corporated. He  has  always  taken  a deep  in- 
terest in  local  affairs,  and  is  ready  and  willing 
to  promote  anything  tending  toward  the  ad- 
vancement of  the  material  prosperity  of  Cuba 
City.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kenney  are  consist- 
ent members  of  the  Catholic  Church,  and  he 
is  a charter  member  of  Branch  No.  96,  Cath- 
olic Knights  of  Wisconsin. 

ALA  IN  F.  ROTE,  the  capable  and  effi- 
cient superintendent  of  public  schools  in  Mon- 
roe, Green  county,  is  universally  conceded  to 
be  one  of  Wisconsin’s  best  equipped,  most  con- 
scientious and  most  thorough  educators. 

Lewis  Rote,  our  subject’s  father,  was  one 


of  Green  county’s  most  prominent  and  influ- 
ential citizens,  and  a brief  outline  of  his  life 
is  given  in  a succeeding  paragraph.  His  moth- 
er's maiden  name  was  Vashty  C.  Hitchcock, 
and  her  birthplace  was  Trumbull  county,  Ohio. 
She  was  a lady  of  rare  refinement,  innate  grace 
and  superior  education,  being  a student  of  Hi- 
ram College,  Ohio,  of  which  President  James 
A.  Garfield  was  an  alumnus.  Prof.  Rote  lost 
her  maternal  love  and  care  when  he  was  but 
fifteen  years  old,  but  her  memory  yet  remains 
to  him  fresh  and  sacred.  She  left  two  chil- 
dren, of  whom  Alvin  F.  was  the  elder.  A 
daughter,  Mary,  was  educated  at  the  Monroe 
high  school,  and  married  F.  F.  White;  she 
died  years  ago,  leaving  two  daughters,  and 
her  husband  has  since  followed  her  to  the  grave. 

In  order  to  get  a correct  comprehension 
of  the  career  and  services  of  Prof.  Rote,  it  is 
necessary  to  recount  the  salient  events  in  the 
life  of  his  father,  Lewis  Rote,  a man  whose 
moral  worth,  blameless  life  and  high  intellec- 
tual attainments  at  once  challenged  admiration 
and  enforced  respect.  Lewis  Rote  was  born 
in  Center  county,  Penn.,  Aug.  3,  1827.  His 
parents  removed  to  V enango  county,  in  that 
State,  and  settled  near  Oil  City,  when  he  was 
a mere  child  of  three  years.  At  the  age  of 
sixteen  he  began  the  battle  of  life  for  himself, 
alternately  working  and  teaching  school  until 
he  found  himself  qualified  to  enter  the  college 
at  Meadville,  Penn.  After  three  years’  attend- 
ance at  that  school  he  began  the  study  of  law, 
and  in  1853  came  to  Wisconsin.  After  halting 
at  several  points  in  the  lead  mining  district  he 
finally  settled  in  Monroe.  Here  he  taught 
school  for  several  years  before  engaging  in 
the  practice  of  his  profession.  After  the  death 
of  his  first  wife  Lewis  Rote  married  Edna 
Bancroft,  of  Portage  county,  Ohio,  who  sur- 
vived him.  In  1884  he  moved  to  Pierce.  Neb., 
and  engaged  in  farming,  which  vocation  he 
followed  until  his  death,  on  Nov.  23,-  1899. 
During  his  residence  in  Monroe  he  was  a prom- 
inent and  influential  citizen,  being  several 
times  elected  village  clerk,  a member  of  the 
school  board,  and  justice  of  the  peace.  He 
was  a man  of  uncompromising  integrity,  and 
absolutely  fearless  in  maintaining  what  he  be- 
lieved to  be  the  truth.  Quiet  and  unobtrusive 
in  demeanor  and  habits,  he  was  none  the  less 
genial  of  temperament  and  generous  at  heart. 
After  settling  in  Nebraska  he  was  elected  coun- 
ty judge,  but  resigned  the  office  before  the  ex- 


716 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


piration  of  his  term.  He  was  an  uncompro- 
mising- Republican,  and  an  earnest  worker  for 
his  party,  being  an  effective  speaker  and  an 
admirable  organizer.  Many  of  the  older  resi- 
dents bear  testimony  to  his  ability  as  an  edu- 
cator, and  he  was  for  many  years  one  of  the 
leaders  of  the  Green  county  Bar. 

Alvin  F.  Rote  was  born  July  6,  1858,  in 
Monroe.  Immediately  upon  graduation  from 
the  Monroe  high  school  he  matriculated  at 
the  State  University  at  Madison.  At  the  close 
of  his  Sophomore  year  he  taught  in  the  high 
school  in  the  city  of  his  birth,  discharging  the 
duties  of  that  position  with  a fidelity  and  ability 
which  won  universal  commendation.  Return- 
ing to  the  university,  he  completed  his  course, 
and  graduated  in  1882.  He  was  at  once  ap- 
pointed principal  of  the  high  school  at  Neenah, 
Wis.,  where  he  remained  four  years.  The  nine 
years  following  were  passed,  four  at  Berlin 
and  five  at  Beloit,  and  in  1895  he  entered  upon 
the  duties  of  his  present  office. 

While  teaching  at  Neenah  Mr.  Rote  was 
married  to  Miss  Mary  W.  Krueger,  of  that 
place,  whose  father,  William  Krueger,  was  one 
of  the  early  pioneers  of  Winnebago  county. 
They  have  one  son,  Robert,  who  was  born  in 
Berlin  in  1888. 

Prof.  Rote  is  an  enthusiast  in  his  work, 
and  under  his  skillful  management  and  watch- 
ful oversight  the  schools  of  Monroe  compare 
favorably  with  those  of  any  other  city  of  like 
size  in  the  State,  the  diploma  of  the  high  school 
being  accepted  at  Madison  as  sufficient  evi- 
dence of  fitness  to  enter  the  university.  Fra- 
ternally our  subject  is  a Royal  Arch  Mason, 
being  affiliated  with  the  Beloit  Chapter.  In 
religious  faith  he  is  a Universalist. 

IOHN  LONGBOTHAM,  merchant,  bank- 
er and  real-estate  dealer  in  Dickeysville,  Grant 
county,  was  born  in  the  town  of  Paris,  that 
county,  in  1852,  a son  of  Thomas  and  Hannah 
( Wreakes ) Longbotham. 

Our  subject's  parents  were  natives  of  York-, 
shire.  England,  the  father  born  May  13,  1807, 
and  the  mother  in  June,  1821.  They  came  to 
Grant  county  in  1841,  and  here  Mr.  Long- 
botham was  engaged  in  selling  ore  for  a time, 
after  which  he  went  into  farming,  in  Paris. 
He  bought  a good  farm,  where  he  made  his 
permanent  residence.  Here  his  wife  died  in 
1880,  and  he  on  Sept.  22,  1892.  Mr.  Long- 
botham in  his  earlier  days  voted  the  Demo- 


cratic ticket,  and  later  was  a Republican.  A 
prominent  and  popular  man  in  his  section,, 
he  was  called  upon  to  fill  many  local  offices, 
and  was  widely  known  for  his  ability  and  un- 
swerving integrity.  Fie  was  the  father  of  six 
children:  (1)  William,  who  was  born  in  Po- 
tosi,  Grant  county,  obtained  his  education  in 
the  Platteville  public  schools,  and  is  engaged 
in  business  at  Lawrence,  Neb.,  where  he  is 
living.  He  is  unmarried.  (2)  Elijah,  born 
at  Potosi,  married  Miss  Celia  Taylor,  and  set- 
tled at  Rockford,  Iowa,  where  he  died  recent- 
ly, leaving  two  children,  Ella  and  Overton. 
(3)  Thomas,  born  at  Dickeysville,  married 
Miss  Alvira  Gillmore,  of  Dubuque,  Iowa,  and 
they  have  one  son,  Thomas.  He  is  now  in 
business  at  Platteville,  being  one  of  the  leading 
liverymen  of  Grant  county.  (4)  Rebecca  A., 
born  in  the  town  of  Paris,  was  educated  in 
the  home  schools  and  in  the  Platteville  Nor- 
mal, and  became  a partner  with  her  brother 
John  in  the  store,  which  partnership  has  con- 
tinued for  some  eighteen  years.  Miss  Long- 
botham was  appointed  postmaster  at  Dickeys- 
ville under  the  first  administration  of  Presi- 
dent Cleveland,  and  is  still  holding  that  posi- 
tion. (5)  John  is  the  fifth  child  of  his  par- 
ents. (6)  Joseph,  born  in  Paris,  grew  to  man- 
hood on  the  old  homestead,  and  is  now  cashier 
of  the  Farmers  Bank  of  Cuba  City,  where  he 
is  doing  a fine  business.  For  some  years  he 
lived  at  Platteville,  moving  to  his  present  lo- 
cation and  business  in  1898.  He  married  Miss 
Kittie  Matthews,  of  Dickeysville.  The  Long- 
bothams  are  all  Republicans,  and  have  all  befen 
more  or  less  prominently  identified  with  the 
Methodist  Church. 

John  Longbotham  was  reared  on  the  fam- 
ily estate,  and  acquired  his  education  in  the 
common  schools.  While  still  quite  young  he 
had  charge  of  his  father’s  business  to  a con- 
siderable extent,  and  in  1880,  in  company  with 
his  sister,  engaged  in  a general  mercantile  busi- 
ness in  Dickeysville.  During  the  intervening 
years  he  has  continuously  dealt  in  real  estate, 
making  a specialty  of  desirable  farm  lands, 
and  has  handled  some  of  the  choicest  farm 
property  in  this  part  of  the  State.  He  belongs 
to  a syndicate  extensively  interested  in  lands 
in  the  northern  part  of  the  State.  By  close 
attention  to  business  and  wise  management 
Mr.  Longbotham  has  become  one  of  the  weal- 
thy men  of  his  part  of  the  county.  In  1890, 
and  again  in  1892,  he  was  elected  to  the  Gen- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


717 


eral  Assembly,  and  has  served  his  constitu- 
ents most  acceptably.  In  financial  affairs  Mr. 
Longbotham  has  taken  a conspicuous  part,  in 
1890  organizing  the  Farmers  Bank  of  Cuba 
City,  of  which  he  is  president.  He  also  found- 
ed a bank  at  Stevens  Point,  of  which  he  is 
vice-president.  He  is  one  of  the  prominent 
figures  in  the  business  world  in  this  part  of 
the  State,  and  sustains  a high  reputation  for 
honesty  and  integrity  in  all  his  business  deal- 
ings. Mr.  Longbotham  has  never  married. 

HARLAN  J.  JOHNSON,  Lancaster,  Wis. 
This  gentleman  is  the  owner  and  publisher  of 
the  Grant  County  Herald,  the  oldest  estab- 
lished weekly  paper  in  Southwestern  Wiscon- 
sin. It  was  founded  in  1843  by  J-  C.  Cover, 
and  has  occupied  an  important  place  in  jour- 
nalistic circles  ever  since.  Mr.  Johnson  took 
charge  of  the  Herald  in  April,  1900,  purchas- 
ing the  same  from  C.  R.  Showalter.  It  is  not 
his  first  experience  in  newspaper  work,  he  hav- 
ing founded  the  Dial-Enterprise,  at  Boscobel, 
in  company  with  Fred  A.  Myers,  which  was 
conducted  most  successfully  under  his  man- 
agement until  March  1,  1900,  at  which  time 
he  disposed  of  his  interests  to  Mr.  Myers  and 
removed  to  Lancaster,  the  county  seat,  where 
a broader  field  of  work  was  open. 

Harlan  J.  Johnson  was  born  in  Boscobel 
Dec.  23,  1872,  and  is  a son  of  Jens  O.  John- 
son, a native  of  Norway,  and  an  emigrant  to 
this  country  at  the  age  of  sixteen  years.  The 
paternal  Johnson  located  at  Boscobel  after  he 
had  attended  the  academy  at  Albion,  Wis., 
where  he  was  graduated.  In  this  city  he  en- 
gaged in  insurance  and  became  quite  success- 
ful. In  1874  he  removed  to  Northfield,  Minn., 
and  soon  after  received  the  appointment  of  ad- 
justor for  the  German  Insurance  Co.,  of  Free- 
port. He  was  holding  this  position  at  the  time 
of  his  death,  March  15,  1885.  He  was  a sol- 
dier of  the  Civil  war.  Fraternally  he  was  a 
Mason,  and  also  belonged  to  the  Grand  Army 
of  the  Republic,  taking  a lively  interest  in 
everything  that  tended  to  preserve  the  feeling 
of  comradeship  and  fraternity  among  the  old 
veterans.  Fie  began  life  for  himself  as  a poor 
boy,  and  though  he  died  early  was  able  to 
leave  a very  considerable  competence  for  those 
who  came  after  him.  Mrs.  Jens  O.  Johnson, 
born  Betsy  J.  Rice,  was  a daughter  of  Moors 
and  Clarissa  (Phillips)  Rice.  She  was  born 
in  New  Hampshire  Aug.  4,  1840,  and  married 


Mir.  Johnson  Dec.  23,  1866.  She  is  still  living 
in  Boscobel.  Mr.  and  Firs.  Jens  O.  Johnson 
were  the  parents  of  four  children,  of  whom 
only  two  are  living : Cora  died  at  the  age  of 
nineteen  years;  Harlan  J.  is  our  subject;  Ger- 
trude is  living  at  home;  and  Louise  died  when 
she  reached  the  age  of  nineteen  years. 

Harlan  J.  Johnson  had  his  early  education 
in  the  public  schools  of  Northfield,  Minn.,  and 
at  Boscobel,  Wis.  In  the  month  of  February, 
1892,  he  entered  the  office  of  the  Boscobel 
Dial,  and  in  the  month  of  May,  three  years 
later,  he  purchased  the  Boscobel  Leader,  in 
company  with  Fred  A.  Myers.  They  changed 
the  name  to  the  Enterprise,  and  in  October, 
1895,  consolidated  it  with  their  newly-pur- 
chased property,  the  Dial,  and  gave  the  new 
paper  the  name  of  The  Dial-Enterprise. 

Harlan  J.  Johnson  was  married  to  Miss 
Mildred  Muffley,  June  23,  1896.  She  is  a 
daughter  of  L.  Muffley,  and  was  born  in  Bos- 
cobel Oct.  7,  1878.  They  are  the  fond  par- 
ents of  three  children,  Carl  M.,  Mildred  L. 
and  Frances  R. 

DAVID  BURRINGTON,  who  owns  a fine 
farm  of  forty  acres  in  the  village  of  Brown- 
town,  Green  county,  is  a descendant  of  a fam- 
ily who  came  to  America  shortly  after  the  ar- 
rival of  the  “Mayflower,”  and  whose  progeny 
are  scattered  all  over  the  LTiited  States.  Ami 
Burrington,  the  great-grandfather  of  David,  a 
native  of  Connecticut,  was  the  father  of  four 
children  that  grew  to  maturity,  namely : Ed- 
ward, Hulda,  Rensselaer  and  Lucinda. 

Edward  Burrington,  son  of  Ami,  married 
Lydia  Merritt,  of  Vermont,  and  reared  a fam- 
ily of  five  children : Reuben ; Wilber,  of  Min- 
nesota; Amanda,  who  wedded  Lucius  Gris- 
wold; Lewis,  deceased;  and  Perry,  of  Wis- 
consin. 

Reuben  Burrington,  son  of  Edward,  was 
born  May  5,  1829,  in  Orleans  county,  AT., 
and  at  the  age  of  seven  years  was  taken  by  his 
parents  to  Pennsylvania,  where  they  remained 
some  years,  and  then  moved  to  Ohio.  On 
Jan.  1.  1857,  he  married  Miss  Cordelia  Flea- 
cham,  daughter  of  Hosea  and  Mary  (Nichols) 
Meacham,  who  originally  came  from  New 
York  State,  and  were  of  Scottish  origin.  Fir. 
and  Mrs.  Fleacham  had  a family  of  six  chil- 
dren: L.  R.,  of  Clark  county,  Wis. ; Cordelia, 
Firs.  Burrington,  born  in  1834;  AATlliam  R., 
killed  at  Fort  Jackson,  La.,  in  the  Civil  war; 


7 18 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Fannie  B.,  wife  of  Jacob  Dietz,  of  Monroe, 
Wis. ; John,  a farmer  of  Cadiz  township;  and 
Horace,  a farmer  in  Clark  county,  Wis.  Wal- 
ter W.,  an  adopted  son,  resides  in  Brodhead, 
Wis.  Hosea  Meacham  was  a son  of  Lyman 
Meacham,  who  was  born  in  New  York,  and 
was  the  father  of  the  following  children : Ho- 
sea, Bettie,  Lydia,  Nancy,  Lucina,  Sallie,  Ann, 
Milo,  Daniel,  Jeremiah,  Jeannette,  Lucy,  Noah, 
Lucinda.  To  Reuben  Burrington  and  his  wife 
were  born  nine  children,  of  whom  seven  sur- 
vive, those  beside  our  subject  being:  Eva, 

wife  of  Boyd  Niles,  of  Green  county;  Hosea, 
who  married  Ellen  Bouffman ; Daniel,  who 
married  Minnie  Mohow,  of  Chicago;  William, 
who  wedded  Hattie  Murr,  of  Naperville,  111.; 
Fannie,  wife  of  James  Flannery,  of  Jordan 
township;  and  Mabel,  wife  of  Charles  McCoy, 
of  Argyle,  Wis.  Reuben  Burrington  served 
in  the  Civil  war  as  a member  of  Battery  D, 
1st  Wisconsin  Volunteer  Heavy  Artillery. 

David  Burrington,  son  of  Reuben,  was 
born  July  4,  1862,  and  was  reared  to  manhood 
on  the  farm  in  Green  county,  receiving  such 
literary  training  as  could  be  obtained  in  the 
neighborhood  schools.  At  the  age  of  twenty 
he  went  to  Colorado,  remained  one  year,  and 
then,  returning  to  Wisconsin,  found  employ- 
ment on  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  & St.  Paul 
road  as  section  foreman,  with  headquarters  at 
Gratiot,  Wis.  Fie  efficiently  discharged  the 
duties  of  this  position  until  1899,  when  he  re- 
signed, removing  to  Browntown,  where  he  had 
purchased  land.  He  is  now  engaged  in  the 
dairy  business  in  connection  with  farming,  and 
is  meeting  with  no  little  success. 

On  April  5,  1888,  Mr.  Burrington  was 
married  to  Miss  Minnie  Huebner,  daughter  of 
C.  F.  and  Mary  Huebner,  and  by  her  had  four 
children,  three  of  whom  are  now  living: 
Charles,  Ervin  and  Florence.  Mrs.  Burring- 
ton died  Dec.  19,  1894,  and  on  May  23,  1896, 
Mr.  Burrington  married  Miss  Marguerite 
Long,  daughter  of  Casper  and  Elmira  (Long) 
Long,  residents  of  Browntown,  Wis.,  of  Ger- 
man descent.  Two  children  have  been  born 
of  this  second  union,  one  that  died  in  infancy, 
and  Hazel.  Mr.  Burrington  has  taken  an 
active  interest  in  public  affairs,  and  during  his 
residence  at  Gratiot  was  a member  of  the  vil- 
lage board.  Politically  he  always  votes  the 
Republican  ticket.  As  a member  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church  he  takes  a part  in  all 
church  work.  Socially  he  belongs  to  Gratiot  I 


Lodge,  No.  1 18,  of  the  Masonic  fraternity, 
of  which  he  has  served  as  secretary  for  a 
number  of  years,  and  at  Browntown  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  M.  W.  A.,  Pearl  Camp,  No.  1141. 

R.  B.  LUCRE Y,  one  of  the  leading  mer- 
chants of  Cuba  City,  Grant  county,  and  a man 
who  plays  an  important  part  in  the  commer- 
cial life  of  that  locality,  was  born  in  Iowa  in 
September,  1867,  a son  of  Stephen  and  Sophia 
(Day)  Luckey. 

Stephen  Luckey  was  born  in  Pennsylvania, 
in  1829,  while  his  wife  was  born  in  Ohio,  in 
1844,  and,  her  parents  dying  When  she  was 
but  a child,  she  was  reared  by  a sister.  Ste- 
phen Luckey  was  reared  to  manhood  in  Penn- 
sylvania and  New  York,  later  coming  West 
to  Rock  county,  Wis.,  where  he  remained  until 
1865.  Then  he  moved  to  Iowa,  was  a travel- 
ing salesman  until  his  death,  which  sad  event 
occurred  at  Mt.  Hope,  Wis.,  in  1891,  his  wife 
having  passed  away  in  1883.  Mr.  Luckey  had 
been  twice  married.  His  first  wife,  Mariah 
Ward,  an  eastern  lady,  became  the  mother  of 
two  sons:  John,  born  in  Wisconsin  in  1850, 
moved  to  Colorado  in  1879,  married,  and  is 
now  a prosperous  real-estate  agent ; and  George, 
born  in  Wisconsin  in  1852,  married  Ella  Hayse, 
resides  at  Richland  Centre,  where  he  is  engaged 
in  the  livery  business  (they  have  two  children, 
Bessy  and  Blanch).  By  his  marriage  with 
Sophia  Day  Mr.  Luckey  became  the  father  of 
three  sons : Jay,  born  and  educated  in  Iowa, 
married  a Miss  Dax,  of  Dubuque,  Iowa,  and 
has  been  traveling  salesman  for  the  Miller 
Broom  works  for  some  sixteen  years ; Guy  is 
single,  and  in  business  at  Richland  Centre  as 
a liveryman;  and  our  subject. 

R.  B.  Luckey  grew  to  manhood  in  Iowa, 
attending  the  graded  schools,  and  later  engaged 
as  clerk  in  the  general  store  of  W.  H.  Proc- 
tor, at  Monticello,  for  some  eight  years.  In 
the  fall  of  1886  he  embarked  as  a merchant 
at  Fillmore,  Iowa,  continuing  there  until  1893, 
when  he  removed  to  Cuba  City,  opened  a gen- 
eral store,  and  now  has  the  largest  establish- 
ment of  its  kind  in  the  city,  Mr.  Luckey  mak- 
ing a specialty  of  boots  and  shoes.  The  stock 
carried  is  a fine  one,  averaging  about  $10,000, 
and  every  facility  is  afforded  for  the  accom- 
modation of  the  patrons,  while  the  goods  are 
of  the  latest  design.  By  his  upright  methods 
he  has  firmly  established  himself  in  the  busi- 
ness life  of  Cuba  City. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


7 19 


In  1893  Mr.  Luckey  married  Miss  Rachel 
Longendyke,  of  Fillmore,  Iowa,  daughter  of 
Peter  and  Eliza  Longendyke,  of  Kingston, 
N.  Y.  Mrs.  Luckey  was  born  at  Kingston, 
N.  Y.,  and  well  educated  in  her  native  State. 
Her  parents  moved  to  Monticello,  Iowa,  where 
they  both  died.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Luckey  have 
one  son,  Cort,  born  m Iowa,  who  is  a 
student  111  the  Cuba  City  schools.  Politically 
Mr.  Luckey  has  always  adhered  to  the  princi- 
ples of  the  Republican  party,  and  for  five  years 
has  served  as  a member  ot  the  board  of  coun- 
cilmen,  giving  entire  satisfaction.  Mr.  Luckey 
is  an  active  member  of  Modern  Woodmen 
Camp,  No.  2753,  of  Cuba  City.  Both  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Luckey  are  prominently  identified 
with  the  M.  E.  Church,  although  not  mem- 
bers, and  very  generous  in  the  support  of  all 
church  work.  I hey  are  pleasant  people,  whose 
circle  of  friends  is  daily  widening,  while  Mr. 
Luckey  is  highly  esteemed  for  his  reliable  way 
of  doing  business,  and  his  ability  to  keep  in 
touch  with  public  demands,  so  as  to  provide 
exactly  what  is  most  desired. 

ARTHUR  DOYLE  is  one  of  those  sturdy 
natives  of  old  Ireland  who  have  made  their 
adopted  country  proud  to  call  them  her  own. 

Born  in  County  Wicklow,  Ireland,  March 
17,  1840,  Mr.  Doyle  is  a son  of  Andrew  and 
Mary  A.  (Byrne)  Doyle,  both  of  whom  were 
natives  of  Ireland,  born  about  1808,  and  mar- 
ried in  that  country.  I11  1853  the  family 
reached  Hazel  Green,  Grant  county,  where 
Mr.  Doyle  settled  down  to  farming,  and  there 
spent  the  remainder  of  his  life,  owning  at  the 
time  of  his  demise  a fine  farm’  of  many  acres. 
He  lived  to  be  seventy-four  years  old,  his  wife 
surviving  until  1894.  Both  were  consistent 
members  of  the  Catholic  Church.  They  left 
the  following  named  children  : Catherine,  who 
married  John  O’Sullivan,  of  Smelser,  died  leav- 
ing six  children.  Sarah  is  Mrs.  Joseph  Bau- 
field  of  Cuba  City,  Wis.,  and  has  a family  of 
five  children,  one  of  whom,  Thomas  F.,  is  now 
a priest,  in  charge  of  St.  Joseph’s  Church, 
Houston,  Texas.  Margaret  married  Patrick 
Merrigan,  of  Jo  Daviess  county,  111.,  and  is 
now  a widow  residing  in  Union  county,  S. 
Dak. ; she  has  a large  family.  Patrick  married 
Mary  Quinlan,  and  moved  to  Nebraska,  where 
he  died  in  1897.  Julia  A.  is  the  widow  of 
Thomas  Badsfuid,  of  Smelser,  and  has  a large 
family,  one  son,  William,  being  a Catholic 


priest  in  Bankston,  Iowa.  Andrew  married 
Mary  Morgan,  of  his  own  country,  and  resides 
in  Tankton,  S.  Dak.  Bridget  married  George 
Schroer,  and  resides  in  Cuba  City,  with  two 
children,  Lulu  and  Mary.  Charles,  the  first 
born  in  Grant  county,  married  Maggie  Byrne, 
and  settled  on  the  old  homestead  in  Hazel 
Green  township,  where  he  died  in  1893,  leav- 
ing six  children,  who  reside  in  Platteville. 

Our  subject  was  a student  before  coming 
to  America,  and  continued  his  education  in 
Hazel  Green.  In  1862  he  enlisted  in  Com- 
pany B,  90th  111.  V.  I.,  termed  the  “Irish 
Legion”  because  of  the  large  number  of  gal- 
lant sons  of  Erin  in  its  ranks,  and  served  un- 
der Grant  and  Sherman,  participating  in  the 
battle  of  Vicksburg,  and  both  battles  of  Mis- 
sionary Ridge.  He  suffered  from  three 
wounds,  one  of  these  being  in  the  breast,  and 
saw  much  hard  service,  being  in  many  engage- 
ments and  making  long  marches.  On  account 
O'f  his  wounds  he  was  honorably  discharged, 
and  came  home  a sergeant,  having  risen  from 
the  ranks. 

Returning  to  his  old  home  in  Hazel  Green 
township,  our  subject  again  took  up  peaceful 
pursuits,  but  the  hand  that  has  wielded  a gun 
needs  time  before  it  can  accustom  itself  to 
the  plow,  and  it  was  not  until  1866  that  Mr. 
Doyle  settled  down  to  hard  work  on  a farm. 
Owning  eighty  acres  of  prairie  land  near  Cuba 
City,  given  him  by  his  father,  he  began  its 
improvement,  adding  to  it  until  at  present  he 
; owns  a’  fine  estate  of  280  acres,  so  improved 
and  cultivated  that  it  ranks  with  any  in  Grant 
county.  His  comfortable,  modern  dwelling, 
excellent  buildings  and  flourishing  orchards, 
make  his  place  an  ideal  country  home. 

Mr.  Doyle  was  married  in  1865  to  Miss 
Catherine  Walsh,  a daughter  of  Nicholas  and 
Mary  Walsh,  old  pioneers.  Her  father  was 
born  in  Ireland,  her  mother  in  Kentucky,  and 
they  resided  in  Illinois  at  the  time  of  the  birth 
of  Mrs.  Doyle,  in  October,  0:842.  She  received 
her  education  at  the  Sisters’  school  in  Benton, 
and  is  an  estimable  lady.  Children  as  follows 
have  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Doyle : Mary 
A.,  Charles  and  Sarah  are  deceased.  Andrew 
died  when  a young  man,  in  1887.  Mary,  born 
in  1872,  died  in  1890;  she  was  a student  at 
St.  Clair  Academy.  Rev.  Nicholas,  born  Nov. 
3,  1869.  received  his  early  education  in  the 
Georgetown  school,  entered  St.  Francis  Semi- 
nary, at  Milwaukee,  where  he  was  educated 


720 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


for  the  priesthood,  spending  ten  years  in  that 
school,  and  was  ordained  in  July,  1892.  He 
had  charge  first  of  Ridgeway  parish,  and  died 
April  29,  1895,  111  Shullsburg,  his  death  being 
a terrible  affliction  to  his  family.  Patrick  M., 
born  in  1873,  was  a student  at  Cuba  City,  and 
finished  his  education  at  St.  Joseph’s  College, 
Dubuque,  but  011  account  of  failing  health  spent 
five  years  in  Texas,  and  is  now  a member  of 
the  mercantile  firnu  of  Donohoo,  Splinter  & 
Co.,  in  Cuba  City.  Charles  P.,  born  in  1877, 
received  a finished  education  at  St.  Joseph’s 
College,  and  is  one  of  the  partners  in  the  above 
mentioned  firm.  Thomas  F.,  born  in  1881, 
is  a graduate  of  the  Cuba  City  high  school, 
and  now  a student  at  St.  Joseph’s  College. 
Malda,  born  in  1883,  is  a graduate  in  the  class 
of  1900,  of  the  Cuba  City  high  school,  and 
now  attending  school  at  St.  Clara’s  Academy, 
Sinsinawa,  Wis.  Maggie  E.,  born  in  1885, 
is  a student  in  the  high  school  at  Cuba  City. 

After  his  return  from  the  army  our  sub- 
ject was  made  town  treasurer,  continuing  in 
office  during  1864-65.  Politically  he  has  al- 
ways been  identified  with  the  Democratic  par- 
ty, and  he  has  efficiently  filled  the  position  of 
chairman  of  his  township  and  also  that  of 
assessor.  As  a leading  and  prominent  politi- 
cian Mr.  Doyle  has  been  before  the  public 
many  years,  and  has  always  been  found  one 
upon  whom  the  lime-light  of  public  criticism 
discloses  no  flaw.  Devoted  to  his  church,  he 
is  one  of  its  cheerful  and  generous  supporters, 
and  of  every  Catholic  charity  that  comes  to 
his  notice.  Generous  to  his  family,  he  has 
spent  large  sums  of  money  on  their  education, 
and  they  reflect  credit  upon  him,  being  among 
the  most  intelligent  and  cultured  members  of 
the  community.  Grant  county  has  no  finer 
specimen  of  politician,  farmer,  or  veteran  of 
the  Civil  war  than  she  finds  in  Arthur  Doyle. 

WALTER  WILLIAM  PECK,  M.  D.,  one 
of  the  leading  physicians  and  surgeons  of 
southwestern  Wisconsin,  is  a native  of  the 
State,  born  Jan.  19,  i860,  in  Lafayette  coun- 
ty, at  Darlington,  a son  of  L.  S.  and  Lovisa 
(Robinson)  Peck,  both  of  whom  were  natives 
of  New  York,  and  became  residents  of  La- 
fayette county  in  1858.  They  now  reside  in 
the  city  of  Kilbourn,  Wisconsin. 

Our  subject  is  one  of  a family  of  three 
members;  George  is  a pharmacist,  residing  in 
Chicago;  and  Clara  resides  with  her  parents. 


Dr.  Peck  received  a high-school  education  in 
Darlington,  and  began  the  study  of  medicine 
with  Dr.  Smith,  finally  graduating  at  Rush 
Medical  College,  Chicago,  in  the  class  of  1883. 
The  whole  ot  his  medical  career  has  been 
passed  in  Lafayette  county.  He  was  located 
m Fayette  six  and  one-half  years,  having- 
moved  thither  immediately  after  graduation, 
and  for  twelve  years  has  been  kept  busy  with 
his  growing  practice  in  Darlington.  In  1895 
he  was  graduated  from  the  New  York  Post- 
Graduate  Medical  School,  making  a specialty 
of  surgery  and  diseases  of  the  eye,  ear,  nose 
and  throat.  Dr.  Peck  is  recognized  as  a man 
of  marked  ability  in  his  profession,  and  has 
become  one  of  the  most  trusted  members  of 
the  medical  fraternity  in  the  State.  In  sur- 
gery, especially,  is  he  considered  very  skillful. 
He  has  been  prominently  identified  with  the 
city’s  interests,  and  has  gained  the  esteem  of 
the  community.  He  is  chairman  of  the  town 
and  county  boards.  Socially  he  is  a member 
of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  belonging  to  the 
Blue  Lodge  and  Commandery,  and  also  of  the 
K.  of  P. 

On  May  3,  1888,  Dr.  Peck  married  Miss 
Nannie  Moore  Parkinson,  a daughter  of  Peter 
Parkinson,  and  a granddaughter  of  Daniel 
Morgan  Parkinson.  One  daughter  has  come 
to  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Peck,  Helene,  born  Feb. 
9,  1891. 

COL.  DANIEL  MORGAN  PARKIN- 
SON. No  name  in  the  pioneer  history  of 
Lafayette  county  is  entitled  to  greater  honor, 
or  more  worthy  a place  in  the  Commemorative 
Record  of  Southwestern  Wisconsin,  than  that 
of  Parkinson.  The  head  of  the  family  was 
Daniel  Morgan  Parkinson,  who  was  born  in 
Carter  county,  East  Tennessee,  Oct.  20,  1790. 
His  father,  Peter  Parkinson,  was  a sturdy 
Scotchman,  and  on  the  maternal  side  he  was 
descended  from  famous  Revolutionary  ances- 
try, his  mother  being  Mary  Morgan,  a sister 
of  Gen.  Daniel  Morgan,  the  commander  of 
Morgan’s  famous  riflemen  in  the  war  for  in- 
dependence. 

Col.  Parkinson’s  father  died  when  he  was 
a child  of  two  years,  the  mother  being  left 
with  seven  small  children  to  support,  and  in 
a wilderness  of  the  new  Southwest,  which 
was  overrun  by  savages,  and  whose  forests 
had  but  just  begun  to  echo  to  the  blows  of  the 
axe  of  the  white  man.  But  the  faithful  and 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


72 1 


energetic  mother  proved  equal  to  the  condi- 
tions in  which  she  was  placed,  and  reared  her 
children,  though  without  the  advantages  of 
education,  to  be  esteemed  and  honorable  citi- 
zens. On  attaining  to  manhood  our  subject 
left  his  native  place  and  located  in  White  coun- 
ty, in  his  native  State,  later  removing  to  Madi- 
son county,  111.,  thence  to  Sangamon  county, 
in  the  same  State. 

At  about  this  time  the  tide  of  migration 
set  in  toward  the  lead  regions  of  southwest- 
ern Wisconsin,  and  in  1827  Mr.  Parkinson 
located  at  New  Diggings,  then  in  Iowa  county. 
In  1829  he  removed  to  Mineral  Point,  and 
there  erected  the  third  cabin  at  that  place, 
this  cabin  becoming  known  as  “Mineral  Point 
Hotel,”  and  here  many  a tired  miner  and 
weary  traveler  found  refreshment  and  rest. 
In  1833  he  entered  a quarter  section  of  land 
in  what  is  now  the  town  of  Willow  Springs, 
and  later  erected  a house  thereon,  and  this  be- 
came the  homestead  of  the  family.  Here  Dan- 
iel Parkinson  died,  on  Oct.  I,  1868,  at  the 
age  of  seventy-eight.  This  place  was  known 
among  the  early  settlers  as  “Prairie  Spring- 
Hotel.”  No  man  was  better  known  or  more 
highly  esteemed  among  the  pioneers  than  he, 
and  among  his  intimate  friends  were  such  men 
as  Gov.  Henry  Dodge,  Ebenezer  Bingham, 
William  D.  Hamilton,  Charles  Bracken,  Ab- 
ner Nichols,  J.  P.  Cox,  Levi  Sterling,  Judge 
J.  W.  Blackstone,  and  many  other  men  of 
prominence. 

Mr.  Parkinson  served  as  captain,  major 
and  colonel,  successively,  of  Territorial  militia, 
and  saw  service  in  the  Winnebago  war  as  lieu- 
tenant, later,  in  the  Black  Hawk  war,  com- 
manding- the  5th  Company,  Mich.  Mounted 
Volunteers,  where  he  earned  great  praise  as 
an  Indian  tactician.  Three  times  he  was  elect- 
ed to  the  Territorial  Legislature,  and  often 
held  a seat  on  the  county  board  of  supervisors 
of  Iowa  county.  In  1846  he  was  elected  to  rep- 
resent the  county  of  Iowa  in  the  Constitutional 
Convention  of  that  year.  Despite  the  dissolute 
associations  of  the  early  days  Col.  Parkinson 
was  a sturdy  exponent  of  temperance  tenets, 
and  never  indulged,  nor  allowed  liquor  to  ap- 
pear in  his  household.  So  thoroughly  did  he 
instill  temperance  principles  into  the  minds 
of  his  three  sons  that  they  all  arrived  at  ma- 
turity without  knowing-  the  taste  of  liquor. 

In  physical  form  Col.  Parkinson  was  of 
herculean  build,  having  been  six  feet,  six  inches 

46 


in  height,  and  well  proportioned.  In  politics 
he  was  a stanch  adherent  of  Andrew  Jackson, 
and  on  all  occasions,  and  in  all  places,  main- 
tained his  Democratic  sentiments.  Previous 
to  coming  to  Iowa  county  he  had  contracted 
his  first  marriage,  with  Elizabeth  Hyder,  who 
was  a first  cousin  of  Gen.  Wade  Hampton's 
father.  To  this  union  three  sons  were  born, 
Peter,  William  and  Nathaniel.  Col.  Parkin- 
son married  twice  subsequently,  and  his  last 
wife,  like  the  others,  preceded  her  husband  to 
the  better  land.  The  only  surviving  member 
of  his  immediate  family  is  his  son  William, 
who,  at  a very  advanced  age,  resides  at  Min- 
eral Point. 

Peter  Parkinson,  the  eldest  son,  was  born 
in  Carter  county,  Tenn.,  Jan.  22,  1813,  and 
became  no  less  distinguished  in  Lafayette  coun- 
ty than  was  his  honored  father.  In  1819  the 
family  removed  to  southern  Illinois,  and  set- 
tled in  Silver  Creek,  twenty-five  miles  east  of 
St.  Louis,  which  was  then  on  the  Western 
frontier,  and  St.  Louis  but  a small  village. 
In  August,  1828,  he  came  to  Wisconsin,  his 
father  and  the  rest  of  the  family  having  come 
the  previous  year.  In  1832,  with  his  brother, 
Nathaniel  T.  Parkinson,  he  settled  in  the  town 
of  Fayette,  which  was  ever  after  his  home.. 
In  that  year  lie  and  his  brother  broke  sixty 
acres  of  land,  which  was  the  first  farm  of  any 
considerable  size  made  in  the  town.  On  this 
farm  he  and  his  brother,  both  then  unmarried, 
lived  together  for  five  years,  and  increased  its 
extent  to  400  acres. 

In  1832,  when  but  nineteen  years  of  age, 
young  Parkinson  took  an  active  part  in  the 
Black  Hawk  war,  participating  in  the  famous 
battle  of  Pecatonica,  in  which  every  Indian  en- 
gaged was  slain,  and  when  he  died  the  last 
survivor  of  the  bloodiest  battle  of  the  Black 
Hawk  war  passed  away.  In  the  battle  of  Wis- 
consin he  also  took  part,  and  assisted  in  the 
burying  of  many  of  the  men  who  were  slain. 
I11  1854  he  was  a member  of  the  State  Legis- 
lature from  Lafayette  county,  and  one  of  the 
four  members  who  had  the  courage  to  vote 
against  the  Kansas-Nebraska  resolutions  of 
that  body.  As  a legislator  he  was  active  and 
influential  in  the  passage  of  several  laws  in 
the  interests  of  the  people  at  large,  and  was  the 
author  of  that  part  of  the  Mechanics’  Lien 
Law  which  extended  its  provisions,  which  have 
now  been  embodied  into  the  laws  of  every 
State  in  the  Union.  In  1855,  during-  the  Kan- 


722 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


sas-Nebraska  troubles,  he  was  appointed  by 
President  Pierce  to  the  office  of  lieutenant  in 
Company  A,  Dragoons,  3d  Cavalry,  U.  S.  A. 
While  at  St.  Louis,  on  his  way  to  report  at 
Jefferson  Barracks,  the  sudden  and  dangerous 
illness  of  his  wife  compelled  him  to  resign  at 
once;  had  not  the  unfortunate  event  occurred; 
there  is  no  doubt  but  his  military  career,  be- 
gun so  auspiciously,  would  have  increased  the 
lustre  of  that  gallant  regiment.  Col.  Parkin- 
son served  as  county  commissioner,  chairman 
of  the  town  board,  and  justice  of  the  peace, 
although  he  had  never  sought  office  nor  posi- 
tion. A number  of  times  he  was  president  of 
the  Agricultural  Society  of  his  county;  of  the 
Old  Settlers  Society;  and  of  the  Pioneer  Asso- 
ciation, which  he  organized. 

While  never  engaged  in  the  practice  of 
law,  Col.  Parkinson  was  familiar  with  its  prin- 
ciples, possessed  an  excellent  knowledge  of 
the  provisions  of  the  statutes,  and  argued  a case 
before  a justice  of  the  peace  as  well  as  a prac- 
ticing attorney.  As  a writer  he  was  strong 
and  vigorous,  and  on  some  topics  was  con- 
sidered the  best  writer  in  Lafayette  county. 
The  prominent  traits  of  his  character  were 
firmness  and  decision ; he  was  sincere  and  ar- 
dent in  his  friendships,  had  no  sympathy  or 
patience  with  littleness  or  meanness,  and  was 
ever  severe  in  condemnation  of  the  evil  doer. 
An  old  neighbor  said  of  him  that  he  was  ever 
ready  to  do  right  himself,  and  to  make  others 
do  right.  Prominently  identified  with  town, 
county  and  State,  to  the  close  of  his  life,  he 
was  able  to  relate  many  interesting  incidents 
of  the  early  days. 

In  December,  1837,  Mr.  Parkinson  was 
married  to  Lucy  McCollum,  and  theirs  was  the 
first  marriage  ceremony  performed  in  Lafay- 
ette county.  Two  sons  and  a daughter  were 
born  to  this  marriage:  The  elder  of  the  sons 
is  Judge  John  D.  Parkinson,  who  has  for  many 
years  been  circuit  judge  of  the  25th  district 
of  the  State  of  Missouri,  with  residence  at 
Kansas  City ; the  younger  son,  Thomas  Ben- 
ton, was  killed  at  Little  Rock,  in  the  war  of 
the  Rebellion ; the  daughter  died  in  infancy. 
Mrs.  Lucy  Parkinson  died  April  5,  1842.  In 
1847  he  married  Cleantha  S.  Welch,  of  Madi- 
son, \\  is.,  and  by  this  marriage  four  daugh- 
ters were  born : Lucy  Helena  became  Mrs. 
Derrick,  of  Oil  City,  Penn.,  and  died  many 
years  ago;  Iantha  Corinne  is  now  Mrs.  Abby, 
of  Beebe,  Ark.;  Tessie  Alberta  is  now  Mrs. 


Jenkins,  of  Cheyenne,  Wyo. ; and  Mary.  Mrs. 
Parkinson  died  in  1862,  and  in  November, 
1864,  Mr.  Parkinson  married  Sarah  A.  Moore, 
of  Old  Belmont,  youngest  daughter  of  the  late 
Col.  John  Moore,  an  old  pioneer  of  this  coun- 
ty. Three  children  were  born  of  this  union : 
Nannie  Moore,  the  wife  of  Dr.  Walter  Will- 
iam Peck,  of  Darlington;  Philip,  who  resides 
on  the  old  homestead;  and  Elizabeth,  who  is 
now  a student  in  the  University  of  Wisconsin. 
The  honored  father  died  in  his  old  home  in 
Fayette,  May  30,  1894,  in  his  eighty-second 
year. 

In  many  respects  Mr.  Parkinson  was  a re- 
markable man,  having  inherited  from  his  an- 
cestors a strong  constitution,  and  he  possessed 
a large  and  powerful  frame,  with  a dignified 
and  commanding  presence.  Thoroughly  un- 
derstanding the  politics  of  the  country,  and 
possessing  a remarkable  memory,  he  was  en- 
abled to  make  valuable  contributions  to  the 
State  Historical  Society.  It  was  the  universal 
sentiment,  of  the  county  and  of  the  State, 
when  Peter  Parkinson  passed  away,  that  his 
example  and  influence  had  been  such  as  to  leave 
lasting  marks  upon  the  generations  to  come  in 
the  state  he  loved  and  served  so  well.  The  last 
Mrs.  Parkinson  survived  her  distinguished  hus- 
band a few  years,  passing  away  on  April  7, 
1898. 

CHARLES  E.  BONSON,  proprietor  of 
the  Platteville  bus  line,  one  of  the  solid  and  sub- 
stantial men  of  that  place,  is  a representative  of 
one  of  the  old  pioneer  families  of  Grant  county. 
His  birth  occurred  in  Platteville  Dec.  12,  1850, 
and  he  is  the  son  of  John  and  Fannie  S.  (Ste- 
phens) Bonson. 

The  paternal  grandfather  of  Charles  E. 
Bonson,  Dr.  Richard  Bonson,  with  his  wife, 
Isabella,  came  to  Platteville  in  1836,  being  an 
old  pioneer  of  Grant  county.  He  engaged  in 
smelting  ore,  and.  followed  that  occupation 
the  remainder  of  his  life.  At  his  death  he  left 
two  sons,  Edward  and  John,  the  former  of 
whom  was  killed  by  lightning  when  yet  a young 
man. 

John  Bonson,  the  father  of  our  subject, 
was  born  in  England  in  1827,  and  his  wife  in 
Cornwall,  England,  in  1833.  Their  marriage 
occurred  in  1850.  At  that  time  John  Bonson 
was  a butcher,  but  later  he  purchased  a farm, 
which  he  conducted  until  his  death,  in  1872; 
his  wife  is  still  living,  residing  in  Platteville. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD 


723 


Ten  children  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John 
Bonson,  four  of  whom  died  in  infancy.  Charles 
E.  is  our  subject.  Isabel  is  now  the  wife  of 
Robert  Chapman,  of  Kansas  City,  and  has  a 
family  of  seven  children.  Frank,  Thomas,  Em- 
ma, Cora,  Faye,  Ella  and  Fannie.  Frank,  born 
in  Grant  county,  married  Mary  Churchill,  and 
resides  in  Platteville,  being  assessor  of  the 
town;  they  have  seven  children,  Harry  E.,  Jes- 
sie, Nellie,  Feta,  Charles,  Frank  and  Bessie. 
Annie  F.,  born  in  Platteville,  is  now  the  wife 
of  Cyrus  Huntingdon,  and  has  three  sons, 
Alden,  Jesse  and  Eddie.  Nettie  F.  was  born 
and  educated  in  Platteville,  receiving  a fine 
musical  training;  she  is  now  the  wife  of  Will- 
iam Nehls,  formerly  a hardware  dealer  of 
Platteville,  but  now  residing  at  Benton,  Wis., 
and  there  are  two  daughters  in  this  family, 
Nellie  W.  and  Helen.  Ella,  a very  charming 
young  lady,  was  taken  away  by  death  when 
still  a young  girl. 

The  mother  of  our  subject  was  a daughter 
of  Michael  and  Alary  (Cowlin)  Stephens,  who 
were  both  born  in  Cornwall,  England,  and 
came  to  this  country  in  1842,  the  father’s  twin 
brother,  John,  having  made  the  trip  one  year 
previously.  Ten  years  later,  in  1852,  they 
crossed  the  plains  to  California,  working  in 
the  mines  for  some  two  years,  after  which  they 
returned  to  Platteville,  locating'  on  a farm, 
where  they  remained  the  rest  of  their  lives. 
Airs.  Stephens  died  in  1881,  and  Mr.  Stephens 
in  1886.  Of  the  ten  children  born  to  this 
worthy  couple,  William  C.,  Jane  J.,  John,  Fan- 
nie S.,  Elizabeth  A.,  Samuel  C.,  Alary  A.,  J. 
C.,  Emily  and  Ellen,  five  are  still  living.  Will- 
iam C.  married,  and  settled  in  Platteville, 
where  he  died  in  1897.  Jane  J.  is  the  wife  of 
J.  Stevens,  and  now  resides  in  Platteville. 
John,  now  a resident  of  California,  has  a fam- 
ily of  three  daughters.  Fannie  S.  was  the 
mother  of  our  subject.  Elizabeth  A.  married 
John  Trenary,  and  now  resides  at  Belmont, 
Wis.  Samuel  C.,  born  in  England,  is  now  a 
resident  of  Sioux  City,  Iowa,  is  married,  and 
has  two;  sons,  Arthur  and  Frank,  both  resi- 
dents of  Laura,  Neb.  Mary  A.  married  James 
Nicholas,  and  died  leaving  two  daughters, 
Airs.  John  McCabe  and  Mrs.  Louella  Graham, 
wife  of  Joel  Graham,  both  of  Platteville.  Em- 
ily married  Edwin  Johnson,  and  died  leaving 
two  children,  Edwin  A.  and  Eva  J.,  of  Platte- 
ville. Ellen  was  born  in  Platteville  in  1842, 
the  only  one  of  this  family  born  in  America; 


in  September,  1876,  she  became  the  wife  of 
Ambrose  Tregenown,  of  Platteville;  they  have 
no  family.  Mr.  Stephens,  the  father  of  this 
large  family,  was  counted  among  the  promi- 
nent pioneer  citizens  of  the  State,  and  was  act- 
ively identified  with  the  interests  of  Platte- 
ville, being  very  popular  on  account  of  his 
pleasant,  genial  manner,  and  many  excellent 
qualities.  In  religious  matters  he  was  an  ear- 
nest member  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  and  in  poli- 
tics was  first  a Whig,  when  that  party  was 
merged  into  the  Republican  party  becoming 
an  ardent  adherent  of  its  principles. 

Charles  E.  Bonson,  our  subject,  was  edu- 
cated in  the  excellent  schools  of  Platteville, 
after  which  he  engaged  in  farming  until  1882, 
when  he  embarked  in  his  present  enterprise. 
His  stables  are  well  equipped,  and  his  vehicles 
thoroughly  modern  in  every  respect.  By 
prompt  service  and  an  accommodating  spirit 
Mr.  Bonson  has  built  up  a very  flourishing 
business,  which  is  constantly  on  the  increase. 

I11  1874  Charles  E.  Bonson  married  Miss 
Alary  Hough,  of  Platteville,  who  was  born  in 
1854,  daughter  of  Ephraim  Hough,  one  of  the 
old  pioneers  of  Grant  county,  and  was  a lady 
of  culture  and  education.  In  1898  Airs.  Bon- 
son died,  at  her  home  in  Platteville,  leaving 
her  husband  and  four  children:  Fannie  I., 
born  and  educated  in  Platteville,  married,  in 
1896,  Scott  Loveland,  of  Platteville,  and  has 
one  daughter,  Mary;  John,  born  and  educated 
in  Platteville,  a graduate  of  business  college, 
is  not  married,  and  resides  at  home;  Aliss  Ella, 
born  and  educated  in  Platteville,  is  attending 
the  State  Normal ; Ora,  born  in  Platteville,  is 
still  a student  at  the  State  Normal. 

In  December,  1898,  Mr.  Bonson  married 
Mrs.  Sarah  R.  Thomas,  a most  estimable  lady, 
who  is  highly  esteemed  by  a large  circle  of 
friends.  Politically  Mr.  Bonson  has  always 
been  identified  with  the  Republican  party,  and 
socially  he  is  connected  with  the  lodge  of  Alod- 
ern  Woodmen  of  America. 

WILDER  B.  JACOBS,  of  Avoca,  Iowa 
county,  is  one  of  the  most  highly  esteemed 
citizens,  and  an  honored  survivor  of  years  of 
dangerous  service  in  the  war  of  the  Rebellion. 
Worthily  has  he  been  placed  in  the  position 
of  commander  of  the  Henry  Lawton  Post, 
No.  279,  G.  A.  R.,  at  Muscoda,  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  Jacobs  was  born  in  the  town  of  Dans- 
ville,  Livingston  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  November, 


724 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


1843,  a son  of  Gustavus  and  Harriet  (Per- 
kins) Jacobs,  both  of  whom  were  born  in  the 
town  of  Rutland,  Rutland  Co.,  Vt.  Gustavus 
Jacobs  was  a sergeant  in  the  war  of  1812,  and 
his  father,  the  grandfather  of  Wilder  B.,  was 
a captain  in  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  and 
perhaps  the  patriotic  blood  of  his  forefathers 
flowed  with  vigor  in  the  veins  of  our  subject, 
and  produced  the  results  which  won  for  him 
such  a record  for  gallantry.  By  trade  Gus- 
tavus Jacobs  was  a ship  carpenter,  and  his  as- 
sistance was  required  in  the  building  of  the 
fleet  by  which  Commodore  Perry  grained  the 
victory  of  Lake  Erie.  For  many  years  he  fol- 
lowed his  trade,  and  at  the  time  of  the  birth  of 
our  subject  he  was  engaged  in  boat  building 
on  the  Genesee  Valley  canal  at  Mt.  Morris, 
N.  Y.,  but  later  removed  to  Angelica,  Alle- 
gany county,  but  in  1855  the  family,  compris- 
ing the  parents  and  three  sons,  came  to  Wis- 
consin and  settled  in  Sauk  county,  the  children 
being:  Palmedus  P.,  Burley  A.,  and  Wilder  B. 
In  the  fall  of  1855  another  son,  Henry,  with 
his  family,  also  came  to  Wisconsin,  these  be- 
ing all  who  located  in  this  State.  The  present 
survivors  of  the  family  are:  Gustavus,  Jr., 
Palmedus,  Wilder  B.  and  Hannah.  The  par- 
ents removed  from  Sauk  county  to  Platteville, 
Wis.,  about  1869,  where  they  died  in  1875, 
the  father  surviving  the  mother  by  a few 
months.  They  were  far  advanced  in  life,  the 
father  aged  ninety-four,  and  the  mother  but 
a few  years  younger.  Both  were  highly  es- 
teemed and  consistent  members  of  the  M.  E. 
Church.  Mr.  Jacobs  was  a powerful  man 
physically  and  intellectually,  and  was  a pro- 
found student  of  the  Bible,  his  knowledge  of 
that  Book  being  remarkable. 

Wilder  B.  Jacobs  passed  his  young  man- 
hood on  the  farm  in  Sauk  county  until  his  en- 
listment at  Prairie  du  Sac,  on  Sept.  23,  1861, 
in  the  6th  Battery,  Wis.  Light  Artillery,  as  a 
private,  and  remained  in  the  service  until  July 
3,  1865.  This  battery  served  in  Mississippi, 
Missouri,  Alabama  and  Georgia,  and  Mr.  Ja- 
cobs participated,  with  his  command,  in  these 
battles,  which  are  enrolled  upon  the  pages  of 
American  history  as  examples  of  bravery  for 
which  a nation  must  ever  be  proud : Island 
No.  10;  siege  of  Corinth,  in  the  spring  of 
1862;  battle  of  Corinth,  on  Oct.  3-4,  1862; 
Port  Gibson ; Willow  Springs ; battle  of  Ray- 
mond; battle  of  Jackson;  Champion  Hills; 
siege  of  Vicksburg;  Missionary  Ridge;  and 


battle  of  Nashville,  and  other  minor  engage- 
ments. This  battery  lost  a large  number  of 
men ; at  the  battle  of  Corinth  alone  it  lost 
eighteen  brave  men,  while  twenty-three  were 
wounded.  As  worthy  of  mention,  Mr.  Jacobs 
took  part  in  all  these  battles,  and  was  never 
absent  from  the  battery  when  even  a skirmish 
took  place. 

After  the.  close  of  the  war  Mr.  Jacobs  was 
engaged  by  the  Prairie  du  Chien  division  of 
the  Milwaukee  & St.  Paul  railroad  as 
a conductor,  and  in  this  position  he  remained 
for  seventeen  years.  In  1879  he  went  to  Min- 
nesota and  South  Dakota,  running  in  the  same 
capacity  from  St.  James,  Minn.,  to  Sioux  Falls, 
S.  Dale.,  for  the  following  three  years,  and 
was  then  employed  on  the  St.  Paul  system, 
running  from  Sanborn,  Iowa,  to  Mitchell,  S. 
Dak.  In  the  fall  of  1896  he  came  to  Avoca, 
where  he  has  since  resided.  His  long  and  ex- 
hausting army  service  told  upon  his  health, 
and  it  has  never  been  satisfactory  since,  al- 
though he  did  not  allow  it  toi  prevent  a busy 
life.  His  brother,  Henry  Jacobs,  was  a mem- 
ber of  Company  K,  23d  Reg.  Wis.  Vols.,  and 
died  on  the  steamer  “John  H.  Dickey,”  from 
a wound  received  at  Arkansas  Post,  while  his 
brother-in-law,  Philander  S.  May,  served  in 
the  same  company,  and  also  gave  up  his 
life. 

Wilder  B.  Jacobs  was  married  Sept.  1, 
1865,  to  Miss  Mary  V.  Parish,  a native  of  the 
town  of  Muscoda,  who  has  the  distinction  of 
being  the  oldest  white  native  living  in  that 
place.  Her  father  was  a lieutenant  in  Com- 
pany F,  44th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  was  honorably 
discharged  in  August,  1865.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Jacobs  have  an  adopted  daughter,  Lila  C.,  who 
is  the  wife  of  Norman  J.  Luther,  train  dis- 
patcher for  the  Great  Northern  railroad  at 
Larimore,  N.  Dak.,  and  they  have  two  chil- 
dren, Mary  E.  and  Norman  W. 

Mr.  Jacobs  assisted  in  the  organization  of 
Henry  W.  Lawton  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  in  1899, 
since  which  year  he  has  held  the  post  of  com- 
mander, and  is  regarded  with  the  highest  es- 
teem by  his  comrades,  and  is  serving  on  the 
Department  staff.  He  also  assisted  in  organ- 
izing Henry  W.  Lawton,  W.  R.  C.,  No.  34, 
in  January,  1900.  In  his  pleasant  home  in 
Avoca  this  brave  soldier  enjoys  the  rest  “his 
valor  won.”  Both  he  and  wife  are  consistent 
members  of  the  M.  E.  Church  and  most  re- 
spected citizens. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ALBERT  F.  LICHTENWALNER,  a 
hustling  and  energetic  business  man  of  Mon- 
roe, Green  county,  has  been  a tradesman  of 
this  city  for  something  over  twenty  years,  and 
in  that  time  has  achieved  a decided  success  in 
the  acquisition  of  a host  of  friends.  He  has 
been  industrious  and  accommodating,  with  a 
commendable  spirit  of  enterprise  and  a laudable 
ambition  to  lead  in  the  lines  in  which  he  is 
engaged. 

Mr.  Lichtenwalner  was  born  in  Lehigh 
Bounty,  Penn.,  March  28,  1854,  and  is  a son  of 
Joseph  S.  and  Mary  Ann  (Fenner)  Lichten- 
walner, both  natives  of  that  State.  They  were 
the  parents  of  six  sons  and  three  daughters, 
and  seven  of  these  children  are  now  living: 
Albert  F. ; Valentine,  of  Jefferson  township; 
Mantana,  of  Monroe;  Mary  C.,  wife  of  Mil- 
ton  Keller,  of  Jefferson  township;  Simon,  of 
Monroe;  Nietta,  wife  of  George  Whitehead, 
of  Jefferson  township;  and  Harvey,  of  West- 
field,  Wis.  The  father  was  a farmer,  and  came 
to  Wisconsin  in  1868,  locating  in  Clarno  town- 
ship, Green  county,  'where  he  bought  a farm 
of  seventy-six  acres,  and  added  more  land  to 
it  until  he  had  125  acres.  This  farm  contin- 
ued to  be  his  home  until  his  death  in  1885. 
His  widow  still  survives,  and  has  her  home 
in  Monroe.  She  is  a member  of  the  German 
Reformed  Church,  while  her  husband  was  a 
Lutheran.  His  father,  Joseph  Lichtenwalner, 
father  of  Joseph  S.,  and  grandfather  of  Albert 
F.,  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  and  came  of 
German  ancestry,  the  family  history  beginning 
on  the  river  Rhine,  and  dating  back,  in  Amer- 
ica. to  about  the  year  1735.  Barnet  Fenner,  the 
father  of  Mary  Ann  Fenner,  mentioned  above, 
was  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  where  he  was  a 
farmer  and  reared  twelve  children,  all  of  whom 
lived  to  be  married. 

Albert  F.  Lichtenwalner  spent  the  first 
fourteen  years  of  his  life  in  his  native  State, 
and  then  came  to  Wisconsin.  He  had  his 
education  in  the  common  schools,  and  was 
reared  on  the  farm.  When  a young  man  of 
eighteen  he  began  to  teach  school,  and  taught 
two  terms  with  fair  success.  Very  early  in 
life,  however,  he  had  determined  to  be  a drug- 
gist, and  accordingly  began  the  study  of  phar- 
macy in  Monroe,  almost  before  he  had  attained 
his  majority.  He  mastered  the  details  of  the 
business  in  a most  thorough  and  competent 
manner,  and  in  1878,  in  company  with  F.  Iv. 
Studley,  bought  out  his  former  employer,  C. 


72S 


E.  Adams,  under  the  firm  name  of  Studley  & 
Lichtenwalner.  In  1887  Air.  Studley  disposed 
of  his  interest  to  Air.  Lichtenwalner,  who  has 
since  conducted  the  establishment  without  a 
partner.  He  has  done  well,  and  keeps  a full 
and  complete  line  of  drug  goods  and  drug  ap- 
pliances, such  as  would  be  found  in  a well-kept 
and  prosperous  pharmacy,  and  has  also  for 
many  years  carried  a well-selected  stock  of 
groceries. 

On  Feb.  4,  1877,  Air.  Lichtenwalner  mar- 
ried Aliss  Alary  C.  McCammant,  daughter  of 
John  and  Adaline  (Wells)  McCammant.  No 
children  have  brightened  their  home.  Airs. 
Lichtenwalner  is  a very  popular  woman,  and 
a consistent  member  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 
Air.  Lichtenwalner  has  various  fraternal  asso- 
ciations, belonging  to.  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  the  A. 
O.  U.  W,  and  the  Alodern  Woodmen,  and 
politically  is  a stanch  Republican.  He  was 
city  clerk  four  years,  and  served  as  alderman 
from  the  4th  ward  three  years.  He  lives  on 
Liberty  street,  and  has  had  his  home  in  Alon- 
roe  since  1874. 

CHRIST  F.  HARTWIG,  residing  on  a 
fine  farm  of  400  acres  four  miles  north  of  Juda, 
Green  county,  is  a son  of  Y\  illiam  Ludwig 
and  Sophia  (Hebberman)  Hartwig,  who  were 
born  in  Delitzsch,  Germany,  and  were  married 
in  1849.  They  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1855. 
They  were  the  parents  of  four  children,  of 
whom  the  eldest,  (1)  Christ  F.,  is  our  sub- 
ject. (2)  William,  born  in  1853,  married 
Alary  Ansmeir,  and  died  in  1887.  (3)  Ferdi- 

nand, born  in  1855,  married  Alary  Aus- 
mus,  and  is  now  dead.  (4)  Alary,  born  in 
1865,  is  now  the  wife  of  Ferdinand  Ausmus, 
a farmer  in  Sylvester.  V illiam  Ludwig  Hart- 
wig was  born  in  1825,  and  died  in  1890.  Mrs. 
Sophia  Hartwig,  his  widow,  was  born  in  1824, 
and  is  still  living  in  Juda,  much  respected  by 
all  who  know  her. 

Christ  F.  Hartwig  was  born  Feb.  4,  1850, 
in  Delitzsch,  Germany,  and  was  about  five  years 
old  when  he  came  to  this  country  with  his  par- 
ents. He  has  followed  farming  all  his  life, 
and  has  been  an  active  and  industrious  man. 
Part  of  the  home  place,  which  was  taken  by  his 
father  in  1858.  is  included  in  his  own  exten- 
sive landed  possessions.  On  Jan.  15,  1874, 
Air.  Hartwig  was  married  to  Aliss  Libbie, 
daughter  of  Phillip  Henn,  of  the  town  of  Jef- 
ferson, a German  by  birth.  This  union  has 


726 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


been  blessed  with  six  children : Lydia,  who 
is  living  with  her  grandmother,  Mrs.  Sophia 
Hartwig,  in  Juda;  and  Minnie,  Clara,  Edward, 
George  and  Lillie,  all  at  home. 

Mr.  Hartwig  was  reared  on  the  paternal 
estate,  and  acquired  his  education  in  the  com- 
mon schools.  Beginning  life  a poor  boy,  he 
has  worked  hard,  taken  advantage  of  every 
opportunity,  and  prospered,  now  owning  400 
acres  of  fine  land  in  the  town  of  Sylvester, 
which  is  worth  at  the  very  lowest  calculation 
eighty  dollars  an  acre.  There  are  fine  buildings 
and  ample  equipments  on  the  place,  and  high 
grade  and  profitable  farming  is  the  order. 
Politically  Mr.  Hartwig  is  a Republican,  and 
has  served  his  town  as  school  director  and  in 
other  local  offices.  He  has  been  a consistent 
member  of  the  Evangelical  Church  at  Juda, 
Wis.,  for  many  years.  He  has  an  unquestioned 
standing  as  a progressive  farmer,  and  an  hon- 
est and  upright  man.  Our  subject  was  named 
after  his  grandfather,  Christian  Hartwig,  who 
came  to  this  country  about  thirty-five  years 
ago,  and  died  in  the  town  of  Sylvester  soon 
after  his  arrival,  at  the  age  oif  seventy-five 
years. 

FREDERICK  BEILHARZ,  who,  as  a 
"blacksmith  and  wagonmaker,  was  for  many 
years  prominently  identified  with  the  indus- 
trial and  business  interests  of  Cassville,  Grant 
county,  has  made  his  home  in  that  place  since 
1855,  locating  there  when  it  was  a village  of 
about  a dozen  houses.  As  a public-spirited 
citizen  he  was  actively  connected  with  its  early 
development  and  progress,  and  after  a useful 
and  well-spent  life  he  is  now  living  retired, 
enjoying  a well-earned  rest. 

Mr.  Beilharz  was  born  in  Wurtemburg, 
Germany,  Oct.  17;  1831,  a son  of  Christian 
and  Barbara  (Kubbler)  Beilharz,  who  spent 
their  entire  lives  in  that  country.  In  their  fam- 
ily were  eight  children,  namely : Mrs.  Chris- 
tiana Christ,  a resident  of  Buffalo,  N.  Y. ; 
Frederick;  Mrs.  Barbara  Hunter,  of  Germany; 
Mrs.  Christ,  who  died  in  Clayton  county,  Iowa ; 
Fredericka,  a resident  of  Germany;  Dora,  who 
resides  at  the  old  home  in  the  Fatherland; 
Mrs.  Caroline  Hoover,  of  Cassville,  Wis. ; and 
John,  who  came  to  Cassville  in  1859,  and  three 
years  later  enlisted  in  the  27th  Iowa  V.  I.,  with 
which  he  served  three  years,  and  is  now  living' 
at  the  Soldiers  Home  in  Iowa. 

Frederick  Beilharz  was  the  first  of  the  fam- 


ily to  come  to  America.  He  sailed  from  Rot- 
terdam in  April,  1852,  and  after  a long  and 
tedious^  voyage  of  fifty-eight  days  landed  in 
New  York,  June  17,  whence  he  proceeded  at 
once  Jo  Buffalo,  N.  Y.  In  that  city  he  worked 
at  his  trade  for  two  years  before  coming  to 
Wisconsin.  In  1854,  at  the  land  office  in  Min- 
eral Point,  Wis.,  he  entered  a tract  of  land  in 
Cassville  township,  Grant  county,  and  imme- 
diately located  thereon,  devoting  his  time  and 
energies  to  its  improvement  and  cultivation 
until  his  removal  to  Cassville  in  1855.  Since 
then  he  has  made  his  home  on  the  block  where 
he  now  resides.  Erecting  a shop,  he  success- 
fully engaged  in  blacksmithing  and  wagon- 
making for  many  years,  but  has  now  laid  aside 
the  cares  and  responsibilities  of  business  life, 
and  is  living  retired,  enjoying  the  fruits  of  for- 
mer toil.  Besides  the  property  he  owns  in 
Cassville,  he  still  has  a good  farm  in  Cassville 
township,  which  he  rents. 

Ih  1855,  at  Cassville,  Mr.  Beilharz  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Mary  Munch, 
a native  of  Hesse-Darmstadt,  Germany,  and 
a daughter  of  Henry  and  Elizabeth  (Rietz) 
Mu  neb,  who,  on  coming  to  this  country,  first 
located  in  Hoboken,  N.  J.,  and  in  1855  became 
residents  of  Cassville,  Wis.  Later  Mr.  Munch, 
who  was  a farmer  by  occupation,  moved  to 
Emmetsburg,  Iowa,  where  both  he  and  his 
wife  died  at, an  advanced  age,  she  being  nearly 
ninety-two  at  the  time  of  her  death.  Their 
children  were  Mrs.  Mary  Beilharz ; Mrs.  Eliza- 
beth Engler  and  Mrs.  Catharine  Adrain,  both 
residents  of  Emmetsburg,  Iowa;  Lizzie,  wha 
died  in  that  State ; and  Henry,  who  died  in 
Whittemore,  Iowa.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Beilharz 
have  four  children  : ( 1 ) Mrs.  Lusetta  Eisen- 
aggerich,  of  Dubuque,  Iowa,  has  three  children, 
Freddie,  Lucy  and  Arthur.  (2)  Fritz,  a black- 
smith of  Cassville,  married  Lucy  Bishop,  and 
they  have  two  children,  Fred  and  Emma.  (3) 
Mrs.  Mary  Shatkin,  whose  husband  is  a mer- 
chant of  Minneapolis,  Minn.,  has  four  chil- 
dren, Henry,  Arnold,  Edwin  and  Fred.  (4) 
Henry,  also  a blacksmith  of  Cassville,  married 
Lizzie  Gallebrant,  and  they  have  three  chil- 
dren, Ray,  Mabel  and  Blanche. 

In  his  political  affiliations  Mr.  Beilharz  is 
a Republican,  having  always  voted  with  that 
party  since  its  organization,  and  he  is  now 
efficiently  serving  as  a member  of  the  city 
council.  He  is  one  of  the  prominent  pioneers 
of  Cassville,  and  is  still  one  of  its  leading  and 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


727 


influential  citizens.  Socially  he  is  connected 
with  the  Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen, 
and  religiously  is  a member  of  the  Lutheran 
Church. 

DAVID  E.  JACOBS.  The  life  of  this 
influential  and  honored  citizen  of  Iowa  county, 
who  at  present  fills  the  office  of  county  treas- 
urer, has  been  filled  with  more  than  the  custo- 
mary measure  of  adventure  and  change.  His 
father  migrated  from  New  York  to  Ohio  early 
in  life,  and  later  removed  to  Canton,  Fulton 
Co.,  111.  There  he  married  Matilda  Emery,  a 
native  of  Ohio,  descended  from  one  of  the  Ger- 
man-American  families  of  Pennsylvania,  a 
sturdy  stock,  whose  branches  have  spread  all 
over  the  central  West,  leaving  everywhere  the 
impress  of  keen  acumen  and  sterling  honesty. 

The  “Colonel,”  as  he  is  commonly  ad- 
dressed, has  a deep  hold  upon  the  hearts  and 
respect  of  the  community.  He  was  born  in 
Fulton  county,  Ilk,  Feb.  9,  1845,  grew  to  early 
manhood  on  his  father’s  farm,  and’  his  natural 
bent  was  toward  an  agricultural  life.  The 
outbreak  of  the  Rebellion,  however,  stirred 
every  patriotic  impulse  of  his  nature,  and  on 
June  2,  1862,  he  enlisted  in  Company  I,  65th 
111.  V.  I.  On  Sept.  15,  following,  he  was  cap- 
tured at  Harper’s  Ferry,  and  remained  a pris- 
oner of  war  until  the  following  spring,  when 
he  was  exchanged.  He  was  at  once  attached 
to  the  command  of  Gen.  Sherman  on  the  Geor- 
gia campaign,  and  took  part  in  the  memorable 
battles'  at  Franklin  and  Nashville,  Term.,  as 
well  as  in  the  preliminary  campaign  ag'ainst 
Atlanta.  His  department  commander  was 
Gen.  Thomas,  the  “Rock  of  Chickamauga.” 
He  participated  in  the  annihilation  of  Hood’s 
army,  and  followed  its  shattered  remnants  as 
far  as  Clifton,  Tenn.  From  that  point  the 
command  to  which  he  was  attached  was  or- 
dered to  join  the  forces  of  Gen.  Sherman,  but 
to  proceed  by  way  of  Washington,  and  was 
present  at  President  Lincoln’s  second  inaugu- 
ration, afterward  proceeding  South  as  far  as 
Raleigh,  North  Carolina. 

After  being  mustered  out  Mr.  Jacobs,  in 
common  with  other  volunteers,  returned  home, 
to  be  greeted  with  laudation  and  glad  ‘acclaim. 
A spirit  of  restless  activity,  however,  still  pos- 
sessed him.  For  some  years  he  made  his  home 
at  Galva,  111.,  going  thence  to  Chicago',  and 
later  to  Shelbina,  Mo.  From  the  latter  point 
he  returned  to  Galva,  where  for  several  years 
he  successfully  conducted  a stock  farm  near 


Bishop’s  Hill.  For  twenty  years  he  was  in 
the  employ  of  McNeil  & Higgins,  of  Chicago, 
as  a traveling  salesman.  For  some  sixteen 
years  preceding  his  first  election  to  the  county 
treasurers'hip,  in  1898,  his  home  was  at  Min- 
eral Point.  In  1900  he  was  re-elected  by  a 
majority  of  1,627  votes,  the  largest  ever  re- 
ceived by  a county  officer  in  Iowa  county. 

As  has  been  pointed  out,  the  life  of  Mr. 
Jacobs  has  been  eventful ; it  has  been  no  less 
successful.  His  courage  has  been  tested,  and 
found  not  wanting;  his  energy  is  of  the  sort 
which  never  tires;  his  shrewd  native  ability 
is  rarely  deceived ; and  his  fidelity  to  every  trust 
reposed  in  him  has  ever  been  beyond  question. 
Of  a genial  and  generous  nature,  he  readily 
wins  friends,  whom  he  keeps  by  virtue  of  his 
strong  character  and  uncompromising  fidelity. 
In  Grand  Army  circles  he  is  well  known  and 
prominent,  being  past  commander  of  George 
H.  Legate  Post,  No.  125,  Mineral  Point;  has 
served  as  aid-de-camp  to  the  National  Com- 
mander ; and  has  been  repeatedly  chosen  a 
delegate  to  National  Encampments. 

Mr.  Jacobs  was  married,  Dec.  2,  1867,  to 
Miss  Mary  L.  Welton,  of  Galva,  111.,  and  to 
their  union  have  been  born  four  sons  and  two 
daughters:  Clyde  W.,  Jessie,  Myron  R.,  Nel- 

lie M.,  Ernest  R.  and  Arthur  V.  Mrs.  Jacobs’ 
father,  Seymour  Welton,  died  while  in  the 
United  States  service  during  the  Civil  war,  as 
a member  of  the  6th  Missouri  Battery,  in 
which  two  of  his  sons,  Virgil  and  Nelson,  both 
attained  the  rank  of  sergeant. 

M.  M.  RICE,  one  of  the  prominent  farm- 
ers of  Marion  township,  Grant  county,  is  one 
of  the  pioneers  of  that  locality,  having  located 
there  in  1854. 

Mr.  Rice  was  born  in  Allegany  county, 
N.  Y.,  in  1850,  a son  of  Moors  and  Clarissa 
(Phillips)  Rice,  natives  of  Massachusetts  and 
New  Hampshire,  respectively.  They  were 
reared  in  New  Hampshire,  in  1854  came  to 
Grant  county,  where  the  father  opened  up  gov- 
ernment land  and  speculated  largely  in  real 
estate,  paying  $1.25  an  acre  for  the  fine  farm 
adjoining  the  farm  now  occupied  by  our  sub- 
ject. Later  in  life  he  removed  to  Boscobel, 
where  his  death  occurred  in  1879,  his  wife 
surviving  him  until  1883.  In  politics  he  was 
a Republican,  and  he  was  honored  by  being 
chosen  to  the  office  of  commissioner  in 
Marion.  To  himself  and  wife  were  born  eight 
children  : Myra,  Mrs.  Rieks,  died  in  Boscobel 


728 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


in  1887;  Oliver  A.  is  a resident  of  Boscobel; 
Lucy,  Mrs.  A.  D.  Reed,  died  in  1891 ; Betsy, 
Mrs.  Risks,  is  a resident  of  Boscobel ; Ben- 
jamin died  in  Boscobel  in  August,  1892,  from 
the  effects'  of  wounds  received  in  the  war,  he 
having  served  in  a Wisconsin  regiment;  An- 
son enlisted,  and  died  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  in 
1864;  Clarissa  is  now  Mrs.  Deyoe,  of  Wis- 
consin; M.  M.  is  our  subject. 

M.  M.  Rice  was  but  four  years  old  when 
the  family  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  so  has 
grown  up  with  the  State.  His  farm  now  con- 
sists of  196  acres,  in  a fine  state  of  cultiva- 
tion, a part  of  which  was  comprised  in  the 
old  homestead.  Mr.  Rice  devotes  a part  of 
his  attention  to  the  growing  of  honey,  having 
ninety-five  hives,  and  his  product  commands  a 
high  price  on  account  of  its  excellence. 

I11  1872  Mr.  Rice  married,  in  Marion  town- 
ship, Emma  Rieks,  daughter  of  Reuben  and 
Emrancy  (Ortrander)  Rieks,  natives  of  New 
York,  and  early  pioneers  of  Wisconsin.  The 
father  is  still  living,  residing  at  Boscobel;  the 
mother  died  April  29,  1895.  To  our  subject 
and  wife  six  children  have  been  born : Leta, 

now  Mrs.  Tuffley,  of  Marion  township;  Albert, 
attending  college  at  Beloit,  Wis. ; George,  who 
is  married  and  resides  in  Marion,  operating  a 
cheese  factory;  and  Harry,  Ora  and  Warren, 
still  at  home. 

Politically  Mr.  Rice  is  a Republican,  has 
been  a member  of  the  town  board,  and  chairman 
of  the  Marion  township  board.  Both  he  and 
his  wife  are  Consistent  members  of  the  Con- 
gregational Church  of  Boscobel,  in  which  Mr. 
Rice  is  a deacon,  and  they  are  well  known  and 
highly  esteemed  throughout  the  county  where 
they  have  resided,  practically,  all  their  lives. 

F.  M.  CRONIN,  M.  D.,  one  of  the  very 
prominent  physicians  of  Lancaster,  Grant 
county,  was  born  in  Platteville,  same  county, 
June  16,  1846,  the  only  child  born  to  Dr.  Ed- 
ward and  Emily  (MoOre)  Cronin. 

Dr.  Edward  Cronin  was  born  in  Phila- 
delphia, Penn.,  Feb.  22,  1822,  and  died  in 
Platteville,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1894.  His 
elementary  education  was  acquired  in  his  na- 
tive city,  but  he  afterward  attended,  and1  in 
1842  was  graduated  from,  the  Literary  De- 
partment of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania. 
He  then  entered  upon  the  study  of  medicine, 
under  Prof.  John  K.  Mitchell,  of  Jefferson 
Medical  College,  from  which  institution  he  was 
graduated  in  1844,  and  the  same  year  came  | 


to  Wisconsin  and  settled  down  to  practice  in 
Platteville,  Grant  county.  Here  he  secured  a 
large  list  of  patients,  and  was  quite  successful 
in  his  treatment  of  them,  continuing  in  prac- 
tice until  1850,  when,  like  thousands  of  others 
throughout  the  country,  he  was  attracted  to 
the  newly  discovered  gold  field’s  of  the  Pa- 
cific slope.  He  reached  Sacramento  during 
the  prevalence  of  the  cholera  scourge  of  that 
year,  and  his  professional  services  were  at  once 
eagerly  demanded.  He  remained  in  the  city 
until  the  epidemic  was'  conquered,  and  then 
sought  the  Fraser  river  region,  tarrying  there 
until  1853,  when  he  returned  to  the  States 
and  located  at  Galena,  111.  There  he  resided 
until  i860,  when,  with  a desire  to  better  qual- 
ify himself  in  the  more  modern  system  of  prac- 
tice in  his  profession,  he  returned  to  Phila- 
delphia and  attended  an  additional  course  of 
lectures  at  Jefferson  College.  After  practic- 
ing in  Platteville,  Wis'.,  until  1864,  he  went 
to  Philadelphia  and  practiced  until  1867,  when 
he  again  came  West,  and  followed  his  pro- 
fession at  Mineral  Point,  Iowa  Co.,  Wis.,  un- 
til 1872,  when  he  settled  in  Platteville,  there 
passing  the  remainder  of  his  life.  Dr.  Ed- 
ward Cronin  was  a man  of  great  energy  and 
force  of  character,  was  an  able  and  successful 
physician’  and  a truly  public-spirited  citizen, 
and  his  amiable  wife,  who  survives  him,  still 
has  her  residence  in  Platteville.  She  is  a 

daughter  of  Col.  Moore. 

Dr.  F.  M.  Cronin,  when  young,  owing  to 
the  frequent  removals  of  his  parents,  received 
his  literary  education  at  various  places,  at- 
tending at  Sinsinawa  Mound,  Platteville  (at 
the  academy  under  Prof.  Guernsey),  and  the 
Northwest  grammar  school  in  Philadelphia, 
from  which  latter  he  wasl  graduated.  He  be- 
gan the  study  of  medicine  under  his  father, 
and  was  graduated  from  the  Medical  Depart- 
ment of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania  in 
1876.  Lie  commenced  active  practice  at  Platte- 
ville in  conjunction  with  his  father,  and  later 
went  to  Texas  as  surgeon  for  the  Texas  & Pa- 
cific Railway  Co.,  with  headquarters  at  Dallas, 
continuing  as  such  three  years.  He  returned  to 
Wisconsin,  locating  at  Mineral  Point,  whence 
he  removed  to  Cassville,  and  in  1891  settled 
in  Lancaster,  where  his  professional  ability 
and  skill  were  at  once  recognized,  and  where 
he  has  since  been  favored  with  an  extensive 
patronage. 

The  Doctor  married  Miss  Abby  Johnston, 
of  Platteville,  a daughter  of  Edwin  Johnson, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


729 


and  this  union  has  been  blessed  with  two  chil- 
dren, one  of  whom,  Frank  M.,  is  deceased; 
the 'survivor  is  a daughter  named  Emily.  The 
Doctor  is  a Knight  Templar  Mason,  and  is 
also  a Knight  of  Pythias.  Politically  his 
sympathies  are  with  the  Democratic  party,  but 
he  has  never  taken  any  very  active  part  in  po- 
litical affairs.  He  is  very  highly  esteemed  as 
a physician,  and  as  a citizen,  and  he  and  his 
wife  move  in  the  best  ■ social  circles  of  Lan- 
caster. 

JOHN  H.  STEINHOFF,  a very  success- 
ful stock  and  dairy  farmer  of  Harrison  town- 
ship, Grant  county,  has  achieved  very  satisfac- 
tory results  by  industry,  thrift  and  integrity, 
and  holds  an  enviable  position  in  the  business 
world  because  he  is  an  upright  and  honorable 
man,  not  afraid  of  hard  work,  and  willing  to 
meet  every  engagement. 

Mr.  Steinhoff  was  born  in  Platteville,  Grant 
Co.,  Wis.,  Feb.  3,  1867,  son  of  William  F.  and 
Amelia  (Sue)  Steinhoff,  both  natives  of  Han- 
over, Germany,  where  the  father  was  born  in 
1832,  and  theunother  in  1831.  They  married 
in  Germany,  and  remained  in  their  native  land 
until  1857,  in  which  year  they  came,  by  way 
of  New'  Orleans  and  the  Mississippi  river,  to 
Platteville.  They  crossed  the  ocean  in  a sail- 
ing vessel,  and  the  voyage  was  tedious  and 
protracted  to  a degree.  They  bought  a small 
home  in  Platteville  and  occupied  it  for  some 
time,  leaving  it  to  go  on  a rented  farm  in  the 
town  of  Belmont,  Lafayette  county,  on  which 
they  lived  for  several  years.  Mr.  Steinhoff 
rented  another  farm  in  Elk  Grove,  that  coun- 
ty, where  they  made  their  home  for  several 
years,  finally  buying  the  home  farm  on  which 
their  son,  John  H.,  may  now  be  found.  It 
contained  150  acres,  which  Mr.  Steinhoff  in- 
creased to  19 1 acres,  and  there  he  lived  until 
1894,  when  he  moved  into  Platteville,  where 
he  purchased  the  house  and  lot  where  he  now 
resides.  He  made  many  important  improve- 
ments on  the  farm,  remodeling  the  old  home 
in  many  ways,  and  putting  up  a large  barn  in 
1892.  In  1883  his  estimable  wife  passed  away. 
She  was  the  mother  of  thirteen  children,  twelve 
of  whom  survive,  one  son,  Henry,  dying  when 
two  days  old.  Lena,  born  in  Germany,  is  liv- 
ing with  her  father.  William  was  born  in 
Har  rison  township,  and  is  now  a farmer  there ; 
he  married  Annie  Wachter,  of  Illinois,  and  has 
one  daughter,  Clara.  August,  born  in  Platte- 


ville in  i860,  married  Miss  Minnie  Miller,  and 
is  a farmer  in  the  town  of  Harrison.  Minnie 
was  born  in  Platteville  in  1862,  married  Henry 
J.  Opperman,  of  Clayton  county,  Iowa,  and 
lives  on  a farm  in  Iowa ; they  have  two  children, 
Albert  and  Irvin.  Mary,  born  in  1864,  married 
Albert  Nehls,  and  lives  in  Platteville;  they  have 
one  son,  Freddie.  Emma  resides  with  her  fa- 
ther. Annie,  born  in  1871,  is  now  the  wife  of 
Peter  Karman,  and  has  three  children,  Ber- 
nard, Walter  and  Mabel.  Frederick,  born  in 
Elk  Grove  in  1873,  married  Flora  Golmar,  and 
lives  on  his  farm  in  the  town  of  Platteville, 
with  his  wife  and  two  children,  Guerdon  and 
Margaret.  Lizzie  lives  with  her  father.  Miss 
Amelia  lives  with  her  father.  Frank,  born  in 
1878,  was  educated  in  the  Platteville  Business 
College ; he  is  unmarried. 

John  H.  Steinhoff  acquired  a very  fair  edu- 
cation in  the  schools  of  Platteville  and  Elk 
Grove,  and  his  life  has  been  spent  to  a very 
large  degree  on  the  farm  where  he  grew  up. 
He  is  a thorougdi  farmer,  and  brings  to  the 
cultivation  of  the  soil  good  judgment  of  busi- 
ness opportunities  and  unflagging  industry.  In 
September,  1896,  Mr.  Steinhoff  and  Miss 
Laura  Kliebenstein,  daughter  of  August  and 
Margaret  Kliebenstein,  were  united  in  mar- 
riage. Her  parents  were  born  in  Grant  coun- 
ty, of  German  parentage,  and  Lewis  Klieben- 
stein, her  grandfather,  was  an  old  pioneer  set- 
tler in  Grant  county.  Mrs.  Steinhoff  was  born 
there  in  July,  1873,  finished  her  education  in 
the  Platteville  Normal,  and  is  a cultured  and 
scholarly  woman ; she  was  one  of  the  successful 
teachers  of  Grant  county  for  some  five  years, 
until  her  marriage.  After  their  marriage  the 
young  couple  purchased  the  old  Steinhoff  home- 
stead, which  now  contains,  by  recent  addition 
of  thirty-nine  acres,  230  acres.  They  have  one 
son,  Edward  Loraine,  who  was  born  May  10, 
1899.  Mrs.  Steinhoff  lost  her  father  when  she 
was  a small  child,  but  her  mother  and  a brother 
are  still  living.  The  latter,  Edward  Klieben- 
stein, of  St.  Cloud,  Minn.,  is  engaged  as  clerk  in 
the  shoe  business. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Steinhoff  are  members  of 
the  German  Lutheran  Church,  as  were  their 
parents  before  them.  He  is  a Republican,  fol- 
lowing the  footsteps  of  his  father  also  in 
this  respect.  His  father  was  a member  of  the 
school  board  and  a supervisor  for  a number  of 
terms,  and  John  H.  has  been  township  treas- 
urer for  the  last  five  years,  and  also  clerk  of 


730 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


the  school  board.  Socially  he  belongs  to  the 
Modern  Woodmen  of  America.  Our  subject  is 
one  of  those  enterprising  and  active  young  men 
who  are  bound  to  come  to  the  front  in  local 
affairs  through  native  honesty  and  manifest 
ability.  He  and  his  excellent  wife  command 
the  respect  and  confidence  of  all  who  know 
them. 

G.  E.  REAR,  one  of  the  old  settlers  of  the 
towns  of  Adams  and  York,  Green  county,  re- 
sides in  his  handsome  and  well  appointed  coun- 
try home,  six  miles  southeast  of  Blanchardville, 
and  eig'hteen  miles  northwest  of  Monroe.  The 
farm  contains  174  acres,  and  is  counted  one  of 
the  finest  places  in  this  part  of  the  State. 

Mr.  Rear  was  born  in  Waldrus,  Norway, 
June  23,  1845,  and  is  a son  of  Holver  E.  and 
Julia  Rear,  who  came  to  Dane  county,  Wis.,  in 
1852.  Two  years  later  they  removed  to  the 
town  of  Adams,  Green  county,  making  a loca- 
tion on  Sections  10  and  11.  They  were  the 
parents  of  a family  of  eight  children:  Easton 
and  Clayton,  both  living  in  Iowa;  Ole,  of  the 
town  of  Adams;  Oliver,  of  Minnesota;  Bettie1, 
who  is  now  deceased;  Mary,  deceased;  Carrie, 
wife  of  Andrew  Hauge,  of  Minnesota;  and  G. 
E.,  whose  name  introduces  this  article. 

G.  E.  Rear  was  married  May  16,  1866,  to 
Miss  Annie  Avok,  who  was  born  in  Norway, 
daughter  of  Nels  Avok.  This  union  was  blessed 
with  the  following  children:  Julia,  born  July 
21,  1870,  married  Ever  Coldron,  and  died  Sept. 
10,  1897;  Henry,  born  April  28,  1874,  is  at 
home,  and  is  unmarried ; Albert  was  born  April 
27,  1877;  Caroline,  June  4,  1880;  Annie,  Jan. 
24,  1883.  Mrs.  Rear  died  Jan.  20,  1890,  and 
was  buried  in  the  cemetery  connected  with  the 
Lutheran  Church  in  Adams  township,  of  which 
she  was  a devout  member.  She  was  a hard- 
working woman,  a good  wife  and  a kind 
mother,  and  her  memory  survives  in  many  lov- 
ing and  grateful  hearts. 

Mr.  Rear  was  married  Sept.  1,  1890,  to 
Miss  Carrie  Rood,  of  the  town  of  York,  a 
daughter  of  Ole  and  Julia  Rood,  who  were  born 
in  Norway.  To  this  union  have  come  the  fol- 
lowing children:  Oscar,  born  in  1891;  Gena, 
Sept.  6,  1892;  Alma,  Aug.  10,  1894;  Gilmon, 
Jan.  20,  1896;  Bennett,  Oct.  4,  1897;  Clifford, 
May  20,  1899;  and  Eornes  Selmer,  May 
2,  1901. 

Mr.  Rear  is  a Republican,  and  has  proved 
himself  a good  citizen.  In  the  town  of  York 


he  has  served  as  clerk,  school  director  and  as- 
sessor, filling-  these  positions  for  many  years. 
His  home  place  consists  of  174  acres,  and  he 
owns  a half  section  of  choice  land  in  South  Da- 
kota. Mir.  Rear  is  an  energetic  and  progressive 
farmer,  engaged  in  general  farming,  stock  rais- 
ing and  cheese  making,  for  which  latter  branch 
he  furnishes  the  milk  of  some  twenty-five  cows 
daily.  Well  supplied  with  this  world’s  goods, 
and  commanding  the  confidence  of  the  com- 
munity in  which  he  lives  to  a marked  degree,  his 
present  circumstances  present  a great  contrast 
to  the  conditions  of  poverty  under  which  he  be- 
gan life.  Industry,  integrity  and  a readiness  to 
embrace  the  opportunity  that  agriculture  in 
southwestern  Wisconsin  presented  in  his  early 
life  have  lifted  him  to  his  present  enviable  po- 
sition as  a prosperous  and  wealthy  farmer. 

CHARLES  ALLEN  ARMSTRONG, 
M.  D.,  Boscobel,  Grant  county,  is  a rising 
young  physician,  and  one  who  is  well  fitted  for 
his  work,  not  only  by  a careful  and  extended 
training  at  school,  but  by  a natural  aptitude, 
and  the  teachings  and  example  of  his  father, 
who  was  one  of  the  most  noted  members  of  his 
profession  in  the  State. 

Dr.  Armstrong  was  born  in  Lima,  Rock 
Co.,  Wis.,  Nov.  30,  1862,  and  obtained  his  early 
education  at  Boscobel,  being  the  only  graduate 
from  the  high  school  in  1880.  He  spent  the 
fall  of  that  year  at  Madison  in  attendance  at 
the  State  University,  and  in  the  winter  taught 
school  in  Blue  River.  The  fall  of  the  following 
year  he  entered  Milton  College,  where  he  spent 
two  years,  again  entering  the  University  of 
Wisconsin  in  1883,  as  a member  of  the  class 
of  1886,  Ancient  Classical  Course.  He  left  the 
University  owing  to  the  destruction  of  Science 
Hall  by  fire,  in  December,  1884,  as  his  pre- 
medical work  was  all  laboratory  at  that  time, 
and  at  once  entered  Rush  Medical  College,  from 
which  institution  he  was  graduated  in  1887.  He 
came  back  to  Boscobel  after  his  graduation, 
and  entered  into  the  practice  of  medicine.  In 
1 888  he  spent  some  time  at  Black  Earth,  attend- 
ing to-  the  practice  of  Dr.  Kester  during  his 
extended  absence.  In  1889  he  came  back  to 
Boscobel,  and  entered  into  partnership  with 
Dr.  L.  G.  Armstrong,  with  whom  he  was  as- 
sociated until  1895.  Since  that  year  he  has 
been  alone  in  practice. 

Dr.  Armstrong  and  Miss  Matie  E.  Sprague 
were  married  March  5,  1890.  At  the  time  of 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


73i 


her  marriage  Mrs.  Armstrong  was  living  in 
Cortland,  Neb.  She  was  born  at  Eagle,  Wis., 
a daughter  of  Bingham  and  Elizabeth  (Hurst) 
Sprague,  and  in  1880  accompanied  her  family 
to  Nebraska,  where  her  father  and  brothers 
George  and  William  are  settled.  The  Doctor 
and  his  wife  are  the  parents  of  two  sons : Roy 
Allen,  born  April  1,  1891 ; and  Robert  W.,  born 
Aug.  19,  1896.  Mrs.  Armstrong  is  a lady  of 
many  charms  and  graces.  The  Doctor  is  a Re- 
publican, and  was  mayor  of  the  city  in  1892. 
He  is  a charter  member  of  Alpha  Lambda 
Chapter  of  the  Sigma  Chi  Fraternity  of  the 
University  of  Wisconsin.  His  Masonic  educa- 
tion has  been  acquired  in  Grant  Lodge,  No. 
169,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  of  which  he  is  a past  mas- 
ter, and  Boscobel  Chapter,  No.  52.  He  belongs 
to  the  Knights  of  Pythias  of  Fennimore,  Wis., 
is  a member  of  the  I.  O.  F.,  the  K.  O.  T.  M., 
the  M.  W.  of  A.,  and  in  1901  was  elected  head 
physician  of  the  Modern  Woodmen,  having 
been  a member  of  the  various  head  camps  for 
eleven  years.  He  is  the  surgeon  of  the  St.  Paul 
railroad  in  this  division.  For  several  years  he 
was  surgeon  of  the  Wisconsin  Division,  Sons  of 
Veterans.  Dr.  Armstrong  is  a member  of  the 
Wisconsin  State  Medical  Society  and  of  the 
Central  Medical  Society,  and  is  highly  respected 
in  his  calling. 

HERMAN  P.  DAILEY,  a skillful  and 
highly  successful  photographer  of  Beloit,  Rock 
county,  has  caught  the  loftier  ideals  of  his  call- 
ing, and  his  work  is  warm  with  artistic  glow. 
His  pictures  are  not  onlv  true  to  nature,  but 
they  are  refined  with  the  touch  of  culture,  and, 
while  they  are  a lasting  delight  in  that  they 
preserve  cherished  form  and  feature,  they  also 
keep  the  light  of  the  smile  and  the  sparkle  of 
the  eve,  so  that  every  photograph  has  a voice 
of  affection  for  friend  and  acquaintance. 

Mr.  Dailey  was  born  in  Washington  coun- 
ty, N.  Y.,  Sent.  7,  1866,  and  is  a son  of  Perry 
and  Polly  (Dake)  Dailey,  both  natives  of 
New  York.  His  parents  had  a family  of  ten 
children,  all  but  one  now  living:  Henry,  of 

Woodstock.  111. : Elvin.  of  Detroit.  Mich. : 
Charles,  of  Tanesville.  Wis. : Ida,  widow  of 
William  Wilson,  who  has  her  home  in  Huron, 
S.  Dale.:  Fred,  of  Chicago:  Arthur,  of  Madi- 
son. Wis.;  Delia,  wife  of  Henry  Simdraker. 
of  Woodstock,  111.:  Herman  P.,  of  Beloit;  and 
William,  of  Greenwood,  111.  Perry  Dailey 
owned  the  famous  Sandy  Hill  Stone  Quarry 


at  Sandy  Hill,  N.  Y.,  which  he  operated  until 
he  came  to  Illinois',  in  1868.  He  located  on 
a farm  near  Greenwood,  in  McHenry  county, 
and  engaged  in  its  cultivation  for  a number  of 
years.  In  1888  he  gave  up  active  farming, 
and  made  his  home  in  the  village  of  Green- 
wood, where  he  is  still  living.  He  has  become 
quite  an  extensive  dealer  in  real  estate,  and 
owns  most  of  the  business  houses  in  Green- 
wood. Mrs.  Dailey  died  in  1895,  at  the  age 
of  sixty-seven.  She  was  a Baptist  in  her  re- 
ligious convictions.  Mr.  Dailey  enlisted  in 
the  Union  army,  and  served  three  years  as  a 
soldier.  Politically  he  is  a Republican,  and 
'has  held  various  town  offices.  His  father, 
Henry  Dailey,  was  a native  of  New  York,  of 
Scottish  descent,  and  lived  to  see  ninety-three 
years.  He  reared  nine  children.  He  was  en- 
gaged in  the  livery  business.  Henry  P.  Dake, 
the  maternal  grandfather  of  our  subject,  was' 
of  Scottish  descent,  and  lived  to  be  ninety-four 
years  old.  He  had  six  children. 

Herman  P.  Dailey  lived  on  his  father’s 
farm  near  Greenwood  until  he  reached  the  age 
of  fifteen.  He  was  a bright  student  in  the 
local  school,  and  was  sent  to  Valparaiso,  Ind., 
to  take  a year’s  instruction  at  the  Normal, 
after  which  he  had  a year  at  the  Chicago  Uni- 
versity, and  another  year  at  Beloit  College. 
He  began  photographic  work  at  Chicago, 
where  he  spent  three  years  in  a studio,  and 
with  the  experience  thus  gained  he  in  1893 
came  to  Beloit  and  opened  a studio  for  himself. 
His  excellent  work  attracted  attention,  and  he 
has  gone  steadily  onward  since  coming  to  this 
city,  with  an  ever-increasing  patronage  and  a 
widening  circle  of  friends.  Mr.  Dailey  is  an 
artist  of  fine  ability,  who  thoroughly  under- 
stands his  calling,  and  his  business  is  growing 
on  his  hands  every  day.  Personally  he  is  an 
affable  and  agreeable  gentleman,  who  enjoys 
the  confidence  and  esteem  of  all  his  acquaint- 
ances. 

Mr.  Dailey  and  Miss  Abagail  Burpree  were 
united  in  marriage  Nov.  9,  1890,  and  they  have 
one  daughter,  Marian,  born  Aug.  6,  1900. 
Mrs.  Dailey  is  a daughter  of  Charles  and  Helen 
(Day)  Burpree.  and  is  a lady  of  many  gifts 
and  graces.  He  is  a Republican,  and  takes 
a deep  interest  in  the  welfare  of  the  country. 

JAMES  JONES  well  deserves  honorable 
mention  among  those  industrious  and  useful 
citizens  of  Jordan  township,  Green  county, 


732 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


whose  busy  lives  have  contributed  so  much  to 
the  moral  and  material  welfare  of  the  com- 
munity where  he  is  now  living.  He  was  born 
in  Dutchess  county,  N.  Y.,  Dec.  2,  1856,  and 
is  a son  of  Peter  and  Margaret  (Sweany) 
Jones,  both  born  and  reared  in  Ireland.  His 
parents  came  to  this  country  about  1848,  and 
were  married  in  the  State  of  New  York  in 
1855.  To  them  were  born  two  sons,  James 
and  John,  the  latter  of  whom,  born  Jan.  17, 
1865,  is  now  a traveling  salesman  for  the 
Heinz  Pickle  Company,  a well-known  Chicago 
house.  Peter  J ones,  who  was  born  about  1827, 
died  in  Monroe,  where  he  had  been  living  some 
time  in  retirement,  in  1890.  Mrs.  Margaret 
Jones,  who  was  born  about  1827,  died  in  1896. 

James  Jones  married  early  in  life,  becom- 
ing the  husband  of  Miss  Mary  Knight,  of  the 
town  of  Adams,  April  13,  1877.  Mrs.  Jones 
is  the  daughter  of  John  and  Margaret  (Con- 
way) Knight,  of  Irish  birth  and  rearing,  and 
among  the  very  earliest  settlers  of  the  town  of 
Adams.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Knight  had  the  follow- 
ing family:  Thomas,  Mary  (who  is  Mrs. 

Jones),  Ann,  John,  William,  Michael,  James, 
Katie,  Margaret  and  Dennis.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Jones  are  the  parents  of  the  following 
children:  Margaret,  born  Jan.  20,  1880,  is 

a teacher  in  the  Green  county  public  schools; 
John,  born  June  14,  1881 ; Katie,  born  March 
16,  1884,  is  a bookkeeper  and  stenographer  in 
Monroe;  Peter,  born  Nov.  20,  1885;  Mary, 
born  May  24,  1890;  Edna,  born  Dec.  28,  1896; 
James  C,  born  Sept.  26,  1898. 

Mr.  Jones  was  born  on  the  farm,  where 
he  was  reared,  and  had  his'  education  in  the 
district  school.  Starting  out  a poor  boy,  he 
selected  farming  as  his  life  work,  and  by  dint 
of  industry  and  the  help  of  a good  character 
he  has  accumulated  a very  handsome  compe- 
tence. He  owns  a choice  farm  of  240  acres, 
well  improved  and  provided  with  a very  cred- 
itable home  and  fine  barns,  and  has  established 
more  than  a local  reputation  as  an  upright  and 
honorable  man.  Mr.  Jones  is  engaged  in  both 
general  and  dairy  farming,  being  a partner  in 
a cheese  factory  which  is  located  on  his  land. 
His  various  enterprises,  which  have  been  con- 
ducted with  a business  management  of  a high' 
order,  have  met  with  success,  and  his  standing 
in  the  community  in  which  he  lives  is  very 
high.  As  a farmer  he  is  enlightened  and  pro- 
gressive, and  as  a stock  raiser  he  seeks  the 
more  valuable  strains,  and  his  stock  go  to  mar- 


ket in  the  first  grade.  In  local  and  town  af- 
fairs Mr.  Jones  takes  a leading  part,  and  is  a 
stanch  Democrat.  Pie  has  served  as  school 
director  and  judge  of  elections  many  years, 
and  is  at  present  on  the  town  board.  His  chil- 
dren are  bright  and  pleasant  young  people  and 
show  careful  home  training.  Mr.  Jones  and 
his  wife  are  both  members  of  the  Catholic 
Church,  and  their  good  lives,  kind  hearts  and 
unassuming  nature  do  no  discredit  to  their 
religious  profession. 

GEORGE  W.  McPHERSON  was  born 
in  the  town  of  Ellenboro,  Grant  county,  in 
April.,  1S47,  the  second  son  of  John  and  Sarah 
(Star)  McPherson. 

Our  subject’s  father  was  born  in  Maine, 
and  his  mother  in  Ireland.  They  were  married 
in  the  State  of  Maine,  and  coming  to  Grant 
county  in  1845,  with  five  children,  made  their 
home  on  a tract  of  wild  land  in  the  town  of 
Ellenboro,  entering  160  acres  by  pre-emption, 
which  in  time  were  thoroughly  improved.  A 
log  house  furnished  the  first  home  for  the  fam- 
ily. In  1850  Mr.  McPherson  crossed  the 
Plains  with  an  ox-team  to  seek  his  fortune  in 
the  gold  fields  of  California.  After  a two 
years’  stay  in  that  distant  land  he  came  back 
to  Grant  county,  and  he  died  in  1856.  Mrs. 
McPherson  was  left  a widow  with  five  living 
children  out  of  ten  who  had  come  to  them,  the 
others  dying  in  childhood.  ( 1 ) Thomas, 
their  eldest  son,  was  born  in  Maine  in  1845, 
and  married  Miss  Jane  Downing,  a lady  of 
Ellenboro.  Previous  to  his  marriage  he  was 
a Union  soldier,  in  the  45th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and 
served  until  the  close  of  the  war,  after  which 
he  went  to  Arizona,  living-  there  sixteen  years'. 
Coming  back  to  Grant  county,  he  married,  and 
was  a merchant  in  Ellenboro  for  two  years  be- 
fore going  to  Oklahoma,  where  he  owned  a 
farm  at  the  time  of  his  death,  in  1895.  Mis 
widow  and  three  children  survive  him,  Jessie, 
Lloyd  and  Lela.  (2)  George  W.  is  our  sub- 
ject. (3)  Sarah  Jane,  born  in  1849,  died  in 
1865.  (4)  John  A.,  born  in  Grant  county  in 

1850,  acquired  his  early  education  in  the  dis- 
trict school,  later  attended  the  State  Normal 
at  Platteville,  and  for  several  years  taught 
school.  He  married  Miss  Libbie  Elliot,  of 
Hawkeye,  Iowa,  where  he  settled,  engaging 
in  business  up  to  the  time  of  his  death,  in  July, 
1890.  (5)  James  A.,  born  in  Grant  county 

in  1854,  the  youngest  of  the  family,  grew  up 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


733 


at  the  ol.d  homestead,  which,  he  now  owns,  and 
married  Miss  Austa  Clark,  daughter  of  Henry 
and  Hannah  Clark,  a long  established  family 
in  Grant  county.  One  daughter,  Alpha  C., 
has  been  born  to  them. 

George  W.  McPherson  grew  to  manhood 
on  the  old  homestead,  and  took  charge  of  his 
mother’s  farm  when  old  enough  to  assume 
such  a responsibility,  remaining  with  her  until 
her  death,  in  June,  1877.  Mrs'.  McPherson 
was  well  known  in  this  community  for  her 
generous  Christian  acts.  With  her  husband 
she  belonged  to  the  Episcopal  Church.  In 
1879  George  McPherson  homesteaded  land  in 
Kansas,  and  the  next  year  he  crossed  the  Plains 
to  the  silver  and  copper  mines  of  Arizona, 
going  by  way  of  San  Francisco.  Some  three 
years  later  he  came  back  to  the  old  home  in 
Wisconsin,  and  resumed  agricultural  life.  In 
1887  he  married  Miss  Carrie  Clark,  a daugh- 
ter of  Henry  and  Hannah  Clark,  noted  above, 
who  came  from  Trumbull  county,  Ohio,  in 
1845,  and  settled  in  the  town  of  Ellenboro. 
Her  father  was  born  in  1812  in  Trumbull 
county,  Ohio,  and  her  mother  in  1820  in  Mer- 
cer county,  Penn.,  where  they  were  married, 
and  thence  presently  came  to  their  Wisconsin 
home.  Both  died  in  the  month  of  August, 
1879,  leaving  a family  of  seven  children,  of 
whom  Mrs.  McPherson  is  the  fourth  in  order 
of  birth.  She  was  born  in  February,  1856. 
After  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McPher- 
son settled  in  the  village  of  Ellenboro,  on  a 
part  of  the  old  Clark  homestead,  where  he 
erected  a fine  modern  house  in  1894.  To  this 
union  has'  been  born  one  daughter,  who  died 
in  infancy. 

In  politics  Mr.  McPherson  has  always  been 
a Republican,  has  held  the  office  of  chairman 
of  the  town  board  for  nine  years,  and  has  been 
school  treasurer  for  fifteen  years.  Fraternally 
he  is  a Modern  Woodman,  belonging  to  the 
Camp  at  Ellenboro.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McPher- 
son are  prominent  and  highly  respected  people, 
and  are  much  esteemed  by  all  who  know  them. 

GEORGE  HENRY  PENGRA,  residing 
on  his  fine  farm  about  four  miles  north  of 
Juda,  Green  county,  is  a son  of  the  late  George 
S.  and  Maria  (Waltz)  Pengra.  The  history 
of  the  family  in  America  antedates  the  Revo- 
lution, the  Pengra  brothers  coming  to  the  Col- 
onies at  an  early  date. 

The  father  of  our  subject  was  born  in  the 


town  of  Darien,  Genesee  Co.,  N.  Y.,  April  12, 
1821,  and  died  July  1,  1890.  He  was  of 
Welsh  and  English  descent,  being  a son  of 
Moses  and  Sarah  (Johns)  Pengra,  the  latter, 
a native  of  Wales,  coming  to  this  country  when 
two  years  old.  Moses  Pengra  was  a native 
of  Vermont.  His  father,  Marshall.  Pengra, 
came  to  the  colonies  in  the  early  part  of  the 
eighteenth  century,  and  settled  in  Massachu- 
setts. Moses  Pengra,  grandfather  of  George 
H.,  was  born  Jan.  11,  1799,  and  married  Sarah 
Johns  March  25,  1818.  To  them  were  born 
the  following  children  : Marshall ; George  S. ; 
Bynon  J.,  of  Crook  county,  Oregon;  Honor 
E.,  the  widow  of  Benjamin  Herring,  of  Iowa; 
William,  who  died  in  Oregon;  and  Elisiph, 
who  died  in  childhood. 

George  S.  Pengra,  whose  name  occurs 
above,  was  married  in  1848  to  Maria  Waltz. 
She  was  born  Nov.  10,  1827,  and  came  of 
Dutch,  Scottish  and  Irish  ancestry  through  her 
parents',  Alpheus  and  Jane  (Ferguson)  Waltz, 
of  New  York.  Peter  Waltz,  her  grandfather, 
who  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  the  Revolu- 
tion, came  to  the  Colonies  from  Holland 
when  a boy.  After  their  marriage  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Pengra  came  directly  to  Wisconsin,  to 
settle  in  Green  county.  To  them  came  the  fol- 
lowing children  : ( 1 ) Wallace  A.,  born  Oct.  17, 
1851,  is  a farmer  in  the  town  of  Sylvester; 
(2)  George  H.  is  our  subject  proper;  (3) 
William  S.,  born  May  26,  1856,  died  unmar- 
ried in  1881  in  Cheyenne,  Wyoming. 

George  H.  Pengra  was  born  Dec.  23,  1853, 
and  married  Oct.  5,  1876,  Miss  Anna  M.,  a 
daughter  of  William  F.  and  Catherine  (Gil- 
son) Johnson,  a prominent  family  in  the  town 
of  Sylvester.  To  this  union  one  child  has 
come,  Stella  May,  born  Aug.  22,  1883. 

Mr.  Pengra  was  reared  on  his  father's 
farm,  and  obtained  his  education  in  the  dis- 
trict school.  When  twenty  years  old  he  be- 
gan teaching  in  the  public  schools,  and  fol- 
lowed that  profession  for  eight  years,  teaching 
in  the  winter  and  farming  in  the  summer. 
Mr.  Pengra  is  a thorough  farmer,  and  has  a 
farm  of  360  acres,  in  which  his  brother  W.  A. 
holds  a half  interest,  with  fine  buildings  and 
ample  improvements'.  He  is  regarded  as  one 
of  the  substantial  citizens  of  Green  county,  a 
man  of  character  and  standing,  straightfor- 
ward, and  has  a multitude  of  friends. 

Mr.  Pengra  was  reared  a Republican,  but 
holds  to  Prohibition  principles.  He  served  as 


734 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


town  clerk  for  three  years,  is  the  present  chair- 
man of  the  town,  and  has  also  been  school 
director  for  sixteen  years.  In  religion  Mr. 
Pengra  holds'  that  he  who  lives  up  to  the 
Golden  Rule,  “Do- unto  others  as  you  would 
that  they  should  do  unto  you,’’  has  all  the  re- 
ligion that  any  one  can  have  or  need  have. 
And  on  this  belief  he  is  willing  to  rest  the  fu- 
ture with  Him  who  knew  neither  denomina- 
tion nor  creed. 

GEORGE  M.  CRULL,  a young  and  hust- 
ling stock  farmer  of  the  town  of  Harrison, 
Grant  county,  has  already  won  a prominent 
place  among  the  well-known  agriculturists  of 
the  southwestern  part  of  the  State,  and  has  at- 
tained an  enviable  standing  as  a fair-dealing 
and  upright  man. 

Mr.  Crull  was  born  on  his  present  home- 
stead Nov.  4,  1854,  a son  of  George  W.  and 
Mary  (Kyle)  Crull,  natives  of  Ohio  and 
Pennsylvania,  respectively.  His  father  was 
born  Jan.  1,  1814,  and  his  mother  Dec.  22, 
1823.  When  a young  man  George  W.  Crull 
journeyed  from  Ohio  to  Illinois  on  horseback, 
and  very  shortly  entered  Wisconsin,  settling 
in  the  town  of  Harrison,  where  he  was  a miner 
for  some  time.  In  1845,  under  James  Iv. 
Polk,  then  President  of  the  United  States,  he 
secured  a farm  of  eighty  acres  of  government 
land  in  Harrison,  and  added  eighty  acres  to 
this  by  subsequent  purchases  from  the  gov- 
ernment, making  a farm  of  160  acres,  which 
was  his  home  during  his  remaining  years. 
There  he  cleared  over  one  hundred  acres  of 
land.  He  raised  a log  cabin,  which  he  occu- 
pied until  he  was  able  to  build  a better  house, 
in  1869.  He  died  in  1893,  and  his  wife  in 
February,  1898,  in  Iowa;  they  were  both 
buried  in  the  cemetery  in  the  town  of  Harri- 
son, known  as  the  Travis  cemetery.  He  was 
a member  of  the  town  board,  and  held  other 
town  offices,  and  they  were  honest  Christian 
people,  highly  respected.  He  was  a Strong 
Democrat.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Crull  had  ten  chil- 
dren, eight  of  whom  are  living:  Flora  died 

when  thirteen  years  old,  and  Washington  died 
when  a child.  Lizzie,  born  Oct.  17,  1849,  is 
now  the  wife  of  Silas  V.  Hoff,  of  Fair  Haven, 
Wash. ; they  have  five  children.  Will,  Ida, 
George,  Frank,  and  Irvin.  Sarah,  born  Dec. 
i 3.  1852,  is  Mrs.  Frank  Moore,  of  Short  Reed, 
British  Columbia,  and  is  the  mother  of  four 
children,  Jennie,  George,  Mary  and  Lydia. 


George  M.  is  the  subject  of  this  article. 
Amanda,  born  Oct.  31,  1856,  is  Mrs.  R.  Hub- 
bard, of  Lancaster,  Wis.,  and  has  six  children, 
Myrtle,  Jessie,  Mary,  Artie,  Hazle  and  Glen. 
William  J.,  born  in  November,  1858,  went  to 
British  Columbia,  and  married  Lucy  Shep- 
erd,  who  died  in  May,  1900,  leaving  him  with 
three  children,  Gladys,  Stanley  and  Albert;  he 
has  a ranch  at  Alberta,  Canada.  Charles  T., 
born  in  February,  1861,  went  to  Colorado  in 
1883,  and  there  married  Miss  Phoebe  Long- 
well,  and  is  a miner  in  the  gold  fields;  they 
have  a family  of  three  children,  James',  Ruth 
and  . Levi,  born  Feb.  21,  1864,  mar- 

ried Sarah  Heslup,  of  Dubuque,  Iowa,  and 
has  one  daughter,  Mary.  Clara  S.,  born  in 
December,  1866,  married  Christopher  Heslup, 
of  Dubuque,  and  resides  on  a farm  in  Iowa; 
they  have  five  children,  Gertrude,  Dora,  Mabel, 
Thomas  and  Ethel. 

George  W.  Crull  was  the  son  of  Charles 
and  Elizabeth  Crull,  who  died  in  Ohio.  Most 
of  his  brothers  and  sisters  settled  in  Illinois. 
His  wife,  Mary  (Kyle),  was  the  daughter  of 
Joab  and  Elizabeth  Kyle,  who  drove  a team 
from  Mercer  county,  Penn.,  to  Platteville, 
Wis'.,  where  they  settled.  He  was  a black- 
smith. Mr.  Kyle  moved  his  family  to  Platte- 
ville, and  left  them  there  during  the  gold  ex- 
citement in  California,  to  make  the  journey 
across  the  Plains  with  his  son  Charles.  Both 
died  in  that  distant  El  Dorado,  Mr.  Kyle  leav- 
ing a widow  and  seven  children  in  Wisconsin. 
Of  these  Thompson  died  a few  years  ago. 
Mary,  the  mother  of  George  M.  Crull,  died 
in  Iowa.  John  died  in  the  Civil  war.  Louisa 
is  the  wife  of  a Mr.  Crandal,  of  La  Clair. 
Martha  married  John  Forsythe,  and  settled  in 
Cedar  Rapids,  where  she  died.  Jemima  is 
the  wife  of  Deloss  Crandal,  and  resides  at 
Aurora,  Illinois. 

George  M.  Crull  remained  under  the  pa- 
rental roof  until  he  reached  his  majority,  work- 
ing on  the  farm,  and  attending  school  during 
the  winter.  In  1876  he  secured  a farm  in 
Smith  county,  Kans.,  by  taking  advantage  of 
the  homestead  law,  made  thorough  improve- 
ments, and  occupied  that  farm  until  1893. 
While  in  the  State  of  Kansas,  in  1879,  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Sarah  Thompson,  who  was  born  in 
1861  in  Iowa,  a daughter  of  Thomas  Thomp- 
son, formerly  of  that  State.  She  had  poor 
health,  and  with  her  husband  spent  two  years 
in  Colorado,  where  she  died  Feb.  14,  1881, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


735 


and  was  interred  in  that  State.  Mr.  Crull  re- 
turned to  Kansas,  and  carried  on  his  farm 
there  until  February,  1893,  when  he  came  back 
to  Wisconsin,  and  bought  the  old  home  farm 
from  the  other  heirs  of  the  estate.  It  has  been 
his  home  to  the  present  time,  and  he  has  added 
to  the  old  homestead  ninety-three  acres,  mak- 
ing a compact  and  desirable  farm.  Mr.  Crull 
and  Miss  Jennie  Clark  were  married  in  De- 
cember, 1894.  She  was  born  November  23, 
1866,  daughter  of  Norman  and  Jane  Clark, 
long  and  favorably  known  throughout  Grant 
county,  and  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  the 
town  of  Harrison,  where  she  grew  to  woman- 
hood. She  is  the  mother  of  two  children : 
Margaret  E.,  born  May  11,  1896;  and  George 
W.,  born  March  17,  1898.  Mr.  Crull  is  a 
Republican,  but  has  never  sought  office.  He 
is  a religious  man,  though  not  a member  of 
any  denomination.  He  stands  well  among  the 
leading  men  of  Grant  county,  and  is  one  of  its 
solid  and  substantial  citizens. 

SAMUEL  WEST,  a prosperous  farmer 
and  stock  dealer  of  Sylvester  township,  Green 
county,  lives  on  the  old  West  homestead,  about 
two  miles  north  of  Juda. 

Mr.  West  is  a son  of  George  and  Susan 
(Winchell)  West,  of  Erie  county,  N.  Y., 
where  the  father  was  born  Jan.  7,  1818. 

George  West  was  a son  of  John  and  Avis 
(Bowen)  West,  the  former  a native  of  Cayuga 
county,  N.  Y.,  of  Irish  lineage,  and  the  latter 
of  Scottish  descent,  born  in  the  State  of  Ver- 
mont. John  West  was  the  father  of  ten  chil- 
dren: George  is  a retired  farmer  of  Brod- 

head,  Wis. ; Armida,  born  Nov.  6,  1820,  mar- 
ried Stephen  Estay,  of  New  York,  and  both 
are  deceased;  Susan,  born  Feb.  6,  1822,  mar- 
ried Richard  Sherman,  of  Erie  county,  N.  Y. ; 
Matthew,  born  May  31,  1824,  married  Sarah 
Decker;  Thomas  S.  B.,  born  April  24,  1827, 
is  living  in  Erie  county;  Sarah,  horn  July  19, 
I^3i>  married  Peter  Willoughby,  of  New 
York;  Elizabeth,  born  in  June,  1833,  married 
Nelson  Park,  of  Illinois;  Jonathan  and  John 
(twins')  were  born  Sept.  10,  1837;  and  An- 
nis  was  born  March  6,  1839. 

George  West,  father  of  Samuel  West,  was 
married  to  Susan  Winched  Sept.  1,  1840. 
Her  parents,  Ira  and  Betsy  Winched,  were 
then  living  in  New  York.  To  this  union  came 
Samuel,  our  subject;  Louisa,  born  Sept.  29, 
1844;  George,  Feb.  14,  1846;  Avis  E.,  Nov. 


29,  1847  (died  in  1896  at  Hampton,  Iowa)  ; 
Clara,  Sept.  7,  1849;  Mary,  April  24,  1854; 
Alice  E.,  Nov.  27,  1855  ; Ida  N.,  July  10,  1857 ; 
Nelson  P.,  Nov.  10,  1859  (died  aged  nineteen 
years)  ; Minnie,  Nov.  2,  1865  (died  in  in- 
fancy). 

Samuel  West,  whose  name  introduces  this 
article,  was  born  in  the  town  of  Sylvester, 
Green  Co.,  Wis'.,  March  11,  1843,  five  years 
before  the  admission  of  Wisconsin  as  a State 
into  the  Federal  Union.  On  March  23,  1867, 
he  married  Miss  Kate  Read,  of  Juda,  Wis., 
who  was  born  June  2,  1849,  in  Cortland  coun- 
ty, N.  Y.,  daughter  of  Charles  W.  Read.  Mr. 
Read1  came  from  New  York  to  Genoa  Junc- 
tion, Wis.,  about  1852.  He  died  June  14, 
1899,  in  Gates,  Oregon.  To  this  union  of  our 
subject  and  wife  have  come  five  children: 
George,  born  April  8,  1869,  married  Miss  Let- 
tie  Had,  of  Sylvester;  Mattie,  born  June  11, 
1871,  married  Charles  Had,  a merchant  in 
Juda,  where  he  is  postmaster;  Susan  I.,  born 
Oct.  8,  1873,  died  March  18,  1896;  Nettie  M., 
born  Feb.  16,  1876,  married  Eldridge  Ander- 
eck,  son  of  Rev.  J.  Andereck,  of  Juda;  Bertha 
C.,  born  Aug.  22,  1878,  married  Oscar  Mol- 
denhauer,  of  Juda. 

Samuel  West  was  reared  on  the  farm  of 
Sylvester,  and  has  memories  of  Wisconsin  as 
a wilderness  which  few  possess  at  the  present 
time.  On  Aug.  9,  1862,  he  enlisted  in  Com- 
pany Iv,  22d  Wis'.  V.  I.,  and  served  with  honor 
and  credit  to  the  close  of  the  war.  He  was 
with  Gen.  Sherman  when  he  broke  the  back- 
bone of  the  Rebellion,  and  was  taken  prisoner 
at  Brentwood  Station  March  25,  1864,  being 
incarcerated  in  Libby  prison,  but  was  soon 
paroled,  and  afterward  exchanged.  Honor- 
ably -discharged  June  12,  1865,  he  returned 
home  with  a record  of  which  any  man  might 
he  justly  proud.  For  six  months  he  was  pri- 
vate orderly  for  Major  Gen.  Mower,  and  for 
six  months  previous  was  detailed  as  an  order- 
ly and  employed  on  special  duty,  carrying  de- 
spatches' a portion  of  the  time. 

Mr.  West  has  been  engaged  in  farming, 
and  has  dealt  in  stock  and  fine  horses  for  the 
last  thirty  years,  having  reared  a number  of 
the  best  horses  ever  bred  in  Green  county. 
No  citizen  of  the  county  has  done  more  to  im- 
prove the  grade  of  its  live  stock.  Our  sub- 
ject has  served  as  school  clerk,  and  chairman 
of  the  town,  and  is  an  honorable  and  esteemed 
member  of  the  community.  He  has  never 


73^ 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD , 


united  with  any  church,  but  is  a splendid  neigh- 
bor, a trustworthy  friend,  and  a man  of  the 
most  irreproachable  domestic  habits  and  char- 
acter. 

EDWARD  E.  BERRY,  M.  D.,  a promi- 
nent and  popular  physician  and  surgeon  of 
Platteville,  Grant  county,  was  born  in  Chau- 
tauqua county,  N.  Y.,  a son  of  Isaac  M.  and 
Elannah  E.  Berry,  the  latter  of  whom  died 
when  the  Doctor  was  a child. 

Dr.  Berry  was'  primarily  educated  in  Ga- 
lena, 111.,  acquired  his  academic  education  in 
the  same  State,  and  then  entered  Rush  Medi- 
cal College,  Chicago,  from  which  he  was  grad- 
uated with  the  class  of  1858.  In  1862  he  en- 
listed, in  the  33d  Wis.  Y.  L,  under  Col.  J.  B. 
Moore,  was  appointed  hospital  steward,  and 
held  the  position  until  the  close  of  the  war,  in 
1865,  when  he  resumed  private  practice  in 
Lafayette  county,  Wis.  He  took  a post-grad- 
uate course  at  Rush  Medical  College,  securing 
a second  diploma  in  1866. 

In  July,  1866,  the  Doctor  married  Miss 
Helen  M.  Lee,  a native  of  New  York  State, 
and  a daughter  of  George  W.  and  Cordelia  M. 
(Bishop)  Lee,  the  former  of  whom  was  a 
grand-nephew  of  Robert  E.  Lee,  of  Virginia. 
In  August,  1867,  the  Doctor  brought  his  wife 
to  Platteville,  where  he  has  since  been  con- 
stantly engaged  in  the  active  practice  of  his 
profession,  and  has  been  favored  with  a large 
and  remunerative  patronage.  In  July,  1879, 
Mrs.  Helen  M.  Berry  passed  away,  leaving 
him  with  three  children,  viz. : Mary,  who  was 
educated  in  the  Platteville  high  school,  is  the 
wife  of  Charles  McAtee,  and  has’  two  chil- 
dren, Oleta  and  Lavanca;  Cordelia,  wife  of 
Benjamin  Dorscher,  is  the  mother  of  one  child; 
and  Ernest  E.,  born  in  1876,  is  now  engaged 
in  Wright’s  drug  store  in  Platteville.  In  Feb- 
ruary, 1895,  Dr.  Berry  married,  for  his  sec- 
ond wife,  Miss  Sarah  E.  Bondraunt,  who  was 
born  in  Lafayette  county,  Wis.,  in  1855;  slie 
died  two  years  after  marriage,  without  issue. 

In  politics  Dr.  Berry  is  a Democrat,  but 
lias  never  cherished  any  desire  for  public  office, 
his  professional  engagements  demanding'  all 
his  attention.  He  is  a member  of  W.  T.  Sher- 
man Post,  No.  66,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Platteville,  in 
which  he  has  held  the  office  of  surgeon  of  post. 
Dr.  Berry  has  risen  to  his  present  elevated  sta- 
tion in  life  through  his  individual  exertions, 
having  started  out  a poor  young  man,  and  hav- 


ing earned  even  the  means  to  pay  for  his  edu- 
cation, literary  and  professional.  He  is  of  a 
kindly  disposition,  and  has  never  been  known 
to  retuse  his  services  to  the  needy,  regardless 
of  compensation,  nor  to  slight  a case  of  this 
kind  any  more  than  he  would  one  for  which 
he  was  sure  of  receiving  the  highest  fee.  He 
,has  deservedly  prospered,  and  he  and  his  fam- 
ily are  among  the  most  highly  respected  resi- 
dents of  Platteville. 

DAVID  BARRETT  was  born  in  Ohio,  in 
the  Mohawk  Valley,  May  1,  1845,  son  of  Abra- 
ham and  Elizabeth  (Little)  Barrett,  who  came 
to  Wisconsin  the  same  year,  locating  in  Mon- 
roe. 

Abraham  Barrett  was  born  in  Ohio  in 
April,  1820,  and  his  wife  in  1819;  they  were 
married  in  1843.  Ih  1847  they  moved  to  the 
town  of  Lima,  Grant  county,  and  settled  on  a 
farm  in  the  vicinity  of  the  little  village  of 
Arthur,  where  they  made  a permanent  home. 
While  living  there  Mrs.  Barrett  died,  Feb.  16, 
1866,  leaving  six  children,  David,  our  subject, 
being  the  eldest.  Of  the  others,  Joseph,  Will- 
iam and  Sarah  (Mrs.  Gunther)  live  in  Ne- 
braska, and  John  lives  on  has  farm  in  Iowa. 
All  have  families.  In  1866  the  father  mar- 
ried, for  his  second  wife,  Miss  Jane  Lowell, 
of  Grant  county,  and  four  children  were  born 
of  that  union.  Mr.  Barrett  moved  from  Wis- 
consin to  Stockham,  Hamilton  Co.,  Neb., 
where  he  was'  engaged  as  a merchant  up  to  the 
time  of  his  death,  in  1889.  An  active  business 
man  during  bis  entire  life,  he  had  many  friends 
wherever  he  lived.  Mr.  Barrett  was  a soldier 
in  the  Rebellion,  serving  in  Company  E,  nth 
Wis.  V.  I.,  and  participated  in  many  fierce 
battles,  having  much  severe  experience  during 
the  three  years  in  which  he  followed  the  flag. 

David  Barrett  attained  his  manhood  on  the 
home  farm,  and  received  his  education  in  the 
public  schools.  During  the  Civil  war  he  en- 
listed in  Company  C,  37th  Wis'.  V.  I.,  and  was 
promoted  to  the  rank  of  fourth  orderly  ser- 
geant. The  37th  Wisconsin  served  in  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac  under  Gen.  Grant. 
Mr.  Barrett  was  in  the  fighting  before  Peters- 
burg and  in  other  hard-fought  battles.  Taken 
prisoner  in  1864,  he  made  his  escape  in  com- 
pany with  his  companions,  and  remained  with 
his  regiment  until  the  close  of  the  war,  par- 
ticipating with  his  command  in  the  grand  re- 
view at  Washington,  where  he  was  discharged. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


737 


Mr.  Barrett  was  injured  while  engaged  in 
building  breast  works  during  the  war,  which 
left  a lasting  injury  of  his  spine.  Two  years 
ago  he  lost  the  use  of  his  limbs,  and  is  now  an 
invalid,  confined  to  his  home.  The  mind  is 
bright  and  active,  but  the  body  is  helpless,  and 
Mr.  Barrett  has  been  a patient  sufferer  for 
many  years.  His  business  and  the  farm  have 
had  his  close  supervision  until  within  a very 
few  years.  He  is  a man  of  sterling  qualities, 
and  loved  and  honored  by  his'  neighbors.  Mrs. 
Barrett  has  proved  herself  a capable  wife,  and 
her  devotion  has  been  a great  comfort  to  him. 

Mr.  Barrett  and  Miss  Minerva  J.  Hooks 
were  married  in  March,  1866.  Elijah  and 
Harriet  (Kiggins)  Hooks,  her  parents,  were 
old  pioneers  of  Grant  county.  Born  in  Ohio, 
they  came  to  Grant  county  in  1842,  and  set- 
tled in  the  town  of  Lima,  on  wild  land,  begin- 
ning their  life  in  Wisconsin  in  a log  cabin; 
Mr.  Hooks  became  one  of  the  successful  farm- 
ers in  this  section  of  the  country.  He  died 
May  3,  1893.  Mrs.  Hooks  lives  with  her 
daughter,  at  the  venerable  age  of  seventy-three 
years.  Mr.  Hooks  was  a soldier  in  the  Civil 
war,  serving  in  the  3d  Cavalry,  from  Wiscon- 
sin, under  Gen.  Phil.  Sheridan. 

Mrs.  Barrett  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Lima,  Grant  county,  in  March,  1849.  After 
their  marriage  our  subject  and  wife  settled  on 
the  old  Barrett  home  for  one  year,  and  in  1869 
bought  a farm  in  Cass  county,  Neb.,  where 
they  lived  until  1875.  That  year  he  sold1  out, 
and  the  family  returned  to  Grant  county.  In 
1878  he  purchased  a tract  of  wild  land,  which 
he  cleared  up,  and  erected  a good  dwelling- 
house  in  1881.  There  are  substantial  barns 
and  ample  outbuildings  on  the  place,  and  it  is 
one  of  the  desirable  rural  estates  in  this  part  of 
the  State.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barrett  have 
been  born  four  children : ( 1 ) Carrie  died 

when  a young  lady  of  seventeen  years.  (2) 
Joseph,  born  in  January,  1867,  married  Miss 
Annie  E.  Bennett,  of  Platteville,  and  lives  on 
his  farm  (which  joins  his  father’s)  in  the  town 
of  Lima.  They  are  rearing  an  adopted  daugh- 
ter, Ruby.  (3)  Calvin,  born  in  Fennimore, 
Wis.,  in  August,  1868,  married  Miss  Jennie 
Hull,  and  lives  on  his  farm  in  the  town  of 
Lima.  Four  children  were  born  to  this  union, 
Pearl  David,  Abraham,  Ethel  and  Elva.  (4) 
Orvil  W.,  born  in  1875,  married  Miss  May 

Selleck,  of  the  town  of  Harrison,  and  resides 
47 


on  his  farm  in  the  town  of  Lima ; they  have 
one  son,  Walter  E. 

Mr.  Barrett  was  formerly  a Republican, 
but  within  the  last  few  years  he  has  been 
voting  the  Prohibition  ticket.  For  five  years 
he  has  been  roadmaster  in  the  town  of  Lima. 
Mr.  and  Airs.  Barrett  are  members  of  the  Free 
Methodist  Church. 

JACOB  S.  BRUGGER,  a fruit  farmer  of 
the  town  of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  has  done 
the  people  of  southern  Wisconsin  valuable  serv- 
ice by  showing  in  his  own  career  the  possibili- 
ties of  this  region  for  the  cultivation  of  many 
kinds  of  fruit  the  profitable  raising  of  which 
was  long  supposed  to  be  confined  to  more  favor- 
able conditions. 

Mr.  Brugger  is  a native  of  the  county,  born 
in  August,  1870,  a son  of  J.  J.  and  Alary  (Carl) 
Brugger.  His  mother  is  a daughter  of  Jacob 
Carl,  an  old  pioneer  of  Grant  county.  J.  J. 
Brugger  was  born  in  Grant  county  in  1846,  and 
his  wife  in  1848.  The  Bruggers  came  from 
Switzerland,  and  the  Carls  from  Germany.  It 
is  not  too  much  to  say  that  the  best  characteris- 
tics of  both  nationalities  have  passed  down  the 
line  of  heredity,  and  appear  in  the  young  man 
who  is  the  subject  of  this  article.  J.  J.  Brugger, 
who  was  a harness  maker  and  farmer,  is  now 
leading  a retired  life  in  Platteville.  He  and  his 
wife  have  ten  children:  William,  born  in  1868, 
lives  in  this  State.  Jacob  S.  is  the  second  son. 
John,  born  in  1872,  married  a Aliss  Snee,  and 
they  live  on  the  old  homestead;  they  have  one 
child,  Catherine.  Frank,  born  in  1874,  is  in 
Dubuque,  Iowa.  Mary,  born  in  1876,  is  living 
at  home.  Daniel,  born  in  1878,  Charles  in  1880, 
Annie,  in  1882,  Ella  in  1883,  and  Alaggie,  in 
1886,  are  attending  the  Platteville  schools. 

Jacob  S.  Brugger  obtained  his  education 
very  largely  in  school  No.  8,  and  remained  with 
his  parents  until  he  was  twenty-one.  He  has 
mastered  the  science  of  farming  thoroughly, 
and  carries  on  his  place  according  to  the  most 
modern  methods.  He  was  a well  driller  for 
some  two  years,  and  bought  and  sold  horses  for 
a year,  shipping  to  the  Alinnesota  markets.  In 
1893  Air.  Brugger  married  Aliss  Anna  M. 
Schroder,  the  only  daughter  of  C.  F and  Alary 
I.  Schroder,  old  and  prominent  residents  of 
Grant  county.  Airs.  Brugger  was  born  in  186S, 
was  a student  of  the  Platteville  Normal  and  is 
one  of  the  valuable  women  of  her  community, 
most  highly  esteemed  by  all  who  know  her. 


733 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


After  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brugger 
spent  three  years  on  his  father’s  farm,  and 
during  the  season  he  was  engaged  in  running  a 
threshing  machine  for  his  neighbors.  In  No- 
vember, 1896,  he  purchased  the  John  Gilman 
property,  in  Platteville,  where  he  is  now  raising 
grapes,  apples,  and  all  kinds  of  small  fruits.. 
Since  taking  possession  of  this  place  Mr.  Brug- 
ger has  erected  all  new  buildings  with  the  latest 
modern  improvements,  and  this  is  one  of  the 
handsomest  and  best  maintained  tracts  of  real 
estate  in  the  section,  showing  the  master  touch 
in  every  department.  Mr.  Brugger  is  a share- 
holder in  the  Toadville  mine,  Grant  county. 
He  is  a stockholder  in  the  Belgian  horse  “Baron 
de  Hauntes,”  known  as  the  finest  bred  draught 
horse  in  this  State. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brugger  are  the  parents  of  a 
family  of  four  children:  Clarence  E.,  born  Feb. 
18,  1895  ; Ferney  L,  July  25,  1896;  Hazel  N., 
May  13,  1898;  and  Hurbert  D.,  1900.  They 
attend  the  Primitive  Methodist  Church,  and  he 
has  always  been  a Democrat,  as  was  his  father. 
Fraternally  Mr.  Brugger  belongs  to  the  Order 
of  Foresters. 

THOMAS  D.  NAGFE,  a leading  and  rep- 
resentative citizen  of  Patch  Grove  township, 
Grant  county,  now  owns  and  operates  the  farm 
on  which  he  was  born,  in  1844,  his  parents, 
Thomas  and- Elizabeth  (Brown)  Nagle,  being 
pioneers  of  Grant  county. 

The  father  of  our  subject  was  a native  of 
County  Cork,  Ireland,  born  Jan.  13,  1806,  and, 
being  left  an  orphan  at  an  early  age,  he  came 
to  America  during  his  youth.  For  some  time 
he  resided  in  Canada,  and  there  married  Eliza- 
beth Brown,  who  was  born  in  Scotland  Jan. 
30,  1812.  In  1836  they  came  to  Cassville, 
Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  which  town  was  then  “on  the 
boom,”  and  gave  promise  of  being  an  important 
place,  in  fact  it  was  even  mentioned  as  being 
a future  State  capital.  Mr.  Nagle  entered  con- 
siderable land,  including  that  on  which  his  son 
Thomas  D.  resides,  but  at  the  end  of  two  years 
he  returned  to  Ohio,  where  he  had  lived  for  a 
time  after  his  marriage.  In  1842  he  again 
came  to  Grant  county,  and  settled  on  the  land 
which  became  his  homestead.  He  was  an  in-' 
dustrious,  intelligent  and  upright  citizen,  and 
in  early  days  took  an  active  part  in  the  develop- 
ment and  upbuilding  of  his  township.  At  one 
time  he  served  as  Territorial  commissioner,  and 
was  town  clerk  when  what  is  now  Patch  Grove 


contained  several  other  townships.  In  his 
political  relations  he  was  a Republican,  sup- 
porting Fremont,  the  first  candidate  of  that 
party  for  the  Presidency,  and  voting  for  each 
succeeding  candidate  as  long  as  he  lived.  Both 
he  and  his  wife  were  faithful  and  consistent 
members  of  the  Methodist  Church,  and  were 
highly  respected  by  all  who  knew  them.  His 
death  occurred  on  the  old  homestead  April  14, 
1884,  and  she  departed  this  life  on  Dec.  16,  fol- 
lowing. Their  family  numbered  five  children, 
two  sons  and  three  daughters:  Tamer,  Jane, 
John,  Thomas  D.  and  Eliza,  all  living  at  the 
present  writing  (1901).  John  was  a soldier  in 
the  war  for  the  Union,  and  is  represented  else- 
where. 

Thomas  D.  Nagle  has  spent  his  entire  life 
on  the  old  homestead,  which  he  inherited  from 
his  father,  and  which  has  never  passed  from  the 
family  since  the  land  was  entered  from  the 
government.  As  a tiller  of  the  soil  he  has  met 
with  excellent  success,  and  now  has  his  fine 
farm  under  a high  state  of  cultivation.  Mr. 
Nagle  married  Miss  Paura  Brown,  a daughter 
of  Luther  Brown,  an  honored  pioneer  of  Patch 
Grove  township,  and  of  this  union  have  been 
born  four  children,  two  sons  and  two  daugh- 
ters, namely:  Nellie  (now  the  wife  of  Ivan 
Russell),  Edward,  Laura  and  Lee. 

Mr.  Nagle  is  one  of  the  most  prominent  and 
progressive  citizens  of  his  township.  In  his 
political  affiliations  he  was  originally  a Repub- 
lican, but  as  issues  changed  he  believed  he  saw 
his  duty  along  other  political  lines.  The  liquor 
traffic  he  regards  as  the  chief  source  of  suffer- 
ing, crime  and  poverty,  and  he  is  now  a stanch 
supporter  of  the  Prohibition  party.  He  and  his 
wife  and  family  are  members  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  in  which  he  is  an  active  and 
efficient  worker,  and  his  life  has  ever  been  such 
as  to  commend  him  to  the  confidence  and  high 
regard  of  those  with  whom  he  has  come  in  con- 
tact. 

JAMES  ANDREW  HOARE,  one  of  the 
prominent  and  well  known  citizens  of  Mineral 
Point,  Iowa  county,  and  a veteran  of  the  war 
of  the  Rebellion,  is  a native  of  the  township, 
born  in  1845,  a son  '°’f  J°fin  and  Sally  (Mur- 
rish)  Hoare,  both  natives  of  Cornwall,  Eng- 
land. 

The  father,  who  was  a miner  by  occupation, 
in  1843  came  with  his  wife  to  Mineral  Point, 
Wis.,  where  he  prospected  for  some  years,  in 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


739 


1847  settling-  on  the  farm  where  our  subject 
now  resides.  Here  he  died  in  1886,  aged  sev- 
enty-four years,  but  his  wife  survives,  residing 
with  our  subject;  she  was  born  Aug.  5,  1815. 
To  them  were  born  : William,  who  resides  with 
our  subject;  Mary  Jane  ; John,  who  enlisted  in 
Missouri,  and  died  in  St.  Louis,  of  cholera,  in 
1865;  James  Andrew;  Richard,  residng  ’in 
Mineral  Point;  Joseph,  of  Kansas  City,  Mo.; 
Martin,  of  Duluth,  Minn.;  and  Frank  E.,  of 
Mineral  Point.  In  politics  the  father  was  a 
Republican,  and  he  served  as  county  clerk  and 
as  town  clerk  for  sixteen  years.  Both  he  and  his 
wife  were  members  of  the  Primitive  Methodist 
Church. 

James  A.  Hoare  was  reared  and  educated 
at  Mineral  Point,  where  he  learned  the  trade  of 
stone  mason,  following  same  for  twenty-five 
years,  after  which  he  became  a farmer  and  stock 
raiser,  and  also  a miner.  His  farm,  which  he 
owns  jointly  with  his  brother  William,  is  one 
of  the  finest  in  the  county,  well  stocked  and  pro- 
vided with  a comfortable  house,  large  barn  and 
ample  outbuildings.  They  are  also  interested 
in  the  Mineral  Point  Creamery. 

In  July,  1866,  our  subject  was  married  to 
Mary  A.  Goldsworthy,  who  was  born  in  Min- 
eral Point,  a daughter  of  Richard  and  Eliza- 
beth (Carbis)  Goldsworthy,  natives  of  Corn- 
wall, England,  who  came  to  Mineral  Point  in 
1849.  Mr.  Goldsworthy  was  a stone  mason  by 
trade.  He  went  to  California  during  the  gold 
excitement,  and  afterward  returned  to  Mineral 
Point,  where  he  died  in  1892,  his  wife  preceding 
him  to  the  grave  by  a few  weeks.  To  our  sub- 
ject and  wife  were  born  six  children:  Tassie 

L,  Mrs.  Frank  Ivey;  Cora  B.,  Mrs.  Elbert 
Spooner,  of  Mineral  Point;  John  H. ; William 
R. ; Fannie  and  Charles  J. 

On  March  27,  1864,  our  subject  enlisted,  at 
Mineral  Point,  in  Company  C,  37th  Wis.  V.  I., 
which  was  being  mustered  in  at  Madison,  Wis., 
and  assigned  to  the  1st  Brigade,  1st  Division, 
9th  Army  Corps.  Among  the  engagements  in 
which  he  participated  were  the  siege  of  Peters- 
burg, the  raid  on  Weldon  railroad,  Poplar 
Spring,  Hatcher’s  Run,  etc.  At  the  close  of 
the  war  only  150  men  returned  of  the  first  800 
enrolled  in  the  regiment,  all  the  others  being 
either  killed  or  discharged  on  accbunt  of  dis- 
ability. After  many  hard-fought  battles  and 
many  hardships,  our  subject  was  honorably  dis- 
charged, on  July  27,  1865,  at  Washington  D. 
C.  In  memory  of  those  stirring  days  Mr. 


Hoare  takes  a deep  interest  in  the  G.  A.  R.,  and 
is  an  active  member  of  George  Ii.  Legate  Post, 
No.  125,  which  has  a membership  of  seventy.- 
He  is  also  a member  of  Iowa  Lodge,  No.  1, 
I.  O.  O.  F. 

On  Sept.  14,  1897,  Mr.  Hoare  met  with  a 
sad  loss  in  the  death  of  his  faithful  wife,  who 
passed  away  at  the  age  of  fifty  years.  On  Oc- 
tober 24,  1900,  our  subject  wedded  Mrs.  Eliza 
M.  Stephens,  of  Mineral  Point,  who  was  born 
in  Cornwall,  England,  and  came  to  Wisconsin 
in  1869.  She  was  first  married  to  Joseph 
Thomas,  and  after  his  death,  at  Hazel  Green, 
in  1872,  married  James  W.  Stephens,  who-  died 
at  Mineral  Point,  in  June,  1897. 

In  political  matters  Mr.  Hoare  follows  in 
the  footsteps  of  his  honored  father,  and  adheres 
to  the  principles  of  the  Republican  party.  He 
is  now  serving  as  treasurer  of  the  school  board 
in  District  No.  1. 

REV.  SAMUEL  GAYLEY  HUEY,  the 
faithful  and  well-beloved  pastor  of  the  United 
Presbyterian  Church  at  Rock  Prairie,  Rock 
county,  was  born  May  7,  1864,  at  McAlevys 
Fort,  Huntingdon  Co.,  Penn.,  a son  of  Robert 
and  Elizabeth  (Barr)  Huey,  both  of  whom 
were  of  Scotch-Irish  extraction. 

Our  subject  obtained  the  rudiments  of  his 
education  in  the  common  schools,  and  then 
passed  four  years  in  the  Stone  Valley  Academy, 
in  his  native  town,  whence  he  passed  to  West- 
minster College,  at  New  Wilmington,  Penn., 
graduating  in  1888.  The  following  fall  he  en- 
tered the  Allegheny  Theological  Seminary,  and 
was  graduated  in  March,  1891.  On  April  15, 
1890,  he  was  licensed  to  preach  by  the  Presby- 
tery of  Mercer,  and  the  summer  following  he 
passed  doing  missionary  work  at  Benkelman, 
Neb.  Early  in  life  he  had  united  with  the 
Stone  Valley  United  Presbyterian  Church,  in 
his  native  town,  and  had  consecrated  his  future 
years  to  the  service  of  his  Maker.  No  falter- 
ing, no  wavering,  but  onward,  diligently  striv- 
ing to  do  the  Master’s  will.  Rev.  Huey  has  la- 
bored in  the  interests  of  humanity.  In  the 
autumn  of  1890,  he  was  called  to  the  pastorate 
of  the  Rock  Prairie  (Wis.)  congregation,  and 
on  May  7,  1891,  entered  upon  his  duties  there. 
On  Aug.  19,  1891,  he  was  ordained  to  the 
Gospel  ministry  by  the  Presbytery  of  Wiscon- 
sin, and  finally  installed  as  pastor  at  Rock 
Prairie.  Under  the  earnest  ministration  the 
congregation  has  increased  from  ill  to  192 


740 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


members,  over  150  persons  having  been  re- 
ceived into  the  church.  In  this  time  Rev.  Mr. 
Huey’s  good  works  are  known  far  beyond  the 
confines  of  his  own  parish,  and  he  holds  Ugh 
rank  among  other  ministers  of  the  same  denom- 
ination. For  the  past  eight  years  he  has  been 
Stated  Clerk  of  the  Wisconsin  Presbytery,  and 
has  ably  discharged  the  duties  appertaining  to 
that  office.  In  1895-96  he  was  Moderator  of 
the  Synod  of  Illinois,  and  served  a three-years 
term  as  a member  of  the  board  of  managers  of 
the  Xenia  Theological  Seminary  at  Xenia, 
Ohio. 

On  Sept.  10,  1891,  Rev.  Mr.  Huey  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Eva  Donaldson, 
of  New  Wilmington,  Penn.,  a daughter  of 
Zechariah  and  Mary  Donaldson,  the  former  a 
nephew  of  Rev.  Dr.  Donaldson,  of  Elders 
Ridge,  Penn.  Mrs.  Huey,  a highly  cultured 
woman,  was  graduated  from  Westminster  Col- 
lege June  20,  1888,  and  passed  the  next  two 
years  as  a teacher.  Rev.  Mr.  Huey  and  wife 
are  the  parents  of  three  children : Grace  Don- 

aldson, born  Dec.  29,  1894;  Helen  Barr,  Oct. 
27,  1896;  and  Ruth  Crawford,  April  29,  1900. 

SAMUEL  C.  ROSS  is  one  of  the  success- 
ful miners  and  farmers  who  have  made  Wiscon- 
sin what  it  is  to-day,  one  of  the  foremost  States 
among  the  great  commonwealths  of  the  coun- 
try. Through  the  efforts  of  such  men  the  fields 
bring  forth  their  produce,  and  the  depths  of 
the  earth  are  called  upon  for  their  treasures. 

Mr.  Ross  was  born  in  Mineral  Point,  Iowa 
county,  in  1859,  a son  of  John  James  and  Sarah 
(Sproule)  Ross.  The  father  was  born  in  Coun- 
ty Tyrone,  Ireland,  Nov.  29,  1819,  and  there 
reared,  remaining  in  Ireland  until  July,  1839, 
when  he  came  to  Mineral  Point,  a poor  boy. 
He  engaged  in  mining,  later  in  farming  and 
stock  raising.  In  1849  he  went  to  California, 
but  returned  to  Mineral  Point  and  again  en- 
gaged in  farming,  becoming  very  successful, 
taking  his  place  among  the  prominent  citizens 
of  the  county.  At  the  time  of  his  death  he 
owned  3,000  acres  of  land.  He  was  one  of  the 
men  instrumental  in  having  the  Mineral  Point 
railroad  run  through  the  place,  and  at  his  death, 
which  occurred  March  3,  1899,  Mineral  Point 
lost  its  leading  business  man,  as  well  as 
one  of  the  kindest  hearted  and  noblest  of  its 
citizens.  Not  only  was  he  a successful  farmer 
and  miner,  but  he  was  extensively  engaged  in 
stock-raising,  and  handled  large  quantities  of 


grain.  His  good  wife,  who  was  also  a native 
of  Ireland,  died  at  Mineral  Point  in  1892.  To 
these  most  worthy  people  were  born  four  sons : 
William  S.,  a farmer  and  stock  raiser  of  Min- 
eral Point;  Samuel  C.,  our  subject;  Charley,, 
a physician  and  surgeon  of  Mineral  Point; 
and  David,  who  died  in  childhood. 

Our  subject  was'  reared  to  manhood  in 
Mineral.  Point,  has  always  been  engaged  in 
mining  and  farming,  and  makes  a specialty 
of  raising  fine  blooded  horses,  cattle  and  hogs.. 
I11  1892  Mr.  Ross  built  a fine  home  in  Mineral 
Point,  where  he  and  his  family  reside,  sur- 
rounded by  the  comforts  and  luxuries  of  life. 
The  marriage  of  our  subject  to  Miss  Anna  J. 
Sproule,  a native  of  Missouri,  occurred  in 
1891,  and1  to  this  union  three  children  have 
been  born,  Andrew,  Emily  and  Samuel. 

The  Ross  family  is  among  the  early  set- 
tlers of  the  county,  and  none  is  more  highly 
respected.  The  father  was  a Democrat  po- 
litically, and  a Presbyterian  in  religious  mat- 
ters, and  his  son  follows  in  his  footsteps. 
Neither  have  ever  sought  office,  although  John 
Ross  did  consent  to  serve  on  the  board  of  super- 
visors. Socially  our  subject  is  a member  of 
Raven  Lodge,  No.  18,  K.  of  P.,  Mineral  Point. 
He  is  well  known  throughout  the  entire  State, 
and  always  takes  a deep  interest  in  anything 
destined  to  advance  the  material  prosperity  <of 
the  city  of  Mineral  Point,  Iowa  county,  or  the 
State  of  Wisconsin. 

DR.  CLAY  W.  BENNETT,  a rising 
young  member  of  the  dental  profession  at 
Monroe,  Wis.,  belongs  to  one  of  the  more 
notable  families  of  Green  county,  and  is  him- 
self no  unworthy  representative  of  its  better 
characteristics.  He  is  well  versed  both  in  the 
theory  and  practice  of  the  calling  which  he  has 
made  his  life  work,  and  is  determined  to  keep 
to  the  front.  He  is  a genial  and  social  gentle- 
man with  many  friends,  and  enjoys  an  envi- 
able reputation  for  probity  and  fair  dealing. 

Dr.  Bennett  is  a native  of  Green  county,, 
born  July  9,  1865,  a son  of  Felix  and  Catha- 
rine (Bell)  Bennett,  whose  personal  and  fam- 
ily history  has  been  written  up  under  the  name 
of  Felix  C.  Bennett.  They  are  classed  among 
the  leading  people  of  Monroe,  and  are  active 
workers  in  all  social,  humanitarian  and1  re- 
form movements  that  address  the  better  im- 
pulses and  convictions  of  the  world.  Dr. 
Bennett  has  one  living  sister,  Estella,  who 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


74i 


married  George  King,  of  Janesville,  and  is  a 
charming  and  talented  lady.  As  noted  else- 
where, the  father  of  Dr.  Bennett  was  in  the 
early  days  a settler  upon  a Wisconsin  farm, 
and  upon  this  farm  the  first  years  of  the  Mon- 
roe dentist  were  passed.  When  ten  years  old 
he  was  taken  into  Monroe  by  his  parents,  and 
there  he  completed  his  boyhood  and  youth, 
passing  through  the  Monroe  schools  in  order, 
and  in  1888  he  was  graduated  from  the  Chi- 
cago college  of  dental  surgery.  He  set  up  in 
the  practice  of  his  profession  the  same  year  in 
Monroe,  and  here  he  has  lived  and  labored 
to  the  present  time. 

Dr.  Bennett  and  Miss  Ida  Roderick  were 
married  Feb.  5,  1890.  Mrs.  Bennett  is  a 
daughter  of  Jacob  and  Elizabeth  (Newman) 
Roderick,  and  is  the- mother  of  three  children, 
Byron  R.,  Catherine  E.  and  one  who  died  in 
infancy.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Bennett  belong  to  the 
Christian  Church,  and  he  is  a member  of  the 
Knights  of  Pythias.  He  is  an  active  worker 
in  the  Wisconsin  Dental  Society,  and  also  in 
the  Southern  Wisconsin  Dental  Society.  The 
Doctor  has  been  a Democrat,  and  knows  the 
reason  of  the  faith  that  is  in  him.  He  has 
been  the  recipient  of  complimentary  notice  on 
the  part  of  his  professional  associates,  and  in 
1899  was  elected  president  of  the  State  Dental 
Society.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Bennett  occupy  a pleas- 
ant home  on  East  Russell  street,  which  has 
become  the  center  of  many  social  and  friendly 
interests. 

WALLACE  ALPHEUS  PENGRA,  a 
worthy  representative  of  the  agricultural  in- 
terests of  Green  county,  resides  on  his  farm 
about  four  miles  northwest  of  Juda,  and  is 
well  known  as  a thrifty  and  successful  farmer. 

Our  subject  is  a son  of  George  S.  and 
Maria  (Waltz)  Pengra,  and  a grandson  of 
Moses  and  Sarah  (Johns)  Pengra.  His  par- 
ents came  from  Genesee  county,  N.  Y.,  and 
located  in  the  town  of  Sylvester,  Green  Co., 
Wis.,  in  1849.  Moses  Pengra  was  a son  of 
Marshall  Pengra,  of  Bennington  county,  Vt., 
whose  father  came  to  the  New  England  Col- 
onies in  company  with  two  brothers  long  be- 
fore the  Revolution.  One  brother,  Orin,  lost 
his  life  during  that  struggle ; the  other  brothers 
were  separated,  and  in  their  separation  the 
name  was  changed  in  its  spelling.  Gov.  Pin- 
gree,  of  Michigan,  is  thought  to  be  a mem- 
ber of  the  same  family. 


Moses  Pengra  was  born  in  1799,  and  mar- 
ried, March  25,  1818,  Sarah  Johns,  who  was 
born  in  Wales,  and  came  to  this  country  when 
a small  girl.  They  had  the  following  chil- 
dren : Marshall ; George  S.,  the  father  of  W. 

A.  ; B.  J.,  now  residing  in  Oregon;  Honor  E., 
a widow,  in  Iowa;  William,  deceased;  and 
Elisiph,  who  died  in  childhood.  George  S., 
father  of  Wallace  A.,  was  born  in  Darien, 
Genesee  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1821,  and  died  in  Syl- 
vester July  1,  1890.  In  1849  he  married  Maria 
Waltz,  who  was  born  Nov.  10,  1827,  in  Cat- 
taraugus county,  N.  Y.,  and  is  still  living, 
making  her  home  with  her  son  Wallace  A., 
on  the  old  homestead.  She  is  a daughter  of 
Alpheus  and  Jane  (Ferguson)  Waltz,  who 
were  of  Dutch  and  Scotch-Irish  descent.  Peter 
Waltz,  grandfather  of  Airs.  Pengra,  enlisted  in 
the  Revolution,  and  bore  arms  for  seven  years 
in  the  cause  of  independence.  His  father 
came  from  Holland.  Thomas  Davey,  the  ma- 
ternal great-grandfather  of  W.  A.  Pengra,  was 
killed  at  the  battle  of  Fort  Stanwix.  He  came 
of  English  blood. 

The  marriage  of  George  S.  Pengra  to 
Maria  W altz  was  blessed  with  three  children : 
(1)  Wallace  Alpheus;  (2)  George  H.,  born 
Dec.  23,  1853,  a thrifty  farmer  of  Sylvester, 
whose  sketch  appears  elsewhere;  and  (3) 
William  S.,  born  May  26,  1855,  who  died  in 
Cheyenne,  Wyoming,  in  1881. 

Wallace  Alpheus  Pengra  was  born  Oct.  17, 
1851,  and  was  married  to  Miss  Nancy  J.  Bald- 
win, of  the  town  of  Sylvester,  Nov.  11,  1875. 
Mrs.  Pengra  was  the  daughter  of  Harvey  and 
Margaret  (Johnson)  Baldwin,  of  Green  coun- 
ty, who  came  here  in  1854.  They  were  of 
English  and  Irish  ancestry,  the  maternal 
grandmother  coming  from  Ireland.  Mr.  Bald- 
win was  born  in  1814,  and  died  in  1899;  his 
wife  was  born  Oct.  8,  1824,  and  died  March 
14,  1900.  They  were  good  people,  and  much 
respected  in  their  day.  Mrs'.  Nancy  J.  Pengra 
was  born  July  30,  1854,  in  Ashtabula  coun- 
tv, Ohio,  and  was  brought  to  Wisconsin  when 
a babe  in  arms.  Our  subject  and  his  wife 
have  the  following  children:  Hugh  S.,  born 

Tuly  22,  1878;  Frank  E.,  born  March  27, 
1884;  and  Maria  Antoinette,  born  Nov.  5, 
1887.  all  at  home. 

Mr.  Pengra  was  reared  to  manhood  on  the 
paternal  acres,  and  acquired  his  education  in 
the  district  school.  In  his  agricultural  labors 
he  has  met  with  marked  success,  and  is  one  of 


742 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


the  most  successful  in  the  county  in  his  chosen 
work.  In  politics  he  is  a Prohibitionist,  and 
he  has  served  his  town  as  road  supervisor, 
member  of  the  town  board,  and  treasurer  of  the 
school  board  for  a number  of  years,  and  com- 
mands the  respect  of  all.  He  began  life  a poor 
man,  but  now  owns  a farm  of  140  acres  in  his 
own  name,  and  a half  interest  in  360  acres  with 
his  brother  George  H.  He  is  a man  of  fine 
character  and  high  standing. 

REV.  ARTHUR  LONGFIELD,  the  zeal- 
ous and  devoted  minister  of  the  Free  Baptist 
Church  at  North  Johnstown,  Rock  county, 
was  born  in  Magnolia,  in  that  county,  and  ed- 
ucated in  the  public  schools  and  in  the  sem- 
inary at  Evansville.  He  graduated  from  this 
school  in  1886,  and  immediately  began  min- 
isterial work  in  the  Free  Methodist  Church. 
For  a number  of  years  he  served  that  organi- 
zation in  Wisconsin  and  in  South  Dakota.  In 
this  State  he  was  pastor  of  the  church  at  Mar- 
shall, Dane  county,  and  has  had  several  other 
charges,  in  which  he  distinguished  himself  by 
his  zeal  for  his  Master’s  cause,  and  his  earnest 
presentation  of  a simple  Gospel. 

Air.  Longfield  withdrew  from  the  Free 
Methodist  fellowship  in  1897,  and  became 
pastor  of  the  Free  Baptist  Church  at  Rutland, 
Wis.,  preferring  to  be  associated  with  this 
church,  as'  more  thoroughly  in  harmony  with 
his  mature  convictions.  I11  1899  Air.  Long- 
field was  called  to  his  present  charge.  It  is 
one  of  the  oldest  Free  Baptist  Churches  or- 
ganized in  Wisconsin,  and  was  for  many  years 
regarded  as  one  of  the  most  prominent  in  the 
denomination  in  the  State.  It  was  organized 
at  an  early  day  by  Elder  Cary,  who  served 
as  its  pastor  for  many  years.  It  has  suffered 
during  the  later  years  of  its  history  from  the 
changing  and  shifting  that  have  been  going 
on  in  the  population  of  the  adjacent  territory, 
but  it  is  still  in  a fairly  vigorous  condition; 
and  during  the  last  year  ten  additions  have 
been  made  to  its  membership,  the  new  comers 
being  mostly  young  people. 

Mr.  Longfield  and  Miss  Anna  R.  Patch 
were  married  March  12,  1889.  Mrs.  Long- 
field is  a daughter  of  Uriah  and  Christie  A. 
(Barns)  Patch,  and  was  living  in  Platteville 
at  the  time  of  her  marriage.  Her  father  was 
a farmer  of  Richland  county,  Wis  . during  his 
active  years.  Pie  died  at  Calamine,  Wis.,  Feb. 
6,  1884,  when  seventy-seven  years  old.  Her 


mother  died  at  Platteville,  Wis.,  June  9,  1888, 
at  the  age  of  seventy-one.  They  came  to  Wis- 
consin from  Ohio  in  1853.  Mrs.  Longfield 
is  the  youngest  of  a family  of  eleven  children. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Longfield  have  come  five 
children  to  bless  their  union : Arthur  Brom- 
ley, Edna  Grace,  Henry  Spencer,  Miriam 
Vashti  and  Elsie  Lucile.  They  are  a band  of 
bright  and  promising  children,  and  will  make 
their  way  in  the  world. 

Henry  Longfield,  the  father  of  Rev.  Ar- 
thur, was  born  Dec.  11,  1820,  in  Northumber- 
land county,  Penn.,  and  was  taken  by  his  par- 
ents to  Hartford,  I rumbull  Co.,  Ohio,  when 
quite  young.  He  came  to  Wisconsin  when  a 
young  man,  and  in  1851  bought  a farm  in  the 
town  of  Magnolia,  Rock  county,  which  became 
his  home  during  his  active  life.  When  ad- 
vancing age  compelled  him  to  abandon  the  life 
of  a farmer  he  moved  into  Evansville,  where 
he  lived  thirteen  years,  and  where  he  died 
Aug.  23,  1897.  Henry  Longfield  and  Miss 
Orrilla  Spencer  were  married  Nov.  25,  1852, 
and  the  union  proved  a happy  one.  She  was 
born  Jan.  12,  1824,  in  Clayton,  Jefferson  Co., 
N.  Y.,  the  youngest  of  a family  of  twelve  chil- 
dren, and  is  the  sole  survivor  of  her  father’s 
family.  She  is  making  her  home  with  her  only 
son,  Rev.  Arthur  Longfield. 

RICHARD  SCADDEN,  a young  and 
thrifty  farmer  in  the  town  of  Hazel  Green, 
Grant  county,  was  born  at  his  present  home 
Alay  17,  1867,  son  of  Richard  and  Fannie 
(Jennings)  Scadden,  both  natives  of  Cornwall, 
England,  where  the  father  was  born  in  1815, 
the  mother  in  1825. 

Richard  Scadden  brought  his  family  to 
Wisconsin  in  1850,  and  worked  in  the  lead 
mines  of  Grant  county  for  a number  of  years, 
then  purchasing  a farm,  three  miles  northwest 
of  the  village  of  Hazel  Green,  held  same  for  a 
short  time.  Selling  it,  he  bought  a farm  near 
Alorgan’s  AI ills,  and  in  1866  moved  to  the 
farm  where  his  son  Richard  now  lives,  one 
mile  south  of  the  village  of  Hazel  Green,  on 
the  Galena  Pike.  There  he  settled,  and  made 
substantial  improvements,  intending  to  make 
this  his  home  for  life,  which  indeed  it  proved 
to  be.  Mr.  Scadden  there  died  in  1897,  out- 
living his  wife  ten  years.  Belonging  to  the 
Methodist  Church,  they  “lived  the  doctrines 
they  professed,”  and  were  widely  known  as 
good  Christian  people.  Mr.  Scadden  was  a 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


743 


Republican,  and  in  his  prime  had  filled  sev- 
eral local  positions  of  honor  and  trust.  Nine 
children  were  born  to  him  and  his  wife:  (i) 

John,  born  in  1850,  married  Miss  Hester 
Williams,  and  has  three  children,  Albert,  Edna 
and  Ernest ; he  is  now  a grain  dealer  in  South 
Dakota.  (2)  Thomas,  born  in  1856,  married 
Miss  Martha  Pierce,  of  Hazel  Green,  and  has 
a farm  in  Illinois.  There  are  four  children 
in  his  family,  Andrew,  Saul,  Roy,  and  Morris'. 
(3)  Lizzie,  born  in  Hazel  Green,  married 
Harvey  Smith,  and  is  living  in  her  native  vil- 
lage, with  one  daughter,  Pearl.  (4)  Hannah, 
born  in  Hazel  Green,  married  Richard1  Shelli- 
van,  and  lives  in  the  town  of  Hazel.  Green. 
There  are  three  children  in  their  family,  Orvil, 
Edward,  and  Fannie.  (5)  William,  born  in 
Grant  county  in  1861,  married  Miss  Lizzie 
Pearce,  and  is  a farmer  in  the  town  of  Hazel 
Green.  They  have  three  daughters,  Fannie, 
Lulu,  and  Ollie.  (6)  Tillie,  born  in  Hazel 
Green  in  1863,  is  the  wife  of  Rev.  Etla  Ralph, 
who  resides  near  Chicago.  There  are  four 
children  in  their  family,  Lloyd,  Roy, 
Walter,  and  Harry.  (7)  Ella,  born  in  Hazel 
Green,  is  now  the  wife  of  John  Pierce,  of 
Illinois.  (8)  Richard  is  our  subject.  (9) 
Edward,  born  in  1872,  married  Sarah  Scott, 
and  is  a farmer  in  Wisconsin. 

Richard  Scadden  was  educated,  like  his 
brothers  and  sisters,  in  the  high  school  of  the 
town  of  Hazel  Green,  where  he  grew  to  man- 
hood, on  his  father’s  farm.  In  1889  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Abbie  Scott,  daughter  of  Thomas 
Scott,  of  Hazel  Green,  one  of  the  old  pioneer 
settlers  of  Grant  county.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Scad- 
den are  the  parents  of  four  children : Lance- 

lot. born  in  1891;  Hildred,  born  in  1892; 
Loraine,  born  in  1893;  and  Lloyd,  born  in 
1898.  After  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Scadden  settled  on  the  Joseph  Harris  farm, 
in  the  town  of  Hazel  Green,  where  they  re- 
mained one  year,  and  were  one  year  on  the 
White  farm.  Mr.  Scadden  rented  the  old 
homestead  of  his  father,  and  engaged  in  its 
cultivation  until  the  death  of  that  gentleman 
made  it  possible  for  him  to  purchase  the  farm 
of  the  other  heirs.  Here  he  now  owns  a choice 
place  of  160  acres,  under  high  cultivation, 
thoroughly  improved,  and  equipped  with  all 
necessary  farming  appliances. 

In  politics  Mr.  Scadden  is  a Republican. 
He  attends,  with  his  wife,  the  Methodist 
Church,  to  which  she  belongs.  Socially  he 


is  a member  of  the  M.  W.  A.  and  the  Knights 
of  the  Globe.  Mr.  Scadden  is  an  enterprising 
young  man,  well  known  in  this  part  of  the 
county.  He  is  largely  engaged  in  stock  farm- 
ing, and  is  forging  his  way  to  success  rapidly. 

JAMES  M.  HARCLEROAD,  one  of  the 
enterprising  and  successful  business  men  of 
Platteville,  Grant  county,  owns  and  operates' 
one  of  the  largest  livery  stables  in  that  city, 
and  is  a man  universally  respected.  Our  sub- 
ject was  born  in  Grant  county  in  November, 
1856,  son  of  Solomon  and  Mary  J.  (Castley) 
Harcleroad. 

Solomon  Harcleroad  was  born  in  Bradford 
county,  Penn.,  where  he  grew  to  manhood. 
His  wife  was  born  in  Missouri,  her  father  be- 
ing Pierce  Castley,  a farmer,  who  died  while 
yet  a young  man,  and  the  mother  migrated  to 
Grant  county,  -where  Solomon  Harcleroad  met 
her  daughter,  and  they  were  married.  After 
marriage  the  parents  of  our  subject  located 
in  Grant  county,  and  the  father  followed  min- 
ing until  the  Civil  war  broke  out,  when  he  en- 
listed in  Company  F,  10th  Wis'.  V.  I.,  and 
served  three  years,  participating  in  a number 
of  hard-fought  battles.  Returning  home  after 
the  war,  he  settled  on  a farm  near  Platteville, 
where  he  died  in  1876.  The  mother  still  sur- 
vives, and  makes  her  home  with  our  subject, 
in  Platteville.  There  were  seven  children  in 
this  family,  and  all  are  now  living  except  one 
daughter,  Effie,  who  married  A.  E.  YV  eller, 
of  Des  Moines,  Iowa,  and  left  one  son,  Will- 
iam, who  still  resides  in  Iowa. 

Our  subject  was  the  eldest  of  the  family, 
and  was  reared  and  educated  in  Grant  county. 
When  a young  man  he  was  a foreman  of  con- 
struction on  the  Chicago  & Northwestern  and 
other  railroads,  but  in  1887  he  settled  at  Lan- 
caster, where  he  embarked  in  the  livery  busi- 
ness, and  drove  a stage  between  that  city  and 
Potosi  for  five  years.  About  1889  he  removed 
to  Platteville,  where  he  established  his  pres- 
ent stables,  and  conducts  business  upon  the 
latest  methods.  His  horses  are  fine  animals, 
the  drivers  careful,  while  his  carriages,  bug- 
gies, carts,  and  other  equipages  are  of  the  latest 
design  and  best  workmanship.  The  service  is 
very  efficient,  and  patrons  are  certain  of  re- 
ceiving honorable  treatment. 

In  1887  Mr.  Harcleroad  married  Miss 
Alma  Burress,  daughter  of  Jonathan  and  Sarah 
Burress,  old  pioneers  and  well-to-do  farming 


744 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


people  of  Belmont,  Lafayette  county.  Mrs. 
Harcleroad  was  born  in  Grant  county  in  1862. 
Three  children  have  been  born  to  our  subject 
and  wife,  James,  Edward  and  Ruth,  the  first 
named  being  a student  at  the  State  Normal, 
and  a very  bright  boy. 

Politically  Mr.  Harcleroad  has  been  identi- 
fied with  the  Republican  party,  and  fraternally 
he  is  a member  of  Platteville  Lodge,  K.  of 
P. ; and  Lodge  No.  7,  of  the  Modern  Wood- 
men. Mr.  Harcleroad  is  special  treasury  agent 
of  his  city,  and  in  the  spring  of  1900  was  elect- 
ed a member  of  the  city  board  from  the  First 
ward.  Although  deeply  engrossed  in  the  busi- 
ness of  his  establishment,  Mr.  Harcleroad  al- 
ways finds  time  to  give  his  support  to  any- 
thing tending  toward  the  advancement  of  the 
material  interests  of  the  city,  and  he  enjoys 
the  respect  of  his  acquaintances  as  an  hon- 
orable man  and  a public-spirited'  citizen.  Mrs. 
Harcleroad  is  a consistent  member  of  the  M. 
E.  Church,  and  takes  an  active  interest  in  the 
work  of  that  denomination. 

JOHN  W.  GARDNER,  the  efficient  sheriff 
of  Green  county,  has  made  his  home  in  Mon- 
roe for  a number  of  years.  He  enjoys  an 
enviable  reputation  as  an  upright  and  honorable 
man,  and  as  a police  officer  has  repeatedly  dis- 
played both  nerve  and  judgment  in  a high  de- 
gree. Mr.  Gardner  was  born  Oct.  6,  1855, 
in  Stephentown,  Rensselaer  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and 
was  brought  to  Wisconsin  early  the  following 
year,  so  that  practically  his  entire  life  has  been 
spent  in  this  State. 

The  parents  of  our  subject,  George  and 
Aucelia  (Rose)  Gardner,  were  both  natives 
of  New  York.  They  had  three  sons  and  one 
daughter,  the  latter  dying  in  infancy.  The 
sons  are  all  living:  Burton  J.,  at  Brodhead, 

W 'is. ; Charles  Francis,  near  Brodhead;  and 
John  W.  The  father  was  a butcher  in  New 
York.  He  came  to  Rock  county,  Wis'.,  in 
March,  1856,  and  very  soon  afterward  located 
at  old  Decatur,  in  Green  county,  where  he 
set  up  a meat  market,  and  carried  on  a butcher 
business  for  several  years.  He  then  went  to 
Texas,  but  after  an  absence  of  a year  all  news' 
as  to  his  whereabouts  ceased,  and  he  has  never 
been  heard  of  since.  The  mother  died  in 
March,  1S77,  at  the  age  of  fifty-two.  She  was 
a member  of  the  Methodist  Church,  and  a good 
woman,  always  kind  and  generous.  The  pa- 
ternal grandfather  of  John  W.  Gardner  bore 


the  name  of  George  W.  Gardner.  He  was'  a 
native  of  New  York,  of  English  descent,  was 
a fifer  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  was  a man  of 
influence  wherever  he  lived.  He  followed  farm- 
ing, and  was  an  early  settler  of  Wisconsin, 
coming  to  Rock  county  when  the  Territory  was 
largely  a wilderness,  buying  land  in  Rock,  and 
dying  there  about  1864,  when  about  eighty 
years  of  age.  The  father  of  Mrs.  Aucelia 
(Rose)  Gardner  bore  the  name  of  Rufus  Rose. 
He  was  born  in  the  State  of  New  York,  a de- 
scendant of  an  old  English  family,  followed 
farming,  and  died  in  New  York  at  the  age  of 
fifty-five.  He  reared  a numerous  family. 

John  W.  Gardner  grew  to  manhood  under 
the  home  roof,  on  the  farm  near  Brodhead, 
Wis.  He  obtained  his  education  in  the  local, 
school  and  early  took  upon  himself  the  burden 
of  his  own  support,  beginning  his  business  ca- 
reer by  renting  a farm.  He  was  engaged  in 
farming  until  1892.  In  1895  he  was  appointed 
deputy  sheriff,  under  N.  S.  Durst,  and  ac- 
quitted himself  so  creditably  that  he  received 
a similar  appointment  under  Stearns.  In  1898 
he  was  himself  elected  to  this  high  office,  en- 
tering upon  its  duties'  Jan.  1,  1899. 

Mr.  Gardner  and  Miss  Dollie  E.  Springsted 
were  married  Jan.  14,  187^,  and  they  have 
three  children,  Harry,  John  and  Sadie.  Mrs. 
Gardner  is  a daughter  of  David  and  Cordelia 
(Ward)  Springsted,  and  was  born  near  Ham- 
ilton, Canada,  July  11,  1853.  She  is  a woman 
of  fine  feelings  and  neighborly  spirit,  and  has 
many  friends.  Sheriff  Gardner  belongs  to 
several  of  the  leading  fraternities  of  the  city, 
holding  membership  in  the  Odd  Fellows,  the 
Woodmen  of  the  World,  and  the  Knights  of 
the  Globe,  and  he  is  highly  esteemed  wherever 
known.  He  is  a Republican  politically,  and  is 
one  of  the  strong  men  of  the  organization  in 
the  county,  taking  a keen  interest  in  its  work- 
ings, and  is  alive  to  whatever  concerns  the  pub- 
lic welfare. 

HENRY  SOLOMON  WEIL  is  one  of  the 
most  thoroughly  up-to-date  citizens  of  Min- 
eral Point,  Iowa  county,  and  has  taken  an  act- 
ive interest  in  the  development  of  his  home  city. 

Mr.  Wei],  was  born  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  Dec. 
19,  1855,  a son  of  David  and  Theresa  (Loe- 
wenthal)  Weil,  and  received  his  early  educa- 
tion in  the  schools  of  Dubuque,  Iowa,  later 
passing  some  time  in  a machine  shop  there. 
At  the  age  of  twenty-one  he  was  clerk  in  a 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


745 


store  in  New  York  City,  and  about  the  year 
1877  moved  to  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  where  he 
passed  two  years  as  traveling-  salesman  for  a 
tobacco  and  cigar  house,  and  for  the  Singer 
Sewing  Machine  Co.  The  next  year  he  came 
to  Mineral  Point,  as  general  agent  of  the 
Singer  Sewing  Machine  Co.  for  several  coun- 
ties. In  1884  he  became  connected  with  the 
McCormick  Harvester  Co.,  as  special  agent, 
which  position  he  successfully  tilled  until  1891, 
when  he  assumed  charge  of  the  Mineral  Point 
Electric  Light  Plant,  and  has  since  efficiently 
discharged  the  duties  of  that  office ; he  also  has 
charge  of  the  pumping  of  the  city  water.  Mr. 
Weil  is  ambitious  to  see  his  town  have  all 
the  improvements  possible  in  a city  of  its  size, 
and  has  helped  to  organize  the  Volunteer  Fire 
Department,  of  which  he  is  treasurer.  He  was 
one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Southwestern  Wis- 
consin Fair  Association,  for  several  years 
served  as  its  secretary,  and  is  yet  one  of  the 
stockholders.  In  politics  he  has  been  a Demo- 
crat, but  advocates  the  gold  standard.  For 
three  years  he  held  the  office  of  alderman,  for 
four  years  that  of  city  clerk,  and  for  six  years 
was  member  of  the  board  of  education. 

In  1881  Mr.  Weil  married  Miss  Clara  M. 
Jones,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Ann  (Sanguin) 
Jones,  and  two  children,  Helen  and  Grace, 
have  brightened  their  home.  The  family  re- 
side in  a beautiful  residence  erected  by  Mr. 
Weil  in  1890,  and  are  very  popular  in  the  so- 
cial life  of  Mineral  Point.  Mr.  Weil,  is  a 
member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  the  I.  O. 
O.  F.,  the  K.  of  P.,  the  I.  O.  F.,  the  Knights 
of  the  Globe,  and  the  M.  W.  A.. 

David  Weil,  father  of  Henry  S.  Weil,  was 
born  in  Prussia,  but  passed  most  of  his  boy- 
hood and  youth  in  London,  England,  where  he 
learned  the  trade  of  brushmaker.  About  1848 
he  came  to  America,  locating  in  St.  Louis, 
where  he  engaged  in  mercantile  business,  later, 
about  1859,  moving  to  Dubuque,  Iowa,  and 
remaining  there  until  1878,  when  he  moved  to 
Milwaukee,  Wis.  There  he  engaged  in  the 
real-estate  and  insurance  business,  and  he  died 
in  that  city  in  September,  1895,  aged  sixty- 
seven.  He  married  Theresa  Loewenthal,  who 
was-ffiorn  in  Prussia,  daughter  of  L.  Loewen- 
thal, a hotel-keeper  in  that  country,  and  came 
to  America  with  her  parents  in  1849.  Her 
ther  died  in  Chicago!  at  the  age  of  ninety 
years. 

Joseph  Jones,  father  of  Mrs.  Weil,  was 


born  in  Bedford  county,  Penn.,  March  6,  1818, 
and  died  in  Mineral  Point  in  1889.  He  came 
West  in  1834  with  his  step-father,  Abner 
Nichols,  who  kept  the  “Mansion  House,"  the 
leading  hotel  of  the  mining  district,  for  some 
years.  This  hotel  was  composed  of  several 
log  cabins  joined  together,  and  was  famous 
for  the  hospitality  of  the  landlord,  and  the 
many  social  gatherings  held  there.  Mr.  Jones 
engaged  in  mining,  and  later  kept  a meat  mar- 
ket. He  soon  attained  a prominent  position 
in  local,  affairs,  held  several  offices,  and  at  one 
time  was  messenger  of  the  Territorial  Legis- 
lature, appointed  by  Gov.  James  Doty.  He 
passed  a year  in  California  in  1850,  but  re- 
turned to  Mineral  Point,  where  he  was  one  of 
the  most  popular  of  the  pioneers. 

GEORGE  CULLEN.  When  we  meet 
early  settlers  of  the  great  northwestern  coun- 
try we  are  pretty  sure  to  find  them  most  worthy 
specimens  of  a worthy  type — plain,  sensible, 
honest  men,  who  have  never  begged  favor,  or 
asked  odds'  in  the  game  of  life,  and  whose 
strongest  wish  has  seemed  to  be  to  stand  square 
with  their  fellows.  A representative  of  one  of 
these  honest  tillers  of  the  soil  who  assisted  in 
making  Grant  county,  Wis.,  the  prosperous 
locality  it  now  is,  is  George  Cullen,  the  sub- 
ject of  this  sketch.  He  was  born  in  Chester 
county,  Penn.,  Nov.  25,  1841,  son  of  Joseph 
and  Hannah  (Waters)  Cullen,  of  the  Key- 
stone State,  the  father  born  in  Dublin,  Ire- 
land in  1806. 

After  marriage  Joseph  Cullen  carried  on 
farming  in  Chester  county,  Penn.,  until  1843, 
when  he  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  engaged  in 
work  in  the  lead  mines  at  Hazel  Green,  until, 
in  1849,  he  purchased  a tract  of  wild  land  from 
the  government,  in  Smelser  township,  Grant 
county,  and  settled  upon  it.  Our  subject  now 
resides  upon  this  place,  which  was  literally  re- 
claimed from  the  wilderness,  and  in  this  work 
Mr.  Cullen  was  ably  assisted  by  his  son.  The 
clearing  up  of  a tract  of  wild  land  requires 
strength,  and  persistent  and  steady  labor  for 
a long  time.  Upon  this  farm  Mr.  Cullen  passed 
the  remainder  of  his  life,  dying  in  1891,  his 
wife  passing  away  in  1866.  Both  were  devout 
members  of  the  Catholic  Church,  he  being  one 
of  the  founders  of  the  church  in  Benton.  In 
his  early  life  he  was  a Jacksonian  Democrat, 
but  at  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war,  oppos- 
ing slavery,  he  became  a stanch  Republican. 


746 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


In  all  his  beliefs'  ancl  prejudices  he  was  a 
strong  man ; fully  convinced  of  right,  he  was 
never  afraid  to  follow  his  convictions.  Three 
children  were  born  to  this  worthy  couple: 
George,  our  subject;  Anna,  born  in  Chester 
county,  Penn.,  who  married  Fred  Hiel,  and 
now  lives  in  Smelser,  with  a family  of  six  chil- 
dren ; and  Hannah  May,  born  in  Chester  coun- 
ty, Penn.,  in  1843,  who  became  the  wife  of 
Henry  Wiley,  of  Hamilton  county,  Iowa, 
where  she  died  Aug.  1,  1897,  leaving  six  chil- 
dren. 

Our  subject  was  reared  on  the  farm,  and 
educated  in  Grant  county,  remaining  at  home, 
and  taking  charge  of  the  farm  at  his  parents’ 
death.  He  knew  all  the  deprivations  of  pio- 
neer life  when  a lad.  In  1870  he  was  married 
to  Miss  Mary  E.  Quick,  of  Grant  county,  a 
daughter  of  Joseph  and  Isabel  (Clark)  Quick. 
Joseph  Quick  was  born  in  Virginia  in  1821, 
his  wife  in  Tennessee  in  1825,  and  after  their 
marriage,  which  took  place  in  Kentucky,  they 
located  in  Big  Patch,  Wis.,  remaining  there 
until  1851,  when  they  removed  to  the  farm  ad- 
joining that  of  our  subject.  There  Mr.  Quick 
died  in  August,  1877,  and  his  wife  in  1875. 
Mrs.  Cullen  was  educated  in  Grant  county, 
where  she  grew  to  be  an  estimable  young 
woman. 

Mr.  Cullen  lived  on  the  old  homestead,  in 
the  old  house,  until  1893,  when  he  erected  the 
fine  modern  dwelling  which  reflects  great 
credit  to  his  taste,  and  makes  a delightful  home 
for  his  family.  Much  of  his  attention  has 
been  given  to  fine  stock,  and  in  every  way  he 
has  been  successful,  and  deems  this  part  of 
the  great  State  of  Wisconsin  the  garden  spot. 
To  him  and  his  wife  a large  family  has  been 
born  : Lavinda,  born  in  Smelser  in  1871,  mar- 
ried Wesley  John,  and  has  two  children,  Ret- 
ta  and  Mary.  Joseph  H.,  born  in  1872,  mar- 
ried Miss  Mildred  Johns,  resides  on  a farm 
in  Wisconsin,  and  has  two  children,  Ethel  and 
Delvin.  John  E.,  born  in  December,  1873, 
married  Miss  Sarah  Clayton,  and  resides  on 
a farm.  George  E.,  born  in  1876,  resides  on 
the  farm.  Nettie  E.,  born  in  187Q,  married 
William  Johns,  who  is  a hotel-keeper  in  George- 
town. Hubert  O.  was  born  in  March,  1884. 
Leland,  born  in  1885,  died!  in  infancy.  How- 
ard A.  was  born  July  3,  1887;  Melvin  H.,  in 
1889:  and  Roscoe  E.,  in  1892.  The  younger 
sons  all  attend  the  home  school. 

Politically  Mr.  Cullen  has  always  been 


identified  with  the  Republican  party,  and  he 
has  served  as  a member  of  the  town  board  of 
Smelser  for  many  years.  Mrs.  Cullen  is  a con- 
sistent member  of  the  M.  E.  Church.  Mr. 
Cullen  is  associated  with  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  and 
George  and  Joseph  Cullen  are  members  of  the 
Order  of  Woodmen.  The  family  possesses 
the  esteem  of  all  the  residents  of  Smelser 
township.  In  it  are  connected  a number  of 
prominent  old  pioneer  families,  and  it  is  a rep- 
resentative one,  without  a record  of  which  no 
history  of  Grant  county  would  be  complete. 

L.  H.  TREGLOWN,  M.  D.,  a popular  and 
highly  respected  physician,  whose  home  is  in 
the  village  of  Arthur,  in  the  towm  of  Lima, 
Grant  county,  was  born  at  Linden,  Iowa  Co., 
Wis.,  Oct.  11,  1878,  and  is  a son  of  Henry 
and  Mary  (Crase)  Treglown,  who  were  na- 
tives of  England. 

The  father  of  our  subject  was  born  in 
1824,  and  the  mother  in  1835.  In  their  native 
country  they  reached  maturity,  and  came  when 
young  people  to  Iowa  county,  Wis.,  where  they 
married  and  settled  over  forty  years  ago.  Two 
years  after  their  marriage  the  young  husband 
left  his  wife  in  Wisconsin  and  crossed  the 
Plains  to  California,  making  the  journey  with 
an  ox-team.  Mr.  Treglown  came  back  in  a 
few  years,  and  subsecpiently  made  the  same 
journey  twice,  with  horses.  Returning  to  his 
home  in  Linden,  Wis.,  he  followed-  mining, 
and  also  worked  in  Montana,  where  he  met 
with  fair  success.  They  have  a fine  home, 
where  he  lives  retired.  Mr.  Treglown  is  a 
stanch  Republican,  and  with  his  wife  belongs 
to  the  Methodist  Church.  To  them  were  born 
a family  of  ten  children  : ( 1 ) Alfred,  born  in 

Iowa  county,  married  Miss  Julia  Vial,  of  Lin- 
den, and  moved  to  the  copper  mines  of  Michi- 
gan, where  he  was  a miner  until  1899.  That 
year  he  went  to  California  for  his  health,  but 
too  late  for  any  benefit,  and  he  died  in  Febru- 
ary, 1900,  leaving  a wife  and  four  children, 
three  of  whom  are  married.  His  widow  and 
Phillip,  Edith  and  Alvie,  live  in  Butte,  Mont. 
Annie  married  Robert  Hancock,  and  lives  in 
California.  Alfred  Treglown  was  a member 
of  the  Masonic  fraternity  for  twenty-five  years'. 
(2)  Jennie  is  the  wife  of  Thomas  Jeffrey,  of 
Linden.  Their  children  are  Ray,  Ella,  Ocea 
and  Glenn.  (3)  William  married  Miss  Emma 
J.  Hosking,  of  Colorado,  and  purchased  a home 
in  Linden,  where  he  lived  for  some  years. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


747 


He  then  moved  to  Montana,  where  his  wife 
died,  in  Butte,  in  1895,  leaving  three  children, 
Mamie,  Willie  and  Maud.  Mr.  Treglown  later 
married  Mrs.  Richards,  of  Dodgeville,  Wis., 
and  they  now  reside  in  Butte,  Mont.,  where  he 
is  engaged  in  mining.  (4)  Olivia,  born  in 
1858,  married  Thomas  Faull,  and  is  living  in 
Linden,  where  they  are  rearing  a family  of 
eight  children,  Willie,  Pearl,  Maud,  Clyde, 
Laura,  Ernest,  Roscoe,  and  Glenn.  (5)  Fred- 
erick A.,  born  i860,  married  Miss  Maggie 
Duggan,  of  Calumet,  Mich.,  to  which  union 
were  born  five  children,  and  is  now  living  in 
Iron  Mountain,  Mich.  Mr.  Treglown  is  ex- 
tensively interested  in  business  at  Butte,  Mont. 
(6)  Etta,  born  in  1862,  obtained  her  educa- 
tion at  the  home  schools,  and  is  now  living  in 
Milwaukee;  she  is  unmarried.  (7)  Allie,  born 
in  1867,  is  the  wife  of  Morris  Moriarty,  of 
Fond  du  Lac,  Wis.,  and  they  reside  in 
Champion,  Mich.,  where  he  is  engaged  in 
business.  The  children  of  this'  union  are 
Walter,  Ella  and  Jack.  (8)  Walter  was  born 
in  Iowa  county,  Wis.,  is  unmarried,  and  has  a 
livery  stable  at  Calumet,  Mich.  (9)  Alden, 
born  in  1873,  married  Miss  Millie  Smith,  and 
is  now  a resident  of  Butte,  Mont.,  where  he 
is  working  in  a printing  office.  There  is  one 
daughter  in  his  family. 

Dr.  Treglown  received  his  elementary  ed- 
ucation in  the  home  schools,  and  read  medicine 
with  Dr.  Stull,  of  Linden,  for  half  a year.  In 
Keokuk,  Iowa,  he  took  a medical  course,  and 
a course  of  dentistry  in  the  Iowa  State  Uni- 
versity, graduating  from  the  Keokuk  Medical 
College  in  1896.  His  first  practice  was  at 
Linden,  and  for  eight  months  he  was  at 
Champion,  Mich.  After  that  he  established 
himself  at  Arthur,  and  is  building  up  a fine 
clientele.  He  is  regarded  as  a bright  and  capa- 
ble young  physician,  with  a good  knowledge 
of  his  profession,  and  well  up  in  all  modern 
and  progressive  ideas. 

Dr.  Treglown  and  Miss  Lillian  Heathcock 
were  married  in  December,  1898.  Mrs.  Treg- 
lown is  the  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Eliza- 
beth Heathcock,  old  pioneers  of  English  de- 
scent, who  are  still  living  in  Linden.  She  was 
born  in  December,  1875,  and  was  educated  in 
the  schools  of  Iowa  county. 

Dr.  Treglown  is  a Republican,  and  is  health 
officer  of  the  town  of  Lima.  The  Doctor  be- 
longs  to  Washburn  Lodge,  No.  228,  I.  O.  O. 
F.,  is  a charter  member  of  Camp  No.  5638, 


M.  W.  of  A.,  at  Rewey,  Wis.,  and  is  also 
affiliated  with  the  Masonic  fraternity  at  Rewey. 
Though  a young  man  he  is  a capable  physi- 
cian, and  has  met  with  a surprising  success 
since  coming  to  his  present  location. 

JAMES  D.  ROGERS,  farmer,  town  of 
Smelser,  Grant  county,  Wisconsin. 

A.  M.  EIDSMORE  holds  an  enviable  po- 
sition as  a capable  and  progressive  young  farm- 
er in  the  town  of  York,  Green  county,  where 
he  'resides  on  his  handsome  and  well  appointed 
farm.  The  place  comprises  162  acres  in  Sec- 
tions 10  and  15,  six  miles  east  of  Blanchard- 
ville. 

M.  O.  and  Anna  (Helland)  Eidsmoe,  his 
parents,  were  born  in  Norway,  and  came  to 
Dane  county, _Wis.,  in  1855.  Two  years  later 
they  removed  to  the  farm  in  the  town  of  York 
where  their  son  A.  M.  is  now  found.  They 
had  the  following  children:  O.  M.,  a public- 

school  teacher  of  Dane  conuty,  married  Mary 
Helland;  G.  O.  is  deceased:  Tul.ia  is  the  wife 
of  a Mr.  Peterson,  formerly  of  the  town  of 
Moscow,  Iowa  county,  now  of  Wausau,  Wis.; 
M.  M.  is  in  the  town  of  Moscow,  Iowa  county ; 
A.  M.,  whose  name  appears  above,  is  our  sub- 
ject proper.  M.  O.  Eidsmoe  is  now  living  in 
the  town  of  Moscow,  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
eight  years ; his  wife  is  six  years  younger. 
They  came  to  this  country  very  poor,  but  they 
prospered,  and  at  one  time  owned  over  200 
acres  of  land.  Mr.  Eidsmoe  was  a soldier  in 
his  home  country,  and  in  1861,  when  the  first 
call  for  troops  was  made,  he  was  the  first  man 
in  his  town  to  enlist,  becoming  a member  of 
Company  I,  15th  Wis.  V.  I..  serving  through- 
out the  war,  and  being  mustered  out  in  1865. 
In  politics  he  is  a Democrat,  and  in  religion  a 
member  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

A.  M.  Eidsmore,  whose  career  is  the  theme 
of  this  writing,  was  born  Dec.  15,  1863,  and 
was  reared  on  the  farm  in  York  township,  re- 
ceiving his  education  in  the  local  schools. 
Mr.  Eidsmore  was  married  Oct.  12,  1889,  to 
Miss  Caroline  Ryer,  whose  parents,  Andrew 
and  Mary  Ryer,  were  natives  of  Norway,  and 
were  numbered  among  the  earliest  settlers  of 
Green  county.  To  this  union  were  born  : Paul 
G..  July  14,  1890;  Merton  W.,  Aug.  21,  1892; 
Hector  L.,  April  14,  1895;  Constance  A.,  July 
19,  1897;  Florence  L.,  June  20,  1899.  Mrs. 
Eidsmore  was  born  March  25,  1869,  one  of  a 


7 4-8 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


family  of  six  children:  (i)  Mary,  the  wife 

of  William  Ivey,  of  the  town  of  Moscow; 
(2)  Sarah,  the  wife  of  Andrew  Rye,  of  Min- 
nesota; (3)  Isabella,  (4)  Amelia,  and  (5) 
Ella,  all  three  unmarried;  and  (6)  Caroline, 
Mrs.  Eidsmore. 

Mr.  Eidsmore  is  one  of  the  leading  men. 
in  his  town,  where  he  takes  a prominent  part 
in  the  councils  of  the  Democratic  party,  hav- 
ing been  member  of  the  Democratic  county 
committee,  and  national  precinct  representa- 
tive. He  has  served  on  the  town  board,  has 
been  judge  of  elections,  school  director,  and 
justice  of  the  peace,  and  in  the  campaign  of 
1898  was  a candidate  on  the  Democratic  ticket 
for  the  position  of  register  of  deeds  in  Green 
county.  Mr.  Eidsmore  owes  his  present  com- 
fortable condition  to  his  own  exertions,  as  he 
had  to  depend  on  himself  when  he  began  life. 
He  now  owns  a fine  place,  supplied  with  all 
the  modern  requisites  for  profitable  farming. 
Devoting  his  farm  to  general  purposes,  he  yet 
gives  special  attention  to  dairying,  and  is  the 
president  of  a cooperative  cheese  company, 
whose  factory  is  on  his  farm. 

In  his-  religious  affiliations  Mr.  Eidsmore 
is  a member  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  in 
his  career  exemplifies  the  influence  of  a high 
moral  character  and  strong*  convictions.  In 
every  walk  of  his  active  and  useful  life  he  has 
proved  himself  genuine  and  upright.  In  his 
domestic  relations  he  is  a good  husband  and 
a kind  father,  and  in  the  community  he  is  a 
broad  and  progressive  man,  standing  for  the 
best  ideals  of  American  citizenship,  and  giving 
his  influence  to  measures  and  enterprises  that 
look  to  the  public  good. 

F.  W.  MARCUSSEN,  the  popular  and  ris- 
ing young  hardware  merchant  of  Platteville, 
Grant  county,  was  born  in  the  northern  part 
of  Germany,  in  May,  1861,  and  is  a son  of 
M.  H.  M.  and  Marguerite  Marcussen,  who  still 
have  their  home  in  the  Fatherland. 

F.  W.  Marcussen  was  educated  in  the  com- 
mon schools  of  his  native  country,  and  was 
reared  on  a farm.  In  1878  he  came  to  Amer- 
ica, first  locating  near  Davenport,  Iowa,  where, 
he  worked  three  years  as  a farm  hand  for  an 
uncle,  C.  D.  Marcussen,  and  in  1882  went  to 
Victor,  same  State,  and  was  again  employed 
on  a farm  for  three  years.  He  then  returned 
to  Davenport,  and  worked  for  W.  P.  Bissell, 
in  the  hardware  trade,  until  1888,  receiving 


thorough  instruction  in  the  business.  From 
Davenport  he  went  to  Sioux  City,  still  in  the 
employ  of  Mr.  Bissell,  who  had  an  extensive 
wholesale  hardware  store  in  that  city.  In  June, 
1890,  Mr.  Marcussen  came  from  Sioux  City 
to  Platteville,  Wis.,  purchased  the  stock  of 
John  F.  Seubert,  and  engaged  in  the  hardware 
business  on  his  own  account,  in  which  lie  has 
met  with  the  most  flattering  success  up  to  the 
present  time. 

In  1889  Mr.  Marcussen  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Miss  Hannah  Bevers,  the  accom- 
plished daughter  of  J.  N.  and  Hannah  Bevers, 
an  old  pioneer  family  of  Platteville,  of  German 
origin,  although  Mrs.  Marcussen  was  born, 
educated  and  reared  to  womanhood  in  Platte- 
ville. To  this  union  one  daughter  and  one 
son,  Ida  and  Edward  (twins),  were  born  in 
Sioux  City  in  1890;  they  are  now  attending 
school  in  Platteville.  Mr.  and'  Mrs'.  Marcus- 
sen are  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  to 
the  support  of  which  they  are  liberal  contrib- 
utors ; fraternally  Mr.  Marcussen  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  F.  & A.  M.,  Melody  Lodge,  No.  2, 
of  Platteville,  and  politically  he  is  a Demo- 
crat. 

Mr.  Marcussen  began  life  in  his  adopted 
country  a poor  boy,  but  by  his  industry,  econ- 
omy and  strictly  business  habits  has  brought 
himself  to  the  front  as  a leading  merchant. 
His  extensive  store  is  stocked  with  everything 
in  domestic  and  imported  shelf  and  heavy  hard- 
ware, and  similar  articles  usually  found  in 
such  establishments,  for  Mr.  Marcussen  thor- 
oughly understands  the  business,  and  is  al- 
ways affable,  obliging  and  anxious  to  please 
his  customers.  As  a citizen  he  is  highly  re- 
spected, and  in  society  he  and  wife  mingle 
with  the  best  people  in  Platteville. 

SEVER  O.  SEVERSON,  who  is  known 
as  one  of  the  most  progressive  and  successful 
young  farmers  of  Jordan  township,  Green 
county,  was  born  in  Manitowoc  county,  Wis., 
Jan.  1,  1868,  and  he  is  a typical  representative 
of  the  up-to-date  agricultural  element  of  south- 
western Wisconsin. 

Ole  Severson,  father  of  our  subject,  was 
born  in  1818,  in  Hallingdal,  Norway,  and  re- 
mained in  his  native  land  until  1850.  Having 
concluded  that  if  he  would  better  his  fortunes 
he  must  make  a start  somewhere  elsej  he  de- 
termined to  come  to  the  United  States',  and, 
after  working  industriously  and  saving  for 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


7 49 


some  time  to  accumulate  enough  to  pay  his 
passage,  he  embarked  for  America  on  a sail- 
ing vessel  used  as  a cotton  freighter.  The 
ocean  voyage  took  seventeen  weeks,  during 
which  time  they  were  nearly  shipwrecked  sev- 
eral times,  and  their  provisions'  gave  out,  so 
that  they  almost  starved  before  reaching  port. 
After  land  Mr.  Severson  came  West  immedi- 
ately, reaching  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  in  about  a 
week,  and  he  made  his  first  location  in  Mani- 
towoc county,  and  in  1880  located  in  Green 
county,  buying  land  in  Jordan  township  on  his 
settlement  here,  which  he  cultivated  until  the 
close  of  his  life.  In  1862  Mr.  Severson  mar- 
ried Mrs.  Bertha  (Ouala)  Agern,  and  two  chil- 
dren were  born  to  their  union,  Rachel  and 
Sever  O.  The  daughter,  born  June  24,  1864, 
married  Marcus  Iverson,  of  Marathon  county, 
,Wis.,  and  they  have  five  children,  Iver,  Oscar, 
Alfred,*  Earl  and  Earnest.  Ole  Severson  passed 
away  March  12,  1889,  his  wife  preceding  him 
to  the  better  land  June  7,  1878.  Mrs.  Sever- 
son was  buried  in  Yalders  cemetery,  Manito- 
woc Co.,  Wis.,  while  Mr.  Severson  was  buried 
in  the  Norwegian  cemetery  in  Jordan  town- 
ship, Green  county.  He  was  a member  of  the 
Lutheran  Church,  and  a Republican  in  po- 
litical sentiment.  Sever  Severson,  father  of 
Ole,  passed  his  entire  life  in  Norway. 

Mrs.  Bertha  (Ouala)  Severson  was  born 
in  Norway,  and  there  married  Knudt  Agern, 
by  whom  she  had  six  children,  viz. : Ole,  who 
is  a farmer  in  Pierce  county,  Wis. ; Thomas, 
who  is  in  business  in  Fergus  Falls,  Minn. ; 
John,  of  Lake  Geneva,  Wis.,  who  is  in  the  em- 
ploy of  C.  C.  Boyle,  of  Chicago ; Caroline, 
deceased  wife  of  Erick  Johnson,  of  Chicago; 
Bertha,  wife  of  Ole  Rollendson,  of  Battle 
Lake,  Minn. ; and  Emma,  who  died  unmarried. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Agern  came  to  America  in  an 
early  day  and  settled  in  Wisconsin.  He  was 
drowned  in  the  Manitowoc  river,  while  cross- 
ing on  the  ice. 

Sever  O.  Severson  was  reared  on  the  home 
farm,  received  his  education  in  the  public 
schools  of  the  locality,  and  when  old  enough 
to  choose  his  life  work  decided  on  farming, 
for  which,  and  its  various  branches,  he  pos- 
sesses decided  ability.  In  addition  to  general 
agricultural  pursuits  he  has  engaged  in  dairy 
farming  and  the  creamery  business',  and  has 
met  with  unvarying  success  in  all  his  undertak- 
ings, proving  himself  a man  of  sound  judg- 
ment and  a capable  manager.  Recently  he 


sold  the  old  place,  a highly  improved  farm,  to 
Adolph  Mier,  receiving  $9,800  for  the  tract, 
though  his  father  paid  but  $1,600  for  it,  and 
the  difference  in  value  is  sufficient  testimony 
of  the  attention  the  land  received  from  our 
subject  and  his  father.  Mr.  Severson  now  re- 
sides on  a farm  of  fifty-three  acres  in  Jordan 
which  he  purchased,  and  he  has  also  bought 
the  Ned.  Trickel  farm,  in  Cadiz  township, 
Green  county,  located  three-quarters  of  a mile 
north  of  Browntown,  paying  $7,700  for  that 
property.  Lie  ranks  high  among  the  thrifty, 
well-to-do  farmers  of  his  section,  and  bids  fair 
to  keep  unsullied  the  honorable  name  which  his 
father  made  in  the  community. 

On  Nov.  5,  1 89 1,  Mr.  Severson  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Rachel  Thorson,  who 
was  born  Aug.  25,  1863,  in  Jordan  township, 
daughter  of  Knudt  and  Sarah  (Everson) 
Thorson,  early  settlers  of  Jordan  township, 
where  Mr.  Thorson  became  a well-to-do  farm- 
er. Two  children  have  been  born  to  our  sub- 
ject and  his  wife:  Raymond,  on  Oct.  28, 

1892;  and  Selma,  on  Jan.  23,  1895.  Mr.  Sever- 
son is  a member  of  the  Lutheran  Church.  In 
political,  opinion  he  is  a Republican,  but  he 
uses  his  ballot  in  support  of  principle,  not  of 
party.  He  has  served  as  school  director  and 
member  of  the  township  board,  and  in  the  dis- 
charge of  the  duties  connected  with  those  in- 
cumbencies showed  a high  order  of  citizenship. 
He  is  a good  neighbor  and  a firm  friend,  and 
is  liked  as  well  as  respected  by  all  who  know 
him. 

REV.  SYLVESTER  J.  DOWLING.  In 
material  things  the  degree  of  success  attained 
is  measured  by  the  concentration  required  to 
attain  it,  but  who  can  estimate  the  success  that 
comes  from  a life  consecrated  to  the  uplifting 
of  mankind?  All  personal  aims  and  ambitions 
laid  aside,  every  energy  of  body  and  mind  di- 
rected in  one  all-absorbing  passion — the  de- 
velopment and  consequent  elevation  of  the 
spiritual  life  in  his  fellow  men ! That  is  the  life 
of  a priest,  a man  called  by  the  Master  Himself, 
and  of  such  is  Rev.  Father  Dowling,  of 
Argyle,  whose  patience,  devotion,  and  sincerity 
have  endeared  him  not  alone  to  the  members' 
of  his  own  parish,  but  to  all.  who  know  him. 

Rev.  Sylvester  J.  Dowling  is  a native  of 
the  State  of  Wisconsin,  and  was  born  at 
Racine  Se'pt.  6,  1872,  a son  of  Sylvester  Dow- 
ling, long  since  deceased,.  and  his  wife,  Maria 


750 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Hughes,  the  daughter  of  a pioneer  of  Racine, 
who  huilt  the  second  house  in  that  city.  Our 
subject  >vas  one  of  a family  of  eight  children, 
seven  of  whom  are  yet  living:  John  C.,  a 

resident  of  Chicago;  Edward  F.,  an  architect 
of  Chicago ; Anna,  who  makes  her  home  with 
our  subject;  Agnes,  an  artist  of  exceptional 
ability,  with  a studio  in  Milwaukee;  and  Clara 
and  Alice,  at  home.  Father  Dowling  ob- 
tained his  early  education  in  the  public  schools 
at  home,  and  in  September,  1887,  entered  St. 
Francis  Seminary,  near  Milwaukee,  where  he 
remained  nine  years.  His  ordination  took 
place  June  21,  1896,  the  service  being  con- 
ducted by  Archbishop  Katzer.  During  the 
time  he  was  at  the  Seminary  his'  mother  moved 
to  Milwaukee,  and  there  he  celebrated  his  first 
mass  a few  days  after  the  impressive  ceremony 
that  had  made  him  a priest  in  the  Roman 
Catholic  Church.  His  first  appointment  was 
at  Whitewater,  Wis.,  where  he  acted  as  as- 
sistant to  Rev.  Father  Fitzgibbon,  and  on  the 
death  of  that  esteemed  pastor,  in  January,  1897, 
was  appointed  his  successor.  In  August,  1897, 
he  was  transferred  to  St.  Patrick’s  Church, 
Milwaukee,  as  assistant  to  Rev.  Father  Fair- 
banks, and  in  August,  1898,  received  the  ap- 
pointment at  Argyle. 

At  the  time  Father  Dowling  received  the 
appointment  to  Argyle  there  was  no  church 
there;  the  large  number  of  Catholic  families 
in  the  vicinity  had  been  attending  St.  Francis 
Church,  in  Adams,  Green  Co.,  Wis.,  a little 
town  about  five  miles  east.  Upon  Father 
Dowling’s  arrival,  in  1898,  he  immediately  be- 
gan making  preparations  for  the  erection  of  a 
church  building,  and  so  promptly  did  the  peo- 
ple respond  to  his  solicitations,  and  so  ener- 
getically did  he  work,  that  in  October,  1899, 
the  present  beautiful  and  commodious  edifice 
was  dedicated,  the  services  being  conducted  by 
Rev.  Dean  Eugene  McGinnity,  of  Janesville, 
Whs.  The  original  cost  of  the  building  was 
$4,000,  and  it  is  tastefully  decorated  and  fur- 
nished. Since  then  a modern  equipped  home 
for  the  priest  has  been  purchased,  and  the 
grounds  of  all  finely  improved,  the  whole 
amount  expended  being  about  $10,000.  When 
St.  Joseph’s1  church  was  erected,  at  Argyle,  the 
church  at  Adams,  in  Green  county,  formerly 
attended  by  the  Argyle  parishioners,  was  at- 
tached to  Argyle  as  a mission.  Father  Dow- 
ling is  now  engaged  in  the  erection  of  a new 
church  at  Adams,  which,  when  completed,  will 


cost  $5,000,  but  the  money  is  on  hand,  and 
the  people  will  not  be  burdened  with  debt  of 
any  description.  The  financial  condition  of 
his  Argyle  parish  is  good,  the  parish  being  en- 
tirely free  from  debt. 

Among  the  societies  of  the  church  are  the 
“Altar  Society,”  the  “Children  of  St.  Mary,” 
and  the  “Choir  Society.”  In  the  last  named 
there  are  twenty-one  voices',  all  trained  by  the 
Father  himself,  who  has  made  a specialty  of 
music,  and  who  possesses  a remarkably  sweet- 
toned  voice.  Father  Dowling  is  a devoted  and 
earnest  temperance  worker,  and  has  organized 
societies  in  this  line  in  both  Argyle  and  Adams, 
the  Society  of  Total  Abstainers  at  Argyle  num- 
bering fifty-one  members,  and  at  Adams, 
eighty-three  members.  His  work  in  temper- 
ance is  strictly  non-sectarian,  and  many  of  the 
members  are  Protestants. 

Father  Dowling  is  broad-minded,  charitable 
and  public-spirited,  and,  while  ardently  at- 
tached to  the  Church  of  Rome,  his  nobility  of 
character  has  won  him  the  esteem  of  all  sects, 
and  the  respect  of  all  men. 

CHRISTIAN  VINGER  stands  well 
among  the  prosperous  and  wealthy  young 
citizens  of  the  town  of  York,  Green  county, 
where  he  was  born  Nov.  3,  1864,  a son  of  Gul- 
brand  G.  Vinger,  who  now  resides  in  Argyle, 
Wisconsin. 

Gulbrand  G.  Vinger  was  born  Jan.  2,  1830, 
in  Norway,  and  came  to  this  country  in  1850, 
being  the  first  member  of  his  family  to  emi- 
grate to  the  United  States.  He  has  since 
made  his  home  in  Green  and  Lafayette  coun- 
ties, Wis.,  occupied  in  farming.  During  his 
first  five  years  here  he  worked  out,  in  1855 
homesteading  and  buying  from  the  govern- 
ment the  400  acres  now  included  in  the  origi- 
nal Vinger  homestead,  which  he  yet  operates. 
In  1855  Mr.  Vinger  married  Martha  Carlson, 
and  to  them  were  born  twelve  children : 
Gust  and  Lewis,  both  of  Argyle ; Christ,  de- 
ceased; Edward,  of  the  town  of  Adams,  where 
he  is  engaged  in  farming;  Martin,  who  is  de- 
ceased ; Christian,  whose  name  introduces  this 
article ; Oliver,  a merchant  of  Argyle ; Brown, 
of  the  town  of  York;  Henry,  of  Lafayette 
county;  Theodore,  a farmer  of  Argyle  town- 
ship; Matilda,  wife  of  Nim  Nelson,  a merchant 
in  the  village  of  Argyle;  and  Caroline,  the 
wife  of  Nels  Nelson.  Gulhrand  G.  Vinger 
served  as  a soldier  in  the  Union  army  during 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


7 5i 


the  Civil  war,  making  a record  as  a gallant 
and  loyal  son  of  his  adopted  country.  He  is 
now  retired,  enjoying  the  fruits  of  a useful  and 
well-spent  life. 

Christian  Vinger  has  his  home  on  Section 
34,  York  township,  six  miles  east  of  Blanchard- 
vil.le,  and  sixteen  miles  northwest  of  Monroe, 
his  being  a large  and  attractive  farm  of  334 
acres,  with  a new  dwelling,  and  farm  build- 
ings ample  to  the  demand,  and  provided  with 
all  the  requisites  for  modern  and  progressive 
farming. 

Mr.  Vinger  and  Miss  Carrie  Mann  were 
married  March  15,  1888,  and  to  this  union 
came  two  children:  Melvin,  born  March  14, 

1889,  and  Clarence,  born  Aug.  19,  1891. 
Mrs.  Vinger  was  born  Oct.  28,  1869,  and  died 
March  15,  1901,  regretted  by  all  who  knew 
her.  She  was  one  of  the  following  family, 
all  four  of  whom  lived  to  maturity:  Andrew, 

who  is  deceased ; Olena,  who  married  Edward 
Vinger,  and  died  in  1900;  Carrie,  noted  above 
as  the  wife  of  Christian  Vinger;  and  Mattie, 
living  at  home  with  her  parents  in  the  town  of 
Adams,  who  is  the  only  one  of  this  family  now 
surviving.  Mrs.  Vinger  was  a noble  and 
high-minded  young  woman,  of  charming 
Christian  character,  and  was  kind  and  good 
to  all.  Her  loss  was  a great  affliction  to  Mr. 
Vinger  and  his  children,  and  her  memory  will 
long  survive  in  their  hearts  and  in  the  remem- 
brance of  her  many  friends. 

Mr.  Vinger  is  a stanch  Republican,  has 
served  on  the  town  board,  and  filled  other  town 
offices  as  well,  being  at  the  present  time  one 
of  the  leading  farmer  citizens  of  the  town, 
where  his  reputation  is  very  high  by  reason  of 
his  good  character  and  moral  habits.  In  re- 
ligion he  is  a Lutheran,  and  is  devoted  to  his 
church,  of  which  he  is  a valuable  factor. 

SHANNON  W.  WARWICK  is  one  of 
the  leading  farmers  of  Wyalusing  township, 
and  a worthy  representative  of  an  honored 
pioneer  family  of  Grant  county. 

William  C.  Warwick,  his  father,  was  born 
near  Hamilton,  Butler  Co.,  Ohio,  June  17, 
1816,  and  on  reaching  manhood  was  there  mar- 
ried, in  1843,  1°  Miss  Nancy  Longfellow,  who 
was  also  born  near  Hamilton,  Nov.  15,  1822, 
a daughter  of  Jacob  G.  and  Mary  S.  Longfel- 
low, and  a cousin  of  the  illustrious  poet,  Henry 
W.  Longfellow.  In  1S46  William  C.  War- 
wick, with  his  wife  and  two  small  children, 


Walter  D.  and  Shannon  W.,  left  Ohio  with  the 
intention  of  making  his  home  farther  West. 
Traveling  in  those  early  days  was  slow  and 
tedious.  Their  course  after  reaching  the  Mis- 
sissippi river  was  up  that  stream  by  steam- 
boat to  Galena,  and,  with  the  team  brought 
with  them,  they  then  drove  across  the  country 
to  Lancaster,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  which  place  at 
that  time  was  a small  village,  with  but  few 
inhabitants.  Mr.  Warwick  located  on  Blake's 
Prairie,  where  he  opened  up  a farm,  being  one 
of  the  first  to  settle  there.  Later  he  sold  that 
place  to  a Mr.  Weed,  and  bought  another  farm, 
near  Bloomington,  finally  removing  to  that 
village,  where  he  died  in  August,  1885.  He 
had  learned  the  miller’s  trade  in  Ohio,  and 
when  the  mil]  was  erected  at  Blooming-ton 
he  was  induced1  to  take  charge  of  the  same, 
being  the  first  to  operate  it.  He  possessed 
a thorough  knowledge  of  the  milling  business, 
and  it  was  a fortunate  thing  for  the  community 
in  those  early  days  that  so  able  a miller  was  to 
be  found  among  the  pioneers.  Mr.  Warwick 
was  an  industrious  and  capable  citizen,  and 
left  an  enviable  record  for  honesty  and  upright- 
ness of  character  as  an  inheritance  to  his  chil- 
dren. He  was  especially  well  known  for  his 
kindness  of  heart  and  liberality,  and  seldom 
or  never  said  an  unkind  word  of  any  one.  His 
worthy  wife  survived  him,  and  passed  away 
March  19,  1888.  She  was  of  a kind  and  af- 
fectionate nature,  ever  ready  to  help  those  in 
need,  and  was  a devoted  wife  and  mother,  and 
a worthy  partner  of  her  honored  husband. 
They  were  the  parents  of  ten  children,  seven 
of  whom  are  living  at  the  present  writing 
(1900),  but  only  two  are  residents  of  Grant 
county:  Shannon  W.,  our  subject;  and  Mrs. 

Minnie  R.  Fox,  of  Bloomington,  Wisconsin. 

Shannon  W.  Warwick  was  born  in  Ohio 
Sept.  11,  1846.  and  was  only  a few  weeks  old 
when  brought  by  his  parents  to  Wisconsin.  He 
was  reared  in  Bloomington,  and  educated  in 
the  public  schools  of  that  place,  and  early  be- 
came familiar  with  the  work  of  the  farm,  also 
gaining  some  knowledge  of  the  milling  busi- 
ness by  assisting  his  father  in  the  mill.  His 
brother  Walter  D.  thoroughly  learned  the  mill- 
er’s trade  with  the  father;  lie  died  a number  of 
years  ago. 

On  Nov.  1.  1877,  Shannon  W.  Warwick 
married  Maggie  L.  Mahood,  who  was  born 
in  Lancaster,  Wis.,  May  3,  1858,  a daughter 
of  Charles  and  Margaret  (Parker)  Mahood, 


752 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


pioneers  of  Grant  county.  The  Parkers  lo- 
cated here  about  1845.  Mr.  Mahood  died  in 
1866,  but  his  widow  still  survives,  and  con- 
tinues to  make  her  home  in  Lancaster.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Warwick  have  four  children,  namely  : 
Charlotte  E.,  wife  of  George  S.  Glenn ; Mary 
A. ; Kittie  F. ; and  Lou  L.  They  have  spent 
their  entire  married  life  on  the  farm  in  Wya- 
lusing  township,  where  they  now  reside,  and 
are  numbered  among  the  highly  esteemed  and 
valued  citizens  of  that  locality.  They  have  a 
comfortable  home  and  a well-improved  and 
valuable  farm. 

MATTHEW  MURPHY,  lawyer  and  sur- 
veyor of  Benton,  Lafayette  county,  was  born 
in  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  Jan.  4,  1826.  He  is  a son  of 
Dennis  and  Eliza  (Broughelton)  Murphy,  the 
father  born  in  Ireland  in  1800,  and  the  mother 
in  Allegheny  county,  Penn.,  in  1808. 

Dennis  Murphy  came  to  this  country  in 
1820,  and  was  married  in  Pennsylvania  sev- 
eral years  later.  After  his  marriage  he  moved 
with  his  wife  to  Louisville,  Ky.,  and  very  soon 
came  to  Wisconsin,  as  early  as  1827  making 
his  appearance  in  the  town  of  Benton,  where 
he  purchased  a tract  of  land  on  which  he  built 
the  first  sawmill  in  this  section  of  the  State. 
A few  years  later  he  added  a flouring-mill,  us- 
ing the  same  power  for  both.  He  was'  one 
of  the  early  pioneers,  and  a prominent  man  in 
his  day.  He  owned  wide  tracts  of  land,  grad- 
ually became  very  prosperous,  and  here  spent 
his  life,  dying  in  1870.  In  religion  he  was  a 
Catholic,  and  he  was  one  of  the  builders  of  the 
first  church  erected  in  this  part  of  the  country. 
His  first  wife  died  at  their  home  in  1842, 
leaving  him  four  children,  and  he  subsequently 
married  a lady  of  Lafayette  county,  by  which 
union  there  were  two  children,  one  of  whom, 
Mrs.  John  Morgan,  is  living  in  Iowa.  The 
other  died  some  years  ago.  ( 1 ) Matthew  is 
the  eldest  of  the  children  born  to  the  first 
marriage.  (2)  Mary,  Mrs.  Pardee,  lives  in 
Iowa.  (3)  Rebecca  is  the  widow  of  John 
Malone,  and  lives  in  Dubuque,  Iowa.  (4) 
Daniel,  born  in  Lafaj^ette  county,  died  when 
a young  man  of  twenty-two  years,  under  tfie 
parental  roof.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Murphy  are  well 
remembered  for  their  kindly  spirit  and  open- 
hearted  hospitality;  their  home  was  always 
open  to  the  stranger.  During  the  Black  Hawk 
war  he  was  a soldier  in  Gen.  Armstrong’s 


regiment,  and  his  early  life  was  full  of  hard- 
ship and  adventure. 

Matthew  Murphy  obtained  his  early  edu- 
cation in  the  Galena  schools,  and  when  a young 
man  took  up  the  study  of  law,  which  was  his 
calling  for  many  years,  and  in  which  he  did 
remarkably  well.  He  also  learned  surveying, 
and  for  more  than  forty  years  he  has  ever 
been  ready  to  assist  in  the  more  accurate  com- 
putation of  areas.  During  these  years  lie  has 
dealt  largely  in  mining  stock  and  real  estate, 
and  has  gradually  become  one  of  the  wealthiest 
men  of  his  section.  Mr.  Murphy  was  always  a 
hard-working  and  active  business  man,  de- 
termined to  keep  everything  in  which  he  had 
an  interest  going  at  full  speed.  For  ten  years 
or  more  he  was  interested  in  a store  in  Benton, 
under  the  firm  name  of  Murphy  & Horr. 
Since  1888  Mr.  Murphy  has  been  retired  from 
active  life,  and  makes  his  home  in  Benton, 
where  he  owns  a large  amount  of  real  estate. 
From  early  manhood  Mr.  Murphy  has  taken 
an  active  interest  in  the  political  affairs  of 
the  county.  He  was  .chairman  of  the  county 
board,  and  was  a delegate  to  the  State  con- 
vention on  several  occasions.  All  the  local 
offices  of  the  town  have,  at  one  time  or  another, 
been  filled  by  him. 

Mr.  Murphy  has  never  married,  but  his  life 
.has  been  open  and  helpful  to  his  community, 
where  his  acts  of  charity  are  well,  known. 
Fraternally  he  is  a Mason,  and  was  instru- 
mental in  the  establishment  of  the  order  in  this 
part  of  the  State  as  early  as  1842.  In  1894, 
when  the  State  Bank  of  Benton  was  established, 
Mr.  Murphy  became  one  of  its  officers  and 
stockholders,  with  Judge  Orton  as  president, 
and  J.  Buchan  as  cashier.  It  does  an  ex- 
tensive business.  Mr.  Murphy  is  one  of  the 
wealthy  and  influential  citizens  of  Lafayette 
county,  where  his  residence  dates  from  1828, 
making  him  one  of  the  oldest  business  men  in 
this  part  of  the  State.  His  manly  qualities 
and  kindly  spirit  have  given  him  a place  in  the 
hearts  of  the  people  which  will  long  remain 
to  him. 

FIERMAN  VOGEL,  of  Cassville,  Grant 
county,  was  born  in  Cassville  Dec.  22,  1862, 
and  is  a son  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (Hanbach) 
Vogel,  both  natives  of  Germany,  the  former 
born  in  Bavaria,  the  latter  in  Wurtemberg. 
On  coming  to  the  New  World  the  father  first 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


7 53 


located  in  Pittsburg,  Penn.,  whence  he  re- 
moved to  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  later  to  Montrose, 
and  in  1854  settled  in  Dubuque,  Iowa.  A year 
later  he  became  a resident  of  Cassville,  Wis., 
and,  being  a butcher  by  trade,  he  opened  a 
meat  market  at  that  place,  which  he  conducted 
with  good  success  for  many  years.  He  died 
in  Cassville  in  1889,  respected  by  all  who  knew 
him;  in  fact,  no  more  honorable  man  ever 
lived.  His  estimable  wife,  who  still  survives 
him,  continues  to  make  her  home  at  that  place. 
Of  the  four  children  born  to  them,  three  are 
living,  namely : Elizabeth,  at  home ; Her- 

man; and  John,  a resident  of  Iowa. 

Herman  Vogel  passed  the  days  of  his  boy- 
hood and  youth  in  his  native  town,  and  is  in- 
debted to  its  public  schools  for  his  educational 
advantages.  On  starting  out  in  life  for  him- 
self he  was  engaged  in  the  meat  market  busi- 
ness with  his  father  until  1889,  when  he  em- 
barked in  business'  as  a dealer  in  groceries  and 
dry  goods. 

G.  W.  GEHRAND,  principal  of  the  Bos- 
cobel  High  School,  Boscobel,  Grant  county, 
Wisconsin. 

HENRY  SYLVANUS  ANDERSON, 
merchant  and  postmaster  at  Bergen,  Rock 
county,  was  appointed  by  President  McKinley, 
his  appointment  bearing  date  of  March  29, 
1898,  and  the  name  of  Postmaster-General 
James  H.  Gray. 

Mr.  Anderson  was  born  in  Racine  county, 
Wis.,  in  1864,  and  is  still  a young  man,  with 
his  life  before  him.  He  received  his  educa- 
tion in  the  old  stone  school  house  still  standing 
in  Le  Roy,  111.,  leaving  school,  however,  at  an 
early  age,  and  he  worked  on  his  father’s  farm 
from  his  fourteenth  to  his  twenty-fourth  year. 
His  first  business  venture  was  made  at  Ash- 
land, Wis.,  where  he  set  up  a grocery  business, 
catering  especially  to  the  needs  of  the  lumber 
camps.  He  was  engaged  there  for  two  years, 
selling  out  in  order  to  take  a place  as  fireman 
on  the  Great  Northern  railroad,  and  had  a run 
out  of  St.  Paul,  which  he  held  for  five  years. 
In  1897  Mr.  Anderson  came  to  Bergen,  and 
bought  a property  consisting  of  a general  store 
and  three  acres  of  land  in  the  corner  of  the  State 
Line  and  Clinton  streets.  He  has  carried  on 
this  business  with  marked  success-,  and  built 
up  a trade  that  promises  still  larger  results  in 
the  near  future. 

48 


On  Oct.  7,  1892,  Mr.  Anderson  married 
Miss  Ann  Emilia  Skofstad,  a daughter  of  Ole 
and  Annie  Melinda  (Anderson)  Skofstad, 
farming  people  in  Boone  county,  111.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Anderson  are  the  parents  of  two  chil- 
dren, Peter  Sylvanus  and  Ann  Melinda.  He 
belongs  to  Lodge  No.  92,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  at  St. 
Cloud,  Minn.,  where  he  joined  the  order  in 
1894;  and  to  the  camp  of  the  Modern  Wood- 
men of  America  at  Clinton,  Wis.  He  is  a Re- 
publican, and  in  religious  connection  is  a con- 
sistent member  of  the  Norwegian  Lutheran 
Church,  having  been  christened  and  confirmed 
by  Rev.  Ole  Andrewson,  whose  biography  ap- 
pears elsewhere. 

Peter  Anderson,  the  father  of  Henry  Syl- 
vanus, was  born  in  Norway  Dec.  4,  1817,  and 
died  at  his  home  in  Boone  county,  111.,  April 
20,  1898.  He  was  a farmer,  and  a man  of 
more  than  usual  force  of  character.  His  wife, 
Sonva,  born  in  1822,  in  Norway,  died  in  En- 
glewood, Chicago,  in  1900,  and  her  remains  are 
interred  in  Bergen,  Wis.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ander- 
son came  to  this  country  in  1849,  after  a voyage 
of  sixteen  weeks  on  the  ocean  in  a sailing-ves- 
sel. They  landed  at  New  York,  and  went  from 
there  to  Albany,  making  the  journey  from  that 
point  to  Buffalo  by  the  canal,  and  from  Buffalo 
to  Milwaukee  by  the  Great  Lakes.  They  set- 
tled in  Yorkville,  Racine  Co.,  Wis.,  living 
there  until  1868,  when  they  moved  to  the 
Boone  county  homestead. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Anderson  were  the  parents 
of  nine  children.  Their  eldest  son,  Peter,  en- 
listed in  the  Union  army  as  a member  of  Com- 
pany C,  15th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  re-enlisted  as  a 
veteran  in  1864.  He  served  throughout  the 
war,  was  discharged,  and  died  in  1879.  Ole, 
their  second  son,  died  the  same  year.  Mary 
Ann  married  C.  E.  Powers.  Martin,  the  third 
son,  lives  on  the  family  homestead.  Henry 
S.,  the  gentleman  whose  name  begins  this  ar- 
ticle, is  the  youngest  child  of  the  family. 
Four  of  the  children  died  at  an  early  age,  three 
being  carried  off  by  a cholera  visitation  that 
swept  through  this  country. 

FRANK  WOODWARD  METCALF. 
Rarely  do  the  electors  of  a county,  by  popular 
ballot,  secure  for  an  office  of  grave  public  trust 
an  incumbent  so  thoroughly  qualified — through 
ability,  experience  and  devotion  to  his  work — - 
as  did  the  voters  of  Iowa  county  when  they 
chose  Mr.  Metcalf  superintendent  of  county 


754 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


.schools.  As  yet  a young  man  of  twenty-five 
years,  he  has  already  won  a wide  reputation 
as  an  educator,  and  has  made  his  impress  felt 
upon  the  school  system  of  the  county.  His 
parents,  George  and  Sarah  (Woodward)  Met- 
calf, were  of  English  birth,  having  been  born 
in  the  County  of  York.  Both  are  numbered 
among  those  who  have  passed  away,  Mrs. 
Metcalf  dying  Sept.  8,  1890,  and  her  husband 
in  February,  1899.  She  was  taken  by  her  par- 
ents, while  a young  girl,  to  County  Wicklow, 
Ireland,  and  thence  the  family  emigrated  to 
America,  settling  in  Highland  township,  Iowa 
Co.,  Wis.  They  were  among  the  early  set- 
tlers there,  and  both  were  held  in  high  esteem 
for  their  many  admirable  qualities  of  mind  and 
soul. 

Frank  W.  Metcalf  is  one  of  a family  of 
seven  children,  and  was  born  in  Wyoming 
township,  Iowa  county,  Oct.  8,  1875.  After 
graduating  from  the  public  schools  he  matricu- 
lated at  the  State  University,  at  Madison,  and 
after  a year's  attendance  at  that  institution 
entered  the  State  Normal  School,  at  White- 
water,  graduating  therefrom  in  1898,  after  one 
year’s  attendance.  He  began  his  work  as  a 
teacher  as  early  as  1893,  and  was  for  two  years 
principal  of  public  schools  at  Mifflin.  There 
his  success  was  so  pronounced  that  in  1898  he 
received  the  Republican  nomination  for  the 
county  superintendency,  and  was  triumphantly 
elected  to  that  position,  than  which  in  view  of 
its  perplexing  problems  and  its  far-reaching 
influence  no  county  office  is  of  greater  im- 
portance. To  the  discharge  of  Ins  arduous 
duties  Mr.  Metcalf  brought  a clear  mind  and 
a ripe  training,  earnest  purpose  and  successful 
experience.  In  their  fulfillment  he  has  neither 
faltered  nor  failed.  Within  the  limits  of  Iowa 
county  are  127  school  districts,  and  about  175 
applicants  for  positions  as  teachers  are  ex- 
amined every  year.  A general  institute, 
whose  sessions  usually  consume  a fortnight,  is 
held  at  the  county  seat  every  summer,  and  in 
neighboring  villages  several  Saturdays  during 
the  year  are  devoted  to  purposes  of  a kindred 
character. 

Du  ring  his  comparatively  brief  term  of 
office  Mr.  Metcalf  has  succeeded  in  introducing 
some  important  and  valuable  improvements  on 
former  educational  methods.  It  is  through 
his  efforts,  chiefly,  that  educational  exhibits 
have  become  an  important  feature  of  county 
fairs',  the  first  having  been  made  at  the  Iowa 


County  Fair,  in  1899.  Upon  his  advice,  more- 
over, and  largely  through  his  influence,  the 
county  board  has  made  an  appropriation  for 
the  examination  of  applicants  for  elementary 
public-school  diplomas. 

Before  a man  of  his  keen  intelligence, 
quick  perception,  and  personal  force  there  lies 
a future  of  bright  promise. 

U.  L.  HOLFORD,  M.  D.,  is  a skilled 
physician  and  surgeon  of  Cassville,  Grant 
county,  one  whose  knowledge  of  the  science  of 
medicine  is  broad  and  comprehensive,  and 
whose  ability  in  applying  its  principles  to  the 
needs  of  suffering  humanity  has  gained  him 
an  enviable  prestige  in  professional  circles. 

The  Doctor  is  one  of  Wisconsin’s  native 
sons,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Blooming- 
ton, Grant  county,  in  1870.  His  father,  Will- 
iam H.  Holford,  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  and 
in  early  life  came  to  this  State  with  his  parents, 
William  and  Flora  (Benson)  Holford,  who 
made  the  journey  West  by  the  Great  Lakes  to 
Chicago,  and  from  that  city  by  ox-team  to 
Beetown,  Grant  county,  in  1834.  The  Doc- 
tor’s grandfather  was  a farmer  by  occupation, 
and  was  also  one  of  the  early  teachers  of  the 
county.  For  some  time  he  filled  the  office  of 
justice  of  the  peace.  He  died  at  his  home  in 
Beetown  in  the  early  sixties.  William  H. 
Holford,  the  Doctor’s  father,  grew  to  manhood 
at  that  place,  and  is  now  a prominent  merchant 
of  Bloomington,  Grant  county.  His  wife  is  a 
native  of  the  county,  born  in  Potosi,  and  a 
daughter  of  Levi  and  Elizabeth  (Loveland) 
Benson,  who  about  1839-40  came  to  Wiscon- 
sin from  Connecticut,  and  took  up  their  resi- 
dence in  Potosi,  where  Mr.  Benson  engaged 
in  the  hardware  business,  hauling  his  goods 
from  Milwaukee.  Later  he  carried  on  the 
same  trade  in  Bloomington  where  he  died  in 
1874.  His  wife,  who  long  survived  him, 
passed  away  at  the  same  place  in  1897.  Dr. 
Holford  is  the  second  in  a family  of  three  chil- 
dren, the  others  being  Elva,  a teacher  in  Graf- 
ton Hall,  Fond  du  Lac,  Wis.;  and  Laverne, 
who  was  graduated  at  Lawrence  University, 
Appleton,  Wis.,  in  1900,  and  published  the  col- 
lege paper,  at  the  same  time  doing  job  printing. 

The  early  life  of  Dr.  Holford  was  passed 
in  his  native  town,  and  in  its  public  schools  he 
acquired  his  literary  education.  Later  he  en- 
tered Rush  Medical  College,  Chicago,  where 
he  was  graduated  in  1892,  and  the  same  year 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


755 


began  practice  in  Beetown,  Grant  county,  re- 
maining there  about  two  years.  On  Feb.  14, 
1894,  he  opened  an  office  in  Cassville,  and  has' 
since  engaged  in  practice  at  that  place.  He 
has  met  with  marked  success  in  his  chosen 
calling,  and  to-day  ranks  high  among  the 
prominent  professional  men  of  Grant  county. 

Dr.  Holford  was  married,  in  Cassville,  in 
1894,  to  Miss  May  Okey,  also  a native  of 
Grant  county,  and  a daughter  of  Samuel  W. 
and  Frances  (Joiner)  Okey,  who  reside  on  a 
farm  in  Cassville  township.  The  Doctor  and 
his  wife  have  three  children,  namely:  Fran- 

ces E.,  Eunice  and  Reginald. 

DAVID  KNOBEL,  who  has  long  held  an 
enviable  position  among  the  honorable  and  suc- 
cessful farmers  of  Jordan  township,  Green 
county,  is  living  on  his  handsome  and  well- 
tilled  farm,  which  is  located  in  Section  12,  just 
across  the  Monroe  line.  Mr.  Knobel  comes 
from  Canton  Glarus,  Switzerland,'  where  he 
was  born  Oct.  15,  1842,  and  is  a son  of  An- 
drew and  Rachel  (Hafty)  Knobel,  both  of 
whom  lived  and  died  in  Switzerland. 

David  Knobel  came  to  this  country  in 
1864,  and  for  ten  years  remained  in  New 
York,  where  he  was  steadily  engaged  in  work. 
There  on  Sept.  12,  1874,  he  was  married  to 
Miss  Louisa  Stanfield,  a native  of  old  Eng- 
land, but  for  a number  of  years  a resident  of 
this  country.  Immediately  following  their 
marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Knobel  came  to  Green 
county,  Wis.,  and  here  their  home  has  been 
maintained  to  the  present  time.  To  them 
were  born  the  following  children : Annie, 

born  Feb.  6,  1876,  married  Jacob  Stauffacher, 
a prosperous  young  farmer  of  the  town  of 
Jordan;  Emma,  born  Nov.  4,  1879,  is. at  home; 
and  Alfred  George,  born  Aug.  31,  1883,  is  at 
home. 

Mr.  Knobel  was  reared  under  conditions 
of  not  uncommon  privation  in  the  old  coun- 
try, and  was  inured  to  hard  work  from  a very 
early  age.  Landing  in  this  country  a poor 
man,  his  subsequent  prosperity  has  come  en- 
tirely from  his  own  thrift,  energy  and  honor- 
able character.  In  his  boyhood  and  youth  he 
worked  in  the  mills  of  the  old  country,  and  for 
some  time  after  coming  to  the  United  States 
he  worked  for  wages.  In  1882  he  bought  the 
farm  where  he  is  found  to-day,  and  to  its  care 
and  improvement  he  has  devoted  his  strength 
and  enthusiasm.  The  family  find  shelter  in 


a splendid  two-story  farm  house,  there  are 
ample  barns  and  outbuildings,  and  the  land  is 
under  a high  state  of  cultivation.  The  owner 
is  a hard-working  and  thoroughly  practical 
farmer,  and  his  broad  acres  show  the  character 
and  industry  of  the  man.  Beside  his  general 
farming,  Mr.  Knobel  is  deeply  interested  in 
dairy  work  and  stock  raising.  At  the  present 
time  he  is  milking  some  thirty  cows,  and  is  a 
partner  in  a co-operative  creamery  on  his 
farm. 

Mr.  Knobel  is  a Democrat,  and  both  him- 
self and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Presby- 
terian Church  of  Monroe.  They  are  good 
people,  and  are  much  respected  by  all  who 
know  them.  Mr.  Knobel  is  noted  for  his  hon- 
est disposition  and  unswerving  integrity,  and 
his  wife  is  a lady  of  unusual  attainments  and 
fine  character.  She  is  a devoted  Christian 
wife  and  mother. 

NATHANIEL  MARTIN,  whose  name 
in  Cadiz  township.  Green  county,  is  “familiar 
as  household  words,”  is  a native  of  Virginia, 
born  Dec.  14,  1816. 

James  and  Rebecca  (Pearcy)  Martin,  his 
■parents,  were  also  Virginians,  and  came  of 
Irish  and  English  ancestry,  respectively,  Grand- 
father Martin  having  been  born  in  Ireland, 
and  Grandfather  Pearcy  in  England.  James 
and  Rebecca  Martin  had  ten  children : Sidney, 
Redmond,  Isaiah,  Elias,  Nathaniel,  Rebecca, 
Nancy,  Charles,  Polly  (who  died  in  child- 
hood), and  one  whose  name  is  not  given,  all 
now  deceased  except  Nathaniel  and  Rebecca 
(Mrs.  Burrell),  the  latter  of  whom  is  residing 
in  Nora,  Illinois. 

Nathaniel  Martin  was  reared  and  educated 
in  Virginia,  whence,  at  the  age  of  twenty,  he 
went  to  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  and  chopped  wood 
for  one  winter.  In  the  spring  of  1837  he  re- 
moved to  Stephenson  county,  111.,  where  for 
several  years  he  worked  at  day  wages.  In 
1848  he  came  to  Green  county,  Wis.,  and 
built  a dam  on  the  Pecatonica  river,  at  a point 
where  the  present  village  of  Martintown  now 
stands,  and  the  same  year  he  erected  a saw- 
mill and  later  a gristmill.  Here  for  over  fifty- 
two  years  he  has  conducted  a general  milling 
business  with  remarkable  success.  Mr.  Mar- 
tin commenced  life  a poor  boy,  but  by  hard 
work,  persistent  and  judicious  economy  he  has 
become  one  of  the  wealthiest  men  of  Green 
county,  at  one  time  owning  1,200  acres  of 


756 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


fine  land,  over  200  of  which  were  under  cul- 
tivation. However,  he  has  given  away  most 
of  his  land,  and  is  now  devoting  his  time  exclu- 
sively to  operating  the  mills.  For  m re  than 
half  a century  he  has  been  one  of  the  leading 
business  men  of  Cadiz  township,  and  the  vil- 
lage of  Martintown  (known  as  “Martin”  be- 
fore the  railroad  was  built  to  that  point), 
where  he  has  his  home,  was  platted  by  and 
named  for  him. 

O11  Feb.  25,  1847,  Nathaniel  Martin  mar- 
ried Miss  Hannah  Strader,  daughter  of  Jacob 
and  Rachel  (Starr)  Strader,  who  were  among 
the  early  settlers  of  Green  county,  and  four- 
teen children  were  born  of  this  union,  viz. : 
Elias,  who  lives  at  Cripple  Creek,  Colo.,  mar- 
ried Lavina,  daughter  of  Thomas  Watson; 
Alice  is  deceased;  her  twin  sister,  Eleanor  A., 
married  John  Warner,  of  Winslow,  111.;  Jen- 
nie Edith,  now  deceased,  was  the  wife  of  Jacob 
Hodge,  late  of  Minnesota;  Horatio  makes  his 
home  in  Martintown,  Wis.,  being  in  partner- 
ship with  his  father  in  the  milling  business 
(he  married  Laura  Flart,  and  has  four  chil- 
dren) ; William  and  Charles  are  both  deceased; 
Emma  is  the  wife  of  Cullen  P.  Brown,  of  Saint 
Marys,  Mo.;  Christa  B.  and  Abraham  L.  are 
deceased;  Mary  L.  is  the  wife  of  Elwood 
Bucher,  of  Illinois;  James  F.  is  deceased;  Juliet 
B.  is  the  wife  of  Edwin  E.  Savage,  a machin- 
ist of  Seattle,  Wash.;  and  Hannah  is  deceased. 
There  are  twenty-eight  grandchildren  and  six 
great-grandchildren.  In  politics  Mr.  Martin 
leans  toward  Prohibition,  but  was  originally  a 
Whig,  later  a Republican,  and  during  his  long 
career  in  Green  county  has  always  declined  to 
fill  any  offices  of  honor  and  trust.  In  religious 
faith  he  accepts  the  strict  interpretation  of  the 
Scriptures,  and  is  opposed  to  all  dogmas  and 
creed  doctrines.  He  and  his  estimable  wife, 
who  has  been  his  faithful  helpmeet  for  fifty- 
four  years  of  joys  and  sorrows,  live  in  the 
enjoyment  of  the  respect  and  esteem  of  a wide 
circle  of  friends  and  acquaintances. 

MRS.  ANN  LEADBETTER.  Rarely 
does  the  biographical  writer  find  a task  more 
congenial  than  to  tell  the  life  story  of  tone 
whose  maternal  love  has  reared  two  families 
of  children,  and  who,  at  the  advanced  age  of 
eighty-six  years,  enjoys  the  marked  esteem  of 
her  community,  the  genuine  affection  of  her 
friends  and  the  devoted  love  of  her  children 
and  grandchildren.  Such  a one  is  Mrs.  Ann 


Leadbetter,  of  Montfort,  who  has  witnessed 
and  participated  in  the  growth  of  Grant  coun- 
ty for  more  than  fifty  years. 

This  venerable  lady  was  born  in  Butler 
county,  Ohio,  on  Jan.  20,  1814.  Her  father, 
Alexander  George,  was  a Virginian,  and  her 
mother,  whose  name  before  marriage  was 
Sarah  Love,  was  a Kentuckian.  Mrs.  Lead- 
better  was  a young  girl  of  thirteen  when  her 
parents  removed  from  Ohio  to  Jo  Daviess 
county,  111.,  settling  near  Galena.  Lead  min- 
ing was  then  one  of  the  chief  industries  of 
that  section,  and  she  well  remembers  all  the 
hardships  and  pleasures  of  life  among  the  mines 
in  those  early  days.  She  is  the  eldest  of  a 
family  of  nine  children,  of  whom  only  herself 
and  her  youngest  sister,  Mrs.  Mary  Wansey, 
are  yet  living.  The  latter  has  her  home  m 
Marysville,  Kans.  Mr.  George  engaged  in 
farming  as  well  as  mining,  and  both  he  and 
his  wife  died  at  Hanover,  Jo  Daviess  county, 
the  mother  of  the  family  passing  away  first 
and  the  father  a few  years  later,  his  demise 
occurring  about  1849. 

Mrs.  Leadbetter  has  been  twice  left  a wid- 
ow. She  was  first  led  to  the  altar  by  Samuel 
Moore,  of  Galena,  when  she  was  a girl  of  four- 
teen years,  the  marriage  being  solemnized  in 
1828.  Pier  second  marriage  took  place  twenty 
years  later,  the  bridegroom  being  Asaph  Lead- 
better.  Four  children  were  born  to  the  first 
union,  and  to  the  latter  three.  Mr.  Moore’s 
children  were  Nancy  [.,  Eugene  J.,  Alexander 
and  Susan.  All  these  make  their  home  with 
Mrs.  Leadbetter,  with  the  exception  of  the 
youngest,  Susan,  who  is  now  Mrs.  Parish. 
The  issue  of  the  second  marriage  was  three 
daughters : Martha,  the  wife  of  Samuel  Gre- 
den;  Asaphina,  Mrs.  George  Weaver;  and  Lu- 
cretia  Ann,  deceased. 

Shortly  after  her  second  marriage  Mrs. 
Leadbetter  and  her  husband  removed  from 
Illinois  to  Montfort,  Grant  county.  In  1850 
he  went  on  a prospecting  tour  to  California, 
returning  after  an  absence  of  two  years.  In 
1854  he  started  on  a second  expedition  to  the 
Pacific  coast,  but  he  and  his  party  were  mur- 
dered en  route.  Mrs.  Leadbetter  recalls,  with 
vivid  distinctness,  the  stirring  scenes  of  the 
Black  Hawk  war,  and  the  tribulations,  perils 
and  pleasures  of  early  settlers  in  the  great  cen- 
tral West  are  as  fresh  in  her  recollection  as 
they  were  thirty  years  ago.  Such  women,  ven- 
erable in  years  and  clear  in  intellect,  ripe  in 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


757 


experience  and  unfaltering  in  hope,  constitute 
the  glory  of  a community,  while  their  lives  are 
in  themselves  a benediction. 

ARTHUR  HERN.  Both  as  a business 
man  and  as  a farmer  the  subject  of  this  sketch 
has  been  successfully  engaged  in  Rock  county, 
though  farming  has  been  and  still  is  his  chief 
occupation.  He  possesses  an  active,  energetic 
temperament,  which,  combined  with  his  cool 
judgment  and  good  principles,  has  smoothed 
the  pathway  of  life  and  won  for  him  the  es- 
teem of  the  people  among  whom  he  has  lived 
for  so  many  years. 

Timothy  Hern,  his  paternal  grandfather, 
was  a native  of  Ireland,  and  emigrated  to 
America  when  about  eighteen  years  old,  set- 
tling in  Maine.  He  was  educated  for  the 
Catholic  priesthood,  but  gave  up  that  faith, 
and  for  many  years  engaged  in  teaching  school 
in  Maine,  being  a fine  scholar.  He  married 
Miss  Sally  Malcom,  who  was  born  in  Maine, 
of  Scotch  descent,  and  was  one  of  a family  of 
seven  children,  four  sons  and  three  daugh- 
ters, of  whom  the  boys  were  all  sailors,  and 
captains  of  vessels,  having  learned  navigation 
from'  Mr.  Hern.  The  father  of  Mrs.  Timothy 
Hern  was  a soldier  in  the  Revolutionary  war. 

William  Hern,  the  father  of  our  subject, 
was  born  in  Maine  about  1807,  and  in  his 
youth  acquired  the  trade  of  a ship  caulker.  He 
married  Miss  Rachel  Hunter,  daughter  of  Da- 
vid Hunter,  a wealthy  shipbuilder  and  lumber- 
man of  Scottish  and  English  ancestry,  and  a 
man  of  unusual  energy  and  ability.  David 
Hunter  erected  a sawmill  and  a gristmill  at 
a point  known  as  Hunter’s  Mills,  and  was 
thus  the  founder  of  the  town  afterward  called 
Clinton.  He  held  many  offices  of  honor  and 
trust,  and  lived  to  the  good  old  age  of  eighty- 
seven  years,  leaving  a family  of  ten  children, 
six  sons  and  four  daughters.  William  Hern 
served  as  captain  of  an  artillery  company  of 
the  Maine  State  militia  for  a number  of  years. 
In  1844  he  moved  with  his  family  to  Lowell, 
Mass.,  and  there  worked  at  the  carpenter’s 
trade  for  four  years.  In  1848  he  resolved  to 
try  his  fortunes  in  the  West.  He  lived  for  a 
year  in  Chicago,  then  in  1849  came  to  Rock 
county,  Wis.,  locating  in  Bradford,  where  he 
followed  carpentering  for  several  years.  In 
1851  or  1852  he  bought  a farm  of  eighty  acres, 
to  which  he  afterward  added  100  acres.  It 
was  unbroken  prairie  land,  but  he  reduced  it  to 


cultivation,  and  here  he  remained  until  his 
death,  in  1865,  at  the  age  of  fifty-eight  years. 
His  wife  survived  until  Jan.  5,  18S7,  passing 
away  at  the  age  of  seventy-five  years.  They 
were  Universalists  in  religious  faith.  To  Will- 
iam' and  Rachel  Hern  were  born  five  children, 
three  sons  and  two  daughters.  Two  of  the 
sons,  Hartwell  C.  and  David  W.,  served  in 
the  Civil  war.  Hartwell  C.  had  served  as 
ship  carpenter  on  a United  States  vessel  be- 
fore the  war,  and  was  in  the  South  when 
Fort  Sumter  was  fired  upon.  He  at  once 
came  North,  and  in  1861  enlisted  in  Com- 
pany E,  5th  Wis.  V.  I.,  for  three  years.  He 
was  orderly  sergeant,  and  for  gallant  conduct 
a commission  as  second  lieutenant  was  issued 
to  him,  but  before  it  reached  him  the  young 
soldier  fell'  in  battle  at  Williamsburg,  May  5, 
1862.  David  W.  Hern  enlisted  in  the  2d 
Minn.  V;  I.,  and  served  during  the  Civil  war, 
also  in  the  Indian  war  in  Minnesota.  He  is 
now  a resident  of  St.  Paul,  Minn.  Of  the  two 
sisters  of  our  subject  one  survives,  Martha, 
wife  of  William  Getty,  of  Minneapolis. 

Arthur  Hern  was  born  in  Clinton,  Kenne- 
bec Co.,  Maine,  Dec.  14,  1836.  At  the  age  of 
seven  years  he  moved  with  his  parents  to  Low- 
ell, and  four  years  later,  when  the  father  came 
West  to  try  his  fortune,  the  mother  and  our 
subject  returned  to  Clinton,  Maine,  for  a few 
years.  Arthur  Hern  settled  in  Bradford  town- 
ship with  his  parents  in  1851.  and  has  remained 
in  Rock  county  ever  since.  He  had  attended  the 
common  schools  in  Maine  and  the  grammar 
school  at  Lowell,  Mass.  After  coming  to  Wis- 
consin he  entered  Milton  (Wis.)  College  as  a 
student.  At  the  death  of  his  parents  he  came 
into  posesssion  of  the  home  farm,  containing 
about  200  acres,  in  Bradford  township.  His 
present  home  of  272  acres  in  La  Prairie  town- 
ship he  has  occupied  since  1S79.  For  a number 
of  years  he  successfully  operated  a cigar  factory 

On  Dec.  10,  1868,  Mr.  Hern  married  Miss 
Harriet  E.  Lawrence,  daughter  of  Clark  W. 
and  Hannah  M.  (Lewis)  Lawrence.  They  had 
a son,  Herbert  A.  Politically  Mr.  Hern  is  a 
Democrat,  and  served  as  justice  of  the  peace 
for  one  term.  Fraternally  he  is  a member  of 
Good  Samaritan  Lodge,  No.  135,  F.  & A.  M. 
He  is  one  of  the  most  prominent  citizens  of 
La  Prairie  township,  and  is  most  highly  re- 
spected by  all  who  know  him. 

On  April  13,  1893,  the  entire  community 
was  shocked  to  hear  of  the  sad  death  of  Mrs. 


753 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Arthur  Hern.  Matthew  Bitson  and  his  wife 
had  for  some  months  occupied  a house  on  Mr. 
Hern's  estate,  and  it  was  well  known  in  the 
community  that  their  relations  were  not  pleas- 
ant, Mr.  Bitson  having  frequent  quarrels  with 
his  wife.  On  these  occasions  Mrs.  Hern  had 
frequently  acted  as  a peacemaker,  her  kindly 
disposition  often  causing-  her  to  be  called  upon 
to  smooth  the  rough  paths  of  her  friends. 
This  was  the  case  on  that  ill-fated  April  morn- 
ing, when,  in  response  to  Mrs.  Bitson’s  appeal 
for  aid  against  the  violence  of  her  husband’s 
temper,  Mrs.  Hern  entered  the  Bitson  house. 
Mr.  Bitson,  enraged  at  her  appearance,  shot 
both  his  wife  and  Mrs.  Hern,  and  then  fired 
the  house  to  conceal  his  crime.  The  charred 
remains  of  both  women  were  found  in  the 
cellar,  and  a night-and-day  search  for  the  mur- 
derer was  successful.  He  plead  guilty  and 
received  a life  sentence.  Mrs.  Hern  'had  been 
deeply  beloved,  and  her  tragic  death,  while  on 
a mission  of  benevolence,  was  the  cause  of 
great  indignation,  as  well  as  of  the  most  uni- 
versal sorrow. 

JOHN  EINERSON  (deceased),  long  an 
honored  and  industrious  resident  of  the  town 
of  York,  Green  county,  was  born  in  Bergen, 
Norway,  Aug.  6,  1820,  and  died  in  York  Jan. 
19,  1900.  It  was  not  until  he  reached  mid- 
dle life  that  he  came  to  this  country,  arriving 
here  in  1854,  and  making  his  home  on  section 
18,  York  township,  two  years  later.  I11  1873 
he  bought  the  farm  which  now  belongs  to  his 
estate  and  brought  it  up  to  a high  state  of  fer- 
tility before  his  death. 

John  Emerson  was  married  to  Miss  Christe 
in  Norway,  and  to  them  were  born  six  children, 
two  of  whom  are  now  living,  Gertrude  and 
Ole.  Mr.  Emerson  was  left  a widower,  and 
was  a second  time  married,  in  1865,  to  Miss 
Bertha  Dahle.  To  this  union  were  born  the 
following  children:  Carrie  lives  in  the  town 
of  Moscow ; Susie  is  in  South  Dakota ; Ed- 
ward is  in  Browntown,  Green  county,  in 
charge  of  the  store  of  George  W.  Larse  & Co. ; 
Benjamin  is  in  Perry  township;  Martin  and 
Sever  are  on  the  old  farm  which  is  now  in 
their  charge ; Clara  is  the  wife  of  Clarence 
Blunt,  of  A r gyle,  AVis. ; Annie  is  at  home. 
Two  others  died  in  early  youth.  Mr.  Emer- 
son was  a Republican,  and  a devoted  mem- 
ber of  the  Lutheran  Church.  For  many  years 
he  was  a school  director  in  his  adopted  home, 


and  stood  high  in  the  confidence  of  his  fellow 
townsmen. 

Mr.  Emerson  came  to  this  country  a very 
poor  man,  and  like  thousands  of  his  compat- 
riots, presently  came  to  comfort  if  not  afflu- 
ence, doiilg  this  not  by  chance  or  favor,  but 
by  hard  work,  prudence  and  integrity.  When 
he  died  he  owned  a fine  farm,  well  provided 
with  a dwelling  house,  both  comfortable  and 
commodious,  and  ample  farm  buildings.  For 
about  eight  years  before  his  death  Mr.  Emer- 
son was  in  very  poor  health,  and  for  seven 
years  was  confined  to  his  bed.  Elis  was  a 
wasting  and  painful  sickness,  but  it  was  en- 
dured with  Christian  grace  and  fortitude.  He 
is  deservedly  remembered  as  a man  of  high 
character,  an  unblemished  good  name,  and  of 
unswerving  integrity,  always  honest  and  true 
to  his  convictions  of  the  right.  His  name  is  a 
source  of  just  pride  to  his  posterity.  Elis  re- 
mains are  resting  in  the  old  Norwegian  ceme- 
tery in  the  town  where  his  long  and  useful 
years  came  to  an  end. 

Mrs.  John  Emerson  still  survives,  and  has 
her  home  on  the  old  farm,  and  is  known  as 
a good  Christian  woman.  She  was  born  in 
Norway  in  1839,  and  she  still  keeps  good  com- 
mand of  her  faculties. 

Martin  J.  and  Sever  Emerson,  who  have 
charge  of  the  home  farm,  are  among  the  bri  ght 
and  capable  young  farmers  of  this  section  of 
country,  where  they  are  pushing  rapidly  to  the 
front.  Martin  J.  obtained  his  education  in  the 
public  schools  and  Dixon  College,  and  during 
the  winter  season  lie  engages  in  teaching,  de- 
voting himself  to  the  farm  during  the  sum- 
mer. In  political  relations  both  Martin  and 
Sever  are  Republicans,  and  in  their  religious 
associations  Lutherans,  following  the  ancestral 
faith,  and  taking  much  interest  in  the  welfare 
of  the  church  in  which  they  were  confirmed 
in  early  youth.  The  Emerson  family  is  much 
esteemed  in  the  community,  where  its  various 
representatives  have  taken  high  rank  as  up- 
right and  reliable  people, 

JOEIN  D.  DAVIES,  a much  respected  resi- 
dent of  Ridgeway  township,  Iowa  county,  was 
a soldier  in  the  war  of  the  Union,  serving  as 
a member  of  Company  C,  49th  AVis.  V.  I., 
under  Capt.  Richard  A.  Wareham.  Mr.  Da- 
vies enlisted  Feb.  20,  1865,  and  was  in  at  the 
exciting-  finish,  his  term  of  enlistment  running 
one  year,  or  during  the  war. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


759 


John  D.  Davies  was  born  in  Wales,  Jan. 
23,  1828,  and  was  reared  in  his  native  com- 
munity, where,  in  1851,  he  married  Miss 
Hannah  Williams.  The  young-  married 
couple  immediately  made  their  way  to  the 
United  States,  and  on  June  10,  1851,  ar- 
rived in  Dodgeville,  Wis.  Here  Mr.  Davies 
soon  after  bought  a farm,  which  he  still 
owns  in  the  town  of  Ridgeway.  Mrs.  Da- 
vies passed  away  Jan.  10,  1865,  leaving 
her  husband  with  a family  of  seven  chil- 
dren, the  oldest  being  fourteen  years  of  age. 
But  a week  after  the  death  of  his  wife  he  en- 
listed, leaving  his  children  at  home  under  the 
watchful  supervision  of  the  neighbors.  While 
he  was  at  the  front  one  of  his  children  was 
taken  seriously  ill,  and  Mr.  Davies  was  noti- 
fied. Applying  for  a furlough  that  he  might 
come  and  care  for  his  children,  he  received  it, 
and  returned  on  a thirty  days’  furlough  to 
watch  over  the  sick  bed.  The  child  rapidly  re- 
covered, and  Mr.  Davies  went  back  to  the 
army  to  finish  his  service,  and  in  due  time  re- 
ceived an  honorable  discharge. 

When  Mr.  Davies  again  became  a civilian 
he  found  his  health  badly  broken  by  the  hard- 
ships of  the  life  through  which  he  had  passed, 
and  for  a time  the  outlook  was  discouraging. 
The  boys  came  on  quickly,  however,  and  as- 
sisted him  so  effectively  that  presently  the  farm 
became  very  profitable,  and  was  known  as  one 
of  the  choice  places  of  the  town. 

The  present  Mrs.  Davies  was  a Miss  Jane 
Jones,  who  was  born  in  Ohio  in  1843  a daugh- 
ter of  James  and  Mary  Jones,  both  natives  of 
Wales.  In  1850  they  removed  from  Ohio  to 
this  State,  and  both  of  them  have  long  since 
passed  away.  Mrs.  Davies  was  one  of  a fam- 
ily of  seven  children,  four  of  whom  are  still 
living.  Three  of  her  brothers  were  soldiers 
in  the  Union  army  during  the  war  of  the  Re- 
bellion. David  Jones  was  a member  of  the 
31st  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  died  many  years  ago. 
Evan  Jones  served  in  the  same  regiment,  and 
is  living  in  Missouri.  William  Jones  was 
wounded  and  died  in  a hospital  at  Vicksburg, 
leaving  a widow  and  one  daughter.  Three  of 
the  children  born  to  Mr.  Davies  by  his  first 
wife  are  still  living:  James,  Isaac  and  Eliza- 
beth (who  married  Fred  Oldenburg,  of  Rich- 
land Center,  Wis.).  To  Mr.  Davies,  by  his 
present  wife,  were  born  three  sons  and  a daugh- 
ter: Thomas,  Benjamin,  Albert,  and  Mar- 

garet, wife  of  Reuben  Hemstock.  Mr.  and 


Mrs.  Davies  retired  from  the  farm  March  28, 
1898,  leaving  it  in  the  care  of  their  sons.  He 
was  a good  soldier,  and  is  a Republican  and  a 
good  citizen,  as  are  all  his  sons.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Davies  are  both  worthy  members  of  the 
Baptist  Church,  and  are  highly  esteemed  in  the 
community  in  which  their  useful  lives  are 
passing. 

ELISHA  ULLOM.  Prominent  among  the 
surviving  old  settlers  of  Cadiz  township.  Green 
county,  stands  the  venerable  gentleman  whose 
name  here  appears,  and  who  is  now  living  re- 
tired. Born  Dec.  4,  1819,  in  Greene  county, 
Penn.,  Mr.  Ullom  is  a son  of  Peter  and  Mary 
(Cather)  Ldlom,  natives  of  Pennsylvania,  the 
former  of  German  origin.  Peter  and  Mary 
Ullom  had  a family  of  four  children : Eliza- 
beth (who  married  Samuel  Raymer),  Nancy 
(Mrs.  John  Robson),  Elisha  and  Harrison, 
all  now  deceased  except  Elisha.  He  com- 
menced life  a poor  boy,  and  with  but  little  edu- 
cation, most  of  his  boyhood  days  being  passed 
in  assisting  on  the  home  farm.  In  1842  he 
came  to  Wisconsin  and  settled  on  an  uncleared 
farm  in  Cadiz  township,  at  one  time  owning- 
over  400  acres  of  land.  This,  by  assiduous 
labor  and  persevering  industry,  he  soon  made 
to  “blossom  as  the  rose,”  and  become  one  of  the 
finest  farms  in  the  county.  Mr.  Ullom  is  now- 
living  retired,  esteemed  and  respected  as  only 
one  who  has  led  so  long  and  useful  a life 
could  be.  Sober  and  temperate  in  all  his  habits, 
neighborly  and  kind  in  his  treatment  of  all, 
devoted  to  his  home  and  family,  his  career  has 
been  one  of  honor  in  all  the  relations  of  life. 
He  possesses  a retentive  memory,  a special 
blessing  to  one  who  has  such  ripe  stores  of 
experience  to  draw  on. 

Mr.  Ullom  was  married,  in  Ohio,  to  Miss 
Julia  Kerr,  of  Knox  county,  that  State,  who- 
was  a daughter  of  Joseph  and  Elizabeth  (Mc- 
Cullough) Kerr,  her  parents  being  among  the 
early  settlers  of  Ohio.  Ten  children  blessed 
this  union,  viz. : Ellen,  who  is  deceased ; Mi- 
nerva, Mrs.  William  Deniston,  of  Stafford, 
Ivans.;  Frank;  Elmira,  wife  of  Henry  Shank, 
a farmer  of  Cadiz  township;  Joseph,  of  Mis- 
souri; William,  of  Jo  Daviess  county,  111.;. 
Charles,  of  Missouri ; Homer,  of  Kansas  ; Ade- 
line, deceased  wife  of  H.  H.  Puterbaugh;  and 
Laura  B.,  who  died  unmarried.  Mr.  Ullom’s 
posterity  includes  thirty-two  living  grandchil- 
dren, and  seven  great-grandchildren.  Mrs. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


760 


Ullom,  who  was  born  in  Knox  county,  Ohio, 
in  1822,  passed  away  April  10,  1891,  at  the 
home  in  Cadiz  township.  She  was  a thorough 
Christian  woman,  a loving  wife  and  mother, 
and  was  sincerely  mourned  throughout  the 
community. 

Our  subject  is  a stanch  Democrat,  of  the 
Jeffersonian  stripe,  and  has  supported  that  par- 
ty for  the  past  sixty  years.  He  has  served  his 
fellow  citizens  faithfully  in  various  local  offices, 
having  been  a member  of  the  township  board, 
school  director,  treasurer  and  assessor.  For 
many  years  he  has  been  a consistent  member 
of  the  German  Baptist  Church. 

JACOB  PAULSON,  a well-known  citizen 
of  the  town  of  Moscow,  Iowa  county,  where 
he  has  been  engaged  in  farming  for  over  forty 
years,  is,  like  many  of  the  most  substantial 
and  respected  citizens  of  that  part  of  Wisconsin, 
a native  of  Norway. 

Mr.  Paulson  was  born  July  2,  1827,  and 
grew  to  manhood  in  his  native  land,  where  he 
also  married  his  wife,  Rachel.  Having  de- 
termined to  seek  better  opportunities  in  the 
New  World,  he  came  to  America  in  1852, 
his  destination  being  the  State  of  Wisconsin. 
For  the  first  two  years  he  resided  in  Dane 
county,  thence  coming  to  Iowa  county  and 
settling  in  Moscow  township,  where  he  has 
ever  since  made  his  home.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Paul- 
son have  had  seven  children,  two  sons  and 
five  daughters. 

On  March  11,  1865,  Mr.  Paulson  was  en- 
rolled as  a member  of  Company  H,  50th  Wis. 
V.  I.,  and  though  the  Civil  war  was  fast 
drawing  to  a close,  there  was  ample  need  for 
their  services  on  the  frontier,  as  the  Indians 
had  taken  advantage  of  the  absence  of  so  many 
men  in  the  Lhfion  service  to  commit  numerous 
depredations  in  the  Northwest.  Our  subject 
went  with  his  regiment  from  Madison,  Wis., 
to  St.  Louis,  and  soon  afterward  to  Jefferson 
City,  Mo.,  thence  to  Fort  Leavenworth,  Kans., 
and  finally  to  Fort  Rice,  Dak.,  where  the  com- 
mand completed  its  term  of  enlistment  by 
keeping  the  red  men  in  check.  Mr.  Paulson 
was  discharged  June  18,  1866,  at  Madison, 
with  the  regiment,  after  about  fifteen  months 
of  active  service.  The  severity  of  his  military 
experiences  was  exceedingly  trying  to  a con- 
stitution none  too  robust  to  begin  with,  and 
his  health  has  been  very  poor  ever  since.  When 
he  entered  the  service  he  was  afflicted  with 


hernia,  although  he  was  unaware  of  the  cause 
of  his  trouble,  and  the  examining  surgeon 
either  overlooked  or  did  not  discover  the  fact, 
with  the  result  that  he  grew  constantly  worse 
during  the  strain  of  western  army  life.  He 
has  had  to  endure  continuous  suffering  ever 
since,  and,  though  he  receives  a small  pension 
for  other  disability,  he  has  been  allowed  noth- 
ing on  this  account.  Mr.  Paulson  was  thirty- 
seven  years  of  age  when  he  entered  the  serv- 
ice, and  he  is  now  well  advanced  in  life.  His 
honorable  private  life,  as  well  as  the  service  he 
rendered  his  adopted  country  in  her  hour  of 
need,  has  won  him  the  highest  esteem  of  all 
who  know  him,  and  he  is  justly  ranked  among 
the  valued  citizens  of  his  community. 

HON.  MARSHALL  H.  PENGRA,  now  a 
retired  farmer,  is  spending  the  last  years  of 
an  honorable  and  useful  life  on  his  farm  about 
four  and  a half  miles  northwest  of  Juda, 
Green  county.  He  is  the  eldest  son  of  Moses 
and-  Sarah  (Johns)  Pengra,  natives  of  Ben- 
nington county,  Vt.,  and  Wales,  respectively. 
Sarah  Johns  came  to  this  country  with  her 
parents  when  a young  child.  Moses  Pengra 
was  born  Jan.  11,  1799,  son  of  Marshall  Pen- 
gra, O'f  Vermont,  whose  father  was  one  of 
three  brothers  who  came  to  this  country  from 
England  before  the  Revolution.  The  Pingree 
family,  of  Michigan,  is  supposed  to  have  de- 
scended from  the  same  source,  the  spelling  of 
the  name  changing  in  the  intervening  years. 

Marshall  H.  Pengra  was  born  Jan.  18, 
1819,  in  the  town  of  Darien,  Genesee  Co., 
N.  Y.,  and  came  to  Green  county,  Wis.,  in 
1845.  Since  that  year  he  has  made  his  home 
on  one  farm,  and  presents  an  encouraging  ex- 
ample of  the  rich  rewards  that  wait  on  in- 
dustry and  honesty  in  agricultural  life.  In 
all  these  years  he  has  been  very  active  and 
industrious,  and  only  the  increasing  weight  of 
age  prevents  his  continued  application  to  the 
practical  work  of  the  farm.  His  close  atten- 
tion to  his  own  business  has  not  hindered  an 
enlightened  public  service,  and  he  has  filled 
creditably  several  local  offices  of  honor  and 
trust.  He  has  been  chairman  of  the  town, 
'school  director,  and  justice  of  the  peace  for 
thirty-five  years.  At  the  time  the  office  of 
county  commissioner  was  abolished  he  was 
holding  that  position.  From  1870  to  1872 
Mr.  Pengra  was  a member  of  the  State  Legis- 
lature, and  took  an  active  part  in  the  delib- 


MRS.  ELVIRA  PEHGRA  MARSHALL  H.  PEHGRA 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


761 


erations  of  that  body.  Mr.  Pengra  has  stud- 
ied law,  and  practiced  in  the  justice  courts  of 
the  county  for  many  years.  Twelve  different 
estates  have  been  settled  by  him,  and  in  every 
case  his  administration  proved  satisfactory  to 
all  parties  concerned. 

Mr.  Pengra  and  Miss  Elvira  Lyon  were 
married  April  16,  1840.  She  was  born  in  1819 
in  Franklin  county,  Mass.,  a daughter  of  Mar- 
shall and  Chloe  (Sherman)  Lyon.  The  Ly- 
ons were  one  of  the  old  families  of  New  Eng- 
land, and  their  history  runs  back  to  English 
origin.  When  a young  woman  Elvira  Lyon 
moved  with  her  parents  from  Franklin  county, 
Mass.,  to  Erie  county,  Penn.,  where  she  taught 
school  for  several  years  before  her  marriage. 
Her  parents  -died  in  Erie  county.  Marshall 
H.  Pengra  and  his  wife  had  seven  children, 
of  whom  the  eldest,  (1)  Marshall  Pembroke, 
'born  May  15,  1841,  is  now  a resident  of  Brocl- 
head.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  22d  Wis.  V.  I. 
during  the  Civil  war,  and  acquitted  himself 
with  much  credit  in  that  great  struggle.  (2) 
George  INI.  died  in  childhood.  (3)  Delia  El- 
vira, born  April  27,  1844,  married  Charles 
Madison,  and  died  at  home.  (4)  Winfield 
Sherman,  born  Nov.  2,  1847,  married  a Miss 
Preston,  and  resides  in  Madison.  (5)  Mary 
E.,  born  Feb.  6,  1850,  married  Edward  Fes- 
senden, and  is  now  deceased.  (6)  Moses  B., 
born  April  29,  1851,  is  living  in  Minnesota. 
(7)  Charles  Fremont,  born  March  27,  1857, 
married  Miss  Etta  Feathers,  of  Albany,  and 
they  are  living  on  the  home  place  of  his  father. 
Mrs.  Elvira  Pengra  departed  this  life  Jan.  26, 
1901.  She  was  a member  of  the  M.  E.  Church 
from  the  age  of  eighteen  years. 

Mr.  Pengra  and  his  devoted  companion 
always  commanded  the  highest  respect  of  all 
who  knew  them.  Mr.  Pengra  is  among  the 
oldest  pioneers  of  the  county  now  living,  and 
his  career  has  been  honorable  and  useful  in  the 
extreme.  Politically  he  is  a Republican,  and, 
as  this  sketch  shows,  a capable  and  efficient 
man  in  every  walk  of  life. 

FREDERICK  M.  BRADFORD,  of  Cadiz 
township,  Green  county,  was  born  in  Plymp- 
ten,-  Mass.,  Oct.  27,  1834,  and  springs  from 
ancestry  distinguished  in  the  history  of  the 
New  England  Colonies  fjor  many  generations. 
He  was  one  of  the  very  darly  settlers  in  Green 
county. 

Mr.  Bradford  is  a direct  descendant  of 


W illiam  Bradford,  who  came  over  in  the  “May- 
flower,” and  who  was  the  second  governor  of 
Plymouth  Colony,  the  line  of  descent  being 
through  (II)  William,  (III)  John,  (IV) 
Capt.  John,  (V)  Capt.  John,  (VI ) Lieut.  John 
and  (VII)  John,  our  subject's  father.  Mr. 
Bradford's  son  John  has  in  his  possession  the 
identical  baptismal  blanket  that  was  brought 
over  the  ocean  by  his  historic  ancestors,  and 
which  was  left  by  the  will  of  the  Governor  to 
the  eldest  child  of  each  succeeding  generation, 
whom  he  desired  should  always  bear  the  name 
of  John. 

(V)  Capt.  John  Bradford  commanded  a 
company  of  minute  men  during  the  Revolution- 
ary war. 

(VI)  Lieut.  John  Bradford,  grandfather 
of  our  subject,  married  Patience  Perkins,  and 
they  had  the  following  named  children : Eu- 
nice, John  (father  of  our  subject),  Daniel  P., 
Maria,  Patience,  Thomas,  William  and  Han- 
nah. Daniel  P.,  ex-county  judge  of  Bon 
Homme  county,  S.  Dak.,  is  the  only  survivor. 

John  Bradford,  the  father  of  Frederick 
M.,  was  born  July  10,  1809,  and  was  married 
April  25,  1832,  in  Plympton,  Mass.,  to  Sarah 
Fuller  Bradford.  They  became  the  parents  of 
the  following  children:  (1)  John,  a sergeant 
major  in  Company  A,  nth  111.  V.  I.,  at  one 
time  under  the  command  of  Gen.  Lew  Wal- 
lace, died  while  in  the  service,  June  4,  1862. 
(2)  Frederick  M.  is  our  subject  proper.  (3) 
Arabella,  born  Sept.  19,  1837,  married  Fred- 
erick Knickerbocker,  and  makes  her  home  in 
Los  Angeles,  Cal.  (4)  Mary  Winslow,  born 
in  Winslow,  111.,  Jan.  31,  1841,  died  Aug.  20, 
1898.  She  married  Gerard  Kneeland,  now  of 
Monroe,  Wis.  (5)  Sarah  M.  died  in  child- 
hood.^) Luella  B.,  born  Dec.  24,  1847,  is  the 
wife  of  Dr.  J.  W.  Saucerman,  of  Winslow, 
111.  (7)  Thomas  G.,  born  Aug.  21,  1852,  is 

a carpenter  at  Winslow,  111.  The  parents  be- 
came residents  of  the  town  of  Winslow,  III, 
in  1838.  John  Bradford,  the  father,  was  a 
man  of  marked  ability,  possessed  inventive  ge- 
nius of  a high  order,  was  well  informed  and 
was  highly  regarded  in  his  day.  The  shot 
tower  at  Helena,  Wis.,  was  put  up  by  him  for 
C.  W.  Washburn  and  Cyrus  Woodman,  and 
he  also  invented  a machine  for  finishing  shot, 
which  was  put  in  operation  in  the  Chicago  shot 
tower,  where  he  held  the  position  of  superin- 
tendent for  E.  W.  Blatchford ; there  he  also 
invented  a machine  for  cutting,  folding  and 


762 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


printing  shot  sacks  ready  for  sewing.  Both  of 
these  machines  are  still  in  operation. 

Frederick  M.  Bradford,  whose  name  intro- 
duces this  article,  was  married  to  Miss  Cynthia 
Vashti  Peters  Feb.  20,  1859,  who  was  born 
Sept.  22,  1835,  a daughter  of  Comfort  Peters, 
of  Ohio,  and  a direct  descendant  of  Rev.  Hugh 
Peters,  a compatriot  of  John  Wesley,  the 
founder  of  Methodism,  and  her  ancestors  were 
among  the  very  earliest  settlers  of  New  Eng- 
land. Thomas  Peters,  founder  of  Yale  Col- 
lege, was  a brother  of  Hugh  Peters.  To  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Bradford  have  been  born  two  chil- 
dren : Corah  Blanche,  born  April  25,  1862, 
married  Dr.  \\  illiam  Burton  Bunker,  who  died 
in  1892.  She  is  the  mother  of  two  children, 
Beryl  Bradford  (deceased)  and  Kathleen  Al- 
den.  Mrs.  Bunker  is  now  residing  with  her 
father  on  the  old  home  place  in  Cadiz.  She 
is  a very  accomplished  lady,  and  is  a line  mu- 
sician. John,  the  second  child  of  Frederick 
M.  and  Cynthia  Bradford,  was  born  Dec.  24, 
1868,  and  remains  at  home,  carrying  on  the 
old  farm.  Kathleen  A.  Bunker  is  in  the  tenth 
generation  from  Gov.  Bradford,  of  Colonial 
fame.  The  ancestors  have  always  been  identi- 
fied with  the  best  element  of  the  communities 
in  which  they  have  lived,  for  many  hundred 
years  back  of  the  present  time. 

Frederick  M.  Bradford  began  life  for  him- 
self with  little  to  depend  on  save  his  own  strong 
right  arm  and  stout  heart.  Fie  purchased  the 
farm  on  which  he  is  living  while  it  was  still 
in  its  natural  state,  and  the  country  surround- 
ing was  wild  and  unimproved.  By  close  at- 
tention to  his  work,  careful  management  and 
unflagging  industry  he  has  converted  the  wild 
land  which  he  bought  into  one  of  the  most 
desirable  farms  in  Green  county.  He  has  good 
dwellings  and  farm  buildings,  and  is  proud  of 
owning  one  of  the  finest  cherry  orchards  to 
be  found  in  the  entire  county.  The  sum  of 
$11,000  was  recently  refused  by  him  when 
offered  for  this  place  of  120  acres. 

Mr.  Bradford  is  a stanch  Republican  po- 
litically. and  is  a man  with  liberal  religious 
convictions.  He  and  his  family  are  widely 
known  for  hospitality  and  charitable  actions. 
For  nearly  thirty-eight  years  he  has  been  a 
member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  and  in  town 
affairs  has  taken  a prominent  place,  holding 
the  positions  of  justice  of  the  peace,  school 
director  and  town  clerk,  as  well  as  serving  on 
the  town  board. 


William  B.  Bunker,  M.  D.,  was  born 
Aug.  1,  1857,  in  Pennsylvaniaburg,  Ripley 
Co.,  Ind.,  the  second  son  of  Dr.  Ledyard  Cuy- 
ler  and  Adaline  E.  (Alden)  Bunker,  the  lat- 
ter a direct  descendant  of  John  Alden,  of  the 
Plymouth  Colony.  William  B.  Bunker  gradu- 
ated at  Rush  Medical  College,  Chicago,  in 
1884,  and  was  engaged  in  practice  at  Winslow 
and  Warren,  111.,  until  his  death,  June  4,  1892. 
He  was  married  Oct.  27,  1885,  to  Corah 
Blanche  Bradford.  Dr.  Bunker  was  promi- 
nent in  the  Masonic  order,  and  among  the 
relics  cherished  by  his  daughter  is  a Masonic 
apron,  of  lambskin,  made  in  1742,  for  Alex- 
ander Pennock,  a maternal  ancestor  of  Dr. 
Bunker,  and  worn  by  his  son,  Alexander  Pen- 
nock, at  the  funeral  of  George  Washington. 

WILLIAM  HOLMES,  one  of  the  few  re- 
maining of  the  early  pioneers  of  southwestern 
Wisconsin,  has  been  a resident  of  this  part  of 
the  State  since  1842,  and  has  occupied  his 
present  farm  in  Mifflin  township,  Iowa  county, 
since  1856.  He  has,  during  his  long  and 
active  life,  been  prominently  identified  with  the 
development  of  both  mining  and  agricultural 
interests  in  his  section,  and  has  taken  his  part 
in  the  conduct  of  public  affairs  in  his  locality. 

Mr.  Holmes  is  a native  of  Virginia,  born 
April  21,  1820,  in  what  is  now  Pulaski  (then 
Montgomery)  county,  and  is  of  Irish  descent, 
his  first  American  ancestor,  John  Holmes,  hav- 
ing emigrated  from  the  Emerald  Isle  in  1757. 
An  interesting  paper  in  the  possession  of  our 
subject,  is  a copy  of  the  recommendation  given 
to  this  John  Holmes  when  he  departed  for  the 
New  World  nearly  150  years  ago,  which  reads 
thus:  “The  bearer,  John  Holmes,  has  lived 

in  this  place  from  his  infancy,  and  has  always 
behaved  in  a sober,  honest  and  inoffensive 
manner,  and  has  no  blemish  or  stain  on  his' 
character  as  a citizen.”  The  paper  is  certified 
to  by  Robert  Higinbotham,  and  dated  Cole- 
raine, June  8,  1757.  So  we  have  evidence 
that  the  founder  of  the  family  on  American 
soil  was  an  honorable  man,  and  was  doubtless 
held  in  equally  high  esteem  in  the  new  land  to 
which  he  emigrated. 

William  Holmes,  father  of  our  subject, 
was  born  in  Virginia.  He  had  one  bother, 
Joshua.  He  married  Mary  Caffee,  who  was  of 
Scottish  ancestry,  being  a daughter  of  James 
and  Jane  Caffee.  His  father  settled  in  Wythe 
county,  Va.,  in  1780,  and  died  there  Oct.  1, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


7<53 


1820,  aged  fifty-eight  years.  Her  mother  died 
Sept.  22,  1828.  Mr.  and  Mrs,  William  Holmes 
made  their  home  in  Montgomery  county,  Mrs. 
Holmes  dying  there  Aug.  14,  1825,  Mr. 
Holmes  on  Oct.  30,  1830.  He  was  a soldier 
in  the  war  of  1812.  By  occupation  he  was  a 
carpenter,  and  he  left  the  record  of  an  hon- 
orable and  useful  man.  In  religion  he  and  his 
wife  affiliated  with  the  Baptist  Church.  Of 
the  children  born  to  them  seven  grew  to  ma- 
turity, five  sons  and  two  daughters,  but  Will- 
iam, our  subject,  is  now  the  only  survivor. 
The  deceased  were  James,  John,  Jane,  Cather- 
ine, Atchley,  and  David. 

William  Holmes,  whose  name  introduces 
this  sketch,  grew  to  manhood  in  his  native 
State.  His  boyhood  was  uneventful,  and  he 
received  but  limited  advantages  for  education. 
He  came  West  in  1836,  in  which  year  he  lo- 
cated in  Orange  county,  Inch,  where,  on  Aug. 
26,  1839,  he  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss 
Rebecca  Scott.  In  1842  the  young  couple 
came  to  southwestern  Wisconsin,  their  first 
home  in  this  region  being  at  Glen  Haven,  in 
Grant  county,  where  Mr.  Holmes  erected  a log 
cabin  on  the  place  of  his  brother-in-law,  Wash- 
ington Scott,  who  had  preceded  them.  He 
took  up  farming,  which  he  followed  exclusive- 
ly until  the  death  of  his  wife,  on  June  12, 
1:844,  after  which  he  engaged  in  mining,  fol- 
lowing that  occupation  alone  and  in  connec- 
tion with  agricultural  pursuits  for  twenty-two 
years.  In  1848,  as  above  stated,  he  became 
a resident  of  Mifflin  township,  Iowa  county, 
in  1856  settling  on  the  farm  which  he  has 
ever  since  occupied,  and  to  the  cultivation  and 
improvement  of  which  he  has  given  his  ex- 
clusive attention  for  many  years ; it  now  com- 
prises 320  acres.  Though  now  past  eighty, 
Mr.  Holmes  is  still  hale  and  heart)?-,  and  able 
to  do  a good  day’s  work.  He  commenced  life 
poor,  and  during  his  boyhood,  in  Virginia, 
received  but  $6  per  month  wages.  In  the 
summer  of  1842  he  was  employed  as  a teamster 
in  Springfield,  111.,  at  $15  per  month,  but  as  he 
received  his'  pay  in  depreciated  currency,  it  was 
hardly  half  that  amount.  Industry  has  always 
been  one  of  his  marked  characteristics,  and  he 
can  feel  that  he  has  done  his  full  share  in  the 
development  of  his  State  from  the  wild  condi- 
tion in  which  he  found  it,  to  its  present  beau- 
tiful fertility.  Few  remain  of  the  old  pio- 
neers who  lived  and  suffered  in  those  hard 
days,  and  Mr.  Holmes  is  justly  honored  for 


the  part  he  has  borne  in  the  advancement  of 
this  section,  as  well  as  for  his  upright  and 
helpful  life — a career  which  would  be  a credit 
to  any  community. 

In  1850  our  subject  married,  for  his  second 
wife,  Miss  Amanda  Hamlet,  a native  of  Ken- 
tucky, who  died  June  15,  1872.  On  Sept.  30, 
1877,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Laura  Hanna- 
well,  a native  of  Norway,  who  is  still  spared  to 
him.  Mr.  Holmes  is  the  father  of  twenty-one 
children,  a record  perhaps  not  equalled  in  this 
part  of  the  State,  most  of  whom  grew  to  ma- 
turity, and  seventeen  are  still  living.  There 
were  two  children  born  to  his  first  union: 
John  C.,  a resident  of  Mineral  Point.  Wis.; 
and  Martha  Jane,  who  died  in  1885.  By  the 
second  marriage  there  were  eleven : William, 

James,  Elizabeth,  Annette,  David,  Atchley, 
Catherine,  Emma,  Andrew,  Amanda  and 
Wallace.  Eight  children  have  blessed  the 
third  union : Mary,  Montgomery,  Bolivar, 

Harvey,  Oliver,  Martin  and  Laura,  living,  and 
a twin  sister  of  Mary  that  died  in  early  in- 
fancy. At  the  present  writing  Mr.  Holmes 
has  living  seventeen  children,  fifty-two  grand- 
children, and  forty-four  great-grandchildren. 
There  are  deceased  four  children,  five  grand- 
children, and  six  great-grandchildren.  The 
family  was  represented  in  the  Civil  war  bv 
John  C.  Holmes,  who  served  in  the  43d  Wis. 
V.  I. ; and  James  Holmes,  another  son,  served 
in  the  Spanish-American  war,  as  a member  of 
the  4th  Wisconsin  Volunteers. 

In  his  early  life  Mr.  Holmes  was  a Whig- 
in  political  sentiment,  his  first  vote  having  been 
cast  for  William  Henry  Harrison.  He  has 
been  a Republican  since  the  organization  of 
that  party.  Our  subject  has  been  called  upon 
to  fill  various  local  offices,  which  he  has  done 
with  credit  to  himself  and  universal  satisfac- 
tion to  his  constituents.  For  six  years  he  was 
a member  of  the  town  board,  serving  as  chair- 
man of  same  during  three  years  of  that  period, 
and  he  was  justice  of  the  peace  for  twelve 
years.  Mr.  Holmes  voted  for  delegate  to  both 
the  first  and  second  Constitutional  Conven- 
tions of  Wisconsin,  and  voted  for  the  adop- 
tion of  the  present  constitution.  He  has  been 
a Royal  Arch  Mason  for  thirty-five  years. 

JOHN  C.  SPENCER,  of  Janesville,  Rock 
county,  was  born  in  the  village  of  Little  Falls, 
Herkimer  Co.,  N.  Y.,  May  17,  1838,  the  third 
son  of  A.  C.  and  Lucina  (Dye)  Spencer.  The 


764 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


father  was  a native  of  Vermont,  and  of  En- 
glish descent;  the  mother  was  born  in  Catta- 
raugus county,  N.  Y.,  and  came  of  Irish  an- 
cestry. In  the  autumn  of  1845  our  subject 
came  with  his  parents  to  Danville,  111.,  where 
his  father  followed  the  profession  of  school 
teacher.  Later  the  family  moved  to  Coving- 
ton, Ind.,  and  from  there  to  Bloomington,  111., 
in  December,  1852,  coming  to  Janesville. 

John  C.  Spencer  obtained  the  greater  part 
of  his  education,  which  was  somewhat  limited, 
in  the  private  schools  of  that  early  day.  In 
the  winter  of  1849  he  attended  the  school  at 
Covington,  the  first  term  of  the  free  public 
schools  in  Indiana.  In  his  earlier  boyhood  he 
was  employed  during  the  summer  in  herding 
sheep  and  cattle  on  the  Illinois  prairies.  In 
the  summer  of  1852  the  young  man  drove 
team,  hauling  earth  in  the  construction  of  the 
Illinois  Central  railroad,  between  Bloomington 
and  Randolph  Grove,  and  also  north  of  Bloom- 
ington to  the  present  site  of  Normal.  He  also 
drove  one  of  the  ox-teams  (four  yoke)  em- 
ployed in  breaking  the  ground  for  the  Phoenix 
nursery  at  Bloomington.  The  same  year  he 
secured  employment  with  the  Janesville  Ga- 
zette, to  carry  papers  one  day  each  week;  the 
newspaper  was  owned  at  that  time  by  Levi 
Alden  and  Charles  Holt.  In  March,  1853,  he 
entered  the  office  to  learn  the  printing  trade, 
and  with  the  exception  of  January  and  Febru- 
ary, 1854,  was  constantly  employed  there  for 
many  years,  filling  in  turn  every  mechanical 
position  in  the  establishment.  In  1877  he  took 
charge  of  the  local  department  of  the  Gazette 
as  city  editor,  continuing  in  this  position  un- 
til 1896. 

At  the  formation  of  the  Janesville  fire  de- 
partment, in  1855,  Mr.  Spencer  was  appointed 
torch  boy  of  Water  Witch  No.  2.  and  had 
George  Peck,  afterward  governor  of  the  State, 
as  his  associate.  He  is  still  a member  of  that 
organization,  having  filled  every  official  posi- 
tion in  his  company,  and  was  secretary  of  the 
department  for  twelve  years ; assistant  chief 
engineer  for  two  years,  and  in  1885-86  chief 
of  the  department.  He  was  assistant  chief  un- 
til 1892,  when  he  was  appointed  chief  engineer 
by  Mayor  Rowe,  and  holds  that  office  to  the 
present  time.  Many  changes  and  much  reor- 
ganization have  taken  place  in  the  department 
during  Mr.  Spencer’s  connection  with  it,  each 
move  advancing  its  efficiency,  and  many  of 
these  innovations  have  been  brought  about  by 


Chief  Spencer,  until  at  the  present  time  the 
city  of  Janesville  can  take  great  pride  in  the 
possession  of  one  of  the  very  best  fire  depart- 
ments in  the  West.  No  city  of  the  same  size 
can  present  a superior  equipment  or  a better 
fire  record.  Mr.  Spencer  is  frequently  appealed 
to  for  information  regarding  the  history  of 
Janesville  and  Rock  county,  so  well  versed  is 
he  in  its  every  detail.  Socially  our  subject 
belongs  to  the  A.  F.  & A.  M.  and  the  I.  0. 
O.  F.,  and  politically  he  is  an  outspoken  Re- 
publican, though  he  never  allows  his  politics 
to  cause  estrangements  from  his  friends. 

Mr.  Spencer  and  Miss  Helen  M.  Brown, 
a native  of  Portage,  Wis.,  and  a daughter  of 
the  late  Daniel  G.  Brown,  of  Janesville,  were 
united  in  marriage  Oct.  30,  1870.  This  union 
has  been  blessed  with  six  children:  Marion 
E.,  born  Aug.  28,  1871;  Clara,  Feb.  6,  1874; 
Llewellyn  R.,  Jan.  30,  1882;  Jessie,  Nov.  13, 
1884;  Harrison  M.,  Nov.  11,  1887;  and  Percy 
R.,  May  24,  1890.  Marion  was  married  to 
Joseph  L.  Hay,  of  Janesville,  Aug.  1,  1897, 
and  makes  her  home  in  the  city,  her  husband 
being  employed  in  the  office  of  the  Janesville 
Machine  Co.  Clara  was  married  July  20, 
1898,  to  Arthur  H.  Boedeker,  of  Blue  Earth, 
Minn.,  where  he  is  engaged  in  the  mercantile 
business.  The  other  children  are  still  in  the 
home  of  their  parents,  at  No.  217  North  Bluff 
street. 

GEORGE  W.  ROBERTS,  M.  D„  is'  a 
prominent  physician  and  surgeon,  as  well  as 
one  of  the  more  influential  citizens  of  Albany, 
Green  county,  and  for  many  years  has  taken 
a leading  part  in  the  public  affairs  of  his  com- 
munity. 

Dr.  Roberts  was  born  in  the  town  of  Ben- 
nington, Licking  Co.,  Ohio,  April  10,  1841,  a 
son  of  Jonathan  and  Maria  (Davis)  Roberts, 
both  born  in  Maine.  Of  their  three  children, 
two  are  now  living.  Dr.  George  W.  and  Free- 
man L.,  and  both  make  their  home  in  Albany. 
The  father,  who  was  a farmer,  moved  from 
Ohio  to  Wisconsin  late  in  1844,  and  located 
on  a farm  of  160  acres  five  miles  north  of 
Janesville,  Rock  county.  There  his  wife  died 
in  1871,  at  the  age  of  sixty-nine.  He  sur- 
vived her  many  years,  and  spent  the  last  twenty 
years  of  his  life  in  the  home  of  his  son,  Dr. 
George  W.,  dying  in  1894,  at  the  venerable 
age  of  eighty-nine  years  and  seven  months. 
Early  in  life  he  and  his  wife  united  with  the 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


765 


Free-Will  Baptist  Church,  but  for  many  years 
before  his  death  he  had  been  an  ordained  min- 
ister of  the  Church  of  the  United  Brethren 
in  Christ.  Thomas  Roberts',  his  father,  a farm- 
er, was  born  of  Welsh  ancestors,  in  Maine, 
where  he  spent  his  entire  active  life,  and  lacked 
only  a few  months  of  being  one  hundred  years 
old  at  the  time  of  his  death.  He  served  in 
the  war  of  1812.  In  his  later  years  he  came  to 
Wisconsin,  and  lived  with  his  children  near 
Sheboygan.  He  reared  a large  family.  Sam- 
uel Davis,  the  father  of  Mrs.  Maria  (Davis) 
Roberts,  was  a physician,  of  Irish  descent. 
He  died  in  the  East,  when  about  sixty  years 
old,  and  left  a large  family. 

George  W.  Roberts  was  only  three  years 
old  when  he  was  brought  into  Rock  county 
by  his  parents,  on  their  removal  to  Wiscon- 
sin. He  was  reared  on  the  farm,  and  attended 
the  district  school.  For  some  time  he  was  a 
student  at  Milton  College,  and  in  1866  took  up 
the  study  of  medicine,  and  was  graduated  from 
Rush  Medical  College  in  Chicago  in  1869. 
The  first  year  of  his  professional  life  was  spent 
in  Cooksville,  Wis.,  and  then  he  came  to  Al- 
bany, where  he  had  practiced  to  some  extent 
since  1867. 

Dr.  Roberts  and  Miss  Betsy  Olson  were 
married  May  3,  1857,  when  he  had  just  passed 
his  sixteenth  birthday.  She  was  a daughter 
of  Ole  Olson,  and  became  the  mother  ot  five 
sons,  Walter  C.,  William  D.,  Frederick  W., 
Leonard  G.,  and  Eugene  W.  Walter  C.  be- 
came a physician,  and  opened  an  office  in  May- 
wood,  where  he  died  in  June,  1897;  he  married 
Miss'  Minnie  Jennison.  William  D.  married 
Miss  Carrie  Burns,  who  is  now  dead,  and  they 
had  one  daughter,  Sherlie  N. ; he  is  a grad- 
uate from  the  department  of  pharmacy  of  the 
University  of  Wisconsin,  and  since  1893  has 
been  a druggist  in  Albany,  in  partnership  with 
his  father,  the  firm  being  G.  W.  Roberts  & 
Son.  Frederick  W.  is  a dentist  at  Burlington, 
Wis. ; he  married  Miss  Anna  Hedgan.  Leon- 
ard G.  died  when  a little  under  two  years  old. 
Eugene  W.  is  still  in  school.  Mrs.  Roberts 
is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Church,  and  her 
husband  belongs  to  Albany  Lodge,  No.  36, 
A.  F.  & A.  M.,  and  Evansville  Chapter,  No. 
35,  R.  A.  M.  He  is  a member  of  the  Wis- 
consin State  Medical  Society,  and  the  Central 
Wisconsin  Medical  Society.  He  is  a Repub- 
lican politically,  and  is  highly  considered  by 
those  who  know  him  best. 


ELEAZER  HOVEY,  now  living  in  Dar- 
lington, is  the  only  representative  of  the  fam- 
ily of  Alfred  Hovey,  now  to  be  found  in  La- 
fayette county.  Alfred  Hovey  was  a well- 
known  pioneer  of  this  region,  whose  history 
in  this  community  begins  as  early  as  1848. 
Born  in  New  Hampshire  April  20,  1791,  he 
was  a son  of  Amos  Hovey,  and  the  ances- 
tors of  this  family  were  among  settlers  of  New 
England  in  remote  colonial  times.  A geneal- 
ogy of  the  family  prepared  and  published  a 
number  of  years  ago  gives  the  name  of  Dan- 
iel Hovey,  born  in  1618,  who  is  supposed  to 
have  come  to  America  from  England  not  many 
years  after  the*  landing  of  the  Pilgrims. 

Amos  Hovey  lived  in  Vermont  until  his 
death.  He  had  two  sons,  Alfred  and  Eleazer, 
from  whom  the  subject  of  this  biography  de- 
rives his  name.  Alfred  Hovey  and  his  im- 
mediate family  were  the  only  members'  of  the 
Vermont  Hoveys  to  come  to  Wisconsin.  He 
attained  manhood  in  his  native  State,  where 
he  married  Abigail  Howard,  who  was  also 
born  in  Vermont.  Eleazer  Hovey  was  the 
tenth  in  a family  of  eleven  children,  a sister 
being  the  youngest.  When  he  was  a lad  of 
about  seven  years  his  mother’  died,  and  after 
a time  his  father  married  Sarah  Hendricks. 
In  1848  Alfred  Hovey  left  Vermont,  and 
came  into  Lafayette  county,  making  his  home 
in  what  is  now  the  town  of  Darlington. 
With  him  came  his  wife,  his  son  Eleazer 
and  three  daughters,  who  were  the  younger 
members  of  the  family.  Other  children,  who 
were  older,  had  already  corne  into  the  West, 
and  had  established  themselves  in  Lafayette 
county.  Mr.  Hovey  secured  from  the  Gov- 
ernment a section  of  land,  and  both  father 
and  sons  engaged  in  its  improvement.  The 
process  was  slow  and  laborious,  however,  as, 
in  common  with  other  pioneers',  money  was 
the  one  thing  lacking  in  their  catalogue  of  re- 
sources. Finally,  however,  they  accomplished 
their  laudable  ambitions,  and  became  well  set- 
tled in  the  county,  where  they  were  long  known 
and  highly  esteemed,  not  only  for  their  in- 
dustrious habits,  but  also  their  upright  char- 
acter, general  intelligence  and  neighborly 
spirit.  All  have  now  passed  over  the  river, 
except  the  gentleman  whose  name  introduces 
this  article.  The  father  died  April  10,  1872, 
and  his  widow  April  14,  ten  years'  later.  Al- 
fred Hovey  was  a leading  figure  in  the  af- 
fairs of  the  town,  and  took  an  active  part  in 


766 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


the  organization  of  the  First  Baptist  Church 
of  Darlington,  where  he  was  a deacon  and 
leader.  He  was  a man  of  strong  convictions 
and  endeavored  to  conform  his  daily  life  to  his' 
faith.  Highly  regarded  by  all  who  knew  him, 
he  was  well  worthy  of  a place  in  a commem- 
orative record  of  Lafayette  county.  The  fam- 
ily around  his  hearth  consisted  of  seven  sons 
and  four  daughters,  those  besides  Eleazer  be- 
ing-: General  Charles  E.  Hovey  served  in  the 
Civil  war,  where  he  was  distinguished  alike 
for  his  gallantry  and  faithful  discharge  of 
every  soldierly  duty  that  came  to  him  in  the 
rapid  promotion,  which  was  a grateful 
acknowledgment  of  his  manifest  ability;  he 
died  in  Washington,  Nov.  17,  1897.  Amos 
W.  Hovey  is  living  in  Bristol  Springs,  N.  Y. 
Dr.  Alvah  Hovey  is  in  Newton,  Mass.,  where 
he  was  president  of  the  Newton  Theological 
Seminary  for  many  years,  finally  retiring  on 
account  of  advanced  age.  William  Hovey 
lives  in  California,  and  Leland  A.  at  Blooming- 
ton, 111.  Oramel  F.  is  at  Sheffield,  Iowa.  Mrs. 
Leantha  Paddock  is  a resident  of  Madison, 
Wis.,  and  Mrs.  Frances  Chapman  at  Forest, 
Miss.  Mary  Ann  Hovey  died  in  Vermont  at 
an  early  age,  and  Mrs.  Clara  Chaffee  died  at 
Richland  Center,  Wisconsin. 

Eleazer  Hovey  was  born  June  8,  1829,  and 
was  nearly  nineteen  years  of  age  when  he 
came  into  Wisconsin  with  his  parents.  Fie 
well  remembers  the  wilderness,  as  this  country 
appeared  more  than  half  a century  ago.  He 
actively  assisted  his  father  and  older  brothers 
in  reclaiming  the  land  and  converting  it  into 
a fertile  farm,  and  here  has  been  his  home  to 
the  present  time. 

Mr.  Hovey  was  married  Aug.  3,  1855,  to 
his  excellent  wife,  then  Clara  A.  Scofield,  a 
daughter  of  James  and  Rachel  D.  (Rand) 
Scofield,  both  natives  of  Vermont  and  descend- 
ants of  old  New  England  families.  Three 
Scofield  brothers  came  over  from  England  in 
Colonial  times,  one  of  whom  was  Mrs.  Hovey’s 
great-grandfather.  Frederick  Scofield  was  her 
grandfather.  James  Scofield,  his  wife,  and 
four  children,  came  from  Vermont,  where  they 
were  reared,  and  in  1854  located  in  Wiscon- 
sin. I here  were  eight  children  in  the  family, 
and  the  oldest  daughter  preceded  her  parents 
to  Lafayette  county,  as  the  wife  of  a brother 
of  Eleazer  Hovey,  and  other  children  came  on 
to  Wisconsin  later.  James  Scofield  died  here 
in  1875,  and  his  widow  in  1880.  Mrs.  Hovey’s 


ancestry  on  both  sides  participated  in  the  Rev- 
olution. Her  grandfather,  known  as  Capt. ' 
Zach  Rand,  served  under  Gen.  Stark,  while 
one  of  her  great-grandfathers,  Capt.  Mott, 
served  under  Washington  in  the  French  and 
Indian  war,  and  for  a time  was  commander 
at  Fort  Defiance,  built  by  Washington  at  the 
outbreak  of  hostilities.  James  Scofield  and  his’ 
wife  were  warmly  cherished  in  the  old  pio- 
neer associations  as  worthy  and  estimable  peo- 
ple. Like  the  IToveys,  they  were  also  allied 
with  the  Baptist  Church.  James  Scofield  was 
a Whig  in  his  early  life,  but  as  he  held  strong 
anti-slavery  views,  when  the  slavery  question 
became  the  vital  issue  he  united  with  the  Re- 
publican party  and  voted  its  ticket  in  his  later 
years. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hovey  have  a son,  Harry, 
born  June  27,  1862.  He  was  reared  on  the 
homestead  in  the  town  of  Darlington,  and 
married  Leda  Blackburn,  by  whom  he  has  two 
daughters,  Helen  and  Mildred.  Mrs.  Leda 
Hovey  was  born  in  Canada,  only  child  of  John 
and  Priscilla  (Richards)  Blackburn,  natives' 
of  England,  who  came  into  Lafayette  county 
from  Kansas,  when  their  daughter  was  a 
child,  and  both  are  now  deceased.  Mr.  Black- 
burn was  a man  of  liberal  culture,  and  had 
his  education  in  London.  He  was  a printer, 
but  did  not  follow  that  trade  after  locating  in 
this  county.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Eleazer  Hovey 
have  now  retired  from  the  farm,  which  is  oc- 
cupied by  their  son  and  his  family,  and  are 
living  in  their  pleasant  and  attractive  home  in 
the  city  of  Darlington,  where  they  are  pass- 
ing a serene  and  beautiful  old  age. 

ABRAHAM  STAUFFACHER,  of  Jor- 
dan Center,  Jordan  township,  Green  county, 
one  of  the  leading  and  most  progressive  citi- 
zens of  the  locality,  is  a native  of  Switzerland, 
born  April  21,  1843,  in  the  village  of  Matt, 
Canton  Glarus. 

Jacob  Stauffacher,  his  father,  was  born 
July  10,  1788,  and  died  Feb.  11,  1858,  hav- 
ing passed  all  his  days  in  Switzerland,  where, 
in  Canton  Glarus,  he  was  for  many  years  a 
mail  carrier  and  postmaster.  He  was  a son  of 
Tacob  Stauffacher,  a farmer  in  the  land  of 
William  Tell.  Jacob  Jr.,  married  Catherine 
Wild,  who  was  born  June  6,  1798’  an<d  died 
in  Switzerland  Aug.  11,  1865.  Phey  had  a 
family  of  ten  children,  four  of  whom  died  in 
infancy,  the  others'  being:  Flenry,  Barbaia, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


767 


Rosina,  Jacob,  Catherine  and  Abraham,  all 
now  deceased  except  the  last  named. 

Abraham  Stauffacher  was  reared  on  a farm 
in,  and  received  his  education  in  the  district 
schools  of,  his  native  land.  When  old  enough 
he  learned  the  trade  of  locksmith,  which  lie 
followed  for  several  years.  In  1867  he  came 
to  this  country,  reaching  his  destination,  Green 
county,  Wis.,  on  June  21,  1867,  and  for  some 
months  worked  at  his  trade  in  New  Glams', 
in  the  employ  of  Constantine  Hegely,  after 
which,  in  the  same  town,  lie  entered  into  a 
partnership  with  G.  Schindler,  which  contin- 
ued about  two  years.  He  then  built  a shop, 
and  pursued  his  trade,  alone,  some  three  years, 
when  he  sold  out  to  Michael  Smith,  and  re- 
moved to  the  city  of  Monroe,  where  for  a year 
he  was  in  the  employ  of  a manufacturing  com- 
pany. In  1874  Mr.  Stauffacher  came  to  Jor- 
dan township  and  purchased  a blacksmith  shop, 
carrying  on  that  trade  about  two  years,  at  the 
end  of  that  time  buying  thirteen  acres  of 
farm  land,  on  which  he  built  his  present  shop, 
and  where  he  has  met  with  excellent  success. 
From  time  to  time  he  added  to  this  property 
until  he  has  now  320  acres  of  good  farm  land, 
equipped  with  a comfortable  dwelling,  and  two 
of  the  most  commodious  bank  barns  in  the 
township. 

O11  Feb.  13,  1866,  Abraham  Stauffacher 
was  married  in  Switzerland  to  Miss  Elsbeth 
Baebler,  of  Canton  Glarus,  a daughter  of  Al- 
bright and  Elsbeth  Baebler.  Children  as  fol- 
lows have  come  to  this  union,  all  natives  of 
Wisconsin  except  the  eldest:  Jacob,  born  in 

Switzerland  Nov.  7,  1866,  married  Anna 

Knobel,  of  Jordan,  Green  county;  Albert  FI., 
born  July  4,  1868,  in  New  Glarus,  Wis.,  re- 
sides in  South  Dakota;  John,  born  Oct.  21, 
1869,  is  a widower  with  five  children,  and  re- 
sides on  the  home  place ; Ernst  Abraham,  born 
Feb.  6,  1871,  resides  in  South  Dakota;  Cath- 
erine, born  Aug.  4,  1872,  married  Miles  O. 
Newman,  of  Peterson,  Iowa;  Edward,  born 
April  12,  1874,  lives  in  Monroe,  Green  coun- 
ty; Rosa,  born  April  15,  1876,  is  the  wife  of 
Franklin  Ellis,  a farmer  of  Jordan  township, 
Green  county;  Henry,  born  Dec.  2,  1877;  Will- 
iam D.,  April  12,  1879.  Miss  Elsbeth,  June 
19,  1881,  and  Otto,  Oct.  28,  1885,  are  all  at 
home.  Mr.  Stauffacher  has  been  remarkably 
fortunate  in  his  family  his  eleven  children  all 
enjoying  excellent  health.  The  most  serious 
accident  in  the  family  occurred  July  31,  1889, 


when  his  daughter  Catherine,  received  a slight 
shock  of  lightning,  at  the  time  she  was  milk- 
ing a cow,  which  was  instantly  killed. 

In  politics  our  subject  is  a stanch  Demo- 
crat, and  has  served  in  various  public  offices, 
including  those  of  school  director,  treasurer, 
clerk,  and  chairman  of  the  township  board  six 
years  in  all,  also  township  treasurer  for  five 
years.  For  seven  years  he  was  postmaster 
at  Jordan.  In  addition  to  farming  pursuits, 
he  is  interested  in  the  Cooperative  Cheese 
Factory,  and  carries  on  blacksmithing  in  his 
shop  -on  the  home  place.  He  is  a representa- 
tive self-made  man,  having  come  to  America 
without  a dollar,  and,  by  his  own  persistent 
effort  and  the  aid  of  his'  industrious  wife  and 
children,  has  accumulated  a nice  competence. 

DARIUS  DANIELS  WINKLEY.  The 
family  name  of  Winkley  (or,  as  it  is  sometimes 
spelled,  Winckley)  is  one  of  the  oldest  and 
most  respected  in  New  England.  Its  Ameri- 
can founder,  Samuel  Winckley,  Esq.,  emigrat- 
ed from  Lancashire,  England,  and  it  ap- 
pears that  his  first  place  of  residence  was  Lit- 
tery, Maine.  There  he  first  settled  in  1680, 
and  there  in  1684  he  married  Sarah  Trickey, 
whose  father,  Thomas,  dwelt  upon  land  grant- 
ed him  by  the  town  council  as  early  as  1656. 
After  his  marriage  Samuel  Winckley  removed, 
about  1684,  to  Portsmouth,  N.  H.,  where  he 
became  engaged  in  trade  and  commerce,  and 
where  he  died  in  1736,  aged  about  seventy, 
years.  From  this  ancestor  the  gentleman 
whose  name  is  mentioned  above  traces  an  un- 
broken line  of  descent.  The  family  arms : An 
eagle  displayed  counter  charged,  argent  and 
gules;  motto,  Spes. 

Of  the  seven  children  born  to  the  sturdy 
English  emigrant,  the  second,  Francis  Wink- 
ley ( 1 ) , was  the  great-great-grandfather  of 
Darius  D.  He  was  born  in  1689,  and  died  in 
1776.  Pie  made  his  home  in  Kittery,  Maine, 
and  was  a boat  builder.  He  married  Mary, 
a daughter  of  Rev.  John  Emerson,  of  Ports- 
mouth, N.  H.,  and  by  her  became  the  fa- 
ther of  seven  children.  The  fourth  of  these, 
Francis  Winkley  (2),  was  born  in  1733,  and 
died  Oct.  9,  1818.  He  married  Martha, 

daughter  of  Mark  Hunking,  of  Barrington, 
N.  H.  She  was  born  in  1734,  and  died  Jan. 
16,  1807.  They  were  the  parents  of  six  chil- 
dren, the  fifth  of  whom,  also1  named  Francis 
(and  known  as  Francis  (3)  in  the  genealog- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


76a 


ical  tree),  was  the  grandfather  of  Darius  D. 
Winkley.  Francis  Winkley  (3)  was  born  in 
1774,  and  died  in  April,  1855.  He  married 
Sarah  Drew,  who  was  born  in  1778,  and  died 
March  26,  1846.  She  bore  her  husband  nine 
children.  Of  these  the  fourth,  Darius,  was 
the  father  of  the  subject  of  this  memoir.  He 
was  three  times  married,  first  to  Ursula  Hall, 
second  to  Maria  Daniels,  and  lastly  to  Sarah 
Cate.  Darius  Daniels  was  the  child  of  the 
second  marriage,  and  his  mother  died  at  his 
birth. 

Our  subject  was  born  at  Barrington,  N. 
FL,  Aug.  15,  1847.  His  early  educational  ad- 
vantages were  those  afforded  by  the  district 
schools  of  that  period,  but,  limited  as  they 
were,  he  improved  them  as  far  as  his  .limited 
opportunities  would  permit.  When  a young 
man  of  seventeen  years  he  determined  to  seek 
his  fortune  in  a broader  field.  His  uncle, 
Cyrus  Winkley,  had  acquired  a patent  to  land 
in  what  is  now  the  township  of  Clinton,  Rock 
Co.,  Wis.,  and  thither  young  Darius  turned  his 
steps.  He  had  little  in  his  pocket,  but  he  was 
endowed  with  that  pluck,  energy,  fortitude  and 
integrity  which  have  stood  him  in  good  stead 
all  his  life.  For  several  years  he  worked  as  a 
farm  laborer,  but  through  the  combination 
of  the  traits  above  indicated  he  is  to-day  one 
of  Rock  county’s  most  prosperous  farmers, 
owning  236  acres  of  fertile,  well-improved 
land,  which  he  manages  after  the  best  methods, 
and  in  the  cultivation  of  which  he  employs 
the  most  approved  machinery. 

In  1876  Mr.  Winkley  was  married  to  Miss 
Nellie  Griswold,  daughter  of  Cyrus  and  Fan- 
nie Adelia  (Eggleson)  Griswold.  Her  father, 
Cyrus  Griswold,  was  not  only  one  of  Clinton’s 
prosperous  farmers,  but  a man  of  affairs  as 
well,  having  been  a member  of  the  board  of 
supervisors  for  many  years  before  his  death, 
which  occurred  in  March,  1900,  after  he  had 
spent  a useful  and  honored  life  extending  over 
fourscore  and  five  years.  The  union  of  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Winkley  has  been  blessed  with  three 
children,  Elsie  M.,  Cyrus  A.,  and  George  R. 

Mr.  Winkley  is  a Republican  politically, 
yet  his  sterling  character  commands  the  re- 
spect of  men  of  all  political  creeds,  while  his' 
unflinching,  unwavering  integrity,  his  enlight- 
ened public  spirit,  his  generous  disposition,  and 
his  kindly  ways,  endear  him  to  all  classes  of 
the  community. 


A.  N.  RANDALL  is  a distinguished  rep- 
resentative of  the  legal  profession  at  Brod- 
head,  Green  county,  and  his  years  of  experi- 
ence and  practical  knowledge  of  men  and  busi- 
ness, backed  by  an  upright  character,  give 
weight  to  his  legal  lore  in  the  minds  of  both 
judge  and  jury.  He  was  admitted  to  the  Bar 
m 1869,  and  for  over  thirty  years  has  devoted 
himself  to  his  profession. 

Mr.  Randall  was  born  in  Erie  county,  N. 
\ .,  Aug.  22,  1830,  a son  of  Archibald  R. 
and  Eunice  (Cheney)  Randall,  natives  of  New 
York  and  Connecticut,  respectively.  They 
were  the  parents  of  eight  children,  two  of  whom 
are  now  living:  Irene,  the  wife  of  William 
Fludson,  of  Spring  Valley,  Rock  Co.,  Wis.; 
and  A.  N.  The  father  was  a farmer  in  Erie 
county,  N.  Y.,  and  died  there  Feb.  28,  1830, 
at  the  early  age  of  thirty-eight  years.  His 
widow  came  west  and  settled  in  Rock  county, 
Wis.,  in  1850,  and  lived  there  a number  of 
years.  She  spent  her  last  years,  however,  in 
Brodhead,  where  she  died  in  1889,  at  the  age 
of  eighty-nine.  They  were  Methodists,  and 
he  served  in  the  war  of  1812.  His  father,  Elisha 
Randall,  was  a native  of  Massachusetts,  and 
moved  into  New  York,  where  he  died  in  1846, 
at  the  age  of  ninety-one.  He  was  of  English 
descent,  and  served  in  the  Revolution.  He 
was  the  father  of  five  children.  Daniel  Cheney, 
the  father  of  Eunice  referred  to  above,  was 
born  in  Connecticut,  near  the  Massachusetts 
line,  and  came  of  English  ancestry.  He  was 
a farmer,  was  the  father  of  three  daughters 
and  two  sons,  and  died  at  the  age  of  sixty- 
seven. 

A.  N.  Randall  was  reared  on  the  family 
farm,  and  attended  the  district  school,  finish- 
ing his  schooling  at  the  Brockport  Collegiate 
Institute.  He  lived  in  the  State  of  New  York 
until  1847,  when  he  came  to  Wisconsin,  and 
located  in  the  town  of  Avon,  Rock  county, 
where  the  next  year  he  bought  eighty  acres 
of  land,  and  at  a subsequent  period  added  to 
it  105  acres.  He  engaged  in  the  cultivation 
of  his  land  during  the  summers,  and  taught 
school  winters  until  the  breaking  out  of  the 
Civil  war.  He  enlisted  in  Company  G,  13th 
Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  until  Feb.  1,  1865.  He 
was  captain  of  that  company,  and  in  1862  com- 
manded a battalion,  consisting  of  his  own 
company,  a company  of  regulars,  and  two  In- 
diana companies,  protecting  the  lines  of  com- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


769 


munication  from  Smithlancl,  Ivy.,  to  Forts 
Henry  and  Donelson.  He  cleared  that  part  of 
the  country  of  guerrillas,  and  rejoined  his  regi- 
ment at  Fort  Henry  late  in  the  tall  of  the  year. 
During  the  following  year  his  regiment  was 
brigaded  with  the  71st  Ohio,  the  83d  Illinois 
and  the  5th  Iowa  Cavalry,  under  the  command 
of  Col.  YV.  W.  Low.  During  that  winter 
this  brigade  pursued  and  drove  Gen.  Forrest 
over  three  hundred  miles  in  eleven  days.  It 
then  turned  to  pursue  Gen.  Woodward,  and  re- 
captured Clarksville.  The  following  summer 
Capt.  Randall  was  detailed  to  command  a bat- 
talion of  mounted  infantry,  and  had  numerous 
skirmishes  and  light  battles  with  the  guerrillas, 
notably  with  those  under  Henderson,  Lytle 
and  Dick  McCann. ' He  cleared  the  country  of 
guerrillas  from  the  Ohio  south  to  Duck  river, 
in  West  Tennessee.  The  following  year  Capt. 
Randall  was  detailed  on  a court-martial,  and 
served  as  its  president  for  fourteen  weeks  at 
Nashville.  During  the  sessions  of  this  court 
the  noted  guerrilla  chief,  Gurley,  was  tried  and 
sentenced  to  death  for  the  murder  of  Col.  Mc- 
Cook. Capt.  Randall  rejoined  his  regiment  in 
camp  near  Nashville,  and  was  soon  after  de- 
tailed on  the  staff  of  Maj.-Gen.  Lovell  H.  Ros- 
seau,  as  Inspector  General  of  the  District  of 
Tennessee.  He  was  still  serving  in  this  ca- 
pacity when  mustered  out  in  1865.  While  on 
staff  duty  with  Gen.  Rosseau  he  participated 
in  the  following  battles:  Five  battles  against 
Gen.  Joe  Wheeler;  two  against  Gen.  Forrest; 
the  battle  of  Franklin;  and  the  battle  of  Nash- 
ville. 

While  on  duty  at  Nashville,  Capt.  Randall 
became  acquainted  with  Miss  Emma  C.  Loof- 
bourow,  daughter  of  Judge  Wade  and  Nancy 
(Swinney)  Loofbourow,  of  Washington.  Fay- 
ette Co.,  Ohio,  and  on  March  27,  1865,  she 
became  his  bride.  They  have  had  two  children  : 
Margaret  M.,  who  died  in  1881,  at  the  age  of 
fifteen  years;  and  Louis  A.,  who  lives  in  Brod- 
head.  Mr.  Randall  belongs  to  the  Bicknell 
Lodge,  No.  94,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  and  also  Wes- 
ley W.  Patton  Post,  No.  90,  G.  A.  R.  He  and 
his  wife  are  members  of  the  Brodhead  chapter 
of  the  Eastern  Star.  Politically  he  is  a Re- 
publican, and  for  five  years  was  a member  of 
the  county  board.  In  1882  and  1883  he  served 
a term  in  the  State  Senate.  He  owns  a quar- 
ter section  of  very  desirable  Dakota  property, 
and  has  a fine  home  in  Brodhead. 

Mrs.  Randall’s  father  was  a soldier  in  the 
49 


war  of  1812,  and  died  at  the  age  of  sixty- 
seven  years.  Fie  was  twice  married,  and  each 
wife  bore  him  four  children,  and  two  children 
of  each  wife  are  now  living : Narcissa  is  the 
widow  of  Bennett  P.  La  Wright,  of  Litch- 
field, 111. ; Helen,  widow  of  Peter  Harris,  of 
Brodhead;  those  of  the  second  marriage  are 
David  T.,  of  Los  Angeles,  Cal. ; and  Emma 
C.,  the  wife  of  Capt.  Randall.  Her  father 
was  born  in  New  Jersey,  and  her  mother  in 
Ohio.  Mr.  Loofbourow  was  circuit  judge  for 
many  years,  and  for  about  forty  years  prac- 
ticed law  in  Ohio,  whither  he  went  about  1815. 
He  was  a delegate  to  the  convention  that  nom- 
inated Martin  Van  Buren  for  President  of  the 
United  States.  During  the  Civil  war  he  was 
an  ardent  partisan  of  the  Union  cause.  His 
second  wife,  Mrs.  Randall’s  mother,  died  the 
day  she  was  forty-seven. 

ROLLIN  OLSON  (deceased),  who  in  his 
lifetime  was  one  of  the  best  known  and  most 
highly  respected  citizens  of  Jordan  township, 
Green  county,  is  worthy  of  more  than  mere 
passing  notice  in  the  pages  of  this  work. 

A native  of  Norway,  Mr.  Olson  was  born 
Nov.  10,  1831,  near  the  city  of  Christiania, 
a son  of  Ole  and  Carrie  (Iverson)  Olson,  who 
passed  their  entire  lives  in  Norway.  In  1846, 
then  a lad  of  fifteen  summers,  Rollin  Olson 
came  to  the  United  States,  and  first  located  in 
Dane  county,  Wis.,  later  living  in  Iowa  and 
Lafayette  counties,  and  afterward  removing 
to  Jordan  township,  Green  county,  where  he 
purchased  120  acres  of  land,  and  followed 
farming  pursuits  during  the  rest  of  his  life. 

On  Aug.  5,  1854,  Mr.  Olson  married  Mary 
Peterson,  of  Lafayette  county,  Wis.,  born  near 
Christiania,  Norway,  Oct.  16,  1837,  a daugh- 
ter of  Peter  and  Mary  (Hanson)  Peter- 
son, also  natives  of  Norway.  Mr.  Peter- 
son died  in  that  country,  and  his  widow  came 
to  Wisconsin,  settling  in  Lafayette  county, 
when  their  daughter,  Mary,  was  fifteen  years 
old.  To  this  union  were  born  six  children,  a 
brief  record  of  whom  is  here  given : ( 1 ) 

Caroline,  born  April  5,  1855,  is  the  widow  of 
Lars  O.  Grove,  a sketch  of  whom  appears 
elsewhere.  (2)  Morgan  P.,  born  June  17, 
1859,  married  Miss  Planson,  of  Jordan  town- 
ship, Green  county,  and  died  Nov.  14,  1892, 
in  Clark  county,  S.  Dak.,  leaving  a widow  and 
five  children.  (3)  Clara  A.,  born  Dec.  26, 
1866,  is  the  wife  of  E.  B.  Tollefson,  of  Clark 


77  o 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


county,  S.  Dak.  (4)  Oscar  R.,  born  March 
24,  1869,  married  Carrie  J.  Johnson,  of  York 
township,  Green  county ; he  was  register  of 
deeds  for  Green  county  some  six  years;  in  the 
Spanish- American  war  he  served  in  the  1st 
Wis.  V.  I.  as  adjutant,  with  the  rank  of  cap- 
tain. (5)  William  I.,  born  Oct.  11,  1873, 
married  Miss  Emma  Boynton,  of  Jordan  town- 
ship, Green  county ; he  is  a farmer  by  occupa- 
tion. (6)  Henry  E.,  the  youngest  in  the  fam- 
ily, born  March  29,  1879,  received  his  edu- 
cation in  part  at  the  common  schools  of  Green 
county,  in  part  at  Stoughton  Academy  and 
Albion  (Wis.)  Academy.  As  a farmer,  he 
is  operating  part  of  the  old  Olson  homestead, 
also  120  acres  adjoining,  and  has  already 
made  his  mark  as  a scientific  agriculturist, 
dairyman  and  cheese  manufacturer.  On  Feb. 
7,  1901,  he  married  Miss  Emma  Olson,  of 
Jordan  township,  Green  county.  In  politics'  he 
is  a Republican. 

Rollin  Olson,  the  subject  proper  of  these 
lines,  during  the  war  of  the  Rebellion  enlisted 
in  Company  E,  15th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served 
from  Feb.  14,  1862,  until  Dec.  20,  1864,  being 
both  mustered  in  and  mustered  out  at  Madi- 
son, Wis.  His  regiment  was  attached  to  the 
Army  of  the  Cumberland,  and  participated  in. 
the  following  battles:  Island  No.  10;  Union 
City,  Tenn. ; Perryville ; Missionary  Ridge ; 
Chaplin  Hills ; Stone  River,  where  Mr.  Olson 
received  a severe  wound ; and  Chickamauga. 
In  these  last  two  battles  the  15th  Wisconsin 
took  prominent  part,  and  at  the  last  named 
en§‘a§‘ement  Mr.  Olson  was  taken  prisoner. 
For  many  months  he  was  confined  in  Libby 
prison,  where  he  was  nearly  starved  to  death, 
but  he  returned  home  alive  in  1864.  He 
proved  a brave  and  true  soldier,  and  wore  his 
laurels  well,  going  to  the  front  as  a private, 
and  returning  with  the  rank  of  first  lieutenant. 

Mr.  Olson  then  resumed  the  vocations  of 
peace,  buying  120  acres  of  land  in  Jordan 
township,  Green  county,  which  he  continued 
to  cultivate  up  to  his  death.  A leading  citi- 
zen of  his  township,  he  served  in  various  po- 
sitions of  honor  and  trust : as  member  of  the 
board ; school  director ; chairman  of  the  town- 
ship board;  assessor,  three  terms';  and  as 
census  ^numerator  for  both  1880  and  1890. 
In  politics  he  was  always  a stanch  Republican, 
and  in  religious  faith  a consistent  member  of 
the  Lutheran  Church.  Mr.  Olson  was  called 
from  earth  March  31,  1898,  and  his  remains 


were  interred  in  the  Norwegian  cemetery  in 
Jordan  township,  Green  county.  A man  pos- 
sessed of  high  moral  character,  a brave  sol- 
dier, an  honorable  citizen,  a noble  father  and 
model  husband,  he  died  deeply  lamented  by  all 
who  knew  him. 

JOHN  ELLSWORTH,  a well-known 
early  settler  of  the  town  of  Mifflin,  Iowa  coun- 
ty, is  a native  of  New  York  State,  born  Jan. 
9,  1823,  in  Penn  Yan,  Yates  county,  and  is 
one  of  a family  of  eight  children. 

Jonathan  Ellsworth,  his  father,  belonged 
to  a well-known  Connecticut  family,  which  was 
identified  with  that  State  when  it  was  a colony 
of  Great  Britain.  In  the  genealogy  of  the  fam- 
ily it  is  recorded  that  four  brothers  emigrated 
from  Wales  to  this  country,  during  the  in- 
fancy of  the  American  Colonies,  t>ecoming 
prominently  identified  with  the  early  history 
of  the  country,  and  their  descendants  are  nu- 
merous throughout  the  Union.  William  W. 
Ellsworth,  great-grandfather  of  the  subject  of 
this'  sketch,  was  at  one  time  governor  of  Con- 
necticut. Jonathan  Ellsworth,  father  of  John, 
of  whom  we  write,  died  in  Yates  county,  N. 
Y.,  after  which  the  widowed  mother,  with  her 
eight  children,  removed  to  Ontario  county, 
same  State,  but,  eventually,  she  and  five  chil- 
dren (three  having  died  in  the  East)  came 
West.  The  three  children  surviving  at  this 
writing  are  John,  our  subject;  Amanda,  Mrs. 
Chapin,  of  Dane  county,  Wis. ; and  Capt.  S. 
K.,  of  Madison.  Those  who  died  in  the  West 
were  Mrs.  Elista  Palmer,  who  passed  away  in 
Baraboo,  Wis.,  in  1897;  and  Reuben,  who 
went  to  California  in  the  early  days  of  that 
State,  dying  there  some  time  in  the  ’fifties. 

John  Ellsworth,  whose  name  opens  this 
sketch,  was  the  first  member  of  the  family  to 
came  West,  his  first  location  being,  in  1846, 
on  a farm  in  Oregon,  Dane  Co.,  Wis.  In 
1857,  he  settled  on  a farm  in  Mifflin  town- 
ship, Iowa  county,  where  he  has  ever  since  made 
his  home.  But  little  improvement  had  been 
made  thereon  when  Mr.  Ellsworth  settled  on 
it,  much  of  the  land  being  in  a wild  state.  He 
eventually  became  the  owner  of  640  acres,  600 
of  which,  in  one  body,  are  now  in  excellent 
condition  for  agricultural  purposes.  For  many 
years  after  his  removal  to  Iowa  county  Mr. 
Ellsworth  continued  to  own  his  Dane  county 
farm. 

On  Oct.  20,  1842,  John  Ellsworth  was 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


71 1 


married  in  Canandaigua,  N.  Y.,  to  Eliza  Ann 
Green,  a native  of  Yates  county,  N.  Y.,  born 
June  14,  1825.  Ten  children  were  the  result 
of  this  union,  eight  of  whom — four  sons  and 
four  daughters — -are  yet  living:  Amanda  E., 

Mrs.  David,  of  Montana;  Henry  G.,  of  Bar- 
ron, Wis. ; John  M.,  sketch  of  whom  follows; 
Eliza,  Mrs.  Baker,  of  Edmund,  Wis. ; Mary 
F.,  Mrs.  Packard,  of  Paoli,  Wis'. ; Reuben, 
sketch  of  whom  follows;  Elmer  E.,  of  Living- 
ston, Wis. ; and  Rachel,  wife  of  Morland  Pres- 
ton, of  Rewey,  Wis.  Two  children  died  in 
early  life,  Lydia  and  Kellogg.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
John  Ellsworth  are  numbered  among  the  well- 
known  early  settlers  of  southwestern  Wiscon- 
sin, and  together  they  have  traveled  the  path 
of  life  nearly  sixty  years,  rearing  their  children 
to  honorable  and  useful  citizenship.  Two  of 
their  sons,  John  M.  and  Reuben,  manage  the 
large  farm  which  their  father,  owing  to  the 
physical  infirmities  incidental  to  advancing 
years,  is  no  longer  able  to  conduct. 

John  M.  Ellsworth,  the  elder  of  these 
brothers,  was  born  May  5,  1852,  in  Oregon, 
Dane  Co.,  Wis.,  and  was  reared  on  the  old 
homestead.  In  the  way  of  education  lie  was 
given  liberal  advantages,  he  having  for  three 
years  been  a student  at  the  State  Normal 
School,  at  Platteville,  Grant  county,  and  for 
two  years'  pursued  the  modern  classical  course 
at  the  Wisconsin  State  University.  Afterwards 
he  returned  to  the  home  farm,  chiefly  on  ac- 
count of  his  father’s  failing  health.  For  several 
years  John  M.  dealt  in  fine-bred  horses,  and 
for  some  time  was  superintendent  of  Capt. 
Pabst’s  stock  farm,  at  Wauwatosa,  Wis., 
where  were  to  be  found  some  of  the  finest- 
bred  horses  in  the  country.  He  is  prominent 
in  the  Masonic  order,  and  a member  of  Min- 
eral Point  Commandery,  Knights'  Templar. 

In  1877  John  M.  Ellsworth  was  married  to 
Miss  Elvira  B.  Hutchens,  daughter  of  Noah 
Hutchens,  and  two  children  have  blessed  this 
union  : Eastman  D.  and  Earnest  H.  The  par- 
ents are  highly  esteemed  in  the  community 
where  they  live.  In  politics  Mr.  Ellsworth  is 
a stanch  Republican.  Mrs.  Ellsworth  is  also 
a native  of  Wisconsin,  born  in  Platteville. 
She  received  an  excellent  education,  mainly  at 
the  State  Normal  School  of  that  place,  and  for 
some  years  prior  to  her  marriage  she  was  a 
successful  teacher. 

Reuben  Ellsworth,  a younger  brother  of 
John  M.,  was  born  Feb.  26,  1861,  on  the 


homestead  whereon  he  now  lives.  When  old 
enough  he  assisted  on  the  farm,  at  the  same 
time  attending  the  public  schools  of  the  dis- 
trict; for  two  years  he  also  attended  the  State 
Normal  School,  Platteville.  When  he  reached 
his  majority  he  engaged  in  operating  a farm 
near  the  village  of  Cobb,  Iowa  county,  and 
conducted  same  for  three  years,  after  which  he 
carried  on  a livery  in  that  village  four  years. 
During  the  succeeding  ten  years  he  was  en- 
gaged in  business  in  Keith  and  Lincoln,  Neb., 
at  the  end  of  that  time  returning  to  Mifflin 
township,  Iowa  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he  operates 
300  acres  of  the  homestead  farm. 

On  Nov.  9,  1881,  Reuben  Ellsworth  was 
married  to  Charlotte,  daughter  of  John  and 
Adelaide  Cocker,  the  former  a native  of  Corn- 
wall, England,  and  now  a well-known  and 
highly  respected  resident  of  Sutherland,  Lin- 
coln Co.,  Neb.  Many  years  ago  a sad  event 
happened  in  the  Cocker  family,  the  paternal 
grandfather  of  Mrs.  Charlotte  Ellsworth  hav- 
ing been  accidentally  drowned  at  sea,  while 
returning  to  England  after  a pleasant  visit 
among  relatives  in  America.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Ellsworth  have  a family  of  ten  children — five 
sons  and  five  daughters — as  follows : Eliza, 

Ida  May,  Edith,  Joyce,  Elmer,  Reuben,  Ralph, 
Frank,  John  and  Doris.  In  politics  Mr.  Ells- 
worth was  originally  a Democrat,  but  since 
1896  he  has  affiliated  with  the  Republican 
party.  Socially  he  is  a member  of  the  Ma- 
sonic fraternity,  and  of  the  Modern  Wood- 
men. 

JAMES  A.  FATHERS  has  for  six  years 
filled  the  office  of  city  treasurer  of  Janesville, 
Rock  county,  alike  with  fidelity  to  his  im- 
portant trust  and  satisfaction  to  the  people. 

Mr.  Fathers’  parents,  John  and  Ann 
(Hart)  Fathers,  were  both  natives  of  England, 
where  they  were  married,  and  where  they  re- 
sided until  1857.  John  Fathers  was  one  of 
three  sons  of  a government  official.  By  trade 
he  was  a malster,  and  he  was  for  many  years 
in  the  employ  of  Bass  & Co.,  the  famous  Eng- 
lish brewers.  So  capable  was  he  in  his  call- 
ing, and  so  well  established  was  his  reputation, 
that  in  the  year  named  the  Lill  & Diversey 
Brewing  Co.,  of  Chicago,  sent  for  him  to  come 
to  America  and  enter  their  service.  He  re- 
mained in  that  city  for  two  years,  and  in  1859 
was  sent  by  the  concern  to  Janesville.  The 
firm’s  losses  in  the  fire  of  October,  1871,  neces- 


77  2 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


sitated  a suspension  of  business,  and  from  that 
time  until  his  death — in  1882,  at  the  age  of 
fifty-seven — Mr.  Fathers  led  a life  of  retire- 
ment and  ease.  Both  he  and  his  wife  were 
members  of  the  Church  of  England.  She  still 
survives  him,  at  an  advanced  age.  Their  fam- 
ily consisted  of  five  children,  three  of  whom  are 
yet  living : William,  whose  home  is  in  Har- 
mony township,  Rock  county;  James  A.;  and 
Nellie,  wife  of  William  Green,  of  Janesville. 

James  A.  Fathers  was  born  in  Chicago 
May  5,  1859,  and  was  but  an  infant  when  his 
parents  removed  to  Janesville.  He  attended 
the  public  schools  until  he  was  fourteen  years 
old,  when  he  entered  the  woolen  mills  of 
Wheeler  & Sons,  intending  to  learn  the  trade 
of  a carder.  Not  liking  the  pursuit  he  aban- 
doned it,  and  subsecjuently  acquired  the  har- 
ness making  trade  in  the  establishment  of  C. 

H.  Payne.  After  working  four  years  as  a 
journeyman  he  bought  out  Mr.  Payne,  and 
successfully  conducted  the  business  until  1889, 
when  ill  health  compelled  his  retirement  from 
active  labor.  For  about  three  years  he  con- 
ducted a meat  market,  but  abandoned  this  en- 
terprise upon  his  election  to  the  city  treasurer- 
ship,  in  1894.  This  office  he  has  held  con- 
tinuously up  to  the  present  time,  by  successive 
re-elections.  To  the  discharge  of  his  official 
duties  he  brought  a large  fund  of  common 
sense,  a considerable  knowledge  of  public  af- 
fairs, and  unswerving  integrity,  which  quali- 
ties, joined  to  gentleness  of  disposition  and 
urbanity  of  manner,  admirably  qualify  him  for 
a post  of  grave  responsibility,  whose  occu- 
pant is  daily  called  upon  to  do  business  with 
“all  sorts  and  conditions  of  men.”  The  year 
.1894,  however,  did  not  mark  Mr.  Fathers’ 
debut  in  the  arena  of  public  life.  At  the  age 
of  twenty-two  he  was  chosen,  on  the  Republi- 
can ticket,  to  represent  the  Third  ward  upon 
the  board  of  aldermen.  He  occupied  a seat 
in  that  body  for  four  years,  and  for  three  years 
served  as  president  of  the  council.  He  is  uni- 
versally popular,  and  is  regarded  as  one  of 
Janesville’s  most  influential  citizens.  He  is 
a stockholder  in  the  Bower  City  Bank.  Mr. 
Fathers  belongs  to  both  the  Masonic  and  Odd 
Fellows  fraternities,  being  a member  of  Janes- 
ville Lodge,  No.  55,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  and  high 
priest  of  Janesville  Chapter,  No.  5,  R.  A.  M. 
He  belongs  to  Janesville  City  Lodge,  No.  90, 

I.  O.  O.  F.,  has  filled  all  the  chairs  in  the 
encampment,  and  was  chosen  grand  repre- 


sentative for  1893-94.  Some  fifteen  years  ago 
he  bought  his  present  pleasant  home,  at  No. 
259  South  Main  street. 

S^i  VER  H.  BOHN.  One  of  the  most  de- 
sirable farms  of  Green  county  is  located  on 
Section  10,  in  Adams  township,  eighteen  miles 
northwest  of  Monroe,  and  is  the  valuable 
property  of  one  of  the  wealthy  and  highly  es- 
teemed farmers,  Syver  H.  Bohn. 

Mr.  Bohn  was  born  July  17,  1846,  near 
Walders,  Norway,  a country  which  has  con- 
tributed some  of  the  best  types  of  citizenship 
which  Wisconsin  is  proud  to  acknowledge. 
His  father  was  Flermon  Hermonson,  who 
died  in  his'  native  country,  and  when  Mr.  Bohn 
came  to  America,  he  adopted  his  present  name. 
Mr.  Bohn  came  to  Green  county  in  1870,  and 
three  years  later  married  Miss  Julia  Nelson, 
of  Adams  township,  a daughter  of  Andrew 
Nelson,  who  was  also  ;a  native  of  Norway. 
Seven  children  have  been  born  to  this  union: 
Annie,  who  died  at  the  age  of  twenty;  Inga, 
married  to  B.  G.  Vinger,  and  lives  four  miles 
from  her  old  home ; Hannah,  who  passed  away 
when  young;  Andrew,  who  died  when  twenty- 
one;  Hannah,  at  home;  Julia  and  Ida,  also  at 
home.  Mr.  Bolm  has  been  sorely  bereft,  as  in 
1898  his  beloved  wife  was  removed  by  death, 
at  the  early  age  of  forty-one.  She  was  a most 
estimable,  Christian  lady,  a devoted  wife  and 
an  affectionate  and  self-sacrificing  mother. 
Fler  mother,  Mrs.  Nelson,  makes  her  home 
with  our  subject,  and  in  spite  of  her  eighty- 
four  years,  is  enjoying  good  health. 

Before  coming  to  America,  Mr.  Bohn  re- 
ceived a fair  education,  and  his  natural  intelli- 
gence has  given  him  a prominent  position  in 
township  affairs,  where  he  has  been  called  upon 
to  serve  as  school  director  and  road  supervisor, 
and  he  is  particularly  active  in  the  Lutheran 
Church,  in  which  he  is  an  official,  and  a liberal 
and  cheerful  contributor. 

The  fine  farm  owned  by  Mr.  Bohn  con- 
sists of  200  acres,  and  upon  it  is  a commodious 
and  comfortable  dwelling,  with  excellent  barns 
and  other  improvements,  and  lie  is  entirely  out 
of  debt,  and  is  so  situated  that  he  has  no  reason 
to  fear  that  “rainy  day,”  which  it  is  wise  to 
prepare  for.  Mr.  Bohn  has  earned  all  these 
comforts  by  his  own  efforts,  being  an  indus- 
trious and  careful  as  well  as  energetic  and  pro- 
gressive farmer.  He  is  engaged  in  general 
farming,  and  in  connection  conducts  a dairy- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Ill 


ing  business  and  manufactures'  cheese,  milking 
as  many  as  25  cows  per  day.  While  accumu- 
lating his  property  he  has  also  built  up  a repu- 
tation for  honesty  and  upright  dealing,  which 
has  gained  for  him  the  confidence  and  respect 
of  all  with  whom  he  comes  in  contact.  In 
politics,  Mr.  Bohn  is  an  ardent  Republican  and 
exerts  considerable  influence  in  favor  of  his 
chosen  party.  His  standing  is  high,  and  it 
is  a matter  of  congratulation  with  him,  that  no 
business  dealing  of  his  'has  ever  made  it  neces- 
sary for  him  to  call  in  the  law. 

JOHN  B.  ORTSCHEID,  a prominent 
real  estate  dealer,  notary  public  and  convey- 
ancer, of  Cassville,  Grant  county,  was  born 
in  Alsace,  France,  Dec.  2,  1842,  a son  of  Jo- 
seph and  Mary  Ann  (Blint)  Ortscheid,  also 
natives  of  Alsace;  there  the  father  died  in 
1851.  Six  years  later  the  widowed  mother, 
accompanied  by  her  son,  John  B.,-  and  daugh- 
ter, Magdalena,  came  to  America.  They  took 
passage  on  board  a sailing  vessel  at  Havre, 
and  after  fifty-six  days  spent  upon  the  At- 
lantic, reached  New  York  in  safety.  They 
crossed  the  country  by  rail  to  East  Dubuque, 
111.,  and  from  there  came  up  the  river  on 
a steamer  to  Cassville,  Wis.,  landing  here  Aug. 
27,  1857.  The  mother  died  at  this  place  in 
1869.  She  had  nine  children,  five  of  whom 
became  residents  of  Cassville,  and  of  these 
we  have  record  of  Frank  Joseph,  who  located 
here  in  1856,  but  is  now  living  in  East  Galena, 
111.,  and  owns  a valuable  farm  of  640  acres  of 
land;  Andrew  also  came  to  Cassville  in  1856, 
and  now  makes  his  home  at  North  Andover, 
Grant  county ; Magdalena  died  in  Cassville ; 
•and  John  B.,  still  a resident  of  this  place. 

John  B.  Ortscheid  was  a lad  of  fourteen 
years  when  he  arrived  in  Cassville,  which  town 
at  that  time  contained  but  twelve  or  fourteen 
families'.  Here  he  at  first  worked  as  a day 
laborer,  but  later  learned  the  baker’s  trade  at 
Dubuque  and  Galena,  and  in  1864  embarked 
in  the  bakery  and  saloon  business  at  Cassville, 
continuing  until  April.  1865.  Four  years  later 
he  erected  a good  frame  building,  where  he 
successfully  conducted  a bakery  and  restaurant 
for  thirty-one  years,  or  until  1899,  when  he 
sold  out.  For  a number  of  years  he  has  han- 
dled real  estate,  and  now  devotes  his  entire 
time  to  that  business,  being  the  only  exclusive 
real  estate  dealer  in  Cassville.  He  handles 
both  village  and  farm  property  in  Cassville  and 


Patch  Grove  townships,  has  property  for  sale 
in  the  Red  River  valley,  Minn.,  and  is  doing 
quite  a large  and  profitable  business. 

At  Dubuque,  Feb.  4,  1864,  Mr.  Ortscheid 
was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Catharine 
Zeug,  a native  of  Potosi,  Grant  county,  and  a 
daughter  of  Peter  and  Barbara  (Caternine) 
Zeug.  Her  father  was'  born  in  Germany,  and 
on  coming  to  this  country  in  1830,  located  in 
Dubuque,  but  the  following  year  took  up  his 
residence  in  Potosi,  where  he  now  lives  at  the 
advanced  age  of  ninety-eight  years.  During 
his  active  business  life  he  followed  mining  and 
farming.  His  wife  died  in  1886.  In  their 
family  were  the  following  children : Peter, 

who  died  in  San  Francisco,  Cal.;  Frank  and 
Burnhard,  both  residents  of  Iowa;  William, 
now  in  the  Klondike ; John,  who  was  drowned 
in  Grant  river;  John  (2),  who  died  young; 
Mrs.  Barbara  Bluemer,  of  Potosi ; Mrs.  Bar- 
bara Caspars,  of  Cassville;  and  Mrs.  Cath- 
arine Ortscheid.  Fourteen  children  have  been 
born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ortscheid,  namely : Ed- 
ward P.,  who  died  at  Seattle,  Wash.,  in  1897, 
aged  thirty-two  years ; Amelia,  who  died  in 
Cassville,  in  1867;  Josephine  Clara,  a Sister 
of  Notre  Dame,  Grand  Rapids;  Mary  Barbara, 
a Sister  of  Notre  Dame,  Prairie  du  Chien; 
Lena,  who  married  Charles  Starr,  of  La 
Crosse,  Wis.,  and  died  in  1896;  Anna,  who 
married  Jacob  Sc'huh,  and  has  three  children, 
Clarence,  Paul,  and  Irma,  of  Milwaukee. 
Wis.;  William  P.,  a jeweler,  of  Cassville; 
Maggie,  who  married  Frank  B.  Burdick,  and 
has  three  children,  Edward  McKinley,  Flor- 
ence and  Agnes;  Bernhart  William,  who  was 
born  in  Cassville,  Jan.  17,  1873,  and  died  on 
the  2 1 st  of  the  following  February;  Louisa 
Mary,  wife  of  Albert  Kleinpell,  of  Colesburg, 
Iowa;  Matthew  Bernard,  now  a barber,  and 
real  estate  and  collection  agent  of  Chicago, 
who  enlisted  in  the  State  Guards  of  Wiscon- 
sin, and  was  a member  of  Company  G,  4th 
Wis.  V.  I.,  in  the  Spanish- American  war; 
George  Washington;  Florence  Mary,  a resi- 
dent of  Milwaukee;  and  Agnes'  Otillia,  at 
home. 

Mr.  Ortscheid  and  his  family  hold  mem- 
bership in  the  Catholic  Church,  and  he  is  also 
a charter  member  of  Branch  No.  34,  Cath- 
olic Knights.  In  connection  with  his  other 
business  he  is  also  interested  in  mining  and  in 
quarrying  stone  for  building  purposes.  His 
home  property  consists  of  about  twenty-six 


774 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


acres  in  the  village  corporation,  upon  which  he 
has  erected  a pleasant  residence.  In  1862,  dur- 
ing the  Civil  war,  he  tried  to  enlist  in  the  12th 
Iowa  V.  I.,  but  being  under  age  he  was  re- 
jected. Politically  Mr.  Ortscheid  was  first  a 
Republican,  but  is  now  a supporter  of  the  Dem- 
ocratic  party.  Being  one  of  the  leading  and 
influential  'citizens  of  his  town,  he  has'  been 
called  upon  to  fill  several  local  positions  of 
honor  and  trust.  He  has  served  as  road  over- 
seer and  township  treasurer ; was  village  treas- 
urer from  1893  to  1898;  constable  from  1876 
to  1880;  justice  of  the  peace  from  1880  to 
1894,  during  which  time  he  married  sixty- 
three  couples;  and  was  member  of  the  village 
trustees  in  1900.  He  is  a man  of  excellent 
business  and  executive  ability,  whose  sound 
judgment,  unflagging  enterprise  and  capable 
management  have  brought  to  him  a well-merit- 
ed success'. 

CHARLES  A.  LYTLE,  a reputable  citi- 
zen and  formerly  a druggist  of  Monroe,  Green 
county,  had,  during  his  business  career,  a pat- 
ronage that  extended  far  out  into  the  adjacent 
country,  and  he  has  ever  borne  a good  name 
that  is  the  result  of  years  of  industry  and  in- 
tegrity. 

Mr.  Lytle  was  born  in  Mount  Joy,  Lan- 
caster county,  Penn.,  March  24,  1845,  a son 
of  Samuel  S.  P.  and  Anna  Belle  (Hendrick- 
son) Lytle,  both  natives  of  that  county.  Three 
sons  and  four  daughters  were  born  to  them, 
four  of  their  children  are  now  living:  Charles' 
A.;  Samuel  S.  P.,  Jr.,  of  Mount  Joy;  Jennie 
R.,  the  wife  of  Michael  Detweiler,  of  Mt.  Joy; 
and  Anna  Belle,  of  the  same  place.  The  fa- 
ther was  a farmer,  and  died  at  his  home  in  Mt. 
Joy,  in  January,  1898,  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
nine,  and  his  wife  died  in  1886,  when  sixty- 
two.  They  were  Presbyterians.  Joseph  Lytle, 
his  father,  was  a native  of  Scotland,  and  a 
farmer.  He  had  seven  children,  and  lived  to 
be  over  eighty  years  of  age.  Okey  Hendrick- 
son, the  father  of  Anna  Belle  whose  name  ap- 
pears above,  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
of  Scotch  descent.  He  built  the  first  hotel  in 
Mt.  Joy  and  reached  an  advanced  age.  He 
was  the  father  of  two  daughters  and  five  sons. 

Charles  A.  Lytle  spent  his  earlier  life  in 
Mt.  Joy,  Penn.,  where  he  attended  the  public 
schools  and  the  academy,  and  obtained  a very 
fair  education  for  the  times.  He  entered  a 
drug  store  in  Harrisburg,  Penn.,  Jan.  1,  1862, 


and  two  years  later  stood  the  medical  exam- 
ination, and  received  the  appointment  as  sur- 
geon steward  on  board  the  United  States 
steamer  '‘Stettin,”  where  he  served  until  the 
close  of  the  war.  Mr.  Lytle  left  the  naval 
service  at  the  conclusion  of  the  war,  and  re- 
turned to  the  drug  store  in  Harrisburg,  where 
he  remained  until  the  spring  of  1866.  That 
year  he  made  his  first  appearance  in  Wiscon- 
sin, and  began  clerking  for  J.  K.  Eilert,  who 
was  the  first  druggist  in  Green  county,  and 
who  had  been  a resident  of  Monroe  for  many 
years.  Warm  bonds  of  personal  attachment 
soon  came  to  exist  between  the  two,  and  Mr. 
Lytle  continued  with  Mr.  Eilert  as  long  as 
that  gentleman  lived,  and  when  he  died  in 
1892,  succeeded  to  the  business,  which  he  con- 
ducted until  December,  1900. 

Mr.  Lytle  and  Miss  Alice  S.  Banks  were 
married  Dec.  20,  1871.  Mrs.  Lytle  is  a daugh- 
ter of  James  A.  and  Grace  M.  (Walker) 
Banks,  of  Leeds,  England,  and  is  a lady  of 
most  charming  character.  She  is  the  mother 
of  two  children,  Grace  M.  and  Samuel.  J.,  both 
single.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lytle  are  members  of 
the  Catholic  Church,  and  he  is  affiliated  with 
the  Royal  Arcanum,  and  O.  F.  Pinney  Post, 
No.  102,  G.  A.  R.  He  is  a Republican,  and 
is  a highly  esteemed  business  man  and  citizen. 
His  home  is  at  the  corner  of  Main  and  Farmer 
streets,  in  Monroe,  which  town  has  been  his 
abiding  place  for  thirty-four  years. 

FRANCIS  METCALFE,  a retired  busi- 
ness man  of  Benton,  Wis.,  was  born  in  York- 
shire, England,  Jan.  10,  1837,  and  is  a son  of 
James  and  Margaret  (Netterson)  Metcalfe,, 
both  born  in  England.  The  father  was  born 
in  1806,  and  the  mother  in  1814.  They  had 
a family  of  seven  children,  when  they  came  to 
America  in  1849.  They  landed  in  this  coun- 
try at  New  Orleans,  and  journeyed  up  the 
Mississippi  river  to  Galena,  111.,  where  the 
father  worked  in  the  mines,  and  then  pur- 
chased a farm  in  Benton,  on  which  he  made 
very  liberal  improvements.  In  1868  he  pur- 
chased a farm  in  Dubuque  county,  Iowa,  where 
■ he  made  his  home  until  his  death  in  1884.  His 
widow  died  in  1892.  Mr.  Metcalfe  was  one 
of  the  founders  of  the  Methodist  Church  in 
Benton,  with  which  both  were  connected  in 
England.  They  were  active  in  the  work  of 
the  Church.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Metcalfe  were  the 
parents  of  seventeen  children,  thirteen  of 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


775 


whom  grew  to  maturity  : ( i ) Leonard  was 
married  to  Jane  Kendall,  and  for  some  years' 
lived  in  Benton.  He  was  a member  of  the 
96th  111.  V.  I.  during  the  Civil  war.  (2) 
Matthew  is  in  O’Brien,  O’Brien  Co.,  Iowa, 
and  has  a family  of  six  children.  (3)  Fran- 
cis. (4)  Thomas  enlisted  in  the  96th  111.  V. 
I.,  and  served  until  his  death  near  Nashville, 
Tenn.  (5)  James  was  a member  of  the  96th 
111.  V.  I.,  and  served  until  the  close  of  the  war. 
He  was  married  after  his  return  from  the  war 
to  Margaret  Alton,  of  Hazel  Green.  For 
many  years  he  was  one  of  the  prominent  busi- 
ness men  of  Benton.  He  is  living  in  Minne- 
apolis, where  one  of  his  four  sons  is  being  ed- 
ucated at  the  State  University.  (6)  Chris- 
topher, a soldier  of  the  96th  Illinois,  is  now 
living  near  Dubuque,  Iowa.  (Four  brothers 
were  in  the  one  regiment.)  After  the  war 
he  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  A.  Robson,  of 
Benton,  and  is  now  living  on  his  farm  near 
Dubuque,  Iowa.  (7)  Mary  A.  married  John 
Harker,  who  still  lives  in  Cuba  City,  where 
Mrs.  Harker  died  in  1894,  leaving  a family  of 
five  children.  These  seven  members  of  the 
family  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Metcalfe  were  all  born 
in  England.  (8)  Margaret,  born  in  Benton, 
married  John  Alexander,  of  Dubuque,  and  is 
the  mother  of  two  children,  William  and  Irene. 
(9)  John  W.,  now  a resident  of  Idaho  Springs, 
Colo.,  is  unmarried.  (10)  Isabella,  the  wife 
of  Joseph  Lewis,  who  resides  on  a farm  near 
Dubuque,  is  the  mother  of  three  children.  ( 1 1 ) 
Reuben  is  married,  and  resides  in  Dubuque ; he 
has  three  children.  (12)  David  married 
Phoebe  Dawson,  of  Dubuque,  where  they  re- 
side. He  is  engaged  in  the  butcher  business 
in  that  city.  They  have  one  son,  Earl  Metcalfe. 
(13)  Emanuel,  who  married  Miss  Sweeney,  of 
Dubuque,  resides  in  Des  Moines.  All  the  chil- 
dren of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Metcalfe  who  were  not 
natives  of  England  were  born  in  Lafayette 
county. 

Francis  Metcalfe  acquired  his  education  in 
the  old  country,  and  came  with  his  parents  to 
this  country  when  he  was'  eleven  years  of  age. 
In  England  he  worked  with  his  father  four 
years  in  the  mines.  After  coming  to  this  State 
he  pursued  the  same  labor  until  he  became  a 
young  man.  In  1862,  with  a company  of 
young  men,  he  walked  to  British  Columbia, 
where  they  worked  in  the  gold  mines  some 
four  years.  As  an  experienced  miner  he  com- 


manded a daily  wage  of  nine  dollars,  and  was 
quite  successful  in  his  work  in  that  distant 
country. 

Francis  Metcalfe  was'  married  in  1868  to 
Miss  Sarah  Alexander,  of  Benton,  daughter 
of  William  and  Mary  Alexander,  pioneers  in 
the  settlement  of  the  State.  Mrs.  Metcalfe 
was  born  in  County  Tyrone,  Ireland,  in  1842, 
and  when  eight  years  old  came  to  Wisconsin 
with  her  parents.  Her  education  was  obtained 
in  the  public  schools  of  the  town  of  Benton. 

Mr.  Metcalfe  purchased  a residence  in 
Benton,  and  was  engaged  in  active  business 
life  until  1894,  when  he  retired.  His  wife  died 
the  preceding  year,  leaving  seven  children: 
(1)  Ida,  born  in  1869,  is  the  wife  of  Arthur 
Emerson,  clerk  of  Lafayette  county,  and  has 
her  home  in  Darlington.  (2)  Thomas  J.,  born 
in  December,  1870,  was  graduated  in  the  class 
of  1892,  from  the  Platteville  Normal,  and  for 
six  years  taught  school.  He  is  now  a gradu- 
ate of  a dental  school  in  Chicago,  and  is  a 
practicing  dentist  in  Merrill,  Wis.  He  was 
married  to  Miss'  Alice  Harris,  of  Cuba  City, 
a daughter  of  Joseph  Harris,  one  of  the  lead- 
ing business  men  of  that  place.  They  have  one 
son,  Harold  H.  (3)  Clyde  C.,  a graduate  of 
the  Benton  school,  was  married  to  Miss  Susan 
Sandefur,  of  Darlington,  where  they  reside, 
and  where  he  is  engaged  in  business  as  a liv- 
eryman. They  have  one  daughter.  (4)  James 
W.,  born  in  March,  1876,  is  a graduate  of  the 
Benton  high  school.  He  learned  the  trade  of 
tinner  with  W.  H.  Niles,  and  is  now  holding 
the  office  of  chief  of  police  in  Benton.  In  July, 
1897,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Annie  Buchan, 
of  Benton,  daughter  of  Joseph  Buchan,  the 
cashier  of  the  Benton  Bank.  They  reside  in 
Benton,  and  have  one  son,  James  Lloyd.  (5) 
Jessie  I.,  born  in  1878,  was'  a graduate  of  the 
Platteville  Normal  in  the  class  of  1896,  and  for 
two  years  taught  in  the  high  school  at  Benton. 
She  died  in  December,  1898,  a young  lady  of 
much  culture  and  many  charms,  with  a host 
of  friends  in  the  community.  (6)  Francis, 
born  in  1883,  is  now  a student  in  the  State 
Normal  at  Platteville,  after  having  graduated 
from  the  Benton  high  school.  (7)  May  O., 
born  in  1885.  is  a student  in  the  Benton  public 
school. 

Francis  Metcalfe  is  a Republican,  and  is 
identified  with  the  Methodist  Church,  of  which 
he  has  always  been  an  active  member,  as  was 


776 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


also  his  wife.  One  of  the  solid  men  in  the  ! 
community,  Mr.  Metcalfe  has'  for  many  years 
been  known  by  his  honesty  and  manifest  in- 
tegrity. 

FRANK  D.  KIMBALL.  This  gentleman 
is  well  and  favorably  known  throughout  south- 
ern Wisconsin  as  a business  man  of  charac- 
ter and  standing  in  the  city  of  Janesville,  Rock 
county.  Lie  began  life  with  little  to  help  him 
beyond  a sound  constitution,  a fairly  good 
education  and  an  unusual  endowment  of  force 
and  character,  but  by  industry  and  thrift  has 
won  for  himself  a position  of  affluence  while 
still  in  middle  life. 

Mr.  Kimball  was  born  in  East  Greenwich, 
R.  I.,  Dec.  12,  1848,  only  child  of  Fermer 
and  Adeline  (Allen)  Kimball.  His  father  was 
a native  of  the  same  State,  while  his  mother 
was  born  in  Massachusetts.  Fermer  Kimball 
was  a carpenter  and  cabinet  maker,  and  later 
in  life  learned  the  trade  of  painting,  and  at 
different  times  worked  at  all  these  trades.  He 
rmoved  to  Wisconsin  in  1855,  locating  on  a 
200-acre  farm  in  La  Prairie  township;  he  de- 
voted himself  to  the  improvement  of  this  hand- 
some tract,  and  soon  converted  it  into  a valua- 
ble estate.  In  1865  he  became  a resident  of 
Janesville,  and  for  two  years  followed  the  trade 
of  painting.  He  did  well,  and  went  into  the  fur- 
niture and  manufacturing  business,  and  pres- 
ently acquired  an  interest  in  the  Thoroughgood 
box  factory.  He  also  owned  a hardware  store, 
and  besides  maintaining  his  interest  in  the  fac- 
tory, conducted  the  store  for  a number  of  years. 
During  the  last  few  years  of  his  life  he  gave 
his  entire  attention  to  the  box  factory,  and 
developed  a large  trade  in  cigar  boxes  and 
cigar-box  lumber.  He  was  one  of  the  organ- 
izers of  the  Bower  City  Bank,  and  was  once 
its  president.  Lie  died  March  6,  1899,  at  the 
age  of  seventy-six  years  and  six  months..  His 
widow  still  survives,  and  occupies  the  old 
home  at  the  corner  of  Bluff  and  South  Second 
streets.  She  and  her  husband  were  regular 
attendants  of  All  Souls’  Church.  Mr.  Kim- 
ball was  a Republican,  and  served  as  supervisor 
from  the  Third  ward  in  Janesville  for  eight- 
een years.  He  was  chairman  of  the  building 
committee,  under  whose  direction  the  Insane 
Asylum  was  erected,  and  for  two  terms  served 
as  chairman  of  the  board.  He  was  a member 
of  the  Wisconsin  Legislature  in  1878,  and 
again  in  1894  and  1895. 


Dean  Kimball,  father  of  Fermer  Kimball, 
was  a native  of  Rhode  Island,  and  was  of  En- 
glish descent.  The  family  in  America  begins 
its  history  with  the  story  of  three  brothers, 
who  came  to  New  England  about  1638,  find- 
ing locations  in  Rhode  Island,  Vermont  and 
Pennsylvania.  Dean  Kimball  was  a farmer, 
and  died  in  Rhode  Island  when  over  eighty- 
one,  the  father  of  eight  children.  The  mater- 
nal grandfather  of  Frank  D.  Kimball  was 
Abram  Allen,  a native  of  Massachusetts,  and 
of  English  descent,  who  followed  the  business 
of  a butcher,  and  died  in  Fall  River,  Mass., 
when  sixty-seven  years  old.  He  was  a -man 
of  good  character  and  business  integrity,  and 
was  the  father  of  a numerous  family. 

Frank  D.  Kimball  lived  on  his  father’s 
farm  until  he  reached  the  age  of  sixteen,  at- 
tending the  district  school,  and  later  the  pub- 
lic schools  of  Janesville.  For  four  years  he 
worked  at  the  trade  of  painting,  and  then  be- 
came a brakeman  on  the  railroad.  A year 
later  he  was  made  a fireman  on  a locomotive, 
and  served  the  company  in  that  capacity  for 
seventeen  months.  He  was  then  given  an  en- 
gine, and  was  an  engineer  for  twelve  years; 
during  the  last  six  years  of  that  time  he  had 
charge  of  a passenger  engine.  Leaving  the 
road,  he  went  into  business  as  a dealer  in  fur- 
niture, and,  qualifying  as  an  undertaker,  soon 
commanded  a large  and  profitable  trade.  He 
had  as  a partner  in  the  inception  of  his  busi- 
ness career  W.  B.  Brittan,  the  name  of  the 
firm  being  Brittan  & Kimball.  Mr.  Brittan 
retired  in  1888,  and  was  succeeded  by  James 
J.  Hall,  the  new  firm  being  Kimball  & Hall. 
A year  and  a half  later  Mr.  Kimball  purchased 
the  entire  business,  and  under  his  exclusive 
management  it  has  assumed  very  large  pro- 
portions. It  occupies  three  floors,  each  having 
a dimension  of  44x100  feet,  while  at  the  rear 
is  a store  house  24x36  feet,  two  stories  in 
height  and  of  brick  construction.  He  also 
owns  a store  house  on  W all  street ; it  has  two 
floors,  is  44x100  feet,  and  is  built  of  stone. 
He  carries  all  kinds  of  furniture,  and  has  built 
up  a very  extensive  trade  throughout  the 
county. 

Mr.  Kimball  was  married  July  9,  1867.  to 
Miss  Euretta  Burdick,  who  was  a daughter 
of  Rollin  S.  'and  Anabel  (Greenman)  Bur- 
dick, and  who  died  April  30,  1876,  at  the 
untimely  age  of  twenty-five  years.  She  was  a 
woman  of  high  character,  and  a devout  mem- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


777 


ber  of  the  Baptist  Church.  Of  the  two  chil- 
dren born  of  this  union,  George  married  Miss 
Elizabeth  Pritchard,  and  is  a partner  in  the 
box  factory,  and  Belle  died  in  early  child- 
hood. Mr.  Kimball  entered  into  the  matrimo- 
nial relations  a second  time,  Miss  Sarah  Hatch 
becoming  his  bride  on  Nov.  29,  1877.  She 
is  a daughter  of  William  and  Julia  Hatch, 
and  is  the  mother  of  two  children,  Frank  W. 
and  Euretta  May.  The  family  occupy  a beau- 
tiful and  attractive  home  at  15 1 South  Main 
street,  which  is  known  throughout  the  city  as 
the  center  of  a generous  and  gracious  hospi- 
tality. Mr.  Kimball  is  a member  of  the  Ma- 
sonic fraternity,  being  associated  with  West- 
ern Star  Lodge,  No.  14,  F.  & A.  M.  He  is 
a Republican,  and  though  not  a working  poli- 
tician exerts  considerable  influence  on  his  par- 
ty. He  has  lived  in  Rock  county  forty-five 
3rears,  and  in  that  time  has  witnessed  the  con- 
version of  southern  Wisconsin  from  wild  prai- 
rie and  unbroken  forest  into  the  garden  spot 
and  pride  of  the  Northwest. 

REV.  JOHN  ANDERECK,  pastor  of  the 
Baptist  Church  in  Juda,  and  one  of  the  leading 
ministers  of  Green  county,  is  eminent  not  only 
for  his  pulpit  abilities,  but  for  his  personal 
character,  and  for  his  profound  devotion  to  the 
great  cause  committed  to  him. 

Hon.  Alexander  and  Margaret  (Stanford) 
Andereck,  his  parents,  have  lived  in  Marion 
county,  111.,  many  years.  Alexander  Andereck 
was  born  April  9,  1822,  son  of  Isaac  Andereck, 
who  came  to  Pennsylvania  from  Germany 
about  one  hundred  years  ago.  To  him  were 
born  Alexander;  Jacob,  deceased;  John,  de- 
ceased; William;  Andrew,  deceased;  and 
Catherine,  deceased.  In  1845  Alexander  An- 
dereck married  Miss  Margaret  Stanford, 
daughter  of  Esseck  Stanford,  a brother  of  the 
late  Leland  Stanford  of  California.  This 
marriage  has  been  blessed  with  the  following- 
children:  Rev.  John;  Isaac,  of  Centralia,  111.; 
William  R.,  a minister  of  the  Baptist  Church 
at  Kankakee,  111. ; Sarah,  who  died  in  child- 
hood; Martha  E.,  the  wife  of  William  South- 
erland, of  Illinois;  Jacob,  a resident  of  Cen- 
Jxalia,  111.;  and  Andrew,  a farmer  in  Marion 
"'County,  Illinois.  The  father  is  now  living  re- 
tired from  the  activities  of  farm  life ; the  moth- 
er passed  to  the  better  land  in  November,  1899. 

Rev.  John  Andereck  was  united  in  mar- 
riage to  Miss  Catherine  E.  McClellan,  of 


Marion  county,  111.,  who  was  born  May  19, 
1850,  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Elizabeth  (Orr  ) 
McClellan,  and  a distant  relative  of  the  late 
Gen.  George  B.  McClellan.  The  marriage  was 
celebrated  Oct.  31,  1869,  and  has  been  blessed 
with  four  children : ( 1 ) W.  E.,  who  is  in 
charge  of  the  First  Baptist  Church,  at  Plym- 
outh, 111.;  (2)  Eldredge,  living  in  Juda,  Wis. ; 

(3)  Jesse  O.,  at  home  with  his  parents,  and 

(4)  Daisy,  who  died  in  infancy. 

Rev.  John  Andereck  was  reared  on  the 
farm,  attended  the  local  schools,  and  then 
went  to  the  high  school  at  Sandoval,  111.,  and 
as  he  became  a young  man  followed  public 
school  teaching  for  a time.  Entering  the 
Baptist  College  at  Alton,  111.,  he  prepared  for 
the  ministry  of  that  church.  Beginning  his 
ministerial  work  in  1884,  he  came  in  1888  to 
Juda,  Wis.,  and  has  filled  the  pulpit  of  the 
Baptist  Church  in  that  village  ever  since,  to 
the  genera]  satisfaction  of  the  community. 
The  parsonage  is  a fine  residence.  Mr.  An- 
dereck is  a stanch  Prohibitionist,  and  is  a 
member  of  the  Good  Templars.  He  has  large- 
ly made  his  own  way  in  the  world,  and  his 
work  has  been  crowned  with  fair  success.  Pie 
is  well  read,  well  posted  on  general  topics,  and 
is  a man  of  character  and  influence  in  the  com- 
munity. He  has  many  friends,  b}r  whom  he 
is  beloved  as  a man  of  kind  heart  and  generous 
spirit,  ready  to  help  the  needy  to  a better  life, 
and  is  a devoted  worker  in  the  Gospel  field. 

The  First  Baptist  Church  of  Juda, 
Wis.,  is  one  of  the  land  marks  in  the  re- 
ligious history  of  the  State.  For  more  than 
sixty  years  its  name  has  lived  in  Green  county, 
and  it  has  inspired  noble  living  to  a multitude 
of  men  and  women,  whose  lives  have  attest- 
ed the  reality  of  their  Christian  faith. 

This  church  was  organized  earty  in  the 
summer  of  1840,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Stillwell,  a 
devoted  clergyman  of  the  Baptist  faith,  who 
came  from  Illinois,  and  had  a membership  of 
fourteen  people,  including  Mr.  Stillwell  and 
his  wife.  That  gentleman  was  in  charge  of 
the  movement  for  some  years,  and  was  suc- 
ceeded by  the  Rev.  G.  R.  Patton,  who  was  the 
beloved  and  venerated  pastor  of  the  church  for 
forty  years.  During  his  ministry  he  baptized 
and  married  a vast  number  of  people,  and  lift- 
ed the  church  to  a lofty  and  influential  position. 
The  retirement  of  Mr.  Patton  was  followed  by 
a season  of  supplies,  and  then  Elder  Prescott 
served  for  three  years  as  pastor.  For  thirteen 


77« 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


years  the  Rev.  John  Andereck  has  ministered  to 
this  people,  and  in  that  time  has  won  a hold 
upon  their  hearts  second  to  no  man  who  ever 
broke  for  them  the  Bread  of  Life. 

The  organization  of  this  Church  was  ef- 
fected in  a school  house,  and  for  some  years 
it  met  for  worship  in  halls  and  in  private 
houses.  In  1847  a union  meeting  house  was 
dedicated  in  Juda,  and  there  for  twenty  years 
this  church  met  for  religious  services.  In 
1867  it  built  for  itself  its  present  large  and 
convenient  edifice,  which  is  thought  to  be  one 
of  the  best  and  most  substantial  in  the  coun- 
ty. The  church  organization  at  the  present 
time  has  a membership  of  250  people,  who  are 
among  the  most  prominent  and  influential  peo- 
ple of  this  community. 

The  officers  of  the  church  and  its  various 
societies  are  earnest  and  efficient  workers,  as 
will  be  seen  from  the  list  here  appended. 
Deacons:  Hon.  Franklin  Mitchell,  Henry  Rod- 
erick, Marion  Gaspin,  Jacob  L.  Roderick, 
William  Baird,  George  Hemstreet,  and  John 
Clemmer.  Trustees:  Hon.  Franklin  Mitchell, 
Samuel  Hutzell,  J.  J.  Newman,  Thomas  Davis, 
William  Baird,  and  Gilbert  Newman.  Treas- 
urer: E.  P.  Mitchell.  Clerk:  Jacob  L.  Roderick. 
Sunday  School:  Superintendent,  Miss  Anna 
Roderick;  Assistant  Superintendent,  Mrs.  C. 
E.  Andereck;  Secretary,  Miss  Emma  Wohl- 
wend;  Librarian,  Miss  Hattie  Calvin;  Organ- 
ist, Miss  Clara  Roderick.  Baptist  Young 
People’s  Union:  President,  Mrs'.  Edith  Al- 
len; Secretary,  Mrs.  Catharine  Dininger; 
Treasurer,  Ross  Roderick;  Organist,  Miss 
Dora  Dinwiddie.  Woman’s  Home  and  For- 
eign Missionary  Societies:  President,  Mrs. 

Hannah  Roderick;  Secretary,  Edith  Allen; 
Treasurer,  Hattie  Blackford.  Ladies  Aid  So- 
ciety: President,  Mrs.  C.  E.  Andereck;  Vice- 
president,  Mrs.  Martha  Patton ; Secretary  and 
Treasurer,  Miss  Emma  Wohlwend. 

TFIOMAS  CONVEY.  Prominent  among 
the  people  of  Rideway  township,  Iowa  county, 
whose  period  of  residence  here  covers  more 
than  forty  years,  is  Thomas  Convey,  a well- 
known  citizen.  Mr.  Convey  was  born  in  Cana- 
da, in  1849,  but  his  ancestry  came  from  the  Em- 
erald Isle,  a land  which  has  probably  contribut- 
ed more  of  her  citizens  to  this  section,  than  any 
other,  of  equal  population,  and  in  an  especial 
manner  is  southwest  Wisconsin  indebted  to 
the  sons  and  daughters  of  Ireland,  for  its  ag- 


ricultural, mineral  and  religious  development. 
In  fact,  her  sturdy  sons  were  most  numerous 
among  those  early  pioneers  who  first  brought 
to  light  the  rich  mining  interests  and  agricult- 
ural possibilities  of  the  State,  and  while  the 
first  generation  has  nearly  all  passed  away, 
their  children  and  the  results  of  their  labor 
remain. 

In  the  true  sense  of  the  word,  Thomas 
Convey  was  not  a pioneer,  but  for  many  years 
he  has  been  actively  engaged  in  ascertaining 
and  promoting  the  best  interests  of  Iowa  coun- 
ty, especially  in  an  agricultural  sense.  His 
parents  were  born  in  Ireland ; his  father,  Thom- 
as Convey,  removing  from  Ireland,  to  Scot- 
land, with  his  parents,  in  early  life.  With 
them  he  came  to  America,  locating  in  New 
York,  but  about  1834  removal  was  made  to 
Canada  and  there  his  son,  Thomas  Convey  of 
this  sketch,  was  born.  In  i860,  Thomas  Con- 
vey, Sr.,  with  his  family,  comprising  wife  and 
two  children,  Thomas  and  his  sister  (who  now 
is  Mrs'.  Michael  Barry,  of  Dodgeville  town- 
ship), came  to  Iowa  county  and  settled  on 
Speculators  land,  in  the  township  of  Ridge- 
way, Section  27.  The  farm  originally  con- 
tained eighty  acres,  which  was  later  increased 
to  220,  and  here  the  devoted  mother  died,  in 
1877,  and  the  father  passed  away  in  1895, 
about  eighty  years  of  age. 

Thomas  Convey  was  about  eleven  years 
old  when  he  came  to  Wisconsin  with  his  par- 
ents. As  a boy  he  attended  school,  and  assist- 
ed in  the  clearing  of  the  land,  and  after  finish- 
ing the  common  school  course,  in  his  district, 
he  became  a student  at  the  High  school,  in 
Freeport,  111.  After  completing  a very  thor- 
ough course  there,  he  began  the  profession  of 
teaching,  and  for  twelve  terms  was  one  of 
the  most  efficient  educators'  in  Ridgeway  and 
Mifflin  townships.  However,  it  is  along  the 
lines  of  farming  and  stockraising  that  Mr. 
Convey  has  been  so  eminently  successful,  and 
has  earned  the  reputation  of  being  an  authority 
as  to  the  best  methods  in  these  industries.  Ever 
since  1888,  Mr.  Convey  has  been  in  great  de- 
mand as  a lecturer  at  Farmers’  Institutes  on 
the  subjects  of  dairying,  stock-breeding,  gen- 
eral farming  and  kindred  subjects. 

Mrs.  Convey  was  formerly  Miss  Martha 
Miess,  a daughter  of  Flenry  Miess,  a pioneer 
of  Ridgeway  township,  and  a large  and  inter- 
esting family  has'  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Convey,  consisting  of  nine  daughters  and  three- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


779 


sons.  Mr.  Convey  is  too  well  known  to  the 
public  to  require  more  than  a brief  sketch.  In 
politics  he  is  independent,  a prohibitionist  in 
principle  and  is  an  advocate  of  whatever  he 
believes  will  best  tend  to  promote  the  best  in- 
terests of  the  people.  His  mind  is  liberal,  and 
his  culture  broad.  His  fine  library  and  his  pat- 
ronage of  the  best  papers  and  periodicals  at- 
test his  desire  to  keep  in  touch  with  the  latest 
thought  of  the  day,  while  his  excellent  farm 
displays  thoroughness  of  cultivation  and  the 
success  of  his  theories,  when  put  into  active 
practice.  Although  Mr.  Convey  has  occupied 
a prominent  position  in  his  neighborhood,  he 
has  never  sought  political  favor,  has  served 
as  chairman  of  his  township  and  has  often 
filled  local  offices,  but  his  life  has  been  too 
busy  in  other  lines  to  permit  him  to  accept 
higher,  or  more  engrossing  positions. 

FRANCIS  M.  CONFER,  M.  D.  (de- 
ceased), was  one  of  the  leading  physicians  of 
the  city  of  Monroe,  Green  county.  He  was 
a deep  student  of  his  profession,  thoroughly 
posted  as  to  its  primary  principles,  and  fully 
abreast  of  the  times.  He  had  a large  practice, 
and  brought  to  his  patients  the  best  that  medi- 
cal art  and  science  offered. 

Dr.  Confer  was  born  in  Green  county, 
Wis.,  Dec.  18,  1854,  and  was  a son  of  James 
and  Mary  E.  (Ziebach)  Confer,  both  natives 
of  Pennsylvania.  They  had  four  sons:  John 
W.,  of  North  Ontario,  Cal.;  Dr.  Francis  M. ; 
Jacob  S.,  of  Mason  City,  Iowa;  and  J.  Ellis, 
of  Monroe.  The  father,  who  was  a tanner  by 
trade,  came  West  to  Illinois  in  1848,  and.  lived 
in  Winnebago  county,  not  far  from  Rockford, 
from  that  year  until  October,  1854,  when  he 
moved  into  Green  county,  Wis.,  and  bought 
a farm  of  160  acres  in  Washington  township. 
This  farm  became  the  family  home  for  many 
years,  and  here  his  sons  were  reared,  taking 
lessons  of  courage  and  endurance  from  the 
hard  work  that  necessarily  came  to  them. 
Mr.  Confer  sold  his  land  in  1884,  and  moved 
into  the  city  of  Monroe,  to  live  retired  the 
balance  of  his  days.  He  died  Oct.  19,  1891, 
when  he  was  in  his  seventy-first  year.  His 
widow  still  survives.  They  were  originally 
Baptists,  but  joined  the  Methodist  Church  late 
in  life.  He  was  a man  of  considerable  prom- 
inence, and  at  different  times  had  filled  various 
township  offices.  His  father  was  a farmer, 
and  died  in  Center  county,  Penn.,  about  1835, 


when  quite  a young  man.  Jacob  Ziebach,  the 
father  of  Mrs.  Mary  E.  Confer,  was  a native 
of  Pennsylvania,  of  German  extraction,  and 
lived  to  be  about  eighty-five,  dying  in  his  na- 
tive State.  He  reared  a large  family. 

Francis  M.  Confer  spent  the  first  twenty 
years  of  his  life  on  the  paternal  acres,  and 
was  reared  under  the  fostering  care  of  his  fa- 
ther and  mother.  He  attended  the  local  school, 
was  graduated  from  the  Monroe  high  school  in 
1878,  and  when  he  was  seventeen  began  teach- 
ing, continuing  several  years  with  marked 
success.  He  had  fixed  his  mind  on  the  pro- 
fession of  medicine,  and  for  several  years  was 
reading  up  for  it.  In  1879  he  matriculated 
at  Rush  Medical  College,  Chicago,  and  was 
graduated  from  that  institution  with  honor  in 
1882.  He  began  his  professional  career  at 
Dayton,  Wis.,  where  he  spent  one  year,  then 
moved  to  Monroe,  and  almost  immediately  en- 
tered into  a large  and  growing  practice,  which 
steadily  increased  up  to  the  time  of  his  death, 
Nov.  7,  1900.  Monroe  has  lost  an  exemplary 
citizen,  the  medical  profession  a worthy  mem- 
ber, and  his  family  a kind  husband  and  father. 
The  Doctor  took  a special  course  in  the  Poly- 
clinic at  New  York  in  1890,  and  five  years 
later  went  to  Europe  and  studied  in  Vienna, 
also  visiting  the  various  medical  centers,  par- 
ticularly Munich  and  London.  He  was  a 
specialist  in  surgery,  and  in  the  treatment  of 
the  eye  and  ear,  was  always  progressive,  and 
did  special  work  each  year,  thus  keeping  fully 
abreast  of  the  times. 

Dr.  Confer  and  Miss  Carrie  Isely,  a daugh- 
ter of  John  and  Louisa  (Germann)  Isely,  were 
married  Feb.  19,  1882,  and  they  had  three 
children,  Francis  M.,  Jr.,  Edna  L.  and  Rob- 
ert R.  The  home  is  on  the  corner  of  East 
and  Merchant  streets,  where  the  Doctor  bought 
the  ground  and  built  a fine  residence.  Dr. 
Confer  was  a member  of  Smith  Lodge,  A.  F. 
& A.  M.,  and  was  highly  respected  in  his  Ma- 
sonic affiliations.  He  belonged  to  the  Ameri- 
can Medical  Association,  and  to  both  the  Wis- 
consin State  Medical  Society  and  the  Central 
Wisconsin  Medical  Society,  anxious  always  to 
come  into  contact  with  the  best  and  brightest 
members  of  his  profession.  Politically  he  was 
an  independent  Republican. 

ERNEST  W.  GORHAM.  Among  the 
prominent  and  successful  young  farmers  of 
Sylvester  township,  Green  county,  is  Ernest  W. 


.780 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Gorham,  who  is  esteemed  and  respected  as  a 
representative  man  of  the  community. 

William  C.  Gorham,  the  father  of  our  sub- 
ject, was  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Wisconsin, 
coming  to  the  State  about  fifty-six  years  ago, 
and  has  seen  its  wonderful  growth  and  de- 
velopment. He  is  now  one  of  the  esteemed 
residents  of  Monroe,  where  he  lives  in  retire- 
•ment.  While  a native  of  Ohio,  born  Aug.  31, 
1825,  his  long  residence  in  the  Badger  State 
has  made  its  progress  and  interests  very  dear 
to  him.  The  mother  of  our  subject,  Elvira 
(Chaffee)  Gorham,  was  born  in  Vermont 
March  22,  1833,  and  married  Mr.  Gorham  in 
Ohio  Jan.  3,  1853.  Their  two  children  were 
born  in  Wisconsin,  the  elder  De  Witt  R.  Gor- 
ham, born  in  1854,  being  now  a resident  of 
Monroe.  With  but  limited  means,  his  cash 
capital  being  only  $15,  William  C.  Gorham 
had  a difficult  future  before  him  when  he  first 
located  in  the  wilderness  of  Wisconsin,  but  his 
undaunted  energy  and  industry  enabled  him  to 
push  forward  successfully,  and  at  one  time 
he  was'  the  owner  of  600  acres  of  land,  among 
the  best  adapted  to  farming  in  the  county. 
During  1864-65  Mr.  Gorham  was  a volunteer 
member  of  Company  I,  46th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and 
served  until  the  close  of  the  war,  receiving  an 
honorable  discharge. 

Ernest  W.  Gorham  was  born  Dec.  8,  i860. 
Through  his  grandfather,  Elisha  Gorham,  a 
native  of  New  Haven,  Conn.,  he  is  descended 
from  English  and  Scottish  ancestry.  Mr. 
Gorham  became  early  accustomed  to  the  du- 
ties of  the  farm,  and  when  his  district  schooling 
was  completed  began  agricultural  labor  as  his 
choice  of  occupation,  his  father  having  deeded 
him  one  of  his  farms.  He  has  since  success- 
fully continued  in  general  farming  and  stock 
raising. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Gorham  took  place 
on  June  27,  1S95,  to  Miss  Flora  L.,  the  esti- 
mable daughter  of  Charles'  and  Rosina  (Voss) 
Brackenwagen,  of  Washington  township,  who 
came  to  Green  county  from  Germany,  in  1862. 

The  birth  of  Mrs.  Gorham  was  on  Sept.  2, 
1866,  and  she  is  one  of  a family  of  ten  chil- 
dren : Emma,  Clara,  Minnie,  Charles,  Made, 
Otto,  Frank,  Jennie,  Flora  L.  and  Zena.  Two 
children  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gor- 
iham:  Elvira,  on  May  3,  1896,  and  Ralph,  on 
Oct.  23,  1898. 

Since  attaining  his  majority  Mr.  Gorham 
has  been  a stanch  supporter  of  the  Republican 


party,  and  is  a willing  worker  in  the  same. 
Although  he  does'  not  belong  to  .any  religious 
denomination,  they  all  have  his  hearty  support, 
particularly  the  M.  E.  Church.  His  influence 
is  always  cast  in  support  of  the  cardinal  vir- 
tues, and  he  is  widely  known  as  a liberal  and 
conscientious  man.  His  property  in  Sylvester 
township  is  located  three  miles  northeast  of 
Monroe,  where  the  pleasures  of  both  country 
and  city  life  may  be  enjoyed,  and  he  is  also  the 
owner  of  a fine  farm  of  180  acres  in  Adams 
county.  Mr.  Gorham  is  a worthy  representa- 
tive of  one  of  the  old  and  respected  families 
of  this  locality.  The  death  of  his  mother,  on 
June  10,  1894,  removed  from  life  one  of  the 
best  and  most  estimable  women  of  this  local- 
ity, and  she  is  well  remembered  for  her  many 
kind  and  neighborly  deeds. 

FION.  THEODORE  W.  GOLDIN, 
though  yet  scarcely  more  than  forty-five  years 
of  age,  has  passed  through  more  peril  and  en- 
joyed more  honor  than  usually  fall  to  the  lot 
of  men  of  twice  his  years.  He  is  of  English 
descent  although  for  many  generations  his  for- 
bears have  been  born  on  American  soil.  His 
grandfather,  George  G.  Goldin,  resided  many 
years  in  the  city  of  New  York,  where  he  car- 
ried on  business  as  an  architect,  as  well  as  a 
contractor  and  builder.  He  was  the  father  of 
four  children,  one  of  whom,  Reuben  W.,  be- 
came the  father  of  Hon.  Theodore  W.  Goldin, 
of  Janesville. 

Reuben  W.  Goldin  came  with  his  parents 
to  Wisconsin  about  1848,  a youth  of  sixteen 
years.  The  family  settled  in  the  town  of  New- 
ark, a’  few  miles  west  of  the  present  city  of 
Beloit,  and  there  he  attended  school,  and 
learned  the  trade  of  a harness  maker.  After 
a few  years  he  found  his  way  to  Cincinnati, 
Ohio,  where  he  remained  for  several  years, 
and  where  he  married,  his  wife  being  Eliza- 
beth Bradfield,  of  Columbiana  county,  Ohio, 
who  was  one  of  a family  of  five  children.  Her 
father  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812.  Re- 
turning to  Wisconsin,  Mr.  Goldin  located  first 
in  Janesville,  but  soon  took  up  his  residence 
at  Albany,  Green  county,  where  he  engaged 
in  business  as  a dealer  in  saddlery,  harness, 
trunks,  and  other  leather  goods.  Later  he  re- 
moved to  Brodhead,  where  he  passed  the  re- 
mainder of  his  life,  some  twenty-five  years, 
dying  in  1893,  at  the  age  of  sixty-one.  His 
venerable  widow  yet  survives  him,  her  home 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


being  at  Brodhead.  Mr.  Goldin  was  a man 
keenly  alive  to  the  public  interests,  and  en- 
joyed the  full  confidence  and  respect  of  his 
fellow  citizens,  who  elected  him  to  various 
town  and  city  offices.  Although  brought  up 
under  Quaker  influences,  it  was  his  custom  to 
accompany  his  wife  to  the  Methodist  Church, 
of  which  she  was  a member. 

Hon.  Theodore  W.  Goldin  was  his  parents’ 
only  child.  He  was  born  in  the  town  of  Avon, 
Rock  county,  July  25,  1856,  attended  the  pub- 
lic schools,  and  at  an  early  age  began  to  learn 
the  harness  making  trade.  The  employment, 
however,  was  not  to  his  liking.  He  desired  a 
life  more  stirring  and  full  of  adventure,  and 
after  three  years  he  entered  the  employ  of  the 
Chicago  & North  Western  Railway  Co.,  first 
as  an  office  assistant,  and  later  as  a brakeman. 
He  was  also  for  a time  in  the  service  of  the 
Chicago,  Burlington  & Quincy  road.  In  1S73 
he  enlisted  in  the  7th  U.  S.  Cavalry,  serving 
for  four  years  and  eight  months,  first  as  a 
private,  and  later  as  a sergeant.  This  was  the 
regiment  formerly  commanded  by  the  gallant 
and  unfortunate  Gen.  Custer,  whose  sad  fate 
at  the  hand  of  the  copper-colored  savages  of 
the  Plains  plunged  an  entire  nation  into  mourn- 
ing. Mr.  Goldin  was  with  the  General  until 
within  an  hour  and  a half  of  the  time  when 
the  gallant  leader,  with  257  of  his  men,  was 
so  foully  and  cruelly  massacred.  At  the  time 
of  the  carnage  Sergt.  Goldin  was  with  Major 
Reno,  and  he  enjoys  the  distinction  of  being 
the  only  one  of  that  heroic  band  who  escaped 
slaughter.  In  commemoration  of  his  partici- 
pation in  the  affair  Congress  voted  him  a Con- 
gressional medal  of  honor,  which  is  one  of  his 
most  highly  prized  possessions. 

After  leaving  the  army  our  subject  entered 
the  service  of  the  Northwestern  Stage  & Ex- 
press Co.,  with  which  he  remained  eighteen 
months.  Returning  home,  he  entered  into 
business  with  his  father,  but  when  the  latter 
disposed  of  his  store  he  once  more  began  the 
life  of  a railroad  man,  working  first  for  the 
Chicago,  Milwaukee  & St.  Paul  Co.,  later  for 
the  Wisconsin  Central.  In  1881  he  again  went 
home  to  Brodhead,  and  in  the  autumn  of  1882 
was  elected  clerk  of  the  Circuit  Court  of  Green 
county,  which  office  he  continued  to  hold  un- 
til Nov.  1,  1885,  resigning  to  form  a law  part- 
nership with  Hon.  B.  F.  Dunwiddie,  of  Janes- 
ville, who  at  present  occupies  a seat  on  the 
Bench  of  the  Circuit  Court.  Later  William 


781 


G.  Wheeler  (afterward  district  attorney  for 
Rock  county)  was  admitted  to  the  firm,  which 
was,  however,  dissolved  in  1895,  upon  the  elec- 
tion of  Mr.  Goldin  to  the  Circuit  Court  clerk- 
ship for  Rock  county.  This  office  he  still  holds,, 
his  native  ability,  painstaking  accuracy  and 
long  experience  peculiarly  qualifying  him  for 
the  discharge  of  its  responsible  duties.  He  is 
known  throughout  the  length  and  breadth  of 
the  State,  and  is  everywhere  held  in  high  es- 
teem. Of  strong  personality  and  resolute  will, 
he  leaves  his  impress  on  everything  which  falls 
under  his  control,  while  his  gentle  disposition 
and  generous  nature  endear  him  to  his  friends. 

Mr.  Goldin  is  a thirty-second  degree  Ma- 
son, and  is  at  present  Grand  Commander  of 
the  State  of  Wisconsin.  He  was  initiated  into 
the  fraternity  in  Smith  Lodge,  Monroe,  and 
his  immediate  affiliations  at  present  are  with 
Western  Star  Lodge,  No.  14,  A.  F.  & A.  M., 
of  Janesville;  Janesville  Chapter,  No.  5,  R.  A. 
M. ; Janesville  Commandery,  No.  2,  K.  T. ; 
and  the  Milwaukee  Consistory.  Both  he  and 
his  wife  are  members  of  the  Order  of  the  East- 
ern Star.  He  also  belongs  to  Oriental  Lodge, 
No.  2,  K.  of  P.,  and  to  the  B.  P.  O.  E.  His  po- 
litical creed  is  that  of  the  Republican  party. 

On  Feb.  23,  1881,  Mr.  Goldin  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Laura  Dunwiddie,  a 
daughter  of  David  and  Cynthia  (Mitchell) 
Dunwiddie,  of  Janesville.  To  their  union  has 
been  born  one  son,  Herbert  D. 

FRANK  G.  VILLEMONTE.  Among 
the  prominent  business  citizens  of  Arena  is 
Frank  G.  Villemonte,  a successful  merchant 
and  progressive  man  who  has  -been  identified 
with  the  advancement  of  Iowa  county  for 
many  years.  He  was  born  in  Detroit,  Mich., 
Nov.  24,  1842,  a son  of  Exever  and  Mary 
Villemonte,  natives  of  France,  where  they  were, 
reared  and  married,  coming  to  America  when 
they  had  but  one  child,  an  infant,  who  died 
on  the  passage  and  was  buried  at  sea.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Villemonte  resided  in  Buffalo,  N. 
Y.,  for  eight  years,  and  then  removed  to  De- 
troit, Mich.,  where  they  made  their  home  for 
sixteen  years.  Their  location  in  the  latter  city 
was  in  1834, 'when  it  was  but  a hamlet,  and 
when  they  left  it,  the  growth  and  development 
had  already  begun.  In  1850  Mr.  Villemonte, 
with  his  family,  started  by  way  of  the  Lakes 
to  Milwaukee,  and  thence  by  team  to  Arena 
township,  where  one  of  the  fertile  farms  was 


782 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


purchased,  and  there  the  father  of  the  family 
died,  in  the  spring  of  1867,  the  mother  surviv- 
ing but  one  year. 

Exever  Villemonte  was  an  industrious'  and 
esteemed  citizen.  Although  possessed  of  but 
limited  means  when  he  reached  Iowa  county, 
by  his  energy  and  diligence  he  made  of  his 
land  one  of  the  best  farms  in  this  locality.  The 
life  the  family  led  was  that  of  the  pioneer 
and  demanded  rude  strength  and  patience,  as 
well  as  calm  courage,  for  often  the  husband- 
man was  required  to  struggle  not  only  with 
unknown  conditions  of  climate,  but  also  had 
to  be  prepared  for  battle  with  fire,  flood'  and 
the  savages  who  still  lurked  not  far  away. 
The  subject  of  this  sketch  well  remembers  see- 
ing 5 00  Indians  at  one  time,  soon  after  the 
arrival  of  the  family  in  its  new  home.  Deer 
was  abundant  in  this  wilderness — in  fact  was 
the  chief  article  of  diet.  There  was  little  chance 
for  any  intellectual  life,  as  the  nearest  school 
house  was  three  miles  distant,  and  the  farm 
houses  far  between.  At  death  the  parents  left 
six  children,  three  sons  and  three  daughters, 
all  of  whom  still  survive,  with  the  exception 
of  the  eldest,  Charles  Villemonte,  who  died  on 
May  10,  1893,  a resident  of  Helena,  in  this 
county.  The  others  are : Emily,  who  is  the 

wife  of  Charles  Poutie,  of  Buffalo ; Mary  Ann, 
who  is  the  wife  of  Charles  Warner,  of  Bur- 
lingame, Kans. ; Mary,  who  is  the  wife  of  John 
R.  Maffott,  of  Mount  Vernon,  S.  Dak. ; Paul,  a 
resident  of  Winona,  Minn.,  who  was  a mem- 
ber of  Company  K,  33d  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served 
through  the  war  of  the  Rebellion;  and  Frank 
G.,  of  this  sketch. 

Frank  G.  Villemonte  was  a lad  of  eight 
years  when  he  accompanied  his  parents  to 
Iowa  county,  and  remembers  the  appearance 
of  the  country  as  it  was  a half  century  ago. 
Here  he  learned  to  swing  an  ax  and  drive  a 
plow,  and  with  interest  watched  the  develop- 
ment of  the  country  about  their  cabin,  the  ad- 
vent of  every  neighbor  being  hailed  with  de- 
light, for  with  settlement  came  good  roads, 
better  school  facilities  and  a social  life  which 
inevitably  broadened  the  mind  and  opened  up 
avenues  for  usefulness. 

On  Aug.  15,  1862,  Mr.  Villemonte  en- 
listed in  the  Federal  army,  becoming  a member 
of  Co.  C,  31st  Wis.  V.  I.  This  regiment  be- 
longed to  the  gallant  army  which  engaged  in 
the  siege  of  Atlanta  and  made  the  famous 
March  to  the  Sea,  also  participating  in  the  bat- 


tles of  Goldsboro  and  Bentonville,  and  in  the 
marching  and  skirmishing  that  preceded  these 
famous  engagements.  Mr.  Villemonte  was  at 
Raleigh  when  Gen.  Johnston  surrendered  to 
Gen.  Sherman,  when  the  war  was  practically 
over.  Then  came  the  last  important  events  of 
Sherman’s  march  to  Washington  and  the 
Grand  Review  in  that  city.  From  there  our 
subject  went  to  Fouisville,  Ky.,  where  he  was 
mustered  out  of  a service  he  had  willingly  en- 
tered, thence  to  Madison,  where,  on  the  6th 
of  July,  the  regiment  was  discharged,  the  sol- 
diers bade  each  other  farewell,  and  scattered 
over  the  country  to  their  various  homes. 

Mr.  Villemonte  engaged  in  work  on  a farm 
for  a year  after  his  return,  and  then  went  to 
Necedah,  where  he  was  employed  in  the  lum- 
ber business  for  about  five  months,  rafting 
lumber  down  the  Mississippi  and  Wisconsin 
rivers  to  Hannibal,  Mo.,  but  gave  up  that  la- 
borious life  to  return  to  his  parents  who  need- 
ed his  care  and  filial  attention.  They  were  then 
living  at  Helena,  in  Iowa  county,  and  he  settled 
down  with  them  and  learned  the  trade  of  shoe- 
maker, with  his  brother,  Charles,  entering  into 
a partnership,  which  was  later  dissolved,  and 
he  came  to  Arena  and  opened  up  a boot  and 
shoe  store,  conducting  this  business  success- 
fully for  the  succeeding  seventeen  years.  As 
his  health  seemed  to  be  giving  away,  Mr.  Ville- 
monte then  purchased  a farm,  and  for  the  next 
ten  years  met  with  prosperity  as  an  agricult- 
urist. Desiring  again  the  comforts  and  recre- 
ations of  a more  social  kind,  Mr.  Villemonte 
sold  his  farm  and  returned  to  tYrena,  and  here, 
among  old  friends,  he  has  successfully  con- 
ducted a mercantile  business  ever  since. 

On  Tuly  6,  1869,  Mr.  Villemonte  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Joanna  Youlton,  a native  of  this 
county,  who  died  on  Jan.  31,  1895-  Miss 
Josie  Murphy  became  his  second  wife.  He 
has  become  the  father  of  ten  children:  John, 
a farmer  in  New  York;  FeRoy  is  the  assist- 
ant cashier  of  the  State  Bank  at  Fennimore, 
Wis. ; Phebe,  a successful  teacher,  who  was 
educated  at  Fort  Atkinson,  Wis.,  high  school; 
Frank,  a resident  of  Owens,  Wis.;  Veronica, 
a resident  of  Farmer,  N.  Y. ; Edith;  Grace; 
William  and  Genivieve.  One  daughter,  Josie, 
died  suddenly  of  appendicitis,  while  staying 
temporarily  at  Mazomanie,  Wis.,  on  March  5- 
1900,  at  the  age  of  nineteen,  an  amiable  and 
highly  esteemed  young  lady.  Mr.  Villemonte 
is  a well-known  and  highly  esteemed  citizen 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


7 33 


and  an  honored  member  of  G.  A.  R.  Post  No. 
107,  of  which  he  has  been  commander  for  the 
past  two  years,  having  filled  all  of  the  other 
offices.  Although  he  was  with  his  regiment 
during  all  of  its  activity  he  fortunately  es- 
caped unhurt.  During  1863  he  spent  a short 
time  in  the  hospital  and  was  given  a short 
furlough  home  during  convalescence,  but  be- 
fore long  was  back  at  duty. 

CHRISTEN  EVENSEN  (deceased)  was 
during  his  brief  but  active  career  one  of  the 
leading  farmers  of  Jordan  township,  Green 
county,  where  he  passed  his  entire  life,  having 
been  born  April  7,  1856,  on  the  farm  now  oc- 
cupied by  his  widow  and  family. 

Ole  and  Rachel  Evensen,  our  subject’s  par- 
ents, were  born  in  Krodsherret,  Norway,  and 
came  to  this  country  in  1848,  settling  in  Green 
county,  Wis.  They  had  owned  one  of  the 
prettiest  farms  in  Krodsherret,  which  they 
sold  before  emigrating.  They  first  settled  in 
Kendall  county,  111.,  where  resided  a brother 
of  Mr.  Evensen,  he  having  been  one  of  the 
first  to  leave  his  native  home  in  Norway.  They 
remained  there  two  years,  and  in  1850  located 
in  Wisconsin.  Mr.  Evensen  was  a thrifty, 
industrious  farmer,  and  a good  manager,  and 
at  the  time  of  his  death  owned  a fine  farm  of 
200  acres — the  old  homestead  now  owned  by 
our  subject’s  widow,  in  Section  32,  Jordan 
township.  Mr.  Evensen  passed  away  in  1897, 
his  wife  in  1899,  and  their  remains  lie  in  the 
Norwegian  cemetery  in  Jordan  township. 
They  were  among  the  most  respected  resi- 
dents of  the  township  in  their  day,  highly  es- 
teemed for  their  genuine  worth  and  their  hon- 
orable, upright  lives.  Ten  children  were  born 
to  them,  five  of  whom  grew  to  maturity : 
Even,  who  resides  in  Norway  Lake,  Kandiyohi 
Co.,  Minn.;  Jane,  wife  of  Peter  Helgeson,  of 
Clayton  county,  Iowa;  Christen,  our  subject; 
Mary,  wife  of  Antone  Fryslie,  of  Clark  county, 
S.  Dak.;  and  Nels,  unmarried,  who  also  lives 
in  Clayton  county,  Iowa.  The  others  died  in 
childhood. 

On  March  22,  1883,  Christen  Evensen 
married  Miss  Carrie  Petterson,  of  Iowa,  who 
was  born  April  3,  1861,  daughter  of  Torkel  and 
Gunnil  (Knudtson)  Peterson.  The  parents, 
who  were  born  in  Norway,  came  to  America 
when  young,  settling  in  Clayton  county,  Iowa, 
where  all  their  children  were  born,  and  where 
they  died,  the  mother  in  1866,  the  father  in 


1899.  Their  family  consisted  of  seven  chil- 
dren: Anna,  wife  of  Ole  Severson,  Jewell 

county,  Ivans.;  Bell,  wife  of  Knute  Tolefson, 
of  South  Dakota;  Nellie,  wife  of  Annult 
Stenson,  of  Traill  Co.,  N.  Dak.  ;Petter,  of  Clay- 
ton county,  Iowa;  Carrie,  Mrs.  Evensen;  Bet- 
sey, wife  of  Even  Glesne,  of  Clayton  county, 
Iowa;  and  Knute,  of  North  Dakota.  To  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Evensen  were  born  five  sons : Oscar, 
born  Jan.  8,  1884;  Elmer,  Oct.  25,  1885  (died 
May  16,  1892);  Theodore  R.,  July  8,  1888; 
Clarence,  May  18,  1890;  Christen,  Jan.  30, 
1892. 

Christen  Evensen  passed  away  Dec.  24, 
1891,  sincerely  mourned  by  his  family  and  his 
many  friends  and  neighbors,  to  all  of  whom 
he  had  endeared  himself  by  a life  of  integrity 
and  honest  endeavor.  Though  he  had  hardly 
reached  his  prime  he  had  made  for  himself  a 
substantial  place  among  the  prosperous  farm- 
ers of  his  locality,  and  he  was  liked  and  re- 
spected by  all  who  came  in  contact  with  him, 
whether  in  business  or  friendly  relations.  His 
political  sympathies  were  with  the  Republican 
party,  and  he  was  deeply  interested  in  local 
affairs,  having  served  efficiently  as  member 
of  the  township  board  and  as  school  director. 
He  was  a consistent  member  of  the  Lutheran 
Church.  Mr.  Evensen  left  his  family  well  pro- 
vided for,  and  the  property,  under  the  ener- 
getic management  of  his  widow,  who  has 
proved  herself  a woman  of  no  mean  business 
ability,  has  continued  to  improve  in  appear- 
ance- and  value.  A fine  barn  and  stable  have 
been  built,  the  residence  has  been  improved, 
and  various  other  changes  have  been  made  on 
the  place,  to  which  Mrs.  Evensen  has  added 
a tract  of  fifty-one  acres,  the  farm  now  com- 
prising 251  acres. 

LORRAIN  D.  HULBURT.  From  the 
earliest  records  it  can*  be  proved  that  the  life 
of  the  farmer  is  the  most  certain  of  pursuits 
as  regards  financial  success,  as  well  as  the 
groundwork  for  most  of  the  prosperous  en- 
deavors in  other  lines.  Scarcely  a public  man 
of  note  can  be  found  who,  at  one  time  or  an- 
other, has  not  had  the  mark  of  the  soil  on  his 
hands. 

Among  those  who  have  successfully  made 
agricultural  pursuits  the  business  of  life,  and 
now  reap  the  reward  of  honest  toil,  is  Lor- 
rain  D.  Hulburt,  the  subject  of  this  sketch, 
who  resides  in  a beautiful  residence  in  Al- 


7^  4 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD . 


bany,  Green  county,  living  the  comfortable  life 
of  a retired  farmer.  His  birth  took  place  in 
this  State,  in  Decatur  township,  Green  county, 
Dec.  1 8,  1844,  a son  of  Erastus  and  Laura 
(Webster)  Hulburt,  both  natives  of  Con- 
necticut, who  had  a family  of  six  children,  four 
surviving:  John  A.,  of  Mt.  Pleasant  town- 

ship, Green  county;  Lydia,  wife  of  T.  Kellogg, 
of  Seattle,  Wash.;  Hiram,  of  Peterson,  Iowa; 
and  our  subject.  The  paternal  grandfather  of 
our  subject  was  Philip  Hulburt,  who  died  in 
Connecticut,  on  Feb.  22,  1824,  aged  sixty- 
three  years.  The  maternal  grandfather,  who 
had  been  a Revolutionary  soldier,  was  a native 
of  New  York.  Erastus,  the  father,  was  born 
in  Connecticut,  and  brought  up  a farmer,  re- 
moving to  Green  county,  VVis.,  in  1839,  where 
he  located  and  bought  land  in  Sylvester  town- 
ship. The  tract  consisted  of  227  acres  of  gov- 
ernment land  in  Decatur  township,  upon  which 
his  last  days  were  spent,  his  death  occurring 
on  Dec.  11,  1865,  when  he  was  sixty-two  years 
old;  Mrs'.  Hulburt  had  died  in  1863,  aged 
fifty-seven,  and  both  had  been  worthy  mem- 
bers of  the  Baptist  Church. 

Lorrain  D.  Hulburt  was  reared  from  child- 
hood upon  the  large  farm  in  Decatur  town- 
ship, and  attended  the  district  schools.  Llis 
education  was  as  complete  as  the  opportunities 
afforded,  and  in  his  home  he  was  taught  those 
principles  of  right  living  he  has  followed 
through  life.  With  his  brother  John  he  bought 
the  old  homestead  of  his  father,  and  later  he 
bought  his  brother  John’s  interest.  He  made 
his  home  there  until  1881,  when  he  rented  the 
place,  in  the  meantime  removing  to  Clay  coun- 
ty, Iowa,  where  he  engaged  for  four  years  in 
farming  and  stockraising,  but  in  1888  he  re- 
turned to  Green  county  and  has  since  resided 
in  Albany,  in  1892  erecting  an  elegant  resi- 
dence in  this  village.  Mr.  Hulburt  owns  285 
acres  in  the  home  farm,  also  owning  Minne- 
sota land,  and  but  lately  sold  160  acres  in 
Iowa. 

On  Dec.  15,  1870,  Mr.  Hulburt  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Florence  E.  Smiley,  a daughter  of 
Daniel  and  Ellen  (Bemis)  Smiley,  natives  of 
Chautauqua  county,  N.  Y.,  who  had  a family 
of  six  children:  Lorinda,  wife  of  John  Hul- 

burt, of  Mt.  Pleasant  township,  Green  county; 
Sarah,  widow  of  William  Gould,  of  Minne- 
apolis; Charles,  of  Albany  township;  Julia, 
wife  of  Dr.  Broughton,  of  Dwight,  111.,  now  of 
Rockford,  111. ; Florence  E.,  wife  of  Lorrain 


D.  Hulburt;  and  William,  on  the  old  home. 
The  parents  were  married  in  1836,  and  in  1837 
came  to  Rock  county,  Wis.,  and  settled  on  the. 
Culver  farm,  near  Janesville,  removing  in  1841 
to  Exeter  township,  where  they  lived  until 
1 844,  when  they  moved  to  what  is  now  Albany 
township,  where  Mr.  Smiley  took  up  160  acres 
of  government  land,  adding  to  it  until  'he 
owned  280  acres.  His  death  occurred  in  1886, 
when  he  was  seventy-four  years  old.  In  1866 
he  had  been  a member  of  the  Wisconsin  Legis- 
lature, was  supervisor  many  terms,  and  com- 
missioner of  poor  for  years.  His  father,  Jo- 
seph Smiley,  a native  of  Mt.  Plolly,  Vt.,  was 
an  early  settler  of  Chautauqua  county,  N.  Y. ; 
was  a soldier  in  the  battle  of  Black  Rock,  in 
1814;  had  a family  of  eleven  children,  and 
died  at  Ellery,  N.  Y.,  Nov.  7,  1862.  Mrs. 
Ellen  (Bemis)  Smiley,  mother  of  Mrs.  Hul- 
burt,  died  in  1896,  aged  eighty-three,  both  she 
and  her  husband  having  been  consistent  mem- 
bers of  the  Baptist  Church.  Her  father  was 
Charles  Bemis,  a native  of  Pittstown,  N.  Y., 
born  in  August,  1 79 1 ; moved  to  Chautauqua 
county,  where  he  spent  the  most  of  his  life 
engaged  in  farming,  and  died  at  Jamestown, 
N.  Y.  He  reared  a family  of  ten  children, 
and  was  a man  of  note ; a soldier  in  the  war  of 
1812,  in  which'  he  held  an  official  position. 
His  son,  Col.  George,  was  the  last  survivor  of 
his  children,  he  being  the  great-grandson  of 
Totham  Bemis,  of  Bemis  Heights,  Saratoga 
Co.,  New  York. 

In  politics  Mr.  Hulburt  is  a Republican, 
and  takes  an  active  interest  in  the  deliberations 
of  his  party.  Both  he  and  his  estimable  wife 
are  members  of  the  Baptist  Church. 

HON.  JAMES  WILSON  SEATON  is  a 
native  of  Oneida  county,  N.  Y.,  born 
May  28,  1824,  in  the  town  of  New  Hartford, 
four  miles  south  of  Utica,  at  a place  then  known 
as  Kellog’s  Mills.  The  family  resided  in 
Utica  while  Gov.  DeWitt  Clinton  was  digging 
the  Erie  canal.  In  1829  they  removed  to  a 
place  called  Sauquoit,  seven  miles  south  of  the 
city  of  Utica,  one  of  those  bright,  sunlit  vil- 
lages which  everywhere  dot  and  adorn  the  Em- 
pire State. 

Sanquoit  is  located  on  both  sides  of  a lovely 
creek  of  the  same  name,  which  flows  into  the 
Mohawk  river  in  the  town  of  Whitesboro.  The 
valley  is  the  seat  of  many  large  enterprises  and 
diversified  manufacturing  industries.  The  in- 


C-< 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


7 85 


habitants  are  for  the  most  part  wealthy,  re- 
fined and>  enterprising,  many  occupying  ele- 
gant homes,  gained  by  their  prudence  and  fore- 
sight. The  valley  was  first  settled,  near  the 
end  of  the  eighteenth  century,  by  men  of  iron 
nerve  and  strong  wills',  who  came  with  their 
families  from  New  England,  most  of  them 
being  soldiers  of  the  Revolutionary  war,  and 
still  retaining  their  old  flintlock  muskets  and 
carton ch  boxes  as  mementos  of  the  “times  that 
:ried  men’s  souls.”  Nearly  all  selected  farms, 
either  in  the  fertile  valley,  or  on  the  sides  and 
summits  of  the  tree-covered  hills  which  bor- 
dered the  valley  on  either  side.  As  a conse- 
quence, to  meet  the  exigencies  and  social  wants 
of  the  farming  community,  a village  sprang  up 
on  the  banks  of  the  stream,  meandering  between 
the  hills  on  an  old  Indian  trail,  and  was  natur- 
ally given  the  Indian  name,  Sadahquoda  (by 
which  the  creek  was  known  to  the  natives), 
which  the  settlers  modified  to  the  more  eupho- 
nious sound  of  Sauquoit  (pronounced  Sa- 
quoit).  The  village  was  divided  into1  two 
parts,  known  as  the  Methodist  and  Presbyterian 
Corners,  respectively,  each  denomination  hav- 
ing large  and  commodious  churches  built  in  the 
primitive  style  of  architecture.  The  Methodist 
church  boasted  of  a steeple  and  bell,  which  its 
Exangelical  neighbor  had  not.  In  addition  to 
church  privileges  each  side  had  a school  house, 
tavern,  store,  blacksmith  shop,  and  places  for 
other  trades;  a flour  and  saw  mill  was  patron- 
ized in  common  by  both  sides,  as  was  also  a 
large  factory  called  the  Franklin  cotton  mill; 
there  were  two  cemeteries  for  the  dead,  but  only 
one  post  office,  which,  by  the  grace  of  John 
Quincy  Adams  and  other  Whig  Presidents, 
was  persistently  and  continuously  held  on  the 
Presbyterian  side. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  learned  his  alpha- 
bet in  the  school  house  on  the  Methodist  side, 
in  the  year  1830.  Ten  years  later,  at  the  age 
of  seventeen,  he  was  a “schoolmaster"  in  charge 
of  the  same  school.  In  1841-42-43  he  taught 
school  in  West  Exeter,  Otsego  county,  and  Ta- 
berg,  Oneida  Co.  He  afterwards  attended  the 
Oneida  Conference  Seminary,  at  Cazenovia, 
Madison  Co.,  N.  Y.,  and  had  for  classmates 
such  distinguished  men  as  Gen.  Joseph  R.  Haw- 
ley, now  United  States  Senator  from-  Connect- 
icut; Bishop  Edward  G.  Andrews’,  of  the  M. 
E.  Church,  and  his  brother,  Charles  Andrews, 
now  Chief  Justice  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  the 

State  of  New  York;  Leland  Stanford,  the  late 

5 0 


millionaire  Senator  from  California;  Gen.  Slo^ 
cum,  who  won  distinction  in  the  Civil  war ; and 
many  noted  ministers  of  the  M.  E.  Church.  In 
1845-46  he  taught  select  school  at  Lee  Center, 
in  Oneida  county,  and  afterwards  studied  law 
with  E.  G.  Parkhurst,  in  the  city  of  Rome,  N. 
Y.  The  office  adjoined  that  of  Comstock  & 
Striker,  a noted  law  firm  at  that  time,  Mr. 
Striker  being  one  of  the  early  projectors 
of  the  Michigan  Central  railroad,  and  Com- 
stock, district  attorney  of  Oneida  county. 

In  1847  Mr.  Seaton  took  Greeley’s  advice, 
and  came  West  to  grow  up  with  the  country. 
After  voyaging  around  the  lakes  to  Milwaukee, 
and  making  a trip  across  the  State  by  hack,  in 
company  with  Hon.  Orsamus  Cole,  he  arrived 
at  the  “Wisconsin  House,”  in  Potosi.  It  was  a 
hot,  sultry  day  in  July,  and  the  dusty,  yellow 
ochre  of  the  mines,  covering  everything,  gave  a 
jaundiced  appearance  to  the  general  aspect  of 
the  country.  The  people  wore  ochre-colored 
hat  and  breeches,  the  towels  at  the  hotel  were 
ochre-stained,  the  hotel  girls  seemed  to  have  a 
saffron  hue,  and  every  room  and  floor  in  the 
house  was  sanded  with  ochre.  There  were 
bacon  and  roast  beef  with  a yellow  cast  for  din- 
ner ; beefsteak,  coffee  and  hot  bread  covered 
with  Babbitt’s  saleratus  for  supper;  he  slept 
in  an  ochre  colored  bed,  and  for  breakfast  had 
ham  and  eggs  of  the  same  hospitable  hue. 
After  this  he  went  into  the  law  office  of  Cole  & 
Biddlecom,  wrote  briefs,  read  novels,  news- 
papers, Blackstone,  Kent’s  “Commentaries” 
and  “Martin  Chuzzlewit”  for  the  next  two 
months,  and  was  admitted  to  the  Bar  of  Grant 
county,  in  October  of  the  same  year.  Judge 
Charles  Dunn  wasl  upon  the  Bench,  and  Samuel 
Crawford  (late  Judge  of  the  Supreme  Court 
of  the  State),  Chief  Justice  Cole  and  George  W. 
Lakin  (of  Milwaukee)  were  the  examining 
committee.  After  getting  his  diploma  Mr. 
Seaton  opened  a selfect  school  in  the  brick 
school  house  at  Potosi,  then  just  completed. 
The  next  year  he  bought  out  Lucien  B.  Leach, 
in  the  Potosi  Republican,  which  he  edited  and 
published  until  1855,  when  the  paper  was  sold 
to  E.  R.  Paul,  who  removed  it  to  Dunleith 
(now  East  Dubuque).  Mr.  Seaton  did  not 
abandon  his  literary  work,  however,  but  has 
ever  since  been  a contributor  to  various:  publi- 
cations. For  forty-five  years  or  more,  he  has 
been  a correspondent  of  the  county  newspapers, 
and  his  articles  are  read  by  more  people  than 
those  of  any  other  local  writer,  especially  those 


7 86 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


which  have  appeared  in  recent  years,  in  the 
Lancaster  Teller.  His  contributions  to  the 
History  of  Grant  County  (1881)  formed  one 
of  the  most  interesting  chapters  of  that  publi- 
cation; his  descriptions  of  the  duel  on  the  ice, 
DeTantabaratz,  the  Senator,  and  other  early 
Settlers  of  the  mines  are  samples  of  his  best 
literary  efforts.  His  ..“History  of  the  Bench 
and  Bar  of  Grant  County'’  is  also  an  able  arti- 
cle, which  has  been  often  quoted  and  referred 
to  by  the  best  writers  and  public  speakers  of  the 
State.  Mr.  Seaton  was  elected  the  first  town 
clerk  of  the  town  of  Potosi,  when  the  State  was 
admitted  into  the  Union,  in  1848,  and  served 
ten  years  in  that  capacity.  During  the  same 
time  he  held  the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace 
and  town  superintendent  of  schools,  being  the 
only  man  in  the  State,  as  he  thinks,  who  was  so 
highly  honored  as  to  hold  three  offices  at  one 
and  the  same  time.  At  a special  election  in 
May,  1853,  he  was  elected  to  the  State  Senate, 
in  place  of  J.  C.  Squires,  resigned  and  served 
during  the  impeachment  trial  of  Judge  Hub- 
bell  ; was  elected  to  and  served  in  the  Assembly 
during  the  years  1859  and  i860;  was  a number 
of  years  member  of  the  town  and  county  board, 
and  served  one  year  as  chairman  of  the  latter 
body,  being  on  the  building  committee  with 
Hon.  George  W.  Ryland,  when  the  present 
courthouse,  jail  and  county  poor  house  were 
constructed.  Pie  served  two  or  three  terms  on 
the  financial  committee  of  the  county  board 
with  such  men  as  W.P.  Dewey,  John  Schreiner, 
of  Lancaster,  and  E.  Bailey,  of  Platteville 
(the  last  named  was  killed  by  a mad  bull). 
While  the  committee  were  examining  claims 
against  the  county,  Sheriff  Clice  gave  them  a 
sumptuous  dinner  in  the  jail,  but  the  commit- 
tee audited  his  claims'  against  the  county,  re- 
gardless of  the  fact  that  they  had  been  regaled 
upon  his  roast  turkey  and  oysters.  In  1855 
Mr.  Seaton  engaged  in  mercantile  business  at 
Potosi,  with  hi,si  brother,  T.  R.  Seaton,  and 
continued  same  until  1879,  U which  time  he 
sold  out  and  resumed  the  practice  of  law,  which 
he  still  continues,  in  connection  with  the  fire 
insurance  business. 

The  most  important  event  in  our  subject’s- 
life  was  his  marriage.  This  occurred  at  Cass- 
ville,  Wis.,  June  15,  1850,  when  he  was  united 
by  Charles  L.  La  Grave,  Esq.,  to  Miss  Amanda 
F.  Bushee,  daughter  of  Brayton  and  Mary 
Bushee,  early  settlers  at  the  mines.  Mr. 
Bushee  built  one  of  the  first  stores  in  that  part 


oif  Potosi  known  as  LaFayette,  and  conducted 
business  there  for  some  time.  He  afterward 
removed  to  Cassville,  and  continued  the  mer- 
cantile business,  as  well  as  smelting  at  that 
place,  where  he  died  in  1846.  Mrs.  Seaton  was 
educated  at  St.  Mathias'  Academy,  at  Potosi, 
and  was  an  estimable  lady  of  many  virtues. 
She  died  June  6,  1900,  and  the  following 
“Tribute  to  a Noble  Woman,”  by  one  who  well 
and  personally  knew  the  deceased,  appeared  in 
the  Grant  County  Herald  of  June  21,  1900.  It 
was  much  appreciated  by  the  friends  and  fam- 
ily of  Mrs.  Seaton,  who  still  deeply  feel  the 
great  and  irreparable  loss  of  one  who  was  the 
light  and  life  of  their  once  pleasant,  but  now 
desolate  home. 

Among  the  vast  multitudes  of  people  that  inhabit 
our  sphere,  there  are  some  who,  like  the  sweet  violet, 
modest,  unassuming,  hidden  in  verdant  shades,  diffusing 
their  fragrance  to  those  only  who  are  so  fortunate  as  10 
discover  these  sylvan  retreats,  never  seek  public  applause, 
but  in  their  innocence  and  purity  shun  the  searching  eye 
of  the  public.  It  was  thus  that  Amanda  F.  Seaton,  wife 
of  the  Hon.  J.  W.  Seaton,  who  lately  departed  this  life, 
lived,  and  was  respected  for  more  than  forty  years  among 
the  rugged  hills  in  Potosi.  Possessed  of  a gentle  dispo- 
sition, she  was  imbued  with  that  innate  tact  to  never  lose 
a friend.  All  those  who  ever  were  so  fortunate  to  be 
drawn  in  the  circle  of  her  home  were  life-long  friends. 
A model  mother,  she  reared  her  five  children  with  a 
gentle  hand  and  a God-fearing  mind.  All  but  one  sur- 
vived her.  She,  lovely  Mary,  generally  known  as  “Pet," 
passed  to  the  “ unknown  beyond  ” many  years  before  her 
mother.  It  was  the  loss  of  this  dear  daughter  that  first 
broke  down  this  good  woman;  from  that  shock  she  never 
fully  recovered.  Loyal  to  the  core  of  her  heart  to  the 
Union,  she  proudly  braved  the  displeasure  of  her  sur- 
roundings when  dark  treason,  not  only  beyond  Mason  and 
Dixon’s  line,  but  in  many  towns  and  hamlets  of  the 
North,  sought  to  destroy  our  National  Union.  Like 
Barbara  Fritchie,  she  unfurled  our  flag  out  of  her  window 
and  flung  it  to  the  breeze  when  disloyal  processions 
passed  beneath.  She  was  a lady  in  the  fullest  sense  of 
the  term — a mother  and  wife  faithful  to  her  family;  a 
patriot  faithful  to  her  country;  a Christian  true  to  her 
religion.  All  who  came  in  contact  with  her  were  fully 
impressed  with  her  excellent  qualities;  her  family,  neigh- 
bors and  friends  will  miss  her;  she  left  a vacant  space 
not  easily  to  be  filled. 

“Of  reason  firm,  of  temperate  will, 

Endurance,  foresight,  strength  and  skill; 

A perfect  woman,  nobly  planned, 

To  warn,  to  comfort  and  command.” 

JOSEPH  BURTON,  one  of  the  brave 
veterans  of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  and  a 
resident  of  Annaton,  Clifton  township,  Grant 
county,  may  well  be*  proud  of  his  record  for 
gallantry  while  serving  under  the  “stars  and 
stripes.” 

Joseph  Burton  was  born  in  Ohio-,  in  1843.  a 
son  of  Daniel  and  Sarah  Ann  Burton,  who 
brought  our  subject  to  Grant  county  when1  he 
was  about  four  years  of  age.  The  father  died 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


787 


on  April  14,  1898,  but  the  mother  died  many 
years  before,  when  Joseph  was  but  ten  years 
old.  Three  children  were  born  to  these  par- 
ents, and  the  only  brother  of  our  subject  was 
unfortunately  killed  at  the  battle  of  South 
Mound,  on  Aug.  14,  1862,  while  serving-  as 
a member  of  the  famous  17th  Wis.  V.  I.,  which 
was  part  of  the  Iron  Brigade.  The  sister  is 
now  Mrs.  Emily  Jane  Shaw. 

Joseph  Burton  enlisted  on  Aug.  14,  1862, 
in  Co.  A,  33d  Reg.  Wis.  V.  I.,  upon  the  same 
day  that  his  only  brother  gave  up  his  life  in 
defense  of  the  Union.  From  the  time  of  his 
enlistment,  Mr.  Burton  was  with  his  regiment 
until  the  Siege  of  Spanish  Fort,  in  the  rear 
of  Mobile.  Here,  March  30,  1865,  Mr.  Bur- 
ton received  wounds,  from  which  no  one,  ex- 
cept a man  possessed  of  an  iron  constitution, 
and  as  firm  a will,  would  ever  have  recovered, 
he  having  been  struck  by  a shell,  which  not 
only  shattered  his  right  arm,  but  also  his  side 
so  that  a piece  of  viscera  had  to  be  removed 
and  the  arm  amputated.  In  spite  of  his  ter- 
rible injury,  the  following  month  Mr.  Burton 
had  recovered  sufficiently  to  return  home  on 
furlough,  and  received  his  honorable  dis- 
charge, on  Sept.  20,  1865.  The  record  of  the 
33d  Wisconsin  is  as'  follows : The  33d  Wis- 

consin left  camp  Nov.  12,  1862,  and  in  two 
weeks  was  in  the  field  under  Gen.  Grant  in 
his  expedition  in  Mississippi,  and  took  a prom- 
inent part  in  the  battle  of  Cold  Water,  Miss., 
April  19,  1863,  and  in  the  siege  of  Vicksburg 
from  May  20,  to  its  surrender;  battle  of  Jack- 
son,  Miss.,  July  12,  1863;  with  Sherman  in 
his  Meridian  expedition  through  Mississippi 
in  February,  1864;  the  Red  river  expedition 
in  March,  April  and  May,  1864,  under  that 
brave  old  warrior,  Gen.  A.  J.  Smith.  They 
met  the  enemy  in  the  following  hotly  contested 
battles:  Ft.  De  Russy,  Pleasant  Hill  Handing, 
Chancellorsville,  Marksville,  and  Yellow 
Bayou,  besides  several  skirmishes.  They  par- 
ticipated in  the  expedition  of  Gen.  Smith  at 
Tupelo,  Miss.,  July  13,  14  and  15,  1864,  and 
in  the  following  October,  led  by  the  gallant 
General  Momers,  they  marched  through  the 
swamps  and  across  the  bluffs  in  Arkansas  in 
pursuit  of  the  rebel  general  Price.  On  Dec. 
15  and  16,  1864,  they  were  at  Nashville, 
Tenn.,  confronting  the  enemy  under  Gen. 
Hood,  and  captured  600  prisoners.  They  pur- 
sued the  southern  army  to  the  eastern  part  of 
Mississippi,  and  were  present  in  the  assault  on 


Corinth,  Miss.,  in  January,  1865.  On  the  6th 
of  the  following  month  they  started  for  Mobile, 
via  Cairo,  New  Orleans,  Fake  Pontchartrain 
and  Dauphin  Island,  and  took  an  active  part 
in  the  siege  of  Spanish  Fort,  and  in  the  reduc- 
tion of  Mobile.  From  Spanish  Fort  the  regi- 
ment marched  to  Montgomery  and  Tuskegee, 
Ala.,  thence  started  for  home  via  Selma,  Ala., 
Meridian  and  Vicksburg,  Miss.,  arriving  in 
Madison  Aug.  14,  1865,  having  traveled 

9,000  miles,  2,400  of  which  were  marched. 

On  March  16,  1867,  Mr.  Burton  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Favina  May  Bartles,  and  four 
children  have  been  born  to  them ; Alburtus, 
Sylvenan  H.  and  Sarah  Jane;  also  a daugh- 
ter, Mary  C.,  who  died  Feb.  28,  1882,  aged 
ten  years.  In  spite  of  his  fearful  injuries,  Mr. 
Burton  has  been  a hard  working,  industrious 
man,  and  individually,  as'  well  as  for  his  brav- 
ery as  a soldier,  he  is  highly  respected. 

WILLIAM  C.  BRATLEY  (deceased) 
was  among  the  leading  men  of  the  town  of 
Cadiz,  Green  county,  during  his  lifetime,  and 
is  remembered  as  a thoroughly  honorable  and 
reliable  character.  Born  in  Lincolnshire, 
England,  Feb.  27,  1824,  he  went  when  a lad 
of  sixteen  years  to  sea  from  his  English  home, 
with  a worldly  capital  of  one  suit  and  two 
shirts.  Soon  after  entering  upon  the  life  of  a 
sailor,  he  joined  an  American  sailing  crewT  in 
New  York,  with  whom  he  remained  until  lie 
reached  the  age  of  twenty-six  years.  Mr. 
Bratley  was  married  to  Miss  Mary  C.  Ivain 
Aug.  29,  1847,  an<3  to  this  marriage  were  born 
the  following  children:  (1)  Melissa,  who 

married  Isaac  Denney,  a farmer  of  the  town 
of  Cadiz,  and  has  the  following  children: 
May,  Charlie,  Oscar,  Elmer,  Clara,  Ivan,  Lula, 
Edwin  and  Frank.  (2)  Silas  H.,  who  was 
born  in  Savannah,  Ga.,  Feb.  10,  1857,  and  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Emma  Robb,  of  Cadiz  township, 
by  whom  he  had  two  sons,  Ray  and  Lee.  Mrs. 
Emma  Bratley  died  and  Silas  married  his  sec- 
ond wife,  Caroline.  They  have  six  children, 
four  of  whom  are  now  living,  Minnie,'  Lena, 
Grace  and  Atley.  He  remains  on  the  old  Brat- 
ley homestead  and  has  charge  of  the  farm.  In 
politics  he  is  a stanch  Republican,  and  is  an 
honorable  citizen.  (3)  Mary,  who  married 
Thomas  Lynch,  a farmer  in  the  town  of  Cadiz, 
a sketch  of  whom  appears  on  another  page. 
(4)  Joseph,  who  married  Eva  Wright,  of 
Monroe,  and  has  four  children:  Millie,  Telsie, 


788 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Blanche  and  Nettie.  (5)  Elizabeth,  who  is  the 
Avife  of  William  Ullom,  a farmer  of  the  town 
of  Cadiz,  and  is  the  mother  of  five  children ; 
Joseph,  Bertha,  Minerva,  Stanley  and  Julia. 
(6)  Belle,  who  married  Archibald  Bechtold, 
of  Cadiz  township,  and  is  the  mother  of  two 
children,  Orrall  and  William.  (7)  Edward, 
who  married  Mary  Fessenden,  and  is  the  fa- 
ther of  five  children : Glen,  Loise,  Maude, 

Alice  and  Mary.  (8)  Lena,  wife  of  Harry 
Morris.  (9)  Ruth,  the  youngest  of  the  family. 

William  C.  Bratley  crossed  the  Atlantic 
on  the  sailing  vessel,  “Stretlam  Castle.”  He 
reached  New  York  in  1840,  and  leaving  his 
ship,  took  a position  as  seaman  on  board  an 
American  vessel.  Continuing  to  follow  the  sea 
until  he  had  saved  a fair  sum  of  money,  he 
bought  a restaurant  in  Savannah,  Ga.,  and  de- 
voted himself  to  its  development  until  1854, 
after  which  he  became  engaged  in  farming- 
in  the  State  of  New  York,  but  after  three 
years  went  back  to  Savannah,  where  he 
again  entered  the  restaurant  business.  In 
the  spring  of  1859  he  came  with  his  family  and 
bought  120  acres  of  land  in  Section  14,  in  the 
town  of  Cadiz. 

Mr.  Bratley  was'  a Republican  in  politics, 
and'  long  a devoted  member  of  the  Methodist 
Church,  for  twenty  years  serving  as  class- 
leader.  In  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  his  name  is  not  for- 
gotten, for  there  also  he  was  a hardworking 
and  faithful  member.  A successful  farmer, 
he  owed  his  accumulations  to  unwearied  in- 
dustry and  the  utmost  integrity.  A man  of 
wide  information,  he  had  not  only  traveled 
much  with  observant  vision,  but  he  was  a 
reader  of  many  books  and  the  best  literature. 
Twice  he  sailed  around  the  Horn  in  the  ’forties 
in  a sailing  vessel.  He  came  to  Green  county 
a poor  man,  but  he  left  at  his  death  a well  im- 
proved and  exceedingly  valuable  farm  property. 

SILAS  W.  MENZIE,  of  Beloit,  Rock 
county,  is  a leading  member  of  the  legal  pro- 
fession in  that  city,  and  his  legal  abilities  com- 
mand the  respect  which  his  personal  character 
and  well-known  integrity  greatly  intensify. 

Mr.  Menzie  was  born  in  Schoharie  county, 
N.  Y.,  June  2,  1841,  a son  of  Robert  R.  and 
Rebecca  (Thorpe)  Menzie,  both  natives  of 
Scotland.  They  were  the  parents  of  three 
children:  Charles  Id.,  a railroad  engineer; 

John  E.,  of  La  Grange,  Wis. ; and  Silas  W. 
Robert  R.  Menzie  began  life  for  himself  as  a 


physician,  but  soon  turned  to  the  practice  of 
the  law  as  a more  congenial  vocation.  He  was 
born  in  Dumfriesshire,  Scotland,  April  1, 
1809,  and  came  to  this  country  when ' only 
eight  years  old,  under  the  care  of  his  brother 
Adam.  He  spent  his  youth  and  much  of  his 
early  manhood  in  the  counties  of  Schoharie 
and  Chenango,  New  York,  and  received  a gen- 
eral education  in  the  public  school,  and  in  the 
military  academy  at  Lancaster,  Pa.  When  he 
was  eighteen  he  began  the  study  of  medicine, 
attending  lectures  in  New  Haven,  Conn.,  and 
was  graduated  just  before. he  attained  his  ma- 
jority. He  practiced  about  two  years  in  the 
county  of  Otsego,  N.  Y.,  and  then  gave  it  up, 
turning  to  the  law  as  a more  thoroughly  in- 
viting and  desirable  occupation.  He  studied 
law  under  the  instruction  of  Messrs.  Ely  and 
Bennett,  at  New  Berlin,  N.  Y.,  for  a year  and 
a half,  and  then  at  Hobart,  N.  Y.,  with  La- 
vinus  Munson.  Mr.  Menzie  was  admitted  to 
practice  before  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  State 
of  New  York  at  the  age  of  twenty-eight.  He 
became  a solicitor  in  chancery,  and  two  years 
later  a counselor  in  Delaware  county,  where 
he  practiced  for  several  years.  Later  he  was 
district  attorney  in  Schoharie  county,  and  was 
in  office  at  the  time  of  the  anti-rent  troubles 
in  that  State.  At  the  commencement  of  the 
Mexican  war  he  raised  the  46th  Infantry,  and 
was  commissioned  its  colonel.  In  the  spring 
of  1846  Col.  Menzie  proceeded  to  Mexico  with 
his  command,  and  served  throughout  the  Avar 
under  General  Taylor  and  General  Scott.  He 
was  a brave  and  distinguished  officer.  On  his 
return  from  the  war  he  removed  to  Delavan, 
Wis.,  and  made  his  home  in  that  place  in  June, 

1849.  He  Avas  admitted  to  practice  the  same 
month,  and  formed  a partnership  with  the  late 
Thomas  McHugh.  He  was  admitted  to  the 
bar  of  the  Supreme  Court  of  Wisconsin  in 

1850,  and  to  the  United  States  Supreme  Court 
in  1857,  and  to  the  Supreme  Court  of  Illinois 
in  1865.  From  1849  Mr.  Menzie  had  been  in 
the  practice  of  law  at  Delavan  with  the  excep- 
tion of  a short  time  which  he  spent  in  Mil- 
waukee, and  tAVO  years  (1872-1874)  which  he 
spent  in  Chicago.  In  his  earlier  life  he  took 
up  the  trade  of  a shoemaker,  though  he  never 
followed  it.  He  was  an  excellent  mechanic, 
and  made  at  least  one  pair  of  boots  for  him- 
self after  locating  in  Wisconsin.  He  had  his 
peculiarities  and  Avas  a man  of  strong  physique. 
His  mental  powers  were  of  a wide  range,  and 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


7 89 


he  had  an-  active,  retentive  memory  rarely 
equalled.  His  varied  learning  and  vast  fund  of 
information  made  him  a formidable  rival  be- 
fore either  the  court  or  jury.  No  man  ever 
conducted  a case  against  him,  and  left  the 
court  room  unconscious  of  his  superior  power. 
Criminal  law  was  his  special  study,  and  the 
defense  of  those  charged  with  crime  was  where 
he  displayed  a forensic  power  seldom  excelled. 
He  was  a kind-hearted  man,  and  often  de- 
fended the  poor  without  pay,  and  his  work 
in  their  behalf  gave  no  indication  of  the  want 
of  a generous  fee.  Mr.  Menzie  buried  the 
wife  of  his  youth  in  Delavan  in  i860.  She 
was  then  fifty-one  years  old.  He  married  soon 
after  a Mrs.  Hagaman,  who  survives  him. 
Mr.  Menzie  died  May  3,  1882.  His  vigor  of 
mind  was  retained  to  an  unusual  extent  to  the 
very  last.  He  was  a generous  and  sympathetic 
friend  and  a well  read  lawyer. 

Silas  W.  Menzie  was  eight  years  old  when 
his  parents  removed  to  Delavan,  Wis.,  where 
he  attended  the  public  school  and  attained  his 
majority.  In  1861  he  made  a journey  to  Cali- 
fornia, where  he  was  in  the  employment  of  the 
California  Stage  Company,  and  the  Pacific 
Mail  Steamship  Company.  In  1867  the  young 
adventurer  was  homeward  bound,  arid  on  his 
return  to  Delavan,  took  up  the  study  of  law 
with  his  father,  and  spent  a year  in  his'  office. 
He  took  a course  of  lectures  at  the  Albany 
Law  School,  and  being  admitted  to  the  Bat- 
in 1868,  practiced  law  with  his  father  as  long 
as  that  distinguished  lawyer  lived.  He  con- 
tinued at  Delavan  until  1890,  and  achieved 
some  marked  successes  in  the  field  of  legal 
controversy.  He  was  district  attorney  from 
1882  to  1886  in  Walworth  county.  Mr. 
Menzie  came  to  Beloit  in  November,  1890,  and 
has  been  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  pro- 
fession in  this  city  since  that  time.  He  filled 
the  office  of  city  attorney  two  years,  and  was 
alderman  of  the  Third  ward  for  three  years. 

Mr.  Menzie  and  Miss  Laura  McCormack 
were  married  June  15,  1883.  Mrs.  Menzie  is 
a daughter  of  Smith  and  Martha  (Ross)  Mc- 
Cormack. By  this  union  there  is  one  daugh- 
ter, Anna  Thorpe.  They  live  at  No.  2 Cottage 
Lawn.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Menzie  are  members  of 
the  Episcopal  Church.  He  is  a member  of  the 
Masonic  fraternity,  and  had  his  membership 
for  many  years  with  Delavan  Lodge,  No.  21, 
F.  & A.  M.,  and  Delavan  Chapter,  No.  38, 
R.  A.  M.  He  is  now  a member  of  Beloit  Com- 


mandery,  No.  6,  K.  T.  He  is  a Republican, 
and  is  one  of  the  recognized  leaders  of  the 
party  in  Rock  county.  Mr.  Menzie  was  a pas- 
senger on  the  ill-fated  steamer,  “The  Golden 
Gate,”  running  between  San  Francisco  and 
Panama,  which  was  burned  in  August,  1862. 
He  was  in  the  water  eight  hours  with  a little 
girl  on  his  back.  He  clung  to  a hen-coop,  and 
eventually  was  rescued. 

THOMAS  CROW,  a well-known  farm- 
er of  the  town  of  Cadiz,  Green  county,  resides 
on  his  handsome  and  well-appointed  place  in 
Section  13,  some  four  miles  southeast  of 
Browntown. 

Born  in  Parke  county,  Inch,  June  3,  1842, 
Mr.  Crow  is  a son  of  Abraham  and  Elizabeth 
(Lewis)  Crow,  natives  of  Pennsylvania  and 
Ohio,  respectively.  The  father  was  born  Jan. 
10,  1813,  spent  a number  of  years  in  Parke 
county,  Inch,  and  thence  came  to  Green  coun- 
ty, Wis.,  in  1864,  dying  Oct.  15,  1895.  The 
mother  was  born  Oct.  20,  1816,  and  died  Nov. 
13,  1900.  They  were  married  Jan.  29,  1839, 
and  to  their  union  were  born  the  following 
children;  Mary  died  unmarried;  Thomas  is 
our  subject;  Nancy  married  Jacab  Jones,  and 
both  are  now  dead;  John  died  unmarried; 
Matilda  married  Joseph  Woodle,  and  is  now 
dead ; Lucy  is  in  Monroe ; Robert  lives  on  a 
farm  two  miles  west  of  Monroe;  three  others 
died  in  infancy. 

Thomas  Crow,  the  grandfather  of  Thomas, 
whose  name  introduces  this  article,  was  born 
in  Pennsylvania,  and  died  in  Ohio.  His  fam- 
ily consisted  of  five  children:  Abraham  (our 

subject’s  father),  John,  Robert,  Maria,  and 
Matilda.  All  are  dead.  The  Crows  come  of 
mingled  Scottish,  English  and  Irish  blood. 

Thomas  Crow,  whose  honorable  and  suc- 
cessful career  in  the  town  -of  Cadiz  deserves 
commemoration,  was  married  to  Miss  Mar- 
garet Hartwig,  of  the  town  of  Jordan,  Feb. 
18,  1873.  Mrs.  Crow  was  born  Aug.  io, 
1852,  daughter  of  John  and  Catherine 
(Rabbe)  Hartwig,  who  were  among  the  early 
settlers  of  the  town  of  Jordan,  and  were  born 
in  Germany.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Crow  are  the  par- 
ents of  the  following  children:  Frederick, 

born  Dec.  22,  1873,  married  Miss  Alice  Cox, 
of  Clarno  township;  Frank  L.,  born  Jan.  19, 
1876,  lives  at  home,  and  has  charge  of  the 
homestead  farm;  and  Edna,  born  April  12, 
1879,  married  Jay  W.  Howe,  a blacksmith  in 


790 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD 


Cadiz  township,  and  is  the  mother  of  one 
daughter,  Dorothy. 

Thomas  Crow  came  to  Green  county  with 
his  parents  in  1864,  the  family  making  their 
first  settlement  in  the  town  of  Monroe.  In 
1873  our  subject  located  on  the  eighty-acre 
farm  where  he  is  now  found,  and  he  also  owns 
an  eighty-acre  tract  one  mile  west  of  his  home. 
Beginning  life  as  a poor  boy,  'he  has  achieved 
a very  creditable  success,  and  is  widely  known 
as  an  honorable  and  trustworthy  man.  In 
politics  he  is  an  ardent  Democrat,  and  in  re- 
ligion seeks  to  conform  his  life  to  the  great 
principles  of  honesty,  charity  and  neighborly 
kindness.  For  more  than  twenty  years  he  has 
been  school  clerk,  and  for  a number  of  years 
has  served  on  the  town  board.  His  place  is 
well  improved,  and  he  has  recently  built  one 
of  the  finest  farm  homes  in  the  town  of  Cadiz. 
Mr.  Crow  is  a man  popular  with  his  neighbors, 
a good  citizen,  and  his  life  has  been  character- 
ized by  honest  industry,  manly  principles  and 
high  moral  character. 

JAMES  W.  RODERICK  holds  a con- 
spicuous place  among  the  successful  and  Ihighlv 
respected  farmers  of  the  town  of  Jefferson, 
Green  county.  Andrew  and  Lydia  (Haden) 
Roderick,  his  parents,  were  natives  of  Fayette 
county,  Penn.,  where  the  father  was  born  July 
14,  1803,  and  the  mother  on  July  13,  1803;  he 
died  April  17,  1871;  and  she  passed  away 
April  27,  1892.  They  were  married  in  1824, 
and  had  the  following  children : Elizabeth 

(Mrs.  J.  N.  Davis),  born  in  1825,  is  deceased; 
Sarah  (Mrs.  Joseph  Cans),  born  in  1827,  is 
deceased;  Jacob,  born  in  1829,  married  Eliza- 
beth Newman,  and  died  Dec.  8,  1895;  Jane, 
born  May  9,  1831,  married  James  W.  Clem- 
mer,  of  Green  county,  and  is  now  deceased'; 
Mary,  born  Oct.  -30,  1833,  is  the  widow  of 
Samuel  Newman  and  lives  in  Monroe,  Wis., 
Lucinda,  born  June  2,  1836,  married  the  Rev. 
G.  R.  Patton,  and  both  are  now  dead.  Lydia, 
born  Nov.  30,  1838,  was  the  second  wife  of 
the  Rev.  G.  R.  Patton,  and  now  lives  at  Juda. 
James  W.,  born  April  5,  1843;  Miranda,  born 
Nov.  11,  1847,  married  J.  W.  Blackford,  and 
is  now  living  near  Albany,  Wisconsin. 

David  Roderick,  the  grandfather  of  James 
W„  was  a thrifty  farmer  in  Fayette  county, 
Penn.,  and  a member  of  the  Baptist  Church. 
To  him  were  born  many  children.  Andrew 
Roderick  and  his  family,  on  their  arrival  at 


Monroe,  Wis.,  in  the  spring  of  1846,  were  in 
such  straitened  circumstances  that  all  the 
family  old  enough  were  under  the  necessity 
of  working  out  for  their  board.  This  con- 
tinued for  nearly  two  years,  when  the  family 
was  collected  on  the  farm  which  the  father 
then  purchased,  and  which  is  now  owned  by 
James  W.  Roderick. 

On  Dec.  22,  1870,  James  W.  Roderick 
wedded  Miss  Hannah  E.  La  Borde,  a daughter 
of  Peter  and  Phcebe  (Nofsker)  La  Borde,  of 
Juda  Wis.,  and  she  has  become  the  mother 
of  six  children:  Lydia,  born  July  18,  1872, 
died  March  31,  1874;  Ross'  R.,  born  Nov.  10, 
1874,  married  Miss  Edith  Hintzmann  Feb.  13, 
1901,  and  is  living  on  the  homestead  farm; 
Letha,  born  Oct.  7,  1879,  died  January  30, 
1881 ; one  that  died  in  infancy  in  1881 ; Clara 
E.,  born  April  8,  1884,  is  living  at  home,  and 
cultivating  a special  gift  for  music;  Janies 
Park,  the  youngest  of  the  family,  was  born 
May  2,  1887. 

Mr.  Roderick  was  reared  on  the  farm,  and 
sought  his  education  at  “the  poor  man’s  col- 
lege,” the  public  school.  Beginning  as  a poor 
man,  he  now  owns  a magnificent  farm  of  280 
acres,  with  fine  dwellings,  stock  barns,  and 
other  modern  improvements.  He  is  a Demo- 
crat in  politics,  and  a man  of  fine  character. 
Both  he  and  his  wife  have  been  working  and 
efficient  members  in  the  Juda  Baptist  Church, 
with  which  all  the  older  members  of  the  family 
are  connected.  Mr.  Roderick  has  served  as 
chairman  of  the  town,  treasurer,  and  school 
clerk  for  more  than  twenty  years.  He  has 
always  been  a sincere  advocate  of  temperance, 
and  the  fact  that  for  many  years  no  saloons 
have  been  licensed  in  the  village  of  Juda  is 
due  as  much  to  his  influence  as  to  that  of  any 
other  individual. 

JOHN  JAMES  MARTIN,  Beloit,  Rock 
county,  is  a successful  grocer  in  that  city,  and 
his  establishment  at  No.  216  State  street  is  the 
center  of  a profitable  and  growing  patronage. 
The  proprietor  is  a man  who  knows  the  value 
of  a good  name  in  the  business  world,  and  by 
every  possible  means  strives  to  please  and  re- 
tain his  custom.  He  handles  honest  goods, 
makes  reasonable  profit,  and  is  widely  known 
as  an  honorable  and  reliable  grocer. 

Mr.  Martin  was  born  in  the  town  of  Beloit, 
Rock  county,  five  miles  northwest  of  the  city, 
June  3,  1849,  and  is  a son  of  James  and  Lucy 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


791 


(Pollard)  Martin,  natives  of  County  Derry 
and  County  Longford,  Ireland,  respectively. 
They  were  the  parents  of  six  children,  four  of 
whom  are  now  living,  John  James,  of  Beloit; 
Robert,  Joseph  and  Sarah  J.  are  also  residents 
of  this'  city.  The  father  was  a farmer  and 
came  to  this  country  many  years  ago.  He 
made  his  first  appearance  in  Wisconsin  in 
1847.  He  took  up  government  land,  and 
bought  other  land  in  the  town  of  Rock,  until 
he  owned  about  160  acres.  On  this  farm  he 
reared  his  family,  and  here  he  died  in  1858, 
when  forty-eight  years  old.  His  wife  was  the 
same  age  at  her  death  in  July,  1862.  He  was 
a Presbyterian,  and  she  an  Episcopalian.  His 
father  died  in  Ireland,  and  was  the  father  of 
one  son  and  one  daughter.  Her  father  was 
Robert  Pollard,  who  came  to  this  country  in 
1861,  and  lived  on  his  own  farm  in  Afton, 
where  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life.  He 
was  the  father  of  seven  children,  and  died 
when  he  was  seventy-eight. 

John  James  Martin  was  reared  on  his  fa- 
ther's farm,  and  attended  the  district  school. 
He  was  married  in  November,  1881,  to  Mrs. 
Eliza  McCrea,  widow  of  William  McCrea,  and 
daughter  of  John  and  Ann  (Henry)  Clinchy. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Martin  are  the  parents  of  one 
child,  Lilly  May,  a graduate  of  the  high  school, 
and  now  attending  Beloit  College.  Mrs. 
Martin  was  the  mother  of  two  children  by  Mr. 
McCrea,  Anna  Bell  and  Robert  H.  McCrea. 
Anna  Bell  is  now  Mrs.  Jackson.  Mr.  Martin 
belongs  to  the  Morning  Star  Lodge,  No.  10, 
A.  F.  & A.  M.  He  is  a member  of  the  Modern 
Woodmen,  and  the  Fraternal  Alliance,  No. 
15.  He  is  a Republican.  He  has  lived  in  Be- 
loit since  the  month  of  December,  1878,  and 
for  about  twelve  years  he  has  been  engaged  in 
the  grocery  business  with  very  satisfactory  re- 
sults. Mr.  Martin  has  been  honored  by  the 
people  of  his  ward  with  election  as  their  rep- 
resentative in  the  common  council  for  the  last 
five  years.  He  has  a pleasant  and  attractive 
home  at  No.  522  Pleasant  street. 

RUFUS  HANNUM,  of  Lancaster,  repre- 
sents one  of  the  oldest  pioneer  families  in 
Grant  county,  Wis.,  having  arrived  here  Feb. 
18,  1837. 

Warren  Hannum,  father  of  Rufus,  was 
born  in.  Belcher,  Mass.,  in  July,  1797,  and  when 
a young  man  went  to  Genesee  county,  N.  Y., 
where  he  married  Miss'  Laura  Hamilton,  a 


native  of  Northampton,  Mass.,  but  whose  fa- 
ther died  in  the  Bay  State,  and  the  mother  and 
daughter  subsequently  located  in  Genesee 
county,  N.  Y.  Soon  after  his  marriage,  War- 
ren Hannum  and  wife  removed  to  Cattarau- 
gus county,  N.  Y.,  but  shortly  afterward  re- 
turned to  Genesee  county,  remained  there 
a few  years,  and  then  went  to  Chau- 
tauqua county,  where  he  located  in  the 
woods  and  partly  cleared  up  a farm,  which 
he  afterward  sold  and  then  came  to  Grant 
county,  Wis.,  at  the  date  mentioned  above. 
He  purchased  a 400-acre  tract  of  land  in 
Jamestown  township,  of  which  tract  160  acres 
had  been  fenced,  and  125  had  been  broken  up 
the  previous  year,  and  one  crop  taken  off.  The 
tract  cost  about  $4,500,  and  Mr.  Hannum  was' 
allowed  four  years  in  which  to  pay  for  it, 
which  he  succeeded  in  doing;  it  may  be  stated 
that  the  money  he  had  realized  from  the  sale 
of  his  property  in  New  York  was  about  ex- 
hausted, but  he  succeeded  in  paying  for  the 
land  from  the  crops.  The  proximity  of  the 
lead-mining  district  rendered  agricultural 
products  a good  price,  and  Mr.  Hannum,  be- 
ing a good  manager,  prospered  rapidly.  In 

1856  Mr.  Hannum  sold  his  farm  to  eastern 
parties,  who  were  not  practical  farmers,  and 
after  receiving  $3,000  partial  payment  on  the 
place,  the  land  came  again  into  his  possession. 

When  Warren  Hannum  brought  his  family 
to  Wisconsin  it  consisted  of  himself,  his  wife, 
three  sons  and  four  daughters.  (Another  son, 
Marshall,  was  born  in  Grant  county,  but  died 
in  Cassville  several  years  ago.)  The  family 
came  in  two  wagons,  the  distance  being  about 
800  miles’,  and  many  weeks’  time  was  con- 
sumed in  making  the  journey.  In  the  fall  of 

1857  Mr.  Hannum  was  bereft  of  his  wife,  and 
he  later  went  to  Le  Roy,  N.  Y.,  and  there  mar- 
ried Mrs.  Martha  Cook.  After  several  years’ 
residence  in  the  East  he  returned  to  Grant 
county,  Wis.,  and  died  in  Lancaster  March 
14,  1880;  his  second  wife  died  May  1,  1884. 
Warren  Hannum  possessed  all  the  traits  of 
the  true  New  England  Yankee,  was  industri- 
ous and  economical  and  shrewd  in  managing 
his  affairs.  He  was  originally  a Whig  in  pol- 
itics and  afterward  a Republican,  was  liberal 
in  his  religious  views,  and  so  lived  as  to  win 
the  unfeigned  respect  of  all  his  neighbors. 
To  Warren  Hannum  and  his  first  wife  were 
born  nine  children,  eight  of  whom  attained 
mature  years,  and  of  these,  two  sons  and  four 


I 


792 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


daughters  are  still  living.  Of  the  survivors 
Rufus  is  the  eldest  and  Warren  is  the  next; 
Laura  is  the  widow  of  Robert  K'ilbourn ; 
Sophia  is  the  widow  of  James  Kilbourn; 
Mercy  and  Mary  are  twins— the  former  being 
the  widow  of  Orrin  Dodd,  and  the  latter  the 
wife  of  John  Howard,  and  both  reside  in  Ar- 
kansas. Two,  Manley  and  Marshall,  who 
reached  maturity,  are  deceased. 

Rufus  Hannurn,  whose  name  opens  this 
biographical  review,  was  born  in  Cattaraugus 
county,  N.  Y.,  March  2,  1820,  and  was  brought 
to  Wisconsin  by  his  parents.  His  schooling- 
opportunities  here  were  somewhat  circum- 
scribed, and  in  the  fall  of  1839  he  returned 
to  New  York  and  made  his  home  with  an 
uncle  in  Genesee  county  for  a year,  and  in  the 
winter  attended  school,  adding  considerably  to 
his  fund  of  school  knowledge.  In  March,  1840, 
he  started  on  foot,  on  his  return  to  Wisconsin, 
and  walked  100  miles  from  Genesee  county  to 
the  home  of  an  uncle  near  Mayville,  in  Chau- 
tauqua county,  N.  Y.  Two  days  later  he  re- 
sumed his  journey  on  foot,  and  walked  to  Erie, 
Penn.,  where  he  took  a stage  for  Pittsburg; 
and  thence,  by  steamer,  via  St.  Louis,  Mo., 
he  reached  Galena,  111.,  late  in  March,  and 
thence  came  home.  For  several  years  Rufus 
Hannurn  worked  as  a carpenter,  and  in  1847 
and  1848  worked  in  a machine  shop  in  Mil- 
waukee. In  1848  he  married  Miss  Amelia 
Wells,  and  in  1850  went  overland  to  Cali- 
fornia, and  for  about  three  months  worked  i.11 
the  mines.  He  had  been  preceded  to  the 
Golden  State  by  his  brother  Manley,  who 
crossed  the  Plains  with  the  first  train  from  the 
States  in  1849.  The  two  brothers'  started  on 
the  homeward  trip  together,  leaving  San  Fran- 
cisco in  the  fall  of  1850,  and  arriving  in  St. 
Louis,  Mo.,  Jan.  1,  1851. 

In  the  meantime,  Mrs.  Rufus  Hannurn  had 
passed  away,  leaving  one  child,  Amelia,  who 
died  after  reaching  maturity.  On  June  8, 
18^2,  Mr.  Hannurn  married  Miss  Louisa  M. 
Powers,  daughter  of  John  and  Eunice  Powers, 
the  former  of  whom  was  born  in  Vermont  and 
the  latter  near  Syracuse,  N.  Y.,  and  after  mar- 
riage settled  in  Wyoming  county,  N.  Y.,  where 
Mrs.  Hannurn  was  born  April  6,  1826.  When 
a young  women  the  present  Mrs.  Hannurn  came 
west  to  visit  a brother  and  sister  in  Michigan, 
and  while  there  was  offered  a position  as 
school  teacher,  which  she  accepted.  Her  fa- 
ther and  mother  soon  afterward  came  to  visit 


their  children  in  1852,  and  on  this  visit  were 
taken  ill  and  died,  leaving  four  daughters  and 
four  sons.  At  the  death  of  her  parents,  the 
daughter  returned  to  the  New  York  home. 
She  was  there  married  to  Mr.  Hannurn,  with 
whom  she  had  been  acquainted  in  early  life. 
To  this  union  have  been  born  seven  children, 
of  whom  George  and  Frank  are  now  residents 
of  South  Dakota;  Mary  is  still  at  home;  and 
Flora  is  the  wife  of  Charles  Bonham;  the 
three  deceased  children  were  Charles,  Ella  and 
an  infant  that  died  unnamed. 

Rufus  Hannurn  purchased  the  old  home- 
stead from  his  father  and  occupied  it  many 
years.  He  was  for  a long  time  the  leading 
farmer  of  Grant  county,  and  a successful 
raiser  of  short-horn  cattle.  He  brought  to  the 
county  the  first  imported  draft  horse  ever 
seen  here,  and  was  in  fact  the  prime  factor  in 
promoting-  the  raising  of  blooded  stock  in 
Grant  county.  In  the  spring  of  1882  Mr. 
Hannurn  retired  from  active  farming  and  made 
his  home  in  Lancaster,  where  he  has  a hand- 
some residence  and  is  surrounded  with  all  the 
comforts  of  life,  and  where  ibe  and  family  en- 
joy the  respect,  pure  and  unalloyed,  of  all  who 
know  them. 

DAVID  W.  CULVER  is  the  eldest  child 
of  Alvah  Culver,  a pioneer  of  Iowa  county, 
who  was  born  in  Cambridge,  Chenango  Co., 
N.  Y.,  March  23,  1811,  a son  of  John  Culver. 
The  family  is  of  Scotch  origin,  and,  according 
to  the  genealogy  of  the  Culvers,  two  brothers 
emigrated  from  Scotland  several  generations 
ago,  and  they  have  now  numerous  descendants 
throughout  the  Union.  Alvah  Culver  was 
reared  in  his  native  State,  and  married  Cath- 
erine Foster.  They  migrated  to  Green  Bay  in 
1837.  and  came  in  1839,  to  what  is  now  known 
as  Old  Helena,  in  Iowa  Co.  This  was  soon 
after  Wisconsin  was  organized  as  a Territory, 
and  nine  years  before  it  became  a State.  Mr. 
Culver,  Sr.,  kept  the  first  hotel  at  Helena.  He 
was  a representative  man  of  the  county  for 
many  years,  and  held  various  town  offices.  He 
built  two  steamboats  for  navigating  the  Wis- 
consin river,  and  operated  the  ferry  at  Helena 
for  a series  of  years.  His  death  Occurred  Feb. 
28,  1885,  his  wife  passing  away  on  May  1 st, 
of  the  same  year.  They  had  a numerous  fam  - 
ily,  of  whom,  as  already  stated,  Daniel  W.  was 
the  first  born.  The  other  surviving  children 
are:  DeWitt  C. ; Abigail  A.;  George  W. ; John 
and  an  adopted  daughter,  Lizzie.  Three  are 


MRS.  ALYAH  CULYER  ALYAH  CULYER 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


793 


deceased,  Fanny,  Sophrona,  and  Joshua,  the 
last  named  being-  a twin  of  John. 

David  W.  Culver  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Tompkins,  Delaware  Co.,  N.  Y.,  in  1834, 
being  about  five  years  old  when  his  parents 
came  to  Iowa  county.  Old  Helena  and  the 
town  of  Wyoming  have  always  been  his  home. 
He  remembers  well  the  early  days  and  interest- 
ing incidents  that  cluster  about  Old  Helena, 
recalling-  when  the  family’s  nearest  neighbors 
were  at  Dodgeville,  and  when  the  Indians 
roamed  the  country  in  cpiest  of  game.  The 
woman  who  became  his  wife  was  Miss  Jane 
M.  Malleu,  daughter  of  George  Malleu,  who 
was  from  New  York  State.  She  died  Dec.  13, 
1897,  aged  fifty-nine  years,  a faithful  member 
of  the  Methodist  Church.  Mr.  Culver  is  the 
father  of  three  sons  and  three  daughters: 
George  A.;  Joshua  D. ; Frances;  Cora  A.; 
Frederick  G. ; and  Martha  A.  A son  named 
William  J.  died  in  childhood.  Mr.  Culver  has 
seen  the  country  grow  from  a wilderness  to  its 
present  advanced  condition  and  is,  perhaps,  the 
oldest  living  settler  of  this  part  of  the  country, 
having  been  a constant  resident  for  sixty-two 
years.  He  is  a well-known  and  highly  re- 
spected citizen  in  the  community  in  which  he 
has  lived  so  long. 

EDWARD  UNDERWOOD.  Three  days 
after  his  marriage  in  England,  his  native  land, 
Edward  Underwood  migrated  with  his  young 
bride  to  America,  and  became  a resident  of 
Wisconsin,  in  which  State  he  has  ever  since  re- 
sided, now  ranking  as  one  of  the  old  settlers 
of  Green  county.  He  was  born  in  Leicester- 
shire, England,  Aug.  13,  1831,  son  of  Josiah 
and  Elizabeth  ( Morris ) Underwood  , and 
grandson  of  John  Underwood  and  Thomas 
Morris,  farmer  and  mason  respectively,  both 
living  to  good  old  age  and  rearing  large  fam- 
ilies. 

Josiah  Underwood,  the  father,  was  a butch- 
er by  occupation,  and  died  in  England  in  1870, 
aged  seventy  years  and  six  months.  His  wife 
died  in  1855.  They  were  close  communion 
Baptists.  Seven  children  were  born  to  them, 
four  sons  and  three  daughters,  of  whom  four 
are  now  living,  namely;  Edward;  Mary,  of 
Leicestershire;  Emma  and  Elizabeth. 

Edward  Underwood  was  reared  on  a farm 
in  England,  and  indiis  native  land  received  a 
fair  education  in  the  free  schools.  As  a young 
man  he  was  for  six  years  a member  of  the 


Leicestershire  Yeoman  Cavalry,  a thousand 
strong,  and  known  as  "Prince  Albert’s  Own," 
the  insignia  stamped  on  every  uniform  button. 
He  married,  Feb.  25,  1857,  Miss  Mary  Un- 
derwood, who,  though  possessing  the  same  sur- 
name, was  no  known  relative.  She  was  the 
daughter  of  Adam  and  Maria  (Demscher) 
Underwood,  and  granddaughter  of  Thomas 
Underwood,  who  died  in  England  in  middle 
life,  leaving  a large  family.  Adam  and  Maria 
Underwood,  her  parents,  had  a family  of  nine 
children,  six  sons  and  three  daughters,  of  whom 
five  are  living,  viz. ; Mary  (Mrs.  Lhrderwood)  ; 
William,  of  Leicestershire,  England;  Sarah, 
widow  of  Thomas  Hc'bel,  of  Leicestershire; 
John,  of  Asfordby,  England ; and  Charles,  of 
Monroe  township,  Green  county,  Wis.  Adam 
Underwood  was  a farm  laborer,  and  died 
April  11,  1893,  aged  seventy  years,  surviving 
about  a year  his  wife,  who  died  aged  sixty- 
nine  years. 

The  marriage  of  Edward  and  Mary  Un- 
derwood was  solemnized  on  Wednesday,  and 
the  following  Saturday  they  set  sail  for  Amer- 
ica, reaching  Monroe,  Wis.,  in  the  latter  part 
of  April,  1857.  For  about  eighteen  months 
they  lived  in  the  north  part  of  that  town,  then 
in  the  west  portion.  In  1862  they  moved  to 
the  Pinney  farm,  and  after  making  one  or 
two  other  residential  changes,  came,  in  1870, 
to  the  farm  of  sixty  acres  in  Monroe  township 
which  in  that  year  Mr.  Underwood  purchased, 
and  where  he  has  ever  since  resided,  engaged 
in  general  farming  and  stock  raising.  Politi- 
cally Mr.  Underwood  is  a Republican.  Him- 
self and  wife  are  adherents  to  the  close  com- 
munion Baptist  faith,  but  are  not  identified 
with  any  society,  as  there  is  none  of  that  de- 
nomination in  the  vicinity  of  their  home.  Mr. 
Underwood  is  an  industrious  and  capable 
farmer,  who  has  witnessed  the  rapid  growth 
of  Wisconsin  during  the  past  forty-five  years, 
contributing  to  the  same  by  his  faithful  and 
well-directed  efforts.  He  is  highly  respected 
by  his  many  friends  and  acquaintances. 

JOSEPH  ALTMAN,  a prominent  farmer 
and  cheese  manufacturer  in  the  town  of  Jor- 
dan, Green  county,  where  he  has  a desirable 
farm  on  section  13,  was  born  in  Canton  Glarus, 
Switzerland,  March  8,  1846.  a son  of  Joseph 
and  Colombina  (Abiev)  Altman,  both  of  whom 
lived  and  died  in  Switzerland.  They  were 
farming  people,  and  were  the  parents  of  the 


794 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


following  family:  Baltz  now  resides  in  Can- 
ton Glarus,  Switzerland;  Casper  remains  in 
the  old  country;  Henry  is  in  Monroe;  Joseph; 
Jacob  is  in  the  Black  Hills,  South  Dakota. 

Joseph  Altman  was  married  Oct.  20,  1875, 
to  Miss  Sibilla  Hefty,  of  New  Glarus,  Wis., 
and  they  have  become  the  parents  of  seven  chil- 
dren, four  of  whom  are  now  living:  Joseph, 
Jr.,  born  March  19,  1877,  is  at  home,  unmar- 
ried, and  assists  his  father  in  the  cultivation 
of  his  extensive  farm;  Mary,  born.  Sept.  15, 
1886,  is  at  home;  Henry,  born  May  19,  1894; 
and  Magdlena,  born  Sept.  10,  1896.  Mrs. 
Sibilla  Altman  was  born  in  New  Glarus,  Wis., 
Aug.  25,  1855,  an  estimable  daughter  of  Henry 
and  Regula  (Leglor)  Hefty,  both  coming  from 
their  native  Canton  Glarus,  and  making  a home 
in  Green  county  in  the  early  history  of  that 
portion  of  Wisconsin.  Their  family  of  chil- 
dren was  as  follows : ( 1 ) Matthias,  now  of 

Monroe,  Wis.;  (2)  Sibilla;  (3)  David;  (4) 
Magdlena,  the  wife  of  Joshua  Kiassy,  of  Mon- 
roe; (5)  Regula.  the  wife  of  John  Becker, 
of  New  Glarus;  (6)  Henry,  of  New  Glarus, 
(7)  Mary,  the  wife  of  David  Kundert. 

Joseph  Altman  came  to  New  Glarus  in 
1866,  and  for  some  time  was  employed  in 
Dane  county,  Wis.,  and  at  Stevens  Point, 
working  for  wages.  Coming  back  to  New 
Glarus,  he  bought  a quarter-section  in  Exeter 
township,  and  in  1884  removed  to  Jordan 
township,  where  he  now  owns  a choice  farm 
of  285  acres.  144  acres  in  Jordan  township 
and  151  acres  in  section  18,  Monroe  township, 
the  whole  forming  one  continuous  farm,  now 
in  a high  state  of  cultivation,  and  making  one 
of  the  most  valuable  farming  plants  in  the 
southern  part  of  the  State. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Altman  are  connected  with 
the  Lutheran  Church,  where  they  are  much  es- 
teemed for  their  good  character  and  genuine 
worth.  They  are  honest,  hard-working  peo- 
ple, and  have  come  to  their  present  comforta- 
ble circumstances  only  by  the  exercise  of  in- 
dustry, economy  and  wise  management.  Mr. 
Altman  is  a Republican,  and  is  regarded  as 
one  of  the  leading  farmers  and  stockmen  of  the 
town.  At  the  present  time  lie  is  milking  some 
fifty  cows,  and  is  in  a company  of  farmers 
engaged  in  a co-operative  cheese  work.  His 
reputation  is  that  of  an  honest  man,  a good  citi- 
zen and  a splendid  neighbor.  The  farm  on 
which  he  lives  is  under  a high  state  of  im- 
provement, and  has  a fine  two-story  dwelling 


house  and  ample  stock  barns.  He  himself  is 
a leading  and  substantial  citizen,  while  his  wife 
is  a lady  of  high  character,  a devoted  wife  and 
mother,  and  the  family  of  children  in  the  home 
would  do  credit  to  any  parentage. 

HUGH  McGAVOCK,  now  retired  from 
active  business  life,  and  residing  at  No.  805 
Ninth  street,  Beloit,  Rock  county,  has  been  a 
potent  factor  in  the  development  of  that  city. 
He  has  always  been  an  active  and  progressive 
man,  bound  to  push  things,  full  of  enterprise 
and  laudable  ambition.  His  career  is  an  in- 
structive one,  showing  as  it  does  what  a brave 
spirit  can  accomplish  without  adventitious  aid, 
if  the  man  will  only  persevere  and  be  strong 
in  himself. 

Mr.  McGavock  was  born  in  County  An- 
trim, Ireland,  Jan.  26,  1828,  a son  of  Alex- 
ander and  Sarah  (Devlin)  McGavock,  both 
natives  of  Ireland.  They  were  the  parents  of 
four  sons  and  two  daughters,  and  emigrated 
to  the  United  States  in  1847,  settling  at  Fox 
Lake,  111.,  where  the  senior  McGavock  bought 
an  eighty-acre  farm,  partially  improved,  and 
120  acres  of  government  land  wholly  unim- 
proved. There  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his 
life,  but  died  in  Beloit,  while  on  a visit  to  that 
city  in  1861,  having  reached  the  age  of  sev- 
enty years.  His  wife  died  about  1854.  Both 
were  loyal  Catholics.  His  father,  Patrick  Mc- 
Gavock, was  a farmer,  and  died  in  Ireland 
when  eighty-five.  He  had  a family  of  four 
sons  and  two  daughters.  The  father  of  Mrs. 
Alexander  McGavock,  Patrick  Devlin,  died  in 
Ireland  when  about  eighty  years  old.  He  was 
a farmer,  and  reared  a family  of  four  daughters 
and  three  sons. 

Hugh  McGavock  received  his  schooling  in 
Ireland,  and  was  a young  man  of  nineteen  years 
of  age  when  he  accompanied  his  parents  to  this 
country.  He  soon  went  into  business  for  him- 
self, and  began  contracting  on  the  construc- 
tion of  the  old  Galena  railroad,  now  a part  of 
the  Northwestern  system.  This  work  proved 
profitable,  and  he  followed  it  for  twenty  years 
or  more  on  a large  scale.  In  1852  Mr.  Mc- 
Gavock came  to  Beloit  and  bought  a farm  of 
444  acres  in  the  township  of  Beloit,  which  is 
still  in  his  possession.  He  has  taken  much  in- 
terest in  the  development  of  farm  property  in 
southern  Wisconsin,  investing  his  money  freely 
in  it,  and  at  one  time  owned  as  many  as  800 
acres.  He  has  sold  much  of  it,  but  still  has 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


79  5 


extensive  real-estate  interests  in  and  around 
Beloit,  particularly  a forty-acre  tract  that  is 
laid  off  in  town  lots.  In  the  city  he  owns  two 
houses  which  he  rents,  and  for  the  past  nine 
years  he  has  occupied  his  present  home  on 
Ninth  street,  built  by  him,  and  designed  to  be 
his  home  as  long  as  he  shall  live. 

Hugh  McGavock  and  Miss  Catharine  Buck- 
ley  were  married  in  Janesville,  Wis.,  Feb.  I, 
1857.  Mrs.  McGavock  is  a daughter  of  John 
and  Margaret  (Fitzgerald)  Buckley,  of  Janes- 
ville, and  has  become  the  mother  of  nine  sons 
and  two  daughters  : ( 1 ) Alexander,  the  first 
born,  is  a grocer  and  market  man  at  3108 
State  street.  Chicago;  he  married  (first)  Vel- 
my  Smith,  who  bore  him  six  children,  but  one 
of  whom,  John  Francis,  is  yet  living.  She  died 
in  1886,  and  Alexander  then  wedded  Kate 
Eagan,  by  whom  he  has  one  son,  Stephen. 
(2)  John  is  a grocer  in  Beloit,  and  is  unmar- 
ried. (3)  Hugh,  Jr.,  is  a coal,  wood  and  lum- 
ber dealer  in  Beloit;  he  married  Catharine 
Findley,  and  is  the  father  of  five  children, 
Thomas,  Genevieve,  Lilah,  Marion  and  Hugh. 
(4)  William  (1),  born  May  5.  1862,  died 
Nov.  1,  1863.  (5)  William  (2),  a farmer 

and  stone  quarryman  at  Beloit,  married  Maine 
Cantwell,  and  has  three  children,  Kittie,  Mil- 
dred and  the  baby.  (6)  Patrick  runs  a gro- 
cery and  meat  market  at  917  West  63d  street, 
Chicago ; he  married  Maude  Lynch,  and  has 
one  child,  Josephine.  (7)  Thomas,  a merchant 
in  Chicago,  is  unmarried.  (8)  James  is  a con- 
tractor at  Chicago  Heights ; he  married  Alice 
McMiniment.  (9)  Charlotte  is  bookkeeper 
and  cashier  for  her  brother  Patrick  in  Chicago. 
(10)  Edward  is  in  the  meat  business  in  Chi- 
cago. ( 1 1 ) Mary  is  at  home. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  McGavock  are  members  of 
the  Catholic  Church.  He  is  a Democrat,  and 
is  a stanch  advocate  of  the  time-honored  prin- 
ciples of  his  party.  Kir.  McGavock  has  been 
a very  successful  man  in  all  his  business  under- 
takings. Starting  in  life  a poor  boy,  he  has 
achieved  results  of  which  any  man  might  be 
proud.  He  has  given  all  his  children  a good 
start  in  life,  and  like  him  they  are  progressive 
and  enterprising.  He  has  been  a resident  of 
Beloit  for  forty-nine  years,  and  has  seen  this 
beautiful  city  develop  from  a small  village. 
He  has  friends  in  the  South,  where  Gen.  John 
McGavock.  a relative  of  his,  was  an  officer 
in  the  Confederate  army.  Mr.  McGavock  had 
a great-uncle  who  was  a soldier  under  Gen. 


Washington  in  the  Revolutionary  army,  and 
in  after  years  became  an  eminent  civil  en- 
gineer. On  his  mother’s  side  he  had  relatives 
who  came  to  America  in  1798,  during  the  re- 
bellion in  Ireland.  Mrs.  McGavock’s  parents 
were  early  settlers  in  Janesville,  coming  from 
Ireland  and  settling  there  in  1849. 

JAMES  S.  HIRD,  a retired  farmer  and 
miner  of  the  town  of  Benton,  Lafayette  county, 
is  well  and  favorably  known  throughout  that 
region,  where  his  long  and  useful  life  has 
given  abundant  opportunity  to  attest  his  gen- 
uine worth  and  rugged  manliness. 

Mr.  Hird  was  born  in  Yorkshire.  England, 
Jan.  7,  1825,  a son  of  Edward  and  Elizabeth 
Hird,  both  Yorkshire  born  and  bred.  The 
father  followed  mining  until  he  came  to  this 
country  with  his  family,  in  1849,  and  located 
on  a farm  in  the  town  of  Benton,  which  is 
still  in  the  possession  of  the  Hird  family. 
The  father  died  three  years  after  coming  to 
Wisconsin,  and  his  widow  in  1861.  They 
were  both  members  of  the  Methodist  Church, 
and  in  their  lives  were  true  to  their  faith. 
Their  children  were:  (1)  Jane,  born  in  June, 

1819,  died  in  January,  1892,  unmarried.  (2) 
Thomas,  born  in  December,  1820,  was  mar- 
ried in  1845  t0  Miss  Margaret  Thistlethwaite, 
of  England,  and  settled  on  a farm  near  Hazel 
Green.  He  has  recently  moved  to  Galena,  111. 
They  have  four  daughters,  Elizabeth  (wife  of 
James  Virtue),  Margaret  (wife  of  Albert  Cor- 
nish, of  Omaha),  Barbara  (wife  of  Frank 
Striker,  of  Omaha),  and  Alice  (of  Galena). 
(3)  Edward,  born  May  14,  1823.  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Mary  Pedalty,  and  settled  on  a 
farm  in  New  Diggings,  where  he  died  in  April, 
1873  ; his  widow  died  nine  years  later.  They 
left  nine  children,  Elizabeth,  Mary  A..  Ed- 
ward, Barbara,  William,  John,  Thomas,  Mag- 
gie and  James.  (4)  James  S.  is  our  subject. 
(5)  Elizabeth,  born  in  March,  1827,  married 
Christopher  Franklin  in  England.  They  came 
to  Wisconsin,  made  their  home  in  Hazel  Green, 
and  at  a later  period  moved  to  Montfort,  where 
they  both  died,  leaving  the  following  children, 
Elizabeth  (who  married  James  Bunt,  of  Janes- 
I ville),  Edward.  James,  Samuel,  Christopher 
and  William.  (6)  William,  born  in  England, 
Nov.  20,  1830,  was  educated  in  the  public 
schools  of  his  native  country,  and  after  coming 
to  this  country  was  married  to  Miss  Elizabeth 
Reed,  in  June,  1855.  She  was  the  daughter 


796 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


of  James  and  Elizabeth  (Stephens)  Reed,  long 
resident  in  Lafayette  county.  They  came  from 
England,  in  1849,  locating  first  in  Virginia, 
then  in  Pottsville,  Penn.,  and  later  in  Ohio, 
whence  they  came  to  Wisconsin.  They  set- 
tled on  a farm  near  Cuba  City,  where  she  died 
in  1870,  and  he  two  years  later.  Five  chil- 
dren were  born  to  them:  Mary,  who  is  the 
wife  of  John  Bray,  of  Chicago;  Richard,  of 
Stockton,  111.;  Martha  J.,  the  wife  of  John 
Jones,  of  Evansville,  Wis. ; James,  of  Nevada; 
Elizabeth,  the  wife  of  Mr.  Hird,  who  was 
born  in  Pottsville,  Penn.,  and  received  her  early 
education  in  Wisconsin.  After  her  marriage 
with  Mr.  Hird  they  settled  on  a farm  in  Smel- 
ser.  Grant  county,  where  they  lived  some  years, 
and  then  moved  to  Benton,  where  Mr.  Hird 
was  an  active  farmer  until  a few  years  before 
his  death,  in  February,  1899.  He  left  a widow 
and  five  children:  Barbara  J.,  born  in  1856, 
is  the  wife  of  John  Cameron,  of  Webster  City, 
Iowa,  and  the  mother  of  three  children,  John, 
William  and  Alvin ; Edward,  born  in  Novem- 
ber, i860,  lives  on  the  old  homestead,  and  by 
his  wife,  Alice  Addison,  has  one  daughter, 
Bertie  M. ; Samuel  A.,  born  in  May,  1863,  was 
married  to  Myrtie  Cameron,  and  lives  in  Mont- 
fort  with  four  children,  Mary,  Isabelle,  Ellen 
and  William;  James  W.,  born  Nov.  21,  1865, 
a blacksmith  of  Benton,  was  married  to  Miss 
Mary  C.  Cottingham,  of  Dubuque,  Iowa,  and 
has  two  children,  Beulah  M.  and  William; 
Elizabeth,  born  Oct.  24,  1869,  is  the  wife  of 
William  Bell,  a farmer  of  Benton,  and  the 
mother  of  four  children,  Oliver  H.,  Elsie  E., 
Edna  R.  and  Joseph  S.  Mr.  Hird  was  a mem- 
ber of  the  Methodist  Church.  (7)  Barbara 
Hird,  born  in  England,  Jan  3,  1834,  is  the 
wife  of  John  Stephens,  a retired  business  man 
of  Montfort.  (8)  Mary  A.,  born  in  England, 
in  February.  1836,  married  James  Robson, 
and  resides  in  the  town  of  Seymour.  Lafay- 
ette county;  she  is  the  mother  of  two  children. 

James  S.  Hird  was  educated  in  the  public 
schools  of  England  before  coming  to  the  United 
States.  When  a boy  he  worked  on  a farm, 
and  also  washed  minerals  under  his  father’s 
instruction.  After  his  arrival  in  Wisconsin 
for  some  years  he  was  employed  in  the  mines 
of  Lafayette  and  Grant  counties.  The  first 
investment  which  he  made  in  land  was  after 
the  death  of  his  father;  he  remained  with  his 
widowed  mother,  and  for  twenty  years  he  has 
been  actively  engaged  in  the  cultivation  of 


his  broad  acres.  Mr.  Hird  owns  some  min- 
ing property,  and  is  a large  stockholder  in  the 
State  Bank  at  Benton,  the  organization  of 
which  was  effected  in  1896. 

Mr.  Hird  has  never  married.  He  is  one 
of  the  active  and  leading  business  men  of  Ben- 
ton, and  in  politics  is  a Republican.  In  re- 
ligion he  was  reared  in  the  Methodist  Church, 
and  while  never  uniting  with  it,  gives  that 
church  a liberal  support.  To-day  no  name 
stands  higher  in  Lafayette  county  than  does 
that  of  Mr.  Hird.  His  large  wealth  has  come 
through  his  honest  toil  and  wise  investments, 
and  he  has  always  labored  not  only  for  his 
own  benefit,  but  for  the  improvement  of  the 
community. 

LEWIS  BAKER,  who  holds  an  enviable 
position  among  the  thrifty  and  industrious 
farmers  and  upright  citizens  of  Green  county, 
resides  on  his  farm,  a beautiful  place  of  160 
acres,  in  section  23,  Jordan  township,  seven 
miles  west  of  Monroe. 

Mr.  Baker  was  born  in  the  town  of  Mon- 
roe, Jan.  27,  1856,  a son  of  Henry  and  Cath- 
erine (Rhinegroover)  Baker,  who  were  among 
the  early  settlers  of  Green  county,  making  set- 
tlement here  as  early  as  1840.  The  second 
and  third  houses  in  Monroe  were  built  by 
Thomas  Rhinegroover,  uncle  to  Mr.  Baker. 
Henry  Baker,  father  of  Lewis,  was  born  in 
Saxony,  Germany,  and  came  to  this  country 
when  a young  man,  following  shoemaking. 
He  died  when  Lewis  was  about  four  years  old, 
leaving  a widow  and  four  children:  John,  now 
deceased;  Henry,  who  lives  in  Kansas;  Lewis, 
whose  name  appears  above ; and  Lawrence, 
now  living  at  Fairmount,  Minnesota. 

Lewis  Baker  was  married  Jan.  28,  1883, 
to  Miss  Emma  L.  Ableman,  of  Jordan  town- 
ship, a daughter  of  William  and  Martha 
(Thompson)  Ableman,  old  settlers  of  the  town- 
ship. Her  father  was  born  in  Albany,  N.  Y., 
May  6,  1800,  a son  of  Christian  Ableman, 
who  was  of  German  parentage.  Christian 
Ableman  was  a soldier  in  the  English  army, 
and  was  taken  prisoner  at  the  battle  of  Bunker 
Hill.  When  he  was  paroled  he  remained  in 
this  country,  and  made  his  home  near  Albany, 
N.  Y.  William  Ableman,  the  father  of  Mrs. 
Baker,  came  from  New  York  to  Rock  county, 
Wis.,  in  1835,  soon  afterward  making  his 
permanent  home  in  Green  county,  where  he 
died  March  30,  1895.  1°  1820  he  was  mar- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


797 


ried  to  Miss  Ellen  Vanderberg,  by  whom  he 
had  the  following  named  children : Gilbert, 
John,  Stephen,  Reuben.  James,  Christian,  Re- 
gina, Rachel,  Joseph  and  Elizabeth.  The 
mother  of  these  died  in  1850,  and  Mr.  Able- 
man  married,  Oct.  25,  i860,  Miss  Martha 
Thompson,  a daughter  of  Jonathan  Thompson, 
of  New  York,  by  whom  he  had  three  children: 
Emma  L.  (Mrs.  Lewis  Baker,  who  was  born 
Oct.  31,  1861),  Ephraim  A.  and  Samuel.  Mrs. 
Ableman  is  still  living  on  the  old  homestead 
farm. 

Lewis  Baker  was  reared  on  the  farm,  where 
his  mother  cared  for  her  little  family,  and  ob- 
tained his  education  in  the  public  schools,  start- 
ing out  in  life  a poor  boy.  At  the  present 
time  he  owns  the  old  Ableman  farm,  a well- 
tilled  quarter  section,  with  fine  improvements,  j 
including  a good  dwelling  house,  and  ample 
barns  and  other  facilities.  In  politics  he  is  a 
Republican.  He  is  not  connected  with  any 
church,  but  squares  his  life  by  the  Golden 
Rule,  and  commands  the  hearty  and  unstinted 
respect  and  confidence  of  the  community. 
Mr.  Baker  is  engaged  in  general  farming,  and 
gives  special  attention  to  creamery  and  dairy 
interests.  Both  he  and  his  wife  are  regarded 
as  fine  people,  reliable  and  generous-hearted, 
honorable  and  upright,  by  all  who  know  them. 
They  have  had  one  daughter,  Jennie  L.,  who 
is  at  home. 

THOMAS  PURVES,  a retired  cigar  man- 
ufacturer of  Beloit,  Rock  county,  has  been  iden- 
tified with  the  business  and  commercial  inter- 
ests of  this  city  for  thirty  years,  and  he  has 
proved  himself  in  that  long  period  of  years  a 
thoroughly  reliable  and  honorable  man,  of 
sound  judgment,  good  business  instincts  and 
of  unswerving  integrity. 

Mr.  Purves  was  born  in  Galt,  Canada, 
March  27,  1835,  and  is  a son  of  Joseph  and 
Catherine  (Fraser)  Purves,  both  natives  of 
Scotland.  They  were  the  parents  of  seven  chil- 
dren, of  whom  only  two  are  now  living,  Isa- 
bella, the  wife  of  William  Lafferty,  of  St. 
Charles,  Mich.;  and  Thomas,  of  Beloit.  The 
father  was  a merchant  in  Roxburghshire.  Scot- 
land, and  emigrated  to  Canada  when  a young 
man.  He  married  in  that  country,  and  there 
he  bought  an  extensive  tract  of  land,  which 
constitutes  one  side  of  the  present  city  of  Galt. 
He  sold  it  before  the  development  of  the  city  - 
made  it  valuable.  He  was  a blacksmith,  and  I 


followed  his  trade  for  many  years.  He  died 
about  fifty  years  ago  in  Harrisburg,  Canada, 
at  the  age  of  fifty-five.  His  wife  died  in  1843. 
Both  were  Scotch  Presbyterians.  The  pater- 
nal grandfather  of  Thomas  Purves  died  in 
Scotland  well  advanced  in  years.  He  belonged 
to  a wealthy  family,  and  he  had  five  or  six 
children.  Alexander  Fraser,  the  father  of 
Catherine  Fraser  mentioned  above,  died  when 
past  middle  life  in  Canada,  the  father  of  five 
children. 

Thomas  Purves  was  a child  when  his  par- 
ents moved  to  Harrisburg.  He  attended  school 
both  at  Harrisburg  and  at  Linden,  and  began 
blacksmithing  when  a young  man  and  followed 
it  ten  years.  He  came  to  Beloit  in  1871,  and 
engaged  in  the  tobacco  and  confectionery  busi- 
ness, and  also  manufactured  cigars.  At  first 
he  was  a partner  of  L.  W.  Kendall,  and  was 
associated  with  him  for  nine  years  under  the 
firm  name  of  Kendall  & Purves.  That  gentle- 
man retiring  at  the  expiration  of  that  period, 
Mr.  Purves  continued  alone  in  business  until 
September,  1899,  when  he  retired,  and  is  now 
living  without  active  business  cares. 

Mr.  Purves  and  Miss  Sarah  Kendall, 
daughter  of  William  and  Dorothea  Kendall, 
were  married  in  1866.  Three  children  were 
born  to  this  union,  Mary  Dorothea,  Luther  E. 
and  Thomas  W.  Mary  Dorothea  is  the  wife 
of  John  Fraser,  of  Burford,  Canada,  and  is 
the  mother  of  two  children,  Walter  and  Flor- 
ence. Luther  E.  married  Miss  Nellie  Smith, 
and  is  engaged  in  the  laundry  business  in  Be- 
loit; his  biographical  sketch  appears  elsewhere 
in  this  work.  Thomas  W.  Purves  married 
Miss  Myrtle  Sage.  Thomas  Purves  is  a mem- 
ber of  Myrtle  Lodge,  No.  10,  I.  O.  O.  F., 
and  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  He  is  a Re- 
publican, and  was  alderman  of  the  Fourth 
ward  in  1900. 

William  Kendall  was  a native  of  New  York, 
of  English  descent,  and  followed  farming  un- 
til quite  advanced  in  years,  when  .he  retired. 
He  was  the  father  of  a large  family,  and  passed 
away  at  the  age  of  ninety. 

LUTHER  E.  PURVES,  proprietor  of  the 
well-known  laundry  at  Beloit,  Rock  county,  is 
one  of  the  hustling  young  business  men  of  that 
city,  whose  earnest  spirit  and  modern  methods 
are  a potent  force  in  its  advancement.  He  is 
a pleasant  and  agreeable  man,  fully  awake  to 
the  value  and  necessity  of  good  work  and  re- 


798 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


liable  dealing,  and  makes  personal  friends  of 
his  patrons. 

Mr.  Purves  was  born  in  Ceresco,  Mich., 
Jan.  10,  1870,  and  is  a son  of  Thomas  and 
Sarah  (Kendall)  Purves,  the  father  a native 
of  Canada,  and  the  mother  of  New  York. 
They  were  the  parents  of  three  children : Mary 
Dorothea,  wife  of  John  Fraser,  of  Burford, 
Ontario;  and  Luther  E.  and  Thomas  W.,  both 
residing  in  Beloit.  The  father  came  to  Beloit 
in  1871,  and  engaged  in  the  wholesale  leaf 
tobacco  business;  he  was  also  a manufacturer 
and  dealer  in  cigars.  He  was  continuously  in 
business  until  September,  1899,  when  he  dis- 
posed of  his  various  enterprises,  and  is  now 
leading  a retired  life.  Mr.  Purves  has  always 
been  a Republican,  and  was  alderman  of  the 
Fourth  ward  one  term.  Mrs.  Purves  was  a 
Baptist.  [A  sketch  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Purves 
appears  elsewhere.] 

Luther  E.  Purves  was  about  a year  and  a 
half  old  when  he  came  to  Beloit,  and  here  he 
has  spent  all  his  life.  He  was  a student  in  the 
city  schools,  and  made  his  preparation  for  busi- 
ness in  the  Spencerian  Business  College,  Mil- 
waukee. He  was  a bookkeeper  until  1895,  and 
acquired  a reputation  for  accurate  and  reliable 
work  which  has  stood  him  in  hand  to  good 
purpose  many  times.  In  1895  he  engaged  in 
the  laundry  business,  and  has  built  up  a wide 
and  profitable  patronage. 

Luther  E.  Purves  and  Miss  Nellie  Smith, 
daughter  of  William  and  Margaret  (Kane) 
Smith,  were  united  in  marriage  Dec.  12,  1894. 
and  they  are  the  parents  of  two  children,  Lu- 
ther and  Russell  K.  They  live  at  No.  353 
Highland  avenue.  Mr.  Purves  is  a member 
of  St.  Paul’s  Episcopal  Church.  He  is  a Re- 
publican in  political  sentiment.  Mrs.  Purves 
is  a native  of  Beloit,  born  in  1874,  and  spent 
her  early  life  in  Iowa,  returning  when  about 
fourteen  to  Beloit,  where  she  has  since  resided. 

JOHN  E.  WESCOTT,  a representative  of 
one  of  the  older  families  of  Green  county,  was 
born  there  Oct.  8,  1846,  a son  of  Ezra  and 
Nancy  (Brown)  Wescott.  His  father  was 
born  in  Wethersfield,  N.  Y.,  in  1818,  and  was  a 
son  of  John  Wescott,  noted  among  the  early 
settlers  of  central  and  western  New  York. 

Ezra  Wescott,  who  came  from  his  native 
State  to  Green  county,  Wis.,  in  1840,  taught 
school  for  several  years  after  his  arrival  in 
this  State.  He  was  married  Nov.  10,  1845, 


to  Miss  Nancy  Brown,  a teacher  in  Lafayette 
county  for  several  years  previous  to  her  mar- 
riage, and  to  them  were  born  six  children : 
John  E.,  whose  name  introduces  this  article; 
Alta;  Myra,  married  to  D.  K.  Anderson,  of 
Woodford,  Lafayette  Co.,  Wis.;  Dora,  who 
married  James  H.  Walker,  of  Freeport,  111.; 
and  two  others,  now  deceased.  Ezra  Wescott 
died  June  16,  1865,  and  is  remembered  as  one 
of  the  leading  and  enterprising  men  of  Green 
county  in  his  day.  In  1863  he  served  as  a 
member  of  the  State  Assembly,  and  he  was 
register  of  deeds  and  county  treasurer  before 
the  Civil  war.  His  services  were  in  demand 
for  many  years  as  commissioner,  chairman  of 
the  town  board,  and  justice  of  the  peace  at 
various  times. 

John  E.  Wescott  was  married  to  Miss  Ab- 
bie  H.  Collins  May  4,  1869.  Her  parents, 
George  and  Climena  C.  (Cleveland)  Collins, 
born  and  reared  in  the  State  of  Maine,  came  to 
Green  county  in  1867,  but  returned  next  year 
to  North  Anson,  Maine,  where  Mr.  Collins 
died  in  1871.  He  was  a miller  all  his  life. 
His  widow,  now  aged  eighty-two  years,  re- 
sides with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wescott.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  John  E.  Wescott  are  the  parents  of  the 
following  children : Arthur  B.,  born  April  3, 
1S70,  died  young;  Ezra  C.,  born  Aug.  21, 
1872,  married  Lottie  Bangs,  of  Nebraska,  Jan. 
2,  1901,  and  is  living  at  home;  George  F.  is 
also  at  home. 

John  E.  Wescott  was  reared  on  the  farm, 
and  obtained  his  education  in  the  neighboring 
district  school.  Since  reaching  manhood  he 
has  taken  an  important  part  in  the  local  affairs 
of  the  day,  and  hasf  served  at  different  times  as 
tax  collector,  road  supervisor  and  school  direc- 
tor for  many  years.  In  1864  he  enlisted  in 
the  Union  army,  becoming  a member  of  Com- 
pany I,  46th  Wis.  V.  L,  under  command  of 
Col.  Lovell,  and  serving  through  the  stirring 
scenes  of  the  closing  days  of  the  great  war. 
He  was  honorably  discharged  in  October,  1865, 
He  served  for  the  most  part  in  the  Army  of  the 
Tennessee,  and  in  the  Army  of  the  Cumber- 
land. 

Mr.  Wescott  is  now  residing  on  the  old 
Wescott  place,  a magnificent  country  home  of 
300  acres,  located  in  section  6,  Cadiz  town- 
ship, all  highly  improved  and  furnished  with 
every  convenience  that  modern  agriculture  de- 
mands for  the  successful  handling  of  the  farm 
in  the  most  profitable  and  productive  fashion, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


79  9 


the  place  forming  a striking  contrast  to  its  con- 
dition when  purchased  by  Mr.  Wescott’s  father 
in  1851.  With  our  subject  is. now  residing  his 
mother,  a venerable  lady  of  nearly  eighty  years, 
who  is  passing  her  last  days  in  an  atmosphere 
of  loving  care  and  tender  devotion.  John  E. 
Wescott  is  a man  of  quiet  and  unobtrusive 
nature,  a thorough  gentleman,  a good  neigh- 
bor; and  is  known  as  one  of  the  leading  citi- 
zens of  the  community.  Many  are  his  friends, 
who  know  and  rightly  esteem  his  many  good 
qualities. 

John  Wescott,  the  grandfather  of  John  E., 
was  born  in  New  York.  He  had  four  sons  and 
one  daughter:  Franklin  died  unmarried;  Ezra 
was  the  father  of  John  E. ; Jefferson  F.  and 
Walter  S.  are  mentioned  below;  Eliza  A.  mar- 
ried Peter  Chandler,  and  died  in  December, 
1892.  Peter  Chandler  died  in  1875. 

Jefferson  F.  Wescott  came  to  Green  county 
in  1840  and  made  a creditable  history  as  a 
farmer,  a merchant,  a civil  magistrate,  and  a 
member  of  the  Wisconsin  Assembly,  and  died 
Feb.  16,  1879.  Born  in  Wyoming  county, 
N.  Y.,  March  26,  1826,  he  was  still  a boy  at 
his  advent  in  Green  county.  He  was  married 
March  26,  1856,  to  Miss  Sarah  Rogers,  of 
Lafayette  county,  and  to  their  union  were  born 
eight  children:  Mary  E.,  the  wife  of  Charles 

E.  Brooks;  Frank;  Charles,  a resident  of  Ne- 
braska; Clara,  who  was  a school  teacher  be- 
fore her  marriage;  May  married  Albert  Love- 
land; Nellie,  married  to  Thurlow  Patton; 
Walter  and  Daisy  are  unmarried. 

Walter  S.  Wescott  was  born  in  New  York, 
and  came  to  Green  county  in  1843,  making  his 
/ first  settlement  in  the  town  of  York,  but  mov- 
ing shortly  to  the  town  of  Adams,  where  he 
lived  until  1864.  That  year  he  bought  a farm 
in  section  26,  town  of  Monroe.  Thankful  B. 
Cleveland,  his  wife,  was  the  daughter  of  James 
G.  and  Edith  Cleveland,  well-known  Green 
county  people,  and  to  them  were  born  three 
children : Ida  M.  is  the  wife  of  Edward  C. 
Gibbons,  of  Nebraska;  Eva  M.  is  the  wife  of 
C.  D.  Bragg,  of  Nebraska;  and  John  J.  resides 
in  Texas.  Walter  S.  Wescott  is  now  largely 
engaged  in  Nebraska,  where  he  has  extensive 
ranch  interests,  and  while  his  residence  was 
unbroken  in  Green  county  he  was  one  of  the 
most  public-spirited  men  of  the  times,  hold- 
ing many  public  positions,  and  being  honored 
with  election  to  the  State  Senate  in  1863.  Al- 


ways a stanch  Republican,  he  has  been  identi- 
fied with  the  history  of  his  party  wherever 
he  has  lived. 

JOHN  W.  CARPENTER  has  been  a resi- 
dent of  the  city  of  Janesville,  Rock  county, 
for  many  years,  and  in  that  time  he  has  won  a 
standing  in  business  circles,  and  as  an  intelli- 
gent and  progressive  citizen,  of  which  any  man 
might  be  proud.  He  has  met  all  his  business 
engagements  promptly,  and  his  word  has  ever 
been  beyond  question.  He  has  built  up  a good 
trade  in  the  coal  and  wood  line,  and  those 
who  have  dealt  with  him  longest  are  the  best 
friends  he  has  in  the  city. 

Mr.  Carpenter  was  born  at  Northville,  Ful- 
ton Co.,  N.  Y.,  Feb.  9,  1839,  a son  of  Allen 
D.  and  Alary  Ann  (Wadsworth)  Carpenter, 
both  also  natives  of  Fulton  county.  Children 
as  follows  were  born  to  them  : John  W. ; Laura, 
wife  of  Nathaniel  Ballard,  of  Evansville,  Wis. ; 
William  H.,  of  Evansville;  Alary  Ann,  Airs. 
McKinney,  of  Evansville;  Josiah,  of  Lmion 
township,  Rock  county;  and  Emma,  wife  of 
Edwin  Winters,  Gf  Evansville.  The  father 
was  originally  a cabinet  maker,  but  became 
a carpenter  and  joiner.  In  1855  he  came  to 
Wisconsin  and  settled  on  an  eighty-acre  farm 
in  Linion  township,  Rock  county.  After  a time 
he  acquired  as  much  more  land,  and  gave  his 
attention  to  the  improvement  and  cultivation 
of  what  speedily  became  a choice  and  valuable 
farm.  He  died  on  that  place  Jan.  21,  1861, 
aged  about  forty-six  years.  His  wife  survived 
him  until  1894,  and  was  past  seventy-six  years 
of  age  at  her  death.  Joseph  Carpenter,  the 
grandfather  of  John  W.,  was  a native  of  Ver- 
mont, and  was  a carpenter  and  joiner  by  oc- 
cupation. He  was  the  father  of  a numerous 
family.  He  died  in  New  York  when  over 
sixty  years  of  age.  Josiah  Wadsworth,  the 
father  of  Airs.  Mary  A.  Carpenter,  was  born, 
on  Long  Island  and  was  one  of  the  earliest 
settlers  of  Fulton  county,  N.  Y.,  where  he 
reared  his  family  of  fifteen  children.  When 
he  died  he  was  well  on  toward  eighty  years 
of  age. 

John  W.  Carpenter  was  reared  on  a farm, 
and  received  his  elementary  schooling  in  the 
district  school  at  Hope  Center,  N.  Y.  He 
was  sixteen  years  old  when  he  came  West 
with  his  parents,  and  his  home  has  been  in 
Rock  county  ever  since.  For  the  past  twenty- 


8oo 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


five  years  he  has  lived  in  Janesville.  On  reach- 
ing manhood  lie  started  out  for  himself  as  a 
farmer,  renting  land  the  first  two  years.  He 
bought  a farm  of  183  acres  in  the  town  of 
Union,  which  he  brought  to  a high  state  of 
cultivation,  and  then  sold.  He  bought  another 
farm,  consisting  of  280  acres,  and  made  very 
substantial  improvements  on  this  tract,  which 
he  converted  into  a desirable  home,  dwelling 
there  some  time.  Some  twenty-five  years  ago, 
renting  the  farm,  Mr.  Carpenter  moved  into 
Janesville  to  engage  in  the  wood  and  coal  busi- 
ness. He  retained  the  ownership  of  the  farm 
until  a few  years  ago,  when  he  thought  it  wise 
to  enlarge  his  business  in  the  city.  Our  subject 
is  a Republican,  and  was  supervisor  of  Center 
township  some  two  or  three  terms. 

Mr.  Carpenter  and  Miss  Sarah  Jane  Par- 
ker, daughter  of  Isaac  and  Maria  (Soper) 
Parker,  were  married  March  20,  1861,  and 
they  have  had  three  children,  Jessie,  Charles 
and  Lulu.  Jessie  married  David  Creighton, 
and  has  her  home  in  Whitewater;  they  have 
one  child,  Catherine.  Charles  married  Huldah 
Balke,  and  resides  in  Janesville;  he  is  a brake- 
man  on  the  railroad.  Lulu,  formerly  a teacher 
in  the  Janesville  public  schools,  married  James 
W addle. 

WILLIAM  ANDREW  TRICKEL,  the 
genial  proprietor  of  the  ‘‘Eagle  Hotel,”  of 
Browntown,  Green  county,  is  one  of  the  enter- 
prising and  progressive  business  men  in  the 
village.  He  is  one  of  the  fourteen  children 
of  Andrew  J.  Trickel  and  his  wife.  Charlotte 
Morton,  and  was  born  Sept.  14,  1863. 

Andrew  J.  Trickel  was  born  in  Illinois 
Sept.'  10,  1824,  son  of  Robert  Trickel,  who 
was  a native  of  Virginia,  and  one  of  the  pio- 
neers of  Illinois.  Mr.  Trickel' is  now  one  of 
the  wealthy  farmers  of  Clarno  township,  Green 
county.  He  is  the  father  of  sixteen  children. 
He  has  been  twice  married,  and  his  first  wife, 
Susan  Crothers,  bore  him  two  children,  Sarah 
and  John,  the  latter  now  deceased.  His  sec- 
ond wife,  Charlotte  Morton,  was  the  mother 
of  fourteen,  namely:  Sarah  Ellen,  born  Oct. 
3,  1858;  Jesse,  Dec.  14,  1859;  Charley,  Feb. 
28,  1861;  William  A.,  our  subject;  Laura  E., 
April  11,  1865;  Martha,  Dec.  4,  1867;  Ma- 
tilda. Oct.  10,  1868;  Charlotte,  Nov.  12,  1869; 
Louis,  July  7,  1871;  Clara,  Nov.  26,  1872; 
Olive,  November,  1874;  Joseph,  Nov.  19,  1876; 
Albert.  Aug.  26,  1878;  and  Everet,  Aug.  25, 


1885,  all  of  whom  are  now  living  except  Sarah, 
Charlotte  and  Everet. 

William  A.  Trickel  received  his  literary 
training  in  the  common  schools  of  Clarno 
township,  and  engaged  at  work  on  Iris'  father’s 
farm  until  he  was  twenty-one.  He  then  went 
to  California,  but  after  two  years  returned  to 
the  East  and  purchased  a sawmill  at  Rock 
Grove,  111.,  later  going  to  Belleville,  Dane 
Co.,  Wis.,  and  thence  to  Blanchardville,  La- 
fayette Co.,  Wis.,  conducting  mills  in  both 
places.  I11  1890  he  came  to  Browntown,  and 
for  a year  conducted  a bar  room,  in  1891 
taking  charge  of  the  “Eagle  Hotel,”  which  he 
has  since  conducted  with  great  success.  The 
pleasant  smile  of  the  proprietor  has  won  for 
him  many  friends  among  the  patrons  of  the 
hotel,  as  well  as  from  the  townspeople,  and 
he  is  one  of  the  most  popular  citizens  of  the 
railage.  In  politics  he  is  a strong  Democrat, 
and  has  served  on  the  village  board  and  as 
school  director  since  making  his  home  in 
Browntown. 

Mr.  Trickel  was  married  March  4,  1886, 
to  Miss  Mary  Keehl,  who  was  born  Dec.  31, 
1866,  a daughter  of  August  and  Minnie 
(Brightskee)  Keehl,  natives  of  Germany  who 
located  in  Green  county  in  1845.  Three  chil- 
dren have  been  born  to  this  union,  Florence 
Elizabeth,  March  6,  1887;  Clarence  Evert, 
Nov.  15,  1888;  and  Andrew  Jackson,  July 
25,  1890. 

CHARLES  HENRY  VAIL  (deceased) 
was  known  in  Beloit,  Rock  county,  as  early 
as  1856,  and  though  he  shortly  left  the  city 
he  retained  such  pleasant  memories  of  it  that 
it  became  his  home  in  after  years,  and  here  a 
considerable  portion  of  his  business  career  was 
spent.  Lie  was  a man  of  lofty  character  and 
strong  moral  convictions.  He  led  his  life  sin- 
cerely, and  lived  from  the  purest  motives,  and 
his  career  fittingly  forms  a part  of  a work 
like  this,  intended  to  tell  of  the  men  whose 
worth  and  courage  have  made  southwestern 
Wisconsin. 

Mr.  Vail  was  born  in  Brooklyn,  N.  Y.,  July 
1 5 , 1837,  and  was  the  son  of  Benjamin  Albert 
and  Martha  (Conklin)  Vail,  natives  of  Long 
Island.  They  had  eight  children,  and  were  peo- 
ple of  more  than  usual  character  and  standing. 
Benjamin  Albert  Vail  was  a carpenter  and  con- 
tractor. He  lived  after  his  marriage  for  a 
time  in  Brooklyn,  and  then  at  Farmersville, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Soi 


in  western  New  York,  for  several  years.  About 
1856  he  brought  his  family  to  Beloit,  and 
lived  there  several  years.  Chicago  became  his 
final  home,  and  there  he  lived  for  a number  of 
years,  dying  in  1882,  when  sixty-eight  years 
old.  His  wife  died  prior  to  that  time,  when 
sixty-one  years  old.  Both  were  Methodists, 
and  he  was  a steward  and  class-leader  in  the 
church.  He  was  a fine  singer,  and  while  in 
the  East  often  led  the  church  choir.  He  was 
a prominent  man  in  Beloit,  and  served  as  al- 
derman. I11  Masonry  he  was  deeply  versed, 
having  risen  to  the  thirty-second  degree.  He 
is  remembered  as  a genial  and  cordial  gentle- 
man, with  a host  of  friends.  His  father, 
Charles  G.  Vail,  was  born  on  Long  Island 
Dec.  25,  1786,  and  died  Oct.  8,  1864.  He 
was  of  English  stock  and  served  in  the  war  of 
1812.  He  married  Miss  Polly  Richmond  Sept. 
4,  1811,  and  his  eldest  son  was  Benjamin  A. 
Vail.  The  Vail  family  came  to  America  early 
in  the  eighteenth  century.  The  maternal 
grandfather  of  Mr.  Vail  was  a Mr.  Conklin, 
a native  of  Long  Island,  of  English  stock. 
He  was  a soldier  in  the  Revolutionary  army, 
and  died  when  past  middle  life,  the  father  of 
three  sons  and  three  daughters. 

Charles  Henry  Vail  was  six  weeks  old  when 
his  parents  moved  from  Brooklyn  to  Green- 
port,  L.  I.,  and  twelve  years  old  when  they 
located  in  Farmersville,  where  he  grew  to  man- 
hood. He  attended  the  public  schools,  but, 
having  remarkable  ability  as  a mechanic,  he 
gave  up  schooling  while  quite  a boy,  and  took 
up  the  carpenter’s  trade.  This  was  his  life 
work.  He  was  an  architect,  and  became  an 
extensive  builder  and  contractor.  He  came  to 
Beloit  in  1856,  but  went  South  before  the  war, 
and  spent  seven  years  in  that  section  of  the 
country,  engaged  in  business  as  a general  mer- 
chant. At  the  expiration  of  that  time  he  came 
back  to  Beloit,  where  he  was  married.  He 
and  his  wife  spent  three  months  in  Chicago, 
and  some  years  in  Beloit.  They  lived  six 
months  at  Lawrence,  Ivans.,  and  a year  and  a 
half  at  Leavenworth,  and  then  again  returned 
to  Beloit.  By  this  time  the  construction  busi- 
ness of  Mr.  Vail  had  increased  to  large  pro- 
portions, and  in  1885  he  went  to  Kansas  City. 
Mo.,  where  he  put  up  a number  of  large  build- 
ings, for  which  he  drew  the  plans  and  did  all 
the  architectural  work.  While  there  he  em- 
ployed as  many  as  one  hundred  men  at  one 
time.  He  returned  to  Chicago  in  1891,  upon 

51 


the  death  of  his  daughter,  Mattie  May.  He 
did  business  in  Chicago,  but  Beloit  was  his 
home.  He  died  Dec.  28,  1895. 

Mr.  Vail  and  Miss  Celia  Y.  Laramy  were 
married  Feb.  20,  1866.  She  is  a daughter  of 
Philip  and  Lydia  (Yandell)  Laramy,  and  is 
the  mother  of  two  children,  Celia  Evalena  and 
Mattie  May.  Celia  Evalena  married  Edward 
Stanley  Watson  Nov.  19,  1888.  He  is  a hard- 
ware and  cold  storage  merchant  of  Beloit. 
They  have  one  child,  Charles  Munger,  born 
Nov.  10,  1890.  Mattie  May  died  June  3,  1891, 
at  the  age  of  eighteen ; she  was  a bright  and 
beautiful  girl,  of  a sweet  and  sunny  disposi- 
tion, and  g'ave  every  promise  of  a noble  wo- 
manhood. 

Mr.  Vail  was  not  identified  with  any  church, 
but  believed  profoundly  in  the  Christian  re- 
ligion, and  tried  to  put  its  best  ideals  into  his 
daily  life.  He  was  a Democrat,  but  never 
would  consent  to  hold  a public  office.  He  was 
a man  with  a host  of  friends,  and  everywhere 
showed  himself  a social,  generous  and  kind- 
hearted  gentleman.  He  was  kind  and  libera 
with  the  poor  and  suffering,  and  those  who 
were  privileged  to  know  him  in  his  home  and! 
family  pronounced  him  a model  man  in  every 
respect.  Among  the  great  number  of  build- 
ings Mr.  Vail  put  up  in  Beloit  may  be  men- 
tioned the  Carpenter  block,  the  Second  Na- 
tional Bank,  the  Strong  public  school,  the  First 
Baptist  Church,  the  Opera  House,  and  many 
others,  among  them  thirty  stores. 

Mrs.  Vail,  who  survives  her  husband,  is 
a member  of  the  Episcopal  Church.  She  comes 
of  a wealthy  and  cultured  family.  Her  par- 
ents were  natives  of  England,  and  lived  at 
North  and  South  Molton.  They  had  two  sons 
and  seven  daughters : Sarah,  who  married 

Richard  Reese,  is  now  deceased ; Esther  Lydia, 
the  second  wife  of  Mr.  Ree-e,  is  also  de- 
ceased ; Thomas  William  is  a resident  of  Be- 
loit; Harriet  Rebecca  married  Edward  A. 
Loomis,  and  is  deceased ; Maria  Aim  is  the 
wife  of  Plorace  A.  Brown,  of  Beloit;  Celia 
Y.  is  the  widow  of  our  subject;  three  died  in 
infancy.  Mrs.  Vail’s  father  was  a very  de- 
vout member  of  the  Methodist  Church,  and 
her  mother  as  strongly  attached  to  the  Episco  ■ 
pal  Church.  Mr.  Laramy  was  first  married 
to  Miss  Ann  Warren,  and  three  children  were 
the  issue  of  that  union : Ann  deceased  wife 
of  William  Warren,  of  Chicago;  Mary,  the 
wife  of  S.  J.  Admire,  of  Salt  Lake  City,  Utah; 


802 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


and  Betsy,  the  widow  of  William  Laramy,  a 
lawyer  in  Batavia,  N.  Y.  Philip  Laramy  had 
a planing-mill  and  a tannery  in  Leroy,  N.  Y., 
at  one  time  and  was  very  highly,  regarded, 
both  for  his  personal  integrity  and  his  business 
ability.  He  was  a steward  and  class-leader  in 
the  church.  His  wife  was  a worthy  companion, 
a sincere  Christian  and  a noble  woman.  His 
father  died  in  England  at  an  advanced  age, 
and  was  very  wealthy.  He  owned  3,000  acres 
of  land,  and  kept  large  herds  of  flooded  cat- 
tle and  sheep.  He  reared  a numerous  family. 
The  father  of  Mrs.  Philip  Laramy,  Joseph 
Yandell,  was  also  an  extensive  farmer  and 
land  owner.  Lie  had  250  men  in  his  service. 
He  died  in  Nadrid,  near  Molton,  Devonshire, 
England,  when  quite  old.  He  had  a large 
family,  and  his  immediate  descendants  are  still 
living  on  the  Devonshire  estates. 

OLIVER  P.  UNDERWOOD,  of  the  town 
of  Pulaski,  is  a well-known  representative  of 
one  of  the  pioneer  families  of  Iowa  county. 
Lie  was  born  in  the  State  of  New  York,  on 
Aug.  23,  1826,  a son  of  Parker  C.  and  Anna 
(Baker)  Underwood,  and  was  about  nineteen 
years  of  age  when  he  came  to  Wisconsin. 

Parker  C.  Underwood  was  born  in  Dela- 
ware county,  N.  Y.,  on  Feb.  4,  1803,  and  wa3 
a son  of  Dr.  Oliver  Underwood,  cpiite  an  emi- 
nent physician  of  his  day,  whose  father,  the 
great-grandfather  of  our  subject,  was  a noted 
Fresbyterian  divine  of  New  England.  Parker 
C.  Underwood  was  reared  in  his  native  coun- 
ty; and  married  Anna  Baker,  who  was  also 
born  in  Delaware  county,  a daughter  of  Jo- 
seph and  Eunice  (Follett)  Baker,  the  former 
of  whom  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812. 
Robert  and  Samuel  Follett,  brothers  of  Mrs. 
Baker,  were  soldiers  in  the  war  of  the  Revo- 
lution. 

Parker  C.  Underwood  removed  to.  Buffalo 
Grove,  111.,  in  the  fall  of  1834,  but  in  the  fol- 
lowing spring  he  went  to  Dubuque,  and  thence 
to  Mineral  Point,  Wis.,  where  he  engaged  in 
lead  mining.  In  1845  h’s  two  eldest  sons 
joined  him  at  Highland,  Iowa  county,  and  in 
the  spring  of  1847,  Ids  wife  and  two  remain- 
ing sons'  joined  the  other  members  of  the  fam- 
ily at  Highland,  and  the  reunited  family  set- 
tled down  to  an  agricultural  life.  The  death 
of  the  mother,  in  1851,  was  a great  grief,  but 
the  father  survived  many  years,  passing  away 
in  1892,  at  the  unusual  age  of  ninety  years. 


Parker  Underwood  was  a man  of  high  char- 
acter, possessed  good  judgment,  and  gained 
the  respect  of  every  community  in  which  he 
made  his  home.  He  was  a typical  pioneer  in 
every  respect.  Of  his  four  sons,  two  survive, 
our  subject  and  his  brother  Joseph,  who  is  a 
resident  of  Avoca.  Madison  served  in  the  war 
for  the  Union,  but  passed  away  many  years 
ago,  and  the  youngest,  Irving,  was  a member 
of  Company  K,  14th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  was  one 
of  the  martyrs  of  the  war,  at  Corinth. 

Oliver  P.  Underwood  received  an  excel- 
lent education  in  his  early  life,  and  began 
teaching  in  his  native  State,  when  only  seven- 
teen years  old,  becoming  one  of  the  leading 
educators  in  Iowa  county.  For  thirty  years  he 
instructed  the  youthful  intelligence  through 
Pulaski  and  Highland  townships,  and  has  ever 
been  one  of  the  leaders  in  educational  mat- 
ters in  the  county.  In  1856  he  removed  to  his 
present  farm,  and  is  now  numbered  among  the 
large  farmers  and  stock  growers  of  Iowa  coun- 
ty, his  finely  cultivated  farm  comprising  500 
acres. 

Previous  to  her  marriage  with  Mr.  Un- 
derwood, his  estimable  wife  was  Miss  Helen 
Brewster,  a daughter  of  Justus  Brewster,  and 
a granddaughter  of  Justus  Brewster,  a soldier 
in  the  war  of  the  Revolution,  and  thus  Mrs. 
Underwood  and  her  daughters  are  eligible  to 
the  exclusive  society  of  the  D.  A.  R.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Underwood  have  four  daughters : 
Anna,  who  is  the  wife  of  B.  A.  Telfair;  Emma, 
the  widely-known  educator,  who  so  efficiently 
filled  the  position  of  county  superintendent  for 
two  terms;  lone,  the  wife  of  Dr.  W.  W.  Ker- 
lin,  of  Storm  Lake,  Iowa;  and  Clive  Pauline. 

Oliver  P.  Underwood  has  ever  been  held 
in  the  highest  esteem  in  the  county,  is  a patri- 
otic citizen  and  believes  in  America  and  Amer- 
ican institutions.  I11  religious  matters  he  ad- 
heres to  no  set  creed,  but  believes  that  char- 
acter and  right  living  comprise  the  standard 
by  which  each  man  will  be  judged.  In  his  po- 
litical views  he  has  always,  been  a Republican. 

GEORGE  W.  FENNEL,  one  of  the  early 
settlers  of  Bloomington,  was  born  in  Poultney, 
Vt.,  June  7,  1823,  and  died  at  his  home  in 
Grant  county,  Wis.,  March  9,  1887. 

Mr.  Fennel  became  a resident  of  Grant 
county  in  1855.  His  father,  Almond  Fennel, 
died  when  his  son  was  about  eighteen  years 
of  age,  and  his  only  brother  was  drowned 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


803 


when  but  nine  years  old.  The  first  and 
as  it  proved,  the  permanent  settlement  of  Mr. 
Fennel,  in  Grant  county,  was  on  the  place 
where  his  family  still  live,  which  is  now  a 
fine  farm  and  improved  in  every  way,  a most 
delightful  home. 

On  Sept.  16,  1856,  Mr.  Fennel  was'  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Linda  M.  Cilley,  a daughter  of 
William  W.  and  Roxana  (Castle)  Cilley. 
William  W.  Cilley  was  a native  of  Williams- 
town,  Vt.,  where  he  was  born  on  Sept.  1,  1801, 
was  reared  in  his  native  State,  and  in  1829 
was  married  to  Miss  Roxana  Castle,  who  was 
born  and  reared  in  Essex,  Vt.  Her  death  took 
place  in  1850. 

George  W.  Fennel  soon  displayed  an  in- 
dustry and  energy  that  changed  his  unimproved 
land  into  a fine  farm,  and  is  remembered  among 
the  esteemed  citizens  of  his  township.  The 
family  left  to  mourn  his  decease  consisted  of 
his  widow  and  three  children:  Rollin  C.,  who 
was  born  at  the  homestead  on  Feb.  26,  1858, 
and  married  Miss  Lizzie  Powers,  their  one 
daughter  being  Bessie  E. ; Bert  G.,  who  was 
born  on  June  12,  1871,  and  married  Miss  Lela 
Sawyer;  and  Nellie  M.,  who  died  on  March 
3,  1888,  at  the  age  of  twenty-one.  The  eldest 
daughter,  Laura  E.,  died  at  the  age  of  six- 
teen. 

Mrs.  Fennel,  with  her  two  sons  and  their 
families,  resides  on  the  comfortable  old  home- 
stead provided  by  the  industry  and  persever- 
ance of  the  husband  and  father,  and  are  among 
the  most  highly  esteemed  citizens'  of  Grant 
county. 

LEVI  WHITEHEAD  (deceased)  was 
one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  of  Cadiz  township, 
Green  county,  and  is  remembered  as  a man  of 
sterling  worth  and  genuine  character.  Born 
in  Jackson  county,  Ohio,  April  2,  1832,  he 
came  to  Green  county  with  his  parents  in  1847, 
and  settled  on  section  13,  in  the  town  of  Cadiz. 
His  parents,  Edward  and  Delilah  (Hawk) 
Whitehead,  were  of  English  origin,  and  early 
settled  in  Ohio.  They  were  the  parents  of 
four  sons,  John,  William,  Levi  and  Henry,  the 
last  named  being  now  the  only  survivor. 

Levi  Whitehead  was  married  to  Miss 
Susan  Hackworth,  a native  of  Vermilion  coun- 
ty, 111.,  in  1854,  and  to  this  union  were  born 
the  following  children:  (1)  Charles  E.,  born 

Dec.  11,  1853,  married  Rhoda  Frame,  and  is 
engaged  in  farming  in  Clarno  township;  (2) 


Delilah,  born  Jan.  25,  1857,  married  Millard 
F.  Campbell;  (3)  John  A.,  born  May  3,  i860, 
married  Melinda  Bast,  and  is  a farmer  of 
Cadiz  township;  (4)  Mary  Ellen,  born  Dec. 
4,  1866,  is  the  wife  of  Otto  Priewe,  a farmer 
of  Clarno  township;  (5)  Frank  J.,  born  Oct. 
8,  1869,  married  Dora  Campbell,  and  now  re- 
sides in  Monroe;  (6)  Bessie  E.,  born  March 
4,  1872,  is  the  wife  of  George  Campbell,  and 
they  now  live  on  the  old  Whitehead  home- 
stead, with  Mrs.  Whitehead;  (7)  Nellie  Belle, 
born  May  29,  1876,  is  the  wife  of  Herman 
Kohn,  of  Cadiz  township. 

Levi  Whitehead  died  May  3,  1895.  In 
politics  he  was  a Democrat,  and  in  religion 
a believer  in  Christianity,  but  never  connected 
with  any  church.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Whitehead 
began  their  married  life  poor  in  this  world’s 
goods,  but  rich  in  mutual  love  and  trust,  and 
their  working  and  waiting  was  rewarded  in 
due  time  with  the  possession  of  an  ample  com- 
petence. When  Mr.  Whitehead  died  he  left 
a farm  comprising  428  acres',  under  a high 
state  of  cultivation,  with  ample  improvements 
of  every  kind.  He  was  a man  with  many 
friends,  who  admired  his  genuine  worth,  and 
loved  him  for  his  many  fine  qualities.  To  his 
wife  and  children  his  departure  was  a grievous 
sorrow. 

Mrs.  Whitehead  is  a daughter  of  William 
and  Elizabeth  (Morton)  Hackworth,  and  the 
third  of  a family  of  ten  children,  the  others 
being  asi  follows : Matthew,  now  residing  in 
Louisiana ; Mary  A.,  the  wife  of  Walter  Divan, 
of  Seward  county,  Neb.;  James,  deceased; 
William  P.,  deceased;  Thomas,  of  Lafayette 
county,  Wis. ; Alexander,  in  Seward  county, 
Neb. ; Clarissa,  deceased ; Melissa,  who  is  un- 
married; and  John,  in  Seward  county,  Neb. 
Mrs.  Whitehead  still  makes  her  home  on  the 
old  homestead,  where  she  is  passing  her  years 
in  an  atmosphere  of  tender  care  and  love  from 
the  rising  generation.  She  is  a good  woman, 
has  been  a member  of  the  United  Brethren 
Church  for  fifty  years,  and  her  life  has  been 
full  of  deeds  and  genuine  kindness'.  She  has 
many  estimable  qualities,  and  is  liked  and  re- 
spected by  all  who  come  in  contact  with  her. 

GOODWIN  LOWREY  (deceased)  was 
long  a well-known  and  esteemed  citizen  of 
southwestern  Wisconsin.  Mr.  Lowrev  was  a 
native  of  Litchfield  county,  Conn.,  where  he 
was  born  in  April,  1826,  a son  of  Daniel  and 


804 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD 


Abigail  (Goodwin)  Lowrey,  and  a descendant 
from  genuine  American  ancestry,  both  the 
L'owreys  and  Goodwins  belonging  to  early 
New  England  families.  When  Goodwin  Low- 
rey was  a boy  he  removed  with  his  parents 
to  the  State  of  New  York,  the  family  settling 
on  a farm  near  Utica,  where  they  lived  until 
the  death  of  the  husband  and  father.  Soon 
after  this  sad  event  the  mother  and  her  two 
sons,  which  comprised  her  family,  removed 
to  the  city  of  New  York,  and  there  the  broth- 
ers engaged  in  the  wool  business,  and  there, 
too,  the  mother  died.  The  brother  of  Good- 
win, Daniel  Lowrey,  never  came  West,  but 
passed  the  rest  of  his  life  in  New  York. 

In  1862  Mr.  Goodwin  Lowrey  came  to 
Wisconsin,  and  was  for  -some  time  engaged  in 
buying  and  shipping  wool,  with  headcpiarters 
in  Milwaukee.  In  1864  he  settled  on  the  farm 
which  he  purchased  in  the  town  of  Wyoming, 
Iowa  county,  and  from  that  time  until  lus 
death  was  clearly  identified  with  the  interests 
of  his  town  and  county.  In  the  autumn  of  the 
year  he  moved  to  Wyoming,  he  was  married 
to  his  most  estimable  widow,  who  was  then 
Mrs.  Heloise  Oakford.  She  is  a native  of  New 
Orleans,  and  daughter  of  Francis  Gai,  a native 
of  Italy  but  of  French  parentage;  the  latter 
married,  in  Philadelphia,  Jane  Tree,  who  was 
an  aunt  of  Judge  Lambert  Tree,  of  Chicago, 
and  died  at  S't.  Francisville,  La.,  when  Mrs. 
Lowrey  was  a child.  Her  mother  remarried 
and  died  at  Towanda,  Pa.,  several  years  ago. 
Mrs.  Lowrey  settled  on  the  fine  farm,  where 
she  now  lives,  in  1863,  and  as  this  farm  and 
that  of  her  husband’s  adjoined  they  together 
had  about  one  thousand  acresi.  The  immediate 
home  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lowrey  after  their  mar- 
riage was  on  the  farm  that  she  had  purchased, 
and  where  she  now  resides. 

Mr.  Lowrey  continued  farming  and  stock 
raising  until  his  health  declined.  He  was  a 
man  of  great  native  ability  and  highly  culti- 
vated, and  was  often  urged  to  accept  political 
positions,  but  invariably  declined,  having  no 
inclination  for  office.  Once  the  nomination  for 
member  of  the  Legislature  was  so  strongly 
pressed  upon  him  that  he  consented,  and  was 
elected  by  a large  majority,  proving  an  excel- 
lent legislator.  He  was  a broad-minded,  pub- 
lic-spirited man  and  always  had  in  mind  the 
interests  of  his'  home  community.  He  was  a 
very  companionable  man,  and  strongly  at- 
tached to  his  wife  and  home.  He  was  a mem- 


ber of  no  church,  but  gave  liberally  to  the 
support  of  religious  training,  was  a regular 
attendant  at  church,  and  was  wont  to  apply  the 
principles  of  religion  to  his  daily  life.  About 
1884  his  health  began  to  break,  and  for  the 
benefit  of  his  health  and  that  of  his  wife  sev- 
eral winters  were  passed  by  them  in  the  South. 
Plis  death  occurred  at  Pass  Christian,  Miss.,. 
Feb.  20,  1889,  where  he  and  his:  wife  had  ar- 
rived but  two  days  previously.  Although  long 
in  poor  health,  the  end  was  entirely  unexpected, 
as  lie  had  been  apparently  much  better  for  some 
time,  heart  trouble  being  the  immediate 
cause  of  his  death.  Mrs.  Lowrey  was,  at  the 
time,  very  ill  of  pneumonia,  but  at  the  earnest 
solicitation  of  friends  Mr.  Lowrey’s  remains 
were  brought  home  for  burial,  although  she 
was  too  ill  to  accompany  them. 

Mrs.  Lowrey  resides  at  her  beautiful  home 
in  the  Wyoming  Valley,  Iowa  county,  where 
she  and  her  husband  passed  so  many  years 
of  happy  married  life. 

NATHANIEL  AUSTIN.  Prominent 
among  the  early  settlers  in  Bloomington  is 
Nathaniel  Austin,  who  well  represents  that 
hardy  class  of  honest,  sensible  and  progressive 
men  who  have  made  Grant  county  the  desirable 
locality  it  is.  When  first  he  located  here,  in 
1854,  a few  houses  represented  what  is  now  a 
flourishing  town.  For  more  than  forty  years 
Mr.  Austin  has  taken  his  part  in  the  develop- 
ment of  this  section  of  the  State  of  Wiscon- 
sin. Nathaniel  Austin  is  of  Canadian  birth, 
although  of  New  England  parentage.  He  was 
born  Aug.  26,  1830,  a son  of  Nicholas  and 
Harriet  (Orvis)  Austin,  natives  of  Vermont, 
who  were  of  English  ancestry,  and  the  family 
was  founded  in  America  in  Colonial  times. 
For  generations  their  religious  belief  was  that 
of  the  Hicksite  Quakers.  The  father  of  Har- 
riet Orvis  served  in  the  Continental  army. 

Nicholas  Austin  was  a man  of  good  edu- 
cation, and  was  long  a teacher  by  occupation. 
Both  he  and  his  wife  were  reared  in  Vermont, 
but  after  the  birth  of  their  first  child  removed 
to  Canada,  and  there  passed  the  rest  of  their 
lives.  After  locating  in  Canada,  Mr.  Austin 
engaged  in  farming,  clearing  a heavily  tim- 
bered tract,  and  he  was  one  of  the  first  to  suc- 
ceed in  raising  apples  in  that  part  of  Canada. 
When  he  left  his  Vermont  home,  he  took  with 
him  seeds  of  various  kinds,  including  the  ap- 
ple, and  from  these  raised  trees  which  became 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


805 


productive  and  are  still  in  fine  condition.  Our 
subject  was  one  of  a family  of  eight  children, 
seven  sons  and  one  daughter.  The  old  home- 
stead farm  in  Canada  descended1  to  the  young- 
est son  and  his  next  older  brother.  Later  the 
youngest  disposed  of  his  interest  and  'removed 
to  Ohio,  but  the  other  brother  still  owns  a part 
of  the  land.  Five  of  the  family  still  survive : 
William,  a resident  of  Oklahoma;  Nathaniel; 
Sylvanus,  on  the  old  homestead ; George,  a 
resident  of  Ohio ; and  Elizabeth,  a resident 
of  Milwaukee.  Hiram  died  at  Wichita,  Kan- 
sas, in  1899,  at  the  age  of  seventy-five  years  ; 
and  Alfred  died  at  seventeen. 

Nathamel  Austin  grew  to  manhood  in  his 
Canadian  home  and,  with  his  brothers,  assisted 
in  the  clearing  up  of  the  farm.  The  country 
was  unimproved,  and  his  educational  ad- 
vantages were  consecpiently  limited.  In  the 
fall  of  1852  he  left  home  and  started  out  for 
himself,  coming  to  Fond  du  Lac,  Wis.,  and 
engaging  in  any  honorable  employment  that 
•came  his  way.  His  wages  for  his  first  winter’s 
work  were  nine  dollars  a month.  In  March  of 
the  next  year  he  went  to  Lancaster,  and  there 
and  at  Waterloo,  Grant  county,  was  constantly 
employed  until  he  was  able  to  save  the  sum  of 
$500,  which  he  applied  as  a first  payment  on 
a farm  which  he  purchased  in  the  township  of 
Bloomington.  Settling  on  the  place,  he  in- 
dustriously labored  there  for  two  years,  mak- 
ing many  improvements,  and  then,  as  oppor- 
tunity offered,  he  sold  it  and  returned  to  Can- 
ada. His  health  had  failed,  and,  with  the  hope 
of  regaining  it,  he  did  not  settle  down  again 
for  about  a year,  when  he  came  back  to  Bloom- 
ington, bought  another  farm,  upon  which  he 
lived  for  forty  years.  In  February,  1899,  he 
removed  to  the  village  of  Bloomington,  where 
he  owns  a pleasant  home  and  enjoys  every  com- 
fort of  life. 

On  Nov.  12,  1857,  Nathaniel  Austin  was 
married  to  Samantha  C.  Lyman,  a daughter 
of  William  and  Abigail  (Chandler)  Lyman, 
natives  of  Vermont,  but  their  ancestors  came 
from  Connecticut.  Mrs.  Lyman’s  grandfa- 
ther, Rev.  Amariah  Chandler,  was  a noted  Con- 
gregational minister  for  over  half  a century, 
preaching  for  thirty  years  in  one  pulpit  and 
for  twenty  years  in  another.  William  Lyman 
and  wife  removed  soon  after  their  marriage  to 
Cattaraugus  county.  N.  Y.,  and  in  1853  came 
to  Grant  county,  Wis.  By  trade  he  was  a car- 
penter, but  after  locating  on  the  rich  lands  of 


this  county  he  engaged  in  farming  and  later 
removed  to  Fredericksburg,  Iowa,  where  the 
wife  and  mother  died,  in  1876.  Mr.  Lyman 
remarried  and  moved  to  Kansas,  where  his  sec- 
ond wife  died,  after  which  he  returned  to 
Wisconsin  and  made  his  home  with  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Austin  until  his  own  decease,  on  Feb. 
27,  1901,  at  the  age  of  eighty-six  years.  Mrs. 
Austin  was  one  of  a family  of  ten  children, 
five  sons  and  five  daughters,  and  two  sons  and 
two  daughters  survive  at  the  present  time, 
these  being : Mrs.  Austin ; Mrs.  Eleanor  Au- 

gusta Benedict ; William  Azro ; and  Ordello. 
Two  of  the  children  died  in  infancy,  and  those 
who  attained  maturity  and  have  passed  away 
were:  Susan  C.,  Amariah,  Charles  and  Frank. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Austin  have  three  children  sur- 
viving, Eleanor  C.,  Charles  F.,  and  Wilbur 
A.,  while  those  who  have  passed  away  were: 
Alfred  Llewellyn,  at  the  age  of  seventeen,  and 
Edgar  at  the  age  of  thirty-three. 

Mr.  Austin  had  but  limited  advantages  for 
education  in  his  youth,  but  has  given  his  sur- 
viving children  liberal  opportunities,  all  being- 
graduates  of  the  Wisconsin  State  University, 
at  Madison.  His  daughter  is  teacher  of  Latin 
and  German  in  the  Hudson,  Wis.,  high  school, 
and  is  a lady  of  high  attainments.  For  some 
time  Charles  has  had  charge  of  a military 
school  at  San  Antonia,  Texas;  and  Wilbur  is 
a mechanical  engineer,  and  resides  in  Chicago. 
Mr.  Austin  adheres  to  the  teachings  of  his 
Quaker  ancestry,  while  Mrs.  Austin  is  a devot- 
ed and  valued  member  of  the  Congregational 
Church.  The  family  is  one  which  possesses 
the  confidence  and  high  esteem  of  all  the  people 
of  Bloomington. 

HENRI  AA  IEDERKEHR  holds  a posi- 
tion among  the  old  settlers  of  Jordan  township, 
Green  county,  that  bespeaks  at  once  long  and 
unwearied  industry  and  high  moral  character. 
He  was  born  in  Canton  Zurich,  Switzerland, 
Aug.  2,  1835,  and  his  parents,  Jacob  and  Anna 
(Klein)  Wiederkehr,  died  in  their  Swiss  home. 
Our  subject  is,  as  far  as  known,  their  only  liv- 
ing child. 

Henry  AA'iederkehr  left  Switzerland  in 
1855,  and  spent  some  ten  years  in  Brazil,  where 
he  followed  various  vocations,  and  gained 
much  knowledge  of  strange  lands  and  customs. 
In  1866  he  went  back  to  Switzerland,  where 
he  remained  only  about  three  months,  and  then 
emigrated  to  the  LYited  States,  making  his 


8o6 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


home  for  some  two  years  in  Ne’w  Glarus,  Wis. 
In  1870  he  bought  a farm  located  on  Section 
29,  Jordan  township,  acquiring  a place  of  176 
acres,  which  he  has  recently  sold  to  his  son. 

On  Feb.  18,  1861,  Henry  Wiederkehr  was 
married  in  Brazil  to  Miss  Mary  Martin,  a 
daughter  of  Rudolph  Martin,  of  Canton 
Glarus,  Switzerland.  To  this  marriage  have 
been  born  the  following  children  : ( 1 ) Jacob, 

born  in  Rio  de  Janeiro,  Brazil,  Nov.  15,  1861, 
is  at  home,  and  is  unmarried.  (2)  Felix,  born 
in  Canton  Glarus,  Switzerland,  April  9,  1866, 
married  Miss  Lizzie  Youngblood,  of  Jordan 
township,  and  is  now  the  owner  of  the  old 
Wiederkehr  home  place.  (3)  Miss  Rosa,  born 
in  New  Glarus,  Green  county,  Aug.  14,  1868, 
lives  in  Iowa.  (4)  Anna,  born  Sept.  4,  1870, 
in  Jordan  township,  married  Charles  Jones, 
a farmer  in  Iowa.  (5)  Mary,  born  Feb.  10, 
1873,  is  the  wife  of  Toseph  Ginner,  of  Monroe. 

Mr.  Wiederkehr  came  to  this  country  a 
very  poor  man,  but  by  unceasing  industry  and 
the  most  careful  economy,  has  accumulated  a 
very  handsome  property,  enabling  him  to  enjoy 
well  earned  rest  and  comfort  in  his  old  age. 
In  his  politics  he  is  a Democrat,  and  in  re- 
ligion is  a member  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

Mr.  Wiederkehr,  while  deprived  of  school- 
ing in  his  boyhood,  has  traveled  much,  and 
gained  that  practical  schooling  of  experience 
that  helps  a man  to  know  himself  and  to  un- 
derstand the  world  around  him — the  best  of  all 
education.  Three  times  he  has  crossed  the 
ocean.  In  his  dealings  with  the  world  he  has 
displayed  a substantial  integrity  that  has  won 
warm  recognition  wherever  he  has  gone.  An 
honest  man,  and  one  true  to  his  convictions  of 
the  right,  he  has  never  lacked  friends.  To-day 
he  is  highly  regarded  in  the  community  in 
which  he  lives,  where  he  is  known  as  an  up- 
right man,  a kind  father,  and  a devoted  hus- 
band. 

ARTHUR  W.  GRAHAM,  of  the  town  of 
Wyoming,  Iowa  county,  represents  an  early 
and  well  known  family  of  the  county.  His 
father,  John  Graham,  was  a native  of  Prince 
Edward  Island,  and  came  to  Wisconsin  with 
his  family  in  1854,  and  died  March  12,  1886, 
at  seventy-six  years  and  six  months.  He  grew 
to  manhood  on  his  native  island,  and  followed, 
in  early  life,  the  business  of  ship-build'ing  and 
sailing.  He  married  Ann  Bernard,  who  died 
in  1897.  Upon  coming  to  Wisconsin  John 


Graham  first  bought  forty  acres,  on  which  the 
only  improvement  was  a log  house,  and  but  very 
little  of  the  land  had  been  cultivated.  As  his 
means  allowed,  he  gradually  increased  his  land 
possessions  until  he  owned  440  acres.  He  was 
an  industrious  and  respected  citizen,  and  for 
thirty-two  years  he  was  a resident  of  Wyom- 
ing, doing  his  part  to  improve  the  country  and 
develop  its  resources.  He  and  his  estimable 
wife  are  well  remembered  by  old  settlers  for 
their  many  excellent  traits  of  character.  They 
were  the  parents  of  three  sons  and  four  daugh- 
ters,, all  of  whom  are  living:  Jennie,  wife  of 
William  H.  Clark,  of  Ottawa,  Kans. ; Ed- 
ward, of  Creston,  Neb. ; Charles,  of  the  town 
of  Wyoming;  Sarah,  wife  of  D.  C.  Franklin, 
of  Council  Bluffs,  Iowa;  Miss  Lettie,  at  the 
homestead;  Minnie,  wife  of  Peter  Phillips,  of 
Vancouver  Island ; and  Arthur  W. 

Arthur  W.  Graham  owns  and  lives  on  the 
old  homestead  of  his  father.  He  was  born 
there  Jan.  1,  i860,  and  has  grown  to  man- 
hood on  the  place.  He  married  Miss  Addie 
VanBlaricom,  a native  of  Ontario,  Canada. 
1 hey  have  five  children,  two  sons  and  three 
daughters:  Pearl  G.,  Edward  E.,  Florence, 

Lee  Burton,  and  Joyce  Gertrude.  Mr.  Gra- 
ham has  ever  been  held  in  high  esteem  and  re- 
garded by  all  as  a worthy  representative  of 
one  of  the  pioneer  families  of  Wyoming. 

Mrs.  Graham  is  a daughter  of  Peter  and 
Jennette  (Davis)  Van  Blaricom.  The  family 
came  to  Iowa  county  in  1879,  and  in  1885  Mr. 
V anBlaricom  was  accidentally  killed,  in  the 
town  of  Wyoming,  by  a falling  ladder.  He 
was  born  in  New  Jersey,  and  had  reached  the 
age  of  sixty-five  years.  His  widow,  who  sur- 
vives, was  born  in  Prince  Edward  Co.,  On- 
tario, Jan.  3,  1822. 

EDWARD  HANCOCK.  Character  tells 
in  the  upbuilding  of  home,  social  position  and 
financial  success.  It  is  one  of  the  gratifying 
and  significant  developments  of  American  life 
that  immigrants  from  other  lands,  if  imbued 
with  earnestness,  faith  and  integrity,  quickly 
rise  from  positions  of  obscurity  to  leading  so- 
cial forces  in  the  communities  in  which  they 
live. 

About  the  year  1840  an  English  miner, 
religious,  honest,  hopeful  of  a future  for  his 
children  brought  his  wife  and  their  family  of 
children  from  Cornwall,  Eng.,  and  settled  at 
Scales  Mound,  111.  He  was  William  Flancock, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


807 


the  son  of  Stephen  Hancock,  a lifelong  stone 
cutter  of  Cornwall.  In  his  native  land  he  mar- 
ried Susanna  H.  Thomas,  the  daughter  of  Ed- 
ward Thomas,  who  died  in  England.  The 
family  were  devout  members  of  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  Church,  and  Rev.  Joseph  Hancock, 
a brother  of  William,  was  for  many  years  a 
Methodist  minister  in  Australia.  William  fol- 
lowed mining  through  most  of  his  life,  and  died 
at  Scales  Mound  in  April.  1884,  aged  seventy- 
three  years.  His  wife  died  in  August,  1868, 
aged  sixty-three  years.  By  a first  marriage 
William  Hancock  had  a daughter,  Eliza,  now 
Mrs.  William  T.  Perry,  of  Scales  Mound,  111. 
By  his  second  marriage  to  Miss  Susanna 
Thomas  he  had  five  sons,  namely:  Richard, 

who  died  in  Prescott,  Ariz. ; Edward;  Joseph, 
who  died  at  Scales  Mound;  William;  and 
Stephen.  The  survivors  all  live  in  the  town 
of  White  Oak  Springs,  Lafayette  Co.,  where 
they  are  highly  respected. 

Edward  Hancock  was  born  at  Scales 
Mound,  111.,  a few  miles  from  his  present 
home  at  White  Oak  Springs,  Lafayette  Co., 
March  6,  1845.  He  was  reared  on  the  farm 
and  received  a good  education,  attending  the 
Slmllsburg  high  school.  He  then  engaged  in 
teaching  for  ten  terms  in  connection  with  farm- 
ing, having  through  life  followed  the  latter 
vocation.  For  the  past  twenty  years  he  has 
lived  in  Lafayette  county,  and  in  1891  he 
bought  his  present  farm  of  240  acres,  where, 
in  addition  to  general  farming,  he  is  engaged 
in  breeding  Shorthorn  cattle,  Oxford  Down 
sheep  and  Poland  China  swine.  He  is  largely 
and  actively  interested  in  the  White  Oak  Dairy 
and  Feed  Company,  which  operates  a creamery 
and  grist  mill,  and  of  which  he  is  president. 

He  married  June  14,  1866,  Miss  Grace 
Jewell,  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Elizabeth 
(Rogers)  Jewell,  natives  of  Cambourn,  Eng- 
land. The  father  was  a man  of  strong  char- 
acter but  limited  opportunities.  He  was  a 
miner  and  farmer  during  active  life,  and  after 
reaching  the  age  of  forty-five  he  learned  to 
write  by  attending  a night  school.  Later  in 
life  he  engaged  in  the  'real  estate  business  to 
some  extent,  and  is  now  living  a retired  life  at 
Scales  Mound,  at  the  age  of  eighty-six  years. 
His  wife,  Elizabeth,  died  in  1853,  aged  forty- 
five  years.  Of  their  nine  children  two  died  in 
infancy;  six  were  born  in  Cambourn,  Eng., 
and  three  in  Illinois.  The  surviving  children 
are  as  follows : Elizabeth  Jane,  widow  of 


William  Toy,  of  Eau  Claire,  Wis. ; Thomas 
Henry,  of  Palisade,  Neb. ; Mary,  wife  of  Simon 
Wren,  Denver,  Col. ; John,  of  Strawberry 
Point,  Iowa;  Grace,  wife  of  our  subject;  Pris- 
cilla, wife  of  John  Tregona,  Larnont,  la.;  and 
William  R..  of  State  Line,  Iron  Co.,  Utah, 
where  he  is  interested  in  a silver  mine,  of 
which  he  was  for  some  time  foreman. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Edward  Hancock  are  the 
parents  of  eleven  children,  and  their  grand- 
children are  ten  in  number.  The  children  are 
as  follows : Minnie,  wife  of  E.  Arnold,  of 

Strawberry  Point,  Iowa;  Ada,  wife  of  Elof 
Swenson,  Monticello  township,  Lafayette  Co. ; 
Nettie,  wife  of  John  Smart,  of  Scales  Mound, 
111.;  Edward  L.,  of  Madison,  Wis. ; Della  Jane, 
who  died,  aged  fourteen  years;  Elizabeth  S., 
May  and  William  T.,  at  home;  Fred,  who  died 
aged  five  years ; Howard  and  Ethel,  at  home. 
It  has  been  the  aim  of  the  parents  to  fit  their 
children  for  responsible  positions  in  life.  Ed- 
ward L.  is  a graduate  of  Wisconsin  Univer- 
sity, and  is  now  a teacher  of  mathematics  in 
that  institution.  May  is  a graduate  of  the 
Slmllsburg  high  school.  The  family  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church,  of 
Monticello,  of  which  Mr.  Hancock  is  a trustee. 

In  politics  Mr.  Hancock  has  been  a life- 
long Republican.  He  served  four  years  as 
chairman  of  the  town  and  has  filled  all  the 
principal  township  offices.  Among  the  frater- 
nal orders,  he  is  a member  of  the  Modern 
Woodmen  of  America.  His  career  is  an  ex- 
ample of  pluck  and  merit.  Beginning  life  for 
himself  in  comparative  obscurity,  he  has  made 
his  way  to  a place  among  the  foremost  citizens 
of  the  township. 

ALBURTIS  A.  GILLETT,  one  of  the  rep- 
resentative citizens  of  Juda,  Green  county,  is 
of  English  descent.  David  B.  Gillett,  his  fa- 
ther, was  born  in  1801,  and  died  Dec.  28,  1859. 
He  was  twice  married.  To  him  and  his  first 
wife  were  born  the  following  named  children : 
Marcus,  William,  Edwin,  John,  Mary  and 
Amelia;  to  Mr.  Gillett  and  his  second  wife, 
Parthenia  Milks,  whom  he  married  in  1853, 
came  only  one  child,  Alburtis  A.,  born  in  the 
township  of  Mt.  Pleasant,  Green  county,  Nov. 
10,  1854. 

When  he  was  but  five  years  of  age  Alburtis 
A.  Gillett  suffered1  the  loss  of  his  father.  In 
November,  1867,  he  removed  with  his  widowed 
mother  to  Juda,  where  he  has  since  resided. 


8oS 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


His  mother  was  stricken  with  an  incurable  dis- 
ease and  died  Jan.  io,  1894,  at  the  age  of 
eighty-two  years.  Our  subject  cared  for  her 
tenderly  and  faithfully  through  her  long  and 
painful  illness,  cheerfully  granting  her  wish 
to  have  him  ever  near  her.  Mr.  Gillett  began 
life  as  a poor  boy,  but  is  now  the  owner  of 
considerable  property  in  the  village  of  Juda, 
and  a small  farm  with  good  buildings  adjoin- 
ing the  village.  He  is  devoted  to  mechanical 
pursuits,  and  is  a manufacturer  of  woven  wire 
fencing,  gates,  etc.  He  is  a public  spirited  citi- 
zen, and  ever  ready  to  lend  a helping  hand 
to  any  measure  that  will  be  beneficial  to  the 
community.  Politically  he  is  an  accredited 
Prohibitionist,  but  those  who  know  him  best 
-a}’  he  is  entirely  independent,  both  in  his 
politics  and  in  his  religion. 

Mr.  Gillett  has  remained  single  up  to  this 
writing'.  As  a strictly  self-made  man  he  de- 
serves honorable  mention  in  this  volume,  as 
he  has  made  his  way  against  great  obstacles. 
He  has  a genial  disposition,  and  has  a host  of 
friends,  who  have  been  quick  to  detect  and 
properly  appreciate  his  modest  but  genuine 
manhood,  and  sincere  moral  purpose. 

HENRY  LONG.  This  gentleman  is  a 
well-known  stock  farmer  of  the  town  of  Har- 
rison, Grant  county,  and  is  an  industrious  and 
honorable  representative  man  in  his  noble  call- 
ing. He  has  had  a long  life  in  the  West,  and 
it  is  with  pleasure  that  the  pen  of  the  historian 
records  such  a modest  and  unassuming,  but 
sound  and  substantial  life. 

Mr.  Long  was  born  near  Dubuque,  Iowa, 
Aug.  12,  1837.  His  father,  Casper  Long,  was 
born  in  Pennsylvania,  and  his  mother,  Martha 
(Hitch)  Long,  was  born  in  Delaware.  They 
came  West  when  young,  and  settled  near  Du- 
buque, where  they  lived  some  time.  They 
moved  to  Potosi,  Wis.,  where  the  husband 
and  father  died  in  1840,  when  only  twenty- 
five  years  of  age,  leaving  a wife  and  two  chil- 
dren. Henry  and  Mary.  The  daughter  mar- 
ried Samuel  Vannatta,  and  lived  in  Platteville, 
where  she  died  in  1897,  leaving  three  children, 
Effie,  Edith  and  Charles.  After  the  death  of 
her  husband  Mrs.  Martha  Long  married  Will- 
iam Withrow,  of  Potosi,  and  after  some  years 
they  removed  to  the  town  of  Paris,  where  she 
died  in  1885,  leaving  a family  to  Mr.  Withrow. 

Henry  Long  grew  to  manhood  in  the  home 
of  his  step-father,  and  received  his  early  edu- 


cation in  the  schools  of  Potosi  and  Paris. 
When  the  Civil  war  broke  out  he  made  haste 
to  don  the  Union  blue,  and  enlisted  in  August, 
1862,  in  Company  H,  25th  Wis.  V.  I.  They 
were  sent  to  Minnesota  to  suppress  the  hostile 
Indians  before  their  departure  to  the  South. 
They  were  afterward  sent  to  the  seat  of  war, 
via  Columbus,  Ky.  (where  they  stayed  three 
months).  For  two  months  they  were  a part 
of  the  besieging  force  at  Vicksburg,  and  were 
then  sent  by  boat  to  Helena,  Ark.  In  Febru- 
ary, 1863,  they  returned  to  Vicksburg,  whence 
they  went  to  Cairo.  From  there  they  went  to 
Alabama  and  the  disputed  territory  along  the 
Tennessee  river.  With  Gen.  Sherman  they 
went  to  Atlanta,  and  the  young  soldier  bore  a 
stout  hand  in  many  bloody  battles  and  skir- 
mishes from  Vicksburg  to  Atlanta,  and  from 
Atlanta  to  the  sea,  returning  through  the  Caro- 
linas.  Mr.  Long  was  taken  sick  at  Helena, 
Ark.,  but  bore  up  and  refused  to  go  to  the  hos- 
pital. For  four  months  he  was  seriously  out 
of  health,  but  he  recovered,  and  feels  that 
perhaps  he  owes  his  life  to  his  indomitable  will. 
The  history  of  the  regiment  covers  many  of  the 
most  stirring  scenes'  of  the  war  in  Tennessee, 
Alabama  and  in  the  Mississippi  valley.  It 
was  a part  of  the  army  that  broke  the  back  of 
the  rebellion,  had  a share  in  the  glory  of  the 
grand  review  at  Washington,  and  was  mus- 
tered out  at  Madison,  Wis.,  in  June,  1865. 

When  the  war  had  closed  Mr.  Long  came 
back  to  Grant  county.  He  had  extensive  lum- 
ber interests  at  Dubuque,  and  in  October,  1867, 
he  married  Miss  Mary  McMann,  a daughter 
•of  Thomas  McMann,  of  one  of  the  old-time 
families  of  Grant  county.  Mr.  Long  purchased 
his  present  home  very  soon  after  his  marriage. 
He  has  cleared  it  up  by  unflagging  labor,  and 
has  added  to  it  from  time  to  time  until  he  now 
owns  a fine  estate  of  four  hundred  acres  of 
farm  and  timber  land.  For  a number  of  years 
he  has  been  one  of  the  large  cattle  dealers  of 
the  southwestern  part  of  the  State,  buying 
largely,  fattening  and  shipping  to  the  Chicago 
and  other  markets.  Mrs.  Mary  Long  died  in 
1873,  leaving  her  bereaved  husband  with  two 
children,  Gertrude  and  Dora.  Gertrude  died 
when  an  infant,  and  Dora,  born  in  1870,  was 
educated  at  the  State  Normal  at  Platteville, 
and  for  several  years  was  a successful  teacher, 
but  is  now  the  wife  of  Samuel  Vannatta,  Jr., 
of  the  town  of  Harrison,  and  the  mother  of 
one  daughter,  Lela. 


MRS.  MARY  LONG  HENRY  LONG 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


809 


In  April,  1874,  Mr.  Long  married  his  pres- 
ent wife,  Miss  Mary  Hinian,  in  the  town  of 
Paris,  who  is  the  daughter  of  O.  P.  and  Irene 
J.  (Louthain)  Himan,  an  old  pioneer  family 
iof  the  town  of  Harrison.  Mrs.  Long-  was 
born  in  Paris  in  August,  1853.  She  was  reared 
to  womanhood  in  Grant  county,  and  received 
her  education  from  the  public  schools.  After 
her  marriage  she  settled  with  her  husband  on 
his  farm,  and  became  the  mother  of  two  chil- 
dren, of  whom  only  one  is  living.  Ida  and 
Bertha.  Ida,  born  Aug.  26,  1878,  died  in 
August,  1892;  she  was  a bright,  thoughtful 
and  loving  girl,  and  her  affectionate  disposition 
endeared  her  to  her  parents  and  her  young  com- 
panions, and  her  loss  left  a vacancy  in  this 
home  that  can  never  be  filled.  The  mother  is 
a member  of  the  Congregational  Church  of 
Mt.  Zion  in  the  town  of  Harrison.  Mr.  Long 
is  a supporter  of  the  Republican  party,  and 
takes  much  interest  in  the  cause  of  education, 
religion,  and  every  forward  movement.  Henry 
Long  began  life  on  his  own  footing.  He 
formed  habits  of  industry  and  prudence  which 
have  attended  him  through  life.  What  he 
earned  he  carefully  invested,  and  from  a small 
beginning  he  now  owns  one  of  the  largest 
stock  farms  in  the  town  of  Harrison.  He 
keeps  large  herds  of  fine  cattle  which  go  for- 
ward to  market  at  the  most  favorable  season, 
and  he  is  a wealthy  and  prosperous  farmer, 
standing  high  in  the  esteem  of  the  people  of 
Grant  county. 

JOHN  WESLEY  BAKER,  a prosperous 
and  influential  farmer  of  Linden  township, 
Iowa  county,  residing  near  Cobb,  is  a native  of 
that  section,  having  been  born  April  28,  1846, 
in  Linden  township,  son  of  Francis  and  Mary 
Baker.  Mention  of  their  lives  will  be  found 
elsewhere. 

In  his  boyhood  Mr.  Baker  attended  the  dis- 
trict schools  in  the  locality  of  his  home,  grow- 
ing to  manhood  on  the  homestead.  When 
twenty  years  of  age,  in  company  with  his 
brother  William  H.,  he  bought  seventy  acres  of 
land  adjacent  to  the  home  place,  to  which  they 
added  from  time  to  time  until  they  owned  323 
acres,  and  our  subject  is  still  the  possessor  of 
225  acres  thereof.  The  land  is  diversified1 — 
timber,  prairie  and  living  streams  making  a 
combination  not  to  be  boasted  of  in  every  farm 
— and  the  natural  advantages  have  been  in- 
creased and  augmented  by  the  care  and  im- 


provements Mr.  Baker  has  gone  to  the  trouble 
and  expense  of  bestowing  upon  it.  His  build- 
ings are  convenient,  and  include  a substantial 
barn  30  by  66  feet  in  dimensions.  In  addition 
to  general  farming  he  pays  considerable  atten- 
tion to  the  breeding  of  Shorthorn  cattle,  of 
which  he  has  a fine  herd,  and  Poland  China 
swine.  I he  success  which  has  attended  his 
labors  is  the  result  of  well-directed1  industry, 
and  he  is  looked  up  to  by  his  neighbors'  as  a 
man  deserving  of  the  good  fortune  which  has 
come  to  him. 

In  1877  Mr.  Baker  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Miss  Catherine  Fox,  who  was  born  in 
North  Carolina,  where  her  parents,  James  and 
Mary  (Crebo)  Fox,  lived  for  a short  time  after 
coming  to  America,  in  1846.  They  were  na- 
tives of  Cornwall,  England.  Soon  after  the 
birth  of  their  daughter  Catherine  they  came 
to  Wisconsin,  settling  in  Iowa  county,  and 
Mr.  Fox  died  at  Cobb,  Oct.  13,  1897,  aged  sev- 
enty-five years;  his  wife  died  on  May  4,  1890. 
aged  sixty-five  years.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Baker 
have  two  daughters,  Ida  Pearl  and  Lucy  Myr- 
tle, both  of  whom  have  received  good  educa- 
tional advantages,  the  younger  at  present  at- 
tending high  school  at  Cobb.  In  religious  con- 
nection the  family  are  identified  with  the  M. 
E.  Church.  Mr.  Baker  has  been  a lifelong  Re- 
publican in  political  sentiment  but  never  par- 
ticularly active  in  party  affairs. 

W ILLIAM  J.  DYER,  of  Lancaster,  Grant 
county,  represents  one  of  the  earliest  of  the 
pioneer  families  of  this  county.  His  father, 
Abner  Dyer,  was  born  on  Jan.  28,  1817,  near 
Danville,  Ivy.,  and  moved  to  Fayetteville, 
Tenn.,  at  the  age  of  three  years,  and  remained 
there  until  he  was  fourteen  years  old  and  then 
removed  to  Huntsville,  Ala.  In  this  Southern 
city  he  remained  until  he  was  seventeen,  later 
making  a three-year  visit  in  Illinois,  and  in 
1837  locating  in  Platteville,  Wisconsin. 

The  first  work  that  Mr.  Abner  Dyer  was  en- 
gaged in  after  coming  to  this  State,  was  to 
assist  in  clearing  out  brush  and  in  building 
the  highway  that  now  runs  ’from  Platteville  to 
Ellenboro,  and  at  the  latter  place  lie  remained, 
assisting  in  getting  out  timber  for  the  building 
of  the  Ellenboro  gristmill,  this  mill  still  stand- 
ing and  doing  business.  On  Nov.  24,  1840, 
he  married  Rebecca  Walker,  who  was  born  in 
County  Tyrone,  Ireland,  May  12,  1818.  After 
marriage  he  settled  two  and  one-half  miles 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


8 io 


southwest  of  Ellenboro  and  remained  there  un- 
til the  fall  of  1846,  when  he  removed  to  with- 
in five  miles  north  of  Lancaster,  where  he  lived 
until  1881.  To  his  marriage  were  born  six 
daughters  and  two  sons,  all  natives  of  Grant 
county,  and  all  of  whom  survive,  these  being : 
Rebecca  J.,  who  was  born  in  Potosi  township, 
on  Jan.  17,  1842;  Elizabeth  Ellen,  born  in 
Ellenboro  township,  on  Sept.  19,  1843;  Will- 
iam J.,  born  in  the  above  township,  on  Aug. 
10,  1846;  Sarah  A.,  born  in  Lancaster  town- 
ship, on  Oct.  28,  1848;  Eliza  C.,  born  on  Jan. 
16,  1851;  Emma  L.,  born  on  Jan.  23,  1853; 
Bertha  H.,  born  on  Oct.  10,  1855;  and  George 
A.,  born  on  March  30,  1859.  The  death  of 
Abner  Dyer  was  on  Jan.  26,  1881,  the  mother 
of  the  family  surviving  until  Jan.  17,  1888. 

Abner  Dyer  was  a typical  pioneer,  honest 
and  industrious,  and  a man  of  strict  integrity. 
His  industry  and  energy  made  him  a large 
landowner,  at  one  time  possessing  500  acres 
of  land,  and  much  of  this  is  still  in  the  fam- 
ily. A remarkable  thing  about  this  large  fam- 
ily is  that  all  survive,  having  inherited  robust 
constitutions  from  their  sturdy  parents. 

William  J.  Dyer,  the  third  of  the  family 
in  order  of  age,  was  born  in  Ellenboro  town- 
ship, on  Aug.  10,  1846,  and  was  reared  to  the 
occupation  of  farming,  which  he  has  ever  since 
followed  as  a resident  of  Grant  county.  Mr. 
Dyer  enjoys  the  distinction  of  being  the  pio- 
neer horseman  of  southwestern  Wisconsin, 
having  brought  to  this  section  Mambrino 
Swigart,  2 130,  the  first  standard-bred  stallion 
owned  in  Grant  county ; he  also  brought  here : 
Victory,  2 125  J4  ; Royalty,  2 125  ; Brown  Frank, 
2:35;  Ivica,  2:23)4;  Cedarwood,  2:2442; 
Lumpwood,  2:14 ; and  Tossie  “D.,”  2:13. 
These  stallions  have  produced  untold  wealth 
to  farmers  of  Grant  and  adjoining  counties. 
Too  young  to  enter  the  army,  at  the  opening 
of  the  Civil  war,  Mr.  Dyer  enlisted  toward  its 
close  in  Company  K,  47th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and 
served  until  the  close  of  hostilities. 

In  1869  Mr.  Dyer  was  married  to  Miss 
Sarah  E.  Borah,  a daughter  of  James  N. 
Borah,  who  migrated  from  Kentucky  to 
Grant  county  in  1836  and  settled  in  Lancaster 
township,  where  Mrs.  Dyer  was  born,  on  Dec. 
23,  1847.  Three  children  have  been  born  to 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dyer  : William,  a leading  livery 
man  in  Lancaster,  Grant  county ; Ruby,  a suc- 
cessful teacher  and  a graduate  of  the  Lan- 
caster high  school  and  the  State  Normal  school 


at  Oshkosh,  in  the  class  of  1900;  and  Laura, 
who  died  in  infancy.  For  many  years  Mr. 
Dyer  followed  farming  exclusively,  but  in 
1895  he  was  elected  sheriff  of  Grant  county 
and  in  all  its  history  it  has  never  had  a more 
efficient  official.  Four  years  of  service  as 
deputy  sheriff,  previously,  had  prepared  him 
for  .the  duties  of  the  position,  and  for  eight 
years  his  name  in  Grant  county  was  a terror 
to  evil  doers,  while  it  was  a source  of  confidence 
to  the  upright.  Mr.  Dyer  is  one  of  the  most 
highly  esteemed  citizens  of  Lancaster,  and  has 
been  prominent  in  much  of  its  rapid  growth 
and  development. 

WILLIAM  SHEDWICK  NEWMAN, 
one  of  the  well-to-do  and  prosperous  farmers 
of  Green  county,  is  the  son  of  William  and 
Elizabeth  (Kendall)  Newman,  natives  of 
Pennsylvania,  who  came  of  German  and  Eng- 
lish origin. 

William  Newman,  the  father  of  our  sub- 
ject, was  a farmer  in  Fayette  county,  Penn. 
He  married  Elizabeth  Kendall,  who  was  born 
in  1800,  and  died  in  1846,  the  mother  of  seven 
children,  as  follows  : ( 1 ) Hannah,  the  wife 

of  John  Batty,  died  in  1873.  (2)  Samuel,  born 

in  1825,  died  in  Green  county  in  1876.  He 
married  Mary  Roderick.  (3)  J.  J.,  born  Nov. 
2,  1829,  is  a thrifty  farmer,  whose  home  is  in 
Juda,  Wis.  (4)  Ephraim  Iv.  died  while  serv- 
ing in  the  Civil  war.  He  was  second  lieutenant 
of  Company  K,  22d  Wis.  V.  L,  and  died  at 
Nicholasville,  Ivy.,  in  1862,  leaving  two  chil- 
dren, William  J.  and  Ida  May.  The  son  is 
living  in  Illinois,  and  the  daughter  in  Cheyenne, 
Wyoming.  (5)  Elizabeth,  widow  of  Jacob 
Roderick,  a prosperous  farmer  of  Green  county, 
is  now  living  in  Monroe,  Wis.  (6)  Nancy, 
born  in  1835,  now  lives  in  the  town  of  Al- 
bany, Green  county.  (7)  William  S.  was  born 
Oct.  12,  1837.  After  the  death  of  the  mother 
of  these  children  Mr.  Newman  married  Mrs. 
Vashti  De  Bolt,  and  to  this  union  were  born 
four  children:  (1)  Jasper  died  in  childhood; 

(2)  Louisa,  Mrs.  Scott  Dora,  died  in  Nebras- 
ka ; (3)  Josephine  married  Clinton  Condon, 
of  Nebraska;  and  (4)  Alice  married  Daniel 
Dunwiddie,  of  the  town  of  Jefferson.  Will- 
iam Newman,  the  father  of  these  children,  was 
born  in  1799,  and  died  in  April,  1864.  His 
parents,  John  and  Elizabeth  Newman,  were 
among  the  early  settlers  of  Pennsylvania. 

William  S.  Newman  came  to  Green  coun- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


8 1 1 


ty,  Wis.,  at  the  age  of  eleven  years.  Follow- 
ing farming  for  his  occupation,  he  has  at- 
tained high  standing.  On  Dec.  27,  i860,  he 
married  Miss  Esther  Gifford,  who  was  born 
May  27,  1843,  'm  Fulton  county,  N.  Y.,  a 
daughter  of  Robert  and  Susan  M.  (Foot) 
Gifford,  with  whom  she  came  to  Wisconsin  in 
1856.  Robert  Gifford  was  a farmer  and  a 
school  teacher,  and  died  in  the  town  of  Spring 
Grove,  April  18.  1898,  aged  nearly  eighty-two 
years.  His  wife  died  in  Brodhead  Aug.  30, 
1895,  aged  seventy-five  years.  Our  subject 
and  wife  are  the  parents  of  eight  children : 
(1)  Jay  E.,  born  Feb.  18,  1862,  died  in  in- 
fancy. (2)  Irving  G.,  born  May  24,  1866, 
resides  in  the  town  of  Spring  Grove,  where  he 
is  a well-to-do  farmer.  (3)  Susan,  born  Jan. 
22,  1869,  married  Arthur  T.  Preston,  of  the 
town  of  Jefferson.  (4)  William  F.,  born  Nov. 
22,  1870,  and  (5)  Chester  A.,  born  May  7, 
1874,  are  at  home.  (6)  Lois  E.,  born  March 
13,  1877,  has  been  a teacher  in  the  public 
schools  for  a number  of  years,  and  lives  at 
home.  (7)  Samuel,  born  Sept.  22,  1880,  and 
(8)  Ross  B.,  born  Oct.  20,  1883,  are  also  at 
home. 

Mr.  Newman  was  a volunteer  in  the  Union 
army,  and  served  with  distinction  in  Company 
K,  22d  Wis.  V.  I.,  enlisting  in  1862,  and  serv- 
ing until  the  closing  of  the  war.  He  was  with 
Gen.  Sherman  in  his  March  to  the  Sea,  and 
was  mustered  out  as  a sergeant,  June  12,  1865. 
Mr.  Newman  began  life  as  a poor  boy,  and 
has  had  to  make  his  own  way  in  the  world. 
While  in  the  army  he  received  injuries  which 
have  disabled  him  for  life.  But  against  all  the 
hindrances  of  fate  and  fortune  he  has  persisted, 
and  now  owns  over  530  acres  of  well  improved 
farm  land,  and  its  suitable  equipments.  He 
is  a consistent  member  of  the  Baptist  Church, 
and  is  pronounced  by  those  who  know  him  a 
splendid  citizen,  a fairminded  man,  upright  and 
honorable,  straight  in  all  his  dealings,  and  de- 
voted to  his  wife  and  family. 

LEONIDAS  RICHARDSON  (deceased), 
one  of  the  early  settlers  of  southwestern  Wis- 
consin, was  born  in  Nashville,  Tenn.,  July  21, 
1826,  a son  of  William  Steele  Richardson. 

William  Steele  Richardson  was  a man  of 
ability,  and  was  a worthy,  esteemed  citizen. 
He  made  his  home  in  Nashville,  Tenn.,  until 
his  son  Leonidas  was  about  fifteen  years  old, 
when  he  moved  to  a farm  about  thirty  miles 


from  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  and  engaged  in  mercantile 
business  in  that  State.  In  1845  he  emigrated 
with  his  family  to  Wisconsin,  and  settled  in 
the  town  of  Wyoming,  Iowa  county,  where  he 
lived  for  many  years  on  the  farm  now  owned 
by  his  grandson,  J.  T.  Richardson.  He  re- 
moved to  Avoca  about  three  years  before  his 
death,  which  occurred  Dec.  22,  1878,  when  he 
was  aged  eighty-four  years.  His  wife  survived 
him  a number  of  years,  and  passed  away  at  the 
age  of  eighty-two  years,  her  remains  now  rest- 
ing beside  those  of  her  husband  in  the  Avoca 
cemetery.  William  Steele  Richardson  was  an 
active  patriot,  and  fought  under  General  Jack- 
son  in  the  war  of  1812,  taking  part  in  the 
battle  of  New  Orleans;  he  again  fought  under 
Jackson  in  the  Seminole  war,  and  it  was  after 
its  close  that. he  removed  to  Nashville.  He  was 
benevolent  and  generous,  and  ever  ready,  as 
was  also  his  wife,  to  minister  to  those  in  need. 
In  religious  belief,  a Methodist,  he  was  a lead- 
ing supporter  of  the  Gospel  in  the  early  days. 
Five  children,  two  sons  and  three  daughters, 
blessed  his  home,  and  these  all  came  to  Wis- 
consin with  their  parents,  but  have  all  since 
passed  away,  the  only  survivors  of  the  sons- 
in-law  and  daughters-in-law  being  George 
Parr,  of  Barron  county,  Wis.,  and  Mrs.  Leoni- 
das Richardson,  of  Wyoming. 

Leonidas  Richardson  was  twenty  years  old 
when  he  came  with  his  parents  to  Iowa  county. 
While  never  physically  a strong  man,  he  made 
farming  his  life  work.  That  it  might  con- 
tinue in  the  possession  of  the  family,  he  pur- 
chased, about  1870,  the  homestead  where  his 
father  first  settled.  This  farm,  which  adjoined 
his  own,  had  previously  been  sold  outside  the 
family. 

On  Sept.  23,  1849,  Leonidas  Richardson 
married  Miss  Elizabeth  Woodbury,  who  was 
born  in  Jefferson  county,  N.  Y.,  March  13, 
1826,  a daughter  of  Jerome  and  Lydia  (Cool- 
idge)  Woodbury,  the  former  a native  of 
Genesee  county,  N.  Y.,  and  the  latter  of  Madi- 
son county,  same  State.  Mrs.  Richardson  was 
reared  in  her  native  State,  and  educated  at 
Governeur  Wesleyan  Seminary,  St.  Lawrence 
county.  She  came  to  Wisconsin  Territory  with 
her  parents  in  1846,  and  for  five  years  was  en- 
gaged in  teaching,  three  years  of  this  time  in 
the  town  of  Wyoming,  thus  becoming  one  of 
the  earliest  teachers  of  this  town,  and  she  now 
is  one  of  the  oldest  surviving  teachers  of 
southwestern  Wisconsin.  Leonidas  Richard- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


8 1 2 


son  died  July  21,  1875.  He  was  a most  es- 
timable and  public  spirited  citizen,  and  highly 
respected.  Notwithstanding  his  bodily  ail- 
ments he  was  always  cheerful,  and  possessed  a 
most  genial  nature.  He  was  a great  reader, 
and  was  active  in  the  promotion  of  the  educa- 
tional interests  of  the  community  in  which  he 
lived.  His  last  work  was  to  help  locate  the 
new  school  house,  and  to  make  a contract  with 
the  builders.  He  was  especially  fond  of  music, 
playing  the  violin  well,  and  he  encouraged  and 
promoted  the  musical  talents  of  his  children. 
He  and  his  wife  joined  the  M.  E.  Church 
in  1849,  being  members  of  the  first  class 
of  that  church  in  the  vicinity.  This  couple 
were  blessed  with  ten  children,  eight  of 
whom  grew  to  mature  years,  and  six  are 
living  at  this  time  (1901).  The  children 
were  as  follows : Ella  Hortense,  wife  of 

John  J.  Hughes,  of  Dodgeville,  Wis. ; Lydia 
Louise,  wife  of  H.  M.  Levatie,  of  Wy- 
oming; Jesse  T.,  residing  on  tire  old  home- 
stead of  his  grandfather;  Albert  D.,  of  Wyom- 
ing; George  Irving,  on  his  father’s  homestead 
in  the  town  of  Wyoming;  Rosa  May,  wife  of 
Solon  E.  Knickerbocker,  of  the  town  of  Wy- 
oming. Two  reached  maturity  before  their 
decease:  Carrie  Malinda,  who  died’  in  1880, 

at  the  age  of  twenty-three  years;  Eddie  Leoni- 
das, who  died  in  1878,  at  the  age  of  nineteen 
years.  The  others  deceased  were  Elmore  Eu- 
gene, the  oldest  son,  who  died  at  the  age  of 
six,  and  Willie  Jerome,  who  died  in  babyhood. 

Of  the  family  born  to  Jerome  and  Lydia 
(Coolidge)  Woodbury,  five  were  living  when 
this  was  written  (1901):  Mrs.  Elizabeth  W. 
Richardson,  of  Wyoming;  Mrs.  Sylvia  H.  An- 
derson, of  Iowa  Falls,  Iowa ; Alfred  Coolidge, 
of  Darlington,  Wis. ; Mrs.  Mary  Cline,  in  the 
town  of  Fayette,  Lafayette  county;  and  Albert 
Morris,  formerly  of  Lone  Rock,  Wis.,  now  of 
Dakota,  who  served  throughout  the  war  of 
the  Rebellion ; Nathan,  who  died  in  the  hospital 
at  St.  Louis  at  the  close  of  the  war;  and  John, 
who  also  served  through  the  war,  and  died  soon 
after  its  close  near  Faribault,  Minn.  While 
living  in  New  York  Jerome  Woodbury  joined 
the  volunteers  for  the  “Patriot  War”  in  Can- 
ada, but  returned  to  his  home  upon  learning 
that  the  United  States  government  had  not 
authorized  any  hostile  movements.  Upon  com- 
ing to  Wisconsin  he  settled  at  Fayette,  Lafay- 
ette Co.,  where  he  and  his  wife  spent  the  re- 
mainder of  their  lives.  He  was  one  of  the 


first  temperance  advocates  in  the  county,  and 
always  active  in  that  cause.  His  wife  was  a 
daughter  of  Daniel  Coolidge,  who  served  three 
months  in  the  war  of  1812,  enlisting  from 
Madison  county,  New  York. 

Airs.  Leonidas  Richardson,  from  whom  was 
obtained  much  information  contained  in  this 
sketch,  is  one  of  the  oldest  citizens  of  Wyom- 
ing. She  has  led  a very  industrious  life.  Sev- 
eral of  her  children  were  quite  young  when  her 
husband  passed  away  and  a great  responsibility 
was  placed  upon  her,  but  she  has  been  faithful 
to  her  trust,  and  her  children  are  all  well  set- 
tled, happy  and  useful  members  of  society.  She 
has  ever  been  held  in  high  esteem  by  her  ac- 
quaintances. The  family  are  all  members  of 
the  AI.  E.  Church. 

WILLIAM  WEBB.  From  tillers  of  the 
soil  have  arisen  some  of  the  most  influential 
and  celebrated  men  of  this  and  other  lands, 
and  even  cursory  reading  will  demonstrate  the 
truth  of  the  assertion  that  agriculture  is  the 
surest  path  to  affluence.  Among  the  substantial 
farmer-citizens  of  Albany,  Green  county,  is 
William  Webb,  who  was  born  in  Oneida  coun- 
ty, N.  Y.,  May  16,  1819,  a son  of  James  and 
Anna  (Scott)  Webb,  both  of  whom  were  na- 
tives of  New  York.  They  had  born  to  them  a 
family  of  eight  sons  and  five  daughters,  but 
time  has  made  sad  inroads,  and  but  three  of 
that  large  number  still  survive:  William,  who 
is  our  subject;  Lois,  who  married  Harrison 
Chase,  resides  near  Utica,  N.  Y. ; and  Anna, 
who  married  a gentleman  of  Vernon,  New 
York. 

The  paternal  grandfather  of  our  subject 
was  James  Webb,  a native  of  New  York,  of 
English  descent,  who  followed  a sea-faring  life 
and  at  death  left  one  son  and  one  daughter. 
The  maternal  grandfather  was  Enos  Scott,  a 
native  of  New  York,  born  in  the  neighborhood 
of  Black  river,  where  he  engaged  in  farming, 
lived  to  an  advanced  age,  and  was  the  father 
of  three  sons  and  two  daughters. 

William  Webb,  the  subject  of  this  sketch, 
Was  reared  on  a farm  in  Oneida  county,  N. 
Y.,  and  was  earlv  taught  lessons  of  industry 
and  honesty,  which  have  been  of  advantage 
to  him  in  later  life.  The  educational  advan- 
tages were  those  of  a settled  locality, 
and  in  his  youth  our  subject  was  well 
grounded  in  the  primary  principles.  At  the 
age  of  fifteen  he  accompanied  his  father  to 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


813 


Ohio,  where  the  latter  settled  on  a good  farm 
in  Geauga  county,  where  he  died  in  1841,  aged 
sixty-one  years.  The  mother  of  our  subject 
survived  him  some  ten  years,  being  seventy-two 
years  old  at  the  time  of  her  death.  She  had 
all  her  life  been  a devoted  member  of  the  Meth- 
odist Church,  while  Mr.  Webb  had  accepted  the. 
Universalist  faith.  During  the  war  of  1812  lie 
had  been  a teamster,  and  during  his  residence 
in  Oneida  county  served  a long  time  as  super- 
visor of  his  town,  and  was  a well-known  and 
respected  citizen. 

About  i860  William  Webb  removed  to 
Wisconsin,  taking  up  160  acres  of  government 
land,  which  he  improved  and'  lived  upon  for 
some  years,  but  advantageously  sold  and  then 
located  in  Green  county,  where  he  bought  312 
acres,  which  lie  improved,  this  farm  being  in 
Section  25,  Albany  township.  In  1882  his  two 
sons,  Charles  and  William,  bought  this  farm, 
and  our  subject  retired  to  the  village  of  Al- 
bany, where  he  built  a substantial  and1  comfort- 
able residence,  with  twelve  acres  of  land,  and 
now  resides  there,  enjoying  the  fruits  of  a well- 
spent  life. 

Mr.  Webb  was  married  April  26,  1842,  to 
Miss  Fannie  Rice,  a daughter  of  Roswell  and 
Sarah  Rice,  six  children  being  born  of  this 
union : Albert,  who  married  Mary  Kibbie, 

lives  in  Evansville,  with  four  children,  Arthur, 
Frank,  Nellie  and  May;  Jane,  who  married 
Hiram  Brown,  who  died  a number  of  years 
ago,  leaving  six  children,  Clara,  Myrtie,  Will- 
iam, Helen,  and  a pair  of  twins  (who  died  in 
Nebraska),  and  Mrs.  Brown  then  married  O.C. 
Healy,  and  resides  at  Mapleton,  Minn. ; Mary 
E.,  who  married  Samuel  Harn,  is  deceased, 
leaving  one  daughter,  Emma,  who  is  now  the 
wife  of  F.  L.  Holiday,  of  Janesville;  William 
R.,  who  married  Dell  Bump,  and  resides  in 
Albany,  with  five  children,  William,  Rufus, 
Homer,  Fern,  and  Hazel ; Charles  E.,  who  mar- 
ried Eva  Harte,  and  resides  in  Evansville,  with 
one  son.  Mark ; and  Emma,  who  married  Ben- 
jamin Sutherland,  but  is  now  deceased,  leav- 
ing one  daughter,  Jessie.  The  mother  of  these 
children  died  on  May  26,  1889,  aged  sixty- 
nine  years,  having  been  a devoted  member  of 
the  United  Brethren  Church.  On  June  5,  1890, 
Mr.  Webb  wedded  Mrs.  Sarah  A.  Hubbard, 
the  widow  of  Henry  Hubbard,  and  her  death 
occurred  in  March,  1897. 

An  active  and1  prominent  member  of  the 
Democratic  party,  Mr.  Webb  has  been  called 


upon  to  serve  in  many  of  the  local  offices  for 
some  years,  being  supervisor  and  a justice  of 
the  peace  for  many  terms,  displaying  judgment 
and  discretion  in  managing  the  township  af- 
fairs that  made  him  a valuable  officer.  Ever 
since  locating  in  Green  county  he  has  engaged 
in  farming  and  stockraising,  but  has  found 
time  to  be  interested  in  all  progressive  move- 
ments in  his  neighborhood,  and  willingly  as- 
sisting when  he  was  convinced  they  were  for 
the  best  interests  of  all  concerned.  Much  re- 
spected, he  is  one  of  the  representative  citizens 
of  Albany. 

HORACE  J.  LORD.  Among  the  remain- 
ing pioneers  of  Grant  county,  Wis.,  who  has 
been  one  of  the  leading  citizens  of  Blooming- 
ton for  more  than  fifty  years  is  Horace  J.  Lord, 
who  came  to  this  locality  on  May  16,  1846. 
Mr.  Lord  was  born  near  Burlington,  Chitten- 
den Co.,  Vt.,  Dec.  15,  1822.  His  father,  Austin 
Lord,  and  his  mother,  Mary  Ann  (Chapin) 
Lord,  were  natives  of  Connecticut,  the  mater- 
nal grandmother  having  been  born  in  Hartford 
and  the  original  ancestry  in  Colonial  times 
came  from  Great  Britain.  As  an  interesting 
bit  of  family  history,  the  following  incident  may 
be  related : At  the  battle  of  Lake  Champlain, 
the  mother  of  Mr.  Lord,  with  another  young 
lady,  became  frightened  watchers  of  the  great 
struggle  and  sought  safety  in  the  belfry  of 
the  church,  where  they  saw  the  final  victory. 

Austin  Lord  and  wife  were  married  in  Ver- 
mont and  there  their  three  children  were  born. 
When  Horace  was  nine  years  old  the  fam- 
ily removed  to  Chautauqua  county,  N.  Y.,  and 
there  the  father  purchased  150  acres  of  land 
on  what  was  known  as  the  Holland  purchase, 
which  he  cleared  up  and  made  there  a very- 
pleasant  home,  which  would  probably  have 
been  a permanent  one  if  he  had  not  felt  that  his 
boys  would  need  a larger  patrimony.  The 
great  Northwest  offered  farms  for  all,  and 
thither  the  family,  consisting  then  of  the  par- 
ents, three  sons  and  an  adopted  daughter, 
turned  their  faces.  The  eldest  son.  Homer 
Lord,  came  first  to  Wisconsin,  in  1845,  and 
in  the  fall  of  the  same  year,  the  youngest, 
Flenry,  came  also,  in  order  that  some  prepara- 
tion might  be  made  for  a family  settlement. 

In  the  spring  of  1846  Horace  J.  >Lord  and 
his  wife  (whom  he  had  but  recently-  married), 
his  parents,  and  his  adopted  sister  started  with 
teams,  with  the  intention  of  driving  all  the  way 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


814 


through  to  Wisconsin,  but  by  the  time  they 
■had  reached  Cleveland,  Ohio,  they  had  changed 
their  minds,  and  shipped  aboard  the  new  steam- 
er "Niagara,”  for  Chicago.  This  great  city 
was  then  but  a hamlet,  and  seemed  to  be  lo- 
cated in  a quagmire,  the  travelers  regarding  it 
as  a very  uninteresting  place  indeed.  1 he 
season  was  a very  rainy  one,  and  the  country 
for  miles  back  from  Lake  Michigan  was  under 
water,  the  roads  being  impassable,  with  any 
load.  The  family  accordingly  left  their  house- 
hold goods  and  started  out  with  their  two  teams 
and  wagons,  containing  nothing  but  the  travel- 
ers and  their  wearing  apparel,  and  safely 
reached  the  sons  and  brothers,  who  welcomed 
them  warmly,  and  the  first  season  was  spent  in 
Beetown. 

In  the  summer  of  1846,  the  father  and  his 
sons,  Homer  and  Horace,  located  land  in  what 
is  now  the  township  of  Bloomington,  and,  that 
becoming  their  permanent  home,  the  family 
has  been  identified  with  this  township  for  fifty- 
five  years.  The  parents  lived  where  they  first 
settled  until  their  death,  the  father  passing 
away  first,  Oct.  15,  1849,  and'  the  devoted  wife 
and  mother  on  May  14,  1858.  Austin  Lord 
was  a well  known  and  highly  esteemed  citizen, 
and  was  a typical  pioneer,  honest  and  indus- 
trious. In  his  early  days  he  was  a Whig  and 
later  a Republican.  In  his  religious  views, 
he  was  very  liberal  and  inclined  to  the  Univer- 
salist  belief,  although  he  was  a man  who  need- 
ed no  creed  to  bind  him,  his  upright  life  and 
Christian  spirit  being  a constant  example  to  the 
world  of  the  exemplary  life  of  a good  man. 
Homer  Lord,  the  eldest  son  of  the  family,  is 
now  a resident  of  the  State  of  Missouri,  and 
the  youngest  son,  Henry,  owns  and1  occupies 
the  old  homestead  of  his  parents. 

Horace  J.  Lord,  our  subject,  was  married 
on  April  15,  1846,  to  Betsey  D.  Tyler,  a daugh- 
ter of  Ebenezer  Tyler,  who  was  born  in  east- 
ern New  York  May  26,  1786,  and'  migrated  to 
Chautauqua  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1812,  passing 
through  Buffalo  just  after  that  city  had  been 
burned  by  the  British.  Mr.  Tyler  located  on 
the  Holland  purchase,  where  he  died  in  1827, 
leaving  five  children,  three  sons  and  two  daugh- 
ters, the  eldest  of  the  latter,  Sarah  B.,  marry- 
ing Y\  illiam  Cilley  (she  came  to  Grant  county, 
and  died  Aug.  17,  1866),  and  the  youngest 
being  Mrs.  Lord.  Mrs.  Polly  (Edmund) 
Tyler  was  born  in  eastern  New  Hampshire, 
June  29,  1797,  married  Ebenezer  Tyler  Oct. 


30,  1812,  and  passed  away  on  May  23,  1872, 
in  Chautauqua  county.  Two  daughters  have 
been  bom  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lord : Mary  Ann, 
wife  of  John  E.  Connell,  of  the  town  of  Bloom- 
ington; and  Nora,  wife  of  C.  W.  Stone,  also 
of  Bloomington.  The  second  child,  a son, 
Milton,  died  at  the  age  of  two  years. 

Mr.  Lord’s  first  farm  consisted  of  forty 
acres,  and  he  gradually  increased  it  as  he  be- 
came able,  and  eventually  succeeded  in  the 
ownership  of  a fine  home  and  farm  of  120  acres. 
In  the  summer  of  1847  he  cut  and  hauled  the 
logs  for  his  first  house,  in  which  he  and  his 
estimable  wife  lived  for  twenty-one  busy,  happy 
years,  at  the  end  of  which  period  he  built  a 
more  modern  one.  With  his  wife,  he  remained 
on  the  farm  until  October,  1900,  when,  on  ac- 
count of  advancing  years,  they  removed  to 
the  beautiful  home  in  the  village  of  Blooming- 
ton where  they  reside  in  comfort,  surrounded 
by  friends.  As  has  been  stated,  but  few  of 
the  pioneers  now  remain  who  came  so  early 
as  did  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lord.  They  can  remem- 
ber nearly  all  of  Grant  county's  pioneers,  and 
recall  the  times  when  it  was  almost  an  entire 
wilderness,  and  most  entertaining  are  their 
recollections  of  the  various  stages  of  growth 
and  development,  so  wonderful  and  extending 
over  so  great  a space  of  time.  In  his  early 
political  life,  Mr.  Lord  voted  with  the  Whigs, 
casting  his  first  presidential  ballot  for  Henry 
Clay  in  1844.  Since  the  formation  of  the  Re- 
publican party,  he  has  been  an  ardent  sup- 
porter of  it,  and  has  had  considerable  influence. 
In  their  religious  belief  both  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Lord  are  Universalists.  Mrs.  Lord  is  the  only 
survivor  of  her  father’s  family.  She  is  highly 
esteemed  in  Bloomington,  and  there  she  has 
taken  a prominent  part  in  temperance  work, 
and  is  now  the  president  of  the  Bloomington 
branch  of  the  W.  C.  T.  U. 

MATHIAS  P.  RHOADES,  the  successful 
fruit  grower  and  apiarist  of  Browntown,  Green 
county,  comes  of  a family  whose  names  for 
three  generations  have  been  engraved  high  on 
their  country’s  roll  of  honor,  and  who  have 
consistently  been  on  the  side  of  progress  and 
patriotism. 

Nicholas  Rhoades,  his  grandfather,  was  a 
native  of  England,  but  having  cast  his  fortunes 
with  the  American  Colonies,  he  assisted  in  the 
struggle  for  liberty,  and  became  one  of  the 
trusted  soldiers  of  the  Revolutionary  war,  serv- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD 


815 


ing  under  Gen.  Washington,  and  enduring  the 
hardships  of  that  terrible  winter  at  Valley 
Forge.  He  was  the  father  of  five  children, 
three  daughters  and  two  sons,  the  sons  being 
John  W.  and  Walter. 

Walter  Rhoades  was  born  in  1793,  in 
Maryland,  and  early  moved  to  the  West,  for  a 
time  living  in  Ohio,  and  in  1826  moved  to 
Champaign  county,  111.  When  the  struggling 
Republic  was  called  upon  in  1812  to  engage  in 
a second  war  with  the  mother  country,  Mr. 
Rhoades  enlisted  in  the  army,  and  served  as 
long  as  he  was  needed,  and  then  returned  to 
agricultural  pursuits.  After  his  removal  to 
the  West,  there  came  Indian  troubles  that  for 
Illinois,  Wisconsin  and  vicinity  culminated  in 
the  Black  Hawk  war,  and  Mr.  Rhoades  again 
gave  his  country  his  services.  I11  1824,  just 
two  years  prior  to  his  location  in  Illinois,  he 
married  Miss  Mary  Rhinehart,  and  by  her  be- 
came the  father  of  ten  children,  as  follows : 
Frances  married  James  W.  Boyd,  of  Illinois, 
and  both  are  now  deceased;  Isaac  R.,  married 
a Miss  Heater,  of  Iowa ; Elizabeth  married 
William  H.  Adams,  of  Illinois,  who  now  lives 
retired  in  Iowa;  Eliza  J.  married  Benjamin 
Aydlotte,  of  Iowa;  Mathias  P.  is  the  next  in 
order  of  birth ; Nancy  Ann  married  Jacob 
Winkleman,  of  Iowa;  John  W.  was  a soldier 
in  the  39th  Iowa  V.  I.,  and  died  in  the  Civil 
war;  Mary  E.  is  the  wife  of  J.  W.  Adams, 
of  Iowa;  Phebe  married  Herman  Dresser,  of 
Duluth,  Minn. ; and  Alfred  N.,  of  Greene 
county,  Iowa.  With  the  exception  of  Frances, 
all  the  children  were  born  in  Champaign  coun- 
ty, Illinois. 

Mathias  P.  Rhoades  was  born  Sept.  22, 
1838,  and  was  earlv  trained  in  all  the  details 
of  farm  work.  His  schooling  was  necessarily 
neglected  to  a large  extent,  as  the  schools 
were  few  and  far  between,  and  the  time 
for  attendance  in  such  as  did  exist  was 
limited,  the  work  of  clearing  up  a farm 
engrossing  the  entire  time.  In  1855  he  re- 
moved with  his  parents  to  Iowa,  and  re- 
mained there  until  1870,  when  they  removed 
to-  Sacramento  county,  Cal.  In  1873  he  came 
to  Green  county.  Wis.,  locating  in  Cadiz  town- 
ship. During  the  Civil  war  Mr.  Rhoades  en- 
listed in  1862  in  his  country’s  service,  becom- 
ing a member  of  Co.  H,  71st  111.  V.  I.,  and 
was  mustered  out  at  the  expiration  of  his  term 
of  enlistment.  When  he  returned  from  the 
war  he  took  up  his  former  work,  that  of  farm- 


ing, and  then  engaged  to  some  extent  in  mill- 
ing. He  now  devotes  himself  largely  to  fruit 
growing  and  to  his  apiary;  in  the  latter  he 
runs  from  sixty  to  eighty  hives  a season,  which 
net  him  about  $300  per  year.  He  has  been  very 
successful  in  his  undertakings,  and  at  this  time 
owns  a fine  two-story  dwelling  and  seven  acres 
of  ground,  as  well  as  having  considerable  per- 
sonal property. 

On  March  4,  1863,  Mr.  Rhoades  was 
wedded  to  Miss  Julia  Trickle,  who  was  born 
Nov.  24,  1845,  one  °f  the  eleven  children  of 
Ashford  and  Jane  (Morton)  Trickle,  pioneer 
settlers  of  Green  county.  Ten  children  have 
been  born  of  this  marriage,  all  of  whom  are 
yet  living:  Phebe,  born  April  5,  1865,  married 
Louis  Brown,  of  Greene  county,  Iowa;  Orpha, 
born  April  10,  1869,  married  Peter  Frysley,  of 
Green  county,  Wis. ; Oren  A.,  born  March  20, 
1871.  at  home,  married  Merta  Sisson;  Byron, 
born  Jan.  29,  1873,  married  Gusta  Budkey,  of 
Merrillan,  Wis. ; Alice,  born  March  5,  1875, 
is  the  wife  of  Janies  Faubel,  of  Green  county; 
Oliver  P.,  born  Aug.  24,  1877,  at  home;  El- 
mer, born  Jan.  9,  1880,  Effie,  born  Nov.  17, 
1882,  Mertie,  born  Feb.  17,  1884,  and  Walter, 
born  June  3,  1887,  are  all  at  home. 

Politically  Mr.  Rhoades  is  a Populist,  and 
in  religious  belief  has  greater  faith  in  charity, 
honesty  and  upright  living  than  in  any  de- 
nomination or  creed.  He  has  striven  to  do  his 
duty  to  his  country  and  his  fellowmen,  and 
merits  the  high  place  he  holds  in  the  estimation 
of  men. 

CRAWFORD  BROTHERS,  publishers  of 
the  Iowa  County  DcmocratJ  at  Mineral  Point, 
have  been  identified  with  that  journal  for  over 
thirty  years,  and  have  made  it  one  of  the  most 
popular  and  influential  newspapers  in  south- 
western Wisconsin.  Its  publication  was  be- 
gun in  1866,  by  John  Herron  and  William 
H.  Peck,  and  it  has  been  under  the  present 
management  since  1877.  Both  gentlemen  are 
familiar  with  the  printer’s  art  in  all  its 
branches,  and  their  plant,  which  is  operated 
by  steam  power,  includes  a first-class  job  de- 
partment. They  are  also  journalists  and  busi- 
ness men  of  ability,  and  under  their  conduct 
the  Democrat  has  been  conspicuous  for  its  con- 
sistent attitude  in  support  of  a low  tariff,  and 
its  liberal  and  patriotic  policy  on  all  public 
questions  has  caused  it  to  keep  in  touch  with 
the  most  progressive  and  popular  sentiments. 


8 1 6 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


In  recent  years  it  has  been  distinguished  for 
its  decided  stand  in  support  of  the  gold  stan- 
dard. 

George  Crawford,  the  senior  member  of 
the  firm,  was  born  near  Enniskillen,  County 
Fermanagh,  Ireland,  April  29,  1849,  and  the 
next  year  was  brought  to  this  country  by  his 
parents,  Michael  and  Catherine  (Tubman) 
Crawford.  The  family  settled  in  Lafayette 
county,  Wis.,  but  in  1866  located  in  Mineral 
Point,  where  Michael  Crawford  filled  various 
public  positions,  including  that  of  city  assessor. 
He  died  in  1891,  at  the  age  of  seventy-five 
years.  His  wife  died  about  two  years  earlier, 
at  the  age  of  seventy  years.  When  he  was 
eighteen  years  old  George  Crawford  began  to 
learn  the  printer’s  trade  in  the  office  with 
which  he  has  ever  since  been  connected.  The 
paper  was  then  known  as  the  National  Demo- 
crat, published  by  Herron  & Peck.  In  1874 
he  became  a partner  in  the  concern,  and  three 
years  later  the  present  firm  was  formed,  and 
the  name  by  which  it  has  since  been  known 
adopted.  In  addition  to  his  private  affairs  Mr. 
Crawford  has  found  time  to  discharge  various 
public  trusts,  including  those  of  superintendent 
of  the  city  schools,  and  member  of  the  city 
council.  During  President  Cleveland’s  first 
administration  lie  was  appointed  postmaster 
and  filled  that  office  for  four  years. 

On  Sept.  9,  1873,  George  Crawford  was 
married  to  Miss  Mary  White,  daughter  of 
James  and  Margaret  White,  of  Darlington, 
Wis.  Their  union  has  been  blessed  with  four 
children:  Blair,  George  W.,  Harry  T.  and 

James  J.  The  family  are  communicants  of  the 
Episcopal  Church,  and  fraternally  Mr.  Craw- 
ford is  identified  with  the  Mas-ons  and  the 
Knights  of  Pythias. 

Hon.  Robert  M.  Crawford,  junior  mem- 
ber of  the  firm,  was  born  in  Lafayette  county, 
Wis.,  June  7,  1854.  He  entered  the  office  of 
the  Democrat  at  the  age  of  fourteen  years, 
and  became  one  of  the  proprietors  in  1877 
Idis  activity  and  independent  public  spirit  won 
popular  approval,  and  in  1890  he  was  elected 
a member  of  the  Assembly,  for  the  eastern 
district  of  Iowa  county.  He  was  appointed 
chairman  of  the  committee  on  Claims,  and 
gave  close  attention  to  the  interests  of  his  con- 
stituents during  the  legislative  session.  Un- 
der the  second  Cleveland  administration  he 
served  as  postmaster  at  Mineral  Point. 

In  1880  Robert  M.  Crawford  was  married 


to  Miss  Martha  Goldsworthy,  daughter  of 
Abram  and  Mary  (Jenkin)  Goldsworthy,  early 
settlers  of  Mineral  Point.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Crawford  are  the  parents  of  two  sons,  Robert 
S.  and  Willard  G.,  the  former  of  whom  is  a 
student  at  the  University  of  Wisconsin,  at 
Madison.  The  family  are  members  of  the 
Episcopal  Church,  and  Mr.  Crawford  is  a 
member  of  the' Masonic  fraternity. 

JAMES  LINDSAY,  a respected  and  hon- 
ored resident  of  Cuba  City,  Grant  county,  was 
born  in  Scotland,  Aug.  28,  1828,  son  of  An- 
drew and  Elizabeth  Lindsay,  who  were  resi- 
dents of  Scotland  until  1853,  when  they  came 
to  Wisconsin  and  made  their  home  with  their 
son,  our  subject,  the  mother  dying  in  1861, 
the  father  surviving  until  1876.  The  parents 
were  both  members  of  the  Free  Church  of  Scot- 
land, and  were  pious,  worthy  people.  Their 
children  have  passed  away  with  the  exception 
of  our  subject  and  one  sister,  Elizabeth,  now 
Mrs.  Elizabeth  M.  Naughton,  of  Lafayette 
county.  Of  the  others,  Alexander  came  with 
our  subject  to  America,  married,  and  died  in 
Lafayette  county,  Wis.,  in  January,  1900, 
leaving  five  living  children — Alexander  (of 
Lafayette  county),  Agnes  J.  (on  the  old  La- 
fayette farm),  Andrew  (of  Iowa),  James  (of 
Iowa)  and  Margaret  (wife  of  James  Mace,  of 
Iowa)  ; Andrew  died  in  Canada,  leaving  four 
children,  all  residents  of  the  Dominion ; Mar- 
garet married  James  Meiklejohn  and  settled  in 
Canada,  where  she  died,  leaving  a family; 
Janet  died  in  Oregon,  widow  of  Peter  Liddle, 
of  that  State;  John,  born  in  Scotland,  came  to 
America  after  marriage,  and  settled  at  New 
Diggings,  Lafayette  county,  both  he  and  his 
wife  dying  there,  leaving  two  children,  Andrew 
and  Agnes,  who  live  on  the  old  home ; the  rest 
of  the  family  passed  away  in  infancy. 

James  Lindsay  came  from  a country  where 
a good  education  is  yaffil  above  riches,  and 
he  was  given  every  advantage  in  the  free 
schools  of  a land  that  has  sent  into  the  world 
.some  of  the  most  scholarly  men  it  has  ever 
known.  While  still  a young  man  he  learned 
the  trade  of  mason,  under  his  father,  working 
at  the  same  some  few  years  after  coming  to 
America.  In  the  spring  of  1852  he  crossed 
the  ocean  in  a sailing-vessel,  making  his  ob- 
jective point  the  State  of  Wisconsin.  In  1856 
he  married  Miss  Isabel  Miller,  a daughter  of 
James  and  Elizabeth  Miller,  who  were  settlers 


I 


1 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


817 


in  Lafayette  county  in  1853.  Mrs.  Lindsay 
was  a native  of  Scotland,  born  there  in  Decem- 
ber, 1835,  and  was  well  educated.  Two  of  her 
brothers  live  in  Iowa  and  two  in  Wisconsin. 

After  marriage  our  subject  settled  on  a 
farm  of  200  acres  in  Benton  township,  and 
there  during  the  course  of  his  residence  erected 
a comfortable  dwelling,  barns  and  outbuildings, 
making  it  one  of  the  best  farms  in  Lafayette 
county,  although  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lindsay  began 
very  modestly.  Industry  and  economy  un- 
ceasing were  at  first  required,  but  both  pos- 
sessed strict  integrity  and  Scotch  perseverance, 
and  they  can  now  enjoy  the  results  of  a com- 
petency honestly  earned.  The  family  remained 
on  the  farm  until  1895,  when  Mr.  Lindsay 
purchased  a commodious  residence  in  Cuba 
City,  where  he  and  his  wife  live  retired,  en- 
joying every  comfort  in  their  advancing  age. 

To  Mr.  and,  Mrs.  Lindsay  were  born  chil- 
dren as  follows:  Elizabeth,  born  in  1856, 

married  Charles  Eustice,  and  died  in  Lafayette 
county,  leaving  two  children,  Albert  and  Rus- 
sel, who  now  live  with  our  subject  and  wife, 
and  are  attending  the  Cuba  schools ; Isabella 
married  Charles  McFarland,  of  Cuba  City, 
where  they  reside,  with  one  daughter,  Lila ; 
William  G.  married  Mary  A.  Harker,  and  lives 
on  the  old  homestead  in  Lafayette  county,  with 
one  son,  Everett;  Jane  married  Albert  Harker, 
and  resides  in  Lafayette  county,  with  two  sons, 
Lindsay  and  Wilbur;  Mamie,  born  in  Lafay- 
ette county,  married  Martin  Row.  lives  in  Cuba 
City,  and  has  one  son,  Elmer;  Campbell  and 
Mary  died  in  infancy. 

Religiously  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lindsay  are  con- 
sistent and  valued  members  of  the  M.  E. 
Church,  which  it  has  been  his  pleasure  to  sup- 
port, and  in  that  faith  they  have  endeavored 
to  bring  up  their  children.  Although  never 
aspiring  to  any  office,  our  subject  has  been  an 
active  and  ardent  member  of  the  Republican 
party. 

JESSE  BROOKS,  or  “Squire”  Brooks, 
as  he  is  familiarly  known,  in  Bloomington, 
has  been  a resident  of  Grant  county  since 
1849.  Mr.  Brooks  was  born  in  Norwich,  N. 
Y.,  in  1830,  a son  of  Socrates  and  Lucena 
Brooks,  the  former  of  whom  was  a native  of 
Massachusetts,  and  the  latter  of  Connecticut. 

When  Mr.  Brooks  first  came  to  Grant 
county  he  located  in  Beetown,  and  there  en- 
gaged in  teaching,  and  for  seven  years  was  one 
12 


of  the  leading  instructors  of  the  county.  In 
1864  he  became  a resident  of  Bloomington, 
and  immediately  entered  into  the  business  of 
collecting  agent  and  conveyancer,  and  since 
that  time  has  followed  the  same,  his  business 
now  requiring  the  assistance  of  his  son,  Ernest. 
For  thirty  years  he  has  been  a justice  of  the 
peace.  Real  estate  has  been  extensively 
handled,  and  the  firm  of  Brooks  & Son  is  well 
and  favorably  known  throughout  the  county. 

In  1855  Mr.  Brooks  was  married,  at  Bee- 
town,  to  Miss  Josephine  Hayden,  a native  off 
Maine,  and  their  children  are : Herbert,  pro- 

prietor of  a hotel  at  Niellsville,  Wis. ; Mina. 
B.,  a graduate  of  Hahnemann  Medical  Col- 
lege, Chicago,  and  now  the  widow  of  Dr. 
Glasier,  of  Bloomington ; Daisy,  the  widow  of 
Dr.  M.  D.  Brown,  and  now  a resident  of 
Bloomington;  Ernest,  a member  of  the  firm  of 
Jesse  Brooks  & Son;  Dr.  Everett  H.,  a grad- 
uate of  Hahnemann  College,  now  in  practice 
an  Bloomington;  and  Lavern,  a student  in 
Lawrence  University,  Appleton,  Wisconsin, 

Mr.  Brooks  has  always  taken  a commend- 
able interest  in  the  progress  and  growth  of  h?s~ 
town  and  county.  Especially  is  he  prominent' 
in  the  order  of  Odd  Fellows,  being  a charter' 
member  of  the  lodge  in  Bloomington,  in  wteeiu' 
he  has  passed  all  the  chairs  and  has  also  taken 
the  Encampment  degrees.  In  his  political  af- 
filiations he  is  an  active  Republican  : for  twen- 
ty-one years  he  was  town  clerk  of  Blooming- 
ton township,  and  is  now  serving  a third  term 
as  assessor.  His  business  has  made  him  well 
acquainted  with  all  classes  of  citizen-,  and  the 
esteem  in  which  he  is  held  places  him  in  the 
front  rank  of  representative  men  of  this  lo- 
cality. 

ISRAEL  PHILLIPS.  That  the  traveler 
through  the  great  and  productive  State  of 
Wisconsin,  in  1900,  should  be  willing  to  de- 
clare that  here,  indeed,  must  be  located  the 
garden  spot  of  the  United  States,  is  not  wonder- 
ful, but  that  the  men  who  came  to  the  wilder- 
ness in  1846  should  have  possessed  foresight 
to  see  the  possibilities,  of  the  country  may  be 
considered  remarkable. 

Among  those  who  proved  their  faith  was 
Israel  Phillips,  the  subject  of  this  sketch.  Mr. 
Phillips  was  born  in  Grafton,  Rensselaer  Co., 
N.  \ .,  on  Sept.  13,  1820.  a son  of  Benjamin 
and  Phoebe  (Smith)  Phillips,  both  of  whom 
were  natives,  of  the  State  of  New  York,  where 


8 i 8 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD , 


they  were  parents  of  eleven  children,  six  sons 
and  five  daughters,  our  honored  subject  be- 
ing now  the  only  survivor.  The  paternal 
grandfather,  John  Phillips,  was  a native  farmer 
of  New  York,  of  English  stock,  lived  to  an 
advanced  age,  and  left  a large  family  of  chil- 
dren. The  maternal  grandfather  was  Elkaney 
Smith,  also  of  New  York,  of  English  ances- 
tors, and  engaged  in  farming  until  old  age  re- 
tired him.  Benjamin  Phillips  was  a native  of 
New  Y’ork,  where  the  family  was  well  known, 
and  died  there  when  about  forty-seven,  his 
wife  surviving  until  a number  of  years  later, 
when  she  passed  away  in  western  New  York. 

Israel  Phillips,  of  whom  we  write,  was 
born  and  reared  amidst  the  old  farming  lands 
of  his'  native  State,  attended  the  excellent 
schools  provided,  and  grew  to  manhood  sur- 
rounded by  the  comforts  of  civilization.  After 
leaving  school  he  spent  three  years  in  Vermont, 
and  in  the  fall  of  1845  married  Miss  Lydia 
S.  Hill,  of  that  State,  and  two  children  were 
"born  of  this  union : Charles,  who  married 

Miss  Elizabeth  Gehr,  and  had  two  sons, — 
.William  Israel  and  Charles  Elmer,  dying  on 
March  17,  1878,  his'  widow  living  until  1892; 
and  Marcella,  who  married  Henry  Kelley,  and 
died  in  1889,  at  the  age  of  thirty-two. 

After  marriage  Mr.  Phillips  settled  in  Wis- 
consin, in  the  spring  of  1846,  taking  up  240 
acres  of  government  land  in  Albany  township, 
Green  county,  buying  the  land  from  the  gov- 
ernment for  $1.25  per  acre.  He  has  improved 
it  until  it  is  desirable  in  every  way,  and  by 
additional  purchases  now  owns  360  productive 
and  cultivated  acres  of  land,  where  he  found 
only  a wilderness.  Mr.  Phillips  is  a stanch 
Republican  and  has  been  active  in  the  ranks 
of  his  party.  For  twenty  years  he  was  chair- 
man of  the  county  board  of  supervisors,  and 
for  twenty-nine  was  chairman  of  the  town 
board  of  Albany.  For  twenty  years  he  has 
been  connected  with  the  Masonic  fraternity, 
where  he  is  highly  esteemed.  During  the 
long  years  of  his  residence  in  Green  county 
he  has  lived  an  honest,  upright  life,  and  he  is 
appropriately  styled  a representative  old  set- 
tler and  prominent  citizen  of  Albany  township. 

EDWARD  DALE  BAKER,  a prominent 
farmer  of  Edmund,  Iowa  county,  was  born 
March  22,  1847,  on  the  farm  where  he  now 
resides,  a farm  that  has  been  the  birthplace  of 
seventeen  members  of  the  Baker  family.  He 


is  a son  of  John  U.  and  Elizabeth  (Dale) 
Baker,  the  former  of  whom  was  born  near  the 
line  between  Cornwall  and  Devonshire,  Eng- 
land. 

About  1836  John  U.  Baker  came  to  the 
Unitedi  States,  and  lived  in  Pennsylvania  and 
New  York  until  1838,  when  he  drove  a team 
from  Canandaigua,  N.  Y.,  to  Iowa  county, 
Wis.  He  learned  the  smelting  business  in  a 
furnace  near  Centerville,  and  later  became  fore- 
man of  a furnace  at  Platteville.  In  1842  he 
bought  wild  land  in  the  present  town  of  Lin- 
den, which  he  began  to  improve,  making  his 
home  on  section  21,  the  location  of  the  present 
home  of  our  subject.  He  added  to-  his  pos- 
sessions until  he  became  the  owner  of  about 
five  hundred  acres  of  fine  farm  land,  highly 
improved.  He  engaged  in  mining  for  some 
years,  but  since  1876  has  made  his;  home  in 
Madison.  Although  reared  in  the  Episcopal 
faith,  lie  has  been  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Church  for  many  years  and  active  in  its  work. 
His  wife,  Elizabeth  Dale,  was  born  near  Hels- 
ton,  England,  a daughter  of  Edward  Dale,  who 
came  to  Wisconsin  and  engaged  in  farming, 
his  death  occurring  in  Racine  county.  Mrs. 
Elizabeth  (Dale)  Baker  died  Dec.  25,  .1899,  at 
the  age  of  iseventy-five  years.  She  was  the 
mother  of  twelve  children,  of  whom  ten  are 
living:  Edward  D. ; John  T.,  of  Duluth, 

Minn. ; Elizabeth,  wife  of  John  Osborn,  of 
Scranton,  Iowa;  Anna,  wife  of  Albert  Wat- 
kins, of  Lincoln,  Neb.;  Joseph  U.,  of  Carle- 
ton,  Neb.;  Nicholas  D.,  of  Madison;  Osmon 
C.,  of  Scranton,  Iowa;  Alma,  who  married 
S.  W.  Truesdale,  and  died  at  La  Crosse,  Wis. ; 
Thomas  Clarkson,  deceased  in  infancy;  Clara, 
who  married  W.  H.  Flett,  of  Merrill,  Wis.; 
Carrie  B.,  wife  of  George  Oakes,  of  New 
Richmond,  Wis.;  and  Lilly,  who  married 
Noble  Warner,  of  Madison. 

Edward  D.  Baker  attended  the  public 
schools  and  spent  some  time  in  the  Platte- 
ville Normal.  In  the  fall  of  1878  he  went  to 
Dane  county,  Wis.,  where  he  lived  on  a farm, 
until  1895,  when  he  returned  to  Iowa  county, 
and  bought  297  acres  of  the  old  homestead, 
most  of  it  being  under  cultivation.  He  pays 
especial  attention  to  the  raising  of  Poland 
China  swine  and  other  live  stock.  The  village 
of  Edmund,  which  lies  adjacent  to  his  farm, 
was  named  for  his  uncle,  Edmund  Baker. 

On  Oct.  3,  1876,  Mr.  Baker  was  married 
to  Miss  Lida  Ellsworth,  who  wasi  born  in 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


8 1 9 


Oregon,  Dane  Co.,  Wis.,  daughter  of  John 
and  Eliza  Ann  (Green)  Ellsworth,  of  Mifflin 
township.  To  this  union  have  come  the  fol- 
lowing children:  John  Ellsworth,  a student 

hr  the  Northwestern  Dental  College,  Chicago ; 
Lillian  Dale,  a teacher  in  Iowa  county;  Rachel 
Della,  a student  in  the  Platteville  Normal 
School ; Osmon  Dale,  a student  in  the  Cobb 
High  School ; Genevieve,  at  home ; and  Lida 
lone  and  Margaret  Iris,  both  deceased.  The 
family  are  connected  with  the  Methodist 
Church  of  Edmund,  which  John  Baker  helped 
to  build,  and  in  which  he  often  served  as  a 
local  minister;  he  donated  a site  for  the  first 
church  and  cemetery.  Our  subject  is  at  pres- 
ent serving  as  a trustee  and  as  Sunday-school 
superintendent.  Socially  Mr.  Baker  is  a mem- 
ber of  Oregon  Lodge,  F.  & A.  M.,  and  his 
daughter  Lillian  is  affiliated  with  the  O.  E.  S. 
at  Platteville.  Mr.  Baker  also  belongs'  to  the 
A.  O.  U.  W.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat, 
and  sometimes  votes  for  the  Prohibition  candi- 
dates, and  has  filled  a number  of  township 
offices. 

John  Ellsworth,  father  of  Mrs.  Baker,  was 
born  in  Penn  Yan,  N.  Y.,  and  came  to  Wis- 
consin in  1846  settling  in  Dane  county,  and 
now  lives  in  Mifflin  township.  His  mother, 
Amanda  (Babcock)  Ellsworth,  was  born  in 
Vermont,  near  Lake  Champlain,  a daughter 
of  Sherman  Babcock,  a soldier  in  the  Con- 
tinental army,  who  witnessed  the  inauguration 
of  President  Washington1;  he  was  of  Scotch- 
Irish  lineage.  Kellogg  Babcock,  a brother  of 
Mrs'.  Ellsworth,  attained  the  advanced  age  of 
ninety-three  years,  and  passed  away  at  the 
home  of  his  nephew  in  Iowa  county,  Wis. ; his 
wife,  Letitia  Van  Buren,  was  a cousin  of  Presi- 
dent Martin  Van  Buren.  The  home  of  Mrs. 
Eliza  Ann  (Green)  Ellsworth  had  been  in 
Naples,  N.  Y.  To  John  Ellsworth  and  wife 
were  born  the  following  children : Amanda, 

who  became  Mrs.  David,  of  LTica,  Montana; 
Henry  G.,  of  Barron,  Wis. ; John  M.,  of  Liv- 
ingston, Wis.;  Lida,  Mrs'.  Baker;  Mary,  wife 
of  W.  S.  Packard,  of  Paoli,  Dane  Co.,  Wis. : 
Reuben,  of  Livingston,  Wis.;  Elmer  E.,  of 
Livingston,  Wis. ; and  Rachel,  wife  of  M. 
Preston,  of  Rewey,  Wisconsin. 

LARS  O.  GROVE  (deceased)  was'  a resi- 
dent of  Jordan  township.  Green  countv.  for 
almost  forty  years,  and,  at  the  time  of  his 
death,  one  of  the  thrifty  and  successful  farmer 


citizens  of  his  locality,  where  in  his  useful  and 
industrious  life  he  won  the  good-will  and  es- 
teem of  all,  and  they  were  many  who  knew 
him. 

Mr.  Grove  was  a native  of  Norway,  born 
Jan.  15,  1853,  in  Vossevangen,  where  his  par- 
ents, Ole  and  Sarah  (Fenne)  Grove,  were  also 
born.  The  family  came  to  America  in  1858, 
and  settled  on  a farm  in  section  33,  Jordan 
township,  Green  Co.,  Wis.  Our  subject  was 
the  only  child.  He  was  reared  and  educated 
in  his  Wisconsin  home,  and  followed  farming 
all  his  life,  by  good  management  and  persever- 
ing labor  securing  the  fine  farm  which  his 
widow  still  occupies,  a tract  of  180  acres,  well 
improved,  under  a fine  state  of  cultivation. 
He  passed  away  May  18,  1898.  Mr.  Grove 
was  a member  of  the  Lutheran  Church  near 
his  home,  of  which  he  was  a trustee  for  some 
years.  In  political  sentiment  he  was  a Re- 
publican. 

On  Feb.  16,  1875,  Mr.  Grove  married 
Miss  Caroline  Olson,  of  Jordan  township,  who 
was  born  in  Lafayette  county,  Wis.,  April  5, 
1855,  daughter  of  Rollin  Olson,  who  is  men- 
tioned elsewhere.  Mrs.  Grove  was  reared  in 
this  locality,  received  a good  education,  and 
taught  school  prior  to  her  marriage.  She  is  a 
woman  of  marked  ability,  which  has  been  ex- 
ercised to  good  effect  in  the  management  of  her 
fine  property,  and  she  contributed  an  article 
to  one  of  the  farmers’  institutes,  held  a few 
years  ago  at  Monroe,  which  was  published  in 
the  Reports  of  1897.  She  is  no  less  noted 
for  her  kindliness  of  disposition  than  for  her 
strong'  mental  qualities,  and  is  a woman  of 
charitable  impulses.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Grove  had 
no  children  of  their  own,  but  they  adopted  one 
son,  John  W.  L.,  who  was  born  Sept.  17,  1880, 
in  Oklahoma  Territory,  and  was  four  months 
old  when  adopted  by  our  subject  and  his  wife. 
They  also'  reared  two  other  children : Otto 

Sandum,  who  was  born  Sept.  11,  1882,  in 
Dane  county,  Wis. ; and  Magda  C.-  Hexum, 
born  Sept.  24,  1889,  in  Norway. 

THOMAS  DAVIES,  of  British  Hollow, 
Grant  county,  is  not  only  a well-known  pioneer 
but  also  one  of  the  most  highly  esteemed  citi- 
zen?' of  the  county.  His  birth  took  place  March 
t,  1821,  at  Aberffraw,  Island  of  Anglesea, 
North  Wales',  where  he  passed  his  boyhood. 
When  he  reached  his  majority,  in  1842,  he 
decided  to-  embrace  the  opportunities  offered 


820 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


to  young  and  ambitious  men  on  the  other  side 
of  the  Atlantic  ocean.  Reaching  America,  he 
found  his  older  brother,  William,  in  Marion 
county,  Mo.,  and  there  he  remained  for  two 
years,  in  1844  coming  to  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  Davies  was  educated  in  his  native  land, 
in  the  language  of  his  own  country,  and  one 
of  the  first  necessities  that  he  realized  in  his 
new  home  was  that  he  must  familiarize  himself 
with  the  English  language.  This  he  deter- 
mined to  do,  and  accordingly  went  to  Dubuque, 
Iowa,  entered  school,  and  soon  after  resolved 
that  lie  would  acquire  other  knowledge  and 
embrace  other  advantages  for  culture.  With 
this  end  in  view  he  entered  the  Western  Re- 
serve College,  in  Ohio,  eager,  ardent  and  am- 
bitious. Five  busy  years  of  mental  training 
followed,  and  in  1855  he  graduated  with  honor, 
and  still  cherishes  his'  membership  in  the  Phi 
Beta  Society  of  his  Alma  Mater. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  Davies  was  celebrated 
on  Sept.  12,  1859,  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Lyons, 
who  was  born  in  England  Sept.  26,  1829,  a 
daughter  of  John  and  Mary  (Johnson)  Lyons. 
In  1836,  with  her  mother  and  sisters,  she  had 
joined  her  father  in  Potosi,  and  at  that  time 
was  but  a child  of  tender  years.,  of  sensitive 
disposition  and1  great  intellectual  capacity, 
which,  remarkable  as  it  may  appear,  developed 
rapidly,  although  its  environment  was  that  of 
a rough  mining  town.  As  Mrs.  Davies,  un- 
der her  pen  name  of  “Aunt  Lizzie,”  is  so  well 
known  and  admired  through  Grant  county,  a 
few  words  from  the  pen  of  one  who  knew  well 
her  early  surroundings,  will  prove  interesting: 

“In  June,  1836,  the  father  sent  for  them 
(mother  and  daughters)  to  come  to  ‘Snake 
Hollow,’  a'Si  Potosi  was  then  called.  The  place 
was  then  a mining  point,  and  the  father  had 
obtained  work  there  and  had  built,  in  anticipa- 
tion of  the  coming  of  his  family,  a log  cabin. 
At  that  time  there  were  no  churches  or  schools 
in  the  village,  and  the  principal  book  that  Aunt 
Lizzie  had  fpr  perusal  was  the  Bible  that  her 
mother  had  brought  with  her  from  the  old 
home  in  England, — the  Book  for  the  mind,  the 
conscience,  the  will  and  the  life.  It  suits  the 
palace  and  the  cottage,  the  afflicted  and  the 
prosperous,  the  living  and  the  dying.  It  is 
simple,  yet  grand ; mysterious,  yet  plain ; and 
though  from  God,  it  is  nevertheless  within  the 
comprehension  of  a child.  Her  mother  was 
the  teacher,  who  taught  her  that  there  is  a 
.God,  and  to  love  the  Bible;  and  thus  was  laid 


the  foundation  of  a Christian  character  that 
increased  from  childhood1  to  womanhood,  and 
into  more  advanced  years.  In  school  she  was 
unusually  bright  in  her  studies.  She  was 
finally  offered  a home  with  Rev.  A.  Kent,  of 
blessed  memory,  at  Galena,  111.  She  was'  at 
this  time  sixteen  years  of  ag_e.  She  graduated 
from  the  Female  Seminary,  at  Galena,  in  1848, 
and  then  engaged  in  teaching  the  Girls’  de- 
partment of  a public  school  in  St.  Paul,  Minn., 
where  she  remained  one  year.  Returning  to 
Potosi  she  taught  a school  at  this  place  for  two 
years.”  Here  ends  the  interesting  record, 
without  mention  of  one  of  the  greatest  posses- 
sions of  this  most  estimable  and  lovable  lady 
— that  of  a voice  of  wonderful  sweetness,  vol- 
ume and  capacity.  In  her  youthful  days  she 
taught  singing  for  a period,  and  at  all  times 
through  life  this  delightful  gift  has  been  at  the 
service  of  her  friends,  or  ready  to  be  used  to 
further  any  Christian  or  benevolent  enterprise. 
Mrs.  Davies  has  long  been  affectionately 
known  as  “Aunt  Lizzie,”  this  being  Ihe  sig- 
nature to  her  newspaper  articles  since  1889. 
Her  literary  work  has  been  all  of  an  elevating 
character  and  she  can  truly  say,  with  another 
author,  that  she  has  never  written  a word  that 
dying  she  would  “wish  to  blot.” 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Davies  have  always  de- 
voted themselves  to  religious  work.  Mr. 
Davies  joined  the  Congregational  Church  in 
Dubuque  in  1848,  and  has  been  superintendent 
of  the  Sunday-school  at  Potosi  since  1855. 
They  have  a very  pleasant  home  in  British 
Hollow,  and  are  honored  and  esteemed  by  all 
who  know  them. 

WILLIAM  BINGER  (deceased),  one  of 
the  noble  army  of  pioneer  settlers  of  Green 
county,  was  a native  of  Ohio,  born  Dec.  25, 
1815,  a son  of  John  and  Sarah  Binger,  of  Ger- 
man and  English  lineage,  respectively,  and  who 
were  among  the  early  settlers  of  the  State  of 
Ohio. 

Our  subject  received  his  education  in  his 
native  State,  and  was  reared  to  farming  pur- 
suits. In  1846  he  came  with  his  wife  and 
four  children  to  Wisconsin,  and  purchased  for- 
ty acres  of  wild  land  in  Cadiz  township,  on 
which  he,  that  same  year,  built  a log  house  for 
himself  and  family,  where  they  resided  some 
twenty-six  years.  It  is  still  standing  on  the 
old  farm,  and  occupied  by  a tenant.  Mr. 
Binger  built  a new  house,  which  is  still  occu- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


82 1 


pied  by  his  widow.  He  was  a life-long  indus- 
trious and  successful  farmer,  and  died  on  the 
old  homestead  in  Cadiz  township  in  1895,  leav- 
ing a fine  property  of  120  acres  of  well-im- 
proved land. 

On  Sept.  30,  1837,  nine  years  before  com- 
ing to  Wisconsin,  William  Binger  married 
Miss  Susan  Divan,  of  Coshocton  county,  Ohio, 
and  to  this  union  were  born  ten  children — the 
eldest  four  in  Ohio — viz. : Jerry,  Sarah,  Mary, 
Solomon,  Lucinda,  Alpheus,  Hiram,  Miranda, 
Elmyra  and  Melissa.  Of  these,  Jerry  resides 
in  Wisconsin;  Sarah  is  the  deceased  wife  of 
Aaron  Allen;  Mary  is  the  widow  of  Joseph 
Dale,  of  Cadiz  township,  Green  county;  Solo- 
mon is  mentioned  mere  fully  later  on;  Lucinda 
died  in  childhood;  Alpheus  is  also  deceased; 
Hiram  resides  in  Browntown,  Wis. ; Miranda 
is  the  wife  of  John  Taylor,  a farmer  of  Cadiz 
township.  Green  county;  Elmyra  is  the  wife  of 
Albert  Pattison,  of  Geneva  Lake,  Wis. ; and 
Melissa  is  deceased.  Solomon,  the  second  son, 
was  born  in  Ohio  in  1845.  During  the  war  of 
the  Rebellion  he  enlisted,  Dec.  25,  1863,  in 
Company  K,  16th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  until 
the  close  of  the  war,  having  participated  in  over 
thirty  battles,  among  them  being  the  engage- 
ments at  Nashville  and  Atlanta,  and  was  with 
Sherman  on  his'  memorable  march  to  the  sea. 
He  now  has  his  home  in  Geneva  Lake,  Wis- 
consin. 

Mrs.  Susan  Binger,  widow  of  our  subject, 
was  born  July  6,  1818,  in  Coshocton  county, 
Ohio,  a daughter  of  Henry  and  Mary  (Shrake) 
Divan,  natives  of  Pennsylvania,  and  of  Ger- 
man extraction.  They  had  a family  of  ten  chil- 
dren, eight  of  whom  grew  to  maturity,  viz. : 
Emanuel  (deceased),  who  was  a prominent 
farmer  of  Cadiz  township,  Green  county;  Al- 
pheus, who  died  in  Ohio;  Susan,  widow  of 
William  Binger  ; Samuel,  who  died  in  Ander- 
sonville  prison  during  the  war  of  the  Rebel- 
lion; Margaret,  widow  of  Simon  P.  Lynch,  late 
of  Cadiz  township,  Green  county  (she  is  now 
now  living  in  Monroe,  Wis.)  ; Ruth,  wife  of 
George  Baker,  of  Licking  county,  Ohio;  Wal- 
ter, residing  in  Seward  county,  Neb. ; and  Lu- 
cinda, wife  of  Thomas  Ryan,  of  Coshocton 
county,  Ohio. 

In  politics  the  late  Mr.  Binger  was  orig- 
inally a Whig,  afterward  a Republican.  In 
matters  of  religion  he  was  not  a member  of  any 
church,  though  a sincere  believer  in  Christianity 
in  its  broadest  and  purest  sense.  An  excellent, 


loyal  citizen,  he  always  took  an  active  interest 
m the  welfare  of  the  community,  and  when 
he  died  he  left  behind  an  honored  name  and 
an  enviable  record  of  good  deeds.  His  widow, 
a grand  old  lady  of  eighty-three  years,  still 
makes  her  home  on  the  farm  of  120  acres,  in 
the  arduous  labor  of  clearing  and  improving 
which  she  so  well  aided  her  husband,  and  now 
passes  the  declining  years  of  her  honored  life 
m well-earned,  peaceful  rest. 

JOHN  BYRNE,  a retired  miner  and  farm- 
er of  Cuba  City,  Grant  county,  was  born  in 
County  Wicklow,  Ireland,  in  1824,  a son  of 
Christopher  and  Catherine  Byrne,  both  also 
natives  of  Ireland,  where  Mrs.  Byrne  died. 
After  her  demise  Mr.  Byrne  emigrated  to  this 
country,  in  1849,  settling  at  St.  Rose,  Smelser 
township,  in  Grant  county,  Wis.,  where  he  died 
in  1868.  The  following  children  came  with  the 
father  to  America : Thomas,  Edward,  Henry, 
Mary,  Katie  and  Richard. 

John  Byrne,  our  subject,  grew  to  manhood 
in  Ireland,  where  he  received  a fair  education. 
He  crossed  the  ocean  in  a sailing  vessel  m 1846, 
and  after  landing  at  New  York  crossed  the 
mountains,  going  to  Pittsburg;  came  down  the 
Ohio ; up  the  Mississippi  to  Galena ; and 
thence  to  Wisconsin,  where  he  immediately  be- 
gan work  in  the  lead  mines  at  Hazel  Green. 
Believing  there  was  a better  prospect  in  the 
gold  fields  of  California,  however,  he  worked 
there  for  two  years,  and  then  returned  to  Wis- 
consin. In  1852  he  married  Maggie  Burn,  a 
daughter  of  William  and  Nancy  Burn,  natives 
of  Ireland,  who  resided  in  Hazel  Green.  Mrs. 
Byrne  was  born  in  Ireland,  and  came  with 
her  parents  to  Grant  county.  After  their  mar- 
riage the  young  people  settled  down  to  life  111 
Hazel  Green,  and  the  young  husband  found 
employment  in  the  lead  mines.  He  soon  after 
purchased  120  acres  of  land  in  Smelser  town- 
ship, where  he  engaged  in  farming  and  mining, 
From  time  to  time  he  added  to  this  home 
until  he  had  over  300  acres,  and  as  he  had 
continually  made  improvements,  this  estate 
became  one  of  the  finest  in  that  section.  As 
his  children  grew  to  maturity  Mr.  Byrne  divid- 
ed his  property  among  them,  after  having  erect- 
ed a beautiful  home  in  Cuba  City  to  which  he 
retired  with  his  wife,  and  they  now  are  en- 
joying the  comforts  of  life.  Of  the  children 
born  to  these  good  people  four  died  in  child- 
hood. Mary,  the  pride  of  the  home,  a highly 


822 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


cultivated  young  lady,  died  some  years  ago. 
William,  born  in  Smelser,  married  Miss  Mary 
Farharty,  and  resides  in  Cuba  City,  retired ; 
he  has  seven  children,  John,  Delia,  Maggie, 
Nellie,  Bernice,  S.,  and  Cornelius.  Christo- 
pher, born  in  Grant  county,  married  Miss 
Mary  Hillard,  and  has  one  daughter,  Mary; 
he  now  lives  in  Smelser.  Katie,  born  in  Smel- 
ser, married  Samuel  Whaley,  and  resides  at 
Benton,  Lafayette  county;  she  has  one  son, 
Eugene.  Annie,  born  in  Smelser,  married 
Arthur  Dickinson,  and  has  one  son,  Joseph; 
they  reside  at  White  Oak,  Lafayette  county. 

Mir.  and  Mrs.  Byrne  are  devout  members  of 
the  Catholic  Church,  to  whose  support  they 
have  given  generously,  of  both  money  and 
time.  Mr.  Byrne  was  one  of  the  founders  of 
the  church  at  Hazel  Green,  and  also  of  that 
at  St.  Rose,  where  there  is  a fine  edifice.  All 
of  his  family  have  been  reared  in  the  faith  of 
the  church.  Politically  Mr.  Byrne  is  a stanch 
Democrat,  and  has  always  cast  his  vote  for  the 
candidates  of  that  party.  He  is  a typical  self- 
made  man,  having  attained  his  present  ease 
and  high  estate  in  the  community  through 
hard  unremitting  labor  and  has  made  his  name 
highly  honored  in  Grant  county. 

JAMES  JACKSON,  one  of  the  time-hon- 
ored pioneers  of  Green  county,  resides  on  his 
well-kept  farm  of  ninety  acres,  located  two 
miles  northwest  of  the  village  of  Browntown. 

Mr.  Jackson  was  born  March  12,  1831,  in 
Rukken,  near  Drammen,  Norway,  a son  of 
Christopher  and  Camelia  Jackson,  who  were 
natives  of  Norway,  and  respectable  farming 
people.  They  had  a family  of  five  children: 
James,  John,  Kate,  Andrew  and  Surn,  of  whom 
John,  Kate  and  Surn  reside  in  California,  and 
Andrew  is  deceased.  The  parents  emigrated 
to  this  country  in  1843,  fir®*  locating  near  Mil- 
waukee, thence  removing  to  Illinois,  and  in 
i860  to  Green  county,  settling  in  Jordan  town- 
ship on  the  tract  of  land  now  owned  and  oc- 
cupied by  their  son  James.  Here  they  passed 
the  rest  of  their  days,  the  father  dying  Feb. 
3,  1886,  the  mother  March  11,  1888. 

James  Jackson,  of  whom  we  more  par- 
ticularly write,  was  reared  on  the  home  farm 
in  Norway  until,  when  he  was  about  twelve 
years  of  age,  the  family  came  to  the  United 
States.  His  parents  being  poor,  he  had  but 
little  opportunity  to  attend  school,  hard1  work 
in  the  fields  being  his  chief  boyhood  experi- 


ence ; but,  by  assiduous'  energy,  industry,  sound 
judgment  and  strict  economy,  he  has  made  a 
■success  of  life,  and  is  now  one  of  the  most 
prominent,  well-to-do  farmers  of  his  township. 

On  July  24,  1861,  James  Jackson  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Emily  Evenson,  of  Rock  county, 
Wis.,  and  seven  children  have  been  born  to 
them,  three  of  whom  are  yet  living.  One  son, 
Charles  Edward,  reached  the  age  of  twenty- 
nine  years  and  eight  months,  dying  Jan.  21, 

1896.  (1)  Miss  Eliza  J.  resides  in  Stock- 
ton,  Cal.  (2)  Amelia  was  married,  Dec.  2, 

1897,  t°  Andrew  Anderson,  o:f  Jordan  town- 
ship, Green  county,  who1  is  now  operating  his 
father-in-law’s1  farm,  with  a bright  future  be- 
fore him;  he  is  a Republican  in  politics,  and 
a member  of  the  Lutheran  Church.  He  and  his 
wife  have  two  children,  Charles  N.  and  James 
E.  (3)  Franklin  is  a dealer  in  farm  imple- 
ments and  all  kinds  of  machinery,  at  Brown- 
town,  Green  county.  He  married  Sophia  Iver- 
son, daughter  of  Iver  Iverson,  who  was  the 
second  Norwegian  to  come  to  Green  county. 

Mrs.  Emily  (Eivenson)  Jackson  was  born 
in  Seljur,  Norway,  March  17,  1842,  and  when 
one  year  old  came  to  this  country  with  her 
parents,  Even  and  Margaret  (Ostock)  Oleson. 
The  family  located  at  Muskego,  Wis.,  where 
the  parents  soon  afterward  died,  of  a fever. 
They  had  three  children,  of  whom  Anna  died 
at  Muskego  nrior  to  her  parents’  death ; Ole 
died  at  Lake  Station,  Ind.,  in  1862;  Emily  was 
adopted  by  Peter  Helguson  and  family,  and 
spent  most  of  her  childhood  near  Or  ford,  Rock 
Co.,  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  Jackson,  our  subject,  in  his  political 
preferences  has  always'  been  a Whig  and  Re- 
publican, and  in  religious  faith  is  a consistent 
member  of  the  Lutheran  Church.  He  is  one 
of  the  very  few  now  living  who  came  into 
Green  county  in  i860,  when  that  section  of 
the  State  was  wild  and  unsettled.  Honorable 
and  fair  in  all  his  dealings,  he  is  widely  known 
for  his  honesty  and  integrity,  at  the  same  time 
justly  recognized  as  a good  citizen,  an  ex- 
■ cellent  neighbor,  a devoted  husband,  and  a 
kind  father. 

GEORGE  ELLEFSON,  who  resides  on 
his  farm  two  miles  northeast  of  Browntown, 
Green  county,  was  born  in  the  province  of 
Christiania,  in  Norway.  Sept.  30,  1847,  one 
the  twelve  children  of  Ellef  and  Bertha  (Peter- 
son) Nelson,  both  also  natives  of  Norway. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


823 


In  1873  they  came  to  Green  county,  Wis., 
where  the  husband  and  father  died.  The  wid- 
owed mother  has  now  reached  the  age  of  eighty 
years,  and  makes  her  home  in  Iowa. 

George  Ellefson,  whose  name  appears  at 
the  opening  of  this  article,  was  married  to 
Dorothy  James,  a native  of  Norway,  April  15, 
1876.  To  this  union  were  born  three  sons: 
(1)  James  Edward,  born  in  the  town  of  Jor- 
dan. May  17,  1877,  married  Grace  Woodle, 
and  has  one  son,  George  R. ; they  live  in  Mon- 
roe, Wis.  (2)  Anton  B.,  born  Jan.  19,  1881, 
resides  in  Chicago,  where  he  follows  the  car- 
penter trade.  (3)  Peter  Morgan,  born  May 
19,  1884,  remains  at  home  on  the  farm  with 
his  father.  Mrs.  Dorothy  Ellefson  died  in 
1889,  and  on  Oct.  13,  1891,  Mr.  Ellefson  was 
married  to  Miss  Leve  Knudtson,  of  Burnett, 
Wis.,  a native  of  the  province  of  Christiania, 
Norway. 

George  Ellefson  was  born  in  a humble 
home,  and  had  to  make  his  way  against  the 
hindrances  of  unfriendly  poverty.  When  he 
landed  in  America,  in  1869,  he  had  only  fifty 
cents,  and  was  in  debt  to  his  uncle,  Ole  Peter- 
son, for  his  passage  money  to  this  country. 
After  he  had  eaten  his  first  meal  here  he  had 
only  twenty  cents  left  in  his  pocket.  He  had 
a brave  heart,  however,  and  a stout  arm.  Af- 
ter paying  his  own  passage  money  he  earned 
enough  to  assist  his  parents  and  the  other 
members  of  the  family  to  come  to  America. 
Gradually  he  made  his  way  to  a competence, 
and  now  owns  a fine  Wisconsin  farm  of  115 
acres,  with  a good  dwelling  house  and  ample 
outbuildings.  The  house  in  which  he  lives  is 
just  across  the  township  line  in  Cadiz,  part  of 
his  land  being  located  in  Section  33,  Jordan 
township,  and  part  in  Section  2,  Cadiz  town- 
ship. 

Mr.  Ellefson  is  a Republican  in  politics, 
and  with  his  wife  is  associated  with  the  Lu- 
theran Church.  One  of  the  thoroughly  hon- 
orable and  upright  farmers  of  the  town,  all  that 
he  has  acquired  has  come  by  hard  work  and  the 
most  careful  management.  He  is  noted  for  his 
honesty  and  truthfulness,  and  much  credit  is 
due  him  for  the  honorable  position  he  has  ac- 
quired in  his  adopted  land. 

EDMUND  W.  RICHARDSON,  a well- 
known  agriculturist  of  Waterloo  township,  is 
one  of  Grant  county’s  native  sons,  and  a worthy 
representative  of  one  of  her  honored  old  fam- 


ilies, whose  identification  with  her  history 
dates  from  an  early  period  in  the  development 
of  the  county. 

Mr.  Richardson  was  born  in  Lancaster 
township  Dec.  17,  1847,  a son  °f  Harris  and 
Louie  Richardson,  natives  of  New  York  State, 
who  were  among  the  pioneer  settlers  of  Grant 
county,  where  they  passed  their  last  years. 
The  father  was  twice  married,  and  by  the  first 
union  had  two  sons,  William  and  Walter,  the 
former  of  whom  was  in  the  Union  service  dur- 
ing the  Civil  war,  and  died  soon  after  its  close. 
There  were  five  children  by  the  second  mar- 
riage, three  sons  and  two  daughters.  All  of 
the  sons  were  among  the  defenders  of  the  stars 
and  stripes  during  the  Rebellion,  Charles  being 
a member  of  the  10th  Regiment  and  later  the 
50th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  James,  of  the  2d  Wiscon- 
sin Cavalry.  Both  served  through  the  entire 
period  of  the  war.  They  are  both  residents  of 
Boyce  Prairie. 

Edmund  W.  Richardson  was  too  young  to 
enter  the  service  at  the  beginning  of  the  war, 
being  only  fourteen  years  of  age,  but  in  1864, 
when  seventeen,  he  enlisted  in  Company  A, 
41st  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  went  to  Memphis,  Tenn., 
his  term  of  service  being  spent  there  and  in  the 
vicinity.  He  received  his  discharge  at  Mil- 
waukee, and  then  returned  to  his  home  in 
Grant  county. 

On  Aug.  8,  1870,  Mr.  Richardson  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Josephine  Chase, 
also  a native  of  Grant  county,  and  to  them 
have  been  born  five  children : Laura,  the  eld- 

est, married  Charles  Burnoise,  and  died  in  Jan- 
uary, 1899,  leaving  five  children,  three  of 
whom  are  now  living  with  their  grandparents, 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Richardson.  Adelbert  and 
Ordeska  (twins),  Stella  and  William  are  still 
living.  The  family  is  one  of  considerable 
prominence  in  the  community,  and  Mr.  Rich- 
ardson is  widely  and  favorably  known  through- 
out the  county. 

JOHN  W.  NICE,  an  honored  veteran  of 
the  Civil  war,  is  a type  of  the  true  American. 
Mr.  Nice  traces  his  descent  from  German  fore- 
fathers, his  grandfather  having  come  from 
Germany  to  this  country  and  settled  in  North 
Carolina,  later  removing  to  Ohio,  in  its  early 
days;  there  he  died.  He  had  a family  of  five 
children,  but  none  of  that  generation  are  now 
living.  Two  of  the  sons,  David  and  William, 
served  in  the  Black  Hawk  war.  Records  show 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


824 


that  another  son,  John,  died  in  Terre  Haute, 
Indiana. 

The  subject  of  our  sketch  was  born  in 
Stephenson  county,  111.,  Dec.  10,  1844,  son  of 
Cornelius  and  Olive  (Satterlee)  Nice.  Cor- 
nelius Nice  was  born  in  1806,  near  Raleigh, 
N.  C.,  accompanied  his  parents  upon  their  re- 
moval to  Ohio,  where  he  spent  his  young  man- 
hood, and  there  married,  March  1,  1827.  He 
removed  then  to  Indiana,  later  to  Illinois,  and 
in  the  fall  of  1856  located  in  Grant  county, 
Wis.,  in  the  town  of  Millville.  Here  the 
mother  of  our  subject  died  in  1865,  living  just 
long  enough  to  see  the  safe  return  of  her  four 
sons  from  lighting  their  country’s  battles.  The 
father  continued  to  reside  with  his  children 
until  his  death,  in  1892.  This  esteemed  couple 
were  the  parents  of  eleven  children,  six  sons 
and  five  daughters,  all  of  whom  grew  to  ma- 
ture years,  five  of  the  sons  and  two  of  the 
daughters  living  at  the  present  writing. 

The  Nice  family  has  an  unusual  record  of 
service  during  the  Civil  war.  The  eldest  son, 
Silas  F.,  enlisted  in  the  25th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and 
was  discharged  for  disability.  Later  he  as- 
sisted in  raising  a company,  which  became  a 
l^art  of  the  47th  Regiment,  and  in  which  he 
Avas  commissioned  first  lieutenant  of  Company 
G.  At  present  he  is  a resident  of  La  Crosse. 
Another  son,  Daniel  W.  Nice,  a musician, 
served  in  the  25th  Regiment ; he  died  Jan.  30, 
1876.  Robert  Nice,  now  of  Boscobel,  served 
in  the  same  regiment  as  his  brother  Silas. 
James  and  David,  the  remaining  sons  are  resi- 
dents of  La  Crosse  and  Wauzeka,  Wis.,  re- 
spectively, and  the  surviving  daughters  are 
Mrs.  Mary  Potter  and  Mrs.  Martha  J.  Delap, 
of  Prairie  du  Chien,  Wisconsin. 

John  W.  Nice  spent  his  boyhood  days  in 
the  town  of  Millville,  as  he  was  not  yet  twelve 
years  of  age  when  he  accompanied  his  parents 
to  Wisconsin.  His  business  was  that  of  an 
engineer,  but  he  left  everything  to  enlist,  on 
Aug.  9,  1862,  becoming  a member  of  Compan}^ 
C,  of  what  became  the  famous  25th  Wisconsin 
Regiment,  under  the  popular  commander  Jer- 
emiah Rusk.  They  participated  in  the  im- 
portant battles  and  operations  which  made 
those  years  to  be  remembered,  the  Indian 
troubles  under  Gen.  Sibley,  Vicksburg,  Resaca, 
the  siege  of  Atlanta,  and  the  march  with  Sher- 
man to  the  sea,  and  were  a part  of  the  famous 
old  regiment  when  at  the  close  of  the  war  it 
went  to  V ashington  for  the  grand  review. 


After  the  war  Mr.  Nice  found  his  health 
so  broken  that  it  has  been  impossible  for  him 
to  engage  in  his  old  calling  steadily.  He  was 
married  Dec.  24,  1870,  to  Miss  Frances  M. 
Dexter,  of  Boscobel,  and  is  hoav  surrounded  by 
a pleasant  family  of  four  sons  and  two  daugh- 
ters: Herbert  H.  was  born  Nov.  19,  1871; 

Wilbur  H.,  Sept.  24,  1873;  Ned  £.,  May  7, 
1876;  Lulu  M.,  Feb.  19,  1883;  Daniel,  March 
5,  1889;  and  Rena  May,  March  18,  1893.  Ned 
E.  served  in  Cuba  during  the  late  war,  under 
Gen.  Fitzlmgh  Lee,  against  whom  his  father 
fought  from  1862  to  1865. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Nice  have  resided  for  the 
principal  part  of  their  married  life  in  Boscobel, 
where  they  have  a pleasant  home,  and  where 
he  is  a worthy  and  esteemed  citizen. 

WILLIAM  H.  CAMPBELL.  An  agri- 
cultural life  seems  favorable  to  longevity,  and 
poets  have  always  celebrated  the  peace  of  mind 
it  brings  and  the  serene  and  noble  age  to  which 
it  leads.  Rock  township  has  a number  of  ven- 
erable farmers  whose  peaceful  and  useful  lives 
carry  out  all  that  has  ever  been  said  about  the 
beauty  of  a career  that  has  kept  close  to  the 
soil.  Among  them  the  gentleman  who  is  the 
subject  of  this  article  may  be  prominently 
mentioned.  In  early  life  he  was  familiar  with 
the  workshops  and  streets  of  the  city,  but 
nearly  thirty  years  ago  he  wisely  decided  to 
spend  his  last  years  on  the  farm,  and  it  has 
been  a hospitable  haven  to  him.  He  owns  a 
valuable  and  highly  cultivated  farm  in  Section 
4,  Rock  township,  Rock  county,  and  is  gen- 
erally recognized  as  one  of  the  leading  citizens 
of  that  part  of  the  county. 

Mr.  Campbell  was  born  in  Boston,  Mass., 
May  22,  1830,  and  is  a son  of  Jeremiah  and 
Nancy  (Hawes)  Campbell,  natives  of  Massa- 
chusetts and  New  Hampshire,  respectively. 
They  had  six  sons  and  three  daughters,  six  of 
whom  are  now  living : Lovina,  widow  of 

Charles  Gibbs,  of  Cedar  Rapids,  Iowa ; Jere- 
miah R.,  of  Jacksonville,  Fla. ; William  H.,  our 
'subject;  Charles,  of  Boston;  Sarah,  Avife  of 
Eugene  Millikin,  of  Providence,  R.  I. ; and 
George,  of  Chelsea,  Mass.  Jeremiah  Campbell 
Avas  a sea-faring  man  in  early  life,  and  later 
kept  a restaurant  in  Quincy  Market,  Boston. 
His  last  business  occupation  was  that  of  a 
Avood  and  coal  merchant!  He  died  in  Chelsea, 
Mass.,  in  1872,  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty- 
two  years,  while  his  wife  passed  aAvay  in  1875, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


825 


at  the  age  of , seventy-five.  They  were  mem- 
bers of  the  Congregational  Church,  in  which 
he  was  a deacon.  His  father,  Jeremiah  Camp- 
bell, was  of  Scottish  descent,  though  a native 
of  Massachusetts,  and  reared  a large  family. 
He  was  a blacksmith,  and  lived  to  be  over 
ninety  years  of  age.  The  father  of  Nancy 
Hawes,  who  was  a native  of  New  Hampshire, 
died  in  middle  life.  He  also  reared  a large 
family. 

William  H.  Campbell  was  reared  in  Bos- 
ton, and  received  a good  education  in  the  com- 
mon schools.  When  he  reached  manhood  he 
was  a painter  for  a time,  and  in  1861  he  en- 
listed in  Company  D,  17th  Mass.  V.  I.,  and 
served  three  years,  participating  in  some  of 
the  bloodiest  scenes  of  the  war,  among  them 
the  first  battle  of  Bull  Run  and  the  Atlanta 
campaign;  he  was  also  on  the  coast  with  But- 
ler, in  the  battle  of  Kingston,  Goldsboro  and 
others.  After  the  war  he  came  West  to  Chi- 
cago, and  lived  in  that  city  about  four  years, 
working  in  the  railroad  shops  of  the  Illinois 
Central  and  the  Rock  Island  railroads.  In 
1872  he  came  to  Rock  county,  Wis.,  and  located 
in  Rock  township,  buying  forty  acres  in  Sec- 
tion 9,  where  he  lived  until  1897.  That  year 
he  removed  to  his  present  home  in  Section  4, 
and  is  now  the  owner  of  a farm  of  280  acres, 
as  desirable  a tract  of  land  as  may  be  found 
anywhere  in  the  Northwest. 

O11  Jan.  31,  1866,  Mr.  Campbell  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Elizabeth  Murray,  who 
was  born  Aug.  15,  1836.  They  have  had  two 
children:  George,  born  Oct.  3,  1867;  and 

William  H.,  born  Jan.  22,  1869.  On  June  22, 
1897,  George  married  Theresa  McClune,  who 
was  born  Feb.  15,  1866,  and  they  have  had  two 
children — Etta  May  (deceased)  and  Alice 
Elizabeth  (born  May  27,  1900).  William  is 
unmarried,  and  with  his  brother  is  engaged  in 
the  cultivation  of  the  home  farm.  Mr.  Camp- 
bell belongs  to  W.  TI.  Sargent  Post,  No.  20, 
G.  A.  R.  He  is  a Republican  in  politics.  All 
his  life  he  has  been  an  active  and  pushing  busi- 
ness man,  and  since  he  came  to  the  farm  he 
has  devoted  much  time  to<  stock  raising,  direct- 
ing his  attention  largely  to  Durham  cattle. 

Mrs.  Campbell  came  to  this  country  from  her 
native  land,  Ireland,  when  cpfite  a young  girl, 
and  found  a home  ini  Boston,  where  she  lived 
a number  of  years,  land  where  she  married. 
She  is  a member  of  the  Catholic  Church.  Her 
parents,  Michael  and  Elizabeth  (Murphey) 


Murray,  had  three  children:  Martin  (de- 

ceased), Elizabeth  (Mrs'.  Campbell),  and  John 
(of  Ireland). 

SAMUEL  BINGER,  the  owner  of  a high- 
ly improved  eighty-acre  farm  one  and  one- 
half  miles  southwest  of  Browntown,  Green 
county,  was  born  May  5,  1850,  a son  of  John 
and  Mary  (Markley)  Binger,  who  were  both 
natives  of  Harrison  county,  Ohio,  of  English 
and  German  origin,  the  former  being  a son 
of  John  Binger,  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  who 
became  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  the  State  of 
Ohio.  John  Binger,  the  father,  died  when 
our  subject  was  but  seven  years  of  age, 
leaving'  his  widow  with  eight  children : Eliza- 
beth married  Isaac  Russell,  of  Carroll  Co., 
Ohio;  William,  Oliver,  and  Mathias  are  de- 
ceased ; Samuel ; Eva  and  Sarah  are  both  de- 
ceased; and  John,  Jr.,  is  a farmer  in  Harrison 
Co.,  Ohio. 

Samuel  Binger  remained  in  Ohio  until  he 
had  attained  to  man’s  estate  and  in  1874  came 
to  Green  county,  Wis.,  settling  in  the  township 
of  Cadiz,  where  he  now  owns  his  own  land 
and  is  entirely  out  of  debt.  He  began  life  in 
poverty,  borrowing  the  money  needed  to  pur- 
chase an  ax  and  an  iron  wedge  that  he  might 
earn  his  living  as  a rail  splittor.  He  contrib- 
uted his  small  earnings  to  the  support  of  his 
widowed  mother  and  when  possible  attended 
the  common  schools  to  secure  between  times  the 
needed  education. 

Mr.  Binger  was  married  on  March  28, 
1875,  to  Miss  Gryscilda  Ann  Michael,  daughter 
of  Benjamin  and-Cynthia  (Billings)  Michael, 
who  were  among  the  earliest  settlers  in  Green 
county.  Two  children  blessed  this  union: 
Gertrude,  born  July  18,  1878,  was  married  on 
September  21,  1897,  to  Grant  Dale,  and  has 
one  daughter,  Alma  May,  born  October  15, 
1899;  and  Ervin,  born  May  1,  1886.  Mr. 
Binger  was  called  upon  to  mourn  the  loss  of 
his  wife  July  1,  1891,  at  the  'early  age  of 
thirty-five  years.  She  was  a faithful  wife 
and  mother,  and  her  death  caused  a break  in 
the  little  home  circle  that  can  only  be  repaired 
on  that  Last  Day. 

In  politics  Mr.  Binger  is  a firm  believer  in 
the  principles  of  the  Republican  party,  and  for 
a number  of  years  has  held  the  office  of  school 
clerk.  He  is  not  identified  with  any  religious 
body,  but  is  a supporter  of  all  good  works, 
regardless  of  the  fostering  denomination. 


826 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Socially  he  is  a member  of  the  I.  0.  0.  F.,  of 
Browntown,  and  as  a citizen  is  most  hiejilv 
respected. 

Grant  Dale,  son-in-law  of  Mr.  Binger, 
was  born  Aug.  25,  1868,  a son  of  Joseph  and 
Mary  (Binger)  Dale,  of  Green  county,  and  is 
one  of  the  highly  respected  young  farmers  of 
Cadiz  township. 

WILLIAM  ROSENTHAL.  To  the  Ger- 
man empire  this  country  is  indebted  for  many 
of  her  most  thrifty,  industrious,  successful  and 
loyal  citizens,  among  whom  we  are  pleased  to 
place  the  subject  of  this  sketch. 

Mr.  Rosenthal  was  born  in  Prussia,  Ger- 
many, Jan.  19,  1845,  a son  °f  Charles  and  Lou- 
isa (Linderman)  Rosenthal,  both  of  whom 
died  in  their  native  Fatherland.  They  had  a 
family  of  seven  children : Augusta,  Caroline, 
Amelia,  Elizabeth,  Charles,  William  and  one 
that  died  young. 

William  Rosenthal  was  reared  and  educated 
in  Prussia,  being  brought  up  to  agricultural 
pursuits.  In  1878  he  came  to  the  United 
States,  making  his  first  New  World  home  in 
Cadiz  township,  Green  Co.,  Wis.,  where,  al- 
though a comparatively  poor  man  at  that  time, 
he  was  able  to  buy  a small  farm.  In  course 
of  time,  having  by  industry  and  thrift  accumu- 
lated a little  more  capital,  he  exchanged  this 
farm  for  his  present  place  of  267  acres  in  Jor- 
dan township,  previously  owned  by  Thomas 
Bedford,  of  Cadiz  township,  our  subject  paying 
the  difference  of  price  in  cash.  This  property 
is  under  good  cultivation,  and  is  provided  with 
a commodious  dwelling  and  barn.  In  the 
Fatherland  Mr.  Rosenthal  served  as  a soldier 
in  the  army,  and  participated  in  three  wars — - 
the  one  with  Austria,  1866;  war  with  Denmark 
on  account  of  Schleswig-Holstein,  1869;  and 
the  Franco-Prussian  war,  1871. 

On  Jan.  1,  1868,  William  Rosenthal  mar- 
ried Miss  Austina  Ackerman,  daughter  of 
Charles  Ackerman,  a native  of  Germany,  as 
was  also  his  daughter,  and  five  children  were 
born  to  them,  three  of  whom  are  living:  Au- 

gusta and  Edward,  at  home;  and  Elizabeth, 
wife  of  James  Bedford,  of  Cadiz  township, 
Green  countv,  bv  whom  she  has  one  son,  named 
Will  iam,  after  his  grandfather. 

Our  subject  is  at  present  engaged  in  gen- 
eral farming,  including  stock  raising  and  dairy- 
ing, having  a herd  of  thirty-five  milch  cows. 
He  is  a self-made  man  in  the  purest  sense  of 


the  term,  and  is  entitled  to  no  small  degree  of 
credit  for  his  progressiveness,  perseverance  and 
industry.  In  his  political  preferences  he  is  a 
Republican,  and  in  religious  faith  he  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

JAMES  T.  TAYLOR.  For  more  than 
fifty-one  years  Mr.  Taylor  has  been  a resident 
of  Grant  county,  having  first  settled  within  its 
boundaries  at  Hazel  Green,  on  April  27,  1849. 
He  is  a native  of  Cornwall,  England,  having 
been  bdrn  in  that  shire  on  Aug.  27,  1826. 
His  family  has  played  an  important  part  in 
the  ecclesiastical  and  political  history  of  his 
native  land.  Jeremy  Taylor,  the  saintly  author 
of  “Lloly  Living  and  Holy  Dying,”  was  among 
its  early  members,  and  not  a few  of  his  ances- 
tors distinguished  themselves  in  the  revolt  of 
the  common  people  against  the  encroachments 
of  the  “Crown”  in  the  days  of  Charles  I.  For 
many  generations  the  family  had  been  devout 
adherents  and  stanch  supporters  of  the  Estab- 
lished Church,  but  tyranny  subverts  loyalty, 
and  persecution  promotes  free  thought. 

The  first  of  the  family  to  settle  in  Corn- 
wall was  Richard  Taylor,  the  grandfather 
of  our  subject.  His  son,  Stephen  H.  Taylor 
was  born  in  that  county,  and  died  when  James 
was  but  four  years  old,  leaving  two  other 
children,  Stephen,  and  a daughter,  who1  was 
married  in  England,  to  Joseph  Mathews/and 
accompanied  her  husband  to  Australia.  The 
son,  Stephen,  emigrated  from  Cornwall  to  Con- 
necticut in  1848,  and1  settled  at  New  London. 
He  lost  his  life  through  injuries  sustained  by 
the  caving  in  of  a bank  from  which  a party  of 
men  whose  work  he  was  overseeing  was  ex- 
cavating stone  to  be  used  in  the  erection  of  a 
church ; he  was  buried  under  the  falling  gravel, 
and  although  extricated  alive,  died  from  the 
effects  of  the  accident,  and  was  buried  a,t 
Bristol,  Conn.,  in  1856. 

Eight  years  after  his  father's  death  Mr. 
Tayloir’s  mother  married  a second  time,  her 
husband  being  a mine  overseer.  Our  sub- 
ject learned  the  trade  of  cabinet  maker,  but  at 
the  solicitation  of  his  stepfather  began  work 
in  the  Cornwall  mines.  At  the  age  of  twenty 
lie  determined  to  win  fortune  in  a new  field, 
and  in  December,  1846,  he  first  placed  his  foot 
on  American  soil.  Elis  first  employment  was 
as  copper  miner  at  Bristol,  Conn.  For  a time 
he  followed  the  same  pursuit  in  New  Jersey, 
and  during  1848-49  he  had  charge  of  mining 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


827 


operations  at  Hatfield,  Mass.  From  that  point 
he  departed,  1849,  f°r  Wisconsin,  settling 
first  at  Hazel  Green,  Grant  county.  There  he 
spent  ten  years;  five  years  being  devoted  to 
mining  and  five  to  work  at  carpentry.  Two 
years  he  passed  in  Lafayette  county,  and  two 
more  in  Hazel  Green,  thus  swelling  the  number 
of  years  of  his  residence  in  that  township  to 
fourteen.  Mr.  Taylor  has  a fine,  musical  voice, 
and  in  his  younger  days  was  a successful 
teacher  of  vocal  music.  In  the  spring  of  1865 
he  organized  a singing  school  at  Dodgeville, 
and  another  at  Mineral  Point.  The  same  year 
he  removed  his  family  to  Linden,  Iowa  county, 
where  he  carried  on  a business  as  a cabinet 
maker  until  the  winter  of  1868.  On  December 
1,  of  that  year,  he  went,  alone,  to  Montfort,  to 
embark,  tentatively,  in  business.  The  venture 
proved  successful  and  in  the  autumn  of  1869 
he  brought  his  family  there,  and  in  that  town 
he  has  since  made  his  home,  a successful  fur- 
niture dealer  and  funeral  director.  In  politics 
he  was  first  a Whig,  and  later  a Republican. 
In  1877  he  was  elected  justice  of  the  peace,  and 
has  so  continued  nearly  all  the  time  since.  He 
is  a member  of  the  Methodist  Church. 

On  Sept.  13,  1849,  he  was  married,  at 
Hazel  Green,  to  an  English  maiden  whom  he 
had  known  in  the  country  and  county  of  his 
birth,  among  the  hills  and  dales  of  Cornwall. 
Her  name  was  Ann  Wills.  For  more  than 
two  decades  they  shared  each  other’s  sorrows 
and  joys,  but  on  Nov.  8,  1872,  she  fell  asleep 
in  the  glorious  Christian  hope  of  immortality. 
Her  husband  still  remains  a widower.  Their 
seven  children  are  all  yet  living  as  follows : 
Tohn  Wills  resides  at  Linden,  where  he  is 
editor  and  proprietor  of  the  South-Western 
Wisconsin,  being  also  a lawyer  by  profession ; 
S.  H.  also  studied  law,  and  is  a partner  of 
Hon.  John  G.  Clark,  of  Lancaster;  Samuel  J., 
one  of  God’s  afflicted  ones,  was  born  a deaf 
mute,  but  has  received  ten  years’  instruction 
in  the  institution  at  Delavan,  is  now  living  at 
home,  with  his  father;  Abby  A.  married  Isaac 
G.  DeWitt ; Margaret  J.  is  the  wife  of  Thomas 
Kelley;  Mary  lives  at  home;  and  Lily  J.  is  a 
teacher  in  the  Montfort  public  schools. 

As  the  reader  may  readily  perceive,  while 
Mr.  Taylor’s  life  has  been  seemingly  unevent- 
ful, its  story  is  full  of  interest.  It  is  full  of 
both  instruction  and  encouragement  for  youth 
who,  like  him,  must  plan  and  complete  the 
architecture  of  their  own  lives  and  fortunes. 


Integrity  of  purpose,  industry  that  never  tired, 
and  a fidelity  that  never  faltered — these  have 
been  the  corner  stones  of  his  success.  Each 
day’s  duties  faithfully  performed  is  sometimes 
proof  of  a higher  courage  than  is  shown  by  the 
volunteer  for  the  “forlorn  hope.” 

JACOB  GRUNENWALD,  a thrifty  farm- 
er and  cheese  manufacturer  of  Jordan  town- 
ship, Green  county,  was  born  in  Canton  Berne, 
Switzerland,  May  12,  1853,  and  is  a son  of 
Jacob  and  Susan  (Stoalker)  Grunenwald,  both 
also  natives  of  Switzerland.  In  1871  they 
came  to  Oshkosh,  Wis.,  from  their  Swiss  home, 
where  William  Grunenwald,  the  grandfather  of 
Jacob,  had  died  many  years  before. 

Jacob  Grunenwald,  father  of  our  subject, 
had  a family  of  nine  children,  three  of  whom 
are  now  living:  Jacob,  whose  name  introduces 
this  article;  Katie,  the  wife  of  Chris.  Perren, 
of  Winnebago  county,  Wis. ; and  William,  of 
Oshkosh.  Jacob  and  Susan  Grunenwald  are 
still  living  in  Oshkosh,  where  he  has  retired 
from  active  business  life,  having  now  reached 
the  venerable  age  of  seventy-nine  years ; she 
is  seventy-six.  In  politics  he  is  a Democrat, 
and  both  are  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 

Jacob  Grunenwald,  our  subject  proper, 
came  to  Wisconsin  in  1869,  when  sixteen  years 
old,  and  began  at  once  to  make  his  own  way, 
working  on  a farm  and  in  a cheese  factory. 
On  Jan.  22,  1884,  he  married  Miss  Kate  Gimp- 
ler,  a native  of  Canton  Berne,  and  a daughter 
of  John  Gimpler,  who  died  in  the  old  country. 
To  this  marriage  have  come  the  following  chil- 
dren : Jacob,  born  Oct.  25,  1885;  William. 

Jan.  24.  1888;  Frederick,  Sept.  22,  1890  ; Mary, 
July  6,  1892  ; and  Kate,  Aug.  10,  1896.  When 
Jacob  Grunenwald  landed  in  this  country  he 
had  not  a dollar  in  his  pocket,  but  by  the  exer- 
cise of  manly  qualities  of  a rare  degree  he  has 
acquired  a very  substantial  competence.  The 
farm  on  which  -his  home  is  made  contains  306 
acres,  in  Sections  13  and  14,  with  a fine  home 
and  commodious  farm  buildings.  On  his 
home  farm  he  is  operating  an  extensive  cheese 
factory,  milking  some  forty  cows,  and  making 
some  4,000  pounds  of  cheese  a year.  In  all 
this  he  has  been  very  successful,  and  his  repu- 
tation as  a business  man,  a farmer  and  a cheese 
maker  is  second  to  none  in  the  county. 

Mr.  Grunenwald  is  a Democrat,  and  both 
he  and  his  wife  are  connected  with  the  Lu- 
theran Church.  In  the  town  of  Jordan  he  has 


828 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


served  as  school  director  and  treasurer.  Soci- 
ally he  belongs  to  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  the  A.  O. 
U.  AY.,  and  the  Germania  Lodge  of  Masons. 
All  that  he  possesses  he  has  made  by  hard  work, 
and  Mr.  Grunenwald  is  widely  known  as  a 
man  who  gets  along  with  his  fellowmen,  has 
no  trouble  with  his  customers,  and  is  a good 
neighbor,  and  one  of  the  best  men  of  the  day 
in  all  relations  of  home  and  society. 

EVERETT  PECK  holds  an  undisputed 
place  among  the  wealthy  retired  farmers  of  the 
town  of  Jefferson  who  have  led  honest  and  in- 
dustrious lives,  and  had  added  materially  to 
the  wealth  of  Green  county. 

Nelson  and  Polly  (Cole)  Peck,  his  parents, 
were  born  and  reared  in  Rehoboth,  Bristol  Co., 
Mass.,  and  in  1838  migrated  to  Geauga  county, 
Ohio,  remaining  there  about  fifteen  years. 
Then  coming  into  Wisconsin,  they  settled  on 
the  old  home  farm  where  Everett  Peck  is  now 
living.  Nelson  Peck  was  born  in  1807,  and 
died  Sept.  17,  1882.  His  wife  died  Feb.  21, 
1899,  aged  nearly  ninety-two.  They  were  mar- 
ried in  1825,  and  their  union  was  blessed  with 
the  following  children  : ( 1 ) Andros,  born  in 

1833,  married  Lucinda  Humphrey,  and  is  liv- 
ing in  Monroe,  Wis.  They  have  a family  of 
five  children,  Otis  C.,  Eugene,  Willard,  Hat- 
tie, and  George.  (2)  Everett  was  born  March 
3,  1838.  (3)  Arthur  C.  is  a minister  of  the 

Baptist  Church.  Nelson  Peck  was  the  son  of 
Cromwell  Peck,  who  had  two  brothers  killed 
in  the  war  of  the  Revolution.  The  Peck  fam- 
ily is  one  of  the  oldest  in  New  England,  and 
its  first  representatives  landed  on  the  shores  of 
America  nearly  three  hundred  years  ago,  ef- 
fecting settlements  in  Massachusetts  and  Ver- 
mont. Several  thousand  Pecks  can  trace  their 
origin  to  the  original  three  brothers. 

Everett  Peck  married  Miss  Mary  Camron 
Feb.  24,  1862.  Mrs.  Peck  is  the  daughter  of 
Hugh  and  Margaret  (Hughes)  Camron,  of 
Green  county,  whose  biography  may  be  found 
in  another  place.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Peck  are  the 
parents  of  three  children  : ( 1 ) Sarah  Ellen, 

born  Feb.  14,  1863,  died  in  1865.  (2)  Esther, 

born  Dec.  20,  1865,  married  Levi  Raymer,  and 
is  now  living  on  the  old  home  farm  of  her  par- 
ents. (3)  AA'illiam,  born  July  18,  1871,  mar- 
ried Miss  Nettie  Winters,  of  Orangeville,  111., 
and  is  living  on  his  father's  home  place. 

Mr.  Peck  was  reared  on  the  farm,  and  re- 
ceived a common-school  education.  A lifelong 


farmer,  he  followed  the  cultivation  of  the  soil 
continuously  until  about  four  years  ago,  when 
he  retired  from  active  labor,  and  is  now  living 
at  his  ease.  Starting  out  in  verv  moderate 
circumstances,  he  has  come  to  own  a handsome 
and  well-appointed  farm  of  317  acres,  with 
four  good  dwellings  and  all  other  needed  build- 
ings. Mr.  Peck  cast  his  first  vote  for  Abra- 
ham Lincoln  in  i860,  and  has  acted  with  the 
Republican  party  continuously  since  that  time. 
He  has  been  chairman  of  the  town  board  for 
many  years,  serving  also  on  the  county  board, 
has  served  many  years  as  a school  director,  and 
has  held  other  important  local  offices,  making 
a good  reputation  as  a man  of  strong  convic- 
tions and  business  capacity.  A member  of  the 
Christian  Church,  he  believes  that  the  Bible  is 
the  only  creed ; for  many  years  he  has  been 
superintendent  and  teacher  in  the  Sunday- 
school  at  Polk.  Mr.  Peck  is  a well-read  man, 
and  thoroughly  posted  on  all  the  topics  of  the 
times.  Fie  is  generous  and  whole-hearted  in 
disposition,  and  is  known  as  a devoted  husband 
and  a kind  and  indulgent  father. 

REUBEN  C.  YEOMANS,  an  old  and 
prosperous  tradesman  of  Janesville,  Rock 
county,  has  long  been  identified  with  the  gas, 
steam-fitting  and  plumbing  interests  of  that 
city  and  has,  by  strict  attention  to  business, 
industry,  thrift  and  an  accommodating  dispo- 
sition, accpiired  a comfortable  fortune,  and 
with  it  the  respect  of  the  public. 

Mr.  Yeomans  was  born  in  Otsego  county, 
N.  Y.,  April  10,  1849,  a son  Cyrus  and 
Harriet  (Tanner)  Yeomans,  both  native  to 
the  soil  of  that  State.  They  were  the  parents 
of  six  children,  four  of  whom  are  now  living: 
Howard  R.,  of  Milwaukee;  De  Witt  Ford,  of 
Chicago;  Reuben  C. ; and  Cyrus  E.,  of  La- 
Farge,  Vernon  Co.,  Wis.  Cyrus  Yeomans, 
who  was  a farmer,  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1852, 
and,  locating  at  Whitewater,  bought  eighty 
acres,  following  farming  until  the  breaking  out 
of  the  Civil  war.  He  enlisted  in  Company  D, 
28th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  throughout  the 
war,  from  1861  to  1865,  making  an  enviable 
record,  both  as  a soldier  and  a man  true  to  his 
convictions.  He  was  strictly  temperate,  and 
would  neither  drink  nor  play  cards.  Mr.  Wo- 
mans was  with  his  regiment  in  all  the  battles 
in  which  it  participated,  notably  those  at  Little 
Rock,  and  on  the  YHzoo  river  and  Mobile  Bay. 
He  lost  his  health  from  overdoing.  When  the 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


829 


war  was  over  Ire  returned  to  Whitewater,  after 
several  years  moving  to  Clinton,  where  he  lived 
some  years.  He  died  Feb.  14,  1896,  at  Elk- 
horn,  Wis.,  when  seventy-six  years  old.  His 
wife  still  survives,  making  her  home  with  her 
son  DeWitt,  of  Chicago.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Yeo- 
mans were  Baptists  in  their  early  life.  He 
was.  a Republican  politically.  His  father  was 
a native  of  New  York,  of  Welsh  and  Scottish 
ancestry,  and  was  a millwright  in  his  early  life, 
later  becoming  a farmer.  He  died  when 
almost  eighty  years  old.  He  was  in  the  war 
of  1812,  and  his  father  was  in  the  Revolution. 
Schuyler  Tanner,  the  maternal  grandfather  of 
R.  C.  Yeomans,  was  a native  of  New  York, 
of  German  stock,  was  a physician,  and  died  at 
the  age  of  seventy-seven.  He  was  a man  of 
character  and  standing,  and  held  various  pub- 
lic positions  of  honor  and  trust.  His  family 
was  a large  one. 

Reuben  C.  Yeomans  was  three  years  old 
when  his  parents  brought  him  to  Wisconsin, 
where  his  home  has  been  continuously  to  the 
present  time.  He  received  his  education  at 
Whitewater,  began  his  apprenticeship  to  the 
plumber’s  trade  in  1868,  and  has  followed  that 
business  ever  since.  For  twenty-five  years  he 
has  lived  in  Janesville,  and  has  been  intimately 
associated  with  its  history  during  that  import- 
ant period.  He  lived  in  Milwaukee  five  years, 
and  was  a resident  of  Whitewater  and  Milton 
for  a time,  but  his  business  career  has  been 
almost  entirely  in  Janesville. 

Mr.  Yeomans  and  Miss  Kittie  Johnson,  a 
daughter  of  William  Johnson,  were  married 
April  10,  1877.  They  have  one  son,  Floyd 
Henry,  who  is  in  the  employment  of  Hibbard 
& Spencer,  wholesale  dealers  in  hardware,  Chi- 
cago. Mr.  Yeomans  belongs  to  Western  Star 
Lodge,  No.  14,  A.  F.  & A.  M. ; to  Janesville 
Chapter,  No.  5,  R.  A.  M. ; and  to  Janesville 
Commandery,  No.  2,  K.  T.  He  is  a Repub- 
lican politically,  and  a man  of  the  very  best 
standing  in  his  home  city.  His  comfortable 
and  attractive  home  is  at  No.  55  South  High 
street. 

i 

FRANKLIN  CAMRON,  a thrifty  and 
prosperous  farmer  of  the  town  of  Jefferson, 
Green  county,  lives  on  his  fertile  and  highly 
cultivated  place  one  mile  north  of  the  village 
of  Polk,  and  is  known  as  one  of  the  foremost 
farmers  and  stockmen  of  his  section.  Person- 
ally his  standing  is  high,  and  he  is  widely 


known  as  an  upright  man,  progressive  and  well 
versed  in  agricultural  lore,  and  reliable  in  all 
his  business  transactions. 

Mr.  Camron  is  a son  of  Hugh  and  Mar- 
garet (Hughes)  Camron,  both  of  whom  were 
born  in  Virginia,  of  Scottish  antecedents. 
Their  parents  were  among  the  earlier  settlers 
of  the  Shenandoah  Valley.  Hugh  Camron 
was  born  in  1809,  and  his  first  wife,  Leah,  in 
1814.  To  this  marriage  were  born  two  sons: 
Alvin,  now  in  Dakota;  and  George  W,  in 
Montana.  While  still  a young  man  Hugh 
Camron  moved  into  Ohio,  and  from  there  into 
Indiana.  In  1838  he  married  Miss  Margaret 
Hughes,  and  in  1848  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Camron 
came  to  Wisconsin,  where  lie  bought  the_  tract 
that  is  now  the  farm  on  which  his  son  Frank- 
lin is  living.  Hugh  and  Margaret  Camron 
were  the  parents  of  four  children : Sarah,  Mrs. 
Alonzo  Griffin,  lives  in  Illinois ; Mary  is  the 
wife  of  Everett  Peck,  a retired  farmer  of  Green 
county,  Wis.,  whose  biography  may  be  found 
elsewhere;  William  died  April  25,  1865,  of 
disabilities  incurred  while  in  the  United  States 
service  as  a member  of  Company  G,  31st  Wis. 
V.  I.;  Franklin  is  our  subject.  Hugh  Camron 
died  in  1888,  and  Mrs.  Camron  on  Feb.  7, 
1890. 

Franklin  Camron  was  born  Feb.  28,  1846, 
and  was  brought  into  Green  county  by  his  par- 
ents when  he  was  only  two  years  old.  On  Jan. 
1,  1867,  he  married  Miss  Sarah  E.  Noll,  of  the 
town  of  Jefferson,  daughter  of  William  and 
Mary  ( Diffenderfer)  Noll,  both  natives  of 
Pennsylvania,  of  German  origin.  Mrs.  Cam- 
ron was  born  Nov.  7,  1849,  Fi  Union  county, 
Penn.,  one  of  a family  of  six:  Mary  (de- 

ceased), William  (deceased),  Nathaniel,  Ja- 
cob, Sarah  E.,  and  Martha.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Camron  have  been  born  four  children  : ( 1 ) 

Candace,  born  Jan.  3,  1868,  married  Franklin 
Smith,  of  Green  county.  (2)  Nellie  D.,  born 
in  1876,  is  the  wife  of  Arthur  Davis,  a farmer 
of  the  town  of  Jefferson.  (3)  William,  born 
in  February,  1880,  is  living  at  home  with  his 
parents.  (4)  Clayton,  born  in  1885,  is  the 
youngest  of  the  family,  and  is  at  school. 

Mr.  Camron  was  reared  on  the  farm  on 
which  he  is  now  living,  and  acquired  his  edu- 
cation in  the  public  schools.  In  1864  he  en- 
listed in  Company  G,  31st  Wis.  V.  I.,  and 
served  in  the  Army  of  the  Tennessee  until  he 
was  honorably  discharged,  in  July,  1865.  He 
participated  in  the  heavy  fighting  around  At- 


830 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


lanta,  and  marched  to  the  sea  with  Gen.  Sher- 
man. Air.  Camron  owns  a fine  farm  of  220 
acres,  which  is  worth  at  a low  valuation  sev- 
enty-five dollars  an  acre.  They  live  in  a mod- 
ern and  up-to-date  country  home,  and  the  en- 
tire family  is  respected  and  esteemed  for  ster- 
ling worth  and  genuine  character.  Mr.  Cam- 
'ron  is  a strong  Republican,  and  a liberal  and 
enlightened  citizen,  of  good  standing  with  those 
who  know  him  best. 

DENNIS  W.  WEST,  who  owns  and  oper- 
ates a fine  farm  about  two  miles  north  of  Juda, 
Green  county,  is  the  son  of  the  late  Matthew 
and  Sarah  J.  (Decker)  West,  natives  of  the 
town  of  Brant,  Erie  Co.,  New  York. 

Matthew  West  was  the  son  of  John  and 
Avis  (Bowen)  West,  of  New  York,  who  wore 
the  parents  of  ten  children,  all  of  whom  lived 
to  see  their  grandchildren.  They  were  : ( 1 ) 
George  is  a retired  farmer  of  Brodhead ; his 
sketch  may  be  found  elsewhere.  (2)  Susan 
married  Richard  Sherman,  supposed  to  have 
been  a relative  of  the  celebrated  Sherman 
family.  (3)  Armida  married  Capt.  Stephen 
Esther,  and  is  dead.  (4)  Matthew,  father  of 
Dennis  W.,  died  in  1896.  (5)  Thomas  resides 

in  Erie  county,  N.  Y.  (6)  Sarah,  who  mar- 
ried Peter  Willoughby,  is  now  dead.  (7) 
Elizabeth  married  Nelson  Park,  of  Cortland, 
111.  (8)  John  and  (9)  Jonathan,  twins,  live 

in  Erie  county,  N.  Y.  (10)  Annis,  who'  mar- 
ried James  Hill,  lives  in  Erie  county,  N.  Y. 
The  name  West  is  of  English  origin  and  they 
are  one  of  the  old  families  of  New  England. 

In  1847  Matthew  West  married  Sarah  J. 
Decker,  a daughter  of  George  and  Laura 
(Churchill)  Decker,  of  Dutchess  county,  N. 
Y.,  and  they  became  the  parents  of  four 
children:  (1)  Alfonso,  born  Sept.  25,  1848, 

resides  in  Cerro  Gordo  county,  Iowa,  and  is  a 
farmer.  (2)  Dennis  W.  is  our  subject.  (3) 
Susan,  born  June  12,  1859,  is  the  wife  of  D. 
Roderick,  of  the  town  of  Decatur,  Green 
Co.,  Wis.  (4)  One  child  died  in  infancy. 

Dennis  W.  West  was  born  Aug.  15,  1854, 
in  the  town  of  Sylvester,  was  reared’  on  his 
father's  farm,  and  obtained  his  education  in 
the  public  schools.  On  April  7,  1875,  he  was 
married  to  Miss  Libbie  C.  Hall,  of  Juda,  a 
daughter  of  James  Hall,  of  Green  county,  Wis. 
Bo  this  union  came  the  following  children  : ( 1 ) 
Oceola.  born  Feb.  12,  1881,  is  a stenographer 
in  Chicago;  (2)  Matthew  D.,  born  June  7, 


1882,  is  a clerk  in  the  store  of  Mr.  Hall,  in 
Juda.  (3)  Hazel,  born  Aug.  8,  1887,  is  living 
111  Monroe  with  her  grandmother.  (4)  Myron 
was  born  March  7,  1892.  Mrs.  Libbie  C. 
West  died  Oct.  22,  1892,  at  the  age  of  thirty- 
nine  years,  three  months.  On  November  3, 
1895,  Mr.  West  was  married  to  Miss  Louise 
Weber,  of  Monroe,  Wis.,  a daughter  of  Wil- 
liam and  Wilhelmina  Weber,  who  were  born 
in  Prussia,  and  came  to  this  country  about 
forty-five  years  ago.  To  this  marriage  have 
been  born  two  children  : ( 1 ) Lotus,  Sept.  25, 

1897,  and  (2)  Weber,  March  29,  1900. 

Mr.  West  is  a Republican  politically.  For 
twenty  years  he  has  bought  and  sold  live  stock, 
and  has  a reputation  for  honesty  and  fair 
dealing  enjoyed  by  few.  For  three  years  he 
was  located  in  Monroe,  engaged  in  the  live 
stock  and  butchering  business.  In  1884  he 
went  to  Nebraska,  secured  a homestead  farm 
of  160  acres,  and  also  bought  160  acres,  now 
owning  320  acres  in  Boxbutte  county,  Neb. 
The  old  West  homestead  of  132  acres  has  come 
into  his  possession,  and  there  he  makes  his 
home.  Mr.  West  owns  a creamery  building 
in  Juda,  where  at  one  time  he  operated  a 
creamery.  He  is  a big-hearted,  whole-souled 
man,  and  has  a host  of  friends  who  respect 
him  for  his  manly  qualities. 

FRANCIS  O.  BINGER.  Among  the 
thrifty  young  farmers  of  Cadiz  township, 
Green  county,  may  be  mentioned  Francis  O. 
Binger,  who  resides,  upon  a highly  cultivated 
farm  of  246  acres,  one  mile  west  of  Btrown- 
town. 

Solomon  Binger,  his  father,  was  born 
March  22,  1822,  a son  of  John  Binger,  of 
German  origin,  and  died  Sept.  29,  1881.  He 
married  Harriet  Lynch  Oct.  17,  1847.  She 
was  born  in  Ohio  May  30,  1829,  and  died 
April  15,  1896,  the  mother  of  eight  children, 
six  of  whom  yet  survive:  Nathaniel  married 

Charlotte  Austin,  and  now  resides  in  Wood 
Co.,  Wis.;  Emily  married  Edmond  Weldon  of 
Elburn,  111.;  Sarah  is  the  wife  of  Thomas 
Tomlinson,  a farmer  of  Cadiz  township;  Brant 
W.  married  Annie  Stover  and  resides  in 
Browntown;  Ulysses  S.  G.,  of  Nebraska,  wed- 
ded Alvira  Austin;  and  Francis  O.  Solomon 
Binger  came  to  Wisconsin  soon  after  his  mar- 
riage and  settled  in  Cadiz  township,  Green 
county,  in  1850,  and  became  one  of  the  leading 
citizens  of  those  early  days. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


831 


Francis  O.  Binger  was  born  Oct.  28,  1857, 
and  was  reared  and  educated  in  Cadiz  town- 
ship, which  has  ever  since  been  his  home.  He 
started  out  in  life  a poor  boy,  and  chose  farm- 
ing for  his  occupation.  By  his  energy  and 
economy,  good  judgment  and  natural  business 
ability,  he  has  won  for  himself  a firm  financial 
standing,  and  is  the  owner  of  one  of  the  best 
farms  in  the  vicinity. 

On  July  2,  1885,  Mr.  Binger  was  married 
to  Miss  Jennette  Reinhart,  who  was  born 
March  10,  1864,  one  of  the  five  children  in  the 
family  of  William  and  Mary  (Trickle)  Rein- 
hart, the  others  beng : Ira,  who  married  Ra- 

chel Dawson;  Annie,  wife  of  Edward  Divan; 
Myron,  who  wedded  Grace  Lynch ; and  Lee, 
at  home.  Five  children  have  been  born  to  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Binger:  Achsa  May,  born  June  6, 
1888;  Benjamin  E.,  Feb.  24,  1891;  Joseph, 
Dec.  14,  1892 ; Allie,  April  30,  1897 ; and  Reese, 
Sept.  17,  1899.  While  not  identified  with  any 
religious  denomination,  Mr.  Binger  has  always 
led  a Christian  life,  and  has  the  respect  of  the 
entire  community.  In  politics  he  is  a stanch 
Republican,  and  among  the  offices  he  has  held 
may  be  mentioned  those  of  school  director,  tax 
collector,  judge  of  election,  and  member  of  the 
township  boaird  for  several  terms.  He  has 
been  an  officer  on  the  school  board  for  the  last 
twenty-two  years,  which  speaks  volumes  in 
itself  for  his  interest  in  the  progress  of  edu- 
cation. 

EDWARD  H.  EMBERSON  would  be 
readily  named  by  anyone  familiar  with  the  per- 
sonnel of  the  farming  community  of  the  town 
of  York,  Green  county,  as  a representative 
young  farmer  of  that  district. 

Mr.  Emberson  was  born  on  Section  30, 
town  of  York,  three  miles  east  of  Blanchard- 
ville,  Jan.  4,  1862,  and  is  a son  of  Hans  and 
Carrie  Emberson,  both  beam  in  Norway.  They 
came  to  York  in  1853,  and  made  their  home 
on  Section  29.  The  husband  and  father  was 
born  March  13,  1832,  and  married  for  his  sec- 
ond wife  Miss  Carrie  Loken,  of  the  town  of 
Moscow,  May  4,  1861.  She  was  born  in  Nor- 
way, Dec.  25,  1838,  and  came  to  make  her 
home  in  this  country  when  a young  girl.  They 
have  had  the  following  family  : ( 1 ) Edward. 

H.  was  born  in  York,  on  the  farm  where  he  is 
now  living;  (2)  Anton,  lorn  Sept.  23.  1867, 
lives  in  Blanchardville ; (3)  Helena,  born 

Sept.  19,  1868,  married  Henry  Hanson,  and 


has  her  home  in  the  town  of  Argyle;  (4), 
Joseph,  born  April  24,  1871,  resides  in  the 
West;  (5)  Matilda,  born  Nov.  19,  1872,  is 
the  wife  of  Henry  Gilbertson,  of  Webster,  S. 
D. ; (6)  Emma,  born  June  29,  1874,  is  the 
wife  of  Henry  Olson,  of  Minnesota;  (7)  Car- 
rie, born  March  4,  1877,  married  Peter  Sever- 
son, of  the  town  of  York;  (8)  John,  born 
Nov.  12,  1879,  resides  on  the  home  farm  with 
his  father.  Mrs.  Emberson  died  at  the  old 
homestead,  Nov.  12,  1897,  her  remains  being 
laid  to  rest  in  the  Ula  Cemetery  in  the  town  of 
York.  She  belonged  to  the  Lutheran  Church, 
and  derived  much  comfort  from  her  faith. 
Hans  Emberson  served  in  the  Union  army 
during  the  Civil  war,  being  a member  of  the 
46th  Wis.  Vol.  Infantry.  In  farming  he  has 
made  a large  success,  and  is  now  one  of  the 
large  land  owners  of  York. 

Edward  H.  Emberson  and  Ellen  S.  Han- 
son were  married  March  23,  1896.  She  was 
living  in  the  town  of  Moscow,  and  is  a daugh- 
ter of  Alexander  Hanson.  To  this  union  have 
come  three  children  : ( 1 ) Harry  Elmer,  born 

March  12,  1897;  (2)  Olive,  born  April  26, 
1898;  (3)  Casper,  born  March  3,  1900.  Mrs. 
Emberson  was  born  Sept.  4,  1875,  and  was 
reared  in  a family  of  eight  children,  six  of 
whom  are  now  living : ( 1 ) Hannah,  the  wife 

I of  J.  O.  Johnson,  of  the  town  of  Argyle;  (2) 
Henry,  a farmer  of  Argyle;  ( 3)  Julia,  the  wife 
of  Halver  Anderson,  of  Dane  county;  (4) 
Emma  is  dead;  (5)  Carrie  is  dead;  (6)  Nora 
is  the  wife  of  John  G.  Johnson,  of  Iowa  county; 
(7)  Olaf,  of  Iowa  county,  unmarried;  (8) 
Ellen  S.,  who  is  already  mentioned  as  the  wife 
of  Mr.  Emberson. 

Mr.  Emberson  is  a Republican  in  politics, 
and  was  reared  in  the  Lutheran  Church.  Quite 
extensively  engaged  in  farming  and  stock  rais- 
ing. he  takes  much  interest  in  dairy  matters, 
and  furnishes  the  milk  of  thirty  cows  to  the 
neighboring  cheese  factory.  In  the  community 
he  is  a good  citizen,  and  is  honest  and  square 
in  all  his  dealings,  and  in  his  home  is  a devoted 
husband  and  kind  father. 

CHARLES  E.  PHILLIPS,  a prominent 
and  respected  citizen  of  Browntown,  Wis.,  was 
born  in  the  town  of  Cadiz,  Green  county,  Jan. 
4.  1862,  a son  of  Isaac  and  Eliza  (Layton) 
Phillips,  a family  noted  in  the  early  history  of 
Green  county. 

Isaac  Phillips  was  born  in  Ohio,  and  Eliza 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


832 


Layton,  his  wife,  in  Kentucky,  and  their  par- 
ents were  among  the  early  settlers  of  the  two 
States.  Isaac  Phillips  came  to  Green  county 
at  a very  early  day,  and  bought  government 
land  very  extensively.  He  was  married  in 
Ohio  and  became  the  father  of  a numerous 
family:  (1)  John  married  Elizabeth  Weldon, 

and  is  living  in  Wilson  county,  Kansas;  (2) 
Mary  J.  married  John  Whitehead,  and  is  now 
dead;  (3)  William  D.  married  Miss  Mattie  E. 
Francis,  and  is  a teacher  in  a college  at  North- 
wood,  Iowa;  (4)  Isaac  and  (5)  Lewis  are 
dead;  (6)  Albert  H.  married  Christina  Hel- 
len,  and  lives  in  Monroe;  (7)  Charles  E. ; (8) 
Edwin  and  (9)  Edgar  were  twins.  Edwin 
married  Emma  Clarno  and  died  Jan.  30,  1901 ; 
Edgar  married  Agnes  Mayhew  and  lives  in 
Wilson  county,  Kansas.  Isaac  Phillips  re- 
moved to  Wilson  county,  Kansas,  in  1872, 
taking  with  him  his  wife  and  family.  Two 
years  after  his  arrival  in  that  State  he  died, 
leaving  the  burden  of  the  support  of  the  wid’- 
owed  wife  and  mother  very  largely  on  the 
shoulders  of  Charles  E.,  who  also  had  to  care 
for  two  younger  brothers. 

On  Feb.  8,  1886,  Charles  E.  Phillips  was 
married  to  Miss  Hattie  Loomis',  who  was  born 
May  29,  1859,  a daughter  of  Cornelius  and 
Jane  (Van  Horn)  Loomis.  Her  parents  came 
to  Cadiz  township,  Green  county,  about  fifty 
years  ago,  and  to  them  were  born  the  follow- 
ing children:  (1)  Mary,  the  wife  of  Charles 

Brown,  of  the  town  of  Cadiz;  (2)  Cordelia, 
the  wife  of  Isaac  Michaels,  of  Cadiz;  (3) 
Ephraim,  deceased;  (4)  Amelia,  widow  of 
Jesse  Raymer,  mention  of  whose  life  may 
be  found  on  another  page;  (5)  William, 
of  Cadiz;  (6)  Henrietta;  (7)  Cyrus,  of 
Cadiz  (he  married  Eliza  Michaels);  (8)  Plat- 
tie,  wife  of  Charles  E.  Phillips,  as  already 
noted.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Phillips  have  two  chil- 
dren, Earl,  who  was  born  March  9,  1887,  and 
Ora,  who  was  born  July  22,  1891,  both  being 
bright  and  promising  children. 

Mr.  Phillips  followed  farming  in  the  town 
of  Cadiz  until  1900,  when  he  sold  out  and  re- 
moved to  Browntown,  where  he  has  just  com- 
pleted a fine  two-story  residence,  which  cost 
him  about  $1,500,  and  makes  a very  desirable 
and  home-like  residence.  A painter  and  a 
weaver  by  trade,  he  has  not  worked  at  either 
of  these  lines  for  a number  of  years.  In  poli- 
tics Mr.  Phillips  aims  to  vote  for  principle,  and 
cares  very  little  for  party  ties  and  obligations. 


In  religion  he  is  a devoted  member  of  the 
Methodist  Church  at  Browntown.  Durino- 
the  Spanish-American  war  Mr.  Phillips  served 
as  a member  of  Co.  H,  First  Wisconsin  In- 
fantry, and  was  stationed  at  Tampa,  Fla.,  form- 
ing a part  of  the  7th  Army  Corps,  under  com- 
mand of  Gen.  Lee.  He  is  a man  of  fine  char- 
acter and  splendid  business  qualities,  and  all 
his  life  has  been  energetic  and  hustling. 

JOSEPH  TRENARY,  farmer,  Belmont, 
Lafayette  Co.,  Wisconsin. 

GEORGE  E.  HEMSTREET,  a success- 
ful young  farmer  of  Jefferson  township,  is  the 
son  of  R.  B.  and  Clarinda  Hemstreet,  of  Green 
county.  The  father  was  born  about  1819,  and 
died  in  1890.  The  mother  was  born  in  1822, 
and  died  in  1866.  They  were  married  in  1854. 
The  Hemstreets  were  of  Dutch  extraction,  and 
Mrs.  Hemstreet’s  people  came  from  France. 
To  our  subject’s  parents  came  six  children: 
(1)  Mary,  born  in  1856,  died  at  the  age  of 
eleven.  (2)  Mattie,  born  in  1858,  is  now  the 
wife  of  Byron  Pierce.  (3)  William,  born  in 
1S59,  died  in  childhood.  (4)  Ella,  born  in 
1861,  is  the  wife  of  Owen  Mitchell,  of  Iowa. 
(5)  George  E.  is  our  subject.  (6)  Florence, 
born  in  April,  1865,  is  the  wife  of  Charles 
Lord,  of  Iowa.  John  Hemstreet,  the  grand- 
father of  George  E.,  was  a native  of  New  York, 
a farmer  by  occupation,  and  came  to  Wiscon- 
sin in  1855.  From  this  State  he  went  into 
Iowa,  returning  to  Wisconsin,  however,  as  the 
Indians  were  at  that  time  quite  hostile.  He 
had  a large  family. 

George  E.  Hemstreet  was  born  March  30, 
1863,  and  on  Nov.  24,  1884,  married  Miss  Em- 
ma Roderick,  of  Juda,  the  daughter  of  Henry 
and  Mary  Roderick.  To  this  marriage  have 
been  born  two  children:  Bessie,  Oct.  5,  1889, 
and  Mary  H.,  June  24,  1893.  Politically  Mr. 
Hemstreet  is  a Republican,  and  lie  is  a con- 
sistent member  of  the  Baptist  Church  in  Juda. 
The  common  schools  have  afforded  him  his 
education.  He  is  a farmer,  was  reared  on  a 
farm,  and  now  owns  250  acres  of  farm  land, 
which  ranks  among  the  most  desirable  tracts 
in  this  section.  For  several  years  Mr.  Hem- 
street has  been  a member  of  the  town  and  coun- 
ty boards ; he  has  been  school  treasurer  for 
seven  years,  and  has  proved  himself  a good 
citizen.  He  is  a kind  and  obliging  neighbor, 
and  enjoys  the  esteem  of  many  friends. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


833 


LEWIS  BOYNTON,  a prosperous  young 
farmer  of  Jordan  township,  Green  county,  has 
passed  his  entire  life  there,  having  been  born 
Sept.  15,  1868,  on  the  old  Boynton  homestead, 
part  of  which  he  now  owns  and  resides  upon. 

Lars  L.  Boynton,  our  subject’s  father,  was 
the  first  Norwegian  to  settle  in  Green  county, 
coming  there  in  1844,  with  his  first  wife,  Cyn- 
thia (Skaug).  Lars  L.  Boynton  was  born  in 
Norway,  son  of  Lars  L.  Boynton,  Sr.,  who 
lived  and  died  in  that  country.  On  first  com- 
ing to  this  county  he  located  in  Lafayette 
county,  where  he  lived  for  a year,  and  on  his 
removal  to  Green  county  he  took  up  govern- 
ment land  in  Jordan  township,  the  homestead 
of  which  our  subject  now  owns  a part.  Mr. 
Boynton  became  one  of  the  leading  citizens 
of  the  township,  and  prospered  in  his  agricul- 
tural work,  at  the  time  of  his  death  owning 
220  acres  of  valuable  land,  well  improved  and 
provided  with  substantial  barns  and  comforta- 
ble dwellings.  His  house  was  one  of  the  first 
in  what  is  known  as  the  Jordan  Valley,  and 
was  a large  one-story  log  structure,  which 
stood  for  many  years.  Mr.  Boynton  had  to 
work  some  time  to  accumulate  enough  to  bring 
him  to  America,  and  as  he  commenced  pioneer 
life  in  this  region  without  means,  he  saw  many 
hardships  in  the  early  days,  but  long  before  his 
death  he  was  in  comfortable  circumstances, 
and  lived  many  years  in  the  enjoyment  of  the 
competence  acquired  by  his  own  industry.  He 
passed  away  Sept.  30,  1899,  aged  eighty-five 
years,  eleven  months  and  eighteen  days. 

Mr.  Boynton’s  first  wife  died  about  1858. 
There  were  no  children  by  that  union.  On 
Sept.  16,  1867,  he  married  Miss  Martha  Gor- 
dee,  of  Jordan,  and  they  became  the  parents  of 
children  as  follows:  Lewis  is  the  subject  of 
this  article.  Clara  Amelia,  born  March  11, 
1870,  is  the  wife  of  Iver  Ellingson,  who  is  a 
carpenter  by  trade,  teaches  in  the  local  public 
schools,  and  is  also  engaged  in  farming  in 
Jordan  township;  they  have  three  children, 
Mamie  G.,  Lester  and  Florence.  Emma  S., 
born  Dec.  4,  1873,  is  the  wife  of  William  Ol- 
son, of  Jordan  township,  a farmer  and  teacher; 
they  have  two  children,  Raymond  L.  and  Ma- 
bel. Mrs.  Martha  Boynton  passed  away  Jan. 
18,  1892.  Mr.  Boynton’s  religious  connection 
was  with  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  he  was  a 
Republican  in  political  faith. 

Lewis  Boynton,  whose  name  opens  this 

sketch,  was  reared  in  the  township  of  his  birth 
53 


receiving  his  education  in  the  public  schools 
of  the  home  neighborhood.  He  was  early 
trained  to  agricultural  work,  and  chose  farm- 
ing as  his  occupation — a choice  which  he  has 
so  far  had  no  cause  to  regret.  His  farm,  which 
consists  of  no  acres  of  the  old  homestead, 
finely  improved  and  cultivated,  has  rewarded 
him  well  for  the  attention  which  he  has  be- 
stowed upon  it,  and  he  has  become  known  as  a 
thrifty  manager  and  systematic  worker.  Mr. 
Boynton  takes  a public-spirited  interest  in  local 
affairs,  and  has  served  as  a member  of  the 
township  board.  He  is  much  respected  wher- 
ever known. 

On  Nov.  20,  1894,  Mr.  Boynton  married 
Miss  Lena  Tollefson,  a daughter  of  Botolf  and 
Anna  (Erickson)  Tollefson,  natives  of  Nor- 
way, and  early  settlers  of  Jordan  township. 
No  children  have  been  born  to  them.  Mrs. 
Boynton  has  two  half-sisters,  Julia,  who  lives 
in  Sioux  City,  Iowa;  and  Gunnill,  in  South 
Dakota.  Mrs.  Boynton  is  one  of  a family  of 
four,  viz. : Thomas,  unmarried,  who  resides 
in  Jordan  township;  Annie,  wife  of  Golick 
Golickson,  of  Jordan;  Lena,  Mrs.  Boynton; 
and  Erick,  of  South  Dakota,  who  married 
Clara  A.  Olson.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Boynton  unite 
with  the  Lutheran  Church  of  Jordan. 

EDGAR  S.  CASLER,  a retired  wagon- 
maker  and  farmer,  is  now  living  in  Evansville, 
Rock  county,  and  enjoys  the  freedom  from  care 
and  labor  that  comes  alone  from  a wise  and 
useful  life.  He  is  widely  known  throughout  the 
northern  part  of  this  county,  and  has  made 
many  friends  by  his  honest  dealing  and  genial 
spirit. 

Mr.  Casler  was  born  in  Watertown,  N.  Y., 
Jan.  15,  1824,  and  is  a son  of  Henry  and  Mary 
(Dingman)  Casler,  natives  of  New  York. 
They  were  the  parents  of  seven  children,  and 
four  of  this  family  are  now  living:  Edgar  S. 
is  the  oldest  member  of  the  family;  Daniel  D. 
is  living  at  Seymour,  Mo. ; Angel'ine  is  the 
widow  of  Jacob  Proper,  and  is  living  at  Pier- 
point,  Mich. ; and  Sarah  J.  is  the  wife  of  J. 
Ramsey,  of  Lowville,  N.  Y.  The  father  was 
a blacksmith  by  trade,  and  died  in  the  town  of 
Turin,  Lewis  Co.,  N.  Y.,  about  1842,  at  the 
age  of  sixty-four.  His  widow  survived  his 
loss  fifteen  years,  and  reached  the  age  of  eighty- 
two.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812. 
His  father,  Jared  Casler,  was  a soldier  in  the 
Revolution.  He  was  a native  of  New  York, 


834 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


and  of  German  descent.  He  was  the  father 
of  five  children,  and  lived  to  be  ninety  years 
old.  Jared  Dingman,  the  father  of  Mary  men- 
tioned above,  was  also  a soldier  in  the  Revolu- 
tion. He  was  badly  wounded  and  became  to- 
tally blind,  living  for  forty  years  without  the 
light.  He  reached  the  great  age  of  ninety 
years,  and  was  the  father  of  four  sons  and  four 
daughters. 

Edgar  S.  Easier  spent  his  childhood  and 
youth  in  Jefferson  county,  N.  Y.,  where  he  at- 
tended the  district  school.  He  worked  on  the 
farm  until  he  was  nineteen  years  old,  and  was 
then  apprenticed  to  the  trade  of  wagonmaking, 
which  was  his  occupation  for  thirty  years.  He 
came  West  in  the  fall  of  1854,  and  made  a 
location  seven  miles  west  of  the  young  city  of 
Janesville,  Rock  Co.,  Wis.  He  had  a farm, 
and  cultivated  it  two  years,  selling  at  the  ex- 
piration of  that  time,  and  moving  farther  west, 
into  the  town  of  Porter,  where  he  made  his 
Rome  some  ten  years.  The  war  had  raged  for 
a year  or  two  when  Mr.  Casler  was  carried  to 
the  front,  by  the  flood  of  patriotic  devotion  that 
swept  the  North,  as  a soldier  of  the  Union 
army.  He  enlisted  in  Company  B,  37th  Wis. 
V.  I.,  and  served  two  years,  making  a credita- 
ble record  as  a soldier.  When  he  was  mus- 
tered out  he  went  to  wagonmaking  in  the  vil- 
lage of  Rutland,  Dane  county.  There  he  lived 
and  worked  some  fifteen  years,  and  in  1879 
transferred  himself,  family  and  business  to 
Evansville.  This  pleasant  and  beautiful  island 
Wisconsin  city  has  been  his  home  to  the  pres- 
ent time.  For  about  a year  after  his  settle- 
ment in  Evansville  Mr.  Casler  carried  the  mail 
between  that  city  and  Edgerton,  and  then  re- 
sumed his  trade  of  wagonmaker.  For  a num- 
ber of  years  advancing  age  has  kept  him  from 
active  business. 

In  1847  Mr.  Casler  married  Miss  Zenana 
Damon,  daughter  of  Noah  and  Betsy  Damon, 
and  they  had  two  children,  Ellen  and  Matilda. 
The  mother  dying  in  1850,  the  following  year 
Mr.  Casler  married  Miss  Theodosia  Bennett, 
a daughter  of  Larry  and  Mary  Bennett.  She 
died  March  3,  1897.  at  the  age  of  sixty-five. 
Eight  children  were  born  to  this  union : Clara, 
Lucy,  Alma,  Jennie,  Nellie,  Ida,  Henry  and 
Ernest.  The  family  circle  is  yet  unbroken. 
Ellen  married  George  Koehn,  and  lives  in  Chi- 
cago ; they  have  a family  of  six  daughters. 
Matilda  married  Richard  Brigham,  who  died 
about  1880,  leaving  her  with  two  sons.  Clara 


married  F.  D.  Child,  and  lives  in  Bertrand, 
Neb.;  they  have  a family  of  two  girls  and  one 
"boy.  Lucy  is  Mrs.  Charles  E.  Shannon,  and 
lives  in  Edgerton.  Alma  and  Jennie  live  at 
home,  and  keep  house  for  their  father.  Nellie 
married  Harley  Saunders,  and  lives  in  Albion, 
Dane  Co.,  Wis.;  they  have  a family  of  four 
children.  Ida  married  Carl  Atwood,  and  lives 
in  Albion.  Henry  is  single,  and  lives  at  Bert- 
rand, Neb.  Ernest  is  single,  and  lives  at  home. 

Mr.  Casler  belongs  to  T.  L.  Sutphen  Post, 
No.  41,  G.  A.  R.,  and  is  a man  highly  es- 
teemed in  his  community. 

I 

SAMUEL  E.  HASSELL,  M.  D.,  of  Lan- 
caster, Grant  county,  is  numbered  among  the 
older  physicians  of  the  county  in  years  of  prac- 
tice, as  he  settled  in  Lancaster  in  1872,  and 
since  then  has  been  in  continuous  and  active 
employment  in  his  profession.  Dr.  Hassell  was 
born  in  Platteville,  Grant  county,  July  9,  1846, 
and  is  a son  of  the  well-known  and  venerated 
pioneer  clergyman,  Rev.  Richard  Hassell,  a 
native  of  Leeds,  Yorkshire,  England,  bom 
m 1818. 

Rev.  Richard  Hassell  was  married  in  Eng- 
land to  Ann  Newson,  and  with  his  wife  came 
to  the  United  States  and  located  in  Grant  coun- 
ty, Wis.,  about  1840.  Here  he  officiated  as 
a Congregational  pastor  for  a number  of  years, 
and  then  removed  to  Dane  county.  He  was 
one  of  the  earliest  ministers  of  his  denomina- 
tion in  the  State,  and  was  a co-worker  with  the 
Rev.  Samuel  W.  Eaton,  who  became  pastor  of 
the  Congregational  Church  at  Lancaster  in 
1847,  and  afterward  became  famous  as  the 
chaplain  of  the  7th  Wis.  V.  I.  in  the  Civil 
war.  Rev.  Mr.  Hassell  was  active  in  the  min- 
istry for  the  long  period  of  fifty  years,  but 
is  now  with  his  wife,  who  is  but  three  months 
his  junior,  living  in  retirement  in  Seattle, 
Wash.  They  have  had  born  to  them  six  chil- 
dren— five  sons  and  one  daughter,  of  whom 
the  latter  died  in  early  life.  The  eldest  son, 
Stoner,  was  a member  of  the  32d  Wis.  V.  I., 
in  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  and  died  soon 
after  its  close,  from  the  effects  of  a wound 
received  while  in  the  service;  Dr.  Samuel  E. 
is  the  second  born  of  the  sons ; Kenrich,  the 
third  son,  resides  at  Redfield,  S.  Dak.;  Rev. 
Richard  Burton,  the  fourth  son,  is  a Congre- 
gational clergyman,  and  resides  at  Everett,  on 
Puget  Sound ; Angel  Janies,  the  youngest  of  the 
family,  is  a resident  of  Seattle. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPEIICAL  RECORD. 


835 


Dr.  Samuel  E.  Hassell  was  primarily  edu- 
cated in  the  public  schools  of  Dane  county, 
Wis.,  after  quitting  which  he  was,  for  three 
years,  a student  at  Beloit  College,  and  then  pur- 
sued a course  of  study  at  Grinnell  College,  in 
Iowa.  He  began  the  study  of  medicine  at 
Beloit,  under  Drs.  Johnson  and  Taggart,  in 
1868,  and  was  graduated  from  the  Hahnemann 
Medical  College,  in  Chicago,  in  1872.  He  first 
practiced  his  profession  at  Jasper,  Iowa,  but 
soon  decided  to  settle  down  to  practice  in  his 
native  county  of  Grant,  Wis.,  where  he  has 
ever  since  been 'favored  with  a large  and  first- 
class  patronage,  and  where  he  stands  in  the 
front  rank  of  the  practicing  physicians  of  the 
county  and  State. 

Dr.  Hassell  married  Miss  Ora  Norwood 
Cox,  a daughter  of  George  H.  Cox,  a pioneer 
of  Lancaster  and  its  first  postmaster,  the  duties 
of  which  office  he  assumed  in  January,  1838. 
Mr.  Cox  also  erected  some  of  the  first  build- 
ings on  the  present  site  of  Lancaster,  and  his 
family  were  among  the  most  prominent  of  the 
early  settlers  of  Grant  county.  To  the  Doc- 
tor and  wife  has  been  born  one  child,  Edith, 
now  the  wife  of  Dr.  W.  T.  Brown,  of  Platte- 
ville,  Wis.  In  politics  Dr.  Hassell  is  a Re- 
publican. 

OSCAR  F.  NOWLAN.  The  Nowlan 
family  originated  in  Ireland,  whence  John 
Nowlan,  the  grandfather  of  Oscar  F.,  emi- 
grated to  America,  settling  in  Vermont,  and 
dying  in  his  new  home  while  yet  in  middle 
life.  Four  daughters  and  three  sons  were  born 
to  him,  but  this  narrative  is  concerned  with 
only  one,  Thomas,  the  father  of  the  distin- 
guished and  influential  citizen  of  Janesville, 
Rock  county,  whose  name  is  identified  with 
so  much  of  that  city’s  growth  and  develop- 
ment. 

Thomas  Nowlan  was  born  in  Vermont,  be- 
came a farmer  of  Broome  county,  N.  Y.,  and 
died  there  in  1868,  aged  about  fifty-eight  years'. 
His  widow,  whose  maiden  name  was  Sophia 
Enders,  survived  several  years,  dying  at  the  age 
of  sixty-four.  Both  were  earnest  and  consist- 
ent members  of  the  Methodist  Church,  and  he 
was  in  politics  an  outspoken  Abolitionist. 
To  Thomas  Nowlan  and  his  wife  five  sons'  and 
two  daughters  were  born,  four  of  whom  are 
yet  living:  Oscar  F.,  who  is  the  eldest;  Ed- 

ward, of  Newark  Valley,  N.  Y. ; Sidney,  whose 
home  is  at  Windsor,  in  that  State;  and  Mary, 


who  is  now  Mrs.  Guyon,  of  Binghamton. 
Mrs.  Thomas  Nowlan  was  a daughter  of  John 
Enders,  a farmer  in  New  York,  who  died  in 
early  life. 

Oscar  F.  Nowlan  was  born  in  Broome 
county,  N.  Y.,  Jan.  24,  1841.  Llis  boyhood 
was'  uneventful,  his  life  alternating  between 
work  upon  his  father’s  farm  and  attendance 
at  the  district  schools,  and  in  1863  he  came  to 
Wisconsin.  His  first  year’s  residence  in  the 
State  was  spent  at  Milton  College,  and  there- 
after he  embarked  in  business  as  a building 
contractor.  Among  the  first  structures  which 
he  erected  were  the  “Central  Hotel,”  the  Meth- 
odist church,  and  several  private  residences  at 
Waterloo,  Iowa.  Returning  to  Wisconsin  in 
1865,  he  carried  on  the  same  line  of  enterprise 
until  1897,  when  he  received  the  appointment 
of  postmaster  at  Janesville,  which  office  he  yet 
holds,  and  the  duties  of  which  he  has  dis- 
charged to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the  com- 
munity by  reason  of  his  ready  tact,  his  scrup- 
ulous fidelity,  and  his  keen,  experiential  in- 
sight into  the  needs  of  a growing  business  com- 
munity. Among  the  many  buildings  in  the 
city  which  he  has  erected  under  contract,  and 
which  stand  as  abiding  monuments  of  his  skill, 
may  be  mentioned  the  Rock  County  Insane 
Asylum,  the  Davis'  and  Fredendall  blocks,  the 
Central  and  Second  Ward  school  houses,  and 
the  Hanson  Furniture  Co.’s  buildings.  Lie  was 
also  a contractor  for  the  erection  of  the  Deaf 
and  Dumb  Asylum  at  Delavan,  the  poor  house 
of  Walworth  county,  the  court  house  and  jail 
at  Black  River  Falls,  the  Fond  du  Lac  court 
house,  an  addition  to  the  State  Capitol  at  Mad- 
ison, the  insane  asylum  at  Traverse  City,  Mich., 
and  the  county  buildings  at  Monroe,  Wis.  He 
also  did  much  work  in  the  city  of  Milwaukee. 
Since  1894,  however,  he  has  done  little  in  the 
way  of  undertaking  new  business  of  this  de- 
scription. 

Mr.  Nowlan  is  a man  of  broad,  enlight- 
ened public  spirit,  and  his  fellow  citizens  have 
repeatedly  honored  him  and  themselves  by  ele- 
vating him  to  public  posts  of  trust.  For  sev- 
enteen years  he  was  a member  of  the  board  of 
supervisors,  and  for  four  years  he  represented 
the  Second  ward  of  Janesville  in  the  city  coun- 
cil. In  1891  he  was  the  Republican  nominee 
for  the  Legislature,  receiving  the  unanimous 
vote  of  his  . party  in  convention,  but  was  bur- 
ied in  the  political  landslide  which  followed. 
In  private  life  he  is  genial  and  generous,  chari- 


836 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


table  in  his  estimate  of  his  fellows,  and  quick 
to  respond  to  deserving  calls  upon  his  purse. 
His  naturally  social  temperament  has  led  him 
to  connect  himself  with  several  fraternal  or- 
ders, and  he  is  a member  of  Janesville  Lodge, 
No.  55,  F.  & A.  M. ; Janesville  Chapter,  No. 
5,  R.  A.  M. ; Janesville  Commandery,  No.  2, 
K.  T. ; and  Oriental  Lodge,  No.  5,  K.  of  P. 

On  March  22,  1866,  Mr.  Nowlan  married 
Jennie  Marlett,  daughter  of  Garrett  Marlett 
and  Eliza  (Blood).  She  is  a devout  member 
of  the  Congregational  Church.  Seven  children 
have  blessed  their  union — Minnie,  Burton  F., 
Maud,  Harry  and  Eloise,  living;  and  Jennie 
and  Nellie,  deceased.  Minnie  is  a widow,  and 
makes  her  home  with  her  parents.  Burton  F. 
married  Jessie  E.  Merrill,  and  has  two  children, 
Louise  M.  and  Hiram  M.  The  three  younger 
children  are  unmarried,  and  live  at  home.  The 
family  residence  is  at  No.  53  Cornelia  street, 
where  Mr.  Nowlan  built  a tine  residence  in 
1868. 

JOSEPFI  BUCHAN,  the  present  popular 
and  efficient  cashier  of  the  Benton  Bank,  was 
born  in  Ontario,  Canada,  Aug.  10,  1845,  and 
is  a son  of  James  and  Mary  (Bird)  Buchan. 
The  father  was  born  in  Scotland  in  1819,  and 
the  mother  in  England  in  1824. 

Robert  Buchan,  the  grandfather  of  our  sub- 
ject, came  with  his  family  to  Quebec  at  a very 
early  day,  and  there  died  an  old  man.  His  six 
children  are  all  dead  except  James,  the  father 
of  Joseph,  and  a daughter  Mary,  who  is  un- 
married and  is  living  in  Quebec. 

James  Buchan  grew  to  manhood  in  Quebec, 
and  was  at  one  time  an  extensive  land  owner 
in  Quebec  and  in  Ontario.  His  wife  died  in 
1870,  leaving  a family  of  ten  children,  who 
reached  mature  life.  (1)  Joseph;  (2)  William, 
who  was  married  and  settled  in  Glasgow,  Mis- 
souri, is  engaged  in  a hotel  at  that  point.  (3) 
James  is  in  business  in  Michigan.  (4)  Robert 
resides  at  Steven’s  Point,  Wis.  (5)  Andrew  is 
a butcher  in  Minneapolis.  (6)  George  is  mar- 
ried and  in  business  at  Steven’s  Point.  (7) 
Charity  and  (8)  Elizabeth  died  in  early  wom- 
anhood. (9)  Esther  is  the  wife  of  Donald 
Forbes,  of  Ontario.  (10)  Fannie  is  the  wife 
of  Thomas  Fansley,  of  Ontario. 

Joseph  Buchan  was  educated  in  the  schools 
of  Canada,  where  in  early  manhood  he  was 
engaged  in  lumbering  with  his  father,  also 
working  with  him  in  the  contracting  and  build- 


ing business.  In  1865  Joseph  Buchan  came  to 
New  Diggings,  where  for  some  years  he  was 
interested  in  the  lead  and  zinc  mines,  and  then 
went  into  a mercantile  business.  This  he  con- 
tinued in  the  town  of  Benton  until  1894.  That 
year  the  bank  of  Benton  was  organized,  with 
Mr.  Buchan  as  cashier  and  Judge  P.  A.  Orton 
as  president. 

Mr.  Buchan  was  married  in  1868  to  Miss 
Margaret  Robson  who  was  born  in  1848,  a 
daughter  of  Thomas  and  Mary  A.  Robson,  an 
old  and  highly  respected  family  in  the  town  of 
Benton,  residing  here  since  the  pioneer  days. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Buchan  were  born  four 
children:  (1)  William,  born  in  Lafayette  coun- 
ty, was  married  to  Miss  Lillie  Stephens,  of 
Benton,  and  is  now  a successful  merchant  in 
Benton.  They  have  one  son,  Luverne.  (2) 
Laura,  a bright  and  scholarly  young  lady,  born 
in  Benton,  is  a graduate  of  the  State  Normal 
at  Platteville,  and  is  a teacher  in  Benton.  (3) 
Annie,  born  in  Benton,  is  the  wife  of  James 
W.  Metcalf,  city  marshal  of  Benton,  and  has 
one  son,  James  Lloyd.  (4)  Chester,  born  in 
Benton,  is  a student  in  the  local  schools. 

Mr.  Buchan  purchased  a piece  of  real  estate 
in  Benton,  on  which  he  erected  a modern  home, 
and  which  to-day  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  most 
attractive  homes  in  this  part  of  the  county.  He 
has  dealt  largely  in  real  estate  with  the  most 
satisfactory  results.  He  owns  large  tracts  of 
land  in  Wisconsin,  South  Dakota  and  other 
States,  and  as  his  selections  have  been  the  re- 
sult of  long  and  careful  study,  they  are  proving 
highly  remunerative.  . 

Politically  Mr.  Buchan  has  always  been 
identified  with  the  Republican  party,  and  has 
served  as  a delegate  to  several  state  conven- 
tions. He  has  been  on  the  town  board  and  has 
filled  several  local  offices.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Buchan  are  members  of  the  Primitive  Meth- 
odist Church.  He  belongs  to  the  K.  P.  Lodge, 
No.  134,  at  Benton,  and  is  also  an  Odd  Fellow. 
Mr.  Buchan  came  to  this  county  with  little  re- 
sources, and  by  energy  and  push  has  accumu- 
lated a very  considerable  fortune.  He  has  won 
a standing  ground  in  the  world,  and  his  meth- 
ods have  always  been  open  and  above  board. 
He  has  many  friends  in  the  town,  and  through- 
out this  part  of  the  State. 

ANDREW  JACKSON  PALMER  was 
one  of  the  thousands  who  answered  the  call  of 
the  country  when  she  was  in  peril,  and  gave 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


837 


his  cheerful  and  willing  service  to  her  through 
the  best  years  of  his  life,  and  still  bears  marks 
of  that  struggle  which  the  years  of  peace  since 
have  not  effaced.  He  was  born  in  Cabot,  Vt., 
June  10,  1826,  a son  of  Galen  and  Mary  Pal- 
mer, the  former  of  Scotch  and  the  latter  of 
German  descent.  The  family  consisted  of 
eight  children,  Irving  being  the  first  of  the  fam- 
ily to  leave  the  old  home  for  the  west.  In  the 
early  settlement  of  Illinois  Irving  Palmer 
came,  a young  man,  to  spy  out  the  land,  re- 
turning for  his  parents  and  the  two  youngest 
children,  one  of  whom  was  our  subject.  The 
home  of  the  family  in  Illinois  was  at  Grand 
Detour,  where  the  parents  spent  the  remainder 
of  their  lives.  Of  this  family  but  three  mem- 
bers survive:  Irving,  at  the  age  of  ninety- 

two;  Mrs.  Mary  Ann  Peck,  of  Burlington,  Vt., 
and  our  subject.  George  served  with  our  sub- 
ject in  the  same  company  and  regiment  during 
the  Civil  war,  but  died  in  the  fall  of  1898  at 
Beatrice.  Nebraska. 

On  Aug.  14,  1862,  Andrew  Jackson  Pal- 
mer enlisted  in  the  town  of  Willow  Springs, 
entering  Co.  B,  23d  Wis.  V.  I.  This  regiment 
rendezvoused  at  Madison,  where  they  were  de- 
tained for  three  weeks,  and  then  went  to  Cov- 
ington, Ivy.,  by  way  of  Cincinnati.  An  at- 
tack by  the  noted  Kirby  Smith  was  expected 
at  Covington,  and  a large  force  of  the  Union 
army  was  concentrated  there,  but  no  attack 
was  made.  The  regiment  then  made  a march 
to  the  Mississippi,  a long  and  severe  one  of 
250  miles,  where  it  took  boat  for  Memphis  and 
joined  the  troops  in  the  operations  around 
Vicksburg.  There  a large  force  was  organized 
and  descended  the  river  to  the  vicinity  of 
Vicksburg,  but  this  expedition  was  a total  fail- 
ure, and  the  regiment  again  ascended  the 
river  to  the  mouth  of  the  Arkansas,  and  a por- 
tion of  the  army,  including  the  23d  Wiscon- 
sin, ascended  that  river,  and  there  followed  the 
severe  battle  of  Arkansas  Post.  Here  Mr. 
Palmer  was  severely  wounded  in  the  right  fore- 
arm, an  ounce  ball  passing  twice  through  the 
bones  of  the  arm,  and,  remarkable  as  it  may 
seem,  broke  neither  of  the  bones.  With  about 
1,200  other  poor  wounded  soldiers,  he  was 
taken  back  to  Memphis,  where  he  remained  for 
six  weeks  and  received  his  discharge  through 
the  influence  of  Mrs.  Harvey,  to  whom  so 
many  Wisconsin  boys  in  blue  owe  their  lives. 
Mr.  Palmer  had  been  reared  on  a farm,  and 
after  his  return  and  the  complete  hea’ing  of  his 


arm  he  resumed  agricultural  labor,  continuing 
until  1896,  when  he  removed  to  the  city  of 
Darlington,  Lafayette  Co.,  where  he  has  since 
resided. 

On  March  14,  1854,  Mr.  Palmer  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Catherine  McCoy,  who  was  born 
in  Nova  Scotia  May  3,  1835.  Her  father, 
Duncan  McCoy,  was  a native  of  Scotland, 
where  he  grew  to  manhood  and  married  Bar- 
ford  McClellan,  and  emigrated  to  Nova  Scotia, 
thence  to  Canada,  and  later  to  Lafayette  coun- 
ty, Wis.,  about  1841,  settling  on  a farm  in  the 
town  of  Willow  Springs,  where  they  passed 
their  lives.  Philip  McCoy,  brother  of  Mrs. 
Palmer,  served  in  the  23d  Wis.  V.  I.,  in  the 
Civil  war,  and  although  his  term  of  service 
lasted  three  years,  and  included  participation 
in  twenty-five  battles,  he  was  not  injured,  and 
now  lives  in  Missouri.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Palmer  six  children  have  been  born,  four  of 
whom  are  living:  Dr.  Charles,  a dentist;  Jo- 

seph; Mrs.  Frank  McConnell;  Mrs.  Mary 
Smith,  of  this  county;  Philip,  deceased  in  in- 
fancy ; and  Allie,  who  married  and  died  at  the 
age  of  twenty-six.  Mr.  Palmer  was  a faithful 
soldier  in  the  Civil  war,  and  his  wounded  arm 
entitles  him  to  the  grateful  esteem  of  the  gen- 
eration which  enjoys  the  prosperity  and  peace 
won.  In  his  pleasant  home,  where  comfort 
surrounds  him,  he  can  pass  the  remainder  of 
his  days,  satisfied  that  upon  the  roll  of  honor 
will  ever  appear  his  name  as  one  who  has  suf- 
fered for  the  good  of  his  beloved  country. 

CHARLES  KEMP,  a prosperous  and 
highly  respected  farmer  of  the  town  of  Brad- 
ford, Rock  county,  has  made  his  way  to  his 
present  comfortable  position  in  life  through 
hindrances  that  would  have  proved  insur- 
mountable, save  to  the  most  daring  and  perse- 
vering natures. 

William  Kemp,  grandfather  of  Charles', 
was  a citizen  of  West  Kent,  England,  and  fol- 
lowed the  occupation  of  lime  burner.  He  was 
the  father  of  ten  children,  and  died  in  1830, 
when  about  seventy-five  years  old.  William 
Kemp,  his  eldest  son,  was  born  in  Bethersden, 
England,  Nov.  30,  1785.  About  1814  he  mar- 
ried and  moved  to  Biddenden,  in  the  same 
county.  He  served  in  the  militia  five  years,  and 
in  1830  entered  the  employ  of  Capt.  Cook  Til- 
den  Patterson,  a wealthy  land  owner,  continu- 
ing in  his  service  until  1872.  He  died  in  July, 
1874,  held  in  the  very  deepest  respect  and  es- 


838 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


teem  by  all  who  knew  him.  Rev.  W.  T.  Pat- 
terson, the  eldest  son  of  the  family  to  whom 
his  services  had  been  so  long-  rendered,  asked 
and  obtained  permission  to  mingle  with  the 
family  and  follow  to  the  grave  the  remains  of 
the  family’s  faithful  friend.  Mr.  Kemp  be- 
came a member  of  the  Church  of  England  in 
1831,  and  for  many  years  was  an  active  work- 
er in  the  cause  of  Christianity.  He  married 
Mrs,  Lydia  Miles,  widow  of  John  Miles,  a 
British  soldier.  Her  family  name  was  Walker. 
She  bore  William  Kemp  four  sons  and  five 
daughters,  only  three  of  whom  are  now  living: 
Stephen,  at  Fort  Atkinson,  Wis.,  who  was  born 
Aug.  29,  1821 ; Charles,  our  subject;  and  Jesse, 
who  was  born  April  11,  1831,  and  is  now  liv- 
ing at  Cranbrook,  County  Kent,  England. 

Charles  Kemp  was  born  at  Biddenden, 
England,  Aug.  20,  1826.  He  left  school  when 
he  was  only  nine  years  of  age,  to  work  on  the 
farm  at  six  cents  per  day.  He  continued  as 
a farm  laborer  in  England  until  1851,  and 
started  for  the  United  States  on  the  day  of  the 
opening  of  the  World's  Fair  at  London.  He 
landed  in  the  city  of  New  York,  June  third, 
and  made  his  way  to  Utica  in  that  State,  reach- 
ing there  with  less  than  two  dollars  in  his 

<3 

pocket.  He  spent  some  five  years  in  that  part 
of  New  York,  and  was  married  there  Feb.  26, 
1856.  Shortly  after  this  the  young  couple 
moved  to  Wisconsin,  and  settled  in  the  town 
of  Oakland,  Jefferson  county,  where  they  lived 
four  years.  Mr.  Kemp  worked  as  a farm 
hand,  and  his  wife  also  went  out  to  do  house- 
work for  the  neighboring  farmers’  wives.  In 
i860  they  moved  into  Harmony  township, 
where  Mr.  Kemp  rented  a farm  and  was  en- 
gaged in  its  cultivation  two  years.  He  was 
on  a rented  farm  three  years  in  Jefferson  coun- 
ty, and  again  located  in  Harmony  township, 
Rock  county,  and  then  spent  four  years  each 
in  La  Prairie  and  Janesville.  Harmony  became 
his  home  once  more,  thence  he  moved  to  Johns- 
town, after  which  he  bought  land  and  settled 
down  on  his  present  handsome  place  in  Brad- 
ford township.  Here  he  has  secured  himself 
a fine  farm  of  220  acres,  furnished  with  ample 
improvements,  and  thoroughly  up  to  date  in 
every  respect.  As  the  story  of  early  privation 
is  recalled,  and  the  difficulties  through  which1 
this  man  and  his  noble  wife  have  passed,  the 
reflection  cannot  be  avoided  that  they  have 
shown  the  mark  of  nature’s  nobility  in  the 


struggle  they  have  made,  and  the  victory  they 
have  won. 

Mrs.  Charles  Kemp,  born  Mary  Goodson, 
is  a daughter  of  William  and  Esther  (Cook) 
Goodson,  who  came  from  England  in  1828. 
they  landed  in  New  York  where  her  father 
narrowly  escaped  drowning  in  the  harbor. 
The  husband,  wife  and  three  children — the 
oldest  four  years  and  the  youngest  six  months 
of  age — went  to  Utica,  N.  Y.  Here  the  father 
left  his  family  with  one  English  shilling  to 
support  them  for  four  days  while  he  sought  and 
found  work  as  a farm  hand,  walking  to  Mar- 
shall, twelve  miles  away.  Lie  continued  this 
work  until  he  had  sufficient  means  to  remove 
his  family  and  set  uo  housekeeping  in  that 
town,  where  for  seven  years  he  was  employed 
by  a Mr.  Barton.  He  then  began  work  for 
himself  by  cultivating  land  on  shares.  He 
did  well,  and  his  employer  loaned  him  the 
money  with  which  to  purchase  fifty  acres  of 
land  in  Oneida  county,  N.  Y.  In  1856  he  came 
west  to  Wisconsin,  and  settled  in  the  town  of 
Harmony,  Rock  county,  where  he  had  his 
home  many  years.  He  lived  subsequently  in 
the  town  of  Footville,  in  the  same  county, 
making  his  home  for  twenty  years  with  his 
two  daughters,  and  died  in  Janesville  at  the 
age  of  eighty-eight.  His  wife  died  Sept.  22, 
1873,  when  seventy-two  years  old.  They  were 
honest  and  industrious  people,  and  are  highly 
spoken  of  by  those  who  knew  them  in  pioneer 
times. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Charles'  Kemp  are  the  par- 
ents of  eight  children,  Josephine,  Llenry 
Thomas,  Henrietta,  Esther,  Emory  William, 
Philo  H.,  Zada  and  Charles  I.  Henrietta  died 
when  a young  child.  Emory  is  married  and 
is  engaged  in  farming  in  the  town  of  Har- 
mony; he  has  two  children.  Josephine  married 
William  Lamb,  a farmer  in  the  town  of  Johns- 
town, and  has  one  daughter,  Marietta.  Philo 
H.  married  Miss  Susan  Jones,  and  lives  in 
the  town  of  Bradford,  where  he  follows  black- 
smithing.  Zada  married  C.  LI.  Hackwell,  a 
farmer  in  the  town  of  Bradford.  Charles 
Kemp  belongs'  to  the  Methodist  Church,  of 
which  he  and  his  family  are  old-time  sup- 
porters. 

CLIARLES  LEE,  a successful  and  much 
respected  miner  of  the  town  of  Benton,  La- 
fayette county,  was  born  in  County  Cavan, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


§39 


Ireland,  in  1835,  and  is  a son  of  John  and 
Margaret  (Carty)  Lee,  both  natives  of  this 
same  County  Cavan,  where  they  were  mar- 
ried. In  1849  they  emigrated  to  America, 
crossing  the  ocean  in  a sailing-vessel,  landing 
in  New  Orleans.  There  John  Lee  was  stricken 
with  cholera,  and  died,  leaving  a widow  and 
their  seven  children  alone  in  a strange  country. 
After  burying  the  husband  and  father,  the 
mother  brought  her  family  up  the  river  to 
Galena,  111.,  and  then  located  at  Benton,  Wis., 
commencing  life  in  a new  country  with  a 
houseful  of  small  children;  she  passed  away 
about  twenty  years  ago.  Her  children  were : 
( 1 ) Mary,  the  wife  of  Patrick  Karl,  lives  in 
Minnesota.  (2)  Margaret,  unmarried,  lives 
in  Denver,  Colo.  (3)  Catherine  died  in  New 
Orleans  at  the  time  of  her  father’s  death.  (4) 
Annie,  the  wife  of  James  Corcoran  (deceased), 
of  Aurora,  111.,  and  the  mother  of  one  daugh- 
ter, Margaret.  (5)  John,  born  in  Ireland, 
was  reared  in  Benton,  and  enlisted  in  the 
regular  army,  serving  three  years,  and  when 
last  heard  from  was  connected  with  a railroad 
in  Illinois.  (6)  Bernard  died  in  Benton  when 
a young  man.  (7)  Charles. 

Charles  Lee  had  just  begun  attending  the 
local  school  when  his  parents  decided  to  come 
to  America.  After  the  family  reached  Ben- 
ton, Wis.,  he  worked  in  the  old  American  hotel 
at  Galena,  111.,  and  his  wages  were  added  to 
the  family  funds'.  When  a little  older  he  be- 
came a miner,  and  was  working  in  that  ca- 
pacity when  the  war  broke  out.  In  August, 
1862,  Mr.  Lee  enlisted  as  a member  of  Com- 
pany C,  33d  Wis.  V.  I.,  under  the  command  of 
Col.  J.  B.  Moore,  and  Captain  Gurley.  The 
regiment  was  sent  to  Memphis,  and  engaged 
the  rebel  forces  of  General  Price  on  many  dif- 
ferent fields  of  battle.  In  the  spring  of  1863 
it  was  a part  of  the  invading  army  thrown 
around  Vicksburg.  At  Haines  Bluff  it  was 
in  battle  with  the  army  of  General  Hood,  and 
after  him  with  General  Forest.  The  regiment 
was  part  of  the  command  of  General  Banks, 
on  the  Red  River,  and  was  then  sent  to  Mo- 
bile, where  it  was'  marched  through  the  State 
of  Alabama.  Mr.  Lee  was  steadily  with  his 
regiment  until  the  close  of  the  war,  with  the 
exception  of  necessary  but  short  absence  caused 
by  a wound  received  from  a minie  ball  at  Vicks- 
burg. He  was  mustered  out  at  Vicksburg  in 
August,  1865,  and  formally  discharged  at 


Madison,  where  the  entire  regiment  was  high- 
ly complimented  by  the  Governor  of  the  State 
for  faithful  service  during  their  long  term  of 
duty.  Mr.  Lee  at  once  resumed  his  mining 
work  at  Benton,  and  closely  followed  it  until 
1879,  when  he  took  up  a farm  in  Lincoln  coun- 
ty, Kansas,  where  he  remained  eight  years, 
securing  title  to  a quarter-section  of  valuable 
land.  This  he  sold  at  a very  satisfactory  fig- 
ure, and  came  back  to  Wisconsin  again  to 
take  up  a miner’s  life  in  Benton.  This  he  has 
continued  to  the  present  time,  with  much  suc- 
cess. 

In  July,  1893,  Mr.  Lee  was  married  to 
Miss  Mary  McGuire,  of  Lafayette  county, 
the  daughter  of  James  and  Fannie  McGuire, 
pioneer  people  of  the  county.  They  were  born 
in  Ireland,  and  came  to  the  town  of  Benton 
as  early  as  1849,  where  they  spent  their  lives'. 
Mrs.  Lee  was  born  in  Lafayette  county,  and  is 
the  only  member  of  her  family  now  living. 
They  have  one  daughter,  Margaret  E.,  who 
was  born  Sept.  7,  1896.  In  1896  Mr.  Lee  put 
up  his  present  home,  which  is  one  of  the  modern 
and  attractive  residences  of  the  town.  Both 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lee  are  members  of  the  Catholic 
Church.  In  politics  Mr.  Lee  has  always  been 
identified  with  the  Republican  party,  and  'has 
served  on  the  village  board.  Mr.  Lee  began 
life  as  a poor  boy,  giving  his  small  wages  to 
his  mother  for  the  common  good  of  the  fam- 
ily. As  a soldier  lie  made  an  enviable  reputa- 
tion ; and  as  a citizen  he  is  respected  for  his 
honest  worth  and  manly  character.  His  home' 
is  a mdd'el  of  beauty,  and  is  the  result  of  his 
work  and  management. 

CHARLES  OLIVER,  a well-established 
real-estate  dealer  and  tradesman  of  Beloit, 
Rock  county,  conducts  a wholesale  cigar  busi- 
ness in  that  city,  manufactures  his  own  goods, 
and  has  a continually  increasing  patronage, 
not  only  because  of  the  excellent  grade  of  his 
goods,  but  also  because  of  his  genial  manner 
and  courteous  treatment  of  all  with  whom  he 
comes  in  contact. 

Mr.  Oliver  was  born  in  Beloit  Feb.  23, 
1859,  a son  of  Washington  and  Louisa  (Mayo) 
Oliver,  the  former  of  whom  was  born  in 
Pennsylvania  and  reared  in  Ohio.  The  mother 
was  born  in  Maine,  and  died  in  Beloit  May 
16,  1900.  They  were  the  parents  of  thirteen 
children,  of  whom  are  now  living:  Nora; 


840 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Addie;  Charles;  Stephen,  of  South  Dakota; 
•Benjamin  A.,  local  manager  of  the  Beloit 
Telephone  Co.;  George,  of  Beloit;  Laura,  wife 
(of  Truman  S.  Morgan,  of  Pittsburg,  Penn.; 
Minnie,  wife  of  E.  R.  Newton,  of  Beloit;  and 
Gertrude.  Washington  Oliver,  who  was  a 
carpenter  and  contractor,  came  West  to  Beloit 
in  1847,  and  here  he  has  followed  his  trade 
many  years,  and  is  well  known  as  an  honest 
and  reliable  man.  For  the  past  ten  years  he 
has  not  been  actively  engaged  in  business,  the 
infirmities  of  advancing  age  compelling  him 
to  relinquish  many  pursuits  to  which  he  has 
been  enthusiastically  devoted  all  his  life.  He 
has  lived  an  active  out-of-door  life,  and  it  is 
not  easy  for  him  to  give  it  up.  In  religion 
he  is  a Methodist,  as  was  also  his  wife.  His 
father,  Stephen  Oliver,  was  born  in  Pennsyl- 
vania, of  Irish  parents,  and  was  a sea  captain. 
In  middle  life  he  left  the  ocean,  and  went  into 
trade  as  a merchant.  He  turned  to  contract- 
ing, and  when  quite  advanced  in  years  be- 
came a gold  miner,  crossing  the  plains  twice 
to  California,  in  1849  and  in  1852.  On  the 
second  trip  he  was  killed  by  the  Indians.  He 
was  a man  of  prominence  in  the  East,  having 
held  several  important  offices  in  Madison  and 
Cleveland,  Ohio.  His  family  consisted  of  eight 
children.  The  maternal  grandfather  of  Charles 
Oliver,  Jacob  Mayo,  was  a native  of  Maine, 
and  a fisherman  on  the  coast.  He  came  to 
Beloit  when  the  country  was  very  new,  and 
lived  there  some  years,  making  numerous  trips 
to  the  North,  where  he  worked  in  the  lumber 
woods.  He  became  a trader  with  the  Indians, 
and  was  prospering  when  he  met  an  untimely 
death  in  middle  life,  freezing  to  death  while 
on  a trading  expedition  into  the  northern  part 
of  the  State.  He  had  a large  family.  One 
of  his  sons,  Alfred  H.  Mayo,  went  to  Alaska 
in  1872,  with  a partner,  Jack  McOuestion,  and 
they  have  been  in  business  there  until  the  pres- 
ent time.  Mr.  Mayo  is  now  in  Beloit,  on  a 
visit,  and  will  return  to  Alaska  in  the  spring, 
1901.  He  was  one  of  the  three  men  who 
opened  up  the  gold  field  of  that  country. 

Charles  Oliver  was  born  and  reared  in  Be- 
loit. and  that  city  has  always  been  his  home. 
He  attended  the  public  schools  until  he  was 
fourteen,  when  he  began  to  learn  the  trade 
of  a cigar  maker.  For  about  eight  years  Mr. 
Oliver  was  a journeyman  cigar  maker,  until 
he  started  in  business  for  himself,  in  which 
he  has  been  so  successful  that  he  now  employs 


usually  about  eleven  hands,  and,  in  case  of  a 
“rush,”  has  called  for  considerable  additional 
help.  Our  subject  is  also  engaged  in  the  real- 
estate  and  renting  business,  buying  and  sell- 
ing city  property,  renting  business  blocks  and 
dwellings,  and  is  himself  the  owner  of  a busi- 
ness block  in  Beloit. 

The  marriage  of  Charles  Oliver  and  Miss 
Kate  Flint  was  celebrated  Sept.  2,  1885,  and 
two  daughters  were  born  of  this  union,  Grace 
L.  and  Flossie  May.  Mrs.  Oliver,  who  was 
a daughter  of  Perry  and  Abbie  Flint,  died 
March  12,  1890,  and  is  remembered  as  a lov- 
ing wife  and  a kind  and  faithful  mother.  The 
family  live  at  783  Brook  street.  Mr.  Oliver 
is  a member  of  Morning  Star  Lodge,  No.  10, 
A.  F.  & A.  M.,  the  Modern  Woodmen  of 
America,  and  the  Fraternal  Alliance.  Politi- 
cally he  is  a Democrat. 

JOSEPH  M.  BURTON,  although  but 
newly  located  in  Cassville  township,  Grant 
county,  is  well  known  in  this  locality,  and  is 
now  cultivating  a fine  farm  of  160  acres.  Dur- 
ing the  war  of  the  Rebellion  he  served  his 
country  bravely,  and  he  is  now  an  honored 
member  of  the  G.  A.  R.  post  at  Lancaster, 
Wisconsin. 

Joseph  M.  Burton  was  born  Feb.  14,  1843, 
in  Vermont,  a son  of  Ben  and  Nancy  (Peck) 
Burton,  also  natives  of  Vermont,  who  came 
when  our  subject  was  but  a year  old  to  Bloom- 
ington township,  took  up  government  land, 
which  they  improved,  and  always  followed 
farming  as  an  occupation.  The  father  died 
during  the  war,  but  the  mother  survived  him 
and  resided  until  her  death,  in  1876,  on  the 
old  homestead.  They  were  the  parents  of  the 
following  children : James  R.,  enlisted  at 

Bloomington,  in  1862,  in  the  33d  Wis.  V.  I.. 
now  resides  in  Glen  Haven;  William,  who  re- 
sides at  Battle  Creek,  Iowa ; Margaret,  now 
Mirs.  Handy,  of  Mt.  Hope;  Jane  E.  died  in 
Bloomington  township;  Jacob  lives  in  Cali- 
fornia; Frank  also  resides  in  California;  and 
Joseph  M. 

Joseph  M.  Burton  was  reared  and  edu- 
cated in  Bloomington  township,  and  always 
followed  farming  as  a calling.  In  1863,  at 
the  call  of  duty,  he  enlisted  in  Grant  county, 
town  of  Bloomington,  in  Company  D,  33d 
Wis.  V.  I.,  for  three  years,  being  mustered 
into  service  at  Madison,  and  assigned  to  the 
1 6th  Army  Corps,  participating  in  the  battles 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


841 


of  Nashville,  Montgomery,  Kenesaw  Mount- 
ain and  Spanish  Fort.  During  his  term  of 
service  Mr.  Burton  received  an  injury  from  a 
piece  of  shell,  from  which  he’ has  never  fully 
recovered,  and  he  was  honorably  discharged 
in  1866,  and  returned  to  Bloomington  town- 
ship. 

Mr.  Burton  was  married  to  Miss  Jane 
Weeks,  who  was  born  in  Bloomington  town- 
ship, daughter  of  James  and  Martha  Weeks, 
pioneers  of  Glen  Haven,  both  now  deceased. 
1T0  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Burton  live  children  have 
been  born:  George  L.,  born  Oct.  4,  1865, 

died  Aug.  15,  1891 ; Luella,  'born  Jan.  5,  1868, 
married  Mr.  F.  Read,  of  Beetown ; Elmira, 
born  Nov.  19,  1872,  married  Mr.  Mayne,  of 
Beetown;  Cora,  born  May  1,  1874,  married 
David  Peacore,  and  resides  in  Dallas,  Barron 
Co.,  Wis. ; and  Leslie,  born  Jan.  1,  1879,  is 
at  home,  caring  for  his  father  and  mother. 
In  politics  Mr.  Burton,  the  father  of  these 
children,  is  a standi  Republican. 

CHESTER  L.  TUTTLE,  a popular  livery- 
man at  Clinton,  Rock  county,  is  a native  of  that 
county,  the  son  and  the  grandson  of  its  early 
pioneers.  The  grandfather,  Chauncev  Tuttle, 
was  a native  of  New  York  State,  of  Holland 
Dutch  descent.  He  was  a farmer  by  occupa- 
tion, and  in  1837  migrated  to  Rock  county. 
He  was  for  many  years  a deacon  in  the  Bap- 
tist Church,  reared  a large  family,  and  died 
at  Beloit,  at  the  age  of  seventy-five  years. 

George  M.  Tuttle,  the  father  of  our  sub- 
ject, was  a boy  when,  in  1837,  he  was  brought 
to  Wisconsin  by  his  parents,  and  introduced 
to  the  wild  life  of  a pioneer  home  in  Turtle 
township,  Rock  county.  There  he  grew  to 
manhood  and  adopted  farming  as  his  vocation. 
He  married  Miss  Lydia  Hallock,  a native  of 
Canada,  daughter  of  Richard  Hallock,  a farm- 
er, who  died  in  middle  life  while  crossing  the 
Isthmus  of  Panama  on  his  way  to  California, 
leaving  two  children  by  each  of  his  two  mar- 
riages. 

Soon  after  his  marriage  George  M.  Tuttle 
removed  to  Minnesota,  where  he  lived  two 
years.  Moving  to  Durand,  Wis.,  he  then  lived 
'for  nine  years  in  Buffalo  county,  from  which 
he  removed  to  the  southern  part  of  the  State 
and  lived  on  his  farm  of  220  acres  in  Winne- 
bago county.  111.,  near  the  Wisconsin  State 
line,  until,  in  1887,  he  settled  at  Beloit,  his 
present  residence.  He  was  a soldier  during 


the  Civil  war,  serving  one  year,  from  1864  to 
1865.  Mrs.  Tuttle,  the  wife  and  mother,  died, 
aged  fifty-two  years.  She  was  a devout  Meth- 
odist, of  which  church  her  surviving  husband 
is  a member.  To  George  M.  and  Lydia  (lial- 
lock)  Tuttle  were  born  five  children,  namely: 
Chester  L.,  our  subject;  William  F.,  of  Ros- 
coe,  111.;  Eugene,  also  of  Roscoe;  Rev.  Charles 
A.,  a Methodist  minister,  now  located  near 
Fond  du  Lac,  Wis. ; and  Lillian,  who  died 
aged  three  years. 

Chester  L.  Tuttle  was  born  in  Turtle  town- 
ship, Rock  county,  July  10,  1851,  and  except 
for  thirteen  years  has  lived  in  that  county. 
He  was  reared  on  a farm  and  received  his  edu- 
cation in  the  district  schools  and  in  the  public 
schools  of  Beloit.  Beginning  life  for  himself 
on  a rented  farm,  he  continued  farming  until 
1898,  when  he  purchased  his  present  livery 
business  at  Clinton. 

He  married  Dec.  4,  1873,  Miss  Sarah  Re- 
ser,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Rachel  (Adams) 
Reser,  and  to  them  have  been  born  three  chil- 
dren, namely:  Mary  L.,  George  L.  and  Joseph 
L.  Mary  L.  is  the  wife  of  PI.  A.  Rogers ; they 
live  in  Clinton  township,  and  have  one  child, 
Burdette.  George  L.  and  Joseph  L.  are  at 
home.  Mr.  Tuttle  is  a member  of  Good  Sa- 
maritan Lodge,  No.  135,  F.  & A.  M.,  and  of 
the  Modern  Woodmen,  and,  with  his  wife,  also 
belongs  to  the  Royal  Neighbors.  Politically 
he  is  a Republican.  Pie  has  served  one  year  as' 
supervisor,  and  is  one  of  the  active,  progressive 
and  successful  business  men  of  Clinton. 

RANSOM  W.  EDDEN,  M.  D.,  has  for 
nearly  a decade  been  one  of  the  successful 
medical  practitioners  of  Janesville,  Rock  coun- 
ty. His  family  is  of  English  origin.  His 
grandfather,  Richard  Edden,  was  the  father 
of  five  children,  and  died  in  New  York  in 
middle  life,  his  'wife  surviving  him  and  pass- 
ing away  in  Minnesota.  Both  were  born  in 
England,  as  was  also  their  son  Thomas  H., 
father  of  our  subject,  who  after  h'is  father’s 
death  was  reared  in  the  family  of  Peter  Antes. 
The  latter  is  still  living  in  New  York  State, 
honored  and  beloved  in  his  declining  years. 

Thomas  PI.  Edden  was  brought  to  this 
country  by  his  parents  when  he  was  but  nine 
years  old,  and  passed  his  early  years  as  a 
farmer’s  boy.  He  served  a year  in  Company 
K,  185th  N.  Y.  V.  I.,  and  was  wounded  in 
an  engagement.  On  Oct.  2,  1866,  he  married 


842 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Mary  M.  Ransom,  of  Onondaga  county,  N. 
Y.,  a daughter  of  Edward  Ransom,  who  in 
about  1866  settled  on  a farm  some  three  miles 
from  Janesville,  dying  there  at  the  age  of 
sixty-four;  he  left  two  children.  Thomas  H. 
Edden  after  his  removal  to  Wisconsin  engaged 
in  farming  near  Janesville,  and  yet  owns  a 
farm  in  the  immediate  neighborhood  of  that 
city,  at  present  making  his  home  in  Janesville. 
He  is  a Methodist,  and  his  wife  a Congre- 
gationalist,  but  difference  in  creed  has  never 
parted  them.  They  have  been  the  parents  of 
seven  children,  two  sons  and  five  daughters, 
four  of  whom  are  yet  living,  Ransom  W., 
Ida  (Mrs.  Clifford  Akin),  Nellie  and  Fred- 
erick. 

Ur.  Edden  was  born  Feb.  15,  1869,  in 
Rock  county.  His  early  educational  advan- 
tages were  on  a par  with  those  of  most  farmers’ 
sons,  but  a strong  impulse  led  him  to  believe 
that  his  vocation  was  the  practice  of  medi- 
cine, and  to  attain  this  he  bent  every  power 
and  faculty  of  his  strong  young  manhood. 
Matriculating  at  Bennett  College,  Chicago,  in 
1888,  he  graduated  therefrom  in  1891,  return- 
ing at  once  to  Janesville  to  begin  a career  the 
success  of  which  has  attested  at  once  his  pro- 
fessional skill  and  his  manly  fidelity.  Beloved 
and  trusted  by  his  patients,  he  is  also  esteemed 
and  honored  by  his  professional  brethren.  He 
is  a member  of  the  Wisconsin  State  Eclectic 
Medical  Society,  holds  the  office  of  treasurer 
in  the  Rock  County  Medical  Society,  and  is 
connected  with  the  medical  staff  of  the  Palmer 
Memorial  Hospital,  of  which  institution  he  is 
also  treasurer.  He  also  belongs  to  the  Medi- 
cal Library  Association  of  Chicago.  Frater- 
nally he  is  a Master  Mason,  in  political  senti- 
ment a Republican. 

In  February,  1898,  the  Doctor  married  Miss 
Lottie  Ratheram,  a daughter  of  Edward  and 
Sarah  (Blay)  Ratheram,  of  Janesville,  and  in 
the  year  of  his  marriage  bought  his  present 
home,  which  is  situated  at  No.  259  South 
Bluff  street.  Mrs.  Edden  is  a member  of  the 
Baptist  Church. 

EUGENE  W.  VAN  NORMAN.  The 
commercial  interests  of  the  flourishing  town 
of  Monticello,  Wis.,  are  in  the  hands  of  pro- 
gressive men  who  vie  with  each  other  to  ren- 
der that  place  a center  for  Green  county. 
Among  those  young  men  who  have  displayed 
ability  and  energy  is  Eugene  W.  Van  Nor- 


man, the  subject  of  this  sketch,  who  is  owner 
and  manager  of  the  finely  appointed  drug  store 
of  the  town. 

Mr.  Van  Norman  was  born  near  Moscow, 
in  Lafayette  county,  Wis.,  Oct.  20,  1874,  a 
son  of  Michael  F.  and  Katherine  (Deam) 
Van  Norman,  who  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the 
early  pioneer  days.  Michael  F.  Van  Norman 
was  born  in  Luzerne  county,  Penn.,  Sept.  19, 
1835,  a son  °f  Jacob  and  Mary  (Parks)  Van 
Norman,  the  former  born  on  the  Mohawk 
river,  near  Philadelphia,  Penn.,  in  1802,  a son 
of  Samuel  and  Phebe  Van  Norman,  natives 
of  Holland,  who  came  to  the  United  States 
with  their  parents  when  very  young,  settling 
in  Pennsylvania,  and  died  near  Scranton, 
Penn.,  the  father  aged  ninety-five  years,  and 
the  mother  ninety  years. 

Jacob  Van  Norman,  the  grandfather  of  our 
subject,  was  engaged:  in  the  lumber  business 
until  forty-five  years  of  age,  when  he  purchased 
220  acres  of  land  in  Chemung  county,  N.  Y., 
where  he  remained  until  1854.  In  that  year 
he  sold  his  land  in  New  York  and  bought 
320  acres  in  Iowa  county,  Wis.,  remaining 
there  until  his  death,  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
eight  years.  In  his  political  relations  he  was 
a Democrat  until  the  war,  when  he  voted  for 
Abraham  Lincoln.  He  was  a prominent  man 
and  held  many  local  offices.  Mrs.  Mary 
(Parks)  Van  Norman,  the  grandmother  of 
our  subject,  died  near  Sioux  City,  at  the  home 
of  her  son  Jacob,  when  she  was  aged  eighty- 
four  years.  She  was  born  in  Pennsylvania, 
a daughter  of  Joseph  and  Rebecca  Parks,  who 
came  from  Newfoundland  to  the  United  States 
and  located  first  in  Luzerne  county,  Penn., 
where  the  father  died  at  the  age  of  one  hun- 
dred, and  the  mother  at  seventy-three.  Sam- 
uel Van  Norman,  our  subject’s  great-grand- 
father, was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  for 
which  service  he  afterward  drew  a pension. 
The  family  were  noted  for  their  longevity. 
Jacob  and  Mary  (Parks)  Van  Norman  were 
members  of  the  Methodist  Church  for  many 
years,  he  being  very  active  in  church  and  Sun- 
day-school work.  They  were  the  parents  of 
nine  children,  seven  of  whom  are  living,  two 
engaged  in  farming,  one  in  the  ministry,  and 
the  rest,  including  our  subject’s  father,  in  the 
stock  business.  Three  of  the  sons  were  sol- 
diers in  the  war  of  the  Rebellion. 

Michael  F.  Van  Norman  remained  at  home 
until  twenty-one  years  of  age,  attending  the 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


843 


district  school  in  winter,  working  his  father’s 
farm  in  summer,  and,  to  gratify  his  ambition 
for  learning,  studying  at  home.  He  was  after- 
ward employed  in  teaching  during  winters, 
and  attended  the  Evansville  College,  Evans- 
ville, Wis.,  one  term.  Being  then  in  his  twen- 
ty-third year,  and  in  poor  health,  he  went 
overland  to  Kansas,  and  engaged  in  teaming 
for  the  Pike’s  Peak  Express  Co.  While  there 
he  drove  four  mules  to  a coach  that  hauled  the 
famous  Horace  Greeley  from  Manhattan  to 
Fort  Riley,  when  on  his  overland  trip  to  Cali- 
fornia. In  i860  Mr.  Van  Norman  returned  to 
Iowa  county,  Wis.,  rented  a farm,  and,  as  the 
State  banks  nearly  all  failed,  and  what  money 
he  had  saved  for  this  occasion  was  State  bank 
currency,  worth  from  ten  to  forty  cents  on 
the  dollar,  he  was  obliged'  to  go  in  debt  for 
everything  he  bought.  He  remained  there  until 
the  outbreak  of  the  war,  when,  in  July,  1862, 
he  joined  Company  E,  31st  Wis.  V.  I.,  under 
Capt.  Mason.  He  served  until  the  close  of  hos- 
tilities, was  mustered  out  at  Louisville,  Ky., 
and  was  discharged  at  Madison,  Wis.  At 
Atlanta,  Ga.,  July  24,  1864,  he  was  wounded, 
and  remained  in  the  hospital  four  days,  when 
he  obtained  transportation  home,  and  returned 
to  his  regiment  about  thirty  days  later.  He 
was  in  the  Division  Commissary  Department, 
and  on  detached  service  at  Smoky  Swamp,  S. 
C.,  and  marched  through  to  Washington,  by 
way  of  Richmond,  with  the  20th  Army  Corps. 
After  the  close  of  the  war  he  returned  home, 
rented  a farm  of  330  acres  for  six  years,  then 
bought  100  acres  in  Primrose  township,  Dane 
Co.,  Wis.  Five  years  later  he  rented  his  farm, 
moved  to  Middleton,  same  county,  and  re- 
mained there  about  seventeen  years.  While 
there  he  was  engaged  in  the  stock  business, 
owning  some  of  the  finest  bred!  animals  in  the 
country.  He  was  also  the  owner  of  a 215- 
acre  farm  in  Middleton.  He  moved  from  this 
town  to  Milwaukee,  to  engage  in  the  live  stock 
commission  business  with  his  brother,  George 
B.  O11  account  of  his  health  he  was  obliged 
to  leave  Milwaukee,  and  then  went  on  the 
road  soliciting  for  the  firm,  making  many  trips 
to  the  far  West  every  year.  His  family  re- 
moved to  Madison  in  1897,  where  they  now 
reside.  In  his  political  relations  he  has  been 
a Republican  since  President  Lincoln’s  first 
term,  but  generally  votes  for  the  best  man. 
He  is  a member  of  the  G.  A.  R.  and  the  I.  O. 
O.  F.  To  Michael  F.  and  Katherine  (Deam) 


Van  Norman  were  born  five  children:  Ida, 
who  was  drowned  at  Mt.  Vernon,  Wis.,  at 
the  age  of  sixteen;  Etta  M.,  wife  of  H.  J. 
Whalen,  a commission  merchant  of  Milwaukee ; 
Eugene  W.,  our  subject;  George  W.,  who  is 
with  his  uncle,  George  B.  Van  Norman,  in 
Chicago,  engaged  in  the  live  stock  commission 
business;  and  Paul,  who  attends  the  Madison 
high  school.  Mrs.  Katherine  (Deam)  Van 
Norman  was  born  in  Bradford  county,  Penn., 
July  31,  1837,  a daughter  of  Henry  H.  and 
Elizabeth  (Ettleman)  Deam,  also  natives  of 
that  State,  and  of  German  descent.  Mr.  Deam 
died  at  the  old  home  in  Iowa  county,  Wis., 
at  the  age  of  forty-four,  and  his  wife  passed 
away  at  Plano,  Ilk,  at  the  age  of  sixty  years. 

Eugene  W.  Van  Norman  was  reared  at 
Middleton,  Dane  county.  His  educational  ad- 
vantages were  excellent,  as  his  primary  educa- 
tion in  the  common  schools  was  supplemented 
by  a course  in  high  school,  from  which  he 
was  graduated  in  1890,  then  entering  the  Wis- 
consin Academy,  at  Madison,  in  which  insti- 
tution he  took  a two-years  course.  This  was 
followed  by  two  years  in  the  pharmaceutical 
department  of  the  State  University.  In  Au- 
gust, 1897,  he  came  to  Monticello,  Green  coun- 
ty, and  bought  out  the  drug  business  of  E.  J. 
Fischer,  since  which  time  he  has  been  success- 
fully engaged  in  that  line.  Mr.  Van  Norman 
has  a neatly  appointed  store,  carries  a large 
stock  of  drugs,  medicines,  toilet  articles,  paints, 
and  supplies  usually  found  in  the  establish- 
ments of  first-class  druggists. 

Mr.  Van  Norman  is  a member  of  the 
Green  County  Retail  Druggists  Association, 
also  of  the  Wisconsin  Pharmaceutical  Asso- 
ciation. He  is  personally  popular,  and  during 
his  sojourn  at  the  university  was  president  of 
his  class,  and  also  captain  of  the  base-ball 
team.  In  politics  he  is  a Republican,  but  does 
not  force  his  views  on  any  one,  being  peculiarly 
fitted  for  a business  life  by  the  possession  of 
that  tact  which  attracts  all  classes.  His  energy 
and  ability  are  recognized,  and  the  citizens  of 
Monticello  have  complete  confidence  in  him 
as  a pharmacist. 

HIRAM  L.  DAVY.  The  rule  that  ad- 
versity in  youth  brings  success  in  manhood, 
finds  a fitting  example  in  the  career  of  Hiram 
L.  Davy,  road  contractor  and  farmer  of  Mil- 
ton,  Rock  county.  The  father  died  when 
Hiram  was  a child,  shortly  after  the  family 


844 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


had  moved  to  Rock  county  from  Canada.  The 
widow  and  her  young  children  then  settled 
in  Milton,  and  there,  through  sturdy  effort, 
the  boys  grew  to  lives  of  usefulness  and  in- 
fluence. 

Our  subject  was  born  in  Canada  Feb.  7, 
1858,  son  of  Thaddeus  Lewis  and  Charlotte 
(Adams)  Davy,  both  natives  of  Canada.  The 
paternal  grandfather,  Michael  Davy,  was  a 
Methodist  minister,  a Canadian  by  birth  and 
of  English  ancestry.  He  reared  a large  family 
and  died  at  Beloit,  Wis.,  in  1881,  aged  eighty 
years.  The  maternal  grandfather  of  our  sub- 
ject, Hiram  Adams,  was  also  a native  of  Can- 
ada, of  English  lineage.  He  was  a lumber 
merchant,  engaged  especially  in  getting  out 
masts  for  ships  under  the  Queen’s  orders.  He 
was  born  in  1800,  reared  a large  family,  and 
died  at  Chicago  in  1880. 

Thaddeus  L.  Davy,  the  father  of  our  sub- 
ject, acquired  the  trade  of  a carpenter  and 
joiner,  which  he  followed  for  a number  of 
years  in  Canada.  In  the  fall  of  1864  he  came 
to  Rock  county,  locating  south  of  Janesville, 
and  in  1865  he  removed  to  Rock  Prairie,  in 
Harmony  township,  where  he  died  Aug.  26, 
1865,  aged  thirty-seven  years.  His  widow 
still  survives,  making  her  home  with  her  chil- 
dren. Both  were  Methodists.  Of  their  eight 
children,  five  are  now  living : Samuel,  Orrin, 
Hiram  L.,  and  John  and  Ezra  (twins). 

Hiram  L.  Davy  was  six  years  old  when 
brought  by  his  parents  to  Rock  county.  Short- 
ly after  his  father’s  death  the  mother  moved 
with  her  family  to  Milton,  where  he  has  ever 
since  remained.  Hiram  attended  the  district 
and  village  schools,  and  when  about  eighteen 
he  acquired  the  carpenter’s  trade,  which  he 
followed  for  eight  or  ten  years,  engaging  also 
in  contract  work.  He  then  followed  the  livery 
business  for  a time,  after  which  he  engaged 
in  farming  on  a tract  of  forty  acres  which  he 
purchased  in  Milton  township.  This  he  after- 
ward sold  and  bought  eighty  acres  in  wood, 
which  he  still  owns.  His  present  res'dence 
in  Milton  he  purchased  in  1897. 

Mr.  Davy  married  Sept.  22,  1886,  Miss 
Mary  L.  Winch,  daughter  of  Jeremiah  and 
Fannie  M.  (Montgomery)  Winch.  Her  moth- 
tr  was  born  in  New  York  State,  daughter  of 
John  Montgomery,  who  settled  in  Rock  coun- 
ty in  1849,  rearing  a large  family  and  living 
to  an  advanced  age.  Jeremiah  Winch  was 
born  in  New  Hampshire  in  1809,  and  when 


a young  man  came  west  as  a soldier  in  the 
Black  Hawk  war.  He  was  an  early  settler  in 
Rock  county,  where  he  followed  farming  until 
his  death,  May  30,  1868,  aged  fifty-eight  years 
and  nine  months.  His  wife  died  on  Aug.  17, 
1895,  having  almost  attained  her  seventy-ninth 
birthday.  Both  were  members  of  the  Meth- 
odist Church.  They  had  four  children,  Wes- 
ley, of  Milton  Junction;  George,  of  Lima 
township,  Rock  county;  Charles,  of  Fort  At- 
kinson, Wis. ; and  Mary  L.,  wife  of  our  sub- 
ject. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Davy  have  one  daughter, 
Alice  May.  They  are  active  members  of  the 
Methodist  Church.  In  politics  Mr.  Davy  is 
a Republican.  He  is  one  of  the  enterprising 
and  successful  citizens  of  Milton,  and  is  held 
in  high  esteem  by  all  who  know  him. 

SAM.  P.  BROWN,  present  deputy  sheriff 
of  Rock  county,  has  been  a resident  of  Janes- 
ville since  1895.  He  is  a man  of  ready  re- 
sources, alert  in  action,  and  resolute  in  the 
performance  of  his  duty.  Fie  has  won  high 
standing  as  an  officer  of  justice  in  southern 
Wisconsin,  and  evil  doers  have  learned  to 
dread  his  name. 

Mr.  Brown  was  born  in  Grant  county,  Mo., 
June  28,  1874.  His  parents,  John  and  Lovina 
(Cadle)  Brown,  were  natives  of  Kentucky  and 
Missouri,  respectively.  They  had  six  children, 
all  but  one  now  living:  Sarah,  the  wife  of 
E.  G.  Gibson,  of  Marshalltown,  Iowa;  Sam. 
P.,  whose  name  introduces  this  article;  Alice, 
the  wife  of  E.  D.  Vandewalke,  of  Creston, 
Iowa;  Albert,  of  Janesville;  and  Grace,  of 
Creston,  Iowa.  John  Brown  was  a farmer 
nearly  all  his  life.  Fie  moved  from  Kentucky 
to  Grant  City,  and  lived  there  fourteen  years, 
thence  removing  to  Creston,  Iowa,  where  he 
has  lived  for  the  past  eighteen  years.  For  a 
number  of  years  he  kept  a hotel  in  Creston.  He 
is  a man  of  genial  manners  and  upright  char- 
acter. I11  religion  he  and  his  wife  are  Meth- 
odists. His  father,  Preston  Brown,  was  a na- 
tive of  Kentucky,  and  died  in  that  State  about 
1875,  at  an  advanced  age.  He  had  seven 
sons.  Fie  was  a soldier  in  the  Confederate 
army,  serving  throughout  the  war.  The  father 
of  Mrs.  Lovina  (Cadle)  Brown  was  a native 
of  Missouri,  a farmer,  and  died  in  middle  life. 
He  had  a family  of  three  daughters  and  two 
son's. 

Sam.  P.  Brown  had  reached  the  age  of  nine 
years  before  his  parents  left  Grant  City.  He 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


845 


attended  school  in  that  place  and  in  Creston, 
where  he  grew  to  manhood.  When  he  struck 
out  in  life  for  himself  his  first  move  was  to 
go  West,  and  he  secured  work  on  a cattle 
ranch  at  Hermosa,  S.  Dak.  He  had  a bold  and 
adventurous  spirit,  and  the  active  outdoor  life 
pleased  him  well.  Four  years  later,  however, 
he  returned  to  Creston,  taking  a position  as 
clerk  in  a wholesale  grocery  store,  and  was  in 
the  employ  of  the  firm  two  years;  he  was  doing 
well,  but  the  close  confinement  proved  irksome. 
In  February,  1895,  he  had  charge  of  trotting 
horses  in  Janesville,  and  worked  with  them 
for  the  season.  His  personal  characteristics 
made  him  many  friends,  and  Sheriff  Appleby 
made  him  his  deputy  that  fall.  He  held  the 
same  position  with  Sheriff  Acheson,  and  is 
now  serving  his  third  term  with  Sheriff  Ap- 
pleby (who  has  been  re-elected),  proving  a 
capable  officer. 

On  April  1,  1899,  Mr.  Brown  married  Miss 
Grace  Acheson,  a daughter  of  Theodore  L. 
and1  Jane  (Martin)  Acheson,  of  Janesville. 
Mr.  Brown  is  a Republican  in  political  senti- 
ment. 

OSCAR  R.  OLSON  holds  a conspicuous 
place  among  the  thrifty  and  prosperous  young 
farmers  of  Green  county,  where  his  good  sense, 
kindly  disposition  and  industrious  habits  have 
won  him  many  friends  and  made  him  a useful 
and  honored  citizen  of  his  county.  He  was 
born  March  24,  1869,  a son  of  Rollin  and 
Mary  (Peterson)  Olson,  both  of  whom  were 
born  in  Norway.  They  came  to  this  country 
in  1845,  anfl  were  married  in  Lafayette  county, 
Wis.,  nine  years  later.  By  this  marriage  they 
became  the  parents  of  the  following  family : 
Caroline,  the  widow  of  Lars  O.  Grove,  of 
Jordan  township,  whose  sketch  is  found  else- 
where; Morgan  is  dead;  Clara  is  the  wife  of 
E.  B.  Tollefson,  of  South  Dakota;  Oscar  R. 
will  be  referred  to  farther  on  in  this  sketch; 
and  William  and  Henry  are  both  farmers  in 
the  town  of  Jordan. 

Rollin  Olson  was  born  Nov.  10,  1831,  and 
died  in  the  town  of  Jordan  March  31,  1898, 
and  within  these  limits  of  almost  seventy  years 
lived  an  exceedingly  active  and  useful  life. 
In  1861  he  enlisted  in  Company  E,  15th  Wis. 
V.  I.,  and  served  throughout  the  war  with 
honor  and  distinction,  being  first  lieutenant  at 
the  time  of  his  discharge.  He  took  part  in 
some  of  the  severest  battles  of  the  war,  and 


everywhere  bore  himself  gallantly  and  well. 
For  many  years  he  was  one  of  the  leading  citi- 
zens of  the  town  of  Jordan,  and  at  different 
times  was  called  upon  to  fill  many  of  the  town 
offices.  In  1880  and  in  1890  he  served  as  cen- 
sus enumerator,  and  was  always  a stanch  Re- 
publican. In  religion  he  was  a member  of  the 
Lutheran  Church,  and  his  honorable  and  up- 
right career  brought  no  stain  upon  his  faith. 
A man  of  correct  and  unquestionable  character, 
he  was  highly  esteemed  in  every  relation  in 
which  an  active  and  honorable  manhood  may 
manifest  itself,  as  citizen,  business  man,  hus- 
band and  father. 

Oscar  R.  Olson,  whose  name  appears  at 
■ the  introduction  of  this  article,  was  married  to 
Carrie  J.  Johnson,  Jan.  12,  1897.  Mrs.  Olson 
is  the  daughter  of  John  Johnson,  one  of  the  old 
settlers  of  the  town  of  York,  and  has  become 
the  mother  of  two  children,  Irene  (who  died  in 
infancy)  and  Eva  (born  Jan.  8,  1901).  Mrs. 
Olson  was  born  April  18,  1869,  and  was  one 
of  a family  of  six  children:  John,  of  Green 
county;  Rachel,  the  wife  of  John  Ordegard, 
of  Buffalo  county;  Lewis,  of  Dane  county; 
Carrie;  Martin;  and  Sever,  of  the  town  of 
York. 

Mr:  Olson  was  reared  on  the  paternal  es- 
tate in  the  town  of  Jordan,  and  had  his  edu- 
cation in  the  Green  county  public  schools,  com- 
pleting his  schooling  at  the  Northern  Indiana 
Normal  School  at  Valparaiso,  Ind.  For  some 
years  he  was  a successful  school  teacher  in 
Green  county,  and  in  1892  was  elected  register 
of  deeds  in  Green  county,  serving  for  six  years. 
Mr.  Olson  enlisted  in  Company  H,  1st  Regi- 
ment, Wisconsin  National  Guard,  in  1893, 
and  served  through  all  the  grades,  and  was 
made  regimental  adjutant,  with  the  rank  of 
captain,  in  1895.  This  regiment  was  mustered 
into  the  United  States  service  as  the  1st  Wis. 
V.  I.,  on  the  outbreak  of  the  Spanish-Ameri- 
can  war,  and  he  retained  his  position  as  cap- 
tain and  adjutant  of  that  command.  .This  regi- 
ment was  stationed  at  Jacksonville,  Fla.,  dur- 
ing the  summer  of  1898,  and  there  he  was 
promoted  to  the  position  of  acting  adjutant 
general  of  the  brigade  to  which  his  regiment 
was  attached,  and  served  in  that  office  until 
he  was  mustered  out  of  service. 

Mr.  Olson  purchased  a part  of  the  old  J. 
C.  Ula  farm  in  the  spring  of  1899.  This  is 
one  of  the  desirable  farms  of  this  section,  and 
consists  of  241  acres  in  section  17,  of  the  town 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


6 46 


of  York,  twenty-five  miles  northwest  of  Mon- 
roe, and  three  miles  northeast  of  Blanchard- 
ville.  Mr.  Olson  is  one  of  the  prominent  men 
of  the  community  in  which  his  active  and  use- 
ful life  is  passing.  At  the  present  time  he  is 
chairman  of  the  town  board.  Starting  in  life 
without  a dollar,  he  went  to  Dakota,  where  he 
earned  his  first  fifty  dollars,  which  he  spent  in 
going  to  school.  In  politics  Mr.  Olson  is  a 
stanch  Republican,  and  in  religion  a member 
of  the  Lutheran  Church.  Personally  he  is  a 
man  of  high  character,  and  is  devoted  to  the 
general  welfare  of  his  country  and  to  his  fam- 
ily. Fraternally  he  is  a member  of  the  Inde- 
pendent Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  being  a past 
grand  of  Monroe  Lodge,  No.  72,  and  is  also 
a member  of  the  Jerry  Rusk  Garrison,  Knights 
of  the  Globe,  also  of  Monroe. 

FRANK  VAN  WART,  a leading  drug- 
gist and  pharmacist  of  Beloit,  Rock  county, 
was  born  in  the  town  of  Porter,  near  Evans- 
ville, Rock  Co.,  Wis.,  May  12,  1865,  and  is  a 
son  of  David  and  Anna  (Jones)  Van  Wart, 
natives  of  New  York  and  Ohio,  respectively. 
They  were  the  parents  of  five  sons.  Frank, 
Louis,  Charles,  Don  and  David. 

David  Van  Wart  was  only  a small  boy 
when  he  came  with  his  parents  to  Wisconsin. 
He  grew  to  manhood  near  Evansville,  and 
when  a young  man  twice  made  the  journey 
overland  to  California.  There  he  had  charge 
of  transporting  gold  from  Marysville  to  San 
Francisco  for  the  companies  in  whose  employ- 
ment he  was  at  that  time.  He  remained  in  the 
land  of  gold  some  four  or  five  years,  then  re- 
turning to  Wisconsin,  lie  settled  down  for  sev- 
eral years  as  keeper  of  the  old  Ball  tavern,  a 
well-remembered,  old-time  road  house,  three 
miles  east  of  Evansville.  Retiring  from  the 
tavern,  he  engaged  in  farming  in  the  same 
neighborhood,  buying  a farm  of  200  acres,  and 
after  a time  eighty  acres  more.  Here  he 
reared  his  family,  and  here  he  and  his  wife 
still  abide.  It  is  a beautiful  place,  and  a grand, 
location  for  five  growing  lads.  His  wife  is  a 
Methodist,  and  while  he  has  strong  religious 
convictions  he  has  never  united  himself  with 
any  church.  He  is  a Democrat,  and  has  been 
supervisor  and  president  of  the  town  board 
several  times.  Bishop  Van  Wart,  the  father 
of  David,  was  of  ITolland-Dutch  descent,  and 
came  from  Chautauqua  county,  N.  Y.  He  was 
among  the  very  earliest  settlers  of  Rock  county, 


and  located  on  a farm  near  Evansville,  and 
at  one  time  had  charge  of  the  county  poor-farm. 
He  lived  to  be  eighty-six  years  old,  and  was 
the  father  of  four  sons  and  two  daughters. 
The  maternal  grandfather  of  Frank  Van  Wart 
was  John  Jones.  He  was  born  in  Wales,  and 
emigrated  to  this  country  when  a young  man. 
He  was  for  a time  located  in  a Welsh  settle- 
ment in  Ohio,  but  came  to  Wisconsin  in  the 
early  days,  and  went  on  a farm  in  Union  town- 
ship, Rock  county.  There  he  spent  the  balance 
of  his  life,  and  died  at  the  age  of  eighty-two. 
He  was  the  father  of  two  sons  and  three 
daughters. 

Frank  Van  Wart  was  reared  on  the  paternal 
homestead  near  Evansville.  He  had  a thorough 
schooling  in  the  public  school  and  in  the  semin- 
ary at  Evansville.  He  was  a student  of 
the  College  of  Pharmacy  at  Chicago,  gradu- 
ating in  1886,  with  a thorough  knowledge  of 
his  calling.  The  next  year  he  came  to  Beloit 
and  entered  the  drug  store  of  Ed.  Smith.  He 
was  also  a clerk  for  Mr.  Emerson  and  Mr. 
Pollock,  and  in  July,  1895,  began  business  for 
himself.  That  month  he  bought  out  the  drug 
store  of  Frank  Foster,  and  has  since  then  been 
incessant  in  his-  efforts  to  please  the  public, 
and  to  secure  as  large  a share  of  its  trade  as 
honest  dealing  and  genuine  goods  will  com- 
mand. 

Mr.  Van  Wart  and  Miss  Laura  Bangs 
were  married  Feb.  18,  1887.  Mrs.  Van  Wart 
is  a daughter  of  Homer  and  Anna  (Mills) 
Bangs,  and  is  a most  estimable  lady.  She  is 
the  mother  of  two  children,  Leona  and  Theron. 
The  family  have  a fine  home  at  No.  333  West 
Bridge  street.  Mr.  Van  Wart  is  a Mason  of 
high  degree,  holding  membership  in  Morning 
Star  Lodge,  No.  10,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  Chapter 
No.  9,  R.  A.  M.,  and  Beloit  Commandery, 
No.  6,  K.  T.  He  is  also  a member  of  the 
Knights  of  Pythias.  He  is  a Democrat,  and, 
while  not  a politician,  takes  an  intelligent  in- 
terest in  the  welfare  of  his  party.  Mr.  Van 
Wart  represents  two  families  who  were  among 
the  very  earliest  settlers  of  the  county. 

WILLIAM  H.  CARPENTER.  This  gen- 
tleman belongs  to  the  firm  of  Carpenter  & 
Ballard,  dealers  in  grain  and  coal  at  Evans- 
ville, Rock  county,  and  has  long  been  favor- 
ably identified  with  the  business  interests  of 
this  city. 

Mr.  Carpenter  was  born  in  Hamilton  coun- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


84  7 


ty,  near  Northville,  N.  Y.,  March  22,  1843, 
and  is  a son  of  Allen  D.  and  Mary  Ann  (Wads- 
worth) Carpenter,  natives  of  Vermont  and 
New  York,  respectively.  Four  sons  and  three 
daughters  were  born  to  them,  of  whom  all  but 
one  are  now  living:  John  W.,  of  Janesville; 
Laura  E.,  wife  of  Nathaniel  Ballard,  of  Evans- 
ville; William  H.;  Mary  Ann,  the  wife  of 
Alexander  McKinney,  of  Evansville;  Josiah, 
of  the  town  of  Union,  Rock  county;  Emma 
J.,  the  wife  of  Edwin  Winter,  of  Evansville. 
The  father  was  a millwright,  and  came  to 
Wisconsin  in  the  ’fifties,  locating  in  the  town 
of  Union,  two  miles  east  of  Evansville,  where 
he  lived  until  he  died  in  i860,  at  the  age  of 
forty-seven.  His  widow  survived  until  1893, 
and  was  seventy-seven  at  the  time  of  her  death. 
They  were  both  Methodists.  The  paternal 
grandfather  of  William  Id.,  Allen  D.  Carpen- 
ter, was  a native  of  England,  and  came  to  this 
country,  settling  in  New  York,  where  he  died 
at  the  age  of  eighty;  he  was  the  father  of  four 
children.  Josiah  Wadsworth,  the  father  of 
Mary  Ann  mentioned  above,  is  supposed  to 
have  come  from  Ireland,  and  settled  in  Hamil- 
ton county,  N.  Y.,  where  he  followed  farming, 
and  died  there  an  old  man ; he  was  the  father 
of  thirteen  children. 

William  H.  Carpenter  was  reared  on  the 
paternal  acres  in  Hamilton  county  until  he 
was  eleven  years  of  age.  He  came  to  Rock 
county  that  year,  and  here  he  attained1  his 
manhood.  He  had  his  education  in  the  district 
school,  and  in  1864  he  bought  a farm  of  120 
acres,  upon  which  he  made  many  permanent 
and  substantial  improvements,  and  was  engaged 
in  its  cultivation  until  1882.  That  year  he 
moved  into  Evansville,  and  seventeen  years 
later  he  sold  the  farm.  He  was  an  active  and 
busy  man  through  all  these  years,  and  though 
there  is  but  little  of  change  and  adventure  in 
his  career,  it  has  been  honorable  and  credita- 
ble throughout. 

On  Jan.  1,  1865,  occurred  the  marriage  of 
William  H.  Carpenter  and  Miss  Elizabeth  Bal- 
lard, daughter  of  Gailus  and  Sarah  (Felt) 
Ballard.  They  became  the  parents  of  three 
children,  William,  Cora  and  Grace.  William 
died  at  the  age  of  seven.  Cora  is  at  home, 
and  Grace  is  a student  at  the  Normal  School 
in  Milwaukee.  Mr.  Carpenter  belongs  to 
Union  Lodge,  No.  32,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  Evans- 
ville Chapter,  No.  35,  R.  A.  M.,  and  is  a stanch 
and  devoted  member  of  the  order.  He  is  a 


Republican,  and  is  highly  esteemed  by  many 
friends.  He  lives  at  No.  232  Church  street, 
Evansville,  and  has  been  a resident  of  the  coun- 
ty forty-six  years. 

WILLIAM  W.  RILEY,  for  several  years 
the  genial  and  efficient  agent  of  the  American 
Express  Co.  at  Beloit,  Wis.,  was  born  at  Green 
River,  Vt.,  April  16,  1870.  His  parents,  Will- 
iam Id.  and  Anna  A.  (Head)  Rdey,  were  na- 
tives of  New  York,  and  had  a famdy  of  three 
children:  William  W.,  of  Beloit;  Franklin  H., 
of  Milwaukee;  and  John  Wesley,  of  Appleton. 
The  father  was  a farmer  boy  in  New  York, 
and  at  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war  enlisted 
in  the  6th  N.  Y.  Vol.  Cav.  He  served  four 
years  and  three  months  at  the  front,  and  was 
seriously  wounded  several  times.  He  had  a 
bullet  wound  in  the  center  of  his  forehead,  and 
a saber  thrust  through  his  arm  into  his  left 
side.  He  was  thrown  from  his  horse  in  front 
of  a cannon  at  the  premature  explosion  of  the 
latter,  and  had  his  face  filled  with  powder, 
and  was  otherwise  so  seriously  injured  that 
he  was  kept  in  the  hospital  for  a half  year  or 
more.  He  was  in  the  battle  of  the  Wilder- 
ness, and  many  of  the  other  bloody  struggles 
that  marked  the  history  of  the  Army  of  the 
Potomac.  When  he  came  back  from  the  war 
Mr.  Riley  entered  the  employment  of  the 
Boylston  Manufacturing  Co.,  at  Green  River, 
Vt.,  and  rose  to  be  the  head  of  the  blacksmith- 
ing  department  of  their  extensive  factory. 
That  position  he  held  until  1874,  when  he  went 
into  business  for  himself  at  South  Norwalk, 
Conn.,  as  a general  worker  in  iron,  at  carriage 
making  and  manufacturing  oyster  tongs,  and 
had  a regular  working  force  of  about  eighteen 
hands.  He  came  West  to  Milwaukee  on  ac- 
count of  his  wife’s  health,  and  died  three  days 
later,  May  5,  1883,  at  the  age  of  thirty-five. 
His  wife  still  survives,  and  has  her  home  in 
that  city.  She  married  Robert  C.  Higgs  for 
her  second  husband,  and  they  have  two  chil- 
dren, Benjamin  and  Dean.  William  Riley,  the 
paternal  grandfather  of  our  subject,  was  born 
in  County  Cavan,  Ireland.  He  studied  at  Ox- 
ford for  the  Episcopal  ministry,  but  his  father 
disowning  him,  he  married  an  English  girl, 
and  emigrated  to  Ottawa,  Canada,  with  the 
intention  of  practicing  law.  His  health  failed 
him,  and  he  turned  to  farming,  locating  near 
Ogdensburg,  N.  Y.,  where  he  died  in  middle 
life  during  the  Civil  war,  from  injuries  re- 


848 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ceived  by  being  thrown  from  a buggy.  He 
was  the  father  of  three  sons  and  three  daugh- 
ters. The  maternal  grandfather  of  William 
W.  Riley  was  James  Head.  He  was  born  in 
Lincolnshire,  England,  and  was  all  his  life  a 
farmer.  He  came  to  this  country  in  1833, 
and  served  in  the  Civil  war.  He  retired  from 
farming  about  1872,  and  came  West  to  Mil- 
waukee, investing  his  money  in  lead  mines  in 
the  western  part  of  the  State.  He  died  in  1889, 
and  his  wife  in  1896,  the  mother  of  thirteen 
children.  They  were  both  born  in  1800,  within 
one  day  of  each  other. 

William  W.  Riley  received  his  schooling 
at  South  Norwalk,  Conn.,  and  at  the  age  of 
thirteen  began  his  life  work  in  Milwaukee  as 
a cash  boy  in  a dry  goods  store.  He  was  mes- 
senger boy  for  the  Western  Union  Telegraph 
Co.,  and  held  successive  clerical  positions  until 
1890.  That  year  he  started  in  as  second  as- 
sistant cashier  of  the  Milwaukee  office  of  the 
American  Express  Co.  He  remained  in  the 
Milwaukee  office  until  February,  1896,  when 
he  was  sent  to  Beloit  to  take  the  agency  of  the 
company  in  that  city,  and  he  acted  as  their 
competent  and  trusted  representative  in  Beloit. 

Mr.  Riley  and  Miss  Gertrude  Weaver  were 
married  July  8,  1896.  Mrs.  Riley  is  the  daugh- 
ter of  Thomas  and  Emma  (Callear)  Weaver. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Riley  are  members  of  the  Meth- 
odist Church,  and  are  regarded  as  valuable 
helpers  by  the  church  community.  They  have 
a comfortable  home  at  No.  122  E street.  Mr. 
Riley  belongs  to  Morning  Star  Lodge,  No.  10, 
A.  E.  & A.  M.,  and  to  Beloit  Chapter,  No. 
9,  R.  A.  M.  He  is  a Republican  in  political 
faith. 

JOHN  LYONS  (deceased)  was  one  of 
the  pioneers  of  southwestern  Wisconsin.  Born 
in  Manchester,  England,  on  Aug.  15,  1801,  his 
early  youth  and  manhood  were  spent  in  the 
land  of  his  birth,  where  he  was  reared  to  the 
trade  of  cotton  spinner,  and  in  1822,  selected 
Mary  Johnson,  a native  of  his  own  city,  to  be 
his  life  companion.  In  1832  he  came  from 
England  to  Philadelphia,  and  it  was  not  until 
two  years  later  that  he  came  to  Grant  county, 
Wisconsin,  locating  at  Potosi  or  Snake  Hol- 
low, as  the  locality  was  then  named,  on  account 
of  some  local  tradition.  In  1836  he  was  joined 
by  the  family,  consisting  of  his  wife  and  four 
daughters,  who  had  remained  most  of  this  time 
in  England. 


Mr.  Lyons  engaged  in  mining  and  fol- 
lowed this  occupation  as  long  as  he  was  able 
to  labor.  His  death  occurred  at  Potosi,  on 
April  11,  1874,  and  the  wife  and  mother  passed 
away  on  Dec.  8,  1873.  She  was  a devoted 
Christian  woman,  and  in  all  respects  possessed 
a most  lovable  character.  Like  her  husband 
she  had  been  gifted  with  a most  melodious 
voice,  and  this  has  been  inherited  by  several 
of  her  children.  Three  of  the  four  daughters 
who  accompanied  her  from  the  English  home 
yet  survive,  these  being:  Mrs.  Sarah  A. 

Greene,  of  Potosi ; Mrs.  Elizabeth  L.  Davies, 
of  British  Hollow,  Grant  county;  and  Mrs. 
Rachel  Woodhouse,  of  Bloomington,  Grant 
county;  the  eldest,  Mrs.  Leah  Jane  Moreing, 
died  in  Stockton,  Cal.,  at  the  home  of  her  son, 
Cyrus,  in  1875.  Of  the  five  children  born  after 
the  family  settlement  in  America  Hugh  and  Ab- 
igail died  in  infancy;  Edward  and  Jervis  died 
in  early  manhood;  while  the  eldest,  John 
George,  who  was  the  first  male  white  child  born 
in  Potosi,  is  still  a resident  of  that  place. 

John  Lyons  was  a man  of  much  natural 
ability,  and  was  the  possessor  of  a high  sense 
of  honor  and  of  unswerving  integrity.  In 
early  life  he  was  a consistent  member  of  the 
Methodist  Church  but,  owing  to  the  position  of 
the  local  church  on  the  slavery  question,  he  as- 
sociated himself  with  the  Primitive  Methodist 
Church,  and  his  eloquent  voice  was  often  heard 
against  both  slavery  and  intemperance.  Not 
only  was  he  a man  of  fine  presence,  but  a force- 
ful and  fluent  orator.  Gifted  with  a tenor 
voice  of  remarkable  power  and  sweetness,  he 
used  it  for  the  advancement  of  morality,  and 
in  the  interests  of  those  who  could  neither 
speak  nor  sing  for  themselves.  Long  will 
his  name  live  in  the  hearts  of  the  earnest  and 
thoughtful  citizens  of  Grant  county. 

ASBJORN  E.  STEENSLAND,  a pros- 
perous farmer  of  the  town  of  Moscow,  Iowa 
county,  has  been  a resident  of  that  town  for 
over  forty-seven  years,  and  in  that  long  period 
'has  established  himself  as  one  of  the  valua- 
ble citizens  of  this  locality. 

Mr.  Steensland  was  born  in  Norway  in 
1833,  son  of  Erick  and  Ingeborg  Steensland, 
who  brought  their  family  to  the  United  States 
and  to  Wisconsin  in  1854,  settling  at  once 
in  the  town  of  Moscow,  Iowa  county,  where 
the  family  is  well  represented  at  this  time  by 
our  subject  and  his  brother  Ole,  who  is  men- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


849 


tioned  elsewhere.  The  family  took  up  their 
home  on  the  farm  now  owned  and  occupied 
by  our  subject,  and  there  the  father  engaged 
in  farming  until  his  death,  in  November, 
1868.  The  mother  survived  until  Septem- 
ber, 1887.  Of  the  large  family  born  to  this 
worthy  couple  eight  grew  to  maturity  and  still 
survive. 

Asbjorn  E.  Steensland  was  reared  and 
educated  in  his  native  land,  and  has  engaged 
in  farming  all  his  active  life.  In  February, 
1865,  he  enlisted  in  the  Union  service,  becom- 
ing a member  of  Company  F,  46th  Wis.  V. 
I.,  which  regiment  served  in  Alabama,  on  de- 
tached duty,  for  the  most  part  engaged  in 
guarding  railroads.  As  a soldier  Mr.  Steens- 
land faithfully  discharged  the  duties  assigned 
him,  and  he  received  an  honorable  discharge, 
being  mustered  out  with  the  rest  of  his  com- 
mand. He  holds  membership  in  G.  A.  R. 
Post  No.  224,  at  Blanchardville.  He  has  led 
an  industrious,  useful  life,  and  merits  the  re- 
spect in  which  he  is  held  by  his  fellow  citi- 
zens throughout  the  township,  having  done 
his  duty  in  all  the  relations  of  life— business, 
social,  public  or  domestic.  He  is  a stanch 
Republican  in  political  faith,  and  takes  a deep 
interest  in  local  affairs;  he  has  served  as  town- 
ship treasurer. 

Mr.  Steensland  was  married  before  he  en- 
tered the  army  to  Miss  Melena  Storland,  like 
himself  a native  of  Norway,  who  came  to 
America  the  same  year  as  he  did.  Twelve 
children  have  blessed  their  union,  five  sons 
and  seven  daughters : Ingeborg  Hegland, 

wife  of  a farmer;  Ivrene  W.  Severson,  wife 
of  a lumber  dealer;  Judith;  Erik;  Iver;  Ju- 
lia; Susan;  August;  Elmore;  Eunice;  Mamie; 
and  Ferdinand. 

JAMES  HUFFMAN  is  one  of  the  promi- 
nent and  prosperous  farmers  of  Clarno  town- 
ship, Green  county,  residing  four  and  one- 
half  miles  southwest  of  Monroe. 

Mr.  Huffman  is  a son  of  Jacob  and  Eliza- 
beth (Jones)  Huffman,  who  were  natives  of 
Pennsylvania,  of  German  descent,  and  located 
in  Wisconsin  in  1845.  They  became  the  par- 
ents of  eight  children : Absalom,  deceased ; 
Solomon,  deceased;  William,  'deceased; 
James,  our  subject,  who  was  born  Oct.  19, 
1839;  Ellen,  who  married  Isaac  Miller,  and 
died  on  the  overland  route  to-  California  in 

1862;  Christiana,  who  married  John  B.  Starr, 
54 


of  Iowa;  Elizabeth,  who  married  Andrew 
ITiserote,  of  Nebraska;  and  Jacob,  of  Clarno 
township.  The  mother  of  these  died  in  1846, 
and  for  his  second  wife  Mr.  Huffman  mar- 
ried Barbara  Mowery,  two  children  being  born 
of  this  union:  Daniel,  of  Nebraska;  and 

Mary,  who  married  E.  Barnes,  also  of  Ne- 
braska. 

James  Huffman  came  to  Wisconsin  with 
his  parents  when  he  was  but  six  years  of  age, 
and  received  his  education  in  the  rural  free 
schools,,  which  were  then  held  in  log  cabins. 
He  was  poor  in  purse,  but  he  possessed  energy 
and  hope.  On  Oct.  21,  1858,  he  married 
Mary  E.  Downs,  of  Green  county,  daughter 
of  Jesse  and  Malinda  (De  Long)  Downs,, 
who  were  among  the  early  settlers  of  the 
county,  coming  here  from  Coshocton  county, 
Ohio,  in  1845.  They  died  while  Mrs.  Huff- 
man was  a child,  she  being  reared  by  her 
grandmother,  Mrs.  Susanna  De  Long.  For 
some  time  after  marriage  our  subject  and  his 
wife  resided  in  a log  cabin  18x16  feet,  floored 
with  slabs,  and  covered  with  boards  that  were, 
held  by  logs  being  laid  on  them,  but  peace,, 
health  and  happiness  filled  the  cabin,  and  now 
this  worthy  couple  own  one  of  the  fine  farms' 
and  substantial  residences  of  Clarno  township. 
Children  as  follows  have  been  born  to  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Huffman:  Emma  E. ; Albert,  de- 
ceased; James,  a resident  of  Chicago;  Anna, 
deceased ; Alva  S.,  a resident  of  Clarno  town- 
ship ; Minnie,  who  married  Arthur  Gilmore, 
and  lives  in  Cadiz  township;  Jacob  C.,  who 
married  Nellie  E.  Meachner,  now  deceased; 
and  Lizzie,  deceased.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Huffman 
have  six  grandchildren,  all  boys,  two  of  whom 
have  reached  manhood.  In  1862  Mr.  Huff- 
man made  the  overland  trip  to  California 
with  a team,  returning  in  1863,  and  in  1865 
migrated  to  Iowa  with  his  family,  in  1871 
returning  again  to  Green  county,  where  he 
has  since  resided.  Pie  is  the  owner  of  160 
acres  of  fine  farming  land,  and  also  twenty 
acres  of  orange  land  in  Florida:  Although 

he  has  become  a successful  and  prosperous 
man,  Mr.  Huffman  still  enjoys  looking  after 
his  interests.  For  seventeen  years  he  con- 
ducted a dairy  business  in  connection  with  his 
farming,  and  now  takes  great  pride  in  his 
fine  Shorthorn  cattle. 

In  politics  Mr.  Huffman  is  a stanch  Demo- 
crat, in  which  faith  he  was  reared,  and  he 
has  been  called  upon  to  serve  in  many  of  the 


850 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


local  town  offices,  having  been  school  direc- 
tor, clerk  and  township  assessor,  which  posi- 
tions he  filled  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the 
community.  Both  he  and  his  wife  have  been 
consistent  members  of  the  U.  B.  Church  for 
twenty-five  years,  living  exemplary  Christian 
lives,  and  esteemed  by  the  whole  neighbor- 
hood. 

JOHN  LEGLER,  one  of  the  respected 
and  leading  business  men  of  Green  county, 
a dealer  in  live  stock,  grain,  lumber  and  coal 
at  Juda,  has  not  only  made  for  himself  a fine 
reputation  as  a business  man,  but  has  accu- 
mulated a very  comfortable  competence  by  the 
exercise  of  those  natural  endowments  of  a 
clear-sighted  and  practical  mind,  an  honest 
disposition,  and  industrious  habits,  that  win 
success  anywhere. 

Mr.  Legler  is  a son  of  David  and  Eliza- 
beth Eegler,  of  Green  county,  Wis.,  who  came 
from  Switzerland  in  1847,  and  settled  in  the 
northern  part  of  Green  county,  in  company 
with  a large  colony  of  their  compatriots. 
The  father  took  up  government  land,  and  made 
a farm  in  the  wilderness,  where  he  lived  and 
died.  Of  his  sixteen  children,  seven  were 
born  to  his  first  marriage,  with  Barbara  Leg- 
ler. But  two  of  these  survive:  Andrew,  of 
Green  county,  Wis.;  and  David,  who  is  a 
farmer  in  Nebraska.  The  others  died  in  child- 
hood. Of  the  children  by  his  second  wife  the 
following  survived  to  maturity : John,  whose 
name  appears  above;  Jacob,  who  is  clerk  in  a 
lumber  yard  in  Green  county;  Fredolin,  a 
farmer  in  Iowa;  and  Elizabeth,  wife  of  Peter 
Classy,  of  New  Glarus,  Wis.  The  others  died 
in  infancy.  David  Legler  died  in  1887,  at 
-the  age  of  eighty-four. 

John  Legler  was  born  April  5,  1852,  and 
on  March  2,  1871,  married  Miss  Mary  Blu- 
mer,  of  Green  county,  Wis.,  "a  daughter  of 
John  and  Mary  Blumer,  of  that  county.  They 
have  had  four  children : Elizabeth,  born  in 
1873,  wife  of  Albert  Babler,  of  Monticello, 
Wis. ; John  L.,  born  in  1879,  in  business  with 
his  father;  Wilma  Iv.,  born  Feb.  13,  1884, 
now  a student  at  Lawrence  University,  Ap- 
pleton, Wis. ; and  Mary,  who  died  in  infancy. 

John  Legler  began  life  as  a farmer’s  boy, 
with  somewhat  limited  educational  advan- 
tages. His  entire  schooling  was  not  more 
than  a year  in  all,  but  lie  has  had  the  teaching 
of  experience,  and  is  a keen,  observant  charac- 


ter. When  he  married  he  started  out  in  life 
a poor  man,  and  followed  farming  until  he 
was  thirty-five  years  of  age.  At  that  age  lie 
gave  up  farming  and  came  to  Juda  to  engage 
in  his  present  business.  Mr.  Legler  has  be- 
come very  well-to-do,  and  is  one  of  the  lead- 
ing men  of  the  village. 

Mr.  Legler  is  a stanch  Prohibitionist,  and 
attended  the  national  convention  of  that  party 
which  was  held  in  Chicago  in  July,  1900. 
He  belongs  to  the  Good  Templars.  He  has 
served  as  town  chairman  and  school  director. 
Mr.  Legler  is  a man  of  fine  mind,  clear  views, 
and  takes  a strong  interest  in  everything  that 
relates  to  the  general  good  of  the  community. 
His  genial  nature  and  accommodating  spirit 
have  made  him  many  friends. 

PATRICK  GRANT,  at  present  (1900) 
the  register  of  deeds  of  Iowa  county,  and  a 
man  held  in  high  repute  for  both  ability  and 
integrity,  was  born  in  Ireland,  but  has  made 
his  home  in  southern  Wisconsin  since  his 
boyhood,  in  fact  for  half  a century.  Plis 
father,  Thomas  Grant,  was  born  in  County 
Kilkenny,  Ireland,  about  1815,  and  emigrated 
to  America  in  the  spring  of  1850,  bringing 
with  him  his  wife,  Johanna,  and  his  three 
sons,  Patrick,  John  and  David.  The  objec- 
tive point  of  the  family  was  the  mining  lands 
of  Iowa  county,  and  thither  they  proceeded 
immediately  after  disembarking  at  Montreal. 
The  voyage  across  the  Atlantic  was  made  in 
a sailing  vessel  to  Quebec,  and  thence  they 
proceeded  by  steamer  to  the  historic  city, 
whence  they  started  on  their  westward  jour- 
ney. Nearly  eight  weeks  were  spent  on  the 
sea,  and  it  may  be  readily  believed  that  when 
their  wanderings  ceased,  on  reaching  the  vil- 
lage of  Highland,  the  hearts  of  all  were  joy- 
ful. The  elder  Grant  at  once  began  work  in 
the  mines,  but  the  tales  of  vast  wealth,  to 
be  had  with  little  labor,  in  California,  allured 
him  to  the  Pacific  coast  in  1852.  He  re- 
mained there  for  three  years,  when  he  returned 
•to  his  home  and  family  in  Wisconsin.  He 
died  in  1874,  at  the  age  of  about  sixty  years, 
happy  in  the  love  of  his  family  and  the  sin- 
cere respect  of  the  community.  His  widow 
survived  him  until  Oct.  5,  1889,  when  she, 
too,  passed  away,  at  the  home  of  her  son, 
Patrick,  who,  with  his  faithful  wife,  had  de- 
votedly and  tenderly  ministered  to  her  in  her 
I declining  years.  Patrick  was  the  first  born  son. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


851 


John,  the  second,  went  from  Highland  to  Illi- 
nois in  i860,  and  thence  to  Missouri,  where 
he  began  the. life  of  a steamboatman  on  the 
lower  Mississippi.  Being  in  the  Confederacy 
at  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war,  he  was  draft- 
ed into  the  Southern  military  service  much 
against  his  wish.  He  availed  himself  of  the 
earliest  opportunity  which  offered  to  escape 
into  the  Northern  lines,  and  passed  the  latter 
years  of  his  life  in  the  territory  of  Wyoming, 
dying  there  about  1888.  David,  the  youngest 
of  the  three  sons  of  Thomas  Grant,  was  a 
blacksmith  by  trade,  and  settled  at  Dubuque, 
Iowa,  where  he  died  in  1895. 

Patrick  Grant  was  a boy  of  twelve  when 
he  crossed  the  ocean  with  his  parents.  He 
grew  to  mature  years  in  Highland,  and  in 
early  manhood  married  Elizabeth  Gunn, 
whose  parents,  John  and  Mary  Gunn,  were, 
like  his  own,  emigrants  from  Ireland.  Their 
earliest  homes  in  America,  however,  were  in 
the  States  of  New  Hampshire  and  New  York, 
and  the  family  settled  in  Highland  about 
1848.  Mrs.  Grant  is  the  youngest  of  a family 
of  four  children,  the  others  being  James,  Will- 
iam and  Isabel,  of  whom  William  died  in 
Idaho  in  1899;  James  served  through  the  war 
for  the  Union  as  captain  of  Company  G,  27th 
Wis.  V.  I.,  and  since  quitting  the  service  he 
has  resided  in  various  localities,  in  1896  be- 
ing elected  to  Congress  from  Idaho,  and  still 
has  his  home  in  Washington,  D.  C. ; Isabel 
married  William  Bambrick,  of  West  Virginia, 
who  subsequently  removed  to  Georgetown, 
Col.,  where  he  died,  and  her  present  home  is 
at  Haley,  Idaho.  Mr.  Gunn,  Sr.,  died  in 
i860,  and  his  wife  on  Sept.  24,  1889.  To 
Mr.  Patrick  Grant  and  his  wife  nine  children 
have  been  born,  five  of  whom  are  yet  living. 
Isabel,  the  eldest,  is  a stenographer,  and  is  em- 
ployed in  Milwaukee ; Delia  is  her  father's 
deputy  in  the  register’s  office;  Grace  and  El- 
mer live  at  home;  William,  John  and  Thomas 
died  in  childhood,  or  early  youth. 

No;  public  man  in  Iowa  county  enjoys  a 
more  enviable  reputation  than  does  the  pres- 
ent register  of  deeds,  who  is  now  serving  his 
second  term  in  that  office,  his  name  being  a 
synonym  for  incorruptible  integrity.  Prior 
to  his  elevation  to  this  post  he  had  held  other 
positions  of  honor  and  trust,  among  them  be- 
ing those  of  chairman  of  the  board  of  super- 
visors, town  treasurer  and  member  of  the 
school  board.  Prior  to  1884  Mr.  Grant  was 


a Democrat,  but  in  that  year  cast  his  vote  for 
James  G.  Blaine  and  the  Republican  ticket, 
and  since  then  has  affiliated  with  the  Repub- 
lican party.  In  religious  creed  he  is  a devout 
Catholic,  his  life  being  a practical  exempli- 
fication of  the  vital  power  of  the  faith  which 
he  professes. 

DR.  CARL  STEIGER,  physician  and  sur- 
geon at  Monroe,  Green  county,  has  a sound 
and  thorough  medical  education  obtained  at  the 
best  European  schools,  and  is  one  of  the  most 
progressive,  cultured  and  capable  practitioners 
of  medicine  to  be  found  in  the  Northwest. 

Dr.  Steiger  was  born  in  Zurich,  Switz- 
erland, Feb.  12,  1861,  and  is  the  only  child 
of  John  Carl  and  Amelia  (Grohs)  Steiger, 
both  natives  of  Switzerland.  The  senior  Stei- 
ger began  the  study  of  medicine  when  he 
was  a young  man,  but  broke  off  his  medical 
work  to  take  up  the  business  of  a tradesman 
for  several  years,  returning,  however,  to  the 
practice  of  medicine.  He  was  a great  traveler, 
and  followed  his  profession  in  India  and  in 
Spain.  He  served  in  the  regular  army  in 
Switzerland.  His  death  occurred  in  1886,  at 
the  age  of  fifty-six.  Elis  wife  died  when  she 
was  in  her  nineteenth  year,  leaving  her  son 
then  only  seven  months  old.  Peter  Steiger, 
the  father  of  John  Carl,  was  in  early  life  a 
clergyman,  being  called  from  the  pulpit  to 
enter  civil  life,  and  became  the  governor  of 
the  canton  of  St.  Gallen,  and  for  the  rest  of 
his  years  he  was  a public  character,  in  the 
service  of  the  republic.  He  had  three  sons 
and  one  daughter,  and  lived  to  be  sixty  years 
old.  Johann  Grohs,  the  father  of  Amelia,  was 
a native  of  Switzerland,  and  was  a hotel- 
keeper  in  Zurich,  and  reached  the  venerable 
age  of  ninety-two.  Amelia  was  his  only  child. 

Dr.  Carl  Steiger,  left  a motherless  child 
when  a mere  infant,  was  taken  into  the  home 
of  his  maternal  grandfather,  and  kept  there 
until  lie  reached  the  age  of  six  years.  At 
that  age  he  was  taken  to  Marthalen,  Switzer- 
land, to  another  home,  and  sent  to  the  public 
school  until  he  reached  his  twelfth  year.  Then 
the  young  lad,  as  the  custom  was,  entered 
the  gymnasium  at  Winterthur,  where  he  stud- 
ied for  seven  years.  He  went  to  the  academy 
at  Lausanne,  and  took  up  the  study  of  medi- 
cine. He  was  in  the  academy  three  years,  and 
then  matriculating  at  the  University  of  Mu- 
nich, spent  two  and  a half  years  in  its  medi- 


852 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


cal  department,  receiving  his  diploma  in  1887. 

It  represented  long  and  laborious  years,  and 
his  standing  in  the  university  secured  him  the 
appointment  of  assistant  physician  in  the 
Munich  city  hospital  the  same  year.  In  1888 
he  came  to  this  country,  and  on  June  15,  that 
year,  he  located  in  Monroe,  Wis.,  immediately 
engaging  in  practice  as  a general  physician. 
He  is  an  able  and  careful  practitioner,  under- 
stands his  profession  as  closely  as  a hard- 
working and  observant  student  can,  and  is  re- 
garded as  a reliable  and  successful  physician. 
His  office  is  located  on  East  Russell  street, 
half  a block  from  the  court-house  square. 

Dr.  Steiger  and  Miss  Belle  Linder,  the 
daughter  of  John  and  Lydia  (George)  Lin- 
der, were  married  May  27,  1889.  The  Doc- 
tor has  had  three  children  born  to  him,  Carl, 
Max  and  Lluldah.  Carl  died  when  eleven 
months  old.  Dr.  Steiger  belongs  to  Concordia 
Lodge,  No.  174,  of  the  German  Odd  Fellows, 
the  Germania  Wisconsin  G.  U.  G.,  a mutual 
life  insurance  fraternity,  the  A.  O.  U.  W., 
and  the  Monroe  Turnverein.  He  is  a genial 
and  popular  gentleman. 

WILLIAM  CLARNO,  who  offered  him- 
self a willing  sacrifice  to  his  country  in  her 
hour  of  peril,  is  now  living  retired  at  his  com- 
fortable home  in  Browntown,  Green  county. 
In  the  dark  days  of  1862  he  volunteered  in 
the  Union  army,  becoming  a member  of  Com- 
pany C,  3d  Wis.  V.  I.,  under  Capt.  Flood, 
and  took  part  in  many  of  the  hard  fought  bat- 
tles of  the  war.  His  first  enlistment  dates 
from  March  11,  1862,  and  was  for  three  years’ 
service,  at  the  end  of  which  time  he  re-enlist- 
ed, and  was  transferred  to  the  Western  Army, 
lie  participated  in  the  battles  of  Winchester, 
Cedar  Mountain,  Chancellorsville,  Antietam, 
Gettysburg,  Buzzard  Roost,  Resaca,  Dallas 
and  Lost  Mountain.  In  the  last  named  battle 
Mr.  Clarno  saw  his  last  service,  as  he  was 
wounded  by  a minie  ball  June  16,  1864,  which 
caused  the  amputation  of  his  right  leg.  He 
received  an  honorable  discharge,  and  returned 
home  July  26,  1865,  and  now  draws  a disa- 
bility pension  from  the  government  for  his 
gallant  service. 

Mr.  Clarno  was  born  July  6,  1841,  in 
Clarno  township,  Green  county,  son  of  An-  i 
drew  and  Mary  (St.  John)  Clarno,  and  re- 
ceived his  education  in  the  little  log  school 
houses  of  that  day.  After  his  return  from 


the  war  he  studied  dentistry,  and  followed 
the  practice  of  that  profession  some  eleven 
years,  but  his  health  had  been  undermined  by 
his  long  service  in  the  army,  and  he  was  un- 
able to  stand  the  strain  of  indoor  life,  so  he 
engaged  in  the  well  drilling  business,  continu- 
ing in  same  for  sixteen  years.  In  1882  he 
removed  to  Browntown  and  has  since  lived 
retired.  He  has  taken  an  active  part  in  poli- 
tics, and  has  been  a member  of  the  village 
board.  Since  1876  he  has  supported  the 
Democratic  party. 

On  August  8,  1868,  Mr.  Clarno  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Elizabeth  Peregoy,  who  was  born 
in  1849,  daughter  of  John  and  Susan  Pere- 
goy, old  settlers  of  Monroe,  Wis.  This  mar- 
riage has  been  blessed  with  seven  children, 
of  whom  the  following  is  a brief  record : 
Emma,  born  May  5,  1870,  married  Edward 
Phillips,  who  died  Jan.  31,  1901,  leaving  his 
widow  with  six  children;  William,  Jr.,  born 
Feb.  13,  1872,  now  residing  in  South  Wayne, 
Lafayette  Go.,  Wis.,  married  Miss  Annie  Ty- 
ler, of  Winslow,  111.;  Stella,  born  Oct.  10, 
1873,  is  the  wife  of  Carl  Larson,  of  Brown- 
town; Susan,  born  Sept.  16,  1875,  married 
Charles  Tucker,  of  South  Wayne,  Wis.;  Jean- 
nette, born  March  11,  1877,  died  in  infancy; 
Libbie,  born  Feb.  20,  1879,  died  in  childhood; 
and  Jessie,  born  Aug.  30,  1887,  is  at  home. 

Mr.  Clarno  comes  of  one  of  the  early  set- 
tled families  of  Wisconsin.  His  father,  An- 
drew Clarno,  was  born  in  Sangamon  county, 
111.,  in  1813,  of  German  origin,  his  father, 
John  Clarno,  being  one  of  the  pioneers  of 
Illinois.  Andrew  Clarno  was  married  in  Ste- 
phenson county,  111.,  to  Mary  St.  John,  and  be- 
came the  father  of  six  children:  Mary  Jane, 
Robert  (a  bachelor  of  Monroe,  Wis.),  Will- 
iam (our  subject),  Valentine  (now  of  Ham- 
ilton county,  Neb.,  was  a soldier  in  Company 
C,  3d  Wis.  V.  I.,  in  the  Civil  war),  Andrew 
(also-  a soldier  in  the  5th  Battery,  Wis.  Light 
Artillery,  and  died  of  illness  while  in  the 
service),  and  Augustus.  Andrew  Clarno,  the 
father  of  William  Clarno,  was.  killed  by  a 
runaway  team  July  10,  1852,  in  Clarno,  and 
his  wife  died  June  10,  1897. 

Y^fcpderson  St.  Tohn,  father  of  Mrs.  Marv 
(St,  Baffin)  Clarno,  and  grandfather  of  Will- 
I iam  Clarno,  was  a native  of  France,  who  early 
located  in  Kentucky,  whence  he  removed  to 
Sangamon  county,  111.  He  was  a typical  pio- 
neer, bold,  fearless  and  trustworthy.  He  had 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


853 


taken  part  in  the  Revolutionary  war,  the  war 
of  1812,  and  in  the  Black  Hawk  war,  besides 
many  of  the  skirmishes  with  the  red  men  so 
common  to  life  on  the  frontier.  He  and  his 
wife,  Nancy,  were  the  parents  of  the  follow- 
ing children:  Martin,  of  Dane  county,  Wis. ; 
John,  Matthew,  William,  Charlotte,  Melinda, 
Lucy  and  Mary.  Mr.  St.  John  died  near 
Orangeville,  Illinois. 

FRED  DIVALL,  a retired  and  honored 
farmer  and  resident  of  Lancaster,  Grant  coun- 
ty, where,  with  his  wife,  lie  has  made  his 
home  since  April  27,  1855,  was  born  on  the 
South  Downs,  in  the  county  of  Sussex,  Eng- 
land, Jan.  11,  1830,  and  is  a son  of  John  and 
Lucy  (Haler)  Divall,  natives  of  the  same 
county,  where  they  passed  their  lives  on  a 
farm.  They  were  the  parents  of  five  sons 
and  five  daughters,  of  whom  three  of  the  sons 
- — Fred,  Edwin  and  Alfred — came  to  the  Uni- 
ted States.  Of  these,  Edwin  settled  in  Lan- 
caster township,  Grant  county,  and  died  many 
years  ago.  Alfred  came  in  1862,  lived  in  the 
same  township,  but  for  some  time  prior  to  his 
death,  in  August,  1899,  had  made  his  home 
with  his  nephew,  George  Divall ; he  left  a son, 
Roy  Divall.  The  family  of  Edwin,  however, 
never  reached  America,  although  they  had 
made  every  preparation  to  come  when  the 
news  of  his  untimely  death  caused  a change 
of  purpose. 

Fred  Divall  was  married  Feb.  11,  1855, 
in  England,  to>  Mary  Farncombe,  born  in 
1833,  a daughter  of  William  and  Mary  Farn- 
combe, of  Sussex  county,  who  were  the  par- 
ents of  thirteen  children,  nine  of  whom  reached 
maturity  and  three  of  whom  are  still  living. 
The  father  was  born  in  1791,  and  for  twenty- 
eight  years  served  in  the  British  army,  and 
took  part  in  the  battle  of  Waterloo;  he  died 
at  his  home  in  Sussex,  Feb.  21,  1890,  his 
wife,  who  was  born  in  1800,  having  previously 
passed  away.  Four  of  the  older  of  the  thir- 
teen children  died  in  the  West  Indies,  where 
the  father  was  stationed  seven  years  while  a 
soldier ; the  three  surviving  members  of  the 
family  are  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Brown  and  Thomas, 
both  in  England,  and  Mrs.  Divall. 

About  two  weeks  after  marriage  Mr.  Di- 
vall and  wife  started  for  America,  and  were 
seven  weeks  on  the  voyage  from  London  to 
New  York,  whence  they  came  direct  to  Lan- 
caster, Wis.  The  first  land  purchased  here 


by  Mr.  Divall  was  a cpiarter-section  in  Lan- 
caster township,  to  which  he  added,  a little 
later,  a quarter-section  adjoining,  but  situ- 
ated in  the  township  of  Liberty,  and  still  later 
purchased  185  acres  more  in  Lancaster  town- 
ship, thus  becoming  one  of  the  largest  land 
owners  and  most  successful  farmers  and  stock 
growers  in  that  part  of  the  county.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Divall  lived  on  this  farm  for  thirty 
years,  and  then  he  sold  it  to-  his  son-in-law, 
Reuben  Austin. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Divall  had  born  to  them 
ten  children,  of  whom  one  daughter  died  in 
infancy,  and  the  survivors  are  Mrs.  Mary 
McCormick;  Frederick  William,  who  resides 
in  Montfo.it  township;  Mrs.  Lucy  Weir; 
George  A.,  proprietor  of  the  Lancaster  Hotel; 
James  E.,  of  Ellenboro;  Mrs.  Amelia  Austin; 
John  E.,  in  Liberty  township;  Albert  T.,  also 
of  Liberty  township ; and  Mrs.  Orah  Kemper, 
in  Nebraska.  There  are  twenty-nine  grand- 
children, and  at  Christmas-tide,  1898,  the  en- 
tire family — sons  and  daughters  and  their 
wives  and  husbands  and  children — spent  the 
holiday  week  with  the  parents  and  numbered 
fifty-one  persons. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Divall  retired  to  Lancaster 
in  March,  1892,  and  have  now  been  residents 
of  Grant  county  for  forty-five  years.  They 
have  a most  pleasant  home,  where  they  are 
passing-  the  evening  of  life  in  peace  and  con- 
tentment. They  are  consistent  members  of 
the  Episcopal  church,  and  are  among  the  most 
esteemed  old  settlers  of  Grant  county,  in  which 
all  but  one  of  their  surviving  children  reside. 

ABRAHAM  KEY,  one  of  the  defenders 
of  the  Union  during  the  Rebellion,  and  a rep- 
resentative citizen  of  Patch  Grove  township, 
belongs  to  one  of  the  pioneer  families  of  Grant 
county,  and  for  many  years  was  a resident  of 
Wyalusing  township.  He  was  born  in  Pike 
county,  111.,  in  1835,  his  parents  being  Mar- 
shall and  Sarah  (Schall)  Key.  The  name 
Key  is  a historic  one,  and  some  of  the  repre- 
sentatives of  this  family  have  attained  to  na- 
tional fame.  The  branch  of  the  family  to  which 
Abraham  Key  belongs  is  along  the  same  line 
of  descent,  though  a little  remote,  as  was  Fran- 
cis Scott  Key,  the  famous  author  of  the  “Star 
Spangled  Banner.”  Philip  Barton  Key,  who 
was  slain  in  Washington  many  years  ago  by 
Gen.  Sickles,  was  descended  from  the  same  an- 
cestry. The  parents  of  Abraham  Key  were 


854 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


married  in  Kentucky,  and  from  that  State 
moved  to  Illinois,  coming  to  the  territory  of 
Wisconsin  in  1841,  and  locating  near  Mont- 
fort,  Grant  county.  Subsequently  they  re- 
moved to  Lancaster,  and  still  later  to  Beetown. 
The  father  was  engaged  in  lead  mining  for 
many  years,  and  in  those  early  days  the  places 
above  mentioned  produced  large  quantities  of 
lead  ore.  Later  the  family  took  up  their  resi- 
dence in  Wyalusing  township,  where  the  father 
died  in  1879,  and  the  mother  passed  away 
some  years  later.  In  their  family  were  eight 
children,  three  sons  and  five  daughters,  all  of 
whom  are  living  at  the  present  writing,  in 
1900,  with  the  exception  of  George.  The 
others  are  Eliza,  Amanda,  Abraham,  Surilda, 
Nancy,  Mary  Ann  and  Benton.  The  eldest 
daughter,  Eliza,  is  now  a resident  of  Min- 
nesota. • | v 

Abraham  Key  remained  under  the  parental 
roof  until  he  entered  the  service  of  his  coun- 
try during  her  hour  of  peril.  He  enlisted  Sept. 
3,  1864,  in  the  1st  Wis.  Heavy  Artillery,  and 
was  in  active  service  until  the  close  of  the 
war.  The  command  nominally  belonged  to 
tbe  Army  of  the  Potomac,  and  a large  part 
of  its  service  was  in  defense  of  the  national 
capital,  being  assigned  to  the  fortifications 
around  the  city  of  Washington.  Its  duties 
were  arduous,  and  often  called  for  the  exercise 
of  as  much  skill  and  bravery  as  did  the  more 
active  service  at  the  front.  After  the  war 
Mr.  Ivey;  returned  to  the  old  homestead  in 
Wyalusing  township. 

In  1871  Mr.  Key  was  married  to  Miss 
Laura  Pierring,  also  a native  of  Illinois,  and 
they  have  become  the  parents  of  eight  chil- 
dren, three  sons  and  five  daughters,  namely: 
Abraham,  Jesse,  Lloyd  Fitch,  Mary,  Nellie, 
Jennie,  Wisconsin  Belle  and  Millie.  Mr.  Key 
was  a faithful  soldier  in  the  war  for  the  Union, 
and  as  a citizen  is  highly  respected  by  all  who 
have  the  pleasure  of  his  acquaintance.  For 
more  than  a quarter  of  a century -lie  made  his 
home  in  Wyalusing  township,  but  is  now  an 
honored  resident  of  Patch  Grove.  Fraternally 
he  is  a worthy  member  of  the  G.  A.  R.  Post 
of  Bloomington. 

OLE  M.  ERICKSON,  blacksmith  of 
Browntown,  Green  county,  is  a native  son  of 
Norway,  who  has  found  friends  and  fortune 
in  the  New  World.  His  father,  Martin  Erick- 
son, located  in  Wiota  township  in  1857,  and 


there  bought  a small  farm,  where  he  made  his 
home  until  his  death,  in  1886,  when  he  was 
aged  seventy-four  years.  He  and  his  wife,. 
Lena,  were  married  in  Norway,  and  became 
the  parents  of  twelve  children:  John,  a farmer 
of  Wiota  township,  married  Johana  Smestad; 
Caroline  married  C.  C.  Rood,  a farmer  of 
Wiota  township;  Even  married  Bell  Elifson; 
Lena  married  Chris  Olson ; Ole  M.  is  men- 
tioned below ; Martin  resides  in  Wiota  town- 
ship; August  married  Lena  Hanson,  who  is 
now  deceased;  Peter  wedded  a Miss  Ander- 
son, who  is  also  deceased;  Henry  is  a farmer; 
Joseph  is  deceased;  Josephine  married  George 
Denare,  a farmer;  and  Oscar  M.  married 
Hilda  Paulson. 

Ole  M.  Erickson  was  born  in  Norway  Oct. 
14,  1854,  and  coming  to  America  as  he  did 
in  childhood,  the  greater  part  of  his  life  has 
been  passed  in  Wisconsin.  Pie  was  reared 
on  tbe  farm  in  Wiota  township,  and  received 
his  education  in  the  common  schools.  As  a 
youth  he  inclined  to  the  blacksmith’s  trade, 
and'  determined  to  make  it  his  life  work.  At 
the  age  of  twenty-nine  he  located  in  Brown- 
town,  and  has  there  conducted  a general  black- 
smith shop,  and  has  also  engaged  in  wagon 
making,  and  in  the  implement  business.  Pie 
started  out  in  life  as  a poor  man,  and  'his  in- 
dustry and  economy  alone  are  responsible  for 
the  substantial  position  be  occupies  to-day. 

On  Sept.  7,  1877,  Mr.  Erickson  w^as  mar- 
ried1 to  Miss  Mary  Larson,  who  was  born  April 
27,  1856,  daughter  of  Oto  and  Anna  Larson, 
natives  of  Norway,  who  early  settled  in  La- 
fayette county.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Larson  had  a 
family  of  nine  children,  seven  of  whom  are 
yet  living:  Louis  married  a Miss  Anderson; 
Charles  married  Miss  Dora  Johnson;  Mary 
(Mrs.  Erickson);  Sophia  married  Elef  Go- 
lickson,  of  Jordan  township;  Nettie  resides  in 
Browntown;  Lena  is  deceased;  Conrad  mar- 
ried Estella  Clarno,  who  is  deceased;  Telah 
married  Dr.  Osborn,  of  Chicago1.  To  the  mar- 
riage of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Erickson  have  come 
two  children:  Morgan  E.,  born  May  28, 

1879,  married  on  Feb.  21,  1901,  Miss  Lottie 
Bing’er,  who  was  born  Feb.  21,  1877,  daugh- 
ter of  Jerry  Binger,  an  early  settler  of  Cadiz 
township ; and  Richard  Elmer,  born  Oct.  20, 
1885,  is  at  home. 

The  Republican  party  finds  in  Mr.  Erick- 
son a stanch  adherent,  and  he  has  served  his 
town  and  township  as  school  director  and 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


855 


treasurer,  and  at  present  is  a member  of  the 
village,  board.  In  religious  faith  he  is  a Lu- 
theran. The  family  reside  in  the  handsome 
home  he  owns  in  Browntown,  and  are  quite 
popular  among  those  who  know  them  best. 

CALVIN  LADD,  of  Patch  Grove,  Grant 
county,  is  an  honored  veteran  of  the  Civil 
war,  who  enrolled  his  name  among  the  boys 
in  blue  Sept.  16,  1861,  becoming  a member 
of  Company  M,  4th  Mo.  Vol.  Cav.  He  en- 
listed for  three  years  or  during  the  war,  and 
served  the  full  time,  being  honorably  dis- 
charged on  Oct.  19,  1864.  He  participated  in 
all  of  the  engagements  in  which  his  regiment 
took  part,  never  being  off  duty  except  for  about 
six  weeks  when  ill  in  the  hospital.  He  served 
in  Missouri,  Arkansas,  Kentucky  and  Tennes- 
see, in  fact,  generally  throughout  the  South- 
west, and  took  part  in  the  battles  of  Pea  Ridge, 
and  Guntown,  under  Gen.  Sturgis.  At  Union 
City,  Tenn.,  he  lost  the  second  finger  of  his 
left  hand  by  accident.  Though  much  broken 
down  in  health,  he  remained  at  the  front  with 
his  regiment  until  his  term  of  enlistment  ex- 
pired, and  returned  home  with  a war  record 
of  which  lie  may  be  justly  proud. 

Mr.  Ladd  was  born  in  Schenectady,  N.  Y., 
in  1842,  a son  of  Lemuel  and  Amy  Ladd,  who 
came  to  Wisconsin  in  1855,  and  located  in  the 
Patch  Grove  settlement,  where  the  father  died 
in  January,  1879.  The  mother  is  still  living 
and)  continues  to  reside  at  the  old  homestead. 
In  their  family  were  eight  children,  seven  of 
whom  are  living  at  this  writing,  in  1901.  One 
son,  Elijah  S.  Ladd,  now  a resident  of  South 
Dakota,  was  also  a soldier  of  the  Civil  war, 
being  a member  of  the  2d  Wis.  Vol.  Cav. 

I11  1870  Calvin  Ladd  was  united  in  mar- 
riage with  Miss  Matilda  Quick,  a daughter  of 
Winslow  and  Ruth  Quick.  Her  mother  died 
many  years  ago,  but  her  father  is  still  living, 
a resident  of  Patch  Grove  township.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Ladd  have  four  children,  one  son  and 
three  daughters,  namely : Mariette,  wife  of 
Fred  J.  Arnsburger;  Essie;  Lemuel;  and  Leta. 
The  family  have  a pleasant  home  in  Patch 
Grove,  where  they  delight  to  entertain  their 
many  friends.  Mr.  Ladd  is  an  esteemed  mem- 
ber of  Bloomington  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  and  by  his 
ballot  is  a supporter  of  the  men  and1  meas- 
ures of  the  Republican  party.  He  was  a good 
soldier,  and  as  a citizen  is  well  worthy  the  high 
regard  in  which  he  is  held. 


BEN.  FRYSLIE,  one  of  the  enterprising 
and  successful  young  farmers  of  Jordan  town- 
ship, Green  county,  where  he  carries  on  gen- 
eral farming,  dairying  and  cheese  making,  was 
born  April  9,  1865,  on  the  farm  which  he  now 
conducts  and  on  which  his  parents  settled  in 
1853- 

Andrew  and  Chestie  (Gardalen)  Fryslie 
his  parents,  were  natives  of  Norway,  bom 
about  ninety-six  miles  from  Christiania.  Con- 
cluding to  try  to  better  their  circumstances 
in  America,  they  came  hither,  and  after  a few 
years’  residence  in  Wiota  township,  Lafayette 
Co.,  Wis.,  settled  in  Jordan  township,  Green 
county,  taking  up  land  in  section  28.  At  that 
time  they  were  blessed  with  very  little  of  this 
world’s  goods,  but  they  had  health  and  ambi- 
tion, and  by  industry  succeeded  in  establish- 
ing themselves  comfortably  in  life,  Mr.  Fryslie 
at  the  time  of  his  death  owning  a fine  farm 
of  341  acres,  with  fine  barns  and  a good  two- 
story  dwelling.  The  land  was  all  highly  im- 
proved and  under  profitable  cultivation,  and 
he  ranked  among  the  leading  well-to-do  farm- 
ers of  this  locality,  where  he  was  universally 
respected.  Air.  and  Mrs.  Fryslie  were  mar- 
ried in  1849,  and  nine  children  were  born  to 
their  union,  seven  of  whom  survive,  namely : 
Ole,  of  Clark  county,  Wis. ; Inger,  of  Chicago, 
111. ; Henry,  living  near  Chicago ; Anton,  of 
South  Dakota;  Peter,  of  Colorado;  Carrie, 
who  resides  with  her  mother  and  brother  on 
the  old  home  place;  and  Ben.,  our  subject. 
Andrew  Fryslie  passed  away  Jan.  6,  1900,  at 
the  homestead,  where  his  widow  still  resides, 
now  aged  seventy-seven  years.  He  was  a con- 
sistent member  of  the  Lutheran  church,  and 
lived  an  upright  life,  was  a valued  citizen  and 
good  neighbor,  and  much  missed  in  the  com- 
munity where  he  had  so  long  had  his  home. 
His  political  support  was  given  to  the  Repub- 
lican party. 

Ben.  Fryslie,  whose  name  opens  this  sketch, 
was  reared  on  the  old  home  place,  and  received 
his  education  in  the  local  public  schools.  He 
has  always  followed  farming,  and  has  been 
•remarkably  successful,  being-  apparently  gifted 
with  unusually  good  judgment  and  ability  in 
the  management  of  matters  agricultural.  He 
is  a hard  worker,  and  his  honesty  and  integrity 
in  all  his  dealings  have  won  him  the  unquali- 
fied esteem  of  his  neighbors  and  fellow  citi- 
zens. It  is  his  intention  to  buy  out  the  heirs 
to  the  home  farm,  in  the  cultivation  of  which 


856 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


he  is  -engaged.  Mr.  Fryslie  has  not  married. 
Like  his  father,  he  is  a Republican  in  political 
sentiment. 

PETER  BELL  was  a hard-working  and 
upright  farmer  for  many  years,  and  with  his 
farming  operations  carried  on  his  trade  of 
stone  mason,  tie  is  now  living  a quiet  and 
retired  life  at  Albany,  Green  county,  in  the 
enjoyment  of  a competence  that  represents  in- 
dustrious years  and  patient  saving. 

Mr.  Bell  was  born  in  Clinton  county,  N. 
Y.,  Nov.  12,  1821,  and  is  a son  of  John  and 
Effie  (Ash)  Bell,  both  natives  of  New  York. 
They  welre  the  parents  of  six  children,  of 
whom  four  are  now  living : Margaret,  the 
widow  of  Jeremiah  Burbank,  of  Castana, 
Iowa;  Peter,  of  Albany,  Wis. ; Joseph,  of  Bas- 
sett, Iowa;  and  Ann,  wife  of  Amos  Burbank, 
of  Castana,  Iowa.  The  father  was  a farmer, 
and  came  from  New  York  to  Wisconsin  in 
1848,  locating  in  the  town  of  Magnolia,  Rock 
county,  where  he  lived  five  years,  when  he 
moved  to  Dane  county,  where  he  died  in  1863, 
when  nearly  eighty-six  years  of  age.  His 
widow  survived  him  some  four  or  five  years, 
and  was  an  esteemed  member  of  the  Methodist 
Church.  In  his  political  faith  he  was  a Demo- 
crat. The  father  of  John  Bell  was  a native 
of  Holland,  and  died  in  old  age,  leaving  a 
large  family.  David  Ash,  the  father  of  Effie 
mentioned  above,  was  a native  farmer  of  New 
York,  had  a large  family,  and  died  in  old  age. 
John  Bell,  father  of  our  subject,  had  been  twice 
married.  By  his  first  wife,  who  was  a Miss 
Van  Hining,  he  became  the  father  of  five  chil- 
dren : Rowland,  Henry,  Rebecca,  Eva  and 

Cornelius,  of  whom  Rebecca  and  Eva  still  live 
at  the  age  of  ninety-five  and  ninety-seven  years, 
respectively. 

Peter  Bell  was  a small  child  when  his  par- 
ents moved  to  Herkimer  county,  N.  Y.,  where 
they  lived  seven  years.  From  that  county  they 
moved  into  Wayne  county,  where  his  home 
was  had  until  he  came  West.  He  attended 
district  school  in  Herkimer  county, walking  two 
and  a half  miles.  Mr.  Bell  was  married  March 
1,  1849,  to  Miss  Huldah  Miller,  daughter  of 
David  and  Melvina  (Wolven)  Miller.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Bell  became  the  parents  of  four  chil- 
dren, David  Ansel,  Maggie,  Martha  and  Will- 
iam. David  Ansel  died  at  the  age  of  seven 
months.  Maggie  married  Francis  Atkinson, 
of  Albany,  and  has  one  child,  Francis.  Mar- 


tha married  Seth  Hewitt,  and  lives  at  Arling- 
ton, S.  Dak. ; they  have  two  children,  Effie  and 
Ivan.  William  is  a tinner  by  trade,  and  lives 
at  Rolfe,  Iowa. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bell  have  been  members  of 
the  Methodist  Church  for  fifty  years.  He  has 
been  trustee,  class-leader  and  steward  for  many 
years,  but  the  increasing  infirmities  of  old  age, 
and  his  desire  that  younger  men  should  take 
up  the  work,  have  led  him  to  resign.  He  be- 
longs to  Erastus  Hoyt  Post,  No.  69,  G.  A.  R. 
He  was  a Republican  from  the  organization 
of  the  party  until  1884,  when  he  became  a 
Prohibitionist,  and  has  continued  in  that  politi- 
cal faith  to  the  present  time.  He  was  super- 
visor in  Primrose  township,  Dane  county,  one 
year  before  the  war,  and  also  served  as  justice 
of  the  peace  three  years. 

In  1851  Mr.  Bell  came  to  Wisconsin,  with 
his  wife,  by  way  of  the  lakes,  and  located  in 
Rock  county,  where  he  remained  one  year. 
He  was  two-  years  in  the  town  of  Sylvester, 
Green  county,  when  he  moved  to  Dane  county, 
where  he  and  his  brother  Joseph  bought  a farm 
of  two  hundred  acres,  which  they  cultivated 
until  the  breaking  out  of  the  Civil  war.  Mr. 
Bell  enlisted  Aug.  14,  1862,  in  Company  K, 
33d  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  three  years  to  a 
day.  He  was  at  the  siege  of  Vicksburg  from 
its  beginning  to  the  triumphal  entry  of  the 
conquering  troops  into  the  city ; under  fire  for 
nineteen  days  in  the  Red  River  campaign ; par- 
ticipated in  the  battle  of  Cane  river ; and  was 
present  at  the  siege  of  Spanish  Fort.  In  all, 
he  was  in  fifteen  hard-fought  battles  and  many 
skirmishes.  In  one  of  the  skirmishes,  in  pur- 
suit of  Gen.  Hood  in  Tennessee,  he  lost  the 
sight  of  one  of  his  eyes.  Mr.  Bell  has  fol- 
lowed stone  mason  and  contract  work  for  the 
past  thirty  years.  For  twenty-seven  years  he 
has  lived  in  Albany,  where  he  has  a good  home. 

David  and  Melvina  (Wolven)  Miller,  Mrs. 
Bell’s  parents,  lived  in  Ulster  county,  N.  Y., 
and  came  west  to  Wisconsin  in  the  fall  of 
1854,  and  located  in  the  town  of  Mt.  Pleasant, 
Green  county,  where  he  died  in  1865,  at  the 
age  of  seventy-one.  His  widow  died  in  1881, 
at  the  age  of  eighty-six.  He  served  in  the 
war  of  1812,  and  his  wife  received  a pension 
after  his  demise.  In  religious  belief  they  were 
both  Presbyterians.  They  reared  eleven  chil- 
dren, six  of  whom  are  now  living:  Eliza,  the 
wife  of  Franklin  Bennett,  of  Albany,  a sketch 
of  whose  life  appears  in  this  volume;  Maria, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


857 


wife  of  Luke  Edwards,  of  the  town  of  Sylves- 
ter; Peter,  of  Albany;  Huldah,  the  wife  of 
Peter  Bell;  Louis,  now  in  the  Rocky  Mount- 
ains; and  George,  of  Iowa  Falls.  Mrs.  Bell’s 
paternal  grandfather  was  David  Miller,  who 
was  a soldier  in  the  Revolutionary  war,  and 
was  taken  prisoner  by  the  Indians ; he  was  the 
father  of  a large  family,  and  lived  to  be  about 
eighty  years  old.  Mrs.  Melvina  (Wolven) 
Miller  was  a daughter  of  Zachariah  Wolven, 
a native  of  New  York,  who  died  before  the 
Revolution. 

JOHN  W.  HULBERT,  a well-known  citi- 
zen and  veteran  soldier  of  Muscoda,  Grant 
county,  occupies  a well-cultivated  farm  on  sec- 
tion 11,  and  is  one  of  the  representative  men 
of  this  community.  He  is  a native  of  New 
York,  having  been  born  in  the  Empire  State 
Oct.  6,  1836,  son  of  Ansel  and  Grisselle  Hul- 
bert,  the  former  of  whom  was  a native  of 
Vermont,  and  the  latter  of  Scotch  parentage, 
and  both  were  sturdy,  honest  people,  good 
types  of  the  best  pioneers,  who  have  made  the 
“wilderness  blossom  like  the  rose.”  In  1850 
the  family  migrated  from  New  York  to  Wis- 
consin, settling  at  Stoughton,  Dane  county, 
but  afterward  removed  to  Indiana,  and  finally 
settled  again  in  Wisconsin,  the  father  dying  in 
1899,  in  Richland  county,  Wis.,  at  the  great 
age  of  ninety-eight.  The  mother  died  many 
years  prior  to  her  husband’s  death,  in  Canada, 
where  the  family  were  then  residing.  They 
had  three  children:  John  W.,  the  subject  of 
this  sketch;  Ansel,  residing  in  Richland  coun- 
ty; and  a daughter,  who  now  resides  at  Fond 
du  Lac,  Wisconsin. 

John  W.  Hulbert  enlisted  in  1862  in  Com- 
pany C,  87th  Ind.  V.  I.,  and  served  in  his  regi- 
ment in  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland,  taking 
part  in  some  of  the  most  important  battles  and 
campaigns  of  the  war,  including  Perry ville, 
Munfordville,  Stone  River,  etc.  After  about 
a year  of  service  Mr.  Hulbert  was  honorably 
discharged  on  account  of  disability,  and  has 
never  regained  his  health.  Like  so  many  of 
his  comrades-in-arms,  he  sacrificed  his  physical 
well-being  for  his  country,  and  can  not  re- 
ceive too  high  praise  for  the  years  he  has  pa- 
tiently endured  the  suffering  thus  entailed. 

Soon  after  his  return  from,  the  army  Mr. 
Hulbert  was  married  To  Miss  Rosana  Fuller, 
who  was  born  in  Ohio,  a daughter  of  Curtis 
and  Betsy  Fuller.  Of  the  eight  children  born 


of  this  union,  two  died  in  infancy;  the  others, 
two  sons  and  four  daughters,  are  as  follows : 
Grant,  Elsie,  Charles,  Maud,  Edith  and  Nina. 
Mr.  Hulbert  is  a member  of  the  G.  A.  R.  post 
at  Muscoda,  and  in  politics  is  a Republican. 
Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hulbert  are  hospitable  peo- 
ple, and  enjoy  the  friendship  of  a large  circle 
of  friends.  They  are  numbered  among  the  rep- 
resentative people  of  Muscoda,  and  are  worthy 
of  the  highest  esteem. 

CHARLES  B.  FINN  (deceased)  was  a 
faithful  soldier  in  the  war  for  the  Union,  and 
one  of  the  well-known  and  highly  esteemed 
citizens  of  Patch  Grove  township,  Grant  coun- 
ty. He  enlisted  on  Feb.  9,  1865,  in  Company 
G,  47th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  was  discharged  at 
Nashville,  Tenn.,  Sept.  4,  1865.  Mr.  Finn  was 
born  in  the  city  of  New  York,  Sept.  25,  1835, 
and  was  a son  of  Anthony  and  Catherine  Ann 
(Shuma)Finn,  the  former  a native  of  the  State 
of  New  York,  the  latter  of  the  city  of  the  same 
name.  In  their  family  were  five  children, 
three  sons  and  two  daughters,  but  Charles  B. 
was  the  only  one  to  enter  the  army  during  the 
Civil  war.  From  New  York  city  the  family 
moved  to  Erie,  Penn.,  and  later  Charles  B. 
Finn  went  to  Ontario,  Canada,  where  he  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Lydia  G.  Allen, 
who'  was  born  in  the  town  of  Ipswich,  Eng- 
land, in  1843,  and  when  two  years  old  was 
taken  by  her  parents,  David  and  Harriet  Allen, 
to  Canada,  where  they  spent  the  remainder  of 
their  lives.  Mrs.  Finn  was  the  youngest  of 
the  five  children  who  came  to  America  with 
the  parents.  All  but  one  are  still  living,  name- 
ly: Harriet,  a resident  of  Windsor,  Ontario; 
Edwin,  of  Missouri;  Orlando,  of  Ontario;  and 
Mrs.  Finn.  Elizabeth  died  in  Ontario. 

In  June,  1861,  Mr.  Finn  became  a resident 
of  Patch  Grove  township,  Grant  Co.,  Wis. 
He  first  located  on  a farm  two  miles  west  of 
the  village  of  Patch  Grove,  and  some  time 
later  purchased  the  farm  on  Which  his  widow 
now  resides.  His  death  was  an  especially  sad 
one,  being  sudden  and  unexpected,  as  he  was 
killed  by  lightning  Oct.  1,  1888.  It  was  not 
only  a severe  loss  to  his  family,  but  a source 
of  deep  regret  to  all  who  knew  him.  He  was 
an  industrious  and  enterprising  man,  upright 
and  honorable  in  all  the  relations  of  life,  and 
highly  respected  and  esteemed  in  the  commu- 
nity where  he  made  his  home. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Finn  were  born  six  chil- 


858 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


dren,  three  sons  and  three  daughters,  namely : 
Albert  C.,  who  married  Laura  Colby,  the 
daughter  of  a soldier;  Lucius  O. ; Olive  Mary, 
wife  of  R.  S.  Ryerson,  of  the  State  of  Wash- 
ington, where  she  now  resides ; Carrie  Eliza, 
wife  of  Horatio  Miller,  of  Denver,  Colo.; 
Jesse  W. ; and  Florence  A.  Mrs.  Finn  is  a 
lady  of  intelligence  and  culture,  w'ho'  presides 
with  gracious  dignity  in  her  pleasant  home, 
and,  like  her  husband,  makes  many  friends. 

FRANKLIN  BENNETT.  Among  the 
older  and  more  venerable  agriculturists  of  Al- 
bany, Green  county,  Mr.  Bennett  has  long 
been  conspicuous  by  reason  of  his  manly  in- 
tegrity, his  upright  character,  and  his  life  of 
industry  and  honesty. 

Mr.  Bennett  was  born  in  the  town  of  Char- 
lotte, Chittenden  county,  Vt.,  Dec.  12,  1821, 
a son  of  James  and  Fannie  (Hall)  Bennett, 
natives  of  Long  Island,  and  of  Walpole,  N. 
IT,  respectively.  They  were  the  parents  of 
seven  children,  of  whom  only  two  are  now  liv- 
ing: Franklin;  and  Caroline,  the  widow  of 
D.  B.  Traverse,  of  Eau  Claire,  Wis.  The 
father  was  a wheelwright  when  a young  man, 
and  when  he  became  of  age  enlisted  as  a ship 
carpenter  on  board  the  ship  “Constitution,” 
and  then  served  in  the  army  during  the  war  of 
1812.  He  located  in  Vermont  after  the  clos- 
ing of  the  war,  and  married  in  Williston,  that 
State,  carrying  on  his  trade  of  wheelwright. 
In  later  life  he  moved  to  Canton,  St.  Law- 
rence Co.,  N.  Y.,  where  he  continued  work  at 
hisi  trade.  There  he  died  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
six,  his  wife  dying  three  years  before,  at  the 
age  of  sixty-three.  She  was  a Methodist.  The 
father  of  James  Bennett  was  a native  of  New 
York,  of  English,  Irish  and  Scotch  descent, 
and  was  a carriage  maker  by  trade ; he  was  the 
father  of  three  children,  and  died  in  advanced 
years.  Elisha  Hall,  the  father  of  Fannie  Hall 
mentioned  above,  was  a farmer  in  his  native 
State,  New  Hampshire,  where  he  reared  a 
large  family,  and  died  when  old1. 

Franklin  Bennett  was  about  twelve  years- 
old  when  his  parents  moved  into  New  York. 
He  grew  to  manhood  and  received  his  school- 
ing in  Canton.  In  1847  Mr.  Bennett  came  west 
to  Beloit.  He  had  a small  farm  of  about  forty 
acres  near  Belvidere,  Boone  Co.,  111.,  where 
he  lived  ten  years.  He  sold  that  at  the  expira- 
tion of  this  period,  and  moved  to  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  Bennett  married  Miss  Sarah  Rounds, 


daughter  of  Brinton  Rounds,  in  1837.  Seven 
children  were  born  to  this  union,  three  of  whom 
are  now  living, — Ann,  Emma  and  James.  Ann 
married  George  Bennett  (deceased),  and  had 
four  children,  two  of  whom  are  living,  Rev. 
Harry  (a  preacher  in  the  Christian  Church), 
and  Bertha  (a  teacher) ; Mrs.  Ann  Bennett  now 
lives  in  Monroe.  Emma  married  Edward  Ba- 
con, and  lives  two  miles  south  of  Monroe;  they 
were  the  parents  of  five  children,  four  of  whom 
are  still  living,  Don,  Bert,  Ralph  and  Onrin. 
James  married  and  lives  at  Altoona,  Wis.  Mrs. 
Sarah  (Rounds)  Bennett  died  in  Illinois  in 
1856.  Mr.  Bennett  was  married  Jan.  29,  1859, 
to  Mrs.  Eliza  Edwards,  widow  of  Ansel  Ed- 
wards, and  daughter  of  David  Miller.  There 
were  no  children  by  the  second  marriage.  Mr. 
and'  Mrs.  Bennett  belong  to  the  Methodist 
Church. 

Mr.  Bennett  enlisted  in  August,  1862,  in 
Company  F,  31st  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  three 
years.  He  participated  in  the  battles  of  Atlanta 
and  Bentonville,  and  in  many  skirmishes,  and 
was  on  the  celebrated  march  of  Gen.  Sherman 
to  the  sea.  Mr.  Bennett  returned  to  his  farm 
in  Green  county  when  the  wa-r  was  over,  and 
continued  on  it  until  1880.  That  year  he  sold 
his  farm  and  moved  into  Albany,  where  he 
built  a good  home,  and  for  a time  followed  the 
work  of  a mason.  Lately  his  advanced  age 
has  necessitated  a cpiiet  life,  and  for  several 
years  he  has  lived  retired.  Mr.  Bennett  was 
a Whig  in  early  life,  and  on  the  dissolution 
of  that  party  joined  the  Republican  party,  but 
at  the  present  time  he  is  a Prohibitionist.  He 
is  the  senior  vice-commander  of  Erastus  Hoyt 
Post,  No.  69,  G.  A.  R.,  and  is  highly  respected 
by  all  the  old  comrades.  His  present  wife  was 
an  early  settler  of  Green  county,  and  her  par- 
ents were  natives  of  New  York. 

DR.  EDWARD  B.  OWEN,  a dentist  of 
Brodhead,  Green  county,  widely  known  as  a 
master  of  his  profession,  well  versed  in  all  its 
mechanical  niceties,  and  thoroughly  under- 
standing the  art  of  caring  for  the  teeth,  has 
many  friends  in  the  community,  and  is  re- 
garded by  all  who  know  him  as  a reliable  and 
trustworthy  gentleman. 

Dr.  Owen  was  born  in  Montgomeryshire, 
Wales,  Aug.  20,  1850,  a son  of  Abram  and 
Mary  (Jones)  Owen.  They  were  the  parents 
of  five  children,  and'  three  of  these  are  living: 
John  E.,  of  Oregon,  Wis.;  David,  of  Redfield, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


859 


S.  Dak. ; and  Dr.  Edward  B.  The  father  was 
a stockman  and  farmer,  and  died  in  Wales 
at  the  age  of  eighty-two,  a leading  man 
in  his  own  community.  His  wife  died  in  1886, 
at  the  age  of  seventy-three.  He  was  a Meth- 
odist, and  she  a Baptist.  His  father  was  a 
farmer,  and  died  in  his  native  Wales,  the  father 
of  two  sons.  John  Jones,  the  father  of  Mary, 
w$s  a farmer  in  Wales,  and  died  in  middle  life; 
he  had  two'  sons  and  a daughter. 

Dr.  Edward  B.  Owen  came  to1  America  in 
i860,  and  made  his  home  at  Oregon,  Wis., 
where  he  grew  to  manhood.  He  attended  the 
public  schools,  and  was  a college  student  at 
Madison.  Then  he  entered  the  Pennsylvania 
College  of  Dental  Surgery,  at  Philadelphia, 
and  was  graduated  in  1888.  After  this  he  took 
a special  course  at  the  college  of  dental  surgery 
in  Chicago.  He  began  the  practice  of  his  pro- 
fession at  Oregon,  where  he  remained  a little 
over  two  years.  His  health  failed  at  Oregon, 
and  he  was  obliged  to  take  a rest.  When  he 
had  partially  regained  his  strength  he  came  to 
Brodhead  and  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his 
profession.  Here  he  has  continued  to  the  pres- 
ent time.  Dr.  Owen  is  a member  of  the  Pres- 
byterian Church,  and  is  its  Sunday-school  su- 
perintendent. He  is  a member  of  Bicknell 
Lodge,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  of  the  Monroe  Chapter, 
R.  A.  M.,  and  of  Janesville  Commandery, 
No.  2,  K.  T.  He  is  a member  of  the  Knights 
of  Pythias,  where  he  has  taken  the  Uniform 
Rank.  Dr.  Owen  is  a Republican,  and  belongs 
to  the  Southern  Wisconsin  Dental  Society,  to 
the  Wisconsin  State  Dental  Association,  and 
the  National  Dental  Association.  He  is  a 
stockholder  in  the  Brodhead  telephone  ex- 
change, and  in  everything  that  relates  to  the 
progress  of  the  community  he  has  a keen  and 
persistent  interest. 

JAMES  W.  LYMAN,  the  present  clerk 
of  Green  county,  and  one  of  the  most  popu- 
lar official  occupants  of  the  court  house  at 
Monroe,  Wis.,  is  a native  of  the  county  he  is 
serving  so  well,  and  a fair  representative  of  the 
new  generation  that  has  come  to  take  charge 
of  the  State  as  the  “old  guard,”  the  early  set- 
tlers, fall  away.  He  is  enterprising  and  intel- 
ligent, not  afraid  of  a little  trouble  to  oblige 
a stranger,  kind  and  courteous  to  all,  and  en- 
joys a reputation  for  integrity  and  manliness 
that  would  be  creditable  to  any  one. 

Mr.  Lyman  was  born  in  the  town  of  De- 


catur, Green  Co.,  Wis.,  Oct.  3,  1865,  a son 
of  George  S.  and  Naomi  (Mitchell)  Lyman. 
His  father  was  born  on  Long  Island,  and  his 
mother  in  Fayette  county,  Pennsylvania.  I hey 
were  the  parents  of  five  children,  two  of  whom 
are  now  living,  Louise,  the  wife  of  T.  J. 
Blackford,  of  Juda,  Green  county,  Wis.,  and 
James  W.  The  father  was  a tinner  by  trade ; 
and  came  to  Wisconsin  about  1848,  making  his 
home  in  Monroe,  where  he  followed  his  trade 
for  several  years.  Then  he  rented  a farm,  and 
cultivated  the  soil  in  the  town  of  Decatur  un- 
til in  1870,  when  he  bought  a farm  of  eighty- 
five  acres  in  the  town  of  Sylvester,  one  mile 
north  of  Juda,  and  lived  here  until  his  death, 
in  1897,  when  sixty-three  years  old.  His  wife 
died  in  1878,  and  he  then  married  Mrs.  Eva 
Andrews,  by  whom  he  had  one  son,  Clark,  who 
lives  in  Monroe,  as  does  also  his  widowed 
mother.  The  paternal  grandfather  of  James 
W.  Lyman  bore  the  name  of  Ashley  Lyman; 
he  was  a native  of  Northampton,  N.  H..  of 
English  descent,  and  passed  his  entire  life  as 
a farmer,  dying  in  early  life,  leaving  one  son, 
George  S. 

Abner  Mitchell,  the  father  of  Mrs.  Naomi 
Lyman,  was  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  of  Ger- 
man descent,  and  he  followed  the  occupation 
of  farming.  He  was  one  of  the  early  settlers 
of  Green  county,  locating  in  the  town  of  Spring 
Grove,  where  he  took  up  land  from  the  gov- 
ernment, and  spent  his  life,  dying  on  the  old 
homestead  on  his  eighty-fourth  birthda}^ ; he 
‘bad  been  a prominent  man  in  his  active  days, 
and  in  1854  had  represented  this  district  in 
the  General  Assembly,  and  from  time  to  time 
had  filled  various  local  offices.  He  became  a 
thrifty  farmer,  and  owned  farming  land  in  the 
towns  of  Sylvester,  Spring  Grove  and  Decatur. 
In  his  family  were  nine  children. 

James  W.  Lvman  was  reared  on  his  fa- 
ther’s farm  and  received  his  education  in  the 
district  school  and  in  the  graded  schools  of 
Juda,  and  being  a close  student,  he  became  very 
well  educated.  Leaving  school  when  strength 
and  age  counselled  the  taking  up  of  some  life 
work,  he  took  up  the  trade  of  a carpenter,  and 
followed  it  for  some  years.  His  inclination  led 
him  to  the  South,  and  he  SDent  seven  years 
(1886-1892)  farming  in  Jefferson  county, 
Florida.  By  this  time  he  had  seen  enough  of 
the  sunny  South,  and  he  was  ready  to  come 
back  to  his  old  home  in  Green  county.  This 
he  did,  and  for  two  years  worked  in  and  about 


86  o 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Juda  as  a carpenter.  He  lived  on  the  farm, 
and  in  1898  he  was  elected  county  clerk,  which 
position  he  holds  at  the  present  time.  Since 
his  induction  into  office  he  and  his  family  live 
in  Monroe. 

On  April  22,  1896,  Mr.  Lyman  wedded 
Miss  Louise  Mitchell,  a daughter  of  Franklin 
and  Jane  (McVean)  Mitchell.  Two  children, 
Catharine  Louise  and  Naomi  Jean,  have  glad- 
dened their  home.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lyman 
are  members  of  the  Baptist  Church  at  Juda.  He 
is  an  active  worker  in  the  Sunday-school,  and 
takes  a strong  interest  in  everything'  calculated 
to  help  the  world  onward  and  upward.  He 
holds  membership  in  the  Modern  Woodmen  of 
America,  and  the  Royal  Arcanum,  and  is  a 
strong  believer  in  fraternal  insurance.  He  is 
a Republican,  and  served  as  assessor  of  Jeffer- 
son township  two  terms. 

JOHN  O.  HASTINGS,  a retired  farmer 
and  a veteran  of  the  Civil  war,  now  spending 
his  declining  years  on  his  farm  two  miles 
southeast  of  Browntown,  Green  county,  was 
born  in  Mercer  county,  Penn.,  Jan.  29,  1844, 
and  is  a son  of  Hugh  and  Saloma  (Bearn- 
heard)  Hastings,  both  natives  of  Pennsylvania. 
John  Hastings,  the  grandfather  of  John  0., 
was  born  in  Ireland,  and  came  to  Pennsylvania 
before  the  Revolution.  In  1777  he  settled  in 
Fort  Pitt,  and  became  the  father  of  five  chil- 
dren, Abel,  David,  Eliza,  Mary  and  Hugh. 

Hugh  Hastings  was  born  in  1810,  married 
in  1832,  and  died  in  1857.  His  wife,  Saloma 
Bearnheard.  was  born  in  1812,  and  she  became 
the  mother  of  nine  children:  Harriet;  Jane  is 
dead  ; Elizabeth  Martha ; Margret,  deceased ; 
David  ; Mary ; John  O. ; Sarah  K. ; and  Phebe. 

John  0.  Hastings  was  married  to  Miss 
Barbara  Spece,  June  2,  1867.  Mrs.  Hastings 
was  born  June  2,  1849,  an'd  is  the  daughter 
of  William  and  Julia  (Youngblood)  Spece, 
who  came  to  Green  county  from  Ohio  in  1845. 
To  this  marriage  have  come  eight  children : 
(1)  Frank  O.,  born  in  1868.  married  Lena 
Brown,  of  Martintown.  (2)  Fred  P.,  born  in 
1870,  married  Emma  Warner,  of  Cadiz  town- 
ship. (3)  Saloma,  born  in  1872,  is  the  wife 
of  John  Patrick,  of  Sioux  county,  Iowa.  (4) 
Wilhelmine,  born  in  1874,  married  Oscar  D. 
Curtis,  of  Browntown.  Wis.,  a justice  of  the 
peace,  and  a student  of  law,  and  also  a can- 
didate for  the  position  of  county  clerk  in  1900. 
(5)  Phoebe,  born  in  1876,  is  the  wife  of  Joseph 


Dale,  a barber  of  Browntown.  (6)  Hugh,  Jr., 
born  in  1878,  is  single  and  makes  his  home  in 
Browntown.  (7)  Ethel,  born  in  1880,  now 
living  in  Milwaukee.  (8)  Maggie,  born  in 
1886,  died  in  childhood. 

Mr.  Hastings  is  a Democrat,  and  a man  of 
fine  character  and  deep  religious  convictions, 
though  he  has  never  seen  fit  to  unite  with  any 
church.  During  the  Civil  war  he  served  as  a 
soldier  of  the  Union,  enlisting  in  Company 
B,  in  August,  1861,  and  was  a member  of  the 
1 8th  Wis.  V.  I.  until  the  following  year.  At 
that  time  his  enlistment  period  terminated, 
and  he  reenlisted  in  the  92nd  111.  V.  I.,  and 
participated  in  many  of  the  exciting  scenes  of 
the  great  war.  He  was  with  Gen.  Sherman 
in  his  March  to  the  Sea,  and  had  a part  in  many 
hard-fought  battles.  He  lost  an  eye  in  the  serv- 
ice, for  which  he  is  drawing  a pension.  His 
discharge  from  the  service  was  given  him  in 
1865,  so  that  practically  he  served  throughout 
the  entire  war. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hastings  are  spending  their 
declining  days  on  their  farm,  and  have  that 
peace  and  comfort  that  should  rightly  follow 
their  useful  and  well-spent  lives. 

THOMAS  J.  ALSOP,  a prominent  repre- 
sentative of  the  agricultural  interests  of  the 
town  of  Brooklyn,  Green  county,  was  born  in 
Cayuga  county,  N.  Y.,  May  25,  1844,  the  only 
child  of  John  and  Kezia  (Searing)  Alsop,  both 
natives  of  New  York. 

John  Alsop  was  a farmer  and  came  to  Wis- 
consin in  1854,  and  settled  in  the  town  of 
Janesville  where  he  engaged  in  farming.  After 
a time  he  moved  into  the  village  of  Brooklyn 
where  he  spent  his  last  days,  dying  at  the  age 
of  seventy-three ; his  wife,  Kezia,  passed  away 
the  same  year,  aged  sixty-three  years.  Both 
were  Quakers  in  religious  faith.  John  Alsop 
was  a son  of  Thomas  Alsop,  a native  of  New 
York,  of  an  English  ancestry;  he  was  a captain 
of  a whaling  vessel,  sailing  the  sea  for  seven- 
teen years,  but  after  his  marriage  he  settled  in 
Cayuga  county,  N.  Y.,  where  he  reared  a large 
family,  filled  an  imnortant  place  in  the  com- 
munity, and  died  at  the  age  of  fifty-five.  John 
Alsop,  father  of  Thomas,  and  great-grandfa- 
ther of  our  subject,  was  a prominent  merchant 
in  the  city  of  New  York,  and  the  founder  of 
the  Chamber  of  Commerce.  The  history  of  the 
family  in  America  begins  with  the  year  1624. 
Kezia  (Searing)  Alsop  was  a daughter  of  John 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD . 


861 


P.  Searing,  a native  of  the  city  of  New  York, 
where  he  began  his  business  career  as  a hatter, 
but  in  later  years  took  up  the  occupation  of 
farming ; he  came  W est  to  V ernon  county, 
,Wis.,  in  1857,  where  he  died  at  the  age  of 
sixty-three  years.  Mr.  Searing  was  a soldier 
in  the  war  of  1812,  reared  a large  family,  and 
was  highly  esteemed  in  his  own  neighborhood. 

Thomas  J.  Alsop  was  ten  years  old  when  he 
came  with  his  parents  to  Wisconsin.  Here 
he  attended  the  public  schools,  and  began  his 
business  career  as  a cultivator  of  his  father's 
farm.  At  the  death  of  that  gentleman  this  farm 
came  into  his  possession,  but  in  1885  he  sold 
it  and  bought  330  acres  in  the  town  of  Brook- 
lyn, which  was  formerly  known  as  the  Melvin 
farm. 

Mr.  Alsop  was  married  Feb.  2,  1871,  to 
Miss  Frances,  a daughter  of  Jesse  and  Mary 
B.  (Brooks)  Smith,  and  they  have  become 
the  parents  of  the  following  children : Grace, 

Mabel,  Roscoe,  Irving,  LeGrand,  Irene,  and 
Harold.  In  politics  Mr.  Alsop  is  a Democrat. 

Jesse  Smith,  the  father  of  Mrs.  Alsop,  was 
a native  of  New  York,  and  his  wife,  Mary  B. 
(Brooks),  of  Vermont.  To  them  were  born 
three  children : Stanley  B.,  of  Janesville, Wis. ; 
Frances  E.,  whose  name  is  mentioned  above; 
and  Mary  K.,  widow  of  Warren  Richardson, 
of  Leon,  Kansas.  Mr.  Smith  came  from  New 
York  to  the  village  of  Union  in  1846,  and  es- 
tablished himself  as  a merchant.  He  died  in 
that  place  in  1873,  and  his  widow  died  in  1896, 
at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-eight  years. 
She  was  a Baptist.  He  had  been  twice  mar- 
ried, and  by  his  first  wife,  Betsy  Wilmarth, 
he  had  six  children,  all  now  deceased.  In  his 
early  days  Mr.  Smith  was  a man  of  prominence, 
and  in  New  York  was  a Colonel  in  the  State 
Militia.  He  was  next  to  the  youngest  in  a 
family  of  eleven  children. 

Dr.  John  Brooks,  of  Bernardston,  Mass., 
father  of  Mary  B.  (Brooks)  Smith,  was  born 
in  Worcester,  Jan.  12,  1783,  and  in  spite  of 
limited  opportunities  acquired  a good  educa- 
tion and  became  a teacher.  For  a time  he  was 
a book  binder  at  Walpole,  N.  FI.  In  1804  he 
began  his  medical  studies  in  Westminster,  Vt., 
in  which  he  spent  three  years,  and  for  four- 
teen years  was  a successful  and  popular  physi- 
cian, at  Newfane,  Vt.,  and  was  elected  the  sec- 
ond secretary  of  the  medical  Society  of  Ver- 
mont. In  1813  or  1814  he  represented  his 
town  in  the  Vermont  Legislature.  In  1819,  on 


account  of  his  health,  he  gave  up  the  practice 
of  medicine  and  removed  to  Dummerston,  Vt., 
where  he  finally  began  preaching  the  doctrine  of 
Universal  Restoration.  It  was  in  his  capacity 
of  a clergyman  and  pastor  that  he  settled  in 
Bernardston,  in  1822.  He  died  in  1865  at 
the  advanced  age  of  eighty-two  years.  He 
was  twice  married,  and  reared  a numerous 
family. 

REV.  ISAAC  S.  BUSSING,  for  several 
years  pastor  of  the  local  church  of  the  United 
j Brethren  in  Christ,  is  counted  one  of  the  strong 
clergymen  of  Monroe,  Green  county.  He  is  a 
man  of  great  natural  gifts,  strong  character, 
and  deep  devotion  to  the  sacred  calling  in 
which  he  is  engaged.  Well  versed  in  its  di- 
vine lore,  he  is  a Bible  preacher,  ever  loyal  to 
his  Master. 

Mr.  Bussing  was  born  at  Albany,  N.  Y., 
May  25,  1855,  a son  of  Harmon  and  Harriet 
(Smith)  Bussing,  natives  of  New  York.  They 
had  a son  and  a daughter,  the  latter  of  whom 
died  when  twenty-one  years  of  age  from  the 
effects  of  an  accident.  The  father  was  a dry- 
goods  merchant  in  Albany,  and  lived  there  un- 
til a year  and  a half  before  his  marriage.  His 
first  wife  died  about  1857,  and  he  married  Bet- 
sey M.  Smith,  a sister  of  the  first  Mrs.  Bussing. 
To  this  marriage  were  also  born  a son  and  a 
daughter,  Alice  B.  and  AValter.  Mr.  Bussing 
died  at  the  home  of  his  daughter  in  November, 
1891,  at  the  age  of  sixty-three  years.  Mrs. 
Betsey  M.  Bussing  died  June  30,  1900.  They 
were  members  of  the  Reformed  Protestant 
Church  of  America.  The  grandfather  of  Rev. 
Isaac  S.  Bussing  also  bore  the  name  of  Har- 
mon Bussing;  he  was  born  in  Ireland,  but  was 
brought  to  this  country  when  a child,  passing 
the  greater  part  of  his  life  near  Albany,  N.  Y., 
engaged  in  farming.  He  was  the  father  of 
five  children,  and  lived  to  be  eighty-nine  years 
of  age.  John  Smith,  the  father  of  Harriet 
Smith  noted  above,  was  born  in  New  York, 
and  was  the  descendant  of  Holland-Dutch  an- 
cestors. 

Rev.  Isaac  S.  Bussing  was  reared  in  the 
city  of  Albany,  where  he  attended  the  public 
schools,  and  helped  his  father  in  the  store  in 
the  intervals  of  his  school  work.  He  was  an 
energetic,  pushing  lad  of  determined  spirit, 
and  has  taken  entire  care  of  himself  since  he 
was  fourteen  years  of  age.  In  later  years  he 
pursued  his  studies  by  the  light  of  the  midnight 


862 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


oil,  so  congenial  to  the  scholarly  mind.  Mr. 
Bussing  is  in  every  sense  of  the  word  a self- 
made  man;  he  has  conquered  difficulties  that 
would  have  overwhelmed  and  crushed  a less 
courageous  soul. 

, Mr.  Bussing  began  life  for  himself  as  a 
shipping  clerk  with  Wood,  Lewis  & Hawley, 
well-known  collar  and  cuff  manufacturers  at 
Troy,  N.  Y.,  and  remained  with  them  between 
eight  and  nine  years.  It  was  while  in  their 
employ  that  his  strong  religious  nature  as- 
serted itself,  and  he  became  a recognized  and 
powerful  worker  in  the  cause  of  the  Master 
among  the  young  men  of  that  city,  at  one  time 
having  gathered  a class  of  seventy-five  young 
men  under  his  instruction  and  inspiration.  He 
had  been  with  them  about  a year  when  J.  R. 
Pratt,  Wisconsin  secretary  of  the  Y.  M.  C.  A., 
induced  him  to  come  West,  and  enter  upon  the 
duties  of  Lumberman’s  secretary  of  the  asso- 
ciation. Mr.  Bussing  did  so,  and  for  several 
seasons  spent  the  winter  season  in  traveling 
through  the  various  lumber  camps  of  the  north- 
ern woods.  This  was  an  arduous  life,  and  his 
health  became  so  undermined  that  he  was 
called  in  from  the  field,  and  assigned  to  the 
office  of  general  secretary  at  Lake  Geneva, 
Wis.  Mr.  Bussing  remained  at  this  point,  and 
discharged  the  duties  of  the  position  until 
1892,  when  he  entered  the  regular  work  of 
the  ministry  of  the  Methodist  Church,  having 
his  first  charge  at  Springville,  Wis.  He  was 
pastor  there  two  years,  and  while  he  was  there 
a sweeping  revival  greatly  advanced  the  cause 
of  the  church.  In  Springville,  to-day,  there 
is  standing  a beautiful  church,  which  is  a last- 
ing memorial  to  the  work  of  Mr.  Bussing  in 
that  community.  From  Springville  he  was 
transferred  to  the  church  at  London,  Dane 
county,  in  the  fall  of  1893,  where  he  had  a 
pastorate  of  twelve  months  that  was  fruitful 
in  the  strengthening  of  the  church,  the  ma- 
terial improvement  of  the  property  and  the 
lifting  of  all  debt.  In  1894  Mr.  Bussing  was 
assigned  to  the  church  at  Dartford,  the  county 
seat  of  Green  Lake  county,  and  here  his  min- 
istry was  attended  with  large  revivals  and 
many  accessions  to  the  church. 

In  the  winter  of  1896  ideas  that  had  long 
been  working  in  the  mind  of  Mr.  Bussing  be- 
came convictions,  and  he  realized  that  as  a mat- 
ter of  conscience  he  should  do  his  work  as  a 
minister  henceforth  under  the  auspices  of  the 
religious  organization  known  as  the  Church 


of  the  United  Brethren  in  Christ.  To  break 
away  from  a ministry  that  offered  such  larp_e 
attractions,  and  which  had  been  singularly 
agreeable  to  him  was  no  slight  thing,  but  with 
the  subject  of  this  article  right  went  before 
any  question  of  ease  or  comfort,  and  he  ac- 
cordingly hastened  to  identify  himself  with 
this  body  as  soon  as  he  had  become  thoroughly 
convinced  that  it  was  founded  on  the  Gospel. 
He  resigned  from  the  Methodist  communion  on 
Easter  Sunday,  1896,  and  entered  almost  im- 
mediately upon  his  work  as  pastor  of  the 
Church  of  the  United  Brethren,  at  Pickrell, 
Neb.  There  his  work  was  particularly  no- 
ticeable by  one  hundred  three  conversions  tak- 
ing place  under  his  effective  preaching  at  that 
point.  He  was  sent  to  Julian,  Neb.,  at  the  next 
session  of  the  conference,  where  lie  remained 
a year  and  a half ; and  from  that  point  he  came 
to  Monroe,  where  he  has  since  resided. 

Mr.  Bussing  and  Miss  Ella  S.  Burger,  a 
daughter  of  William  F.  and  Cornelia  E. 
(Wyant)  Burger,  were  married  Nov.  6,  1874. 
Three  sons  and  three  daughters  are  the  fruit 
of  this  union,  William  FI.,  Harriet  E.,  Martin, 
Benjamin  T.,  Ruth  Mary  and  Esther  May. 
Mr.  Bussing  is  brigade  chaplain  of  the  Do- 
main of  Wisconsin.  Knights  of  Pythias,  hold- 
ing the  rank  of  major  in  that  order,  and  also 
belongs  to  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America. 
He  is  the  first  vice-president  of  the  Monroe 
Ministerial  Association.  Mr.  Bussing  takes  an 
independent  stand  in  all  political  affairs,  and 
aims  to  cast  his  vote  at  every  election  with  a 
view  to  the  general  good  of  his  country,  'rather 
than  the  promotion  of  mere  party  aims. 

GILBERT  T.  HODGES,  whose  promi- 
nence in  the  agricultural,  financial  and  political 
circles  of  Green  county,  Wis.,  easily  places  him 
in  the  front  rank  of  the  popular  and  substantial 
citizens  of  the  State,  was  born  in  Montgomery 
county,  Ind.,  Jan.  6,  1841. 

William  Hodges,  his  father,  was  born  in 
Kentucky,  of  English  descent,  and  when  he 
started  out  in  life  for  himself  was  empty  hand- 
ed, but  he  pre-empted  eighty  acres  of  land  in 
Montgomery  county,  Ind.,  of  which  he  cleared 
five  acres  and  built  a log  house,  planting  his 
five  acres  in  corn.  This  tract  he  traded  for 
another  eighty-acre  tract  which  wras  wholly 
unimproved,  which  in  turn  he  cleared  and  trad- 
ed for  a third,  upon  which  he  made  his  home 
until  1846,  when  he  sold  all  off  and  moved  to 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


863 


Wisconsin,  where  he  purchased  260  acres  in 
Monroe  township,  Green  county,  and  where  he 
built  a good  house.  As  the  years  passed  on 
he  added  to  his  possessions  160  acres  three  and 
one-half  miles  northwest,  but  this  he  divided 
between  his  two  children,  David  and  Rachel, 
and  also  gave  to  Lewis  eighty  acres  off  the 
home  farm.  He  then  purchased  eighty  acres 
each  on  the  south  and  the  east  sides  of 
the  original  place,  and  forty  acres  on  the 
west,  and  as  the  last  named  land  was  in 
the  corporate  limits  of  the  city  of  Monroe,  he 
sold  it  off  in  town  lots.  While  he  never  had 
enjoyed  the  benefits  of  an  education,  he  was 
a successful  man.  He  kept  no  accounts,  but 
after  his  son  Gilbert  had  attained  the  age  of 
ten  years,  he  depended  upon  him  to  do  any 
necessary  figuring.  When  he  started  out  on 
stock  buying  expeditions,  he  was  always  ac- 
companied by  Gilbert,  who  looked  after  the 
numerical  side  of  the  business.  Mr.  Hodges 
helped  to  survey  the  land  in  the  neighborhood, 
and  it  was  said  he  was  infallible  when  called 
upon  to  settle  boundary  disputes.  In  1856  he 
purchased  land  in  Davis  county,  Mo.,  and  lived 
there  for  two  and  one-half  years,  but  at  the  end 
of  that  time  returned  to  Wisconsin,  and  passed 
a year  and  one-half  in  straightening  up  his  af- 
fairs. He  then  returned  to  Missouri,  where 
he  remained,  however,  but  a year,  the  out- 
break of  the  Rebellion  making  a home  in  Wis- 
consin more  desirable  for  a Northern  sympa- 
thizer. In  the  spring  of  1877  he  purchased 
town  property  in  Winfield,  Ivans.,  and  went 
there  expecting  to  make  it  his  future  home. 
In  August,  1879,  he  started  back  to  his  old 
Wisconsin  home,  but  was  taken  ill  on  the  way, 
and  died  the  day  after  his  arrival,  in  his  eighti- 
eth year.  Just  after  he  left  his  early  home 
in  Kentucky  and  took  up  his  abode  in  Indiana, 
‘he  married  Sarah  Powell,  daughter  of  Lewis 
Powell,  of  Montgomery  county,  Iiid.,  and  to 
their  union  came  eight  children,  three  of  whom 
are  now  living:  Rachel,  widow  of  Thomas 

Randall,  makes  her  home  in  Winfield,  Ivans. ; 
William  J.,  of  Stillwater.  Oklahoma;  and  Gil- 
bert T.  The  mother  of  these  died  in  1884. 
Both  were  faithful  followers  of  the  tenets  of 
the  Christian  or  Disciples  Church.  Mr.  Hodges 
served  for  many  years  as  a justice  of  the  peace. 

Lewis  Powell,  father  of  M'rs.  Sarah 
(Powell)  Hodges,  and  maternal  grandfather 
of  Gilbert  T.  Hodges,  was  a native  of  Virginia, 
where  he  gained  a livelihood  chiefly  by  hunt- 


ing. Game  of  all  kinds  abounded  there,  and 
he  was  a typical  and  daring  pioneer  of  those 
early  struggling  days  of  our  country.  He 
took  part  in  the  Indian  war,  and  was  called 
Capt.  Powell.  His  brother  Decader  was  killed 
in  the  battle  of  Tippecanoe.  Lewis  Powell 
was  captured  many  times,  but  always  succeeded 
in  effecting  his  escape.  He  moved  from  Vir- 
ginia to  Tennessee,  and  thence  to  Montgom- 
ery county,  Ind.,  making  his  home  there  until 
1844,  when  he  located  in  Monroe  township, 
Green  Co.,  Wis.,  and  commenced  to  improve 
a farm  about  four  miles  northeast  of  the  vil- 
lage of  Monroe.  This  he  shortly  after  divided 
among  his  children,  and  lived  with  them  until 
his  death,  which  took  place  in  1858,  at  the 
home  of  his  youngest  daughter,  Mary  Anne 
Clark,  when  he  was  aged  ninety-nine  years. 
He  was  of  Scotch  descent,  and  was  very  re- 
ligious, his  home  having  been  a meeting  place 
for  religious  discussions  for  many  years.  He 
also  held  many  minor  offices,  among  them  jus- 
tice of  the  peace. 

Gilbert  T.  Hodges  has  passed  by  far  the 
greater  part  of  his  life  in  Monroe,  Green  coun- 
ty. He  was  reared  on  his  father’s  farm,  and 
received  such  education  as  the  district  schools 
afforded,  later  attending  a college  in  Madison. 
His  first  essay  in  life  for  himself  was  as  a 
teacher,  beginning  this  work  when  he  was 
eighteen  years  of  age,  by  teaching  three  terms 
in  a school  in  Missouri.  This  was  followed 
by  four  winters’  teaching  in  his  home  in  the 
district  schools  of  Clarno  township.  He  met 
with  great  success  in  this  work,  but  having 
been  trained  to  farm  work,  he  returned  to  that 
as  a life  work,  farming  with  his  father  on 
shares,  and  buying  stock.  His  first  purchase 
of  land  consisted  of  105  acres  in  Clarno  town- 
ship, known  as  the  “Stearns  farm,”  a portion 
of  which  he  sold  in  1865,  and  the  remainder  in 
1870.  In  1868  he  bought  eighty  acres  of  his 
father’s  farm  of  the  heirs,  and  thirty-four  acres 
of  his  father’s  land  within  the  corporation, 
and  of  the  latter  he  sold  ten  acres  to  the  Fair 
Grounds  Association.  He  has  since  bought 
120  acres  in  Cadiz  township.  He  continues  to 
buy  stock  in  large  quantities,  and  as  he  began 
this  business  in  1863,  he  is  now  the  oldest 
continuous  stock  buyer  in  the  county,  and  feeds 
cattle  on  a large  scale.  He  has  also  bought 
wool  for  many  years.  His  'remarkable  ability 
as  a judge  of  stock  has  made  him  an  authority 
in  the  community,  and  in  the  State  Agricultural 


864 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Society,  of  which  he  has  been  a member  many 
years,  and  was  an  officer  for  about  five  years, 
being  superintendent  of  the  cattle  and  dairy 
departments. 

Mr.  Hodges  has  not  confined  himself  en- 
tirely to  agricultural  pursuits,  but  has  become 
a factor  in  financial  circles,  where  his  fore- 
sight and  his  wisdom  have  made  him  an  in- 
valuable counselor.  He  is  the  largest  stock- 
holder and  a director  in  the  Citizens  Bank, 
and  is  a stockholder  in  the  First  National 
Bank.  In  politics,  too,  Mr.  Hodges  has 
played  a prominent  and  influential  part.  His 
ballot  is  cast  in  favor  of  the  Democratic 
party,  and  he  has  filled  many  offices.  He 
was  chairman  of  the  county  hoard  of  su- 
pervisors for  ten  or  twelve  years,  and  was 
chairman  of  the  building  committee  hav- 
ing in  charge  the  erection  of  the  present  hand- 
some court  house.  He  was  a candidate  for  the 
State  Assembly  in  1894  and  1896,  being  de- 
feated the  first  time  by  only  160  votes.  He 
was  a delegate  from  Milwaukee  to  Washing- 
ton, D.  C.,  Feb.  22,  1900,  to  secure  the  loca- 
tion of  the  national  convention  of  the  Demo- 
cratic party  at  Milwaukee,  but  was  defeated 
by  the  Kansas  City  committee.  That  year  he 
went  to  Kansas  City  as  a delegate,  and  there 
assisted  in  the  nomination  of  William  J.  Bryan 
for  president  of  the  United  States,  and  in  the 
fall  election,  being  a candidate  for  Congress, 
suffered  defeat  with  his  chief  in  the  general 
landslide.  Mr.  Hodges  has  served  as  clerk 
of  the  district  school  board  in  Clarno  town- 
ship. Socially  he  belongs  to  the  Catholic  Or- 
der of  Foresters,  and  for  ten  years  he  was 
president  of  the  Green  County  Agricultural 
Society,  and  at  present  is  one  of  its  trustees. 

On  Feb.  13,  1866,  Mr.  Hodges  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Annie  F.  Banks,  daugh- 
ter of  James  A.  and  Grace  Mary  (Walker) 
Banks,  and  eight  children  came  to  bless  their 
union  : Isabel  and  Grace  both  died  in  infancy ; 
Lewis  A.,  a graduate  of  the  Monroe  high 
school,  has  been  connected  with  the  Citizens 
Bank  for  thirteen  years,  now  holding  the  po- 
sition of  assistant  cashier  (he  married  Cor- 
nelia Mack,  of  Brodhead,  and  has  two  chil- 
dren, Constance  and  Van  Antwerp);  Emma 
Frances,  who  attended  the  LTniversity  at  Madi- 
son two  years,  then  entered  Holy  Angels’ 
Academy,  at  Minneapolis,,  and  later  attended 
Conservatory  of  Music  at  Chicago,  whence 
she  was  graduated  (she  married  Elmer  Man- 


ning, a machinist  at  Monroe,  where  they  re- 
side, and  where  she  is  now  president  of  the 
Woman’s  Club)  ; Gilbert  T.,  Jr.,  a graduate  of 
the  literary  and  legal  departments  of  the  Uni- 
versity at  Madison,  is  now  practicing  law  in 
Chicago;  Annie  died  when  nearly  four  years 
old;  James  William  (who  was  a member  of 
Company  H,  1st  Wis.  Vols.,  in  the  Spanish- 
American  war)  and  Paul  are  at  home.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Hodges  are  members  of  the  Roman 
Catholic  Church. 

James  A.  Banks  and  wife,  parents  of  Mrs. 
Hodges,  are  both  natives  of  England,  who 
came  to  America  in  1843,  and  located  in  Mas- 
sachusetts, near  Plaverhill,  whence  after  sev- 
enteen years  they  came  to  Monroe.  During 
his  'residence  in  England  Mr.  Banks  was  a 
traveling  man,  and  was  interested  in  a woolen 
and  cotton  factory  there.  In  Massachusetts 
he  had  charge  of  a cotton  factory,  later  becom- 
ing a shoe  manufacturer  in  Haverhill.  After 
locating  in  Wisconsin,  he  engaged  in  business 
until  burned  out,  and  then,  as  he  was  advanc- 
ing in  years,  he  retired.  His  death  occurred 
in  1886,  at  the  age  of  eighty-three  years,  and 
his  wife  died  in  1881,  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
five.  They  were  married  in  the  Episcopal 
Church,  later  uniting  with  the  Roman  Cath- 
olic. In  politics  he  was  a stanch  Democrat. 
For  a time  he  was  a member  of  the  militia 
in  England.  His  father  had  died  early  and  his 
early  training  was  given  him  by  his  grandfa- 
ther. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Banks  were  the  parents 
of  seven  children,  five  of  whom  survive : Isa- 
bel, wife  of  Edward  Flanders,  of  Chicago; 
James,  of  Jefferson,  Wis. ; Annie  F.,  Mrs. 
Hodges;  Grace  Mary,  wife  of  Robert  Graham, 
of  Minneapolis,  Minn. ; Sarah  Alice,  wife  of 
Charles  A.  Lytle,  of  Monroe,  Wis,  The  two 
last  named  were  twins.  Mr.  Banks’  grand- 
mother was  a cousin  of  Thomas  Jefferson. 
Mrs.  Grace  Mary  (Walker)  Banks  was  a 
daughter  of  Thomas  Walker,  a farmer  and 
mail  carrier  in  England,  where  he  died  at  the 
advanced  age  of  ninety  years,  the  father  of 
thirteen  children,  eleven  of  whom  grew  to  ma- 
turity. 

ELIAS  J.  HELGESEN,  M.  D„  a promi- 
nent practicing  physician  and  surgeon,  and  a 
member  of  the  well  known  drug  firm  of  Helge- 
sen  & Godfrey,  of  New  Glarus,  Green  county, 
is  a young  man  to  whom  success  has  come  early 
in  life,  won  by  skill  and  ability  in  his  profes- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


865 


sion,  and  by  enterprise  and  upright  methods  in 
the  business  world. 

Dr.  Helgesen  was  born  in  Moscow  town- 
ship, Iowa  county,  Feb.  2,  1866,  son  of  John 
and  Ingobar  (Docken)  Helgesen,  natives  of 
Norway.  His  education  was  all  acquired  in 
the  district  schools,  and  he  remained  at  home 
until  he  had  attained  the  age  of  twenty- 
one.  Then  he  matriculated  at  the  Col- 
lege of  Physicians  and  Surgeons,  at  Keo- 
kuk, Iowa,  and  was  graduated  in  medicine  in 
1893.  He  had  formerly  studied  under  a pre- 
ceptor, and  for  two  years  before  receiving  his 
diploma  he  had  practiced  in  Badger,  Iowa. 
He  completed  his  professional  training  in  Keo- 
kuk, Iowa,  and  then  practiced  two  years  in 
Forest  City,  Iowa.  In  1895  he  located  in  New 
Glarus,  where  he  opened  a drug  store  in  con- 
nection with  his  practice.  Three  years  later 
he  associated  with  him  in  business,  Mr.  A. 
Godfrey,  a pharmacist  graduate  of  the  Uni- 
versity of  Chicago.  His  practice  has  been  con- 
stantly on  tile  increase,  until  at  the  present 
time  he  has  all  that  he  can  possibly  attend 
to.  Nature  endowed  him  with  a kindly,  sym- 
pathetic nature  that  inspires  his  patients  with 
confidence,  and  makes  his  presence  in  the  sick 
room  most  welcome. 

On  Jan.  26.  1886,  Dr.  Helgesen  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Josephine  Wise,  daughter  of 
John  and  Susan  ( Winner)  Wrise,  and  four  chil- 
dren have  come  to  this  union  : John  S.,  Walter 
J.  E.,  Reuben  L.  and  William  J.  Both  the 
Doctor  and  his  wife  are  Lutherans  in  their 
religious  faith,  but  as  the  only  English  speak- 
ing church  in  New  Glarus  is  the  Methodist, 
they  attend  that,  and  are  active  in  its  work. 
Dr.  Helgesen  belongs  to  the  A.  O.  LI.  W.  and 
the  M.  W.  A.  Through  his  Alma  Mater  he 
is  a member  of  the  Alumni  Medical  Associa- 
tion of  Keokuk,  Iowa.  Politically  the  Doctor 
is  a stanch  Republican,  and  was  delegate  to  the 
State  convention  which  nominated  Gov.  La 
Follette.  At  present  he  is  serving  as  justice 
of  the  peace,  and  this  attests  the  high  esteem 
in  which  he  is  held,  as  he  is  the  first  person 
to  hold  office  in  New  Glarus  outside  of  the 
Swiss  people.  He  is  progressive  and  public 
spirited,  and  has  endeared  himself  to  all  classes 
of  people. 

John  Helgesen.  father  of  Dr.  Llelgesen, 
was  a remarkably  versatile  man,  being  a shoe- 
maker, carpenter  and  stone  mason.  In  1861 

he  left  his  native  Norway  for  America,  and  lo- 
ss 


cated  in  Moscow  township,  Iowa  Co.,  Whs.,, 
where  he  bought  a farm,  and  thereafter  made 
its  care  his  life  work.  His  father  had  accom- 
panied him  from  their  foreign  home,  and  lived 
until  1862,  when  he  died  at  the  advanced  age 
of  ninety  years.  Mr.  Helgesen  was  twice  mar- 
ried, and  by  his  first  wife  he  had  four  children, 
as  follows:  Margaret,  wife  of  Knute  Ed- 

monds, of  Hollandale,  Wis. ; Annie,  widow  of 
John  Cashman,  of  Manitowoc,  Wis. ; Hannah, 
wife  of  Frank  Copeman,  of  Chicago;  and  Hol- 
ver,  of  Iowa  county.  He  later  married  Ingo- 
bar Docken.  daughter  of  Erick  Docken,  a na- 
tive of  Norway,  who  came  to  America  in  1859,. 
locating  in  Moscow  township,  where  he  died  in 
1867,  at  the  age  of  fifty-five  years.  To  this 
second  marriage  were  born  ten  children : Dr. 

Elias  J. ; Dr.  Peter  A.,  present  mayor  of  Lake 
Mills,  la.;  Dr.  John  M.,  of  Barneveld,  Wis.; 
Thomas,  of  Moscow  township,  Iowa  Co. ; Hen- 
ry, of  the  same  place ; Sever  E.,  of  New  Glarus  ; 
and  Albert,  Paul,  Mary  J.,  and  Clara,  all  of 
Moscow  township.  John  Helgesen  served  his 
adopted  country  for  some  time  as  a soldier  in 
the  Civil  war,  being  a private  in  Co.  H,  15th 
Wis.  V.  I.  He  has  a brother,  Thomas  Helge- 
sen, a wealthy  ship  builder  of  Liverpool,  Eng- 
land. 

GEORGE  R.  STEWART,  a popular 
young  grocer  at  Brodhead,  Green  county,  with 
a good  city  and  country  trade,  is  rapidly  com- 
ing' to  the  front  as  a progressive  and  success- 
ful business  man.  He  is  genial  and  courteous 
in  his  manner,  honest  and  reliable  in  his  deal- 
ing'. and  has  gained  a reputation  for  unswerv- 
ing integrity  that  goes  unchallenged  in  this 
community. 

Mr.  Stewart  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Spring  Valley,  Rock  county,  Wis.,  Feb.  20, 
1874,  and  is  a son  of  Harmon  and  Kate  (Bart- 
lett) Stewart,  both  of  whom  were  also  born  in 
this  State.  They  were  the  parents  of  five  chil- 
dren, George  R.,  Harriet  B.,  Anna  L.,  Kittie  A.. 
andGenieM.  The  father  was  a prominent  farm- 
er in  the  town  of  Spring  Valley,  where  he 
owned  a farm  of  two  hundred  and  seven  acres. 
He  had  other  real  estate  holdings  that  were  very 
valuable,  and  was  one  of  the  solid  men  of  his 
day.  He  moved  into  Brodhead,  and  there  died 
in  1887,  at  the  early  age  of  thirty-five  years. 
His  widow  still  survives,  and  she  and  her  fam- 
ily are  residents  of  this  city.  They  were  Pres- 
byterians in  their  faith  and  sympathy,  but  were 


866 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


not  identified  with  any  church.  He  was  a 
member  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America, 
and  a Republican.  His  father  Herman  B. 
Stewart,  was  a native  of  Vermont,  and  one 
of  the  earlier  settlers  of  Rock  county,  where 
he  engaged  in  farming  and  milling;  he  had 
four  children,  and  died  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
five.  Luke  C.  Bartlett,  the  father  of  Kate 
Bartlett  mentioned  above,  was  a native  of  New 
York,  following  the  trade  of  wagon  maker ; 
he  came  into  Wisconsin  at  an  early  day,  first 
settling  in  Rock  county,  but  afterward  mov- 
ing into  Green  county,  where  for  a time  he 
was  in  business  at  Albany;  he  has  lived  in 
Brodhead  for  a number  of  years,  and  is  still 
engaged  at  his  trade.  He  was  the  father  of 
seven  children,  six  of  whom  are  now  living. 

George  R.  Stewart  was  only  some  seven 
years  old  when  his  parents  came  to  Brodhead, 
and  here  he  has  grown  to  manhood.  lie  ob- 
tained his  education  in  the  Brodhead  schools, 
and  prepared  himself  for  a mercantile  life, 
upon  which  he  entered  as  soon  as  he  was 
through  school.  He  was  a clerk  for  a time, 
and  then,  forming  a partnership  with  David 
Gombar,  began  the  grocery  business.  The  part- 
nership was  dissolved  at  the  end  of  two  years, 
Mr.  Stewart  buying  out  his  partner,  since 
which  time  he  has  been  alone.  lie  has  a grow- 
ing trade,  and  needs  more  help  from  time  to 
time  as  his  business  grows  on  his  hands,  but 
he  feels  fully  competent  to  manage  it  alone. 
He  belongs  to  the  Knights  of  the  Globe,  and  in 
politics  is  a Republican. 

ABRAHAM  V.  KNAPP,  of  Lima  town- 
ship, Grant  county,  was  born  in  Seneca  county, 
N.  Y.,  June  27,  1832,  a son  of  James  D.  and 
Lois  (Ingersoll)  Knapp,  natives  of  the  State 
of  Connecticut,  where  they  were  born  in  1800 
and  1 799,  respectively.  While  both  were  quite 
young  they  moved  with  their  parents  to  west- 
ern New  York,  where  they  were  married.  They 
engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  for  a num- 
ber of  years,  and  later  the  family  moved  to 
Monroe  county.  Mich.,  where  the  father 
died  in  1854.  Soon  after  this  sad  event  the 
mother  and  family  moved  to  Wisconsin,  set- 
tling first  at  Lancaster,  and  later  at  Platteville, 
where  the  mother  died  in  1888.  Four  children 
were  born  to  this  couple,  all  in  the  State  of 
New  York:  (1)  Jerusha  G.  never  married, 

and  died  at  her  home  in  Platteville  in  1898. 
(2)  Spencer  crossed  the  Plains  to  California 


in  1852,  and  died  a short  time  after  reaching 
that  State.  (3)  Riley  I.  was  a farmer,  en- 
listed in  Co.  K,  47th  Wis  V.  I.,  and  at  the 
close  of  the  war  returned  to  his  home  in  Wis- 
consin, was  never  married,  and  died  at  Platte- 
ville in  1900.  (4)  Abraham  V.  was  the  young- 

est son. 

From  early  boyhood  Abraham  V.  Knapp 
has  been  engaged  in  farming.  On  the  break- 
ing out  of  the  Rebellion  in  1861,  he  enlisted 
in  Co.  F,  10th  Wis.  V.  I.,  served  as  private, 
second  and  first  sergeant  and  second  lieutenant, 
under  Generals  O.  M.  Mitchel,  Buel,  McCook, 
Rosecrans  and  Thomas,  participated  in  a num- 
ber of  battles,  of  which  Perrysville  and  Stone 
River  were  the  most  important.  At  the  lat- 
ter battle  he  received  an  injury  (ruptured  veins 
in  the  leg)  that  permanently  disabled  him  for 
military  service,  and  in  December,  1863,  he  re- 
signed his  commission,  and  returned  to  his 
home. 

The  year  following  his  return  Mr.  Knapp 
was  married  to  Miss  Laura  E.  Waldorf,  of 
Grant  county,  a daughter  of  Jesse  and  Clarissa 
(Jones)  Waldorf,  who  were  born  and  reared 
in  Trumbull  county,  Ohio.  They  both  be- 
longed to  old  pioneer  families  of  that  State, 
and  came  West  to  Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1840, 
taking  up  a tract  of  land,  which  they  greatly 
improved.  Mr.  Waldorf  was  chairman  of  the 
board  of  supervisors  for  many  years,  and 
served  one  term  in  the  Legislature.  Two 
daughters  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Waldorf, 
Mrs.  Knapp  and  a sister  Mary,  now  deceased, 
who  married  Amandra  Miner,  a resident  of 
Iowa,  and  left  no  family.  Mr.  Jesse  Waldorf 
died  in  1871,  and  Clarissa  Waldorf  in  1884. 

Soon  after  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Knapp  settled  on  the  old  Waldorf  homestead, 
where  they  now  reside.  To  them  were  born 
ten  children : Fred  W.,  of  Fennimore,  a tinner 
by  trade,  married  Miss  Mary  Streeter,  of  Grant 
county;  Frank  S.,  mentioned  below;  Sidney 
D.  B. ; Clara  L. ; Charles  D. ; Jesse  E. ; Horace 
H. ; Lloyd  P. ; Edna  M. ; and  Ernest  N.  Po- 
litically Mr.  Knapp  has  always  been  a Repub- 
lican, casting  his  first  presidential  vote  for  Fre- 
mont in  1856.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Knapp  have 
long  been  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church.  Mr. 
Knapp  superintended  the  Sunday-school  near 
his  home  for  twelve  years,  and  had  the  satis- 
faction of  having  one  hundred  scholars,  all 
of  whom  were  members  of  the  M.  E.  Church. 

Frank  S.  Knapp  was  born  in  Grant  county, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


867 


in  February,  1867,  and  grew  to  manhood  on 
the  home  farm,  attending  the  district  school. 
Later  he  was  a student  at  the  State  Normal  at 
Platteville,  and  also  at  the  commercial  college' 
in  Madison.  For  a short  time  he  engaged  in 
teadhing,  and  then  was  engaged  for  about 
eighteen  months  as  bookkeeper  for  the  lumber 
firm  of  W*  U.  Taylor  & Son,  of  Platteville. 
During  1892  and  1893,  he  was  enabled  to  pur- 
sue his  chosen  study,  that  of  dentistry,  at  the 
State  University  of  Iowa.  The  first  location 
Dr.  Knapp  made  for  the  practice  of  his  profes- 
sion was  in  Alexandria,  S.  Dak.,  where  he  re- 
mained a few  months;  then  returned  to 
Platteville,  bought  Dr.  Deffinbacher’s  office 
fixtures,  and  has  since  resided  in  this  city, 
■where  he  built  up  a very  desirable  practice. 
During  these  eight  succeeding  years  Dr.  Knapp 
has  become  very  well  known  among  his  brother 
dentists,  was  for  two  years  president  of  the 
Southern  Wisconsin  Dental  Association,  and 
is  also  a member  of  the  State  Dental  Society. 
Socially  he  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fra- 
ternity, and  the  order  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  is 
a charter  member  of  the  K.  of  P.  order  of  this 
city,  of  which  he  has  been  C.  C.  Politically 
he  is  a Republican  and  is  now  serving  his  sec- 
ond term  as  alderman.  The  summer  of  1900 
Dr.  Knapp  spent  in  Europe,  visiting  England, 
Scotland,  Ireland  and  France,  and  attending 
the  Paris  Exposition.  Dr.  Knapp  has  always 
attended  the  M.  E.  Church,  and  contributes  to 
its  support.  Upright  in  all  his  dealings,  thor- 
oughly understanding  hi?  profession,  pleasant 
in  manner,  Dr.  Knapp  not  only  has  attained 
eminence  in  his  work,  but  is  also  very  popular 
personally  and  is  a yonug  man  of  whom  Platte- 
ville may  well  be  proud. 

NILS  KNUDSON.  Among  the  honor- 
able survivors  of  the  old  settlers  of  Adams 
township,  Green  county,  is  Nils  Knudson,  who 
is  located  on  his  fine  farm,  on  Section  16,  fif- 
teen miles  northwest  of  Monroe,  Wis.,  and  is 
one  of  the  leading  and  substantial  men  of  this 
locality. 

Mr.  Knudson  was  born  in  Walders,  Nor- 
way, on  May  5,  1833.  His  father,  Knud  Nel- 
son, was  born  in  Norway,  in  1804,  and  came 
to  Adams  township,  in  1856,  and  died  in  1884, 
having  had  a family  of  nine  children : Bessie, 

deceased;  Mary,  of  Iowa;  Nils,  of  this  sketch; 
Isabella,  the  wife  of  Ole  O.  Syaness,  of  Wis- 
consin; Ivnudt,  of  Iowa;  Ole,  deceased;  Annie, 


the  wife  of  Ole  Anderson,  of  Iowa;  Lena,  the 
1 wife  of  James  Rassmuson,  of  Iowa;  and 
Thomas,  of  Iowa. 

On  March  7,  1861,  Nils  Knudson  was  mar- 
ried to  Carrie  Olson,  and  three  children  were 
born  of  this  union  : Ivnudt ; Ole,  deceased  ; and 
Caroline,  the  wife  of  Oliver  Brager,  of  Iowa. 
Mrs.  Knudson  died  in  1872,  and  in  1874  Mr. 
Knudson  was  married  to  Miss  Carrie  Nelson 
Avok,  who  was  born  in  Norway  on  May  16, 
1846,  and  who  came  to  the  United  States  when 
a girl.  Fivechildren  were  born  to  this  marriage  : 
Nils,  born  Oct.  26,  1874,  at  home,  single; 
Martin,  born  on  Feb.  12,  1877,  at  home,  single; 
Ingeborg,  born  on  Feb.  7,  1879,  married  Gil- 
bert Jordet,  of  North  Dakota;  Minnie,  born 
on  Jan.  9,  1884;  and  Anna,  born  on  June  30, 
1888.  Although  now  Mr.  Knudson  is  one  of 
the  leading  and  wealthy  men  of  Green  county, 
when  he  came  to  America  it  was  as  a poor 
young  man,  and  naturally  the  reader  would 
ask  how  these  intervening  years  have  been 
spent,  the  question  being  easily  answered  by 
the  neighbors  of  Mr.  Knudson,  who  could  tell 
of  his  industry,  his  energy  and  good  judg- 
ment, his  business  ability,  and  also  his  honest 
and  upright  dealing  with  all  with  whom  he 
has  been  associated  in  business.  Mr.  Knudson 
has  a high  standing  in  Adams  township,  and 
the  family  is  one  of  the  most  hig'hly  respected. 
A prominent  member  of  the  Democratic  party, 
he  has  exerted  considerable  influence,  and  has 
been  called  upon  to  serve  the  township  in  sev- 
eral positions,  notably  as  school  director,  mem- 
ber of  the  school  board,  and  as  road  supervisor. 
His  means  are  large,  and  he  has  recently  pur- 
chased a $16,000  farm  in  North  Dakota.  In 
the  Lutheran  Church  he  is  a valued  and  con- 
sistent member,  and  is  highly  regarded, 
through  the  community,  as  one  of  the  most 
esteemed  of  the  old  settlers. 

SEVER  CHESTELSON,  who  resides  on 
Section  11,  Brigham  township,  Iowa  county, 
is  a well-known  citizen  of  his  community,  and 
was  a soldier  of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  hav- 
ing been  a member  of  Company  C,  12th  Wis. 
V.  I.  In  January,  1862,  he  enlisted,  and  was 
discharged  July  16,  1865,  having  covered  in 
his  experience  as  a soldier  all  that  period  of 
the  war  in  which  systematic  and  continuous 
efforts  were  employed  to  crush  the  insurrec- 
tion. At  the  time  of  his  enlistment,  the  Nation 
was  just  beginning  to  realize  it  had  a serious 


868 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


and  terrible  war  on  its  hands.  With  thousands 
of  other  brave  anti  loyal  men,  Mr.  Chestelson 
took  up  arms  against  the  sea  of  secession,  as 
soon  as  he  saw  the  struggle  and  the  principles 
it  involved.  He  was  with  his  regiment  during 
the  greater  portion  of  his  service,  participat- 
ing in  some  of  the  most  important  events  of  the 
war.  He  took  part  in  the  siege  and  capture 
of  Vicksburg,  followed  Gen.  Sherman  in  his 
famous  March  to  the  Sea,  and  shared  in  the 
glory  and  honor  of  the  Grand  Review  at  Wash- 
ington. With  his  regiment  Mr.  Chestelson  was 
mustered  out  of  the  United  States  service  at 
Louisville,  and  discharged  at  Madison. 

Sever  Chestelson  was  born  in  Norway  in 
1831,  and  grew  to  manhood  in  his  native  coun- 
try, coming  to  America  after  he  had  reached 
the  age  of  twenty-two  years.  For  a time  his 
residence  was  at  Stoughton,  Wis.,  then  at  Blue 
Mounds,  and  finally,  in  1854,  he  settled  on  the 
farm  where  he  is  found  at  the  present  time. 
To  this  place  he  returned  at  the  conclusion  of 
the  war.  and  here  presently  lie,  brought  his 
wife.  Miss  Anna  Thompson,  to  whom  he  was 
married  in  1866.  She  was  born  in  Norway  in 
1843,  and  was  brought  to  this  country  by  her 
parents  when  only  two  years  old.  Her  parents 
lived  many  years  in  Blue  Mounds,  but  long 
since  passed  away.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Chestelson 
have  seven  children  living:  Maria,  Sarah, 
Amanda.  Randine,  Carl,  Sophia,  and  Curtis. 
Two  others  passed  away  in  childhood.  Mr. 
Chestelson's  health  was  much  impaired  by  his 
army  experiences,  never  having  recovered  from 
the  hardships  through  which  he  passed;  his 
heart  was  seriously  injured,  and  this  shuts  him 
out  from  active  and  continuous  work.  A good 
soldier  in  the  war,  he  is  a good  citizen  at  the 
present  time,  and  has  maintained  throughout 
his  life  a high  standard  of  character. 

Mr.  Chestelson  had  two  brothers  who  died 
in  the  war  for  the  Union,  Tarjei  and  Aslak 
Chestelson,  both  members  of  the  same  com- 
pany as  our  subject.  They  were  fine  young 
men,  and  very  reliable  and  trustworthy  sol- 
diers. Aslak  died  in  the  rear  of  Vicksburg,  ■ 
during  the  progress  of  the  military  operations 
against  that  rebel  stronghold.  Tarjei,  who  was 
taken  ill,  was  on  his  way  to  the  hospital,  when 
he  died  on  a steamboat  on  the  Mississippi,  while 
being  taken  North.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Chestelson 
have  a pleasant  and  hospitable  home,  and  are 
held  in  high  esteem  in  the  community  in  which 


their  quiet  and  useful  lives  are  passing.  Mr. 
Chestelson  belongs  to  Gen.  Dixon  Post,  No. 
191,  G.  A.  R.,  at  Mt.  Horeb,  Wisconsin. 

CASPAR  W.  KARN,  proprietor  of  the 
Browntown  Mills,  in  Green  county,  is  one  of 
those  German-American  citizens  who  have  con- 
tributed so  much  that  is  good  to  American  citi- 
zenship. He  was  born  in  Saxony  March  15, 
1843,  a son  of  George  and  Mary  (Fromholdt) 
Kara,  who  were  natives  of  the  same  country. 
In  their  family  were  five  children,  three  of 
whom — George,  Peter  and  Margaret — re- 
mained in  the  Fatherland,  while  Valentine  ac- 
companied his  brother,  Caspar,  to  the  new 
World  in  1867;  he  soon  returned  to  his  na- 
tive land,  however,  and  remained  there. 

Caspar  W.  Kara,  had  as  a traveling  com- 
panion on  his  journey  to  America,  Miss  Cath- 
erine Schmidting,  daughter  of  Joseph  and 
Mary  (Prouch)  Schmidting.  of  Cologne,  Ger- 
many, the  former  of  whom  died  in  Germany. 
The  latter  started  for  the  New  World  with  her 
daughter,  but  the  daughter  becoming  ill  at 
Bremen,  returned  to  her  old  home,  and  later 
came  to  her  mother  in  Madison,  Wis.,  accom- 
panying Mr.  Kara  as  above  stated.  On  Sept. 
8,  1867,  Mr.  Kara  and  Miss  Schmidting  were 
united  in  marriage,  and  to  their  union  have 
come  eleven  children:  Louis  W.,  born  July 

13,  1868,  is  now  living  in  Chicago;  William 
F.,  born  June  8,  1871,  now  a farmer  in  La- 
fayette county,  married  Edith  Michael,  and  has 
two  children.  Leah  jnd  Willie;  Earnest  A., 
born  Dec.  23,  1872,  a farmer  in  Green  county, 
married  May  Foy,  and  has  two  children,  Ella 
and  Amelia;  Mary  M.,  born  July  20,  18 vu. 
married  Peter  J.  R.  Post,  a merchant  of  Dane 
county,  and  has  two  children,  Junita  and 
Leana ; Herman  Joseph,  born  Sept.  21,  1876, 
resides  in  Iowa;  Frank  A.,  born  Oct.  1,  1878, 
resides  in  Green  county;  George  L.,  born  Jan. 
17,  1881.  is  at  home,  engaged  with  his  father 
in  the  milling  business;  Edward  J.,  born  Oct. 
1,  1882,  John  Henry,  born  March  29,  1885, 
Oscar  PI.,  born  Jan.  28,  1887.  and  Amelia  E., 
born  July  30,  1888,  are  all  at  home. 

When  Mr.  Kara  came  to  America  he  was 
a very  poor  man,  and  his  capital  consisted 
chiefly  of  his  trade,  that  of  milling,  which  he 
had  learned  in  the  old  country.  He  first 
worked  in  Madison,  Wisconsin,  and  later 
in  Middleton,  and  then  began  a series  of 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


869 


changes  which  included  Iowa  county,  Col- 
umbia county,  Mount  Vernon,  and  Mil- 
waukee, whence  he  returned  to  Mount  Ver- 
non, where  he  purchased  a mill  and  put 
in  a roller  process.  In  1895  he  sold 
out  there  and  located  in  Browntown,  where  he 
owns  a mill  fully  equipped  with  all  the  latest 
machinery,  and  capable  of  turning  out  the  best 
grade  of  work.  He  also  owns  a two-story 
dwelling  and  sixty-five  acres  of  fine  land,  all 
the  result  of  his  industry  and  careful  manage- 
ment, assisted  by  his  good  wife’s  clear  judg- 
ment. In  politics  Mr.  Karn  is  a stanch  Dem- 
ocrat, and  has  held  a number  of  offices  in  the 
various  places  he  has  lived,  among  them  being 
that  of  school  director.  In  religious  faith  he 
is  a Lutheran;  Mrs.  Karn  and  the  children  are 
Catholics,  and  they  all  take  an  interest  in  all 
that  pertains  to  the  welfare  of  their  churches. 

Mrs.  Karn  has  a sister  who  still  makes  her 
home  in  Germany,  and  is  now  the  wife  of  Will- 
iam Brown,  who  was  for  a time  a captain  of 
a boat  on  the  river  Rhine. 

CHRISTOPHER  MACABUS  JACK- 
SON.  While  perhaps  most  of  the  sturdy 
settlers  of  Wisconsin  came  originally  from 
the  East,  or  directly  from  the  old  country,  a 
few,  here  and  there,  may  be  found  who  rep- 
resent the  best  blood  of  the  South,  sons  and 
grandsons  of  those  brave  and  daring  Vir- 
ginians, who  crossed  the  mountains,  and  in  one 
of  the  longest  and  bloodiest  struggles  with 
■the  savage  race,  wrested  from  Indian  occu- 
pancy and  control  the  fair  lands  of  Kentucky. 
One  of  the  best  specimens  of  that  rare  and 
splendid  type  of  American  manhood  is  Chris- 
topher M.  Jackson,  who  is  also'  the  oldest 
surviving  pioneer  of  Potosi,  Grant  county, 
and  with  one  exception  its  oldest  citizen. 

Mr.  Jackson  was  born  in  Greenville,  Muhl- 
enberg county,  Ky.,  Jan.  17,  1816,  one  of  the 
thirteen  children  of  Jesse  and  Hannah 
(Rhodes)  Jackson,  who  were  among  the  most 
worthy  pioneers  of  Kentucky,  and  the  grand- 
son of  Christopher  Jackson,  who  was  prob- 
ably of  English  descent,  the  family  having 
located  in  Virginia,  in  Colonial  times.  Chris- 
topher had  seven  sons,  Julius,  Christopher, 
Gabriel,  Samuel,  George,  Leroy  and  Jesse, 
one  of  whom  entered  the  Continental  army 
at  the  age  of  sixteen  years.  Jesse  Jackson, 
father  of  our  subject,  was  born  in  Virginia, 
but  migrated  to  the  Kentucky  frontier  about 


1785.  The  Indians  were  then  very  trouble- 
some and  the  settlers  often  had  to  live  in  a 
blockhouse,  where  to  avoid  surprise  by  the 
savages,  Jesse  took  turns  with  the  others  in 
standing  guard.  He  was  a farmer  and  mill- 
wright by  occupation,  and  a man  of  command- 
ing influence.  He  served  as  sheriff  of  Muhl- 
enberg county,  and  was  for  many  years  a 
justice  of  the  peace.  In  religious  faith  he  was 
a member  of  the  Baptist  church.  He  died  in 
1847,  aged  seventy-eight  years.  His  wife, 
Hannah  Rhodes,  was  a native  of  Pennsylva- 
nia, of  Dutch  lineage.  She  was  one  of  six 
children,  her  four  brothers  and  one  sister  be- 
ing Solomon,  David,  Henry,  Jacob  and  Cath- 
erine. Of  the  thirteen  children  born  to  Jesse 
and  Hannah  Jackson,  two  died  in  childhood. 
The  other  eleven  attained  an  average  age  of 
over  eighty  years,  Nancy  being  ninety-eight 
at  her  death.  They  were  Elisha,  Nancy,  Sam- 
uel, Leroy,  Elizabeth,  Martha,  Mary,  Esther, 
Christopher  M.,  Susan  and  Harvey.  Of  these 
Christopher  M.  and  Harvey  are  the  only 
known  survivors,  the  latter  being  a resident 
of  Sac  City,  Iowa. 

Christopher  M.  Jackson,  at  the  age  of 
nineteen,  in  1835,  left  his  native  State  for  the 
Northwest.  He  tarried  for  a short  time. at 
Dubuque,  Iowa,  then  came  to  Wisconsin, 
which  was  a part  of  the  territory  of  Michigan. 
In  1836  he  located  at  Potosi,  and  was  living 
there  when  the  territory  of  Wisconsin  was 
organized.  Pie  followed  mining  for  several 
years,  then  bought  wild  land  and  turned  his 
attention  to  agriculture.  In  1850  he  drove 
team  across  the  Plains  to  California,  spending 
about  fifteen  months  in  that  State.  While 
there  he  discovered  the  famous  “Yankee  Jim” 
mine,  which  in  company  with  others  he  de- 
veloped and  for  a time  worked  quite  success- 
fully. Upon  his  return  to  Wisconsin  he  sold 
his  interest  in  the  mine.  Since  1873  Mr. 
fackson  has  resided  in  the  village  of  Potosi, 
where  for  thirteen  years  he  kept  the  Banfill 
House.  For  some  years  he  was  a partner  with 
his  son-in-law  in  the  leading  store  of  the  town, 
under  the  firm  name  of  Hunt  & Jackson, 
though  he  never  gave  personal  attention  to 
mercantile  business. 

In  1846  Mr.  Jackson  married  Miss  Mar- 
tha Bonham,  a native  of  Pike  Co.,  Missouri, 
and  the  daughter  of  Captain  Francis  and 
Mary  (Neavill)  Bonham,  who  were  among 
the  prominent  pioneers  of  Grant  Co.,  Wis, 


870 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Capt.  Bonham  was  one  of  a family  of  five 
sons  and  two  daughters,  namely,  James,  Jos- 
eph, Francis,  Harvey,  Martin,  Isabella  and 
Mahala.  He  was  born  in  Rye  Valley,  Wythe 
county,  Va.,  in  1806,  and  in  1818  removed  to 
Pike  county,  Mo.,  where  he  served  during  the 
pioneer  days  as  a captain  of  militia.  Though 
he  possessed  few  opportunities  for  a schooling, 
he  had  by  extensive  reading,  aided  by  a re- 
markable memory,  acquired  a broad  and  use- 
ful general  education.  He  died  in  Grant 
county  in  1892,  aged  eighty-six  years.  Among 
the  cherished  heirlooms  which  he  left  to  his 
posterity  was  a sword,  carried  by  one  of  his 
ancestors,  in  the  days  of  Cromwell’s  Round- 
heads,  and  which  also  did  service  in  the  Amer- 
ican revolution.  His  wife  was  a native  of 
Shelby  Co.,  Ky.  Their  eight  children,  four 
sons  and  four  daughters,  were  Martha  (Mrs. 
C.  M.  Jackson);  Euphemia  (Mrs.  Utt) ; 
William;  James,  who  died  in  his  youth;  Cal- 
vin; Carlos;  Lenora  (Mrs.  Baldwin,  de- 
ceased), and  Mary  Frank  (Mrs.  Brooks). 
Mrs.  Martha  (Bonham)  Jackson,  the  wife 
of  our  subject,  died  Nov.  6 ,1880,  aged  forty- 
nine  years. 

To  Christopher  M.  and  Martha  Jackson 
were  born  eleven  children,  of  whom  two  died 
in  childhood.  The  others  are  Anna  Eliza, 
who  married  M.  L.  Spaulding,  and  died  in 
1890,  aged  forty-one  years;  Lura  Jane,  who 
married  W.  FI.  Hunt,  and'  resides  in  Platte- 
ville,  Wis. ; Matilda  Jeannette,  who  married 
Adolph  Kinney,  and  -resides  in  St.  Paul,  Minn. ; 
Adella  May,  who  died  April  25,  1895;  Minnie 
Eva,  who  died  April  15,  1893;  Martha  Lin- 
coln, of  Potosi ; Myrtle  Belle,  who-  married 
Herman  Ott,  of  Preston,  Minn. ; William 
Christopher,  of  Wilton,  N.  D.;  and  Jessie 
Frances,  who  married  S.  H.  Hedges,  of 
Chicago.  Mr.  Jackson  has  also'  fifteen 
grandchildren  and  one  great-grandchild.  He 
is  spending  his  declining  years  in  one  of 
the  most  pleasant  homes  in  the  village, 
where  his  comfort  is  carefully  looked  after 
by  his  daughter,  Martha  L.  Mr.  Jackson  cast 
his  first  presidential  vote  for  Zachariah  Taylor 
in  1848.  Since  the  Republican  party  came  into 
existence  he  has  been  one  of  its  stanchest 
supporters,  though  never  a candidate  for  any 
official  position.  He  has  always  taken  a deep 
interest  in  the  development  of  Potosi,  and  he 
has  been  a prominent  factor  in  its  material  ad- 
vancement. Though  for  some  years  past. 


physical  disabilities  have  prevented  his  active 
participation  in  business  affairs,  his  mind  is 
still  active,  and  he  is  by  no1  means  indifferent 
to  the  progress  which  is  being  made  in  his  lo- 
cality, as  well  as  in  the  world  at  large. 

ADAM  D.  SCHMID,  the  present  occupant 
of  the  important  and  responsible  position  of 
county  treasurer  of  Green  county,  has  been  a 
resident  of  Monroe  for  a number  of  years,  and 
of  the  county  since  he  was  a small  boy.  He 
has  been  all  his  life  an  industrious  and  hard- 
working  man,  moved  by  laudable  ambitions, 
and  exhibiting  a spirit  of  integrity  and  down- 
right honesty  in  all  business  transactions.  He 
has  greatly  prospered,  and  is  now  the  owner 
of  a very  comfortable  portion  of  this  world’s- 
goods. 

Adam  D.  Schmid  was  born  in  Canton 
Glarus,  Nitfurm,  Switzerland,  March  4,  1836, 
and  is  a son  of  Mathias  and  Catharine 
(Schmid)  Schmid,  both  natives  of  the  moun- 
tain republic.  They  had  a family  of  eight 
sons  and  five  daughters,  of  whom  six  are  now 
living:  Mathias,  of  Beresford,  S.  Dak.;  Hen- 
ry, of  New  Glarus;  Adam  D. ; and  Thomas; 
Melchior,  and  Catherine  (the  wife  of  Casper 
Hauser),  all  residing  in  New  Glarus,  Wis. 

I he  senior  Schmid,  imbued  with  the  love  of 
liberty,  and  hearing  of  the  possibilities  of  the 
New  World,  early  determined  to  bring  his  chil- 
dren to  the  United  States,  that  they  might  have 
opportunities  to  rise  which  Old-world  condi- 
tions denied  them.  Pie  emigrated  to  America 
in  1845,  where  he  began  a career  as  a real- 
estate  owner  and  farmer  by  purchasing  twenty 
acres.  When  he  had  paid  for  this  more  was 
■bought,  until,  at  the  time  of  his  death,  in  1854, 
he  owned  a farm  of  one  hundred  and  thirty- 
five  acres.  He  was  only  fifty-two,  and  his 
widow  survived  many  years,  dying  in  1877, 
when  seventy  years  old.  They  were  both 
members  of  the  Lutheran  Church.  His  father, 
Mathias  Schmid,  was  a native  of  Switzerland, 
where  he  died  well  advanced  in  years.  He 
had  a large  family.  The  father  of  Catharine 
Schmid  was  Henry  Schmid,  a native  of  Switz- 
erland, where  he  followed  the  life  of  a shep- 
herd. He  died  in  middle  life,  being  swept 
down  the  mountain  in  a snowslide. 

Adam  D.  Schmid  was  a sturdy  lad  of  nine 
years  when  his  parents  decided  to  seek  their 
fortunes  in  a New  World,  and  he  still  retains 
vivid  memories  of  the  voyage  across  the  ocean. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


It  was  made  in  a sailing-vessel,  and  required 
forty-eight  days  for  its  completion.  A severe 
storm  was  encountered,  and  the  ship  was  blown 
far  out  of  its  course.  The  family  left  their 
Swiss  home  April  15,  and  it  was  not  until 
August  16  that  they  arrived  at  New  Glarus, 
Wisconsin,  then  the  Mecca  of  the  hopes  and 
ambitions  of  many  of  their  countrymen. 
Adam  grew  to  manhood  on  his  father’s  farm, 
and  attended  the  New  Glarus  public  schools. 
When  his  father’s  death,  in  1854,  called  for 
the  mutual  help  afrd  co-operation  of  all  the 
children,  Adam  was  not  found  wanting.  He 
gave  his  time  and  labor  freely  to  the  task  of 
paying  the  indebtedness  yet  remaining  on  the 
place.  This  was  soon  accomplished,  and  in 
1855  the  young  man  dared  to  contract  for  a 
farm  of  his  own.  It  consisted  of  one  hundred 
and  thirty  acres,  and  was  increased  by  subse- 
quent purchases  until  at  one  time  Mr.  Schmid 
owned  a large  and  valuable  farm  of  four  hun- 
dred and  sixty-four  acres,  all  in  the  township 
of  New  Glarus.  There  he  made  his  home 
until  1896,  when  he  moved  into  the  city  of 
Monroe,  feeling  that  he  was  entitled  to  “take 
it  easy”  the  rest  of  his  life.  He  has  a neat 
and  attractive  home  on  Railroad  street,  and 
is  amply  provided  for  all  the  contingencies  of 
life. 

Mr.  Schmid  is  a stanch  Republican,  and 
has  been  an  earnest  party  worker  for  some 
years.  For  many  years  he  was  a member  of 
the  town  board,  and  was  town  assessor  for 
one  year.  He  was  elected  treasurer  of  the 
county  in  1898,  and  has  proved  a capable  and 
reliable  official. 

Adam  D.  Schmid  and  Mary  Duerst  were 
united  in  the  solemn  bonds  of  matrimony  April 
29,  1858.  and  the  union  has  proved  in  every 
way  a fortunate  and  happy  one.  Mrs.  Schmid 
is  the  daughter  of  Nickolaus  Duerst  and  his 
wife  Maria  (Streiff).  They  have  had  five 
sons  and  six  daughters,  Nicholas,  Kathrina, 
Mathias.  Adam  (deceased).  Mary,  Theodore, 
Rosalina,  Anna.  Bertha,  Clara,  and  Wilhelm 
Arthur  (deceased).  Nicholas,  a farmer  in  the 
town  of  Monroe,  married  Anna  Babler,  and 
has  five  children,  Mary  Palma,  Freddie,  Nich- 
olas. Alvin,  and  Alma.  Kathrina  married 
Charles  Kundert,  lives  at  Beresford,  S.  Dak., 
and  is  the  mother  of  five  children,  Charles. 
Walter,  Wesley,  Gladys  and  Apal.  Mathias 
lives  at  home,  and  is  single.  Adam  died  when 
.nineteen  years  old.  Mary  married  W.  F.  Leg- 


871 


ler;  they  live  at  American  Falls,  Idaho,  and 
have  four  children, — Nellie  Dorothea.  Arthur, 
Adam  and  Johnnie.  Theodore  married  Mary 
Schmid,  and  later  Iva  Lizer,  and  lives  in  the 
town  of  Monroe,  Green  county.  Rosalina 
married  Eugene  Nonenberg.  lives  at  Catharin, 
Colo.,  and  has  one  child,  Mabel.  Anna  mar- 
ried James  Budge,  lives  at  Aspen,  Colo.,  and 
has  two  children.  Russell  and  Orrin.  Bertha 
married  John  Voegli;  they  live  in  Exeter  town- 
ship, Green  county,  and  have  two  sons,  Adam 
and  Clarence.  Clara  married  Peter  Garfield 
Wells,  of  Monroe.  William  Arthur  died  when 
four  years  old.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Schmid  are 
members  of  the  German  Evangelical  Church, 
and  are  valued  citizens  of  the  community. 

JOHN  FRANKLIN  LITEL,  a retired 
business  man  of  Albany,  Green  county,  has  had 
a varied  and  eventful  career  in  the  commercial 
world.  He  has  been  active  and  industrious, 
and  has  always  believed  in  hustling  to  get  on 
in  the  world.  He  is  highly  spoken  of  by  those 
who  remember  him  as  an  active  business  man, 
and  is  now  taking  his  ease,  which  he  has  richly 
earned  by  long  and  arduous  years. 

Mr.  Litel  was  born  in  Bond  county.  111.. 
Oct.  13,  1831,  son  of  John  Franklin,  Sr.,  and 
Lucretia  (Dudgeon)  Litel,  natives  of  Ten- 
nessee. They  were  the  parents  of  fourteen 
children,  of  whom  five  are  still  living  at  this 
distant  day,  John  Franklin,  of  Albany;  Lewel- 
lyn  A.,  of  Belleville,  Ark.;  Francis  Marion,  of 
Conway,  Mo. ; Rowena,  wife  of  Mr.  Whittier, 
of  Smith  Center,  Kans. ; and  Ellen,  wife  of 
Henry  C.  Boone,  of  Kansas.  The  father  was 
a farmer,  and  moved  to  Illinois  in  the  early 
days,  settling  in  Bond  county.  In  1832  he 
enlisted  in  the  Black  Hawk  war,  and  while  in 
the  service  came  to  Wisconsin.  He  was  en- 
tranced with  the  country,  and  in  1833  brought 
his  family  to  Platteville,  where  he  engaged  in 
lead  mining.  In  1841  he  moved  to  Buchanan 
county,  Mo.,  and  helped  to  survey  the  city  of 
Saint  Joseph.  Two  years  later  he  came  back 
to  Platteville,  and  was  engaged  in  farming  for 
two  years.  In  1847  moved  to  Highland, 
and  was  established  in  farming  there  until  1867, 
when  he  removed  to  West  Bend,  Iowa,  and  ten 
years  later  located  in  Downs,  Kansas,  where 
his  wife  died  in  1880.  at  the  age  of  sixty-eight 
years.  He  and  his  youngest  daughter  then 
went  to  Conway,  where  he  died  in  1898,  at  the 
age  of  eighty-eight.  He  and  his  wife  were 


872 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHIC AE  RECORD. 


members  of  the  Methodist  Church.  William 
Litel,  the  father  of  John  Franklin,  Sr.,  was  a 
native  of  Tennessee,  and  a farmer  of  Irish  de- 
scent; he  had  a small  family,  and  died  when 
old.  John  Dudgeon,  the  father  of  Lucretia, 
was  a native  of  Alabama,  of  a French  lineage; 
he  was  a tanner  by  trade,  and  lived  to  be  over 
ninety  years  of  age. 

John  Franklin  Litel  was  a child  of  two 
years  of  age  when  his  parents  moved  from 
Illinois  into  Wisconsin,  and  he  attended 
the  public  schools  at  Platteville,  and  then 
followed  lead  mining  until  1852.  That  year 
lie  crossed  the  Plains  to  California,  and  was 
six  months  on  the  way.  For  four  years  he  was 
a gold  miner,  and  lus  efforts  were  crowned 
with  fair  success.  He  came  to  Wisconsin  in 
1856,  and  in  the  spring  of  1857  engaged  in 
the  mercantile  business  at  Highland.  He  was 
successively  in  Avoca,  in  Lone  Rock,  and  in 
Footville,  following  the  same  line.  At  Afton 
he  built  a flour  mill,  and  in  1880  he  came  to 
Albany,  and  went  into  a general  store.  In 
1892  he  retired  from  active  business  interests, 
and,  as  it  is  possible  for  him  to1  do,  he  is  tak- 
ing pleasure  and  comfort  in  the  passing  years. 
He  has  lately  made  a trip  to  California,  and 
another  into  Mississippi. 

On  August  16,  i860,  Mr.  Litel  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Mary  A.  Mears,  a daughter  of 
Michael  and  Mary  (Maher)  Mears,  and  six 
children  have  come  to  bless  this  union:  James 
Edward,  John  F.,  Jr.,  and  Cora  May  are  liv- 
ing; three  died  in  early  childhood.  James  Ed- 
ward is  mentioned  elsewhere  in  this  volume; 
John  F.,  Jr.,  is  a banker  in  Oregon,  Wis. ; and 
Cora  May  married  John  Caraway,  of  Biloxi, 
Miss.  Mrs.  Litel  was  a member  of  the  Cath- 
olic church.  Mr.  Litel  was  a Democrat  in  his 
active  years,  though  he  is  not  taking  an  active 
part  in  politics.  He  has  been  supervisor  of  the 
town  of  Albany  three  terms,  and  was  a member 
of  the  village  board  for  several  years. 

WASHINGTON  F.  SELLECK.  Among 
the  brave  men  who  devoted  the  opening  years 
of  their  manhood  to  the  defense  of  our  coun- 
try from  the  internal  foes  who  sought  her 
dismemberment  was  this  gentleman,  now  a 
prominent  resident  of  Millville  township, 
Grant  county. 

Mr.  Selleck  was  born  in  Canada  in  1842, 
a son  of  George  J.  and  Zoa  Selleck,  who  emi- 
grated from  Canada  and  settled  at  Waukesha, 


Wis.,  several  years  before  Wisconsin  became 
a State.  A few  years  later  they  lo- 
cated in  Wyalusing  township,  Grant 
county,  and  later  moved  to  Ellenboro 
township.  The  mother  died  many  years 
ago,  and  the  father,  who  long  survived 
her,  passed  away  at  the  home  of  his  son  Wash- 
ington F.,  in  Millville  township,  in  1896.  In 
his  family  were  ten  children,  and  three  of  the 
sons  served  in  the  Union  army  during  the 
Civil  war,  namely : W ellington,  now  a resi- 
dent of  Hasty,  Minn. ; George,  who  lives  in 
Beetown,  Grant  county;  and  Washington  F. . 
On  reaching  man’s  estate  the  last  named  mar- 
ried Miss  Sarah  Jane  Huston,  a daughter  of 
John  Huston,  and  to  them  have  been  born 
seven  children,  three  sons  and  four  daughters : 
May,  Louisa,  Charles,  George,  Ethel,  Henry 
and  Katy. 

Early  in  the  fall  of  1862  Mr.  Selleck  en- 
tered the  service  of  his  adopted  country  as  a 
member  of  Company  M,  4th  Missouri  Caval- 
ry, which  company  was  organized  at  Boscobel, 
Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  as  a part  of  Fremont’s  body 
guard.  The  command  went  to  Benton  Bar- 
racks, St.  Louis,  where  they  were  drilled,  and 
from  there  accompanied  Fremont  on  an  expe- 
dition into  Missouri,  but,  as  is  well  known, 
the  General  was  about  this  time  superseded, 
and  the  command  to  which  Mr.  Selleck  be- 
longed joined  in  the  campaign  under  Gen. 
Nathaniel  Lyon,  taking  part  in  the  battle 
of  Springfield,  where  the  gallant  Lyon  fell. 
Mr.  Selleck  fought  under  Gen.  Sigel  at  Pea 
Ridge,  after  which  the  command  was  trans- 
ferred to  the  5th  Missouri  Cavalry,  which  was 
consolidated  with  the  4th  and  thereafter 
known  as  the  4th  Missouri  Cavalry.  It 
was  then  in  active  service  in  Kentucky, 
Tennessee  and  Mississippi,  and  for  six 
months  was  stationed  at  Vicksburg,  thence 
going  South.  While  at  Vicksburg  Mr. 
Selleck  performed  an  important  and  interest- 
ing service,  being  sent  as  orderly  to  the  famous 
stockade  at  Andersonville  for  the  exchange  of 
.prisoners.  He  had  an  opportunity  of  witness- 
ing the  horrible  condition  of  the  Union  prison- 
ers at  that  infamous  prison,  and  also  had  the 
satisfaction  of  assisting  to  relieve  a small  por- 
tion of  them  by  exchange,  he  returning  with 
them  to  Vicksburg.  He  continued  to  serve 
until  June,  1865,  when  he  was  mustered  out 
at  New  Orleans,  and  returned  to  his  home  in 
Grant  county, Wis., with  a war  record  of  which 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


&73 


he  may  justly  be  proud.  He  is  highly  es- 
teemed as  an  honorable,  upright  citizen,  and 
as  a gallant  soldier  in  the  war  for  the  Union. 

THOMAS  A.  LYNCH,  a well-known  citi- 
zen and  successful  agriculturist,  residing  three 
miles  south  of  Browntown,  in  the  township  of 
Cadiz,  Green,  county,  is  a native  of  the  Buck- 
eye State,  born  in  Coshocton  county,  March  2, 
1849,  a son  of  Simon  and  Margaret  (Divan) 
Lynch,  both  natives  of  Ohio. 

Simon  Lynch  was  born  June  15,  1824,  a 
son  of  William  Lynch,  a native  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, of  Scotch-Irish  and  German  origin,  who 
became  one  of  the  pioneers  of  Ohio.  iSimon 
Lynch  was  married  in  1843  to  Margaret  Divan, 
and  became  the  father  of  twelve  children,  of 
whom  we  have  the  following  record : William 
and  Samuel  died  in  childhood ; Elizabeth  be- 
came the  wife  of  Frank  Fullfs,  of  Sterling,  111., 
who  met  an  accidental  death ; Thomas  A.  is 
mentioned  below ; Martha  J.  wedded  Frank 
Ullom;  John  W.  died  in  1890;  Ellen  is  a 
teacher  in  the  public  schools  of  Milwau- 
kee; Annie  M.  is  the  wife  of  John  Howe, 
of  Monroe,  Wisconsin;  Simon  P.,  a farmer 
of  Cadiz  township,  married  Mary  M.  Ty- 
ler. of  Martintown,  Wisconsin;  Hester, 
the  youngest,  a music  teacher,  resides  with  her 
mother  in  Monroe.  George  W.  and  Absalom 
died  in  1862.  The  father  of  this  family  passed 
away  April  2,  1901.  and  the  widowed  mother 
makes  her  home  in  Monroe,  lovingly  cared  for 
by  her  children. 

Thomas  A.  Lynch  was  early  trained  to  the 
work  of  a farmer,  and  has  continued  to  follow 
that  calling  all  his  life.  His  education  was 
obtained  in  the  public  schools,  and  the  interest 
in  educational  work  then  aroused  has  made 
itself  felt  in  later  years  by  his  work  as  a school 
director.  He  has  ever  taken  an  active  inter- 
est in  public  questions,  and  in  nolitics  is  a Re- 
publican. When  there  is  work  to  do  for  his 
party,  he  can  always  be  found  ready  to  lay  aside 
any  personal  interest  and  devote  his  time  to 
the  public  weal.  He  has  held  the  offices  of 
road  master,  collector  and  treasurer  of  his 
township,  and  has  given  good  satisfaction  in 
.every  office  he  has  held. 

On  Jan.  8.  1874,  Mr.  Lynch  was  married 
do  Miss  Mary  Bratley,  daughter  of  William 
and  Mary  C.  (Cain)  Ijratley,  who  came  from 
Savannah.  Ga.,  to  Green  Co.,  Wis.,  in  i860. 
Seven  children  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and 


Mrs.  Lynch;  Grace  E.,  wife  of  Myron  Rine- 
hart, of  Cadiz  township;  Elsie  A.,  wife  of 
Frank  Tyler,  a farmer  of  Cadiz;  Altha  V., 
Raymond  D.,  Ural  B.,  Ethera  C.  and  John 
\\ .,  at  home.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lynch  are 
interested  workers  in  the  Methodist  Church, 
with  which  they  united  in  early  life. 

William  Bratley,  father  of  Mrs.  Lynch, 
was  born  in  England,  and  came  to  America 
when  he  was  twenty-eight  years  of  age,  after 
having  passed  twelve  years  as  a sailor.  He 
was  the  father  of  ten  children,  eight  of  whom 
survive : Melissa,  wife  of  Isaac  Denny,  of  Syl- 
vester township;  Silas  H.,  of  Cadiz  township; 
Mary  A.,  Mrs.  Lynch;  Joseph  A.,  who  mar- 
ried Eva  Wright;  Eliza  J..  wife  of  Willis  Ul- 
lom, of  Nora,  111.;  Edward  F.,  of  Lena,  111.; 
Isabelle,  wife  of  A.  Bechtol.  of  Lafayette  Co. ; 
Lenora  A.,  who  married  Harry  Morse,  of 
Winslow,  Illinois. 

GEORGE  F.  SCHAAL,  one  of  the  leading- 
farmers  of  Waterloo  township.  Grant  county, 
residing  on  section  36,  is  a veteran  of  the  war 
of  the  Rebellion,  and  was  born  in  Wurtemburg, 
Germany,  in  1830,  a son  of  Leonard  and  Ros- 
ana  (Weller)  Schaal,  natives  of  Germany,  who 
never  came  to  this  country,  but  lived  and  died 
in  the  land  of  their  nativity.  Of  the  family 
born  to  this  worthy  couple,  George  is  the  only 
one  who  ever  crossed  the  ocean,  but  he  has 
two  brothers  still  living  in  Germany,  Jacob, 
six  years  his  junior,  and  Christian,  nine  years 
younger,  while  two  sisters,  Rosana  and  Chris- 
tina, are  also  alive.  A sister,  now  deceased, 
was  named  Catherine,  but  she  died  in  Ger- 
many. 

George  F.  Schaal  was  the  eldest  son,  and 
would  have  inherited  his  father's  property  had 
he  remained  in  Germany,  but  preferred  to 
make  his  own  way  in  life,  and  landed  in  New 
York,  on  June  7.  1853.  Thence  he  went  to 
Connecticut,  where  lie  worked  in  a rubber  fac- 
tory for  eight  months,  after  which  he  pro- 
ceeded to  Buffalo,  N.  Y..  and  remained  three 
months.  His  next  removal  was  made  in  the 
spring  of  1834  to  Galena.  111.,  but  went  from 
there,  almost  immediately,  to  the  lumber  region 
a few  miles  north  of  Chippewa  Falls,  where  he 
worked  for  sixteen  months,  when  he  penetrated 
further  north,  to  a point  above  Wauson.  and 
remained  for  four  years.  After  this  he  went 
to  the  southern  part  of  Grant  county,  and 
worked  for  George  Geyer  for  eight  months. 


874 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


About  this  time  Mr.  Schaal  returned  to  Ger- 
many, but  after  staying  a few  months  returned 
to  America,  in  the  summer  of  1861,  after  the 
war  had  broken  out.  Although  he  endeavored 
to  enlist  several  times,  he  was  refused,  as  the 
quota  was  full,  so  Mr.  Schaal  located  at  Potosi, 
and  later  at  Barkers  Prairie,  where  he  was  em- 
ployed for  several  seasons.  His  next  location 
was  at  Waterloo,  and  it  was  while  residing 
here  that  he  was  finally  accepted,  Oct.  i.  1864, 
as  a member  of  Companv  Iv,  6th  Wis.  V.  I., 
participating  in  many  of  the  important  engage- 
ments of  his  regiment.  During  the  battle  of 
Hatcher’s  Run,  Feb.  6,  1865,  Mr.  Schaal  was 
severely  wounded  in  the  shoulder  by  a piece  of 
shell,  and  sent  to  the  hospital  at  Petersburg. 
When  he  had  recovered  sufficiently,  Mr.  Schaal 
was  detailed  as  a nurse,  hut  the  duties  were  so 
severe  for  him  in  his  enfeebled  condition  that 
he  fell  sick  and  did  not  recover  until  the  close 
of  the  war,  when  he  rejoined  his  regiment, 
marched  with  it  to  Washington,  and  partici- 
pated in  the  Grand  Review,  after  which  he  was 
honorably  discharged,  June  23,  1865.  After 
the  war  Mr.  Schaal  purchased  a fine  farm  at 
Waterloo,  where  he  still  makes  his  home,  and 
through  his  industry  and  thrift  he  has  amassed 
considerable  property. 

Mr.  Schaal  was  married  in  1863  to  Miss 
Adelfena  Kemich,  who  was  born  in  Wurtem- 
burg,  Germany,  in  1843,  and  made  the  journey 
to  this  country  alone.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Schaal 
are  the  parents  of  eight  sons,  of  whom  seven 
are  living:  George  F.,  August,  Henry,  Albert, 
William,  Edward  and  Gustave,  and  one,  Otto,  is 
deceased.  In  addition  they  had  four  daughters, 
now  deceased : Rosana.  Matilda,  Lydia  and 

an  infant  unnamed.  Mr.  Schaal  is  a stanch 
Renublican,  and  he  and  Mrs.  Schaal  are  con- 
sistent members  of  the  M.  E.  Church.  Their 
home  is  a pleasant  one,  and  they  are  highly 
esteemed  by  a large  circle  of  friends. 

JAMES  E.  LITEL  is  a prominent  and  pro- 
gressive citizen  of  Albany,  Green  county, 
where  he  was  formerly  engaged  as  a general 
merchant,  having  kept  a good  stock  of  goods, 
carefully  selected  for  the  local  needs,  and,  in 
his  business,  won  a reputation  as  a man  of 
honesty  and  integrity. 

Mr.  Litel  was  born  in  Avoca.  Wis.,  Aup\ 
29,  1861,  and  is  a son  of  John  F.  and  Mary 
A.  (Mears)  Litel.  The  father  was  born  in 
Illinois  and  the  mother  in  Ireland.  Seven 


children  were  born  to  them,  three  of  whom  are 
now  living:  James  E. ; John  F.,  of  Oregon, 

Wis. ; and  Cora  May,  wife  of  John  Caraway, 
of  Biloxi.  Miss.  The  father,  when  seventeen 
years  of  age,  started  to  California,  and  for  sev- 
eral years  was  a gold  miner.  On  his  return 
he  engaged  as  a general  merchant  at  Avoca  for 
several  years  and  then  snent  a year  on  a farm. 
He  was  in  business  at  Lone  Rock  again,  and 
from  there  he  went  to  Afton,  where  he  built 
a gristmill.  He  was  a general  merchant  at 
Footville,  after  leaving  Afton.  In  1880  he 
came  to  Albany,  and  continued  the  same  busi- 
ness for  several  years.  In  1885  his  son,  James 
E.,  succeeded  to  the  business. 

James  E.  Litel  was  three  years  old  when 
his  father  left  Avoca  and  he  spent  his  child- 
hood and  youth  in  the  various  towns  where  his 
father  was  engaged  in  business.  When  old 
enough  he  was  taken  into  his  father’s  store  as 
a clerk,  and  had  a thorough  commercial  train- 
ing under  his  immediate  supervision.  As  al- 
ready noted,  in  1885  he  bought  the  store,  and 
was  engaged  in  its  management  until  Decem- 
ber. 1900,  when  he  sold  out  and  went  to  Cali- 
fornia. remaining  several  months.  In  August, 
1899,  James  E.,  in  company  with  his  father 
John  F.,  and  brother,  John  F.,  Jr.,  organized 
the  Bank  of  Oregon,  located  at  Oregon,  Wis.,, 
which  transacts  a general  banking  business, 
and  is  in  a prosperous  condition. 

On  Jan.  11,  1880.  James  E.  Litel  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Ella  Beach,  daughter  of  Hopson 
and  Lydia  (Rush)  Beach.  They  are  the  par- 
ents of  four  children,  two  of  whom  are  living 
at  the  present  time,  Hazel  and  John  B. ; Sidney- 
died  at  the  age  of  five  months ; and  one  died 
in  infancy.  Mrs.  Litel  belongs  to  the  Metho- 
dist Church.  Fraternally  Mr.  Litel  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  Politically  he- 
is  a Democrat,  and  during  the  administration 
of  President  Cleveland  was  postmaster  of  Al- 
bany ; he  was  chairman  of  the  Democratic  cenr 
tral  committee  during  several  campaigns.  He 
has  been  a member  of  the  board  of  trustees  of 
Albany  several  terms,  and  is  a gentleman  of 
character  and  standing  at  home  and  wherever 
he  is  known. 

W.  FI.  and  B.  J.  BENNETT  are  the  able 
and  popular  proprietors  of  The  Mineral  Point 
Tribune , which  was  established  in  1847,  the 
first  number  appearing  as  The  Wisconsin 
Tribune,  on  Sept.  4,  of  that  year.  George  W. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


875 


Bliss,  the  founder,  learned  the  printing  trade 
in  the  State  of  New  York,  for  a time  being  a 
co-laborer  with  Horace  Greeley.  Mr.  Bliss 
came  to  Mineral  Point,  with  his  family  and 
part  of  the  material  for  his  newspaper,  in  an 
emigrant  wagon.  Overcoming  many  difficul- 
ties that  have  obliterated  so  many  like  enter- 
prises, the  publication  was  continued,  and  not 
half  a dozen  weeks  have  since  passed  in  which 
the  paper  did  not  apoear.  Mr.  Bliss  was  pro- 
prietor and  editor  continuously  for  over  twentv- 
one  years.  From  1851  to  1854  he  had  a nart- 
ner,  Josiah  B.  Cheney,  and  from  1858  to  i86q 
his  son,  Edward  U.  Bliss,  was  associated  with 
him,  but  the  founder  was  at  all  times  chief 
editor  and  manager.  On  June  1,  1869,  the 
Blisses  sold  the  plant  and  business  entire  to 
W.  H.  Bennett  and  John  B.  Teasdale.  The 
firm  of  Bennett  & Teasdale  continued  until 
1871.  when  Mr.  Teasdale  sold  his  interest  to 
Mr.  Bennett.  In  1889  B.  J.  Bennett,  brother 
of  W.  H.,  purchased  a half-interest  in  the  busi- 
ness, and  in  1891  became  sole  owner.  In  1894 
W.  H.  Bennett  repurchased  a half-interest,  and 
since  then  the  brothers  have  conducted  it  in 
partnership. 

It  is  a peculiar  circumstance  that  in  the 
fifty-four  years  since  the  founding  of  this  ven- 
erable paper,  only  two  families  have  ever  had 
control  of  its  columns,  and  in  every  issue  since 
the  first,  in  1847,  the  name  of  Bliss  or  Bennett 
has  appeared  as  proprietor.  Both  of  the  pres- 
ent proprietors  learned  the  printing  trade  in 
the  office,  W.  H.  Bennett  having  begun  with 
the  original  proprietor,  Mr.  Bliss,  in  1857, 
B.  J.  Bennett  having  entered  the  office  as  a boy 
in  1869. 

W.  H.  Bennett  was  born  at  Platteville, 
Wis.,  Dec.  27,  1839,  and  moved,  with  his  par- 
ents in  1841,  to  Mineral  Point,  where  he  re- 
sided until  Sept.  27,  1861,  when  he  enlisted  as 
a soldier  for  the  Union  in  Company  E,  nth 
Wis.  V.  I.  He  was  discharged  from  the  army 
in  October,  1864,  and  worked  as  a printer  in 
New  Orleans,  La.,  and  Mobile,  Ala.,  until 
June,  1866,  when  he  returned  to  Wisconsin 
and  became  foreman  of  the  Mineral  Point 
Tribune.  On  Jan.  1,  1867,  at  Boscobel,  Wis., 
he  established  The  Appeal,  and  conducted  it 
for  two  years,  and  then  returned  to  Mineral 
Point,  where,  the  following  year,  he  became 
a proprietor  of  the  Tribune,  on  which  he  began 
work  as  an  apprentice  in  1857. 

Mr.  Bennett  has  held  a number  of  important 


positions;  among  those  may  be  mentioned 
deputy  revenue  collector,  1874-1876,  and  State 
superintendent  of  public  property,  under  the 
popular  Governor  Rusk,  1882-1888.  He  is  an 
active  and  prominent  member  of  the  Grand 
Army  of  the  Republic,  and  was  assistant  adju- 
tant-general for  the  Department  of  Wisconsin 
from  June  1,  1897,  to  June  1,  1898. 

B.  J.  Bennett,  the  junior  member  of  the 
firm,  was  born  in  Mineral  Point  March  6,  1854. 
At  the  age  of  fifteen  he  began  working  with 
his  brother,  W.  H.,  on  The  Tribune,  and  has 
been  constantly  with  it  for  the  thirty-one  years 
succeeding,  as  printer,  foreman,  editor  and 
proprietor.  He  early  developed  taste  and  skill, 
as  a printer,  especially  in  the  job  and  adver- 
tising departments,  and  for  years  has  been  rec- 
ognized as  the  best  workman  in  that  line  in 
southwestern  Wisconsin. 

These  brothers  are  sons  of  Matthew  and 
Grace  Bennett,  who  emigrated  from  England 
and  settled  in  Wisconsin  in  1836.  The  father 
followed  mining  generally.  He  early  became 
thoroughly  American  in  sentiment,  and  famil- 
iarized himself  with  her  system  of  government. 
He  served  several  terms  as  assessor  and  treas- 
urer of  his  town,  and  for  several  years  as  dep- 
uty county  treasurer. 

W.  H.  Bennett  was  married,  in  1867,  to 
Miss  Louisa  Andrews.  Four  sons  have  been 
born  to  them : Edgar  Powell,  Alex.  George, 

William  Bryant  and  Vivian  Andrews. 

B.  J.  Bennett  was  married,  in  1877,  to  Miss 
Hattie  Hosking.  Their  family  consists  of  one 
daughter,  Yeta  L. 

DANIEL  WICHSER,  senior  member  of 
the  firm  of  Wichser  & Babler,  somewhat  ex- 
tensively engaged  in  business  in  Monticello, 
where  they  handle  all  kinds  of  agricultural 
implements,  windmills,  pumps,  tanks,  heaters, 
pipes,  fittings,  gas  engines  and  almost  any- 
thing a modern  and  well-conducted  farm  may 
need,  is  a hustling  and  energetic  young  man 
with  a host  of  friends  throughout  this  section. 

Mr.  Wichser  was  born  in  Canton  Glarus, 
Switzerland.  Oct.  8,  1S69,  and  is  a son  of  Cas- 
per and  Sarah  (Blumer)  Wichser,  both  na- 
tives of  the  canton  just  mentioned.  They 
were  the  parents  of  twelve  children,  of  whom 
nine  are  now  living:  Magdalena  (the  wife  of 
Franz  Hefty),  Sarah  (who  married  Jacob 
Kundert),  Elsbeth  (who  married  Melchior 
Zwiky),  all  three  still  making  their  homes. 


8/6 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


in  Switzerland;  Jacob  (who  lives  in  Italy), 
Fred  (of  Switzerland),  Melchior  (who  re- 
mained in  Switzerland  until  1S83,  when  he, 
too,  came  to  America),  Rosa  (the  widow  of 
Jacob  Schindler,  of  Switzerland),  Daniel  (who 
came  to  Wisconsin),  and  Balz  (who  is  lo- 
cated in  Beloit).  The  father  worked  in  a cot- 
ton factory  in  the  city  oh  Betschwandan,  where 
he  died  in  1894,  at  the  age  of  sixty-four 
years.  Flis  widow  still  has  her  home  in  that 
city.  They  were  both  members  of  the  Swiss  Re- 
formed Church.  The  paternal  grandfather  of 
Daniel  Wichser  was  Melchior  Wichser,  who 
was  killed  by  a fall  in  the  mountains  in  middle 
life;  he  was  the  father  of  four  children,  and 
was  engaged  in  various  occupations.  The 
maternal  grandfather  of  Daniel  Wichser  was 
Jacob  Blumer;  he  died  in  Switzerland  at  the 
age  of  seventy  years,  and  left  a small  family. 

Daniel  Wichser  was  reared  in  Canton 
Glarus,  where  he  received  the  benefit  of  the 
very  excellent  common  school  system  that  pre- 
vails in  the  Mountain  Republic.  After  his 
school  days  were  ended  he  entered  a cotton 
factory,  where  he  was  engaged  for  three  years. 
He  worked  a year  in  a sawmill,  and  another  on 
a railroad.  This  terminated  his  career  in 
his  native  land,  as  he  came  to  America,  making 
his  home  in  Monticello,  Wis.,  where  he  has 
lived  to  the  present  time.  He  crossed  the 
ocean  in  1888,  and  his  successful  career  in  this 
country  is  but  another  illustration  of  the  value 
of  pluck  and  determination,  which  the  lives  of 
thousands  of  his  compatriots  have  already  given 
to  the  world.  For  the  first  three  years  after 
his  arrival  in  this  country  Mr.  Wichser  worked 
on  a farm,  and  was  then  employed  in  the 
town  of  Monticello  as  a machinist.  By  this 
time  he  felt  competent  to  engage  in  business 
for  himself,  and,  forming  a partnership  with 
Tames  E.  Moore,  they  operated  together  for 
a year  in  the  windmill  and  pump  business. 
For  two  years  he  carried  on  this  business  alone, 
and  uniting  with  Ezra  L.  Babler,  under  the 
firm  name  of  Wichser  & Babler,  the  two  have 
carried  on  business  together  up  to  the  present 
time.  They  are  doing  well,  as  they  are  both 
capable  and  reliable  workmen,  understand 
their  business  thoroughly  and  have  the  confi- 
dence of  their  patrons  to  a marked  degree. 

Mr.  Wichser  was  married  March  8,  1897, 
to  Miss  Sarah  Zweifel,  a daughter  of  Fred 
and  Sarah  (Voegeli)  Zweifel.  To  this  union 
have  come  two  children,  Wilbert  Lincoln  and 


Nina.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wichser  are  members 
of  the  Swiss  Reformed  Church.  Politically  he 
is  an  active  Republican,  and  his  standing  in 
the  community  is  attested  by  his  election  to  the 
.village  board.  He  owns  his  own  home  in  the 
village  and  has  built  a very  complete  shop. 
While  still  a young  man,  he  is  regarded  as  one 
of  the  leading  business  men  of  this  section. 

GEORGE  WASHINGTON  BULFINCH, 
of  the  town  of  Sylvester,  is  well  known  among 
the  pioneers  of  Green  county.  He  occupies  a 
well-improved  farm  about  four  miles  north- 
west of  Juda. 

William  and  Mary  (Sherman)  Bulfinch, 
his  parents,  came  of  old  Massachusetts  stock. 
They  were  married  Feb.  19,  1821,  and  became 
the  parents  of  nine  children : Oscar  C.,  born 

Dec.  3,  1821,  died  an  infant;  Joseph,  born  Nov. 
14,  1822;  William  S.,  born  Sept.  13,  1823, 
died  April  21,  1850;  John  A.,  born  Sept.  5, 
1826;  Marshall  L.,  April  12,  1828,  a resident 
of  Grant  City,  Mo.,  where  he  has  followed  the 
tailoring  trade;  George  Washington,  our  sub- 
ject; Mary  O.,  born  Aug.  25,  1832,  died  July 
I5-  1 §3/  : Edward  E.,  born  March  28,  1835; 
and  Eunice,  born  May  28,  1836.  This  family 
have  all  passed  away  except  George.  W.  ancl 
Marshall  L. 

George  W.  Bulfinch  was  born  June  11, 
1S30,  and  came  West  with  his  parents  in  1844. 
1 hey  subsequently  spent  some  time  in  Illinois, 
remaining  there  until  1847,  when  they  made 
their  home  on  Section  22,  town  of  Sylvester, 
all  of  this  land  being  now  included  in  the  farm 
on  which  Mr.  Bulfinch  is  living.  Mr.  Bulfinch 
was  married,  Mav  14,  1861,  to  Alice,  a daugh- 
ter of  George  and  Agnes  (Atkinson)  Fletcher, 
from  Cumberland,  England.  Mrs.  Bulfinch 
came  to  Green  county  with  her  parents  when 
she  was  ten  years  old.  In  1856  her  parents 
removed  to  Kansas,  where  her  father  died. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bulfinch  have  had  three  chil- 
dren: (1)  Erwin  Marshall,  born  March  16, 

1862,  is  a civil  engineer,  and  has  his  home 
in  Guatemala,  Central  America.  (2)  Mary 
A.,  born  Oct.  2,  1870,  is  a graduate  of  the  Uni- 
versity of  Wisconsin,  and  is  a school  teacher. 
(3)  Arthur  F.,  born  Jan.  5,  1872.  is  also  a 
graduate  of  the  University  of  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  Bulfinch  was  reared  on  the  farm,  and 
obtained  his  education  in  the  local  schools.  In 
1853  he  took  a trip  to  Oregon  and  California, 
making  the  journey  overland  with  six  yoke  of 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


S 77- 


oxen  and  trail  wagons.  He  returned  to  Wis- 
consin in  1856,  by  the  Isthmus  route  and 
steamer  to  New  York  City,  from  which  point 
he  came  back  to  his  home.  This  journey  cov- 
ered about  twelve  thousand  miles.  Later  Mr. 
Bulfinch  made  a trip  to  Montana,  and  still  later 
a second  trip  tb  California.  In  1867  he  was 
again  in  Montana,  and  once  more  returned  to 
Wisconsin  in  1869.  Mr.  Bulfinch  remained 
on  the  home  farm  until  1875,  when  he  went 
to  the  Black  Hills,  and  in  1876  he  again  made 
the  journey,  coming  back  late  in  the  same  year. 
He  has  also  been  in  Arizona  and1  New  Mexico. 
Since  1876,  however,  he  has  devoted  himself 
steadily  to  home  farming,  and  has  been  very 
successful.  Mr.  Bulfinch  is  an  honorable  and 
upright  man,  a patriotic  citizen,  and  well  in- 
formed on  everything  that  relates  to  farming. 

JOHN  HARTWIG,  Jr.,  a progressive  and 
prosperous  agriculturist  of  Jordan  township, 
Green  county,  resides  on  his  farm  of  220  acres, 
improved  land',  located  on  Jordan  creek,  four 
miles  north  of  Browntown,  and  some  eight 
miles  northwest  of  the  city  of  Monroe. 

Mr.  Hartwig  was  born  Dec.  28,  1859,  in 
Ohio,  a son  of  George  Hartwig,  who  was  born 
in  Berlin,  Germany,  a son  of  John  Hartwig, 
who  died  in  Germany,  the  father  of  six  chil- 
dren, viz.:  George;  John,  Andrew  and  Mag- 

gie, all  three  living  in  Canada;  Eliza,  in  Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio ; and  Christena,  in  Germany. 
George  Hartwig  was  married  in  Ohio  to  Eliza- 
beth Hunsberger,  a native  of  Switzerland,  and 
of  their  children  we  have  the  following  record : 
(1)  John  is  mentioned  farther  on.  (2)  George 
is  in  Minnesota.  (3)  Louis,  a sketch  of 
whom  appears  elsewhere.  (4)  Matilda  is  the 
wife  of  Frank  Keil,  of  Martintown,  Wis.  (.5) 
William  is  on  the  old  home  place  in  Green 
Co.,  Wis.;  he  married  Helen  Stark.  (6) 
Henry,  of  Jordan  township,  married  Lena 
Starkie.  ( 7 ) Andrew,  a farmer  in  Jordan 
township,  married  Amelia  Stark.  (8)  Lizzie 
is  at  home  in  Monroe.  (9)  Mary  is  the  wife 
of  Thomas  Swievel,  of  Pittsburg,  Penn.  In 
1856  the  father  of  this  family  came  to  the 
United  States,  locating  first  in  Ohio,  thence, 
in  1862,  removing  to  Jordan  township,  Green 
Co.,  M is.  He  and  his  wife  now  reside  in 
the  city  of  Monroe. 

John  Hartwig,  the  subject  proper  of  these 
lines,  was  reared  on  the  home  farm  in  Jordan 
township.  Green  county,  receiving-  his  educa- 


tion at  the  public  schools  of  the  neighborhood. 
A lifelong  farmer,  he  has  made  a success,  and 
now  owns,  as  already  related,  220  acres  of 
first-class  land,  doing  general  farming,  includ- 
ing stock  raising  and  dairying,  his  herd  now 
numbering  sixty  head. 

On  March  1 °>,  1885,  John  Hartwig  was 
married  to  V_3s  Lizzie  Schneider,  of  Monroe, 
Wis.,  born  Nov.  28,  1866,  a daughter  of  Rudy 
and  Elizabeth  (Beller)  Schneider,  natives  of 
Switzerland,  who  were  among  the  early  set- 
tlers of  Green  county,  Wis.  They  had  a fam- 
ily of  thirteen  children:  Lizzie,  Emil,  John, 

Rudy,  George,  Martha.  Louis,  Otto,  Lena,  Ed- 
ward, William,  Freida  and  Samuel  (who  died 
at  the  age  of  ten  years).  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Hartwig  have  been  born  five  children,  whose 
names  and  dates  of  birth  are  as  follows : Em- 
ma, Oct.  23,  1886;  Samuel,  June  15,  1888; 
Lena,  Feb.  8,  1890;  William,  Sept.  16,  1891; 
and  Lizzie,  May  10.  1893.  politics  Mr. 
Hartwig  is  a Democrat,  and  he  has  served  as 
school  director  and  road  overseer.  In  relig- 
ious faith  he  is  a member  of  the  German  Lu- 
theran Church,  while,  socially,  he  and  his  wife 
enjoy  the  esteem  and  regard  of  the  community 
at  large. 

De  WI I I C.  CULVER,  of  the  town  of 
Wyoming,  Iowa  countv.  is  a son  of  Alvah  Cul- 
ver, one  of  the  pioneers  of  that  part  of  Wis- 
consin. 

Alvah  Culver  was  a native  of  New  York, 
where  he  was  born  in  1811,  and  there  he  grew 
to  manhood.  He  married  Catherine  Foster, 
and  in  1837  the  young-  couple  emigrated  to 
Green  Bay,  Wis.,  thence,  in  1839,  to  Iowa 
county,  and  were  long  residents  of  what  is  now 
known  as  Old  Plelena.  He  engaged  in  hotel 
keeping  and  farming,  and  also  worked  some  at 
carpentering,  and  operated  the  ferry  at  Helena. 
His  death  occurred  Feb.  28,  1885.  The  wife 
and  mother  survived  but  a short  time,  passing 
away  on  May  1 the  same  year.  He  and  his 
wife  were  the  parents  of  nine  children,  six  of 
whom  are  living  at  this  time. 

De  Witt  C.  Cul  ver  was  born  at  Green  Bay, 
Wis.,  March  19,  1838.  having  been  but  a small 
child  when  he  came  with  his  parents  to  Iowa 
county.  With  the  exception  of  two  years  in 
Missouri,  he  has  constantly  been  a resident  of 
Iowa  county  since  1839,  a period  of  over  sixty 
years.  Mrs.  Culver  was  formerly  Mrs.  Mary 
Ann  (Donnelly)  Hogan,  and  she  was  born  in 


878 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Prince  Edward  Island  in  1836.  As  her  father 
died  when  she  was  a child,  she  came  to  Iowa 
county  with  relatives,  and  in  1864  wed- 
ded Mr.  Culver.  They  have  five  children, 
four  daughters  and  one  son;  Sophrona  M., 
wife  of  Ole  Olson;  Mrs.  Mary  Catherine 
Overland,  of  Minneapolis,  Minn.;  Jane 
Eliza,  wife  of  Edward  Mitchell,  of  Dodge- 
ville,  and  Anna  and  George.  Mrs.  Culver 
has  a son  by  her  first  husband,  Thomas 
Hogan.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Culver  have  a pleasant 
home,  and  are  numbered  among  the  respected 
people  of  Wyoming. 

BARTIiOLOMEUS  A.  KUNDERT,  of. 
the  firm  of  Hefty  & Kundert,  general  mer- 
chants of  New  Glarus,  Green  county,  is  one  of 
the  progressive  and  public-spirited  citizens  of 
Swiss  descent,  who  have  done  so  much  toward 
the  upbuilding  of  Green  county,  Wis.,  from 
both  moral  and  material  standpoints.  Broad- 
minded, liberal  and  upright,  he  belongs  to  that 
class  of  men  who  command  respect  wherever 
they  go.  He  was  born  in  New  Glarus  town- 
ship Oct.  13,  1858,  son  of  Paul  Kundert,  and 
grandson  of  John  Thomas  Kundert,  the  latter 
known  as  “Baumeister.” 

John  Thomas  Kundert  was  born  in  Switz- 
erland, a son  of  Oswald  Kundert,  and  fol- 
lowed various  occupations  there  until  1853, 
when  he  came  to  America  and  located  in  New 
Glarus  township,  Green  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he 
purchased  140  acres  of  land  and  engaged  in 
farming.  He  continued  in  this  for  several 
years,  and  then  sold  out  to  his  sons,  Paul  and 
Balz,  and  passed  the  rest  of  his  life  among 
his  children.  He  died  in  1893,  aged  ninety- 
three  years.  He  married  Elizabeth  Voegeli, 
daughter  of  Balthasar  Voegeli,  who  passed  his 
entire  life  in  Switzerland.  Seven  children  were 
born  to  John  Thomas  Kundert  and  wife,  but 
three  of  whom  survive : Rosina,  widow  of 

John  Hess,  of  Monroe,  Wis. ; Paul ; and  Bar- 
bara, wife  of  Bernhard  Zweifel,  of  New  Glarus. 
The  entire  family  belonged  to  the  Swiss  Re- 
formed Church.  John  Thomas  Kundert  had 
belonged  to  the  regular  army  in  his  native 
country,  and  for  a time  was  a soldier  in  Hol- 
land. 

Paul  Kundert  was  raised  in  Switzerland, 
and  earned  his  livelihood  by  whatever  honest 
labor  he  could  find  to  do.  He  accompanied  his 
father  to  America  in  1853,  and  as  they  landed 
here  without  money  Paul  again  was  willing  to 


work  at  almost  anything.  He  worked  on  farms 
and  on  the  railroad,  and  his  first  purchase  of 
land  was,  as  stated  above,  in  connection  with 
his  brother.  After  some  time  they  sold  this 
and  purchased  530  acres  in  New  Glarus,  four 
miles  west  of  the  village.  Mr.  Kundert  lived 
there  many  years,  and  in  July,'  1888,  divided 
his  land  between  his  sons,  Paul  and  Jacob,  and 
moved  into  the  village,  where  he  has  since  lived 
retired. 

On  April  26,  1857,  Paul  Kundert  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Mrs.  Sybilla  (Ivnobel) 
Kundert,  daughter  of  Bartholomew  and  Sybil- 
la (Kundert)  Knobel,  and  widow  of  Thomas 
Kundert.  To  this  union  were  born  nine  chil- 
dren: Bartholomeus  A.  is  mentioned  below; 
Elizabeth  married  T.  C.  Hefty,  and  has  four 
children,  Lillian  S.,  Esther,  Clarence  and  Paul; 
Sybilla  married  John  Babler,  now  of  Council 
Bluffs,  Iowa,  and  has  four  children,  Henry, 
Herman,  Esther  and  Clara;  Paulus  married 
Barbara  Legler,  and  lives  on  the  old  home- 
stead; Jacob  married  Dora  Legler,  and  has 
six  children,  Lydia,  Lillie,  Bertha,  Paul,  John 
and  Gilbert;  Barbara  married  Peter  Legler,  of 
Argyle,  and  has  four  children,  John,  Paul, 
Felma  and  Victor;  Balthasar  married  Annie 
Legler,  and  lives  in  Monticello,  Wis. ; John 
married  Emma  Sweeney,  and  has  one  child, 
Una;  Anna  Katharine  is  the  deceased  wife  of 
J.  U.  Babler,  and  had  three  children,  Alice 
Mane,  Katharina  Anna,  and  Esther  Sybilla 
(the  last  two  being  twins,  and  the  last  named 
deceased).  The  family  are  members  of  the 
Evangelical  Church  Association.  Politically 
Mr.  Kundert  is  a Republican. 

Bartholomeus  A.  Kundert  has  passed  his 
entire  life  in  New  Glarus  township.  His  boy- 
hood and  youth  were  passed  on  his  father’s 
farm,  and  his  education  acquired  in  the  com- 
mon schools  near  his  home.  In  1882  he  start- 
ed out  in  life  for  himself,  locating  in  New 
Glarus,  and  entering  into  partnership  with  T. 
C.  Hefty  in  a general  merchandise  establish- 
ment, which  they  have  together  conducted  ever 
since.  They  are  among  the  leading  business 
men  of  the  place,  and  their  store  has  been  en- 
larged from  time  to  time,  as  their  increasing 
trade  demanded.  The  stock  now  consists  of 
dry  goods,  groceries,  boots  and  shoes,  wall 
paper  and  notions.  They  are  careful  in  the 
selection  of  their  goods,  always  aiming  to  carry 
the  best  goods  on  the  market,  and  ever  seek- 
ing to  please  the  good  taste  of  the  best  class 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


879 


of  trade.  In  1893  Mr.  Kundert,  in  connection 
with  his  partner,  Mr.  Hefty,  was  instrumental 
in  organizing  the  Bank  of  New  Glams,  in 
which  they  are  both  largely  interested,  and  of 
which  Mr.  Hefty  is  at  present  the  cashier,  Mr. 
Kundert  being  identified  therewith  as  a di- 
rector and  depositor. 

On  Jan.  21,  1886,  Mr.  Kundert  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Anna  Maria  Elmer,  daughter 
of  Werner  Elmer  and  his  wife  Barbara  Durst, 
and  one  daughter,  Alma  Sybilla,  has  been  born 
to  them.  They  take  an  active  interest  in  the  work 
of  the  Swiss  Reformed  Church,  Mr.  Kundert 
belonging  to  the  choir,  called  the“Liederkranz,” 
and  their  hospitable  home  is  always  open  to 
the  entertainment  of  their  friends.  Socially 
Mr.  Kundert  belongs  to  the  Modern  Wood- 
men of  America ; politically  he  is  a Republican, 
and  on  May  6,  1898,  was  appointed  postmaster 
of  New  Glarus,  which  office  he  still  holds.  He 
has  also  served  as  town  clerk,  proving  a most 
acceptable  official. 

Werner  Elmer  and  his  wife,  Barbara 
(born  Durst),  parents  of  Mrs.  Kundert,  were 
both  natives  of  Switzerland,  and  early  settlers 
of  Green  county,  where  the  former  engaged  in 
farming  for  many  years.  Mr.  Elmer  is  now- 
living  retired  from  active  work,  but  still  takes 
an  important  place  in  the  life  of  the  community, 
and  has  served  several  terms  as  supervisor, 
and  is  an  active  member  of  the  Swiss  Re- 
formed Church.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Elmer  were 
the  parents  of  six  children,  namely : Anna 
Maria,  Mrs.  Kundert ; Werner,  of  Dane  coun- 
ty, Wis. ; Barbara,  wife  of  Dietrick  Stauffach- 
er,  of  New  Glarus;  Nicholas,  now  business 
clerk  of  Hefty  & Kundert,  of  New  Glarus; 
Verana,  wife  of  J.  Fred  Legler,  of  Primrose 
township,  Dane  county;  and  Jacob  Herman, 
now  remaining  on  his  father’s  farm.  Nicho- 
las Durst,  father  of  Mrs.  Elmer,  was  a farmer 
in  Switzerland,  and  early  located  in  Green 
county,  Wis.;  his  wife,  Maria  Streiff,  is  still 
alive,  and  is  now  ninety-one  years  old. 

DAVID  MANI,  a retired  farmer  and 
cheese  maker  of  Browntown,  Green  county,  is 
one  of  the  typical  self-made  men  who  have 
found  home  and  fortune  in  an  adopted 
country. 

Mr.  Mani  was  born  in  Canton  Berne, 
Switzerland,  a son  of  Jacob  and  Susanna 
(Knitti)  Mani,  natives  of  that  country,  where 
they  passed  their  entire  lives.  The  former, 


born  in  1815,  died  in  1888;  and  the  latter, 
born  in  1824,  died  in  1889.  They  were  the 
parents  of  fifteen  children,  seven  of  whom 
lived  to  maturity:  David,  our  subject;  Rosa, 
who  married  Jacob  Carlen,  of  Ohio;  Susanna, 
Lena  and  Margaret,  in  Switzerland;  Jacob, 
who  married  Miss  Annie  Swefel,  and  is  a farm- 
er at  Farmers  Grove,  Wis. ; and  Mary  Ann, 
who  died  in  Switzerland.  Jacob  Mani  was  a 
son  of  Rudolph  Mani,  a native  of  Switzer- 
land, who  was  the  father  of  seven  children, 
as  follows:  John,  Jacob,  Rudolph,  David, 

Elizabeth,  Rosa  and  Catherine,  all  now  de- 
ceased, arid  all  of  whom  except  David  re- 
mained in  Switzerland.  David,  son  of  Ru- 
dolph, came  to  America,  and  passed  the  re- 
mainder of  his  life  in  New  York  State. 

On  March  1,  1872,  David  Mani,  subject 
of  this  sketch,  sailed  from  Hamburg,  Ger- 
many, for  America,  and  after  a very  stormy 
voyage  landed  in  New  York  April  1,  1872. 
When  he  landed  he  was  immediately  confront- 
ed with  a serious  financial  question,  as  his 
available  capital  consisted  of  exactly  one  dol- 
lar, but  a pair  of  willing  hands  soon  found 
employment,  and  the  increase  of  capital  fol- 
lowed as  a natural  sequence.  He  remained  in 
New  York  State  four  years,  engaged  in  cheese 
making.  Good  management  and  close  atten- 
tion to  business  brought  prosperity  in  sight, 
and  in  1876  Mr.  Mani  sought  a new  field  of 
labor,  locating  in  Wisconsin,  where  he  contin- 
ued to  follow  cheese  making  until  1890,  when 
he  purchased  a farm  of  eighty  acres  of  land, 
one-half  of  which  is  in  the  village  of  Brown- 
town.  He  improved  this  with  a good  cheese 
factory  and  other  buildings,  and  ten  years 
later  sold  out  for  $4,800,  and  removed  to 
the  village,  where  he  is  the  owner  of  a fine 
two-story  dwelling  and  considerable  other  real 
estate.  During  his  parents’  lifetime  he  regu- 
larly contributed  to  their  support,  paying  the 
rent  for  their  home  in  Switzerland  and  about 
$20  annually  besides,  which  to  them  was  a 
large  sum. 

On  Feb.  7,  1878,  Mr.  Mani  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Miss  Lisetta  Teuscher,  of  Mon- 
roe, whc  accompanied  her  parents,  Christ  and 
Rosa  (Mani)  Teuscher,  from  Canton  Berne, 
Switzerland,  in  1871.  ■ Mrs.  Teuscher  is  de- 
ceased, but  Mr.  Teuscher  is  still  living  at  his 
home  in  Monroe.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mani  have 
become  the  parents  of  nine  children,  namely : 
David  and  Lisetta,  both  deceased ; Mary,  born 


8So 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Nov.  26,  1881,  now  makes  her  home  in  Mon- 
roe; Jacob,  born  May  1,  1884;  David  J.,  born 
May  17,  1886;  Lillie,  born  April  26,  1888; 
Rudolph,  deceased;  Rosa,  born  April  23,  1892; 
Ernest,  born  May  7,  1899.  In  his  political 
preferences  Mr.  Mani  is  a stanch  Democrat, 
and  in  religious  faith,  while  a member  of  no 
church,  inclines  to  the  teachings,  of  Luther. 

ROBERT  HULL,  one  of  the  early  pio- 
neers of  Grant  county,  has  been  prominently 
identified  with  the  growth  of  Platteville,  which 
he  has  seen  advance  from  a small  village 
to  its  present  proportions.  Many  are  the  enter- 
taining accounts  he  can  give  of  the  days  when 
the  great  commonwealth  of  Wisconsin  was 
principally  a vast  tract  of  unbroken  land,  cov- 
ered with  the  virgin  forest;  when  the  voice  of 
man  was  not  heard;  when  journeys  were 
made  with  teams,  and  only  the  barest  necessi- 
ties of  life  obtainable.  Such  days  as  these  de- 
veloped the  character  of  the  pioneers,  and 
laid  the  foundations  of  a mighty  State,  whose 
sons  and  daughters  are  a credit  to  it,  and  whose 
voice  is  heard  among  the  great  ones  of  the 
nation. 

Robert  Hull  was  born  in  Northumberland 
county,  England,  in  November,  1821,  and  was 
the  son  of  John  and  Jane  (Graham)  Hull, 
natives  of  England,  where  they  lived  and  died. 
Of  their  large  family  of  eleven  children,  but 
two  now  remain,  our  subject  and  a brother, 
Jesse,  who  resides  in  England,  the  former  be- 
ing the  only  one  who  ever  left  his  native 
land.  Growing  to  manhood  in  good  old  Eng'- 
land,  Mr.  Hull  became  convinced  that  there 
was  more  opportunity  in  America  for  his  ad- 
vancement, and  in  1854  he  made  the  passage, 
via  New  York,  to  Galena,  111.,  where  he  resided 
a short  time,  then  removed  to  what  was  then 
known  as  the  “New  Diggings,”  in  Grant 
county,  and  here'  remained  eight  years.  The 
next  change  was  made  to  Platteville,  where 
Mr.  Hull  purchased  a comfortable  and  pleas- 
ant home  on  the  corner  of  Third  and  Cedar 
streets,  and  has  since  resided  there.  By  oc- 
cupation Mr.  Hidl  is  a miner,  but  since  com- 
ing to  Platteville  he  has  been  engaged  on  city 
contracts 

Just  before  embarking  for  America  Mr. 
PTull  was  united  in  marriage  with  Mrs.  Jane 
(Lee)  Philipson,  a daughter  of  George  Lee, 
who  died  in  his  native  land,  England.  Mrs. 
Hull  was  born  in  Northumberland  county,  I 


England,  in  May,  1821,  and  was  a lady  of 
unusual  graces  of  mind  and  character.  Gentle,, 
loving  and  charitable,  she  made  her  home  a 
heaven  upon  earth,  and  endeared  herself  to  a 
large  circle  of  appreciative  friends.  On 
March  20,  1894,  occurred  the  tragedy  of  Mr. 
Hull's  life,  for  on  that  day  death  claimed  the 
deeply  loved  wife,  and:  since  her  decease  Mr. 
Hull  has  felt  sadly  bereft.  No  children  were 
born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hull,  but  Mrs.  Hull’s 
son,  Matthew  Philipson,  was  reared  by  Mr. 
Hull  as  his  own,  but,  just  as  the  young  man 
was  emerging  into  a happy,  useful  life,  he 
died,  Nov.  26,  1868,  aged  nineteen. 

Politically  Mr.  Hull  is  a stanch  Republican, 
always  voting  the  ticket  of  that  party,  and  is 
also  a consistent  member  of  the  Congregational 
Church,  with  which  Mrs.  Hull  was  also  identi- 
fied. Mr.  Hull  is  a man  who  brings  his  re- 
ligion into  his  daily  life,  and  by  his  example 
teaches  the  great  lessons  of  Christianity  and 
morality. 

COL.  CHARLES  MAPPES  (deceased) 
was  one  of  the  most  prominent  men  in  busi- 
ness in  his  day  to  be  found  in  Lafayette  coun- 
ty, Wis.,  and  for  many  years  was  a resident 
.of  the  city  of  Belmont.  He  had  extensive  ex- 
perience in  various  commercial  enterprises,  was 
well  versed  in  human  nature,  and  was  moved 
by  large  ambitions. 

Charles  Mappes  was  born  in  Prussia,  Aug. 
4,  1826,  and  grew  to  manhood  in  his  native 
country,  receiving,  after  the  custom  of  his  peo- 
ple, a solid  and  durable  education.  In  1846 
he  went  to  Mexico,  where  he  served  in  the 
Mexican  war  seven  months.  After  that  he 
accompanied  Gen.  Harney  to  Florida,  and  as- 
sisted in  the  operations  against  the  hostile 
Indians.  In  the  fall  of  1848  the  adventurous 
young  German  made  his  way  to  California, 
and,  taking  a hand  in  the  gold  mining  of 
the  time  won  out  a large  fortune  and  brought 
back  to  the  East  with  him  on  his  return,  in 
1851,  a very  considerable  sum  of  money.  With 
this  Mr.  Mappes  built  a hotel  in  Indianapolis, 
and  kept  hotel  for  several  years  in  the  capi- 
tal city  of  Indiana.  In  1855  he  moved  to  Terre 
Haute,  in  the  same  State,  where  lie  followed 
the  same  business.  In  i860  he  came  west  to 
Dubuque,  Iowa,  and  kept  hotel  for  two  years 
in  that  stirring  city.  Mr.  Mappes  was  then  a 
year  at  Mineral  Point,  Wis.,  and  following  that 
lie  made  a journey  into  Idaho.  There  he 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


88 1 


discovered  the  first  gold  found  in  the  terri- 
tory, and  was  instrumental  in  the  formation 
of  a police  and  military  force  known  as  the 
Idaho  Rangers,  of  which  he  was  elected  colo- 
nel and  commander.  His  family  now  holds 
a deed  for  8,200  feet  of  quartz  ledges,  and 
they  have  been  offered  $40,000  for  600  feet. 

'Col.  Mappes  and  Miss  Minnie  Faust 
were  united  in  marriage  in  1855.  Mrs.  Mappes 
was  born  in  1824  in  Germany,  daughter  of 
John  and  Irene  Faust,  who  came  to  this  coun- 
try at  an  early  day  and  located  on  a farm 
in  Indiana,  where  they  died.  She  grew  to 
womanhood  in  the  State  of  Indiana,  where  she 
was  married.  In  1864  the  young  couple 
came  to  Belmont,  which  was  their  home  as 
long  as  he  lived.  When  the  village  was  in 
its  infancy  he  embarked  in  business,  and  was 
a hotel-keeper  for  several  years,  owning  his 
own  establishment  In  1884  Col.  Mappes  put 
up  the  St.  Charles  Hotel  on  the  site  of  his 
first  building,  which  had  been  destroyed  by 
fire,  and  conducted  it  with  marked  success, 
until  his  retirement  from  business,  in  1891. 
During  his  residence  in  Belmont  he  made 
and  spent  a fortune,  and  had  he  realized  on 
some  of  his  mining  investments,  in  which  he 
was  an  extensive  dealer,  as  he  had  reason  to 
expect,  he  would  have  become  one  of  the  weal- 
thiest men  of  the  day.  He  was  always  open- 
handed  and  enterprising,  ready  to  take  hold 
of  anything  that  had  a promise  of  results  in  it, 
and  was  one  of  the  most  popular  men  of  the 
county,  with  many  friends.  He  died  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1900. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mappes  were  the  parents  of 
six  sons,  and  two  daughters : ( 1 ) Lewis, 

born  in  Indianapolis,  married  Miss  Mollie 
Garden,  and  resides  in.  Sioux  City,  Iowa, 
where  he  is  in  business;  he  has  three  children, 
Rudolph.  Nellie  and  Marie.  (2)  Frederick, 
born  in  Dubuque,  married  Miss  Millie  Wood, 
of  Georgetown,  Wis.,  and  is  a conductor  on 
the  Union  Pacific  Railroad;  he  lives  at  Grand 
Island,  Neb.,  and  has  two  children,  Daisy  and 
Frederick.  (3)  Nettie,  born  in  Illinois,  is  now 
the  wife  of  Edward  Schriter,  of  Darlington, 
Wis.,  and  is  the  mother  of  five  children, 
Charles,  Lewis,  Bertha,  Mamie  and  Bay.  (4) 
Charles,  born  in  Menominee,  Wis.,  was  edu- 
cated in  the  normal  school  at  Platteville,  and 
is  now  a railroad  man  at  Rawlins,  Wyoming. 
(5)  Minnie,  born  at  Belmont,  is  now  the  wife 
of  Frank  Webb,  of  this  city,  and  is  the  mother 

56 


of  four  children,  Hazel,  Roy,  Edith  and 
Frankie.  (6)  George,  born  in  Belmont  in  July, 
1873,  attended  the  Belmont  school  until  he  was 
fourteen  years  old,  when  he  secured  a posi- 
tion as  brakeman  on  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee 
& St.  Paul  Railroad;  he  is  now  a brakeman  on 
a main  line  passenger,  and  is  a popular  and 
capable  young  man  with  a bright  future  before 
him.  (7)  William,  born  in  Belmont  in  1875, 
grew  up  in  his  native  town,  where  he  learned 
telegraphy;  he  followed  this  occupation  some 
few  years,  and  then  went  to  Philadelphia, 
where  he  had  secured  a desirable  position  in 
a grocery  store,  remaining  three  years,  but  on 
the  outbreak  of  the  Spanish- American  war  left 
it  to  enlist  in  the  heavy  artillery,  and  is  now 
in  Manila,  fighting  the  insurgents  in  the  wilds 
of  that  country.  (8)  Otto,  a bright  and  prom- 
ising young  man  of  eighteen  years  of  age,  was 
drowned  in  the  Pecatonica  river  in  Lafayette 
county. 

Col.  Mappes  was  a Democrat,  and  during 
his  life  held  a number  of  local  offices  in  the 
town  of  Belmont.  He  was  one  of  the  stock- 
holders of  the  water  works,  and  a member 
of  its  board  of  management  a number  of  years. 
He  and  his  wife  were  consistent  members  of 
the  Lutheran  Church. 

LOUIS  HARTWIG,  one  of  the  thrifty 
and  successful  young  farmers  of  Jordan  town- 
ship, Green  county,  is  a native  of  that  town- 
ship, born  Jan.  6,  1864,  on  the  old  George 
Hartwig  homestead. 

George  Hartwig,  his  father,  was  born  in 
Berlin,  Germany,  a son  of  John  Hartwig,  who 
died  in  Germany,  the  father  of  six  ch.ldren: 
John,  Andrew  and  Martha,  all  three  living  in 
Canada;  George;  Eliza,  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio;, 
and  Christena,  in  Germany.  George  Hartwig 
was  married  in  Ohio  to  Elizabeth  Hunsberger, 
a native  of  Switzerland,  and  of  their  children 
we  have  the  following  record : ( 1 ) John,  a 
sketch  of  whom  appears  elsewhere.  (2) 
George,  in  Minnesota.  (3)  Louis,  of  whom 
more  extended  mention  is  made  farther  on. 
(4)  Matilda,  wife  of  Frank  Iviehl.  of  Martin- 
town,  Wis.  (5)  William,  a farmer  of  Jor- 
dan township.  Green  Co.,  Wis.;  he  married 
Helen  Stark.  (6)  Henry,  of  Jordan  township, 
married  to  Lena  Starkie.  (7)  Andrew,  on  the 
old  home  place  in  Jordan  township,  married 
to  Amelia  Stark.  (8)  Lizzie,  at  home  in 
Monroe.  (9)  Mary,  wife  of  Thomas  Sweivel, 


882 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


of  Pennsylvania.  In  1856  the  father  of  this 
family  came  to  the  United  States,  locating  first 
in  Ohio,  thence,  in  1862,  removing  to  Jordan 
township,  Green  Co.,  Wisconsin. 

Louis  Hartwig  was  reared  on  the  home 
farm  in  Jordan  township,  and  received  a good 
common-school  education.  Choosing  the  occu- 
pation of  farming,  he  at  the  age  of  twenty- 
one  commenced  lus  life  work  on  his  own  ac- 
count, and  from  that  time  forth  prospered, 
until  now  he  owns  a fine  farm  of  167  acres, 
all  under  a good  state  of  cultivation,  and 
equipped  with  a commodious  dwelling  and 
first-class  barns.  Here  he  is  engaged  in  gen- 
eral farming  and  stock  raising,  besides  dairy- 
ing. 

On  April  11,  1889,  Lord's  Hartwig  married 
Miss  Mary  Butts,  of  Jordan  township,  Green 
Co.,  Wis.,  born  July  20,  1870,  a daughter  of 
George  Butts,  of  Jordan,  who  had  the  follow- 
ing family  of  children:  William;  Herman; 
Minnie,  wife  of  Samuel  Blumer;  Augusta  mar- 
ried, and  is  living  in  Monticello,  Wis.;  Mary, 
wife  of  Louis.  Hartwig,  our  subject;  Annie, 
wife  of  Charles  Patterson;  Lena,  now  Mrs. 
Stauffacher,  of  Iowa;  and  Dora. 

To  Air.  and  Mrs.  Louis  Hartwig  have  been 
born  five  children,  their  names  and  dates  .of 
birth  being  as  follows:  Rossie,  in  January, 

1890;  John  G.,  in  October,  1891;  Frederick 
M.,  in  July,  1894;  Dewey  H.,  March  29, 
1898;  and  Lida,  in  January,  1901.  Mr.  Hare- 
wig  enjoys  the  respect  and1  esteem  of  a wide 
circle  of  friends  and  acquaintances,  and  is 
highly  popular  in  the  community  in  which  he 
lives. 

THOMAS  LONGBOTHAM  is  numbered 
among  the  leading  business  men  of  Platteville, 
Grant  county,  where  he  owns  and  operates 
finely  equipped  livery  and  boarding  stables. 

Mr.  Longbotham  was  born  in  Fidlers 
Green  in  July,  1846,  a son  of  Thomas  and 
Hannah  Longbotham,  who  were  born  in  Eng- 
land in  1807  and  1822,  respectively.  After 
their  marriage  the  parents  came  to  Grant 
county,  Wis.,  in  1841,  selecting  Potosi  as  a 
place  of  residence.  Here  the  father  pursued 
his  trade  of  weaver  for  several  years,  and  then 
engaged  in  smelting  ore,  owning  smelting 
works  at  Potosi.  After  some  years  he  sold 
the  smelting  works,  purchased  a farm  at  Fid- 
lers Green,  where  he  resided  until  his  death, 
which  occurred  in  1895,  his  wife  having  passed 


away  several  years  previously.  These  two 
good  people  were  earnest  members  of  the  M, 
E.  Church,  and  very  devout  Christians.  Of 
their  children  we  have  the  following-  record : 

<25 

William,  born  at  Potosi,  is  now  a farmer  in 
Nebraska;  Elijah,  born  in  Potosi,  married  Miss 
Taylor,  of  Grant  county,  settled  on  his  farm 
at  Rockford,  Iowa,  where  he  died  in  1888, 
leaving  a wife  and  two  children,  Ellen  (wife 
of  Fred  Tibets,  of  Iowa)  and  Thomas  L.  (of 
Rockford,  Iowa) ; Rebecka,  a graduate  of  the 
State  Normal,  has  been  a teacher  for  a num- 
ber of  years  in  Grant  and  Iowa  counties; 
John,  born  in  Grant  county,  is  now  a prominent 
banker  of  Cuba  City,  and  is  also  interested 
in  the  bank  of  Stevens  Point;  Joseph,  born  in 
Grant  county,  was  educated  at  the  State  Nor- 
mal and  a business  college,  is  now  cashier  of 
the  Cuba  City  bank,  married  to  Sarah  K. 
Mathews,  of  Dickeysville,  by  whom  he  has 
three  children,  Leslie,  Pearl  and  Mary  IT, 
now  students  of  the  State  Normal,  and  all 
residents  of  Platteville;  Hannah  E. ; George, 
who  died  in  childhood;  and  our  subject. 

Thomas  Longbotham  worked  upon  his  fa- 
ther’s farm,  attending  the  district  school  dur- 
ing the  winter  months,  until  he  attained  to  ma- 
ture years, when  he  purchased  a farm  in  Floyd 
county,  Iowa,  on  which  he  erected  buildings 
and  made  many  improvements,  remaining  there 
for  eight  years.  At  that  time  Mr.  Longbotham 
sold  his  property,  located  in  Nebraska,  where 
he  engaged  in  farming.  He  returned  to 
Grant  county  in  1896,  and  the  following  year 
removed  to  Platteville,  where  he  purchased 
and  now  operates  one  of  the  finest  livery  sta- 
bles in  Grant  county,  known  as  the  Brick  Liv- 
ery Stables.  A full  line  of  modern  and  stylish 
carriages,  barouches,  carts,  sleighs,  etc.,  is  car- 
ried, and  the  horses  are  of  excellent  stock. 
Mr.  Longbotham  personally  superintends  his 
business,  and  every  detail  is  carried  out  under 
his  direction,  while  his  corps  of  assistants  is 
carefully  selected. 

In  April,  1896,  Thomas  Longbotham  mar- 
ried Alvira  L.  Gilmore,  daughter  of  Lysander 
and  Jula  Gilmore,  of  Georgetown,  Grant 
county.  The  Gilmore  family  is  among  the 
oldest  in  the  State,  and  originated  in  America 
in  Virginia.  Airs.  Longbotham  was  born  and 
educated  in  Grant  county,  and  is  a very  pleas- 
ant and  estimable  lady.  To  this  union  one 
son  has  been  born,  Thomas  G.  Air.  and  Airs. 
Longbotham  reside  in  a comfortable  home  on 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


883 


Water  street,  where  they  receive  their  many 
friends.  A Republican  to  the  core,  Mr.  Long- 
botham  takes  a deep  interest  in  the  workings 
of  that  party,  and  socially  is  connected  with 
the  I.  O.  O.  F.  Although  not  a member  of 
any  religious  denomination,  Mr.  Longbotham 
has  always  contributed  of  his  means  to  the 
support  of  church  work,  and  is  public  spirited, 
kind  hearted  and  liberal.  Commencing  the 
struggle  of  life  poor  in  purse,  but  rich  in  pluck 
and  energy,  he  has  attained  his  present  solid 
position,  although  still  a young  man,  by  his 
own  unaided  efforts,  and  can  not  be  too  highly 
commended  for  his  industry,  thrift  and  perse- 
verance. 

MALACHI  SIMONS,  of  the  town  of 
Fennimore,  Grant  county,  represents  one  of  the 
old  pioneer  families  of  the  community.  He 
was  born  in  Cornwall,  England,  Feb.  9,  1833, 
a son  of  Nicholas  and  Christina  Simons.  In 
1848  the  father  and  his  eldest  son,  Nicholas 
Simons,  crossed  the  ocean,  and  came  to  Wis- 
consin, and  went  to  work  in  the  mines  at 
Hazel  Green.  The  next  year  he  sent  for  the 
another  and  the  remaining  four  children,  and 
about  two  years  later  they  all  settled  on  a 
farm  in  the  town  of  Jamestown.  In  1856 
the  father  pre-empted  land  in  the  town  of 
Mount  Ida,  and  there  made  a homestead,  re- 
siding there  until  his  death,  Dec.  30,  1879, 
at  the  age  of  eighty-three.  In  his  early  life 
he  was  a steward  for  a lord  of  a manor,  and 
at  a later  period  was  overseer  of  mines.  When 
he  came  to  this  country  he  naturally  turned  to 
the  mines  for  an  immediate  living.  His  wife 
died  July  30,  1873,  at  the  age  of  seventy  years. 
Their  children  were:  Nicholas,  who  died  Jan. 
10,  1871,  at  the  age  of  forty-three,  leaving  a 
wife  and  six  children;  Malachi  was  the  second  ; 
Frederick  died  Dec.  12,  1864,  at  the  age  of 
twenty-seven,  leaving  a wife  and  one  child ; 
William  resides  on  the  old  homestead  in  the 
town  of  Mount  Ida;  Jane  married  Elijah  Rog- 
ers, and  died  in  1874,  leaving  a husband  and 
five  children.  Malachi  and  William  are  the 
only  members  of  the  family  living  at  the  pres- 
ent writing. 

Malachi  Simons  was  about  sixteen  years 
old  when  he  came  to  the  United  States,  and 
has  lived  in  Grant  county  since  that  time,  hav- 
ing been  a resident  of  Mount  Ida  for  more  than 
half  a century.  For  many  years  he  followed 
mining.  Mr.  Simons  purchased  a farm  in 


the  town  of  Mount  Ida  April  4,  1857,  and 
here  he  lived  for  four  years,  when  he  moved 
to  Fennimore,  where  his  home  has  been  to  the 
present  time. 

On  May  11/  1852,  Mr.  Simons  wedded 
Mary  Elizabeth  Semmens,  a daughter  of 
Richard  and  Elizabeth  Semmens.  She  was 
born  in  Cornwall,  England,  in  1827,  where  her 
parents  lived  and  died.  Mrs.  Simons  was  mar- 
ried in  England  to  William  Row,  in  1848; 
soon  after  their  marriage  they  came  to  this 
country  and  located  in  Maryland,  remaining 
nearly  three  years,  and  then  settled  in  Du- 
buque, Iowa,  where  Mr.  Row  died  in  1851, 
during  the  cholera  epidemic.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Simons  have  two  children,  a son  and  a daugh- 
ter, Richard,  on  the  home  farm;  and  Katie, 
the  wife  of  Adam  Hill,  of  the  town  of  Mount 
Ida.  A daughter,  Grace,  died  Sept.  14,  1863, 
when  ten  years  old.  Mrs.  Simons  had  two  chil- 
dren by  her  first  husband,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Ann 
Dempsy,  of  Fennimore,  and  Mrs.  Mary  Jane 
Rogers,  of  South  Dakota. 

THEODORE  L.  ACHESON,  whose 
home  is  at  No.  262  South  Bluff  street,  Janes- 
ville, is  one  of  the  leading  citizens  of  Rock 
county,  and  exerts  a strong  influence  in  its 
political  and  business  affairs.  He  has  filled 
various  public  positions  in  the  county,  dis- 
charging every  duty  with  the  utmost  fidelity, 
is  an  honorable  and  upright  man,  and  has  a 
multitude  of  friends.. 

Mr.  Acheson  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Newburgh,  Orange  Co.,  N.  Y.,  Oct.  3,  1849. 
His  parents,  William  B.  and  Margaret  (El- 
liott) Acheson,  natives  of  the  same  county, 
had  a family  of  ten  children : David  A. ; 

Robert  B. ; Alexander;  William  E. ; James  C. ; 
Theodore  L. ; Alfred  S. ; Mary  Ann,  wife  of 
Thomas  Harper,  of  Magnolia  township;  Han- 
nah J.,  wife  of  Robert  B.  Harper,  of  Spring 
Valley;  and  Sarah  Margaret,  wife  of  Wallach 
Cochran,  of  Janesville.  The  father  served  an 
apprenticeship  as  a tanner  with  an  uncle.  After 
he  had  grown  to  manhood  and  married  he 
became  a farmer.  He  made  his  first  appear- 
ance in  Janesville  in  1861,  and,  liking  the 
country,  purchased  a farm  of  240  acres  in 
Magnolia  township,  Rock  county.  He  did 
not  long  survive  his  change  of  location,  dying 
in  September,  1863,  when  fifty-one  years  old. 
His  wife  attained  the  age  of  seventy-four, 
and  died  in  July,  1891.  In  early  life  they 


884 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


were  identified  with  the  old  Covenanters,  in 
later  years  attending  the  Presbyterian  Church. 
His  father,  Robert  Acheson,  came  from  the 
North  of  Ireland,  where  he  was  born  of 
Scottish  parentage,  and  settled  in  the  city  of 
New  York,  where  he  died.  He  had  a family 
of  five  daughters  and  two  sons.  Her  father, 
William  Elliott,  was  born  of  Scottish  descent 
in  the  North  of  Ireland,  and  was  a farmer  all 
his  life.  He  died  in  Orange  county,  N.  Y., 
well  advanced  in  years. 

Theodore  L.  Acheson  came  to  Wisconsin 
in  1 86 1,  and  to  Janesville  in  1883.  At  the 
date  first  mentioned  he  was  a well  grown 
lad,  and  had  been  a student  in  the  public 
schools  of  his  native  county.  In  his  Wiscon- 
sin home  he  went  to  a district  school  in  Mag- 
nolia township,  and  continued  fi>  live  on  the 
paternal  homestead  until  1883.  That  year  he 
became  deputy  sheriff  under  R.  B.  Harper, 
and  served  two  years  with  that  gentleman. 
Sheriff  Hanthofn  continued  him  in  the  same 
capacity  in  1885  and  1886.  The  city  council 
of  Janesville  then  appointed  him  constable  of 
the  Third  ward,  and  retained  him  in  that  po- 
sition until  1891.  In  1889  and  1890  he  was 
under-sheriff  for  G.  C.  Babcock.  In  1891  he 
was  chosen  city  marshal,  and  served  the  pub- 
lic very  efficiently  in  that  office  for  six  years. 
In  the  fall  of  1896  he  was  elected  sheriff,  and 
held  that  responsible  office  one  term. 

The  wedding  ceremonies  of  Mr.  Acheson 
and  Miss  Jane  Martin,  daughter  of  Hugh 
and  Jane  Martin,  were  celebrated  March  12, 
1881.  They  have  had  three  children,  Grace, 
Nina  and  Arthur  L.  Grace  married  Samuel 
P.  Brown,  deputy  sheriff  of  Rock  county.  Mrs. 
Acheson  is  a member  of  the  Episcopal 
Church.  Mr.  Acheson  belongs  to  the  Knights 
of  Pythias,  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows,  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America, 
and  the  liome  Forum.  Fie  is  a Republican, 
and  a man  of  strong  convictions.  His  home 
on  South  Bluff  street  was  purchased  by  him 
in  July,  1899. 

THEODORE  FRELINGHUYSEN 
HART,  a prominent  veteran  of  the  war  of  the 
Rebellion  now  residing  in  Wyalusing  town- 
ship, Grant  county,  was  born  in  Dupont,  Jef- 
ferson Co.,  Ind.,  Nov.  13,  1843,  a son  of 
Orrin  L.  and  Eveline  (Houghton)  Hart. 
His  father,  who  was  of  strong  Whig  procliv- 
ities, named  him  for  Frelinghuysen,  a well- 


known  statesman  of  that  day,  and  who,  the 
following  year  (1844),  was  the  candidate  for 
vice-president  on  the  ticket  with  Henry  Clay. 
Mr.  Hart's  maternal  grandfather,  Joab 
Houghton,  was  a native  of  the  highlands  of 
Scotland,  and  in  early  life  came  to  America. 
He  was  a soldier  in  the  second  war  with 
England,  known  in  history  as  the  war  of  1812, 
and  fought  with  Gen.  Jackson  in  the  famous 
battle  of  New  Orleans. 

Orrin  L.  Hart,  father  of  Theodore  F.,  was 
born  in  Massachusetts,  but  when  a small  boy 
was  taken  by  his  parents  to  Pennsylvania. 
His  mother  belonged  to  one  of  the  early  Mo- 
hawk Dutch  families  of  eastern  New  York, 
and  was  one  of  the  few  that  was  spared  in  the 
famous  Indian  massacre  in  the  Mohawk  Val- 
ley. She  lived  to  the  advanced  age  of  ninety- 
three  years,  passing  away  in  1863.  In  Octo- 
ber, 1852,  Orrin  L.  Hart  and  family  emi- 
grated from  Indiana  to  Wisconsin,  and  lo- 
cated in  the  town  of  Millville,  Grant  county, 
where  the  wife  and  mother  died  in  1864.  The 
father  is  still  living  but  has  been  an  invalid 
for  a number  of  years.  Of  their  children  we 
have  record  of  Theodore  F.,  of  this  review; 
Wallace,  who  was  named  for  the  well-known 
clergyman,  Rev.  William  Wallace,  and  is  now 
a resident  of  Chicago;  Abigail,  wife  of 
George  H.  Foster,  of  Millville;  Mrs.  Adeline 
Day;  and  Josephine,  wife  of  Michael  Gillon, 
of  Ontario,  Vernon  Co.,  Wisconsin. 

Theodore  F.  Hart  was  a lad  of  about 
nine  years  when  he  came  with  his  parents  to 
Grant  county,  which  has  since  been  his  home. 
On  Aug.  11,  1862,  he  donned  the  blue,  be- 
coming a member  of  Company  C,  25th  Wis. 
V.  I.,  and  was  discharged  from  the  service 
for  disability  in  March  of  the  following  year. 
A severe  rupture  received  in  the  service  was 
the  chief  cause  of  his  discharge.  However, 
he  had  not  yet  seen  enough  of  army  life  to 
'satisfy  him.  and  he  determined  if  possible 
again  to  enter  the  service.  But  not  having 
yet  recovered,  it  was  necessary  for  him  to  use 
considerable  strategy  in  order  to  pass  the  re- 
quired examination.  In  this  he  was  success- 
ful, and  he  was  a second  time  enrolled  as  one 
of  Uncle  Sam’s  soldier  boys.  He  expected  to 
be  assigned  to  his  old  company  in  the  25th, 
but  in  this  he  was  disappointed,  and  was  en- 
rolled as  a member  of  Company  C,  iSth  Wis. 
V.  I.,  in  July,  1863.  His  regiment  formed  a 
part  of  the  15th  Army  Corps.  He  took  part 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


885 


in  some  of  the  most  important  events  of  the 
last  two  years  of  the  war,  fighting  under  Gen. 
Corse  at  Allatoona  Pass — one  of  the  most 
thrilling-  engagements  of  the  whole  struggle, 
lie  was  one  of  the  143  who  were  on  the  skir- 
mish line  when  the  battle  began,  and  of  whom 
only  thirty-one  succeeded  in  getting  back  to 
the  fort.  It  was  on  this  occasion  that  Gen. 
Sherman  signaled  from  Ivenesaw  Mountain 
“Hold  the  Fort  for  I am  coming,”  which  has 
given  rise  to  the  famous  religious  song  with 
that  title.  Mr.  Hart  with  his  regiment 
marched  with  Sherman  to  the  sea  and  thence 
to  Washington,  D.  C.,  taking  part  in  the 
Grand  Review  in  that  city.  Fie  was  finally 
discharged  July  13,  1865. 

After  the  war  Mr.  Hart  was  variously 
engaged  for  some  time,  working  for  a time 
in  the  pineries  near  Grand  Rapids,  Wis.  In 
September,  1866,  he  erected  a shingle  mill  at 
Wyalusing,  which  he  operated  for  some  time. 

Mr.  Hart  was  married,  in  March.  1867, 
to  Miss  Nancy  Scarf,  a daughter  of  Samuel 
Scarf,  one  of  the  pioneers  of  southwestern 
Wisconsin  and  a soldier  of  the  Black  Hawk 
war.  He  was  a well-known  early  settler  of 
Prairie  clu  Chien.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hart  have 
five  children : Willard,  Caroline,  Maud,  Ma- 

bel and  Euphemia.  Mr.  Hart  is  an  influen- 
tial citizen  of  his  community,  and  very  promi- 
nent in  Grand  Army  circles.  Fie  is  a member 
of  W.  K.  Forshey  Post,  No.  23,  of  which  he 
was  commander  four  years,  and  has  been 
twice  appointed  assistant  inspector  of  district 
17,  and  was  one  year  on  the  staff  of  Col.  A. 
E.  Watters.  Mr.  Hart  is  a man  of  extensive 
and  varied  reading,  and  is  well  informed  on 
the  general  issues  of  the  day.  He  and  his 
wife  are  members  of  the  Congregational 
Church,  and  are  quite  prominent  socially. 

GEORGE  MILLER  (deceased)  is  remem- 
bered in  Hazel  Green,  Grant  county,  as  an  hon- 
orable and  upright  citizen,  and  was  born  in 
Baden,  France,  in  1817.  In  1S40  he  came  to 
Wisconsin,  and  for  a time  worked  in  Jo  Da- 
viess county,  111.  In  1848  he  married  Miss 
Katherine  Reiser,  a lady  born  in  France,  in 
March,  1830,  the  daughter  of  Nicholas  and 
Christine  Reiser,  both  born  in  that  country. 
In  1833  they  came  to  America  and  settled  in 
Jo  Daviess  county,  111.,  where  he  lived  until  a 
short  time  before  his  death,  in  1862,  at  the 
home  of  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Miller.  Airs. 


Reiser  died  in  1847,  being  108  years  old  at  the 
time  of  her  death.  Mrs.  Miller  is  the  only 
representative  of  this  family  now  living. 

Mr.  Miller  was  a shoemaker  by  trade,  and 
worked  for  a time  in  Hazel  Green.  In  1849 
he  bought  forty  acres  of  wild  land  in  the  town 
of  Hazel  Green.  To  this  he  added  by  purchase 
from  time  to  time,  until  at  his  death  lie  was  the 
owner  of  190  acres  of  fine  farming  land.  A 
good  house  and  ample  barns  were  erected  by 
him,  the  land  cleared  and  brought  under  high 
cultivation,  and  the  entire  property  made  one 
of  the  most  valuable  in  this  part  of  the  State. 
To  Mr.  Miller  and  his  wife  were  born  eleven 
children,  of  whom  four  are  now  living : ( 1 ) 

Catherine,  born  in  1855,  is  the  wife  of  John 
Kuntz,  who  resides  near  the  Miller  homestead. 
Mrs.  Kuntz  was  married  to  Joseph  Yorkshire 
before  her  present  marriage,  and  to  him  she 
bore  four  children,  George,  John,  Joseph  and 
August.  By  Mr.  Kuntz  she  has  four  children, 
Leo,  Mary,  Charles  and  Agnes.  (2)  Peter, 
born  in  1858,  married  Miss  Christina  Nalice, 
of  Galena,  111.,  and  is  now  living  on  his 
mother’s  old  homestead.  (3)  Christina,  born 
in  1873,  is  now  the  wife  of  Henry  Schnow- 
denberg,  and  has  her  home  in  Jo  Daviess 
county;  there  are  three  children  in  this  family: 
Orvil,  Gladys,  and  Adele.  (4)  Clara,  born 
in  1875,  is  now  the  wife  of  Peter  Cabanas, 
of  Hazel  Green.  They  have  one  daughter, 
Lea.  Mr.  Miller,  like  his  wife  and  family, 
was  a member  of  the  Catholic  church,  and 
all  have  been  liberal  supporters  of  same.  In 
his  political  affiliations  Mr.  Miller  was  a Dem- 
ocrat. 

JOHN  BECKER  enjoys  an  enviable 
standing  among  the  older  and  most  respected 
farmers  of  Green  county,  both  on  account  of 
his  years  and  his  high  character.  He  is  mak- 
ing his  home  on  a large  farm  four  miles 
southeast  of  Monroe,  which  has  become, 
thanks  to  his  industry  and  management,  one 
of  the  most  desirable  country  residences  in 
the  southwestern  part  of  the  State. 

Mr.  Becker  is  a son  of  Casper  and  Annie 
(Elmer)  Becker,  both  of  whom  were  born  in 
Switzerland,  and  were  emigrants  to  this 
country  about  1848.  They  came  to  Wiscon- 
sin, and  were  among  the  earlier  settlers  of 
Green  county.  To  them  were  born  children 
as  follows:  Jacob,  who  is  a farmer  in  the 

town  of  Washington;  Casper,  who  died  in 


886 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


1S91 ; Peter,  a farmer  in  the  town  of  Wash- 
ington; John,  born  Jan.  18,  1854;  Annie,  the 
wife  of  John  Bloom,  of  Monticello,  Wis. ; 
Rosa,  wife  of  Jacob  Marty,  a farmer  in  the 
town  of  York;  and  Fannie,  wife  of  D.  Zim- 
merman, of  New  Glarus,  Wisconsin. 

John  Becker  grew  to  manhood  under  the 
parental  roof,  and  was  married  to  Miss  Mary 
Ann  Karlen  in  1880,  who  was  born  in  Canton 
Berne,  Switzerland,  Jan.  27,  1863,  and  was 
brought  to  this  country  while  still  a child. 
Jacob  and  Mary  Ann  (Zwahlen)  Karlen,  her 
parents,  came  from  Switzerland,  now  reside 
in  Monroe,  where  Mr.  Karlen  is  engaged  in 
business  as  a cheese-maker.  They  are  men- 
tioned elsewhere  in  this  volume.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  John  Becker  became  the  parents  of  the 
following  children : Mary  Ann,  born  Oct. 

15,  1880;  John  S.,  born  Nov.  8,  1884,  is  at- 
tending school;  Jacob  E.,  born  Feb.  15,  1888; 
Emma  S.,  born  Oct.  2,  1893;  and  Herman 
W.,  born  Nov.  17,  1897,  all  living  at  home. 

John  Becker  was  reared  on  the  home  farm, 
and  received  his  education  at  the  hands  of  the 
teachers  of  the  public  schools  of  the  town 
of  Washington.  When  he  married  the  united 
resources  of  his  wife  and  himself,  save  their 
youth  and  strength,  were  small  indeed.  But 
their  hearts  were  light,  and  they  were  willing 
to  work  hard,  endure  poverty  and  practice  self- 
denial,  that  by  and  by  they  might  come  to  af- 
fluence. They  now  own  a fine  farm  of  268 
acres,  all  highly  improved,  and  in  a fine  state 
of  cultivation.  In  1901  he  built  a large  barn, 
32x70  feet  with  basement,  and  20-foot  posts. 
In  politics  Mr.  Becker  is  a Democrat.  He  is  an 
honorable  and  upright  man,  and  believes  in 
the  Golden  Rule,  and  the  law  of  honesty  and 
fair  play,  as  the  essential  part  of  all  creeds 
and  churches.  ITe  is  a man  with  a warm 
heart,  is  a good  neighbor,  and  a genial,  com- 
panionable citizen. 

NICHOLAS  ANDERSON,  who  ranks 
high  in  Jordan  township,  Green  county,  as  an 
all-round  farmer,  dairyman  and  cheese  manu- 
facturer, is  a native  of  Ivrydsherets,  Christi- 
ania, Norway,  born  April  15,  1849. 

Anders  Narveson,  his  father,  was  born 
Aug.  18,  1825,  near  Christiania,  Norway,  a 
son  of  Narve  Narveson,  who  died  in  Norway 
at  the  age  of  ninety-six.  Maria  Ellingson,  wife 
of  Anders  Narveson.  was  born  in  1818.  and 
died  in  1897,  in  Cottonwood  Co.,  Minn.  They 


had  four  children:  Nicholas,  who  will  be 

more  fully  spoken  of  farther  on;  Julia,  wife  of 
Anders  C.  Anderson,  of  the  town  of  Ann,  Cot- 
tonwood Co.,  Minn. ; Mary,  wife  of  John 
Svenson,  living  in  Minnesota;  and  Jennie,  de- 
ceased in  childhood.  Anders  Narveson  still 
lives  in  the  town  of  Ann,  Cottonwood  Co., 
Minnesota. 

Nicholas  Anderson,  whose  name  introduces 
these  lines,  when  twenty-one  years  old,  in  1870, 
came  to  the  United  States,  settling  in  Wiscon- 
sin, where,  in  Green  county,  he  took  up  farm- 
ing pursuits.  In  1875  he  and  his  entire  fam- 
ily removed  to  Cottonwood  county,  Minn.,  but 
in  1884  they  returned  to  Green  county  and  set- 
tled on  the  old  Erickson  homestead,  where  he 
has  since  made  his  home.  He  owns  a fine  farm 
of  160  acres,  under  excellent  cultivation,  and 
supplied  with  a comfortable  dwelling,  also  com- 
modious barns  and  other  outbuildings. 

On  Jan.  28,  1872,  Nicholas  Anderson  mar- 
ried Miss  Julia  Erickson,  of  Jordan  township, 
Green  county,  born  Sept.  18,  1851,  a daughter 
of  Thore  and  Annie  (Olson)  Erickson,  the 
former  of  whom  came  from  Norway  to  Green 
county,  Wis.,  in  1848.  They  were  married 
Feb.  5,  1850,  and  settled  on  the  farm  now 
owned  and  occupied  by  our  subject.  They  had 
seven  children,  five  of  whom  are  yet  living: 
Julia,  wife  of  Nicholas  Anderson;  Erick  Erick- 
son, in  Rockford,  111.;  Ole,  in  North  Dakota-; 
Mary,  the  wife  of  Ole  Johnson,  of  Cottonwood 
county,  Minn. ; and  Andrew,  a farmer  of  Wi- 
ota  township,  Lafayette  county.  The  father 
of  these  died  on  the  old  home  place  in  Jordan 
township,  Green  county,  in  1885,  the  mother 
passing  away  in  1893.  T°  Nicholas  Anderson* 
and  his  wife  have  been  born  fourteen  children,, 
eleven  of  whom  are  still  living:  (1)  Albert, 

born  Jan.  20,  1873,  married  Clara  Jacobson,, 
and  they  reside  in  Argyle,  Lafayette  county. 
(2)  Thomas,  born  Aug.  8,  1874,  lives  in  Mon- 
tana. (2)  Edward,  born  Jan.  7,  1876,  mar- 
ried Amelia  Jackson,  of  Jordan  township, 
Green  county.  (4)  Carl  J.,  born  Jan.  1,  1878, 
is  at  home.  (5)  Olaf  N.  was  born  Sept.  5, 
1879.  (6)  Nettie  G.,  Oct.  7,  1881.  (7)  Em- 
ma A.,  May  6,  1884.  (8)  Gena  Maria,  Aug. 

14,  1885.  (9)  Alma  Laura,  Jan.  20,  1889. 
(10)  Otto  L.,  Feb.  26,  1890;  and  (11)  Clara 
M.,  Nov.  6,  1893.  Among  those  deceased  was 
Anna  Lenora,  a twin  sister  of  Alma  Laura. 
Mr.  Anderson  is  a firm  believer  in  practical 
education  for  his  children.  Thomas  and  Ed- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


887 


ward  attended  the  short  course  of  Agriculture, 
at  Madison,  Wis.,  in  1895-1896;  and  Olaf  N. 
attended  the  Toland's  Business  University,  at 
Monroe,  Wis.,  in  the  year  of  1899-1900. 

Mr.  Anderson  is  a member  of  the  Lutheran 
Church.  He  is  a Republican  in  politics,  and 
has  served  in  Jordan  as  school  director,  road 
overseer  and  in  other  offices  with  ability  and 
fidelity.  While  living  in  Cottonwood  county, 
Minn.,  he  served  as  chairman  of  the  town  of 
Ann,  supervisor,  and  justice  of  the  peace.  He 
has  participated  in  many  political  conventions, 
including  the  State  Republican  convention  of 
1900,  at  which  he  was  one  of  the  sturdy  sup- 
porters of  Gov.  R.  M.  La  Follette,  and  has 
always  exerted  a marked  influence  in  the  local 
affairs  of  his  community. 

TOHN  McBRIDE,  a retired  farmer  resid- 
ing in  Platteville,  Grant  county,  was  born  in 
Elk  Grove,  Lafayette  county.  Wis.,  April  13, 
1837.  His  parents,  John  and  Rosa  (McCar- 
tin)  McBride,  were  natives  of  Ireland,  who 
in  1820  settled  on  wild  land  in  Lafayette  coun- 
ty, where  the  father  cleared  up  a large  farm, 
on  which  he  and  wife  passed  the  remainder  of 
their  lives,  both  dying  in  the  faith  of  the  Prim- 
itive Methodist  Church.  In  politics  the  father 
was  a stanch  Republican.  Of  their  children, 
ten  in  number,  seven  died  young;  of  those  who 
lived  to  mature  years,  Mary,  now  deceased, 
was  married  to  William  Robinson,  of  Grant 
county,  where  several  of  her  children  still  live ; 
Robert,  also  deceased,  retired  from  his  farm 
in  Lafayette  county,  and  died  in  Platteville  in 
1890,  leaving  a widow  and  four  children;  John, 
whose  name  opens  this  sketch. 

John  McBride  was  educated  in  the  district 
schools  of  his  native  village  and  at  the  Platte- 
ville Academy.  He  grew  to  manhood  on  the 
home  farm,  and  in  October,  1865.  married 
Miss  Mary  E..  daughter  of  Lorenzo  and  Roxie 
(McCumber)  McNett.  of  Elk  Grove,  Lafay- 
ette county.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McNett  were  born 
in  New  York  State,  and  came  to  Wisconsin  in 
1835,  settled  on  a farm  and  reared  four  chil- 
dren. two  of  whom  are  still  living,  Mrs.  E.  B. 
Barnes,  in  Platteville,  and  Mrs.  John  McBride, 
the  latter  of  whom  was  graduated  from  the 
high  school  of  Hazel  Green  and  was  for  some 
time  a very  successful  school  teacher. 

After  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McBride 
lived  on  the  McBride  homestead  until  1894, 
when  they  came  to  Platteville,  where  Mr.  Mc- 


Bride erected  a fine  dwelling,  but  still  owns 
the  old  farm  in  Lafayette  county.  To  the 
union  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McBride  have  been 
born  three  children,  viz.:  (1)  W.  L.,  born  in 
1866,  in  Lafayette  county,  was  educated  in  the 
State  Normal  School  of  Platteville;  in  1894  he 
married  Miss  Lucy  Churchill,  of  Platteville,  a 
cultured  lady  who  had  been  a school  teacher 
for  several  years.  One  daughter,  Helen,  blessed 
this  union.  The  family  reside  on  their  own 
property  on  Pine  street,  adjoining  that  of  the 
father,  John  McBride.  (2)  Rosanna  M., daugh- 
ter of  John  McBride,  was  born  in  Lafayette 
county  in  November,  1868,  and  was  a student 
in  the  State  Normal  school  until  her  marriage 
in  1889  to  Elmer  E.  Herron,  the  present  dep- 
uty sheriff  of  Le  Mars,  Plymouth  county, 
Iowa,  where  they  reside  and  have  a family  of 
four  children,  viz. : Clay,  Lloyd,  Lenna,  and 
John.  (3)  Elsie  A.,  born  in  Lafayette  county 
in  September,  1883,  is  a well-advanced  student 
in  the  State  Normal  school  of  Platteville.  Air. 
McBride  and  family  are  members  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church,  and  in  politics  he  is 
a Republican.  While  a resident  of  Lafayette 
county  he  served  as  treasurer  of  his  township, 
as  chairman  of  the  town  board,  and  also  filled 
several  other  local  offices  with  credit  to  him- 
self and  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the  public. 
A descendant  of  one  of  the  old  pioneer  fam- 
ilies of  the  State,  he  enjoys  the  respect  of  all 
the  inhabitants  of  Platteville  and  Grant 
county,  and  he  and  his  wife  are  still  fondly 
cherished  in  the  memory  of  their  old  friends 
in  Lafayette  county. 

ABEL  C.  FOWLER,  a well-known  car- 
riage maker  of  North  Andover,  Grant  coun- 
ty, and  an  honored  veteran  of  the  Civil  war, 
Avas  born  in  Westchester  county,  N.  Y.,  in 
1820,  a son  of  Thomas  and  Elizabeth  (Alonte) 
Fowler.  The  father,  who  was  a native  of 
England  and  a carpenter  by  occupation,  moved 
his  family  from  New  York  to  Connecticut,  and 
there  died.  The  mother’s  death  occurred  when 
Abel  was  a small  child.  He  is  the  third  in  or- 
der of  birth  in  a family  of  four  children,  the 
others  being  Thomas,  Isaiah  and  Alary,  and 
is  the  only  survivor  so  far  as  known.  Isaiah 
was  also  in  the  Union  army,  being  a member 
of  the  same  company  and  regiment  as  Abel  C., 
and  died  at  the  Soldiers  Home  in  Togus, 
Maine. 

In  May,  1861,  Abel  C.  Fowler  enlisted  in 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


888 

the  4th  Conn.  Y.  L,  which  was  afterward 
changed  to  the  ist  Connecticut  Heavy  Artil- 
lery, and  was  commanded  by  Col.  R.  O.  Tyler. 
Mr.  Fowler’s  service  covered  a period  of  three 
years,  and  he  took  part  in  the  seven  days’ 
tight  in  the  Peninsular  campaign  under  Gen. 
McClellan,  and  the  battle  of  the  Wilderness 
under  Gen.  Grant. 

While  Mr.  Fowler  was  in  the  service  his 
wife,  whose  maiden  name  was  Mary  L.  Eootlie, 
came  to  Potosi,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  with  their 
three  children,  and  upon  receiving  his  discharge 
he  rejoined  his  family  here.  His  first  wife 
died  many  years  ago,  leaving  two  children, 
who1  still  survive,  namely : Henry  W.,  a resi- 
dent of  Coles,  Neb.;  and  Mrs.  Ella  Bannock, 
of  Denver,  Colo.  Since  the  death  of  his  first 
wife  Mr.  Fowler  has  been  twice  married.  He 
has  a pleasant  home  in  North  Andover,  and 
is  successfully  engaged  in  carriage  making.  He 
is  widely  and  favorably  known  throughout  the 
community,  and  has  a host  of  friends  in  Grant 
county. 

LEWIS  W.  SHULL,  now  doubtless  the 
oldest  native  born  resident  of  Lafayette  coun- 
ty, Wis.,  is  a son  of  one  of  the  earliest  pio- 
neers of  the  Territory  of  Wisconsin,  and  has 
himself  played  no  insignificant  part  in  the  de- 
velopment of  the  country. 

Jesse  Shull,  his  father,  left  an  ineffaceable 
imprint  in  the  early  history  of  the  Northwest. 
He  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  April  i,  1785, 
and  passed  his  early  life  at  his  home  in  Cen- 
tre county,  that  State.  The  first  important 
break  which  occurred  in  his  life  was  the  war 
of  1812,  in  which  he  participated.  He  had 
been  trained  to  the  trade  of  a hatter,  but  when 
the  war  was  over  he  came  immediately  to  St. 
Louis,  Mo.,  and  began  buying  furs  for  the 
American  Fur  Co.  This  business  requTed  him 
to  go  up  the  Mississippi  river  to  trade  with 
the  Indians,  and  he  finally  located  at  Dubucpie, 
Iowa,  soon  after  going  to  Galena,  111.  In  the 
fall  of  1818  he  severed  his  connection  with 
the  fur  company,  and,  removing-  to  what  is 
now  Shullsburg,  in  Lafayette  county,  he  en- 
gaged in  business  on  his  own  account,  buying 
furs,  and  also  in  investigating  the  mining 
lands.  It  was  through  his  discovery  of  the 
valuable  mineral  ore  in  Wisconsin  that  the 
mines  were  so  early  developed.  The  little  ani- 
mal known  as  the  badger,  so  numerous  that 
Wisconsin  is  yet  known  as  the  “Badger  State,” 


was  everywhere  to  be  found  then,  and  in  dig- 
ging holes  in  the  ground  threw  out  pieces  of 
mineral  ore.  This  led  Mr.  Shull  to  investi- 
gate, with  the  result  of  the  discovery  of  price- 
less mining  interests.  He  at  once  gave  up  the 
fur  trade  and  devoted  himself  exclusively  to 
mining,  becoming  so  successful  that  he  soon 
added  smelting  to  his  work,  thus  becoming  the 
first  miner  and  smelter  in  the  State.  The  news 
of  the  rich  mineral  fields  discovered  by  Mr. 
Shull  in  southwestern  Wisconsin  soon  spread 
abroad,  and  in  a short  time  the  miners  began 
to  come  from  all  over  the  country. 

Among  the  many  who  came  to  engage  in 
mining  was  A.  P.  Van  Mat-re,  who  was  ac- 
companied by  his  sister,  Melissa.  They  were 
the  children  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morgan  Van 
Matre,  of  Highland  county,  Ohio,  and  arrived 
early  in  the  spring  of  1826.  O11  Aug.  20, 

following,  occurred  the  marriage  of  Jesse  Shull 
and  Miss  Melissa  Van  Matre,  whose  brother 
(also  a hatter  by  trade)  had  become  a partner 
of  Mr.  Shull’s.  This  partnership  lasted  until 
1835,  and  they  devoted  themselves  to  mining 
and  smelting.  After  the  dissolution  Mr.  Shull 
removed  to  what  is  now  the  town  of  Cadiz, 
in  Green  county,  there  to  engage  in  farming 
during  the  remainder  of  his  life.  The  only 
change  of  occupation  he  had  permitted  himself 
had  been  to  do  what  he  regarded  as  the  para- 
mount duty  of  every  citizen,  of  sound  body 
and  suitable  age — to  enlist  in  dfis  country’s 
service  when  needed.  In  1828  he  had  gone 
forth  as  a soldier  in  the  war  with  the  Win- 
nebagoes,  and  in  1832  in  the  Black  Hawk  war. 

For  his  services  in  the  war  of  1812  Mr. 
Shull  received  a land  warrant  from  the  gov- 
ernment, which  he  sold  to  a Mr.  Malone, 
who  with  it  located  land  in  Black  Hawk  coun- 
ty, Iowa,  on  a part  of  which  now  stands  the 
city  of  Waterloo.  When  lie  moved  to  Cadiz 
township,  Green  county,  Mr.  Shull  purchased 
400  acres  of  land,  which  he  had  nearly  all 
improved  when  his  death  occurred,  Feb.  12, 
1864.  Mr.  Shull  was  a typical  pioneer,  rugged, 
honest  and  industrious,  strong  in  his  convic- 
tions and  fearless  in  their  expression.  In 
politics  lie  was  a Whig  of  the  old  school,  in 
religion  an  earnest  Christian,  identified  with 
the  Christian  Church.  The  town  of  Shullsburg 
was  named  in  his  honor,  and  well  it  might  be, 
inasmuch  as  he  was  the  first  miner  and  smelter 
in  the  region,  and  his  was  the  first  marriage 
celebrated  in  what  is  now  Lafayette  county. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


889 


Mrs.  Melissa  (Van  Matre)  Slnill  was  born 
Aug.  11,  1811,  and  passed  away  July  3,  1893. 
She  bore  her  husband  nine  children ; those  yet 
living  are  as  follows:  Lewis  \Y.  is  the  oldest; 
Morgan  is  a resident  of  Clay  county,  Iowa; 
John  resides  in  Oregon;  Mrs.  Sadie  Martin 
lives  in  Nebraska;  and  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Rode- 
baugh  makes  her  home  in  Indianapolis,  Ind. 
Those  who  have  passed  away  are  as  follows : 
Andrew  P.,  Jesse,  Mrs.  Nancy  Edwards,  and 
Marietta,  the  last  named  dying  at  the  age  of 
thirteen. 

Lewis  W.  Shull,  the  only  one  of  the  family 
now  residing  in  Wisconsin,  was  born  in 
Shullsburg,  Aug.  12,  1831,  and  has  always 
made  his  home  in  Lafayette  county.  His  gen- 
eral occupation  has  always  been  farming, 
though  at  present  he  is  engaged  in  keeping 
the  Hotel  Watson,  at  South  Wayne. 

In  April,  1863,  Mr.  Shull  enlisted  in  Com- 
pany Iv,  16th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  until  the 
close  of  the  war.  His  regiment  was  assigned 
to  the  1 st  Brigade,  3d  Division,  17th  Army 
Corps,  and  he  took  part  in  the  battles  of  Re- 
saca,  Marietta,  Ivenesaw  Mountain,  siege  of 
Atlanta,  the  march  to  the  sea,  and  then,  after 
all  was  over,  took  part  in  the  grand  review 
in  Washington.  He  was  discharged  from  serv- 
ice at  Madison.  At  the  battle  before  Atlanta 
he  was  wounded  by  a minie  ball,  which,  just 
as  he  was  reloading,  cut  the  bayonet  of  his  gun 
entirely  off,  struck  the  star  on  the  strap  of  his 
cartridge  box,  passed  through  it,  and  cut  a rib 
on  his  left  side  partly  off.  There  it  lodged  until 
it  poisoned  the  wound,  and  erysipelas  followed, 
•which  caused  his  confinement  in  the  hospital 
for  some  time,  and  in  fact  lie  has  never  fully 
recovered  from  the  effects. 

In  1869  Mr.  Shull  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Miss  Mary  Buchanan,  who  was  born  in 
the  town  of  Cadiz,  Green  Co.,  Wis.,  daughter 
of  Benjamin  and  Isabel  (Robb)  Buchanan. 
Five  children  have  come  of  this  union:  Mrs. 
Melissa  Bell  Gearhart,  of  Amber.  Iowa;  Min- 
nie; Mrs.  Sadie  Stites,  of  Winslow,  111.;  Ed- 
na ; and  Thomas.  The  family  are  honored 
members  of  society,  and  have  proven  them- 
selves worthy  of  the  respected  name  they  bear. 

R.  S.  JACOBS,  one  of  the  enter  rising 
business  men  of  Clifton  township.  Grant  coun- 
ty, is  the  proprietor  of  a flourishing  harness 
and  saddlery  establishment,  and  was  born  in 
Canton,  Fulton  Co.,  111.,  in  1833,  a son  of 


George  and  Elizabeth  (Johnston)  Jacobs,  na- 
tives of  Franklin  county,  Penn.,  who  came  to 
Illinois  in  1828,  and  settled  at  Canton,  but  in 
1844  removed  to  Linden,  Iowa  count)',  and 
opened  up  a farm.  Here  the  father  died  in 
1876,  aged  seventy-six.  The  family  were 
among  the  first  settlers  of  the  township.  Of 
their  children,  we  have  record  of  John,  who 
died  young;  Cyrus  and  George,  both  deceased; 
R.  S.,  our  subject;  Sarah  Ann  and  Mamie, 
both  deceased;  Susan,  now  Airs.  Marsden;  Eli- 
za; Nathan,  a resident  of  Linden,  served  three 
years  in  the  30th  Wis.  V.  I.,  during  the  Civil 
war. 

Our  subject  was  reared  and  educated  in 
Linden,  and  engaged  in  farming  for  several 
years,  then,  in  1881,  came  to  Livingston  and 
learned  the  trade  of  saddler  and  engaged  in 
business  for  himself.  At  the  first  call,  in  April, 
1861,  Mr.  Jacobs  responded,  enlisting  at  Min- 
eral Point,  Wis.,  in  Co.  I,  2d  Wis.  V.  I., 
for  ninety  days,  and  then  re-enlisted  at  Madi- 
son, Wis.,  for  three  years  or  during  the  war, 
being  in  the  1st  Brigade,  1st  Division,  1st 
Army  Corps,  participating  in  the  battles  of 
Bull  Run,  South  Mountain,  White  Sulphur 
Springs,  Gainesville,  and  was  honorably  dis- 
charged in  1863.  After  this  he  returned  to 
Linden  and  took  up  his  ordinary  pursuits. 

In  1865  Mr.  Jacobs  married  Miss  Nancy 
Vickerman,  born  in  Pennsylvania,  a daughter 
of  Job  and  Rebecca  (Tyler)  Vickerman,  na- 
tives of  Pennsylvania  and  pioneers  of  Linden, 
both  of  whom  are  now  deceased.  Six  children 
have  been  born  of  this  union : Elizabeth,  wife 

of  Mr.  Andrews,  of  Clifton  township;  Mary 
Lois,  now  Mrs.  Prior;  George,  a teacher; 
John;  Amy;  and  Rex.  Mr.  Jacobs  is  a mem- 
ber of  George  F.  Legate  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  at 
Mineral  Point.  Steadfast  in  his  support  of  the 
Prohibitionist  party.  Mr.  Jacobs  has  been  hon- 
ored by  appointment  to  the  school  board ; he 
is  a justice  of  the  peace,  and  in  every  walk  of 
life  proves  that  he  is  an  honest  man. and  a loyal 
citizen. 

A.  C.  LTLA,  who  was  born  in  the  town  of 
York,  Green  county,  May  12,  1865,  is  a son 
of  J.  C.  and  Thora  (Anderson)  Ula,  and  be- 
longs to  those  Wisconsin  farmers  whose  work 
is  so  much  an  expression  of  character  and  pro- 
nounced integrity  that  it  gives  a name  to  the 
State  as  the  home  of  a bright  and  progressive 
class  of  agriculturists.  Among  these  A.  C. 


890 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Ula  has  a distinctive  right  to  be  reckoned. 
His  home  is  on  a farm  of  120  acres  in  section 
15,  of  York  township,  five  miles  east  of  Blanch- 
ardville,  and  about  twenty-five  miles  northwest 
of  Monroe. 

J.  C.  Ula,  his  father,  was  one  of  the  leading 
citizens  of  his  time,  and  was  born  in  Norway 
Aug.  31,  1840,  and  was  a son  of  Christen 
and  Olaug  (Olson)  Ula,  who  came  to  Green 
county,  Wis.,  in  1852.  They  made  their  home 
in  Albany  township,  that  county,  and  the  fol- 
lowing year  they  took  up  government  land  in 
the  town  of  York,  making  it  their  home  as 
long  as  they  lived.  Christen  and  Olaug  Ula 
were  the  parents  of  five  children  : (1)  J.  C., 
mentioned  above  as  the  father  of  A.  C.  Ula; 
(2)  Julia,  who  married  E.  L.  Soper,  of  the 
town  of  York;  (3)  Hans,  of  the  town  of 
York;  (4)  Ole,  of  Buffalo  county,  Wis.;  and 
(5)  Inger,  deceased.  Christen  Ula  died  in 
1888,  and  his  widow  in  1891.  Both  were  laid 
to  rest  in  the  Ula  cemetery,  on  the  old  home- 
stead. They  were  among  the  very  early  set- 
tlers of  the  town  of  York,  and  are  remem- 
bered by  the  old  settlers  as  people  of  good 
hearts  and  kind  spirit. 

J.  C.  Ula  was  married  to  Miss  Thora 
Anderson,  of  the  town  of  York,  June  27.  1864, 
by  whom  be  became  the  father  of  the  follow- 
ing children : A.  C.,  whose  name  introduces 
this  article;  Andrew,  born  July  17,  1866,  died 
in  September,  1889;  Lena,  born  Dec.  7,  1867, 
married  Edward  Iverson,  of  Emmet  county, 
Iowa;  Gertrude,  born  April  10,  1869,  married 
Melvin  Eidsmore,  of  the  town  of  Moscow, 
Iowa  Co.,  Wis.;  Nettie,  born  Dec.  17,  1870, 
died  in  1886;  Olie,  born  May  2,  1872,  is  the 
widow  of  John  Elstad,  and  the  mother  of  one 
son,  Norman  J.,  being  now  an  inmate  of  the 
home  of  her  mother,  on  the  old  farm;  Hannah, 
born  March  19,  1874,  is  the  wife  of  A.  O. 
Burger,  of  North  Dakota;  Peter  O.,  born  Feb. 
5,  1876,  is  unmarried,  and  is  engaged  in  cul- 
tivating the  old  farm;  John,  born  Feb.  1, 
1878,  is  at  home;  Tena,  born  Dec.  5,  1879,. 
is  unmarried,  lives  at  home,  and  is  in  charge 
of  the  postoffice  at  Eda;  Clara,  born  Jan.  30, 
1884,  is  at  home;  Anton,  born  Feb.  27,  1886; 
Oscar  F.,  born  Dec.  9,  1888;  Alma,  born  Feb. 
17,  1893,  is  the  youngest  of  this  interesting 
family  of  sixteen  children,  two  of  whom  died 
in  infancy.  J.  C.  Ula  was  a leading  man  in 
his  time  in  the  community  in  which  he  lived. 
For  many  years  he  served  at  different  times  as 


justice  of  the  peace,  and  chairman  of  the  town, 
assessor,  school  director  and  constable  of  the 
town.  I11  the  course  of  his  active  and  busy  life 
he  was  called  upon  to  administer  many  estates. 

Mr.  Ula  was  a member  of  the  46th  Wis. 
V.  I.,  entering  the  service  in  1865,  and  serving 
until  the  close  of  the  war,  when  he  received 
an  honorable  discharge.  Mr.  Ula  was  a stanch 
Republican,  and  a consistent  member  of  the 
Lutheran  Church.  His  death  occurred  Jan. 
24,  1898,  and  his  remains  are  resting  in  Ula 
cemetery,  on  the  home  farm.  Mr.  Ula  came  to 
Green  county,  and  began  his  struggle  for  suc- 
cess here  under  very  depressing  circumstances, 
but  rose  from  poverty  to>  own  a fine  farm  of 
400  acres,  well  supplied  with  creditable  dwell- 
ing house,  farm  buildings,  and  all  the  requi- 
sites for  intelligent  and  profitable  farming. 
His  loss  was  deeply  felt  by  his  family  and  by 
the  community  in  which  he  lived,  for  he  was 
a good  citizen,  a courteous  and  obliging 
neighbor,  and  a loving  husband  and  father. 

A.  C.  Ula  was  married  Oct.  2,  1887,  to 
Miss  Jennie  E.  Davis,  a daughter  of  David 
and  Agnes  (Olson)  Davis,  of  Argyle,  Wis., 
and  has  become  the  father  of  three  children, 
two  of  whom  are  living;  John  D.,  born  Feb. 
18,  1889;  and  Ada,  born  April  10,  1892.  Mr. 
Ula  has  remained  on  the  farm,  and  had  his  edu- 
cation in  the  public  schools.  When  he  be- 
came a young  man  he  engaged  in  the  mercan- 
tile business,  and  was  located  in  Argyle  for 
eight  years.  Leaving  the  store  at  the  end  of 
that  period,  he  resumed  the  work  to  which  lie 
was  reared,  and  is  now  engaged  in  general  and 
stock  farming,  devoting  much  attention  to  the 
dairy  business,  and  has  become  one  of  the  fore- 
most young  farmers  of  the  town. 

Like  his  father,  Mr.  Ula  is  a stanch  Re- 
publican, and  has  served  his  town  as  school 
clerk  and  treasurer,  justice  of  the  peace,  and 
for  the  last  three  years  has  been  township 
assessor.  He  is  a devout  follower  of  the  teach- 
ings of  Luther.  Mr.  Ula  is  one  of  the  most 
respected  and  useful  men  of  the  town,  and 
both  he  and  his  wife  are  counted  good  neigh- 
bors and  kind  friends. 

JACOB  BIOOSER  (deceased)  was  for 
many  years  a resident  of  Grant  county,  Wis., 
and  played  a man’s  part  in  the  giant  endeavor 
his  generation  was  making  to  reclaim  the  wil- 
derness for  the  home  for  a happy  and  prosper- 
ous people. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Mr.  Hooser  was  born  in  Sumner  county, 
Tenn.,  Oct.  25,  1807,  and  was  a son  of  Jacob 
and  Catherine  Hooser,  who  came  from  Ger- 
man}' and  made  their  home  in  Tennessee  for  a 
time.  They  moved  to  Philadelphia,  when 
somewhat  advanced  in  life,  where  he  worked 
at  his  trade,  that  of  a blacksmith,  for  some 
years.  In  1820  he  transferred  himself  and  his 
family  to  Sangamon  county,  Illinois,  where 
they  lived  until  both  husband  and  wife  had 
passed  away.  Six  children  were  born  to  them : 
Ambrose,  their  eldest  son,  came  to  Grant  coun- 
ty, and  followed  farming  in  the  town  of  Platte- 
ville  until  he  died;  Jacob;  Polly  married  a Mr. 
Hass,  and  died  near  Dubucjue ; Rolina  married 
and  died  in  Illinois;  John  died  in  Illinois; 
Katie  is  Mrs.  John  Finley,  of  Nebraska. 

Jacob  Hooser  came  to  Galena  previous  to 
the  Black  Hawk  war  in  1832.  He  was  en- 
gaged in  that  uprising,  was  in  many  fights  with 
the  Indians,  and  had  several  narrow  escapes 
for  his  life.  He  married  Elizabeth  Knox,  of 
Illinois,  who  died  at  his  home  in  Platteville 
in  1867,  the  mother  of  four  children.  Justice, 
John  and  Amanda  are  dead,  and  Jacob  is  liv- 
ing in  Oklahoma.  Mr.  Hooser  purchased  from 
the  government  a section  of  land  in  Platteville 
township,  and  in  1848  built  a stone  house, 
which  is  in  good  preservation  at  the  present 
time.  He  also  built  a stone  house  for  one  of 
his  sons  on  the  same  property.  This  is  now 
owned  by  Fred  Klinger.  Mr.  Hooser  made 
many  improvements  on  these  houses  during  his 
life.  He  dealt  largely  in  real  estate,  and 
owned  considerable  land  in  different  parts  of 
Grant  county.  He  was  a Republican  during 
his  life,  and  filled  a number  of  local  offices,  and 
was  a prominent  man  in  the  affairs  of  the 
township.  He  was  brought  up  a Baptist,  but 
never  united  with  the  church.  At  the  age  of 
ninety-two  he  passed  away,  dying  in  March, 
1899. 

In  1875  Mr.  Hooser  and  Miss  May  Ben- 
nett were  united  in  marriage.  She  is  the 
daughter  of  Levi  and  Mary  (Jacobs)  Bennett, 
and  was  born  in  Lafayette  county  April  11, 
1847.  To  this  union  four  children  were  born: 
Mary  E..  born  in  1S75  at  their  present  home- 
stead, was  educated  in  the  high  school  at  Platte- 
ville, and  is  a young  lady  of  culture  and  refine- 
ment, an  inmate  of  her  mother's  home ; Archie 
B..  born  in  1879,  educated  in  the  Platteville 
high  school,  and  for  some  time  a student  of 
the  State  Normal,  is  the  manager  of  the  fam- 


891 


ily  estate,  and  is  a young  man  of  much  ability, 
highly  spoken  of  in  the  community;  Sarah  B., 
born  in  Platteville,  in  September,  1882,  is  now 
a student  in  the  Platteville  school;  Lester  W., 
born  Feb.  4,  1877,  was  a promising  young 
man  and  had  many  friends,  and  died  July  22, 
1894.  Archie,  the  only  surviving  son,  is  a 
stanch  Republican ; he  is  a member  of  the  Mod- 
ern Woodmen  of  America  and  the  K.  of  P., 
of  Platteville.  The  members  of  this  family 
are  very  much  respected,  as  was  their  father 
before  them,  and  are  useful  citizens  of  the  com- 
munity. 

STEPHEN  SWAN,  who  has  a pleasant 
country  home  on  Section  19,  in  the  town  of 
Brooklyn,  Green  county,  was  born  in  Cheshire, 
Eng.,  Aug.  11,  1825,  and  is  a son  of  Samuel 
and  Sarah  (Barber)  Swan,  both  of  whom  were 
natives  of  England.  They  were  the  parents 
of  four  sons  and  three  daughters  and  three  of 
their  children  are  now  living:  Taylor,  of  the 

town  of  Spring  Valley,  Rock  county;  Stephen; 
and  James,  of  Maryville,  Missouri. 

Samuel  Swan  was  a hatter,  and  owned  a 
farm,  where  his  children  were  reared,  ten  miles 
from  Manchester.  In  1846  he  came  to  this 
country,  and  settled  on  a farm  in  the  town  of 
Spring  Valley,  Rock  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he  died 
about  i860,  aged  seventy-five  years;  his  wife 
had  died  in  England  twenty  years  before.  In 
religious  faith  they  were  Methodists.  He  be- 
came prominent  in  local  affairs,  and  had  served 
as  supervisor  in  Rock  county  for  the  town  of 
Spring  Valley.  Taylor  Swan,  the  father  of 
Samuel,  and  the  grandfather  of  Stephen,  was 
an  English  farmer,  and  was  born  and  died 
in  Cheshire;  he  lived  to  be  eighty  years  of 
age,  and  was  the  father  of  four  children. 

The  maternal  grandfather  of  Stephen 
Swan,  Mr.  Barber,  was  a small  farmer,  and 
died  in  England  about  seventy-five  years  of 
age,  the  father  of  two  daughters  and  one  son. 

Stephen  Swan,  whose  name  appears  above, 
was  reared  and  educated  in  England,  and  in 
1845  came  to  Wisconsin,  where  he  bought 
land  in  Rock  county.  This  he  afterward 
sold  to  his  father  and  brother,  and  eight  years 
later  bought  a 200-acre  tract  in  Green  county, 
about  i860,  aged  seventy-five  years;  his  wife 
acres,  and  now  owns  a farm  of  280  acres, 
which  he  has  improved  in  accordance  with  the 
most  modern  ideas  of  progressive  farming. 

On  Dec.  14,  1852,  Air.  Swan  was  married 


892 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


to  Miss  Isabel  Taylor,  a daughter  of  Robert 
and  Mary  (Smith)  Taylor.  To  this  union 
were  born  twelve  children : Robert,  Frances, 

Mary,  Eliza,  William,  John,  Archibald,  Ralph, 
Annina,  Sarah,  Walter  and  James.  Robert, 
who  is  engaged  in  farming  in  Minnesota, 
married  Helen  Nye,  and1  has  three  children: 
Sarah,  Jessie  and  Robert.  Frances  married 
Edward  Farnsworth,  of  Dayton,  Wis.,  and 
has  five  children,  Dollie,  Eliza,  William,  John 
and  Roy;  Mary  died  when  twenty-eight  years 
old;  Eliza  is  the  deceased  wife  of  Henry 
Kingdom,  by  whom  she  had  four  children, 
Isabel,  William,  Henry  and  Robert;  William 
is  single  and  lives  at  home;  John,  who  lives 
in  the  town  of  Brooklyn,  married  Kate  Noo- 
nan and  now  has  two  sons,  Roy  and  Arthur; 
Archibald  married  Catherine  Deremer,  now 
deceased,  and  has  three  children,  Raymond, 
Archie  and  Rosa;  Ralph  of  the  town  of  Brook- 
lyn, married  Myrtle  Bartlett,  and  they  have 
two  children,  Isabel  and  Marion;  Annina 
married  William  Thomas,  of  the  town  of 
Exeter,  and  has  two  children,  Esther  and 
Wilner;  Sarah  is  the  wife  of  James  Mc- 
Kinney, by  whom  she  has  two  children,  Bur- 
dette and  Isabel;  Walter  married  May  Mc- 
Gee and  lives  in  Exeter;  and  James  married 
Fannie  Watkins,  and  makes  his  home  in 
Brooklyn.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Swan  have  two 
great-grandchildren,  Gladys  Greatsinger  and 
Bernice. 

Stephen  Swan  was  formerly  not  identified 
with  the  Republican  party,  but  voted  for  Mr. 
McKinley  in  1900.  For  four  terms  he  was 
chairman  of  the  Board  of  Supervisors,  and 
was  called  on  the  grand  jury  a number  of 
terms.  Both  he  and  his  wife  are  members  of 
the  Presbyterian  Church. 

Robert  Taylor  and  wife,  Mary  (Smith), 
parents  of  Mrs.  Swan,  were  natives  of  Scot- 
land. In  1840  they  came  to  America  and 
located  in  the  town  of  Spring  Valley.  They 
were  the  parents  of  seven  ch'ldren,  of  whom 
four  are  now  living:  Isabel;  William  and. 

Peter,  of  Brodhead ; Mary,  who  is  the  wife 
of  Charles  White,  of  the  town  of  Porter, 
Rock  county.  Mrs.  Swan’s  father  died  May 
10,  1885,  in  the  town  of  Spring  Valley,  when 
nearly  seventy-eight  years  of  age.  His  wife 
died  in  1890,  at  the  age  of  eighty-five.  They 
were  both  members  of  'the  Presbyterian' 
Church.  John  Taylor,  father  of  Robert,  died 
in  Roxburghshire,  Scotland,  when  he  had  be- 


come old.  Archibald  Smith,  father  of  Mary, 
died  in  Spring  Valley,  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
five. 

SAMUEL  B.  VANNATTA  was  for  many 
years  prominently  identified  with  the  agricul- 
tural interests  of  Grant  county,  but  is  now  liv- 
ing a retired  life  in  the  city  of  Platteville.  A 
native  of  New  Jersey,  he  was  born  in  Warren 
county,  Oct.  29,  1834,  a son  of  Aaron  and 
Elizabeth  (Ivishpaugh)  Vannatta,  who  were 
also  born  in  that  county.  In  1846  the  father 
removed  with  his  family  to  Virginia,  and  ten 
years  later  came  to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  lo- 
cating in  Harrison  township,  where  he  trans- 
formed a tract  of  wild  land  into  a good  farm, 
making  it  his  home  until  his  death,  in  1880. 
Throughout  life  he  followed  agricultural  pur- 
suits. His  wife  died  in  the  same  township 
in  1889.  They  were  the  parents  of  ten  chil- 
dren, nine  of  whom  are  still  living,  namely : 
Mrs.  Jane  Massy,  of  Virginia;  Samuel  B.,  of 
this  review;  Mrs.  Travis,  of  Nebraska;  Mrs. 
Channing,  of  Dubuque,  Iowa;  Morgan,  who 
was  a member  of  the  25th  W.  V.  I.,  during 
the  Civil  war  and  died  at  Helena,  Ark.,  in 
1864,  his  remains  being  brought  back  to  Grant 
county  for  interment;  Silas,  a farmer  of  Har- 
rison township;  Mrs.  Otera  Wilson,  of  Platte- 
ville; Ann,  wife  of  E.  J.  Marvel,  of  Platte- 
ville; H.  L.,  a farmer,  of  Platteville  township; 
and  Mrs.  Allie  Kies,  of  Lafayette  county,  Wis- 
consin. 

The  first  twelve  years  of  his  life  Samuel 
B.  Vannatta  passed  in  his  native  State,  and 
then  accompanied  his  parents  on  their  removal 
to  Virginia.  In  1S56  he  came  to  Grant  county, 
Wis.,  and  opened  up  and  improved  a good 
farm  in  Harrison  township.  He  successfully 
engaged  in  general  farming  and  stock  rais- 
ing until  1884,  when  he  removed  to  Platteville, 
and  is  now  living  in  ease,  retired  from  active 
labor. 

During  the  war  of  the  Rebellion  Mr.  V an- 
natta  responded  to  his  country’s  call  for  aid, 
enlisting  at  Platteville,  in  1862,  for  three  years 
or  during  the  war.  He  became  a member  of 
Company  E.,  25th  Wis.  V.  1.,  which  was  as- 
signed to  the  Western  Army,  and  was  under 
the  command  of  General  Sherman  in  the  siege 
of  Atlanta,  the  battle  of  Decatur,  Ga.,  and  on 
the  March  to  the  Sea,  as  well  as  the  Carolina 
campaign.  Mr.  Vannatta  participated  in  the 
Grand  Review  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  at  the 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


&93 


close  of  the  war,  and  was  honorably  discharged 
from  the  service  at  Madison,  Wis.,  in  1865. 

In  1862  Mr.  Vannatta  was  married  in 
Grant  county  to  Miss  Mary  Luce,  a native  of 
Wisconsin,  daughter  of  Perry  and  Nancy 
Luce.  By  this  union  there  was  born  a son, 
S.  B.,  now  a resident  of  Harrison  township. 
The  wife  and  mother  died  in  1863,  and  in 
1866  Mr.  Vannatta  was  again  married,  in 
Grant  county,  his  second  wife  being  Miss  Cyn- 
thia Kies,  who  was  born  in  this  county,  a 
daughter  of  David  Kies,  one  of  the  first  set- 
tlers of  Grant  county,  where  he  took  up  gov- 
ernment land  and  continued  to  make  his  home 
here  until  death.  Mrs.  Cynthia  Vannatta  died 
in  Harrison  township,  in  1877,  leaving  four 
children  : Elias,  now  a resident  of  Grand  Rap- 
ids, Wis. ; Arena,  also  of  Grand  Rapids ; Alma, 
at  home;  and  Daniel,  who  lives  on  his  father’s 
farm.  In  1880  Mr.  Vannatta  wedded  Miss 
Jane  Sprague,  a native  of  England,  and  a 
daughter  of  Thomas  Sprague,  a pioneer  of 
Grant  county,  where  he  died  in  1853.  This 
wife  died  in  Platteville,  June  23,  1898,  leaving- 
one  child,  Bessie. 

Mr.  Vannatta  is  an  earnest  and  consistent 
member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
and  is  also  connected  with  the  Ancient  Order 
of  United  Workmen,  and  W.  T.  Sherman 
Post,  No.  66,  G.  A.  R.  He  is  an  earnest  ad- 
vocate of  Republican  principles,  and,  while  a 
resident  of  Harrison  township,  filled  the  offices 
of  township  treasurer  and  assessor  to  the  en- 
tire satisfaction  of  all  concerned.  His  ster- 
ling integrity  and  honorable,  upright  manhood 
fully  entitle  him  to  the  position  which  he  holds 
in  the  estimation  of  the  people  of  his  com- 
munity. 

GEORGE  ECIv,  one  of  the  well  known 
and  prominent  veteran  soldiers  and  pioneers 
of  Liberty  township,  Grant  county,  is  a man 
well  known  in  his  section  of  the  country,  as 
one  deserving  of  praise  for  his  industry  and 
thrift,  and  as  a good  representative  of  our 
German-American  citizens.  Mr.  Eck  was 
born  at  Havre,  Germany,  in  1S26,  being  a 
son  of  George  and  Wilhelmina  (Calder) 
Eck,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Germany, 
where  they  lived  and  died.  A brother  of  our 
subject,  Fred  Eck,  came  to  America,  and  dur- 
ing the  Civil  war  served  in  the  43d  Wis.  V. 
I.  and  died  in  service. 

George  Eck  came  to  Grant  county  in  1854, 


and  engaged  in  plastering  and  painting,  and 
later  purchased  a fine  farm  oi  forty  acres, 
near  Btitzer,  Liberty  township,  where  he  now 
resides.  Since  coming  into  possession  of  this 
property,  Mr.  Eck  has  improved  it  greatly, 
erecting  new  buildings  and  keeps  everything 
in  excellent  conditon,  and  as  a result  his  crops 
show  the  effect  of  his  labors. 

In  1865,  Mr.  Eck  enlisted  at  Hazel  Green, 
Grant  county,  in  the  44th  Wis.  V.  I.,  for  one 
year,  or  until  the  close  of  the  war,  and  was 
stationed  at  Nashville,  Tenn.  Here  the  cli- 
mate so  affected  Mr.  Eck  that  he  was  taken 
sick,  and  was  honorably  discharged,  after 
which  he  returned  to  Lafayette  county,  and 
on  account  of  the  injury  to  his  health,  from 
which  he  has  never  recovered,  he  now  re- 
ceives a pension  of  $16  a month. 

Before  coming  to  America,  Mr.  Eck  was 
married  to  Wilhelmina  Kalder,  born  in  Ger- 
many, and  to  this  union  eight  children  have 
been  born : William,  a farmer  of  Liberty 

township;  Hannah  Rowena,  who  died  in 
1899;  Margaret;  George  Frederick  Wilhelm; 
Mary  Wilhelmina;  Katie;,  Henry  Ludwig; 
and  Emma.  Socially,  Mr.  Eck  is  a prominent 
member  of  the  G.  A.  R.  Post,  and  politically 
adheres  to  the  teachings  of  the  Republican 
party.  Having  been  a resident  of  Liberty 
township  since  1862,  Mr.  Eck  is  one  of  the 
oldest  inhabitants,  and  enjoys  the  esteem  of 
his  neighbors,  as  well  as  a wide  circle  of  friends 
outside  the  immediate  vicinity  of  his  home. 

W.  D.  BL'RR,  merchant  and  postmaster 
at  the  village  of  Ellenboro,  Grant  county,  was 
born  in  Rock  county,  Wis.,  Dec.  9,  1852,  son 
of  B.  F.  and  Nancy  A.  (Barnard)  Burr. 

Mr.  Burr’s  parents  were  both  natives  of 
the  state  of  New  York,  the  father  horn  July 
20,  1816,  and  the  mother  June  18,1820.  Both 
grew  to  maturity  in  New  York,  where  they 
were  married  in  April,  1846,  and  where  they 
continued  to  make  their  home  for  some  five 
years.  Mr.  Burr  was  educated  for -the  min- 
istry and  followed  that  profession  in  connec- 
tion with  farming  all  his  life.  In  1850  he 
and  his  wife  came  West  to  Rock  county,  where 
he  purchased  a farm,  which  he  cultivated 
when  not  engaged  in  clerical  labors.  There 
our  subject  was  born.  In  about  1856  Mr. 
Burr  bought  a farm  in  Jefferson  county,  Wis., 
which  became  the  family  home  some  nine 
years.  At  the  expiration  of  that  time  the 


894 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


family  removed  to  a farm  in  the  town  of 
Lima,  Grant  county,  which  was  their  home 
until  1869,  when  Mr.  Burr  bought  a farm  in 
the  town  of  Ellenboro,  one  male  east  of  the 
village.  He  cultivated  this  place  until  1879, 
in  the  intervals  of  his  preaching,  and  in  the 
year  named  it  was  sold  to  W.  D.  Burr,  the 
father  removing  to  South  Dakota,  where  he 
followed  farming  and  preaching  until  his 
death,  in  1894.  His  noble  and  beautiful- 
spirited  wife,  who  had  shared  with  him  all 
the  hardships  and  privations  of  pioneer  life, 
died  May  4,  1888,  at  the  home  of  her  son, 
W.  D.  Burr.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Burr  came  a 
family  of  seven  children  : ( I ) Irving,  born  in 

New  York  in  April,  1847,  died  at  the  age  of 
fifteen  years.  (2)  Frank,  born  in  New  York 
in  1848,  married  Miss  Katie  Richards,  of  At- 
lantic, Iowa,  and  is  a boot  and  shoe  merchant 
of  that  city.  There  are  eight  children  in  their 
family.  (3)  P.  A.,  born  in  New  York  in 
January,  1850,  married  Miss  Lizzie  Landon, 
and  they  live  on  his  ranch  in  Lincoln  county, 
S.  Dak.,  with  their  two  children,  Minnie  and 
,Orla.  (4)  W.  D.  is  our  subject.  (5)  Sophia, 
born  in  Rock  county,  YVis.,  in  November, 
1855,  was  educated  in  the  Normal  School, 
and  died  Dec.  9,  1873.  She  was  much 
thought  of  by  those  who  knew  her.  ‘(6) 
Catherine  O.,  born  in  Jefferson  county,  Wis., 
in  November,  1857,  was  educated  in  the  State 
Normal  at  Platteville,  and  was  for  some  time 
a teacher.  She  died  in  1875,  a bright  and 
charming  young  woman.  (7)  Helen  D.,  born 
in  Jefferson  county,  in  June,  i860,  married  O. 
J.  Anderson,  and  moved  to  South  Dakota, 
where  she  died  in  March,  1897,  leaving  a fam- 
ily of  four  children.  She  obtained  her  educa- 
tion at  the  State  Normal,  and  was  a teacher 
for  several  years  in  Grant  county  and  Iowa. 

W.  D.  Burr  remained  with  his  parents  in 
their  various  locations  until  he  was  grown,  and 
received  a district-school  education.  In  1879 
he  came  into  the  ownership  of  his  father’s  farm 
in  the  town  of  Ellenboro,  on  which  he  made 
his  home  for  two  years.  In  May,  1883,  h,e 
married  Miss  Ida  Nichols,  daughter  of  Leon- 
ard and  Elizabeth  (Bell)  Nichols,  old  pioneers 
in  Grant  county.  Pier  father,  Leonard  Nich- 
ols, was  superintendent  of  the  Rand  & Laflin 
Powder  Mills. at  Platteville  for  some  years,  and 
was  killed  in  the  explosion  at  the  mills  in  1870. 
Mrs.  Nichols  died  in  Iowa,  and  four  of  her 
children  are  living : ( 1 ) Carrie  is  the  wife 


of  James  Lynn,  of  Dubuque,  Iowa;  (2)  Ida  is 
the  wife  of  \V.  D.  Burr;  (3)  George  is  a resi- 
dent of  Buffalo  Gap,  S.  Dak.;  and  (4)  Lillie  is 
the  wife  of  O.  E.  Clubb,  of  St.  Paul,  Minn. 
Mrs.  Ida  Burr  was  borni  in  Ulster  countv, 
N.  Y.,  in  1861,  received  a good  education  in 
the  State  Normal  at  Platteville,  and  was  a 
successful  teacher  in  Grant  county  for  some 
five  years.  For  about  two  years  after  their 
marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Burr  lived  on  the 
farm,  and  then  moved  to  Montgomery  county, 
Iowa,  where  he  farmed  for  about  the  same 
length  of  time.  In  1886  they  came  back  to 
Ellenboro,  where  Mr.  Burr  went  into  business 
as  a merchant,  continuing  thus  to  the  present 
time.  In  1887  he  was  appointed  postmaster 
under  President  Cleveland  and  has  held  this 
office  ever  since. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Burr  are  the  parents  of  eight 
children:  Mabel,  born  Feb.  10,  1884;  Lillie, 

in  October,  1885  ; Walter  D.,  in  January,  1888; 
Harry,  in  January,  1890;  Florence,  in  Feb- 
ruary, 1892;  Eva,  in  June,  1894;  Vera,  in  Aug- 
ust, 1896;  and  Catherine,  in  November,  1898. 
Mabel  is  a student  at  the  State  Normal  in 
Platteville. 

Mr.  Burr  is  a Republican,  has  been  assessor, 
and  is  now  treasurer  of  the  town.  He  has 
been  one  of.  the  delegates  to  the  county  conven- 
tion on  several  occasions.  He  belongs  to  the 
local  camp  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  Amer- 
ica at  Ellenboro,  and  to  the  Knights  of  the 
Maccabees.  In  religion  this  family  are  all 
identified  with  the  Baptist  Church.  Mr.  Burr 
is  a leading  and  enterprising  business  man,  and 
has  the  respect  of  the  community. 

PETER  SAMBROOK.  This  active  and 
enterprising  tradesman  has  been  in  business  in 
Belmont,  Lafayette  county,  some  thirty-five 
years,  and  has  largely  contributed  to  the  gen- 
eral prosperity  of  this  portion  of  Wisconsin 
by  the  character  of  his  relation  to  his  patrons. 
He  is  an  honorable  and  upright  merchant,  car- 
ries a stock,  of  honest  and  reliable  goods,  and 
has  a habit  of  making  personal  friends  of  his 
patrons. 

Mr.  Sambrook  was  born  in  Birmingham, 
England,  in  January,  1827,  and  is  a son  of 
James  and  Sarah  (Millard)  Sambrook,  who 
were  born,  reared  and  died  in  England,  leaving 
a family  of  six  children:  Jane  and  Paul  still 
remain  in  their  native  country;  Philip  went  to 
Australia,  where  he  is  now  living;  Joseph  en- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


895 


listed  in  the  English  army,  and  died  some  years 
ago;  Sarah  came  to  Chicago  in  1870,  and  died 
there  twenty-two  years  later,  having  never 
married. 

Peter  Sambrook  had  his  education  from  the 
local  schools  of  his  native  land,  and  their  work 
at  that  time  was  neither  very  broad  nor  deep. 
In  1855  he  emigrated  to  America,  a strong 
and  sturdy  young  man  of  nearly  thirty  years 
of  age,  and  entered  a plow  factory  at  Platte- 
ville,  Wis.,  and  put  in  some  five  years  at  that 
laborious  but  useful  trade.  He  had  learned 
the  milling  trade  in  his  own  country,  but  some- 
how the  opportunity  never  seemed  right  to 
take  it  up  after  arriving  in  Wisconsin.  Mr. 
Sambrook  left  the  factory  in  i860,  and  made 
investments  in  a store,  and  very  soon  decided 
that  he  had  found  his  life  work.  He  discov- 
ered natural  aptitude  for  trade,  and  devoted 
himself  to  it  with  energy  and  success.  The 
business  was  maintained  in  Platteville  five 
years,  and  was  then  sold,  that  the  enterprising 
young  merchant  might  transfer  himself  and 
all  his  interests  to  the  new  town  of  Belmont. 
This  was  a new  trade  center  that  had  just  been 
started,  as  a result  of  the  completion  of  plans 
for  certain  railroad  construction.  The  Mil- 
waukee railroad  did  not  penetrate  this  section 
of  the  county,  however,  until  1869,  and  the 
growth  of  Belmont,  rapid  and  substantial,  lag- 
ged and  halted  before  the  advent  of  the  iron 
horse.  Mr.  Sambrook  was  on  the  ground,  and 
patiently  waited  improved  conditions  which  he 
was  sure  would  follow  the  completion  of  the 
railroad,  and  he  was  quick  to  take  advantage 
of  the  change  for  the  better,  and  has  held  the 
situation  to  this  time,  a success  both  in  trade 
and  in  character  and  standing  in  the  commun- 
ity- 

In  1850  Mr.  Sambrook  wedded  Miss  Eliza 
Woodward,  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Anne 
Woodward,  who  lived  and  died  in  England. 
Mrs.  Sambrook  was  born  in  England  in  1828, 
and  received  her  education  in  her  native  town. 
No  children  have  come  to  them.  Mr.  Sam- 
brook purchased  considerable  real  estate  after 
his  arrival  in  Belmont,  where  he  has  erected  a 
store  and  a dwelling  house,  and  is  the  pro- 
prietor of  one  of  the  leading  commercial  estab- 
lishments in  this  part  of  the  State.  He  has 
always  been  a Democrat,  and  has  served  on 
the  town  board  a number  of  years.  Both  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Sambrook  have  been  consistent  mem- 
bers of  the  Episcopal  Church  from  youth,  and 


are  highly  esteemed  by  all  who  know  them 
personally.  Mr.  Sambrook  came  to  this  coun- 
try without  means,  and  by  his  own  industry 
and  thrift  has  accumulated  a handsome  com- 
petence. He  has  been  identified  with  the 
growth  of  Belmont,  and  he  and  his  wife  are 
counted  among  its  best  people. 

NELSON  OLSON  (deceased),  late  of  the 
town  of  Fennimore,  Grant  county,  was  a 
soldier  of  the  war  for  the  Union,  Scandinavian 
blood  being  ever  loyal  to  the  cause  of  liberty 
and  the  progress  of  men. 

Mr.  Olson  was  born  in  Norway  Dec.  3, 
1825,  and  grew  to  manhood  in  his  native  coun- 
try. He  came  to  America  in  1847,  landing 
at  New  Orleans,  and  traveling  up  the  river  to 
Jefferson  City,  Mo.,  where  he  found  work  a 
short  time.  He  soon  went  to  Chicago,  and 
from  there  to  the  pineries  of  Michigan,  where 
he  spent  two  years.  On  July  15,  1851,  Mr. 
Olson  was  married  at  Racine,  Wis.,  to  Miss 
Betsy  E.  Hogle,  who  was  born  in  Middlebury, 
Genesee  Co.,  N.  Y.,  June  3,  1825,  a daughter 
of  Andrew  and  Hannah  (Reed)  Hogle.  An- 
drew Hogle  came  to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  in 
1837,  and  was  one  of  the  very  earliest  settlers 
of  Potosi;  he  returned  to  New  York,  and  in 
1843  brought  his  family  to  this  State.  In 
1864  lle  and  his  wife  removed  to  Fennimore, 
and  in  1878  to  Le  Mars,  Iowa,  where  he  died 
Nov.  20,  1893,  at  the  venerable  age  of  ninety- 
eight;  his  wife  died  in  1894,  at  the  age  of 
ninety.  They  were  the  parents  of  six  daugh- 
ters and  one  son,  the  latter  dying  in  California 
many  years  ago.  All  the  daughters  are  living 
but  one:  Mrs.  Susan  Fetter  is  deceased;  Mrs. 
Patience  Powel  lives  in  New  York;  Mrs.  Betsy 
E.  Olson;  Mrs.  Amanda  N.  A.  Crouch,  of  Le 
Mars,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Mehitable  Crow,  of  the 
same  place;  and  Airs.  Jane  Duncan,  of  Mar- 
shalltown, Iowa. 

Mr.  Olson  worked  in  the  pineries  the  win- 
ter following  his  marriage,  and  the  following- 
spring  he  and  his  wife  came  to  La ’Crosse,  and 
soon  after  settled  in  Houston  county,  Minn. 
He  enlisted  in  August,  1864,  in  Company  K, 
nth  Minn.  V.  I.,  and  served  until  about  the 
time  the  war  closed,  when  he  was  discharged. 
His  health  was  badly  undermined  by  his  army 
experiences,  and  he  never  fully  recovered  his 
former  strength  and  vigor.  In  1865,  soon 
after  the  termination  of  the  war,  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Olson  removed  to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  and  set- 


896 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


tied  in  the  town  of  Lancaster,  later  moving  to 
their  Fennimore  home.  Three  of  the  four 
sons  born  to  them  are  living:  Andrew  J., 

William  H.  and  Charles  W.  One  son,  Frank 
N.,  died  at  the  age  of  twenty-six.  They  were 
very  worthy  people,  highly  respected  in  the 
community  for  genuine  worth  and  unassuming 
goodness.  The  death  of  Mr.  Olson  was  a 
cause  for  genuine  sorrow  in  the  community. 

F1ENRY  MARTENS,  a well-known  fur- 
niture dealer  of  Platteville,  Grant  county, 
was  born  in  Hanover,  Germany,  Dec.  9,  1847, 
and  is  the  eldest  of  the  seven  children  that  con- 
stituted the  family  of  Henry  and  Helena  Mar- 
tens, who  came  to  this  country  in  1854. 

Henry  Martens,  the  father,  was  a carpenter, 
landed  in  the  city  of  New  Orleans,  came  up 
the  Mississippi  river  to  Galena,  111.,  and  thence 
across  the  prairie  by  wagon  to  Platteville, 
then  a small  village,  and  the  ground  on  which 
the  house  of  Henry  Martens,  the  younger, 
now  stands,  was  then  heavily  timbered  with 
hard  wood ; it  was  situated  near  the  site  of 
the  present  high  school  building.  Although 
his  property  was  slightly  improved  when  he 
bought  it,  Mr.  Martens  erected  a new  dwell- 
ing and  other  buildings,  and  on  this  prop- 
erty he  and  his  wife  passed  the  remain- 
der of  their  days,  devout  in  the  faith  of 
the  Lutheran  Church,  of  which  they  were 
the  first  members  in  Platteville.  Of  their 
seven  children,  Ida  and  Frederick  died  young; 
Catherine  was  born  and  educated  in  Germany, 
and  after  coming  to  Wisconsin  was  married 
to  John  Shambo,  a wagon-maker  in  Platte- 
ville, and  is  the  mother  of  two  children,  Henry 
and  Frank;  William,  born  in  Germany,  is  a 
cabinet-maker,  is  married,  and  has  an  adopted 
child,  Lillie  (they  reside  in  Platteville); 
John,  born  in  Platteville,  married  a Miss 
Peterson,  and  has  four  children,  Clarence, 
Sophia,  Laura  and  Lillie  (he  works  in  the 
store  of  his  brother  Henry)  ; August,  also 
born  in  Platteville,  and  working  at  cabinet- 
making  for  his  brother  Henry,  is  married  to  a 
Miss  Shepherd,  and  has  five  children. 

Henry  Martens  received  a good  German 
education,  and  after  coming  to  America  ac- 
quired the  English  language,  making  a spec- 
ialty of  its  study,  though  he  did  not  attend 
school,  as  his  father  required  his  services  as 
a manufacturer  of  furniture  in  his  shop.  In 
1870  Henry  went  into  business  on  his  own  ac- 


count, adding  the  manufacture  of  organs  and 
other  musical  instruments  to  that  of  furni- 
ture, and  now  has  the  largest  establishment  in 
his  line  in  the  city. 

In  1873  Henry  Martens  married  Miss 
Bertha  Hillman,  a highly  educated  lady  who 
came  from  Germany  to  America  in  1870,  and 
was  for  many  years  her  husband's  book- 
keeper. After  the  death  of  her  parents  Mr. 
Martens  purchased  the  old  family  residence, 
in  which  Mrs.  Martens  died,  in  January, 
1887,  leaving  her  husband  with  one  daughter, 
Helena,  born  in  1879,  who-  graduated  from 
the  Platteville  high  school,  and  is  well  edu- 
cated in  music.  Mrs.  Martens  was  a sincere 
Christian,  a devoted  wife  and  loving  mother, 
and  was  greatly  missed  in  the  community  in 
which  she  had  lived.  On  Sept.  12,  1900,  Mr. 
Martens  was  married  to  Miss  Charlotte  Wilke, 
of  Platteville,  daughter  of  Gottlieb  Wilke. 

Mr.  Martens  continued  to  reside  in  the  old 
homestead  until  1898,  when  he  sold  his  dwell- 
ing and  purchased  a very  fine  residence  on 
Virgin  avenue,  where  he  and  his  family  are 
surrounded  with  every  comfort  in  life.  They 
are  all  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  in 
which  Mr.  Martens  has  been  an  officer  for 
thirteen  years,  and  a member  of  the  choir  for 
over  twenty  years,  and  to  the  support  of  which 
he  has  ever  been  a most  liberal  contributor. 
In  politics  Mr.  Martens  has  been  an  ardent 
Republican  ever  since  he  was  entitled  to  a 
vote,  has  been  a member  of  the  city  council, 
and  has  been  largely  instrumental  in  adding 
to  the  improvement  and  general  progress  of 
the  city.  Although  but  a poor  boy  when  he 
began  life  in  Platteville,  he  has  risen  to  a 
place  of  distinction  and  financial  prosperity, 
and  has  won;  the  unfeigned  esteem  of  his 
fellow  citizens  in  all  stations  of  life.  As  a 
business  man  his  name  is  beyond  reproach, 
and  his  musical  instruments,  in  the  construc- 
tion of  which  he  exercises  the  most  conscien- 
tious care,  have  secured  him  an  enviable 
celebrity,  and  are  in  general  use  throughout 
the  West. 

GEORGE  KIELER,  a retired  merchant 
of  the  village  of  Kieler,  in  the  town  of  James- 
town, Grant  county,  was  born  in  Prussia,  Ger- 
many, Sept.  20,  1845. 

Mr.  Kieler’s  parents,  John  and  Catherine 
(Plube)  Kieler,  were  both  also  born  in  Prussia, 
he  in  1800,  and  she  in  1806.  There  they  ob- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


89  7 


tained  their  education,  and  there  they  were 
married.  Mr.  Ivieler  was  a stone  mason  and 
contractor  in  his  own  country.  In  August, 
1855,  they  came  to  this  country,  making  the 
voyage  across  the  ocean  in  a sailing  vessel, 
and  landing  at  Quebec.  They  came  to  Wis- 
consin by  way  of  the  lakes,  and  settled  in 
Jamestown,  Grant  county,  where  he  bought  a 
tract  of  land  and  made  a home  near  what  is 
now  known  as  Kieler,  named  after  the  family. 
This  was  the  home  of  this  honest  and  worthy 
couple  as  long  as  they  lived.  The  husband  and 
father  died  in  1882,  and  the  mother  in  1888. 
Both  were  devout  members  of  the  Catholic 
Church,  and  lie  was  instrumental  in  the  estab- 
lishment of  the  first  Catholic  church  built  in 
Kieler,  in  1856.  A new  rock  edifice  has  taken 
its  place,  the  old  building  being  now  used  for 
a school  house.  Children  as  follows  were  born 
to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kieler  : ( 1 ) Gertrude,  born 

in  Prussia,  married  John  Richter,  of  Germany, 
and  came  to  this  country  three  years  previous 
to  the  arrival  of  her  parents.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Richter  settled  near  Kieler,  where  she  died, 
leaving  five  children,  Joseph,  John.  Annie  (wife 
of  Bernard  Dubie,  of  Potosi),  Mary  (Mrs. 
John  Kelly,  of  Potosi),  and  Dorathea  (wife 
of  Charles  Jacobs,  of  Iowa).  (2)  Dorathea 
was  born  in  Germany,  married  Joseph  Rich- 
ards, and  settled  near  Kieler,  Grant  county, 
afterward  moving  to  Paris,  same  county,  where 
he  died,  leaving  four  children,  John,  Henry, 
Lawrence,  and  Catherine  (wife  of  Frank  Lud- 
wig). Mrs.  Richards  lives  at  Kieler.  (3) 
Barbara,  born  in  Germany,  became  the  wife 
of  Frank  LThe,  of  Germany.  They  made  their 
home  at  Paris  for  a time,  while  Mr.  Uthe  went 
to  California  in  search  of  gold.  They  made  a 
permanent  home  at  Dickeysville,  where  he 
died,  the  father  of  eight  children,  Henry, 
Frank,  John,  Joseph  (deceased),  Charles,  Ma- 
tilda (deceased  wife  of  George  Schumacher,  of 
East  Dubuque),  Elizabeth  (who  married  Jo- 
seph Witherhold),  and  Catherine  (wife  of 
Martin  Houser,  of  Harrison,  Grant  county). 
(4)  Lawrence,  born  in  Germany,  received  his 
schooling  in  the  old  country.  He  married  Miss 
Elizabeth  Collogan,  of  Grant  county,  and  for 
some  years  he  lived  on  a farm  in  the  town  of 
Jamestown,  and  is  now  a farmer  in  the  State 
of  Iowa.  His  children  are  John,  Thomas, 
Frank,  Joseph,  George,  Benno,  Rosie  (Mrs. 
Thomas  Lenstra,  of  Iowa),  Louisa,  Dora 

(wife  of  John  Flanagan,  of  Iowa)  and  Bar- 
's? 


bara  (at  home).  (5)  Frank,  born  in  Germany, 
acquired  his  education  in  the  old  country.  He 
married  Miss  Margaret  Ivothe,  of  Jamestown, 
and  their  home  is  now  in  Paris.  Their  children 
are  Lawrence,  Matilda,  Louisa,  Dora,  Annie, 
Edward,  Charles,  and  Arthur,  all  unmarried 
and  at  home.  (6)  George  is  our  subject.  (7) 
Louisa,  born  in  Germany,  is  the  youngest  of 
the  family,  and  received  her  education  in  this 
country.  She  married  Henry  Schumacher,  of 
East  Dubuque,  and  has  a family  of  children — - 
Henry,  Katie  (wife  of  Thomas  Hicken,  of 
Minneapolis),  Annie  and  Angeline. 

George  Kieler  was  partly  educated  in  Ger- 
many, and  had  a few  years’  instruction  in  the 
district  school  in  Jamestown.  He  learned  the 
trade  of  shoemaker  in  East  Dubuque,  and 
worked  at  it  while  he  was  a young  man.  Mr. 
Kieler  married  Miss  Dorathea  Montage,  a lady 
of  Grant  county,  and  the  daughter  of  Karl  and 
Mary  Montage,  natives  of  Prussia,  who  were 
long  settled  in  Grant  county.  They  died  in 
Dickeysville.  Mrs.  Kieler  was  born  in  Ger- 
many in  1849,  and  grew  to  womanhood  in. 
Grant  county. 

George  Kieler  first  settled  in  the  town  of 
Paris,  where  he  worked  at  his  trade  some  two 
years  in  the  town  of  Dickeysville,  and  then 
went  to  Iowa,  where  he  bought  a farm,  culti- 
vating it  some  two  years,  until  driven  out  by 
the  grasshopper  plague.  Coming  back  to 
Jamestown,  he  followed  his  trade  for  some 
years.  In  1882  he  purchased  real  estate,  put 
up  a store  building,  and  handled  general  mer- 
chandise in  connection  with  his  shoe  trade  for 
many  years,  becoming  very  prosperous.  In 
1883  he  established  the  first  postoffice,  under 
the  administration  of  Arthur,  holding  it  until 
1899.  Mr.  Kieler  has  been  a notary  public 
for  some  fourteen  years.  In  1890  Mr.  Kieler 
bought  a farm,  which  he  still  owns.  In  1899 
Mr.  Kieler  sold  his  store,  and  purchased  the 
“Jamestown  Hotel,”  at  Louisburg,  which  he 
is  now  conducting,  though  in  October,  1900,  he 
sold  the  hotel,  expecting  to  move  shortly  to 
his  farm  in  Kieler.  There  are  eight  children 
in  his  family : ( 1 ) Katie,  born  in  Dickeys- 

ville, in  1872,  was  educated  in  the  school  at 
Kieler,  and  is  a young  lady  of  more  than  or- 
dinary ability,  being  her  father’s  assistant  in 
the  store  and  postoffice  for  a number  of  years. 
(2)  George  W.,  born  in  Jamestown  in  1874,  is 
now  employed  as  manager  of  a creamery  at 
Lebanon,  Ohio,  having  graduated  from  the 


898 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Dairymen’s  Association  at  Madison,  Wis.  (3) 
John  H.  was  born  in  Sac  county,  Iowa,  in 
:i 876;  (4)  Lawrence,  in  Jamestown,  in  1878; 
(5)  Carl,  in  Jamestown,  in  1880;  (6)  Lou- 
isa, in  1886;  (7)  Agatha,  in  1892;  (8)  Ma- 
tilda, in  1894. 

Mr.  Kieler  is  a Democrat,  and  has  held 
the  office  of  town  treasurer  and  school  clerk 
for  a number  of  terms.  He  has  been  one  of 
the  leading  business  men  of  his  community, 
and  has  made  his  mark  for  honesty  and  up- 
rightness. All  the  family  belong  to  the  Cath- 
olic Church,  and  our  subject  has. given  liberally 
to  its  support.  He  is  a member  of  the  Cath- 
olic Knights  of  Wisconsin. 

NORMAN  CHURCHILL,  now  retired 
from  active  business,  was  born  in  Troy,  Madi- 
son Co.,  111.,  Jan.  17,  1827,  a son  of  William 
B.  and  Almira  (Humes)  Churchill,  both  na- 
tives of  the  East.  They  were  the  parents  of 
two  sons  and  three  daughters:  Caroline  E., 

the  widow  of  Judge  Bingham;  Norrrtan; 
George;  Lucina  Ann,  the  widow  of  William 
Sykes ; and  Maria. 

William  B.  Churchill  was  a farmer,  and 
one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Madison  county, 
Illinois.  With  his  brother  George,  he  was  ac- 
tive in  keeping  Illinois  from  becoming  a slave 
State.  Mr.  Churchill  lived  a few  years  near 
Alton,  but  spent  his  last  years  in  Madison 
'County,  where  he  died  at  the  age  of  sixty  years. 
His  widow  survived  many  years,  and  came  to 
Monroe,  where  she  died  when  about  eighty- 
six  years  old.  He  was  a Methodist,  and  his 
widow  a Universalist.  Living  in  Alton  at 
the  time  the  Love  joy  printing  press  and  ma- 
terials were  thrown  into  the  street,  his  influence 
and  sympathy  were  given  to  the  Abolitionists. 
These  were  stormy  times,  and  it  required 
strength  and  courage  to  resist  the  enemies  of 
human  liberty.  Mr.  Churchill  served  in  the 
war  of  1812,  and  in  the  last  years  of  his  life 
drew  a pension  for  his  services.  His  brother 
was  a member  of  the  Illinois  Legislature  sev- 
eral times,  in  1817  and  1818,  when  the  Capitol 
was  at  Vandalia,  and  afterward  when  it 
was  at  Springfield.  Jesse  Norman  Churchill, 
father  of  William  B.,  was  a native  of  New 
York,  and  came  of  English  stock.  A Con- 
p’regational  minister,  he  was  twice  married, 
and  died  in  the  East. 

Norman  Churchill  was  reared  on  the  farm 
in  Madison  county,  111.,  until  he  was  fourteen 


years  old.  Elis  education  was  acquired  in  the 
old-fashioned  subscription  schools.  After 
spending  some  two  years  in  Alton,  he  came 
with  his  parents  to  Green  county,  Wis.,  and 
has  lived  in  Monroe  since  the  spring  of  1840. 
At  that  time  there  were  but  one  or  two  log 
cabins  and  one  frame  house  erected  in  what 
is  now  a handsome  and  beautiful  city.  The 
frame  house  passed  into  his  possession,  and 
he  continued  to  own  it  until  1888,  when  he 
tore  it  down  and  rebuilt.  For  thirty-two  years 
he  was  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  sash 
and  doors,  and  the  preparation  of  all  kinds  of 
cut  lumber,  running  a saw  and  planing  mill 
in  connection  for  general  custom  business. 

Mr.  Churchill  was  married  Feb.  27,  1854, 
to  Miss  Ann  E.  Sherman,  a daughter  of  Dr. 
Weaver  O.  and  Amy  (Terry)  Sherman,  na- 
tives of  New  York.  To  this  union  were  born 
six  children:  Charles  B.,  Dolly  and1  Ivittie 

(twins),  William  W.,  Minnie  Beatrice  and 
Erni  N.  Charles  B.,  a plumber  and  steam 
fitter,  and  also  a brick  maker  in  Monroe,  was 
married  to  Amelia  Wood,  and  is  the  father  of 
four  children : Ethel,  Lottie,  Helen  and  Nor- 
ma. The  twms  died  in  early  childhood. 
William  W.,  a consulting  engineer  for  West- 
inghouse,  Church,  Kerr  & Company,  of  New 
York,  married  Pearl  Dadman,  of  Boston,  now 
dead.  Minnie  Beatrice  married  Dr.  William 
G.  Cole,  lives  in  Guerneville,  Cal.,  and  is  the 
mother  of  one  child,  Margaret.  Erni  N.,  a 
plumber  and  a steam  fitter,  was  married  to  Miss 
Edith  D.  Harris,  of  Postville,  Iowa,  and  lives 
in  Monroe. 

Mr.  Churchill  is  a Unitarian,  but  has  given 
his  support  to  the  Monroe  Universalist  Church, 
as  did  also  his  wife,  assisting  in  the  building  of 
the  edifice  used  by  that  church  before  the  war. 
He  has  been  a member  of  the  Independent  Or- 
der of  Odd  Fellows  since  1853,  and  is  the  only 
charter  member  of  Monroe  Lodge,  No.  72,  now 
living.  Always  a strong  temperance  man,  he 
was  for  many  years  an  active  worker  in  the 
Good  Templar  order,  and  for  thirty-six  terms 
was  Worthy  Chief  of  the  local  lodge.  He  was 
the  first  chief  of  the  Monroe  fire  department, 
having  been  a member  of  that  organization 
for  more  than  twenty  years.  Always  a Whig, 
when  that  party  gave  way  to  the  newly  formed 
Republican  party,  he  became  as  active  in  the 
latter,  and  has  been  a Republican  since  the  or- 
ganization of  the  party  in  Wisconsin,  in  1854. 
For  two  terms  lie  was  a member  of  the  board 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


899 


of  supervisors,  and  served  as  chairman  of  the 
board  one  term.  Mr.  Churchill  was  a mill- 
wright in  his  young  manhood,  and  built  a brick 
flouringmill  in  Monroe,  with  a capacity  of  one 
hundred  barrels  of  flour  a day,  which  he  op- 
erated as  long  as  this  was  a wheat-growing 
district.  He  owns  a good  home  and  five  acres 
of  land  in  the  city  of  Monroe,  where  he  has 
lived  for  thirty-two  years,  and  has  owned  the 
land  for  over  fifty  years.  He  owns  the  hard- 
ware store  building  now  occupied  by  Capt. 
Kundert,  and  has  a half  interest  in  the  Perine 
Farm.  He  is  a well-to-do  and  highly  respected 
citizen,  and  has  always  taken  a leading  part  in 
local  affairs.  Mrs.  Norman  Churchill  was  the 
only  child  of  Dr.  Sherman,  who  practiced  medi- 
cine in  Monroe  from  1849  until  his  death  in 
1884,  at  the  age  of  eighty-two.  His  wife,  Amy 
(Terry)  Sherman,  died  in  1872,  at  the  age  of 
seventy.  Mrs.  Churchill  began  reading  medi- 
cine under  her  father  when  about  fourteen 
years  of  age,  and  was  graduated  from  Hahne- 
mann Medical  College.  She  practiced  medi- 
cine until  her  death  July  26,  1896,  at  the  age 
of  sixty-four. 

JEFFERSON  CRAWFORD  is  president 
of  the  Crawford  Mining  Co.,  of  Hazel  Green, 
and  one  of  the  stirring,  energetic,  business 
men  of  Grant  county. 

Our  subject  was  born  in  Hazel  Green  Oct. 
14,  1851,  a son  of  Jefferson  and  Catherine 
(Harper)  Crawford.  The  father  was  born  at 
Carmichaels,  Greene  Co.,  Penn.,  in  1809.  and 
the  mother  in  the  same  county  in  July,  1816. 
Their  earlier  years  were  passed  in  the  East, 
and  they  came  to  Wisconsin  previous  to  their 
marriage,  which  took  place  in  1841.  The  fa- 
ther was  a farmer  and  a miner,  a keen  and 
pushing  business  man,  and  he  was  a member  of 
the  mining  firm  of  Hewlet  & Crawford,  which 
became  one  of  the  most  important  mining  and 
smelting  firms  in  Hazel  Green  and  Galena, 
111.  In  later  years  Mr.  Crawford  was  connect- 
ed with  other  mining  enterprises,  owned  large 
tracts  of  land,  and  carried  on  farming  and 
stock  raising  on  an  extensive  scale.  In  1854  he 
built  a large  store,  and,  as  a member  of  the 
firm  of  J.  L.  Crawford  & Go.,  embarked  in 
general  merchandising,  in  which  he  was  re- 
markably successful.  His  sales  for  one  year 
amounted  to  over  one  hundred  thousand  dol- 
lars. In  1862  the  business  was  merged  into 
the  new  firm  of  Crawford,  Mills  & Co.,  which 


soon  became  the  Crawford  & Mills  Mining 
Co.  The  business  was  continued  until  the 
death  of  Mr.  Crawford,  in  1868.  The  career 
of  this  honored  and  successful  gentleman  in- 
vites scrutiny  and  suggests  thought.  Coming 
into  the  county  without  means,  he  first  made 
a living  as  a day  laborer,  but  by  thrift,  economy 
and  wise  business  management  gradually  be- 
came wealthy,  and  left  his  family  a large  es- 
tate acquired  by  clean  methods,  without  a taint 
of  dishonesty.  In  early  life  Mr.  Crawfford 
was  a Whig,  later  became  a Republican,  and 
was  nominated  by  that  party  for  the  position  of 
State  treasurer,  but  he  was  impelled  to  decline 
the  proffered  honor  in  consideration  of  his  ex- 
tensive business  interests,  which  demanded  his 
closest  attention.  Mr.  Crawford  was  a warm 
friend  of  Gen.  Grant,  who  came  to  his  home 
a number  of  times  during  our  subject’s  last 
sickness.  Mr.  Crawford  was  one  of  the  found- 
ers and  warm  friends  of  the  Presbyterian 
Church  in  Hazel  Green,  of  which  his  wife  was 
a devout  member.  He  died  leaving  his  wife 
with  four  children  : ( 1 ) Salome  died  when 

four  years  old.  (2)  Mildred  L.,  born  in  Grant 
county  in  1845,  obtained  her  higher  education 
at  Clinton,  N.  Y.,  becoming  highly  accom- 
plished in  both  music  and  the  classical  studies. 
She  makes  her  home  with  her  sister,  Mrs. 
Jennings,  in  Pittsburg.  (3)  Catherine  died  when 
four  months  old.  (4)  Alice  R.,  born  in  1847, 
was  educated  in  Chicago,  and  at  Jacksonville, 
111.,  and  is  now  the  wife  of  W.  K.  Jennings,  a 
prominent  lawyer  and  wealthy  citizen  of  Pitts- 
burg. They  have  a family  of  three  children, 
Clara  C,  Florence  C.,  Dale  C.,  the  last  named 
a graduate  of  Yale  College.  (5)  John  J.,  born 
in  1856,  acquired  his  education  in  the  Cum- 
berland Presbyterian  College  at  Lincoln,  111., 
and  in  1876  engaged  with  his  brother  in  the 
management  of  the  home  business.  In  1882 
he  became  engrossing  clerk  of  the  Legislature, 
serving  two  terms.  In  1884  he  secured  a po- 
sition with  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad  Co., 
holding  same  about  two  years,  and  he  now 
lives  at  Randolph,  Mass.,  where  he  is  the  man- 
ager of  an  extensive  banking  institution.  In 
1884  he  married  Miss  Josephine  Turner,  a 
daughter  of  Seth  Turner,  a wealthy  banker  of 
Boston,  and  there  are  three  children  in  their 
family,  Turner,  John  and  Judith.  (6)  Jeffer- 
son is  our  subject. 

Jefferson  Crawford  received  his  early  ed- 
ucation in  the  private  schools  of  Hazel  Green, 


900 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


his  father  preferring-  that  method  of  instruc- 
tion. When  the  father  died  the  management 
of  the  extensive  estate  fell  upon  him  and  his 
brother  John,  as  noted  above.  Since  the  fall 
of  1883  he  has  had  sole  management  of  the 
mining  interests,  which  have  developed  into 
immense  proportions.  On  558  acres  Mr.  Craw- 
ford has  at  least  450  ore-bearing  crevices  and 
in  addition  he  is  working  a large  amount  of 
leased  land. 

Mr.  Crawford  and  Miss  Bessie  N.  Crowle 
were  married  in  1883.  Mrs.  Crawford  is  a 
daughter  of  James  R.  and  Elizabeth  Crowle, 
who,  in  1871,  came  from  England,  where  she 
was  born,  to  Grant  county.  Mrs.  Crawford 
is  a lady  of  much  culture,  and  before  her  mar- 
riage was  a teacher  in  the  city  of  Lancaster 
for  one  year,  and  in  Hazel  Green  and  vicinity 
for  several  years.  Mr.  Crawford  and  his  wife 
settled  at  the  old  homestead,  which  is  one  of 
the  fine  residences  in  this  part  of  the  county, 
and  which  has  been  much  improved,  and  made 
thoroughly  modern  in  all  its  appointments  since 
Mr.  Crawford’s  marriage.  They  have  two  chil- 
dren : Ellen  J.,  born  in  1885,  attended  the  high 
school  in  Hazel  Green,  being  a member  of  the 
class  of  1901.  John  J.,  born  in  1890,  is  a 
student  in  the  home  schools. 

Mr.  Crawford  is  one  of  the  stalwart  Repub- 
licans of  his  county,  and  has  taken  an  active 
part  in  political  work  for  the  last  quarter  of  a 
century.  He  has  served  as  a member  of  the 
village  board,  though  never  an  aspirant  for  po- 
litical honors.  Mr.  Crawford  belongs  to  the 
Masonic  fraternity.  He  is  a popular  and  suc- 
cessful man,  of  a genial  and  kindly  spirit,  and 
has  a host  of  friends.  Mrs.  Crawford  is  a 
worthy  companion  to  such  a husband,  and  is  a 
lady  of  many  gifts  of  mind  and  heart,  and  most 
attractive  personality. 

JAMES  W.  MURPHY,  an  eminent  attor- 
ney at  law  of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  is  a 
native  of  this  city,  was  born  in  April,  1838, 
and  is  the  only  survivor  of  the  six  children 
born  to  William  and  Catherine  (O’Sullivan) 
Murphy,  the  former  of  whom  was  born  in 
Adrigole,  county  Cork,  Ireland,  January  15, 
18J4,  arid  the  latter  in  Kenmare,  county  Kerry. 

Dennis  Murphy,  father  of  William  Murphy, 
and  grandfather  of  James  W.,  came  to  the 
United  States  in  1839,  accompanied  by  his 
daughter  Mary,  the  eldest  of  his  children,  his 
destination  being  Dubuque,  Iowa,  where  a mar- 


ried sister  had  resided  since  1834.  On  arriv- 
ing at  the  port  of  New  Orleans,  Dennis  and 
his  daughter  were  attacked  with  yellow  fever,, 
to  which  the  former  succumbed,  but  the  daugh- 
ter recovered  and  reached  Dubuque  in  safety, 
but  later  came  to  Platteville,  Wis.,  where  she 
was  married  to  the  late  David  Gardner,  whom 
she  survived  several  years,  expiring  in  1894, 
at  the  age  of  seventy-two  years. 

The  principal  occupation  of  William  Mur- 
phy in  Ireland  was  farming,  but  for  a time 
he  was  employed  as  bookkeeper  and  clerk  on 
the  board  of  public  works  at  his  native  town,, 
where  he  married  Miss  O’Sullivan  in  1849. 
In  1853  he  and  wife  came  to  America,  tar- 
ried a few  months  in  Ulster  county,  N.  Y., 
and  the  same  year  came  to  Platteville,  Wis., 
arriving  at  the  home  of  his  sister,  Mrs.  Mary 
Gardner,  on  what  was  then  known  as  ‘‘Irish 
Hill.”  A brother,  James,  had  preceded  him 
to  Platteville,  and  was  mining  here  when  the 
Mexican  war  opened,  for  which  he  at  once 
enlisted,  serving  until  its  close  and  dying  short- 
ly afterward. 

William  Murphy  first  went  to  housekeep- 
ing in  Platteville  in  a house  that  had  been 
previously  used  for  hotel  purposes  and  was 
known  as  the  “Braly  House,”  now  occupied 
by  N.  Henning.  For  a short  time  he  worked 
in  Mr.  Avery’s  brickyard  and  next  at  various 
employments,  principally  mining,  and  it  may 
be  said  that  in  this  he  was  very  successful,  hav- 
ing taken  out,  with  sundry  partners,  nearly 
one  and  a half  million  pounds  of  lead  ore;  in 
company  with  Mr.  Henning  he  discovered  and 
worked  the  lead  bearing  their  names,  on  the 
lands  of  Dr.  Davis,  south  of  town,  taking  out 
nearly  700,000  pounds.  In  company  with 
John  Stephens  Mr,  Murphy  discovered  and 
worked  the  lead  bearing  their  names,  on  land 
owned  by  himself  adjoining  that  of  the  former. 
In  1857,  accompanied  by  a miner  from  Potosi, 
he  went  on  a prospecting  tour  through  the 
townships  of  Mount  Hope  and  Woodman, 
Grant  county,  and  discovered  lead  ore  at  dif- 
ferent points,  but  the  country  was  sparsely  set- 
tled and  transportation  difficult,  and  they 
abandoned  the  intention  of  developing  their 
“finds.”  Mr.  Murphy  is  still  of  opinion  that 
valuable  mines  will  yet  be  developed  in  that 
region,  and  in  this  opinion  he  is  sustained  by 
many  old  mines  and  by  the  legend  of  the  last 
mine  worked  in  the  territory  by  Spaniards, 
and  which  is  now  known  positively  to  be  sit- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


901 


tiated  there  , the  secret  of  its  location  being 
guarded  by  parties  who  are  awaiting  a favor- 
able opportunity  to  develop  it. 

I11  1859  Mr.  Murphy  purchased  the  lot  at 
the  corner  of  Elm  and  Cedar  streets,  on  which 
the  residence  of  H.  M.  Gribbee  now  stands, 
the  lot  being  then  covered  with  heavy  timber. 
Cedar  street  was  then  practically  the  north  line 
of  the  village,  there  being  but  few  houses  be- 
yond it  in  that  direction.  Mr.  Murphy  had 
lived  for  a short  time  in  the  old  frame  house 
now  called  the  Shoneback  place,  near  the 
Roundtree  branch,  on  the  Cheever  Mill  road, 
but  on  acquiring  the  corner  lot  mentioned,  he 
cleared  off  the  timber,  with  which  he  erected 
the  log  house  which  was  his  home  until  1866. 

Since  coming  to  Platteville  Mr.  Murphy 
has  made  it  his  constant  home,  with  the  ex- 
ception of  ten  years,  which  period  he  spent  on 
a farm  one  mile  south.  Twice  has  he  visited 
his  na_tive  land,  each  time  resting  at  his  old 
homestead,  which  was  erected  in  the  early  part 
of  the  eighteenth  century. 

James  W.  Murphy  was  graduated  from  the 
State  Normal  School  of  Platteville  with  the 
class  of  1873,  and  holds  the  record  to-day  as 
the  youngest  graduate  of  the  State  Normal 
School  in  Wisconsin.  For  five  years  he  was  a 
teacher  in  Grant  county.  Pie  studied  law  with 
A.  W.  Bell,  of  Platteville,  was  admitted  to  the 
Bar  in  1879,  and  then  attended  the  law  depart- 
ment of  the  University  of  Michigan,  at  Ann 
Arbor,  from  which  he  was  graduated  with  the 
class  of  1880.  In  1886  he  was  elected  district 
attorney  of  Grant  county,  and  filled  the  posi- 
tion for  four  years.  He  has  practiced  law  at 
Platteville  since  April,  1880.  In  January, 
1881,  he  formed  a copartnership  with  A.  W. 
Bell,  under  the  firm  name  of  Bell  & Murphy, 
which  continued  until  July,  1882.  From  this 
time  until  January,  1887,  he  practiced  alone, 
and  then  formed  a copartnership  with  D.  J. 
Gardner,  under  the  firm  name  of  Murphy  & 
Gardner,  this  relationship  continuing  until 
1895,  since  which  time  he  has  practiced  alone. 

In  1881  Mr.  Murphy  was  joined  in  mar- 
riage with  Miss  Elizabeth  Jones,  daughter  of 
John  W.  and  Catharine  Jones,  prominent  res- 
idents of  Lafayette  county,  Wis.,  where  she 
was  born  in  i860.  To  this  marriage  have  been 
born  five  children,  four  of  whom  are  living: 
Catharine  M.,  Lyola,  John  W.,  and  Bessie. 
Mary  Agnes,  the  youngest  child,  died  in  in- 
fancy. The  family  are  all  members  of  the 


Catholic  Church.  In  politics  Mr.  Murphy  was 
identified  with  the  Republican  party  until  1896, 
when  his  views  of  the  financial  issues  of  the 
day  brought  him  into  the  William  f.  Bryan 
fold. 

PAUL  RUDOLPH.  This  name  will 
be  readily  recognized  by  those  familiar  with 
the  local  affairs  and  business  personnel  of 
Janesville,  Rock  county,  as  that  of  the  propri- 
etor of  the  well-known  grocery  house  at  the 
corner  of  Center  street  and  Western  avenue, 
in  that  city.  Generations  of  German  trades- 
men and  artisans  have  transmitted  commercial 
instincts  to  him.  and  he  has  developed  business 
habits  that  insure  success.  He  is  a thorough 
workman,  everything  he  does  is  l'eliable,  and 
his  integrity  and  worth  are  conceded. 

Mr.  Rudolph  was  born  in  Germany  Feb. 
6,  1855.  His  parents,  Herman  and  Sophia 
(Stein)  Rudolph,  were  both  born  and  reared 
in  Germany.  They  had  two  children : Paul, 

our  subject;  and  Adelheid,  wife  of  John 
Kohler,  of  Janesville.  The  father  was  a mer- 
chant in  Germany,  where  he  died  in  1878,  at 
the  early  age  of  forty-nine,  and  three  years 
later  his  widow  came  to  this  country;  she  is 
now  living  in  Janesville.  They  were  Lu- 
therans, and  of  excellent  standing  in  every 
relation  of  life.  His  father,  who  was  a gold- 
smith, died  in  middle  life,  leaving  seven 
children.  Johann  Stein,  the  father  of  Mrs. 
Sophia  (Stein)  Rudolph,  held  a government 
position,  that  of  district  overseer.  His  family 
consisted  of  two  children. 

Paul  Rudolph  was  educated  in  Germany 
after  the  thorough-going  old-country  fashion, 
and  when  fourteen  began  clerking  in  a gro- 
cery store.  Upon  the  attainment  of  his  ma- 
jority he  emigrated  to  the  United  States,  seek- 
ing that  large  success  in  life  which  invincible 
conditions  made  doubtful  if  not  impossible  in 
his  native  land.  Landing  here  in  1876,  he 
made  Monroe,  Wis.,  his  first  stopping  place, 
securing  a position  as  clerk  in  a grocery  store 
in  that  city,  and  remaining  there  until  1878. 
He  then  journeyed  West  to  Pottawatomie 
county,  Ivans.  The  next  year  he  came  back 
to  Wisconsin,  opening  a grocery  store  in 
Janesville,  which  has  proved  a decided  suc- 
cess, and  he  is  still  at  the  old  stand,  do- 
ing business  in  the  same  honorable  and 
upright  fashion  that  has  been  a character- 
istic of  the  family.  I11  1894  he  embarked  in 


902 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


the  leaf  tobacco  business,  and  ships  to  all  parts 
of  the  United  States,  also  exporting  to  Europe. 

Paul  Rudolph  and  Miss  Amelia  Biasing, 
daughter  of  Carl  Biasing,  were  united  in  mat- 
rimony July  i,  1878,  and  she  has  proved  in 
every  way  a capable  and  worthy  helpmeet  to 
her  husband.  They  are  the  parents  of  six  chil- 
dren : Otto,  Alfred,  Ella,  Ethel,  Edwin  and 

Gertrude.  In  politics  Mr.  Rudolph  has  taken 
an  independent  attitude,  and  at  every  election 
judges  for  himself  what  is  best  for  the  times. 

DAVID  THOMPSON.  Among  the  prom- 
inent, progressive  and  influential  citizens  of 
Belmont  township,  Lafayette  county,  is  David 
Thompson,  who  commands  the  esteem  and  re- 
spect of  the  whole  surrounding  neighborhood. 
Mr.  Thompson  was  born  in  Knoxville,  Tenn., 
July  26,  1822,  a son  of  Daniel  and  Rosie 
(Cathcart)  Thompson,  both  of  whom  were 
born  in  North  Carolina,  where  they  grew  to 
maturity  and  married.  Daniel  Thompson  was 
a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  taking  part  in 
the  battle  of  New  Orleans. 

Daniel  Thompson  was  of  Scottish  ancestry, 
and  his  father,  James  Thompson,  served  in 
the  Revolutionary  war,  under  Gen.  Washing- 
ton. Daniel  settled  in  Tennessee  after  his 
marriage,  and  the  family  remained  there  until 
our  subject  was  nine  years  old,  removing  then 
to  near  Lexington,  Ivy.  When  sectional  feel- 
ing ran  high,  about  the  time  of  the  opening  of 
the  Civil  war,  Mr.  Thompson,  being  a Union 
man,  returned  to  the  old  home  in  Tennessee, 
where  he  and  his  wife  died,  but  a few  days 
apart,  in  1863.  The  family  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Thompson  consisted  of  nine  children : 
Polly  married  Nicholas  Felker,  of  Pennsyl- 
vania, who  moved  to  Iowa,  where  his  wife  died, 
leaving  four  children.  Isaac  married-  and  set- 
tled in  Illinois,  dying  in  1858,  leaving  a family. 
Joseph  was  born  in  Tennessee,  married  Eliza 
Cathcart,  and  moved  to  Sanborn,  Iowa,  where 
he  died.  Jane  married  John  Goings,  of  Tennes- 
see, and  settled  in  Kentucky.  William  married 
and  settled  at  Edwardsville,  111.,  where  he  be- 
came a wealthy  stock  dealer,  later  buying  1,400 
acres  of  land  in  Jackson  county,  Mo.,  where 
he  spent  the  last  years  of  his  life.  Sarah  mar- 
ried Alex  Goings,  and  died  in  Tennessee.  Our 
subject  is  next  in  the  family.  James,  born  in 
1826.  was  a soldier,  connected  with  the  33d 
Wis.  V.  I.,  and  served  through  the  Civil  war; 
he  married  Annie  Gooden,  of  Nashville,  Tenn., 


and  came  West  to  Grant  county,  where  they 
lived  at  the  time  of  the  Civil  war,  but  later 
moved  to  East  Missouri,  where  he  lives  retired, 
he  and  our  subject  being  the  only  survivors  of 
this  fine  old  family  (two  daughters  of  James 
are  living,  one  in  California,  the  other  in  Mon- 
tana). Rhoda  married  in  Tennessee,  and  died 
soon  after. 

Our  subject  received  his  early  education  in 
the  district  schools  of  Tennessee  and  Kentucky, 
and  in  1840,  with  his  brothers  Isaac  and  Will- 
iam. removed  to  Edwardsville,  111.,  where  he 
engaged  in  farming.  In  1844  he  was  married 
to  Miss  Sarah  A.  Scoggie,  a native  of  Ten- 
nessee, the  daughter  of  Lemuel  and  Sarah 
(Webb)  Scoggie,  natives  of  North  Carolina, 
who  resided  in  Tennessee  until  1832,  when 
they  moved  to  Madison  county,  111.,  and  later 
purchased  a farm  in  Bond  county,  remaining 
thereon  until  the  time  of  their  death.  Of  their 
family  of  twelve  children  Mrs.  Thompson  is 
the  only  one  surviving. 

In  1851  Mr.  Thompson,  with  his  wife  and 
two  children,  moved  from  Illinois  to  Lafayette 
county,  Wis.,  where  he  purchased  a tract  of 
land  and  settled  down  to  make  a home.  At  that 
time  the  country  was  totally  unsettled — noth- 
ing but  unbroken  prairie  from  Hazel  Green, 
Wis.,  to  the  Iowa  line.  With  limited  means, 
Mr.  Thompson,  like  many  another  pioneer,  had 
come  to  the  new  country  to  make  there  a per- 
manent dwelling  place,  and  was  willing  to  en- 
dure the  burdens  of  its  exacting  life,  facing 
droughts,  hot  winds,  Indians  and  floods,  with 
an  equanimity  which  told  of  indomitable  spirit. 
At  the  outbreak  of  the  war,  however,  our  sub- 
ject left  his  personal  affairs  in  the  hands  of  his 
capable  wife,  bravely  shouldered  his  musket, 
and  marched  away  in  defense  of  his  country. 
Linder  Col.  Moore,  of  the  33d  Wis.  V.  I.,  he 
went  first  to  Memphis,  Tenn.,  and  soon  was 
initiated  into  the  dangers  of  the  soldier's  life. 
His  first  engagement  was  at  Cold  Water, 
Tenn.,  in  1862,  the  others  of  the  year  being 
Hollow  Springs,  Yockney  Station,  and  Mos- 
cow. fighting  a path  through  to  Meridian  on 
the  line  of  Georgia  and  thence  marching  to 
Plum  river.  After  giving  the  enemy  a lesson, 
the  regiment  marched  back  to  Memphis  and 
then  fought  their  way  to  Vicksburg,  taking 
part  in  the  famous  battles  there.  At  Jackson, 
Miss.,  they  captured  the  city,  went  thence  to 
the  mouth  of  the  Red  river,  capturing  Fort 
DeRussv,  thence  to  Yellow  Bayou,  and  later 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


903 


marched  to  meet  Gen.  Banks  at  Alexandria. 
For  the  following  two  weeks  they  fought  until 
the  enemy  surrendered,  and  then  went  after 
Gen.  Hood's  army,  which  surrendered  at  Nash- 
ville. Our  subject  was  wounded  in  the  foot, 
at  Memphis,  while  on  detached  duty,  and  was 
sent  to  the  hospital  at  Nashville,  where  he  was 
kept  until  his  discharge,  at  the  close  of  the 
war.  Returning  to  his  home  in  Lafayette  coun- 
ty, he  recommenced  his  life  of  farming,  mak- 
ing improvements  and  erecting  comfortable  and 
substantial  buildings  upon  his  land.  In  the 
meantime  the  development  of  the  country  had 
advanced,  neighbors  were  more  plentiful,  and 
the  conditions  of  life  had  grown  much  more 
easy.  A man  of  intelligence,  he  was  called 
upon  to  fill  many  of  the  local  offices,  and  soon 
became  identified  with  the  most  important  in- 
terests of  the  town. 

Of  the  children  born  to  our  subject  and 
wife,  some  died  in  childhood,  Nancy  J.,  born 
in  Illinois  in  1857,  married  David  Ashmore, 
who  was  a member  of  the  7th  Wisconsin,  part 
of  the  Iron  Brigade,  during  four  years  of  the 
Civil  war;  they  now  live  in  Iowa,  on  his  farm, 
with  a family  of  twelve  children,  Judson,  An- 
nie, Dora,  Robert,  Augusta,  Manny,  Ollie,  Ed- 
ward, Ben  Butler,  Tames,  Lavina  and  Grace. 
Tohn  W.,  born  in  Illinois  in  1859,  died  when 
a young  man,  much  lamented.  Mary,  born  in 
the  present  home,  married  William  Enlow,  a 
prosperous  farmer  of  Belmont,  and  has  a fam- 
ily of  seven  children,  Elmer,  Stephen,  Fern, 
Wilda,  Jess,  Raymond,  and  Robert  M.  Charles, 
born  in  Belmont,  married  Abbie  Eyslica,  of 
Grant  county,  and  they  live  in  Pocahontas 
county,  Iowa,  where  he  is  a stock  farmer ; they 
have  the  following  family,  Ora,  Mabel.  Justin, 
David,  Ira,  Eugene,  Bernice,  Ruby  and  Mary. 
Emma  and  Eva,  twins,  were  born  in  Lafayette 
county ; the  former  married  W att  Enlow,  and 
lives  in  Iowa,  with  two  children,  Owen  and 
Claud.  Eva  married  Thomas  C.  Davis,  of 
Platteville,  and  has  three  children,  Myrtle, 
Clyde  and  Merlin.  Eugene  married  Nellie 
Robinson,  a daughter  of  Rev.  Joseph  Robin- 
son, of  Platteville,  one  of  the  old-time  ministers 
of  Grant  county,  and  they  are  residing  in 
Plover,  Iowa,  with  their  two  children,  Mill- 
ford  and  Leonie.  These  children  and  grand- 
children make  up  a family  in  which  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Thompson  have  reason  to  take  pride. 

Politically  Mr.  Thompson  has  always  been 
identified  with  the  Republican  party,  has  been 


a member  of  the  town  board,  and  has  held  vari- 
ous local  offices,  efficiently  performing  each 
duty.  Both  he  and  his  wife  are  consistent 
members  of  the  M.  E.  Church,  where  they 
have  worshipped  for  sixty  years,  and  have 
taken  an  active  part  in  church  work  during 
their  whole  lives.  His  ideal  for  the  progress 
of  his  town  is  high,  and  he  has  shown  a hearty 
interest  in  all  that  has  promised  to  be  of  benefit 
to  it.  Our  subject  and  his  family  enjoy  the 
esteem  of  the  community  in  the  highest  degree. 

JOHN  McLIMANS,  who  passed  away  in 
Sherburne,  Minn.,  June  21,  1899,  was  a veteran 
of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  and  a settler  of 
Grant  county  in  the  early  days.  He  was  born 
in  Mercer  county,  Penn.,  May  26,  1831.  and 
was  a son  of  John  McLimans,  Sr.,  who  was 
born  Dec.  12,  1799,  and  died  Dec.  18,  1848. 
His  mother  was  Nancy  (Mitchell)  McLimans, 
who  was  born  Nov.  12,  1800,  and  died  in  Fen- 
nimore  township,  April  10,  1852.  The  grand- 
father of  John  McLimans  was  a youth  when 
the  war  of  the  Revolution  was  being  waged, 
and  took  part  in  it  as  a teamster,  and  did  other 
duty  such  as  a boy  could  render;  several  of  his 
brothers  were  active  soldiers  in  that  great 
struggle.  John  McLimans.  Sr.,  and  wife  were 
the  parents  of  fourteen  children.  All  these 
children  came  to  Grant  county,  but  only  two 
sons,  Henry  and  Robert,  and  two  daughters, 
Elizabeth,  a resident  of  Washington,  and  Mrs. 
Harriet  Kinney,  are  living.  John  McLimans 
came  to  Grant  county  in  1849  in  the  company 
of  two  brothers.  William  and  Patterson.  John 
Mitchell,  an  uncle,  was  established  here,  and  at 
his  invitation  the  brothers  came.  They  were  so 
pleased  with  the  prospect,  they  went  back  to 
bring  the  other  members  of  the  family  out  the 
following  spring.  The  mother  died  in  1852. 
John  McLimans  settled  on  government  land 
in  the  town  of  Liberty,  and  immediately  be- 
gan a series  of  extensive  improvements.  On 
April  15,  1856.  he  was  married  to  Miss  So- 
phronia  A.  McGhan,  who  was  born  in  Erie 
county,  Penn.,  March  14,  1837,  daughter  of 
Silas  and  Mary  (Potter)  McGhan,  who  came 
to  Grant  county  in  1847.  They  began  house- 
keeping in  the  home  Mr.  McLimans  had  al- 
ready prepared  on  his  farm.  Mr.  McGhan 
took  up  government  land,  and  made  a farm 
which  was  his  home  until  his  death.  April  30. 
1863  ; his  widow  survived  many  years,  and  died 
Oct.  23,  1889,  at  the  age  of  eighty-three.  They 


904 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


were  the  parents  of  six  children : George,  a 

resident  of  Colorado ; William,  of  Sherburne, 
Minn. ; Owen,  a resident  of  Cedarville,  Minn. ; 
Merritt,  of  Colorado.  These  brothers  were  all 
members  of  Company  H,  7th  Wisconsin  Vol- 
unteer Infantry,  and  completed  full  three  years 
of  enlistment.  Mrs.  McLimans  had  a sister, 
Mrs.  Jane  Groshong,  of  Montana,  who  died 
August  4.  1898. 

John  McLimans  enlisted  in  the  Union  serv- 
ice Sept.  4,  1862,  as  a member  of  Company  H, 
7th  Wisconsin  Volunteer  Infantry,  which 
formed  a part  of  the  “Iron  Brigade,”  and  was 
mustered  out  May  31,  1865.  He  was  with  his 
regiment  in  all  its  engagements  down  to  the 
battle  of  Gettysburg,  where  he  was  taken  pris- 
oner on  the  first  day  of  that  famous  battle. 
He  was  confined  in  Libby  prison  and  at  Belle 
Isle,  but  was  paroled  after  a month,  and  re- 
joined his  regiment  at  Fredericksburg.  He 
parsed  through  the  campaign  of  the  Wilder- 
ness and  the  siege  of  Petersburg,  where  he  was 
taken  sick  and  sent  to  Whitehall  hospital  at 
Philadelphia.  There  his  wife  helped  to  care 
for  him.  She  secured  a furlough  for  him  and 
took  him  home  with  her,  where  he  remained  a 
month,  and  then  came  back  to  his  regiment. 
From  that  time  he  continued  in  active  service 
until  his  time  expired. 

Coming  back  to  peaceful  life,  our  subject 
resumed  his  farming  occupations  as  soon  as 
his  health  would  permit,  and  was  on  the  farm 
for  many  years.  In  1891  he  moved  into  Fen- 
nimore,  where  he  lived  until  he  passed  away. 
He  died  in  Minnesota,  where  he  and  his  wife 
had  gone  to  visit  their  children  who  were  set- 
tled there.  He  was  a great  sufferer  from  dis- 
eases that  had  followed  him  from  the  army, 
though  he  was  a man  who  made  little  com- 
plaint. He  was  a gallant  soldier,  making  a 
record  that  was  without  spot  or  stain,  a good 
citizen  and  a kind  and  faithful  husband  and 
father.  His  wife  and  ten  children  survive, 
Mrs.  McLimans  and  two  of  her  sons  now  living 
in  the  pleasant  residence  in  Fennimore.  Mrs. 
McLimans  is  a most  estimable  lady,  and  is 
greatly  respected  by  all  who  know  her.  Of 
the  children,  Silas  married  Christina  Kramer. 
John  R.  married  Lena  Whaler,  and  they  have 
had  seven  children,  Sophronia,  Riley,  Lena, 
Thomas',  Glenn,  Blanch  and  Ethel.  Nellie 
L.  married  Philip  Keller,  of  Liberty,  Grant 
county,  and  has  six  children,  John,  Rav,  Har- 
rie,  Edgar,  Cora  and  Mabel.  George  O.  live's 


with  his  mother.  Marv  J.  married  William 
Latham,  and  has  three  daughters,  Fern,  Flat- 
tie  and  Lula.  Huldah  S.  married  William  El- 
lis, and  has  five  children,  Orin,  Martha,  Carrie, 
Oscar  and  one  not  yet  named.  James  I.  mar- 
ried Adda  Hannan,  and  they  have  four  chil- 
dren, Ira,  May,  Fern  and  Adda.  Hattie  E.  is 
the  wife  of  Norval  Walker,  and  has  one  son. 
Tanner.  Irene  was  married  May  30,  1900,  to 
Tanner  Walker,  of  Preston,  Wis.,  where  he  is 
engaged  in  farming  (he  and  Norval  Walker 
are  brothers  and  their  father,  Thomas  Walker, 
was  in  the  same  company  as  John  McLimans 
during  the  Civil  war).  Robert  M.  lives  with 
his  mother.  Nancy  died  in  infancy. 

GEORGE  S.  WHITCFIER  (deceased), 
for  many  years  a prosperous  and  successful 
dairy  farmer,  was  born  in  New  Hampshire 
May  4,  1830,  and  was  a son  of  John  and 
Annie  (Culver)  Whitcher.  The  father  was 
born  in  Maine,  and  the  mother  in  Vermont. 

For  a time  after  their  marriage  our  sub- 
ject’s parents  lived  in  New  Hampshire,  and 
then  moved  to  Michigan,  where  they  lived  some 
years.  They  moved  to  Ohio,  and  spent  some 
years  there  before  coming  in  1844  to  Wis- 
consin, where  they  settled  on  land  afterward 
owned  by  their  son,  Georg'e  S.  They  reared 
a family  of  well-educated  sons  and  daughters, 
the  older  daughters  teaching  school  in  Ohio, 
and  for  a number  of  years  being  prominent 
in  the  educational  work  of  Grant  county. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Whitcher  both  died  in  Grant 
county. 

George  S.  Whitcher  crossed  the  Plains  to 
California  when  only  eighteen  years  old,  and 
was  very  successful  in  the  gold  mines  of  that 
distant  land.  Returning  with  ample  funds,  he 
purchased  the  property  where  he  lived  and  died. 
In  1859  he  married  Miss  Rhoda  L.  Cooley,  of 
Belmont,  Lafayette  county,  a daughter  of 
Sherman  and  Diana  (Day)  Cooley,  and  from 
a prominent  old  New  England  family.  TTie 
father  was  born  in  Hartford  county,  Conn., 
in  1806,  and  the  mother  in  Vermont  in  1811. 
Mr.  Cooley  was  a man  of  good  education,  and 
was  a school  teacher  in  his  native  State,  where 
he  learned  surveying.  Moving  to  Ohio  in 
1833,  he  was  often  called  upon  to  do  surveying 
in  that  State.  Mr.  Cooley  married  before  lo- 
cating in  Ohio,  and  in'  1856  moved  to  Wis- 
consin, where  he  bought  a farm  near  Belmont, 
Lafayette  county,  engaging  in  its  cultivation 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


905 


until  1869.  That  year  he  bought  a farm  in  the 
town  of  Lima,  and  made  his  home  thereon  un- 
til his  death,  in  1887.  Mrs.  Cooley  died  in 
1897.  She  was  the  mother  of  eight  children, 
seven  of  whom  are  living  : ( 1 ) Mary  is  Mrs. 

Nathan  J.  Everett,  of  Cortland,  Ohio.  (2) 
Frank  B.  died  in  1893.  (3)  Rhoda  L.,  Mrs. 

Whitcher,  was  born  in  Trumbull  county,  Ohio, 
in  1836,  and  obtained  her  education  in  that 
State  where  she  taught  school  several  years. 
(4)  Roswell,  born  in  Ohio,  is  now  a resident 
of  Waverly,  Neb.  (5)  Richard,  born  in  Ohio, 
spent  three  years  as  a soldier  in  an  Ohio  regi- 
ment during  the  Civil  war.  and  is  now  a farm- 
er at  Waverly,  Neb.  (6)  Alfred  S.  lives  at 
Eagle,  Neb.  (7)  Timothy,  born  in  Ohio,  lives 
at  Brainarcl.  Neb.  (8)  Edward  L.  born  in 
Ohio,  graduated  from  the  Platteville  State 
Normal,  and  is  now  principal  of  a high  school 
in  Oklahoma. 

After  his  marriage  George  S.  Whitcher  set- 
tled 011  the  quarter-section  he  had  purchased 
from  the  government,  and  gradually  added  to 
it  from  time  to  time  until  he  owned  over  six 
hundred  acres,  the  greater  part  well  cultivated 
land.  Here  he  had  a fine  home,  barns,  and 
other  outbuildings  needed  for  farm  work.  In 
1880  he  built  a large  cheese  factory  on  the 
farm,  and  a stone  creamery  building  in  the 
town  of  Lima.  As  superintendent  of  this  he 
kept  close  watch  of  its  operations  until  his 
death.  July  31,  1898.  Mrs.  Whitcher 

was  left  a widow  with  five  children : ( 1 ) 

John  F.,  born  in  Lima,  in  September, 
i860,  was  educated  in  the  State  Normal 
at  Platteville,  and  was  a teacher  some 
three  j^ears.  His  father  had  purchased  him  a 
farm  in  Nebraska,  and  he  spent  several  years 
in  its  cultivation.  When  his  father  died  he 
returned  to  the  home,  and  is  assisting  his 
mother  in  the  management  of  their  extensive 
business  interests.  (2)  Fannie  L.,  born  in 
1863,  had  a normal  school  training,  and  was  a 
successful  teacher  previous  to  her  marriage  to 
Peter  J.  Conner.  They  live  in  Lincoln,  Neb., 
and  have  four  children,  George  W.,  Clay, 
Blanche  and  William  McKinley.  (3)  Lee, 
born  in  1866.  married  Miss  Mercy  Lymburger, 
of  Nebraska,  and  they  now  reside  on  a portion 
of  his  father’s  estate,  with  their  three  children, 
Frank,  Oris,  and  Walter.  (4)  Nora,  born  in 
1872,  married  John  Kenny,  a farmer  in  the 
town  of  Lima,  and  is  the  mother  of  two  chil- 
dren, Ira  G.  and  Catherine.  (5)  George  S.,  born 


in  1876,  prepared  for  teaching  at  the  Platte- 
ville State  Normal,  and  for  several  terms  was 
engaged  in  the  school  room.  At  the  present 
time  he  is  assisting  his  mother  in  the  manage- 
ment of  their  extensive  estate. 

George  S.  Whitcher  was  always  a Demo- 
crat, and  frequently  took  a prominent  part  in 
political  gatherings.  He  was  interested  in  the 
work  of  the  local  churches,  and  freely  contrib- 
uted to  their  support.  For  many  years  he  was 
a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  and  took 
an  active  interest  in  its  work.  Mrs.  Whitcher 
is  a lady  of  character  and  ability,  and,  though 
she  mourns  the  loss  of  her  kind  and  indulgent 
husband,  finds  comfort  in  her  honorable  and 
industrious  family  of  children,  trained  in  the 
ways  of  right  and  truth.  They  have  an  ex- 
tensive estate,  and  give  its  management  much 
care  and  thought. 

PHIL.  McGOVERN,  a retired  farmer,  is 
one  of  the  best  known  and  most  highly  es- 
teemed citizens  of  Grant  county,  a gentleman  of 
benevolent  actions,  genial  in  disposition,  and 
numbering  friends  by  legions.  The  birth  of 
this  good  man  occurred  in  the  North  of  Ire- 
land, in  March,  1823,  and  he  was  the  son  of 
Thomas  and  Bridget  McGovern,  who  died  in 
Ireland  some  years  before  our  subject  crossed 
the  ocean.  Prior  to  his  making  the  journey  two 
of  his  brothers,  James  and  Patrick,  had  emigrat- 
ed, the  former  purchasing  land  near  Milwau- 
kee, where  he  resided  until  his  death,  in  1894. 
Patrick  was  among  the  brave  pioneers  who 
braved  untold  dangers  in  the  gold  fields  of 
California,  was  successful,  married  in  that 
State,  and  died  there  some  years  ago. 

Phil.  McGovern  was  educated  in  his  native 
country,  and  hearing  such  glowing  accounts 
of  the  opportunties  offered  by  the  New  World, 
he  came  to  New  York  in  1840.  thence  trav- 
eled to  Mauch  Chunk.  Pennsylvania,  and  later 
located  at  Lancaster,  that  State,  where  a cousin, 
Edward  McGovern,  was  living.  The  next  re- 
moval was  via  Buffalo  to  Platteville.  Wis., 
where  he  engaged  in  mining  for  eight 
years.  In  1851,  fired  with  stories  of  the  dis- 
covery of  gold  in  California,  Phil.  McGovern 
crossed  the  Plains  to  that  State,  and  worked 
very  successfully  for  four  years.  He  then  re- 
turned to  Platteviile,  purchased  prairie  land 
east  of  town,  and  improved  a large  farm  which 
he  still  owns.  In  1895,  ^r-  McGovern  retired 
from  active  farming,  and,  purchasing  a fine 


go6 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


building  site,  erected  his  pleasant  home,  which 
is  supplied  with  all  modern  improvements,  and 
finished  throughout  with  hard  wood. 

In  July,  1857,  Mr.  McGovern  was  married 
to  Miss  Margaret  McGovern,  horn  in  Ireland 
in  1837,  a daughter  of  John  and  Margaret 
(Morrow)  McGovern.  John  McGovern  came 
from  Ireland  in  1847,  settling  on  a farm  in 
Grant  county,  where  he  died.  To  himself  and 
wife  were  born  five  children,  whom  he  broug'ht 
to  America  with  him,  their  mother  having  died 
prior  to  leaving  Ireland.  Of  this  family  the 
wife  of  our  subject  and  two  brothers  alone 
survive:  John  McGovern,  Jr.,  of  Lacrosse, 

Wis.,  and  Thomas,  of  California.  Those  now 
deceased  are:  Katie  was  the  wife  of  a Mr. 

McMaran,  of  Dubuque,  Iowa;  Ellen  was  the 
wife  of  Thomas  Mont  Clair,  of  St.  Paul.  Nine 
children  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McGovern, 
of  whom  three  died  in  infancy  : ( 1 ) Henry, 

born  in  Grant  county,  in  1859,  is  a resident  of 
Whittemore,  Iowa,  where  he  is  engaged  in 
conducting  a nursery.  (2)  Thomas  F.,  born 
in  Grant  county,  attended  the  State  Normal 
for  several  years,  and  assisted  his  father  on  his 
farm  in  Iowa,  and  now  resides  in  Whittemore, 
Iowa,  engaging  in  a real  estate  and  loan  busi- 
ness, and  is  also  a notary  public,  is  also  vice 
president  of  the  Boyce  Land,  Loan  & Live 
Stock  Co.,  of  Whittemore.  He  married  Miss 
Kate  Cullen,  of  Iowa,  and  has  three  children, 
Alice,  Lloyd  and  Meda.  (3)  Philip  C.,  born  in 
February,  1864,  was  educated  in  the  State 
Normal,  and  now  resides  in  Omaha,  Neb., 
where  he  is  engaged  in  the  tobacco  and  cigar 
trade ; he  is  married,  but  has  no  family.  ( ' 

Benjamin,  born  in  Grant  county,  was  educated 
in  the  State  Normal,  and  resides  on  the  home 
farm.  (5)  Maggie,  born  in  Grant  county,  was 
well  educated  in  the  State  Normal,  and  is  now 
residing  at  home;  she  is  one  of  the  most  culti- 
vated and  accomplished  young  ladies  of  Platte- 
ville,  and  a great  comfort  to  her  parents.  (6) 
John,  born  in  Grant  county,  is  now  a student 
in  the  State  Normal. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  McGovern  and  family  are  all 
devout  members  of  the  Catholic  Church,  and 
have  always  been  liberal  contributors  to  it. 
Not  only  did  Mr.  McGovern  subscribe  very 
generously  to  the  erection  of  the  old  church, 
but  also  towards  the  new  one,  built  a few 
years  ago.  Politically,  Mr.  McGovern  has  al- 
ways identified  himself  with  the  Democratic 
party,  and  loyally  supports  its  candidates.  Few 


men  deserve  success  more  than' Mr.  McGovern, 
and  his  prosperity  is  but  the  just  reward  of 
his  years  of  effort.  Never  has  he  turned  a 
deaf  ear  to  the  needy,  but  gives  liberally,  not 
only  of  his  means,  but  also  of  his  time  and 
sympathy.  The  family  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McGov- 
ern have  reared,  is  one  that  does  credit  to  their 
care  and  good  example,  and  each  member  of  it 
is  entitled  to  high  esteem. 

JOHN  A.  SMITH.  Among  the  necessary 
adjuncts  to  a progressive  town  is  the  news- 
paper, and  since  1888  Monticello,  Green  county, 
has  had  in  The  Monticello  Nezvs  one  of  the 
most  complete  and  satisfactory  sheets  published 
in  the  county.  This  enterprise  was  estab- 
lished, and  has  been  ably  conducted,  by  John 
A.  Smith,  who  was  born  in  Jefferson  county, 
Wis.,  on  Oct.  3,  1864,  a son  of  John  M.  and 
Eva  (Summers)  Smith,  both  of  whom  were 
born  in  Pennsylvania.  A family  of  one  son 
and  five  daughters  was  born  to  them:  Nora, 

who  married  Hullett  Hutson,  of  Edgerton, 
Wis. ; Susie,  who  married  John  Bowen,  of 
Edgerton,  Wis.;  Ella,  who  is  the  widow  of  J. 
D.  Hoffman,  of  Rockford,  111. ; Christie,  who 
married  Robert  McGill,  of  Oregon,  Wis. ; John 
A.,  our  subject;  and  Retta,  who  married  New- 
ton F.  Wells,  of  Whitewater,  Wisconsin. 

The  paternal  grandfather  was  an  old  resi- 
dent of  Pennsylvania,  as  was  also  the  maternal, 
both  of  them  living  to  advanced  age.  The 
father,  John  M.  Smith,  was  a carpenter  and 
builder  in  early  life,  and  after  locating  at  Hel- 
enville,  Jefferson  Co.,  Wis.,  continued  to  be  oc- 
cupied in  the  same  way,  but  has  now  retired 
from  active  business.  During  the  Civil  war 
he  was  a member  of  Co.  F,  29th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and 
served  faithfully  in  the  ranks  for  three  years. 
In  politics  he  belongs  to  the  Democratic  party. 

John  A.  Smith  was  reared  in  Jefferson 
county,  Wis.,  and  attended  both  country  and 
town  schools,  later  entering  the  Northwestern 
Business  College,  at  Milwaukee.  He  then  be- 
gan to  learn  the  printer’s  trade,  under  his 
brother-in-law.  at  Edgerton,  Wis.,  on  the 
Wisconsin  Tobacco  Reporter,  following  this 
trade  a number  of  years.  At  various  times  he 
has  had  charge  of  newspapers,  and  has  taken 
part  in  the  preparation  of  some  of  the  most 
important  in  the  country,  finally  forming  a part- 
nership with  M.  C.  Russell,  in  the  publication 
of  The  Whitezuater  Nezvs,  continuing  this  for 
one  year,  at  the  expiration  of  which  time  he 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


907 


bought  the  interest  of  Mr.  Russell,  continuing 
one  year  longer,  and  then  sold  out.  The  fol- 
lowing year  was  spent  by  our  subject  in  re- 
cuperating, but  in  1888  he  located  in  Monti- 
cello  and  established  his  present  successful 
paper.  In  politics  our  subject  is  a Republican, 
but  his  paper  is  conducted  on  independent  lines. 

Mr.  Smith  was  married  in  November,  1889, 
to  Miss  Fannie  L.  Barney,  a daughter  of  Milo  L. 
and  Anna  (Burtiss)  Barney,  and  two  children 
have  been  born  of  this  union : Lela  B.  and  Ray- 
mond. Socially  Mr.  Smith  is  connected  with 
the  A.  O.  U.  W.,  Knights  of  the  Globe,  and  is 
past  master  workman  in  the  former  order  at 
this  place.  He  has  shown  marked  ability  in 
the  conduct  of  his  paper,  being  energetic  and 
progressive,  while  at  the  same  time  he  is  diplo- 
matic and  careful  in  his  selection  of  the  news 
of  the  day,  aiming  to  make  of  his  paper  an 
ideal  home  journal. 

A.  KNAPP  is  one  of  the  leading  and  influ- 
ential citizens  of  Cassville  township,  Grant 
county,  who  has  taken  an  active  part  in  nro- 
moting  its  substantial  improvement  and  ma- 
terial development.  An  adopted  son  of  Amer- 
ica. his  loyalty  is  above  question,  and  for  three 
years  he  fought  for  the  old  flag  and  the  cause 
it  represented  during  the  Civil  war. 

Mr.  Knapp  was  born  in  Germany,  in  1S40, 
a son  of  Conrad  and  Mary  Knapp,  who  came 
to  America  in  1846,  bringing  with  them  their 
nine  children,  but  of  this  once  numerous  fam- 
ily only  two  members  are  now  living,  in  1900, 
these  being  our  subject  and  Jasper,  a resident 
of  Lancaster.  Wis.  One  son,  Philip,  served 
with  our  subject  in  the  war  for  the  Union,  a 
member  of  the  same  company  and  regiment. 

In  August,  1862,  A.  Knapp  offered  his 
services  to  the  government,  and  became  a mem- 
ber of  Company  H.  25th  Wis.  V.  I.  When 
hostilities  ceased  he  was  honorably  discharged, 
June  27.  1865,  after  almost  three  years  of  ac- 
tive and  faithful  service  on  southern  battle 
fields,  never  being  off  duty  with  exception 
of  six  weeks,  when  confined  by  sickness  in  the 
hospital  at  Memphis,  Tenn.,  during  which  time 
his  regiment  was  stationed  at  Helena,  Ark. 
Mr.  Knapp  took  part  in  Sherman’s  xAtlanta 
campaign,  the  famous  March  to  the  Sea,  and 
then  marched  on  to  Washington,  D.  C.,  where 
he  participated  in  the  Grand  Review.  Like 
most  old  veterans,  he  feels  the  effect  of  his 
long  army  service  more  and  more  as  the  years 


go  by,  his  chief  troubles  being  rheumatism, 
caused  by  exposure,  and  partial  deafness, 
caused  by  the  explosion  of  a shell. 

On  Dec.  31.  1865,  Mr.  Knapp  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Edie  L.  Roberts,  a 
daughter  of  Herman  and  Elizabeth  Roberts, 
natives  of  Kentucky  and  Ohio,  respectively, 
and  early  settlers  of  Beetown,  Grant  Co.,  Wis. 
They  left  the  county  after  many  years  resi- 
dence here,  and  the  mother  died  in  Colorado, 
the  father  in  Missouri.  Airs.  Knapp  is  a na- 
tive of  Illinois,  and  is  one  of  a family  of  ten 
children,  five  of  whom  are  living  in  1900.  Mr. 
Knapp  and  his  wife  have  five  children,  three 
sons  and  two’  daughters,  namely:  Alice  L., 

Perry  IT.,  Nettie  M.,  Clav  W.  and  Park.  In 
1897  Air.  Knapp,  with  his  family,  moved  to 
Kansas,  thinking  that  a change  of  climate 
would  be  beneficial  to  his  health,  and  after  one 
year  spent  in  that  State,  went  to  Iowa,  where 
he  remained  two  vears.  but  receiving  no  ap-' 
parent  benefit  from  the  change,  he  returned  to 
Wisconsin  in  March,  1900.  Here  he  is  com- 
fortably situated  on  a fine  farm  in  Cassville 
township,  Grant  county,  and  enjoys  many  of 
the  comforts  of  life.  In  his  political  views  he 
is  a Republican.  He  was  one  of  the  faithful 
soldiers  in  the  war  for  the  LTiion,  and  is  to-dav 
one  of  the  most  highly  respected  citizens  of  his 
community. 

HENRY  E.  RANOUS.  though  yet  a 
young  man,  has  attained  prominence  as  a drug- 
gist and  pharmacist  in  Janesville,  Rock  coun- 
ty, and  stands  high  among  the  younger  busi- 
ness men  of  the  city.  With  a thorough  prepa- 
ration for  his  calling,  his  future  is  secure.  He 
has  those  personal  qualities  that  win  popular 
favor  and  attract  patronage,  and  his  friends 
anticipate  for  him  a successful  career. 

Mr.  Ranous  was  born  in  Watertown.  Wis., 
Sept.  5,  1870.  His  parents,  Clark  and  Lydia 
(Lindon)  Ranous,  also  natives  of  this  State, 
had  three  children:  Henry  E. : Nellie  Mary, 
wife  of  Charles  Schaller,  of  Jan'esville;  and 
Francis  Andrew,  of  Fond  du  Lac,  Wis.  Clark 
Ranous  is  a railroad  man,  being  freight  agent 
for  the  Chicago  & Northwestern  Railroad  in 
Janesville,  of  which  city  he  has  been  a resident 
since  1872,  and  his  manly  and  upright  qualities, 
joined  to  his  thorough  business  abilities,  have 
won  him  a large  circle  of  friends.  He  was  a 
soldier  in  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  enlisting 
from  Jefferson,  Wis.,  and  while  in  the  service 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


908 


suffered  from  prolonged  and  serious  sickness. 
After  he  came  back  from  the  war  he  secured 
a position  with  the  Northwestern,  and  has  re- 
mained with  that  road  to  the  present  time. 
Politically  he  is  a Republican.  His  father  was 
born  in  the  State  of  New  York,  came  West, 
located  in  Palmyra,  Wis.,  and  died  in  middle 
life;  he  had  a large  family.  The  maternal 
grandfather  of  Henry  Ranous,  Edwin  Will- 
iams. a native  of  New  England,  came  to  Co- 
lumbus, Wis.,  many  years  ago,  and  died  soon 
after.  His  widow  married  Joseph  Lindon,  and 
her  daughter  took  his  name.  Airs.  Ranous  is 
an  Episcopalian. 

Henry  E.  Ranous  was  two  years  old  when 
his  parents  brought  him  to  Janesville,  and  here 
he  spent  his  childhood  and  youth,  attending  the 
city  schools.  He  was  graduated  from  the 
Janesville  high  school  in  1889,  and  began  the 
study  of  pharmacy  with  Frank  Sherer,  spend- 
'ing  two  years  under  his  supervision,  was  a 
student  in  the  Chicago  College  of  Pharmacy, 
and  came  back  to  Janesville  to  go  into  business 
with  W.  T.  Sherer,  under  the  firm  name  of 
W.  T.  Sherer  & Co.  This  partnership  contin- 
ued for  five  years,  and  was  terminated  by  the 
withdrawal  of  Air.  Ranous,  for  the  purpose  of 
uniting  with  Dr.  St.  John  in  the  purchase  of 
the  drug  business  of  Prentice  & Evenson. 
They  took  the  firm  name  of  H.  E.  Ranous  & 
Co.,  and  the  business  associations  thus  formed 
have  proved  in  every  way  profitable  and  pleas- 
ant, and  are  still  unbroken.  Mr.  Ranous  is  a 
member  of  the  Episcopal  Church ; fraternally 
is  a Alaster  Mason,  affiliating  with  Janesville 
Lodge.  No.  55,  A.  F.  & A.  AL ; and  in  political 
sentiment  is  a Republican.  He  lives  at  home 
with  his  parents. 

JOHN  KEA1P,  a venerable  representative 
of  the  farming  community  of  Jamestown, 
Grant  county,  is  not  now  engaged  in  active 
work,  spending  his  last  days  in  well-deserved 
peace  and  rest,  and  leaving  to  other  hands 
the  duties  which  he  so  well  discharged  through 
a long  and  useful  life. 

Air.  Kemp  was  born  in  Cornwall,  England, 
in  June,  1830,  a son  of  John  and  Elizabeth 
(Watts)  Kemp,  both  natives  of  Cornwall,  the 
father  born  in  1797,  and  the  mother  in  1795. 
Soon  after  their  marriage  they  came  to  the 
United  States,  and  in  1842  settled  near  Cleve- 
land. Ohio,  where  they  lived  some  two  years. 
They  then  came  West  to  Wisconsin,  settling 


at  Hazel  Green,  Mr.  Kemp  finding  work  in  the 
lead  mines,  which  occupation  he  followed  some 
years,  after  which  he  bought  120  acres  of  wild 
land  from  the  government,  paying  for  it  $1.25 
an  acre.  This  land  he  cleared  up,  erected 
buildings  thereon  and  made  a home  for  his 
family.  Airs.  Kemp  died  while  they  were  re- 
siding in  Hazel  Green,  leaving  him  one  son, 
John,  and  one  daughter,  Elizabeth.  The  lat- 
ter was  born  in  England  in  1828,  and  is  now 
the  widow  of  Joseph  Varker,  of  Cuba  City. 
Ider  family  consists  of  seven  children  : ( 1 ) 

Caroline,  widow  of  William  Champion,  of 
Cuba  City;  (2)  John  R.,  a farmer  in  the  town 
of  Hazel  Green;  (3)  Elizabeth,  wife  of  Joseph 
Daniels,  of  the  town  of  Hazel  Green;  (4) 
Philena,  wife  of  Robert  Wilkinson,  of  Iowa; 
(5);  Frank,  a resident  of  the  old  .home  in 
Hazel  Green;  (6)  Ida,  at  the  home  in  Cuba 
City;  and  (7)  Russell,  a resident  of  Cuba 
City. 

John  Kemp  came  with  his  parents  to  Wis- 
consin in  boyhood,  and  his  education  is  some- 
what limited  on  account  of  the  fact  that  the 
settlements  in  Wisconsin  had  outrun  for  the 
moment  the  development  of  the  school  sys- 
tem!. When  twenty  years  old  he  went  to  Cali- 
fornia to  seek  his  fortune  in  the  gold  fields, 
making  the  journey  across  the  plains  by  way 
of  Fort  Laramie.  For  about  four  years  he 
remained  in  the  gold  fields,  and  came  back  to 
Wisconsin  in  time  for  the  burial  of  his  father, 
who  died  that  fall. 

On  Alay  5,  1855,  Air.  Kemp  married  Miss 
Jane  Roberts,  of  Hazel  Green,  daughter  of 
Daniel  and  Anna  Roberts,  both  of  whom  died 
in  Cornwall,  England.  Mrs.  Kemp  was  born 
in  England  in  1835.  When  a young  girl  she 
came  to  her  brother,  John  Roberts,  at  Alin- 
eral  Point,  where  he  is  still  living,  retired ; 
Mrs.  Kemp  and  her  brother  John  are  the  only 
living  members  of  the  Roberts  family  in  this 
country.  After  their  marriage  Air.  and  Airs. 
Kemp  settled  on  his  father’s  old  homestead  in 
Hazel  Green.  In  1862  Air.  Kemp  crossed  the 
plains  for  Oregon,  taking  with  him  his  wife 
and  two  children,  worked  in  the  mines  at  Au- 
burn, that  State,  one  year,  and  then  moved 
to  Boise  City,  Idaho.  While  in  Auburn  their 
eldest  son,  John,  was  drowned  in  one  of  the 
mine  prospecting  holes.  Mr.  Kemp  and  his 
wife  remained  in  the  gold  fields  four  years, 
and  then  returned  to  Wisconsin  to  make  their 
I home  on  the  old  homestead,  which  has  been 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


909 


their  abiding  place  to  the  present  time.  Mr. 
Kemp  has  since  spent  a year  in  California  for 
the  benefit  of  his  health,  taking  his  wife  and 
family  with  him,  and  making  the  journey  by 
rail.  Coming  back  to  Wisconsin,  they  pur- 
chased a home  near  Louisburg,  where  in  1872 
he  erected  a new  house  and  other  buildings, 
now  owning  one  of  the  choice  homes  in  this 
section. 

To  Mr.  Kemp  and  his  wife  have  been  born 
ten  children,  six  of  whom  survive : ( 1 ) 

Charles,  the  eldest  living,  was  born  in  Octo- 
ber, 1865,  and  obtained  his  education  in  the 
Wisconsin  schools.  He  married  Miss  Fannie 
Riker,  of  Dubuque,  where  he  is  a telephone 
manager.  They  have  four  children,  Hazel, 
Francis,  Floyd  and  Charlotte.  (2)  John  H., 
born  in  August,  1868,  was  educated  at  the  high 
school  at  Dixon,  111.,  and  the  Platteville  State 
Normal,  and  for  several  years  has  been  a 
teacher  in  the  public  schools.  He  married 
Miss  Alice  Shepherd,  of  Maine,  and  they  are 
living  on  his  farm  in  Jamestown,  Grant  coun- 
ty. (3)  William  A.,  born  in  California  in  July, 
1871,  was  graduated  from  the  college  at  Dixon, 
111.,  and  is  a resident  of  Jamestown.  (4) 
Royal  R.,  born  in  the  present  home  in  October, 
1873,  is  the  manager  of  the  home  farm.  (5) 
Alfred  H.,  born  in  Jamestown  in  December, 
1876,  grew  up  at  the  homestead,  where  he  still 
resides.  (6)  Edna  B.,  born  at  the  present  home 
in  August,  1878,  was  educated  in  the  home 
and  Dubuque  high  schools,  and  is  an  intelli- 
gent young  lady. 

Mr.  Kemp  is  a Republican,  but  not  a seeker 
for  office.  In  religion  the  members  of  the 
family  are  identified  with  the  Congregational 
and  M.  E.  Churches.  Mr.  Kemp  was  one  of 
the  founders  and  builders  of  the  first  church 
in  his  section  of  the  country,  and  has  always 
taken  a great  interest  in  church  work.  He  is 
a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity. 

JOSEPH  PINCH  (deceased).  One  of 
the  prominent  and  successful  men  who  assisted 
materially  in  the  development  of  Smelser  town- 
ship, Grant  county,  was  Joseph  Pinch,  who 
passed  out  of  life  in  January,  1891,  when  he 
had  reached  his  sixty-fourth  birthday.  He 
was  born  in  Cornwall,  England,  in  January, 
1827,  a son  of  Joseph  and  Nancy  Pinch,  both 
of  whom  were  reared  in  England,  where  the 
former  died.  The  mother  decided  to  remove  to 
America,  and  with  her  six  children  took  pas- 


sage and  finally  located  in  Grant  county,  Wis., 
m 1849,  where  she  remained  until  her  demise. 
The  family  is  not  a large  one  now,  two  daugh- 
ters dying  in  New  Jersey,  where  the  widowed 
mother  first  located,  two  (Elizabeth  and  Ma- 
ria) in  Wisconsin,  and  Elias,  the  survivor, 
lives  in  Iowa. 

Joseph  Pinch  was  reared  in  his  English 
home,  and  was  given  educational  opportunities 
there,  and  in  1851  married  Miss  Ann  Jane, 
who  was  born  in  1829,  a daughter  of  Thomas 
and  Nancy  (Knight)  Jane,  who  were  residents 
of  England  until  1808,  when  they  came  to 
America  and  settled  in  Galena,  111.,  where  they 
made  their  home  until  they  died,  some  years 
ago,  leaving  Mrs.  Pinch  as  the  only  survivor 
of  the  family.  After  our  subject  came  to 
America  he  settled  on  a farm  at  Dover,  N.  J., 
and  there  was  employed  in  the  iron  works, 
in  that  State.  In  1852  he  removed  to 
Cherry  Valley,  111.,  making  the  trip  by  rail  and 
boat,  with  teams  and  wagon,  thus  taking  all 
means  of  travel  at  that  time  possible.  Mr. 
Pinch  later  moved  to  Jamestown,  Wis.,  and 
bought  a farm  and  improved  it,  upon  which  his 
family  lived  for  fourteen  years,  until  he  pur- 
chased his  farm  in  Smelser  township,  where 
he  resided  until  his  death.  This  event  called 
forth  many  expressions  of  sorrow  and  regret 
from  the  whole  community,  for  Mr.  Pinch  had 
lived  a life  of  honesty,  industry  and  good  works 
and  was  highly  esteemed.  Religiously  Mr. 
Pinch  was  a member  of  the  M.  E.  Church, 
and  had  been  since  boyhood,  always  taking  an 
active  part  in  the  religious  work  in  his  neigh- 
borhood. Politically  he  was  identified  with  the 
Republican  party.  To  himself  and  wife  were 
born:  John,  born  in  New  Jersey  in  1852; 
Annetta,  born  in  Grant  county  in  1854.  mar- 
ried James  Jane,  of  Idaho  Springs,  Colo.,  and 
has  four  children,  Frederick,  Albert,  Mable  and 
James;  Marqueta,  born  in  Grant  county  in 
1857,  married  William  Ketto,  and  went  to  Col- 
orado, where  she  died  in  1889,  leaving  seven 
children,  William,  Walter,  Joseph,  Frank  and 
Harry  (twins),  Jennie,  and  Millie,  who  are  res- 
idents in  the  home  of  their  grandmother:  Jo- 
seph, a farmer  here,  born  in  1862.  married  a 
Miss  Heil,  of  Smelser,  and  has  six  children, 
Frederick,  Frank,  Henry,  Elmer,  Bessie,  and 
Estella;  Jennie,  born  in  1867,  married  Sylves- 
ter Florine,  a mining  engineer  of  Smelser,  and 
has  four  children,  Walter,  James,  Lillie  and 
Etta;  and  James,  born  in  1872,  married  Estella 


9io 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Finnigan,  and  resides  on  the  home  farm  in 
Smelser. 

The  widow  of  our  subject  resides  among 
her  children  and  old  friends,  enjoying  the  com- 
forts provided  by  her  husband  during  life,  and 
is  known  throughout  the  community  as  a lady 
deserving  the  sincere  affection  and  respect 
which  she  inspires.  For  very  many  years  she 
has  been  a consistent  member  of  the  M.  E. 
Church-,  and  is  one  of  the  leading  spirits  in 
charitable  work,  within  the  circle  she  is  able 
to  reach.  The  family  is  respected,  and  none 
in  Grant  county  are  more  highly  entitled  to  it 
than  the  children  of  the  late  lamented  Joseph 
Pinch. 

MARTIN  HAYDEN  is  a farmer  and 
miner  now  residing  in  the  town  of  Platteville, 
Grant  county,  and  though  somewhat  advanced 
in  years,  he  is  still  a hale  and  hearty  man, 
bearing-  himself  with  the  strength  and  vigor 
that  naturally  belong  to  an  earlier  period  in 
life.  He  is  a man  of  character,  and  is  well 
and  favorably  spoken  of  by  those  who  know 
him  best. 

Mr.  Hayden  was  born  in  the  south  of  Ire- 
land in  1832,  and  was  the  son  of  John  and 
Mary  Hayden,  who  lived  and  died  in  Ireland. 
Mr.  Hayden’s  somewhat  limited  education  was 
acquired  in  his  native  island,  and  in  1847  he 
emigrated  to  this  country.  Pie  crossed  the 
ocean  in  a sailing  vessel,  landing  at  the  port 
of  New  York,  and  found  his  first  employment 
in  this  country  as  a laborer  on  a railroad,  and 
as  a farm  hand  in  Connecticut  for  several  years. 
In  1849  fie  went  to  Frankfort,  Ivy.,  where  he 
did  railroad  work  for  a year  and  a half.  He 
went  from  Kentucky  to  St.  Louis,  and  did  gen- 
eral work  for  two  years,  more  anxious  to  be 
employed  than  to  pick  his  work.  He  then  came 
north  as  far  as  La  Salle  county,  111.,  and  there 
he  was  employed  for  three  years  in  railroading 
and  steamboating,  and  then  entered  Wisconsin, 
locating  at  Platteville,  Grant  county,  mining 
in  the  winter  and  working  on  the  farm  in  the 
summer.  At  this  place  he  made  a modest  in- 
vestment, buying  eighteen  acres  of  land  one 
mile  north  of  Platteville,  and  made  some  sub- 
stantial improvements.  At  a later  period  he 
bought  eighty  acres  of  land  two  miles  south- 
west of  the  town  of  Platteville,  and  converted 
this  into  the  fine  farm  where  he  now  lives. 
He  has  made  extensive  improvements,  putting 
up  a handsome  and  attractive  house,  a large 


barn,  and  such  other  improvements  as  are 
needed  in  a modern  and  up-to-date  farm. 

Mr.  Llayden  and  Miss  Mary  Cummings 
were  married  in  Platteville.  She  was  born  in 
Ireland,  and  is  the  mother  of  nine  children: 
John,  born  in  Grant  county,  is  married  and 
lives  with  his  family  in  Madison,  Wis. ; Mary, 
now  the  wife  of  Charles  Homison,  of  Minne- 
apolis, has  a family;  Thomas,  a resident  of 
Platteville,  married  and  has  a family;  Ellen, 
unmarried,  lives  in  Chicago  ; William  is  a resi- 
dent of  his  father’s  home;  Lizzie  lives  in  Chi- 
cago; Martin  is  also  in  Chicago;  Hannah  mar- 
ried Edward  Newman,  of  Chicago;  and  Janies 
lives  at  home  and  follows  the  trade  of  a painter. 
Mr.  Hayden  came  to  this  country  poor,  and 
landed  in  New  York  with  only  five  dollars  in 
his  pocket.  By  his  industry  and  prudence  he 
has  amassed  a considerable  fortune,  and  owns 
a fine  farm  in  Grant  county.  Politically  he  is 
a Democrat,  and  in  religious  belief  belongs  to 
the  Catholic  Church,  as  do  all  the  other  mem- 
bers of  the  family.  Pie  was  a contributor  to 
the  first  church  of  his  faith  in  Grant  county. 
He  is  a natural  student,  and  is  especially  well 
posted  on  the  history  and  geology  of  Wiscon- 
sin, and  his  memory  is  remarkably  retentive 
for  one  of  his  years.  He  has  a kindly  dispo- 
sition, and  his  neighbors  speak  highly  of  him. 

LEWIS  MORGAN  OKEY  (deceased). 
Among  the  representative  business  men  of 
Grant  county  none  were  more  deserving  of 
representation  in  this  volume  than  Lewis  M. 
Okey,  the  well-known  president  of  the  Cass- 
ville  Bank.  For  many  years  he  was  connected 
with  the  agricultural  interests  of  the  commun- 
ity, and  through  his  well-directed  efforts 
gained  a handsome  competence  that  numbered 
him  among  the  most  prosperous  and  wealthy 
citizens  of  Cassville.  Keen  discrimination, 
unflagging-  industry  and  resolute  purpose 
were  his  salient  characteristics,  and  thus  he 
won  that  prosperity  which  is  the  merited  re- 
ward of  honest  effort. 

Mr.  Okey  was  born  in  Woodsfield,  Monroe 
Co.,  Ohio,  Jan.  3,  1823,  and  died  at  Cassville, 
Wis.,  July  7,  1900.  He  was  a son  of  Henry 
and  Minerva  (Baldwin)  Okey,  natives  of  Ver- 
mont and  Massachusetts,  respectively,  and  pio- 
neers of  the  Buckeye  State.  The  father  opened 
up  and  improved  a farm  in  Monrce  county, 
Ohio,  where  his  wife  died  in  1844,  and  he 
subsequently  came  to  Cassville,  Wis.,  where  his 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


9 1 1 


death  occurred  in  1856.  To  them  were  born 
six  children,  four  sons  and  two  daughters,  of 
whom  our  subject  was  the  eldest;  Wilson  came 
to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  in  1854,  but  died  in 
Hull,  Iowa,  in  January,  1901 ; Cornelius 
came  to  Cassville  in  1854,  enlisted  in  1861 
in  the  7th  Wis.  V.  L,  served  through 
the  Civil  war,  and  was  in  the  government 
employ  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  until  his 
death,  Feb.  2,  1901 ; Mrs.  Jane  Weimer 

is  a resident  of  Pike  county,  Mo. ; Mrs.  Belinda 
Yockey  makes  her  home  in  Hull,  Iowa;  and 
one  son  died  young. 

Lewis  Morgan  Okey  was  reared  and  edu- 
cated in  the  county  of  his  nativity,  and  in 
1850  came  to  Cassville,  Wis.  The  trip  was 
made  by  water,  down  the  Ohio  river  to  Cairo, 
111.,  and  up  the  Mississippi  to  Cassville,  where 
he  landed  April  7,  1850,  from  the  first  boat 
that  came  up  the  river  that  year.  The  town 
at  that  time  was  a mere  hamlet.  For  two 
years  Mr.  Okey  made  his  home  in  Waterloo 
township,  Grant  county,  and  then  purchased 
480  acres  of  prairie  and  160  acres  of  timber 
land  in  Cassville  township,  making  a full  sec- 
tion, which  he  improved  and  placed  under  a 
high  state  of  cultivation.  For  many  years  he 
was  extensively  engaged  in  general  farming 
and  stock  raising,  making  a specialty  of  blooded 
stock,  and  became  one  of  the  most  substantial 
agriculturists  of  Grant  county.  At  his  death 
he  still  owned  three  large  farms  near  Cassville, 
aggregating  1,180  acres.  In  1892  Mr.  Okey 
purchased  a full  interest  in  what  is  now  the 
Cassville  Bank.  It  was  organized  as  the  First 
Commercial  Bank  of  Cassville,  in  August, 
1889,  by  M.  A.  Creglow  and  Lewis  M.  Okey, 
and  the  bank  building  was  erected  the  same 
year.  When  Mr.  Okey  became  sole  proprietor 
he  changed  the  name  to  the  Cassvdle  Bank, 
and  from  its  inception  served  as  president.  As 
a financier  he  ranked  among  the  ablest,  and 
his  executive  ability  and  excellent  manage- 
ment brought  the  concern  with  which  he  was 
connected  a high  degree  of  success.  He  was  al- 
ways distinguished  for  punctuality  and  meth- 
odical habits,  a characteristic  which  was  empha- 
sized during;  his  last  sickness,  when  he  took 
pains  to  arrange  all  the  details  of  his  business 
in  anticipation  of  his  death. 

Before  leaving  Monroe  county,  Ohio,  Mr. 
Okey  was  married,  in  1842,  to  Miss  Caroline 
Titus,  a native  of  Norfolk  county,  Mass.,  and 
a daughter  of  Samuel  Titus,  who  died  in  Mis- 


souri. To  this  union  were  born  five  children, 
namely : Samuel,  who  is  married,  and  lives 
on  the  old  homestead  in  Cassville  township ; 
William,  who  is  postmaster  at  Cassville,  hav- 
ing had  charge  of  the  office  for  his  father, 
who  was  postmaster  from  1898  to  June  27, 
1900,  when  he  resigned  in  favor  of  his  son, 
the  latter's  bond  being  approved  on  July  9, 
just  two  days  after  his  father's  death;  Lewis 
H.,  who  is  married,  and  follows  farming 
in  Cassville  township;  Minerva,  wife  of 
George  H.  Groom,  of  Storm  Lake,  Iowa;  and 
Dora,  who  died  in  1854,  aged  eleven  months. 

Socially  Mr.  Okey  was  a member  of  Cass- 
ville Lodge,  No.  255,  F.  & x\.  M.,  R.  A.  Chap- 
ter, of  Lancaster,  Commandery,  K.  T.,  of  Bos- 
cobel,  and  Wisconsin  Consistory,  of  Milwau- 
kee. He  cast  his  first  presidential  vote  for 
Henry  Clay,  the  Whig  candidate,  but  from  the 
organization  of  the  Republican  party  had  been 
one  of  its  stanch  supporters;  and  had  served 
as  chairman  of  the  board  five  years  and  as  a 
member  of  the  city  council  at  Cassville.  Mr. 
Okey  was  practically  a self-made  man,  whose 
success  in  life  was  due  entirely  to  his  own 
well-directed  and  energetic  efforts.  On  first 
coming  to  Wisconsin  he  worked  in  the  lumber 
woods,  at  day  labor,  or  anything  which  he 
could  find  to  do.  Since  1889  he  had  made  his 
home  in  Cassville,  where  he  was  regarded  as 
I one  of  its  most  prominent  and  honored  citizens. 

JAMES  McWILLIAMS.  Among  the 
well-known  and  highly  esteemed  citizens  of  the 
city  of  Darlington,  Lafayette  county,  is  James 
McWilliams,  whose  birth  took  place  in  county 
Derry,  Ireland,  the  oldest  of  four  children,  his 
parents  never  crossing  from  the  old  country. 
Our  subject  was  the  first  of  his  family  to  tempt 
fortune  away  from  home,  and  he  arrived  in 
Shullsburg,  Wis.,  on  March  20,  1851.  When 
he  reached  New  York  he  was  almost  without 
means,  but  he  was  anxious  and  willing  to  work, 
and  soon  found  employment  in  the  iron  works 
at  Safe  Harbor,  Lancaster  Co.,  Penn.,  where 
the  labor  was  hard  and  laborious,  but  was 
well  paid  for.  Continuing  his  work  there, 
where  he  married  Miss  Catherine  McWilliams, 
he  saved  a few  hundred  dollars  and  resolved  to 
move  West  and  devote  his  time  to  the  more 
congenial  pursuits  of  agriculture. 

The  first  purchase  of  land  made  by  Mr. 
McWilliams  was  of  eighty  acres,  in  the  town 
of  Seymour,  and  here  he  built  a small  house  to 


912 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


shelter  his  family  and  then  began  to  look  about 
for  some  work  that  would  enable  him  to  live. 
In  those  days  the  grass  grew  wild  and  rank 
on  the  prairie,  and  our  subject  conceived  the 
idea  of  cutting  a large  quantity  and  selling 
the  hay,  later  contracting  with  some  mining- 
company  at  New  Diggings  for  seventy-five 
tons,  at  $5.00  a ton.  it  was  customary  in  those 
days,  as  at  later  times,  for  neighbors  to  assist 
one  another,  especially  in  threshing  time,  and 
thus  Mr.  McWilliams  secured  Ins  hay,  and 
naturally  expected  a rich  reward.  Having  been 
called  upon  to  assist  a neighbor  in  threshing,, 
it  was  necessary  to  be  away  from  home  over- 
night, and  what  was  his  disappointment  and 
sorrow  to  find  on  his  return  that  fire  had 
broken  out  and  destroyed  all  the  hay  and 
nearly  everything  he  owned,  except  the  land. 
This  was  a terrible  blow,  but  the  following 
morning  he  started  for  Shullsburg  and  started 
to  find  employment.  When  he  reached  there, 
after  much  deliberation,  he  accepted  the  hard 
offer  of  a Mr.  McNulty,  who  engaged  him 
for  fifty  cents  a day,  “from  the  time  he  could 
see  in  the  morning  until  he  could  see  no  longer 
at  night,’’  to  wind  a windlass  at  the  mine, 
the  distance  which  he  had  to  walk  from  his 
home  being  eight  miles',  and  he  continued  at 
■this  labor  all  winter.  With  these  meager  wages 
he  supplied  food  for  his  family,  and  saved 
enough  to  buy  twenty-four  bushels  of  seed 
wheat  at  a dollar  a bushel.  Later  our  subject 
engaged  in  work  for  a religious  denomination 
known  as  “The  Brothers,’’  near  Dubuque, 
Iowa,  being  all  the  time  looking  for  work  when 
his  own  land  did  not  demand  his  attention. 
About  this  time  a man  came  into  the  neighbor- 
hood to  buy  stock,  and  our  subject  engaged  to 
go  with  him,  Mr.  McWilliams  calling  at  one 
place  as  they  passed  through  the  country,  and 
his  employer  at  another.  On  one  occasion  he 
bought  of  a farmer  three  mules,  and  his  em- 
ployer at  the  same  time  bought  the  same  of 
another  man,  the  bargain  suiting  the  latter  so 
well  that  he  engaged  Mr.  McWilliams  to  ac- 
company him  over  Missouri,  Iowa,  and  else- 
where, our  subject  all  the  time  gaining  valua- 
ble experience  and  becoming  a good  judge  of 
live  stock.  Increasing  his  land,  which  he  placed 
under  fine  cultivation,  he  engaged  in  raising 
stock,  finally  becoming  noted  for  his  fine  stock 
and  cattle,  breeding  English  Shorthorns. 

After  many  years  actively  engaged  Mr.  Mc- 
Williams is  now  practically  retired,  although 


he  still  owns  his  land  and  takes  great  interest 
in  fine  cattle.  The  wife,  who  had  come  from 
Pennsylvania,  died  many  years  ago,  leaving 
two  children,  John  and  Mary.  Four  sons 
blessed  his  second  marriage,  James,  Joseph, 
Thomas  and  William.  Mr.  McWilliams  has 
always  been  an  industrious  and  respected  citi- 
zen, and  has  shown  by  his  own  life  what  may- 
be accomplished  by  energy  and  industry.  His 
whole  family  are  valued  members  of  the  Ro- 
man Catholic  Church. 

J.  B.  PENN,  a most  respected  retired  hard- 
ware merchant  of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  is 
a native  of  Henry  county,  Va.,  born  in  1817, 
and  was  reared  to  manhood  and  educated  in 
the  common  schools  in  Kentucky,  whither  his 
parents,  Abram  and  Sarah  Penn,  had  removed 
in  an  early  day,  settling  in  Christian  county. 

In  1839  J-  B.  Penn  came  to  Grant  county, 
Wis.,  followed  lead  mining  for  some  years,  as 
well  as  other  pursuits,  and  in  1850  went  over- 
land to  California,  where  he  worked  in  the  gold 
fields  two-  years.  In  1852  Mr.  Penn  returned 
to  Wisconsin  and  married  Miss  Samantha  Col- 
lins, at  that  time  a resident  of  Jamestown, 
Grant  county,  and  a daughter  of  Aquilla  and 
Mercy  (Smith)  Collins,  of  Boston,  Mass., 
whence  they  removed  to^  Genesee  county,  N. 
Y.,  where  Mr.  Collins  followed  farming  until 
a short  time  before  coming  to  Wisconsin,  and 
here  he  and  his  wife  passed  the  remainder  of 
their  lives.  Mrs.  Penn  is  the  youngest  and 
only  survivor  of  a family  of  eight  children, 
and  was  educated  in  the  State  of  New  York. 
Mr.  Penn,  after  marriage,  lived  in  Platteville 
a short  time,  and  then  purchased  a farm  a 
mile  from  town,  on  which  he  and  family  re- 
sided fourteen  years,  and  which  he  then  sold 
and  bought  a fine  home  in  Platteville,  and  at 
the  same  time  embarked  in  the  hardware 
trade,  which  he  conducted  with  unvarying  suc- 
cess eight  years,  when  he  retired  on  a com- 
petency. 

To  the  marriage  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Penn 
have  been  born  two  children,  namely:  (1) 
Emma  G.,  born  and  reared  in  Platteville,  was 
here  married  to  Thomas  Bass,  and  has  three 
children,  viz. : Horace  H.,  now  principal  of  the 
high  school  at  Yankton,  S.  Dak. ; Helen  M.,  a 
teacher  in  the  high  school  at  Cassville,  Wis. ; 
and  Georgie  P.,  a student  in  the  State  Normal 
School  of  Platteville.  (2)  James  B..  also  born 
in  Platteville,  was  educated  in  the  high  school, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


9i3 


and  at  present  lives- in  Sherman  county,  Kans., 
where  he  is  engaged  as  dealer  in  live  stock, 
and  also  as  butcher;  he  married  a lady  of 
Goodland,  Ivans.,  but  has  no  children. 

In  religion  Mrs.  Penn  is  a Congregational- 
ism while  Mr.  Penn  is  a member  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church,  to  the  support  of  which 
he -is  a liberal  contributor.  He  has  been  identi- 
fied with  the  prosperity  and  growth  of  Platte- 
ville  from  its  infancy,  has  served  one  term  as 
its  mayor,  has  filled  various  other  local  offices, 
has  lived  to  see  it  grow  from  a mere  village 
to  a city  of  fair  proportions,  and  has  been  large- 
ly instrumental  in  promoting  this  growth.  He 
is  still  one  of  its  leading  citizens,  and  stands 
high  in  the  esteem  of  those  who  have  known 
him  so  many  years. 

CHRISTIAN  A.  THOMPSON  was  born 
in  Whitewater,  Wis.,  June  29,  i860,  son  of 
Thomas  and  Mary  (Mason)  Thompson,  both 
natives  of  Norway.  They  had  a family  of 
four  daughters  and  two  sons,  all  but  one  now 
living:  Hans,  of  Forest  City,  Iowa;  Josephine, 
wife  of  Fred  Johnson,  of  Beloit;  Carrie,  Mrs. 
Peter  Meyers,  of  Janesville;  Christian  A.;  and 
Anna,  Mrs.  Huntley,  of  Huron,  S.  Dak. 
Thomas  Thompson  was  a farmer.  He  came 
to  America  with  his  parents  in  1839,  at  the  age 
of  three  years,  and  they  found  a home  in  the 
township  of  Whitewater,  Walworth  Co.,  Wis., 
where  he  grew  to  manhood,  married  and  en- 
gaged in  farming.  He  died  in  1878,  at  the 
comparatively  early  age  of  forty-two.  His  fa- 
ther, Hans  Thompson,  was  a farmer,  and  died 
in  Walworth  county  when  about  fifty-five  years 
old,  leaving  a small  family.  Christian  Mason, 
the  maternal  grandfather  of  the  gentleman 
whose  name  introduces  this  article,  was  a farm- 
er, and  died  in  W alworth  county  at  the  age  of 
sixty-five.  He  had  a family  of  six  children. 

Christian  A.  Thompson  grew  to  manhood 
under  his  father’s  roof,  and  remained  on  the 
family  homestead  until  eighteen  years  of  age. 
He  had  a very  good  education,  finishing  at  the 
Whitewater  Normal.  He  learned  the  trade  of 
molder,  which  he  followed  for  twelve  years. 
Having  attractive  business  qualities,  he  was 
offered  a position  as  clerk  in  the  grocery  at 
Janesville,  Rock  county,  which  he  afterward 
owned,  and  held  same  for  a year  and  a half, 
when  he  went  into  business  for  himself  as  a 
grocer,  on  River  street.  He  was  in  business  at 
that  location  for  three  years,  when,  in  Octo- 

58 


ber,  1898,  he  moved  to  West  Milwaukee  street, 
carrying  a large  and  well-selected  stock  of 
goods.  Air.  Thompson  is  a stockholder  in  the 
Fuller  & Johnson  Manufacturing  Co.,  of  Madi- 
son, Wisconsin. 

On  June  7,  1887,  Mr.  Thompson  married 
Miss  Bertha  Vandewater,  a daughter  of  Jo- 
seph and  Elalia  (Ellis)  Vandewater.  They 
have  no  children.  Their  home  is  at  No.  159 
Madison  street,  Janesville.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Thompson  are  members  of  the  Congregational 
Church,  in  which  he  serves  as  junior  deacon. 
He  is  a Mason  of  high  standing,  belonging  to 
Western  Star  Lodge,  No.  14,  A.  F.  & A.  M_, 
and  Janesville  Chapter,  No.  5,  R.  A.  Ad.;  is 
also  a member  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  of 
America,  and  the  Ancient  Order  of  United 
Workmen.  He  is  a Republican,  and  a good 
citizen,  highly  respected  by  all  who  know  him. 

CHARLES  RITER,  a retired  farmer,  now 
making  his  home  in  Belmont,  Lafayette  county,, 
belongs  to  that  mighty  generation  that  won 
the  county  from  the  wilderness,  and,  with  no» 
friend  except  his  strong  arm  and  honest  liearR 
has  wrought  out  an  ample  competence  from 
hard  conditions  that  attended  his  early  man- 
hood in  this  country.  It  requires  courage  of  a 
high  order  to  leave  one’s  native  country  and 
cross  the  ocean  to  find  a home  among  strange 
people,  with  a different  tongue  and  alien  ways, 
to  take  the  hard  work,  and  do  the  heavy  tasks, 
never  to  lose  heart  or  be  discouraged,  but  to 
struggle  on,  even  when  sure  that  the  day  will 
dawn  soon,  and  the  coming  of  the  morn  will 
be  all  the  brighter  for  the  present  darkness. 
Yet  so  this  man  wrought  that  now  in  his  old 
age  he  is  not  a stranger  in  poverty  and  dis- 
tress, but  an  honored  and  respected  resident  of 
a town  and  county  he  has  helped  to  make, 
with  means  at  his  command,  and  friends  to  re- 
joice at  his  prosperity. 

Mr.  Riter  was  born  near  the  river  Rhine, 
in  Germany,  June  24,  1828,  son  of  Joseph  and 
Alaria  Riter,  who  were  born  and  reared  in 
Germany.  His  grandfather,  Joseph  Riter,  was 
born  in  Germany,  and  died  there.  Ide  married 
Maria  Istricken.  Our  subject’s  father  died  in 
Germany  in  1848,  and  the  mother  came  to 
America,  locating  in  Buffalo,  N.  Y.,  where  she 
lived  some  three  years,  thence  moving  to  Erie, 
Penn.,  where  she  died  in  1891.  She  was  the 
mother  of  five  children,  of  whom  Christine 
died  in  Germany, -and  the  others  came  to  this 


914 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


country  and  settled  in  different  States.  Mar- 
tin, the  eldest  son,  lives  in  Minnesota;  Marie 
married  and  settled  in  Minnesota;  and  An- 
drew, for  many  years  a captain  on  a Mississippi 
river  steamer,  died  at  Dubuque,  Iowa. 

Charles  Riter  came  from  his  native  land 
to  the  United  States  in  1850,  and  spent  a year 
working  in  Albany,  N.  Y.  In  1852  he  trav- 
eled on  toward  the  West,  and  found  a home  in 
Grant  county,  \ Vis. , where  for  a number  of 
years  he  was  employed  in  farm  work.  In  1855 
Mr.  Riter  and  Miss  Mercy  Farr  were  united 
in  marriage.  The  bride  was  born  in  Corn- 
wall, England,  and  has  proved  in  every  way 
a helpful  companion  to  her  honorable  and  hard- 
working husband.  After  their  marriage  the 
young  couple  first  settled  at  what  was  called 
the  “blockhouse,”  in  Grant  county,  and  in  1865 
they  bought  a farm  in  Kendall  township,  La- 
fayette county.  This  farm  was  the  family 
home  until  1892,  when  our  subject  purchased 
a home  in  Belmont,  and,  moving  into  town, 
retired  from  active  farm  labors.  Mr.  Riter  was 
a hustling  and  successful  farmer.  The  small 
estate  with  which  he  began  in  1865  had  ex- 
panded into  a magnificent  farm  of  460  acres 
in  less  than  thirty  years  thereafter.  He  wrought 
•valuable  and  extensive  improvements  upon  his 
place,  put  up  commodious  and  suitable  build- 
ings, and  made  one  of  the  model  farms  of  the 
southwestern  part  of  the  State. 

In  1873  Mrs.  Mercy  Riter  passed  away, 
the  mother  of  ten  children,  two  of  whom 
Eliza  and  Benjamin,  died  in  childhood.  The 
names  of  the  others  are  also  briefly  given  : ( 1 ) 
Charles  Riter  was  born  in  Grant  county,  mar- 
ried Miss  Mary  Moody,  and  lives  on  a farm  in 
Lafayette  county;  they  have  five  children, 
Sarah,  Ella,  Lester,  Albert  and  Charles.  (2) 
Etta,  born  in  Grant  county,  is  now  the  wife 
of  Charles  Daugherty,  of  Chicago,  and  has 
three  children,  Edith,  Maud  and  Clare.  (3) 
Susan  M.,  born  in  Grant  county,  is  Mrs.  John 
E.  Simmons,  of  Belmont,  and  is  the  mother  of 
two  children,  Charles  and  Orval.  (4)  George, 
born  in  Lafayette  county,  married  Miss  Anna 
Mankey,  and  is  a prosperous  farmer  of  Ply- 
mouth county,  Iowa  ; they  have  four  children, 
Elsie,  Harold,  Ruth  and  Laura.  (5)  Joseph, 
born  in  Lafayette  county,  married  Edith  Sim- 
mons, and  lives  in  Belmont.  (6)  Frank,  born 
in  Lafayette  county,  married  Miss  Rose  Met- 
calf, and  lives  in  Lafayette  county  on  his  fa- 
thers old  farm;  they  have  one  child,  Harley. 


(7)  John,  born  in  Lafayette  county,  married 
Miss  Mamie  Garvey,  and  lives  on  part  of  his 
father’s  old  homestead  farm ; they  have  one  son, 
Leroy.  (8)  Laura,  the  youngest  child  of  the 
family,  was  born  on  the  Lafayette  county  farm 
and  educated,  as  were  the  other  children,  in 
the  public  schools;  she  has  remained  with  her 
father  since  the  death  of  her  mother.  Mr.  Riter 
entered  into  matrimonial  engagements  a sec- 
ond time,  Mrs.  Mary  A.  Stout,  the  widow  of 
Thomas  Stout,  being  the  other  contracting  par- 
ty. She  is  now  deceased.  Mr.  Riter  is  a Re- 
publican, and  has  held  the  office  of  roadmas- 
ter  in  Kendall  township  some  years.  He  is  a 
member  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  while  his 
family  are  mostly  associated  with  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  Church.  Mr.  Riter  landed  at 
New  York  a penniless  lad,  and  has  absolutely 
made  his  own  way  in  the  world.  He  is  a man 
of  sterling  worth  and  genuine  character.  He 
has  passed  through  many  trials,  and  his  faith 
in  religion  has  been  tested  by  that  Grim  Reap- 
er who  has  cut  down  the  earthly  life  of  several 
of  Air.  Riter’s  loved  ones,  but  he  holds  to  the 
deep  truths  of  the  immortal  life,  and  feels  with 
every  passing  year  the  nearness  of  the  better 
world. 

GEORGE  R.  HODGE.  This  worthy  and 
esteemed  citizen  of  Wyalusing  township,  Grant 
county,  was  one  of  that  vast  army  of  young 
men  who,  during  their  country’s  peril  in  the 
early  ’60s,  responded  to  the  call  of  duty  and 
risked  their  lives  in  defense  of  the  Union. 
He  is  a native  of  the  Empire  State,  his  birth 
occurring  in  the  town  of  Clymer,  Chautauqua 
county,  November  21,  1840,  and  is  the  eldest 
in  a family  of  nine  children,  whose  parents 
were  John  Ripley  and  Phebe  (Cassler)  Hodge, 
natives  of  Vermont  and  New  York,  respective- 
ly. His  brother,  William  A.  Hodge,  served 
with  him  in  the  same  company  during  the  war. 

On  Aug.  31,  1864,  George  R.  Hodge  was 
enrolled  as  a member  of  Company  G,  15th 
New  York  Engineers,  and  received  an  honora- 
ble discharge  from  the  service  on  June  13, 
1865,  at  Fort  Barry,  Va.  He  was  rejected  as 
a candidate  for  military  duty  earlier  in  the  war 
on  account  of  a severe  injury  to  a toe  joint, 
but  later,  as  has  been  seen,  succeeded  in  enter- 
ing the  service.  His  regiment  was  assigned  to 
the  Army  of  the  Potomac,  doing  duty  chiefly 
at  City  Point  and  Petersburg,  Va.  When  Sher- 
man marched  to  the  sea  they  were  ordered 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHIC AE  RECORD. 


9>5 


South  to  meet  his  command,  but  before  reach- 
ing that  general  were  recalled,  going  to  Rich- 
mond, and  thence  to  Washington.  They  were 
finally  stationed  at  Arlington  Heights,  where 
they  remained  until  the  war  ended.  The  serv- 
ice of  this  branch  of  the  army  was  of  such 
a nature  that  it  was  called  frequently  from 
place  to  place,  as  their  services  were  required. 

After  the  war  Mr.  Hodge  came  West,  and 
has  since  made  his  home  in  Grant  county,  Wis. 
On  Dec.  29,  1875,  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Miss  Alice  Gulick,  who  was  born  at  Patch 
Grove  May  29,  1850,  being  the  first  child  born 
in  that  village.  Her  father,  Joachim  Gulick, 
was  a native  of  Montgomery  county,  N.  Y.,  and 
when  a lad  moved  to  Chautauqua  county,  that 
State.  Receiving  a good  education,  he  engaged 
in  the  occupation  of  teaching  for  some  years, 
and  in  the  capacity  of  teacher  went  South 
when  a young  man.  While  there  he  met  and 
married  Miss  Caroline  Perry,  the  ceremony  be- 
ing performed  at  Christianburg,  Henry  Co., 
Ivy.  In  the  fall  of  1849  they  came  to  Wiscon- 
sin, and  took  up  their  abode  in  Grant  county, 
Mr.  Gulick  becoming  one  of  the  pioneer  teach- 
ers of  this  region.  He  followed  that  profes- 
sion during  the  winter  season,  while  through 
the  summer  months  he  engaged  in  farming. 
He  finally  located  in  Wyalusing  township, 
where  he  purchased  his  first  farm,  previous  to 
this  time  having  rented  land.  In  1854  the 
present  township  of  Wyalusing  was  set  aside 
from  Patch  Grove,  and  the  same  year  Mr.  Gu- 
lick was  chosen  chairman  of  the  board  of  su- 
pervisors. He  was  one  of  the  most  prominent 
and  influential  men  of  his  community,  and  in 
his  death,  which  occurred  Sept.  28,  1872,  the 
township  realized  that  it  had  lost  a valued  citi- 
zen. Mrs.  Hodge  is  the  eldest  of  his  ten  chil- 
dren, all  of  whom  attained  mature  years  and 
married,  while  the  wife  and  mother  and  eight 
of  the  children  are  still  living,  in  1900.  The 
two  deceased  were  James,  who  died  at  the  age 
of  forty-four  years;  and  William,  at  the  age  of 
thirty-three.  The  mother  still  lives  on  the  old 
homestead,  where  she  has  resided  since  1853, 
and  is  one  of  the  few  remaining  pioneers  of 
that  part  of  Grant  county. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hodge  have  no  children  of 
their  own,  but  have  reared  two  sons  of  her 
sister,  Mrs.  Marian  Willard.  Like  her  es- 
teemed father,  Mrs.  Hodge  was  a successful 
teacher  before  her  marriage,  and  her  work  as 
an  educator  covered  a period  of  ten  years.  She 


is  a lady  of  culture  and  refinement,  and  of  much 
ability,  and  presides  with  gracious  dignity  over 
her  pleasant  home.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hodge 
are  worthy  members  of  the  Methodist  Church, 
and  wherever  known  are  held  in  high  regard. 

RICE  D.  GORHAM,  a prominent  and  rep- 
resentative citizen  of  Monroe,  has  been  a life- 
long resident  of  Green  county,  and  possesses 
the  public  confidence  to  a marked  degree.  He 
was  until  recently  in  the  grocery  business,  and 
commanded  a flattering  patronage. 

Mr.  Gorham  was  born  in  Green  county, 
Wis. , April  11,  1854,  and  is  a son  of  William 
C.  and  Elvira  M.  (Chaffee)  Gorham,  both  na- 
tives of  Ohio.  They  were  the  parents  of  two 
sons,  Rice  D.  and  Ernest  W.  The  father  has 
always  been  a farmer,  and  established  himself 
in  Wisconsin  in  1844,  locating  in  the  town  of 
York,  and  taking  up  a quarter-section  of  gov- 
ernment land.  He  bought  seventy-five  acres 
later  on,  and  still  later  140  more,  making  a 
magnificent  rural  estate. of  375  acres,  which  was 
his  home  for  twenty  years.  In  1894  he 
rented  his  land  and  moved  into  Monroe, 
where  he  still  resides.  His  wife  died 
two  years  later,  at  the  age  of  sixty-two. 
She  was  a woman  of  fine  spirit,  and  a 
devout  member  of  the  Free  Will  Baptist 
Church.  William  C.  Gorham  served  in  the 
Union  army  for  nine  months  during  the  Civil 
war  as  a member  of  Company  H,  46th  Wis. 
V.  I.,  doing  his  principal  military  duty  in  Ten- 
nessee. In  the  spring  of  1867  he  sold  his  farm- 
ing property  in  the  town  of  York,  and  bought 
240  acres  in  the  town  of  Sylvester.  He  has 
increased  this  by  subsequent  purchases,  so  that 
at  one  time  he  was  the  owner  of  520  acres. 
He  now  owns  300  acres  in  Sylvester,  and  also 
several  houses  and  lots  in  Monroe.  His  father, 
Elisha  Gorham,  was  a native  of  Ohio,  and  was 
born  of  English  parents.  He  was  in  the  war 
of  1812,  and  was  a life-long  farmer;  he  came 
to  Wisconsin  in  1844,  settled  in  the  town  of 
York,  and  lived  to  be  over  ninety  years  of  age. 
He  was  twice  married,  and  became  the  father 
of  two  sons  by  his  last  wife,  William  C.  and 
Henry  C.  Orville  Chaffee,  the  father  of  El- 
vira noted  above,  was  a native  of  Vermont, 
and  a settler  in  Ohio  at  an  early  day.  finding 
a home  in  Geauga  county,  where  he  followed 
farming.  He  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812, 
reared  a large  family,  and  lived  to  be  eighty- 
l six  years  of  age. 


gi6 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Rice  D.  Gorham  has  always  made  Green 
county  his  home.  He  grew  to  manhood  under 
the  parental  roof,  and  received  his  education 
from  the  local  schools  and  the  Whitewater 
Normal.  When  he  attained  his  majority  his 
father  presented  him  with  an  eighty-acre  farm, 
and  the  young-  man  succeeding  as  a farmer, 
was  presently  able  to  purchase  another  eighty, 
and  was  a farmer  for  nine  years,  having  his 
home  in  the  town  of  Monroe  about  two  and 
a half  miles  from  the  city.  In  1884  Mr.  Gor- 
ham rented  his  place,  and,  moving  to  the  city, 
engaged  in  the  hardware  business,  which  was 
his  main  occupation  for  tlnrteen  years,  with 
the  exception  of  one  year  spent  on  the  road  as 
a traveling  salesman  for  farm  machinery.  Mr. 
Gorham  was  a member  of  the  incorporated 
hardware  company  known  as  the  Kundert 
Hardware  Co.  for  eight  years,  and  made  his 
beginning  in  that  line  as  a clerk  on  a salary. 
He  was  a successful  salesman  and  a good  busi- 
ness man,  and  has  acquired  a very  comfortable 
competence.  In  May,  1899,  he  bought  a stock 
,of  groceries,  queensware,  and  everything  usu- 
ally found  in  a first-class  establishment  of  that 
kind,  and  as  long  as  lie  was  thus  engaged  met 
with  the  success  his  efforts  merited. 

Rice  D.  Gorham  and  Miss  Emma  C.  Bragg 
were  united  in  marriage  Dec.  31,  1874.  Mrs. 
Gorham  is  a daughter  of  Thomas  J.  and  Emily 
(Nobles)  Bragg,  and  is  the  mother  of  two 
children,  Addie  E.  and  Nellie  E.  Addie  E. 
died  April  6,  1891,  and  Nellie  E.  is  now  a 
bright  and  winsome  child.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gor- 
ham are  members  of  the  Universalist  Church, 
tie  belongs  to  several  fraternal  orders,  and  is  a 
faithful  worker  in  the  1.  O.  O.  F.,  the  Knights 
of  the  Globe,  and  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  In 
this  last  order  he  has  taken  the  uniform  de- 
gree, and  is  assistant  inspector  general  of  tiie 
state  of  Wisconsin.  Mr.  Gorham  is  a Repub- 
lican, and  has  held  a number  of  offices — 
chairman  of  the  Monroe  town  board  for  three 
terms  and  alderman  from  the  first  ward  in 
Monroe  five  years,  tie  is  also  a veteran  mem- 
ber of  the  National  Guard  of  Wisconsin,  has 
filled  all  the  offices  of  his  home  company, 
served  thirteen  years  and  resigned  with  the 
rank  ' of  captain.  He  has  his  home  at  309 
East  Russell  street,  where  he  built  a fine  resi- 
dence in  the  winter  of  1899-1900. 

Thomas  J.  Bragg,  Mrs.  Rice  Gorham’s 
father,  was  a native  of  Virginia,  where  he  was 
left  an  orphan  when  only  four  years  old.  He 


removed  from  Virginia  to  southern  Illinois 
when  quite  young,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty 
came  to  Wisconsin,  and  made  his  home  in  the 
town  of  Monroe,  four  and  a half  miles  north 
of  the  city.  He  married  in  southern  Illinois, 
but  reared  his  family  in  this  county.  He  had 
two  daughters  and  three  sons,  and  all  but 
one  of  his  children  are  now  living:  William 

P. ; Thomas  J. ; Emma  C.,  wife  of  R.  D.  Gor- 
ham ; Charles  D.  Mr.  Bragg  continued  farm- 
ing until  1878,  when  he  divided  his  land 
among  his  children,  and  moved  into  Monroe,, 
where  he  is  still  living. 

FRANK  WITZIG  is  one  of  the  most  prom- 
inent farmers  of  Mount  Ida  township,  Grant 
county,  and  a veteran  of  the  Civil  war.  He 
was  born  in  Germany,  April  15,  1831,  being 
the  son  of  Martin  and  Anna  (Patchkonsky) 
Witzig,  both  natives  of  Germany,  who  came 
to  this  country  in  1854.  They  reached  Chi- 
cago, thence  went  to  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  where 
they  hired  a team  to  go  to  Waterstown.  At 
the  latter  place  Mr.  Witzig  bought  a yoke  of 
oxen,  and  proceeded  to  Mineral  Point  and 
Clifton.  Remaining  in  Clifton  township  for 
a short  time,  he  then  removed  to  Liberty,  where 
he  entered  160  acres  of  land,  which  he  culti- 
vated most  successfully.  The  good  couple  made 
this  their  home  until  Mr.  Witzig’s  death,  which 
occurred  July  31,  1862.  His  remains  rest  in 
the  cemetery  at  Highland.  His  wife  survived 
him  until  May  27,  1900,  when  she  passed  away 
at  Fennimore  in  her  ninety-second  year.  Of 
the  children  born  to  Martin  and  Anna  Witzig 
we  have  record  of  Adam;  Josephine,  now  re- 
siding in  Fennimore  township;  Peter,  who  died 
in  Fennimore  in  1871;  John,  who  enlisted  in 
an  Illinois  regiment  in  1862,  and  died  in  a hos- 
pital the  same  year;  Frank;  Joseph,  of  Clifton 
township;  Johanna,  Mrs.  Bonsall,  died  in  Iowa 
county  in  1888;  Rosa,  who  became  Mrs.  John 
Krefal,  and  resided  in  Chicago  for  some  time, 
where  she  died ; and  Catherine,  who  married 
Abraham  Minsky,  of  Chicago. 

Frank  Witzig  attended  the  common  schools 
at  Liberty,  is  a man  of  natural  ability, 
and  he  has  always  made  the  most  of  his 
opportunities.  He  enlisted  in  the  41st  Wis. 
V.  I.,  for  one  hundred  days  service,  being  sta- 
tioned at  Memphis,  Tenn.,  on  garrison  duty, 
and  was  honorably  discharged  in  the  fall  of 
1865.  Mr.  Witzig  re-enlisted  in  Clifton  town- 
ship, and  cherishes  highly  a record  of  honor- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


9>7 


able  mention  signed  by  President  Lincoln, 
which  he  received  during  his  last  enlistment. 
In  1884  he  came  to  Mount  Ida  township,  and 
purchased  the  farm  upon  which  he  now  resides. 

In  the  year  1865,  in  Iowa  county,  Wis., 
Frank  Witzig  married  Catherine  Bonsall, 
daughter  of  Andrew  and  Anna  Bonsall,  both 
natives  of  Germany,  who  came  to  America  in 
1858,  locating  in  Highland  township,  where 
the  former  opened  up  a farm,  on  which  he  re- 
sided until  his  death.  To  Frank  and  Catherine 
(Bonsall)  Witzig  have  been  born  five  chil- 
dren : Frank ; Elizabeth,  now  Mrs.  Steinforth, 
of  Fennimore  township;  Newman;  Mary; 
George.  The  family  are  among  the  early 
prominent  pioneer-citizens  of  the  county,  and 
Frank  Witzig  has  always  been  identified  with 
its  interests.  They  enjoy  the  respect  of  their 
neighbors,  and  their  friends  are  numbered  by 
legions. 

WILLIAM  MORGAN  (deceased)  was 
long  a popular  and  successful  farmer  in  the 
town  of  Hazel  Green,  Grant  county,  where  he 
was  widely  known  and  universally  respected 
for  his  sterling  worth  and  manly  cjualities. 
Mr.  Morgan  was  born  in  Monmouthshire, 
England,  a son  of  Thomas  Morgan,  a native 
of  England,  who  died  there  when  William  was 
a small  boy.  Mr.  Morgan  came  to  this  coun- 
try in  1850.  and  made  his  way  to  southwestern 
Wisconsin,  where  he  worked  for  several  years 
among  the  farmers.  In  i860  he  married  Miss 
Margaret  J.  Kitto,  of  Hazel  Green,  who  was 
born  in  England  in  1828,  a daughter  of  William 
and  Mary  Kitto,  the  former  of  whom  died  in 
his  native  land  in  1832.  The  widowed  mother 
came  to  this  country,  and  settled  at  Hazel 
Green,  Wis.,  soon  after  her  husband’s  death, 
and  there  Mrs.  Morgan  was  reared  and  edu- 
cated. Mrs.  Kitto  brought  six  children  with 
her  to  the  New  World : Elizabeth,  born  in 

England,  married  Richard  Williams,  and  is 
now  dead;  William  is  a resident  of  Benton, 
Lafayette  Co.,  Wis. : Jane  married  Joseph  Pas- 
eoe,  of  Illinois,  and  is  now  dead ; John  was  one 
of  the  early  California  and  Australia  gold 
miners,  and  died  unmarried  in  Hazel  Green ; 
Henry,  deceased,  married  Miss  Martha  An- 
drews, and  settled  in  Hazel  Green,  where  he 
died,  leaving  two  sons,  William  and  Robert ; 
Margaret  J.,  wife  of  William  Morgan,  had  a 
district  school  education. 

After  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morgan 


settled  on  a farm  in  Benton,  Lafayette 
county,  where  they  lived  twelve  years.  At 
the  end  of  that  time  they  sold  out,  and 
Mr.  Morgan  bought  a farm  of  seventy 
acres  one  mile  south  of  Hazel  Green,  where 
they  lived  until  1886.  That  year  Mr.  Mor- 
gan sold  out,  and  bought  a farm  of  227 
acres  two  miles  west  of  Hazel  Green,  where 
they  lived  until  the  death  of  Mr.  Morgan,  in 
December,  1897.  Seven  of  their  children  lived 
to  grow  up:  (1)  Mary  H.,  born  in  i860,  is 

the  deceased  wife  of  J.  W.  Pascoe,  of  Jo 
Daviess  county,  111.,  and  left  four  children, 
who  are  being  reared  in  the  home  of  their 
grandmother,  Mrs.  Morgan.  (2)  Merib, 
born  in  1862,  is  now  the  wife  of  William  H. 
Decker,  who  is  a prominent  attorney  at  Allen, 
Neb.,  and  has  three  children,  Berryl  M.,  Ly- 
man and  R.  (3)  William  B.,  born  in  1864, 
married  Miss  Nettie  Mabe,  and  lives  on  the 
old  homestead  in  Hazel  Green.  They  have 
two  children,  Hannah  and  Elma  L.  (4) 
Thomas,  born  in  1866,  married  Miss  Clara 
Stock,  of  Galena,  and  is  now  living  in  Colo- 
rado, where  they  have  three  children : Elmer, 

Edith  and  Edna.  (5)  Gustavus  C.,  born  in 
1871,  had  a high-school  education  in  Hazel 
Green,  and  is  living  unmarried  at  home.  (6) 
Henry  E.,  born  in  1875,  was  a graduate  of  the 
high  school  at  Hazel  Green  in  1897,  and  is  liv- 
ing unmarried  at  home.  (7)  Roland  L.,  born 
in  1877,  is  living  unmarried  at  home. 

Mr.  Morgan  was  identified  with  the  Re- 
publican party.  Fie  began  his  career  in  Wis- 
consin with  small  means,  and  by  his  energy - 
and  indomitable  will  succeeded  in  amass- 
ing a considerable  fortune,  which  provided 
nicely  for  his  family  after  his  demise.  A 
record  of  his  life  in  its  detail  would  be  that  of 
character  and  integrity.  The  family  are  identi- 
fied with  the  Methodist  Church. 

ROY  JABERG,  the  popular  and  hustling 
proprietor  and  manager  of  the  Monroe 
Steam  Laundry,  at  Monroe,  Green  county, 
was  born  in  New  Philadelphia,  Tuscara- 
was county,  Ohio,  September  6,  1872,  a 

son  of  Frederick  and  Eliza  (Moser)  Jaberg, 
the  former  born  in  Tuscarawas  county,  Ohio, 
and  the  latter  in  Canton  Glarus,  Switzerland. 
They  were  the  parents  of  two  children,  Roy 
and  his  older  sister,  Cora,  who  is  the  wife  of 
W.  R.  Sharp,  of  New  Philadelphia,  Ohio. 

Frederick  Jaberg  was  a farmer  up  to  the 


9 1 8 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


outbreak  of  the  Civil  war,  when  he  enlisted 
as  a private  in  the  Union  army,  and  bore  him- 
self as  became  a valiant  soldier  fighting  for  his 
country.  After  the  war  he  returned  home 
and  ran  a fire  engine  until  his  death  in  August, 
1885,  at  the  age  of  forty-six  years.  In  politics 
he  was  a Republican,  and  in  religious  belief, 
a Methodist.  He  and  another  man  built  a 
church  at  Mineral  City,  Ohio,  and  he,  as  is  also 
his  wife,  who  is  still  surviving  and  has  her 
home  in  New  Philadelphia,  was  active  in 
church  work. 

Jacob  Jaberg,  the  father  of  Frederick  and 
the  grandfather  of  Roy,  was  a native  of  Swit- 
zerland. Coming  to  America  when  he  was 
quite  young,  he  settled  in  Tuscarawas  Co., 
Ohio,  when  it  was  infested  with  the  Indians, 
and  engaged  in  the  vocation  of  farming,  be- 
coming locally  prominent.  He  was  the  father 
of  thirteen  children,  and  died  in  Ohio  at  an 
advanced  age.  Jacob  Moser,  the  father  of 
Eliza,  whose  name  appears  above,  was  also  a 
native  of  Switzerland,  and  came  to  America 
at  an  early  day,  locating  in  Tuscarawas  county. 
He  was  a tailor  by  trade,  and  was  well  estab- 
lished in  business  at  New  Philadelphia,  where 
he  died  at  a great  age,  the  father  of  eight 
children. 

Roy  Jaberg  was  reared  in  New  Philadel- 
phia, and  when  lie  was  sixteen  years  old,  left 
the  public  school  to  enter  a machine  shop  for 
the  purpose  of  learning-  the  trade.  This  he  did, 
and  for  a number  of  years  was  a machinist  of 
good  standing,  working  in  several  shops.  In 
July,  1899,  Mr.  Jaberg  came  to  Monroe,  and 
bought  the  steam  laundry,  which  he  has  oper- 
ated to  the  present  time  with  marked  success. 

Mr.  Jaberg  was  married  May  10,  1894,  to 
Miss  Huldah  Hoehn,  a daughter  of  Henry 
and  Eliza  (Ivaterly)  Hoehn.  To  this  union 
have  come  a son  and  a daughter,  both  of  whom 
are  now  deceased.  Mr.  Jaberg  is  a Methodist, 
while  his  excellent  wife  was  reared  in  the  Lu- 
theran faith.  He  belongs  to  the  order  of  the 
Knights  of  Pythias,  and  is  a Republican. 

Henry ' Hoehn,  mentioned  above,  was  a 
native-born  Swiss,  and  his  wife,  Eliza  (Ka- 
terly)  IToehn,  was  born  in  Ohio.  They  had  a 
family  of  four  children:  Huldah,  who  is  now 

Mrs.  Jaberg;  Albert,  a commercial  traveler; 
Ida,  who  is  Mrs.  Edward  Bengston,  of 
Freeport,  111. ; and  Sophie,  who  married  J. 
Karlen,  of  Monroe.  Henry  Hoehn  came  to 
Wisconsin  in  1845  with  the  company  who 


settled  New  Glarus.  During  the  Civil  war  he 
enlisted  in  the  Union  army,  and  became  cap- 
tain of  his  company.  Serving  throughout  the 
war,  he  returned  to  Wisconsin  at  its  conclusion, 
and  started  a clothing  store  at  Monroe,  and 
built  the  block  where  Discher  & Schneider  are 
now  found.  For  the  past  few  years  he  has 
led  a retired  life.  With  his  wife  he  belongs 
to  the  German  Lutheran  Church. 

Mr.  Jaberg  is  full  of  enthusiasm  and  en- 
ergy, and  has  already  built  up  a fine  trade, 
which  has  come  partly  as  the  result  of  his 
skill  as  a workman,  but  also  from  the  desire 
to  please  his  patrons. 

JAMES  W.  REDMAN  represents  an  early 
Wisconsin  family,  and  now  resides  in  the  town- 
ship of  Beetown,  Grant  county.  On  Jan.  26, 
1837,  he  was  born  in  Dubuque,  Iowa,  his  par- 
ents being  James  and  Margaret  Redman,  pio- 
neers of  that  city,  the  former  of  whom  died 
when  our  subject  was  a child,  but  the  mother 
still  survives,  and  resides  in  Cassville.  After 
the  death  of  her  first  husband  Mrs.  Redman 
married  Hiram  Currant  (now  deceased),  a 
pioneer  of  the  Northwest  and  a soldier  in  the 
Black  Hawk  war.  Two  children  were  born 
to  the  parents  of  our  subject,  one  sister,  Ma- 
tilda, passing  away  in  early  life.  Six  children 
were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Currant,  four  of 
whom  are  living. 

James  W.  Redman  'removed  with  his 
mother’s  family  to  Potosi,  Grant  county,  and 
has  lived  in  this  locality  ever  since,  excepting 
the  years  spent  in  defense  of  his  country.  En- 
tering Co.  A,  43d  AVis.  V.  I.,  at  Prairie  du 
Chien,  he  went  to  Milwaukee,  where  the  regi- 
ment was  organized.  Going  to  the  front,  his 
command  served  principally  in  Tennessee  and 
Georgia,  where  they  did  good  service  in  scout- 
ing, this  being  particularly  hard  on  a soldier. 
For  a time  our  subject  was  confined  to  a hos- 
pital, at  Clarksville,  Tenn.,  but  recovered  and 
rejoined  his  company,  and  was  honorably 
discharged  at  the  close  of  the  war. 

In  1854  Mr.  Redman  wedded  Miss  Susan 
Atkinson,  a daughter  of  William  Atkinson,  of 
Grant  county,  also  a pioneer.  Five  sons  and 
two  daughters  have  been  born  of  this  union : 
Edith,  William,  Ely,  Perry,  Henry,  Mary  and 
Lester.  Hard  service  broke  down  Mr.  Red- 
man’s health,  and  he  has  never  recovered  from 
the  privations  and  exposure  of  his  army  life. 
In  his  township  he  is  a useful  and  respected 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


919 


citizen,  and  takes  a commendable  interest  in 
educational  matters,  being  now  the  efficient 
clerk  of  school  district  No.  31,  Beetown  town- 
ship. 

f 

HARR\  AMES,  the  proprietor  of  the 
“St.  Charles  Hotel”  at  Belmont,  is  one  of  the 
most  popular  and  successful  hotel  men  of 
Lafayette  county.  He  keeps  a neat  and  tidy 
establishment,  and  caters  to  the  wants  of  his 
patrons  in  a hearty  and  taking  manner. 

Mr.  Ames  was  born  in  Albion,  N.  Y.,  in 
October,  1847,  a son  of  George  W.  and  Sa- 
rah (Howell)  Ames,  who  were  born  in  Eng- 
land, and  brought  to  this  country  when  young. 
George  Ames  learned  the  painter's  trade  in 
New  York,  and  after  some  years  of  married 
life  in  that  State,  moved  to  Detroit,  Mich., 
where  his  wife  died  in  1857,  leaving  him 
three  children,  who  are  grown  up  and  resid- 
ing in  different  parts  of  the  United  States. 
After  the  loss  of  his  wife  he  returned  to  Al- 
bion, New  York,  and  is  now  engaged  in  the 
grocery  business  in  that  city.  Of  his  children, 
his  oldest  son,  William,  was  for  some  years  in 
the  service  of  the  Detroit  & Bay  City  railroad, 
and  is  now  engaged  in  the  real  estate  business 
in  Bay  City,  Mich. ; he  married  Miss  Ida 
Barns,  of  Lapeer,  Mich.,  and  is  the  father  of 
four  children.  Lizzie  Ames  was  born  in  New 
York  in  1845,  a student  of  the  high  school  at 
Erie,  Penn.,  and  married  Bernard  Good,  who 
is  the  superintendent  of  the  dead  letter  de- 
partment of  the  postal  service  at  Washington, 
D.  C. ; they  have  five  children,  who  were  born 
at  Detroit,  Michigan. 

Harry  Ames  received  his  education  in  the 
schools  of  Erie,  Penn.,  and  began  to  take  care 
of  himself  very  early  in  life,  earning  his  way  as 
a newsboy.  For  two  years  he  was  a driver 
for  Charles  Read  on  one  of  his  canal  boats, 
navigating  the  Erie  canal.  In  1871  he  se- 
cured a position  on  the  Philadelphia  & Erie 
Railroad,  running  from  Erie  to  Kane,  Penn., 
being  on  that  division  eight  years. 

Mr.  Ames  and  Miss  Mary  Powers  were 
married  in  1885,  in  Janesville,  Wis.  She  is 
the  estimable  daughter  of  Anthony  and  Ellen 
Powers  who  were  born  in  Ireland,  and  are 
still  living  in  Janesville.  After  his  marriage 
Mr.  Ames  located  in  Rockford,  111.,  where  he 
was  a contractor  for  seven  years.  In  1892 
he  opened  a restaurant  at  Belvidere,  111.,  and 
made  his  home  in  that  city  for  two  years.  In 


1894  he  moved  to  Beloit,  Wis.,  remaining  two 
years,  and  then  passed  a similar  period  in  Mon- 
roe. In  September,  1898,  he  came  to  Belmont, 
and  assumed  the  management  of  “St.  Charles 
Hotel,”  which  he  has  successfully  conducted 
to  the  present  time.  He  has  a livery  barn  in 
connection  with  his  hotel,  and  that  is  an  im- 
portant part  of  his  business. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ames  were  born  three 
children:  Pearl,  born  in  Rockford,  111.,  in 

August,  1889,  is  now  a student  in  the  Belmont 
schools,  and  is  well  advanced  in  music  for  a 
child  of  her  age ; Hazel  was  born  in  Rockford 
in  1891;  and  Harry  W.  was  born  in  Beloit,  in 
1893.  Mr.  Ames  is  a Republican,  and  is  a 
member  of  the  Brotherhood  of  Locomotive 
Firemen.  He  fired  the  first  engine  that  ran 
from  St.  Paul  to  Aberdeen,  over  the  Id.  & D. 
railroad.  He  was  brought  up  in  the  Baptist 
church.  Mr.  Ames  is  one  of  Belmont’s  genial, 
whole-souled  landlords,  and  he  has  made  many 
friends  among  the  people  of  this  region  by  his 
manly  and  courteous  ways. 

LIEUT.  W.  H.  OETTIKER,  a valiant  ex- 
Union  volunteer  and  a thriving  hardware  mer- 
chant of  Platteville,  Grant  county,  was  born 
near  Pittsburg,  Allegheny  county,  Penn.,  in 
August,  1841,  and  is  the  oldest  of  the  four 
children  that  constituted  the  family  of  Jacob 
and  Mary  (Brighenstein)  Oettiker,  natives  of 
Switzerland,  who  came  to  America  when 
young,  and  for  some  years  lived  in  Allegheny 
county,  Penn.,  where  the  former  engaged  in 
merchant  tailoring. 

In  1848  the  Oettiker  family  came  to  Wis- 
consin by  boat  from  Pittsburg,  Penn.,  down 
the  Ohio  river  to  Cairo,  111.,  thence  up  the 
Mississippi  river  to  Galena,  111.,  and  thence  bv 
wagon  to  Lafayette  county,  Wis.,  where  Jacob 
Oettiker  purchased  160  acres  of  Government 
land,  on  which  he  reared  his  four  children  to 
farming  and  on  which  he  resided  until  advanc- 
ing years  called  for  a surcease  from  labor, 
when,  in  1894,  he  purchased  a home  in  Platte- 
ville, where  he  is  now  living  in  retirement,  at 
the  extreme  age  of  ninety-nine  years,  his  wife 
being  seventy-nine.  Of  the  children,  John  and 
lacob  own  good  farms,  and  live  in  Lafayette 
county ; Dr.  James  Oettiker  practices  in  Platte- 
ville ; and  W.  H.  will  now  be  further  spoken  of. 

W.  H.  Oettiker  received  his  education  in 
Wisconsin,  at  the  common  schools,  and  until 
twenty  years  old  lived  on  the  home  farm.  In 


920 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


1 86 1 he  enlisted,  at  the  call  to  arms,  in  Com- 
pany E,  1 1 th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  was  assigned  to 
the  Western  Army.  He  saw  service  at  Vicks- 
burg under  General  Grant,  at  Peach  River, 
Jackson,  and  dozens  of  other  desperate  and 
hard-fought  battles,  and  in  1864  was  com- 
missioned second  lieutenant,  and  served  as 
such  until  the  close  of  the  Rebellion ; he  then 
re-enlisted,  and  for  one  year  served  on  the 
frontier  in  subduing  refractory  Indians. 

After  his  final  discharge  Lieut.  Oettiker 
returned  to  Lafayette  county,  and  in  1867  mar- 
ried Miss  Eva  Libert,  an  accomplished  young 
lady  of  Grant  county,  and  at  once  settled  down 
to  farming  on  the  Lieutenant’s  homestead  in 
Lafayette  county,  where  they  lived  about 
twelve  years.  In  1879  the  Lieutenant  sold  his 
farm  and  removed  to  Platteville,  where  he  em- 
barked in  well-drilling  and  pump-making,  but 
later  sold  out  his  business  and  bought  a farm 
near  the  city,  resumed  agriculture,  and  re- 
engaged in  well-drilling  and  pump-making 
until  1899,  when  he  again  sold  out.  He  then 
entered  upon  his  present  prosperous  trade  in 
hardware,  having  the  largest  store  and  carry- 
ing the  best-assorted  stock  of  heavy  hardware 
in  the  city,  and  also  handling  all  kinds  of  water 
pump  supplies.  The  four  children  born  to 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Oettiker  are  Mary,  William, 
Evalina  and  Katie,  all  born  in  Lafayette  county 
and  now  living  in  Platteville,  and  all  still 
single,  with  the  exception  of  Evalina,  who  is 
the  wife  of  Charles  Smith;  she  has  no  children. 
In  religion  the  family  have  been  reared  in  the 
Presbyterian  faith,  but  are  not  members  of  any 
congregation.  In  politics  the  Lieutenant  is  an 
active  Republican,  and  fraternally  is  a mem- 
ber of  Sherman  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Platteville. 
The  family  are  all  held  in  high  esteem,  and 
associate  with  the  best  people  of  Platteville. 

HENRY  IvETTLER,  retired  farmer  and 
highly  esteemed  citizen  of  Platteville,  Grant 
county,  was  born  in  Hanover,  Germany,  in 
1828,  a son  of  Henry  and  Louisa  (Krause) 
Kettler.  The  parents,  natives  of  the  same 
place,  came  to  the  New  World  in  1857,  and 
made  their  home  with  their  son  in  Smelser 
township,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.  The  father  died 
in  1877,  the  mother  ten  years  later.  In  the 
family  of  this  worthy  couple  were  four  sons, 
of  whom  Llenry  is  the  eldest ; Conrad  came  to 
Grant  county  in  1857,  and  died  in  November, 
1899;  August  is  also  a resident  of  Platteville;  1 


Frederick  was  single  on  coming  to  America, 
was  married  in  Grant  county,  and  now  resides 
in  Nebraska. 

Henry  Kettler  was  reared  and  educated  in 
his  native  land,  and  there  continued  to  make 
his  home  until  1856,  when  he  took  passage  at 
Bremen  on  a sailing-vessel,  landing  after  a voy- 
age of  fifty-two  days  in  New  York,  whence  he 
came  direct  to  Grant  county,  Wis.  He  pur- 
chased a farm  in  Smelser  township,  and  to  its 
improvement  and  cultivation  devoted  his  en- 
ergies for  njany  years.  Meeting  with  excel- 
lent success  in  his  farming  operations,  he  was 
at  length  able  to  lay  aside  all  business  cares 
and  live  on  the  accumulation  of  former  years, 
moving  in  1892  to  Platteville,  where  he  has 
since  lived  a retired  life. 

In  1862  Mr.  Kettler  was  married  in  Smelser 
township  to  Miss  Mary  Ivnipping,  also  a native 
of  Hanover,  Germany,  and  to  them  have  been 
born  three  children,  namely:  Henry,  who  now 
lives  on  the  home  farm ; John,  who  is  married 
and  resides  on  the  same  place ; and  Louisa, 
Mrs.  Wise,  who  lives  on  a farm  in  Belmont 
township,  Lafayette  county,  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kettler  are  active  members 
of  the  Lutheran  Church,  in  which  he  has  held 
office  for  the  past  fifteen  years,  and  in  politics 
he  is  identified  with  the  Democratic  partv. 
He  is  one  of  the  prominent  and  well-known 
men  of  Grant  county,  and  is  highly  respected 
and  esteemed  by  all  with  whom  he  has  come 
in  contact. 

TILDEN  S.  ROOT,  a prominent  farmer 
of  Wyalusing  township,  Grant  county,  was  a 
faithful  soldier  of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion, 
being  a member  of  Company  C,  48th  Wis.  V. 
1.  He  was  enrolled  Feb.  11,  1865,  and  dis- 
charged March  24,  1866.  He  is  one  of  three 
brothers  who  fought  in  defense  of  the  old  flag, 
all  of  whom  were  members  of  the  same  com- 
pany, entered  the  service  at  the  same  time, 
and  returned  safe  to  home  and  friends.  Til- 
den  S.  was  with  his  regiment  in  active  duty 
during  the  whole  time  of  his  service.  The 
48th  did  guard  duty  much  of  the  time.  On 
Anril  14,  1865,  Company  C arrived  in  Law- 
rence, Ivan.,  and  on  Sept.  5,  the  same  year, 
left  that  point  for  Colorado.  Returning  to 
Leavenworth,  Ivan.,  the  following  March,  the 
regiment  was  mustered  out  of  the  United 
States  service  at  that  place,  and  soon  after- 
ward was  discharged  at  Madison,  Wisconsin. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


92 1 


The  Root  family  is  iof  English  origin, 
but  Vermont  claims  several  generations  prior 
to  the  emigration  of  Jared  E.  and  Siena  L. 
(Lamb)  Root,  the  parents  of  Tilden  S.,  who 
left  Windham  county,  that  State,  in  1837, 
and  removed  to  Twinsburg,  Summit  county, 
Ohio,  where  Tilden  S.  was  born  in  1843.  In 
the  family  were  nine  children,  four  of 
whom  were  born  in  the  Green  Mountain 
State,  the  others  in  Ohio.  The  first  to  come 
to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  were  the  oldest  son, 
Jerome  Root,  and  his  sister  Lydia,  the  oldest 
of  the  family,  who  came  here  in  the  early  fif- 
ties; John  F.  came  next,  in  1857;  and  by  i860 
all  of  the  family  had  arrived,  including  the 
parents,  who  passed  the  remainder  of  their 
lives  in  Wyalusing  township,  and  who  were 
[widely  known  and  highly  esteemed  people. 
Six  of  the  children  are  living  at  the  present 
writing,  in  1900,  including  those  who  took 
part  in  the  Civil  war,  namely ; John  F.  and 
Tilden  S.,  both  residents  of  Wyalusing  town- 
ship; and  Addison  L.,  of  South  Dakota. 

After  the  war  Tilden  S.  Root  returned 
to  Grant  county  and  resumed  farming,  which 
lie  has  made  his  life  work.  On  Jan.  ir,  1872, 
he  was  united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Delilah 
'Boorman,  a most  estimable  lady,  who  was 
born  in  Grant  county,  in  1854,  her  father,  John 
Boorman  being  one  of  the  pioneers  and  re- 
spected citizens  of  Wyalusing  township.  By 
this  union  were  born  four  children,  as  fol- 
lows : Mrs.  Ella  Beer,  Mrs.  Estella  Heaton, 

Edward  and  Carson.  Mr.  Root  has  to  his 
credit  an  honorable  war  record,  and  as  a cit- 
izen is  held  in  high  regard  by  all  who  know 
him.  He  is  an  honored  member  of  the  Grand 
Army  of  the  Republic,  and  socially  is  cprite 
popular  in  the  community  where  lie  has  so 
long  made  his  home. 

GEORGE  W.  HALE  (deceased). 
Among  those  who>  have  largely  contributed 
toward  the  upbuilding  and  development  of 
this  portion  of  the  great  Northwest,  there  are 
many  who  no  longer  dwell  among  us,  having 
passed  to  their  just  reward,  leaving  behind 
them,  however,  a memory  richly  fraught  with 
good  deeds,  and  hallowed  'by  tender  associa- 
tions. Of  such,  is  no  one  more  truly  a shining 
example  than  George  W.  Hale,  who  at  one 
time  was  one  of  the  largest  farmers  of  Grant 
county. 

Mr.  Hale  was  born  in  New  York,  in  1820, 


and  twenty  years  later  came  West,  purchased 
forty  acres  of  land  in  Smelser,  where  he 
erected  a log  cabin.  The  first  site  of  the  old 
homestead  was  near  the  present  one,  and  it 
was  made  bright  and  pleasant  by  his  young 
wife,  who,  in  her  maidenhood,  had  been  Sarah 
Blanchard,  of  Fairplay,  Wis.  Their  marriage 
occurred  in  1840.  Before  the  new  home  was 
built,  Mrs.  Hale  died,  leaving  her  husband 
three  sons,  Marshall,  who  married  Mary 
Rouse,  and  now  has  three  children,  Rosy, 
William,  and  Susan;  Alonzo;  Lafayette  died 
in  childhood.  Some  years  later,  Mr.  Llale 
married  Mrs.  Hickman,  who  was  born  in 
1823,  a daughter  of  Joseph  and  Sarah  Eaton, 
and  brought  to  Wisconsin  about  1832,  prior 
to  the  Black  Hawk  war.  Mr.  Eaton  located 
for  a short  time  in  Illinois,  then  removed  to 
Smelser,  purchased  a farm,  and  remained 
there  until  his  family  had  attained  maturity, 
when  he  and  his  wife  returned  to  Illinois. 
George  W.  Hale  entered  into  rest  in  March, 
1864. 

Alonzo  Hale,  second  son  of  George 
W.  Llale,  and  still  a resident  of  the  old  home- 
stead, was  born  in  1S44,  Smelser.  Grow- 
ing rapidly  to  manhood,  working  hard  on  the 
farm  during  the  'summers,  and  pursuing  his 
studies  in  the  winters,  he  soon  assimilated 
the  knowledge  taught  in  the  country  schools, 
and  probably  would  have  pursued  his  educa- 
tion in  higher  institutions  of  learning,  had  not 
the  Civil  war  just  then  engrossed  the  attention 
of  all  and  fired  the  patriotism  that  saved  cur 
nation’s  honor.  He  enlisted  in  Co.  I,  25th 
Wis.  V.  I.,  being  mustered  into  the  service  at 
La  Crosse,  Wis.,  on  Sept.  14.  1862,  and 
serving  through  the  remainder  of  the  war. 
The  regiment  served  on  the  frontier  in 
Minnesota,  and  at  Fort  Snelling,  and  was 
ordered  to  Indian  Territory.  After  much 
skirmishing,  they  were  transferred  to  Col- 
umbus, Kentucky,  and  joined  Sherman’s 
army,  from  whence  they  participated  in 
Johnston’s  raid,  and  other  engagements, 
to  Atlanta,  thence  to  Raleigh,  through 
the  Carolinas,  and  finally  witnessing  John- 
ston’s surrender.  On  the  victorious  army 
marched,  through  Virginia  to  Washington, 
where  Alonzo  Hale  was  one  of  the  gallant 
soldiers  to  participate  in  the  Grand  Review. 
In  June,  1865,  he  was  honorably  discharged 
at  Madison,  after  which  he  returned  to  his 
old  home  to  be  met  with  the  sorrowful  news, 


922 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


that  during  the  time  lie  himself  was1  fighting 
his  country’s  enemies,  the  aged  father  had 
met  with  his  honorable  discharge  upon  the 
battle-field  of  life. 

Politically,  Mr.  Hale  is  a stanch  mem- 
ber of  the  Republican  party;  is  a member  of 
Sherman  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Platteville,  and 
is  very  popular  in  this  organization.  Owing 
to  his  long  service  in  the  war,  Alonzo  Hale’s 
health  has  never  recovered  its  former  good 
condition,  but  he  does  not  regret  the  sacrifice 
he  made,  and  is  highly  respected  as  one  of 
Smelser’s  veteran  citizens,  and  also'  as  one  of 
its  progressive  and  successful  farmers. 

BERNARD  STOCKEL,  a well-known 
Grant  county  farmer,  was  born  in  Hanover, 
Germany,  Dec.  21,  1843,  a son  of  Henry  and 
Christina  (Kimpee)  Stockel,  ’both  native 
Hanoverians. 

Henry  Stockel  was  married  in  his  native 
land,  and  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in 
1852,  coming  with  his  wife  and  children  to 
Council  Hill,  111.,  where  Benjamin  Stockel,  a 
brother,  had  already  established  himself.  They 
lived  in  Illinois  a short  time,  and  then  moved 
to  Sinsinawa  Mound,  in  the  town  of  Hazel 
Green,  Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  where  Mr.  Stockel 
bought  a tract  of  wild  land,  and  by  hard  labor 
and  persistent  industry  converted  it  into1  a de- 
sirable home.  The  first  improvements  in  that 
region  were  made  upon  this  farm  of  160 
acres,  and  here  Mr.  Stockel  passed  his  entire 
life,  dying  in  1895,  and  leaving  his  aged  wife, 
who  is  still  a resident  of  the  place.  To  day  she 
is  one  of  the  very  oldest  pioneers  of  this  part 
of  the  State.  Six  children  were  born  to  them, 
and  they  are  still  living:  (1)  Bernard  is  the 
eldest.  (2)  Mary,  born  in  Germany,  is  the  wife 
of  Garrett  Bussan,  of  Illinois.  ( 3)  John,  born  in 
Wisconsin,  married  Miss  Loveland,  of  Illinois, 
and  now  resides  on  the  old  farm  of  his  father. 
(4)  Henry,  born  in  Grant  county,  married 
Miss  Christina  Schonhof,  who  died,  leaving 
four  children  all  of  whom  live  in  Iowa.  (5) 
Joseph,  born  in  Illinois,  is  single,  and  lives 
on  the  old  homestead.  (6)  Christina  is  the 
wife  of  George  Speiker,  and  lives  in  Jo 
Daviess  county,  where  she  has  a family. 

Bernard  Stockel  was  eight  years  old  when 
his  parents  moved  to  this  country,  and  had  his 
education  in  the  district  schools  of  Illinois, 
and  in  Grant  county,  growing  up  on  the  home 
farm,  which  he  managed  until  his  marriage 


in  1867,  to  Elizabeth  Huls,  who  was 
born  in  Jo  Daviess  county,  111.,  in  1850,  a 
daughter  of  B.  H.  Huls,  an  old-time  resident 
of  that  county.  After  his  marriage  Mr. 
Stockel  purchased  the  “Mathew  Burk  home,” 
of  160  acres.  A large  stone  house,  good  barns, 
and  many  substantial  improvements  render 
the  farm  very  attractive  and  desirable.  To 
their  union  were  born  five  children:  (i)i 

Henry,  born  in  1871,  had  his  education  in 
common  with  all  the  other  children  of  the  fam- 
ily in  the  Hazel  Green  schools,  and  is  now  at 
home  unmarried.  (2)  Annie,  born  in  1873, 
is  a young  lady  at  home;  (3)  Joseph,  born  in 
1875;  (4)  Julia,  born  in  1880,  is  a young 
lady  at  home;  and  (5)  Frank,  born  in  1885, 
is  still  a student  at  school. 

Mr.  Stockel  and  his  family  are  all  devout 
members  of  the  Roman  Catholic  Church. 
In  politics  he  has  always  been  a Democrat, 
and  has  served  as  a member  of  the  town  board 
for  three  years.  Like  a host  of  his  country- 
men who  have  greatly  prospered  in  the  United 
States,  Mr.  Stockel  began  at  the  foot  of  the 
ladder,  has  already  become  prosperous,  and 
is  now  one  of  the  respected  citizens  of  the 
town. 

JOHN  W.  PETERS,  one  of  the  leading 
contractors  and  builders  of  Janesville,  Rock 
county,  is  a good  example  of  what  can  be 
accomplished  by  earnest,  persistent  effort,  di- 
rected along  the  proper  channels. 

John  W.  Peters  was  born  Jan.  18,  1854, 
at  Whitewater,  Wis.,  son  of  John  and  Lydia 
(Frost)  Peters,  natives  of  Devonshire,  Eng- 
land. The  paternal  grandfather  of  our  sub- 
ject was  William  Peters,  a native  of  England, 
a contractor  and  builder,  who  died  in  his  na- 
tive land  in  middle  life.  He  had  a family  of 
five  children,  all  now  deceased.  The  grand- 
father on  the  mother’s  side,  John  Frost,  was 
also  a native  of  England,  came  to  America, 
and  located1  at  Whitewater.  Later  he  re- 
moved to  Janesville,  dying  there  at  the  age 
of  eighty  years.  * While  in  Whitewater  he 
pursued  the  occupation  of  farming,  but  after 
coming  to  Janesville  retired  from  active  labor. 
A large  family  was  born  to  himself  and  wife. 

John  Peters,  the  father  of  John  W.  Peters, 
immigrated  to  America  about  1852,  locating 
in  Whitewater,  Wis.,  and  came  to  Janesville 
in  1854,  dying  in  that  city  in  March,  1876,  at 
the  age  of  fifty-two.  His  wife,  who  still  sur- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


923 


vives  him,  resides  at  Janesville.  By  occu- 
pation Mr.  Peters  was  a contractor,  and  he 
was  very  successful  at  his  calling.  In  relig- 
ious opinion  he  was  an  Episcopalian,  while 
Mrs.  Peters  is  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Church.  Four  children  were  born  to  them, 
three  daughters  and  one  son : Eliza,  Mrs. 

Perkins,  of  Elgin,  111.;  John  W. ; Miss  Mina 
Peters,  of  Elgin,  and  Tillie,  wife  of  Henry 
Davis,  of  Pullman,  Illinois. 

John  W.  Peters,  our  subject,  was  reared 
in  Janesville,  attending  the  excellent  schools 
of  that  city,  and  when  fifteen  began  learning 
the  trade  of  mason  and  builder,  which  he  has 
successfully  followed  ever  since.  For  fifteen 
years  Mr.  Peters  was  with  the  Chicago  & 
Northwestern  railroad,  constructing  bridges, 
buildings,  etc.,  after  which  he  engaged  in 
business  as  a contractor  and  builder  in  Janes- 
ville. However,  his  efforts  are  not  confined  to 
that  city  alone,  as  he  has  contracts  through- 
out the  State.  Among  the  substantial  struc- 
tures in  Janesville  which  bear  evidence  of  his 
skill  are  the  county  buildings,  including  the 
Rock  county  jail,  the  latter  constructed  in 
1899;  in  1893  Mr.  Peters  constructed  the  high 
school  at  Clinton,  Rock  county,  a modern 
edifice.  In  addition  to  this  contract,  the  same 
year  Mr.  Peters  and  his  partner,  O.  F.  Now- 
lan,  had  others,  amounting  to  some  $80,000. 
The  work  of  this  firm  is  not  confined  to  public 
structures,  as  they  have  erected  many  of  the 
finest  buildings  in  Janesville,  including  Mr. 
Peters’  own  home,  No.  101  Fourth  avenue, 
corner  of  Hickory  street.  Possessing  a 
thorough  insight  into  their  work,  command- 
ing unlimited  facilities  for  the  prompt  and 
efficient  carrying  out  of  their  contracts,  Mr. 
Peters  and  his  partner  are  well  equipped  to 
handle  the  enormous  volume  of  business  which 
annually  is  awarded  them,  and  are  destined 
to  become  one  of  the  leading  contracting 
firms  of  the  State. 

On  Dec.  23,  1875,  Mr.  Peters  married 
Miss  Mary  Kate  Ward,  daughter  of  D.  C. 
and  Mary  Ward.  One  son  and  two  daughters 
have  been  born  to  this  union  : John  Dewitt,  who 
died  in  March,  1890,  Myrtle  and  Kathryn. 
Mrs.  Peters  and  her  two  daughters  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Episcopal  Church,  in  the  work  of 
which  they  take  an  important  part.  Socially 
Mr.  Peters  is  a member  of  the  Royal  Ar- 
canum; Western  Star  Lodge,  No.  14,  F.  & 
A.  M. ; Janesville  Chapter,  No.  5,  R.  A.  M.; 


Janesville  Commandery,  No.  2,  K.  T. ; Wis- 
consin Consistory,  S.  P.  R.  S.,  at  Milwaukee; 
and  Tripoli  Temple,  A.  A.  O.  N.  M.  S.,  Mil- 
waukee; and  he  and  Mrs.  Peters  are  also 
members  of  the  Eastern  Star.  Politically 
Mr.  Peters  is  a Democrat,  and  has  represented 
the  Second  Ward  in  the  city  council. 

WILLIAM  HAWK,  now  living  retired  in 
Platteville,  Grant  county,  was  born  in  Corn- 
wall. England,  in  September,  1840,  and  one  of 
the  six  children  born  to  George  and  Johanna 
(Rolins)  Hawk,  also  natives  of  Cornwall, 
where  they  were  married.  On  the  voyage  of 
George  Hawk,  wife  and  children  to  America, 
Mrs.  Hawk  was  taken  sick  and  died,  her  body 
being  buried  at  sea.  Mr.  Hawk,  with  his  chil- 
dren, finally  reached  Potosi,  Wis.,  where  he 
worked  in  the  lead  mines  until  his  death,  which 
occurred  in  1869.  The  children  all  attained 
maturity  in  Potosi,  where  they  were  educated, 
the  five  besides  William  being  born  and  named 
in  the  following  order : George,  who  was  a 

soldier  in  the  21st  Wis.  V.  I.  during  the  Civil 
war,  is  married  and  is  a resident  of  Platteville, 
Wis. ; Johanna,  widow  of  William  Gilbert,  re- 
sides in  Pittsburg,  Kans.,  with  her  daughter, 
Elizabeth;  Elizabeth,  wife  of  Philip  Knapp, 
resides  in  Oregon,  and  has  several  children; 
Alice,  widow  of  William  Chester,  lives  in 
Missouri,  and  has  four  children,  and  Mary, 
widow  of  John  Forsythe,  of  Central  Illinois, 
also  has  four  children. 

William  Hawk  enlisted  in  1861  in  the 
Lrnited  States  Volunteer  service,  was  assigned 
to  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland,  under  Gen. 
Thomas,  and  took  part  in  a number  of  hotly- 
contested  battles,  including  those  of  Murfrees- 
boro, Chattanoog'a,  Chickamauga,  and  all  those 
in  Kentucky,  Tennessee  and  Alabama  and 
through  the  campaign  under  Gen.  Sherman, 
inclusive  of  his  historical  march  through 
Georgia  to  the  sea,  and  at  the  close  of  the  war 
was  honorably  discharged  with  the  rank  of 
corporal. 

While  home  on  a furlough  in  May,  1864, 
Mr.  Hawk  married  Miss  Mary  Grinrodd, 
daughter  of  Edmund  and  Elizabeth  Grinrodd, 
formerly  of  New  York  State,  but  both  now 
deceased.  After  the  close  of  the  war  Mr. 
Hawk  lived  on  a farm  east  of  Platteville  one 
year,  and  in  1867  retired  with  his  wife  and 
children  to  his  handsome  residence  in  Platte- 
ville, where  he  still  resides  in  ease  and  com- 


924 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


fort.  The  following  is  the  record  of  the  seven 
children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hawk : William 
A.,  who  died  a young  man;  Etta  M.,  wife  of 
John  Broadback,  a butcher  in  Vandalia,  111., 
and  the  mother  of  three  children— William, 
Girdon  and  Gladys;  Fannie  E.,  a graduate 
from  the  State  Normal  School  at  Platteville, 
and  now  a teacher  at  Warsaw,  Mo.,  where  she 
has  been  for  the  past  five  years ; Edwin  G.,  who 
married  Miss  Laura  Pitts,  and  has  one  son, 
Kenneth,  and  now  resides  in  Platteville;  Jo- 
hanna, wife  of  Thomas  Julian,  of  Montfort, 
Wis. ; John  J.,  a resident  of  Vandalia,  111. ; and 
Alice  S.,  who  received  a college  education,  and 
is  in  the  millinery  business  in  her  native  city 
of  Platteville. 

Religiously  Mr.  Hawk  and  family  are 
Episcopalians,  and  politically  Mr.  Hawk  is  a 
Republican,  under  the  auspices  of  which  party 
he  has  held  the  office  of  town  treasurer  six 
years.  He  is  an  enthusiastic  member  of  Sher- 
man Post,  G.  A.  R.,  and  socially  he  and  fam- 
ily are  among  the  most  respected  residents  of 
Platteville. 

A.  B.  CHAPMAN.  For  over  sixty  years 
this  gentleman  has  been  a resident  of  Grant 
county,  and  has  witnessed  almost  its  entire  de- 
velopment. He  has  seen  its  wild  lands  trans- 
formed into  beautiful  homes  and  farms,  its 
hamlets  grow  into  villages  and  flourishing 
towns,  and  all  of  the  interests  and  evidences 
of  an  advanced  civilization  introduced.  As  a 
farmer  he  has  met  with  success  in  business  af- 
fairs, and  is  now  living  a retired  life  in  Cass- 
ville. 

Mr.  Chapman  was  born  in  Sherrell  Moun- 
tain, Dubuque  Co.,  Iowa,  in  1836,  a son  of 
Ammyson  and  Mary  (Dunlard)  Chapman. 
The  father  was  born  in  Connecticut,  the  mother 
in  Canada  of  French  Huguenot  extraction. 
At  a very  early  day  in  the  development  of  the 
State,  Ammyson  Chapman  moved  to  Iowa,  and 
took  up  a tract  of  government  land,  at  one  time 
owning  160  acres  of  land  where  the  city  of 
Dubuque  now  stands,  but  was  driven  off  his 
claim  by  United  States  troops,  after  which  he 
came  to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  in  1838,  and 
opened  up  and  improved  a farm  in  Harrison 
township.  He  was  a soldier  of  the  Black 
Hawk  war,  and  was  prominently  identified 
with  the  early  development  and  upbuilding  of 
this  section  of  the  State.  He  was  born  Sept. 
1,  1800,  and  died  in  Cassville  township,  Grant 


county,  in  1881,  having  long  survived  his  wife, 
who  passed  away  in  1865.  Their  children 
were  Mrs.  Mary  Knox,  who  went  to  Califor- 
nia in  1850  ; A.  B. ; Mrs.  Lois  Lang,  a resident 
of  Dakota ; Peter,  a veteran  of  the  Civil  war, 

' and  a resident  of  Grant  county,  Wis. ; Collin, 
who  was  a member  of  a Wisconsin  regiment 
in  the  same  war,  and  is  now  a farmer  of 
W aterloo  township.  Grant  county ; and  Mrs. 
IT.  Schuelter,  a resident  of  Cassville. 

Being  only  two  years  old  when  brought  by 
his  parents  to  Grant  county,  A.  B.  Chapman 
was  reared  in  the  wilds  of  this  State,  and  re- 
ceived a limited  education,  as  schools  were  few 
and  widely  scattered  in  this  locality  during  his 
boyhood.  His  early  life  was  spent  upon  the 
home  farm  in  Harrison  township,  and  through- 
out his  active  business  career  he  engaged  in 
agricultural  pursuits,  becoming  owner  of  a 
good  farm  of  120  acres  in  Waterloo  township; 
which  he  still  owns.  He  moved  to  Cassville 
Feb.  22,  1899,  and  is  now  living  a retired  life, 
enjoying  a well-earned  rest. 

At  Dubuque,  Iowa,  in  1864,  Mr.  Chapman 
married  Miss  Josephine  Oshea,  a native  of  St. 
Paul,  Minn.,  and  a daughter  of  Lewis  Oshea, 
an  early  hunter  and  trapper  of  the  Northwest, 
and  his  wife,  a Sioux  Indian.  Her  uncle, 
Link  Comas,  was  chief  of  the  Sioux  tribe.  Of 
the  fourteen  children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Chapman,  the  following  named  are  living: 
Birdsell,  a resident  of  Waterloo  township, 
Grant  county;  Arizona;  Mrs.  Alvaretta  Cow- 
der;  Mrs.  Jane  Wilmot,  of  Cassville;  Ernest, 
who  took  a course  at  Bailey  College  and  is  now 
on  the  home  farm ; Orlando ; Josephine ; and 
Jessie. 

During  the  war  of  the  Rebellion  Mr.  Chap- 
man enlisted  at  Potosi,  Grant  county,  in  the 
49th  Wis.  V.  I.,  for  one  year,  and  as  a part 
of  the  Army  of  the  West  was  on  detached 
duty,  being  stationed  most  of  the  time  at  Rolla, 
Mo.,  and  he  now  holds  an  honorable  discharge. 
As  a Republican  he  takes  quite  an  active  in- 
terest in  political  affairs.  As  a prominent  pio- 
neer and  worthy  citizen  of  Grant  county,  he  is 
certainly  deserving  of  honorable  mention  in 
this  volume. 

WILLIAM  HOFFMAN,  a representative 
of  one  of  the  old  families  of  Grant  county, 
was  born  in  1844.  in  Louisville,  Ivy.,  son  of 
Peter  and  Mary  (Easier)  Hoffman. 

Peter  Hoffman,  his  father,  one  of  the  re- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


925 


spected  pioneers  of  southwestern  Wisconsin, 
was  born  in  Germany  in  1815,  and  sought  a 
new  home  in  the  New  World,  in  1833,  settling 
first  in  Pennsylvania,  thence  removed  to  Ohio, 
where  he  married  Mary  Easier.  Three  of 
their  children  survive:  William,  our  subject; 

Henry;  and  Louisa,  who  is  a resident  of  St. 
Paul,  Minn.  From  Ohio  the  family  removed 
to  southern  Illinois,  locating  near  East  St. 
Louis,  and  in  1847  located  in  Benton,  Lafay- 
ette Co.,  Wis.,  where  the  father  worked  at  his 
trade  as  a shoemaker.  Through  industry  and 
thrift  he  was  able  within  ten  years  to  become 
the  owner  of  a considerable  tract  in  Grant 
county,  and  thither,  in  1857,  he  removed  wiu 
his  family.  A part  of  this  land  now  forms  the 
farm  of  William  Hoffman. 

William  Hoffman  has  passed  the  greater 
part  of  his  life  in  Wisconsin,  and  he  now  owns 
a fine  farm  of  208  acres.  He  enlisted  in  Com- 
pany K (Capt.  Baxter),  of  the  47th  Wis.  V. 
L,  early  in  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  and 
marched  and  fought  with  his  regiment  until 
the  struggle  was  ended.  His  health  was  seri- 
ously impaired,  but  he  escaped  wounds,  and 
the  memories  of  his  years  in  the  service  are 
full  of  pleasant  recollections.  He  is  an 
esteemed  member  of  Tom  Cox  Post,  G.  A.  R., 
of  Lancaster. 

Mr.  Hoffman  married  Mary  Baker,  who 
has  become  the  mother  of  ten  children,  three 
sons  and  seven  daughters.  I11  politics  Mr. 
Hoffman  is  a stanch  Republican,  and  works 
faithfully  for  the  interests  of  that  party. 

JOSEPH  WATTERS,  now  a retired 
farmer  of  Hazel  Green,  Grant  county,  was 
born  in  Cornwall,  England,  only  son  of  Jo- 
seph and  Mary  (Spargo)  Watters,  who  were 
born,  reared  and  passed  their  entire  lives  in 
England.  The  father  was  an  old-time  miner  in 
Cornwall. 

After  the  death  of  his  parents  Joseph  Wat- 
ters came  to  this  country  in  August,  1848, 
and  settling  near  Hazel  Green,  Wis.,  engaged 
in  lead  mining,  following  that  work  for  some 
years.  In  1851  he  went  to  California  by  the 
ocean  route  across  the  Isthmus  to  San  Fran- 
cisco, and  from  there  to  the  gold  fields,  where 
he  remained  some  three  years,  then  coming 
back  to  Hazel  Green,  where  he  had  left  his 
wife  and  family.  When  Mr. Watters  had  re- 
turned to  his  home  he  bought  wild  prairie 
land  in  the  town  of  Hazel  Green,  and  began 


life  as  a farmer.  To  this  original  tract  he 
afterward  added  a quarter-section,  and  now 
owns  a fine  place  of  240  acres.  Here  he 
erected  a fine  home,  with  good  barns  and 
comfortable  outbuildings.  Mr.  Watters  has 
followed  stock  raising  quite  extensively,  his 
farm  being  well  situated  for  that  purpose. 

In  June,  1848,  Mr.  Watters  married  Miss 
Lizzie  Williams,  who  was  born  in  Cornwall, 
England,  in  March,  1830,  a daughter  of 
Thomas  and  Mary  Williams,  the  former  of 
whom  died  there,  but  the  mother  came  to  this 
country  and  died  in  Hazel  Green.  To  this 
union  have  been  born  six  children,  one  of 
whom  died  in  childhood:  (1)  John,  born  in 

1849,  married  Miss  Sarah  Bartle,  of  Hazel 
Green,  and  is  a farmer  in  the  town  of  Hazel 
Green;  there  are  two  sons  in  this  family,  Vir- 
gil and  Lloyd.  (2)  Peter,  born  in  1858,  mar- 
ried Miss  Elizabeth  Stephens,  and  resides  on 
a farm  in  the  town  of  Hazel  Green,  where  two 
daughters  have  come  to  them,  Hannah  and 
Grace.  (3)  Edward,  born  in  1868,  married 
Miss  Katie  Mills,  and  they  lived  with  his 
father  on  the  old  homestead,  where  she  died 
in  1896,  leaving  one  son,  Clifford.  (4)  Mary 
is  single,  and  at  home  with  her  parents.  ( 5 ) 
Grace,  born  in  1872,  is  at  home  with  her  par- 
ents. 

Mr.  Watters  has  been  for  many  years  an 
active  worker  in  the  Republican  party.  Both 
he  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Method- 
ist Church,  and  he  was  one  of  the  builders  of 
the  first  church  of  his  denomination  in  Hazel 
Green.  Fie  is  a member  of  the  Masonic  fra- 
ternity, being  affiliated  with  the  Blue  Lodge  at 
Hazel  Green.  Mr.  Watters  came  to  Grant 
county  when  a young  man,  without  means. 
The  country  was  a wilderness,  with  but  few 
homes  on  the  prairies,  and  these  miles  apart. 
There  was  courage  in  his  heart  and  strength 
in  his  muscles,  and  he  has  hammered  out  a 
large  success  in  life.  Mr.  Watters  is  a man 
of  strong  affections  and  deep  friendships. 
These  are  not  lightly  placed,  but  to  be  his 
friend  once  is  to  be  always  his  friend. 

J.  B.  MURPHY,  one  of  the  prosperous 
farmers  of  Marion  township.  Grant  county, 
enjoys  the  honor  of  being  chairman  of  the  town 
board,  and  was  born  at  Hastings,  N.  Y.,  on 
Jan.  10,  1839,  being  a son  of  Arthur  and  Delia 
(Cotton)  Murphy,  natives  of  Ireland. 

The  father  came  to  New  York  at  the  age 


926 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


of  eighteen,  while  the  mother  was  brought  to 
this  country  when  but  an  infant.  In  1856  the 
family  came  to  Grant  county,  and  although  the 
father  was  a stonemason  by  trade,  he  took  up 
land  in  Woodman  township,  which  he  greatly 
improved,  and  resided  upon  the  farm  until  his 
death,  which  occurred  in  1878,  his  wife  sur- 
viving him  until  1896.  To  them  were  born 
children  as  follows : Mary,  clerk  in  the  land 

office  at  Washington,  which  position  she  has 
held  for  twenty  years;  Edward,  of  Woodman; 
Caroline,  Mrs.  Ballinger,  of  Bloomington 
township,  Grant  county;  Kate,  of  Colorado; 
Anna,  Mrs.  Lewis,  of  Iowa ; Alice,  of  Bloom- 
ington township,  this  county;  Walter,  of 
Bowen  county,  Iowa;  our  subject. 

J.  B.  Murphy  was  reared  in  Waukesha 
county,  Wis.,  and  then  moved  to  Iowa  county, 
whence  in  1856  he  accompanied  the  family  to 
Woodman,  Grant  county,  later  going  to  Mill- 
ville, and  finally  to  Marion  township,  in  1866, 
where  he  purchased  a farm  of  200  acres,  now 
counted  as  one  of  the  finest  pieces  of  farming 
property  in  Grant  county.  In  August,  1861, 
Mr.  Murphy  enlisted  in  Co.  H,  7th  Wis.  V.  I., 
for  three  years  or  during  the  war.  The  'regi- 
ment was  mustered  in  at  Madison,  Wis.,  and 
was  assigned  to  the  Army  of  the  Potomac, 
forming  part  of  the  famous  “Iron  Brigade.” 
During  his  term  of  service  Mr.  Murphy  par- 
ticipated in  the  battles  of  Gainesville,  second 
battle  of  Bull  Run,  South  Mountain,  Antietam, 
Chancellorsville,  Fredericksburg,  Gettysburg, 
\\  ilderness  and  Petersburg,  and  also  took  part 
in  the  capture  of  the  Weldon  railroad.  On  ac- 
count of  a gunshot  wound  received  in  the  hand, 
Mr.  Murphy  was  honorably  discharged  in  Sep- 
tember, 1864,  having  served  bravely  and  been 
promoted  to  the  rank  of  sergeant. 

In  1866  Mr.  Murphy  was  married,  in  Fen- 
nimore,  to  Miss  Alice  Graham,  born  in  Ve- 
nango county,  Penn.,  daughter  of  William  and 
Eliza  (Dixon)  Graham,  natives  of  Pennsvl- 
vania,  who  came  to  Mount  Ida  township  in 
1858,  opening  up  a farm,  where  the  mother 
died  in  1879,  and  the  father  in  1888.  They 
were  prominent  pioneers  of  Mount  Ida  town- 
ship, and  will  long  be  remembered  as  repre- 
sentative farmers.  Five  children  have  been 
born  to  our  subject:  Lillian,  Mrs.  Smith,  of 

Republic,  V ash. ; Frank,  married,  and  resides 
in  Mason  City,  Iowa;  James,  of  Mason  City; 
Alta  and  Grace.  Mr.  Murphy  is  an  active 
member  of  John  McDermott  Post,  G.  A.  R., 


No.  101,  Boscobel.  In  political  matters,  Mr. 
Murphy’s  sympathies  are  with  the  Democratic 
party,  and  he  has  acceptably  served  as  chair- 
man of  Marion  township  for  ten  years,  prior 
to  the  present  term.  Few  men  are  more  pop- 
ular in  Grant  county  than  Mr.  Murphy,  and 
he  may  well  be  regarded  as  one  of  the  leading 
exponents  of  the  best  agricultural  interests  of 
the  great  commonwealth  of  Wisconsin. 

E.  D.  BUSHNELL,  deceased.  The  vic- 
tims of  war  cannot  be  counted  by  the  list  of 
those  slain  upon  the  field  of  battle.  For  years 
after  the  close  of  strife,  in  any  country,  noble 
lives  pass  out  of  existence  whose  decease  can 
be  directly  traced  to  the  terrible  exposure,  the 
deprivations  and  rigors  of  the  prison,  and  the 
horrors  of  the  army  hospital,  these  martyrs 
deserving  the  crown  of  laurel  just  as  surely 
as  if  the  death  blow  had  come  through  sword 
thrust  or  musket  ball,  in  front  of  the  enemy. 
Among  those  who  were  thus  sacrificed  while 
yet  in  the  prime  of  life  was  the  subject  of  our 
sketch,  E.  D.  Bushnell. 

The  birth  of  our  subject  occurred  in  Ohio, 
on  Jan.  19,  1834,  his  parents  being  Daniel 
and  Minerva  (Cole)  Bushnell,  who  came  to 
the  State  of  Wisconsin  at  a very  early  day. 
The  only  survivors  of  their  family  are  Hiram 
and  Mrs.  Lydia  Watchom,  of  Grant  county, 
Wis.,  and  Daniel,  a resident  of  Dakota. 
When  the  first  call  was  issued  for  volunteers 
for  service  in  the  Civil  war  our  subject  was 
among  the  number  to  respond,  enlisting  in 
Company  C,  7th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  participated 
in  all  the  battles  of  his  regiment  until  the  time 
of  his  capture  by  the  enemy,  near  Broad  Run, 
on  Oct.  9,  1863.  His  prison  life  included 
confinement  in  five  places,  each  one.  worse 
than  the  previous  one,  Belle  Isle,  Florence, 
Savannah,  Milan  and  Andersonville,  release 
coming  just  in  time  to  send  home  a wreck 
of  the  sturdy,  ambitious  young  volunteer 
who  had  so  bravely  gone  forth.  Although 
he  never  recovered  his  normal  health,  he  re- 
cuperated enough  to  follow  his  quiet  occupa- 
tions. 

In  1867  Mr.  Bushnell  married  Miss  Eliza- 
beth J.  Austin,  a daughter  of  Samuel  R.  and 
Minerva  (Ashmore)  Austin,  and  a member 
of  one  of  the  old  and  prominent  families  of 
Lafayette  county.  Mrs.  Bushnell  was  born  in 
Belmont,  near  the  Mound,  in  March,  1849, 
and  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  her  native 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


927 


place.  After  marriage  our  subject  purchased 
eighty  acres  near  the  line  of  Iowa  county, 
in  the  town  of  Belmont,  and  remained  at  this 
place  until  his  health  completely  failed,  his 
death  taking  place  in  a hospital,  where  he  was 
placed  in  order  that  the  very  best  and  most 
skillful  care  could  be  afforded  him.  Mr. 
Bushnell  was  noted  for  his  kind  disposition, 
and,  to  the  close  of  his  life,  for  his  devotion 
to  his  family. 

The  children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bush- 
nell were:  Samuel,  born  in  1868,  died  in  1892. 
Charles,  born  in  1870,  was  educated  in  the 
Platteville  Normal  School,  and  became  a teach- 
er; in  1897  he  married  Lillie  Rundle,  of  Iowa 
county,  and  settled  upon  a farm,  but  he  is 
now  a student  in  the  Northwestern  College  of 
Dentistry,  in  Chicago ; they  have,  one  daughter, 
Florence.  Lewis  E.,  born  in  1873,  was  edu- 
cated at  the  Platteville  Normal  School,  and 
/remained  at  the  old  home  with  his  mother 
until  his  marriage,  in  1898,  to  Nettie  Enloe, 
who  was  a daughter  of  an  old  veteran  of  Wis- 
consin ; they  now  reside  on  a farm  in  Iowa 
county.  Lillie,  born  in  1875,  graduated  from 
the  State  Normal  School,  and  now  follows 
teaching  in  Evansville,  Wis.  Mary,  born  in 
1 8 77,  graduated  in  the  class  of  1899,  and  is 
one  of  the  intelligent  and  charming  young 
teachers  of  Oneida  county,  Wis.  Rose,  born 
in  1879,  is  also  a graduate  of  the  Normal 
School,  class  of  1899,  and  is  one  of  the  suc- 
cessful teachers  of  Lafayette  county.  Archie, 
born  in  1881,  is  a student  at  the  Normal  School, 
where  he  promises  to  be  as  brilliant  as  the 
other  members  of  this  very  intelligent  family. 

An  ardent  Republican  all  his  life,  Mr. 
Bushnell  was  never  robust  enough  to  take  upon 
himself  the  cares  of  office.  Mrs.  Bushnell  and 
the  family  are  connected  with  the  M.  E. 
Church,  and  all  enjoy  the  esteem  of  the  com- 
munity. 

WILLIAM  S.  BLACKFORD.  This  es- 
teemed and  influential  citizen  of  Monroe  town- 
ship, Green  county,  is  one  of  a family  of  seven 
children  born  to  William  and  Rachel  (Johns) 
Blackford. 

William  Blackford,  his  father,  was  a potter 
by  trade,  and  was  of  German  lineage,  while 
his  mother’s  ancestors  were  Welsh.  Both  par- 
ents were  born  in  Pennsylvania,  where  they 
married,  and  lived  until  1845.  I11  that  year 

they  determined  to  seek  better  fortune  in  the 


West,  and  set  forth,  with  their  children  and 
household  goods,  for  Delphi,  Ind.  Proceeding 
by  covered  wagon  from  Fayette  to  Browns- 
ville, Penn.,  they  continued  their  westward 
journey  by  water,  going  by  steamboat  to  Mo- 
nongahela,  to  Pittsburg,  and  the  Ohio  to  Cairo, 
111.,  at  the  junction  of  that  stream  with  the 
Mississippi.  As  has  been  said,  it  had  been  their 
intention  to  ascend  the  Wabash  to  Delphi,  but 
low  water  forbade  this,  and  forced  them  to  con- 
tinue their  journey  in  the  manner  described. 
They  sailed  up  the  Mississippi  to  Dubuque, 
thence  went  to  Galena,  where  they  hired  a 
wagon  and  proceeded  to  Green  county,  Wis., 
making  their  first  stop  with  William  Goodell. 
The  land  chosen  by  Mr.  Blackford  on  which 
to  build  a home  for  himself  and  his  family 
was  heavily  timbered,  and  was  situated  in  the 
township  of  Jefferson.  To  clear  it  was  no  easy 
task,  but  sturdy  thews  and  sinews  can  accom- 
plish much  when  to  their  strength  is  added  a 
firm  resolve,  inspired  by  love.  On  this  farm, 
thus  reduced  to  cultivation  by  the  axe  of  the 
woodman  and  the  plow  of  the  pioneer,  the  par- 
ents passed  the  remainder  of  their  lives,  the 
mother  dying  about  1859,  and  the  father  in 
1871.  Of  their  seven  children,  two  have  died 
— Thomas  and  Lavina.  Enoch,  the  eldest  of 
the  five,  yet  living,  resides  in  Juda,  in  Green 
county;  Rebecca  is  the  wife  of  Stephen  Mann, 
of  Page  county,  Iowa;  William  S. ; Rachel  is 
Mrs.  Peter  Roub,  and  lives  in  the  South;  and 
Samuel  is  a resident  of  Louisiana. 

William  S.  Blackford  was  born  Feb.  3, 
1833,  in  Fayette  county,  Penn.,  and  was  conse- 
quently a boy  of  twelve  years  when  he  accom- 
panied his  parents  to  Green  county,  Wis.,  which 
has  been  his  home  ever  since.  In'  i860  he 
was  married  to  Nettie  Hedge,  whose  native 
State  was  Indiana.  Mrs.  Blackford  died  in 
1877,  and  he  has  not  married  again.  Pie  has 
three  daughters:  Jennie  Florence,  the  eldest, 
the  wife  of  Charles  Hartwick ; Nellie  Joseph- 
ine, whose  home  is  in  Carroll,  Iowa;  and  Rose, 
who  lives  with  her  father  in  Monroe- township. 
Mr.  Blackford  is  well  known  as  a worthy  rep- 
resentative of  an  honored  pioneer  family,  and 
is  highly  esteemed  for  his  own  good  qualities 
of  head  and  heart. 

CORNELIUS  HOWARD  is  numbered 
among  the  prosperous  farmers  and  veteran  citi- 
zens of  Watterstown  township,  Grant  county, 
and  resides  on  a fine  farm  in  section  11,  which 


928 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


he  has  brought  up  to  a good  state  of  culti- 
vation. 

Mr.  Howard  was  born  in  what  was  then 
Morgan  (now  Elliott)  county,  Ky.,  in  1847, 
being  a son  of  Thomas  and  Nancy  Howard, 
natives  of  Kentucky  and  Ohio,  respectively. 
The  parents  removed  from  Kentucky,  where 
their  children  were  born,  to  Illinois,  and  after 
living  in  that  State  a short  time  they  pushed 
further  into  the  wilderness,  and  in  1863  lo- 
cated in  Grant  county,  Wis.  Here  the  mother 
died,  but  the  father  still  survives,  and  resides 
in  Kentucky.  Five  children  were  born  of  this 
union,  four  sons  and  one  daughter,  and  all 
of  them,  except  Cornelius,  reside  in  Ohio. 

Our  subject  was  reared  and  educated  in 
Kentucky,  and  always  followed  the  occupation 
of  farming,  with  the  exception  of  a few  years 
spent  in  working  on  a railroad.  By  his  own 
efforts  he  finally  amassed  sufficient  money  to 
purchase  his  present  comfortable  farm.  At  the 
outbreak  of  the  Civil  war  Cornelius  Howard 
was  too  young  to  enter  the  service,  but  in  Janu- 
ary, 1865,  when  but  eighteen,  he  enlisted  in 
Company  E,  47th  Wis.  V.  L,  and  remained 
until  the  close  of  the  war.  During  his  term 
of  service  Mr.  Howard’s  health  became  seri- 
ously impaired,  and  he  has  never  recovered 
from  the  effects  of  the  hardships  he  suffered. 

To  Cornelius  Howard  and  his  wife,  Caro- 
line, four  sons  have  been  born:  Fred,  George, 
Charles  and  John,  but  the  last  three  died  in 
early  childhood.  Having  been  a good,  brave 
soldier,  Mr.  Howard  naturally  takes  a deep 
interest  in  all  matters  pertaining  to  the  veterans, 
and  is  an  active  member  of  the  G.  A.  R.  Hon- 
est, thrifty,  industrious,  Mr.  Howard  has 
gained  for  himself  the  respect  of  his  neigh- 
bors, and  is  justly  regarded  as  a substantial 
man,  and  a good  representative  of  the  agricul- 
tural interests  of  Grant  county. 

FRED  A.  MEYER,  postmaster  of  Bos- 
cobel,  Grant  county,  is  also1  a member  of  the 
firm  of  Meyer  & Johnson,  editors  and  publish- 
ers of  the  Boscobel  Dial-Enterprise,  one  of  the 
most  widely-quoted  and  influential  local  papers 
of  the  State.  Both  members  of  this  enter- 
prising and  stirring  firm  are  young  men,  but 
have  won  their  spurs  as  newspaper  men  on 
hard-fought  fields  of  journalism. 

Mr.  Meyer  was  born  in  Boscobel  Dec.  29, 
1871,  son  of  Edward  A.  and  E.  Josephine 
(Honn)  Meyer.  The  father  was  a native  of 


Westphalia,  Germany,  and  the  mother  of  Ohio, 
where  she  was  born  in  1843.  Frederick  A. 
and  Henrietta  Meyer,  the  parents  of  Edward 
A.,  came  to  this  country  in  1848,  bringing 
their  family  with  them,  and  settled  on  a farm 
near  Waukesha,  where  Edward  A.  was  reared 
to  manhood.  In  1858  he  came  to  Boscobel, 
and  spent  several  years  in  this  city.  In  1861 
he  went  back  to  Waukesha,  and  in  1866  once 
more  became  a resident  of  Boscobel.  This  time 
he  engaged  in  business  as  a member  of  the 
firm  of  Meyer,  Hildebrand  & Co.,  dealers  in 
general  merchandise.  After  a time  the  firm  be- 
came Meyer  Brothers,  Gustave,  a brother  of 
Edward  A.,  purchasing  the  interest  of  the  other 
parties.  Meyer  Brothers  were  in  business  for 
many  years,  and  became  one  of  the  best-known 
firms  in  southern  Wisconsin.  Their  patronage 
was  very  large,  and  their  goods  most  attractive 
in  quality  and  price.  When  the  firm  went  out 
of  business  Edward  A.  turned  his  attention  to 
manufacturing.  His  marriage  took  place  at 
Madison,  Wis.,  in  April,  1867,  and  has  been 
blessed  with  four  children:  Bruce  M.,  a manu- 
facturer at  Rockton,  Wis.;  Richard  F. 'died  in 
1894,  at  the  age  of  twenty-five  years  ; Fred  A., 
of  Boscobel;  and  Charity  Belle,  who  is  now  the 
wife  of  Dr.  C.  F.  Rodolf,  of  Muscoda,  Wis. 
Mrs.  Meyer  is  a member  of  the  Congregational 
Church,  and  a lady  of  high  standing  in  the  com- 
munity. Mr.  Meyer  is  a man  of  considerable 
prominence,  and  is  an  influential  Democrat,  his 
advice  being  often  followed  in  party  matters. 
He  was  mayor  of  the  city  for  a term,  served 
three  terms  as  chairman  of  the  board  of  super- 
visors; has  also  served  four  years  as  treasurer 
of  the  school  board,  and  has  been  an  alderman 
several  terms. 

Fred  A.  Meyer  was  a graduate  of  the 
high  school  of  Boscobel  in  the  class  of  1892, 
and  while  attending  school  learned  the  printer’s 
trade,  and  liked  it  so  well  that  it  has  become 
his  life  work.  In  1893  he  purchased  the  paper 
known  as  the  Leader,  in  company  with  Har- 
lan J.  Johnson,  and  entered  upon  a career  that 
has  met  with  marked  success  from  the  begin- 
ning. The  newspaper  history  of  the  firm  ap- 
pears in  the  sketch  of  his  partner,  published 
elsewhere  in  this  work.  Mr.  Meyer  was  mar- 
ried Sept.  8,  1898,  to  Miss  Nellie  E.  Pengilly, 
a daughter  of  Rev.  R.  Pengilly,  a minister  of 
the  Methodist  Church.  She  was  born  in  Ar- 
gyle,  Wis.,  and  is  the  mother  of  one  daughter, 
Josephine  E.  The  young  husband  is  a mem- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


929 


ber  of  the  orders  of  the  M.  W.  of  A.  and 
the  Foresters.  He  is  a strong  Republican,  and 
at  the  present  time  is  the  postmaster  of  Bosco- 
bel,  and  is  conducting  his  office  to  the  emi- 
nent satisfaction  of  the  community. 

FRANK  E.  TRENARY,  a well-to-do 
stock  farmer  in  the  town  of  Platteville,  Grant 
county,  attends  closely  to  his  business,  and  has 
not  only  succeeded  in  accumulating  a very 
handsome  competence,  but  has  won  and  holds 
the  confidence  and  respect  of  his  fellow  towns- 
men. 

Mr.  Trenary  was  born  in  his  present  home 
in  Platteville  in  April,  1862,  and  is  a son  of 
Philip  and  Isabel  (Lower)  Trenary,  both 
born  in  Cornwall,  England,  in  1812  and  1814, 
respectively.  They,  grew  to  maturity  in  Corn- 
wall, were  married  there,  and  had  four  chil- 
dren before  they  came  to  this  country.  In 
1844  they  located  in  Grant  county,  and  set- 
tled on  a farm  in  the  town  of  Platteville,  where 
they  made  a home  for  their  family.  Mr. 
Trenary  purchased  a large  amount  of  land, 
leaving  to  his  sons  productive  farms.  He 
erected  buildings  suitable  to  his  needs  on  two 
of  these  places,  and  the  one  where  our  subject 
lives  was  his  first  improvement.  The  other 
farm,  which  he  improved  later,  is  now  owned 
by  his  son  William.  He  was  one  of  the  oldest 
and' most  scientific  agriculturists  in  this  part 
of  the  country,  and  brought  the  best  knowl- 
edge of  the  times  to  help  him  in  his  business. 
He  died  in  September,  1896,  and  his  widow 
still  survives  him.  They  had  a family  of 
eleven  children.  John  P.,  the  eldest,  was  born 
in  England  in  1837,  and  married  Miss  Bessie 
A.  Stephens,  and  they  reside  near  Belmont, 
where  he  is  an  extensive  stock  farmer.  Mary 
H.,  born  in  England,  became  the  wife  of  Henry 
Pierce,  of  Pomeroy,  Iowa,  and  was  the  mother 
of  eight  children,  all  living  in  that  State, 
Charles,  John,  Frank,  Sylvester,  Jessie,  Phil, 
Robert  and  Arthur.  Charles,  born  in  England, 
married  Miss  Carrie  Greenrod,  and  resides  on 
his  farm  in  Pomeroy,  Iowa.  Emma,  born  in 
England,  and  educated  in  the  Platteville 
schools,  is  now  the  wife  of  John  Ware,  of 
Big  Patch,  and  is  the  mother  of  one  daughter, 
Clara  B.  Ellen,  born  in  Wisconsin,  married 
John  Rickard,  and  resides  in  Platteville,  where 
her  husband  is  the  engineer  of  the  Normal 
School  building.  Robert,  born  in  Grant  coun- 
ty, married  Miss  Lizzie  Henry,  who  died  soon 
59 


after  marriage,  leaving  no  family ; later  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Carrie  Hawk,  and  for  a time  re- 
sided in  Pomeroy,  Iowa,  until  a short  time  be- 
fore his  death,  when  he  returned  to  Grant 
county,  and  d.ed  in  1894,  leaving  three  chil- 
dren, Myrtie,  Seanson  and  Earl ; one  son,  Or- 
rin,  died  young.  Henry,  born  in  Grant  county 
on  the  old  homestead,  married  Miss  Agnes 
Jeffrey,  and  lives  in  Austin,  Minn.,  where  he 
is  engaged  in  business;  they  have  two  children, 
Loren  and  Floyd.  Carrie,  born  in  Grant  coun- 
ty, died  at  the  age  of  nineteen  years.  Bryara 
F.,  born  in  Grant  county,  married  Miss  Selina. 
Huntingdon,  and  is  a farmer  in  Lafayette  coun- 
ty; they  have  had  two  children,  Clyde,  who  is 
at  home,  and  Laura,  who  died  when  eight  years, 
of  age.  Will  and  Frank  E.,  born  in  1862,, 
are  twins ; Will  married  Miss  Carrie  Raisbeck, 
of  Platteville,  and  resides  on  one  of  the  paternal 
farms  in  Lafayette  county;  he  is  the  father  of 
three  daughters,  Cleo,  Lenice  and  one  not 
named. 

Frank  E.  Trenary  grew  to  manhood  under" 
the  parental  roof,  and  received  his  education, 
in  the  Platteville  schools,  finishing  his  school! 
days  at  the  Normal.  In  1886  he  married  Miss 
Annie  Huntingdon,  daughter  of  Robert  and 
Mary  (Stephens)  Huntingdon,  an  old  and 
prominent  family  of  Grant  county.  Pier  father 
died  in  1872,  leaving  a wife  and  three  chil- 
dren. After  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Trenary  settled  on  the  farm  where  they  are 
now  residing.  They  have  had  two  children, 
Estella  M.,  born  in  October,  1890,  and  Lloyd 
E.,  born  in  October,  1897.  Mrs.  Trenary  was 
born  in  1865,  and  obtained  her  education  in  the 
Platteville  schools. 

The  entire  Trenary  family  are  Republicans, 
and  their  honored  sire  held  to  the  same  politi- 
cal faith.  Mrs.  Trenary  is  a member  of  the 
Primitive  Methodist  Church  of  Platteville,  and 
her  husband,  while  not  a member,  supports  the 
church,  and  gives  his  influence  for  everything 
good  and  noble  in  the  community.  .He  is  one 
of  Grant  county's  enterprising  farmers,  and  is 
thoroughly  respected,  not  only  for  his  good 
business  equalities,  but  for  his  good  and  kind 
personal  character. 

RICHARD  F.  ELLIS,  a leading  up-to- 
date  and  prosperous  farmer  of  Jordan  town- 
ship, Green  county,  is  a native  of  New  York 
State,  born  July  12,  1837,  in  Chautauqua 
county.  The  first  of  the  Ellis  family  in  this 


930 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD, 


country  were  three  brothers,  who,  about  250 
years  ago,  came  to  the  New  England  colonies 
from  England. 

George  and  Hulda  Ellis,  grandparents  of 
our  subject,  were  natives  of  the  State  of  Maine. 
1 hey  had  a family  of  ten  children,  named  re- 
spectively: Benjamin,  Richard,  Nehemiah 

(sketch  of  whom  follows),  Sewell,  George, 
Abel,  John,  Hulda,  Amie,  and  Abbie,  all  now 
deceased.  Hulda,  Amie  and  Abbie  married 
three  brothers  by  the  name  of  Deveroux,  and 
their  families  averaged  twelve  children  each, 
the  majority  being  boys,  all,  except  three,  of 
whom  served  in  the  war  of  the  Rebellion. 

Nehemiah  Ellis,  father  of  Richard  F.,  was 
born  Aug.  4,  1804,  near  Bangor,  Maine, 
whence,  in  1819,  he  removed  with  his  parents 
to  Chautauqua  county,  N.  Y.  In  1828  he 
married  Rachel  Osgood,  and  to  this  union  were 
born  twelve  children,  six  of  whom  reached 
maturity,  viz. : Mary,  wife  of  William  Kins- 
ton, of  Monroe,  Green  county;  Eliza,  widow 
of  Samuel  Shook,  formerly  of  Iowa;  Richard 
Iw,  our  subject;  Lewis,  a farmer  of  Pocahon- 
tas county,  Iowa;  Laban,  residing  in  Denver, 
Colo.;  and  Samuel,  of  Hastings,  Neb.  Nehe- 
miah Ellis,  the  father  of  this  family,  migrated 
from  New  York  State  to  Stephenson  county, 
111.,  in  1838,  and  purchased  a farm  near 
Orangeville.  In  1847  he  removed  to  Green 
county,  where  he  bought  a farm  in  Jordan 
township,  which  he  continued  to  cultivate  until 
1875,  in  that  year  removing  to  Buena  Vista 
county,  Iowa,  where  he  passed  the  rest  of  his 
life,  dying  March  15,  1891.  Thus,  in  his  time, 
he  was  a settler  in  three  States  of  the  Union’ 
and  was  a typical  frontier  pioneer. 

Richard  F.  Ellis,  whose  name  opens  this 
sketch,  was  an  infant  when  his  parents  went 
from  New  York  State  to  Illinois,  and  about  ten 
years  old  when  they  settled  in  Green  county, 
Whs.  Plere  he  received  the  greater  part  of  his 
education,  and  was  reared  to  farming  pursuits. 
In  1864,  during  the  Civil  war,  he  enlisted  in 
Battery  D,  1st  Wis.  Lleavy  Artillery,  in  which 
he  served  until  June,  1865,  being  stationed  at 
b ort  Jackson  and  Fort  Berwick,  La.  On  his 
return  from  the  front,  in  1865,  he  sold  out  his 
first  farm,  and  in  1870  bought  his  present  one 
of  240  acres,  on  which  he  has  made  his  home 
•e\  ei  . since,  engaged  in  general  farming.  In 
politics  he  is  independent,  and  for  over  twenty 
years  has  served  as  school  director,  and  has 
also  been  treasurer,  etc.  In  religious  faith  he 


and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Church  of 
Christ. 

On  Aug.  29,  1864,  Richard  F.  Ellis  mar- 
ried Miss  Emma  Bowden,  of  Monroe,  Wis., 
born  Dec.  15,  1844,  in  Knox  county,  111.,  and 
brought  to  Green  county,  Wis.,  when  about  one 
year  old.  Pier  parents,  Samuel  and  Elizabeth 
(Virtue)  Bowden,  had  a family  of  eight  chil- 
dren, five  of  whom  are  yet  living:  Elizabeth, 
widow  of  George  Norris,  formerly  of  Chicago, 
111.;  Ellen,  widow  of  Ephraim  Miller,  and  now 
living  in  Monroe,  Wis.;  George,  in  southern 
Missouri;  Emma,  wife  of  Ricliard  F.  Ellis; 
and  Richard,  a resident  of  Chicago.  To  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  R.  F.  Ellis  have  been  born  seven  chil- 
dren, a brief  record  of  whom  is  as  follows : 
(1)  William,  born  Sept.  15,  1866,  married 
Catherine  Laubaugh;  he  is  a farmer  in  Jor- 
dan township,  Green  county.  (2)  Flora,  born 
May  20,  1869,  is  the  wife  of  Charles  Smith, 
of  Monroe,  Wis.  (3)  Edwin,  born  March 
26,  1872,  married  Anna  Brazd , of  Adams 
township,  Green  county.  (4)  Franklin,  born 
Oct.  12,  1874,  married  Rosa  Stauffacher,  of 
Jordan  township,  Green  county.  (5)  Lee, 
born  Dec.  25,  1876,  is  on  the  home  farm.  (6) 
Louis  B.,  born  Sept.  3,  1882,  is  at  home.  (7) 
Ida  May  died  in  infancy. 

JAMES  F.  SCHRODER.  This  is  the 
name  of  one  of  the  stirring  and  capable  ydung 
men  who  are  pushing  to  the  front  in  business 
and  agriculture.  He  lives  in  the  town  of 
Platteville,  Grant  county,  and  is  both  enter- 
prising and  successful. 

Mr.  Schroder  was  born  in  Montfort,  Iowa 
county,  in  November,  1875,  and  is  a son  of  C. 
F.  and  Mary  I.  (Harms)  Schroder.  His  fa- 
ther was  born  in  Germany  in  1840,  and  his 
mother  was  born  in  Grant  county.  After  their 
marriage  his  parents  settled  at  Montfort,  Iowa 
county,  and  followed  farming  until  1882  in 
that  locality,  when  he  purchased  the  Hunting- 
ton  farm,  two  miles  south  of  Platteville,  which 
farm  became  his  home  for  the  rest  of  his  life. 
He  died  March  17,  1894,  leaving  his  wife  with 
three  • children.  The  widow  did  not  remain 
on  the  farm  long  after  her  husband’s  death, 
but  moved  into  the  city  of  Platteville,  and  is 
still  a resident  of  that  place.  They  were  the 
parents  of  four  children : ( 1 ) Anna,  born  in 

Iowa  county,  was  educated  in  the  Montfort  and 
Platteville  schools,  as  were  the  other  children; 
she  is  now  the  wife  of  Jacob  S.  Brugger,  and 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


93i 


resides  on  a fruit  farm  one  mile  east  of  Platte- 
ville.  They  have  four  children,  Clarence  El- 
mer, Fernie  Isabelle,  Hazel  May  and  Herbert 
D.  (2)  Ellen  Jane  died  when  ten  months  old. 
(3)  James  F.  (4)  George  William,  born  at 
Montfort,  married  Miss  Anna  Scheel,  and  re- 
sides in  Plymouth  county,  Iowa,  where  he  is 
engaged  in  farming;  they  have  three  children, 
Mabel  Gertrude,  Ethel  Isabelle  and  Bessie 
Helen. 

James  F.  Schroder  was  educated  in  the  dis- 
trict and  normal-  schools  at  Piatteville.  He 
lived  on  the  farm  until  the  death  of  his  father, 
when  he  accompanied  his  mother  into  Piatte- 
ville, the  charge  of  the  farm  falling  very 
largely  into-  his  hands.  In  May,  1898,  Mr. 
Schroder  married  Miss  Etta  Johnston,  a daugh- 
ter of  John  and  Mary  Johnston,  old  and  promi- 
nent residents  of  Grant  county,  but  formerly 
of  Germany.  She  was  born  in  Piatteville  in 
June,  1875,  and  had  her  education  in  the  local 
schools.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Schroder  lived  in 
Piatteville  until  1900,  when  they  moved  to  the 
old  Schroder  farm,  which  is  one  of  the  finest 
rural  estates  in  the  town,  containing  about  400 
acres,  in  a high  state  of  cultivation,  and  thor- 
oughly kept  up.  Mr.  Schroder  is  a Democrat. 
All  the  family  are  members  of  the  Reformed 
Lutheran  Church.  The  father  of  James  F. 
Schroder  was  one  o'f  the  old-time  Californians, 
crossing  the  plains  during  the  gold  excitement 
there,  and  returning  some  years  later  to  Wis- 
consin, where  he  invested  his  money  in  real 
estate  and  became  one  of  the  independent  farm- 
ers of  this  county,  and  a man  of  real  worth, 
with  many  friends.  His  widow  and  children 
are  all  prominent  members  of  society,  and 
count  their  friends  among  the  best  people  in 
the  community. 

SAMUEL  MELANCTHON  SMITH, 
M.  A.,  is  a young  attorney  of  Janesville,  Rock 
county,  whose  knowledge  of  law  and  general 
business  ability  have  been  fittingly  recognized 
by  his  appointment  as  attorney  and  secretary 
of  the  Janesville  Machine  Co.  He  is  rapid 
and  accurate  in  everything  that  relates  to  the 
interest  of  the  company  with  which  he  is  asso- 
ciated, and  in  a general  way  is  regarded  as 
one  of  the  abler  and  more  progressive  mem- 
bers of  the  Rock  county  Bar. 

Mr.  Smith  was  born  in  Galena,  111.,  Tune 
29,  1869,  and  is  a son  of  Rev.  Dr.  Ambrose 
C.  and  Hannah  L.  (Slaymaker)  Smith,  both 


natives  of  Pennsylvania.  Dr.  Smith  was  pas- 
tor of  the  South  Presbyterian  Church  of  Ga- 
lena for  twenty-three  years,  until  1889,  when 
he  was  elected  president  of  Parsons  College, 
at  Fairfield,  Iowa.  He  held  that  position  until 
1896,  when,  by  reason  of  broken  health,  he 
had  to  give  up  wjoirk.  Mr.  Smith  has  two 
brothers:  Henry  S.,  a physician  of  Negaunee, 
Mich.;  and  Edward  A.,  a dentist  of  Madison, 
Wisconsin. 

Samuel  M.  Smith  was  educated  in  the 
schools  of  Galena  and  under  the  private  instruc- 
tion of  his  father.  He  was  a member  of  the 
graduating  class  of  1890  from  Beloit  College, 
receiving  the  degree  of  B.  A.,  and  three  years 
later  received  the  degree  of  M.  A.  Lie  made  a 
good  record  at  school,  both  as  a gentleman  and 
as  a student,  and  on  his  graduation  secured  a 
position  as  teacher  in  the  School  for  the  Blind, 
at  Janesville.  This  position  he  held  for  one 
year,  and  was  then  made  bookkeeper  for  the 
Merchants  & Mechanics  Savings  Bank  in  that 
city.  He  had  read  law  to  a considerable  extent 
while  in  the  bank,  and  attended  the  law  school 
at  Madison,  taking  the  course  to  within  three 
months  of  completion,  leaving  the  law  school 
to  accept  the  position  of  assistant  cashier  of 
the  Merchants  & Mechanics  Savings  Bank  of 
Janesville.  In  the  spring  of  1894,  while  still 
connected  with  the  bank,  he  was  admitted  to 
the  Bar,  and  a year  later  became  the  junior 
member  of  the  law  firm  of  \\  hitehead,  Mathe- 
son  & Smith,  entering  upon  the  practice  of  his 
profession  under  very  favorable  auspices.  In 
October,  1897,  he  was  selected  as  attorney  for 
the  Janesville  Machine  Co.,  and.  as  noted 
above,  was  soon  afterward  chosen  secretary  of 
same. 

Mr.  Smith  and  Miss  Margaret  Sheldon 
were  married  Nov.  11,  1896.  Mrs.  Smith  is  a 
daughter  of  Alfred  PI.  Sheldon,  and  was  born 
and  reared  in  the  city  of  Janesville.  She  is  a 
lady  of  many  gifts  and  graces.  Mr.  Smith 
is  a Republican,  and  is  a member  of  the  school 
board  from  the  Third  ward.  He  is  a mem- 
ber and  trustee  of  the  First  Presbyterian 
Church,  and  at  the  present  time  is  serving  as 
a member  of  the  board  of  directors  of  the 
Young  Men’s  Christian  Association.  He  be- 
longs to  a college  fraternity.  Mr.  Smith  owns 
his  home  at  No.  305  South  Third  street. 


Since  the  above  sketch  was  written  Mr. 
Smith,  in  March,  1900,  resigned  his  position 


932 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


with  the  Janesville  Machine  Co.,  to  accept  the 
position  of  secretary  of  the  Wisconsin  State 
fax  Commission,  at  Madison,  and  in  April, 
1901,  left  the  latter  position  to  take  the  sec- 
retaryship of  the  Board  of  Control,  Endow- 
ment Rank,  Knights  of  Pythias,  in  the  head 
office  at  Chicago ; this  position  carries  with  it 
the  management  of  the  insurance  branch  of  the 
order. 

JAMES  E.  BOWEN  is  a name  prominent 
in  the  records  of  the  town  of  Sylvester,  Green 
county,  where  he  has  lived  an  honorable  and 
upright  life  for  many  years. 

Mr.  Bowen  is  a son  of  Davis  and  Rachel 
J.  (Brown)  Bowen,  natives  of  Virginia,  the 
former  of  whom  was  born  about  1795,  and  his 
wife  in  1792.  They  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1838 
when  it  was  teeming  with  Indians  and  wild 
beasts,  and  settled  on  section  27,  town  of  Syl- 
vester. Here  they  lived  and  died,  his  death 
occurring  in  1867;  his  widow  survived  until 
1876.  l'hey  were  married  about  1820,  and 
were  the  parents  of  three  children:  James  E., 
whose  name  introduces  this  article;  Robert  C., 
who  died  in  Wisconsin;  and  Annie  M.,  who 
married  Reuben  G.  Fleek,  of  Brodhead,  and  is 
now  deceased.  Davis  Bowen  was  a son  of 
Samuel  Bowen,  a captain  in  the  militia  of  the 
colony  of  Virginia.  He  had  a reputation  as  a 
born  Indian  fighter,  and  participated  in  all  the 
combats  with  the  savages  in  the  Upper  Ohio 
Wiley  during  the  Revolution.  In  history  he 
is  recorded  as  one  of  the  very  first  settlers  to 
cross  the  mountains  and  penetrate  into  West 
Virginia.  The  ancestors  of  Capt.  Bowen  were 
of  Welsh  nativity. 

James  Edgar  Bowen  was  born  Sept.  25, 
1825,  in  West  Virginia,  near  the  mouth  of  the 
Cheat  river,  near  the  Pennsylvania  line.  He1 
came  to  Green  county  during  his  thirteenth 
year,  and  spent  his  older  boyhood  among  the 
scenes  and  hardships  of  pioneer  life.  In  1859 
he  married  Miss  Martha  Ann  Clark,  a daugh- 
ter of  Joseph  Clark,  whose  name  figures  in  the 
pioneer  records  of  this  State.  Two  of  their 
children  lived  to  maturity : Davis,  who  was 
born  in  1864,  and  resides  in  Montana;  and 
Susan,  born  in  1868,  who  married  James  Sher- 
man Shafer,  of  the  town  of  Sylvester,  and  is 
the  mother  of  two  children,  Vivian  Jeanette 
and  Martha  Vara.  Mr.  Shafer  and  his  family 
live  near  Desmet,  South  Dakota. 

Mr.  Bowen  first  lived  on  the  farm  in  Green 


county  at  a time  when  very  little  opportunity 
was  given  the  average  youtn  for  schooling.  In 
all  he  attended  school  less  than  a year,  and  his 
education,  which  is  by  no  means  meager,  has 
been  acquired  very  largely  by  home  study  and 
contact  with  the  world.  He  has  in  years  past 
been  an  extensive  traveler.  In  1851,  in  com- 
pany with  some  friends,  he  drove  an  ox-team 
overland  to  Oregon  and  California,  in  1854 
he  returned  home,  by  way  of  Panama  and  the 
steamer  route  to  New  Orleans,  and  thence  home 
via  the  Mississippi  river.  Mr.  Bowen  has  been 
in  some  thirty-five  States  of  the  Union,  as 
well  as  Mexico  and  South  America.  He  is  a 
man  of  retentive  memory  and  wide  reading, 
true  and  honest  in  his  convictions,  and  frank 
and  outspoken  in  their  expression.  Politically 
he  is  a stanch  Democrat,  and  his  father  before 
him  was  a strong  and  earnest  supporter  of 
Andrew  Jackson.  Our  subject  cast  his  last 
vote  for  William  J,  Bryan  in  1900.  He  was 
a States  Rights  Democrat  during  the  Civil  war. 

Mr.  Bowen  comes  of  a family  of  pioneer 
settlers  in  every  generation  from  his  great- 
grandfather to  his  own  son,  who  early  moved 
to  Montana. 

HENRY  PITTS,  one  of  the  prominent 
citizens  of  Mineral  Point,  Iowa  county,  and  an 
important  factor  in  the  G.  -A.  R.  post  of  that 
locality,  in  which  he  serves  as  adjutant,  is  one 
of  the  brave  veterans  of  the  war  of  the  Rebel- 
lion, who  is  deserving  of  high  honor  as  a de- 
fender of  our  nation’s  honor.  The  day  is  com- 
ing when  the  badge  of  the  G.  A.  R.  man  will 
not  be  seen ; and  then,  like  children  who  have 
lost  a dear  parent,  we  will  mourn  that  we  did 
not  do  sufficient  homage  to  our  brave  one  while 
he  was  permitted  to  be  with  us. 

Henry  Pitts  was  born  in  Bavaria,  Ger- 
many, in  1847,  a son  Philip  and  Catherine 
(Soper)  Pitts,  also  natives  of  Germany,  where 
the  father  died,  but  the  mother  came  to  Amer- 
ica, passing  away  in  Ohio1  in  1887.  One 
brother,  Philip,  served  in  an  Indiana  regiment 
during  the  war,  and  now  resides  in  Wabash 
county,  Ind.  Our  subject  was  reared  in  Ger- 
many, where  he  received  his  education  in  the 
public  schools,  and  came  to  America,  landing 
at  New  York,  on  May  26,  1861,  from  whence 
he  went  to  Wabash  county,  Indiana. 

In  1863  Mr.  Pitts  enlisted  in  Company  H, 
113th  Ind.  *V.  I.,  for  three  years  or  until  the 
close  of  the  war,  being  mustered  in  at  Indian- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


933 


• apolis  and  assigned  to  the  Western  Army,  par- 
ticipating- in  the  battles  of  Blue  Spring,  Cedar 
Mountain,  Watkins  Ford;  then  was  placed  on 
detached  duty  near  Stevenson,  Ala.,  where  he 
received  a wound  that  forced  him  to  remain 
in  the  hospital  at  Nashville,  Tenn.,  where  his 
hand  was  amputated.  In  July,  1865,  he  was 
discharged,  and  returned  to  Wabash  county, 
Ind.  Here  he  remained  until  1873,  when  he 
went  to  Milwaukee,  thence  in  1892  to  Mineral 
Point.  Mr.  Pitts  is  a notary  public,  has  been 
a justice  of  the  peace,  and  is  a man  of  whom 
nothing  but  good  is  ever  spoken. 

In  1875  Mr.  Pitts  married  Barbara  Remy- 
ze r,  born  in  Milwaukee,  a daughter  of  Freder- 
ick and  Frances  (Alterman)  Remyzer,  natives 
of  Germany,  who,  in  1830,  came  tO'  Buffalo, 
later  moving  to  Detroit,  and  in  1838  to  Mil- 
waukee. The  father  was  a shoemaker  by  trade, 
and  died  in  1878,  in  Milwaukee,  his  wife  pass- 
ing away  in  1887.  To  our  subject  and  wife 
were  born  four  children : W.  C.  enlisted  in 
Company  E,  1st  Wisconsin,  for  the  Spanish- 
American  war,  was  stationed  at  Jacksonville, 
Md.,  in  October,  1898,  and  in  March  of  the  fol- 
lowing year  he  enlisted  in  Company  B,  3d  U. 
S.  I.,  and  is  now  in  the  Philippines;  Albert  J., 
at  home ; J.  C.  and  Anna  G.  Mr.  Pitts  is  an 
active  member  of  Geo.  H.  Legate  Post,  G.  A. 
R.,  in  which,  as  before  mentioned,  he  fills  the 
office  of  adjutant;  is  a life-long  Republican, 
and  takes  a deep  interest  in  politics.  Kindly, 
genial,  accommodating,  Mr.  Pitts  has  made 
many  friends,  and  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  best 
representatives  of  our  veterans  in  this  part  of 
the  State. 

GEORGE  W.  BUSSEY,  a thrifty  and  ven- 
erable citizen  of  Green  county,  Wis.,  is  a re- 
tired farmer  now  spending  the  closing  years 
of  a useful  and  industrious  life  in  the  village 
of  Juda.  Mr.  Bussey  is  the  son  of  Hezekiah 
and  Fannie  (Cross)  Bussey,  of  Brown  county, 
Ohio,  who  came  to  this  State  in  1846,  and 
made  their  home  here  as  long  as  they  lived. 
Hezekiah  Bussey  was  born  Aug.  5,  1789,  and 
died  Dec.  27,  1871.  Fannie  Bussey,  his  widow, 
was  born  March  20,  1790,  and  died  Oct.  30, 
1 87 9.  John  Bussey,  the  grandfather  of  George 
W.,  was  a native  born  Englishman,  who  came 
to  America  before  the  Revolution,  settling  in 
Virginia,  where  he  became  the  father  of  four 
children : John,  who  was  killed  in  the  war  of 
1812;  Hezekiah,  named  above;  Mary  married 


Amos  Black,  of  Virginia ; and  Annie,  who  mar- 
ried Benjamin  Ashby,  of  Kentucky. 

Hezekiah  Bussey  and  Fannie  Cross,  daugh- 
ter of  John  Cross,  of  Ohio,  were  married  July 
12,  1810,  and  to  their  union  came  the  follow- 
ing children:  John  R.,  born  March  20,  1811, 
was  a farmer  in  Oklahoma,  and  died  June  19, 
1885.  William  C.,  born  Aug.  22,  1812,  died, 
unmarried,  in  California,  Dec.  6,  1884;  in  1846 
he  went  to  California,  making  the  voyage  in 
a sailing  vessel  around  Cape  Horn.  George 
W.  Elener,  born  Aug.  8,  1818,  married  Elizer 
Tracy,  of  Green  county.  Nelson,  born  July 
29,  1 822,  married  Orra  Dyer.  Mary  Ann, 
born  April  30,  1826,  married  the  late  William 
Cooley,  and  died  in  April,  1899. 

Mr.  Bussey  was  born  Dec.  19,  1816,  and 
was  married  Aug.  26,  1836,  to  Miss  Emily 
Gaby,  daughter  of  John  Gaby,  of  Maryland, 
and  became  the  mother  of  these  children  : ( 1 ) 
Phoebe  E.,  born  April  9,  1839,  married  Jere- 
miah Ostrander,  of  Green  county,  and  dief? 
Aug.  10,  18 — . (2)  Ada  J.,  born  March  13, 

1841,  married  William  J.  Ostrander,  and  died 

Oct.  30,  1879.  (3)  Mary  Ann,  born  Dec.  19, 

1842,  married  Oct.  25,  1857,  Charles  Van 
Buren,  a farmer  of  Green  county,  now  residing 
with  her  father  in  Juda.  (4)  Fannie  H.,  born 
April  26,  1844,  married  John  Myers,  a farmer 
of  Green  county.  (5)  Mahlon,  born  Nov.  4, 
1845,  married  Miss  Lena  Clark.  (6)  John  N. 
and  (7)  Orra  E.,  born  April  8,  1848,  twins; 
Orra  E.  is  the  wife  of  Nathan  Ainsworth,  of 
Green  county.  (8)  Susan  C.,  born  May  24, 
1850,  is  Mrs.  John  Schemmerhorn.  of  Madi- 
son. Mrs.  Bussey  was  born  Feb.  7,  1813,  and 
died  March  7,  1888. 

Mr.  Bussey  started  out  in  life  without  a dol- 
lar, and  with  but  a meager  education.  He 
came  with  a wife  and  two  children  to  Wiscon- 
sin in  the  fall  of  1842,  while  it  was  still  a 
territory.  When  they  crossed  the  Wisconsin 
line  there  was  not  a dollar  in  the  family  treas- 
ury. Having  learned  the  shoemaker’s  trade 
when  a boy  in  Ohio,  he  followed  it  at  night, 
working  by  the  light  of  a tallow  candle.  Dur- 
ing the  day  he  was  a carpenter.  For  some 
years  he  worked  in  this  most  industrious  fash- 
ion, and  then  bought  a mill  of  his  brother, 
which  he  operated  for  seven  years.  At  the 
end  of  that  time  he  sold  it  and  turned  the 
proceeds  into  a small  farm,  and  after  a time 
traded  that  for  a woolen  mill.  This  plant  he 
managed  for  a number  of  years,  when  he  ex- 


934 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


changed  it  advantageously  for  a very  valuable 
farm.  Here  Mr.  Bussey  farmed  for  a number 
of  years,  and  then  selling  part  of  the  place, 
bought  his  present  very  handsome  and  conven- 
ient home  in  Juda,  where,  as  already  noted, 
he  is  living  retired.  Mr.  Bussey  owns  this 
quarter-section  farm  in  the  town  of  Spring 
Grove,  and  also  has  a farm  of  160  acres  in 
Kansas.  Mr.  Bussey  is  not  connected  with  any 
church.  High  moral  ideals  determine  lus  life, 
and  he  affirms  that  honesty  and  square  dealing 
are  the  principal  parts  of  religion.  As  a vol- 
unteer in  the  Union  army  during  the  war  of  the 
Rebellion  he  displayed  a lofty  patriotism,  and 
ito  that  key  his  life  has  been  attuned.  He 
served  as  a member  of  Battery  D,  1st  Wis. 
Heavy  Art  llerv,  and  enlisted  in  1862.  Mr. 
Bussey  served  at  Fort  Jackson,  in  Louisiana, 
and  at  other  places,  and  received  an  honorable 
discharge  at  the  close  of  the  war.  From  the 
country  he  helped  to  rescue  at  the  cost  of  im- 
paired health,  he  is  now  receiving  a pension 
of  $16  a month.  In  politics  Mr.  Bussey  is  a 
Republican,  and  has  been  justice  of  the  peace, 
road  supervisor,  assessor,  postmaster  at  Oakley, 
and  is  a capable  and  efficient  official.  Belong- 
ing to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odcl  Fellows, 
he  has  striven  to  exhibit  in  his  life  the  princi- 
ples underlying  that  noble  order.  He  has  been 
a Mason  in  good  standing'  for  forty  years. 
At  the  age  of  eighty-four  years,  it  is  given  him 
to*  look  back  over  a long  and  useful  life  which 
lias  been  lived  for  the  welfare  of  the  world 
and  the  happiness  of  those  around  him. 

JAMES  BALLANTINE  (deceased)  was 
one  of  the  pioneers  of  Grant  county,  and'  its 
record  would  be  incomplete  without  his  life 
history,  connected  as  he  was  with  its  growth 
and  development  since  1846. 

Mr.  Ballantine  was  a native  of  the  State 
of  New  York,  born  in  Delaware  county  Feb. 
22,  1822.  His  father,  David  Ballantine,  was 
born  in  the  highlands  of  Scotland,  and  came 
to-  America  in  his  youth.  His  mother,  Ann 
(Grant)  Ballantine,  was  also  of  Scotch  parent- 
age, but  she  was  born  in  Albany,  N.  Y.,  and 
in  that  State,  she  and  her  husband  passed  their 
married  life,  both  dying  in  Bovina.  David  Bal- 
lantine was  a prominent  business  man  in  his 
town,  where  for  many  years  he  carried  on  a 
mercantile  enterprise. 

James  Ballantine  was  one  of  ten  children, 
the  family  comprising  seven  sons  and  three 


daughters.  One  son  died  in  infancy,  but  all  the 
others  reached  mature  years,  although  now 
this,  once  numerous  family  is  represented  alone 
by  Thomas  Ballantine,  a farmer  near  Sedge- 
wick^  Kansas.  James  Ballantine  was  in  his 
twenty- fourth  year  when,  in  1846,  he  came  to 
Grant  county.  Immediately  he  entered  a large 
amount  of  land,  and  engaged  extensively  in 
farming  and  stockraising,  becoming  one  of  the 
most  successful  agriculturists  and  'Stock  men  in 
Grant  county.  In  1863  Mr.  Ballantine  met 
with  a serious  accident  that  changed  to  some 
extent  his  course  in  life.  By  the  running"  away 
of  his  team,  one  of  his  limbs  was  so  badly 
injured  that  amputation  was  necessary.  Fol- 
lowing this  accident,  he  disposed  of  much  of 
his  land,  and  then  made  his  home,  until  he 
married,  with  his  brother,  David,  and  together 
they  engaged  extensively  in  the  live  stock  busi- 
ness and  became  very  prosperous. 

On  Feb.  13,  1867,  Mr.  Ballantine  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Abbie  A.  Pennock,  a daughter  of 
Samuel  and  Sarah  Ann(.Dubell)  Pennock.  Mrs. 
Ballantine  was  born  in  Albany,  Ohio,  and  came 
to  Grant  county,  Wis.,  with  her  parents  in  her 
tenth  year.  The  family  first  settled  at  Mill- 
ville, where  Mr.  Pennock  worked  in  a cabinet 
and  furniture  shop,  having  the  trade  and  skill 
of  a mechanic,  but  his  death  occurred1  three 
years  after  his  arrival,  and  he  left  his  wife 
with  seven  children,  the  oldest  of  them  but 
fourteen  years  old  and  the  youngest  but  three 
months.  The  mother  of  Mrs.  Ballantine,  al- 
though left  in  limited  circumstances,  reared 
her  family  carefully  and  faithfully  to  be  worthy 
citizens,  and  all  of  them  lived  to  maturity.  In 
her  declining  years  she  resided  with  her  de- 
voted daughter,  Mrs.  Ballantine,  and  there  died 
on  April  29,  1899,  at  the  advanced  age  of 
eighty-four  years. 

After  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ballantine 
settled  in  the  village  of  Bloomington,  and  here 
Mr.  Ballantine  continued  in  the  stock  business', 
and  also  loaned  money.  His  death  occurred 
on  July  18,  1895,  in  his  seventy-third  year, 
his  widow  and  five  children  surviving  to  mourn 
the  loss  of  a devoted  husband  and  kind  father. 
Four  of  the  children  are  now  living : Duncan 
Grant,  who  continues  his  father’s  business ; 
Grace  May;  David  Walter;  and  Edith  Virtue. 
Two  children  have  passed  away,- — Anna  Mabel, 
at  the  age  of  twenty-six,  and  John  Robert,  at 
the  age  of  three  years.  Mr.  Ballantine  was  a 
most  successful  basin  ess  man  and  useful  citi 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


935 


zen,  and  was  ever  held  in  high  esteem.  In  his 
political  views  he  was  a Republican  for  many 
years,  but  in  his  later  life  he  was  a Prohibi- 
tionist. Mrs.  Ballantine  has  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  homes  in  Grant  county.  The  stately 
brick  residence  is  a monument  to  the  taste  and 
liberality  of  her  husband,  by  whom  it  was 
erected  for  the  pleasure  and  comfort  of  his 
family.  Mrs.  Ballantine  is  a lady  of  culture, 
prominent  in  religious  and  philanthropic  work, 
and  is  superintendent  of  the  evangelistic  work 
of  the  Bloomington  branch  of  the  W.  C.  T.  U. 

O.  P.  DAVID,  retired  farmer,  Montfort, 
Grant  county,  Wisconsin. 

OTIS  F.  WELLS,  one  of  the  prosperous 
farmers  of  Jordan  township,  Green  county,  has 
resided  in  that  township  since  1850,  and  is 
justly  classed  among  the  pioneers  whose  in- 
dustry and  perseverance  have  made  the  locality 
what  it  is  to-day. 

Mr.  Wells  is  of  Irish  origin  several  genera- 
tions back,  his  ancestors  having  lived  in  the 
Eastern  States  for  many  years.  His  grand- 
father was  lost  while  serving  his  country  in 
the  war  of  1812.  In  his  family  were  children 
as  follows : Philip,  Warner,  Caleb,  Nelson, 

Eliza  and  Liful,  all  now  deceased.  Of  these, 
Philip  Wells,  father  of  our  subject,  was  born 
in  New  York  State,  and  in  about  1818  married 
Nancy  Tanner,  who  was  also  a native  of  New 
York,  and  of  Irish  descent.  Ten  children 
blessed  this  union,  viz. : Lorinda ; Addison  ; 

Melissa,  who  married  Simon  Ewing,  of  Cali- 
fornia ; Maria,  who  died  in  California ; Otis 
F.,  our  subject;  George,  who  married  Susan 
Sanborn,  and  now  lives  in  Iowa;  Jane  mar- 
ried James  Blunt,  who  lives  in  Monroe ; Thom- 
as, who  married  Susan  Starr,  and  lives  in  Iowa  ; 
John,  who  married  Minerva  Clark,  of  Jordan, 
Green  county;  and  William,  who  married  Cor- 
delia Morton,  of  Cadez  township,  Green  county. 
Mr.  and  Airs.  Wells'  migrated  to  Y\  isconsin  in 
an  early  day,  and  later  lived  in  Stephenson 
county,  Illinois. 

Otis  F.  Wells  was  born  Feb.  19,  1831,  in 
Geauga  county,  Ohio,  where  he  passed  the 
first  few  years  of  his  life.  In  1837  he  moved 
with  the  family  to  Stephenson  county,  111., 
and  was  reared  on  the  frontier,  with  little  or  no 
opportunities  for  education,  his  days  being  oc- 
cupied with  hard  work  from  early  boyhood. 
As  above  stated,  he  came  to  Green  county  in 


1850,  and  for  a number  of  years  he  was  en-. 
gaged  in  freighting,  with  oxen  and  horses, 
hauling  goods  from  Milwaukee  and  Chicago 
to  Stephenson  county,  and  in  the  lumber  dis- 
tricts in  the  northern  part  of  the  State,  often 
making  trips  of  two  or  three  hundred  miles. 
Air.  Wells  was  without  means  when  he  com- 
menced life  for  himself,  and  at  the  time  of  his 
marriage  his  belongings  consisted  of  a few 
shillings  and  an  old  rifle,  which  he  traded  for 
three  hogs.  However,  he  has  been  hard-work- 
ing and  judicious  in  his  management  of  affairs, 
and  he  now  owns  a fine  farm  of  200  acres  in 
Jordan  township,  well  improved,  besides  three 
nice  dwellings  in  Alonroe,  all  acquired  by  his 
own  well-directed  efforts  and  economy.  Air. 
Wells  attributes  his  success  to  his  temperate 
habits.  He  is  highly  respected  in  his  neighbor- 
hood, and  his  fellow  citizens  have  shown  their 
confidence  in  his  honesty  and  ability  by  elect- 
ing him  to  various  township  offices,  such  as 
treasurer,  etc.  He  is  a stanch  Republican  in 
political  faith. 

On  Sept.  16,  1850,  Air.  Wells  married  Aliss 
Harriet  Sharrard,  of  Jefferson  township. 
Green  county,  who  was  born  in  1832  near 
Camillus,  N.  Y.,  and  in  1843  came  with  her 
parents,  E.  H.  and  Eliza  Sharrard,  to  Green 
county,  the  family  settling  in  Sylvester  town- 
ship, and  later  in  the  town  of  Jefferson.  Her 
father  was  born  in  Canada,  her  mother  in  Con- 
necticut. Of  the  chddren  born  to  Air.  and 
Airs.  Sharrard  only  one  son  and  one  daughter 
reached  maturity.  Airs.  Wells’  brother,  James 
Sharrard,  is  a resident  of  Atchison,  Ivans. 
Four  children  have  been  born  to  Air.  and  Mrs. 
Wells:  Ella,  born  in  1854,  is  the  widow  of 

John  Trickel,  of  Monroe,  Wis.  James  F.,  born 
Jan.  17.  1858,  married  Julia  Taylor,  of  Jordan 
township ; he  is  engaged  in  farming.  Lillis, 
born  June  20,  1868,  is  the  wife  of  Edward 
Conery,  of  Alonroe.  Clarence,  born  April  28. 
1873,  married  Aliss  Minnie  Baughman,  and 
resides  on  his  father’s  farm  in  Jordan  town- 
ship. Air.  and  Airs.  Wells  have  occupied  this 
place  for  over  fifty  years.  Our  subject  has 
never  connected  himself  with  any  particular 
church,  but  he  is  a firm  believer  in  Christianity. 

WILLIAAI  BINGER  (deceased)  was  en- 
gaged in  farming  at  the  time  of  his  death,  and 
was  rapidly  coming  to  the  front  in  his  calling. 
A bright  young  man,  with  more  than  ordinary 
endowments  and  high  moral  aims',  he  was  rec- 


936 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ognized  as  one  of  the  most  promising  members 
of  the  community  in  which  he  lived. 

Mr.  Binger  was  born  Aug.  21,  1863,  and 
died  July  21,  1899.  Jeremiah  and  Sarah  (Mc- 
Cauley) Binger,  his  parents,  were  old  settlers 
in  Cadiz,  Green  county,  Wis.,  and  his  father  is 
still  residing  in  that  town.  A sketch  of  his 
grandfather,  William  Binger,  may  be  seen 
elsewhere.  On  Sept.  19,  1885,  Mr.  Binger  mar- 
ried Eva  Benage,  who  was  born  Oct.  20,  1864, 
a daughter  of  Abraham  and  Barbara  (Wise) 
Benage,  both  members  of  prominent  families. 
This  union  was  blessed  with  two  children: 
Roy,  born  July  8,  1887,  died  Nov.  22,  1892; 
and  Rossie,  born  Nov.  27,  1893. 

Abraham  Benage  was  born  Nov.  6,  1838, 
in  Union  county,  Penn.,  son  of  Samuel  and  Eva 
(Dersham)  Benage,  also  natives  of  that  State, 
the  former  a veteran  of  the  war  of  1812.  In 
1841  the  family  removed  to  Ashland  county, 
Ohio,  where  Abraham  married  Barbara  Wise, 
a native  of  that  county,  born  May  29,  1841. 
Samuel  Benage  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1865, 
and  died  near  Twin  Grove,  Green  county,  when 
over  eighty-five  years  of  age;  his  wife  reached 
the  age  of  seventy-two.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Abra- 
ham Benage  came  to  Wisconsin  in  1869,  and 
he  now  owns  a well  improved  farm  in  the  town 
of  Jefferson;  he  gives  some  attention  to  fruit 
culture.  He  and  his  wife  were  the  parents  of 
four  children  : ( 1 ) Elmira  married  Douglas 

Bradley,  of  Stephenson  county,  111.  (2)  Agnes 
married  Eugene  Hall,  a farmer  in  the  town  of 
Spring  Grove.  (3)  Eva  is  the  widow  of  Will- 
iam Binger,  as  noted  above.  (4)  Lillie,  the 
youngest,  married  Archie  Ostrander,  of  the 
town  of  Jefferson.  Mrs.  Barbara  Benage  Hied 
Feb.  7,  1899.  She  had  always  been  connected 
with  the  Lutheran  Church,  with  which  Mr. 
Benage  united  Nov.  14,  1858. 

William  Binger  was  a Republican,  and  a 
hard  working  citizen.  When  he  married  he 
did  not  have  a dollar ; but  by  industry,  economy 
and  wise  management  he  made  a good  living 
for  his  family.  Mr.  Binger  was  reared  on  the 
farm,  and  received  his  education  in  the  public 
schools.  An  honest  and  true-hearted  man,  he 
was  liked  by  all  who  knew  him,  and  his  taking 
away,  in  the  very  prime  of  life,  was  greatly 
deplored  by  a wide  circle  of  friends  and  rela- 
tives. Mrs.  Binger  has  rented  her  farm,  and 
is  devoting  herself  to  the  education  of  her  only 
son.  She  is  a good  and  kind-hearted  woman, 
highly  respected  by  all  who  know  her. 


JOHN  C.  BELLMYER  (deceased)  was 
a native  of  Germany,  came  to  this  country 
when  a young  man,  and  applied  himself  to  his 
trade  of  blacksmithing.  He  worked  hard,  de- 
nied himself  many  of  the  pleasures  and  recre- 
ations which  young  men  were  wont  to  regard 
as  necessary  in  his  time,  and  became  fore- 
handed and  prosperous.  All  his  life  he  sus- 
tained a high  reputation  for  honesty  and  verac- 
ity, and  now  that  he  has  passed  on  to  the 
better  world  those  who  knew  him  long  and 
well  bear  willing  testimony  to  his  native  man- 
liness and  genuine  worth. 

Mr.  Bellmyer  was  born  in  Germany  in 
1S14,  and  after  coming  to  this  country 
worked  at  the  blacksmith’s'  trade  in  the  coal 
mines  of  Pennsylvania.  In  1853  he  entered 
Wisconsin,  and  not  long  afterward  married 
Miss  Minna  Kuehnn,  of  Platteville.  Her  par- 
ents, Casper  and  Minna  Kuehnn,  lived  and 
died  in  Germany,  where  Mrs.  Bellmyer  was 
born  in  May,  1828.  She  grew  to  womanhood 
in  her  native  country,  and  when  she  reached 
the  age  of  twenty-five  came  to  Wisconsin,  liv- 
ing in  Kendalltown,  where  her  brother,  Fred- 
erick Kuehnn,  had  purchased  a farm.  Mr. 
Bellmyer  bought  a farm  near  Platteville,  and 
made  extensive  improvements.  He  owned  200 
acres,  which  he  developed  into  a fine  rural 
estate,  on  which  he  made  his  home  until  his 
death,  in  1873.  He  was  a consistent  mem- 
ber of  the  Lutheran  Church,  and  lived  the  life 
of  a good  man.  He  was  always  a Whig,  and 
after  the  organization  of  the  Republican  party 
acted  therewith. 

Mr.  Bellmyer  was  twice  married,  and  by 
his  first  marriage  had  two  children,  Lizzie 
and  Dennis,  the  latter  a farmer  in  the  town  of 
Platteville.  Of  the  children  born  to  his  second 
union,  Fred,  the  eldest,  is  mentioned  below. 
Albert,  after  reaching  manhood  went  to  Ari- 
zona, and  resided  there  until  after  his  death, 
being  killed  by  the  Indians  in  1893.  Carrie, 
widow  of  John  Harms,  lives  in  Platteville, 
and  has  three  children,  Dennis,  Fred  and  Nellie. 
Minnie,  now  Mrs.  John  Boldt,  of  Platteville, 
is  the  mother  of  five  children,  Frank,  Charles, 
Jesse,  Edwin  and  Benjamin.  Charles  married 
Lillie  Bailey,  of  the  town  of  Platteville,  and 
is  now  living  in  Elk  Grove;  they  have  four 
children,  John,  Adelbert,  Lenys'  and  Estella. 
Mary  is  now  the  wife  of  Frank  Habel,  of 
Platteville;  they  have  force  children,  Shirley, 
Delmer  and  Lester.  Henry  married'  Louisa 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


937 


Mehren,  and  lives  at  Platteville,  where  he  has 
a fine  farm ; they  have  three  children,  Edwin, 
Pearl  and  Emerson.  Dennis  has  a family  of 
six  children,  Gertrude,  George,  Nellie,  Frank, 
Albert  and  Sarah.  All  the  family  were  born 
in  Platteville. 

Mrs.  Bellmyer  is  a member  of  the  Lutheran 
Church,  where  she  and  her  husband  worshiped 
since  the  building  of  the  new  church,  Mr. 
Bellmyer  being  one  of  the  original  supporters 
of  the  denomination  here.  He  was'  an  old 
pioneer,  and  a highly-respected  citizen  of  the 
county.  The  family  are  all  well-to-do,  and 
hold  an  enviable  place  in  the  community. 

Fred  Bellmyer  was  born  Dec.  16,  1857, 
on  the  farm  where  he  lives,  and  of  which 
he  is  now  manager  and  part  owner,  owning 
227  acres  of  valuable  land.  He  was  educated 
in  the  public  schools.  Mr.  Bellmyer  is  largely 
engaged  in  farming  and  stock  raising — Short- 
horn cattle  and  Poland-China  hogs  — and 
ships  to  the  Chicago  markets  about  three  car- 
loads of  hogs  and  one  carload  of  cattle  annu- 
ally, usually  going  to  the  market  himself  and 
taking  charge  of  the  sales.  He  raises  large 
quantities  of  corn  and  hay,  all  of  which  is  fed 
out  on  the  farm,  .thus  keeping  the  soil  at  its 
best  continually.  Politically  Mr.  Bellmyer  is 
a Republican,  and  is  treasurer  of  the  school 
board  of  his  district;  he  attends  the  Lutheran 
Church.  He  is  unmarried. 

WILLIAM  POSTEN,  of  Millville  town- 
ship, Grant  county,  Wis.,  has  an  excellent 
record  as  a soldier  in  the  war  for  the  LTnion, 
taking  part  in  many  of  the  most  famous  en- 
gagements in  which  the  Army  of  the  Potomac 
participated.  He  enlisted  Oct.  13,  1861,  in 
Company  D,  51st  Penn.  V.  I.,  and  was  in  act- 
ive service  until  mustered  out  on  July  27, 
1865.  His  service  included  the  disastrous 
battle  of  Fredericksburg,  and  the  operations 
of  the  9th  Corps  under  Burnside  in  the  Shen- 
andoah Valley.  He  fought  with  his  regiment 
in  the  Wilderness,  at  Spottsylvania,  and  Cold 
Harbor,  and  during  the  siege  of  Petersburg 
his  command  formed  a part  of  the  troops  who 
charged  the  Confederate  works,  following  the 
famous  mine  explosion.  As  is  well  known 
their  efforts  proved  disastrous  to  the  Union 
army,  owing  to  the  dack  of  support  to  the 
attacking  force.  Mr.{  Posten  took  part  in  the 
charge  on  the  Confederate  works  in  front  of 
Petersburg,  on  April  2,  1865,  which  resulted 


in  the  capture  of  the  outer  works,  and  the 
rapid  flight  of  Lee’s  army  and  Jefferson 
Davis  from  Petersburg  and  Richmond,  and 
with  his  regiment  followed  Lee  to  the  end  at 
Appomattox.  . 

Mr.  Posten  was  born  in  Pennsylvania, 
Nov.  9,  1844,  a son  of  Elihu  and  Elizabeth 
(xTrlingburg)  Posten,  also  natives  of  the 
Keystone  State,  where  the  father’s  death  oc- 
curred. Subsequently  the  mother  came  to 
V isconsin  and  died  in  Crawford  county. 
This  worthy  couple  were  the  parents  of  twelve 
children,  but  only  three  are  living  at  this  writ- 
ing in  1901,  while  William  was  the  only  one 
in  the  army  during  the  Civil  war. 

When  hostilities  ceased,  Mr.  Posten  re- 
turned to  Pennsylvania,  and  in  the  spring  of 
1866  came  to  Wisconsin,  but  a year  later  re- 
turned to  his  native  State,  where  he  continued 
to  make  his  home  two  years.  Since  then  he 
has  resided  uninterruptedly  in  Grant  county, 
Wis.  He  was  married,  Feb.  22,  1873,  t° 
Miss  Nettie  Foster,  who  was  born  in  Millville 
township,  in  1853,  a daughter  of  Simon  R. 
Foster,  and  they  have  become  the  parents  of 
nine  children,  four  sons  and  five  daughters. 
Fraternally  Mr.  Posten  is  an  honored  mem- 
ber of  the  G.  A.  R.  Post  No.  134,  and  is  one 
of  the  highly  esteemed  citizens  of  his  com- 
munity. 

REV.  J.  P.  CROKE  has  been  the  esteemed 
and  honored  pastor  of  St.  Joseph’s  Catholic 
Church,  at  Gratiot,  Lafayette  county,  since 
1 888.’  The  church  edifice  at  this  place  is  the 
result  of  the  consecrated  labors  of  the  Rev. 
John  T.  Kinsella,  who  was  then  the  resident 
pastor  at  Shullsburg,  a brother  of  the  Rev. 
James  F.  Kinsella,  and  who  died  at  Franklin, 
Milwaukee  Co.,  Wis.,  March  4,  1879. 

The  first  resident  pastor  in  Gratiot  was  the 
Rev.  W.  Bernard,  who  came  in  1873,  and  re- 
mained about  three  years.  He  was  succeeded 
by  the  Rev.  J.  Tiernan,  who  was  pastor  from 
1876  to  1880.  The  Rev.  R.  S.  Tucker,  his  suc- 
cessor, died  here  in  May,  1886.  Rev.  R.  T. 
Smith  followed  him,  and  had  charge  of  the 
church  until  1888,  when  he  became  a professor- 
in  St.  Francis’  Seminary,  and  the  present  in- 
cumbent was  appointed  to  the  pastorate. 

St.  Joseph’s  Church  is  one  of  the  strongest 
in  southwestern  Wisconsin,  as  its  parish  in- 
cludes over  one  hundred  families'  strongly  de- 
voted to  the  church  and  its  admirable  pastor. 


93§ 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Father  Croke  also  attends  a mission  church  at 
South  Wayne  that  numbers  about  twenty 
earnest  and  devoted  families. 

Father  Croke  is  a native  of  Wisconsin,  born 
in  1858,  a son  of  Daniel  Croke,  who  settled  in 
Milwaukee  about  1849,  making  that  city  the 
home  of  himself  and  his  wife  as'  long  as  they 
both  lived.  Of  their  three  children,  one  son  is 
deceased,  and  the  only  daughter,  Mary  C., 
makes  her  home  with  our  subject.  Father 
Croke  was  educated  in  the  Milwaukee  schools 
and  at  St.  Francis  Seminary,  which  institution 
he  entered  in  1880.  He  was  raised  to  the 
priesthood  June  24,  1887,  his  only  other  work 
before  his  advent  in  Gratiot  having  been  at 
Shullsburg,  where  he  ministered  to  the  congre- 
gation while  the  regular  pastor  visited  his  na- 
tive country,  Ireland. 

CHRISTOPHER  ANDERSON  belongs 
to  the  great  army  of  hardy  men  and  industrious 
toilers,  the  contribution  of  Norway  to  the  mak- 
ing of  Wisconsin,  and  his1  earnest  nature,  pa- 
tient and  persistent  labor,  unswerving  honesty 
and  genuine  manhood  indicate  the  best  strain 
of  the  old  Norse  blood.  Mr.  Anderson  has 
long  resided  in  the  town  of  York,  Green  coun- 
ty, but  was  born  in  Norway,  near  Christiania, 
Nov.  10,  1844.  His  home  is  on  section  9,  in 
the  town  of  York,  about  five  miles  east  of  York, 
where  he  has  made  a creditable  place  for  him- 
self in  the  public  esteem,  both  as  a man  and  a 
farmer. 

Anders  Christopherson  and  his  wife, 
Bertha,  the  parents  of  Christopher  Anderson, 
came  from  Norway  to  America  in  1851,  set- 
tling first  in  Dane  county,  Wis.,  and  then  buy- 
ing a farm  in  the  town  of  York  three  years 
later.  They  were  the  parents  of  four  chil- 
dren : ( 1 ) L.  M.,  who  married  Rhoda  Hal- 

verson, was  a soldier  in  the  Union  army  dur- 
ing the  Civil  war,  enlisting  in  the  46th  Wis. 
V.  I.  early  in  1865.  He  was  a farmer,  and  for 
some  twenty  years  was  a teacher  in  the  Dane 
county  schools,  making  a fine  reputation  for 
himself  as  an  enlightened  and  intelligent  citi- 
zen. His  death  occurred  in  1898.  (2)  Chris- 
topher. (3)  John  C.  is  unmarried,  and  lives 
in  Minnesota.  (4)  Caroline  Maria  is  the  wife 
of  Hans  Carlson,  of  Lafayette  county,  Wis- 
consin. 

Anders  Christopherson  was  born  in  1808, 
and  died  in  1883.  His  wife  was  born  in  1822, 
and  died  in  1871.  Both  were  buried  in  the  old 


Norwegian  cemetery  in  the  town  of  York,, 
and  are  remembered  as  honorable  and  upright 
people,  with  kindly  hearts  and  neighborly 
spirit. 

Christopher  Anderson  was  married  to  Miss- 
Mary  Lee,  a daughter  of  Ole  H.  Lee,  Nov. 
'22,  1871.  Mrs.  Anderson  was  born  July  28, 

1853,  and  has  become  the  mother  of  the  fol- 
lowing children  : ( 1 ) Andrew  B.,  born  Sept. 

10,  1872,  remains  on  the  home  place;  (2) 
Annie  B.,  born  Dec.  6,  1874,  died  unmarried; 
(3)  Martha  O.,  born  Oct.  29,  1877,  is  the  wife 
of  Anton  Lien,  a thrifty  young  farmer  of  the 
town  of  York;  (4)  Clara  Josephine,  born  Jan. 
20,  1882,  is  at  home  unmarried  ; she  is  a bright 
young  woman,  and  an  accomplished  musician, 
having  graduated  from  the  Dixon  (111.)  Col- 
lege of  Music,  and  is  a teacher  with  bright 
prospects;  (5)  Lina  S.,  born  March  3,  1888, 
is  the  youngest  of  the  family. 

Mr.  Anderson  had  his  education  in  the 
public  schools,  and  early  determined  to  be  a 
farmer.  At  the  present  time  he  owns  a fine 
place  of  some  180  acres,  with  a good  dwell- 
ing house  and  ample  farm  buildings.  In  poli- 
tics' he  is  a Republican,  and  in  religion  a de- 
voted member  of  the  Lutheran  Church,  of 
York,  with  the  organization  of  which  he  was 
closely  associated.  In  town  affairs  he  has  al- 
ways been  greatly  interested,  taking  an  active 
part  in  everything  that  looked  to  the  public 
good.  On  the  town  board  his  services  were 
valuable,  and  for  thirteen  years  he  has  been  a 
school  director..  All  his  life  Mr.  Anderson  has 
been  a hard  working  and  painstaking  man, 
and  is  engaged  in  general  farming  and  dairy- 
ing, milking  about  twenty  cows,  proving  by 
his  useful  life  and  successful  management  the 
truth  of  the  statement  already  made  that  he 
is  one  of  the  most  estimable  and  leading  .citi- 
zens of  the  town. 

Of  the  people  who  were  living  in  York  at 
the  time  of  the  coming  of  Mr.  Anderson  in 

1854,  there  are  very  few  now  to  be  found 
here.  In  the  intervening  years  a wilderness 
has  been  converted  into  a populous  and  highly 
cultivated  section,  and  in  this  transformation 
the  Andersons  have  played  an  important  part. 

MARTIN  LARSON,  one  of  the  respected 
farmer  citizens  of  Moscow  township,  Iowa 
county,  where  he  has  passed  the  greater  part 
of  his  life,  was  born  in  Norway  April  19,  1844, 
a son  of  Lars  and  Bertha  Christopherson,  and 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


939 


was  about  nine  years  of  age  when  his  parents 
brought  their  family  to  America.  Their  first 
location  was  in  the  town  of  Argyle,  Lafay- 
ette Co.,  Wis.,  whence  they  removed  to  Iowa 
county,  settling  on  the  farm  now  owned  and 
cultivated  by  our  subject.  This  was  the  fam- 
ily homestead  for  a number  of  years,  the  par- 
ents finally  removing'  to  Dakota,  where  they 
ended  their  clays,  the  father  dying  in  Septem- 
ber, 1884,  and  the  mother  surviving  until  April, 
1893.  Twelve  children  were  born  to  them,  six 
of  whom  died  in  childhood,  the  others  all  at- 
taining maturity.  One  son,  Christopher,  en- 
listed in  August,  1863,  in  the  33d  Wis.  A".  I., 
and  died  Nov.  9,  1864,  while  in  the  service. 
Among  our  subject’s  most  valued  possessions 
is  a bundle  of  letters  written  him  by  this 
brother  while  away  in  the  army,  recording  his 
experiences,  pleasant  and  unpleasant,  the  hard- 
ships, privations  and  sufferings  he  endured  in 
the  service,  and  other  matters  now  especially 
interesting. 

Martin  Larson  grew  up  on  the  paternal 
farm,  receiving  such  education  as  the  local 
public  schools  afforded.  On  Feb.  14,  1865, 
he  enlisted  in  Companv  C.  50th  Wis.  V.  I., 
which  was  commanded  by  Col.  John  G.  Clark, 
of  Lancaster,  and  served  with  the  command 
until  he  received  an  honorable  discharge.  The 
50th  rendezvoused  at  Madison,  Wis.,  and  went 
thence  to  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  after  some  experi- 
ences; along  the  Mississippi  river  receiving  or- 
ders to  proceed  to  Jefferson  City,  Mo.  They 
■were  next  stationed  at  Fort  Leavenworth, 
Ivans.,  whence  they  were  ordered  to  Lawrence, 
that  State,  a place  made  famous  earlier  in  the 
war  by  the  brutal  massacre  of  its  inhabitants 
by  the  noted  guerrilla,  Quantrell,  and  his  forces. 
From  Lawrence  they  went  to  Fort  Rice,  Dak., 
to  keep  the  Indians  in  check  and  use  force  to 
subdue  them,  if  necessary,  and  they  left  that 
place  for  home  May  21.  1866,  after  fifteen 
months  of  continuous  service.  They  were  dis- 
charged at  Madison  June  18,  following,  our 
subject  returning  to  his  home  in  the  town  of 
Moscow.  He  has  since  carried  on  agricult- 
ural pursuits,  and  his  life  has  been  a success- 
ful one  from  something  more  than  a financial 
standpoint,  for,  while  gaining  a competency  for 
his  declining  days,  he  has,  by  his'  industry  and 
honorable  methods,  won  the  high  esteem  and 
good-will  of  all  who  know  him.  His  health 
has  not  been  particularly  robust  since  the  war, 
but  he  has  by  good  management  accomplished 


as  much  as  many  who  have  had  no  such  draw- 
back. 

In  May,  1867,  Mr.  Larson  was  united  in 
marriage  with  Miss  Caroline  Larson,  and  their 
family  consists  of  eight  children,  three  sons 
and  five  daughters:  Emma,  born  June 

8,  1870,  married  Chris.  Sorum,  a farmer  at 
Yellowstone,  Wis.;  Sam,  born  April  30.  1872, 
married  Emma  Hanson,  and  is  engaged  in 
farming  at  Hollandale,  Iowa  Co.,  Wis. ; Belle, 
born  Aug.  8,  1874,  married  Joseph  Watrud, 
a merchant  of  Blanchardville,  Wis. ; Laura, 
born  Dec.  6,  1876,  married  David  Peterson,  a 
farmer  at  Perry,  Dane  Co..  Wis.;  Charles  M., 
born  Oct.  30.  1879,  is  a photographer  at  Hol- 
landale; Mary,  born  March  8,  1882,  married 
Peter  Jackson,  a farmer  at  Hollandale;  John, 
born  June  18,  1884.  is  at  home ; and  Clara,  born 
Aug.  21,  1890,  is  also  at  home.  The  entire 
family  are  members'  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 
Socially  Mr.  Larson  is  an  honored  member 
of  G.  A.  R.  Post  No.  224,  at  Blanchardville. 
He  has  a highly  prized  memento*  of  his  service, 
a Bible  given  him  by  Rev.  Edward  Morris, 
chaplain  of  the  regiment,  and  bearing  the  date 
of  presentation — -Mav  21,  1866,  the  day  the 
command  left  Fort  Rice. 

JOHN  A.  MEACHAM,  a prominent  re- 
tired1 farmer  residing'  on  his  fine  farm  two  and 
one-half  miles  south  of  Browntown,  Green 
county,  on  the  Browntown  and  Martintown 
public  road,  is  a representative  of  an  old  New 
England  family  of  Scottish  descent,  the  first 
of  the  family  having  emigrated  from  Scotland 
to  New  England  over  two  hundred  years  ago. 

Lyman  Meacham,  grandfather  of  John  A., 
was  a native  of  New  York  State,  and  was 
killed  by  falling-  down  the  hatchway  of  a steam- 
boat. on  Lake  Erie.  He  married  a Miss  Good- 
speed,  also  a native  of  York  State,  and  became 
the  father  of  thirteen  children. 

Hosea  Meacham.  son  of  Lvman,  was  born 
Tan.  9,  1809,  and  died  in  Cadiz  township. 
Green  county,  Wis.,  A^ril  11,  1890.  an  honored 
and  esteemed  citizen  of  the  community.  His 
wife,  Mary  (Nichols),  whom  lie  wedded  about 
1829,  was  born  in  1811,  and  died  in  1886. 
For  over  fifty  years  they  were  consistent  fol- 
lowers of  the  teachings  of  the  Methodist 
Church,  and  for  over  half  a century  of  mar- 
ried1 life  dwelt  happilv  together,  beloved  bv 
their  friends  and  their  family  of  eight  chil- 
dren, the  latter  being  as  follows:  Lyman  R., 


940 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


a retired  farmer  of  Clark  county,  Wis. ; Cor- 
delia, wife  of  Reuben  Burrington,  of  Brown- 
town  ; William  R.,  who  died  at  Fort  Jackson, 
while  serving  in  the  Civil  war  in  Battery  D, 
1st  Wisconsin  Heavy  Artillery;  Fannie  B., 
wife  of  Jacob  Deitz,  of  Monroe,  Wis. ; Horace, 
of  Clark  county,  Wis. ; Walter  W.,  a farmer 
and  teacher  of  Rock  county;  John  A.,  subject 
of  this  sketch;  and  Helen,  who  died  in  infancy. 

John  A.  Meacham  was  born  in  Crawford 
county,  Penn.,  May  20,  1841,  and  was  reared 
to  manhood  in  New  York  State,  his  parents 
having  returned  to  their  native  State  soon  after 
his  birth.  In  1857  he  came  to  Wisconsin  and 
for  fourteen  terms  was  engaged  in  teaching — • 
ten  in  his  home  district.  Farming  has  always 
been  looked  upon  as  Iris  occupation,  and  he 
has  won  for  himself  from  the  native  forest  a 
fine  farm  of  200  acres  that  will  bear  com- 
parison with  any  other  in  the  township.  It  is 
well  fitted  with  all  modern  improvements,  good 
buildings,  etc.,  all  the  result  of  his  own  taste 
and  labor.  During  the  Civil  war  he  was  a vol- 
unteer in  Company  M,  4th  Wis'.  Vol.  Cav.,  en- 
listing in  February,  1864,  and  serving  in  the 
Army  of  the  Gulf  until  the  close  of  hostilities'. 

On  Aug.  1,  1867,  Mr.  Meacham  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Mary  E.  Robb,  who 
was  born  Feb.  25,  1843,  in  Ohio,  a daughter 
of  Andrew  and  Helen  (Richel  ) Robb,  and  five 
children  have  been  born  of  this  union,  name- 
ly: Frank  A.,  born  Feb.  27,  1869,  died  in  in- 
fancy; Ed.  L.,  born  July  22,  1870,  is  at  home; 
Nellie  E.,  born  Jan.  2,  1874,  married  Jacob 
Huffman,  and  died  in  1899,  leaving  an  infant 
son:  John  Arthur,  born  Nov.  4,  1876,  married 
Mabel  Ullom,  of  Cadiz  township : and  Mary 
Alta,  born  Nov.  25,  1880,  is  the  wife  of  An- 
drew Meythaler,  Jr.  Mrs.  Meacham  was 
brought  by  her  parents  to  Wisconsin  about 
1851.  In  politics  Mr.  Meacham  is  a stanch 
Republican,  and  he  has.  held  a number  of  town 
offices,  among  them  those  of  chairman  of  the 
township  board,  for  four  years ; town  clerk, 
for  twenty  years  ; treasurer ; and  school  director 
for  many  terms.  Socially  he  has  been  a mem- 
ber of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.,  at  Browntown,  Lodge 
No.  275,  for  many  years,  and  is  also  identified 
with  Smith  Lodge,  No.  31,  F.  & A.  M.,  of 
Monroe,  Wisconsin. 

JOSEPH  RICHARDSON  (deceased), 
late  a farmer  of  Benton  township,  Lafayette 
county,  with  a period  of  residence  dating  back 


to  pioneer  days,  was  a native  of  County  Dur- 
ham, England,  where  he  grew  to  manhood  and 
married.  In  1841  he  bade  farewell  to  familiar 
scenes  at  home,  and,  boarding  a sailing  ves- 
sel, started  out  in  quest  of  home  and  fortune 
in  the  New  World.  He  crossed  the  Atlantic, 
landing  at  New  Orleans,  and  then  by  way  of 
the  Mississippi  river  reached  Dubuque,  Iowa, 
thence  to  New  Diggings  township,  Lafayette 
Co.,  Wis.,  where  he  engaged  in  mining  for  a 
short  time.  After  a while  he  purchased  a tract 
of  government  land  on  the  line  between  New 
Diggings  and  Benton  townships,  and  passed  the 
rest  of  his  life  clearing  and  improving  this  farm. 
He  erected  good  buildings  and  made  of  it  one 
of  the  desirable  homes  along  the  river.  His 
death  occurred  in  1872,  and  was  greatly 
mourned  not  only  in  his  family  but  by  the 
entire  community.  He  was  a man  of  sterling 
integrity  and  honorable  dealings,  of  great  wis-- 
dom  in  counsel,  and  of  great  and  unswerving 
fidelity  to  dutv.  In  politics  he  always  voted  the 
Republican  ticket. 

His  wife,  whom  he  married  in  England, 
was,  in  her  maidenhood,  Miss  Elizabeth  Wat- 
ters, and  she  was  born  in  Yorkshire,  England, 
the  daughter  of  William  Watters,  who 
died  in  England.  Her  mother  came  to  Wis- 
consin and  made  her  home  with  her  daugh- 
ter until  her  death  some  years  ago.  A large 
family  of  children  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Richardson:  (1)  John,  born  before  the  re- 

moval of  the  family  to  the  New  World,  now 
resides  in  Nebraska.  (2)  Mathew,  also  born 
in  England,  married  Mary  A.  Craig,  and  now 
lives  in  Greene  county,  Iowa.  (3)  Ann,  born 
in  New  Diggings,  married  John  Coates',  of 
Lafayette  county,  and  lived  ini  Benton  until 
her  death.  She  left  one  daughter,  Emma, 
now  Mrs.  Leonard  Penniston.  (4)  Mark  is 
married  and  lives'  in  New  Diggings.  (5)  Luke 
married  Mary  Lethlane,  of  Jo  Daviess  county, 
111.,  and  now  lives  in  Nebraska.  He  has  a 
family  of  four  children,  Ben,  Joseph,  Angeline 
and  Meda.  (6)  Toseph  is  married  and  lives 
on  his  farm  near  Galena,  111.  He  has  four  chil- 
dren, Nora,  Hattie,  Annie  and  Ida  M.  (7) 
Sarah  is  now  the  wife  of  Thomas  Coulthard, 
and  resided  at  White  Oak  Springs  until  his 
death.  She  has  eight  children,  Cora  (now  Mrs'. 
John  Seater,  of  White  Oak  Springs),  Annie, 
Barbara,  Jennie,  Rev.  Wesley,  Webster,  Bes- 
sie and  Mabel.  (8)  Elizabeth  married  Henry 
Hall,  of  Lafayette  county,  and  has  six  chil- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


94 1 


dren,  Joseph,  Henry,  Everett,  Vinnie,  Roy  and 
Robert,  (g)  Barbara  wedded  Sidney  Sedg- 
wick, of  Galena,  111.,  and  has  seven  children, 
Benjamin,  Flora,  George,  Barbara,  Reuben, 
Percy  and  Russell,  (io)  George  died  in  early 
manhood.  ( 1 1 ) William  married  Miss  Liz- 
zie Curwin,  of  Benton,  and  moved  to  Dakota, 
where  she  died,  leaving  three  children,  Annie, 
Maud  and  Joseph.  (12)  Thomas'  married 
Miss  Louisa  Hawkins, of  Benton, in  which  town 
they  reside  on  his  farm.  They  have  seven 
children,  Thomas,  Benjamin,  Joseph,  Willard, 
Lewis,  Edmund  and  Reuben.  (13)  Grace  L. 
was  educated  in  the  home  district  schools  and 
later  in  the  Darlington  high  school.  She  now 
has  charge  of  the  home  and  is  giving  her 
mother  the  tender ' care  her  advancing  years 
require,  and  is  greatly  beloved  in  the  commu- 
nity. (14)  Benjamin  was  educated  in  the  high 
school  at  Darlington,  and  is  now  manager  of 
the  old  homestead. 

In  their  religious  belief  the  family  have 
been  raised  in  the  faith  of  the  Church  of  Eng- 
land, and  have  led  Christian  lives,  liberally 
supporting-  church  work.  Mrs.  Richardson  has 
ever  been  one  of  the  highly  esteemed  ladies 
of  the  community,  and  many  are  the  tales  told 
of  her  kindness  in  times  of  illness,  and  of  her 
ready  sympathy  toward  the  afflicted  and  dis- 
tressed. 

ADOLPH  PRUSSING.  This  gentleman, 
who  spent  his  early  manhood  in  active  busi- 
ness, mainly  in  agricultural  pursuits,  is  now 
living  a retired  life  in  Platteville.  A man  of 
great  energy  and  more  than  ordinary  busi- 
ness capacity,  his  success  in  life  is  largely  due 
to  hi'$  own  efforts,  and  to  the  sound  judgment 
which  has  enabled  him  to  make  wise  invest- 
ments and  take  good  advantage  of  his  resources. 

Mr.  Prussing  was  born  in  Holstein,  Ger- 

#0  * 

many,  Feb.  28,  1845,  and  there  spent  the  first 
fourteen  years  of  his  life.  In  1859  he  came  to 
the  United  States'  with  his  parents;,  J.  and 
Catherine  (Nipp)  Prussing,  also;  natives  off 
Holstein.  They  took  passage  on  a steamer 
at  Hamburg-,  and  after  a voyage  of  twenty- 
one  days  landed  in  New  York,  whence  they 
proceeded  at  once  to  Galena,  111.,  and  from 
there  to  Grant  county,  Wis.  In  his  native  land 
the  father  had  followed  biacksmithing  and 
farming,  and  purchasing  a farm  in  Platteville 
township  he  devoted  the  remainder  of  his  life 
to  agricultural  pursuits.  He  died  in  Lafayette 


county  in  1875,  and  his  wife  passed  away  at 
the  same  place  in  1893.  Both  were  earnest 
members  of  the  Lutheran  Church.  Of  their 
three  children  Adolph  is  the  oldest;  William, 
a farmer  by  occupation,  died  in  Platteville 
township,  in  1889,  leaving  a widow  who  now 
resides  on  Water  street  in  Platteville;  Lena  is 
the  wife  of  T.  W.  Schroeder,  of  Elk  Grove, 
Lafayette  Co.,  Wisconsin. 

Adolph  Prussing  was  educated  principally 
m the  schools  of  his  native  land,  but  also  at- 
tended school  in  Platteville  for  a time. 
Throughout  his  active  business  life  he  followed 
the  occupation  of  farming  with  marked  suc- 
cess, and  in  1868  purchased  an  improved  farm 
of  eighty  acres  in  Elk  Grove  township,  Lafay- 
ette county,  to  which  he  added  from  time  to 
time  until  he  now  owns  320  acres  of  valuable 
and  productive  land,  which  he  has  placed  un- 
der excellent  cultivation.  He  also  has  160 
acres  in  Belmont  township.  In  connection 
with  general  farming  he  also  followed  stock- 
raising,  and  in  that  branch  of  his  business  also 
prospered.  In  1894  he  moved  to  Platteville, 
and  has  since  lived  a retired  life,  enjoying  the 
fruits  of  former  toil. 

In  Lafayette  county  Mr.  Prussing  was' 
married,  in  1866,  to  Miss  Lena  Kay,  also  a 
native  of  Holstein,  Germany,  and  a daughter 
of  Klaus  and  Lucy  (Nipp)  Kay,  who  came 
from  that  country  to  America  in  1857  and  lo- 
cated in  Lafayette  county,  Wis.,  where  the  fa- 
ther died  March  11,  1897,  the  mother  De- 
cember 13,  1866.  In  religious  belief  Mr.  and 
Mrs,  Prussing  are  Lutherans,  and  in  politics 
he  is  an  ardent  supporter  of  the  Democratic 
party,  who:  takes  an  active . interest  in  public 
affairs,  having  efficiently  served  as  a member 
of  the  town  board  while  a resident  of  Elk 
Grove  township.  He  has  become  one  of  the 
leading  citizens  of  Platteville,  and  is  widely 
and  favorably  known  throughout  this  section 
of  the  State. 

REV.  J.  A.  E.  NAESS,  Evangelical  Lu- 
theran minister,  Boscobel,  Grant  county,  Wis- 
consin. 

GUSTAV  OLSON  was  born  near  the  city 
of  Christiania,  Norway,  March  13,  1853,  a son 
of  Ole  Olson,  who  came  to  America  in  1872. 
He  has  risen  to  prominence  in  the  agricultural 
circles  of  the  town  of  York,  Green  county, 
where  he  owns  a fine  farm,  and  is -very  pros- 


942 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


perous.  His  home  is  three  miles  east  of  Blan- 
chardville,  and  twenty  miles  northwest  Oif  Mon- 
roe, on  section  29.  Recently  lie  has  purchased 
a tract  of  bottom  land,  consisting  of  twenty- 
two  acres,  paying  for  it  $75  an  acre,  and  has 
refused  $50  an  acre  for  his  entire  farm.  Mr. 
Olson  arrived  in  Green  county  in  1870,  work- 
ing for  wages  for  two  years',  and  then  went 
to*  Clear  Lake,  Iowa,  but  on  account  of  the 
hard  times  returned  to  Wisconsin  and  bought 
a small  place  of  forty  acres,  but  soon  sold  this, 
and  for  two  years  rented  a farm  in  the  town  of 
Moscow,  Iowa  county.  He  then  bought  a 
place  of  100  acres;  this  again  was  sold,  and 
the  proceeds  invested  in  his  present  home. 

On  Sept.  11,  1876,  Mr.  Olson  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Bertha  Anderson,  who  was  born 
in  Norway  April  8,  1855,  a daughter  of  Chris- 
tian Anderson,  a noted  clockmaker  of  Nor- 
way, who  made  the  clock  in  the  Main  street 
tower  in  Christiania,  and  she  accompanied  her 
parents  on  their  removal  to  Green  county  in 
1869.  To  this  marriage  have  come  the  fol- 
lowing children:  (1)  Clara  H.,  born  Nov. 

19,  1877,  is  the  wife  of  Lewis  Wahl,  of  the 
town  of  York;  (2)  Oscar,  born  July  4,  1880, 
married  Lena  Peterson,  of  York;  (3)  Alfred, 
born  June  16,  1882,  is  at  home;  (4)  Ida  Hel- 
lena,  born  Jan.  5,  1885,  is  the  wife  of  Carl 
Skindingsrud  (both  born  twins),  of  the  town 
of  York;  (5)  Ella  O.,  born  Jan.  29,  1886; 
(6)  Clarence,  born  May  23,  1888;  (7)  Bennie, 
born  March  15,  1890;  (8)  Nellie,  born,  April 
22,  1893;  (9)  Mary,  born  Sept.  18,  1896; 
(10)  Lydia,  born  Aug.  26,  1899.  Twoi  chil- 
dren not  mentioned  above  died  in  infancy. 

I he  children  are  bright  and  intelligent,  most 
of  them  natural  musicians.  Mr.  Olson  has 
two  sisters  now  living:  Johannah  (the  wife 

of  Gilbert  Paulson),  and  Caroline  (the  wife 
of  Christian  Anderson),  both  living  in  South 
Dakota.  Mrs.  Olson  has  a brother  and  two 
sisters:  Alfred  (who  lives,  near  Blanchard- 

ville),  Helena  (the  wife  of  Ole  Thompson), 
and  Andrenna  (the  wife  of  Knudt  Pederson). 

Mr.  Olson  came  to'  this  country  a very  poor 
boy,  but  his  success  in  this  country  illustrates 
the  possibilities  of  life  in  this  country  to  the 
children  of  hopeless  old  world  conditions'.  The 
farm  which  he  owns  and  cultivates  is  one  of 
the  best  in  tins  part  of  the  State.  On  it  is  a 
handsome  three-story  dwelling  house  and  two 
barns,  and  it  is  supplied  with  every  convenience 
for  profitable  and  progressive  agriculture.  It 


has  one  orchard;  containing  200  apple  trees. 
Mr.  Olson  has  always  done  his  own  work, 
even  to  shoeing  his  horses,  and  Mrs.  Olson  has 
proven  herself  a most  valuable  helpmeet  in  the 
accumulation  of  this  world’s  goods,  as  she  has 
done  all  her  family  sewing,  made  all  her  own 
carpets,  and,  with  the  exception  of  nine  weeks 
during  illness,  has  never  been  obliged  to  hire 
assistance.  Their  competence  is  the  result  of 
their  united  effort,  and  is  a source  of  just  pride 
to1  them.  At  the  present  time  Mr.  Olson  de- 
votes hiisi  attention  not  only  to  general  farm- 
ing and  stock  raising  but  to  dairying  on  an  ex- 
tensive scale,  being  a partner  in  a cheese  fac- 
tory located  on  his  farm,  for  which  be  fur- 
nishes daily  the  milk  of  forty-five  cows. 

In  his  politics  our  subject  is  a stanch  Re- 
publican, and  both  he  and  his  family  belong 
to  the  Lutheran  Church. 

MRS.  LEVINIA  GLASSON,  the  es- 
timable and  popular  proprietor  of  the  “Hotel 
Glasson,”  an  hostelry  known  throughout  the 
southern  part  of  Wisconsin  as  being  one  of 
the  best  and  most  attractive  of  the  excellent 
houses  of  entertainment  to  be  found  at  Bel- 
mont, Lafayette  county,  was  born  in  Corn- 
wall, England,  in  September,  1852. 

Rev.  William  and  Mary  A.  Harris,  her 
parents,  were  both  born  and  reared  in  her  na- 
tive country,  and  came  to  this  country  the  year 
of  her  birth,  locating  near  Mineral  Point,  Wis., 
where  they  lived  two1  years.  In  1854  Mr. 
Harris'  was  called  to  a church  in  Iowa  county, 
Wis.,  where  lie  was  in  the  active  pastorate 
twenty-seven  years,  dying  while  still  “in  the 
harness,”  in  1881.  His  devoted  wife  survived 
until  1892,  and  reached  the  age  of  seventy- 
seven.  Mr.  Harris  was  well  educated  in  his 
native  country,  and  commanded  the  personal 
esteem  and  affection  of  the  large  congregation, 
to  which  lie  ministered  for  that  long  period. 
His  family  consisted  of  eight  children : Mary, 
the  eldest,  born  in  England,  is  now  the  wife  of 
William  Tremain,  of  Cobb,  Wis.,  and  has  four 
children,  John,  William,  Francis  and  Charles. 
Mariah,  born,  in  England,  is  the  wife  of 
Johnston  Rule,  of  Linden,  Iowa  Co.,  Wis., 
and  has  four  children,  Emily,  Thomas',  Clara 
and  Rilla.  Thomas,  born  in  England,  mar- 
ried Caroline  Rule,  and  now  resides  in  Ma- 
son City,  Iowa;  he  is  the  father  of  five  chil- 
dren, Minnie,  Thomas,  Millie,  Clara  and  Caro- 
line. Betsey,  born  in  England,  married  George 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


943 


Stephens,  and  resides  at  Cleg-horn,  Iowa;  they 
have  four  children,  Grant,  Elmer,  Willie  and 
Frederick.  Jane,  born  in  England,  married 
James  Larch,  and  lives  in  Dane  county,  Wis. ; 
they  have  one,  son,  Frank.  Levinia  its  the 
sixth  in  the  family.  Ellen,  born  at  Mineral 
Point,  Wis.,  resides  with  her  sister,  Mary,  at 
Cobb,  Wis.  Henry,  born  in,  Grant  county, 
married  Miss  Mary  K.  Williams,  of  Mont- 
fort,  and  is  now  a farmer  in  Iowa  county ; they 
have  three  children,  Lela,  Irvin  and  Ray. 

Mrs.  Glasson  received  her  education  mainly 
in  the  public  schools  in  Iowa  county,  and  re- 
mained under  her  parents’  care  until  her  mar- 
riage with  John  Glasson,  in  1866.  His  parents, 
John  and  Mary  Glassion,  came  from  England 
and  settled  in  Iowa  county, Wis., at  at  early  day. 
Mr.  Glasson  was  a loyal  soldier  of  the  Union 
during  the  Civil  war,  serving  as  a member  of 
the  nth  Wis.  V.  I.,  and  making  a good  record. 
After  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Glasson 
settled  in  Iowa  county,  where  he  engaged  as 
a barber,  following  that  vocation  until  1872, 
in  which  year  they  moved  to  Belmont.  Mr. 
Glasson  died  in  1878.  Their  only  son,  Linus', 
born  in  1872,  is  now  an  active  and  energetic 
young  business  man,  and  is  employed  at  the 
hotel,  with  his  mother.  He  received  a fair  ed- 
ucation, but  on  account  of  ill  health  was  com- 
pelled to  leave  school  early.  Mrs.  Glasson  lost 
her  house  in  1883  by  fire,  a dire  disaster,  which 
left  her  without  means  and  without  a home. 
By  perseverance,  however,  she  has  rebuilt,  and 
is  now  on  the  high  road  to  a competence.  She 
has  connected  with  her  restaurant  a good  stock 
of  confections  and  groceries,  and  some  time  ago 
she  opened  her  home  as  a boarding  house  and 
hotel.'  From  the  start  this  proved  a most  suc- 
cessful move,  and  our  subject  has  a good  pat- 
ronage, and  is  doing  well.  She  is  a woman 
of  energy,  a good  business  woman,  and:  has 
those  qualities  that  command  success.  Mrs. 
Glasson  belongs  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
church,  and  is  respected  for  her  many  virtues, 
being  a good  friend  and  kindly  neighbor. 

JAMES  F.  CARNS  (deceased),  in  his  day 
one  of  the  most  esteemed  residents  of  Grant 
county,  was  born  in  Ohio,  in  November,  1811, 
and  was  a son  of  Abram  and  Catherine  Cams, 
both  of  whom  were  bom  in  Ireland,  and  came 
to  this  country  at  a very  early  day.  They 
moved  late  to  Illinois,  where  their  last  days 
were  passed. 


In  1849  Mr.  Cams  came  to  the  State  of 
Wisconsin,  with  the  intention  of  mining,  lo- 
cated first  at  Jamestown,  and  later  at  the  Fair- 
play  mines,  remaining  there  a number  of  years. 
While  a resident  of  this  place  he  married,  in 
1851,  Miss  Ann  Litton,  daughter  of  Smith  and 
Sarah  (Gilland)  Litton,  of  Jacksonville,  111., 
where  they  were  very  prominent  residents.  For 
some  time  Mr.  Litton  was  mayor  of  Jackson- 
ville, and  he  was  a man  widely  known  and 
well  remembered.  His  birth  took  place  in  Ten- 
nessee, in  1810,  and  he  died  in  1848.  Mrs. 
Litton  was  born  in  Kentucky  in  1811,  and 
passed  away  in  1884.  They  reared  four  sons: 
Burton  died  in  Illinois;  James  resided  in  Min- 
neapolis, where  he  died  some  yeans  ago  ; Al- 
bert resides  in  Georgetown,  Grant  Co.',  Wis., 
with  his  sister  (in  1861  he  became  a volunteer 
in  the  61st  111.  V.  I.,  and  served  faithfully  un- 
til the  close  of  the  war,  losing  his  health  in 
the  service  of  his  country)  ; Charles,  is  a resi- 
dent of  Wood  county,  Ivans.,  where  he  lives 
with  his  family.  Mrs.  Cams  was  the  only 
daughter. 

Mrs.  Ann  (Litton)  Cams  was  bora  at 
Jacksonville,  111.,  Aug.  12,  1833,  and  received 
a superior  education  in  the  excellent  schools 
of  Jacksonville,  becoming  a teacher  in  the  pub- 
lic schools  for  a short  time.  Her  marriaoe 

. o 

with  Mr.  Cams  took  place  in  Wisconsin,  but 
they  returned  to  Jacksonville,  where  they  lived 
during  three  years  of  the  Civil  war.  Return- 
ing to  Fairplay,  Wis.,  Mr.  Cams  followed  his 
occupation  of  lead  and  zinc  mining.  In  1872 
lie  purchased  a farm  in  Smelser  township,  re- 
moved his  family  to  it,  and  there  his  death  took 
place  in  May,  1884.  While  a resident  on  the 
farm  he  made  many  general  improvements, 
erected  new  barns,  fences,  etc.,  and  rendered 
the  place  most  comfortable  and  attractive.  Mr. 
Cams  was  well  known  in  this  section  as  an  hon- 
est and  upright  man,  who  could  count  every 
neighbor  a friend.  His  family  of  wife  and 
children  still  survive  him  : ( 1 ) Burton  was 

born  in  1856,  grew  b>  manhood,  engaged  in 
agricultural  pursuits,  married  Samantha  Van- 
netta,  and  still  resides  on  his  farm,  with  four 
children,  Lester,  Roy,  Harry  and  Lennis'.  (2) 
Edward,  born  in  Wisconsin  in  1858,  married 
Glenn  Vannetta,  resides  on  his  farm  in.  Smelser, 
and  has  two  children,  Gladys  and  the  baby. 
(3)  Ella,  born  in  Illinois,  in  i860,  married 
Rudolph  Luce,  who  was  principal  of  the  Bel- 
mont schools  at  the  time  of  her  death,  in  1892. 


944 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


She  left  five  children,  Elsie,  B.  W.,  Frankie, 
Roscoe  and  james,  these  children  all  making 
their  home  with  their  grandmother,  except 
Roscoe,  who  resides  with  his  uncle  Edward. 
(4)  Lizzie,  born  in  Wisconsin  in  1863,  is  a 
graduate  of  the  normal  school  at  Platteville, 
and  for  eight  years  was  a successful  teacher  in 
Grant  county,  four  terms  being  in  Big  Patch. 
She  is  now  the  wife  of  George  Reige,  of  Big 
Patch,  and  has  three  children,  Maud,  Guy  and 
Mildred.  (5)  Frank,  born  in  1868,  was  well 
educated  in  the  Platteville  Normal  School,  and 
for  some  time  was  manager  of  the  home  farm 
and  was  also  a teacher  in  the  district  school, 
teaching  some  five  years  in  Smelser  and  George- 
town. Grant  county  numbers  no  brighter 
young  man  among  her  many  youths.  In  vari- 
ous ways  he  comes  to  the  front  when  some 
one  of  brains  is  needed.  His  services  were  re- 
quired for  census'  enumerator,  in  1900,  and  the 
duties  were  performed  with  accuracy  and  en- 
ergy. With  his  mother  be  retains  the  home 
farm  in  Smelser  township,  but  with  her  re- 
sides in  Georgetown.  He  is  a member  of  the 
Masonic  fraternity,  Georgetown  lodge,  and  also 
of  the  Modern  Woodmen.  (6)  Bertha,  born 
in  December,  1875,  was  a student  at  the 
Platteville  Normal  School,  where  she  was  fitted 
for  the  position  she  now  holds  as  teacher  in 
the  graded  schools  of  Belmont,  Lafayette  coun- 
ty ; for  several  years  she  was  an  acceptable 
teacher  in  the  high  schools  of  Benton,  being  a 
cultured  and  intellectual  young  lady.  In  poli- 
tics Mr.  Cams  was  a stanch  Republican  and  his 
sons  follow  the  example  of  their  excellent  fa- 
ther. Mrs.  Cams  was.  carefully  reared  in  the 
doctrines  of  the  Christian-  Church  and  there 
she  still  holds  her  membership,  although  her 
children  are  of  various  denominations.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Cams  well  represent  the  best  element 
of  Grant  county’s  pioneers.  The  family  as  a 
whole  is-  a prominent  one,  and  no-  history  of 
this  part  of  the  State  would  be  complete  with- 
out a record  of  it. 

JOHN  C.  MARTIN,  one  of  the  prosperous 
business  men  of  Mineral  Point,  Iowa  county, 
and  who  as  an  advocate  of  temperance  has  a 
reputation  that  extends  throughout  the  country, 
is  a native  of  Scotland,  born  in  Aberdeenshire 
in  1845,  a son  William  and  Mary  (Lums- 
den)  Martin,  also  natives  of  that  county. 

The  family  sailed  from  Glasgow;  Scot- 
land, in  1852,  and  after  a voyage  of  seven 


weeks  and  four  days  landed  at  New  York, 
whence  they  proceeded  to  Waukesha  county, 
Wis.  After  remaining  there  two-  years  they 
removed  to  Rock  county,  Wis.,  and  in  1855  to 
Waldwick  township,  Iowa  county.  Here  the 
father  opened  up  a farm  and  remained  for  a 
number  of  years,  the  mother  dying  on  that 
place  in  i860.  The  father  survived  her  until 
1886,  and  died  in  Lafayette  county.  To-  them 
were  born  children  as  follows:  Jane  is  now 

Mrs.  Joseph  Van  Matie,  of  Lafayette  county. 
William  enlisted  at  Mineral  Point,  in  1862, 
in  Company  E,  30th  Wis.  V.  I.,  became  sec- 
ond sergeant,  later  was  promoted  to  captain, 
serving  in  the  Red  River  campaign  and  at 
Ft.  Blakely,  and  was  honorably  discharged  in 
March,  1866;  he  died  at  Peterson,  Iowa,  in 
January,  1895.  George  F.,  now  a resident  of 
Clayton  county,  Iowa,  was  a member  of  Com- 
pany D,  40th  Wis.  V.  I.,  enlisting  from  the 
University  of  Wisconsin.  Mary  died  in  Mil- 
waukee in  1871,  unmarried.  Samuel  enlisted 
at  Mineral  Point  in  Company  E,  30th  Wis.  V. 
I.,  and  died  Jan.  5,  1863,  at  Camp  Randall. 
Isabelle  died  in  childhood.  John  C.  is  our  sub- 
ject. James  P.  enlisted  in  Milwaukee,  in  1864, 
when  but  seventeen,  in  Company  H,  Heavy 
Artillery;  he  now  resides  near  Sutherland, 
Iowa.  Franklin  and  Alex  L.  also  reside  near 
Sutherland,  Iowa.  Abram  W.  died  in  Peter- 
son, Iowa,  Aug.  12,  1897. 

John  C.  Martin,  though  but  ten  years  of  age 
when  he  came  to  Iowa  county,  began  work  in 
the  lumber  woods  at  Mineral  Point,  driving 
an  ox-team.  Later  he  worked  by  the  month, 
and  then  entered  the  service  of  his  country. 
After  the  war  was  over  Mr.  Martin  settled  in 
Waldwick  township,  where  he  purchased  a fine 
farm  of  120  acres  and  improved  it,  in  the 
meanwhile  teaching  school  and  running  a 
threshing  machine.  Finally  he  sold  his  farm 
and  purchased  another,  of  134  acres,  in  Min- 
eral Point  township,  upon  which  he  erected  a 
comfortable  residence,  barn  and  other  outbuild- 
ings. This,  too,  he  sold,  and  bought  a third, 
0-11  the  line  of  Io-wa  and  Lafayette  counties, 
comprising  265  acres,  of  which  105  acres  are 
in  Lafayette  county.  This  place  is  still  owned 
by  Mr.  Martin,  although  in  1892  he  moved  to- 
Mineral  Point  and  embarked  in  the  milling 
business,  operating  a large  feedmill,  and  build- 
ing up  a flourishing  trade,  which  is  constantly 
increasing. 

In  1864  Mr.  Martin  enlisted  in  Company 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


943 


H,  ist  Heavy  Artillery,  for  one  year,  or  dur- 
ing the  war,  being  mustered  in  at  Madison, 
Wis.,  and  was  on  garrison  duty  at  Washington, 

D.  C.  He  was  mustered  out  at  Alexandria, 
Va.,  and  honorably  discharged  at  Milwaukee 
in  1865. 

In  1869  Mr.  Martin  was  married  to  Mary 

E.  Schellinger,  who  was  born  in  Mineral  Point 

township  in  November,  1842,  a daughter  of 
Henry  and  Martha  (Bigelow)  Schellinger,  na- 
tives of  Mercer  county,  Penn.,  and  New  York, 
respectively.  The  father  came  to  Kaskaskia, 
111.,  and  m 1835  removed  to  Iowa  county, 
Wis.  After  settling  at  Mineral  Point  Mr. 
Schellinger  married,  his  wife  having  been  a 
resident  of  Mineral  Point  from  the  time  she 
was  eight  years  of  age.  There  he  opened  up 
a farm,  and  he  died  in  Platt eville  in  1872,  his 
widow  surviving  until  November,  1896.  The 
Schellinger  family  was  of  Dutch  descent,  and 
inherited  the  traits  iof  economy  and  industry 
so  common  to  that  nation.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Schellinger  were  born  twelve  children : Au- 

gustine, now  Mrs.  John  Graham,  of  Eureka, 
Kans. ; Mary  E.,  Mrs.  Martin;  Silas  H.,  a resi- 
dent of  Boulder,  Colo. ; George,  of  Pierre,  S. 
Dak.,  assistant  State  superintendent  of  schools; 
Charles  L.,  of  Colorado  Springs,  Colo.;  xATbie 
A.,  Mrs.  Robert  Mass,  of  Kansas  City;  Clara 

L. ,  Mrs.  W.  N.  Cooley,  of  Yankton,  S.  Dak.; 
Eunice,  principal  of  a public  school  at  La 
Crosse,  Wis.;  Edith,  Mrs.  William  Pierce; 
and  three  who  died  in  infancy.  Nine  children 
have  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Martin  : Wal- 
ter S.  (married),  who  lives  on  the  farm;  Katie 

M. ,  Mrs.  Albert  Johnson,  of  Lafayette  county; 
Robert  B.  (married),  an  evangelist  of  Rich 
Hill,  Mo. ; Agnes  C.,  a teacher  in  the  public 
schools;  Nellie  J.,  attending  school;  John  C. ; 
William  Henry;  Hattie  G. ; and  Mary  Anna. 

Mr.  Martin  is  an  ardent  Prohibitionist  in 
politics,  was  candidate  for  State  treasurer  on 
that  ticket,  and  was  also  mentioned  very  favor- 
ably for  governor.  During  the  campaign  he 
canvassed  the  State,  making  one  hundred 
speeches  in  the  interests  of  his  party,  held  tent 
meetings',  and  was  a delegate  to  the  W.  C.  T. 
U.  convention  at  Chicago.  Mr.  Martin  has 
held  the  office  of  supervisor  of  Mineral  Point, 
and  other  local  positions,  and  is  regarded  as  one 
of  the  leading  exponents  of  his  party  in  the 
county.  In  religious  matters  he  takes  an  active 
interest  in  the  Primitive  M.  E,.  Church,  of 

Avhich  he  is  a member.  He  has  been  connected 
60 


with  George  H.  Legate  Post,  No.  125,  G.  A. 
R.,  and  has  been  its  chaplain  for  seven:  years. 
Fraternally  Mr.  Martin  is  a member  of  the 
Knights  of  the  Globe,  is  chief  ranger  of  the 
Order  of  Foresters,  and  has  taken  an  active  part 
in  the  Grange.  Being  so  widely  known,  he 
has  made  many  friends,  and  by  them,  and  by 
all  who  have  come  in  contact  with  him,  he  is 
regarded  as  a man  of  great  ability,  keen  grasp 
of  whatever  subject  is  under  discussion,  ancf 
a convincing  orator.  The  good  he  has  accom- 
plished by  his  untiring  efforts  cannot  be  fully 
estimated,  but  he  is  destined  to  occupy  a high, 
place  in  the  future  workings  of  his  party. 

ELIJAH  P.  WIXOM,  one  of  the  wealthiest 
farmers  and  largest  land  owners  of  southern 
Wisconsin,  has  a fine  home  at  No.  153  Milton 
avenue,  Janesville,  Rock  county,  where  he 
dwells  amid  the  comforts  that  rightfully  at- 
tend the  closing  years  of  such  a singularly  use- 
ful and  successful  career  as  his  has  been1. 

Mr.  Wixom  was  born  in  Putnam  county, 

N.  Y.,  Feb.  15,  1835,  a son  of  Robert  and 
Charity  Maria  (Barrett)  Wixom,  both  of 
whom  were  born  in  that  State.  They  were 
the  parents  of  three  sons  and  six  daughters, 
five  of  whom  are  now  living:  Elijah  P. ; Julia 
Ann,  widow  of  Henry  Kidder,  of  Fulton  town- 
ship; Phebe,  widow  of  David  Kelly,  of  Mil- 
ton  Junction,  Wis. ; Deborah,  wife  of  J.  W. 
Austin,  of  Janesville;  and  Benjamin  D.,  of 
Fulton  township.  Another  brother,  Robert 
Wixom,  enlisted  in  Company  B,  36th  Wis.  V. 
I.,  for  service  in  the  Civil  war,  and  twelve 
days  after  he  had  gone  to  the  front  was 
wounded  and  taken  prisoner.  He  was  incar- 
cerated in  the  prison  at  Richmond,  where  he 
died.  The  father  was  a cattle  driver  when  a 
boy,  following  that  work  eleven  years.  In 
mature  life  he  was  a farmer,  and  combined 
with  the  cultivation  of  the  soil  the  trades  of 
carpenter  and  millwright.  He  is  remembered 
as  a natural  mechanic  and  a genius  with  tools. 
Coming  West  to  Wisconsin  about  1850,  he 
located  in  the  town  of  Fulton,  Rock  county, 
where  he  bought  a tract  of  eighty  acres,  and 
after  a time  as  much  more.  He  improved  this 
farm,  and  made  it  one  of  the  most  valuable 
places  in  that  part  of  the  county,  and,  becom- 
ing greatly  interested  in  stock  culture,  devoted 
more  and  more  attention  to  that  as  the  years 
w’ent  by  until  stock  raising  was  the  main 
branch  of  his  agricultural  operations.  He  died 


946 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


in  1868,  at  the  age  of  fifty-seven.  His  wife 
survived  him  many  years,  and  died  in  1894, 
aged  eighty  years.  They  were  both  Baptists. 
He  wasi  justice  of  the  peace  many  years  while 
in  the  East,  and  served  in  that  position  after 
coming  into'  Rock  county.  He  took  much  in- 
terest in  school  matters,  and  was  a useful  citi- 
zen. 

Elijah  Wix'om,  our  subject’s  grandfather, 
was  a native  of  New  York,  of  Holland-Dutch 
descent,  and  was  a farmer  by  occupation.  He 
served1  in  the  American  army  during  the  war 
of  1812,  as  a private.  He  died  in  middle  life. 
He  had  seventeen  children,  by  two  marriages. 
His  father  was  a Revolutionary  soldier.  Jo- 
sephus Barrett,  the  maternal  grandfather  of 
E.  P.  Wixom,  was  a native  of  New  York, 
of  English  and  Irish  descent,  and  was  a life- 
long' farmer.  He  was  the  father  of  twelve 
children,  and  lived  to  be  eighty  years  of  age. 

Elijah  P.  Wixom  was  fifteen  years  old 
.when  he  came  with  his  parents  to  Rock  coun- 
ty. He  was  given  the  usual  amount  of  educa- 
tion for  the  times;,  obtained  principally  at  the 
neighboring  district  school,  and  applied  him- 
self to  the  work  of  the  farm.  He  has'  always 
followed  farming  and  stock  raising,  from  an 
early  age,  and  when  a boy  was  accustomed  to 
ship  poultry  to  New,  York.  He  has  always 
displayed  the  instincts  of  a natural  born  trad- 
er. He  made  his  home  with  his  parents  until 
he  came  of  age,  when  he  bought  a 1 60-acre 
farm  in  Fulton  township,  in  partnership  with 
his  brother  Benjamin.  They  bought  it  entirely 
on  credit,  and  paid  for  it  in  two  years'.  Elijah 
sold  his  interest  to.  his  brother  as  soon  as  the 
title  was  cleared,  and  purchased  for  himself 
a farm  of  100  acres  in  the  same  township.  This 
was  his  home  for  thirty  years,  and  it  has'  been 
added  to  from  time  to  time  until  he  now  owns 
about  600  acres  of  land  in  Fulton  and  Janes- 
ville townships.  Besides  this  tract  he  owns  900 
acres  in  Rock  county,  and  100  in  Dane  county, 
his  entire  real-estate  holdings  in  southern  Wis- 
consin thus  aggregating'  more  than  1,600  acres, 
the  agricultural  possibilities  of  this  vast  body 
of  land  being  fully  utilized.  In  1801  Mr. 
Wixom  moved  into  the  city  of  Janesville,  and 
built  one  of  the  finest  residences,  to  be  seen  in 
that  center  of  fine  homes,  and  here  he  has 
lived  to  the  present  time.  He  has  about  150 
head  of  fine  cattle  upon  his  place,  and  many 
horses.  Pie  rents'  his  farms  on  shares,  but  takes 


a close  interest  in  their  management,  and  is 
active  in  conserving  his  best  interests. 

On  Nov.  5,  1863,  Mr.  Wixom  married 
Miss  Clara  M.  Hurd,  daughter  of  Silas  and 
Cynthia  (Cowan)  Hurd,  natives  of  New  York, 
who1  came  to.  Wisconsin  in  1836,  and  located 
in  the  town  of  Fulton,  Rock  county,  where 
they  died.  They  were  interred  in  the  cemetery 
at  Edgerton.  Three  children  have  been  born 
to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wixom : Claron  W.,  Ella 

May  and  Silas  H.  Ella  May  married  James 
R.  Lamb,  and  has  her  home  in  Janesville;  they 
have  one  son,  Stewart  James.  Silas  H.  is  at- 
tending the  high  school.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wixom 
attend  the  Unitarian  Church.  He  is  a member 
of  several  fraternal  orders,  uniting  with  West- 
ern Star  Lodge,  No..  14,  A.  F.  & A.  M. ; the 
Knights  of  Pythias;  and  the  Patrons  of  Hus- 
bandry. He  was  formerly  a Republican,  but 
now  acts  with  the  Democratic  party.  Pie  has 
held  various  important  local  offices,  was  super- 
visor of  Fulton  township  isix  years,  and  has 
been  school  clerk  and  director  many  years. 

MRS.  JOHN  RICHARDS.  One  of  the 
highly  esteemed  and  beloved  residents  of  Ben- 
ton township,  Lafayette  county,  widely  known 
for  her  life  of  Christian  works  and;  beautiful 
character,  is  Mrs.  John  Richards,  who  was  born 
in  Cornwall,  England,  March  11,  1820,  a 
worthy  daughter  of  Richard  and  Ann  Eustice, 
both  of  whom  died  in  their  native  country. 
She  was  one  of  five  children,  all  of  whom  have 
passed  away.  Her  only  brother,  Richard,  was 
a resident  of  Hazel  Green,  where  he  followed 
mining  until  his  death  in  October,  1900.  Mrs.  ' 
Richards  grew  to  womanhood  in  England,  be- 
coming a type  of  the  fair  daughters  of  that 
land,  and  in  1842  married  John  Richards,  who 
was  born  in  Cornwall  in  1815.  After  mar- 
riage the  young  couple  resided  in  England 
some  years,  but  in  1845  decided  to  cross  the 
water  to*  seek  a home  in  America.  Their  first 
location  was  in  Missouri,  but  later  they  re- 
moved to  Hazel  Green,  in  Grant  county,  where 
our  subject  with  three  children  remained,  when 
Mr.  Richards  crossed  the  Plains  in  1849  tc 
the  gold  fields  of  California.  After  two  years 
of  mining  along  the  Pacific  coast  Mr.  Richards 
returned  and  engaged  in  lead  mining  until  1854, 
at  which  time  he  purchased  a farm  at  Meeker’s 
Grove,  Lafayette  county,  and  there  the  family 
resided  at  the  time  of  the  lamented  death  of 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


94  7 


Mr.  Richards,  in  January,  1880.  When  he 
was  called  from  earth  the  community  lost  one 
of  its  leading  citizens.  His  acquaintance  was 
large  and,  as  he  was  a man  of  great  intelli- 
gence, he  was  always  prominently  identified 
with  public  affairs,  being-  politically  connected 
with  the  Republican  party. 

Five  children  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Richards : Elizabeth,  who  was  born  in  Eng- 

land, married  Henry  Yager,  of  Grundy  county, 
Iowa,  where  he  died  in  1899,  leaving  his  wife 
and  three  children, — William,  Eva,  Kittie,  all 
of  Cedar  Rapids;  Thomas  H.,  born  in  Eng- 
land, died  while  crossing  the  ocean;  Christi- 
anna,  born  in  Hazel  Green  in  1848,  married 
Thomas  Dixon,  of  Iowa,  and  they  have  five 
children,  John,  Lewis,  Mabel,  Hudson  and 
Clare;  Mary  J.,  born  in  Hazel  Green,  married 
John  Jenkins,  of  Cuba  City,  and  has  four  chil- 
dren, Victor,  William,  Minnie  and  Lester ; 
William  J.,  born  at  Meeker's  Grove,  married 
Louisa  Fervene  and  they  reside  with  his  mother 
in  Meeker’s  Grove  f they  have  four  children, 
Edith,  Alma,  Albert  and  Lorena). 

Previous1  to  Mr.  Richards’  death  he  pur- 
chased the  large  stone  house  at  Meeker’s  Grove, 
in  which  his  wife  now  resides,  having  sold  the 
farm.  Before  coming  to  America  Mrs.  Rich- 
ards. united  with  the  Primitive  Methodists  and 
has  since  consistently  lived  the  life  of  a Chris- 
tian. Many  trials  have  beset  her  path,  but 
through  all  she  has  kept  her  way,  doing  good 
to  all  who  have  come  within  her  influence. 
Many  acts  of  charity  and  generosity  have 
taught  her  neighbors  the  truth  of  her  profes- 
sions, and  few  old  residents,  are  more  highly 
esteemed. 

WILLIAM  T.  BRIGGS,  one  of  the  repre- 
sentative men  of  Muscoda,  Grant  county,  can 
trace  back  his  family  history  to  the  very  early 
days  of  this  country.  Mr.  Briggs'  was  born  in 
Addison  county,  Yt.,  April  24,  1823,  a son  of 
William  and  Kasiah  (Richardson)  Briggs. 
William  Briggs,  Sr.,  was  a native  of  Massa- 
chusetts, and  the  son  of  Owen  Briggs,  a soldier 
in  the  Revolutionary  war,  which  fact  entitles 
the  subject  of  this  sketch  to  membership  in  the 
order  of  Sons  of  the  Revolution.  According 
to  the  history  of  the  Briggs  family,  the  grand- 
father, Owen  Briggs,  was  one  of  three  brothers 
who  emigrated  to  America  prior  to  the  Revo- 
lution, and  their  descendants  can  be  found  in 
great  numbers  throughout  the  eastern  States. 


The  father  of  our  subject,  William  Briggs, 
Sr.,  was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  partici- 
pating in  the  battle  of  Piattsburg,  and  in  an- 
other important  engagement.  His  wife  was'  of 
Scotch  ancestry,  while  the  Briggs  family  orig- 
inated in  England. 

Taking  with  him  his  wife  and  four  chil- 
dren, in  1831,  William  Briggs,  Sr.,  migrated  to 
the  Western  Reserve,  in  Ohio;  in  1845  removed 
to  Mason  county,  111.,  and  about  1850  settled 
m Eagle,  Richland  Co.,  Wis.,  where  this 
worthy  couple  passed  the  remainder  of'  their 
lives.  Mr.  Briggs,  Sr.,  was  a collier  by  trade, 
but  during  his  later  years  was  engaged  in 
farming.  Upright  and  honorable  in  all  his 
dealings,  he  gained  the  hearty  respect  of  his 
fellow  citizens,  and  he  and  his  wife  were  con- 
sistent members  of  the  Methodist  Church,  in 
which  Mr.  Briggs  was  a class-leader  for  nearly 
half  a century.  Physically  this  grand  old  pio- 
neer was  one  of  the  most  powerful  men  of 
his  day,  and  possessed  a constitution  of  iron, 
dying  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-nine.  Of 
the  four  children  of  this  worthy  couple,  three 
were  living  in  1900:  Maranda,  widow  of  T. 

R.  McClaflin,  of  Oberlin,  Ohio;  William  T., 
the  subject  of  this  sketch  ; Daniel,  of  Eagle, 
Richland  Co.,  Wis. ; and  Lucy,  deceased,  who 
married  Levi  Coat,  and  passed  her  life  in  Ma- 
son county,  Illinois. 

William  T.  Briggs,  the  immediate  subject 
of  this  biography,  lived  at  home  until  twenty- 
one,  then  started  out  in  life  for  himself.  In 
1855  he  removed  from  Mason  county,  111.,  to 
Dane  county,  Wis.,  and  in  1862  located  in 
Richland  county,  where  he  remained  until 
1883,  at  which  time  he  came  to  Muscoda,  and 
has  since  resided  here. 

On  Oct.  14,  1844,  Mr.  Briggs  was  married 
to  Miss  Mary  Jane  Burrington,  born  Oct.  15. 
1828,  in  •Vermont,  a daughter  of  John  and 
Irene  Burrington,  who  removed  to  the  State 
of  New  York,  and  later  to  Ohio,  with  their 
family.  Later  they  migrated  to  Windsor, 
Dane  Co.,  Wis.,  where  the  parents- passed  their 
remaining  days.  Mrs.  Briggs  was  one  of  a 
family  of  twelve,  six  sons  and  six  daughters, 
eleven  of  whom  grew  to  mature  years,  but  only 
five  survive  (1900).  namely:  Daniel  F., 

Riol  and  Charles,  all  of  Richland  county ; Mrs. 
Briggs.  and  Kaziah,  wife  of  W.  W.  Hall,  also 
of  Richland  county. 

Mr  and  Mrs.  Briggs  have  three  children, 
two  sons  and  a daughter : Marvin,  of  Mus- 


948 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


coda;  Willis,  of  Eagle,  Richland  county;  and 
Irene,  wife  of  John  Mathew,  of  Richland1  coun- 
ty. Their  grandchildren  are  nine  in  number, 
and  it  is  a remarkable  fact  that  during  the 
fifty-six  years  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Briggs  have  been 
married  death  has  not  visited  any  of  their  fam- 
ily, not  even  in  the  second  generation.  Con- 
tented and  happy,  knowing  that  their  children 
and  children’s  children  are  well  and  prosperous, 
and  looking  back  over  well-spent  lives,  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Briggs  are  slowly  descending  the  hill  of 
life,  in  religion  Mr.  Briggs  is  a Restoration'- 
ist,  while  Mrs.  Briggs  is  a member  of  the  M. 
E.  Church.  Mr.  Briggs  is  a Master  Mason, 
having  joined  the  fraternity  in  1864,  and-  is  as 
prominent  in  his  lodge  as  he  is  in  the  social 
and  religious'  life  of  Muscoda,  while  Mrs. 
Briggs  is  equally  esteemed  among  her  circle  of 
friends. 

MARTIN  IvUEHNER,  of  the  town  of 
Potosi,  Grant  county,  is  one  of  the  well-known 
German-American  citizens  of  southwestern 
Wisconsin,  where  he  has  made  his  home  since 
1861. 

Mr.  Kuehner  was  born  in  Wittenberg,  Ger- 
many, May  26,  1825,  and  grew  to  manhood 
in  the  Fatherland,  where  he  married  his  first 
wife,  in  1854  he  brought  his  family  to  Amer- 
ica, and  located  in  the  State  of  Ohio,  making 
their  home  in  Pike  county,  that  State,  until 
their  removal  to  Grant  county,  where,  for  over 
forty  years,  Mr.  Kuehner  has  tilled1  the  soil, 
and  made  for  himself  a home  in  the  New 
World. 

On  Jan.  12,  1882,  the  wife  who  had  ac- 
companied him  from  Germany,  passed  to  her 
last  rest,  leaving  her  husband  and  five  children, 
four  sons  and  a daughter,  to  mourn  her  demise. 
In  1883  Mr.  Kuehner  wedded  his  present  wife, 
who  in  her  maidenhood  was  Amelia  Koellar. 
She  was  a native  of  Germany,  and  came  to 
America  in  1881.  To  this  union  have  been 
born1  three  sons  and  two  daughters,  namely : 
William.  Louisa,  Adolph,  Annie  and  Leo. 
They  reside  in  their  pleasant  home  on  Mr. 
Kuehner’s  fine  farm,  where  they  are  held  in 
high  esteem  by  their  neighbors  and  friends. 
Mr.  Kuehner  owes  his  present  comfortable  cir- 
cumstances entirely  to  his  own  industry  and 
good  management,  and  his  standing  in  the 
business  world  is  that  of  an  honest  and  up- 
right man,  and  a thoroughly  progressive  cit- 
izen. 


CHRISTOPHER  GULSON(  deceased) 
was  in  his  lifetime  an  active  and  honored  citi- 
zen of  the  town  of  York,  Grant  county,  com- 
ing here  in  1852  from  his  native  country,  Nor- 
way, where  he  was  born  Sept.  17,  1817.  In 
1843  he  was  married  in  his  native  land  to  Miss 
Thora  Haugen,  by  whom  he  had  one  child, 
Mary,  born  Feb.  24,  1845,  who  accompanied 
her  parents  to  this  country  when  she  was  seven 
years  old. 

When  Mr.  Gulson  came  into  Green  county 
he  settled  on  government  land,  and  commenced 
with  but  little  to  aid  him  beside  his  strong  arm 
and  stout  courage.  Beginning  under  the  most 
restricted  conditions,  and  in  the  greatest  pover- 
ty, he  became,  by  hard  work  and  unremitting 
industry,  the  owner  of  an  extensive  and  valu- 
able tract  of  land,  consisting  of  nearly  400  acres 
in  Section  8,  about  four  miles  northeast  of 
Blanchardville,  with  good  dwellings  and  first- 
class  barns.  He  sustained  a fine  reputation  as 
a neighbor  and  business  man,  and  was  known 
to  be  honest  and  scpiare  in  all  his  dealings. 
He  was  a member  of  the  Lutheran  Church, 
in  which  he  was  an  officer  for  twenty-five  years 
before  his  death.  In  political  sentiment  he  was 
a Republican. 

Mr.  Gulson  served  in  the  army  in  his  na- 
tive land,  and  brought  to  this  country  an  en- 
lightened and  enthusiastic  love  of  liberty.  He 
was  highly  prized  in  all  the  social  and  do- 
mestic relations  of  life,  and  was  much  missed 
at  bis  death,  in  1883.  His  remains  were  in- 
terred in  the  old  Norwegian  cemetery  in  York. 
Mrs.  Gulson  still  survives,  and  is  living  on 
the  old  place,  making  her  home  with  her 
daughter,  Mary.  For  the  last  two  years  she 
has  been  blind.  Mary  Gulson  and  Andrew 
Barger,  a native  of  Norway,  were  married 
June  10,  1888,  and  to  them  has  come  one  son, 
Christopher,  born  April  15,  1889,  a bright  and 
promising  young  lad.  Mr.  Barger  is  a Re- 
publican in  politics,  and  a Lutheran  in  religion. 
He  and  his  wife  are  engaged  in  the  manage- 
ment of  the  farm.  Mrs.  Barger  is  a hard- 
working woman,  possessed  of  unusual  busi- 
ness qualifications.  She  belongs  to  the  Lu- 
theran Church,  and  carries  the  spirit  of  her 
faith  into  her  daily  life. 

HUGH  FLANNERY,  a well-known  citi- 
zen of  Avoca,  Iowa  county,  was  one  of  the 
bravest  soldiers  of  the  Civil  war,  and  sad  to 
record,  one  of  its  greatest  sufferers.  His  birth 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


949 


took  place  in  County  Mayo,  Ireland,  where  his 
parents  died,  and  he  was  brought  when  a child 
to  this  country  by  his  brothers  and  sisters. 
He  resided  in  Chicago  until  1853,  and  then 
went  to  California,  there  remaining  until  Au- 
gust, 1859,  when  he  returned  to  Chicago  for 
more  than  a year,  after  which  he  became  a 
resident  of  Avoca. 

On  Sept.  7,  1861,  Mr.  Flannery  enlisted 
in  the  6th  Battery,  Light  Artillery,  Wis.  Yols., 
which  command  rendezvoused  at  Racine,  Wis., 
and  early  in  March,  1862,  left  for  St.  Louis. 
From  there  they  went  to  New  Madrid1,  Mo., 
taking  part  in  the  siege  of  Island  No.  10,  go- 
ing from  there  to  Ruggle's  Point,  and  thence 
to  White  River,  the  object  in  these  movements 
being  to  disperse  the  guerrillas  who  were  con- 
tinually committing  depredations  in  that  vi- 
cinity. The  command,  however,  was  almost 
immediately  recalled  to  re-enforce  the  troops 
at  Shiloh,  but  did  not  reach  that  historic  field 
until  the  famous  battle  was  over.  Mr.  Flan- 
nery took  part,  with  his  battery,  in  the  siege 
of  Corinth,  the  command  following  the  enemy 
after  the  evacuation,  and  then  returning  to  its 
former  position.  On  Oct.  1,  they  advanced 
again  on  Corinth,  and  took  an  active  part  in 
the  operations  at  that  place,  and  here,  on  Oct. 
4,  Mr.  Flannery  was  severely  wounded,  this 
serious  accident  ending  his  operations  in  the 
field,  and  very  nearly  ending  his  life.  He  was 
injured  by  a bursting  shell,  one  fragment  of 
which  struck  him  on  the  left  side  of  the  face, 
cutting  it  severely  and  destroying  the  left  eye. 
Another  fragment  injured  badly  his  left  hand, 
and  while  thus  severely  wounded,  and  en- 
deavoring to  rise  to  his  feet,  he  was  struck 
by  a ball  in  the  left  hand,  receiving  also  several 
shots  in  the  right  thigh  and  other  portions  of 
the  body,  including  the  neck  and  left  side;  the 
ball  which  produced  the  latter  wound  has  never 
yet  been  taken  from  his  bodv.  That  anyone 
so  frightfully  wounded  could  recover  seemed 
impossible;  he  was  removed  from  the  battle- 
field1 to  the  field  hospital,  where  he  was  given 
the  best  treatment  available  at  that  time,  and 
a month  later  was  removed,  on  the  cars,  to 
Columbus,  Ky.,  and  there  was  placed  on  a hos- 
pital boat  and  sent  to  Keokuk,  Iowa,  where 
he  remained  until  March  2,  1863.  the  date  of 
his  honorable  discharge.  Mr.  Flannery  had 
asked  for  this  in  order  that  he  could  find  im- 
proved treatment  for  his  severe  wounds.  Go- 
ing to  Chicago,  he  placed  himself  under  the 


medical  care  of  the  celebrated  Dr.  Holmes, 
and  was  treated  by  him  for  three  years,  but 
even  the  skill  of  this  great  oculist  did  not 
iavail  to  save  the  left  eye,  and  it  was  finally 
removed  in  order  that  the  other  could  be  suc- 
cessfully treated.  The  partial  recovery  of  Mr. 
Flannery  is  remarkable,  and  he  must  have  had 
a constitution  of  iron  to  have  endured  the 
strain.  For  a time  he  was  entirely  blind,  but 
he  is  now  able  to  see  slightly  with  the  right 
eye,  and  can  distinguish  large  type,  with  the 
help  of  a magnifying  glass. 

On  Dec.  4,  1863,  Mr.  Flannery  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Marcella  Quinn,  a native  of  his 
own  land,  and  they  have  five  children  living: 
Mathew  J.,  Hugh  F.,  James  S.,  Mary  Eliza- 
beth, and  Catherine.  Two  children  died, 
James  Walter,  in  infancy,  and  Marcella,  at  the 
age  of  twenty. 

WILLIAM  WOMACK,  farmer,  Platte- 
ville.  Grant  county,  Wisconsin. 

JOHN  HARTWIG,  Sr.,  who  holds  a very 
prominent  place  among  the  older  and  more  suc- 
cessful farmers  of  Green  county,  was  born  in 
Germany,  Feb.  12,  1824,  and  is  a son  of  John 
Hartwig.  His  brother,  George,  is  a retired 
farmer  in  Monroe,  and  of  his  sisters,  one  re- 
sides in  Cincinnati,  one  in  Canada,  and  one 
in  Germany. 

John  Hartwig,  Sr.,  whose  name  introduces 
this  article,  remained  in  the  old  Fatherland 
until  he  reached  full  age,  and  in  1850  came  to 
this  country.  For  some  fifteen  years  he  was 
employed  as  a coal  miner  near  McKeesport, 
Penn.,  and  in  1866  made  his  appearance  in 
Wisconsin.  That  year  he  bought  a farm  of 
120  acres  on  section  1,  Jordan  township,  eight 
miles  northwest  from  Monroe,  and  here  he  is 
found  at  the  present  time,  but  slightly  hindered 
from  active  work  bv  his  advanced  years,  and 
still  bearing  himself  with  the  strength  and  vigor 
that  we  scarcely  expect  to  find  in  one  whose 
years  have  passed  the  allotted  three-score  and 
ten. 

Mr.  Hartwig  was  married  in  Germany  to 
Miss  Catherine  Rabbe,  and  to  this  marriage 
were  born  nine  children,  three  of  whom  are 
now  living:  Maggie  is  the  wife  of  Thomas 

Crow,  of  Cadiz  township,  and  his  sketch  ap- 
pears on  another  page;  George  is  at  home  en- 
gaged in  the  active  farm  work,  and  is  unmar- 
ried ; and  Catherine  is  at  home,  keeping  house 


950 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


for  her  father  and  brother,  as  the  mother  died 
Jan.  15,  1S99,  at  the  advanced  age  of  seventy- 
six  years. 

Mr.  Hartwig  is  a Democrat,  and  in  re- 
ligion is  a member  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 
His  career  in  this  country  illustrates  the  pos- 
sibilities of  life  it  offers  to  a poor  man,  who  is 
whiling  to  work  and  save.  Landing  here  with- 
out a dollar,  and,  coming  from  a childhood 
and  youth  of  extreme  privation,  he  has  be- 
come, if  not  wealthy,  at  least  very  comfortable 
in  his  circumstances.  Wealth  is  a variable 
term,  and  in  an  earlier  day  the  property  Mr. 
Hartwig  has  amassed  would  have  been  re- 
garded as  wealth,  and,  as  it  is,  it  lifts  him  far 
above  all  possible  want. 

It  is  a quiet,  industrious  and  peaceful  life 
that  has  been  lived  by  John  Hartwig — a life 
in  which  he  has  proved  himself  an  honest  man, 
a devoted  husband,  a kind  father,  and  a good 
neighbor.  In  all  these  relations  he  has  been 
tried  and  not  found  wanting,  and  now  in  the 
evening  of  his  days,  it  is  a great  comfort  to 
him  that  his  industrious  and  useful  life  has 
been  lived  to  such  excellent  effect.  Many  are 
his  friends,  and  his  character  is  above  question. 
At  his  advanced  age  lie  is  still  strong  and 
vigorous,  and  though  seventy-seven  is  able  to 
do  a fair  day's  work  on  the  farm,  where  he  is 
engaged  in  farming  and  stock  raising,  and 
wdiere  he  expects  to  spend  the  remainder  of  his 
days. 

WILLIAM  Id.  DENTZLER,  one  of  the 
prosperous  farmers  of  Liberty,  Grant  countv, 
and  a well-known  veteran  of  the  war  of  the 
Rebellion,  is  not  an  American  by  birth,  but  bv 
choice;  and,  like  so  many  who  have  sought 
our  shores,  he  has  proven  himself  a worthy 
citizen,  a faithful  soldier  and  a successful  ag- 
riculturist. 

William  H.  Dentzler  was  born  in  Saxony, 
Germany,  on  Feb.  18,  1831,  a son  of  Gotlieb 
Dentzler.  The  latter,  with  his  wife  and  the 
remainder  of  his  family,  came  to  this  country 
about  two  years  subsequent  to  the  arrival  of 
William  H.  Dentzler,  and  they  all  resided  in 
Philadelphia  for  several  years.  The  next  re- 
moval was  to  Liberty  township.  Grant  county, 
Wis.,  where  a farm  was  purchased,  the  same 
being  now  the  property  of  our  subject.  Here 
the  good  father  and  mother  resided  until  their 
death,  the  father  passing  away  at  the  age  of 
eighty-two,  and  his  wife  some  ten  days  prior 


to  his  demise,  she  being  eighty-four.  Eight 
children  had  been  born  to  them,  of  whom  six 
are  still  living. 

Few  people  who  have  not  participated  in 
the  excitement  during  the  war  between  the 
North  and  South,  have  any  conception  of  the 
wild  enthusiasm  which  spread  over  the  country. 
Men  abandoned  everything  to  rush  to  the  de- 
fense of  their  flag-,  and  among  them  was  Will- 
iam H.  Dentzler,  who  had  been  in  America 
but  ten  years.  Enlisting  on  June.  22,  1862,  at 
the  Newhall  House  (which  was  afterward 
burned,  causing  a loss  of  many  lives,  to  which 
disaster  our  subject  was  an  eye  witness),  in 
Milwaukee,  he  served  faithfully  until  the  close 
of  the  war,  rendering  efficient  aid  to  his  regi- 
ment as  baker,  he  having  learned'  that  trade 
some  years  prior  to  enlistment.  It  was  not  an 
easy  task  to  provide  so  many  soldiers  with  the 
“staff  of  life,”  but  although  often  wearied  and 
almost  discouraged,  Mr.  Dentzler  never  failed, 
and  his  fine  bread  is  still  remembered  by  his 
comrades-in-arms.  The  regiment  was  sta- 
tioned the  greater  part  of  the  time  at  Oswego, 
N.  Y.,  and  was  honorably  mustered  out  at  the 
close  of  the  struggle. 

During  1864,  while  on  a furlough,  occurred 
the  romance  of  Mr.  Dentzler's  life,  and  he  mar- 
ried Miss  Catherine  Field,  of  New  York. 
Four  children  have  blessed  this  union : George, 
Edwin,  Louise  and  William.  Mr.  Dentzler  is 
an  active  member  of  Sam  Montieth  Post,  G. 
A.  R.,  Fennimore,  and  in  political  matters  ad- 
heres to  the  teachings  of  the  Republican  party. 
Having  toiled  long  and  faithfully,  Mr.  Dentz- 
ler is  certainly  entitled  to  highest  praise,  and  is 
,a  man  who  enjoys  in  marked  degree  the  re- 
spect of  his  neighbors  and  friends. 

REV.  EUGENE  M.  McGINNITY,  the 
scholarly  and  devoted  pastor  of  St.  Patrick’s 
Church,  Janesville,  Rock  county,  is  now  at  the 
very  flower  of  his  manly  powers ; and  whether 
in  the  pulpit,  expounding  the  Gospel  of  Life, 
or  by  the  bedside  of  the  sick  and  dying,  pre- 
paring for  the  flight  of  the  soul  to  the  better 
world,  he  is  always  the  faithful  priest  and  con- 
secrated pastor.  He  commands  the  respect  and 
holds  the  love  of  the  entire  city,  not  only  for 
his  professional  ability,  but  for  the  purity  and 
sweetness  of  his  personal  character. 

Father  McGinnity  was  born  in  County 
Monaghan,  Ireland.  Sept.  1,  1840,  a son  of 
Eugene  and  Alice  McGinnity.  The  family 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


95 1 


came  to  this  country  and  settled  in  Lafayette 
county,  Wis.,  in  1847.  The  father  was  a 
farmer,  and  on  his  arrival  in  this  State  pur- 
chased a farm,  whereon  he  made  his  home  as 
long  as  he  lived.  He  had  little  mercenary 
taint  in  his  disposition,  and  preferred  to  spend 
his  money  on  the  education  of  his  children 
rather  than  to  store  it  in  useless  accumula- 
tions. He  gave  them  all  good  schooling,  and 
yet  when  he  died  left  a very  fair  competency. 
Both  he  and  his  wife  passed  away  in  Lafayette 
county,  Wis.,  where  they  settled  on  their  ar- 
rival in  the  State.  They  were  the  parents  of 
nine  children,  three  of  whom  died  on  the  voy- 
age across  the  Atlantic.  Of  the  others,  James 
and  Thomas  are  farmers  in  Wisconsin;  Daniel, 
twin  brother  of  our  subject,  was  ordained  a 
priest,  and  died  after  six  years’  service  as  a 
clergyman  (he  went  to  the  Rocky  mountains 
in  the  hope  of  restoring  his  health,  but  without 
success)  ; Mary  married  Michael  Kierns,  of 
Lafayette  county,  Wis. ; John,  the  only  one 
born  in  Wisconsin,  is  a lumber  merchant  in 
Denver,  Colorado. 

Father  McGinnity  grew  to  manhood  on  the 
homestead  farm,  attending  the  district  school, 
and  displaying  a deep  love  of  learning'.  At 
the  age  of  sixteen  he  and  his  twin  brother  en- 
tered St.  Francis  Seminary,  Milwaukee,  and 
on  Dec.  27,  1863,  both  were  ordained  to  the 
priesthood  by  the  Right  Rev.  Bishop  John 
Martin  Henni.  The  young  clergyman,  now  a 
notable  figure  on  the  streets  of  Janesville, 
was  sent  to  take  charge  of  St.  Isadore  Church, 
in  Manitowoc  county,  Wis.,  and  one  year  later 
was  transferred  to  Darlington.  Lafayette 
county,  where  he  served  until  1869.  In  1871 
he  had  leave  of  absence  to  accompany  his 
brot'her  to  the  Rocky  mountains  in  search  of 
restored  health,  and  the  latter's  death  was  a 
severe  blow  to  our  subject,  who  cherished  him 
in  an  almost  ideal  affection.  However,  he  re- 
turned to  his  work  with  a brave  spirit,  and 
was  given  charge  of  the  church  at  Lake  Gene- 
va, where  he  remained  for  ten  months.  From 
there  he  went  to  Monroe,  where  he  spent  seven 
years  in  his  Master's  work.  In  1880  he  took 
charge  of  his  present  work,  after  he  had  done 
a great  work  at  Darlington,  building  houses  of 
worship  both  there  and  at  Seymour  and  Wiota. 
He  greatly  reduced  the  debts,  and  proved  him- 
self a wise  and  careful  manager  at  all  places 
where  he  has  served,  and  at  Janesville  he  has 
made  a noble  record.  When  he  came  here  the 


church  property  had  passed  into  the  hands  of 
a non-Catholic  under  mortgage  foreclosure, 
and  many  other  debts  hung  over  the  congrega- 
tion. The  property  was  redeemed  at  a cost  of 
$20,000.  Several  thousand  dollars  have  also 
been  spent  in  church  improvements — an  altar 
put  in  at  a cost  of  Si, 200,  the  church  frescoed, 
and  many  other  needed  improvements  made. 
Father  McGinnity  has  built  a parsonage  at  a 
cost  of  $6,000,  containing  all  modern  improve- 
ments, and  which,  with  all  the  other  church 
property,  is  entirely  free  from  debt.  The  con- 
gregation comprises  450  families,  and  maintains 
a very  fine  parochial  school,  under  the  charge  of 
the  Sisters  of  Mercy,  whose  Mother  House  is 
located  here.  Father  McGinnity  is  an  active 
temperance  worker,  and  devotes  much  time  and 
thought  to  the  advancement  of  this  great  re- 
form. He  has  served  as  president  of  the  Cath- 
olic Total  Abstinence  Society  of  Wisconsin, 
and  has  delivered  many  forcible  and  effective 
addresses  on  this  theme  throughout  the  State. 

JEFFERSON  DRAKE,  a time  honored 
and  pioneer  settler  of  Green  county,  Wis.,  was 
born  in  Jefferson  county,  Virginia,  Dec.  22, 
1812,  a son  of  Robert  and  Margaret  (Park) 
Drake,  early  settlers  of  the  Old-  Dominion,  of 
English  descent.  When  our  subject  was  but 
four  years  of  age  he  accompanied  his  parents 
from  Virginia  to  Ohio,  and  there  grew  to  man- 
hood. He  was  one  in  a large  family  of  chil- 
dren born  to  Robert  and  Margaret  Drake,  the 
others  being  Abner.  Amos.  Park.  Mendenhall, 
Samuel.  Rena  and  Sarah,  and  Jefferson  is  the 
only  survivor. 

In  1840  Mr.  Drake  came  to  Wisconsin  and 
located  in  Green  county.  He  did  not  remain 
on  his  first  trip,  but  returned  to  Ohio,  and  did 
not  make  a permanent  settlement  in  the  Badger 
State  until  1845.  'vhen  he  located  on  Section 
17,  in  Clarno  township.  This  was  "his  home 
for  upwards  of  thirty  years,  when  he  sold  out 
and  purchased  120  acres  of  land  in  Section  2^, 
Cadiz  township,  of  which  he  afterward  sold 
forty  acres,  and  now  resides  upon  a well  im- 
proved tract  of  fifty-six  acres  in  the  village 
of  Cadiz.  He  has  ever  been  a highly  respected 
citizen,  bearing  a good  reputation  for  fair  deal- 
ing and  strict  principles,  and  his  pleasant  dis- 
position has  won  him  many  warm  friends. 

In  1857  Mr.  Drake  was  united  in  marriage 
with  Miss  Mahala  Moore,  who  was.  born  in 
Ohio  in  1834,  and  came  to  Green  county  with 


952 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


her  father,  Thomas  Moore,  in  1846.  This  mar- 
riage has  been  blessed  with  six  children  : Laura, 
born  in  1858  is  at  home;  Lincoln,  born  in  i860, 
is  a farmer,  and  married  Manzella  Austin,  who 
bore  him  two  children,  Theodore  and  Otha; 
Ida  May,  born  in  1862,  married  Daniel  How- 
der,  of  Cadiz;  Thomas,  born  in  1864,  married 
Sarah  McCamant,  and  has  two  children,  Iva 
and  Glenn;  Eli,  born  in  1867,  married  Eva 
Robb,  of  Cadiz  township,  and  has  three  chil- 
dren, Floy,  Lena  and  Bernice;  and  Dora,  born 
in  1869,  is  now  deceased.  In  politics  Mr. 
Drake  has  been  a Republican  from  the  time  that 
party  first  presented  a presidential  candidate. 
His  first  vote  for  president  was  cast  in  1836, 
when  Martin  Van  Bitten  was  his  choice,  and 
he  has  never  missed  a presidential  vote  up  to 
the  present,  his  last  vote  having  been  cast  for 
William  McKinley,  making  nineteen  different 
elections.  He  is  now  the  oldest  resident  of  the 
county,  and  is  hale  and  hearty,  with  a remark- 
able memory  that  makes  him  a most  pleasing 
companion,  and  one  much  sought  by  the  local 
historian. 

CHARLES  GANT,  who  is  now  living  re- 
tired in  the  village  of  Waldwick,  Iowa  county, 
was  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Waldwick  town- 
ship and  for  many  years  one  of  its  most  suc- 
cessful farmers,  being  still  the  owner  of  a 
large  amount  of  land  in  this  section. 

Mr.  Gant  was  born  in  1830  in  Norfolk, 
England,  son  of  James  and  Dina  Gant,  who 
spent  all  their  lives  in  that  country.  They 
were  the  parents  of  seventeen  children,  of 
whom  but  three  now  survive:  Samuel,  a resi- 
dent of  Taylor  county,  Iowa ; Harriet,  who 
lives  in  England ; and  Charles,  our  subject,  who 
was  the  youngest  of  the  family.  Charles  Gant 
came  to  America  about  1857,  and  has  since 
made  his  home  in  Wisconsin.  For  a time  he 
lived  at  the  “Twelve-Mile  House,”  an  historic 
place  between  Hazel  Green  and  Cuba  City,  in 
Grantcounty,  andhe  was  subsequently  employed 
by  Harker  Spensley,  at  Mineral  Point,  prior  to 
Inis  settlement  in  Waldwick  township,  Iowa 
•county.  His  first  purchase  was  a tract  of 
eighty  acres,  on  which  he  and  his  wife  lived 
for  thirty  years,  their  home  the  first  several 
years  being  in  an  old  log  school  house  which 
stood  on  the  place.  Mr.  Gant  then  bought  120 
acres,  and  they  moved  to  the  house  on  that 
place.  He  later  bought  a farm  of  116  acres, 
adjoining,  and  a farm  of  160  acres  in  Mineral 


Point  township,  as  well  as  forty  acres  of  timber 
land  in  Waldwick  township.  When  Mr.  Gant 
commenced  farming  on  his  own  account  he  was 
in  very  limited  circumstances,  and  the  outlook 
was  often  gloomy  and  discouraging,  but  by 
hard  work,  and  with  the  help  of  his  devoted 
wife,  he  has  succeeded  in  overcoming  all  ob- 
stacles, and,  as  may  be  judged  from  the 
amount  of  property  he  has  acquired,  has  be- 
come quite  prosperous.  Our  subject  continued 
to  actively  engage  in  the  labors  of  the  farm 
until  January,  1901,  when  he  and  his  wife 
moved  into  the  village  of  Waldwick,  there  to 
enjoy  in  peaceful  retirement  the  ease  and  com- 
forts which  a long  life  of  industry  has  en- 
titled them  to.  They  have  ever  been  held  in 
the  highest  esteem  by  all  who  know  them,  and 
Mr.  Gant  has,  by  bis  upright  and  useful  life, 
attained  a high  standing  among  the  best  citi- 
zens of  the  community,  for  the  rewards  of  his 
active  business  career  represent  something 
more  than  the  selfish  pursuit  of  gain. 

On  July  3,  1868,  Mr.  Gant  was  united 
in  marriage  with  Miss  Ann  Jackson,  who  was 
born  in  April,  1839,  'n  Yorkshire,  England, 
daughter  of  James  and  Margaret  Jackson,  and 
eight  children — six  sons  and  two  daughters — 
have  blessed  their  union,  viz. : Edward,  James 
W.,  Thomas  S.,  Hattie  D.  (Mrs.  Harris), 
Samuel  D.,  Charles,  John  R.  and  Sarah  M.,  all 
married  but  the  last-named,  who  is  still  with  her 
parents.  They  have  a pleasant  home  in  Wald- 
wick. All  the  children  have  been  finely  edu- 
cated, and  have  become  worthy  and  useful 
members  of  society.  In  religious  connection 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gant  are  identified  with  the 
Methodist  Church. 

JAMES  JACKSON  (deceased),  one  of  the 
early  settlers  of  Waldwick  township,  Iowa 
county,  and  in  his  day  one  of  its  most  respected 
citizens,  was  a native  of  Yorkshire,  England. 

Mr.  Jackson  was  reared  and  educated  in 
England,  and  there  married  Margaret  Sunter. 
In  1853  they  came  to  America  and  to  Wiscon- 
sin, locating  first  in  Shullsburg,  Lafayette 
county,  and  later  in  Benton,  that  county,  where 
they  resided  for  three  years.  Their  next  move 
was  to  a place  near  Cuba  City,  in  Grant  county, 
whence  they  came  to  Waldwick  township,  Iowa 
county,  here  making  their  permanent  home. 
Mr.  Jackson  was  a local  minister  of  the  M. 
E.  Church,  and  he  was  much  esteemed  through- 
out this  locality,  where  he  became  well  known. 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


953 


He  was  in  poor  health  for  several  years  prior 
to  his  decease,  which,  occurred  when  he  was 
fifty-three  years  old,  and  he  was  the  first  one 
buried  in  the  Waldwick  cemetery,  where  his 
wife  also  rests.  She  survived  him  many  years, 
passing  the  last  fifteen  years  at  the  home  of  her 
daughter,  Mrs.  Charles  Gant,  in  Waldwick 
township,  and  died  Jan.  3,  1892.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Jackson  were  the  parents  of  seven  children, 
five  of  whom  survive  at  this  writing : Ann 

(Mrs.  Charles  Gant),  Richard,  John,  James 
and  Peter.  Mary,  who  married  Thomas  Hird, 
died  at  Galena,  111.,  Sept.  5,  1899,  leaving  a 
family  of  four  children. 

WILLIAM  WILKINS,  one  of  the  success- 
ful farmers  of  Wingville,  Grant  county,  and 
an  honored  veteran  of  the  war  of  the  Rebellion, 
is  now  residing  upon  his  well  cultivated  farm, 
where  he  is  enjoying  life,  surrounded  by  com- 
forts his  own  toil  has  procured. 

Mr.  Wilkins  was  born  in  Wiltshire,  Eng- 
land, in  January,  1833,  a son  of  James  and 
Ann  Wilkins,  who  lived  and  died  in  England. 
Our  subject  was  reared  to  the  occupation  of 
farming,  and  when  yet  a young  man  came  to 
America,  locating  at  Linden,  Wis.,  and  after 
working  at  several  places,  finally  accumulated 
sufficient  money  to  purchase  his  present  pleas- 
ant home,  which  he  has  greatly  improved,  un- 
til it  is  now  one  of  the  finest  farms  in  Wing- 
ville township. 

The  war  record  of  our  subject  is  a very  in- 
teresting one,  he  enlisting.  August  4,  1862,  at 
Georgetown,  in  the  25th  Wis.  V.  I.,  this  regi- 
ment being  the  one  with  which  General,  after- 
wards Governor  Jeremiah  Rusk  was  identified. 
Mr.  Wilkins  was  one  of  the  first  to  be  enrolled 
in  his  companv,  and  was  mustered  into  the 
service  at  La  Crosse,  Wis.  The  first  assign- 
ment of  the  regiment  was  at  New  Ulm,  Minn., 
to  assist  in  quelling  the  Indian  disturbances, 
and'  it  was  sent  via  Winona  and  La  Crosse  to 
Madison,  and  thence  to  Columbus,  Ivy.  From 
here  they  were  sent  to  Vicksburg,  and  the  reg- 
iment participated  in  the  famous  siege,  keep- 
ing Gen.  Johnston  from  relieving  the  Con- 
federate forces.  After  the  surrender  of  Vicks- 
burg the  regiment  was  ordered  up  the  Missis- 
sippi river  to  Cairo;  up  the  Ohio  to  Paducah, 
Ky..  and  across  country  to  Montgomery,  Ala., 
joining  the  army  under  Gen.  Sherman.  The 
regiment  participated  in  the  famous  March  to 
the  Sea.  However,  Mr.  Wilkins  was  so  un- 


i 

fortunate  as  to  be  wounded  in  his  left  arm  at 
the  battle  of  Kenesaw  Mountain,  and  as  it  was 
very  severe,  being  four  inches  long  and  two 
wide  (so  described  by  the  surgeon),  he  was 
o*bliged  to  have  it  treated  in  the  field  hospital. 
In  those  days  the  facilities  for  caring  for  and 
transporting  the  sick  and  wounded  were  poor 
and  meager ; the  weather  was  unbearably  hot, 
and  Mr.  Wilkins  suffered  untold  agonies  with 
his  arm.  Later  he  was  taken  to  Resaca,  where 
he  had  been  previously  engaged  in  battle,  thence 
to  Chattanooga,  on  to  Nashville  and  Louisville. 
The  next  removal  was  to  Mound  City,  and  from 
there  he  was  taken  to  Keokuk,  Iowa,  where  he 
was  honorably  discharged,  on  June  21,  1865. 
William  Wilkins  was  not  the  only  one  of  this 
family  who  did  gallant  service  for  his  coun- 
try, as  his  brother,  Stephen,  enlisted  in  the  7th 
Wis.  V.  I.,  was  wounded  at  the  second  battle 
of  Bull  Run  by  a fragment  of  shell.  How- 
ever, he  recovered,  and  is  now  a resident  of 
Mineral  Point,  Wisconsin. 

On  Nov.  9,  1869,  Mr.  Wilkins  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Jane  Blaine,  a daughter  of  James 
F.  Blaine.  Of  the  children  born  of  this  union, 
two  sons  are  now  living : George  and  Charles ; 
Edwin  B.,  James,  Elmer  and  Nellie  died  in  in- 
fancy. Mrs.  Wilkins  passed  away  June  13, 
1897,  leaving  two  sons  and  her  husband  to 
mourn  her  loss.  She  was  a good,  Christian 
woman,  loving  wife  and  mother,  and  in  her 
the  community  lost  a sympathetic  neighbor. 
Mr.  Wilkins  is  a consistent  member  of  the  M. 
E.  Church,  of  which  his  wife  was  also  a mem- 
ber. Genial,  kind  hearted,  generous,  Mr. 
Wilkins  is  liberal  in  his  donations  to  the 
Church,  ready  in  his  support  of  all  movements 
tending  towards  the  advancement  of  the  com- 
munity, and  he  enjoys  the  respect  and  confi- 
dence of  a wide  circle  of  friends. 

ISAAC  DIVAN,  a venerable  and  highly 
respected  retired  farmer  of  Cadiz  township, 
Green  county,  is  a native  of  Ohio,  born  July 
25,  1816,  in  Coshocton  county. 

Leonard  Divan,  his  grandfather,  was  a na- 
tive of  Germany,  whence  he  came  to  this  coun- 
try when  a young  man,  settling  in  Pennsyl- 
vania. The  names  of  his  children  were  as  fol- 
lows: Jacob,  Henry,  John,  Pollie,  Barbara, 

Catherine  and  Sarah.  Of  these.  John  was  born 
in  1790,  in  Pennsylvania,  and  was  a dis- 
tinguished soldier  in  the  war  of  1812.  He 
became  one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Green  coun- 


954 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ty,  Wis.,  having-  previously  lived  in  Coshocton 
county,  Ohio.  In  1813  he  married  Catherine 
Shrake,  also  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  and 
they  had  a family  of  -fourteen  children,  eleven 
of  whom  reached  maturity,  named,  respective- 
ly: Margaret,  Isaac  (our  subject),  Jacob, 

George,  Frederick,  John,  Urias,  Henry,  Abi- 
gal,  Drusilla  and  Lucinda.  The  others  died 
in  childhood.  The  father  of  this  family  died 
in  Clarno  township.  Green  Co.,  Wis.,  in  1862; 
his  wife,  who  was  born  in  1796,  passed  away 
in  1891,  at  the  patriarchal  age  of  ninety-five 
years. 

Isaac  Divan,  the  subject  proper  of  this 
memoir,  was  reared  on  his  father’s  farm  in 
Ohio,  and  in  his  boyhood  and  youth  had  to 
work  so  hard,  early  and  late,  that  the  only 
education  he  was  able  to  receive  was  extracted 
from  a three-months  experience  in  a country 
school.  In  1845  he  came  to  Green  county, 
Wis.,  when  the  country  was  wild  and  un- 
cleared, and  here,  July  8,  1846,  he  settled  on  the 
farm  he  still  owns,  and  which  at  that  time  was 
covered  with  timber.  It  now  comprises  120 
acres  of  well-improved  land.  While  a young 
man  he  had  learned  the  trade  of  carpenter,  and 
in  his  new  Western  home  he  found  it  useful, 
for  he  was  enabled  to  build  his  own  house,  the 
one  he  still  lives  in.  He  had  also  learned 
cabinet-making  in  the  East,  which  trade  he 
also  followed  to  some  extent  in  Wisconsin,  be- 
ing one  of  the  first  undertakers  in  Green  coun- 
ty, though  he  never  followed  that  business  reg- 
ularly. 

On  March  15,  1839,  Isaac  Divan  married 
Miss  Christenia  Jones,  born  in  Coshocton 
county,  Ohio,  Jan.  22,  1819,  a daughter  of 
William  and  Christenia  (Bright)  Jones,  of 
that  State,  who  removed  thither  from  Mary- 
land. To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Divan  were  born 
twelve  children,  a brief  record  of  whom  is  as 
follows:  Margaret,  born  Dec.  26,  1839,  is  the 
deceased  wife  of  David  Howder;  Alexander, 
born  May  18,  1841,  was  a volunteer  during  the 
Civil  war,  in  Company  G,  5th  Wis.  V.  I.,  and 
died  in  the  service ; Catherine,  born  Dec.  30, 
1842,  married  Peter  Wagoner,  of  Illinois; 
Eliza  J.,  born  Aug.  1.  1844,  married  Jacob 
Wagoner,  of  Illinois;  Elizabeth,  born  Jan.  17, 
1846,  died  young;  Abigail,  born  April  18, 
1848,  died  in  childhood;  Mary  Ellen,  born  Oct. 
18,  1850,  married  Rev.  J.  B.  Rife,  a minister 
of  the  Evangelical  Church ; Arabella,  born 
Sept.  15,  1852,  died  young;  Isaac,  Jr.,  born 


Nov.  27,  1854,  is  a minister  of  the  Evangelical 
Church;  Christenia,  bom  April  28,  1857,  is 
the  wife  of  Alfred  Sanders,  of  Cadiz  township, 
Green  county;  John,  born  Aug.  26,  1859,  is 
a minister  of  the  Evangelical  . Church ; and 
Charles  R.,  born  Oct.  23,  1861,  married  MJn- 
nie  Ackerman  (he  is  farming  the  old  home- 
stead). The  mother  of  this  numerous  family 
was  called  from  earth  March  16,  1897,  after  a 
married  life  of  fifty-eight  years.  Mr.  Divan 
has  twenty-six  grandchildren  and  sixteen 
great-grandchildren. 

Mr.  Divan  is  a member  of  the  Evangelical 
Church  in  Cadiz  township,  well  and'  wid'ely 
known  for  his  Christian  philanthropy.  In  pol- 
itics he  is  a stanch  Republican,  originally  a 
Democrat,  his  first  presidential  vote  having 
been  cast  for  Martin  Van  Buren  in  1836.  He 
was  the  first  clerk  of  Cadiz  township,  and 
served  as  justice  of  the  peace,  and  held  other 
offices  of  trust  during  his  fifty-five  years’  resi- 
dence in  Cadiz  township.  For  a man  of  his 
advanced  age  he  is  in  excellent  physical  condi- 
tion, has  a most  retentive  memory,  and  is  an 
interesting  conversationalist. 

EDWARD  JOHN  PERKINS  needs  no 
introduction  to  the  citizens  of  Iowa  county,  es- 
pecially in  Linden  township  and  vicinity,  where 
in  his  long  and  faithful  service  as  superintend- 
ent of  the  Iowa  County  Asylum  for  the  Chronic 
Insane  he  has  become  widely  and  favorably 
known. 

Mr.  Perkins  has  occupied  his  present  re- 
sponsible position  since  1881,  and  the  length 
of  his  incumbency  alone  is  sufficient  proof  of 
the  satisfaction  he  has  given  in  discharging 
the  many  and  difficult  duties  thereof,  to  say 
nothing  of  the  improvements  which  have  been 
effected  during  his  regime,  curtailment  of  ex- 
penses, etc.  Iowa  county  has  one  of  the  best 
kept  institutions  in  the  State  for  the  care  of  its 
poor  and  chronic  insane,  and  it  is  not  saying 
too  much  to  admit  that  a large  share  of  the 
credit  is  due  to  Mr.  Perkins,  who  by  his  effi- 
cient management  has  brought  the  affairs  of 
the  farm  into  a most  systematic  and  business- 
like condition.  In  1881  the  old  poorhouse  con- 
tained about  thirty-five  inmates,  and  the  farm 
comprised  120  acres.  Now  (1901)  the  farm 
comprises  400  acres,  in  a body,  and  120  acres 
of  woodland  about  two  and  a half  miles  dis- 
tant; the  buildings,  including  the  new  poor 
house,  built  in  1901,  with  a capacity  of  fifty 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


955 


inmates,  are  all  line  brick  structures  with  mod- 
ern improvements  and  conveniences,  and  about 
130  insane  and  thirty  paupers  are  cared  for. 
Iowa  county  was  the  third  county  in  the  State 
to  establish  an  asylum  for  the  insane.  There  is 
no  doubt  that  Mr.  Perkins’  natural  adaptabil- 
ity has  much  to  do  with  his  continuously  suc- 
cessful management,  for  he  has  the  faculty  of 
securing  considerable  assistance  on  the  farm 
and  about  the  institution  from  those  under  his 
charge,  thus  making  them,  as  far  as  possible, 
self-supporting,  though  at  the  same  time  his 
treatment  of  all  is  most  humane  and  kindly. 
His  popularity  is  not  wondered  at  by  those 
who  know  him  intimately. 

Mr.  Perkins  is  a native  of  Iowa  county, 
born  July  20,  1850,  in  Dodgeville,  son  of  Jo- 
seph and  Grace  (Sincox)  Perkins.  His  father, 
a native  of  Cornwall,  England,  became  a resi- 
dent of  Dodgeville  in  1845,  and  he  died  there 
in  August,  1900,  at  the  advanced  age  of  about 
eighty-four  years.  The  mother  passed  away 
in  August,  1895,  aged  seventy-seven  years. 
Edward  Perkins  was  reared  and  educated  in 
Dodgeville,  and  prior  to  assuming  the  duties 
of  his  present  position  was  engaged  in  a gen- 
eral store.  On  June  29,  1871.  he  married  Miss 
Elizabeth  Elliott,  a native  of  Lockport.  X.  Y., 
and  daughter  of  William  Elliott,  and  to  her 
efficient  assistance  attributes  a full  share  of  the 
success  which  has  attended  his  efforts.  In  ad- 
dition to  tireless  industry  Mr.  Perkins  is  gift- 
ed with  an  energy  and  good  judgment  which 
inspire  all  around  him  with  confidence  in  his 
ability  to  carry  to  satisfactory  completion  any- 
thing which  he  undertakes,  and  this  spirit  is 
a power  for  effective  work  in  his  particular  po- 
sition. The  farm  is  located  five  miles  from 
Dodgeville.  the  county  seat,  and  nine  miles 
from  Mineral  Point. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Perkins  have  one  child,  Mary. 
Fraternally  our  subject  belongs  to  the  Odd 
Fellows,  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  and  the  Ma- 
sons, and  in  the  latter  has  attained  the  thirty- 
second  degree,  belonging  to  Wisconsin  Con- 
sistory, at  Milwaukee. 

HENRY  B.  GIFFORD.  M.  D„  occupies 
an  honorable  place  among  the  medical  practi- 
tioners of  Green  county.  At  his  home  in  Juda 
he  is  known  as  a man  of  exhaustive  informa- 
tion, large  medical  experience,  and  high  char- 
acter. 

Dr.  Gifford  is  a son  of  Rev.  J.  C.  and1  Julia 


(Balis)  Gifford.  The  father  was  born  in 
Cayuga  county,  N.  Y..  Dec.  8,  1826,  and  has 
been  a clergyman  of  the  Free-Y\  ill  Baptist 
Church  for  fifty  years ; "the  mother  was  a 
daughter  of  Abitha  and  Maria  (Cloughs) 
Balis,  both  of  New  York.  To  their  union 
were  born  four  children:  Nellie  M.,  the  eld- 

est, is  the  widow  of  Oliver  C.  Dunwell,  of 
Rock  county,  Wis.  Josephine  died  in  child- 
hood. Henry  B.  is  our  subject.  Joseph  B., 
who  was  born  April  1,  1870,  resides  at  Brod- 
head,  Wis.  Alden  Gifford,  the  grandfather  of 
Dr.  Henry  B.,  was  born  in  Massachusetts,  and 
moved  to  New  York,  where  he  reared  a family 
of  thirteen  children.  He  was  a Presbyterian 
in  religion,  an  upright  man,  and  a most  suc- 
cessful farmer. 

Henry  B.  Gifford  was  born  on  a farm  at 
Orfordville,  \Yis.,  April  12,  1859,  ancl  ob- 
tained his  general  education  in  the  public 
schools.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  took  up 
the  study  of  medicine,  and  graduated  from 
Rush  Medical  College.  Chicago,  Feb.  20.  1883. 
The  first  location  he  made  for  the  practice  of 
his  profession  was  at  Cherry  Valley,  111.,  where 
he  resided  for  three  years,  having  an  extensive 
patronage  throughout  the  adjoining  country. 
He  then  practiced  in  Orfordville  for  ten  years. 
In  1895  the  Doctor  moved  to  Juda,  Green  coun- 
ty, where  he  has  established  himself  as  a thor- 
oughly competent  and  successful  physician. 

Dr.  Gifford  and  Miss  Lydia  A.  Cramer 
were  married  Feb.  20.  1884.  Mrs.  Gifford  is 
the  daughter  of  Brook  and  Catherine  ( Lov- 
ette)  Cramer,  of  Cherry  Valley,  111.,  honorable 
and  upright  people,  of  German  ancestry.  To 
this  union  have  been  born  one  son  and  one 
daughter.  V.  M..  July  12.  1886.  and  Harry 
G.,  March  30.  1892.  Dr.  Gifford  is  a stanch 
Republican.  He  is  a Royal  Arch  Mason  in 
good  standing,  a member  of  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  the  Woodmen,  and  the 
Home  Forum,  and,  as  might  be  expected,  be- 
longs to  the  Central  Wisconsin  Medical  Asso- 
ciation and  the  Wisconsin  State  Med'ical  Asso- 
ciation. He  is  local  medical  examiner  for  all 
the  leading  life  insurance  companies.  The 
Doctor  has  made  his  own  way  in  the  world,  and 
has  met  with  marked  success.  He  came  to 
Juda  without  the  assurance  of  the  least  patron- 
age, and,  by  his  courteous  manners,  manifest 
devotion  to  his  profession.  and  the  masterv  of 
its  details,  has  won  for  himself  a very  large 
practice.  He  is  a good  citizen,  and  attentive 


956 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


and  kind  to  all,  and  seems  to  present  in  his  own 
personality,  in  a striking  degree,  the  qualities 
that  make  for  success  in  his  profession. 

GEORGE  PAULSEN,  ex-treasurer  of 
Iowa  county,  and  a leading  representative  cit- 
izen of  Moscow  township,  where  lie  has  re- 
sided for  over  forty  years,  is  one  of  the  many 
valuable  contributions  which  Norway  has  made 
to  the  personnel  of  this  progressive  and1  thriv- 
ing community,  having  been  born  in  that  coun- 
try in  1835. 

Mr.  Paulsen  is  a son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Paul 
Paulsen,  likewise  natives  of  Norway,  who  came 
to  America  in  1853  with  their  family,  then 
consisting  of  four  children,  and  first  located  in 
the  town  of  Christiana,  Dane  Co.,  Wis.  About 
two  years  later  they  removed  to  Iowa  county, 
and  purchased  the  farm  in  Moscow  township 
now  owned  and  occupied  by  their  son  George, 
who,  when  the  parents  advanced  in  years,  pur- 
chased the  homestead,  in  the  cultivation  of 
which  he  has  ever  since  been  engaged.  After 
many  years’  residence  on  that  place  they  re- 
moved to  Winnebago  county,  Iowa,  where  the 
father  died  in  1887,  the  mother  surviving  un- 
til January,  1901,  when  she,  too,  passed  away, 
at  the  advanced  age  of  nearly  ninety-two  years. 
Of  the  five  children  born  to  this  worthy  couple 
three  survive  : George,  who  is  the  eldest ; Ole, 
a resident  of  Perry,  Dane  Co.,  Wis. ; and  Elsie, 
Mrs.  Johnson,  of  Winnebago  county,  Iowa. 
Another  son,  Ivittel,  who  died  in  August,  1896, 
at  his  home  in  Worth  county,  Iowa,  was  a 
Union  soldier  in  the  war  of  the  Rebellion, 
serving  as  a member  of  Company  C,  37th  Wis. 
V.  I. ; he  was  severely  wounded  June  17,  1864, 
at  the  siege  of  Petersburg,  this  wound  ulti- 
mately causing  his  death,  and  the  bullet  that 
did  the  injury  is  still  preserved — a sad  though 
highly-prized  memento — in  the  family;  it 
passed  completely  through  his  body. 

George  Paulsen  passed  the  first  eighteen 
years  of  his  life  in  his  native  country,  receiv- 
ing rather  limited  educational  advantages,  as 
his  parents’  circumstances  obliged  him  to  sup- 
port himself  from  an  early  age.  Pie  was  but 
ten  years  old  when  lie  left  home  and  went  to 
live  with  an  uncle,  for  whom  he  worked,  and 
he  has  paid  his  own  way  ever  since.  Though 
he  came  to  America  with  the  family  he  stood  his 
own  expenses  for  the  journey  across  the  ocean 
and  to  Wisconsin,  and  he  engaged  in  manual 
labor  for  others  a number  of  years  before  se- 


curing enough  to  justify  him  in  starting  out 
for  himself.  Employment  of  any  kind,  if  it 
was  but  honorable,  was  always  welcome  to  him. 
For  some  time  he  was  engaged  by  the  Mineral 
Point  Railroad  Co.,  and  when  that  concern 
went  into  bankruptcy  he  lost  the  wages  due 
him.  However,  all  his  experiences  were  not 
quite  so  discouraging,  and  in  time  he  purchased 
the  homestead  and  began  its  operation  on  his 
own  account,  in  which  he  has  continued'  to  the 
present  day,  with  what  success  may  be  judged 
from  his  financial  standing  among  the  solid 
business  men  of  his  section.  Ability  such  as 
he  displayed  in  the  management  of  his  own 
affairs  could  not  long  go  unrecognized  by  his 
fellow  townsmen,  who  have  solicited  his  serv- 
ices for  some  of  the  most  important  and  hon- 
orable local  offices.  In  1883  he  was  elected  to 
the  position  of  treasurer  of  Iowa  county,  to 
which  he  was  twice  re-elected,  serving  three 
terms  in  a most  acceptable  and1  efficient  man- 
ner. He  has  filled  most  of  the  township  of- 
fices, and  is  at  present  chairman  of  the  town 
board,  an  incumbency  in  which  he  has  been 
retained  for  a number  of  terms.  Mr.  Paulsen’s 
continuous  public  service  is  sufficient  testi- 
mony of  his  value  as  a promoter  of  the  gen- 
eral welfare,  but  bis  career  has  been  equally 
useful  and  honorable  in  all  the  other  relations 
of  life.  When  he  came  to  Wisconsin,  nearly 
a half  century  ago,  she  had  but  recently  reached 
the  dignity  of  Statehood,  the  population  was 
comparatively  sparse,  and  what  are  now  her 
best  resources  were  almost  or  entirely  undevel- 
oped. There  was  but  one  school  house  in  the 
town  of  Moscow.  Mr.  Paulsen  may  justly 
take  personal  pride  in  the  rapid  strides  which 
have  been  made  in  the  fifty  years  intervening, 
for  he  himself  has  taken  no  unimportant  part 
in  the  development  of  his  town  and  county, 
and  has  always  maintained  a reputation  for 
giving  his  influence  on  the  side  of  progress 
and  improvement,  whether  interested  or  dis- 
interested in  the  special  movement  on  hand  at 
the  time.  His  political  support  has  ever  been 
given  to  the  Republican  party,  with  which  he 
has  been  identified  since  its  organization,  hav- 
ing cast  his  first  presidential  vote  for  Fremont, 
in  1856,  and  never  missing  a National  election 
since.  He  is  an  honored  member  of  G.  A.  R. 
Post  No.  224,  at  Blanchardville,  being  a vet- 
eran of  the  Civil  war,  for  which  service  he 
enlisted  in  September,  1864.  He  became  a 
member  of  Company  E,  22d  Wis.  V.  I.,  with 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD . 


957 


which  he  served  until  the  close  of  the  war, 
receiving  an  honorable  discharge.  They  were 
much  of  the  time  on  detached  duty,  as  train 
guards,  the  work  being  arduous  and  at  times 
dangerous. 

In  1867  Mr.  Paulsen  married  Miss  Mar- 
garet Gulickson,  who  was  born  in  1838  in 
Norway,  whence  she  came  to  America  in  1844 
with  her  parents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gulick  Gulick- 
son. Four  children  have  been  born  to  this 
union,  Henry,  Albert,  Carl  and  Edward. 

CHARLES  W.  WISCH.  For  thirty-five 
years  this  gentleman  has  been  a resident  of 
Janesville.  He  has  seen  it  grow  from  a coun- 
try village  into  a substantial  and  elegant  city, 
and  enjoys  a personal  acquaintance  with  many 
of  its  very  best  people.  His  occupation  is  that 
of  a barber,  and  his  habits  and  character  are 
beyond  question. 

Mr.  Wiseh  was  born  in  the  kingdom  of 
Prussia,  near  Kolberg,  Oct.  9,  1849,  and  is  a 
son  of  John  and  Henrietta  (Brack)  Wisch, 
both  natives  of  Germany.  They  had  five  sons 
and  one  daughter,  four  of  whom  are  now  liv- 
ing: Charles  W. ; Herman  F.,  in  Chicago; 

John  F.,  of  Fort  Atkinson,  Wis. ; and  Mary, 
the  widow  of  John  Bohm,  of  Beloit.  The  fa- 
ther was  a farmer,  and  sought  a home  in  this 
country  in  1853,  locating  near  Watterstown, 
Wis.,  where  he  continued  his  life  labor  of  farm- 
ing. He  remained  on  the  farm  fourteen  years, 
and  then  moved  to  Plymouth,  Rock  county, 
where  he  lived  until  his  death  in  1892,  at  the 
age  of  sixty-two.  ITis  widow  is  still  living. 
Both  were  members  of  the  Lutheran  Church. 
His  father  was  John  Wisch,  born  in  Germany, 
and  a‘ cattle  herder  by  early  training;  he  came 
to  this  country  in  1858,  and  located  at  Watters- 
town, where  he  lived  with  his  son  until  his 
death  at  the  age  of  sixty-six.  He  had  four 
children.  The  father  of  Henrietta  (Brack) 
Wisch  was  a soldier  in  the  German  army,  and 
died  in  middle  life,  leaving  a small  family. 

Charles  W.  Wisch  came  to  America  with 
his  father  and  mother  when  about  four  years 
old.  He  was  reared  on  the  farm,  and  attended 
the  schools  of  Watterstown,  both  public  and 
parochial.  When  he  was  sixteen  he  began  life 
for  himself  as  a workman  in  a broom  factory; 
later  he  clerked  in  a grocery  store,  and  after 
his  marriage  he  learned  the  barber’s  trade, 
which  he  has  followed  for  many  years.  On 
Nov.  1,  1872,  Mr.  Wisch  was  married  to  Miss 


Clara  E.  Middaugh,  daughter  of  Eliezer  Mid- 
daugh  and  his  wife,  who  was  a Miss  Marble. 
Two  children  have  blessed  this  union:  Charles 
P.,  who  married  Miss  Edith  Dick,  and  is  the 
father  of  one  child;  and  Alice.  Mrs.  Wisch 
is  a member  of  Trinity  Episcopal  Church,  and 
is  a lady  of  many  attractive  qualities.  Mr. 
Wisch  is  independent  in  his  political  action. 
Socially  he  belongs  to  the  Mystic  Workers  of 
the  World.  He  has  been  in  the  barber  busi- 
ness for  twenty-five  years,  and  now  has  three 
chairs  in  his  shop,  and  his  patronage  comes 
from  the  best  citizens  of  Janesville.  He  is  an 
intelligent  and  respected  gentleman  with  a host 
of  friends.  His  home  is  at  No.  63  Milwaukee 
street,  Janesville,  in  which  city  he  has  resided 
since  1865. 

MICHAEL  A.  TORPHY,  of  Barneveld, 
is  a well-known  teacher  of  Iowa  county,  and 
represents  one  of  the  early  families  of  his  lo- 
cality. His  father,  Thomas  Torphy,  was  born 
in  County  Tipperary,  Ireland,  about  1828.  and 
came  to  America  in  1848,  but  his  parents  lived 
and  died  in  the  old  home.  Three  brothers  and 
two  sisters  came  later  to  America,  and  two 
of  the  former  survive,  John  and  Michael  Tor- 
phy, residents  of  the  town  of  Ridgeway,  in 
Iowa  county;  the  other  brother,  Patrick,  lost 
his  life  on  Lake  Michigan  in  1855. 

Thomas  Torphy  landed  in  New  York,  and 
went  thence  to  Chicago,  where  he  remained 
for  a time,  later  migrating  to  Milwaukee,  Wis., 
and  one  and  one-half  years  later  becoming  a 
resident  of  the  town  of  Ridgeway.  Previous 
to  becoming  a citizen  of  Iowa  county  he  had 
been  engaged  in  railroad  construction  work, 
being  a stone  mason  by  trade,  and  this  occu- 
pation he  followed  in  Iowa  county,  in  connec- 
tion with  farming.  Near  Albany,  N.  Y.,  he 
married  Ann  Vaughn,  a connection  of  the 
famous  family  of  that  name,  of  which  Cardinal 
Vaughn  is  a representative,  the  name  long  hav- 
ing been  prominent  in.  both  religious  and  army 
circles.  From  February,  1865,  to.  the  follow- 
ing June,  Thomas  Torphy  served  in  the  Union 
army,  and  proved  himself  a brave  soldier.  His 
death,  on  April  27,  1868,  was  occasioned  by 
an  accident,  his'  team  of  horses  running  away 
while  he  was  returning  to  his  home.  Seven 
years  previous  to  this  time  his  first  wife  had 
died,  and  he  had  contracted  a second  marriage. 
At  the  time  of  his  death  he  left  a large  fam- 
ily of  children,  all  of  them  under  fifteen  years 


953 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


of  age,  and  thus  it  became  a necessity  for  the 
older  ones  to  care  for  themselves  early  in  life. 

Michael  A.  Torphy  was  the  eldest  son,  and 
the  eldest  but  one  of  the  family,  and  he  started 
out  to  make  his  own  way  in  the  world  immedi- 
ately after  the  death  of  his  father.  Ambitious 
to  obtain  an  education,  he  engaged  in  farm 
work  during  the  summers  and  attended  school 
through  the  winters,  and  in  1873  had  an  op- 
portunity to  receive  instruction,  for  a time, 
from  Prof.  L.  D.  Harvey,  a prominent  edu- 
cator, and  the  present  State  superintendent  of 
the  public  schools  of  Wisconsin.  By  this 
means  he  was  enabled  to  receive  a county  su- 
perintendent’s third-grade  certificate,  and  en- 
gaged in  teaching  in  what  is  now  the  town  of 
Brigham,  then  a part  of  Ridgeway  township. 
For  two  years  he  remained  in  the  same  dis- 
trict, and  then  attended  the  Darlington  high 
school,  at  all  times  being  a careful  and  con- 
scientious student.  Since  1876  Mr.  Torphy  has 
been  engaged  in  educational  work  in  one  lo- 
cality, in  the  town  of  Ridgeway  and  vicinity, 
and  in  1898  he  was  rewarded  with  a life  State 
certificate,  which  sufficiently  attests  the  suc- 
cess he  has  gained  in  the  educational  field.  Mr. 
Torphy  is  justly  considered  one  of  the  lead- 
ing educators  in  his  county.  He  has  been  a 
candidate  at  county  election  several  times,  but 
being  a Democrat,  in  a Republican  county,  has 
been  defeated,  although  he  has  always  run 
ahead  of  his  ticket.  On  one  occasion  his  town, 
which  gives  a Republican  majority  of  150, 
gave  him  a majority  of  119,  and  other  town- 
ships, where  he  had  become  known,  also  gave 
him  majorities.  While  Ridgeway  included  the 
town  of  Brigham  Mr.  Torphy  was  elected  town 
clerk,  and  served  six  consecutive  terms  in  that 
capacity;  for  a number  of  terms  he  was  as- 
sessor and  justice  of  the  peace,  and  he  has  been 
a notary  since  1882.  His  first  appointment  to 
the  latter  position  was  made  by  Gov.  Jeremiah 
Rusk. 

Mr.  Torphy  was  married,  July  18,  1883, 
to  Miss  Mary  Jane  McCloskey,  one  of  his 
former  pupils,  who  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Brigham,  a daughter  of  James  McCloskey  and 
wife,  who  were  among  the  early  settlers  of 
Iowa  county.  Mr.  and  Airs.  Torphy  are  the 
parents  of  eight  children,  three  sons  and  five 
daughters^,  two  children  dying  in  infancy.  Our 
subject’s  literary  attainments  are  of  a high  or- 
der. and  he  is  well  informed  on  the  live  issues 
of  the  day,  believing  that  in  this  way  he  can 


best  direct  the  intellectual  progress  of  his  pu- 
pils. As  a citizen  he  is  held  in  esteem,  and 
as  an  official  he  performs  the  duties  which  de- 
volve upon  him  in  a most  satisfactory  manner. 

MRS.  SARAH  MANCHESTER  holds  an 
assured  position  among  the  venerable  citizens 
of  Green  county,  where  she  is  highly  regarded 
as  one  of  the  oldest  settlers  of  this  part  of  the 
State.  There  are  few  now  living  whose  mem- 
ories of  pioneer  times  are  more  vivid,  or  more 
prolonged  into  the  early  days  than  those  of  this 
venerable  lady,  whose  years  are  far  beyond  the 
Psalmist’s  limit. 

Airs.  Alanchester  was  born  in  Pickaway 
county,  Ohio,  March  16,  1816,  daughter  of 
Isaac  and  Catherine  (Patterson)  Kline,  early 
settlers  of  that  State.  She  was  one  of  a fam- 
ily of  eight  children,  of  whom  but  two  now 
survive,  Airs.  Alanchester  and  her  sister  Mary, 
Mrs.  Clemmens,  who  lives  in  Kansas.  Our 
subject’s  brothers  and  sisters  were  named  John, 
Eli,  James,  Catherine,  Mary,  Jane  and  Pollie. 
Sarah  Kline  first  married  Samuel  Myers,  who 
was  born  June  15,  1807,  in  Pennsylvania,  of 
Dutch  descent.  While  his  parents  were  mov- 
ing into  Ohio  from  Pennsylvania  his  father 
died  on  the  way,  and  his  mother  came  into  the 
State  with  him  alone.  He  married  Sarah 
Kline  Nov.  17,  1831,  and  they  became  the  par- 
ents of  ten  children:  (1)  Isaac,  born  Sept.  1, 

.1832,  married  Miss  Elizabeth  Smith,  of  Illi- 
nois, and  moved  to  Wisconsin,  where  he  died 
July  27,  1895.  (2)  George,  born  Feb.  16,  1836, 
died  Dec.  27,  1882.  (3)  John,  born  March 

22,.  1839,  was  the  first  white  child  born  in  the 
town  of  Spring  Grove,  Green  Co.,  Wis.  (4) 
Eli,  born  Sept.  29,  1841,  resides  in  Fayette 
county,  Iowa.  (5)  Jane,  born  March  8,  1844, 
is  the  widow  of  Franklin  Barnum,  whose 
sketch  is  found  elsewhere.  (6)  William,  born 
May  10,  1846,  died  Nov.  10,  1869.  (7)  James, 
born  Alay  20,  1848,  is  a resident  of  Story 
county,  Iowa.  (8)  Miles,  born  Oct.  15,  1851, 
is  a farmer  in  the  town  of  Jefferson.  (9)  Sam- 
uel, born  April  28,  1854,  is  a farmer  in  the 
town  of  Spring  Grove.  (10)  Frank,  born 
April  13,  1857,  is  a farmer  in  the  town  of 
Jefferson.  Samuel  Alyers  died  Alay  2,  1863. 
He  was  a resident  of  the  town  of  Spring  Grove 
for  a number  of  years.  Mrs.  Myers  remained 
a widow  for  over  twenty  years,  and:  was  mar- 
ried in  1884  to  Alexander  G.  Manchester,  a 
carpenter  in  the  town  of  Spring  Grove,  who 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


959 


died  in  1896.  Of  Mrs.  Manchester's  thirty- 
three  grandchildren  twenty-four  are  living,  and 
she  has  nineteen  great-grandchildren. 

Mrs.  Manchester  came  to  the  Northwest 
when  it  was  a wilderness  peopled  with  wild 
beasts  and  wilder  Indians.  In  company  with 
her  father  and  husband  she  came  to  Wisconsin 
in  1837,  and  they  made  their  home  on  a tract 
of  land,  part  of  which  now  constitutes  the  site 
of  the  village  of  Oakley.  Mrs.  Manchester  is 
the  owner  of  a considerable  portion  of  the  real 
estate  on  which  the  village  has  been  built.  The 
house  in  which  they  lived  during  their  first 
summer  in  Wisconsin  was  made  of  logs,  roofed 
with  clapboards,  and  lacking  both  a chimney 
and  a floor.  A fire  would  be  built  in  the  cor- 
ner, and  over  it  Mrs.  Manchester  cooked  the 
scanty  food  on  which  they  lived  through  the 
summer — mostly  mashed  corn,  and  what  wild 
game  they  could  kill.  When  they  settled  here 
Chicago  was  a lake  of  mud  and  ice,  and  the 
nearest  railroad  was  east  of  the  Allegheny 
mountains.  There  were  no  habitations  between 
their  home  and  the  site  of  the  present  city  of 
Monroe. 

Mrs.  Manchester,  after  passing  through  the 
various  hardships  and  trials  of  pioneer  life,  is 
still  hale  and  hearty  at  the  age  of  eighty-five 
years,  and  lives  on  the  farm  where  she  and  her 
first  husband,  Samuel  Myers,  settled  sixty- 
three  years  ago.  She  is  a lady  of  the  most 
estimable  character,  and  commands  the  un- 
measured esteem  of  the  community. 

EDWARD  FIELD,  a substantial  farmer 
of  New  Diggings  township,  Lafayette  county, 
is  a man  whose  high  standing  in  the  community 
is  based  upon  his  integrity  and  manly  princi- 
ples. He  was  born  in  that  township  July  11, 
1842,  son  of  William  and  Sarah  (Sanford) 
Field. 

William  Field  was  born  in  Louisville,  Ivy., 
and  about  1827  or  1828  located  in  New  Dig- 
gings township.  The  greater  portion  of  the  in- 
habitants at  that  time  were  Indians,  and  the 
early  settlers’  lives  were  filled  with  exciting 
experiences  of  treachery,  bloodshed,  wild 
beasts,  etc.  Mr.  Field  purchased  some  twelve 
or  fourteen  hundred  acres  of  land  near  the 
town  of  New  Diggings,  and  became  one  of  the 
large  shippers  of  ore.  He  was  a very  prom- 
inent business  man  up  to  the  time  of  his  death, 
which  occurred  in  1856.  His  wife.  Sarah 
Sanford,  was  a native  of  Canada,  and  shared 


bravely  with  her  husband  the  hardships  of 
frontier  life.  She  died  at  the  old  home  in 
1892.  Politically  Mr.  Field  was  one  of  the 
old  Jacksonian  Democrats,  and  religiously  he 
was  connected  with  no  denomination.  Eleven 
children  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Field, 
eight  of  whom  are  yet  living : ( 1 ) George, 

born  in  New  Diggings,  operated  one  of  his  fa- 
ther's farms;  he  married  Annie  Harker,  and 
was  accidentally  drowned  at  New  Orleans,  just 
after  he  had  returned  from  an  European  tour. 
(2)  Elizabeth  married  John  Chambers,  of 
Iowa,  and  both  are  now  deceased ; they  left  a 
large  family.  (3)  Fannie  married  Abner  Rock, 
of  Shullsburg,  Wis.,  and  has  4 number  of 
children.  (4)  William,  a farmer  of  New 
Diggings,  married  Grace  Hurley,  and  has  a 
family  of  children.  (5)  Martha  married  Will- 
ard Townsend,  a farmer  of  Shullsburg,  Wis., 
and  both  are  now  deceased ; they  left  one 
daughter,  Ada,  now  the  wife  of  Blake  White, 
of  Illinois.  (6)  Emily  is  unmarried  and  re- 
sides at  the  old  home.  (7)  Benjamin,  a farm- 
er of  St.  Cloud,  South  Dak.,  married  Emeline 
Williams,  and  has  a large  family.  (8)  Ed- 
ward is  the  next  in  order  of  birth.  (9)  Alice 
is  the  widow  of  a Mr.  Dixon,  of  Beetown, 
Grant  Co.,  Wis.,  and  has  two  children.  (10) 
Annie  married  Frank  Bailey,  of  New  Dig- 
gings, and  has  six  children.  ( 1 1 ) Cyrus,  re- 
siding on  the  old  home  farm,  married  Bell 
Meccer,  and  has  a number  of  children. 

Edward  Field  received  his  education  in  the 
winter  schools,  in  the  days  when  three  months 
comprised  the  winter  term.  The  first  seven- 
teen years  of  his  life  were  passed  on  the  home 
farm,  and  then  the  threatening  war  storm 
broke  forth  in  all  its  fury,  and  young  Field  be- 
came a member  of  Company  Iv,  20th  Wis.  V. 
I.,  enlisting  in  July,  1862.  His  regiment  was 
assigned  to  the  Western  army,  and  served  un- 
til the  close  of  the  war,  taking  an  important 
part  in  a number  of  engagements,  among-  them 
being  Prairie  Grove,  of  Missouri,  Van  Buren, 
on  the  Arkansas  river,  Vicksburg,  Miss.,  Ya- 
zoo City,  Miss.,  Brownsville,  Tex.,  Atchafa- 
laya.  La.,  Fort  Morgan.  Ala.,  Franklin  Creek, 
Miss.,  and  the  Spanish  Fort,  Ala.  The  regi- 
ment was  discharged  at  Galveston.  Tex.,  and 
sworn  out  at  Madison.  Wis.  In  1865,  after  the 
battle  of  Brownsville,  the  regiment  was  taken 
to  old  Mexico  to  guard  the  American  Consul 
during  Maximilian’s  siege  of  Matamoras. 
After  the  close  of  the  war  Mr.  Field  returned 


960 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD, 


to  Lafayette  county,  and  settled  on  his  present 
farm,  which  he  cleared  and  improved,  erecting 
good  and  substantial  buildings.  He  has  also 
added  150  acres  adjoining,  to  his  original 
farm,  and  now  has  a large  tract  of  land  under 
a high  state  of  cultivation. 

In  1866  Mr.  Field  wedded  Miss  Hannah 
Codings,  who  was  born  in  England  in  1849, 
daughter  of  Cornelius  and  Johanna  Codings, 
natives  of  Ireland,  who  located  in  Lafayette 
county  in  1865.  Mrs.  Field  was  educated  in 
England,  and  was  one  of  a family  of  four 
children,  the  others  being,  Cornelius,  Timothy 
(who  died  in  Colorado),  and  Catherine 
(widow  of  Samuel  Carter,  of  New  Diggings). 
Twelve  children  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Field:  Harry  and  Fannie  both  died  in 

childhood;  William,  born  March  3,  1867, 
moved  to  California  in  1886,  where  he  is  en- 
gaged in  mining  in  Angle  Camp,  and  is  quite 
successful  (he  married  in  California)  ; Ed- 
ward, born  Jan.  18,  1869,  now  residing  in  Hazel 
Green,  Wis.,  married  Rose  Rodgers,  and  has  a 
son,  Raymond;  Charles,  born  in  March,  1871, 
is  now  a ranchman  in  Iowa,  unmarried;  Cath- 
erine, born  April,  1873,  married  William  Mc- 
Grain,  of  Shullsburg,  and  has  one  son,  Homer; 
Gerald,  born  in  1875,  now  manages'  the  home 
farm;  Timothy,  born  September,  1877,  now 
residing  in  Dubuque,  la.,  married  Maggie  Mur- 
phy, and  has  a daughter,  Margaret;  Benja- 
min, born  in  1878,  married  Lizzie  Bright,  of 
Shullsburg,  and  lives  on  the  old  homestead ; 
Mary  E.,  born  in  June,  1881,  married  Joseph 
Morgan,  of  Seymour  township,  Lafayette  Co. ; 
Arilley,  born  Feb.  26,  1890,  a student  in  the 
home  schools;  and  Arthur,  born  March  7, 
1894.  The  family  are  members  of  the  Roman 
Catholic  Church,  and  in  his  political  belief,  Mr. 
Field  is  an  uncompromising  Republican,  and 
has  been  a member  of  the  town  board  for  a 
number  of  years.  . He  and  his  family  are  highly 
esteemed  citizens,  and  are  very  popular  in  the 
social  life  of  the  community. 

JOHN  P.  TRENARY,  one  of  the  promi- 
nent and  substantial  citizens  of  Platteville, 
Grant  county,  and  one  of  the  largest  land- 
holders in  Lafayette  county,  is  of  English  birth 
and  parentage.  Flis  parents,  Philip  and  Isa- 
bel (Lower)  Trenary,  were  natives  of  Corn- 
wall, England,  born  in  1816  and  1820,  re- 
spectively, the  former  a son  of  William  Tren- 
ary, the  latter  a daughter  of  Eber  and  Mary 


(Hockey)  Lower.  All  were  residents  of  Eng- 
land. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Philip  Trenary  came  to  this 
country  in  1845,  soon  making  a permanent 
settlement  in  Platteville,  Wis.  Mr.  Trenary 
spent  his  whole  succeeding  life  on  the  farm, 
in  his  later  years  retiring  from  active  duties. 
In  politics  lie  embraced  the  principles  of  the 
Republican  party,  was  a good  citizen,  and  left 
his  family  the  record  of  an  unblemished  life. 
His  death  occurred  in  1896,  and  his  widow 
still  resides  in  Platteville,  at  the  age  of  over 
eighty  years.  The  family  born  to  the  parents  of 
our  subject  was  a large  one : John  P.,  the  sub- 
ject of  our  review,  Was  the  eldest;  Mary  A., 
born  in  1839,  married  Henry  Pierce,  of  Iowa, 
and  at  her  death  left  eight  children;  Charles, 
born  in  1842,  married  Caroline  Greenrod,  and 
lives  in  Pocahontas,  Iowa,  with  a family  of 
ten  children;  Emma,  born  in  1844,  married 
John  Ware,  and  resides  at  Big  Patch,  with 
one  d'aughter;  Ellen,  bom  in  1847,  married 
John  Rickard,  and  resides  in  Platteville;  Rob- 
ert, born  in  1849,  married  Caroline  Hawk,  and 
lived  in  Platteville,  where  he  died  in  1895, 
leaving  two  children ; Henry  married  Agnes 
Jeffery,  and  resides  at  Austin,  Minn.,  with 
two  children;  Carrie  is  deceased;  Bryan  F. 
married  Selina  Pluntingdon,  and  resides  in 
Platteville,  with  one  son;  William  married 
Carrie  Raisback,  resides  in  Platteville  town- 
ship, and  has  three  daughters;  and  Frank  E. 
married  Annie  Huntingdon,  and  resides  on 
the  old  homestead,  with  two  children. 

Our  subject  is  by  birth  an  Englishman, 
but  America  has  claimed  him  so  long  as  one  of 
her  worthy  citizens  that,  to  all  intents  and  pur- 
poses, he  belongs  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic. 
In  Cornwall,  England,  he  was  born  Feb.  19, 
1837,  and  there  remained  until  he  accompanied 
his  parents  to  America,  in  1845.  His  educa- 
tion was  acquired  in  the  district  schools,  and 
until  he  had  reached  maturity  he  continued  on 
the  old  homestead,  engaged  in  agricultural  pur- 
suits. After  his  marriage  he  purchased  a tract 
of  partly  improved  land  in  Kendall  township, 
Lafayette  county,  which  he  cultivated  for  a 
number  of  years,  and  by  substantial  and  con- 
tinued improvements  made  of  it  one  of  the  best 
farms  in  the  county.  Mr.  Trenary  believes 
thoroughly  in  the  best  methods  of  farming,  and 
from  long  experience  has  discovered  that  the 
best  is  none  too  good  in  the  way  of  buildings, 
implements,  stock  or  cattle,  hence  has  been 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


96 1 


eminently  successful.  He  has  given  particular 
attention  to  stock,  resulting  in  a reputation  for 
his  farm  which  extends  over  a wide  section. 
His  estate  covers  600  acres  of  the  best  and  most 
finely  cultivated  land  in  Lafayette  county. 
Since  1900  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Trenary  have  made 
their  residence  in  Platteville. 

On  Dec.  31,  1859,  occurred  the  marriage 
of  Mr.  Trenary  to  Miss  Elizabeth  A.  Stephens, 
the  worthy  daughter  of  Michael  and  Mary 
Stephens,  this  family  being  one  of  the  old  and 
prominent  ones  of  Grant  county,  naving  come 
thither  from  England  in  1842.  Mr.  Stephens 
crossed  the  Plains  to  California,  making  two 
trips,  but  finally  locating  in  Platteville.  Five 
of  the  children  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stephens  still 
survive:  Jane,  wife  of  James  Stevens,  of 

Platteville;  Fannie,  wife  of  John  Bonson,  of 
Platteville;  John,  of  California;  Samuel,  of 
Sioux  City,  Iowa;  and  Airs.  Trenary.  who  was 
born  in  England,  Feb.  1,  1837,  and  grew  up  in 
Grant  county,  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Trenary  have  had  a family  of 
six  children:  Thomas  Edgar,  born  in  1861, 

married  Lizzie  Lillick,  of  Kendall  township, 
and  they  now  reside  in  Montana,  where  he 
is  engaged  in  lumbering;  they  have  two  sons, 
Guy  and  Ellis.  Otis  L.,  born  Sept.  21.  1865, 
was  educated  in  the  Platteville  Normal  School, 
later  graduated  from  the  Bryant  Commercial 
College,  of  Chicago,  and  is  now  a professor 
in  the  Kenosha  Commercial  College ; he  mar- 
ried Lula  Colvin,  of  Scranton,  Penn.,  and  has 
one  child,  Gladys.  Isabel,  born  March  20, 
1864,  married  John  Ruskell,  of  Kendall  and 
has  four  children,  Charles,  Bessie,  Maud,  and 
Mary.  t Emory,  born  in  1868,  resides  on  the 
farm  in  Kendall.  Fannie  is  at  home.  Dennis, 
who  married  Millie  Kilpatrick,  of  Kendall, 
resides  on  the  old  home  farm  in  Lafayette 
county. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Trenary  has  long 
been  identified  with  the  Republican  party,  and 
both  lie  and  wife  are  consistent  members  of 
the  M.  E.  Church,  to  which  he  has  given 
liberally,  enabling  much  benevolent  work  to 
be  carried  on.  His  early  married  life  was 
hampered  by  want  of  means,  but  his  energy 
and  industry  have  enabled  him  to  pass  his 
last  days  in  affluence,  and  he  and  his  estimable 
wife  have  reared  a family  of  which  the  com- 
munity has  every  reason  to  feel  proud,  its 
various  members  ranking  among  the  represent- 
ative citizens. 

61 


MARSHALL  B.  LEWIS,  an  enterprising 
and  highly  popular  young  farmer  and  school 
teacher  of  Jordan  township,  Green  county,  is 
a native  of  that  township,  having  been  born 
May  12,  1862,  on  the  old  Lewis  farm  in  Sec- 
tion 8. 

James  Lewis,  his  father,  was  born  in  the 
North  of  Ireland,  of  Scotch  and  Welsh  ances- 
try, a son  of  John  Lewis,  who  died  in  his 
native  land.  James  came  to  this  country  in 
1848,  settling  in  i860  in  Jordan  township,. 
Green  Co.,  Wis.,  where  he  took  up  agricultural 
pursuits,  and  is  now  the  owner  of  a fine  farm 
of  300  acres,  well  cultivated  and  yielding  good 
crops.  He  is  one  of  the  few  living  old  settlers 
who  came  here  some  forty  years  ago.  In  pol- 
itics he  is  a Republican,  in  religious  faith  a. 
Presbyterian. 

In  April,  1852,  James  Lewis  married  Miss- 
Anna  Hood,  and  eight  children  blessed  their 
union,  six  of  whom  are  yet  living : ( 1 ) 

Andrew,  of  the  firm  of  Strieft  8:  Lewis,  hard- 
ware merchants,  Monroe,  Green  county;  he 
is  the  present  county  chairman,  and  for  some 
time  was  clerk  of  the  circuit  court.  He  mar- 
ried Miss  Kate  Dickson,  of  Argyle,  Wis.  (2) 
Elizabeth  was  the  wife  of  Ernest  Rankin,  for- 
merly of  Argyle,  Wis.,  and  died  in  Fresno, 
Cal.  (3)  Margaret  married  William  Mitchell, 
of  Lafayette  county;  she  died  in  Blanchard- 
ville,  Wis.  (4)  John  is  register  of  deeds  for 
Green  county,  and  makes  his  home  in  Monroe ; 
he  is  unmarried.  (5)  Marshall  B.  is  the  sub- 
ject proper  of  these  lines.  (6)  George  lives 
in  Plainview,  Neb.;  he  married  Janet  Watson. 

(7)  Ella  is  the  wife  of  J.  H.  Britt,  of  Illinois. 

(8)  Miss  Mary  lives  at  home,  and  is  house- 
keeper for  her  aged  father  and  her  brother  Mar- 
shall. The  mother  of  this  family  died  Jan.  30, 
1897,  aged  seventy  years,  and  her  remains 
rest  in  the  Lewis  cemetery,  town  of  Jordan. 
Mr.  Lewis  has  eleven  living  grandchildren,  and 
one  great-grandchild.  Andrew  Lewis  had 
three  children,  Leo  and  Grace,  living,  and  one 
that  died  in  infancy.  Elizabeth  left  one  liv- 
ing child,  Millie.  Margaret  left  one  son,  Al- 
len Ernest  Mitchell,  now  in  business  with  his 
father  at  Monroe.  George  has  four  daughters, 
Emily,  Mary  Dale,  Phyllia  and  Luella.  Ella 
has  three,  Raymond  L.,  Marie  and  John. 
The  great-grandchild  is  Wallace  Peck,  of 
Fresno,  California. 

Marshall  B.  Lewis  was  reared  on  the  home 
farm,  and  received  his  education  in  part  at  the 


962 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


common  schools  of  Jordan  township,  in  part 
at  the  Argyle:  and  Monroe  high  schools.  For 
the  past  ten  winters  he  has  followed  teaching, 
farming  during  the  summer  months,  and  he 
owns  a hue  farm  of  240  acres  adjoining  the 
homestead  of  his  father,  where  he  carries  on 
general  farming,  including  stock  raising  and 
dairying.  In  addition  to  this  he  conducts  the 
homestead  farm,  having,  altogether,  charge  of 
540  acres. 

In  politics  Mr.  Lewis  has  always  been  a Re- 
publican, and  in  religious  faith  a Protestant. 
Fie  has  ever  taken  an  active  interest  in  the 
affairs  of  his  township,  and  has  held  the  offices 
of  school  clerk,  while  at  the  present  time  he 
is  clerk  of  the  township  board  of  supervisors. 
Socially  he  is  a Freemason  in  good  standing, 
a member  of  Monroe  Lodge,  No.  21,  and  is 
also  affiliated  with  the  K.  of  P.,  Monroe 
Lodge,  No.  41.  He  has  not  yet  enrolled  him- 
self in  the  noble  order  of  Benedicts.  A genial, 
well-iread,  sociable  gentleman,  Mr.  Lewis  has 
many  warm  friends,  and  enjoys  the  respect  of 
the  community  at  large. 

GEORGE  T.  SPAULDING,  dealer  in 
farm  machinery,  carriages,  wind  mills,  etc., 
Brodhead,  Green  county,  Wisconsin. 

EDWARD  NELSON.  To  the  man  who 
is  not  afraid  to  work  success  does  not  always 
come  unless  the  industry  is  accompanied  by 
business  tact  and  good  judgment.  Edward 
Nelson,  the  popular  young  postmaster  of 
Browntown,  Green  county,  is  one  of  the  suc- 
cessful men  of  the  county,  with  business  acu- 
men and  wisdom  far  beyond  his  years.  He 
was  born  in  Norway,  son  of  Peter  and  Emma 
(Thompson)  Nelson,  who  came  from  Norway 
to  America  in  1869,  locating  at  Argyle,  Wis., 
where  they  reared  their  ten  children : Thomp- 
son, who  married  Augusta  Hanson,  of  Lafay- 
ette county;  Nels,  deceased;  Martin,  deceased; 
Peter,  who  married  Bessie  Anderson,  and 
is  now  register  of  deeds  at  Darlington, 
Wis.;  Edward,  mentioned  below;  Andrew, 
deceased ; Severn,  who  is  in  the  employ  of 
his  brother  Edward,  at  Browntown ; Mary, 
who  married  Louis  Anderson,  of  Darling- 
ton, Wis. ; Tillie,  who  married  A.  Chris- 
enton,  of  Lafayette  county;  and  Chris,  who 
lives  with  his  parents.  Peter  Nelson  was 
very  poor,  but  by  hard  work  and  strict  economy 
he  has  acquired  a fine  farm  of  300  acres  in 


Wiota  township,  Lafayette  county,  and  has 
greatly  improved  it  with  good  buildings.  In 
politics  he  is  a strong  Republican,  and  is  re- 
garded as  one  of  the  substantial  citizens  of  his 
town. 

Edward  Nelson  was  reared  to  hard  work 
on  his  father’s  farm,  and  obtained  such  edu- 
cation as  he  could  in  the  common  schools  of 
the  neighborhood.  Naturally  bright,  he  quick- 
ly learned  all  that  was  given  him,  and  at  an 
early  age  began  to  learn  the  tinner’s  trade 
at  Darlington.  In  1893,  in  connection  with 
his'  brother  Thompson,  he  opened  a hardware 
and  general  store,  and  the  next  year  purchased 
his  brother’s  interest,  since  which  time  he  has 
conducted  the  business  alone,  giving  evidence 
of  business  sagacity  that  is  most  phenomenal. 
His  pleasant  manners  and  honorable  dealing 
have  won  him  friends  and  customers,  and 
made  him  a social  favorite  as  well. 

On  March  10,  1895,  Mr.  Nelson  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Mary  E.  Trickle, 
who  was  born  March  10,  1878,  daughter  of 
Edward  and  Matilda  (Hawthorne)  Trickle. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Trickle  were  the  parents  of  the 
following  children,  besides  Mrs,  Nelson: 
James,  of  Freeport,  111.;  Annie,  of  South 
Wayne;  George,  of  Browntown;  Alfred,  of 
Grand  Rapids,  Mich. ; Elmer,  of  Brown- 
town ; and  Ben  and  Charles,  of  Browntown. 
lo  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Nelson  have  been  born 
two  interesting  children,  Galey  and  Mamie. 
Mrs.  Nelson  is  one  of  the  cultured  and 
accomplished  ladies  of  Browntown  society, 
and  is  greatly  beloved  by  her  friends.  Mr. 
Nelson  is  a Republican  in  politics,  but  in 
religious  matters  is  identified  with  no  de- 
nomination, although  he  takes  an  interest 
in  church  work  and  is  a willing  contributor 
to  all  worthy  causes.  Socially  he  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  M.  W.  A.  and  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  As 
a citizen  his  interest  in  public  affairs  is  an 
active  working  interest,  and  he  has  served  as 
township  clerk,  supervisor  of  roads,  and  suc- 
cessfully administered  the  affairs  of  Brown- 
town as  president  of  the  village  board. 

RUDY  M.  KUNDERT,  one  of  the  weal- 
thiest and  most  progressive  general  farmers 
and  cheese  manufacturers  of  Jordan  township, 
Green  county,  is  a native  of  New  Glarus, 
Green  Co.,  Wis.,  born  June  5,  1861. 

Jacob  Kundert,  father  of  Rudy  M.,  was 
born  in  Canton  Glarus,  Switzerland,  in  1830, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


9^3 


and  for  five  years  before  coming  to  this  coun- 
try, in  1854,  he  worked  in  a cotton  factory. 
On  May  16,  1851,  in  Canton  Glarus,  he  mar- 
ried Barbara  Kundert,  and  they  had  a large 
family,  of  whom  mention  is  made  of  the  fol- 
lowing, three  having  died  in  infancy : Jacob, 
a farmer  of  Monroe  township,  Green  county; 
Sarah,  widow  of  Frederick  Luther;  Barbara, 
wife  of  Mathias  Meier,  a farmer  of  Jordan 
township;  Abraham,  a farmer  of  Lafayette 
county,  Wis. ; Rudy  M. ; Henry,  residing  in 
Monroe  City,  Wis.;  Maggie,  wife  of  Jacob 
Nichols,  of  the  State  of  Oregon;  Thomas,  de- 
ceased; Frederick,  a farmer  in  Monroe  town- 
ship, Green  county;  Annie,  wife  of  John  Lee,, 
of  Monroe;  John,  also  of  Monroe,  the  youngest 
living.  The  mother  of  this  numerous  family 
was  barn  in  1830,  and  died  Nov.  10,  1899. 
The  father  died  Aug.  15,  1895,  having  lived 
retired  for  several  years  prior  to  his  decease. 
When  he  came  to  this  country  he  owed  one 
hundred  dollars  passage  money,  but  eventually 
he  became  one  of  the  leading  wealthy  farmers 
of  Green  county,  at  one  time  owning  1,200 
aores  of  land,  and  was  also  an  extensive  cheese 
manufacturer.  On  his  arrival  in  Wisconsin 
he  remained  some  fifteen  years  in  New  Glarus, 
Green  county,  then  removed  to  Monroe  town- 
ship. During  the  war  of  the  Rebellion  he 
enlisted.  Sept.  12,  1862,  in  the  9th  Wis.  V.  I., 
and  participated  in  the  battle  of  Prairie  Grove, 
also  in  the  Red  River  campaign. 

Rudy  M.  Kundert  was  reared  to  manhood 
on  his  father’s  farm,  at  the  same  time  receiv- 
ing a liberal  education  at  the  public  schools  of 
the  neighborhood.  A lifelong  industrious 
farmer,  he  has  accumulated  a fine  property, 
comprising  200  acres  of  highly  cultivated 
land  situated  some  three  miles  north  of  the 
village  of  Browntown;  he  has  also  for  several 
years  carried  on  a cheese  factory  on  his  own 
premises,  and  at  the  present  time  he  owns 
some  forty  head  of  milch  cows. 

On  Feb.  7,  1888,  Rudy  M.  Kundert  mar- 
ried Miss  Susan  Shear,  born  March  22,  1864, 
a daughter  of  Joseph  and  Josephine  (Lutz) 
Shear,  natives  of  Germany,  who  came  to 
Green  county,  Wis.,  in  early  times.  They  had 
a family  of  eleven  children,  nine  of  whom  are 
yet  living:  Amelia,  wife  of  Andrew  Rine- 

hart, of  Cadiz,  Wis.;  Ferdinand,  in  Jordan 
township,  Green  county;  Frederick,  in  South 
Dakota ; Helen,  wife  of  Thomas  Dowd,  of 
South  Dakota;  Louisa,  wife  of  George  Ault; 


Susan,  wife  of  our  subject;  Annie,  wife  of 
Joseph  McCarty;  Lawrence,  in  Monroe  town- 
ship, Green  county;  and  Andrew,  in  Monroe, 
Green  county. 

Six  children,  all  yet  living,  have  been  born 
to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rudy  M.  Kundert,  their 
names  and  dates  of  birth  being  as  follows : 
Helen  E.,  Dec.  11,  1888;  Thomas,  June  21, 
1890;  Clara,  Aug.  31,  1891;  Frederick,  Dec. 
12,  1892;  Charles,  March  20,  1895;  and  Lena, 
March  24,  1900.  In  his  political  preferences 
Mr.  Kundert  is  a Democrat,  and  for  several 
years  has  served  as  school  director  and  treas- 
urer, also  as  road  supervisor;  at  this  writing 
he  is  a member  of  the  township  board.  In 
religious  faith  he  is  identified  with  the  Lutheran 
Church,  and  in  all  the  relations  of  life  he  is 
looked  upon  as  an  excellent,  trustworthy  citi- 
zen. 

C.  L.  BARLOW,  Monticello,  Green  Co., 
Wisconsin. 

JOHN  HALE  (deceased),  who  passed  his 
last  years  retired  in  the  town  of  Lima,  Grant 
county,  was  born  in  England  in  March,  1S15, 
son  of  John  and  Esther  Hale,  natives  of  that 
country,  who  lived  and  died  in  their  island 
home. 

Our  subject  was  one  of  three  sons.  He 
worked  in  the  coal  mines  of  England  and 
Wales  up  to  1841,  when  he  came  to  America, 
locating  in  the  lead  mining  district  of  Grant 
county.  Here,  two  years  later,  he  married 
Miss  Isabelle  McCullough,  who  was  born  in 
Scotland  in  1819.  After  their  marriage  they 
settled  for  a short  time  at  Hazel  Green,  and 
he  then  purchased  a farm  in  the  town  of  Lima, 
engaging  in  its  tillage  for  many  years.  Airs. 
Hale  died  on  this,  farm  in  1864,  leaving  nine 
children:  (1)  John,  born  in  1844,  was  a sol- 

dier during  the  war  of  the  Rebellion,  going 
out  on  the  first  call  for  volunteers,  and  was 
severely  wounded  in  one  of  the  many  battles 
in  which  he  participated,  but  survived.  In 
1866  he  migrated  to  Montana,  where  he  mar- 
ried, and  died  leaving  two  children.  He  lost 
his  life  by  suffocation  in  a mine  while  engaged 
in  the  rescue  of  one  of  his  companions.  His 
widow  died  a few  years  ago,  leaving  two  sons, 
both  residents  of  Montana.  (2)  Margaret, 
born  in  1846,  is  now  the  wife  of  Alex  Graham, 
who  is  engaged  in  the  dairy  business  in  Min- 
nesota. (3)  Robert  C.,  born  March  28,  1848, 


964 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


is  mentioned  below.  (4)  Sarah  M.,  born  in 
January,  1850,  is  now  the  wife  of  Thomas  Cal- 
oway,  of  Kansas,  and  all  of  their  children  are 
in  that  State.  (5)  Elizabeth  J.,  born  in  March, 
1852,  married  John  Caloway,  a farmer  in  the 
town  of  Lima.  They  have  six  children.  (6) 
Lafayette,  born  in  1854,  lives  in  Kansas,  where 
he  is  a prosperous  farmer.  He  married  Jane 
Poland,  and  has  a family  of  seven  children. 
(7)  Alvin  H.,  born  May  21,  1856,  resides  on 
his  fruit  farm  near  Platteville.  He  married 
Nellie  Johnson,  and  has  one  living-  child,  Ste- 
phen O.  (8)  George  F.,  born  in  February, 
i860,  when  a young  man  went  to  Kansas, 
where  he  married  and  engaged  in  agriculture. 
Tie  became  very  prosperous,  and  in  1894  moved 
to  Oregon,  where  he  owns  a large  firuit  farm. 
He  has  no  children.  (9)  Jacob  A.,  born  in 
April,  1862,  is  married,  and  lives  in  Iowa. 
They  have  one  son,  Virgil. 

In  1864  John  TIale,  our  subject,  married 
Mrs.  Sarah  Graham,  the  widow  of  Gustavus 
Graham,  who  died  in  California.  Mr.  Gra- 
ham, a native  of  New  York,  in  1835  married 
Miss  Sarah  Quick,  who  was  born  in  1815,  a 
daughter  of  Jacob  and  Sarah  Quick,  both  na- 
tives of  New  Jersey,  and  residents  of  Sullivan 
county,  N.  Y.,  where  they  died.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Graham  came  to  Wisconsin  the  year  of  their 
marriage,  and  settled  on  a farm  in  the  town  of 
Lima,  where  he  lived  and  reared  his  family. 
In  the  fall  of  1849  he  went  to  the  mines  of 
California,  where  he  died  within  a year  of 
consumption.  Mrs.  Graham  was  left  with  six 
small  children  to  battle  the  world  alone.  ( 1 ) 
Robert  H.,  the  eldest  of  her  family,  was  born 
in  Grant  county  in  September,  1838,  and  is 
now  a resident  of  Platteville,  where  he  is  en- 
gaged in  mining.  (2)  Alex,  born  in  1840, 
married  Mr.  Hale’s  daughter  Margaret  and 
lives  in  Minnesota.  (3)  William,  born  in 
1842,  lives  in  Iowa.  (4)  Mary  J.  died  in 
childhood.  (5)  Louisa  is  now  the  wife  of 
Orlando  McOuisten,  a resident  of  Montana. 
(6)  Emma  M.,  born  in  1848,  is  the  wife  of 
Edwin  Bullock,  a hardware  merchant  in  Kan- 
sas. (7)  Sarah  A.,  born  in  1850,  is  now  the 
widow  of  Joseph  Van  Meeter,  and  lives  in 
Chicago  with  her  three  children.  Mr.  Hale 
had  no  children  by  his  second  marriage.  In 
1864,  after  his  marriage  to  Mrs.  Graham,  he 
purchased  the  interest  of  the  Graham  heirs 
in  the  family  homestead,  and  here  he  and  his 
wife  lived  happily  and  contentedly,  surrounded 


by  every  comfort,  and  putting  every  day  of 
their  lives  to  the  best  possible  use. 

Air.  TIale  began  as  a poor  boy  in  his  adopt- 
ed country,  and  by  his  own  efforts  made  a 
standing  among  the  people  of  Wisconsin  that 
could  not  be  questioned.  As  a Republican  he 
was  elected  to  several  local  positions  in  the 
town  of  Lima,  and  he  was  a member  of  the 
Christian  Church,  with  which  his  widow  also 
unites. 

Robert  C.  Hale,  the  second  son  of  our  sub- 
ject, was  born  at  Hazel  Green  in  1848,  and 
received  a good  district-school  education. 
When  a young  man  he  made  a purchase  of  land 
in  Alinnesota.  Improving  this  somewhat,  he 
sold  out  and  returned  to  Grant  county,  where 
he  found  good  business  openings.  In  1873  he 
married  Airs.  Martha  (Condree)  Reed,  of 
Wayne  county,  Ohio,  and  settled  on  a small 
farm  in  the  town  of  Lima,  where  he  bought 
a portable  mill,  manufacturing  sawed  lumber 
foir  a number  of  years.  In  1886  he  purchased 
a farm  in  the  town  of  Lima,  on  which  he  has 
put  up  a bank  barn  and  made  many  other 
valuable  improvements.  This  place,  which 
contains  200  acres,  has  become  a fine  farm. 
Mr.  Hale  is  largely  interested  in  stock  rais- 
ing, having  seventy-five  sheep,  one  hundred 
hogs,  and  a large  number  of  cattle.  Three 
children  have  come  to  Air.  Hale  and  his  wife: 
( 1 J William  F.,  born  in  January,  1875,  is  a 
farmer  in  the  town  of  Lima,  where  he  owns 
160  acres  of  well-cultivated  land.  He  is  un- 
married. (2)  John  J.,  born  in  1877,  gradu- 
ated from  the  State  Normal  at  Platteville  in 
1898,  has  taught  school,  and  is  now  a clerk 
on  one  of  the  Mississippi  river  steamboats. 
(3)  Jessie  AT,  born  in  1880,  prepared  herself 
for  teaching  in  the  State  Normal  at  Platte- 
ville, and  now  holds  a State  certificate.  I11 
politics  Air.  Hale  is  a Republican,  and  is  a mem- 
ber of  the  Republican  town  committee.  He 
has  held  the  office  of  chairman  of  the  town 
for  four  years',  for  twelve  years  was  school 
clerk,  and  six  years  school  director.  He  be- 
longs to  the  Odd  Fellows,  and  in  religion  lie 
and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Congrega- 
tional Church. 

WILLIAM  POHLE,  Sr.,  a well-known 
and  highly  esteemed  German-American  citizen 
of  Grant  county,  resides  on  section  33,  in  the 
town  of  Bloomington.  For  more  than  thirty 
years  he  has  been  a resident  of  the  county, 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


965 


and  with  interest  has  watched  and  assisted  in  its 
growth  and  development. 

The  birth  of  Mr.  Pohle  took  place  in  West- 
phalia, Germany,  on  April  12,  1S29.  His  fa- 
ther, Hermann  Pohle,  never  came  to  this  coun- 
try. In  his  own  land  our  subject  received  a 
good  education,  as  all  boys  are  required  to  re- 
main at  school  foir  a certain  length  of  time. 
In  1852  he  married  Miss  Ilsabein  Storlman, 
and  the  following  year  they  came  to  America ; 
at  that  time  they  had  one  daughter,  who  is  now 
a resident  of  Iowa.  An  uncle  of  our  subject, 
Casper  Pohle,  who  resided  in  St.  Louis,  Mo., 
with  his  wife  made  a visit  to  Germay,  in  the 
hope  of  restoring  her  health,  and  upon  their 
return  our  subject  and  family  came  with  them, 
another  uncle,  Henry  Wiedman,  also  joining 
the  party.  This  family  group  landed  in  New 
Orleans,  and  went  thence  up  the  [Mississippi 
as  far  as  St.  Louis,  which  was  the  home  of 
Casper  Pohle.  It  was  the  first  intention  of  our 
subject  and  his  uncle  Henry  to  settle  in  Mis- 
souri, but  the  Kansas  border  troubles  had  al- 
ready begun,  and  much  excitement  existed  on 
this  account,  so  they  determined  to  continue 
on  up  the  river  and  land  at  Guttenberg,  Clay- 
ton Co.,  Iowa.  Henry  Wiedman  settled  there, 
and  there'  remained  until  his  death.  Mr.  Pohle 
was  also  pleased  with  the  locality,  and1  bought 
100  acres  of  land  in  Clayton  county,  remain- 
ing upon  it  until  1868,  when  he  came  to  Grant 
county,  arriving  in  February  of  that  year. 
His  first  purchase  of  land  was  on  section  34, 
from  Mr.  Benham,  and  immediately  he  began 
operations  which  through  industry  and  good 
management  enabled  him  to  continually  in- 
crease his  possessions,  until  he  has  become  one 
of  the  most  extensive  farmers  and  stock  rais- 
ers in  the  county.  His  present  home  is  one 
of  comfort  and  beauty,  and  here  he  and  his  esti- 
mable wife  live  a life  of  ease,  although  always 
usefully  employed.  As  previously  noted,  Mr. 
Pohle  had  excellent  educational  opportunities, 
and  he  has  always  been  prominently  identi- 
fied with  the  intelligent  movements  of  his  lo- 
cality. His  parents  had  but  two  children,  and 
as  he  was  the  only  son,  he  was  exempt  from 
military  duty,  but  he  is  still  of  the  opinion 
that  the  United  States  offers  the  best  opening 
to  young  men.  During  his  life  in  Bloomington 
he  has  won  the  respect  of  the  community, 
and  is  esteemed  for  his  recognized  honesty 
and  integrity,  which  were  shown  in  three  years’ 
service  on  the  town  board ; he  has  been  admin- 


istrator of  several  estates.  In  politics  he  is  a 
Democrat. 

The  children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pohle 
numbered  ten,  seven  sons  and  three  daughters. 
The  eldest,  Louise,  born  in  Germany,  resides 
in  Garnavillo,  Iowa;  Henry  resides  in  Frank- 
lin county,  Iowa;  John  lives  in  California; 
William  and  Hermann  live  in  Bloomington ; 
Anna  resides  in  Patch  Grove;  August  resides 
in  Bloomington ; Alary  is  in  Hancock  county, 
Iowa;  Louis  farms  the  homestead;  and  Ed- 
ward is  a dental  surgeon,  a rising  professional 
man  of  Guttenberg,  Iowa. 

JOB  HAMPTON  CRABTREE  is  a pio- 
neer resident  of  Bloomington,  Grant  county, 
who  made  his  home  there  when  that  thriving 
and  busy  locality  was  almost  a wilderness,  and 
who  has  been  conspicuously  identified  with  its 
growth  and  development. 

By  birth  Air.  Crabtree  is  a Kentuckian,  the 
name  being  an  old  and  honored  one  in  the 
South.  His  parents,  John  and  Middy  Ann 
(Goff)  Crabtree,  were  natives  of  South  and 
North  Carolina,  respectively.  John  Crabtree 
was  a boy  at  the  beginning  of  the  Revolutionary 
war,  but,  like  Gen.  Andrew  Jackson,  whom 
he  knew  well,  he  fought  against  the  enemy 
during  the  closing  scenes  of  that  great  strug- 
gle in  his  native  State.  He  attained  the  age 
of  eighty-four,  and  at  the  time  of  his  death 
was  about  to  receive  a pension  from  the  gov- 
ernment on  account  of  his  services.  From 
South  Carolina  he  went  to  Georgia,  where  his 
residence  was  burned,  and  in  that  fire  he  lost 
his  discharge  from  the  Patriot  army.  His  first 
wife,  who  belonged  to  the  Hawkins  family, 
died  in  Georgia,  the  second  wife  being  the 
mother  of  our  subject.  From  Georgia  Air. 
Crabtree  removed  to  Kentucky,  but  both  he 
and  his  wife  passed  away  in  Montgomery  coun- 
ty, 111.,  he  at  the  age  of  eighty-foui,  and  she 
at  the  age  of  seventy-five.  John  Crabtree  was 
the  father  of  twenty  children,  twelve  of  whom 
were  born  to  the  second  marriage.  All  the 
children  of  the  first  marriage  have  passed 
away,  and  but  five  of  the  second  survive,  viz. : 
Job  H.,  of  this  record;  Isaac  Jackson,  a weal- 
thy resident  of  California,  where  he  located 
in  1850;  Alidcly  Ann,  a resident  of  Litchfield, 
111. ; Nancy  Jane,  of  the  same  place;  and  xAJlen, 
who  settled  in  California. 

The  birth  of  Job  H.  Crabtree  took  place 
in  Aluhlenberg  county,  Ivy.,  Alarch  14,  1819, 


966 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


and  he  was  about  ten  years  of  age  when  the 
family  removed  from  Kentucky  to  Illinois, 
where  he  resided  until  he  came  to  Grant  coun- 
ty, Wis.,  in  1845.  On  March  6,  1846,  he 
was  united  in  marriage  to  his  present  esti- 
mable wife,  whose  maiden  name  was  Mary 
Ann  Walker,  and  vvho  is  a daughter  of  George 
Walker.  They  have  been  permitted  to  pass  a 
happy  life  of  fifty-five  years  together,  and  to- 
gether have  borne  the  deprivations  and  hard- 
ships of  pioneer  life. 

By  trade  Mr.  Crabtree  was  a carpenter, 
and  he  followed  same  for  some  twenty  years. 
When  he  first  came  to  Grant  county  and  land- 
ed in  Potosi.  in  1845,  be  was  possessed  of 
twenty-five  cents  in  money,  his  other  capital 
being  his  trade,  his  health  and  his  determina- 
tion to  succeed.  Pawning  his  trunk  for  his 
first  week’s  board,  he  searched  for  any  kind 
of  employment,  as  laborers  were  more  plenti- 
ful than  employers,  but  by  dint  of  strict  econo- 
my, industry  and  his  pleasing  personality  he 
soon  became  occupied,  and  his  present  fine 
farm  of  320  acres  is  a testimony  to  his  success. 
His  first  entry  of  land  ’was  eighty  acres,  and 
as  he  was  able  he  increased  it,  cultivating, 
clearing  and  improving  as  the  years  went  by. 
Since  his  marriage  Mr.  Crabtree  has  been  a 
resident  of  Beetown  and  Bloomington.  The 
surviving  children  of  our  subject  and  wife 
are:  Allen,  Frank,  Eddie  and  one  daughter, 
Mary  Jane,  the  wife  of  Webster  Cook.  Mr. 
Crabtree  and  his  wife  were  deeply  bereaved 
in  the  death  of  their  son,  John  Quincy,  in 
1876,  at  the  age  of  twenty-two.  His  life  was 
just  opening  into  manly  usefulness,  and  he 
was  an  estimable  young  man  in  every  way. 
Emma  died  in  babyhood,  Charles  in  childhood, 
and  the  eldest  child  died  at  birth. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Crabtree  are  among  the  old- 
est living  pioneers  of  Bloomington,  and  are 
ranked  with  the  most  worthy  and  highly  es- 
teemed citizens  in  southwestern  Wisconsin. 
Their  recollections  of  that  life  of  yesterday 
are  vivid  and  interesting,  and1  admiration  is 
not  wanting  for  those  who  so  bravely  strug- 
gled against  adverse  conditions  and  so  suc- 
cessfully overcame  almost  insurmountable  dif- 
ficulties in  the  way  of  making  life  easier  for 
their  descendants. 

Webster  Cook,  of  Bloomington,  the  son-in- 
law  of  Air.  Crabtree,  was  born  in  Buffalo, 
N.  Y.,  in  1841,  and  came  West  with  his  father's 
family  about  1844.  The  father  was  a miller 


by  trade,  and  his  first  location  in  Wisconsin 
was  in  the  town  of  Waterloo,  where  he  ope- 
rated a mill  for  some  time,  but  later  he  came 
to  Beetown,  Grant  county.  There  he  engaged 
in  farming  for  some  years,  finally  removing  to 
Platteville,  where  he  and  his  wife  passed  their 
last  years. 

Oh  Aug.  19,  1862,  Mr.  Cook  enlisted  for 
service  in  the  Civil  war,  in  Company  F,  7th 
Wis.  V.  I.,  which  regiment  formed  a part  of 
the  distinguished  Iron  Brigade,  and  took  part 
in  many  of  the  most  severe  campaigns  and 
battles  in  the  war  for  the  Union.  These  in- 
clude Gainesville,  Chanceliorsville,  Fredericks- 
burg, Gettysburg,  the  Wilderness,  and  the  siege 
of  Petersburg.  As  the  army  was  forming  for 
the  great  attack  for  the  possession  of  the  Wel- 
don Railroad,  which  was  the  key  to  the  ene- 
my’s position,  Air.  Cook  was  prostrated  by  a 
sunstroke,  which  rendered  him  unfit  for  fur- 
ther service,  and  from  the  effects  of  which  he 
has  never  fully  recovered.  He  is  a member 
of  the  Will  Hickok  Post,  No.  134,  G.  A.  R. 
A brother,  William  Cook,  now  a resident  of 
Boscobel,  served  in  the  Civil  war  as  a member 
of  the  10th  Wisconsin.  Webster  Cook  mar- 
ried Aliss  Crabtree  in  1865.  They  have  no 
family. 

EDMUND  S.  FESSENDEN,  M.  D.,  of 
Albany,  is  one  of  the  reliable  physicians  of 
Green  county,  who  has  added  experience  to 
theory,  and  has  supplemented  the  study  of 
books  by  the  study  of  men.  He  lives  up  to 
the  best  ideals  of  his  profession,  and  has  many 
friends  in  Albany  and  through  the  adjacent 
regions. 

Dr.  Fessenden  was  born  in  Columbiana 
county,  Ohio,  Nov.  19,  1835,  a son  of  James 
and  Alary  (Young)  Fessenden,  natives  of  New 
Hampshire  and  Connecticut,  respectively. 
They  were  the  parents  of  five  sons  and  six 
daughters,  and  the  following  children  are  still 
living:  Dr.  Edmund  S.,  of  Albany;  Sylvanus 
C.,  of  Sharon,  Wis.;  Emily,  the  wife  of  Dr. 
Sutherland,  of  Nebraska;  Laura,  the  widow 
of  Ransom  Phelps,  of  Aurora,  111. ; Rebecca 
Ann;  Airs.  Nancy  Hall,  of  Cresco,  Iowa;  Joel, 
of  the  same  place;  and  Priscilla.  The  father 
was  a cooper  in  early  life,  and  became  a farmer 
in  Trumbull  county,  Ohio.  He  came  to  Wis- 
consin in  1856,  where  he  located  on  a farm 
in  Lafayette  county.  Some  years  later  he 
moved  to  Howard  county,  Iowa,  where  he  died 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


967 


in  1898,  within  two  months  of  his  eighty-first 
birthday.  His  wife  died  about  two  years  pre- 
viously, when  seventy-seven.  They  were  mem- 
bers of  the  Disciple  Church.  His  father,  prob- 
ably a native  of  New  Hampshire,  had  died  of 
typhoid  fever  when  about  forty-five  years  of 
age;  he  was  the  father  of  eleven  children,  all 
of  whom  lived  to  be  over  fifty-six  years  of  age. 
Philo  Young,  the  father  of  Mary  (Young) 
Fessenden,  was  a native  of  Connecticut,  of  En- 
glish blood,  and  followed  farming  as  an  occu- 
pation ; he  passed  away  in  advanced  years,  the 
father  of  a numerous  family. 

Dr.  Fessenden  lived  on  the  farm  in  Trum- 
bull county  with  his  parents  until  he  was  ten 
years  of  age,  and  then  went  to  Holmes  county, 
m the  same  State,  where  he  grew  to  manhood. 
His  education  was  acquired  in  the  district 
schools.  In  1856  he  came  to  Wisconsin  with 
his  parents,  and  here  he  attended  the  old  Platte- 
ville  Academy,  after  which  he  taught  school 
four  years.  He  began  the  study  of  medicine, 
but  the  Civil  war  postponed  his  preparation 
for  his  profession,  and  in  December,  1863, 
as  a member  of  Company  E,  30th  Wis.  V.  I., 
he  marched  to  the  front  and  served  until  the 
close  of  the  war  as  a corporal.  He  was  em- 
ployed on  detached  service  much  of  the  time, 
and  in  1864  stood  guard  at  Fort  Wadswo/rth, 
in  Dakota.  He  was  mustered  out  at  Louisville, 
Ky.,  and  resumed  the  study  of  medicine  at  the 
Eclectic  Medical  Institute  at  Cincinnati  in  1865, 
remaining  through  the  following  year.  He 
began  his  professional  life  in  Grant  county, 
Wis.,  and  very  soon  moved  into  Richland  Cen- 
ter, where  he  practiced  for  twelve  years.  He 
then  came  to  Green  county,  and  with  the  ex- 
ception of  four  years  at  Mineral  Point,  his 
old  home  and  the  place  of  his  marriage,  he 
has  continued  to  practice  in  this  county,  four 
years  of  the  time  being  spent  at  Monroe.  In 
December,  1899,  Dr.  Fessenden  located  in  Al- 
bany, and  contemplates  a permanent  residence 
here. 

On  March  25,  i860,  Dr.  Fessenden  and 
Miss  Henrietta  Maria  Howe,  daughter  of  Hen- 
ry and  C'amelia  A.  (Davidson)  Howe,  were 
married  at  Mineral  Point,  Wis.  To  this  union 
were  born  three  sons  and  three  daughters, 
Irene,  William  N.,  Marion,  Henry  Howe, 
Katie  and  Edmund  L.  Irene  married  M.  J. 
Chryst,  of  the  town  of  Sylvester,  and  has  seven 
children,  Zina  Muzette,  Harold  Clayton.  Mar- 
jory, Neal  Cleveland,  Rexford,  Archie  Mc- 


Lean, and  the  baby.  William  X.  is  a painter 
and  printer  at  Freeport,  111.  Marion  married 
Edward  F.  Bratley,  of  the  town  of  Cadiz, 
Green  county,  and  has  five  children,  Glenn, 
Lois,  Maude,  Alice,  and  the  baby.  Henry  H.,  of 
Mineral  Point,  a painter  by  trade,  married 
Miss  Anna  Libby,  and  has  two  children.  Katie 
died  when  nineteen  months  old.  Edmund  L. 
is  a painter.  Dr.  Fessenden  and  his  wife  with 
their  two  daughters  are  members  of  the  Chris- 
tian Church  and  are  active  workers  in  the 
Church  and  Sunday-school.  They  are  both 
well  informed  in  the  Scriptures,  of  which 
he  is  a profound  student.  He  belongs  to  the 
George  H.  Legate  Post,  No.  125,  G.  A.  R.,  at 
Mineral  Point,  and  in  his  politics  is  a Prohi- 
bitionist. 

REV.  GEORGE  W.  CASE,  the  present 
pastor  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church  at 
Monroe,  Green  county,  is  one  of  the  most  ad- 
vanced and  earnest  men  in  the  ministry  in  the 
West  Wisconsin  Conference. 

George  W.  Case  was  born  in  Erie  county, 
N.  Y.,  Sept.  30,  1835,  a son  of  James  H.  and 
Mary  (Powers)  Case,  natives  of  Connecticut 
and  Vermont,  respectively,  and  passed  his  early 
life  in  that  State.  He  was  one  of  a family 
of  six  children,  three  of  whom— James  and 
Samuel,  both  of  Hart  Prairie,  Wis..  and  him- 
self— are  now  living.  James  H.  Case  was  a 
man  whose  life  was  characterized  by  sterling 
manliness  and  integrity.  By  trade  he  was  a 
blacksmith,  but  on  his  coming  to  Wisconsin, 
in  1849,  he  bought  a farm  of  200  acres  in 
Walworth  county,  and  devoted  himself  to  its 
cultivation.  After  a time  he  increased  this 
by  the  purchase  of  240  acres,  and  upon  this 
magnificent  rural  estate  he  lived  until  the  year 
1881,  being  eighty-three  years  old.  His  wife 
passed  away  in  1864,  at  the  age  of  sixty-four. 
They  were  members  of  the  Methodist  Episco- 
pal Church.  William  Case,  father  of  James 
H.  Case,  was  born  in  Connecticut,  and  settled 
in  Oneida  county,  N.  Y.,  in  1800.-  He  was  a 
soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and  died  well  ad- 
vanced in  years.  The  father  of  Mrs.  Mary 
Case  was  a farmer,  and  died  in  Vermont  at 
a venerable  age,  the  father  of  a numerous  fam- 
ily; he  had  a son,  Samuel,  who  was  the  pro- 
prietor of  large  foundry  works  at  Schenectady. 

Rev.  George  W.  Case  came  to  Wisconsin 
with  his  parents,  and  grew  to  manhood  on  the 
Walworth  county  farm.  He  enjoyed  the  most 


968 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD 


liberal  educational  advantages  of  the  times, 
completing  the  course  of  study  afforded  by  the 
local  schools,  and  then  attended  Milton  Acade- 
my, being  a member  of  the'  first  graduating 
class  of  that  institution.  Later  he  was  a stu- 
dent at  Lawirence  University,  Appleton,  Wis., 
continuing  his  studies  to  the  junior  year.  His 
collegiate  education  was  completed  at  Hillsdale 
College,  Hillsdale,  Mich.,  in  1862.  Returning 
home,  he  secured  the  charge  of  the  academy  at 
Watertown,  which  he  held  for  one  year,  and 
from  there  passed  to  the  principalship  of  Bron- 
son Institute  at  Point  Bluff,  Adams  Co.,  Wis. 
But  these  were  the  times  that  stirred  men’s 
souls,  and  the  young  man  could  not  resist  the 
tide  of  patriotic  devotion  that  was  sweeping 
the  young  and  brave  into  the  hosts  of  freedom, 
to  war  for  mighty  treasures.  Air.  Case  en- 
listed in  1864  in  Company  Iv,  43d  Wis.  V.  I., 
and  was  made  orderly  sergeant,  later  promoted 
to  the  second  lieutenancy.  After  the  war  he 
returned  to  Bronson  Institute,  and  was  at  its 
head  for  a year  following  its  removal  to  Kil- 
bourn,  Wis.  He  was  principal  of  the  high 
school  at  Columbus,  Wis.,  and  from  that  posi- 
tion entered  into  the  active  work  of  the  Meth- 
odist ministry,  and  consecrated  his  future  years 
to  the  blaster's  service.  He  joined  the  West 
Wisconsin  Conference  in  1863,  and  for  thirty- 
four  years,  commencing  with  1867,  has  been 
in  the  active  work  of  the  ministry.  He  rep- 
resented his  conference  in  the  General  Confer- 
ence at  Omaha,  Neb.,  in  1892,  and  for  ten  years 
has  filled  the  office  of  presiding  elder. 

On  July  27,  1863,  Mr.  Case  wedded  Miss 
Nancy  E.  Nash,  daughter  of  Francis  and  Cath- 
erine Van  Bergen  (Curtis)  Nash.  Four  chil- 
dren have  blessed  this  union:  (1)  Jennie  W. 

is  the  wife  of  W.  W.  Smith,  and  lives  in  Aus- 
tin, Minn.,  where  her  husbafid  has  charge  of 
the  Standard  Oil  plant;  they  have  two  children, 
Gladys  and  Elbridge.  (2)  James  F.  married 
Miss  Helen  Smith,  and  has  his  home  in  Port- 
land, Oregon,  where  he  followed  the  vocation 
of  a civil  engineer,  he  having  had  the  con- 
struction of  several  important  railroad  and 
street  bridges.  He  is  now  a major  in  the  40th 
Regiment,  U.  S.  V.  I.,  and  is  serving  in  the 
Philippine  islands.  They  have  one  son,  Archie 
W.  (3)  Mary  Belle  married  Edward  Gray, 
and  lives  in  Sparta,  Wis.  (4)  Baby,  who  died 
in  infancy. 

Fraternally  Rev.  Case  belongs  to  Northern 
Light  Lodge,  No.  68,  A.  F.  & A.  M.,  and  to 


Marathon  Chapter,  R.  A.  AT,  both  located  at 
Alauston,  Wis.  He  is  also  a member  of  O.  F. 
Pinney  Post,  No.  102,  G.  A.  R.,  at  Alonroe, 
Wisconsin. 

DANIEL  DUNWIDDIE,  one  of  the  hon- 
ored pioneers  of  Green  county,  Wis.,  is  now 
living  retired  from  active  participation  in  busi- 
ness, in  his  comfortable  home  in  Brodhead, 
surrounded  by  loving  children  and  grandchil- 
diren,  as  well  as  by  a host  of  warm  friends. 
He  was  born  in  Greene  county,  Ohio,  Jan.  6, 
1822,  son  of  John  and  Ruth  (Bets)  Dunwid- 
die, the  former  of  whom  Avas  a farmer  in 
Delaware  and  an  early  settler  of  Greene  county, 
Ohio,  where  he  purchased  a tract  of  timber 
land,  and  fairmed  there  until  his  death,  in  1826; 
his  wife,  Airs.  Ruth  (Bets)  Dunwiddie,  was 
the  daughter  of  a Delaware  farmer,  and  sur- 
vived her  husband  several  years.  John  Dun- 
widdie was  a soldier  in  the  war  of  1812,  and 
he  and  his  wife  were  both  Baptists  in  relig- 
ious faith.  They  were  the  parents  of  eleven 
children,  ten  sons  and  one  daughter,  but  two 
of  whom  are  now  living — Judge  Brooks  Dun- 
widdie, of  Alonroe,  and  Daniel,  of  Brodhead. 

Daniel  Dumviddie  grew  to  manhood  on 
the  farm  in  Greene  county,  Ohio,  and  made 
farming  his  life  work  until  1896.  His  first 
schooling  was  in  the  old-fa, slhioned  subscription 
schools,  and  after  his  mother’s  death  he  made 
his  home  with  his  sister  Susan  and  .her  hus- 
band, Ezra  Haines,  remaining  with  them  until 
he  had  attained  the  age  of  twenty-one  years. 
In  1843  he  first  came  to  Wisconsin,  and  made 
his  home  in  Jefferson  township,  but  a little 
later  he  gave  up  this  land  and  purchased  160 
acres  in  Spring  Grove  township,  and  twenty 
acres  of  timber  land  in  Decatur  township,  mak- 
ing his  home  in  Spring  Grove  until  his  retire- 
ment in  1896,  since  when  he  has  lived  with  his 
daughter,  Airs.  Alonzo  Barnes. 

On  Dec.  18,  1844,  Mr.  Dunwiddie  married 
Miss  Rebecca  Austin,  daughter  of  Joshua  and 
Priscilla  (Everly)  Austin,  and  they  became 
the  parents  of  nine  children : Priscilla  mar- 
ried John  Swan,  of  Juda,  Wis.,  and  has  five 
children,  Pliny,  Ivan  J.,  Otto,  Victoria  and 
Franklin;  Louisa  died  in  childhood;  Ezra,  of 
Coldridge,  Neb.,  married  Fannie  Gifford,  and 
has  five  children,  Gertrude,  Charles,  Esther, 
Annie  and  Robert;  Celista  married  Alonzo 
Barnes  (who  died  in  1900),  and  has  had  two 
children,  Rockwell,  and  one  deceased;  Theressa 


commemorative  biographical  record. 


969 


married  William  F.  Holcomb,  of  Brodhead, 
and  has  one  son,  Frederick  N.;  Minnie 'died 
in  childhood;  John  Milton,  of  Jefferson  town- 
ship, married  Lucinda  Davis,  and  has  one 
child  living-,  Ned  Elmer;  Idella  married  C.  F. 
Cronk,  of  Madison,  Wis.,  and  has  two  chil- 
dren, Forbes  B.  and  Margo ; and  Myrtle  mar- 
ried Ross  C.  Murdock,  of  Brodhead,  and  has 
two  children,  Hazel  and  Marjorie.  Mrs.  Dun- 
widdie  was  born  April  8,  1825,  in  Burlington 
county,  N.  J.,  and  died  March  23,  1895.  Her 
marriage  to  Mr.  Dunwiddie  was  celebrated  in 
Warsaw,  Kosciusko  Co.,  Ind.,  and  the  cere- 
mony performed  by  Judge  Miller.  On  Dec. 
18,  1894,  they  celebrated  their  golden  wed- 
ding at  their  comfortable  home  in  Spring 
Grove.  Of  the  forty-five  guests  present  the 
greater  number  were  children,  grandchildren 
and  great-grandchildren  (at  that  time  there 
were  three  great-grandchildren,  and  at  present 
eight).  Many  were  the  good  wishes  spoken 
on  that  memorable  occasion,  and  few  realized 
then  that  before  another  anniversary  had  passed 
the  beloved  mother  and  grandmother  would  be 
waiting  for  them  all  in  the  land  that  knows 
no  care. 

When  Mr.  Dunwiddie  made  his  first  ap- 
pearance in  Wisconsin,  in  1843,  he  came  on 
horseback.  In  1844  he  went  to  Indiana,  where 
he  was  married  in  December,  and  in  the  fol- 
lowing March  he  returned  to  Wisconsin,  this 
time  making  the  trip  in  a “Democrat”  wagon, 
built  somewhat  after  the  manner  of  a prairie 
schooner,  and  drawn  by  two  good  horses.  The 
team  was  driven  by  Mrs.  Dunwiddie’s  brother, 
Isaac,  and  the  trip  required  about  ten  days. 
The  young  couple  began  life  as  pioneers,  and 
soon  became  inured  to  the  hardships  on  the 
frontier.  Their  house  was  built  of  logs  and 
plastered  both  outside  and  in.  The  roof  was 
formed  of  slabs,  held  in  place  by  hangers, 
and  the  floor  was  made  of  the  same  material, 
but  dressed  smooth.  Milwaukee  was  the  near- 
est available  market  for  farm  produce,  and  the 
outgoing  team  could  make  the  trip  in  three 
days,  returning  in  two.  Marriage  in  those 
days,  to  be  followed  by  pioneer  life,  meant 
a practical  severing  of  all  home  ties.  Years 
must  come  and  go  before  there  could  be  any 
hope  of  another  meeting.  Aside  from  the 
Brother  who  drove  the  team  in  1845'.  Mrs. 
Dunwiddie  saw  no  one  of  her  people  for  thirty- 
five  years.  At  the  end  of  that  time  this  same 
brother  visited  Wisconsin,  and  brought  with 

CD 


him  his  sister  Elizabeth.  Time  had  wrought 
its  changes.  The  old  log  cabin  had  given  way 
to  a pleasant,  well-furnished  and  comfortable 
home,  the  unbroken  wilderness  to  well-culti- 
vated fields.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dunwiddie  were 
earnest  members  of  the  Baptist  Church  in  Juda, 
taking  an  active  part  in  all  Christian  work. 
After  the  death  of  his  wife  Mr.  Dunwiddie  left 
the  old  home  hallowed  by  many  a sacred  mem- 
ory, and  is  now  passing  the  evening  of  his  life 
in  Birodhead. 

THOMAS  BAN  FI  ELD  (deceased)  was 
an  extensive  farmer  of  Smelser  township,  Grant 
county,  and  is  remembered  in  this  locality  as 
one  of  the  substantial  men  of  the  community. 
He  was  born  in  County  Wicklow,  Ireland, 
Dec.  10,  1841,  a son  of  William  and  Ann  (Kil- 
bride) Banfield.  When  about  three  years  of 
age  he  was  brought  by  his  parents  to  Smelser, 
where  the  family  has  since  ^resided.  The  par- 
ents were  very  prosperous,  and  died  wealthy 
and  highly  respected,  after  having  had  five  chil- 
dren, four  sons  and  one  daughter. 

Thomas  Banfield  was  educated  in  the  dis- 
trict schools  of  Smelser,  where  he  gained  a 
very  fair  knowledge  of  the  branches  there 
taught.  1 

In  1867  Mr.  Banfield  married  Julia  Doyle, 
who  was  born  in  Ireland  on  March  10,  1845, 
daughter  of  Andrew  and  Mary  A.  Doyle,  a 
pioneer  family  of  Grant  county.  Mrs.  Banfield 
grew  to  womanhood  in  Grant  county,  and  re- 
ceived her  education  in  the  schools  of  Hazel 
Green.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Banfield  were  the  par- 
ents of  eleven  children,  as  follows:  (1)  Will- 
iam A.,  born  in  November,  1867,  received  his 
preliminary  education  in  the  home  schools,  and 
then  spent  two  years  in  St.  Francis  Seminary, 
Milwaukee.  For  five  years  he  was  a student 
in  St.  Joseph’s  College,  Dubuque,  Iowa,  where 
he  was  graduated,  and  afterward  entered  a 
theological  seminary  at  Montreal,  and  was  or- 
dained a priest  in  1S91.  For  one  year  after 
his  consecration  as  priest  he  was  assistant  in  a 
parish  at  Clinton,  Iowa,  and  fhen  assumed 
charge  of  his  present  parish  at  Bankston,  same 
State,  where  he  is  the  founder  of  a fine  church, 
and  is  very  popular.  (2)  Mary  A.,  born  in 
1869,  died  at  the  age  of  six  years.  (3)  An- 
drew, born  in  September,  1871,  was  educated 
in  St.  Joseph’s  College,  Dubuque,  and  married 
Maggie  Byrns,  daughter  of  John  A.  Byrns, 
an  old-time  resident  of  Grant  county,  and  has 


9JO 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


four  children:  Julia  L.,  born  in  March,  1896; 
Thomas  A.,  born  in  August,  1898  ; John  Oscar, 
born  in  July,  1899;  and  Agnes  L..  born  Feb. 
19,  1901.  They  reside  on  a farm  near  the 
homestead.  (4)  Lizzie  A.,  born  Sept.  6,  1872, 
died  Dec.  6.  1875.  (5)  Catherine  C.,  born 

Aug.  11,  1875,  is  a graduate  of  the  Cuba  City 
high  school,  and  is  at  present  living  with  her 
brother,  Rev.  W.  A.  Banfield.  (0)  Charles 
M.,  born  March  19,  1877,  died  in  childhood. 
(7)  Charles  P.,  born  May  15,  1878,  was  for 
six  years  a student  of  St.  Joseph’s  College, 
Dubuque,  Iowa,  graduating  in  classics  and  phil- 
osophy June  18,  1901.  (8)  Nellie  K.,  born 

Dec.  19,  1881,  was  a student  of  St.  Clara’s 
Academy,  Grant  county,  Wis.,  and  at  present 
is  a student  of  the  Visitation  Academy,  Du- 
buque, Iowa.  (9)  Margaret,  born  July  5, 
1883,  died  in  childhood.  (10)  Stella  J.,  born 
April  19,  1885,  is  a student  of  the  home  school, 
St.  Rose.  Wis.  ( 1 1 ) Thomas  N.,  born  Sept. 
7,  1887,  is  also  a student  of  the  home  school. 
At  the  time  of  his  marriage  Mr.  Banfield  had 
a farm  of  120  acres,  but  subsequently  additions 
increased  it  to  360  acres.  Many  improvements 
were  made,  and  he  finally  became  the  owner 
of  one  of  the  finest  horse  breeding  farms  in 
the  county.  In  1896  Mr.  Banfield  suffered 
great  loss  of  property  by  fire,  but  through  his 
energetic  efforts  soon  recovered.  The  death  of 
Mr.  Banfield  occurred  Oct.  29,  1897.  It  was 
the  cause  of  deep  sorrow  to  the  family  and 
entire  community,  as  he  was  a friend  to  all 
who  ever  had  the  pleasure  of  his  acquaintance. 
At  the  time  of  his  death  he  was  a consistent 
member  of  the  Roman  Catholic  faith,  and 
a liberal  supporter  of  same.  Politically  he  was 
a Democrat,  and  one  of  the  influential  members 
of  his  party. 

The  Banfield  family  is  one  of  the  best  edu- 
cated and  most  influential  in  this  community. 
All  have  nobly  borne  their  parts  in  the  develop- 
ment of  Smelser,  as  well  as  Grant  county. 
As  business  men  they  are  ve/ry  substantial ; in 
politics  they  adhere  strongly  to  the  creed  they 
consider  as  beneficial  to  the  welfare  and  to  the 
upbuilding  of  their  country.  Mrs.  Banfield 
has  the  honor  of  having  a brother,  Hon.  Arthur 
Doyle,  who  fought  bravely  for  the  nation’s 
cause  in  the  Civil  war,  and  also  a nephew,  Mr. 
Shane  Doyle,  who  was  a defender  of  the  same 
dear  flag  in  the  Philippine  islands,  where  he 
was  shot  by  mistake  Nov.  22,  1900.  His  re- 
mains were  removed  to  his  old  home  in  Grant 


county,  Wis.,  and  on  July  20,  1901,  was  held 
one  of  the  grandest  military  funerals  ever  wit- 
nessed in  this  part  of  the  State.  Both  in  their 
homes  and  in  social  circles  the  Banfields  enjoy 
a large  circle  of  friends. 

J.  H.  PEACOCK,  farmer  and  local  minis- 
ter, Lead  Mine,  Lafayette  Co.,  Wisconsin. 

FRANK  D.  TAFT.  Among  the  enter- 
prising and  successful  business  men  of  Monti- 
cello,  Green  county,  who  have  lived  in  this 
pleasant  little  city  all  their  lives,  is  Frank  D. 
Taft,  who  was  born  Oct.  20,  1862,  a son  of 
S.  C.  and  Electa  M.  (Fluent)  Taft. 

S.  C.  Taft,  of  Monticello,  a prominent  mem- 
ber of  G.  A.  R.  Post  No.  1 13,  was  born  in 
Springville,  Susquehanna  Co.,  Penn.,  Dec.  29, 
1819,  and  was,  a descendant  of  Samuel  Taft,  a 
native  of  England,  who  came  with  a brother 
to  America,  the  latter  mysteriously  disappear- 
ing soon  after  landing.  Samuel  Taft,  our  sub- 
ject’s great-grandfather,  had  four  children, 
born  in  Rhode  Island,  Jonathan,  the  grand- 
father, being  born  at  Smithfield,  that  State, 
on  March  13,  1772,  and  moved  to  Pennsylvania 
about  1812,  where,  on  Dec.  17,  1817,  he  mar- 
ried Nancy  Fox,  eldest  of  the  four  children 
of  Nehemiah  Fox.  In  1824  he  moved  to  New 
York,  where  he  died  on  his  farm  in  Virgil 
township,  Cortland,  county,  June  11,  1851,  his 
wife  dying  at  the  home  of  her  son,  at  Monti- 
cello, Wis.,  March  11,  1862.  They  had  reared 
three  of  their  four  children,  of  whom  our  sub- 
ject’s father  was  the  second;  John  L.,  born 
June  25,  1822,  resides  in  Fort  Worth,  Texas; 
Daniel  B.,  born  Sept.  28,  1826,  died  in  Mon- 
ticello  in  1862. 

The  father  of  our  subject  passed  his  youth- 
ful days  under  the  parental  roof,  and  when 
old  enough  learned  the  lucrative  trade  of  car- 
penter and  millwright.  His  marriage  to  Eliza- 
beth Grey,  of  Cortland  county,  N.  Y.,  took 
place  Sept.  28,  1S43.  She  was  a daughter  of 
Ogden  and  Susan  (Barnes)  Grey,  and  died 
June  28,  1846.  The  second  marriage  of  Mr. 
Taft  took  place  in  Addison,  Steuben  Co.,  N. 
Y.,  on  Oct.  25,  1849,  to  Electa  M.  Fluent,  who 
was  born  Jan.  27,  1825,  a daughter  of  Joseph 
and  Gannie  (Dickinson)  Fluent,  the  former 
being  a native  of  Maine,  and  the  latter  of  Pom- 
pey  Hollow,  Onondaga  Go.,  N.  Y.  Mr.  Taft 
removed  to  Janesville,  Wis.,  in  1853,  and  on 
March  19,  1854,  went  to  Monticello,  Wis'.  Here 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


971 


he  resumed  his  trade,  also  engaged  in  farm- 
ing and  led  a useful  and  busy  life  until  the 
time  of  his  death,  on  May  16,  1897,  at  the 
age  of  seventy-seven.  During  the  Civil  war  he 
enlisted  at  Monticello,  on  Dec.  2 2,  1863,  in  the 
5th  Wis.  Light  Artillery  (some  unaccountable 
blunder  registers  his  enlistment  Jan.  7,  1864), 
was  mustered  in  at  Madison,  and  was  sent 
thence  to  Chattanooga.  Connected  with  the 
14th  Army  Corps,  Mr.  Taft  saw  some  hard 
service,  moving  with  his  regiment  to  Ringgold, 
through  Snake  Creek  Gap,  and  assuming  posi- 
tion for  the  battle  of  Resaca,  on  May  14, 
where  he  with  his  companions  fought  all  day 
until  ammunition  became  exhausted.  On  the 
15th  he  served  his  gun  all  day,  and  on  the  16th 
he  was  at  Rome ; on  May  26th  went  on  the 
quick  march  to  join  the  troops  at  Dallas,  where 
the  Union  forces  were  successful.  At  Big 
Shanty,  Ivenesaw  Mountain,  and  other  engage- 
ments in  this  neighborhood,  Mr.  Taft’s  bat- 
tery did  most  effective  service,  participated  in 
the  fight  at  the  crossing  at  Chattanooga,  and 
followed  in  the  battle  of  Peach  Tree  Creek, 
and  taking  part  in  the  siege  of  Atlanta,  where 
the  brave  Gen.  McPherson  met  death.  This 
battery  did  service  through  the  siege,  and  then 
engaged  in  a three-hours’  fight  at  Jonesboro. 
Returning  to  Atlanta,  he  remained  with  his  sec- 
tion until  in  November  (voting  there  for  presi- 
dent), when  he  became  a victim  of  typhoid 
fever,  finally,  after  making  many  refusals,  be- 
ing forced  to  enter  hospital.  On  Nov.  5 he 
was  sent  to  a hospital  at  Chattanooga,  and 
after  two  weeks  he  was  transferred  first  to 
Nashville,  then  to  Jefferson  Barracks,  St. 
Louis,  thence  to  Prairie  du  Chien,  and  finally 
to  Madison,  expecting  to  go  to  New  York, 
but  illness  forced  .him  to  the  hospital  again, 
at  Madison,  and  in  February,  1865,  to  Prairie 
du  Chien,  where  he  was  obliged  to  remain  until 
the  return  of  the  regiment  to  Wisconsin,  where 
he  was  honorably  discharged  June  7,  1865. 

Returning  to  Monticello,  under  the  tender 
care  of  his  family,  he  recovered  health,  and 
again  took  up  the  peaceful  pursuits.  Three 
of  his  family  of  six  children  are  deceased : 
Lucius  E.,  born  Sept.  21,  1850,  died  March 
18,  1854;  Elizabeth  A.,  born  Aug.  12,  1852, 
died  March  20,  1855;  John  O.,  born  Nov.  20, 
1854;  Appleton  R.,  born  Sept.  12,  1857,  men- 
tioned below;  Ogden  G.,  born  Oct.  7,  i860; 
and  Frank,  born  Oct.  20,  1862.  Mr.  Taft  was 
the  first  commander  of  his  post,  and  served 


until  his  death.  In  December,  1848,  he  be- 
came a member  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  at 
Addison,  N.  Y.,  and  in  1889  was  worthy  mas- 
ter of  the  lodge  at  Monticello,  acting  for  ten 
years  as  an  official.  His  first  vote  was  cast  for 
James  K.  Polk,  after  which  he  joined  the  Free 
Soil  party,  and  naturally  followed  into  the  Re- 
publican ranks,  becoming  a stanch  and  active 
member  of  the  latter  party,  being  a member 
of  the  club  of  Monticello.  As  a prominent 
citizen  he  was  called  upon  to  serve  in  many 
important  official  positions,  and  for  some  years 
was  a justice  of  the  peace.  Long  will  he  be 
remembered  as  one  of  the  leading  citizens  of 
this  place. 

Frank  D.  Taft,  our  subject,  has  lived  in 
this  town  all  his  life,  with  the  exception  of  two 
years  spent  in  Kansas.  His  educational  advan- 
tages were  those  of  the  common  schools,  and 
when  he  reached  man’s  estate  he  learned  his 
father's  trade.  For  a number  of  years  he  en- 
gaged in  contracting.  His  marriage  occurred 
on  Sept.  5,  1889,  to  Miss  Rosa  Marty,  a daugh- 
ter of  Henry  and  Fannie  (Durst)  Marty,  na- 
tives of  Switzerland.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Marty  are 
the  parents  of  the  following  children:  Fannie, 
who  married  Fred  Gerber,  of  Monticello;  Ur- 
silla,  who  married  H.  L.  Babler,  of  this  place; 
Rosa,  Airs.  Taft;  Fred  H.,  of  Madison ; J. 
Henry,  of  New  Glarus;  Matt  S.,  of  New  Gla- 
rus  ; Annie,  who  married  William  Preston,  of 
New  Glarus;  and  Nicholas  C.,  of  Monticello. 
Mrs.  Marty  was  but  five  years  old  when 
brought  by  her  parents  from  Switzerland.  Air. 
Alarty  came  over  in  1851.  Two  children  have 
been  born  to  Air.  and  Mrs.  Taft,  Louisa  A. 
and  Herbert. 

Appleton  R.  Taft,  brother  to  our  subject, 
was  one  of  the  soldiers  who  gave  up  their  lives 
at  Camp  Cuba  Libre.  He  passed  away  on  Aug. 
18,  1898,  aged  forty-one  years,  lacking  but  a 
month.  His  wife,  Mrs.  Nora  Taft,  had  his 
body  brought  home  for  burial,  and  it  was  in- 
terred with  military  honors  in  the  Alonticello 
cemetery.  He  belonged  to1  Company  H,  1st 
Wis.  Vols.,  and  with  high  hopes  had  marched 
away  beneath  the  same  flag  under  which  his 
father  had  so  bravely  faced  danger. 

Mr.  Taft  erected  a very  desirable  residence 
in  1894,  but  has  traded  that  for  another,  build- 
ing several  others,  having  the  advantage  of  be- 
ing able  to  build  a new  house  when  the  old 
one  does  not  suit.  In  politics  he  could  be 
nothing  but  a Republican,  and  is  socially  con- 


972 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


nected  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America. 
Mrs.  Taft  is  a valued  member  of  the  Swiss 
Reformed  Church. 

DAVID  BALLANTINE  (deceased)  was 
one  of  the  early  settlers  of  Grant  county,  and 
during  his  long  life  one  of  its  most  prominent 
citizens.  His  birth  occurred  at  Bovina,  Dela- 
ware Co.,N.Y.,  Jan.  15,  1816,  and  his  lamented 
death  at  his  home  in  Bloomington,  Wis.,  Feb. 
5,  1899.  With  his  four  brothers,  Robert, 
George,  Thomas  and  James,  he  came  to  Wis- 
consin in  the  early  days,  and  all  of  this  family 
grew  to  be  honorable,  representative  citizens. 
All  have  passed  out  of  life  with  the  exception 
of  Thomas,  who  is  a resident  of  Kansas.  There 
were  two  more  brothers,  one  of  whom  died  in 
early  life,  and  the  other,  Duncan  Ballantine, 
passed  his  life  in  the  State  of  New  York.  The 
parents  were  David  and  Ann  (Grant)  Bal- 
lantine. 

David  Ballantine,  our  subject,  was  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Nancy  Ellis,  Nov.  13,  1878.  She 
was  a native  of  Grant  county,  a daughter  of 
Washington  and  Elizabeth  (Cox)  Ellis,  who 
came  from  Virginia,  and  were  early  settlers 
of  Grant  county,  locating  first  in  the  town  of 
Ellenboro,  and  later  in  the  town  of  Potosi. 
Mrs.  Ballantine  was  only  about  two  years  old 
when  her  mother  died,  and  she  remembers 
nothing  of  her.  The  father  remarried,  and 
survived  until  1880.  Mrs.  Ballantine  was  one 
of  eleven  children,  nine  of  whom  grew  to  ma- 
ture years,  and  six  still  survive. 

For  many  years  the  late  David  Ballantine 
was  successfully  engaged  in  business  in  Bloom- 
ington, in  association  with  his  brother  James, 
and  acquired  large  means,  as  well  as  a reputa- 
tion for  strict  integrity.  He  was  among  the 
most  highly  esteemed  citizens  when  called  from 
the  scene  of  his  active  labors.  Two  children 
were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ballantine,  one 
son  and  one  daughter.  The  former,  Robert 
G.  Ballantine,  died  April  1,  1895,  when  in  his 
sixteenth  year  ; the  beloved  daughter,  Jeannette, 
has  been  spared,  and  is  the  wife  of  Dr.  L.  H. 
G'iffen,  of  Webster  City,  Iowa.  After  the 
death  of  their  son  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ballantine 
adopted  a child  named  Orville  Fuller,  who  is 
being  carefully  reared  by  Mrs.  Ballantine.  She 
resides  at  her  beautiful  home  in  Bloomington, 
which  was.  erected  by  her  late  husband  in  1896, 
and  is  held  in  high  esteem  by  the  citizens  of 
this  community. 


LLOYD-JONES.  In  the  southeastern 
part  of  Iowa  county,  Wis.,  in  the  township  of 
Wyoming,  is  a very  unique  farming  commu- 
nity, located  in  what  is  known  as  the  Helena 
valley.  Nature  has  done  much  for  this  little 
valley,  for  it  is  one  of  the  most  picturesque 
spots  in  the  State,  and  it  has  been  called  the 
“Berkshire”  of  Wisconsin.  In  harmony  with 
the  natural  beauty  of  the  place  are  the  large 
and  tasteful  homes  of  the  intelligent  farmers, 
who  live  here — made  up  principally  of  the 
Lloyd-Jones  families,  seven  in  number.  The 
industry  of  the  community  is  cattle  raising 
and  dairying.  There  is  a co-operative  creamery 
in  operation  under  the  name  of  the  Hillside 
Creamery  Co.,  and  steps  have  already  been 
taken  toward  a co-operative  laundry  and 
bakery.  This  little  valley  seems  to  hold  the 
happy  combination  of  what  is  best  in  country 
and  city,  for  not  only  is  it  a model  farming 
community,  but  it  is  also  quite  an  intellectual 
center.  Here  is  located  the  Hillside  Home 
School,  which  not  only  dominates  the  life  of 
the  vicinity  about,  but  also  draws  pupils'  from 
all  parts  of  the  country.  There  have  been  rep- 
resented in  its  catalogs  over  seventeen  dif- 
ferent states,  and  territories,  reaching  from 
New  Mexico  to  the  Dakotas  on  the  one  hand, 
and  from  Vermont  to  Tennessee  on  the  other 
— besides  a representative  from  the  distant 
Hawaii.  The  location  of  this'  school  removes 
it  from  the  distractions  of  the  city,  and  sur- 
rounds the  pupils  with  the  ennobling  influences 
of  Nature.  Abundant  pure  air  and  water,  the 
excellent  ’sanitary  arrangements  of  the  home, 
and  such  food  as  the  large  garden,  green 
house,  and  well-stocked  farm  afford,  make 
the  conditions  such  as  insure  the  physical  well- 
being of  the  family.  The  buildings'  are  large 
and  commodious,  equipped  with  modern  con- 
veniences, heated  by  steam,  and  the  plant  has 
a fine  system  of  water  works.  The  school 
laboratories  and  libraries  are  well  supplied  and 
the  corps  of  teachers,  large  in  number  in  pro- 
portion to  the  number  of  pupils,  make  the  con- 
ditions quite  ideal  for  the  best  development 
of  the  pupil.  The  school  aims'  to  inculcate 
simple  habits  of  life,  and  an  independence  to 
the  debilitating  conventionalities.  It  seeks  to 
be  devout,  but  non-sectarian  and  open  in  its  re- 
ligious spirit,  hospitable  to  all  forms  of  thought, 
seeking  the  underlying  unities  of  faith  in  di- 
versities of  creed  and  form.  It  tries  to  realize 
that  culture  which  ripens  into  reverence,  and 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


973 


that  rationalism  which  is  earnest  and  helpful. 
In  short,  character-building  is  its  aim.  It  has 
special  teachers  for  domestic  science,  manual 
training,  art  and  music — including  instructions 
in  singing,  piano  and  violin. 

The  school  is  on  the  accredited  list  of  the 
Universities  of  Wisconsin  and  Chicago  for  all 
the  courses  of  these  institutions.  Its  graduates 
have  also  been  admitted  to  the  Northwestern 
University  and  the  University  of  Illinois  with- 
out examination.  Lectures  and  musical  enter- 
tainments are  frequent  throughout  the  school 
year,  for  the  benefit  of  the  school  and  the  com- 
munity; and  during  the  months  of  July  and 
August  the  Tower  Hill  Assembly,  under  the 
leadership  of  Jenkin  Lloyd-Jones,  gives  ample 
opportunity  for  summer  refreshment  and  up- 
lift. as'  well  as  the  pleasant  and  profitable  inter- 
mingling of,  country  and  city  people. 

One  of  the  attractive  and  unique  features 
of  the  valley  is  the  quaint  and  picturesque 
little  chapel  with  its  surrounding  church  yard, 
in  which  are  seen  the  modest  head  stones  mark-, 
ing  the  resting  places  of  the  near  relatives  and 
friends.  This  building  is  a memorial  chapel 
erected  by  the  Lloyd-Jones  family,  with  the 
aid  of  friends,  to  the  memory  of  their  father 
and  mother.  It  was  erected  under  the  direction 
of  a grandson,  Frank  Lloyd  Wright,  one  of  the 
leading  architects  in  Chicago. 

Richard  Lloyd-Jones  and  Mary  Thomas 
Lloyd-Jones  emigrated  with  their  seven  chil- 
dren from  Wales  in  1844.  They  were  well 
connected  in  Wales,  being  direct  descendants 
of  some  of  the  leading  literary  people  of  their 
country.  For  many  generations  the  Llovd- 
Jones  family  has  been  represented  by  ministers 
of  note,  conspicuous  for  their  eloquence,  as 
well  as  their  broad  sympathies  and  helpful 
services.  This  pioneer  family  spent  that  first 
winter  of  1844  and  ’45  in  Utica,  N.  Y.,  where 
they  lost  by  death  one  of  the  children.  In 
the  spring  Air.  Lloyd-Jones  took  his  famih 
into  the  then  wilds  of  Jefferson  county.  Wis., 
and  settled  in  Ixonia,  where  a home  had  been 
partly  prepared  for  him  by  his  brother,  Jenkin 
Lloyd-Jones,  who  had  preceded  him  by  two 
years  for  that  purpose.  Here  the  family  lived 
the  heroic,  unselfish  life  of  the  pioneer,,  often 
facing  need  themselves,  by  sharing  with  those 
. who  had  greater  need,  until  the  Lloyd-Jones 
homestead  became  the  synonym  of  hospitable 
refuge  for  the  needy.  The  life  of  the  family, 
like  all  pioneer  life  in  the  steamless  age,  was 


full  of  thrilling  incidents,  hardships  and  self- 
denial,  but  sweetened  by  the  sympathetic, 
brotherly,  almost  communistic,  feeling,  peculiar 
to  the  early  settlers  in  a new  country. 

Richard  Lloyd-Jones  was  the  leading  mind 
of  the  little  colony,  and  often  acted  as  the  lay 
minister  of  the  community,  while  it  was  be- 
yond the  reach  of  an  ordained  minister.  One 
of  the  sad  offices  that  became  necessary  for  him 
to  perform  was  the  conducting  of  the  burial 
rites  for  his  beloved  brother  Jenkin,  who  died 
two  years  after  the  arrival  of  the  family. 

In  1856  Air.  Lloyd-Jones  moved  his  family, 
now  numbering  ten  children,  to  Spring-  Green, 
Sauk  county,  where  they  remained  for  four 
years,  when  they  moved  into  Helena  valley. 
Richard  Lloyd-Jones  bought  the  homestead, 
which  is  now  the  site  of  Hillside  Home  School. 
Thomas  L.  and  John  L.  each  purchased  an  ad- 
joining farm.  Later  the  other  children,  yield- 
ing to  the  pleading  of  the  mother,  bought 
surrounding  farms,  until,  before  the  father’s 
death  in  1886,  sixteen  years  after  the  beloved 
mother  had  entered  into  rest,  four  sons  and 
two  daughters  occupied  comfortable  homes,  in 
Helena  valley.  This  large  family  are  now  ad- 
vancing in  years,  and  their  lives  are  a fitting 
tribute  to  the  noble  self-sacrificing  lives  of  their 
pioneer  parents. 

The  eldest  son,  Thomas  Lloyd-Jones.  closed 
a useful  and  honorable  life  in  1894.  The  sur- 
viving brothers  are  John  Lloyd-,  Jenkin  Lloyd-, 
James  Lloyd-  and  Enos  Lloyd-.  Jenkin  Lloyd- 
Jones  is  a prominent  minister  in  Chicago,  and 
has  his  summer  home  on  Tower  Hill,  where 
he  yearly  spends  the  greater  part  of  his  sum- 
mer vacation.  The  other  brothers  are  resi- 
dents of  the  Valley,  and  have  been  prominent 
in  town  and  county  affairs.  John  Lloyd-Jones' 
was  for  eight  years  a member  of  the  county 
board,  and  seven  years  superintendent  of  the 
poor.  During  these  years  he  served  on  many 
important  committees  appertaining-  to  county 
affairs.  He  was  census  enumerator  in  1880. 
During  the  time  of  his  public  service,  as  in  his 
private  life,  he  won  the  reputation  of  possessing 
incorruptible  integrity.  James  Lloyd-Jones 
was  eight  years  on  the  county  board,  and  dur- 
ing this  period  he  served  on  the  equalizing 
board  of  the  county.  He  was  held  in  high  re- 
gard by  his  fellow  members  and  constituency. 
Enos  Lloyd-Jones.  the  youngest  of  this  large 
family,  is  one  of  the  leading  men  of  his  town- 
ship. He  has  served  for  several  years  as  a 


974 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


member  of  the  town  board,  and  as  justice  of 
the  peace.  He  is  full  of  public  spirit,  and  a 
leader  in  co-operative  enterprise. 

Of  the  five  surviving  daughters  Mrs.  Mar- 
garet Jones  and  Mrs.  James  Philip,  the  two 
eldest,  have  their  homes  in  the  valley;  Mrs. 
Anna  Lloyd  Wright  has  a home  in  Oak  Park, 
111. ; while  the  two  youngest,  Ellen  C.  Lloyd- 
Jones  and  Jane  Lloyd-Jones',  are  the  pro- 
prietors and  principals  of  the  Hillside  Home 
.School,  where  for  thirteen  years  the  second 
generation  of  the  American  Lloyd- Joneses  have 
been,  and  are  being  educated.  Many  of  these 
have  already  won  distinction  for  themselves. 

DWIGHT  D.  SAWIN,  a leading  pros- 
perous farmer  of  Jordan  township,  Green 
county,  was  born  Sept.  17,  1854,  on  the  old 
homestead  in  that  township,  and  comes  of  one 
of  the  best  and  oldest  families  in  the  county. 

Mr.  Sawin  is  descended  from  John  Sawin 
who  was  born  in  Box  ford,  Suffolk,  England, 
about  the  year  1620,  coming  to*  America  and 
making  his  home  in  the  New  England  colonies. 
The  line  of  Dwight  D.  Sawin’si  descent  is  as 
follows:  John  (the  emigrant),  John  (2), 

Munning,  Daniel,  Abijah,  Abijah  (2),  biorace, 
and  Dwight  D.,  our  subject.  Abijah  (2)  and 
his  wife,  Polly,  were  born  in  Connecticut. 

Horace  Sawin,  father  of  Dwight  D.,  was 
born  July  18,  1812,  in  Ellington,  Tolland 
county,  Conn.,  and  on  July  28,  1839,  married 
Elvira  Burnett,  of  Munson,  Ohio,  born  Jan. 
28,  1817.  In  1850  they  settled  in  Jordan 
township.  Green  county,  where  they  passed  the 
rest  of  their  days  in  farming  pursuits.  He 
was  a successful  agriculturist,  and  owned  215 
acres  of  good  land.  Children  as  follows  were 
born  to  this  pioneer  couple  : William  A.  served 
in  the  Civil  war  as  a soldier  in  the  1st  Wis- 
consin Heavy  Artillery,  and  died  at  Ft.  Ber- 
wick, La. ; Calista  E.  married  William  Trot- 
ter, a farmer,  and  in  early  times  a minister  of 
the  Christian  Church  of  Jordan  township, 
Green  county;  Harlow  H.,  a carpenter  by  trade, 
married  Chloe  Stilson,  and  is  now  residing  in 
Iowa;  Chester  C.,  of  Redfield,  Iowa,  is  mar- 
ried to  Mrs.  Nancy  Benson ; Seldou  S.  is  a resi- 
dent of  Iowa  City,  Iowa ; Dwight  D.  comes 
next  in  the  order  of  birth;  Newton  E.  mar- 
ried Mary  Hautbv,  and  is  a farmer  in  Juneau 
county;  Matilda  married  G.  N.  Hill,  of  Ar- 
gyle,  Wis. ; and  Jane  E.  is  the  wife  of  Charles 
E.  Walker,  of  the  State  of  Wyoming.  In 


politics  the  father  of  this  family  was  an  old- 
line  Whig  originally,  later  giving-  his  allegiance 
to  the  Republican  party.  He  died  Feb.  19, 
1891,  the  mother  on  May  28,  1875.  On  Oct. 
10  1877,  Mr.  Sawin  married  Roxana  M. 

Cutler. 

Dwight  D.  Sawin,  the  subject  proper  of 
these  lines',  was  reared  to  manhood  on  his  fa- 
ther’s farm,  which  he  now  owns,  having  bought 
out  the  heirs.  The  place  consists  of  215  acres 
of  as  fine  land  as  can  be  found  in  the  town- 
ship, well  equipped  with  comfortable  dwelling, 
commodious  barns  and  other  outhouses,  and 
here  Mr.  Sawin  devotes  his  time  and  energies' 
to  general  agriculture.  In  politics  he  is  inde- 
pendent, has  served  as  a justice  of  the  peace, 
and  was  appointed  as  one  of  the  Wisconsin 
enumerators  to  take  the  census  of  1900.  In 
matters  of  religion  he  is  a believer  in  the  Chris- 
tian faith,  but  not  a member  of  any  church. 
Socially  he  is  affiliated  with  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows  (being  a member  of 
the  Grand  Lodge  of  Wisconsin),  and  the 
Knights  of  the  Globe.  He  is  generally  looked 
upon  as  an  excellent  neighbor,  a loyal  citizen, 
honest  and  reliable  in  all  his  dealings. 

On  March  31,  1891,  Dwight  D.  Sawin  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Miss  Ida  M.  Hil- 
ton, of  Lafayette  county,  Wis'.,  born  Feb.  6, 
1856,  a daughter  of  George  and  Wealthy 
(Hill)  Llilton,  and  one  child,  Edgar  IT.,  was 
born  to  them  Jan.  12,  1892.  Mrs.  Ida  M. 
Sawin  was  one  in  a family  of  four  children: 
George  E.,  a carpenter  by  trade;  Mary,  wife 
of  F.  C.  Hatcher,  of  Burlington,  Ivans. ; John 
E.,  a farmer  of  Beloit,  Wis. ; and  Ida  M.  The 
last  named  is  a consistent  member  of  the  Bap- 
tist Church,  and  shares  with  her  husband  the 
respect  and  esteem  of  the  community. 

JOHN  SWAN  is  one  of  the  more  influen- 
tial citizens  of  Juda,  Green  county,  where  he 
is  known  as  a very  intelligent  and  well-read 
man,  and  is  a son  of  William  and  Mary  (Mur- 
dock) Swan,  of  Greene  county,  Penn.  In 
1846  John  Swan  came  with  his  parents  to 
Wisconsin,  when  it  was  a wild  and  unsettled 
wilderness,  and  his  memories  of  the  early  days 
are  very  interesting.  He  was  born  Sept,  r, 
1834- 

William  and*  Mary  Swan  were  the  parents 
of  the  following  children : Thomas,  Charles, 
Daniel,  Elizabeth,  William,  Samuel,  John, 
Isaac,  Sutton  and  Richard.  Mr.  Swan  mar- 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


975 


ried  Miss  Priscilla  Dunwiddie  March  28,  18 66, 
and  has  reared  the  following-  family:  Pliny, 
of  Chicago;  Otto  W.,  of  Brodhead,  Wis. ; Ivan 
J. ; Victoria,  the  wife  of  Daniel  Rosier,  of 
Mineral  Point,  Wis.;  Frank,  who  is  home  with 
his  father,  and  is  now  teaching  school  in  the 
town  of  Jefferson.  Mrs.  Swan  is  the  daugh- 
ter of  Daniel  and  Rebecca  (Austin)  Dun- 
widdie. 

John  Swan  was  reared  on  the  farm,  and 
had  his  education  in  the  public  schools.  He 
has  won  for  himself,  in  the  years  that  have 
passed  since  his  advent  in  the  State,  an  honora- 
ble position.  He  is  a justice  of  the  peace  and 
a notary  public.  For  many  years  he  has  been 
a painter  and  contractor,  and  has  acted  as  jani- 
tor of  the  Baptist  Church.  He  is  the  sexton 
of  the  Juda  cemetery. 

Mr.  Swan  was  a soldier  in  the  Civil  war, 
where  he  served  chiefly  in  the  Army  of  the 
Tennessee  four  years  and  nine:  months,  and 
received  an  honorable  discharge.  In  Juda  Mr. 
Swan  was  a general  merchant  for  eighteen 
years,  and  during  this  time  was  postmaster. 
For  about  twenty  years  he  has  held  the  posi- 
tion of  justice  of  the  peace,  and  has  been  clerk 
of  the  school  board  many  years.  Mr.  Swan 
belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fel- 
lows, and  is  one  of  the  most  devoted  members 
of  the  local  post  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the 
Republic.  For  the  hardships  and  injuries  of  the 
Civil  war  he  draws  a pension  of  twelve  dollars 
a month.  Mr.  Swan  is  a stanch  Republican, 
and  belongs  to  the  Baptist  Church.  He  has 
a high  standing  for  his  honesty  and  capacity, 
and  is  known  as  a reliable  and  trustworthy  citi- 
zen. He  is  always  willing  to  lend  a helping- 
hand,  and  is  marked  by  the  possession  of  a high 
moral  character. 

MRS.  SOVENIA  VANDERBILT  was 
born  Feb.  21,  1833,  daughter  of  Evin  G.  and 
Barbara  Ann  (Strickler)  Young,  of  Knox 
county,  Ohio.  She  was  married,  July  24,  1851, 
to  John  W.  H.  Vanderbilt,  of  Green  county, 
Wis,,  son  of  Daniel  and  Annah  (Hopkins) 
Vanderbilt,  of  New  York,  the  father  being  of 
English  origin,  and  a cousin  of  the  late  Cor- 
nelius Vanderbilt.  He  had  four  children : 

(1)  Ann  married  Osker  Allen,  of  Michigan; 

(2)  Zelphia  married  Thomas  J.  Boxler ; (3) 
Electy  died  at  the  age  of  eighteen;  (4)  John 
W.  H. 

John  W.  H.  Vanderbilt  was  born  July  28, 


1828.  He  volunteered  in  the  36th  Wis.  V. 
I.,  and  died  while  in  prison  at  Andersonville, 
Dec.  4,  1864,  leaving  a family  of  six  children, 
of  whom  (1)  Daniel  W.  S.,  born  Nov.  n, 
1852,  married  Caroline  Clark,  of  Spring  Grove, 
Wis.,  and  is  living  in  California,  on  an  ex- 
tensive farm;  he  has  two  children:  Mettie 

M.  and  Rilla  B.  (2)  Evin  M.,  born  Nov. 
12,  1854,  married  Alice  Kenyon,  and  is  a 
farmer  in  the  town  of  Spring  Grove;  he  has 
one  child  living,  Ettie  M.,  born  Aug.  10, 
1886.  (3)  Nina,  born  Dec.  31,  1856,  mar- 

ried William  A.  Reid,  an  editor  of  Minnesota, 
and  has  two  children,  James  M.  and  Floyd  L. 
(4)  William  S.,  born  May  18,  1859,  resiuc. 
the  old  home  farm  in  the  town  of  Spring 
Grove;  he  married  Urisulia  Cushman,  of  Mon- 
roe, Wis.,  and  is  the  father  of  two  children  now 
living:  Floyd  L.  and  Wayne.  (5)  Ettie  M., 
born  Feb.  7,  1862,  married  Frank  Cain,  of 
Juda,  and  has  one  child,  Delta  D.  (6)  Edith 
B.,  born  July  23,  1864,  married  Charles  Sco- 
ville,  of  Juda. 

Mrs.  Vanderbilt  comes  of  a German  fam- 
ily. Her  father  was  born  Aug.  25,  1799,  and 
died  in  1880.  Her  mother,  born  in  1806,  died 
Jan.  6,  1881.  They  were  the  parents  of  the 
following  family:  (1)  Nancy,  born  Oct.  30, 

1825.  is  Mrs.  Joseph  Millich,  of  Ohio.  (2) 
Elizabeth,  born  April  4,  1827  (died  Feb.  21, 
1893),  was  the  wife  of  Andrew  Riley.  (3) 
Catherine,  born  Feb.  5,  1829,  died  June  14, 
1840.  (4)  Rosina,  born  Feb.  2,  1831,  died 

Dec.  27,  1832.  (5)  Sovenia  is  our  subject. 

(6)  William,  born  Feb.  27,  1835,  died  March 
28,  1835.  (7)  Lavinia,  born  March  19,  1836, 

died  Aug.  12,  1839.  (8)  Samuel,  born  Aug. 

9,  1838,  is  now  living  in  Kansas.  (10)  Isaac 

W.,  born  Sept.  14,  1840,  is  a farmer  of  Spring 
Grove  township.  (11)  Martha,  born  Feb.  27, 
1843,  died  Dec.  23,  1881.  (12)  Zenas,  born 

Feb.  2,  1845,  died  Aug.  26,  1845.  <H3)  Jo- 

seph, born  April  18,  1846,  resides  in  Brown- 
ville,  Neb.  (14)  May  J.,  born  May  1,  1848, 
resides  in  Ohio.  (15)  Alice  J.,  born  Oct. 

10,  1850,  married  Cyrus  Hiller,  and  is  living 
in  Superior,  Wisconsin. 

Mrs.  Vanderbilt  was  left  a widow  in  1864, 
with  six  small  children.  She  had  a farm  of 
eighty  acres,  which  she  still  owns,  and'  has 
reared  her  children  in  a sensible  and  whole- 
some manner.  She  commands  universal  respect 
in  the  community,  beloved  and  admired  by  all 
who  come  in  contact  with  her.  She  is  pass- 


976 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ing  her  last  days  in  her  home  in  Juda  with  her 
daughter,  Mrs.  Scoville, ‘and  is  in  receipt  of  a 
pension  from  the  country  her  husband  died 
to  save. 

JAMES  PAUL,  a prominent  citizen  and 
honored  pioneer  of  Patch  Grove  township, 
Grant  county,  Wisconsin,  dates  his  resi- 
dence here  from  1842.  At  that  time  the  land 
was  all  wild  and  unimproved,  and  the  few 
settlers  that  had  located  in  this  part  of  the 
county  have  nearly  all  passed  away,  while  he, 
with  a very  few  others,  remains,  a living  wit- 
ness of  the  crude  condition  of  the  country 
nearly  sixty  'years  ago.  He  has  seen  the  un- 
broken wilderness  transformed  to  its  present 
advanced  condition,  and  has  always  been 
prominently  identified  with  this  growth  and 
development,  having  done  his  part  in  convert- 
ing the  wild  land  into  fruitful  fields  and  beauti- 
ful homes. 

Mr.  Paul  was  born  near  Aberdeen,  Scot- 
land, in  March,  1823,  a son  of  Alexander  and 
Jessie  (Mair)  Paul,  who  never  came  to  Amer- 
ica, but  spent  their  entire  lives  in  Scotland.  In 
their  family  were  eight  children,  three  sons  and 
five  daughters.  The  first  to  come  to  America 
was  Alexander  Paul,  Jr.,  a brother  of  James, 
who  crossed  the  Atlantic  in  1838,  and  by  way 
of  Chicago  went  to  Prairie  du  Chien,  Wia., 
where  he  remained  about  two  years.  He  then 
came  to  Patch  Grove,  Grant  county,  where  he 
became  possessed  of  considerable  land,  and  for 
more  than  thirty  years  served  as'  postmaster  at 
that  place.  A number  of  years  ago  he  removed 
to  Brown’s  V alley  in  western  Minnesota,  where 
he  engaged  in  merchandising. 

James  Paul  followed  his.  brother  to  Amer- 
ica in  1840,  and  came  to  Patch  Grove  by  way 
of  Chicago  and  Galena.  As  he  remarked  to 
the  writer.  Galena  at  that  time  was  a larger 
and  more  important  place  than  Chicago,  but 
after  a lapse  of  sixty  years  it  has  less  popula- 
tion and  importance  than  it  had  then,  while 
Chicago  has'  its  two  million  inhabitants,  and  is 
the  second  largest  city  in  the  Union,  all  of 
which  has  been  accomplished  in  the  compara- 
tively short  period  of  three  score  years.  Mr. 
Paul  entered  the  land  on  which  he  now  resides 
from  the  government,  and  in  the  years  that 
have  passed  has  converted  the  wild  tract  into 
a beautiful  farm. 

On  June  21,  1849,  he  married  Miss  Ange- 
line  Adams,  who  was  'born  in  New  York  State, 


in  1824,  and  in  1S48  came  West  with  her  par- 
ents, Samuel  and  Jemima  (Judd)  Adams,  who 
made  their  home  in  Grant  county  until  their 
death.  Of  the  four  children  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Paul,  two  are  living:  Angeline,  wife 

of  Carson  Scott;  and  James.  Those  deceased 
were  Christina,  who  died  at  the  age  of  twenty- 
four  years;  and  John,  who  died  at  the  age  of 
fifteen. 

Mr.  Paul  has  long  been  one  of  the  lead- 
ing farmers  and  stock  raisers  of  Patch  Grove 
township,  where  he  and  his  wife  have  a beauti- 
ful home  and  are  surrounded  by  all  the  ma- 
terial comforts  of  life,  the  reward  of  industry 
and  good  management.  Great  have  been  the 
changes  that  time  has  wrought  since  he  be- 
came a resident  of  Grant  county.  Mr.  Paul 
served  as  clerk  of  Patch  Grove  township, 
when  it  included  the  present  townships  of 
Patch  Grove,  Wyalusing,  Glen  Haven,  Mill- 
ville, Mount  Hope  and  Bloomington,  much 
of  the  land  at  that  time  being  assessed 
as  unknown.  For  his  work  as  clerk,  which 
necessarily  involved  traveling  over  a large 
area  of  country,  he  received  $60  per  an- 
num. He  held  that  office  for  several  years. 
In  his  political  views  Mr.  Paul  was  a 
Democrat  until  1861,  when  he  became  a Re- 
publican, but  of  later  years  has  been  inde- 
pendent in  politics.  Pie  is  a public-spirited  citi- 
zen who  gives  his  support  to  all  worthy  en- 
terprises for  the  public  good,  and  commands 
the  respect  and  confidence  of  all  with  whom  he 
comes  in  contact. 

PETER  A.  HUBBARD.  A well-known 
and  honored  citizen  of  Ridgeway  township, 
Iowa  county,  is  Peter  A.  Hubbard,  who  resides 
on  section  22,  and  who  has  been  a resident  of 
the  State  of  Wisconsin  for  more  than  forty 
years.  The  Hubbard  family  is  of  English  an- 
cestrv,  and  the  name  is  known  in  the  early 
annals  of  New  England. 

Peter  A.  Hubbard  was.  born  in  Windsor 
county,  Vt.,  Jan.  4,  1828,  a son  of  Peter  and 
Anna  (Trask)  Hubbard,  both  of  whom  were 
natives  of  Vermont,  where  they  passed  their 
lives.  They  had  a family  of  eight  children, 
but  only  two  of  these  survive,  one  of  them 
being  the  subject  of  this  biography,  and  the 
other,  his  brother,  Varsil  Hubbard,  an  es- 
teemed resident  of  Rochester,  Vt.,  where  he 
lives  retired,  at  the  age  of  eighty-six. 

The  only  one  of  his  family  to  make  a 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


977 


home  in  Wisconsin,  Peter  A.  Hubbard  came 
to  the  State  in  1850.  He  was  reared  and  edu- 
cated in  his  native  State,  and  there,  too,  was 
he  taught  the  principles  of  farming.  At  the 
age  of  twenty-two,  tilled  with  the  restless  en- 
ergy and  enthusiasm  of  youth,  he  came  to  this 
country,  which  was  then  almost  a wilderness, 
and  first  located  in  Columbia  county,  two  years 
later  going  to  Madison.  That  imposing  and 
beautiful  city  was  then  but  a hamlet,  with  no 
railroad  connections.  From  Madison  he  came 
to  Iowa  county,  and  during  the  winter  of 
1857-8  he  drove  the  stage  between  Ruggles 
and  Arena,  at  a time  when  adventure  and  ex- 
citement were  the  order  of  the  day.  In  1858 
he  was  married  to  Miss  Ann  Maria,  the  es- 
timable daughter  of  John  Williams,  and  when 
he  decided  to  enter  the  army,  in  defense  of  his 
country,  in  August,  1862,  he  realized  that  he 
must  leave  not  only  a devoted  wife  but  also 
two  helpless  little  children.  In  those  days  true 
patriots  did  not  pause  to  consider  the  ties  of 
family  or  kindred,  and  on  Aug.  14,  1862,  Mr. 
Hubbard  was  enrolled  as  a member  of  Com- 
pany C,  31st  Wis.  V.  I.  The  regiment  was 
sent  to  Fort  Halleck,  at  Columbus,  Ky.,  where 
it  remained  during  the  summer  of  1863,  but 
was  then  sent  to:  Tennessee,  and  during  the 
winter  of  1863-64  did  provost  duty  at  Nash- 
ville. It  was  then  attached  to  Sherman’s  army, 
and  was  present  at  the  evacuation  of  Atlanta, 
and  continued  in  the  famous  March  to  the 
Sea.  On  Aug.  9,  1864,  Mr.  Hubbard  was  de- 
tailed in  connection  with  the  supply  train,  and 
remained  in  that  capacity  until  the  army  reached 
Savannah,  Ga.,  where  he  was  given  a six-mule 
wagon,  which  he  drove  to  Washington,  this 
long  and  laborious  duty  taking  from  January 
17  to  the  beginning  of  the  month  of  May. 
He  was  discharged  near  Louisville,  Ivy.,  on 
June  20,  1865,  and  he  gladly  returned  to  the 
comforts  of  home.  Through  this  long  service 
Mr.  Hubbard  was  in  ill  health,  the  trouble  be- 
ginning at  Racine,  before  he  left  the  State, 
where  he  was  attacked  with  the  mumps.  Not 
yet  recovered,  he  insisted  upon  accompanying 
his  regiment  when  it  went  South,  and  in  his 
weakened  state  easily  became  a victim  of  rheu- 
matism and  chronic  diarrhea.  However,  he 
continued  to  perform  his  soldierly  duty,  al- 
though his  health  was  shattered,  and  he  still 
feels  the  effects  of  the  exposure  and  hardships. 

After  the  war  Mr.  Hubbard  resumed  farm- 
ing and  is  the  owner  of  a very  pleasant  home, 
62 


the  family  now  consisting  of  four  children,  one 
son  and  three  daughters  : Ella,  who  married 

Reuben  Calkins,  of  Montfort,  Wis. ; Eva 
Louise;  Herman  F. ; and  Hattie  A.,  the  wife 
of  Joseph  W.  Owens,  of  Barneveld,  Wis.,  and 
the  mother  of  two  sons,  Norman  and  Bertram. 
Eva  Louise  was  born  in  1861  ; through  a severe 
illness  in  early  childhood  she  became  entirely 
deaf,  and  was  educated  at  the  Deaf  and  Dumb 
Institute  at  Delavan,  Wis,;  later  she  married 
Edwin  Ernst,  also  a deaf  mute,  who  was'  edu- 
cated at  the  same  institution.  Mr.  Ernst  also 
took  a course  of  instruction  in  Washington, 
D.  C„  was  a skilled  mechanic,  learning  the 
trades  of  carpenter  and  cigarmaker,  and  was 
also  a fine  taxidermist;  their  home  was  in 
Oshkosh,  Wis.,  and  there  Mr.  Ernst 'died,  in 
1891,  and  his  widow  and  two  children  re- 
turned to  the  home  of  Mr.  Hubbard. 

In  politics  Peter  A.  Hubbard  is  a stanch 
Republican,  and  both  he  and  his  wife  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Mill  Creek  Congregational  Church. 
Socially  he  is  connected  with  Williamson  Post, 
No.  109,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Dodgeville,  where  he 
is  highly  esteemed.  Both  as.  soldier  and  civilian 
Mr.  Hubbard  has  always  commanded  the  re- 
spect of  the  community,  and  is  a representa- 
tive citizen  of  this  part  of  Iowa  county. 

SAMUEL  FILMER  CUCKOW,  a pros- 
perous and  successful  farmer  of  the  town  of 
Bradford,  Rock  county,  belongs  to  the  new  gen- 
eration  of  tillers  of  the  soil,  who  work  with 
their  brains  as  well  as  their  muscle,  and  now. 
in  the  very  prime  of  life,  is  a fine  specimen  of 
that  noble  class,  the  American  farmer. 

Mr.  Cuckow  was  born  May  26,  1854,  on 
the  farm  he  now  occupies,  a son  of  Samuel 
Jarvis  and  Eliza  Simmons  (Filiner)  Cuckow, 
and  had  the  surroundings  in  his  boyhood  days 
that  belonged  to  farmer  lads  of  that  time.  He 
worked  on  the  farm,  attended  the  district 
school  and  the  Emerald  Grove  high  school, 
and  the  academies  at  Marshall  and  Walworth. 
After  his  school  days  had  passed  the  young 
man  remained  at  home,  working  first  for  his 
father,  and  later  for  himself,  and  his  broad, 
well-tilled  fields  attest  the  intelligent  care  be- 
stowed upon  them.  His  land  is  located  in 
section  17. 

On  Dec.  17,  1884,  Samuel  F.  Cuckow  was 
united  in  marriage  with  Mrs.  Ida  H.  (Crump) 
Leap,  widow  of  William  E.  Leap,  and 
daughter  of  Josiah  Harrison  and  Julia  (Stuart) 


978 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Crump.  They  have  an  adopted  son,  Fil- 
mer  Stuart  Cuckow,  born  Nov.  27,  1893, 
who  is  the  son  of  Mrs.  M.  E.  Northrup, 
a deceased  sister  of  Mr.  Cuckow.  Mrs.  Ida 
H.  Cuckow  was  born  in  Utica,  N.  Y.,  the 
eldest  in  a family  of  seven  children.  She  is 
a lineal  descendant  of  Anneke  Jans,  and  be- 
longs to  the  oldest  family,  in  the  line  of  suc- 
cession, of  heirs  to  her  great  undivided  estate 
in  New  York.  She  is  hospitable  and  very  pop- 
ular in  the  community,  and  presides  over  her 
happy  home  with  all  a woman's  grace  and  re- 
finement. 

Josiah  Harrison  Crump,  the  father  of  Mrs. 
Cuckow,  was  a native  of  England,  and  came 
to  this  country  in  early  manhood,  locating  at 
Utica.  He  became  an  architect,  and  rose  to 
prominence  in  his  chosen  calling.  In  Utica  he 
married  Julia  Stuart,  and  soon  afterward  re- 
moved to  Niagara  Falls,  where  he  built  the 
“Mount  Eagle  House,”  most  of  the  public 
buildings  in  that  city,  and  some  of  the  finest 
residences,  his  own  tasteful  home  being  among 
them.  From  Niagara  Falls  he  went  to  New 
York  City,  where  he  made  his  home  for  many 
years,  but  his  last  days  were  spent  in  Toronto, 
Canada,  with  one  of  his  sons,  where  he  died 
in  1891,  at  the  age  of  seventy-three.  His 
good  wife  had  passed  away  two  years  pre- 
viously. 

PETER  WOODHOUSE.  Among  the 
prominent  citizens  of  Bloomington,  Grant 
county,  is  Peter  Woodhouse,  the  senior  member 
of  the  banking  firm  of  Woodhouse  & Bartley, 
and  a worthy  representative  of  one  of  the  pio- 
neer families  of  southwest  Wisconsin. 

John  Woodhouse,  the  father  of  our  sub- 
ject, was  born  about  1793  in  Staffordshire, 
England,  where  he  was  reared,  and  where  he 
married  Ann  Newton,  who  was  born  there  in 
1791.  In  1830  Mr.  Woodhouse  left  his  fam- 
ily in  England  and  crossed  the  ocean  with  the 
intention  of  providing  a new  home.  By  occu- 
pation he  was  a miner,  and  immediately  after 
landing  in  America  he  made  his  way  to  Potts- 
ville,  Penn.,  the  heart  of  the  anthracite  region 
of  that  State,  where  he  secured  employment, 
working  industriously  for  two  years  before  he 
thought  it  advisable  to  send  for  his  family. 
In  1837  the  family  came  to  Wisconsin,  set- 
tling in  Grant  county,  where  the  father  had 
been  a short  time  previous  to  the  arrival  of  the 
others.  For  years  afterward  he  engaged  in 


lead  mining,  being  very  prosperous.  His  land, 
on  what  is  now  known  as  Blake’s  Prairie,  was 
obtained  from  the  government,  and  this  became 
the  permanent  home  of  Mr.  Woodhouse,  who 
died  there  in  March,  1859,  his  widow  surviving 
until  February,  1868.  Being  among  the  ear- 
liest of  the  pioneers,  they  endured  all  of  the 
privations  and  hardships  incident  to  those  early 
days,  patiently  awaiting  the  time  when  their 
labors  should  be  rewarded.  They  were  held 
in  high  esteem,  and  their  memory  is  reverenced 
by  those  who  now  profit  by  the  trials  which 
they  passed  through.  They  became  the  parents 
of  a large  family  of  children,  all  but  two  of 
whom  were  brought  from  England.  Of  their 
six  sons  and  four  daughters,  three  survive : 
Mrs.  Jane  Hadley,  of  Bloomington;  Peter, 
subject  of  this  biography;  and  James,  who  is 
a resident  of  Lancaster.  Mrs.  Maria  Fox  died 
in  Pennsylvania,  never  having  come  to  Wiscon- 
sin, and  soon  after  her  death  her  husband, 
Henry  Fox,  was  accidentally  drowned  in  the 
mines,  while  he  was  at  work.  The  first  of  the 
children  to  pass  away  after  locating  in  this 
State  was  Levison,  who  died  of  typhoid  fever 
in  1869,  and  his  wife  died  two  days  later, 
leaving  a family  of  nine  children,  the  young- 
est but  two  hours  old.  Hannah  became  the 
wife  of  John  Clegg,  and  died  in  1865,  at  the 
age  of  thirty-two,  leaving  eight  children;  her 
husband  survived  many  years,  dying  on  May 
20,  1901.  Rev.  John  Woodhouse,  a Method- 
ist minister,  was  the  next  to  pass  away,  and 
he  was  followed  by  Simon.  The  latter  kept 
a hotel  in  Bloomington  for  many  years ; he 
left  a wife  and  five  children.  Samuel  died  at 
Maxwell,  Iowa,  several  years  ago,  and  May 
Ann,  Mrs.  Hollenbeck,  died  at  her  home  in 
Legal,  Indian  Territory,  leaving  four  chil- 
dren. 

Peter  Woodhouse,  our  subject,  was  born 
in  England  Sept.  11,  1824,  and  was  about 
eight  years  old  when  he  came  to  America. 
Coming  with  the  family  to  Wisconsin  in 
1837,  this  State  has  been  his  home  ever  since. 
For  sixty-four  years  his  hopes  and  fortunes 
have  been  bound  up  with  those  of  Grant  coun- 
ty, and  very  little  of  its  development  has  been 
unobserved  by  him.  Since  1849  his  'residence 
has  been  at  Bloomington  (at  that  time  known 
as  Tafton),  and  he  previously  lived  in  both 
Potosi  and  Beetown.  For  many  years  he  en- 
gaged in  both  farming  and  mining,  and  he  is 
considered  one  of  the  most  substantial  citizens 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


979 


of  the  county.  In  1883  Mr.  Woodhouse  estab- 
lished the  banking  house  in  Bloomington  in 
which  he  is  the  senior  partner,  and  has  been 
successful  in  its  management.  All  of  the 
brothers  were  successful  men  of  business,  and 
were  estimable  and  honored  citizens. 

Mr.  Woodhouse  was  married  Jan.  11, 
1858,  to  Miss  Rachel  Lyons,  who  was  born 
April  11,  1832,  in  Manchester,  England,  a 
daughter  of  John  Lyons,  and  came  with  her 
parents  to  America  when  but  two  years  old. 
The  family  lived  two  years  in  Philadelphia, 
and  then  removed  to  Potosi,  where  the  parents 
passed  the  rest  of  their  lives.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Woodhouse  have  four  children:  Lily  G., 
Mrs.  Bartley;  Rose,  wife  of  Harry  Grant; 
Milton  F. ; and  Bertha,  Mrs.  Martin.  Three 
children  have  passed  away : Bessie,  who  died 
at  the  age  of  six  years ; Anna  Mary,  at  the 
age  of  eight  days;  and  Daisy,  at  birth. 

Peter  Woodhouse  has  traveled  much,  and 
has  an  interesting  fund  of  information.  In 
1852  he  went  to  California,  and  on  the  way 
had  a most  thrilling  experience.  Going  by 
way  of  the  Isthmus,  he  was  a passenger  on  the 
ill-fated  steamer  “North  America,”  which  was 
wrecked  on  the  Pacific  coast,  about  thirty 
miles  below  Acapulco.  The1  steamer  was  a 
total  loss,  and  the  passengers  had  a narrow 
escape.  At  Acapulco  they  were  transferred  to 
a sailing  vessel,  and  after  many  hardships 
reached  San  Francisco  in  safety.  Mr.  Wood- 
house  remained  in  California  about  five  years, 
and  returned  by  the  Panama  route  to  New 
York. 

Mir.  Woodhouse  is  a progressive  and  pub- 
lic-spirited citizen.  In  his  early  voting  days 
he1  was  a Whig,  but  he  has  acted  with  the  Re- 
publican party  since  its  organization.  Mrs. 
Woodhouse  is  a member  of  the  Methodist 
Church,  and  he  is  liberal  in  his  religious  views. 

PATRICK  BARTLEY,  the  junior  mem- 
ber of  the  banking  firm  of  Woodhouse  & 
Bartley,  of  Bloomington,  is  one  of  the  well- 
known  citizens  and  business  men  of  Grant 
county.  Mr.  Bartley  has  the  distinction  of  'rep- 
resenting one  of  the  early  families  of  his  coun- 
ty, and  also  of  having  been  a soldier  in  the 
war  for  the  preservation  of  the  Union.  His 
coming  to  Grant  county  dates  from  1853. 

Mr.  Bartley  was  born  in  County  Sligo,  Ire- 
land, Jan.  19,  1841,  a son  of  Miles  Bartley. 
In  1849  his  parents,  with  three  of  their  six  | 


children,  emigrated  to  the  United  States,  our 
subject  remaining  with  a relative  in  Ireland; 
shortly  afterward,  however,  he  rejoined  the 
family  in  the  State  of  New  York.  From  New 
York  Miles  Bartley  removed  his  family  to  Ga- 
lena, 111.,  later  moving  to  Wisconsin,  where  he 
entered  land  in  the  town  of  Patch  Grove,  on 
which  he  settled  and  resided  many  years,  dying 
in  Larned,  Ivans.,  at  the  advanced  age  of 
ninety-one  years.  His  wife  had  passed  away 
in  Patch  Grove  in  1873. 

As  a boy  Patrick  Bartley  engaged  in  farm 
work  during  the  summers,  and  attended  school 
in  the  winters.  Soon  after  the  outbreak  of 
the  Civil  war,  although  but  a youth  of  twenty 
years,  he  resolved  to  enter  the  service  in  de- 
fense of  the  Union.  Accordingly,  in  Septem- 
ber, 1861,  he  enlisted  in  what  afterward  be- 
came Company  G,  5th  Missouri  Cavalry,  which 
was  organized  in  Milwaukee,  Wis.,  as  Mil- 
waukee Cavalry,  with  the  understanding  that 
it  was  to  constitute  a part  of  Gen.  John  C. 
Fremont’s  body  guard.  Gen.  Fremont,  how- 
ever, was  superseded,  and  in  November,  1862, 
the  organization,  then  known  as  the  5th  Mis- 
souri Cavalry,  was  consolidated  with  the  4th, 
and  was  thenceforth  known  as  the  4th  Mis- 
souri Cavalry.  The  regiment  seryed  with  dis- 
tinction in  the  Southwest,  under  Gen.  Curtis, 
taking  an  active  part  in  the  campaign  against 
the  Confederate  Gen.  Price,  and  on  March  6, 
7 and  8 was  engaged  in  the  severe  battle  of 
Pea  Ridge.  It  marched  thence  down  the  White 
river  to  Helena,  Ark.,  where  the  regiment  ar- 
rived in  July,  1862,  and  here  Mr.  Bartley  was 
taken  severely  ill,  as  the  result  of  an  injury 
received  in  the  battle  of  Pea  Ridge,  and  which 
finally  occasioned  his  honorable  discharge  at  St. 
Louis,  soon  after. 

After  his  return  from  the  army  Mr.  Bart- 
ley was  for  three  years  engaged  in  farming, 
following  which  he  entered  the  Patch  Grove 
Academy,  where  he  was  a student  for  three 
years,  in  preparation  for  the  profession  of 
teaching.  For  twenty  years  he  continued  to 
be  one  of  the  leading  instructors  of  this  part 
of  the  State,  and  at  one  time  was  principal 
of  the  school  in  Bloomington.  In  1883  the 
present  banking  business  was  established,  and 
Mr.  Bartley  became  a partner  in  the  same, 
which  has  continued  until  the  present  date.  In 
1877  he  was  admitted  to  the  Bar,  and  has  since 
practiced  more  or  less. 

On  April  2,  1879.  Mr.  Bartley  was  mar- 


980 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


ried  to  Miss  Lily  Woodhouse,  a daughter  of 
Peter  Woodhouse,  his  business  partner,  and 
four  children  have  been  born  of  this  union : 
Frank  L.,  Bessie  R.,  Milton  M.  and  Leo  Paul. 
Mr.  Bartley  is  a Democrat  in  his  political  affili- 
ations, and  an  honored  member  of  Will  Flickok 
Post,  No.  134,  G.  A.  R. 

Mr.  Bartley  is  practically  a self-made  man, 
as  he  began  life  a poor  boy,  and  was  thrown 
upon  his  own  resources  at  an  early  age.  En- 
tering the  army  in  the1  service  of  his  country, 
before  he  had  attained  his  majority,  he  served 
as  a faithful  soldier,  and  later,  by  determina- 
tion and  energy,  he  fitted  himself  for  the  pro- 
fession of  teaching,  and  was  successful  in  his 
endeavors.  As  a business  man  he  has  pros- 
pered, and  his  integrity  has  never  been  called 
into  question,  while  as  a citizen  he  is  held  in 
high  esteem. 

JOHN  HANSON  is  one  of  the  prominent 
citizens  of  Jordan  township,  Green  county, 
though  one  of  the  younger  members  of  that 
prosperous  farming  community,  in  which  all  his 
useful,  active  life  has  been  passed.  He  was 
born  Dec.  13,  1864,  on  the  farm  which  he  now 
manages. 

Nathan  T.  Hanson,  our  subject’s  father,  is 
well  remembered  by  the  older  as  well  as  the 
younger  residents  of  this  locality  as  a man  who, 
in  his  day,  took  rank  among  the  intelligent 
and  successful  men  in  this  part  of  the  county. 
He  was  a native  of  Maine,  born  in  1827,  near 
Portland,  and  was  of  English  origin.  About 
1850  he  came  West  to  Wisconsin,  and  at  once 
settled  on  the  farm  in  Jordan  township.  Green 
county,  now  owned  by  his  children,  where  he 
successfully  engaged  in  farming  for  the  greater 
part  of  his  remaining  days.  But  though  a 
hard-working  agriculturist  and  the  owner  of  a 
large  property,  he  took  equal  interest  in  the 
advancement  of  the  community  in  general,  was 
public  spirited  in  all  local  affairs,  and  was  hon- 
ored by  his  fellow  townsmen  with  election  to 
various  offices  of  trust,  in  which  he  displayed 
the  same  abditv  that  characterized  the  manage- 
ment of  his  own  affairs.  For  a number  of 
years  he  served  as  school  superintendent  of  the 
township,  was  clerk  of  the  township  for  some 
time,  and  served  as  chairman  of  the  board  two 
terms.  He  was  well  read,  and  kept  himself  in- 
formed on  all  current  events  of  interest.  Mr. 
Hanson  was  as  popular  as  he  was  well  known, 
was  beloved  for  his  neighborliness  as  much  as 


he  was  esteemed  for  his  integrity  and  good 
citizenship;  his  death  occurred  in  New  Haven, 
Conn.,  in  1894.  He  left  a.  valuable  farm  of  185 
acres,  all  improved  and  under  a fine  state  of  cul- 
tivation. Mrs.  Hanson,  whose  maiden  name 
was  Mary  Jane  Smith,  was  born  about  1834, 
in  Pennsylvania,  and  was  of  Quaker  origin ; her 
parents,  John  and  Ann  Smith,  also  natives  of 
Pennsylvania,  came  to  Green  county  many 
years  ago.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hanson  were  mar- 
ried in  1859.  She  passed  away  in  1881.  Seven 
children  were  born  of  this  union,  viz. : Emma, 
who  is  unmarried  and  resides  in  Monroe;  Paul- 
ine, also  unmarried,  who  lives  on  the  home 
place;  John,  our  subject;  Charles,  who  is  un- 
married; Ruth,  deceased;  George,  living  on  the 
old  place;  and  Edward,  who  married  Hattie 
Stuntz,  and  resides  at  Whitewater,  Wis.,  where 
he  follows  his  trade,  that  of  printer.  Nathan 
T.  Hanson  had  one  brother,  Simeon,  who  died 
in  Maine'. 

John  Hanson,  whose  name  introduces  these 
lines,  has  followed  in  the  footsteps  of  his  hon- 
ored father  in  many  ways,  taking  a leading 
part  in  local  civil  administration,  and  his  serv- 
ices have  proved  highly  acceptable  to  all  con- 
cerned. He  was  reared  on  the  home  farm, 
educated  in  the  local  schools,  and  has  become 
an  intelligent,  energetic  man,  noted  for  his  hon- 
esty and  integrity,  his  fairness  in  all  his  deal- 
ings, his  temperate  habits,  and  his  stanch  ad- 
herence to  his  convictions  of  what  he  thinks 
right.  He  is  engaged  in  farming  and  dairy- 
ing on  the  old  home  place,  and  has  displayed 
business  ability  of  a high  order  in  its  man- 
agement. This  record  would  not  be  complete 
without  special  mention  of  the  offices  which 
Mr.  Hanson  has  held : For  six  years  he  was 
clerk  of  the  township ; for  two  years  member 
and  chairman  of  the  township  board;  has 
served  as  assessor  and  in  other  positions,  be- 
sides supporting,  by  his  means  and  influence, 
all  projects  for  the  improvement  and  advance- 
ment of  his  township  and  county.  Like  his 
father,  he  is  a stanch  adherent  of  the  princi- 
ples of  the  Republican  party.  Socially  he  is  a 
member  of  the  I.  O.  O.  F.  lodge  at  Brown- 
town.  Mr.  Hanson  has  never  married. 

ALLISON  W.  STOUT.  The  evolution 
of  modern  architecture  is  based  upon  the  con- 
scientious work,  high  ideals  and  artistic  tastes 
of  the  designer  and  builder.  Among  those  who 
have  successfully  engaged  in  a business  of  this 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


981 


kind,  in  the  beautiful  town  of  Monticello, 
Green  county,  is  Allison  W.  Stout,  who  was 
born,  near  Orangeville,  Stephenson  Co.,  ill., 
Dec.  20,  1849,  son  °f  Samuel  and  Mary  (Win- 
ters) Stout,  natives  of  Pennsylvania.  In  their 
family  were  five  sons  and  two  daughters,  six 
of  whom  are  now  living:  Carrie,  wife  of 

Benjamin  Musser,  of  Jewel  City,  Ivans.;  Ed- 
ward, who  lives  in  Stephenson  county,  111.,  on 
the  old  homestead ; Cyrus,  who  resides  at  Si- 
loam  Springs,  Ark.;  Stephen,  of  Novelty,  Mo. ; 
Allison  W.,  our  subject;  and  Alice,  who  is  the 
wife  of  Frederick  Nihart,  of  Dewey,  Utah. 

Samuel  Stout  was  a cabinet-maker,  carpen- 
ter and  joiner,  and  came  to  Illinois  in  1844, 
first  locating  in  Peoria,  and  a year  later  settling 
in  Stephenson  county,  111.,  where  he  bought  a 
farm,  sold  it,  and  bought  another,  whereon  he 
reared  his  family.  His  death  occurred  April 
22,  1897,  at  the  age  of  eighty-four.  His  wife 
had  entered  into  rest  in  1896,  in  her  seventy- 
third  year.  They  were  good  and  worthy  peo- 
ple, devout  members  of  the  Evangelical  Church, 
and  Mr.  Stuot  had  been  active  in  everything 
for  the  interest  of  his  locality.  Christopher 
Winters,  father  of  Mary  (Winters)  Stout,  was 
a native  of  Pennsylvania,  of  Pennsylvania- 
Dutch  stock,  and  located  in  Stephenson  coun- 
ty, 111.,  at  an  early  day,  where  he  engaged  in 
agricultural  pursuits. 

Allison  W.  Stout  was  reared  on  his  father's 
farm  in  Stephenson  county,  where  he  attended 
the  district  schools.  At  the  age  of  twenty  he 
beg'an  to  learn  the  carpenter’s  trade,  and  find- 
ing it  congenial  to  his  taste  and  natural  ability, 
he  made  this  his  life  work.  For  some  ten 
years  he  has  been  engaged  in  contracting  and 
building,  and  in  the  erection  of  his  own  ele- 
gant mansion,  as  well  as  those  of  others  in  the 
town,  Mr.  Stout  has  made  use  of  his  own  de- 
signs. 

On  Sept.  12,  1894,  Mr.  Stout  marrie  1 Mrs. 
Lizzie  Tone,  widow  of  the  late  George  Tone, 
and  daughter  of  Richard  and  Ann  (Pickup) 
Barlow. 

Richard  Barlow  and  his  wife  were  natives 
of  Manchester,  England,  who  came  to  America 
in  1854,  locating  in  Jefferson  township.  Green 
Co.,  Wis.,  and  engaged  in  an  agricultural  life 
until  the  breaking- out  of  the  Civil  war,  when 
Mr.  Barlow  enlisted  in  Company  D.  35th  Wis. 
V.  I.,  and  faithfully  served  his  adopted  coun- 
try from  August,  1864.  unt’l  February,  1866. 
Before  the  war  Mr.  Barlow  followed  the  trade 
of  tailoring,  but  since  then  he  has  been  engaged 


in  mercantile  interests,  and  for  twenty-three 
years  filled  the  office  of  justice  of  the  peace. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barlow  were  the  parents  of 
twelve  children,  ten  of  whom  are  still  surviv- 
ing, and  they  are  honored  and  beloved  resi- 
dents in  the  home  of  their  son-in-law,  our  sub- 
ject, and  his  estimable  wife. 

Politically  Mr.  Stout  casts  his  vote  with  the 
Republican  party,  conscientiously  believing  its 
principles  to  be  the  best  for  the  country.  For 
two  years  he  was  an  efficient  member  of  the 
village  board.  Socially  he  is  connected  with 
the  Knights  of  the  Globe.  In  addition  to  his 
own  beautiful  residence,  Mr.  Stout  can  point 
with  pride  to  many  of  the  most  substantial 
buildings  in  this  growing  village.  Although 
so  many  years  have  passed  since  he  was  an  in- 
mate of  the  old  home,  in  Stephenson  county, 
111.,  around  which  gather  memories  of  his  boy- 
hood, he  still  has  both  a sentimental  and  finan- 
cial interest  in  it.  Mr.  Stout  is  considered  a 
'representative  citizen  of  Green  county7,  where 
■both  he  and  wife  have  many  friends  and  possess 
the  esteem  of  all. 

JOHN  B.  HORE,  a well-known  citizen  of 
the  town  of  Little  Grant,  Grant  county,  was  a 
soldier  in  the  Civil  war,  and  has  an  honorable 
record  for  bravery.  His  birth  took  place  across 
the  ocean  in  1826,  in  Cornwall,  England,  from 
which  country  have  come  some  of  the  best  citi- 
zens of  the  State  of  Wisconsin. 

Reared  in  his  native  land,  Mu*.  Hore  did 
not  come  to  America  until  1847.  Landing  in 
New  York,  he  went  first  to  New7  Jersey,  and 
there  engaged  in  mining,  later  going  to  Penn- 
sylvania. where  he  followed  the  same  occupa- 
tion. Subsequently  he  went  to  Maryland, 
thence  back  to  New  York,  and  then  to  the  cop- 
per mines  of  Michigan,  where  he  rema'ned  sev- 
eral years,  but  ever  since  the  close  of  the  Civil 
war  he  has  been  one  of  the  esteemed  citizens 
of  Grant  county.  Mr.  Hore  went  into  the 
army  in  1864,  in  Company  F,  1st  Wisconsin 
Cavalry,  joining  his  regiment . in  Louisville, 
Ivy.,  and  at  once  entered  into  active  service. 
As  it  is  well  remembered,  the  1st  Wisconsin 
Cavalry  was  a part  of  the  force  that  captured 
the  fleeing  Confederate  president,  and  Mr. 
Hore  was  with  his  regiment  at  that  time,  and 
had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  the  noted  prisoner 
at  Macon,  Ga.  There  our  subject  was  taken 
sick,  from  the  effects  of  sunstroke,  which  ren- 
dered him  unfit  for  any  regular  service.  He 
was  finally  discharged  in  the  fall  of  1865. 


982 


COMMEMORATIVE  BIOGRAPHICAL  RECORD. 


Soon  after  the  close  of  the  war  Mr.  Hore 
was  married  to  Miss  Mary  Coffman,  a native 
of  Ohio,  and  a daughter  of  Peter  and  Sarah 
Coffman,  who  had  migrated  to  Wisconsin  when 
Mary  was  about  twelve  years  of  age.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Hore  have  eight  children : Albert, 
James,  Nettie,  Jay  and  May  (twins).  Maria, 
Elizabeth  and  Era.  During  the  war  Mr.  Hore 
was  a faithful  soldier,  and  since  that  t'me  has 
won  the  respect  of  the  residents  of  his  locality 
as  an  industrious  and  most  worthy  citizen. 

J.  J.  TRENERY,  retired  farmer,  Bel- 
mont, Lafayette  county,  Wisconsin. 

WILLIAM  B.  GNAGI,  M.  D.  Bereft  of 
a mother’s  care  in  early  infancy,  Dr.  Gnagi, 
now  a rising  young  physician  of  Monroe, 
Green  county,  was  reared  in  the  family  of  Peter 
Gnagi,  and  under  the  fostering  guardianship  of 
this  prominent  citizen  he  was  educated,  and  in 
gratitude  he  adopted  the  name  of  Gnagi  when 
he  attained  his  majority.  He  made  his  home 
with  his  benefactors  until  his  marriage. 

Dr.  Gnagi  was  a native  of  Green  county, 
Wis.  He  was  born  in  the  town  of  Clarno 
Feb.  3,  1870,  the  only  child  of  Joseph  and 
Maria  (Hawthorn)  Bender.  The  father,  Jo- 
seph Bender,  a native  of  Pennsylvania,  had 
served  through  the  Civil  war  as  first  lieuten- 
ant. Coming  to  Wisconsin  at  the  close  of  the 
war,  he  married  Maria  Hawthorn,  daughter  of 
James  Hawthorn,  a native  of  New  York,  of 
Holland  descent,  who  in  early  days  had  mi- 
grated to  Green  county,  Wis.,  and  there  reared 
a large  family.  The  young  wife  died  a few 
days  after  the  birth  of  their  only  child,  Will- 
iam B.,  and  the  father,  after  finding  a home 
for  the  motherless  son  with  Peter  Gnagi,  re- 
turned to  the  East.  He  entered  Johns  Hop- 
kins University,  wheire  he  completed  a course 
in  medicine  and  surgery,  and  is  now  a practic- 
ing physician  at  Penn  Yan,  Yates  Co.,  N.  Y. 
He  married  again,  and  by  his  second  marriage 
had  three  children,  only  one  of  whom,  Estelle, 
is  now  living.  William  B.,  at  his  graduation 
at  Rush  Medical  College,  in  1893,  met  his  fa- 
ther for  the  first  time  since  their  separation. 
His  medical  education  was  obtained  partially 
by  his  own  efforts.  Reared  on  the  farm  of 
Peter  Gnagi,  he  was  given  good  educational 
advantages,  and  when  twelve  years  old  he  ac- 
companied Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gnagi  to  California, 
where  they  remained  two  years  on  account  of 


Mrs.  Gnagi's  ill  health.  Returning  to  Wis- 
consin, William  B.  entered  the  Monroe  high 
school,  and  was  graduated  in  the  class  of 
1887,  at  the  age  of  seventeen  years.  He  taught 
district  school  for  two  terms  in  Clarno  town- 
ship, then  took  a business  course  in  a school 
at  Valparaiso,  Ind.  Choosing  medicine  as  his 
profession,  he  began  study  in  the  office  of  Drs. 
Loofbourow  and  Confer,  of  Monroe,  where 
he  remained  two  years.  He  then  entered  Rush 
Medical  College,  at  Chicago,  and  was  gradu- 
ated in  the  spring  of  1893.  Dr.  Gnagi  began 
practice  in  that  city,  and:  continued  it  success- 
fully for  seven  years.  In  November,  1900,  he 
came  to  Monroe,  succeeded  to  the  practice  of 
Dr.  Confer,  his  brother-in-law,  and  now  occu- 
pies the  same  office. 

Dr.  Gnagi  married  June  2,  1891,  Miss 
Louise  Isely,  daughter  of  John  and  Louisa 
(German)  Isely.  John  Isely  was  a native  of 
Switzerland,  and  for  many  years  was  a school 
and  music  teacher.  He  came  to  Green  county, 
Wis.,  and  there  met  his  future  wife,  who  was 
a native  of  Wisconsin,  of  Swiss  parentage. 
For  a number  of  years  Mr.  and.  Mrs.  John  Isely 
conducted  the  “Green  County  Hotel,”  in  Mon- 
roe, and  later  moved  to  a fairm  near  Oneco, 
111.,  about  seven  miles  south  of  Monroe.  Here 
he  died,  and  his  widow  subsequently  married 
David  Stucky.  Nine  children  were  born  to 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Isely,  of  whom  six  are  now 
living,  namely : Carrie,  widow  of  Dr.  Confer ; 
Mary,  wife  of  Henry  Duerst,  of  Monroe; 
Louisa,  wife  of  Dr.  William  B.  Gnagi;  Annie, 
wife  of  Fred  Wettengel,  of  Monroe;  Alice, 
wife  of  Rev.  J.  L.  Haach,  of  Milwaukee;  and 
Dr.  John  E.  Isely,  a dentist  in  Milwaukee, 
who  for  a time  lived  with  Dr.  Gnagi  in  Chi- 
cago, and  there  practiced  dentistry.  To  Dr. 
William  B.  and  Louise  (Isely)  Gnagi  have 
been  born  four  children : Elvira  Louise,  who 
died  in  infancy;  Zelma  Irene;  Gladys;  and 
William  B.,  Jr.  Mrs.  Gnagi  is  a member  of 
the  Lutheran  Church.  Politically  Dr.  Gnagi 
is  independent.  While  practicing  at  Chicago 
he  served  for  a year  as  health  officer  and  small- 
pox inspector,  under  Dr.  Reynolds,  the  city 
physician.  He  is  now  a member  of  the  Wiscon- 
sin Medical  Society.  Among  the  fraternal  or- 
ders he  holds  membership  in  the  Canadian  In- 
dependent Order  of  Foresters,  the  Columbian 
Knights,  Royal  Arcanum  and  Chicago  Turn- 
verein.  He  has  succeeded  admirably  in  his 
Monroe  practice,  and  already  ranks  high  in  the 
medical  profession  of  Green  county. 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 


Abell,  Frank  W 419 

Acheson,  Theodore  L 883 

Adams,  Henry 489 

Adams,  John.. 680 

Akin,  Edward 75 

Akin,  Morgan  J 74 

Alexander,  Frederick 325 

Alexander,  Hugh 484 

Alexander,  James  S 484 

Allen,  Asaph  J 423 

Allen,  Prof.  Benjamin  D 256 

Allen,  Henry  R 423 

Aller,  Peter 28' 

Aller,  William 28 

Alsop,  John 860 

Alsop,  Thomas  J 860 

Altman,  Joseph 793 

Ames,  Harry 919 

Andereck,  Rev.  John 777 

Anderson,  Andrew. 889 

Anderson,  Christopher 938 

Anderson,  Henry  S 753 

Anderson,  John  (deceased)....  498 

Anderson,  John 118 

Anderson,  Mrs.  John 498 

Anderson,  Nicholas.. 886 

Andrews,  Charles  174 

Andrews,  Rev.  George  W.  . . 174 

Andrewson,  Miss  Annie  T. . . . ,5 

Andrewson,  Henry  O 5 

Andrewson,  Rev.  Ole,  D.  D. . . 4 

Anthony,  John 713 

Anthony,  John  E.,  D.  D.  S. . . . 92 

Appleby,  George  M 103 

Appleby,  William  H 252 

Armstrong,  Charles  A.,  M.  D.  730 

Armstrong,  Leroy  G.,  M.  D...  45 

Armstrong,  Robert 45 

Arthur,  Evan 545 

Arthur,  Samuel 561 

Atherton,  Walgrave 386 

Atkinson,  Francis 428 

Atkinson,  Richard 428 

Atwood,  Charles 823 

Atwood,  Volney 210 

Austin,  Nathaniel 804 

Austin,  Samuel  R 543 

Bacon,  Charles  A.,  M.  A 216 

Bainbridge,  Mathew 618 

Baker,  Allen  S 131 

Baker,  Edward  D 818 

Baker,  Francis 656 

Baker,  Francis  A 274 

Baker,  Henry 298 

Baker,  John  T 132,  212,  274 


PAGE. 


Baker,  John  W 809 

Baker,  Lewis 796 

Baker,  Mrs.  Mary 657 

Baker,  Stephen  J 212 

Baldwin,  Julius 404 

Ballantine,  Mrs.  Abbie  A. . . . 934 

Ballantine,  David 972 

Ballantine,  James 934 

Ballantine,  Mrs.  Nancy  E 972 

Banfield,  Thomas 969 

Banfield,  Mrs.  Thomas 969 

Banks,  James  A 864 

Barber, 'A.  H„  M.  D 2-7 

Baremore,  Alfred 573 

Baremore,  Mrs.  Nancy  E 572 

Barger,  Mrs.  Mary  (Gulson). . . 948 

Barker,  George  R 150 

Barker,  Job 150 

Barlass,  Hon.  Andrew 128 

Barlass,  Mrs.  Margaret 128 

Barlow,  C.  L 963 

Barlow,  Richard 981 

Barlow,  Richard  H 142 

Barnard,  Elliott  D 88 

Barnard,  Shasta  E 126 

Barnes,  Henry 206 

Barnum,  F rank 462 

Barnum,  Mrs.  Sarah  J 462 

Barrett,  David 736 

Barron,  James 697 

Barrows,  George  W 602 

Barrows,  Joseph 602 

Bartlett,  Joseph 431 

Bartley,  Patrick 979 

Basford,  Hon.  Luther 42 

Basye,  I.  N 513 

Basye,  J.  J.,  M.  D 513 

Batchelor,  William 502 

Bates,  Allen  C 85 

Bates,  Joseph  W 85 

Baumgartner,  Jacob 458 

Baxter,  Hon.  Charles  Henry. . 344 

Bayley,  Ariel  K 193 

Beals,  Charles  W 13 

Beals,  Mrs.  Johanna. 13 

Bean,  Alburtus  C 708 

Bear,  James 446 

Bear,  Joseph  L 446 

Beaumont,  Ramsey 334 

Beaver,  John  O 19 

Beaver,  Ole  J 19 

Bechtolt,  Rev.  Albert  B 709 

Bechtolt,  Daniel  B 546,  709 

Beck,  John 369 

Becker,  John 885 

Beilharz,  Frederick  726 


PAGE. 

Bell,  John  S 706 

Bell,  Peter 856 

Bellmyer,  Fred 937 

Bellmyer,  Mrs.  John 936 

Bellmyer,  John  C 936 

Benage,  Abraham 936 

Bennett,  Anson 669 

Bennett,  Byron 224 

Bennett,  B.  J 874 

Bennett,  Chester  C 147 

Bennett,  Clay  W.,  M.  D 740 

Bennett,  Felix  C 331 

Bennett,  Franklin 858 

Bennett,  George 148,  451 

Bennett,  Hannah  C.,  M.  D. . . . 352 

Bennett,  James 223 

Bennett,  James,  Sr 223 

Bennett,  Judge  John  R 9 

Bennett,  Hon.  Joseph 691 

Bennett,  Lewis  F.,  M.  D 451 

Bennett,  Orrin  J 669 

Bennett,  W.  H j 874 

Bergheger,  Herman 581 

Berkey,  Joshua  H 694 

Berry,  Edward  E.,  M.  D 736 

Bevan,  Johnson 683 

Bevan,  Mrs.  Johnson 683 

Beveridge,  James 128 

Billings,  William  N 641 

Binger,  Mrs.  E.  B 936 

Binger,  Francis  O 850 

Binger,  Samuel 815 

Binger,  Mrs.  Susan 821 

Binger,  William  (Cadiz) 810 

Binger,  William 935 

Bingham,  Mrs.  Caroline 409 

Bingham,  Judge  John  A 4C8 

Bintliff,  Gen.  James 361 

Bird,  Joseph  R 298 

Birkbeck, 'Samuel,  Ph.G.,M.  D.  587 

Bishop,  Alonzo 616 

Bishop,  Myron  A 616 

Blackford,  Enoch  J 541 

Blackford,  William  S 927 

Blackman,  Elisha 654 

Blackman,  Oscar  L 654 

Blackstone,  Judge  John  W.181,  345 

Blackstone,  Joseph 181 

Blakeley,  Edwin 411 

Blakeley,  George  A.,  M.  D . . . . 411 

Blakely,  Charles 214 

Blakeslev,  George. . . 315 

Blakesley,  Mrs.  Ruth 315 

Blanchard,  Alvin 680 

Blanchard,  Asahel 680 

Blanchard,  C.  D 525 


984 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 


Bleasdale,  Ralph  P 

Bliss,  Howard  F 

Bliss,  James  H 

Blotz,  John 

Blumer,  Esajas 

Blumer,  John,  Jr 

Blumer,  John,  Sr 

Bohn,  Syver  H 

Bonham,  Alexander  G 

Bonham,  Charles  S 

Bonham,  Capt.  Francis 

Bonham,  Joseph 

Bonson,  Charles  E 

Bonson,  John. 

Booth,  Charles  A 

Booth,  John  R 

Borden,  William  H.,  M.  L) 

Bossi,  John  A 

Bowell,  Mrs.  Catherine 

Bowell,  Thomas  A 

Bowen,  James  E 

Bowmer,  William. 

Boynton,  Lars 

Boynton,  Lewis 

Bracken,  Gen.  Charles 

Bracken,  Thomas 

Bradford,  Frederick  M 

Bradley,  Rev.  Nathaniel  C 

Bragg,  Thomas  J 

Brant,  Andrew  J 

Bratley,  Mrs.  Mary  C 

Bratley,  William  C 

Brewer,  Lasell  C 

Bride,  Patrick  J 

Bridge,  Mrs.  Anna 

Bridge,  John 

Bridge,  Joseph  T 

Bridges,  Dudley  C 

Bricges,  John 

Bridgman,  Charles  R 

Bridgman,  John  J 235, 

Briggs,  William  T 

Brockhaus,  Rev.  H.  H 

Brooks,  Jesse 

Brown,  George  M 

Brown,  Nicholas  H 

Brown,  Sam.  P 

Brugger,  Jacob  S.,  Jr  

Brunson,  Delford  B 

Brunson,  Ira  W 

Buchan,  Joseph 

Buck,  Erastus  J.,  M.  D 

Buckley,  Cornelius 

Buckmaster,  Samuel  B.,  M.  D. 

Buckmaster,  Samuel  R 

Bulfinch,  George  W 

Bunbury,  Thomas 

Bunker,  Mrs.  Blanche 

Bunker,  William  B.,  M.  D 

Bunt,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 

Bunt,  John 

Burdick,  George 

Burdick,  Justin  H.,  M.  D 

Burgess,  Henry 

Burgess,  J.  Martin 

Burns,  Edward  E 

Burr,  B.  F 

Burr,  W.  D 

Burrington,  David 

Burrington,  Reuben 

Burrows,  William 

Burton,  Joseph 

Burton,  Joseph  M 

Bushnell,  E.  D 


141 

33 

231 

692 

405 

406 
405 
772 

51 

52 
869 

51 

722 

722 

368 

239 

96 

598 

474 

474 

932 

241 

833 

833 

442 

442 

761 
57 

509 

190 

787 

787 

142 
588 
392 
391 
391 

647 

648 
235 
437 
947 
528 
817 
574 
333 
844 
737 
207 
207 
836 
424 
351 
224 
224 
876 
621 

762 
762 
559 
559 

17 

17 

173 

173 

610 

893 

893 

717 

717 

490 

786 

840 

926 


PAGE. 

Bushnell,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  J. . . . 926 

Bussey,  George  W 933 

Bussey,  Hezekiah 933 

Bussing,  Rev.  Isaac  S 861 

Butson,  Thomas 537 

Butson,  Mrs.  Thomas 538 

Buxton,  John ' 447 

Buxton,  Joseph 447 

Byers,  Frederick  W.,  M.  D....  603 

Byrne,  Edward  159 

Byrne,  Mrs.  Esther 159 

Byrne,  John 821 

Cabanis,  Hon.  James  H 332 

Caldwell,  Mrs.  Ella  M 102 

Caldwell,  James 101 

Callaway,  George  A 670 

Callaway,  John 575 

Callaway,  Sampson  H 575 

Calvert,  William  H. 398 

Camp,  M.  T 175 

Campbell,  Hon.  Archibald ... . 619 

Campbell,  Hugh 242 

Campbell,  William  H 824 

Carnron,  Franklin 829 

Camron,  Hugh 829 

Candler,  Gustav 569 

Cargill,  Capt.  William 151 

Cams,  Mrs.  Ann 943 

Caras,  James  F 943 

Carpenter,  Alvin  B 33 

Carpenter,  Edwm  F 318 

Carpenter,  John  W 799 

Carpenter,  William  H 846 

Carr,  Joseph  G 364 

Carr,  Hon.  Solomon  C 272 

Carrier,  Terrence 214 

Carrington,  Elisha  18 

Carthew,  Mrs.  Mary  L 171 

Carthew,  Thomas 171 

Case,  Rev.  George  W 967 

Casler,  Edgar  S 833 

Cavanaugh,  J.  L 427 

Chamberlain.  James  A 210 

Champion,  Charles  B 232 

Champion,  Mrs.  Ellen 233 

Chapman,  Amyson 463 

Chapman,  A.  B 924 

Chapman,  Collins 463 

Chapman,  Faithful  W 265 

Charlton,  Edwin  A 336 

Charnness,  Isaac 638 

Chestelson,  Sever 867 

Churchill,  Norman  898 

Clare,  John 574 

Clark,  Elijah  N„  M.  D 104 

Clark,  Jabez 644 

Clarke,  Charles  C 109 

Clarno,  William 852 

Clary,  Joseph  H 372 

Clemens,  Christopher 394 

Clemens,  John 394 

Clements,  James  W 307 

Clementson,  Hon.  George 16 

Clemmer,  Jasper 390 

Clemmer,  John  A 390 

Clifton,  Bascom 430 

Clifton,  Isaac  N 430 

Cline,  James 195 

Cline,  John 277 

Colburn,  T.  J 373 

Colburn,  Willis  P 373 

Colebeck,  Henry 540 


Collie,  George  L.,  A.  M.,  Ph.  D 160 


PAGE. 


Colson,  D.  L 196 

Coltman,  John 420 

Coltman,  Martin  E 420 

Comfort,  Isaac  C 640 

Comfort,  Thomas 640 

Confer,  Francis  M.,  M.  D 779 

Conley,  Capt.  P.  H 416 

Convey,  Thomas 778 

Cook,  A1  /in  S 307 

Cook,  John  H 621 

Cook,  Webster 966 

Cooley,  Francis  A 324 

Cooley,  William  B 324 

Coombe,  Thomas 449 

Coombe,  William 449 

Cornelius,  Nicholas 674 

Correll,  John 646 

Cottingham,  John  M 550 

Cottingham,  Miles  D 486 

Cottingham,  Timothy 550 

Covert,  George,  M.  D 24 

Covert,  John  A 24 

Cowduroy,  William 112 

Cox,  Hon.  George  G 633 

Cox,  James  P 614 

Cox,  Judge  James  P 614 

Crabtree,  Job  H 965 

Cram,  George  H 648 

Craven,  William 107 

Crawford  Brothers 815 

Crawford,  George 816 

Crawford,  Jefferson 899 

Crawford,  Hon.  Robert  M 816 

Croke,  Rev.  J.  P 937 

Cronin,  Edward,  M.  D 728 

Cronin,  F.  M.,M.  D 728 

Crow,  Thomas 789 

Crull,  George  M 734 

Crull,  George  W 734 

Cuckow,  Samuel  F 977 

Cuckow,  Samuel  J 168 

Cullen,  George 745 

Cullen,  Joseph 745 

Culver,  Alvah 792 

Culver,  David  W 792 

Culver,  DeWitt  C 877 

Culver,  John 792 

Culver,  Joshua  N 139 

Culver,  Lyman  D.,  Esq 139 

Curkeet,  E.  M 443 

Curkeet,  Mrs.  E.  M 443 

Curkeet,  John 443 

Curry,  William  M 291 

Curwen,  John 505 

Curwen,  William  W...  505 

Cushman,  Barnabas 686 

Cushman,  Harvey 685 

Cutts,  Rufus  I 270 

Dailey,  Herman  P 731 

David,  O.  P 935 

Davies,  John  D 758 

Davies,  Thomas 819 

Davis,  Benjamin  J 698 

Davis,  David 395 

Davis,  James 457 

Davis,  James  N 395 

Davis,  John 682 

Davis,  William  W 468 

Davy,  Hiram  L 843 

Day,  Rufus  M 544 

Deller,  Joseph 627 

Dempsey,  Rev.  Thomas 595 

Dennis,  Robert  W 516 


INDEX. 


985 


PAGE. 


Dennis,  William 516 

Dentzler,  William  H 950 

Derrick,  Franklin  H 355 

Derrick,  Franklin  R 561 

Derrick,  Rodolphus 355 

Devereux,  Charles  C 127 

Devereux,  Edward 127 

DeWitt,  Isaac  G 567 

Dick,  John 496 

Dick,  William  H 496 

Dickinson,  Charles  C 600 

Dickinson,  Ensign  P 600 

Dinsdale,  John Ill 

Divall,  Fred 853 

Divan,  Isaac 953 

Dixon,  Ora  A 216 

Dixon,  William  R 215 

Dobson,  Rev.  Frederick 273 

Dodds,  James  J 635 

Dodge,  Ammi 500 

Dodge,  Hon.  A.  Clarke 136 

Dodge,  Charles  F 500 

Dolan,  James 465 

Dolan,  Owen 465 

Doty,  Edward  P 183 

Doty,  Ezra  P 167 

Doty,  E.  Philo 323 

Doty,  Zuri  S 167,  323 

Dowling*  Rev.  Sylvester  J. . . . 749 

Doyle,  Andrew 719 

Doyle,  Arthur 719 

Draggs,  John 424 

Drake,  Jefferson 951 

Dunn,  Frederick  C 454 

Dunwiddie,  Daniel 968 

Duthie,  William 301 

Duxstad,  Knud  B 414 

Dyer,  Abner 809 

Dyer,  William  J 809 

Eager,  Almeron 130 

Earl,  Harmon  H 6 

Earnest,  James  H 620 

Earnest,  Mrs.  Mary  E 620 

Eastman,  Amos 355 

Eastman,  Andrew 203 

Eastman,  Darius. ..A  354 

Eastman,  George  W.,  M.  D.  ..  1 

Eaton,  Edward  D.,  D.D.,LL.  D.  32 

Eaton  Family 349 

Eaton,  Mrs.  Martha  A 348 

Eaton,  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel 32 

Eaton,  Thomas  H 348 

Eck,  George 893 

Edden,  Ransom  W.,  M.  D. . . . 841 

Edden,  Thomas  H 841 

Eddington,  Edward  E 347 

Eddington,  Mrs.  E.  E 348 

Edwards,  James 494 

Edwards,  T.  L.,  M.  D 81 

Eidsmoe,  M.  0 747 

Eidsmore,  A.  M 747 

Einerson,  John 758 

Einerson,  Martin  J. 758 

Einerson,  Sever 758 

Eldredge,  Barnabas  B 30 

Eldredge,  William  M 224 

Eley,  Henry 416 

Elgar,  William 213 

Ellefson,  George 822 

Ellis,  Rev.  Leroy 356 

Ellis,  Nehemiah 930 

Ellis,  Richard  F 929 

Ellis,  William  R 237 


PAGE. 


Ellsworth,  John 770 

Ellsworth,  John  M 771 

Ellsworth,  Reuben 771 

Elmer,  Conrad  K 491 

Elmer,  John  A 492 

Elmer,  Werner 879 

Elston,  A.  C.  Vanderwater.. . . 260 

Elston,  S.  B 260 

Elwell,  F.  A 626 

Elwell,  James 626 

Emberson,  Edward  H 831 

Emerson,  Mrs.  Helen  B 121 

Emerson,  Joseph,  D.  D.,  LL.  D.  120 

Eplett,  John 449 

Erickson,  Ole  M 854 

Etter,  Rev.  John  T ...  471 

Evans,  Evan  J 320 

Evans  Family 40 

Evans,  John  M.,  M.  D.,  Sr. ...  8 

Evans,  Jonathan  H 41 

Evensen,  Mrs.  Carrie 783 

Evensen,  Christen. 783 

Eversoll,  Rheinhard 623 

Ewing,  Mrs.  Jane  A. . 275 

Ewing,  Mary  L.,  M.  D - 87 

Ewing,  Thomas  H 275 

Farrey,  William 275 

Farwell,  George 609 

Farwell,  Russell 609 

Fassbender,  Henry  H 594 

Fathers,  James  A 771 

Fawcett,  David 661 

Fennel,  George  W 802 

Fennel,  R.  C 803 

Fessenden,  Edmund  S.,  M.  D.  966 

Field,  Edward 959 

Field,  William 283 

Field,  William  S 283 

Finley,  J.  L 125 

Finn,  Charles  B 857 

Finn,  Mrs.  Lydia  G 857 

Flannery,  Hugh 948 

Flint,  John 379 

Flint,  Capt.  Thomas 378 

Flower,  Dwight,  M.  D 396 

Foley,  John 418 

Folts,  David 594 

Folts,  Ransom  B 594 

Fowler,  Abel  C 887 

Frank,  Major  George  R 15 

Fredricksen,  Frederick 622 

Fryslie,  Andrew 855 

Fryslie,  Ben 855 

Fuelberg,  Frederick 687 

Funk,  Benjamin 395 

F unk,  John  E 395 

Funk,  Nicholas 567 

Funk,  Nicholas  H 567 

Funston,  W.  J.,  D.  D.  S.  169 

Ganshirt,  Lawrence 387 

Gant,  Charles 952 

Garden,  William 480 

Gardner,  David 586 

Gardner,  Dewey 440 

Gardner,  D.  J 586 

Gardner,  John  W 744 

Gardner,  Warren  E 440 

Gassett,  Lucius 471 

Gehrand,  G.  W 753 

Geiger,  John 354 

Geiger,  Otto  F 354 

Gerber,  Frederick 437 


PAGE. 


Gerber,  Nicholas 437 

Gerhart,  Phillip 547 

Gibson,  William  F 435 

Giesel,  Rev.  E.  O 39 

Gilford,  Henry  B.,  M.  D 955 

Gilkey,  Herbert  S 98 

Gill,  Isaiah 538 

Gillett,  Alburtis  A 807 

Gilmore,  Mrs.  Judith  J 241 

Gilmore,  Lysander 241 

Glasson,  John  943 

Glasson,  Mrs.  Levinia 942 

Gleason,  John  E 79 

Gnagi,  Peter 466 

Gnagi,  William  B„  M.  D 982 

Goldin,  Reuben  W 780 

Goldin,  Hon.  Theodore  W. . . . 780 

Goldmann,  George  H 97 

Goodrich,  Elijah 139 

Goodrich,  Ezra 48 

Goodrich,  Joseph 48 

Goodrich,  Lemuel  M 60 

Goodrich,  Mark 139 

Goodrich,  Wilbur  F 60 

Gorham,  Ernest  W 779 

Gorham,  Rice  D 915 

Gorham,  William  C 915 

Graham,  Arthur  W 806 

Graham,  John 806 

Grant,  Patrick 850 

Grant,  Thomas 850 

Gratiot,  Charles  C.,  M.  D 383 

Gratiot  Family 381 

Gratiot,  Henry 382 

Graves,  Benjamin  A 116 

Graves,  Roswell..... 116 

Gray,  Alonzo  C 21 

Gray,  Mrs.  Catharine. 30 

Gray,  Charles  S 429 

Gray,  James 29 

Gray,  John 68 

Gray,  Nathaniel. 421 

Gray,  Samuel 68 

Gray,  William  H 421 

Green,  Henry  W 12 

Green,  Paul  M 12 

Griffith,  Samuel 310 

Grimm,  Aloys 262 

Grimm,  Hermann 146 

Grimm,  Philip  C 141 

Grindell,  Lieut.  John 165 

Grindell,  Mrs.  Margaret  A 504 

Grindell,  William 504 

Grinnell,  Robert  P 374 

Grinnell,  Willard  E 374 

Grove,  Mrs.  Caroline 819 

Grove,  Lars  0 819 

Grunenwald,  Jacob 827 

Gulson,  Christopher 948 

Gundry,  Joseph 6(J5 

Gundry,  Miss  Mary  R 606 

Gundry,  William  R 606 

Gunn,  William 100 

Haffele,  Jacob 422 

Haggert,  James 115 

Hake,  George  W 580 

Hake,  Lycurgus 580 

Hale,  Alonzo 921 

Hale,  George  W 921 

Hale,  John 963 

Hale,  Robert  C 964 

Hale,  Mrs.  Sarah  964 

Hall,  George  W.,  Sr 122 


986 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 


Haman,  Samuel  H 526 

Hancock,  Edward 806 

Handy,  Addison 228 

Haney,  Mrs.  Mary 436 

Hannum,  Rufus 791 

Hannum,  Warren 54,  791 

Hansen,  Carl  A.,  M.  D 105 

Hanson,  John  980 

Hanson,  Nathan  T 980 

Hanthorn,  George 280 

Harcleroad,  James  M 743 

Harker,  Mrs.  Mary  A 460 

Harker,  Simon 459 

Harms,  Dedrick 499,  664 

Harms,  Miss  Emily 665 

Harms,  George  L 665 

Harms,  James  W 499 

Harms,  John 666 

Harms,  Louis  L 337 

Harris,  Hon.  Joseph 144 

Harris,  Rev.  William 942 

Harrison,  James 333 

Hart,  Orrin  L 884 

Hart,  Theodore  F 884 

Hartford,  W.  P„  M.  D 434 

Hartwich,  Gottlieb 545 

Hartwig,  Christ  F 725 

Hartwig,  George 877 

Hartwig,  John,  Sr 949 

Hartwig,  John,  Jr 877 

Hartwig,  Louis 881 

Hartwig,  Mrs.  Sophie 566 

Hartwig,  William 566 

Flarvey,  Mrs.  Caroline 39 

Harvey,  Rev.  William 38 

Hassell,  Rev.  Richard 834 

Hassell,  Samuel  E.,M.  D....  834 

Hastings,  John  Q 860 

Hawk,  George 689 

Hawk,  William. 923 

Hawley,  Albert  G 518 

Hawley,  Daniel  S 518 

Hawley,  Mrs.  Mary  L 519 

Hawthorn,  Alfred  H ...  511 

Hawthorn,  James 511,  583 

Hawthorn,  John  E 583 

Hayden,  James  M 685 

Hayden,  Martin 910 

Hayden,  Samuel 685 

Hayes,  John 180 

Fleathcock,  John 624 

Heathcock,  Joseph  J 624 

Heberlein,  John  F 507 

Helgesen,  Elias  J , M.  D 864 

Helgesen,  John 865 

Helm,  Ernest  C.,  M.  D 83 

Helm,  Arthur  C.,  M.  D.  84 

Hemstreet,  George  E 832 

Hern,  Arthur.. 757 

Hern,  William 757 

Hetherington,  W.  M 24 

Hettman,  Jacob  R 263 

Hill,  Silas 287 

Hinn,  Charles  P 693 

Hinn,  Joseph,  Sr 693 

Hird,  James  S 795 

Hird,  William 795 

Hoare,  James  A 738 

Hoare,  John 738 

Hodge,  George  R 914 

Hodges,  Gilbert  T 862 

Hodges,  William 862 

Hoffman,  William 924 

Holcomb,  Reuben  T 526 


PAGE. 


Holford,  U.  L.,  M.  D 754 

Holford,  William  H 754 

Holmes,  Edward  A 383 

Holmes,  Harvey 383 

Holmes,  William 211 

Holmes,  William,  Sr 762 

Holmes,  William  S 466 

Hooser,  Jacob  890 

Hooser,  Mrs.  May 891 

Hore,  John  B 981 

Hornbeck,  Cyrus  A 577 

Hornbeck,  Mrs.  Mary 577 

Horner,  Matthew 253 

Horner,  Rodger 253 

Horsley,  Henry 462 

Horsley,  William  462 

Horton,  George  H 483 

Hosier,  Evan  A 392 

Hovey,  Alfred 765 

Hovey,  Eleazer 765 

Howard,  Cornelius 927 

Howe,  William  E 117 

Hubbard,  Peter  A 976 

Hudson,  Henry 421 

Hudson,  James 338 

Hudson,  William  H 338 

Huey,  Rev.  Samuel  G 739 

Huffman,  Jacob 530 

Huffman, James 849 

Hughes,  James 303 

Hulbert,  John  W 857 

Hulbert,  Lorrain  D 783 

Hull,  Robert 880 

Hungerford,  Ulysses  M 317 

Huntington,  Richard 94 

Huntington,  Robert  M 93 

Hutzel,  Samuel 592 

Ingersoll,  Chalmers 91 

Ingersoll,  John  W A 482 

Irish,  Horatio  P 227 

Irish,  Stephen  B 227 

Israel,  George  W 322 

Jaberg,  Roy 917 

Jackman,  Claremont  S 63 

Jackman,  Timothy 63 

Jackson,  Alfred  A 56 

Jackson,  Christopher  M 869 

Jackson,  James  (deceased). . . . 952 

Jackson,  James 822 

Jacobs,  David  E 727 

Jacobs,  R.  S 889 

Jacobs,  Wilder  B 723 

Jacobson,  Iver 570 

Jacques,  William  Henry 527 

Jameson,  Rev.  James 19 

Jameson,  William  K.,  M.  D...  19 

Jeffery,  Francis 62 

Jeffery,  James 62 

Jeffris,  David 248 

Jeffris,  David  K 252 

Jeffris  Family 248 

Jenkin,  Samuel 551 

Jenkins,  Benjamin 460 

Jenkins,  Hon.  Thomas,  Jr 460 

Jeremiason,  Ole 613 

Johns,  Frederick 164 

Johns,  John 164 

Johnson,  Edwin 444 

Johnson,  Edwin  A 444 

Johnson,  Farnum 403 

Johnson,  Harlan  J 717 

Johnson,  Henry  W 403 


PAGE. 


Johnson,  John  A 707 

Johnson,  Stephen 305 

Johnson,  Warren 403 

Johnson,  William 652 

Johnson,  William  F 535 

Joiner  Family 293- 

Joiner,  Stanley  H 293 

Jones,  Benjamin  G 441 

Jones,  Chauncey 438 

Jones,  James... 731 

Jones,  Jesse  S 187 

Jones,  John 196 

Jones,  John  H 271 

Jones,  John  W 271 

Jones,  J.  W 285 

Jones,  Mrs.  J.  W 285 

Jones,  Lloyd 972 

Jones,  Lloyd,  Sisters 974 

Jones,  Obed  K 438 

Jones,  Rev.  P.  J 590 

Jones,  Richard  Lloyd- 973 

Jones,  Thomas  J 161 

Karlen,  Jacob 440 

Karn,  Casper  W 868 

Keen,  Joseph 415 

Keene,  Oliver  F 258 

Keene,  Samuel  B 258 

Keith,  Adam  18 

Kemler,  A.  W 20 

Kemler,  James  C 21 

Kemler,  John 20 

Kemmerer,  Charles  W 481 

Kemmerer,  John  F 284 

Kemmerer,  S.  H 481 

Kemp,  Charles 837 

Kemp,  John 908 

Kempton,  Rev.  Arthur  C 699 

Kendall,  Luther  W 77 

Kendall,  William 77 

Kenney,  Edward 714 

Kenney,  J.  PI 714 

Kettler,  August 532 

Kettler,  Henry 920 

Key,  Abraham 853 

Key,  Marshall 853 

Kieler,  George 896 

Kieler,  John 896 

Kies,  Allen  533 

Kies,  Daniel 533 

Killam,  Kimble 98 

Killam,  Rush 98 

Kilpatrick,  James 257 

Kimball,  Fermer 776 

Kimball,  Frank  D 776 

Kinsman,  Thomas 530 

Kirkpatrick,  Mrs.  Caroline. . . . 325 

Kirkpatrick,  James  C 650 

Kirkpatrick,  James  G 325 

Klindt,  John  A 129 

Klinkhammer,  F.  W 243 

Knapp,  Abraham  V 866 

Knapp,  A 907 

Knapp,  Frank  S.,  D.  D.  S 866 

Kmll,  Harold 103 

Knobel,  David 755 

Knudson,  Nils 867 

Knutson,  Albert  G 99 

Knutson,  Gulick 100 

Kolb,  Philip 549 

Krog,  Fredrich 582 

Kubli,  Joderich 644 

Kuehner,  Martin 948 

Kumlien,  Ludwig,  M.  S 89 


INDEX. 


98  7 


PAGE. 

Kumlien,  Thure  T.  L 89 

Kundert,  Bartholomeus  A 878 

Kundert,  Jacob 962 

Kundert,  John  T 878 

Kundert,  Paul 878 

Kundert,  Rudy  M 962 

LaBorde,  Peter 452 

Ladd,  Calvin 855 

Lane,  Henry  C 66 

Lanyon,  William 608 

Lanyon,  Mrs.  William 664 

Lappin,  Mrs.  Mary  J 82 

Lappin,  Thomas 82 

Larson,  Martin 938 

Laughlin,  James  W 670 

Leadbetter,  Mrs.  Ann 756 

Lee,  Charles 838 

Lee,  George.. 477 

Lee,  John .477 

Lee,  Truman  T 80 

Legler,  David 850 

Legler,  John 850 

Leser,  Peter 606 

Levitt,  John 149 

Levitt,  Luther  B 149 

Lewis,  Edward  F 304 

Lewis,  Franklin  F 312 

Lewis,  James 961 

Lewis,  John 59 

Lewis,  Marshall  B 961 

Lewis,  Stephen  B 304 

Lewis,  Thomas  568 

Lewis,  William,  Sr 59 

Lewis,  William 649 

Libby,  C.  A 38 

Libert,  Frederick 385 

Lichtenwalner,  Albert  F 725 

Lichtenwalner,  Joseph  S 725 

Liddle,  Miss  Elizabeth  A 195 

Liddle,  Ralph 195 

Lincoln,  Azariah 413 

Lincoln,  Joseph  H 413 

Lindsay,  James 816 

Lipman,  Ernest 456 

Lippolt,  Peter  B 568 

Litel,  James  E 874 

Litel,  John  F 871 

Little,  John 102 

Little,  Thomas 169 

Little,  Walter 556 

Livingston,  Joseph 644 

Lloyd,  Thomas  J 249 

Lloyd-Jones 972 

Lloyd-Jones,  Richard 973 

Lloyd-Jones  Sisters 974 

Loewi,  Adolph 531 

Loney,  Charles  W 134 

Long,  Henry 808 

Long,  Louis 157 

Long,  William  H 157 

Longbotham,  John 716 

Longbotham,  Thomas 716,  882 

Longfield,  Rev.  Arthur 742 

Loofbourow,  Nathan  A.,  M.  D.  358 

Loomis,  Oscar  M 327 

Loomis,  Samuel  B 450 

Loomis,  Miss  Sara  E 451 

Looney,  Abraham 360 

Looney,  James  S 360 

Lord,  Horace  J 813 

Lord,  lames  A.,  M.  D 10 

Lord,  Simon  Lock 10 

Lothrop,  Jason  B 276 


PAGE. 


Loucks,  Adam  H 481 

Lovejoy,  Hon.  Allen  P 36 

Loveland,  Argalus 593 

Loveland,  Edwin  A 593 

Lowrey,  Mrs.  Heloise 804 

Lowrey,  Goodwin 803 

Loy,  William,  M.  D 506 

Luchsinger,  John 673 

Luckey,  R.  B 718 

Ludlow,  Mrs.  Arabut 328 

Ludlow,  Arabut 328 

Ludlum,  William  M 380 

Lunn,  Ole  J 359 

Lyke,  John  J 240 

Lyman,  James  W, 859 

Lyman,  George  S 859 

Lynch,  Thomas  A 873 

Lyons,  John 848 

Lytle,  Charles  A 774 

McBride,  John 887 

McBride,  Mrs.  Robert 546 

McBride,  Robert 546 

McClain,  John 565 

McDermott,  Capt.  John 149 

McDermott,  Thomas  E.,  M.  D.  150 

McDonald,  Alpheus  N 066 

McEwan,  James 14 

McGavock,  Hugh  794 

McGinnity,  Rev.  Eugene  M.. . 950 

McGovern,  Phil  905 

McGowan,  Emmett  D 64 

McGowan,  Tames  S 64 

McGranahan,  William 230 

McGregor,  Duncan,  M.  A., 


McKahan,  Lewis 625 

McKellar,  Archibald,  M.  D. . . 525 

McKenna,  Mrs.  Mary  L 445 

McKenna,  Michael 445 

McKinny,  James  E 522 

McKinny,  Joseph 522 

McLaughlin,  William  W 405 

McLimans,  John 903 

McLimans,  Mrs.  Sophronia  A.  903 

McMurray,  John 504 

McNeil,  Martin 590 

McNett,  Mrs.  Amanda 548 

McNett,  Edwin  L 548 

McNett,  Lorenzo 548 

McPherson,  Alexander 571 

McPherson,  George  W 732 

McPherson,  John 732 

McWilliams,  James 911 

MacDonald,  Edward,  M.  D. . . 560 

Maher,  Thomas 564 

Manchester,  Mrs.  Sarah 958 

Mani,  David 879 

Mappes,  Col.  Charles 880 

Mappes,  Mrs.  Minnie 881 

Marcussen,  F.  W 748 

Marsden,  Henry 469 

Marsden,  Thomas 469 

Marshall,  Francis  C 198 

Marshall,  George  A 197 

Martens,  Henry 896 

Martin,  Hon.  Harry.  C 232 

Martin,  John  C 944 

Martin,  John  J 790 

Martin,  Nathaniel 755 

Mar! el,  E.  J 279 

Marvin,  Joseph  T 279 

Mates,  William 350 

I Mayhew,  William  A 296 


PAGE. 


Mayne,  Dexter  D 188 

Meacham,  John  A 939 

Meehan,  John 411 

Meinert,  Christopher 363 

Melvin,  Alonzo 557 

Melvin,  Fordyce  R 557 

Menzie,  Charles  H 303 

Menzie,  Robert  R 788 

Menzie,  Silas  W 788 

Metcalf,  Frank  W 753 

Metcalfe,  Francis 774 

Meyer,  Fred  A 928 

Meyer,  William  C 528 

. Miles,  James 400 

Miles,  John  F 400 

Mill,  Henry 266 

Miller,  George 885 

Miller,  Harvey  M 374 

Miller,  Jacob 523 

Miller,  Mrs.  Katherine 885 

Mills,  James,  M.  S.,  M.  D.  _ . . . 208 

Mills,  Judge  Joseph  T 631 

Minor,  Capt.  Orrin  E 479 

Mitchell,  Abner 491,  859 

Mitchell,  Hon.  Franklin 491 

Mix,  E.  N 666 

Mix,  Homer  P.,  M.  D 666 

Monroe,  William,  M.  D 536 

Monroe,  William  B.,  M.  D.. . . 537 

Moore,  Aaron  T 145 

Moore,  A.  W 622 

Moore,  Frank  1 587 

Moore,  George  A 145 

Moore,  Isaac 587 

Moore,  Col.  John 622 

Morgan,  William 917 

Morgan,  Mrs.  William 917 

Morrell,  Lee 12 

Morrell,  Ruel 11 

Morris,  John  I . 188 

Morrison,  Mrs.  Catherine  E.. . 419 

Morrison,  Joseph 419 

Morse,  Mrs.  Angelett 23 

Morse,  Calvin  630 

Morse,  Hilen  C 23 

Morse,  Mrs.  Martha  A 631 

Morse,  Milton  M 630 

Morse,  Reuben  S 229 

Morton,  Alexander 535 

Moseley,  Lucius  S 357 

Mouat,  Jeremiah 200 

Mouat,  Peter  J 200 

Mueller,  Prof.  Rudolph  H. . . . 276 

Muesse,  Henry 659 

Muffley,  John  R 563 

Mullen,  John 453 

Mullen,  Samuel 453 

Mullen,  Mrs.  Samuel 454 

Mulrooney,  James 202 

Munger,  Augustus  C 191 

Murdock,  Edwin  131 

Murdock,  Floyd  D 131 

Murphy,  Dennis 752 

Murphy,  J.  B 925 

Murphy,  James  W 900 

Murphy,  Matthew 752 

Murphy,  William 900 

Myers,  John. 489 

Myers,  Samuel 958: 

Naess,  Rev.  J.  A.  E 941 

Nagle,  John 102 

Nagle,  Thomas 738 


Nagle,  Thomas  D. . . . 738-' 


988 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 

Napp,  Conrad 222 

Napp,  Mrs.  Conrad 222 

Neely,  Benjamin  F 677 

Neely,  Robert 677 

Nehls,  Henning 695 

Nehls,  William  H 695 

Nelson,  Edward 962 

Newhall,  Elisha 23 

Newman,  Jefferson  J 480 

Newman,  John 325 

Newman,  William  S 810 

Newton,  E.  Frank 487 

Newton,  Isaac  W 645 

Newton,  John 645 

Nice  Family 824 

Nice,  John  W... 823 

Niehaus,  Bennett  W 593 

Nolan,  Thomas  S 254 

Norcross,  Hon.  Pliny 35 

North,  Thomas 199 

Nowlan,  Burton  F 278 

Nowlan,  Oscar  F 835 

Nuti,  Charles  J.  F 61 

Oettiker,  Jacob 294 

Oettiker,  John 294 

Oettiker,  Lieut.  W.  H 919 

Okey,  Lewis  M 910 

Oliver,  Charles 839 

Oliver,  Washington 839 

Olson,  Gustav 941 

Olson,  Mrs.  Mary 769 

Olson,  Nelson 895 

Olson,  Oscar  R 845 

Olson,  Rollin 769,  845 

Orton,  Hon.  Philo  A 166 

Ortscheid,  John  B 773 

Osborn,  James 61 

Osborn,  Capt.  S.  W 152 

Ostrander,  James 675 

Ostrander,  John  H 675 

Owen,  Dr.  Edward  B 858 

Owen,  John 688 

Owen,  John  H 688 

Owrey,  Jacob 375 

Pace,  Jackson 151 

Page,  George 133 

Palmer,  Andrew  J 836 

Pape,  Rev.  Peter 94 

Parker,  Charles  H 86 

Parker,  Dwight  T.,  Jr 368 

Parker,  Dwight  T.,  Sr 366 

Parker  Family 366 

Parker,  L.  Holden 86 

Parkinson,  Col.  Daniel  M 720 

Parkinson,  Peter 721 

Parkison,  William  B 679 

Patch,  Henry 211 

Paterson,  David  B 54 

Paterson,  Hugh  B 5 

Patterson,  Cyrus  W 626 

Patterson,  Franklin 493 

Patterson,  Parious  P 626 

Paul,  Homer  M 119 

Paul,  James 976 

Paul,  Lemuel 119 

Paulsen,  George 956 

Paulson,  Jacoby 760 

Paulson,  Rev.  Ole 255 

Peacock,  J.  H 970 

Peacock,  Thomas  H 585 

Peacock,  William 585 

Peake,  E.  D.,  Esq ...  558 


PAGE. 


Peake,  Rev.  Thomas  D.,  A.  M., 


Pearsall,  Charles  J 135 

Peck,  Everett  828 

Peck,  Nelson 828 

Peck,  Walter  W„  M.  D 720 

Peckham,  Abel 343 

Peckham,  Mrs.  E.  M 344 

Peckham,  Winfield  S 343 

Pedley,  John  S 170 

Pedley,  Mrs.  Mary  A 170 

Pedley,  Peter  S 515 

Pedley,  William 516 

Pengra,  George  H 733 

Pengra,  George  S 741 

Pengra,  Hon.  Marshall  H 760 

Pengra,  Wallace  A 741 

Penn,  J.  B 912 

Perkins,  Edward  J 954 

Peters,  John  W 922 

Phelps,  Abram 172 

Phelps,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  C 178 

Phelps,  Frank  B 172,  176 

Phelps,  Milton  M 172,  177 

Phillips,  Allen  F 308 

Phillips,  Charles  E 831 

Phillips,  Daniel  W 407 

Phillips,  David. 436 

Phillips,  Elmer  818 

Phillips,  Israel 817 

Pierce,  James 143 

Pierce,  Richmond  B 53 

Pilling,  Elias 251 

Pinch,  Mrs.  Ann 909 

Pinch,  Joseph 909 

Pitts,  Henry 932 

Pohle,  William,  Sr 964 

Pollock,  David  H 268 

Pollock,  Robert 295 

Pool,  Francis 183 

Poole,  Albert 539 

Poole,  John,  Jr 539 

Porter,  William 90 

Posten,  William 937 

Powell,  Lewis. 863 

Preston,  Mrs.  Charlotte 571 

Preston,  Matthew 488 

Preston,  Nathaniel 570 

Prior,  August  C 492 

Prior,  Gottfried 492 

Proctor,  Eli 412 

Proctor,  George  A 412 

Prussing,  Adolph 941 

Prytchect,  John 162 

Puffer,  Prescott  W 498 

Purves,  Luther  E 797 

Purves,  Thomas 797 

Putnam,  John  J 371 

Qualley,  Bernt  W 712 

Raisbeck,  John 417 

Raisbeck,  Leonard 417 

Ralph,  William 47 

Randall,  A.  N 768 

Ranous,  Clark.. 907 

Ranous,  Henry  E 907 

Ransom,  Samuel  C 302 

Raymer,  Mrs.  Amelia 701 

Raymer,  Jesse 700 

Read,  William  H 119 

Rear,  G.  E 730 

Rech,  John  C 158 

Redman,  James  W 918 


PAGE. 

Regez,  Jacob 517 

Rhoades,  Mathias  P 814 

Rice,  Moors 727 

Rice,  M.  M 727 

Richards,  John 946 

Richards,  Mrs.  John 946 

Richards,  Orson  M 221 

Richards,  Mrs.  Orson  M 221 

Richardson,  Edmund  W 823 

Richardson,  Mrs.  Elizabeth...  940 
Richardson,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  W 811 

Richardson,  Hamilton 44 

Richardson,  Joseph 940 

Richardson,  Leonidas 811 

Richardson,  Marshall  P 701 

Richardson,  William  S 811 

Riege,  E 301 

Riggs,  John  M 363 

Riley,  William  W 847 

Rindlaub,  Martin  P 352 

Riter,  Charles 913 

Robb,  Davis 642 

Robb,  Nelson 642 

Robbins,  James  C 233 

Roberts,  George  W.,  M.  D 764 

Roberts,  Mrs.  Jane 201 

Roberts,  Jonathan 764 

Roberts,  William  D 201 

Robinson  Family 433 

Robinson,  George  H 124 

Robinson,  John 678 

Robinson,  John  M 124 

Robinson,  Judson  L 433 

Robinson,  Thomas 124 

Robinson,  William  484 

Robinson,  William  J 484 

Robison,  James 445 

Rock,  Abner  S 469 

Rock,  Charles  H 469 

Roddick,  Arial 268 

Roddick,  John 268 

Roderick,  Henry 533 

Roderick,  James  W 790 

Roderick,  William  G 660 

Rogers,  James  D 747 

Root,  Tilden  S 920 

Rose,  J.  M 147 

Rosenthal,  William 826 

Ross,  Augustus 470 

Ross,  John  J ...  740 

Ross,  Leonard  507 

Ross,  Marion  F 470 

Ross,  Samuel  C 740 

Ross,  William  H 507 

Rote,  Alvin  F 715 

Rote,  Lewis 715 

Rountree,  Hon.  John  H 541 

Rowe,  Frank 226 

Rowlands,  William 267 

Rovce,  Rev  Fayette,  D.  D. . . 7 

Rudolph,  Paul 901 

Rundell,John  S 643 

Rundell,  Samuel 643 

Rush,  Henry 576 

Ruskell,  Edward 359 

Rmsell,  C.  IT,  M.  D 581 

Russell,  Dr.  George  W ...  .243,  581 

Russell,  George  W 243 

Ryan,  Edward 286 

Ryan,  Edward  H.,  A.B.,  LL.B.  286 
Ryland,  George  W 629 

Sambrook,  Peter 894 

Sawin,  Dwight  D 974 


INDEX 


989 


PAGE. 


Sawin,  Horace 974 

Scadden,  Richard 742 

Schaal,  George  F 873 

Scheel,  Henry 472 

Schenck,  Nicholas 371 

Schenck,  William 371 

Schindler,  Andreas 601 

Schindler,  Jacob  D 601 

Schmid,  Adam  D 870 

Schmitt,  Anton 573 

Schneider,  Charles  P 597 

Schreiner,  John 254 

Schroder,  James  F. 930 

Schroeder,  Christopher  F 713 

Schroeder,  Mrs.  Christopher  F.  712 

Schuelter,  Hubert 667 

Scott,  Robert  W 264 

Scott,  Thomas 314 

Seaton,  Hon.  James  W 784 

Selleck,  George  J 65 

Selleck,  Rev.  Wallace  L 65 

Selleck,  Washington  F 872 

Sendelbach,  Charles  R 314 

Severson,  Bryngel 681 

Severson,  Sever  O 748 

Sheffer,  Rufus  B 219 

Sheldon,  John  P 55 

Sheldon,  Thomas  H 55 

Sherman,  James  T 501 

Sherman,  T.  B 148 

Sherwin,  Nicholas 664 

Sherwin,  Will 664 

Shinoe,  Benjamin 562 

Shinoe,  Mrs.  Elizabeth 562 

Shinoe,  Lewis 572 

Shinoe,  Mrs.  Mary  J 571 

Shockley,  David  C 454 

Short,  Rev.  Wallace  M 92 

Shortney,  Mrs.  Isobel  M 26 

Shortney,  John 25 

Showalter,  Hon.  Reuben  B.. ..  448 

Shull,  Jesse 888 

Shull,  Lewis  W 888 

Side,  John 250 

Sifford,  John  M 409 

Sifford,  Mrs.  Sarah  J 410 

Simmons,  Henry 259 

Simmons,  Jacob 667 

Simmons,  Thomas 667 

Simons,  Malachi 883 

Simons,  Nicholas 883 

Simpson,  Jefferson  B 426 

Simpson,  Philemon  B 426 

Slack,  Miss  Elizabeth 656 

Slack,  Job 655 

Smalley,  Daniel  N 69 

Smelker,  I.  C 388 

Smelker,  J.  W 388 

Smiley,  Daniel 704 

Smiley,  William 703 

Smith,  Aaron  ...  400 

Smith,  Amos  S 690 

Smith,  Asahel  P 292 

Smith,  Charles  M.,  Jr.,  M.  D. . 29 

Smith,  Charles  M.,  Sr.,  M.  D. . 26 

Smith,  George  J : 540 

Smith,  Henry 217 

Smith,  Isaac  T 402 

Smith,  Jesse 861 

Smith,  John 326 

Smith,  John  A 906 

Smith,  John  B , 326 

Smith,  Hon.  John  M 512 

Smith,  Jonathan 699 


PAGE. 


Smith,  Mrs.  Laura  R 543 

Smith,  Mark 540 

Smith,  Mrs.  Mary  M 94 

Smith,  Melford  Pratt 269 

Smith,  Samuel  M 931 

Smith,  Scott 402 

Smith,  Simon 476 

Smith,  William  R 512 

Sneclode,  John  H.  C 457 

Snowden,  Randolph 702 

Snowden,  W.  R 702 

Sparks,  Joseph 246 

Spaulding,  George  T 962 

Spears,  William  R 508 

Spellman,  Jacob  L 584 

Spencer,  John  C 763 

Spencer,  S.  B 109 

Spensley,  Hon.  James 658 

Sprague,  Almerin 552 

Sprague,  Burr 552 

Stanton,  Daniel 705 

Stanton,  S.  W 705 

Stark,  Charles  W 137 

Stark,  William  H 137 

Starr,  Frank  P 340 

Starr,  James 340 

Stauffacher,  Abraham 766 

Steensland,  Asbjorn  E 848 

Stehl,  Charles  E 297 

Steiger,  Carl,  M.  D 851 

Steinhoff,  John  H 729 

Steinhoff,  William  F 729 

Stephens,  Amo  C 672 

Stephens,  Chester 520 

Stephens,  Mrs.  Jane 378 

Stephens,  John 554 

Stephens,  Michael 723 

Stephens,  Mrs.  Rosa  E 520 

Stephens,  Sylvester  R 461 

Stephens,  Col.  Thomas 376 

Stephens,  Williamv 554 

Steuert,  Sigmund 110 

Stevens,  Casper 510 

Stevens,  Charles  D 696 

Stevens,  Herman  J 510 

Stevens,  William  127 

Stevens,  William  E 105 

Stewart,  Mrs.  Carrie 689 

Stewart  Family 865 

Stewart,  George 244 

Stewart,  George  R 865 

Stewart,  John 689 

Stewart,  John  W 689 

Stewart,  Robert 684 

Stewart,  Thomas 683 

Stillman,  Jairus  M 2 

Stockel,  Bernard 922 

Stockel,  Henry 922 

Stockman,  James 313 

Stockman,  John 313 

Stone,  Franklin 386 

Stone,  Gustavus 204 

Stone,  Oscar 386 

Stott,  Matthew 385 

Stout,  Allison  W 980 

Streeter,  Horace  H 306 

Strong,  Judge  Luman  M 636 

Strong,  Orville 636 

Strong,  Rolla  M 701 

Strong,  Thomas 701 

Strong,  William  B 316 

Stuart,  Ezra  H 434 

Sumner,  Burton 163 

I Sumner,  Joshua 163 


PAGE. 


Sutherland,  George  G 122 

Sutherland,  Quincy  O.,  M.  D...  121 

Swan,  John 974 

Swan,  Stephen 891 

Swi:zer,  John 487 

Sylvester,  Caleb 432 

Sylvester,  Eben  W 432 

Taft,  Frank  D 970 

Taft,  S.  C 970 

Talmadge,  John  F 521 

Talmadge,  Rudolph 521 

Tarrant,  Henry 218 

Taylor,  James  T 826 

Taylor,  Prof.  John  S 288 

Taylor,  Robert 892 

Teasdale,  Alonzo  B 524 

Teasdale,  Wilson 524 

Tennant,  William 522 

Terry,  Lewis  W 591 

Thomas,  Hannibal 58 

Thomas,  John 247 

Thomas,  Josiah 247 

Thomas,  Samuel,  Esq  663 

Thomas,  Walter  D , A.  M 245 

Thomas,  William,  Sr 58 

Thompson,  Christian  A 913 

Thompson,  David  902 

Thompson,  Joseph 410 

Thompson,  J.  W 340 

Thompson,  Knudt 682 

Thompson,  Ole  K 682 

Thompson,  Otis 700 

Thompson,  William 340 

Thorburn,  Adam 78 

Thorburn,  George 78 

Thorson,  Knudt 669 

Thorson,  Mrs.  Sarah 669 

Thurber,  Lauren  L 415 

Thurman,  George  W 581 

Tighe,  Thomas 475 

Tindell,  Isaac 223 

Todd,  J.  A 657 

Tollefson,  Botolf 634 

Tollefson,  Thomas 635 

Tomkins,  Charles  W 464 

Torphv,  Michael  A 957 

Townsend,  Absalom 233 

Traber,  S.  W 407 

Treat,  Hon.  Cornelius  M 220 

Treat,  Hon.  Joseph  B 375 

Treat,  Nathaniel 375 

Treglown,  Henry 746 

Treglown,  L.  H.,  M.  D 746 

Tregoning,  Sampson  LTren.. . . 534 

Trenary,  Frank  E 929 

Trenary,  John  P 960 

Trenary,  Joseph 832 

Trenary,  Philip 929 

Trenery,  J.  J 982 

Trevitt,  Edwin 475 

Trickel,  Andrew'  J.; 455 

Trickel,  William  A 800 

Trickle,  Mrs.  Mary  E 672 

Trickle,  Robert  W 672 

Tripp,  William  H 185 

Trollope,  Elijah 118 

Trousdale,  Rev.  Samuel  W., 


Trow,  John 502 

Trow,  John  A 502 

Trumm,  Daniel 393 

Tuffley,  George 555 

Turner,  George  W 495 


990 


INDEX. 


PAGE. 


Tuttle,  Chester  L 841 

Tuttle,  George  M. . . . 841 

Tyler,  Dayton  D 552 

Tyler,  Luallen  A 427 

Ula,  A.  C 889 

Ula,  J.  C 662 

Ula,  Mrs.  Thora  662 

Ullom,  Elisha  759 

Underwood,  Edward  793 

Underwood,  Oliver  P 802 

Underwood,  Parker  C 802 

Unosh,  Joseph  584 

Vail,  Mrs.  Celia  Y 801 

Vail,  Charles  H 800 

VanAllen,  Matthew 238 

Vance,  Daniel  W 578 

Vance,  John  B 599 

Vance,  Samuel  578,  599 

Vandenburg,  William  G..281,  293 

Vanderbilt,  John  W.  H 975 

Vanderbilt,  Mrs.  Sovenia 975 

VanGalder,  Mrs.  Eliza  H 192 

VanGalder,  Jacob 76 

VanGalder,  Jacob  O 76 

VanGalder,  Samuel  C 192 

VanMatre,  James 215 

VanMatre,  Morgan  J 215 

Vannatta,  Aaron 892 

Vannatta,  Samuel  B 892 

Van  Norman,  Eugene  W 842 

Van  Norman,  Michael  F 842 

Van  Wart,  David 846 

Van  Wart,  Frank 846 

Vedder,  A.  W 125 

Villemonte,  Exever 781 

Villemonte,  Frank  G 781 

Vinger,  Christian 750 

Vinger,  Gulbrand 750 

Virgin,  Col.  H.  H 342 

Vivian,  Stephen 162 

Vogel,  Herman 752 

Voigt,  Peter 239 


Waddington,  Judge  James  S. . 191 

Walker,  Mrs.  Anna  R 639 

Walker,  David  B 596 

Walker,  Joel  W 639 

Walker,  John 596 

Walker,  J.  Newcomb 588 

Walker,  J.  R 588 

Walker,  Thomas 290 

Walsh,  John 612 

Walworth,  George 420 

Wamsley,  Charles 503 

Wanamaker,  C.  H 179 


PAGE. 


Wannemaker,  H.  L 179 

Ward,  William  A 617 

Ware,  John  F 339 

Waring,  Charles 310 

Warren,  Eugene  F 319 

Warren,  Lemuel 653 

Warren,  Lemuel  H 653 

Warrick,  John 599 

Warwick,  Shannon  W 751 

Warwick,  William  C 751 

Washburn,  Frederick  A 495 

Waterman,  Anson  P 300 

Watson,  Thomas 646 

Watt,  David  W 334 

Watters,  Joseph 925 

Webb,  William 812 

Webster,  George  H.,  M.  D . . . . 704 

Weil,  Henry  S.. 744 

Weittenhiller,  Charles 711 

Weittenhiller,  Conrad  J 676 

Weittenhiller,  Sebastian .. 676,  711 

Whllers,  A.  W 710 

Wells,  Otis  F 935 

Wescott,  Ezra 798 

Wescott,  Jefferson  F 799 

Wescott,  John  E 798 

Wescott,  Walter  S 799 

West,  Dennis  W 830 

West,  George 341,  735 

West,  Samuel 735 

Wheeler,  Hon.  Guy 46,  184 

Wheeler,  Justus  P 46,  184 

Wheeler,  Hon.  William  G . . . 184 

Whitcher,  George  S 904 

Whitcher,  Mrs.  Rhoda  L 904 

Whitcomb,  James.  390,  632 

Whitcomb,  Rufus  C 632 

White,  Bartimeus 67 

White,  William 289 

Whitehead,  John 467 

Whitehead,  Hon.  John  M 27 

Whitehead,  Levi 803 

Whitehead,  Lewis 618 

Whitehead,  Mrs.  Olive  L 618 

Whitehead,  Mrs.  Sarah 467 

Whitehead,  Mrs.  Susan 803 

Whitfcrd,  Albert,  M.  A 54 

Whitford,  Rev.  William  C. . . . 153 

Whiting,  Joseph  B.,  M.  D 72 

Whiting,  Joseph  B.,  M.  D.,  Jr.  80 

Whitman,  Hon.  Joel 611 

Wichser,  Daniel 875 

Wiederhold,  George 282 

Wiederkehr,  Henry.. 805 

Wight,  Rev.  C.  A 687 

Wilder,  Calvin  H 161 

Wilder,  Percy  C 161 

Wiley,  JohnS 608 


PAGE. 


Wiley,  Thomas 608 

Wilkins,  William 953 

Wilkinson,  David 106 

Wilkinson,  George 175 

Wilkinson,  George  C 175 

Wilkinson,  James 71 

Wilkinson,  John 108 

Wilkinson,  John  T 70 

Willey,  John  F 389 

Williams,  Isaac  L 589 

Williams,  John  P.  (Linden) .. . 628 

Williams,  John  P 642 

Williams,  John  S 384 

Williams,  Mrs.  John  S 384 

Williams,  Capt.  Matthew 329 

Williams,  Matthew  J 329 

Wilmott,  Edward  M 671 

Wilmott,  Isaac 671 

Wilson,  John 398 

Winkley,  Darius  D 767 

Winskell,  H.  L 579 

Winskell,  Joseph 579 

Winter,  George 652 

Wisch,  Charles  W 957 

Wise,  John  E 117 

Wiseman,  Christopher 487 

Wiseman,  Thomas 487 

Witherbee,  Erasmus..  1 113 

Witherbee,  Hiram 113 

Withrow,  John 398 

Withrow,  Mrs.  Margaret 398 

Withrow,  William 706 

Witzig,  Frank 916 

Witzig,  Joseph 517 

Wixom,  Elijah  P 945 

Womack,  William 949 

Wood,  Frank 114 

Wood,  Royal 115 

Woodbury,  Jerome 812 

Wo'odhouse,  Peter 978 

Woodle,  Alpheus  H 478 

Woodle,  Mrs.  Hannah 478 

Woods,  Edmund  F.,  M.  D. . . . 236 

Woodside,  William  W, 265 

Worthington,  David  B 93 

Wright,  George  W 349 

Wright,  John  P 401 

Wright,  Mrs.  Nancy  E 350 

Wright,  Samuel 401 

Yarwood,  John 519 

Yeomans,  Reuben  C 828 

York,  Hon.  H.  D 198 

Youmans,  David 230 

Young,  John  A 496 

Zimmermann,  George 563 


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